Thanksgiving, the rest of the story!

Brad and Shanna at Island Park
Bundled up for 4-wheeling fun!

I ran out of time the last time I added to the blog because I am still figuring out how to do it. Sometimes I fiddle around with the details so long that I don't even get to do what I really wanted. But today is Saturday and Charlie is practicing with the "Firth Filharmonic " orchestra so I am not doing what I should be doing ( walking on the treadmill) and I am going to finish the blog I started last week. Welcome to the Croshaws, I see that she found our blog! I am still trying to access yours by clicking on the photo as you suggested but I am afraid that I must not be right or left clicking properly even though I have been instructed "how to" several times!

I hope any who view my efforts at blogging will be tolerant of a beginner and a grandma who is willing to try new things! I am getting used to looking foolish by now as I have been doing that for many years!

We did have a wonderful time at Island Park. It has been a tradition since the kids were in high school to go there at least for a few days because it seemed that was the only time they had free from school and it was a way to get free from all the extracurricular activities so we could spend some family time with each other. Now we rent an extra condo so the Arfmann's have a place to stay. We always have to do plenty of swimming and the tv still has essential football games and its an added challenge to cook thanksgiving dinner in a strange kitchen with strange equipment but somehow it always turns out fine! Although Charlie said the turkey was not as juicy as usual. I think he is just getting picky in his old age! Julie cooked her famous breakfast quiche for Wednesday breakfast, Brad baked an apple pie for the family, completely by himself, Shanna made a wonderful Pecan sweet potato pie for the big dinner and they all helped me do the rest.

May hands make light work. Of course the little girls set the table and helped clean up and sang lots of cute songs as we prepared.

We were especially grateful as we heard from Brian and Natalie that they were bringing Nathan home from the hospital. (For details see Natalies blog)

I had prepared a lesson for visiting teaching using the Ensign for November. I chose Elder Wirthlin's talk, "Come What May and Love It". I didn't know that I would need that advise so much over the next few days. We were shocked when Brian called on his way to the emergency with Nathan and said "pray for us". Then a few days later Brenda called and said my neices daughter was in the hospital with a head injury and said "pray for her". Just a short time later a heart breaking call came saying "pray for them". Their 20 month old daughter had passed away.

We want them to know that the comfort of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the only healing power that can soften the pain of such sorrow. We do have to take what comes and learn to love it and find the blessings that come from our challenges. Our family will do all it can to soften the pain. Heavenly Father gave us family in times like these.