Whew

 

I really love Thanksgiving.  And while I am convinced I cannot host it until I can send Duncan to the store, meaning 9 more years, I love the holiday.  Having little ones brings its own joys like little Indian/Native American head bands and handprint turkeys.  But it is also pretty exhausting.  Not as exhausting as two 2 year olds, though, so I’m grateful it was two 4 year olds and a 7 year old this year.  My contribution to the meal was a pumpkin pound cake that I found on Pinterest.  Loved the cake but did NOT like the glaze….too gummy and flavorless.  Just a straight-forward powdered sugar/water glaze would be fine.  See my cake below.

Oh yes, that big chunk taken out?  Well, I am sure that needs to explanation to any of my regular readers…all three of you.  I tried to gussy it up a bit with some fall sprinkles that I had.  It was delish (minus the glaze that everyone picked off.) 

We went to my sister’s and mom’s for the day, along with various aunts, uncles, cousins and such.  We ate, watched football and talked.  Not any more or any less great than any other year, really. 

Until that night when Finn started yacking…then it kind of went downhill.  We were supposed to have other family over on Friday for dinner, but that changed…I said no kids and it turned into lunch with grown ups instead.  Kids got to see Grandpa who now lives in Michigan, and the weather was great.

Saturday is a bit of a blur…I’m having a hard time thinking about what we did as I sit here.  Oh yes, Duncan had a birthday party so that was a nice way to break up the day.  Again…perfect weather.  About 70 degrees and sunny.  I must admit, I am grateful to live in Dallas when we have these days that the kids can so easily be outside.  We took them to the playground across the street before dinner, did baths, fed them, and put everyone to bed.  Then I went to bed because I felt like I’d been hit by a truck.

Today I have mostly felt like I’ve been hit by a less huge truck, and we’ve gotten the tree up and lights on the outside.  I have a lot to do but I love looking at the tree at night.  It just makes me happy.  Everyone goes back to school tomorrow and that is a very good thing!

Weekend Recap

 

We had a really great weekend.  While Friday night is a blur, on Saturday we had the twins much belated birthday party.  Since Claire was in the hospital the week of the original party, we had it this weekend.  Had family and friends, good food, home made birthday cake, a big bounce house and perfect weather.  By the end of the day everyone, mostly me, was completely exhausted.  But it was totally worth it.  I love celebrating birthdays and I love feeding people. 

So, as you can imagine Sunday morning brought some grumpies.

But, we are serious in our commitment to get them to church on Sundays so off we went.  Claire was happy to wear Finn’s super hero cape (a HOMEMADE cape!  Gift from wonderful crafty friend!) and Finn was thrilled to carry his new Bible.  Duncan, well…he’s 7. 

After church was a lot of football.  On TV and in the front yard.

And of course, playing with new toys.  Finn + Legos = match made in Heaven. 

Realized quite late last night that Finn and Claire were supposed to bring a vegetable (I am not a fan of the word “veggie”…not sure why.) to school this morning.  Ended in late night Sprouts run.  Got a squash and a potato.

So again, by last night I was exhausted!  This morning’s coffee could not come fast enough.

Then I had to check out the Energy/Stress reduction formula on the vitamins at Sprouts.  They are pricey but might be worth it.

To bicycle or not to bicycle

 

I was in Costco today with Claire and Finn and of course, we could not avoid the toy aisle.  How can you really avoid anything in Costco, other than say, the box springs or the cat food?  Anyway, there it was.  A Cinderella bike.  And who was most drawn to it?  Me.  I think mostly because it was BLUE and not some garish pinked up thing.  I loved that it was blue.  And the streamers don’t hurt.  And the little basket on the handle bars where you can put your “babies” but Claire would just cram all of her hard, plastic horses.  Oh, I love this bike. 

We’ve talked about bikes lately.  Duncan’s bike was his birthday present when he turned 6.  It’s a cheapie bike…I think I paid about fifty bucks for it.  But he has loved this bike.  With it’s broken-in-half pedals, old stickers, last year’s Fourth of July Parade’s decorations still in the spokes.  He loves it.  It buys him his freedom.  No bike was ever more loved.  But, it’s a real crapper and I think he would love a new one.  I think.  Maybe not.

Then there’s Finn.  He rides Duncan’s old tricycle.  Talk about a beater.  It’s worse than Duncan’s current bike! And you know what?  I think Finn loves that crappy old trike more than Duncan loves his bike.  Mostly because it’s his and it makes him more like Duncan.  He got a little excited when he saw the Cars2 bike at Costco, but not as much as I thought.  He told me he wants a Nerf gun bike. ???  He also wants a Nerf fun birthday cake. 

So, we are in the midst of examining our bike needs.  Stay tuned.

Old Fashioned Groupon Family Fun

 

I may, at times, buy Groupons and such in fits and spurts.  I rarely let them expire before we use them, and am pretty careful in my selection.  So, when I saw the really good one for this place I bought it without checking out any reviews.  We packed up the kids and went on what turned out to be the last relatively warm day and headed out.  In short, it was fun…the kids had a great time.  But I think once is enough!  For Yesterland Farm! 

For me, the pig races were the highlight.  Our pig, Josh Hamilton, was the winner in the end and everyone loves a winner.  And a pig named Josh Hamilton. 

But, it was a day spent together, with the kids, and that

was worth it. 

I think this is my favorite shot of the day.  I love how Finn has his hands on his knees.  Deep in thought.  Probably about how he might score some candy somehow.

Tis of Thee

 

For the past week, Duncan has walked around singing My Country Tis of Thee – is that the proper title?  This morning at school, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders sang in the front yard of the school, in honor of Veterans’ Day.  All local vets were invited to attend.  They had flags planted in the ground, that the kids had purchased in honor or memory of someone they knew who was  a vet.

It was really sweet, and I think he actually understands what he is doing.  But he still is 7 and gets a little goofy when surrounded by his friends.  However, I was proud of him that when the big flag was being raised, he stood and saluted the entire time. And that he knew the words to the songs.  Just wish I’d gotten the memo about sending him in his Cub Scout shirt.  Next year, I promise.

Vote for Duncan!

 

Pretty sure he does not have a firm grasp of how things go.