Giving Thanks '11

We trade off every year which side we have Thanksgiving dinner with and since  we did Jake's family last year it was the Campbell side's turn. With no Bean & Josh it was a pretty small gathering. I was put in charge of bringing mashed potatoes and rolls. BUT since I always see so many ideas online and never do any of them. I decided I'd try one of the things I've pinned on Pinterest. I was originally going to make these cute turkeys, but since Jake hates candy corn... I went with these little pilgrim hats. They were a lot easier to make, so I guess that is a plus. haha My frosting skills need a little work but I think you can still tell the intention.

Jake's family was starting their Thanksgiving at noon, while my parents weren't eating until 1:30. So I made enough so that I brought some to Jake's family thing too. It was the Bronson side of the family which means there was a MILLION people there. Okay maybe not that many but they rent out a church for goodness sakes! I honestly don't even try to learn most of Jake's cousins names. There is way too many. I only know the ones that are closer to our ages like Skye and Bronson. Thank goodness he only has 4 cousins on the Allen side.  Here are some pics from the day:

 

 Evan, Me, and Jake 

 

Mom and Dad

 Season, Mike, and Aurelia

 Then my mom had this little cat house/tent and Evan and Aurelia were just having a good ol' time playing with it.

Anyway even though this was all last week I just want to say how thankful I am for my family, especially Jake and Evan. They both are my life! Everyday I think, how did I get so lucky? That I get to have this adorable baby that brings me SOOOO much happiness and a husband who makes me laugh every day (well MOST days... haha).
I'm also very thankful for our home! Its almost been one year that we've lived here and I love that we aren't renting or living with our parents. Also in the "roof over my head" category, I'll add food in our pantry/fridge and clothes on our backs, the bare nessecities of life. (Totally singing Jungle Book song)
I'm thankful for our jobs! This year my employment was actually the worst I've had ever, with getting laid off, being on unemployment, then settling and working at Walmart. Hopefully now though we'll be better off that I'm back at Sorenson. And I know Jake works so hard too. I know he hates working graves and there has been a lot of office drama in his work lately so it makes me that much more appreciative that he puts up with it because of his family and because of his hard work I'm able to only work part time so I can take care of Evan and avoid daycare.
I'm grateful for Jake going to school, again I know he is doing it so that in the long run he is better able to provide for his family!
A few other things that I think are great in my life: Having two cars that work, being able to afford the conveniences of internet and cell phones, not having to wake up to an alarm clock, and my handful of close friends, even though I don't see them much its good to know they're there if I need them.

Anyway been drinking some hot cocoa and thinking of putting the Christmas tree up this weekend. I'll keep you posted on that. Until next time :)