Full Houses

The house has been full this week, full of grandchildren, full of grown up kids, full of family. It's been wonderful! Wonderful and exhausting. LOL! I wouldn't trade it for the world. I worked two short days Monday and Tuesday, took Wednesday and Thursday off, and worked a regular day yesterday. My son and his family came to say goodbye at Dunkin. Four sweet children, one as big as his parents, and three littles. I sent them off with hugs, I love yous, a box of Munchkins and a snowbrush. I wanted to cry, but held it in. 

Adam cooked the turkey for Thanksgiving and we all gathered at Bethany's house. There were 14 grandchildren, all seven of my kids, 2 sons in law, 2 daughters in law, Nathan's new girlfriend Fille, my nephew Will, my friend Gail, Adam's dad and brother, and me. That's 31. We were missing Nathan's kids who spent the day with their mom and her fiancé. There was a football game on TV (I think), two puzzles and a game of Euchre in the dining area, a game of Scrabble and lots of conversation.

Number 12, also known as Parker, turned seven on Thanksgiving Day. We celebrated his birthday with pizza and cupcakes at our house on Wednesday night. Nate and Fille brought the kids and I was able to get some pictures of my grandchildren. It was super special to see my two four year old granddaughters play together for the first time. 

I should have thought to catch family group pictures, but maybe we'll save that for summer.

Feeling Cozy

 A post before November slips through my fingers and disappears.

Winter is just around the corner. We had a taste of it this week, complete with snow two to three inches thick on my car Tuesday morning. Good thing I keep that snow brush handy year round! On Monday morning my gloves were still hidden away upstairs, but I'd heard more snow was in the forecast and donned both my new Grinch hat and last year's gloves when the snow was deep and formidable. My commute is barely long enough to warm up the car and I am super thankful for my heated seat.

I've recently revisited my felting needles and stabbed out a few fabulous friends. I have six complete, aside from hangers and they're so cute. Unfortunately the arthritis in my left thumb/wrist is not in favor of my creativity. (Either that or I was too enthusiastic about finishing more penguins than my hands could handle.) I'd hoped for five penguins and five snowmen by Saturday but may have to be happy with what I have, which is better than nothing. Ruth and I are doing another craft sale.

Speaking of Ruth, we went out shopping a couple Saturdays ago. I texted her early that morning and said I wanted to go looking at furniture. There is nothing quite like a best friend to encourage us on the adventure. LOL! First we went to Bob's Discount Furniture where we saw some fabulous dining room sets, and then we went to Ashley where I fell in love with a cute little loveseat the perfect size for the end of my living room. So, so cozy. It arrived today and I love it!

The Powers That Be decided to shake things up a bit at work. The manager that hired me a year ago was suddenly moved into a different position outside of our store. (It was a surprise to her as well...) We got a new manager along with three new employees who had formerly worked with her at a different coffee shop. The first week was tough with the entire store being rearranged and few of us sure what was happening. This week was better. We're getting to know each other and falling into a groove. Maybe it's going to be okay after all.