Lest I Forget

I want to thank everyone who has been praying for Peter. His EEG was normal and for now we will just keep a close eye on him. I hope to write more about this later, but I really need to keep a light heart today. A few nights ago, the kids were begging to do some kind of Christmas craft. Clearly, they do not see all that needs to be done and figure that I have nothing better to do than to create a lot of mess. But that is exactly what we did. We made gingerbread house cookies. I was surprised when my husband sat down and grabbed a cookie of his own. Usually he finds some task that cannot possibly wait one more second when he sees us "crafting". Turns out he has fond memories of decorating cookies with one of his childhood friends every Christmas. cookies baked and cut into house shapes Those m&m's are hard to open. Little fingers having fun. Lots of icing never made it on the cookies. It went straight in their mouths. Dad helping his son. ...

We think Peter had a seizure on Sunday. He will have an EEG in the morning and will be seen by the neurologist. Will you please keep him in your prayers?

...for our Christmas card picture.

Before the rest of the house was stirring, Peter and I were sitting together when we heard sleepy footsteps on the stairs. Anna came padding into the room, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Groggily, she asked, "Mom? Tell me more about your gumball machine." Wondering if she had had a funny dream, I asked her what she was talking about, for I did not have a clue. She continued, "You know, the kind you and dad had when you were young." No, in fact, I do not know, I am thinking. I was trying hard to figure out what she was talking about. I asked her when she had heard about my gumball machine. "We were walking back from the park at Grandma's house, and you were talking about the game you and dad used to play." Suddenly, I knew! I told her, " Pin ball. Not gumball! Dad and I used to play pinball machines." Sheesh! The youngsters these days!

This year I am hoping to have a quiet little Advent where we can grow closer to one another and Our Lord. The manger sits empty, awaiting Mary and Joseph, who are on a long journey...   There will be some traditions from the past and some new ideas as well. Several years ago, I read about having Mary and Joseph move a little closer to the manger each day. The kids look forward to helping them on their journey... They travel across the ledge separating the kitchen and den. See all those dishes? They can wait. It is 75 degrees outside today. We have two Advent calendars. One of the chocolate variety and one made of felt. They take turns adding pieces to the felt one. So far, so good. No fights as to whose turn it is. Our new thing this year is a Jesse Tree. Oh, I have tried before, but we have never completed one. The ornaments were too much for us. Fortunately, Charlotte posted these that we can just color and cut out. That is exactly what we need this year. Maybe...

I knew the minute I saw the pictures on Jamie's blog that my kids would love the idea. In less than a minute, they raced up the stairs for their books and Polly Pocket dolls. At the moment, they are designing a 6 level hotel on the fireplace hearth. The phrase "this is so awesome" has been uttered by Jack no less than 10 times in the last 10 minutes. I think it is awesome too. A big thank-you to Jamie and her kids! Complete with a helicopter landing pad on the roof. Jack's creativity is not limited to dollhouse building. Look at his fire boat. The funny thing is that this morning I was having an actual panic attack about the clutter in the house. Mere hours later, here I am, encouraging all kinds of clutter and mess. They are happy, though we really do need to do some schoolwork. I needed a little perspective and Jamie provided it. For that I am truly thankful.

Outside my window... a brilliantly blue sky and crisp cool temperatures. The trees are nearly bare, with the last lonely leaves hanging on, the wind trying its best to shake them from their branches. The day looks just like the lovely ones from this weekend, when we spent our Thanksgiving with Tony's family. All his siblings excepting his oldest sister were able to gather at his mother's house. The cousins all took advantage of the mild breezy days and ventured up to the park. Having not seen each other for quite some time, they quickly bonded and had a wonderful time. Therese formed quite an attachment to her 12 year old cousin Luke, whom she affectionately called "Alley-Oop". He tolerated it quite well.   I am thinking...  about outward appearances and the truths that are often hidden. Not that I want anyone to suffer, yet it is somehow comforting to know that you are not the only one.  I am thankful for....  ...my family. ...for answered prayers. I ...

We went back to Williamsburg today. Today was another extraordinary day, with temperatures in the 70's. Tomorrow's forecast is rainy and the temperature won't reach much more than 50 degrees. I figure that we should enjoy a last hurrah before the cooler weather settles in. Never mind that the washing machine decided to stop working this morning. Tomorrow seems like the perfect day to call a repairman. I promise there are not nearly so many photos. Waiting for dad to finish talking with the gunsmith. Still waiting, in black and white. How many kids can you fit in one stroller? I love fall.

After Mass with our new priest from East Africa (I think I am really gonna like him!), and a quick stop at a quick-food joint (my kids could not believe we stopped there), we drove the short distance to Colonial Williamsburg to spend the day honoring all Veterans. What do they see? Why is Anna pulling Jack's shirt protectively? It is a bull with some of the most impressive horns I have ever seen. Of course I had to show you the chickens. I love chickens! The man they are listening to was one of my favorites of the day. He got you thinking and guessing about how the farm operated. He has found his hands and loves to chew on his fist. He was a perfect angel yesterday. The tobacco leaves smelled so good! The man was showing us how they dried it and the smell was earthy and delicious. All that wood you see are shingles they use on the buildings there. Anna took this one. I need to show her how to focus and zoom in on your subject. ...