Thanksgiving Fun and Surprises

Our Thanksgiving festivities began this year with a "Thanksgiving Feast" at Alex's preschool. I was excited that I was able to go help. It was fun to see what Alex does at preschool each day.

A few days before Thanksgiving, Steve received an early Christmas gift. His sister from Mississippi, along with her family had travelled out to Utah but kept it a surprise from Steve. We went over to his nephew's house for dinner Tuesday night, you can imagine his shock when Josephine and her family popped out of one of the bedrooms! It's been great getting to spend time with them this week. We had a lovely Thanksgiving, divided into sections. Part One: a "Southern Style" Thanksgiving with Steve's family, complete with cornbread, homemade mac 'n cheese and black eyed peas. Part Two: a traditional "white folks" Thanksgiving meal with my sister and her family, then Part Three; back to Steve's nephew's house for leftovers from both feasts!

A Lilly Family dance party... black folks sure know how to have a good time (although I must confess, I appointed myself as photographer and videographer because I was a little self conscious about being the only white person dancing... don't get me wrong, I can hold my own on the dance floor, but still...)

Alex's new look... I call it, "Justin Bieber meets Joe Jonas with a pinch of Chris Brown for a little added color".

The Definition of a Missionary

I came across a quote the other day that I absolutely fell in love with. It says,

"mis-sion-ary (noun) a person who leaves their family for a while, so others can be with their
FAMILIES FOREVER"

My heart aches tonight as we just learned of a young man who went to Kearns High that Steph and Steve knew. He was nearing the end of his mission in Texas and was tragically killed, along with another missionary while riding their bikes. I can't begin to imagine the devastation and heartache these elder's families are feeling right now. I can only pray that the Lord will wrap His arms around them and bring them peace and hope at this time.

This also hits close to home as our family has 3 missionaries out in the field right now. I am so proud of these young men and am strengthened by their examples. I am also in awe of the strength of their mothers who bravely send their sons off for two years. The very thought of one day doing the same with Alex is more than I can fathom.

In the meantime, all I can do is continue to pray daily for these young men as I also pray that one day my son will be as valiant as his cousins.
Elder Kujanpaa- Indonesia

Elder Eide- Brazil

Elder Cragun- Baltimore, Maryland