Thankful!

This year we made a Thankful tree during the month of November. Each day we would add a few leaves to the tree as we thought of things we were thankful for. At first the girls only wanted to list things like princesses, dress ups, etc. But as the month continued some of the things they thought up to hang on the thankful tree were really sweet. In the end it made a fun decoration for our kitchen too!

Some of my favorites from Hazel included: my first time in the Primary program, Rafi is home, the new Provo temple, princess quilt, and her mermaid costume.

A few of the things Eliza came up with all on her own were: family, coloring, Ellie, and the thankful tree.

It was also a great way for me to reflect. This year I felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude for Micahel's calling on the high counsel. It keeps him BUSY that's for sure. In many ways it is a difficult and trying calling for him and for our family. I'm left alone with the girls most Sundays (and that will only get more interesting when the baby joins us next month). It fills much of  time that is left in his schedule after work and school. And yet at the same time, I feel our family has been so blessed with love, and peace, and harmony since his call. Our Stake President put it perfectly at our recent Stake Conference. He said "People keep thanking me for my service, but I don't understand why. For me it was a wonderful opportunity. It's like saying 'Thanks for going to Hawaii'."His calling truly has been a wonderful opportunity and a huge blessing in our lives.

The Thankful Tree was a great reminder of all that we have to feel grateful for each day. We are SO blessed!