Thanksgiving

Thansgiving has come and gone; the Weardens have a lot to be thankful for this year.

We are thankful we were able to spend time with both our families for the holiday--the Saturday before (the 18th) had us in Abilene at Amber and Jud's house for steaks and baked potatoes. We had to leave Saturday  after Michael got off of work because he had a big Subaru Crosstrek launch at work; a radio station came out and they gave away these incredibly fragrant Nathan's hot dogs. Emerald went to Mercy's (Faith's baby sister) birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese so Gabriel, Benjamin, and I were able to go up and see Daddy at work.

The trip was safe--we stayed at Jarrod and Julia's house, although Andrew was feeling a bit under the weather. Mom and Dad got to come; Royce, Stella, and the boys were unable to attend though.

Emerald had the week off of school, so she was able to help me decorate for Christmas. We put up a fully decorated Christmas tree in the living room, and a decked topiary and a sparkly pink tree in Emerald's room as well; my favorites are Gingerbread men and Snowmen, so they are everywhere inside and outside the house.

Gabriel still had school Monday and Tuesday; we had been noticing a significant behavior improvement and attempts at communication, but Tuesday marked a sharp decline. He successfully removed the sole of his brand new boot, not even a week out of the box; at school, they are mentioning aggression and complete inability to go unattended for even a moment. They can't even eat lunch because he won't lay down for nap.

Thursday was Thanksgiving at Glo and Pawpaw's--we had the traditional spread of turkey, ham, dressing, green bean casserole, the works. It was nice getting everyone together to share a meal and appreciate one another's company.

I am also thankful for another year being married to Michael. Saturday the 24th marked our 5th year anniversary. Ken and Rhonda kept the kids overnight for us, so we were able to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner and to see a movie. I got the sirloin kebob and Michael got chicken smothered in mushrooms and cheese--very delicious--and "Wreck-It Ralph" was super cute. The new mega movie theater in the mall is surprisingly nice; you can even get Starbucks drinks! We gave each other our gifts earlier in the month: I got Michael the Nexus 7 tablet; he got me a blue topaz ring in an antique setting and "Star Wars: The Old Republic", the MMO by Bioware. (Note: It is incredible, and it has just gone free-to-play so if you don't have it, get it!)

Emerald did well overnight at Glo's; Benjamin is a busy boy and a shameless bed hog, and poor Gabriel pined for me and sleep poorly as a result. It's good for him to get away from me every now and then, though it doesn't make him particularly happy, and it's good for me to get a break from the kids as well.

Finally, we are thankful that due in large part to my impressive foresight and preparedness (and so modest!) we are very nearly done Christmas shopping before December! Taking after my grandmother Pat, I started hopping on deals months in advance, spending small amounts of money here and there when we could manage so that we wouldn't be slammed with having to drop a larger sum all at once from one paycheck. Now we will be able to use that paycheck to cover travel expenses for the holidays.

Our own little "Elf on the Shelf" has arrived--Emerald calls him Chipper and is quite taken with him, even if the boys are rather ambivalent, wavering between disconcertion and outright disregard.

Bit of downer news: while hefting my darling ducky Ben into his playpen, I pulled or strained something in the middle of my back...again. A bit of heat, some Tylenol, and rest and I am hoping to get back good as new but if it hasn't improved in the next week or so I may have to go in and see the doctor.

Here's to another wonderful year of being Michael's wife, the mommy of three lively and healthy children, and a very blessed lady!

--Andie