Thankful For...Family

We had a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Not the least of which was that Aunt Amy and her son, Justin, came for a visit. Jim and I were able to sneak away for a 3-day trip to Napa that was beautiful. I don't remember ever seeing Fall colors so vivid! We ate and drank and slept with no interruptions at all, except for a random woodpecker knocking on our window one morning. It was lovely. And quiet. And relaxing, although I honestly don't think I ever shook the feeling that something (or several somethings) was missing.

The best part was to be able to come home to happy children, close cousins, and a Thanksgiving dinner all together. Aunt Amy picked right up and took over childcare so well that the kids hardly noticed...well, they probably noticed that they were having more fun than usual. They baked birthday cupcakes (for me), turkey sugar cookies, played Wii Just Dance, and saw Puss N Boots in the theater. Good times. There's not enough thanks in the word Thanks for that birthday/anniversary/Thanksgiving gift.

Thankful For...Writing Practice

I am thankful for the notes and homework that I get to read on a regular basis. Some of it makes my day.

Liam's is from some work he did in school. Notice he forgot to put his name on it...not unusual...and what is up with his teacher spelling his name wrong?! Also notice the lack of capitalization...also not unusual. However, I think his teacher had a hard time grading this one harshly when 1) it is hilarious, and 2) he included an illustration of lice. I believe the assignment was to write about what qualities a good presidential candidate might possess. Some potentially relevant background info is that during that week, lice was going around his class. In case you can't read his spelling, I will translate:

To be a good candidate. You can't brag. Or go like, "Oh, I'm just so going to win." And you can't put up posters that say "Lincoln had head lice, you don't want him touching the Declaration." That is being a bad candidate.

Well, I suppose he has a point. And the picture of the head lice in between some hairs does drive the point home. ha ha ha Liam is more of a math and science guy, but I do enjoy reading his writing.

Natalie's note was one of her MANY random notes that she wrote at home. Most of her notes are for me, and that makes me feel very lucky.

Her translation:

Dear Mom

Today is Wednesday November 9th 2011. I am so happy today. R you? Love Natalie

Lovely.

My Halloween Baby

Oh, how could I let my Halloween baby's birthday slip by without a birthday post?

I think she had a great day. Grandma M was in town, which is always a treat. She helped Natalie start up knitting again. She (we) may need a few more lessons at Christmas as well.

The party was fairly small this year, and that was nice. Just a few Kindergarten friends at a paint-your-own pottery place. That satisfied my little artist's desire for an art project, and the girls got to sit at a table by themselves and chat. I love the way she is making good friends at school, and is not letting shyness steal her voice. She is blossoming in Kindergarten. Another mother told me recently, "Ella says that Natalie tells the best jokes!"

She chose a cookie cake this year. It makes perfect sense, because Natalie does not like cake. She will eat icing only from a cake. Why didn't we think of a cookie cake before?

Of course, there was also piles of candy and trick-or-treating on the actual birthday. Beautiful bat girl. I always love the spark, humor, laughter, and beauty that my Halloween girl brings to the family. The year of being six is already off to a great start.

Boo

Where have I been?? Not exactly sure. But I will be back to post more soon. Meanwhile...Happy Halloween from Batgirl, the Red Power Ranger, and a Star Wars Clone trooper. It was a merry trick or treat night, and no over-stimulated, sugared-up meltdowns. woo-hoo!

Quote of the night, and future smooth move with the ladies was from Owen. Trick or treating at the house of an unfamiliar neighbor, he stood with his hands on his hips and looked inside the house, and said, "Hey! Have I been inside your house yesterday?!" The man looked confused and bemused, and said, "Uh, no, I don't think so..." Owen said, "Hmm...how about tomorrow?" ha ha Smooooth operator trying to get himself invited over. Watch out ladies...