November's last day

Saw the newest Twilight movie, 'New Moon,' with some of the older kids tonight and totally enjoyed it. Totally. It was as enjoyable, if not more so, as the newest Harry Potter movie, 'Goblet of Fire'. Such fun! But, do you know what surprised me while we were there? In the theatre, there were only about 15 folks watching, including us. Huh!

But tomorrow needs to be a work day. Back to reality. The living room rug hasn't been vacuumed in too long for me to admit, and the house needs a hearty going over. The Thanksgiving holiday gave me the excuse to be a lazybones over the weekend, and I can't stand the clutter any longer. So, after school in the morning, one son will help me spread some pine straw out front that my yardboy sons collected from a friend's yard, and then will put away the Fall decorations inside in favor of a tiny bit of Christmas foolishness. Not ready to hit it big time, like Molly, but we'll get there gradually enough.

When we came out of the theatre tonight, I had to do a double-take as we drove home, because colored lights were all about and in my attention to the movie, I'd forgotten that it was Christmas-time. That just shows how NOT ready I really am.

Sunday afternoon

Just finished watching 'An Ideal Husband' on a YouTube channel, as per Susan Branch's Twitter comment, and it was my first foray into viewing a movie there. So cool. Ten installments of about 10 minutes a piece, so it was easy to start and stop when I wanted to, with no commercials to mess up the works. Again I say, so cool. A wonderful get-away.

A quiet day besides. A couple of the kids went to church, but the rest of us stayed at home, still coughing a bit, but just enjoying a nice, drizzly day inside.

Now off to make waffles, not that anyone here gets excited about them. I hear in some houses that pancakes and waffles are considered a treat. Must sometime see what I can do to encourage that sort of enthusiasm here, but not holding out much hope. ;)

Evening meal

Happy Thanksgiving

In a better mood today. I'm thinking that the reality of having all of us sick for a month has made me a bit testy. Still coughing, but everyone's better. That's something to be thankful for.

Now the turkey is in the oven, the stuffing is in the fridge to be baked later on, the sweet potatoes are cooking and the house is tidy. Husband is puttering with his Suburban and the kids are scattered about the house. I'm about to take a nap/read a book and rest for awhile.

All is well. Hope all of y'all have a wonderfully sweet and special day.

Pulling hair out

So, I was piddling around on the computer last night after dinner, being constantly interrupted by our 3 youngest, who had the need (all of 'em) to share with me. Now, granted I am the most patient person I know (not bragging, but it's absolutely true), but even so, I get wasted by chatter.

Gary said all of twice for them to *leave your mother alone*, and *back away from the table*. He's my hero, a welcome fan at all times. And magically, they leave. Me? I don't have the touch, being continually nagged because apparently I'm not very believable the first several times. Yes, I said several.

Now today I'm feeling, once again, the twinges of needing to run and hide. Being that I'm not a talker, to have to listen to questions so much of the time is truly draining. I have to wonder...why don't they get it?

Must needs practice *the hammer technique* that my husband has such flair with. 'Course he's pretty tough-looking and while he can be a push-over, he's totally obeyed. Huh.

Thanksgiving Eve

I couldn't love slow days more than I already do, and today is no exception. Husband and two oldest children are off to work, and the house sleeps. Will turn on the heat in a minute, because the house is a tad bit chilly. My toes are cold! I just want to savor the day, making pies with the kids, tidying up before (or correctly put---we have to do some major dusting and vacuuming) tomorrow. But with it only being us, the pressure is off to impress.

Am hoping that we can get the house in shape before everyone returns home from work. Dinner is tuna sandwiches tonight...I tend to feed the family scraps and boring things the days before Thanksgiving, so that they're REALLY thankful once dinner is served that evening. So far, it's worked!

But most of all I'm truly grateful for God's provision this year. Gary's work has continued all through what the world is calling a recession. His shop has been continually full, and even with oftentimes slow-paying clients, we've made it. Also thankful for a full kitchen today. Several years back, we were experiencing some extra-tight times and come Thanksgiving morning, all we had was the turkey. We literally dug out change and money here and there that day for me to go the grocery store and buy the rest of the ingredients for our meal. I'll never forget it, but sure don't want to repeat that day.

God is good, even when it hurts.

And finally another hearty salute to my husband and his side of the family who recently found out that they are related to Francis Cooke, who was a passenger on the Mayflower, and signed the Mayflower Compact. I can't claim that status for my own (yet, but intend to dig into it), but being part Chickasaw Indian, I like to think that I helped host that meal. :)

(graphic a freebie from indygo junction)

Cactus/African Violet fetish

...and the photos were taken on such an overcast day, hmm? Am partial to the Thimble Cactus (second from the left in top photo), and the Hindu Rope Plant in the middle of the right-hand window. Such sweeties. :) Btw, Violets have been a tad temperamental, lately. The one blooming is brand new. Hasn't learned 'not' to bloom yet! Give me time.....