UPDATE AT LAST

I realized that I have not been updating this blog as much as I should. I also realized that 53 of you checked it yesterday alone. I suppose there are those who are interested still so I'll write a little something in here now and then.

Exciting news, Jen gave birth to a lovely baby girl yesterday. Another Granddaughter for me and Paul. We can't wait to see little baby Josephine Lauren. And that makes 4 little girls under the age of 4 in our ever growing family. Now we just need some more men. Paul and Jordan are the lone males in our clan. Jess and Jill will likely marry some day but until then, it is two guys and 8 girls!

Athena started school a few weeks ago. She is going two mornings a week. She loves to see all her friends but is so so tired when she gets home. Monday and Wednesday afternoons are on the quiet side. She likes to look at books and listen to Baby Songs. She almost always asks to watch a video too. She is very into Madeline Videos and Books. More days than not she is "Pepito, the son of the Spanish Ambassador", and he is a Bad Hat.

She has been helping out quite a bit getting things ready for winter. She helped me pull the garden and helped me and Paul stack wood for the fireplace. We are getting a full cord delivered this weekend so she'll have a lot of work to do there. No complaining either. I am sure that won't last long. Speaking of fires, the girl is mesmerized by them. As our weather has been quite cool, her Daddy has started making fires and she will sit and gaze and the flames. Yes, we will all die of toxic lung disease, I know, but fires are wonderful to behold.

Paul has been working so much too. In fact, he will be out of town 3 of the next 4 weeks. Ugghhh! I can't stand that, but what can one do? He also has the added stress of trying to find a new company vehicle. He has not found one yet and Jill is chomping at the bit as she is buying his old company vehicle for a very very cheap price. He has also been busy with the fire department as well. Mostly medical calls. Lots and lots of Car vs. Semi, which is never good. Can't wait until they twin highway 7 out to Delisle.

I have been recovering, slowly but surely, from my health problems. I hope to get back on my Yoga mat very soon. I am so glad that I took a leave from teaching classes this fall. With Paul gone and my health issues it would not have been good.

I have an opportunity to teach again in January. I am hoping to take advantage of that for sure. My real desire now is to start painting. Yes, our house needs paint, but I am referring to painting on canvas. I have a wonderful easel and art set that I have not even used yet. It sits, out of sight, quietly whispering my name. I hear it and pay no heed. Hopefully I will find inspiration soon.

We will be having all the girls, all six of them, and Jordan and Mark (Jess's mate) out for Thanksgiving Dinner. That is so wonderful. It is a ton of work but worth every minute. I am making turkey (ewww!) and this year I will make sure to remember to bake the stuffing! I haven't worked out my menu yet, but it will include an assortment of fall veg for sure. I think every one of us loves fresh brussel sprouts so that will be one dish for sure. Jill loves sweet potato, we all love pumpkin pie I think. Wait, maybe Jen doesn't. I'll have to check. I try to make one dish that they all love so all will be happy.

I am also getting behind on my slipper knitting. I made Athena's already but Jordan and Jill are in line and I hope to get Abby's done before they come for Thanksgiving. So you can think of me this next week, sitting in front of a warm fire, sipping my Cabernet and knitting slippers for my loved ones. Sounds rather nice on a chilly fall evening, don't you think?