Thanksgiving 2013

This is obviously my "WHY are you taking a picture in the middle of my project," face? 

I started the turkey the night before. This frees up the oven for a multitude of dishes. Arielle and Krista were my fantastic-over-the-top-fantastic Kitchen Assistants. BreAnne helped keep our peopler happy and the other kids occupied.

Playing in the backyard

Stacia, Arielle, Krista, Bre

More playing - and waiting for the Turkey 

Nolan, Arielle, Dakota

 Below we are enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner in the living room. It worked well.....and gave the Men a way to bond - moving tables and carpets - repeatedly.

Michael continued work on the Empire State Building

The final piece

Relaxing...

BreAnne and Izaak

I love this photo of three of the girls

Krista, Stacia, Arielle

 Nolan was Michael's puzzle assistant the past week

When I decorated the living room Michael and one or two of the kids commented on how I left glass breakables down. We realized we no longer have any small children. There was concern  young children who visit may be tempted...but we've had several groups of pre-schoolers over with no mishaps. Who would have guessed the rowdiest group in the living room would be when the older kids came home?????

This is a game created by Kent....which means we will forever think of Kent whenever Gherkins gather and favorite games commence.  Snake is a variation of tag.  The game begins with one person being a snake. They are destined to roll around the floor. Those standing run around and avoid being tagged by the "snake." When tagged - you must then roll around the ground. Try it - it's fun  - or so they tell me.  Though Krista has a headache and will need to refrain from this game today.

They look downright sinister - soon to be Uncle Nolan and Dakota

Bre and Me

  

The girls and me (Missing Shelby)

Bre, Stacia, Me
Krista & Arielle

All the Women - Thanksgiving 2013

Arielle, Stacia, Krista, Bre
Me, Mom Mary, Mom Jan 

 

All the Men - Thanksgiving 2013 (Missing Josiah, Jamin, Jared)

Dad & Michael
Nolan, Alex, Izaak, Dakota

 Manly Men 

Nolan beats in the "smolder" category

Dinner was done. We'd visited. We couldn't reach the others on Skype. Thus began the discussion on a game....Bre INSISTED on Mafia (separate post).  After a rousing-never-to-be-forgotten game of Mafia, we Skyped with the Texan Gherkins and watched Tim Hawkins.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

"All" Are Here

I reached an all-time low as a daughter today. I switched roles with my mother. She commented her sugar was high this a.m. We went for lunch and she ordered a sandwich and an ice cream and I told her, "No, you can't have ice cream." Oh, the perplexed look I got. She replied she always gets one.  At this point a sane De'Etta would have let it drop...but I claim Thanksgiving brain or something.....

"You can't have one. I'm not letting the kids have ice cream. Your sugar was high this a.m." 

I don't think Mom could comprehend that her DAUGHTER was bossing her around like this. 

Then I did it. I told the cashier, "I'm paying. She won't have the ice cream." 

We've laughed about it since. Mom says I'm mothering her. I'm shocked.

After a Thanksgiving service at the base, we headed home to wait....all was ready.  The welcome Krista and Mom Mary tea table.

Trailer for our boys, Izaak, Dakota and Mom and Dad

They're here! Krista picked up Mom Mary in Grants Pass, OR this morning. They took her car to a friends and she and Grandma drove to CA.

 Sister Spa....

I made an EASY dinner of spaghetti and meatballs and then we had family circle. We had each picked a leaf from the tree and shared those verses.

Love this picture

The final guests arrive - it appears BreAnne is not the world's best navigator. ::snort:: 

We reheated dinner for the final four and then visited - far into the night/morning. We miss the boys and Shelby....but we plan to enjoy having family around to the fullest.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

The Day Before the Storm

The day began bright and early with this sight...Yuuki KNOWS she isn't allowed on the couches...but evidently she thought a couch turned into bed may be fair game?????

SHE KNOWS - Yuuki with Grandpa

 Pictureka

Arielle has become a huge help in the kitchen. It was great fun to work with her. We made a vegan "cheese ball" and a non-vegan cheese ball, two kinds of cookies, a vegan Chocolate Cream Pie, two kinds of muffins, Chocolate Cashews and gift bags for our guests.

Arielle and I discovered this kitchen is TOO BIG! ::snort:: I will need to wear my New Balance on cooking days from here on out. LOL 

Genetics Illustrated! I've admitted I'm addicted.

I told Arielle to beat the chocolate for 3 minutes. I turned to another project, heard the timer and found THIS. Yes, she is asleep!

I got dinner started and Arielle finished it....turkey meatloaf, sweet potatoes, salad, oven baked fries, pudding, veggies, and steamed green beans.....

We discussed Psalm 100 in Family Circle and then these four hit the tub.....while Michael worked on repairing a puzzle support which had been crumbled.....and Mom and I picked up.

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Family Circle

Today, the girls, Grandma and I took our lives in our hands and ventured out to Walmart. It was very good to have a team to conquer the crowds and the list. ::wink:: 

We spent the rest of the day  playing games, visiting, napping, walking..... a restful day. 

We finished discussing "I am the Light of the World," tonight (John 8:12).  We focused on "...whoever follows me will not walk in darkness...." We'll break from the "I am sayings of Jesus" until after Advent.  

Legacy

We wanted to be sure the kids understood that yes...we ARE to walk in the light....but sometimes we will still sin...and one sin doesn't mean you are no longer walking in the light...it means you need to follow closer....I saw an illustration I knew would work well for our younger ones. 

This is me....walking in the darkness....doing some good things under the blanket...but still under the darkness. 

The kids are walking in the light....but the spots represent sin....and they are collecting some.  We talked through I John 1:5-9. 

Stacia illustrates a person covered with spots....and we talked about how we need to agree with God that our actions are sin...and he will forgive us and cleanse us. "This is sin...." and the spots went away. 

Sort of reminds me of the Monkey dance

 Michael then walked around as Jesus and I stayed close to him - imitating him  - following him.....and then I jumped away to find a sin....because when we are imitating Jesus we will not sin. 

Michael loves his new camera. ::grin:: Soon the new bouncy flash will be here.....and my new camera.....

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...

Grandparents are Here

Mom and Dad called and said they'd be down Saturday to spend a few extra days with us. They ended up arriving today (Sunday) instead.  When everyone got here after chapel we headed out for lunch and then enjoyed an afternoon evening of visiting and playing. 

Kids teach Grandparents how to play Gin Rummy

Michael continues working on "the puzzle"

This is the start of our Thanksgiving celebration.  This is the first time in years (decades I think) where we've lived close enough to have family come for the holidays.  It's a bit different not to be looking for guests.....but we're thrilled to have family around this year. 

Choosing Joy!
©2013 D.R.G.
~Coram Deo~
Living all of life before the face of God...