Thanksgiving

So all of November I would talk to my husband about how much I would love to spend Thanksgiving in California, but his reply would always be "we don't have enough money" or "we were just there for Micah's birthday party."  I was pretty bummed out.  So we made preparations to spend our first Thanksgiving on our own.  We have some pretty awesome friends in our ward so we made plans to celebrate Thanksgiving on Saturday and have a game night. 
   As each day went by I would get more and more depressed...missing my family...and to make things worse my husband is a huge TEASER.  He would think out loud and say things like "we should go to California (long pause) but it's too expensive."  Pure torture I tell you...playing with my emotions like that. 
   Anyway, to make a long story short, Jared surprised me Wednesday night and asked me if I wanted to go to California and surprise our families.  We left Thursday morning.  Made the 10 hour drive (our kids were angels the entire way!) and decided to stop at my families house since Jared's family was celebrating on Friday.
  We arrived around 5 and I had texted my brother to see what they were doing and told him to wish my parents a Happy Thanksgiving and wishwe could be there too...hehehe.  I had to make sure they were home.  I ran up to the door, knocked, and hid on the side with Micah.  Jeff opened the door and said "What the heck!  Kris is here!"  My entire family (uncles, aunts, cousins) were yelling and soooo happy.  It has to be the best surprise we've ever pulled off.  They were even happier when Jared and the girls came in after me.
  We ate tons of food and just enjoyed each others company.  Around 9 we headed to Jared's house.
  When we arrived at Jared's house we were not sure if anyone was home because the car was gone.  So I sent Jared and Sela to check.  Jared happened to have a key so he walked in and his mom and sister were home.  They were so surprised and happy.  Jared's dad flew in from Canada.  It was so nice to see everyone. 
   I wish we lived closer to each other.  I guess the nice thing about living far away is you really appreciate your family 1000 times more.  The time you spend together is treasured so much more.  I love the memories we create together as a family. 
  I love Jared's family so much.  Over the last couple years I've grown so close to them.  They are such giving people with big hearts. 

  I love my mom, dad, brothers and sisters so much.  I appreciate everything they do for me and am so thankful they are my family.
  This year my 3 biggest blessings

1. Friends...I don't know what I would do without them
2. Family...Thank you for your unconditional love
3. The Gospel...Thank goodness for the Atonement and the power it has to transform and for the opportunity it gives us to become like our Savior.  

I am thankful for all that Heavenly Father has blessed my family with this year and I look forward to setting goals and trying to become a better person.