Project 365, Week 48

I sat out the last two years of Thanksgiving, sidelined with chemotherapy, so this year I was so grateful to be back at it. It was a crazy week of work and preparation and life. Yes, I'm grateful...and admittedly exhausted after these last five days of partying.

November 21

After working more than 12 hours, Shaun came home to children begging him for a poker game, wanting to warm up their skills in anticipation of Nana coming. So as he oft does, he sat down with a warmed up plate of food and helped them with their game skills while naturally weaving in life lessons.

November 22
The sweetest presentation of ABC's of Thanksgiving by the 1st and 2nd graders, ending with Give Thanks With a Grateful Heart. Heart melting seeing Aiden stand up there and read clearly and singing loudly and with feeling!!

For no apparent reason, his line mate burst into tears and ran to her mom. Aiden didn't miss a beat. :)

Aiden is tearing through chapter books. Its so funny to go looking for him, only to find him curled up with a book. :)

November 23
So much prep and work and I wouldn't want it any other way. Just beyond grateful for health, for our home, for the means to be a blessing to many.

Let the games begin! My kids have no idea how amazing it is that they get to play with (and get beat by!) their great-grandmother.

November 24
Full house, full heart.

November 25
Annual day-after festivities. (Also, always helpful to have a dog right in the walkway. :)

November 26
Cousins all day long.

November 27
We got to witness our newest nephew being dedicated to the Lord. He was a star!

After, everyone came back to our house for a luncheon. So sweetly, Nathan and Laryssa ordered Gavin's dedication cake to say "Happy Birthday Amanda".

Yes, Amanda had her 10th birthday amid all the chaos. She thought it was special to share the day with Gavin and was a really good sport about it. Amanda is ten...that is just crazy!!