Happy Thanksgiving

Well, another holiday is over. Does time seem to go by faster to anyone else? Last year at this time we had just brought Tim home from the hospital and here we are again.

For those of you who have forgotten we live in Sierra Vista, Arizona. We traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah. That's a 15 hour drive. Doesn't sound so bad. Add in three kids under three and one of them who HATES to be strapped in and it seem like an eternity. We are very lucky to have a fabulous aunt who lives in Vegas and took all five of us in for two nights (on the drive up and back).

After 3 movies, one stop and a lot of screaming we made it to Utah. We stopped and Larry and Valerie's house (Steve's parents) to say hi. While we were there the boys were able to get a ride on Grandpa Johnson's motorcycle. The boys had a blast.

We went on to my parents house to have family pictures. Oh, the joys of digital cameras, and tripods.....

Then as a last thank you to the Army, we stayed on post up at Hill Air Force Base. We have used the fun perks from the military more in the last two weeks than we did the entire 6 years Steve was in.

Ok, so here is a shout out to Jen Hunsaker. She is amazing, everyone should have a Jen. We spent 2 days with the Hunsker clan and as always had a blast. Here's a little back ground. We met Adam and Jen in Monterey thanks to EmilieAn. We spent a brief time living together in Utah. (4 adults, 2 just found out they are getting deployed, the other 2 pregnant (Jen and I, just to clarify) one child under one, and a dog in a 2 bedroom apartment that is less than 1000 sq ft.) They have since moved in to a house tha can hold a party of people. Jen is pretty much Martha Stewart, only cuter, oh, and without the criminal record.

Tuesday night we had "Thanksgiving" with our Roy City family. Here's a little bit about some of our friends. The Hunsakers.... They have two boys, Davy, and Jon. Davy is between James and Tommy and the three of them are the best of friends. They play so well together, and can usually figure some way to all get into mischief together. When the three of them are around each other and it's quiet, usually trouble is a brewing.

On Tuesday we had our Hunsaker-Grammer-Taylor-Edwars Thanksgiving. (the only thing better would be to add the Kempers in there too) and because the turkey was still frozen Steve had to give it a bath. I was really hoping that Steve would get in with it, but he didn't think that was a fun idea. We had a great time with everyone. There were of course the Hunsakers, and there two boys.... Us with our three... the Taylors with there twins. Then there's the Edwards, no kids currently, but Kip acts as if all the children are his. You got to keep an eye out for this fellow. While he looks all sweet and innocent, there is more than meets the eye. Well... he left Tim to roll off the couch, and then because of his playing James ended up with stitches. So we had a trip to the hospital and James had four stitches put in his chin. (we love you Kip and James is fine). Anyway, were you counting up all the children during that? There were 7 kids under the age of 3 and all of them were boys! We are over loaded with boys and we love it.

So as we ate, and ate we just talked and talked. Children screamed, and played, then we ate some more. Steve got to fry a turkey (you all should try it!!!! It's so good) and we had a Cajun turkey that was baked. And three pies made from our good friend Sara Lee.

As the day ended we gathered up the kids, well only two because James was at the hospital, and said good bye. At least for another year. we'll be back up again next year to celebrate with more fried turkey and all the boys.

So Thanksgiving just isn't the same unless you are able to have two days of gluttony. On to the parents house. My little brother came home from his mission in September and so we were a whole family. (well minus my other brother who got a job drilling and ended up having to leave but his wife and baby girl were there to represent)

So before dinner we went on a walk to let the children wear themselves out. Well I think the parents ended up needing a nap more than the children did. During our walk in the neighborhood, we found a beautiful lawn that had just been rake up, well.... when we left they probably had to re-rake (what do you expect with kids and leaves.... ok, well it was more like Brant's(brother-in-law) idea, it's just easier to blame it on the kids)

We started out as a family of 9 and we have grown in to a family of 24 and only going to grow more. Once again the chaos is around and I love it. It really takes a pro to be able to handle all the noise and I think as we were growing up and brought boy/girlfriends over for the first time it probably scared them. I have a great family and it only gets better with all the new people being thrown in and kids joining us.

Back to reality..... We can't ever leave Thanksgiving without our game of cards. We played Rooks (fun game you should all learn to play) a game of skill and speed, and points.

So here is to being Thankful. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a great life and a great family. I have a wonderful husband who takes such good care of me, and three of the most beautiful children!!!!!

James who is so loving, and has such an imagination. It's so fun to play with him and talk to him about everything that he is thinking. He comprehends so much and memorizes things so easily.

Tommy who is so funny, and always willing to brighten your day. He is quick to give a hug and say that he is sorry but will never fess up to something he didn't do. He is so full of mischief and innocent trouble.

And my baby boy, Tim, who in his short 14 months on earth has definitely given me a run for my money! He is defiantly his own person and is so stubborn. That stubbornness and will to deify what the world says he should be has helped him so much. Going from a tiny NICU baby to out weighing those that were full term. From having some minor problems at birth to having no noticing effects on him now. He is also a daddy's boy, and defiantly prefers him to me.

I have been blessed to have born in country where freedoms are enjoyed by everyone, and the pursuit of happiness is a real and achievable dream. I have husband who was willing to give his life for this country we live in, and while we are no longer part of the military family it is something we honor and have respect for and will continue to for the rest of our lives. I'm thankful for the wonderful friends that I have. The ones who love me even with all my crazy faults, on my good days and on my bad days. Thanks to my Yaya's who alway know I'm needing breakfast and letting me know that it's ok to hang out at there house until noon and for helping me know that I'm ok just the way I am. I'm so thankful for the beliefs that I have. Knowing that I am a daughter of God and sealed to the wonderful family I have been blessed with is a great thing. I'm thankful for the knowledge I have that life goes on after this. What more can I say. I AM BLESSED!!!!

(ps. if you didn't catch that.... yup we are done with the military, we are "civilians" now. Steve is really happy, but I have mixed feelings.... we are now on the outside, what are we going to do? Probably the same thing we already are, or maybe... just maybe we'll get a farm, or a vineyard)