Friday, November 24, 2006

Thanksgiving Thought

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We joined up with Dave's family of about 50 people. This Thanksgiving was different from our past five Thanksgivings because Mike and I made the boys plates and then they were on their own at the children's table. Mike and I got to eat in peace! We actually sat down to eat and didn't get up till we were done. There were so many kids there and so much space outside to play, the boys were left to themselves to play however they wanted. And they were just fine! An absolutely gorgeous day combined with a sport court, playground, trampoline, and acres of grass meant non stop play for the boys and non stop eating for Mike and I! Actually I knew I coulnd't eat too much because Jessi made me run home with her. Yes, RUN home with her after our Thanksgiving dinner. It was about a three mile run and surprisingly felt very good. I think it at least made up for the mashed potatoes I ate. We are training for a 10K in January and Jessi means business! I wonder if she will make me run on Christmas???

I feel I should discuss what I am thanful for. I can't quite express my gratitude in such wonderful ways as some of you blogger buddies have, but I am grateful for so many things and so many people in my life! I really am. I am going to include my list in my personal journal this year, but to the people I know who are reading this - I am so thankful for you! I am thankful for your friendship. I am thankful for your examples. I learn so much from you. I am thankful for your blogs -they keep me thinking! I am thankful for your kindness. Love you guys!

My thought for the day:
I do not have to do things perfectly to be a good mom. I can not hide all my weeknesses from my children and that is ok. When they see me struggle, I don't need to feel guilty. I can use that opportunity to show them to turn to Christ. I can show them how to pray for help. I can show them that through Christ, we can be healed. I can show them how to use the Atonement in their lives. This will empower them in the future when they have their own challenges. Now that is something I am grateful to know.

6 comments:

Shana said...

Audra, good blog and that is awesome you ran so far with Jessi! Way to go! I need to start getting my butt into gear!

Anonymous said...

I love your thought for the day! Although we would like our children to see our strengths, we can use our weaknesses exactly in the way you described to teach them how to handle weaknesses. We don't need to despair because we have them! We can use them to teach others of Christ.

Natalie said...

beautifuly written and such a lovely photo!

Anonymous said...

Well put as usual Audra! What a great thing to think about, just one more way we can teach our kids through our example... and in doing so, a weakness can become a strength. Your Thanksgiving sounded wonderful! How fun for you and your boys!

Abbi said...

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving to you!! What a treat to be able to eat in peace. Wow!! Do you remember that one Christmas dinner in Michigan when a little one year old Jordan responded to Mike's comment, "I just want some peace," by saying, "Peace." That was cute. Look at how far your boys have come! :)
Second of all, that picture is priceless!! I absolutely LOVE this picture of you and Kyle. Thanks for posting it!
Third of all, you are such a good mom, and I love your thoughts on how you can teach your kids about the Atonement through your personal example. Props to you, sister!

Anonymous said...

See, this is the type of deep thought I wanted to be able to post after Thanksgiving. I think when you recognize weakness, it is strength. Many people just want to try to hide their weaknesses and in the process lose the ability to make it a strength. I have also found it helpful to surround myself with people who have strengths where I have weakness because when I find myself struggling in those areas I have them to help me improve.
Side note- Kjirsten is blogging. See my blog for her address.