A Thanksgiving Tradition

Sorry I'm a little late with a thanksgiving post but our family is usually pretty busy on the actual holiday because of how much food we have to prepare... :P But anyways, here's my thanksgiving post, and I apologize for having it be late. :)

We have tradition of giving a "Thanks for being an awesome sibling" gift to a selected sibling every year. At the end of October when Mom puts all our kids names in a hat, one by one, each of us draws out a name of a sibling. That name is who we get to buy a special present, usually something small but something we think that they would enjoy. Our price limit, depending on age, is anywhere between  about $10 and $20.
 For example, this year I drew Samuel, my youngest brother. He's pretty easy to buy for because he loves what I call "boy toys": cars, airplanes, and army guys. :) I chose a Stunt Squadron Kit, which is five foam airplanes that he could decorate himself with stickers and then throw outside in our field. He loved it! (Score for big sis! :D)
Also, when we give them their gift Thanksgiving Day morning, we have to tell them a couple reasons why we're thankful to them. My reason to Sam was: "Thanks so much for always being cheerful. Even when the rest of us are having a bad day, a simple smile from you can make us forget our grumpiness."

To end my post, I thought I'd put down why I'm thankful for each of my family members.

Dad: You're the most awesome Dad EVER! :) I'm so thankful God chose to put me in this family and gave me the privilege to be your daughter. It's so fun to have a pastor for a dad.

Mom: What an example you are to me. I have learned so much from your teaching, and not only from you homeschooling me. You've taught me pretty much all I know about cleaning the kitchen as well as baking and cooking.

Andrew: My favorite older brother! :P Of course, you are my only one...but back to the subject: Thanks to you for being a protector. I always feel safe around you, and it's so fun to go to your house and watch a movie with you! Those memories I will treasure always.

Sarah: You are such a great older sister. You've given so much time into checking my stories and helping me edit them and making them easier to read. My books would never be completely perfect without your help.

Margaret: Your love for music has really helped me want to advance my piano playing skills. Your sense of humor and "Eeyore" moods make me laugh. Even your dislike of emoticons you can put in such funny ways that no one ever feels offended when you critique their work. :) (sorry, I just had to have an emoticon after that... :P and there's another one...)

Maxwell: Having a brother that loves sports is great for me, because otherwise, I'd probably end up spending all my days inside writing a story or reading! I know this sounds kind of funny, but thanks for loving football! :)

David Clayton: Thanks so much for being a willing worker. I love how you seem to enjoy doing work that others complain about. :) You are always showing interest in other people's hobbies and have an easy time making friends.

Tabitha: What a big girl you're growing up to be. I'm thankful that you've begun helping us older girls in the kitchen and can stay up later to join us in watching girl movies. It's also fun to watch you maturing into a godly young lady with a heart for God.

Marta: Littlest sister, you're getting to be a "big girl" too! Don't grow up to fast, I like you just the way you are! :D A little bit of a tom boy, you remind me of how I was when I was your age.

William: I love you so much! You make me laugh with all the funny, and sometimes remarkably true, sayings you tell us all. Thanks for being such a good learner and always being willing to listen to me read my stories out loud.

Samuel: Youngest sibling, your cheerful smile makes me smile too, even when I'm having a bad day. You are always happy and easy to please. It was so fun to see your face light up when I gave you those planes. Love you so much!

Of course, I'm thankful for so much more, but I'd never be able to write them all down in one blog post, so I'll just say that there are a lot of things I'm thankful for.

Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow!!
And I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! :)