The Tale of Two Thanksgivings

This year we went to two Thanksgiving celebrations. The funny thing is that they were both with my family. Josh's brothers were with their dad on Thanksgiving and his mom had a quiet dinner with her husband, so he was nice enough to come with me to both of the dinners.

The first was on Wednesday night at my sister and brother-in-law's house. Ryan had to work on Thanksgiving and Mary didn't want him to miss out, so she planned the celebration one day early. Once it was planned, she sent out cute invitations to both his and our families. Then she decorated their house and started cooking. Even though it was a potluck, she still ended up making most of the food. This was her first Thanksgiving and she did a wonderful job! They've only been married a few months, but Mary is a great wife and homemaker. For this occasion, she set up three tables in their front room and decorated them with seasonal table cloths, plates and place settings. My mom and sister, Sarah, made the place settings and they're so adorable!
There were 17 adults and 5 kids with both of our families and the atmosphere was fun and filled with love and happiness. It was a great way to kick off our Thanksgiving celebration!

Our Thanksgiving day started off early because we participated in the Utah Human Race. This is the fourth year this fun run/walk has been done. All of the proceeds go to the Utah Food Bank and I really like running in it because of the feeling that surrounds it. Everyone is participating just because they want to and because they get to donate to those in need. It's really cool!

A lot of people really got into the holiday by dressing up for it. There was a man dressed as an Indian with a full headdress and loin cloth. There were also a few turkeys running around. Josh and I also saw a couple dressed in white jump suits and on the back one said "Where's the yams?" and the other said "Here I yam!". We thought they were really cute.

Josh and I stayed together throughout the race. We set a steady pace and were able to run the whole thing. I was pretty proud of us! I have never run a whole 5k before and it was an exhilarating feeling. I have to admit, though, that if Josh hadn't been with me, I would have walked that last mile. My body was shutting down at that point, but he was my cheering section, and I was able to keep going. It was fun running with my husband!

Later that day we went to my parents house for their traditional celebration. My grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousin join my family for the get-together. There is a TON of mouth-watering food and everyone leaves the table completely stuffed. The air is filled with love and thanksgiving and after we ate, we each shared something that reminds us of the holiday. There were cute stories and jokes and my brother even played "The Thanksgiving Song" by Adam Sandler. What a wonderful way to spend the holiday-with all of the ones I love. Sarah did this as well. She's so talented!

I hope everyone had a great holiday! I love Thanksgiving because it sets aside a time for us to be grateful for all that we have. And I have so much to be grateful for! I am so grateful to be married to Josh! He's a wonderful husband and this last year has been amazing! I am also grateful for my parents and my brother and sisters and all that they do for us. Josh's family is also one of the many blessings I have. They've welcomed me with open arms and I really enjoy being apart of two families! I am also so thankful for our apartment and that we both have secure jobs at this hard economic time. I'm also grateful for our cat, Moroni, and all the fun she brings into our home. There are many more things I could mention, but I am most grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who provides all of these blessings and for His presence in my life every day!