I am thankful for so many things: being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; my Savior, Jesus Christ; living prophets who lead and guide me and my family in our lives; goodly parents, wonderful children, beautiful grandchildren; great relationships with my extended family, and on and on. This weekend, as I've been thinking about the Thanksgiving holiday, and also about the Come Follow Me assignment for this week, it's been apparent to me how greatful I am for the Prophet Joseph Smith. I was touched as I read again about the martyrdom of the prophet. He gave everything, including his life, to establish a foundation for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As was prophesied, his name is known for good and evil in all nations. I heard a quote in one of the podcasts I was listening to this past week that I thought was worth sharing.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
This quote is attributed to Theodore Roosevelt. Of course, he wasn't talking about the prophet Joseph Smith, but the description applies.
Family News:
 |
| These two cuties, Effie and Ori, got their vaccinations. |
 |
Dan had his routine colonoscopy and
no polyps were found, which I believe is a first. |
 |
The Jackson's hung out with Andy's family for Thanksgiving--at Dollywood
and surrounding areas. |
 |
Our group was a little smaller this year. We had Dan and family,
Jordan and Jennie, and Caitlyn and Dallin. Nick and his family
came by later to hang out with everyone. Everybody had the opportunity
to tell what they were thankful for. It was a great dinner and a great day! |
Roy with the oldest grandchild, Hyeji, and two of our 2020 grandbabies
Camden and Yuli
Friday night Dad and I tried out the restaurant "Hook and Reel." We had clams, mussels and shrimp. Dad always likes to take pictures of me eating--
so flattering!
Adrienne and AJ treated us to a fun Breakfast with Santa at the Grand American. It was a fun experience. The Green kids loved it. Ila went prepared with a picture for Santa and a toy pony to give to Mrs. Claus. She wants a robot hand...several things I couldn't understand, and "this many toys" she said as she held up all her fingers.
This gingerbread house at the hotel took lots and lots of rice krispies, about 2000 eggs and lots more ingredients to build. I think Gunnar was secretly trying to find out how he could reproduce it at his home.
 |
| Yuli |
When only part of the family can make it on the actual day of Thanksgiving, it extends the holiday a few more days so that everyone can see each other. Everyone but Dan's family came over again on
Saturday night to visit. Below you can see Avie and Bridget enjoying each other.
Effie, Ruby, Greta and Ori were serious about their coloring. On the right, AJ and Roy
 |
| Ruby. I'm not sure why she has her sad face on. |
 |
| Effie, Grandpa, Finn, Greta, Ila, Grandma with Scrooge, Bridget and Oli |
It was fun taking the Vance family to church with us on Sunday. It's always great to show off the grandchildren. All three girls loved their primary classes! When Matt picked Bridget up from nursery, she said, "I go back tomorrow."
Comments
Post a Comment