Homemade Turkey Trot

Mesa holds a 10K Turkey Trot every Thanksgiving morning. Three years ago, I and a few inlaws wanted to run in the race but were opposed to paying the registration fee, didn't want to deal with the crowds and parking, and weren't sure what to do with our children while we ran the race.

So John and I decided to hold our own LeSueur Turkey Trot. The race started at our home and jogged through a few parks, around a nice lake, and back home through different neighborhoods. Double joggers, bikes, and scooters were all allowed. It turned out so fun, we decided to make it a Thanksgiving tradition.

This past Thanksgiving marked our third LeSueur Turkey Trot. We had close to 40 people race, including a special guest, Mr. Turkey (my super awesome brother Neil). If the turkey beat any of the runners, then they got "gobbled".

Good times, good company, good memories, and great exercise!

November

The month of November is and has always been my favorite month of the year.

As a child, it was the favorite because it is my birthday month. But now, turning one year older isn't such a big deal anymore. November is still my favorite though. I love the cooler evenings and mornings it brings with it (living in the heat of AZ, we're still in shorts and tee shirts on Halloween. . . ), the beautiful winter lawns, the orange trees finally showing their fruit, and sweatshirts.

I also like November because it's one of the few holidays that haven't lost it's true meaning through commercialism. Christmas is flooded with themes of Santa and gifts instead of the birth of Christ, Easter is filled with baskets and bunnies instead of thoughts of the Resurrection. But Thanksgiving is about being with families, remembering that first meal years ago, and just being thankful.

My favorite part of November though is that it tends to bring a general change in attitude, an excitement and anticipation for the holidays, and an overall love and appreciation for my family and friends. November has always brought me an increased sense of gratitude.

Here's a few quotes from Pres. Monson in last month's General Conference:

• Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God's love.
• A prayerful life is the key to possessing gratitude.
• Pride destroys our gratitude and sets up selfishness in its place.
• Often we feel grateful and intend to express our thanks but forget to do so or just don't get around to it. Some one has said that 'feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.'

The last quote has been on my mind since General Conference, and probably because I'm one of those who feel like I have a grateful heart--I 'intend' to say thank-you but don't get around to doing it. . . Especially to those who deserve it most, like my children and husband.

My goal for this next year of my life is to not only be grateful, but to EXPRESS my gratefulness. Because that's truly how to have an attitude of gratitude.

No More Size 4

After a few months of him begging to wear big-boy underwear, I finally felt "ready" to do the job. With two days and a bit of motivation, Buster is a big boy now! You might ask, what was the motivation?




We tried candy, soda pop, stickers, etc. . . But what did the trick was Woodie underwear. The funny thing is, he is determined to wear it backwards so he can see the picture. Who cares how it fits, right?


It's nice to be back to just one in diapers!