Another Family Day to be Thankful For

We're extending the holiday in both directions this year, with family visitors now and then for a full week. Last Saturday, John's sister and brother-in-law Victor and Elaine H. and their son Stephen were with us overnight and at church on Sunday, on their way westward to visit family. On Tuesday night and Wednesday, our own Liz and George were here on their way eastward to visit family. We LOVE living 15 miles from the interstate, and acting as bed and breakfast hosts, so feel free to give us a call and come by if you're traveling through!

Now, my sister and brother-in-law are here for a few days, and Ben and Julie will be in tomorrow. So -- we're putting off our turkey dinner until tomorrow. Yesterday we just relaxed and visited all day, and today, we did some cooking and baking in preparation for tomorrow. We decided to get a head start on feasting, so after our pot roast dinner, we cut into the pie. Yum!

Aunt Jeanne, Teenager and Sarah had a silly moment doing "See no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil," since they were sitting side by side on the window seat. Late this afternoon, I chuckled to see this sight in the living room:

That's Uncle Dave, with Teenager and Aunt Jeanne. Shortly after that, we had five (count 'em -- 5!) computers going in the same room.

Our Thanksgiving menu hasn't changed much from the one I grew up with -- it's just expanded, and been modified each year with special requests. We always ask what everyone's "must-have" dish is, and for some foster children, it's sometimes been pretty unusual. This year, it's pretty standard.
Turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes with a hint of orange, green bean casserole, creamed pearl onions, baked cranberries, jello with apples/celery/pineapple, pickles and black olives, celery/baby carrots/green pepper strips, dinner rolls (with real butter). Then, there's Pie. With Real Whipped Cream. Pumpkin, minced meat, pecan, chocolate, and blueberry. "Aunt Marjorie" will be joining us too, and bringing her corn casserole. She probably thinks we won't have enough food. ;-)

We've been blessed beyond measure in so many ways, and we have much to be thankful. One of the most wonderful blessings is a gathering like this, of family and friends. And even after tomorrow, it isn't over yet, because Victor and Elaine will be stopping by again, on their way back home. What fun!

Tag! You're It!

I've played tag before, but this is my first blog tag. Strem tagged me, and I'll play along.

1. Where is your cell phone? In my purse.
2. Your significant other? John, my husband of 34 years.
3. Your hair? No longer red - now brown.
4. Your mother? Was a great mom, and I miss her a lot. She could correct my behavior just by looking at me. To disappoint her made me feel bad, and I still try to live up to her expectations. She loved nature and birds.
5. Your father? Also gone, and I miss him, too. He would have enjoyed his great grandchildren so much.
6. Your favorite thing? Random acts of kindness.
7. Your dream last night? It was a great night of sleep, and I don't remember any dreams.
8. Your favorite drink? Diet cream soda
9. Your dream/goal? To raise my children to be competent adults who love the Lord.
10. The room you're in? Living room, with my feet up, of course.
11. Your hobby? Computer time. But I also enjoy cooking, baking, needlework, piano
12. Your fear? I can't think of any major fear right now.
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Right here, with my family.
14. What you are not? Thin.
15. Muffins? A small one, warm, with butter, please.
16. One of your wish list items? A hand can opener that works well.
17. Where you grew up? Kimball, Nebraska.
18. The last thing you did? Brewed a cup of raspberry tea.
19. What are you wearing? Blue jeans and a short sleeved blue sweater.
20. Favorite gadget? Is a computer a gadget?
21. Your pets? No pets, thankfully. Definitely no animals inside.
22. Your computer? Toshiba.
23. Your mood? Happy - it's holiday time, and we're having family visitors.
24. Missing someone? Just enjoying those that ARE here.
25. Your car? Montana mini-van.
26. Something you are not wearing? Shoes.
27. Favorite store? Target or Kohl's, or sale racks in any store.
28. Like someone? Of course!
29. Your favorite color? Green
30. When is the last time you laughed? Just a minute ago.
31. Last time you cried? A few days ago.


I will tag Liz, Karen, and Latane, if they want to play; and anyone else who'd like to play along. Leave a comment so we can check out your answers.

Have You Seen Those Kids??

Yesterday, I suggested that Teenager take a walk around the city school she attends for her computer class. She looked at me like I was crazy and said, "Have you seen those kids there??"

At that moment, she was wearing jeans decorated with safety pins, and staples closing the (manufacturer's) slit up the front ankle.

I guess it's all in your perspective.

Family Day

Yesterday was one of those nice family days that I appreciate. Most days are busy and full of daily obligations, so it's nice when a change of pace comes along. Father and I, along with Hugger, Teenager, Whistle, and granddaughters C. and E, drove to the bigger city to visit children and attend a baby shower for yet-to-be-named-granddaughter-due-in-January. We had a nice taco soup lunch at George and Liz's house, and a visit with Ben and Julie and girls, also. The ladies (from the very youngest A. to the oldest -- me) went to the church for a combined baby shower for Liz and another mom-to-be. While we were doing that, the guys stayed at the house doing their own thing. I think it involved talking, watching TV, and napping, not necessarily in that order. ;-) After the shower, we sat around the family room enjoying each other's company and watching the kids play.

The kids napped on the drive home, and with leftover stew for supper and an early bedtime, it was the ideal finish to a great day.

Veteran's Day 2008

Today is Veteran's Day. The presidential election was just last week, and our country appears to be headed for Change, whatever that entails. No matter which direction the political winds are blowing, our servicemen and women continue to make daily sacrifices in service to our country, and they deserve our gratitude, appreciation and prayers. Thank a Vet today; and every day.

What Did He Say?

Whistle was going downstairs to see if Teenager was awake, and I suggested he sing her a "good morning song." He got distracted along the way, and when I reminded him of what he was doing, he said, "Yes, I'll sing her a good-night song . . . I mean a sleepy-up song!

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This afternoon, as we were relaxing in the living room:

Whistle: "Mom, how old are you?"

Other Mother: "How old do you think I am?"

Whistle: "Umm . . . 21"

Other Mother: "Yes! That sounds good! But really, I'm 53."

Whistle: "53? That's old. Like a grandma."

Other Mother: But I AM a grandma!"

Whistle: "No, Old like the OTHER grandma.
The one that's dead!"

Snippets

I've thought of a lot of things I wanted to write about in the last few days, but haven't done it. Also I haven't switched computers to add the pictures I want to post (broken CD drive on this computer). For now, little bits from the kiddos:

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Granddaughter E, on the morning school drive: If you see a dog in a tree, let me know!

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Granddaughter C, telling about voting at school: I voted for blue!
Other Mother: Blue? Was the other color red?
Granddaughter C: No, green!
Other Mother: Which candidate was blue? McCain or Obama?
Granddaughter C: I think it was McCain. No . . . Obama. Ummm. . . McCain. Or Obama. Oh, I don't remember!