Thanksgiving 2022

 

Thanksgiving 2022 was my first Thanksgiving apart from my kids.  We (obviously!) still had a Thanksgiving dinner together and celebrated the gifts God has given us most especially in each other! 

I love these beautiful kiddos and their hearts so much.  They are so strong and so brave and because they are their hurting hearts often get ignored because everyone assumes they are fine.  This is a tough part of out faith.  People can be resilient, strong fighters who are simultaneously hurting and broken too. People can persevere and find joy, while still suffering and sorrowing as well.  People can choose to love and forgive, but still be experiencing deep grief.  I am SO proud of my kids for being fighters and looking for joy everywhere despite pain.  They are my heroes. 

But being alone for the actual holiday was a bit daunting for me. When I mentioned that to my brother, he and his wife were quick to offer to help fly me out to VA so I would not be alone. 

I got to pick up my nieces and nephews with my sis-in-law!

We drew, we colored, we played games

My oldest brother Sean also lives in VA and I got to spend several days with his family too!

Finn liked to take really flattering pictures of me

Sean and Tracy

I love you two so much.  Thank you for always being there for me. 

Scott carving turkey #1

Sean carving turkey #2

dessert!

It was so wonderful to be around these beautiful nieces and nephews of mine.  

I am not going to lie.  It was difficult too.  My heart was so broken that my own kids were not there with us, thanking God, and hanging out with their amazing cousins.  My heart was hurting not getting to hold and hug my OWN babies everyday. I am beyond grateful that my brothers and sisters-in-law are not just siblings, but dear friends.  I truly do not know what I would do in a situation like this if I did not have so many many very dear friends which include most deeply my brothers and sisters (in laws included because I consider them brothers and sisters). They check in regularly not just to make sure I'm physically ok or even financially ok, but to make sure I'm emotionally and spiritually ok.  They ask how my heart is and they listen.  They ask how my faith life is and they listen.  

And what a blessing to have all these amazing nieces and nephews that loved on me so well.  I enjoyed our conversations and all the many games we played and the laughter we shared.  I'm so proud of each and every one of you and the truly wonderful and kind people that you are. 

I even got to catch up with my college bestie for a short bit.  We (as usual) laughed and cried and acted like complete goofballs at times.  Love you, Bernadette. 

Can't wait to see you all again soon!!!!!!!

November re-cap 2019

You guys. 

 I hardly remember November from last year, but I'm going to try because this blog has been a beautiful way to "scrapbook" and document our family life and fun.  

We were given some hand-me-down dress up clothes.  

Sophie in this batman costume just tickled me.  

We attended a Knights of Columbus soccer challenge.

Kayla made it to the championships for her age group and was the CHAMP.  

She was so proud.  

And so thoroughly embarrassed being in the limelight.  

But she was proud.  

And we were proud. 

I took the littles up to the Mother Cabrini shrine on her feast day. 

It was beautiful. 

This is my most favorite Rosary mystery. 

The Visitation

But the Nativity is a close second.  Bring me all the babies.  

Especially baby Jesus!

This statue of Jesus is gi-normous.  And visible from I-70

"Love, and God will take care of the rest." 

It's kind of become my motto.  And it's a good one.  

I really loved this Our Lady of Guadalupe.  So beautiful and different!

We spent some time in the chapel saying hello to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.  

Family Rosary in the Church with the Knights!

After the Rosary upstairs in the church, we headed downstairs to make advent wreaths.  

And have hot chocolate

And popcorn.  

Chris was THE man.  

Chris made these amazing grilled stuffed jalepenos wrapped in pork.  

Sounds weird.  Looks even weirder maybe, but they were 

DELICIOUS!!!

And yes, they are fully cooked.  Meat gets that pinkish thing when it's smoked.  Chris is excellent on the grill and always to be trusted.  

I have no idea what was going on here other than that my kids are sleeping.  Perhaps just a random, exciting-for-mom afternoon nap they both took one day.  

Colorado skies always amaze. 

Just a casual breakfast in a box.  

Kolbe's guitar antics are THE best.  

Our fav treat for St. Cecilia's feast day (Nov 22)-- 

graham and chocolate piano keys for the patron saint of music.  

This was one of Chris' incredible creations

S'mores cheesecake

Museum of Nature and Science during Thanksgiving break

It was a rough day. They enjoyed things.  They also whined a lot which drives every mom in the world nuts.  But every day is not a perfect day, every trip is not a perfect experience. 

 BUT there WAS a lot of joy mixed in and some really fun memories made together despite the general lack of enthusiasm that day.  

Kolbe had his first dental appointment that afternoon.  

He was thrilled (really, he just goofed for that picture).  

He wanted the prize at the end so badly.  

beautiful snowy evening

We got some BIG snow right around Thanksgiving!

We made snow angels together.  

Even mom.  

Thanksgiving was one AMAZING meal.  I made pecan and pumpkin pie.  

I tried a jalepeno cornbread stuff that was excellent

This smelled SO good.  It was the rub or whatever you call it that Chris put on the turkey

And his turkey was mouth-wateringly good.  

We had friends and family over.  

After dinner games

Chris' brother, Nick, made a delish apple pie and I made a gluten free cherry strudel thing in addition to the other two pies mentioned earlier.  

It was a day filled with YUM!!!

Putting up the first of the Christmas decorations.  

Chris went fishing here with some friends from the Knights

Gingerbread houses with friends!

And that is November in a nut shell.  I'm glad I got to it before November rolled around again.