A Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a nice day overall. Unfortunately, I forgot to take the camera with me to my sister's, and I didn't realize Shawn had it with us at Nonie & Poppy's until the end of the night. Thus, I don't have any pictures from the day, but I thought I'd post Joshua's school picture that I just picked up. Didn't he look so handsome?

Shawn went out early Thanksgiving morning to buy a newspaper (so we could look at the Black Friday ads) and a breakfast sandwich from Sheetz, which wasn't fantastic but saved us from cooking that morning. The thought of it was truly sweet. The boys enjoyed playing that morning while we scoped out the ads and then we all dressed in nicer khaki, cream, brown and orange colors to head to our first meal. My sister Jen hosted my side of the family, which included Grandpa Georgia, Becky & Tim, our family and Jen's entire family (Grandma & Ken opted not to come this year). Dad bought all the ingredients and helped peel potatoes, and Jen & Mike made most of the meal that day. The turkey was delicious, and they also had mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, homemade rolls and stuffing. Becky brought salad and sparkling grape juice and we took the pumpkin and apple pies. My boys barely ate two bites before they wanted to get down and play with their cousins, but us adults enjoyed the meal (thanks for hosting, Jen!).

We left late to get the boys a short nap before heading to Berks County for our second meal with Nonie & Poppy. Poppy makes an outstanding, moist turkey every year, and all the fixings that everyone contribute are also really good. Unfortunately, I wasn't really hungry (I actually didn't feel well most of that day), but I still sampled a few bites of a few things, which is again more than the boys ate. Joshua didn't eat at all there, but he was so excited to play and we didn't want to fight with him on the holiday.

Joshua loves playing with his cousin Jordon, and Jordon gave both boys a great big bear hug before they left that night. It was adorable (and I was sad I didn't get a picture of it!). We enjoyed catching up with the adults, too. Great Grandma Mary told me at the end of the evening "Have a good pregnancy." Thinking she was going to say "Have a good night," I responded "You, too." Then I laughed and said "uh, I guess not. I meant have a good night." She chuckled, too.

We had a really good time at both events, and the boys highly enjoyed playing. They came home and went to bed while we finished making our plans for the following day. The next day we watched the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving episode with the boys, and I was reminded once again what the people went through to come to America. Most of them died along the journey or at the conditions here after they arrived. But, God provided for the remaining families, and most of the children survived the entire ordeal.

Once again, I was thankful for God's provision. There are many times that I wish we had more money in general. But, I was reminded that we come into this world naked and naked we depart. The things that are most important in life we have in abundance. I am particularly thankful for a God who gives us unending grace and provided salvation for us, a husband who never ceases to amaze me and who I love completely, two precious little boys who are healthy and happy, another baby to love, extended family to spend time with, friends who make life more enjoyable, the Bible as a road map to life, a house that keeps us warm and out of the elements, reliable transportation, clothing, food and most of all love. In reality, I have more than most folks, even if it's not in terms of worldly wealth. So, here's to thankful heart and a joyous holiday season! Happy Thanksgiving!

A Work of Art

In keeping with the theme of Thanksgiving, I'm assuming the above creation (which Joshua made at preschool) was supposed to be a turkey, but it reminded me an awful lot of a potato head as well. The Monday of Thanksgiving week, I called Grandpa Georgia to see if he wanted to get our shopping done that day instead of Tuesday. We had planned to go out the following day, but the forecast was calling for rain. So, he agreed to go Monday instead. Our first stop was the farmer's stand for cheap apples, followed by Costco for some things I needed like wipes and pesto sauce for a casserole I was planning on making that evening. Next we went to Giant, where I purchased pie crust since I don't own a rolling pin. It was a busy morning out, and thankfully the boys were well-behaved. That night for dinner I made my pesto tortellini casserole, and it tasted really good. Joshua ate quite a bit of it!

The above picture is of Joshua's "gray squirrel" from preschool which he glued 'fur' on. Some were completely covered in fur - Joshua's must need some Rogaine! Tuesday morning while the Bean was at preschool, Grandpa came over to help me peel and slice apples. Unfortunately, our microwave (which is also our second oven, built into our cabinetry) died. It smelled really hot and plastic-like but didn't heat anything up. I was devastated. As I read my recipe, which called for melted butter, I had to do everything on the stove top, which stank. I was so annoyed! How can anyone live without a microwave these days? I baked four apple pies that morning while Joshua was in school, giving two to Dad to take to Aunt Jen's for Thanksgiving Day, along with a pumpkin pie, one to him to share with Uncle Jim & Aunt Karen, and kept one back to take to Nonie & Poppy's with another pumpkin pie.

When it was time to get Joshua from preschool, the oven was still going, so Grandpa agreed to stay behind with Caleb. Caleb loves to have "little talks" and Grandpa asked him to have one. He started by asking "who's your girlfriend?" like he does to Joshua on occasion (who always answers 'mama'). But, Caleb surprised him and said, "Aunt Jen." Haaa!!! The pictures below are of Joshua's pizza and ice cream cone art. Yummy! They did a healthy foods 'study' at school, and when asked his favorite food, Joshua replied "bread."

Joshua was also asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving. Most children responded 'my family' but not the Bean. His response was "playing and watching movies." Another child answered "ketchup." So cute! Love these little responses. The day after Thanksgiving, Joshua told us that he was thankful for Mommy, Daddy and Caleb. :) :) :)

On Wednesday, Joshua had a little 'Thanksgiving Feast' at preschool, where he told me he did NOT try the soup but did enjoy the rolls. He had this little turkey place mat to hand me, and he was so proud of his turkey. It's laminated, and it describes his answers for how to cook a turkey. In case you can't read it, it says (his answers will be in caps) "First I would get a turkey FROM THE FARM. Then I would put it in THE TREE and sprinkle it with SOME FEATHERS. I would cook it for ONE HOUR. When it was done, we would START TO EAT. It will taste delicious." No wonder he didn't want to eat the soup!

Grandma came over Wednesday afternoon to visit the boys a little, and that evening I had worship practice. I remember years past going out for the night before Thanksgiving, but not this year. My 'partying' happens with my little guys now, and it's fun in a much different but more meaningful way.

The Works

Saturday, November 20, was another gorgeous day in PA for being as late in the season as it was. That day was pretty productive in the Good household as well (thanks to an awesome Daddy & husband). He cleaned out my car and took it through the car wash, and he started blowing and raking the leaves into piles. We let the boys play in the back yard in one pile as I put the rest into our yard trash cans to then take out to the street. Thankfully, Manheim Township comes and sucks up all the leaves on a regular schedule. The boys highly enjoyed playing in them! And they were also helpers in cleaning them up when it was time to go in.

After we were done with the leaves, Joshua asked if they could play more in the garage. Since it was a gorgeous day, we said sure. He immediately got out his bike, which he's quickly outgrowing (I have it on good authority that Santa - or really, Grandma - might be getting him a new bigger one for Christmas). They love to play in the garage and driveway! Caleb also got on his bike and was really pedaling for the first time. He's also outgrown the little bike, so he will inherit Joshua's 12" bike when the Bean gets his new one. Daddy helped Caleb with his momentum, and both boys enjoyed the outdoor time!
 

After nap time, we headed up to Berks County to meet Shawn's extended family at the Works. Shawn's cousin Don's wife Jess (if you followed that) organized the gathering, and we had a group of 20+ people who met to eat dinner together and play at the arcade. Unfortunately, as we were grabbing our coats to leave, Joshua smashed his finger in our closet doors, which are extremely heavy wood. All around the nail kept bleeding and bleeding, and he bawled. We felt so bad for him. He asked us to kiss it and pray for it, and then he kept telling us that God must still be working on it because it still really hurt. I wasn't sure that we should still go, but Shawn thought that it would be okay. Joshua did better than I expected that night, actually, with how bad he was feeling as we left.

When we got there, Joshua told everyone how he was going to sit next to his beloved cousin Jordon. Then, one of Shawn's youngest cousins sat next to him, and he burst into big tears. Everyone moved down a seat so that there was still space for Jordon, who gladly sat next to the Bean when he arrived. Joshua told us that Jordon is his "bestest buddy," which I thought was cute. Jordon is four years older than Joshua, but he's so good about playing with him. The boys then went to play some arcade games, and there's a ball place there that costs more money to get into. Unfortunately, it was so packed that Shawn didn't think it was safe for the boys to enter, so we opted not to. But, the boys fell apart when we said no, so it was time to go. It was close to bedtime and had been a busy (but fun!) day. They did fine once we left and headed for home.

That night I didn't sleep well, so Shawn let me sleep in in the morning. He took Joshua on a Daddy-son date that morning, and I took Caleb to the later service of church. Joshua picked out some toys that he wanted for Christmas (including the above "MAC" truck) and then they went to Barnes & Nobles for a "pink cookie" for Joshua and some fun for Daddy. I called once Caleb & I were out of church, and I told Daddy I simply MUST have some pickles. He agreed to pick some up on the way home, along with some lunch at Giant for us.

That night, we broke out the game "Chutes & Ladders" for the first time. I had honestly forgotten that we even had it, and Joshua is at the perfect age for it. (Caleb still gets a little bored after the first spin or two). We had a fun night playing it before tucking the boys in bed.

And thus ended our last weekend before Thanksgiving!

Fall Fun Friday

On Friday, November 19, Grandpa Georgia called and invited us to breakfast. He caught us on a morning that we hadn't eaten yet, so I said 'sure!' I drove the boys to his place to pick him up, and we rode together to the Willow Street Family Restaurant, one of his new favorites. The food was good, and both boys ate very well - pancakes, Grandpa's toast, and bacon were all pretty well polished off. Afterward, I stopped on the way back through to pick up milk while Grandpa waited with the boys in the car. They played the 'car game' where they tried to guess what color the next car would be to pull in the parking lot. Joshua, especially, LOVED this game!

When we got home, I took the boys for a walk. It was chilly (as you can tell by the blankets), but because I was feeling well that day, I knew it was the perfect opportunity to get outside. The leaves were just breathtakingly beautiful, and I had to snap a few pictures as we walked. We also picked up some leaves to make a craft that afternoon.

When we got back, for the first time (I guess), Joshua noticed that Jack wasn't on our porch. Of course, the pumpkin we carved was thrown in the trash on Halloween (since it was a Sunday and trash went the next morning). I tried to make it sound fun - "Jack went on a trip to the dump." But, Joshua didn't buy it. He cried and cried that our friend was gone. Thereafter, we started our fall crafts, but the boys soon got tired and went to sleep. It had been a busy morning!

But, we finished the crafts later on that week. That morning, we first picked out the color of construction paper we wanted and then glued the leaves on.

Then as they dried, we traced our hand prints on brown construction paper. Joshua has gotten really good at tracing his own hand, and it's one of his favorite things to do! Caleb sat very still as I traced his hand. Then I cut out the hands and glued them to light colored construction paper. That was it for the day, as I put everything up to dry.

That night, we had Miranda come to watch the boys while Shawn took me on a date. He received a gift card to the Olive Garden from his work for being there over five years, so we enjoyed dinner out together. He had hoped to go on to the mall or Borders, but I wasn't feeling well that night, so we opted just to come home. Plus, our babysitter had been to the dentist that day, and she came with her mouth really puffy. I was nervous she wasn't feeling well either, but she seemed fine (as did the boys) when we got home. Hopefully we can have more fun dates in the future! I do love that amazing husband of mine! As I recall, we put the boys in jammies and watched a family movie together all snuggled on the couch that evening, but I don't truly remember, it's sad to say.

The following Monday, we finished our crafts that we had started. First, after getting them in their art apparel and preparing the paint, I took a picture of each boy next to his hand print.

 They posed for the camera quickly before digging into the paint.

 The idea was to make these into turkeys, painting feathers on the brown fingers. Caleb always starts with blue (his favorite color) and Joshua typically starts with green, his favorite.

Each boy carefully painted his turkey the way he wanted it to look. Thankfully, the paint is washable and so is the table cloth as Caleb got a little wild with his paint running off the side of his turkey.

Both boys highly enjoy doing crafts. Too bad the smell of the paint is a little nauseating. But, it was fun, and I painted one as well.

 When Joshua was finished, I gave him a crayon to write his name on the bottom of his paper. I thought he did a great job!

 Here's Joshua's finished turkey, and him proudly showing it off (isn't it adorable?):

 And here's Caleb showing off his finished turkey hand print (I helped him write his name on his).

And here's Mommy's finished turkey hand print, and the three paintings together as they were drying on our kitchen counter.

Next, we worked on making our leaf people. I explained that each person should get a head, legs, arms, maybe feet and hands and whatever else they wanted to give them to make them special. Here was Joshua's, which he completed by himself. Not too bad! He also signed his name on this one, but the light crayon on the dark green paper didn't show up on the picture that I took.

 

 Here were my leaf people, which I did mainly to show them what we were doing with the leaf craft.

 And here was Caleb's masterpiece, which I helped with a little bit to show him. He liked putting big green splotches of color on the bottom, trying to make their faces, I'm guessing. He did decorate some of the other parts as well, though:

And here were the three leaf artwork pieces drying together (which have since made their way to the trash can). But, we had fun that day finishing them all up! We love fall fun!

The Bean is the Big 5-0!

On Thursday, November 18, Joshua turned 50 months old. I see him growing in so many ways, and yet he will always be my 'baby.' One thing that is definitely changing is his imagination, which is growing in leaps and bounds. He told Daddy that he built our house for him, he tells us that he thinks the sharks might come in if we don't lock our doors, and many other 'tall tales.' But, his toys also interact as he plays with them, which is fascinating to watch.

Joshua's singing voice is also pretty impressive (if you ask me, and as his mom, I'm sure I'm biased!). He remembers the words to so many songs, and he sings in tune. Even his preschool teacher commented on how well he sings, as did someone at our church. He also told his preschool teacher that we sing a 'leaves' song everyday at home (a song that I don't even know!). Haaaa!!! I realize that at this age, he's not trying to lie, but I've read that kids at this age have such vivid imaginations that they forget what's real and what they've made up in their mind and have a hard time distinguishing between the two.

On Joshua's actual 50th birthday, he went to preschool. That evening, after dinner, Daddy rearranged the boys' bedroom (with a little help from the mama). Shawn no more than finished the project and said "this should keep them from jumping from Joshua's bed onto Caleb's" when the Bean shot off his bed and projected into the air onto Caleb's, which is now further away. He immediately received a time out (where Caleb is sitting in the above picture with his Christmas teddy bear), and they haven't done it since. Silly boys!

Caleb is still sleeping on the trundle bed, which we have not popped up yet. He's fallen out twice that I've heard, but luckily it's just a short roll onto the floor. Joshua seems to enjoy sharing his room, which makes me happy. As much as he hoards his toys, he enjoys spending time with his little brother and enjoys the company in his room. While that hasn't stopped the Bean from coming over to our room in the middle of the night to 'snuggle' or because he's scared or has to go potty, he now doesn't want to go to bed without Caleb Luke with him.

We had fun in our pajamas that evening before turning in for the night. The boys love to sing night-night to the whole family, so it's become tradition that Daddy & I take turns snuggling the boys and we all sing together before saying prayers and tucking them in their blankets.

Joshua is doing well with writing and letter sounds. He also enjoys doing crafts, playing with cars and trucks and plains and trains, and spending time with other people. He is definitely a people person! He also has a fiery temper, but I think it's because he has such an exuberant personality - when he's happy, there's nothing better. When he's sad, it's big tears. When he's angry, YIKES! But, that's part of what makes him special.

Joshua is a big helper, and I think he's very trustworthy. I can't explain exactly what I mean, but I trust him not to get into things that he shouldn't, to help people if I'm not here and a babysitter needs something, etc. It's a nice feeling. I think he's growing to be a super neat kiddo! And I love him to pieces. Happy 50th birthday, my 'big' little Bean!