Thanksgiving 2017

DJ: God, my family, the world, our doggies, Terry [his fish] and Gigi [Nellie's fish] and Pinky [Eddie's fish], and Midnight [Annie's fish who died a few days ago. We had to tell him that.] Okay I'm not thankful for Midnight. And our pigeons.

Eddie: Trains. Look, I have train numbers on my jammies. DJ, you're Douglas and I'm Donald [his trains].

Nellie: I'm thankful for books, wood to build fires, letters from cousins, computers and paper to write stories, birds, that God sent his son to earth to forgive us from our sins, and candles. And TV, so let's turn it back on! Just kidding. And leaves that change colors, and snow.

Annie: I'm thankful for my family, and my house and shelter, for the food that we have, that Jesus came to save us from our sins.

Me: I'm thankful for so much. But I think it's good to talk specifics. I'm thankful, always, every day, for Kevin's friendship, love, companionship, and support. He's the real deal. I'm thankful for our big, noisy and wild litter of children. I'm thankful it didn't work out when Kevin and I decided Eddie would be the last Wernet baby. I'm thankful I never have to worry about Mary Cate being baby-napped because she shrieks whenever anyone but me, Kevin, or Lesley look in her general direction. I'm thankful for the opportunity (that too often feels like a burden, but it really is an opportunity) to balance family and work--meaningful work that I love with colleagues whom I love. I'm thankful the kids are at LCS. I'm thankful for our families. I'm thankful that it's now and not 2014. That sounds weird, but it's true. I'm thankful that our little house sold this year and thankful to live here in Grand Ledge. I'm thankful that our cars are still kickin' (and not the bucket). Just thankful all around.

Classic Wernet nativity

Everyone gathered tight in the stable, animals in front. No matter how many times I artfully arrange everything across the shelf, it's like this every time I return. It's our own version of the elf on the shelf or something. I've officially given up, but I suppose it's more realistic this way!

More kindergartener laughs

At the model train show, one of the tracks was set up in a figure-eight. DJ pointed it out to me--"Hey mom, look! Infinity!"

The two boys have been playing well together lately. Last night I overheard Eddie getting upset about some aspect of their train scenario. DJ responded, "Eddie, I'm just imaginating the story. It's when you pretend anything you want. Imaginating is fun!"

Praying last night, DJ was thankful for many things: Earth, all the lakes and rivers, Potter Park Zoo, Binder Park Zoo, his dogs, his fish. He ended with, "And please let Pluto be a planet again!"

[Warning to the faint-hearted...this is gross.] Eddie came down with the stomach flu last week. Unfortunately, it struck in the middle of the night while the boys were sleeping in the same bed. I took Eddie duty, Kevin took DJ. DJ stood there, eyes half-mast with vomit literally dripping head to foot, and asked, "Next time, couldn't Eddie just use a bowl or something?"