Give Thanks!

I have been back and forth across the country three times in the last 6 weeks.  It's been a little crazy (and exhausting) for me and my family.  But, as with everything, it's important to keep moving forward and make the very most of every situation that comes along.

At one meeting, I sat across the table from April, a young 30 something professional who works for the College Board.  During a break we began talking about Thanksgiving.  The course of the conversation turned toward family and somehow my very big family was disclosed (people are always so fascinated by our big families in Utah).  Once that number was identified, her next question was literally, "Tell me about Thanksgiving dinner!"  She and I talked for some time about getting all the family seated and eating a nice thanksgiving dinner -- how we managed it all and what it was like and how much fun it was. She wanted to know all of the details!  What did we talk about, what did we do?



Thanksgiving at Mom's 2009



April has as small family.  Her only brother and parents are deceased.  She has two nephews who live with their mother in New York City (she lives in Baltimore).  Her plans for Thanksgiving were tentative -- a small gathering with a few family members in New York.  She shared how when and if she got married that she wanted a big family and big celebrations for Thanksgiving.  We ended our conversation with well wishes and moved on.

We are so blessed (the Hubers and the Petersens) to have family by the tens and thirties and fifties!  At Quinn's baby blessing a few weeks back.  One of the sisters in the Howden's ward shared a sweet testimony highlighting the amazing family network that had gathered together to support Quinn.  She described the feeling of love and support that filled the chapel that day was likely because of Quinn. 

It's true!  Our family is amazing (58 Hubers, 34 Petersens, and more on the way).  As far as I know, we love each other and care for each other, wow! At this time of year, it is so very nice to get together and enjoy the company and feel the love and support of family.  How blessed we are to have such an amazing breadth of support in our family.  I give thanks every day for all of them!  They are truly the best part of my existence on this earth.