Thanksgiving in January

In November, I searched all of our local grocery and drugstores for Brach's chocolate stars – a necessary ingredient for our chocolate Thanksgiving turkeys. Alas, I searched in vain, and my kids were quite disappointed (as was I).

Imagine my surprise when I spotted some on the shelves at Target recently. On the baking aisle. So weird. Of course I bought them.

Tonight it was Lucas's turn to plan Family Home Evening. Making turkeys was the central focus of the night. He gave us a brief message about Thanksgiving not being the only time we should be grateful. We can just as easily express gratitude in January. And so we did.


Thankfully, it turned Eva's day around. A day fraught with emotion and tantrums. It didn't get turned around until 7:00 p.m., but I was grateful nonetheless.

After we ran out of chocolate stars, Marc fashioned this malted milk ball caterpillar. A first.

Lucas always has to make one with a smiley face. It's a tradition.

Especially on a busy day filled with bill paying, physical therapy, chauffeuring, dance class, helping with a science fair project, calming over-the-top emotions, and making dinner, I was happy to take time out for this gathering, talking, and laughing. It was definitely a good thing.