Instead of writing what I am thankful for, I have been enjoying those things the past couple of weeks. Other reasons kept me from the computer as well, but here is my short recap of our Thanksgiving. It was wonderful to see both sides of my family for a few days in a row. First mine, then Matthew’s, then mine again. Thanksgiving morning was spent with Pop & Grandmom and the Weldons. I just can’t take enough pictures of these two.
We played a Thankful game which Mom made up. I pulled the card about a man, and got to gush on my wooly husband. He hasn’t shaved or cut his hair this month which makes him look very different. His eyes looked tired in most of the pictures, so I told him to keep them open wide and got the funny one in the corner. I loved every minute spent with him during Thanksgiving.
Back at my parents’ house, we took a walk through the 500-acre wood. My dad made a scavenger hunt of trees and other forest-y things to observe. It was lovely.
Hanging out with Daddy is one of the best things in the world!
Our wonderful host and hostess for the weekend… they put up with many mouths to feed, many messes to clean, and many noises to be heard!
One of my favorite parts was just being with my sisters and mom! I don’t know if we’ve ever had a picture of just us! I am thankful for my family.
family
Little Pumpkins
Today I’m thankful for the farm where we get our milk. Pumpkin patch photo ops, and sweet kids of our love. I’m thankful for my family and the crackling fire at my in-laws. I’m thankful for the freedom Christ has given to live victoriously and with joy. Something I’m learning more about each day.
Eighty
On Sunday we celebrated the 80th birthday of Matthew’s grandmom. She is a beautiful lady, rich in history.
We had such a great time with our family! Grandmom’s life is full of grace and strength. We joked around about her many sayings, like, “Marguerite, Marguerite, wash your feet.” She always laughs like it’s the first time she’s said or heard it.
As usual, there was a conglomeration of things going on. Volleyball. Bubbles. Running around. Handstands. Climbing flagpoles.
Our family with Pop and Grandmom… missing the four in Italy!
We ended the night with sparklers!
Under the Fish Lights Again
It’s hard to believe that a week ago we were driving home with five rambunctious kids, sad to leave the shore house, which no matter how long you stay there, is never long enough. A week of school, finally unpacking, seventeen loads of laundry (or so), and twenty-one meals. Yesterday I pulled a twelve-hour shift of non-stop kids, chattering, tidying, schooling, and somewhere in there a cup or two of hot tea! My hat goes off to those mamas who solo it every day. It just happened to be an extra long day of work and other commitments for Matthew, and the sound of his rusty old truck parking outside makes my heart skip a beat, and then settle into a gentle rhythm of, “He’s home… he’s home…”
Our time at the shore house was thankfully not plagued by any strange throw-up bugs, or deluges, and we made it through four days without going to the laundromat! Now that’s exciting! Playing Balderdash one night under the fish lights and laughing our guts out reaches pretty high on my list of favorite memories. I had my handy-dandy voice recorder secretly going, and caught a bunch of hilarity that way, including the moment when the bench that Matt’s parents were sitting on collapsed. I think we were super relaxed by laughing so hard, that thankfully they weren’t hurt… and so we laughed some more!
We also had fun with sparklers, taking bike rides, and drinking slushies.
One morning, some went fishing while some of us stayed behind and played super-woman and phase ten.
We also took a trip to the boardwalk one night. I had a blast doing the screaming swing with Nadine again. Elijah rode the go-karts and spun himself silly on the tornado. Elsie loved the rides even more this year. Jack was about a quarter-inch too short for the rollercoaster. Betty wanted to do everything but couldn’t. Next year should be epic!
Second Annual Kids’ Day
Our second annual Kid’s Day was a huge success! It began with a breakfast of waffles, chocolate ice-cream and bacon!
Our first stop was the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia!
The kids have been begging to go there for a long time. First, we explored the giant heart!
Nadine and I also rode the “sky bike” high above the atrium! It was scarier than I thought!
Then we sat on the front steps and ate popcorn.
The highlight for me was when Matthew bought me cotton candy! I looked at the street vendor with the same longing as a little kid. Something about never getting it growing up, makes cotton candy, chocolate chips, and m&m’s all things that will never grow old for me. Cotton candy. Oh, my heart.
Our next stop was Grandma Weldon’s where we dropped the little two girls off, since they aren’t super restaurant savvy yet. Then the five of us went to Red Robin for supper! It was delish! Their choice of eats.
Our last stop was a mini-golf place, where the three of them played 18 holes. Elijah was most consistent, and Nadine came in second. Jack was the winner of the most holes-in-one and his first two shots were both a hole-in-one. On the second one, Elijah’s ball actually bumped Jack’s ball, which ricocheted off the edge and then rolled into the hole! It was exciting! 
It was a great day. We’re so thankful for our five amazing blessings. It’s exciting to celebrate our family together and make memories in this way. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
What Really Happened
Out of all the comments posted, trying to figure out why we were laughing so hard in these pictures, only one person was close to being correct. Indeed, there was some bathing suit slippage going on for my dear husband. The poor guy is still wearing the same bathing suit he wore on our honeymoon, over ten years ago. Let’s just say, it’s lived a good life.
In order to keep it up, he figured out that by handily hooking the elastic band around his neck, it effectively kept up his suit. He’s a handy guy!
There. Now your curiosity is abated. I hope you get a good laugh. We sure did! Now I think it’s officially time for some new drawers.
Funny Freeze-Frame Moments
Betty just makes me chuckle. Her accessories now include fuzzy hello kitty slippers. It doesn’t matter if it’s 90 degrees with 99 percent humidity outside, she loves to wear them.
The other thing she loves to do is be with her big sisters.
My first attempt at shooting a picture with all three girls in their matching dresses that Grandma made. Betty kept walking towards me, and I don’t realize how very tall Nadine is, until trying to stage all three of them together. Every time she would kneel down, so would the other two, which still made for an awkward angle. I love how Betty gives her cheesiest grin whenever a camera, or a phone, or anything resembling either of those things, is pointed in her direction.
On Sunday, we had a fun family picnic with the Weldons and my sister-in-law’s parents. It was so much fun! Betty loved the pool, and actually swam in just swimmies and without me holding her! She doesn’t mind water in her face. My all-time favorite moment of the day was putting her into this get-up. Thanks to Capri for shooting this picture with her camera while I was in the water. I couldn’t stop laughing! The swimmies kept her little body from slipping down through the tube, and she just floated around the pool, jabbering away and loving it.
There were other really funny moments, which we’ll leave out of print. But I’d love to know what you think we’re laughing about.
If at least twenty people comment about what they think is so funny, I will tell you. Those of you who were there, are not allowed to say!
Today in Fast Motion
Today I gave a start when I looked in the mirror. It was time to rush out to the dentist for a last-minute appointment for the older two kids. Matthew was covered in white dust from scraping the grout off our shower walls all afternoon. Betty had been crying most of the day, for no apparent reason. Every kid was slicked in sweat from our lack of air-conditioning. I did some strange up-do with what I had on hand, but my failed hair-cut has given me some grief. No chance of the much-needed shower since the bathroom was out of commission. I tried not to look in the mirror before rushing out the door. The solace of air-conditioning at the dentist office helped soothe the gravely nerves produced on this hot, claustrophobic day. Back home we came, to a supper of wheat thins, cheese, and no-bakes. I am not always culinary. Back out we went for a last-minute invite to VBS. This has been the highlight of my day. Quiet. Knowing my kids are cool and having fun. Betty happily waved “night night” to me as she collapsed into bed. Did I mention that it’s quiet?
Another highlight was the blessing of being able to order all the kids’ schoolbooks for this school year. We have never ever done this before. Always dribs and drabs. This year, all in one shebang. I can hardly wait!
My body is sticky with sweat. My hair is a-maz-ing. I am in awe of a beautiful and ginormous bouquet of flowers from a friend, that are sharing the table with me. Most of the house is messy. That’s ok, though. Some days Mary Poppins just doesn’t show up.
Beach Memories and a Little Lesson in French
Today we drove into Philly to pick up Matthew’s race packet. Twenty-seven is my new favorite number, for my favorite guy who will be sporting bib number 27 for 24 hours. My butterflies are still in full flight, but he’s calm as a cucumber, reading on the couch across from me. The two little girls are at Grandpa & Grandma’s, and the older three are here with us at the Weldon’s.
I finally went through my fourth of July pictures when we were at the shore. There weren’t very many to choose from, since we were sick and my camera spent a lot of time in its bag. But these are my favorites:
I had so much fun clicking pictures of my little sneaker-stomper this week. Betty proudly walks around and our latest game has been to practice saying words together. Her favorite is when I say, “Diaper,” the way she says it. She laughs a belly laugh then mimics “diapur!” Try to imagine saying diaper with a French accent. Betty has the perfect French accent. “One, twooo,” with the sweetest French “U” sound. If you are wondering what I mean, try these six steps to make a perfect French “u” sound:
- Open your mouth.
- Say O.
- Draw out the O until your lips are where they would be to make a W sound.
- Purse your lips as tightly as you can.
- Keeping your lips pursed, say E.
- Voilà the French U!
Ma petite fille douce!
Stay tuned for post-race news next week! Thanks so much for praying for us!
Impromptu Family Reunion
It’s the first day of summer, and while the world complains about the heat, I actually enjoy it. This morning I enjoyed some early morning gardening, thankful that I can stand without too much pain today. Two days ago I found myself flat on my face at the top of our stairs, the second toe of my left foot throbbing like mad. It was almost numb and yet on fire at the same time. Without an actual x-ray to confirm it, I’m 99% sure it’s broken. Its black and blue self stares back at me as I prop up my feet. I’m thankful that I don’t have to be anywhere or do anything. I’m thankful for a lot of things. The last week was a whirlwind of family and sisters and my brother and cousins galore. It was packed with many fun moments and the time went way too quickly. I’m thankful for the photos of this past weekend, which keep cheering me up. It’s hard to choose a few out of a couple hundred pictures, but these are definitely my favorites of this week:
I remember when these guys were all little babies, about 6 months apart each.
I was obsessed with this tree at Valley Forge.
Cousins minus the four Watts.
Nadine kept picking flowers and putting them places to honor the soldiers who died at Valley Forge. It was beautiful.
Betty and Auntie Heather holding hands.
I was also obsessed by these weeds. So pretty. So painful to touch. So much like some choices we make. They look so good, so appealing, yet bring pain and choke out what’s truly beneficial.
This little guy is a heart-melter.
Jack walked the entire time carrying his backpack and this huge stick. It’s how he does things.
At last, all seventeen cousins together!
Creek walking is something we did way back when the entire tall crowd were mere munchkins.
I love my brother and everyone loves him!
Jack, finding the biggest rock to throw. In his mind, skipping rocks means heaving heavy boulders.
A few of the kids who went swimming.
After Audrey found a host of feathers, most of the boys became Indians. Jack’s war dance was especially funny. He found a shoe string in the creek, which became part of his attire.
On my brother’s birthday, we all enjoyed cream puffs under the shade of the hundred-acre-wood, also known as my parents’ front yard.
Sisters are the best!
Another highlight of the week was Betty learning to walk. Just before 18 months, she took her first steps, and every day now she is getting more confident. She also learned how to climb ladders.
We enjoyed a campfire one night at my sister’s.
I’ll close with my favorite picture of the entire week. 
Grow Old With Me 