My Heart is Full of Gratitude.

I have so many things to be thankful for this year.  I love this time of the year because it always brings me to reflection.   The other day I read a quote that touched me deeply, it said:

It is not happy people who are thankful,

It is thankful people who are happy.

It is true that when we begin to count our blessings, our perspective changes, our attitude becomes gentler, our hearts become softer and we become cheerful.    

I am reminded of Elder Eyring's talk a while ago, "O Remember, Remeber".  

We see evidences of the hand of God in our lives everyday.  We just need to look for them.  I have learned that the good things that happen in my life are not coincidences.  They are blessings.  Heavenly Father is very much involved in our daily lives. 

This year we spent Thanksgiving with friends.  It was great not to have to worry about hosting and having to make a full thanksgiving dinner.  We brought a turkey and cranberry sauce. Easy!

Brooke was having technical difficulties. 

Our dinner was delicious! We had so much food.

We enjoyed our friends' company.

The kids had their own table.  I don't think they were able to focus for very long on eating.  They sat down for a few minutes and went to play.

I think Brooke wanted to eat the yummy food too! 

The kids had a blast running around  and rough housing with Scott and Kem. 

Brooke was busy watching the older kiddos. 

Cooper and Evelyn loved the fireplace.

With Brecking and Holly...blessed to have such wonderful friends. 

...and I of course had to squeeze my little Preston. He's just so lovable!

Preston and his mommy.  

The fussy balls kept them busy for a while.  

Braden the rambunctious one. 

...and just because I can't get enough of those cheeks and dark brown eyes...here are more of Brooke Kate...