Thanksgiving

Today has been great. I made delicious food and ate it all. More importantly, our friend Sarah came to stay for a couple days. She rolls like Jeff and I roll; wine, food and television. Sarah introduced us to a hilarious show called Better Off Ted. I am watching it as I type, which explains the ADD nature of this blog.

Sarah brought delicious, so delicious pumpkin pie from Robaire's Bakery in Mt. Pleasant. I whipped up a batch of whipped topping (ha ha) and let Hermione lick the beaters. He looked so cute with cream on his lips. Had I not been holding the beaters I would have taken a picture.

Hope you are well and are thankful, Rachel

A Quick Note Before Bed

This evening I've returned from another of what has become my weekly trips to Northville. What a treat. It all started in October? Yes, October. Kayte was 8 mos pregnant with #3 and so started seeing the doctor with more frequency. One day Kayte mentioned Chris coming home from work to watch #1 and #2 while Kayte was at the doctor. So I thought, "Why don't I come down to watch the kids. Then Kayte and I can hang out afterward". So it began. I started coming every other week, then once a week. Although I do despise driving, my time with #1 and #2 and Kayte more than made up for it. I am so grateful for that time with them. I got to know #1 and #2 better (ie which side of the blankey goes at the top for nap time, #2 is just like his mama in that he needs a bit of time to wake up after sleeping, #1 is fashion savvy- on her own initiative she told me my shoes were very pretty and the flowers in my hair were so nice) and learned how to value them and communicate with them. It was a special time for me to be with Kayte while she was pregnant. That may sound silly, but I haven't spent much time with a pregnant Kayte. With #1 and #2, we lived in different states 2o + hours apart.
The reason for today's visit was #3's 6 week check up (He's doing great, by the way). Before leaving for home, Kayte said that she'd like me come over again, maybe in 2 weeks. But this time we'd just hang out. Let me be clear, I've really enjoyed my time watching the kids, but her personal invitation for hang out time made me feel great.

Saying Goodbye to Faithful Friends

Today I unpacked a box which held our stoneware dishes and silver utensils. Into that empty box I packed the plastic plates and bowls that we've used everyday for the past 4 months. They served us well. Very well. I really do feel sentimental about the new contents of that box; 4 plastic plates, 4 plastic bowls, 1 plastic mixing bowl and 4 each of spoons, forks and knives, for which I paid less than $7 in total. It reminds me of how far we've come and of how well the Lord has provided for us. Goodbye, friends. I am truly grateful for your presence and facility during the beginning months of our journey into Holland.