Thanksgiving

We had a bit of a "get out of jail free" card with Thanksgiving this year.

And I say that filled with love for all the sides of my various family.

But thanks to uncooperative work schedules on all sides, we didn't drive anywhere and they didn't come to us. Kevin and I enjoyed a quite chili dinner on Thanksgiving after I got home from work. On Friday, I made my FIRST TURKEY! It was fantastic! A Rachael Ray recipe, of all things. Kevin normally hogs all the cooking glory, so I love it when I can squeeze my way into the kitchen. Emily, Tony and the boys joined us Friday evening, and it was perfect. A great dinner, Patrick tortured Colton the entire time, and we just all loved on each other. Fabulous.

Inspired by Raissa's wonderful soup from last night, I made my own for the in-laws, who stopped by for a great visit on their way home. She called me up. "What are you guys doing?" she asked. "We are about to kill each other over here. Can you come over?" Knowing there would probably be good leftovers, I said yes. Joel took advantage of the situation to drive Kevin around in his new truck. They are now the Friends-with-a-Truck. And they left all the children with us. Because they are smart like that.

I also took Patrick to IKEA on Saturday. By myself. Because I have a death wish.

My child slept through the night.

My child woke at 5ish for a nurse and change, then went back to sleep.

My child slept until 6:30am.

My child is currently in the middle of a 90 minute nap (and counting).

Because my Mom asked

Thanks, and sorry for the vauge-ness

There is sunshine on the horizon, and things aren't as bleak as they seemed.

For all your love and support, thank you so much.

If you still feel in the dark, pop me an email and I'll share. It's not a secret, but it's not my story to be spreading all over the internet.

So for Thanksgiving, I'll be at work. Kevin will be hanging with the buddy. Kevin's family will be all feasting in Portland. Mom and Craig will hang at the retirement center, and then be well fed by his ex-chef son-in-law in Seattle. David and Beth are getting fed by three different Moms, and therefore not buying groceries this week.

Isn't that lovely news? :)

Shadow and Fog

My family is at the beginning of a dark journey.

In the end there will be no winners, only a measure of suffering on all sides.

We are lost, scared, and anxious.

The learning curve is steep.

Love, comfort, and support can be provided, but there is little one can do to fix this.

We wait. We pray.

“I know God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish He didn't trust me so much.”
Mother Teresa

Interruptus

"Maybe he'll just fall back asleep?"

"No way, he's been napping for almost two hours."

"Shhh. See? I think he stopped."

(he didn't stop)

"Well, are you feeling fast and focused?"

(no)

"Are you going to be tired tonight?"

No, I won't be too tired tonight...

A Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich

Halloween Photos: It's a Mouse

He did have a good time, despite my inability to take pictures of the child actually smiling.