Thanks for all the Fish

Thanksgiving. It was here. We ate. It was yummy.

We went to Grandma's house again this year...and on my list of grateful things, I've got to say, a calm, patient, amazing-cook mother-in-law is way up there. Each time we visit I realize how far I have to go before I'm anywhere near as competent. Plus, she puts up with me and my scatter-brainedness ("oh, did I leave that there? And that? Was I doing something? Why am I standing here?). As we were leaving Reid says, "Mommy, why is Grandma's house so fun?" (then he added, "and Nana's house?") Thanks Suzy :) We had a great time.

We didn't take a lot of pictures. My usual scatter-brained situation was a bit complicated by a sinus infection, so I'm going to go ahead and place all the blame for that on Nick. We brought the camera, so at least we're doing better there. Baby steps.

Danica's started to say "wow" after everything. I'll try to catch a video, but it is also on my Thanksgiving grateful list.

Speaking of, when I was in college, I made a "grateful" board, and we'd make all our friends write something when they came over. I haven't done it in a few years, but I was thinking tonight how much I have to give thanks for. You all know how great my kids and husband are (see the archives if you're confused about that one) but I've got lots of other things to be grateful for too. Like:

1. Egg Nog Soy Milk. Really. If you haven't tried it, you're missing out. Unless you don't like egg nog. Or soy milk.

2. How Gage speaks in third person all the time. Earlier:"Gager wants some water, then he wants to drink it and he is going to go downstairs." Or, pretty much everyday: "Mom! Gager needs to go potty" Me:"Go." Gager: "Okay!" Note: I'm still  not sure why he needs to ask permission? I've tried breaking him of it, but so far nothing. 

3. The two or three hours we've got kid-free every night because the kids actually have a solid bedtime routine. I've done one parenting thing right. 

4. Pumpkin. Pumpkin chocolate-chip cookies (oh. man. I've got the perfect recipe. they are heaven). Pumpkin cheesecake. Pumpkin pancakes. Pumpkin-sage pasta. MMMmmmm.

5. My nativity set. Aunt Jill bought it for me when we got married, and it remains one of my favorite presents. Makes me happy every year. I also adore the extra pieces Nick/Mom have added over the years. And I'm grateful I've got a kid-safe place to put it this year. 

6. That I put up the Christmas lights right after Halloween, when it was still sixty degrees outside. Especially now that there's eight inches of snow outside. 

7. Books. And, Come to Think of It, THE LIBRARY. 

8. Central Heating. Because it has been frigid outside. I *might* be more grateful if I lived somewhere warmer, but that's not the point of this list.

9. Google. Do you know how many amazing DIY/Craft/sewing/writing/foodie blogs there are out there? perhaps it is better if you don't know. I *might* waste a fair amount of time reading said blogs. Perhaps they've sucked away days of my life and sent me on random shopping sprees to fabric/craft/grocery stores to buy the ingredients/supplies for my new awesomeness personified project. Which inevitably costs more money than whatever it would've cost to BUY. I digress.

10. YOU! Because you care enough to read my randomness about my be-yew-ti-ful kids, and some of you even read the posts before just skipping to the pictures. Not that I blame you. And, on that note, on to the pictures:

She was giving me a squeezy hug right before this, but the picture of me...I am too vain. I shall work on  it.

And, poor Uncle Paul gets mugged.

I may have mentioned how much she loves boys? yep. Paul is the winner.

I might adore this picture

Danica and Gage have started wrestle/hugs lately

They were playing super cute close together just before this, but I am comforted in missing that shot in getting this super cute Joel face.

Gage+Paul. A glimpse into the future? I kept wanting to call Gage Paul all weekend. 

Notice the babydoll AND the ninja dagger. This girl has brothers.

Snow! (Reid)

Snow! (Gage)

I can't remember what was going on here (tv must've been on, look at Gager's face) but I love Dani's face.

Didn't get a shot of her in this dress before church, and after...well, she was DONE. But isn't she sweet? 

Cheeser. I told him I needed to cut his hair, and he looked at me all concerned, "not my curls mom!"

Gage seriously cannot eat ANYTHING without getting mess on his face.

Aunt Sierra's visit. The boys loved it.

A bit of random

Update: They are taking this off instant stream on 12/1. I am sad. You should watch it today.


I've got to organize our recent pictures. But...last night due to a combination of a cold, a couch, and a cranky babygirl I was up most of the night. Luckily, I found this little gem on my netflix instant stream to keep me company:

AND...all you Pride and Prejudice fans, I can think of worse ways to spend three hours. I really, really liked this.

Teeth

I've been terrified of taking the boys to the dentist. Terrified. I had visions of, well, mostly MONEY. I like money. I like it better in my bank account than written on a check to the dentist. I remember coming home from the dentist and announcing things like, "three cavities!" Yeah.

Took the boys to get their teeth cleaned today. I'm not exaggerating to say I was literally unable to sleep last night worrying about it.

Not. One. Cavity.

I'm not saying this is a pre-holiday miracle. I'm just...happy.