Thanksgiving! What a word! I like that word. It means giving thanks for one's blessings, and I also like the word blessing; you can't conclude that there is anything negative about the word blessing. We can all strive to be thankful, even when our lives and the world seem to be in turmoil. I'm grateful for good health, a loving wife, children, and grandchildren. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with clients and friends in forging investment plans and strategies that can provide stability and income over time.
Growing up, I did go "over the river and through the woods" to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving, sometimes even through the snow. Snow was a treat; I didn't see it often because I grew up in the Las Vegas desert. Still, my grandparents on my father's side lived in Idaho, where they often had snow at Thanksgiving. We didn't go to my grandmother's house every Thanksgiving, but it was a memorable time when we did. Grandma's homemade pies, made from the pumpkins and the rhubarb she grew in her garden, were mouth-watering. The harvest of corn, beans, and carrots from that same garden was always delicious. I was so thankful when venison would supplement the traditional turkey.
I hope everyone will take the time to "be thankful" for the blessings each of us can claim this Thanksgiving. If you can't think of something to be thankful for, know I am grateful for you and the trust and confidence you place in my team and me. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
~David S Dixon
THANKSGIVING! Thanksgiving is my family's favorite holiday. We enjoy each other's company, eat great food, and have cooler weather (hopefully 😉). This year we are traveling to Idaho to be with extended family. Using this time to relax, recall fun memories, walk the snake river canyon rim down to Shoshone Falls Park, and visit friends we rarely see.
In today's hectic world, we all need to have people who can ground us and remind us why we put up with the day-to-day; they give us peace when we are with them. You know that peace; when you all can sit in the same room, not saying anything at all, and this brings a smile to your face and warms your heart. That's important to my family, and we want to be around those people more often. Thanksgiving gives us all a chance to do that, with the bonus of eating pumpkin pie with too much homemade whipped cream.
I wish you and your family a very Happy Thanksgiving and peace.
~Jacob Bierstedt

Sometimes I lie in bed at night thinking to myself, "Where would I go if I were homeless? What would my life look like? What would I think (as a homeless person) to be staying in this house, sleeping in this bed, and enjoying the food and luxuries I currently have?". I realize that, as much as I wish my house had a fresh coat of paint, new flooring, or even new furniture, I have it pretty good with what I have. I may not have the fanciest home or car, but I have what I need and more. So many have less and may not even have a bed or a jacket to stay warm. Who am I to feel discontent?
In a world with so much pressure to "keep up with the Joneses," sometimes it helps to remember to enjoy the simple things in life. Enjoy the warm blanket you can snuggle up with while watching a tv show … enjoy the fresh food you have at the table … enjoy the smell of soap while you
shower … enjoy the noise and laughter of the kids playing because they grow up so fast … and enjoy the family and friends you have at this moment, because not every moment will have them in it. Let us remember to be thankful for everything we have been blessed with. Let us not forget to bless others.
Happy Thanksgiving!
~Autumn Shane
Old Traditions. As a small girl, our Thanksgiving tradition was visiting Grandma's house, which included playing games with my cousins, sitting at the "kid's" table, and overeating delicious food. As a teen, it was the same tradition; I was still sitting at the kid's table, but now I was old enough to help with the dishes (not very thankful about that). When I became a mom, we drove 4 hours to get to Grandma's house, Great Grandma now; I was still sitting at the kid's table (keeping my kids under control) and was back in the kitchen helping with the dishes (still not thankful). Not much changed over the years, but as a mom, I got the pleasure of teaching my kids how to play the games I grew up playing at Grandma's house (very thankful). I may not have liked doing the dishes back then, but I have learned that I am much better at cleaning up after the feast than cooking it. We all have our strengths, and cleaning is one of mine (Thank you, Grandma).
New Traditions. Sadly, Great Grandma is gone and missed. Our kids are grown and have started their Thanksgiving traditions, leaving Todd and me to create one of our own. So now, when we are not with family or friends on Thanksgiving, we travel to Zion National Park for a few days. We hike, take long walks enjoying the majesty of the area, eat great food (no more kid's table and someone else does the dishes...so thankful), and use the time to reflect on how much we have to be grateful for. There is nothing like the wildness and vastness of nature to put life in perspective; you can't help but take a deep breath, exhale and be THANKFUL for the beauty of our surroundings!
Whether this day is about family, food, or even football, I hope you find something to be thankful for.
Happy Thanksgiving!
~Tami Schnieder
It's hard to believe we have year-end in our sights. The crisp air and shorter days welcome a season many look forward to all year.
Thanksgiving has always held special meaning for our team. And in a year filled with so many challenges in our communities, country, and worldwide, that meaning is doubly essential.
The holiday reminds us to acknowledge all the blessings in our lives. Which, for our team, includes being able to work with you and your family. We are so grateful for your trust in us, your loyalty, and your willingness to share your challenges, successes, and lifetime goals.
This Thanksgiving, we wish you health and peace of mind, along with an abundance of all good things: the love of family, the joys of friendship, and the comforts of home.
Whether you are establishing new ways to celebrate or continuing long-standing traditions, we hope you create beautiful memories that you'll reflect upon often. And we want to hear all about it when we next speak.
Happy Thanksgiving,
The DFG Staff,
David, Jacob, Autumn & Tami