Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there. Over the past few days, I have read countless articles and blog posts about Thanksgiving about gratitude about our many blessings. I read these articles from the comfort of my bed - where I spent most of the last two days.

While I might get sick - you know a cold here or there - I am not very empathetic to those who get sick and complain and moan and groan. I hold this standard to myself as well. At least I did until Wednesday. Wednesday I was knocked off of my feet. Yes, I had a sore throat, a stuffy head, a tight chest, was achy and had chills...but I literally could not perform any parenting duties. I had to call for back-up people - I was unable to get out of bed.

Today, after a few doctor visits and some antibiotics and steroids, I am on the mend. Today I am incredibly grateful that all it took to get me back in action was some rest and some medicine. I am incredibly grateful that I have a husband and parents who can step in when I need to step out. I rested in bed for two days knowing that not only were my children well cared for - they were having fun.

Yesterday, while laying in bed, Alan texted me from my parents' house and our destination for our Thanksgiving meal, "maybe you should just stay home and rest." Ugh, was I really going to miss Thanksgiving dinner?

Even though the day had not played out at all like I had planned, I knew I had to make a showing. I did show up but I didn't really last. I retreated back home back to bed.

This morning I woke up feeling much. much better. The girls all stayed at Gagi and PopPop's and when I reached for my phone, I saw this picture my mom had texted me.

The McKnight girls in bed, eating dessert and watching tv. Like I said, they didn't miss me at all!

Raveesha

A while back I wrote about the Girl Effect. I also mentioned a few ways we can all help. My friend Jocelyn was simultaneously trying to get some children sponsored. The stars aligned and our family sponsored Raveesha, pictured above.

Raveesha lives with her sister and her parents in Sri Lanka. The girls are still processing what exactly this means. They have learned a little about Sri Lanka and have learned a little about the fact that not all children have things like warm beds and full bellies.

In the next week, we will be putting together our first letter to Raveesha. I am sure it will contain some stickers and other little treats. I will keep you all posted on how this experience develops for us.

Up next -- kids club (aka the closet under the stairs) will be revealed. It is so cute and the girls love it.

I forgot to mention

I love this picture. Seriously - every time I look at it (which is quite often), I chuckle. Vaughan is reading book after book after book to anyone who will listen. Of course, it isn't as easy as listening, Vaughan has a number of rules that must be followed. These include but are not limited to:

- no talking

- you must hold your questions until the end

- she properly holds the book, licking her finger before turning each page

the rules really go on and on and vary depending on the day.

I love how Vaughan has one little foot on top of the other and I love how Marissa's feet don't reach the floor.

This is Marissa.

She is visiting from Vienna. Marissa is originally from the Philippines. She has siblings who migrated to the US and she hasn't seen them in over 30 years. After a stop here in Atlanta, Marissa made her way to California to meet up with her brothers and sisters. She will be back in two weeks and I can't wait to hear all about her adventures. It has been so nice having Marissa around. The girls adore her, she is a huge help and exudes love. I will certainly miss her when she returns to Vienna.

Here we have cake #2.

And cake #1 - can you tell which one I made?

There were parties

with games

and obstacle courses

and this all resulted in some tired kids

and some tired parents.

We are recovering from b-day parties and Halloween and I am gearing up for Thanksgiving.

GOBBLE GOBBLE.

Halloween Parades and Parties, in Pictures