* What a grand Thanksgiving we have had! I have so much to be thankful for!
* The Heaps filled the house with laughter.
* We danced to Jenny's music long into the night.
* We spent a night in Salt Lake. Went to the Mall Food Court and all the men died when they saw all the people. Jason saved us by leaning us to the tram where we rode to the Rio Grand Station to a Mexican Restaurant. We had to walk a few blocks past a homeless shelter. There were people sleeping on the street. The kids held on tight to our hands and we all felt a sadness that lingers. The bathrooms were filled with spooks or so we heard. The food came fast and it was hot and good. We returned to the Marriott to swim, and the hot tub reminded us of a few unpleasant smells, but the kids didn't seem to notice. Some of the best memories are the unexpected crazy ones. I love my family!

Together Time

* Thanksgiving is coming and I am giving thanks for a time to gather. This picture speaks of stillness and serenity. Our table will burst with laughter, spills, salty gravy, mothers fixing plates, dads in need of a couch, football games and ear plugs, children who want to brave the cold to jump on the tramp and Kenta who is waiting to jump on them, phone calls to draw loved ones and our need to imagine them here.There will be mounds of dishes and turkey grease, fingerprints on the windows, logs to put on the fire, crispness in the air, crayons and water colors, pictures to take, prayers to be whispered and thanks to be given.......this must be the heaven that I long for. Oh I am blessed!

Graditude

* This morning I feel humble. My head hurts and it is still dark. I don't think we are suppose to start our day out pooped. But there is a pounding rain on the window. My thought are so much different because I live in Wallsburg. I am welcoming the rain. It has been so dry this year. The horses are out scrounging for food and I hope we will get enough moisture for next spring's growth.
* Kim has had surgery and she is doing so good. She is an amazing Mom. I took Lucy and Jayne home one night last week, and they talked non stop. So much life, such enthusiasm. Oh how I love watching them. They are like little miniature miracles.
* Dear Michael Slingerland is in intensive care. Yesterday I looked at his gentle face all hooked up to a dozen tubes. He looked so innocent. Peter sat next to his bed with his ski hat pulled down. When Michael would fight and be confused Peter would pull his hat down lower and cry. Josh was there too. Suzanne looked to tired and her feet were killing her. What memories we have of the people who were so much apart of our lives. Michael has a 50 50 chance. This next week will be hard.
*Jenny made the Provo High Basketball team!!!
*Mom fell yesterday while I was there. We had just moved a stool with a little white church on it. I had said, Mom I am afraid you are going to trip on this and sure enough she did. I need to be careful of my thoughts because sometimes they come true.
* I have been listening to Kim's kids pray for Mitt, their Mom, and Matt.  Well Mitt lost, and everything has been very subdued since. Matt did finally send me an e-mail last night and Kim is getting better.
*" For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7