November Wrap Up

So we've come to the end of November. Thanksgiving is in the books and Christmas is a comin'. Here's one o' them random posts to share what's on my mind.

1. Really enjoyed the family Thanksgiving dinner in Cape Girardeau. The only complaint is that there's just not enough time to visit with everyone you want to. Especially now that there are 10 kids under six there, it seems that we're all just chasing them around all day. Though that does open up conversation with people I haven't talked to much in the past, so that's a good thing.
Still, the food was excellent and it's always nice to see everyone. There were a few people who I hadn't seen for some years, like my cousin Terry and his family for example. Didn't get to talk much, but always nice to see him. And cousin Jennifer...who showed up married. We all found out at the same time, kind of a shared family experience. Her new husband, Matt, seems like a good guy so congratulations you two. I like how accepted Valerie is in the family as well. Everyone treats her as though she's been around forever, and she and Julie (second cousin Mitch's wife) had a really nice conversation. So much pleasantness all around.
Oh yeah, and the twins were a hit. Patterson wasn't quite his normal self, but was still lovable all the same...and Melody proved herself queen of the raspberries (much to Pam's delight). Tessa was in top form too, being all cute and rambunctious, and also an icing/whipped cream thief. Maybe the dessert table shouldn't be so close to the play area...

2. Also went to Valerie's family Thanksgiving on Saturday night. That's right, two Thanksgivings! Once again, good food and good people. These are largely the same people who will be at the Christmas celebration in a few weeks. At that party we usually play games for gifts. Nothing too extravagant of course, just token stuff, but a good family bonding thing. Well, my son's behaviour has inspired a new game to play: The Patterson Puking Game. The initial version was that everyone would guess how many times he'd puke on someone (well, spit up really, but on the receiving end it feels like puke). Saturday night he got four of us: Mommy, cousin Christy, Grandma, and Tessa's dinner roll somehow, which counts on a technicality.
I think we need to change the game though, to guessing who he'll puke on. Everybody gets one guess, you can't guess yourself, no duplicate guesses. Then we just pass him around all night and see what happens. Jostling of the boy is not allowed, nor is sneaking him treats.
Game planning aside, it was a good evening. Plus I got to check out Mike's Silverado which is a pretty sweet truck. I might buy a truck in a few years so every time he gets a new one for work I get to check it out. Preliminary shopping without the pressure. Nice.

Non Thanksgiving Stuff:

1. I'm on the Facebook now. Just so you know.

2. Christmas lights are up. Garage door is broken. Kinda evens out.

3. White Castle for lunch plus chili for dinner equals bad idea.

4. Did you find this Kate?

5. We are getting all excited about Christmas in this house. Our lists will be out soon for those who get one.

Well, that got longer than expected. More stuff to come but let's call it good for now.