November 2022, Slapped Up Hastily Tonight Because John Told Me That Aunt Karen Said I Need to Catch Up on Blog Posting... HI, AUNT KAREN!!!

November was another month more busy than I'd hoped for, but it seems like every month is these days. As the children grow old and older yet, my days are full of the regular mothering of younger ones, along with huge chunks of conversation with girls who are adults or fast becoming so. It's a bittersweet time.

Thanksgiving 2022

I have scant pictures from Thanksgiving. It was a good day with tables spilling over with food and a house spilling over with family. We had 40+ people we love milling about in every room, with conversation and the rowdy play of children mingling together to make a steady din. Happiness!

The most memorable part of the day, by far, was Aunt Sarah's brainchild-- a thankfulness game she spearheaded, which taught us a bit about each other, and which resulted in bags of prizes (yes, multiple prizes per bag) for every single person in the house. Her creativity and generosity always add some spice to our gatherings. Thanks, Sarah.

And for these folks, bound together in blood and by our joint membership in the Body of Christ, I am grateful. God is good. 

 

Jim Thorpe with the Dagi

 

I stole these from Millie's camera because I have so few on mine. Lest you worry that shotsnaps is turning into a rotating wheel of all the photoshoots the girls have with their friends, let it be known that I've finally earned enough money to replace my broken camera! I haven't found the deal I need quite yet, but when I do, you'll get the old shotsnaps treatment again-- redundant pictures of the seasons, my grubby children reading books on the couch, and occasional stacks of dirty dishes.  If I someday again find an outfit I love, I'll try to resurrect the good ol' Frugal Fancy-Pants, too. It's been a while.

In the meantime, have yourselves another photoshoot! This one features lovely Olivia (hi, Olivia!) & Heidi, and even a few pictures of the Mildred Herself.

Ransom Turns Two! (11/22)

 

How has it been two years since this little boy entered our home? He's our favorite, and just about everyone in the house needs an occasional reminder not to coddle him overmuch. He is darling, he is dear, and now he's at the age that he knows in his bones that we all think so. 

Lark made most of the birthday signs for him, and she was supremely proud of them all, even the backwards two that she apologetically pointed out.

He may be practically perfect in every way, but he's terrible at blowing out candles.

He tried his darndest, with little luck....

until the Papa pitched in, that is. 

His cake was simple, but he was pretty entranced by it, nonetheless.

We love you, darling boy. You're a surprise we'd welcome again and again and again, with open arms.

Happy birthday!  

Another Adventure!

The day before Ransom's birthday, while the older girls were gone, John took the rest of us on a spontaneous day trip to the library. It was a wonderful day! Highlights included the amazing parking garage and elevator (we parked on the top floor especially to squeeze all the excitement we could out of the experience), balloon swords from a street artist who thrust them upon our children as we walked past, and who probably regretted it when we did not stay for more, the sights and sounds of the commons after being stuck at home for weeks on end, the incredulous surprise of eating RESTAURANT BURRITOS, and, of course, the library-- our first visit since 2020-- which finally was a place to again visit sans masks, to loll about in, and to empty of dozens upon dozens of books.

 

Lephtover Photos Phrom the Phone

John had to work on FATDOG (Friday After Thanksgiving Day of Gaming) for the first time since we began observing it. He is the day's champion and king, so it was bare and strange without him home. The children rallied forth anyway, and broke open games immediately upon waking.

We made a Thanksgiving leaf garland again after a several-year hiatus. I guess I had a long stretch of feeling too tired to keep it up, but it ended up being delightful and easy with lots of hands to cut out the leaves. I used to compulsively cut out each leaf myself, because I was a stupid perfectionist. This year, everyone who wanted to (including Skylark but not Ransom) cut out leaves along with me, without regard to perfect and cleanly cut edges.  Many hands make light work, and all that.  (See! In some areas, I'm learning.)

Zeke was thankful for Grandpa(s) and brothers.

One of my thankfulness leaves features A HOKEY POKEY BAR and its givers, Mags and Brendan, whom we were able to see for the first time in five years. How could it have been so long? It was utterly good to catch up with them both, and it made me grin for a whole week. They left behind a Hokey Pokey bar for us, and it was just as delicious as Charlie Bucket's first chocolate bar. Also, this is the second visit in which I have no pictures of THEM and only pictures of the chocolate they gave us. What is wrong with me??!!

When Tim visits, we also quite often have to put up with his sister Kehlleegh. A Kelee who steals my phone for the purpose of selfies.  Oh, Chely. 

November brought the first snowman. One of the girls took these pictures on my phone at Cadence's request. Meet Uncle Bobby, Cadence's bosom buddy, whom she still talks about from time to time (e.g. "Oh, Uncle Bobby-- I really miss Uncle Bobby! He was my favorite. Too bad he had to melt." and so on.)

Grandma must have been showing something amazing to have that many children piled on top of her.  An avalanche of children. That could be dangerous!