So much has happened these past four weeks since I last wrote. Gabe and I took our first vacation away from the kids. We traveled to Midland, Texas and participated in the Show of Support Hunt For Heros. Gabe and the husbands (all wounded veterans) went on a two day deer hunt, while the spouses stayed behind and were treated to an absolutely wonderful weekend full of friendship, shopping, and some much needed “me-time.” It was incredible. The kids missed us (almost as much as I missed them) and we were happy to come home when it was time.
Mom broke her leg quite badly two days before we left which has put a slight damper on our holiday festivities. We typically split the holidays (she hosts Thanksgiving and I host Chanukah) but because she can’t put any weight on her leg (for six months!), most of the holiday planning has been left to me. I don’t mind it at all; things might be bit more low-key than they usually are, but we are still having a good time and eating good food, and isn’t that what really matters?
Dad cooked a leg of lamb in addition to the usual turkey. My sister Rebekah (who cannot cook to save her life) helped me with the rest of the dishes. It was far from the usual Thanksgiving but the food was good and we had a great time nonetheless
It snowed the day after Thanksgiving and I couldn’t resist bundling Sam up during Ellie’s morning nap and taking a walk outside. He had fun making footprints in the snow and I walked behind him, enjoying the scenery and the all-around quiet. I love how snow muffles most sounds and just makes everything outdoors seem so calm and peaceful.
I haven’t had much time to knit these past few weeks, but I have been crafting for Chanukah like it’s my job. Even though he was born Jewish, Gabe didn’t celebrate any Jewish holidays growing up, and I want him to have the same experiences I did as a kid; Chanukah decorations, familiar smells coming from the kitchen, Chanukah songs playing in the background; all the things that people love about the holidays in general (or so I would imagine.) I’ll post some pictures of those crafts tomorrow. Some crafts turned out better than others, but it’s a homey, holiday-y (that’s a word) feeling all the same.
