Thankfulness

We’ve had an eventful last few days as we went about the business of celebrating Thanksgiving.  As usual, we have so much to be thankful for with nearly 11 great years of marriage, two wonderful little boys, a great extended family, and all of our needs being more than provided for.  Not to mention salvation and spiritual blessings.  We are also thankful for good overall health, though these pesky monthly colds our family keeps coming down with are getting old!

Josiah and I picked this little art project up at the library and brought it home to color and put together.  He refused to wear it at first, but finally took to it the other night, wore it all through dinner and then had to be convinced to take it off for a bath.  Turns out he loves wearing it!

We celebrated Thanksgiving day at Mom’s house with her usual feast for 50, though she only served a quarter that many.  I love a good traditional meal!  We had a good time visiting, eating, and watching the kids play.

Savannah brought her Gator and Josiah loved it.  He was a bit too short to hold the pedal down constantly and whenever he inadvertently let up and it stopped, he’d get out and look at all the tires saying it was stuck :)  And yes, he did fall off of it once when Savannah was driving and she talked him into raising his hands into the air when she made a sharp turn!

She loves being the big cousin, but she did tell me she got a little bored with Elijah because he was slow.

Nathan after naptime.  Such a cutie!

Jacob left that afternoon with Josiah and the four dogs to go to the huntin’ camp.  Josiah has been begging ever since his last visit to go back.  Josiah really wanted to take me and Elijah, too, but for simplicity sake we’ll wait until Elijah’s a little older first.  Apparently they had lots of fun, but they played more than they hunted.  (Sorry – no pictures.  He forgot the camera.)

Though I had high hopes for some fun on Friday, Elijah and I spent it sick at home and attempting to catch up on chores.  That was a useless effort, but we enjoyed some cuddles and playtime.  I missed Josiah, but it was nice spending some time with just Elijah and having time to rest when he slept.

I worked Saturday morning while Elijah went to Grandma’s to play with Savannah and then Josiah and Jacob came home later that afternoon.  It is always fun to see Josiah when he comes home.  He’s cuddly and full of stories.  He looked so big and cute to me :)

Sunday was our annual family reunion at Gram’s house.  It’s always a good time catching up with family, eating too much good food, and “buying” another person’s junk at the Turkey Buck Auction.  I used my fake money (and donations from people around me) to buy quite a few things this year including a baby swing (for a swing set), a few baby toys, a tambourine for Josiah (the only thing he wanted – so cute!), some vintage glass doorknobs (which I had to fight for!), a pretty bowl, a movie, 2 jackets, and a picnic mat.  I did pretty good, huh?

Savannah caught a ride with us down there.  Sometimes it is fun to experience having 3 kids!  They did great.  Josiah read his John Deere toy catalog most of the way, saying “I want dis for Kismas.  Let’s do dat, ok?  Maybe later.”, and Savannah made sure to give us a play by play on Elijah…“he still has his pacifier….he still has his pacifier…”

  He was so excited to get his tamborine and he was mesmerized by Uncle Teddy taking bids.

Our long time auctioneer, Uncle Teddy.

Fun times!

I didn’t get nearly the pictures I’d like to have.

I just have to brag for a second…we got SO MANY compliments on our little guys this year.  So many people commented on their cuteness, particularly Elijah’s eyes, as well as their good behavior.  And I have to say that they really were great.  Can you tell I’m proud?

When we were about to leave Gram’s Josiah started asking where Deda was.  We reminded him that he was in heaven and wouldn’t be back.  It was kind of sad, but I was happy that he was on his mind.  Unfortunately I doubt he’ll remember him at all in the long term.

I’m writing this on our way home while we are at a dead stop on the interstate.  Oh, the joys of holiday travel.  Let’s hope Elijah stays happy!  Update…we made it through that traffic ok and took 441 the rest of the way home.  Both boys slept until we woke them in the driveway.  Ah…peace.