Amanda was home for the week and both of our families gathered for separate Thanksgiving celebrations, 52 people in total! We are so very blessed and have an inexhaustible list of things to be thankful for. I have highlighted the good and beautiful, as I often do here. But for those on the outside looking in, I also feel like I should mention what is hopefully obvious....our family is not perfect. There is dysfunction threaded throughout, yet we continue to fight for healing, for redemption, for tradition, for love.
These are a couple photos that came in from Amanda. They had a fancy Thanksgiving dinner before break and took a group picture. The student body in its entirety...
...and Amanda with her two roommates
November 25
I had a vision of a downtown photoshoot with the sweetest little family and Maddy and Mason agreed. Renna and Amanda were a huge help and fun to have around.
Then our little family of five met up at the theater to see Wicked. It was so good!! It was only later that we realized they have not seen the original Wizard of Oz. Do you remember when it was broadcast on TV annually? We watched it when we were kids and it freaked me out big time, so obviously I would not share that experience with my kids when they were little. But now they would think a 1939 movie was a joke. Anyway, it was a fun thing to do together.
November 26
It was so nice to have all the kids around. They helped with some things around the house, like changing light bulbs and getting some of the dust and cobwebs up high that bother me all the time.
Avery and Jack worked in the kitchen, preparing to bring some items to their young adult Friendsgiving that evening and Jason came over and was happy to help set up tables and chairs.
November 27
Our girl turned 18 this day! We reserved her for breakfast so she'd have the day free to be with friends. As it turned out, she and her dad went shopping at the mall for a good part of the day. When she got home we did a little cooking for the next day and then the crew went to Jason's football game.
After, we sang to her and the kids hung out for the night. It was very meaningful to both of us that we got to be together.
November 28
Thanksgiving Day! There was a whole village helping to make the day happen.
All the cousins on this side, with their great-grandmother who, with great intention, consistency and delight, over many years, has built a relationship with them.
She did the same with her original grandkids. Very special. Over the last six months these four siblings have poured their hearts and a significant amount of time and resources into moving Nana from FL to CT and caring for her in every way while facing many challenges. They talk openly about difficult things and work together, wanting to prioritize and preserve their relationship. It's very rare and has been a wonder to witness.
Twenty-four of us on Shaun's side. It was memorable to have everyone together for the first time in many years. One of my favorite things about our house is the space we have to keep making the table longer and longer. I love the quote,
When you have more than you need, build a bigger table not a higher fence.
Amanda hung around and shared a glimpse of her life over the last three months at school.
The 1000-piece Thanksgiving puzzle always gets done in one day.
Shaun's mom brought a couple of the latest scrapbooks she's created and Shaun enjoyed going through his elementary through high school years in pictures with the kids. We were all amazed at the mirror-like resemblance of Aiden to Shaun at the same age.
November 29
Tree time, lights only.
We got talking about when we switched to a fake tree and then this memory came up, which I believe is the last time we went hunting for a real tree. I know its a disappointment to the realists, but I have zero regrets. It was a good $100 investment 17 years ago.
(Also of note, the fleece I'm wearing in this picture while holding baby Amanda is the same one she wore much of this week).
It was also pointed out that next year, Avery and Jack will be setting up their own tree at their own place. In celebration, I gave them their first ornament early.
And speaking of that, Sarah came over for a visit and is officially a bridesmaid!
November 30
Dakota's mom sent me a picture of him looking at a photo book I made him and he had a sad face. She said he was missing us. After a brief conversation, I went to pick him up. He had fun hiding and surprising Aiden and Avery who didn't know he was coming. Avery especially was overjoyed!
They asked him to be the ring bearer in their wedding. :)
Towards evening, my side of the family gathered for Thanksgiving, though we skipped the turkey dinner and just went to the favorites...apps and desserts. 28 of us, a wonderfully full house.
We had a girls only meeting, sharing about our experiences with the 8-week gratitude challenge we did. We had full participation and it was a treasure to hear people share their hearts.
It was also highly entertaining to watch a few guys walk in, unaware of the meeting taking place, and the look of terror on their face and the quick exit as they realized their error.
Some pretty incredible women sitting around this table. What a grace and a difference-maker to know and live with a community like this. May we steward it well.
The '06 Club have all gone away to schools in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Since we were all in one place at one time, they agreed to answer questions and talk about their unique school experiences. Hands down, Cedarville has the best food. :)
December 1
Dakota got to spend the night and after church people gathered and he got plenty of attention. Jack made him a transformer with a box that provided much entertainment for all. I also showed him some examples of what a ring bearer's job entails. He feels very honored!
