A Day of Thanks

In my heart, I know the feeling or spirit of gratitude should be as constant as breathing, because there is so much to be grateful for. Unfortunately I get distracted (discouraged or fustrated) often. I love that there are specific days to contemplate the fulness and joy in our lives and to give thanks to the One who gave us all things... The Sabbath, and Thanksgiving!!

We have so much to be grateful for and this one of my favorite times of the year! We love being here on the East Coast, grateful for Aaron's new consulting job, that he's almost done with his MBA, grateful for our two very energetic and loving children. I'm grateful for days of full of my chubby babies (even though I am often pulling my hair out!), for an amazing family back home in Hawaii/SLC/Taiwain, and so grateful for wonderful friends!

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

Here's Gina sporting her new short & cute hairstyle. We are so grateful for her family in particular, for inviting us over for the most delicious meal! Gina and Alex are AMAZING cooks, gracious hosts and created a tasty, beautiful spread! She eventually agreed to let me bring dinner rolls (which were kind of a laughing matter- they weren't very good!) and some cranberry-ginger ale-pink lemonade punch. They made everything else!

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

"Alex looks sexy!" Gina's words from her blog about this picture and I thought it was cute. Alex carved the turkey which was rubbed and roasted with a combination of savory herbs: Rosemary, Parsley and Thyme. (Please indulge me when I describe all the yummy food!) Their oven had broken down, and they had to use their neighbor's one!

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

I don't think my kids ate very much because all they wanted to do was play with their friends, Mark and Christopher.

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

Aaron had so much fun talking politics with Alex, and felt very comfortable around the Chinh family. I know this because he stretched out on their couch (at their invitation) after eating too much. We explained my dad's term, "Polynesian Paralysis" to our hosts.

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

This WAS my pretty plate of mashed potatoes, a green spring salad, green beans with bacon & onion, pomegranate jello, sausage stuffing, a unintentional sourdough biscuit (I let it rise overnight and then more during the Turkey chase), and of course, delicious turkey and gravy.

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

I can see why the sausage stuffing is Alex's favorite!!

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

I loved this pumpkin pie, which Gina told me has maple syrup included in the recipe! I was surprised. The German chocolate fudge bar was so rich and delightful.

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

I like when Mark calls Elise "Princess" or "Sweetie." I think he hears his mom call Anna that, it's so cute. I might include this story more than once, but Elise asked me where I was going the night before the half marathon so I told her I was going to meet Gina in the morning to run. She said wanted to go with me, but I told her it was cold and that she should stay with Daddy. She responded, "I'm going to meet Mark and run and you can stay home with Daddy!" They are such cute friends.

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

Me and sweet Anna! I love her hair in this picture!

From Thanksgiving with the Chinhs

I need to learn some culinary skills from Gina. She shared that a lot of it is about organization and the timing of all the cooking. It makes sense but I loved her recipes too! Thank you, Chinh family for the wonderful company, conversation and delicious food!