Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello friends and family,

I hope the the Thanksgiving holiday was a happy one for everyone. We had a nice weekend of turkey and hunting. Went to Dans family Thanksgiving dinner again this year. It is a tradition for the Welch family (Dans mothers side) to get everyone together for a nice dinner and social event for the adult and kids. This year we were able to have it in the Gilman high school cafeteria which was a blessing. The kids had the gym to run around in and the adult had the cafeteria to visit. With our growing families the extra space was welcomed. The Senior Citizen center, where we have had it in the past, just didn't grow with the 48+ people, 24 of those children!

The 3 day weekend included, 8 adults and 9 kids sharing a three bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home with visits from Brandi and her three kids. We have left feeling much closer to each other. We manage to all get along pretty well especially the kids they loved it!

Getting home Sunday afternoon, another 3 hour drive in the car, we didn't even unpack, we came in and changed in to comfy clothes and vegetated the rest of the day and night in complete silence it seem to help all of us come down from an eventful weekend.

Today I am unpacking, cleaning and preparing for Christmas decorating. I am sitting here thinking I never really said out loud what I am thankful for this holiday season to anyone. So I will take the time now.

This year has been another hand full of hardships for Dan and I but I have to say I am Thankful for them. Those challenges we face, make us stronger and appreciate that it could be so much worse. I forget that sometimes. I realize people around me loosing their homes, jobs, family members off to war, finacially stressed, lost spiritually. I know I am bad at losing sight of these fortunate things we do have, and need a little reminder.
I am Thankful for those fighting for us and the dedication it takes to leave comforts, family ,friends to fight these important battles, when they are not supported by many. I am thankful we have a democracy that we are free to vote and be apart of such an important process (even if the one you vote for doesn't win) I get the freedom to pray for the one that does. The freedom to go to church, read my bible, pray to God. I have food to feed my children, warm coats for them to wear, good schools for them to go to,a family that loves them, computer to keep in touch with those I love far away, the good health of our family. These things I am truly grateful for. This world has lost sight of the simple things, so many don't have.

Love you all, and I thankful for your love and friendship.

Magan