Thanksgiving 2008

We started our Thanksgiving celebration on Wednesday. We had our annual "eve" party at the Sizzler. Everyone that lives in Utah was there plus the Nortons. We missed Trace, Lisa, and the Mathies. We are so blessed to have so many of the kids close by. Liz was busy with her new boy. She had work and a wedding. We had a good meal together. Jenn and Codye had their car broken into. That was not a happy event. We are grateful that no one was hurt, and that it was not any worse than it was. Sorry Jenn and Codye! The little kids had fun getting together. Stefan and Kate had fun playing with the Sizzler decorations as you can see by the picture. It was a nice evening.

Our next day celebration started about six AM. Bill and I were up putting a turkey and a turkey breast in the oven. We went back to bed for a bit. We had many helpers. Everyone pitched in to make it all special. It was a very nice meal. It has been at least five years since I have cooked a Thanksgiving dinner. We had all of the usual dishes. We all sat at the table together. We had Ole and Ida and Lainey, their helper, for the day. That worked out way better than we ever expected that it would. We all did our little "what we were thankful for". Dad said he was thankful that he could still say "thankful". Mom said she was thankful for her family. I was thankful that we were all there. We missed the Mathies. We were supposed to have Jack and Kim from SPA Nails. Everyone was a little upset that I invited them. I was a little surprised that they said yes. Everyone was a little relieved that they didn't come.

We do have so many blessings in our lives. Life is very good for us. It is nice to have a day to reflect on family, testimony, and blessings.

Change

It was interesting that a week or so ago we had a YW lesson on change. I would have so loved to have had it be my lesson because I do so many of those at school. Change is hard. It is often a good thing, but sometimes it is hard. Even though I have taught that lesson at school dozens of times, it was good for me to hear it, instead of give it.

The end of October took us to Phoenix. We were so blessed to be included and involved in the birth of London Lewis Mathie. It was such an honor to be part of that event. What a special week of watching change come over the lives of that sweet family. She is such a blessing in their lives. What a miracle birth is. It never ceases to amaze me. I watch in wonder as young parents go through pregnancy and delivery. When we are young, we think we are invincible. The older I get, the more I appreciate the great miracle that each and every one of those babies represent. Our Father in Heaven has such an incredible plan. Our love grows for our children as we serve them. They need us for everything. Our lives are turned completely upside down. As a result, there is a bond created. How else could we form that beautiful bond? How else would we realize the amazing amount of patience, love, sacrifice, service, and time that we are capable of giving? Heavenly Father truly finds tremendous ways to teach us the things we need to know about ourselves.

While we were in Phoenix, Jenn, Codye, Kate, and John were escaping the confines of the basement. Not exactly sneaking out, and not exactly in the dead of night, but none the less leaving! We have had this sweet family with us for almost a year and a half. John came home from the hospital to this house. Kate learned that she was "wamma's girl" (even though I KNOW she is Daddy's Princess) while they were here. I know that I have done my share of whining and complaining about having them here, but I am so glad we have had that time with them. We have learned from it, and I would say that we are all better because of it. Jenn and Codye would say that they are better for having gone to Logan. I am so glad that they love it there. Our house was very quiet until Tracie and Aaron arrived. We are OK with quiet, but we sure miss them.

Liz is in love. Well, not in love, but very definitely "in like", and very much exclusive. Wow, that change REALLY happened fast. She finally gets her basement back, and WHAM.....who knows what might happen. I am not going to wander any farther down that path.

Life is full of challenges. They help us to grow, and they teach us the things that Heavenly Father already knows about us. They teach us what we need to learn about what we can do. He already knows, but we don't. We are so grateful for so many blessings that we have in our lives. We are blessed to see our children be wonderful parents and good people.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.

Chuck E. Cheese

I have been so excited to come to Utah because I wanted to show Chuck E. Cheese to Gramma and Papa. They just don't get out very much and so this has been something I have been wanting to do for several weeks. We arrived in Utah a week and a half ago. We stayed with the Ogden grandparents. That was a lot of fun. I have three cousins to play with. We went to a dinosaur park. How cool is that! I really loved it. My cousin put his head in the dinosaur's mouth. I am not sure that was very safe. I played it smart and kept my head out. We have been visiting a lot of extra grandparents. Lots of them are having birthdays. While we were at Ole and Ida's, I found Ole's little putter machine. Gramma and I putted for a long time. She told me that she was the best golfer in the whole world. I think she was just kidding. We have been doing a lot of running around. Last night, however, we got to the real reason for the trip. CHUCK E. CHEESE!! We finally made it. I just can't believe how much fun it is. I was so glad Gramma and Papa finally got there. We got a lot of points on the bowling game. I told Gramma that they just had cheese, but this time they had pizza! Today we went to the Salt Lake City Cemetery. My mom is such a nut about history. We found the graves of eleven prophets. WOW!! I have no idea what that means, but my mom and dad were sure excited. I have had a lot of fun. I sure do think it would be fun to live in Utah! I think all of my grandparents think so too!

Only 3 weeks late!

I haven't tied the bows on cuz they're still drying, but I think that'll really complete them. I hate how mod podge makes the paper bubble. What's up with that anyway?

And here are Johnny's blocks. Sorry- can't find my camera battery charger and I'm having to use the old reliable camera phone...

Everything's abuzz at the Cunningham's!

Love to Gramma

Mom-
I just wanted to thank you for coming down to help out with me and my new little baby girl. It was so nice to have you here. Thanks for all you did to take care of me (helping me through my bawling sessions!) and thanks for all you did for London and Max (especially playing with Max at the doctor's office. I don't think I told anyone that you were actually under the table hiding with Max. That was adorable!)You were so great with the kids and we were so sad to see you go. I wish it could have been a longer visit, but I'm grateful that I got you at all, considering how busy you already are. Thanks, too, for all the fun new craft toys and lessons and also for all the newborn gear. You really spoiled us!
Anyways, thanks again for the great visit. We hope to see you again in January! Hopefully we'll be a little bit more put together by then:) LOVE YOU!!