The J-Grandparents’ Visit

 We had a fabulous visit. Everyone learned something new.

Egg hunt compliments of Grandma:

Sweet Pea having some girl time with Grandma:

The Goat (Firstborn’s new name for Mr. Serious) can’t wait until he’s 12 and can help. He has a knack for all work requiring fine motor skills.

The little boys loved Grandpa’s rental truck.:

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Remodeling

Our home was remodeled several times by different people with different master plans. The most recent remodel made the least sense. 

We are fixing the crappy job and getting a 5th bedroom out of it. Our master will be smaller; and the Firstborn will have his own room for now.

Framing 101 with Grandpa.

 

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Give Thanks to the Lord for He Is Good!

His love endures forever.

Menu:

Organic Turkey

Turkey Gravy

Classic Stuffing

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sautéed green beans

Glazed carrots

Cranberry Jelly

Dinner Rolls

Kerrygold Butter 

Thanksgiving Punch

Apple Cider

Apple Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Pecan Pie

Key Lime Pie

Whipped Cream

Pies in order of 2025 popularity:

1. Key lime;

2. Pecan (bourbon maple);

3. Apple crumble;

4. Pumpkin; and

5. Traditional apple pie.

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Thanksgiving Preparations

This is my first go at making a turkey, believe it or not! We are super excited. I have the energy to be a perfectionist this year. We followed Test Kitchen and Pioneer Woman and many others.

Everything but the punch is prepped. I did a deep clean of the fridge and under it. The Engineer said something surprising on day 2 of my food prep: Mom, I like it when you are home. I didn’t really like it in the summer when we were home and you weren’t home. (I didn’t either!) But I want the parents to be happy too. I assured him that I was happy being at home and making good food for him.

What I realized was that he notices when I’m in the kitchen and not necessarily working anywhere else in the home (unless he can see tangible improvements). I mentioned this to DH who responded, “I like it when you’re cooking in the kitchen.” It’s interesting how even the egalitarians prefer some level of traditional gender roles.

These ones are impatiently waiting for Grandpa and Grandma.

There has been so much cleaning! 

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Well-Read Mom

Our November book was enlightening but had a rather abrupt, unsatisfying ending. Regardless, our group continues and is growing. So, thank you, Jesus, for that! I love this model.

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Thanksgiving at School

The Fifth told me that this one is his best friend. Then his mom told me the same. They were inseparable in the parade. 

Our room mom mentioned that Sol sat next to her, kissed her hand, and whispered sweet nothings to her during dinner. I have no idea where he comes up with this stuff! 🤣🤦‍♀️

Macy’s Parade Lite:

 Someone partied pretty hard. Flirting with all the pretty ladies is pretty exhausting.:

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The Thinker

Just so you know who the sculptor’s model was…

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Tympanostomy

Our sweet Fifth was a brave little man today. After two or more years of fluid in his ears, he finally was approved for a tympanostomy and partial adenoidectomy.

This is the procedure:

Though this is a routine procedure, he did have to receive general anesthesia. So we asked for anointing of the sick from his favorite priest and rector of his school. After I told him about the scheduled anointing, he asked me every 15 minutes when we were going to see Padre.

This was a really sweet sacrament. I received it before my placenta accreta delivery.

The Fifth was so pleased. It’s amazing what 7 minutes of attention can do for a child.

Three of the boys wanted to observe, thanks to DH and the good men in their lives.

There is so much peace that flows through every sacrament.

His teacher messaged us in the morning.:

Have I mentioned I love our school?!

He was blissfully naive going into it and received gas before the IV. They began 11 minutes early and were out in the lobby telling me it went well before I finished my Rosary.

They gave me complimentary coffee and a cookie, which were warmly welcomed!

He came out of it without pain and a little silly but hearing well!

The chant is to drown out the sound of the patient across the hall. I didn’t realize it would play over the video.

He saw four eyes on my head.:

His reward.:

We love him so much!

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All Caucasians Look the Same

Or do they…? We are so happy to have all the kids at the same school for this solitary year!

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FOO Photos

Family of original professional photos are back. It was so nice to have everyone together again!

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