so very thankful

We have had such a lovely week. Paul's sister Nancy came out from NY to celebrate Thanksgiving with us. We played many games of Scrabble in front of the roaring fire, drank lots of cocktails, took Ole for hikes and pet Fuffles, and generally relaxed all week. It was wonderful. On Thanksgiving Day, we hosted Rob and his boys and ate like kings. Nancy's favorite was the squash soup. Paul's was the Tofurkey and I always love the Lentil Squash Pot Pie. We also had green beans, roasted sweet potatoes, cranberry relish and 3 kinds of pie! Mmm mmm. Rum and egg nog too! We are so thankful for all of our families, nuclear, extended, in-law and anything else, but oh, Nancy is a treasure. We love you, Nancy!

Mae tested for her Yellow Belt last week. She was very serious and did a GREAT job. I was worried she'd get goofey, in the tradition of her brothers at that age, but she rocked it. Phew! She graciously gave up her room for Nancy this week and very much enjoyed sleeping on the floor of our room. I don't think she slept well all week (because it was just too fun being with Mom and Dad!) so I'm hoping she'll let us sleep past 6:30am tomorrow, for the first time all week!

Today I did a rock climbing class with Ted. He and Sam are enrolled in a class with Adam, a 2/3 teacher, and a bunch of Horizons kids. Sam really doesn't like it so Mae's taken a few classes but she didn't want to so I tried. I've never climbed before and had to overcome some fear-of-heights issues that I didn't know I had, but it was AWESOME! My hands and triceps hurt. I'm sure tomorrow will be even more painful. I think I'll finish this class up with Ted. It was a great workout and I really enjoyed the challenge. Did I mention that my hands hurt?

Tomorrow we'll get the Hanukkah box down and get ready! Hanukkah begins on Friday night. Saturday night is chavurah. It should be a nice week - I've purposely not put anything on the calendar for that week so we can pick and choose, or just stay home. I only want one thing for Hanukkah - slippers! My feet get cold at night! Speaking of getting cold, I need to finish up Ted's blanket by Friday night. It will keep him snug and warm; I can't wait to see him snuggled up in it!

That's all for now. Hope you had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving too. Have a lovely holiday, everyone!

Welcome to the world, Elena Sophia!

My best friend, since Kindergarten, had her baby today. Elena Sophia - a perfect little 8 pound bundle. All the hopes and fears and joys and tears surrounding her arrival are all set aside while we all, some of us many miles away, exhale in amazement at the miracle of new life. She will be so loved by so very many people, though none as much as her grateful and beautiful parents.

Welcome to the world, sweet Elena. You have already brought your parents so much joy! I can't wait to meet you.

Love, Auntie Ellen

Wow - it's November!

Our first Halloween in our new neighborhood was a blast. The carved pumpkins, glowing skeleton and scary music enticed the neighbor kids and we gave out about 1 bag of candy - much less than in Rock Creek, but fun all the same! Ted was with Ben all night, arriving home at 8:30 with a pillowcase full. Paul and Micah took the 4 little ones around for about an hour and they were very happy with their stash. My kids left most of their candy for the Great Pumpkin and were paid handsomely!
Now we move on to Thanksgiving - it's very fun to have so many "firsts" in this home. First Back to School, First Sukkot, First Halloween, First Thanksgiving, First Hanukkah! Whew - busy season coming up.
I scored a church job to last me through June, when the temple job starts up again. While I'll miss Sunday mornings with Paul while the kids are in Sunday school, it'll be good to work more regularly.
Hope you all had a fun Halloween too!