Turkey Cookies

All of our children (yes even little Maria) ended up with colds on Thanksgiving day, and we decided to stay home, rather than share our germs with family.

It turned out to be a very peaceful day.  We even had a turkey dinner, thanks to John braving the grocery store crowds Wednesday night.

To entertain the older children, we made turkey cookies

Here is my template:

 Here are their creations.  I'm not sure these are all turkeys.

The one in the middle looks more like a reindeer.

They got odder and odder as the children were left to their own devices.

 And then there are Thomas' modern art turkeys.

Happy Thanksgiving!

From the most rambunctious Indian

 to the smallest Pilgrim

we wish you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to the person who keeps me sane, helps me do what seems to be impossible and loves all of us with a full heart and true affection.

John, you are amazing and wonderful!  I'm so glad God gave you to the world 32 years ago.

Glow in the Dark Baby

Maria's had some problems with jaundice so she has to wear this glowing fashion accessory called a bili-blanket all the time.

John teases that Maria's convinced we are going to eat her since we keep on cooking her.

Where's Thomas?

You may have noticed that Thomas has not appeared in any pictures with Maria.

He's not into the baby, that is, he doesn't really want anything to do with her. 

He doesn't want to hurt her or get rid of her, but he isn't begging to hold her or play with her, or even to point her out to me, like the other kids have been.

We think he's very confused by the whole situation, and so we're trying to give him some extra attention.

Which is easy since he is such a delight!

Why, yes!

I do have big brothers!   How did you know?

Now I just need to get Mom and Dad to stop calling me Thomas.

Maria Catherine

Introducing our newest member

Maria Catherine

Born November 12 at 7:58 am.  8 lbs 1 oz

We're home and doing well.

The kids are loving their new sister, and I'm getting used to having 4 children.

On the subject of pets

Clare and John were talking about Christmas presents.

Clare:  I really want a toy dog that barks and walks on a leash.  It's the closest thing to a pet that we're going to get.

John:  You have siblings.  Thomas is much closer to a pet than any toy we could get you.

Thomas:  I'm not!  I have Gregory!



The only pictures

For lots of reasons these are the only pictures we got from halloween.

Gregory was a fire fighter.

And my mom helped the boys make a pirate pumpkin.

That evening was very busy, so I apologize that no one got to see Thomas's Thomas costume or Clare's goddess costume...maybe we'll have to stage a fake costume wear, just so y'all can see them.