Ah... Thanksgiving. The yummiest of holidays and this year did not disappoint (if I do say so myself). We hosted Thanksgiving at our place, something I love to do, and invited Mike's parents, my mother and father, and my brother to join us. With a crowded house, the kids were ON FIRE. There were so many open loving arms to hold, tickle and hug. I think Anna and Abe are going through withdrawal!
Doesn't this table look nice? As Mike says, the photo completely belies the total chaos that ensued during multiple meals throughout the weekend. Shove seven adults and two kids around a small table and you get some serious craziness. I splurged on some new linens, a table runner and napkins, and then created a Thanksgiving prayer card with a Ralph Waldo Emerson prayer (I found it on a blog and thought it was great). Originally, I thought Anna and I could use these pilgrim cutouts to do a craft project, but I should have known that anything from Martha Stewart would be too complicated for a three year old to cut out. They still turned out great though and I think people enjoyed reading something together rather than watching each other to see who would have to pray outloud.
By the time the meal was ready, we'd hit the danger zone with Anna. She became the child formerly known as happy go lucky Anna and instead she was tired, cranky and desperately in need of a nap. Despite the fact that Anna doesn't really nap anymore, we got her to lay down until dinner was ready and, wouldn't you know, she fell asleep. Honestly, our meal was much more peaceful this way.
Of course, she woke up with renewed energy and ready stable of individuals who wanted to play with her. Papa doubles as a jungle gym, as you can see.
Yes, I'm that mom who puts her toddler in a shawl collar sweater. And, dang it, he looked adorable! A future Ph.D candidate, perhaps? Or maybe just an overheated little red head with a mother who meddles a bit too much with his clothing.
Daddy made a fire in our fireplace, which is considerably safer now because Mike replaced the fireplace surround a few weeks ago. Now that is something that I'm thankful for - a hubby who doesn't mind spending Halloween day removing a broken old fireplace surround and inserting something much safer.
My dad bought the kids a little sock money jack-in-the-box. If you'd like to see Abe jump a foot into the air and then immediately stop breathing, just crank that thing a few times. Poor child, he ended up enjoying it, but it certainly surprised him!
By the time we put the kids down to bed, we were all exhausted and stuffed. We finished off a 14 pound turkey almost completely and had a mere few pieces of cheesecake left over. The turkey was my most nerve-wracking item, but I don't know why I worried. It turned out great. Food Network chefs, we'll send you our tips for your next TV specials. It was moist and perfect!
It seemed like Thanksgiving came quickly this year and now we're hurling towards Christmas. I know that the season will present many blessings, but I am so thankful for all that we have now. Family who loves us, shelter and warmth during cold nights, and the chance to watch new life in our children. I hope we can all take the time to remember to seek peace and joy and celebrate the love we have in our lives. We are all so very blessed.
3 comments:
They're so cute, Maggie!
love your prayer cards and the table looked great! can I steal that idea?
and dangit, he did look adorable! he's 1. there's no such thing as meddling too much in his clothing choices. you have to take control and enjoy doing so while you still can! besides, I think boy clothes seem hard. the cutesy baby stuff is a little much to take, but I also don't like it that toddler boys so often just look like miniature frat guys. let them be kids, right? I think I'll be getting him a full on sailor suit for his birthday. ; )
I am so impressed! The prayer cards are beautiful. I'm so happy that your whole family was able to get together.
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