On Being Thankful

Trying to be thankful all year long can be tough - especially if it's been a hard year. However, I am always glad for the opportunity to really reflect on my life - and Thanksgiving is a good time to do that. This year, I'm especially grateful for family. Chemo has been rough on my dad, and he's been in the hospital with an infection after every 3 week round. Over Thanksgiving, he had a break and was feeling a little stronger than he had been. Thanksgiving was a nice time to spend together, and we played lots of games after dinner. I have so much to be thankful for, and it was nice to be reminded of all the wonderful things in my life.

 

Left to Right: my Mom, Randa, Tammy, and Carol

No one else can carve a bird quite like this guy.

A little football after dinner...

Jack was told his card was an article of clothing. He immediately guessed "Bikini!"

Decorating the gingerbread turkeys. Yep, that's a thing now.

And finally, I think Jack summed it up right with what he is thankful for this year. Both answers touched my heart.

Ravioli Time

I don't know as I'd make my own ravioli all the time, but it was fun to take this cooking class with Kelly, Horacio, and Bryce. We had a great time!

All Things Halloween

The kids are getting older, and Halloween isn't quite what it used to be.  (You know, when I could wrangle them into whatever costume I wanted.) This year Jack wanted to be Pikachu and Cole wanted to be Squirtle. Meh. But, I found a renewed excitement when I realized I got to dress up Cricket and she had no say in the matter.

 

Is it a surprise at all that I chose Wonder Woman? I think not.

Oh, and we carved some pumpkins too.  :)

Family Portrait

I've been wanting a cartoon family picture for a while, but when I finally found an artist I liked on Etsy, she wanted $200 to do it! So, I did my own. And I'm okay with how it turned out.
 

I present The Thomsen's in all our glory!

I'll Say It Again

I love fall.

Somebody's 9!

I could go on and on about how quickly times goes (it does) or how old it makes me feel to have a nine-year-old (it does), but we all know we're here for the pictures.

Happy Birthday to one amazing kid!

Mom had a little fun wrapping his gift in multiple layers and with random stuff.

The whole crew at the Archery Practice Center.

He's a natural!

Did I Mention?

Did I mention that I love fall? Allow me to demonstrate.

Heading up the Alpine Loop