Thanksgiving Weekend

The Tuesday night before Thanksgiving we decorated the tree so we wouldn't have a bare tree when our family arrived. I HATE stringing the lights so I was in a really foul mood trying to string them on. Randy tried relentlessly to get me to cheer up. He even danced to Christmas music to get me to crack a smile. It didn't work. I was complaining the whole time. 

The only thing that knocked me out of my funk was this....

and this...

and this...

They loved putting on the ornaments. They were so cute doing it! Why was I so grumpy???

My parents and Steven and Kari came the night before Thanksgiving. We put the kids to bed and went out to Takara's to get some yummy sushi. Then we went to Twizzleberry to get frozen yogurt. 

Thanksgiving morning Randy took the boys fishing at the Bear Lake Whitefish Run. 

My mom and I spent the entire morning cooking and setting up. It was nice to have the boys out of the kitchen. I did't have to protect anything from taste tester fingers.

This was my first time hosting Thanksgiving dinner. I was so excited to set it all up. I love to entertain. 

All the food was so yummy!!!

Master turkey carver. 

Steven and Kari

It was nice to have real plates and sit at the table and pass things. I grew up with a MILLION cousins. We always had it at the church with paper plates, metal chairs, and buffet style. Not that that was bad by any means. It was just fun to have a cozy and intimate setting. 

After dinner some of us went into a food coma...

and the rest of us made a lot of noise and goofed off!!!

Uncle Steven is so fun!

Brad asked uncle Steven to play tackle football outside and this is what he got...

...just the tackle. 

Then he got his face rearranged. 

Again...

and again...

and again...

...and again! 

He was laughing hysterically the whole time. His poor face was so red and he still begged for more. 

Funny face photo with Aunt Kari.

Brad was laughing so hard he couldn't even pull a funny face. 

After dinner settled a bit we stuffed ourselves again with pies that mom made.

She did a mincemeat (a really spicy apple pie) a sour cream raisin, a banana cream, and a lemon curd pie. Can you tell she used to work at Marie Callenders? She is a really good pie maker. 

Sour cream raisin is my all time favorite pie. I have not had it in so long. 

Harrison was more interested in the whip cream. He would lick it all off and ask for more. 

Claire wanted to play with Aunt Kari's hair. 

I love this picture!!! Kari has her eyes closed enjoying her scalp massage and eating pie at the same time. 

After pie we played some card games and watched sports. 

I searched the adds because I was determined to drag my mom to Walmart for Black Friday. 

I was so proud of her for getting out of her comfort zone. She was a good sport even though she hated every minute of it. 

On Friday morning Randy took the boys duck hunting with Nate. 

Steven shot his first duck. He had a riot!

They left at 5AM and didn't come home until dark. I think they had fun. 

While the boys were gone my mom and I took the kids to see the new movie Frozen. 

It was darling!! I was expecting it to be a corny Christmas movie but it wasn't. My kids were hooked the whole time. The animation and music was so good. 

After the movie we did some Christmas shopping for Randy. He wanted some Black Friday deals so we went to Al's sporting goods and Sportsman's. Yet again my mom was a good sport about shopping. 

We went to Chili's for lunch. 

My kids love to go to Chili's with Grandma Moose. She always lets them order the mac and cheese. I can't stand to buy mac and cheese at a restaurants. Especially when it is Kraft boxed stuff!!! Grandma Moose was treating so I couldn't say no. 

That night we were all SOOO tired. We wore my parents out. We lounged and visited. 

The next morning my mom and I went to the temple while Randy and Grandpa Moose watched the kids. 

I have not been in so long! I am embarrassed to admit it. Just walking in the doors I felt overwhelmed with the spirit. It was a nice place to be. 

I think my parents were ready to leave! We wore them out completely. 

I am so thankful for all the wonderful blessings in our life. I feel like we are in such a good place. I have 3 beautiful children, a worthy wonderful husband who is so good to me, a beautiful home and an abundance of food, clothing, necessity and wants. I am grateful for the gospel in my life. I am thankful for the peace and joy it brings to our home. I am thankful for the Savior's sacrifice for me. He provides the way for me to be with my family forever. I am thankful for modern revelation through our prophet as well as my own personal revelation. Heavenly Father has poured his abundant blessings upon our family. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude and humbled that the Lord has blessed us so much!