On the Mend

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1,26

I spent the bulk of this day in bed, recovering from the funky crud I caught somewhere as I was running amok with my superbusy schedule this last few weeks. And yes, I too am tired of hearing me whine about all the coughing and sneezing and missing of mashamatatoes. So, I shan't write about that nastiness, and instead I'll show you the really cool stuff we did today. First, because we rescheduled thanksgiving at my house for Sunday evening, I've had some extra time to do a couple of projects I was hoping to do before the feast. I saw a link on someone's blog (forgive me, I can't remember where) that led to this blog to make the coolest tablecloth ever. Mine is drying over our stairway banister right now, and needs a good ironing, but here's what it looks like so far:

'course it just wouldn't be a amber craft if I did everything exactly right. I completely spaced out and used tole paint instead of fabric paint, so I'll have to either treat it with something to make it colorfast or be okay with it washing out. *shrug* We'll see...

also, we went to our favorite new day-after-thanksgiving tradition, the Festival of Lights at the Mission Inn. It was spellbinding, just like last year. There were street vendors selling all varieties of yummy food (roasted nuts, kettle corn, hot cocoa, and the most amazing mini donuts ever) and carolers, and live band music, outdoor ice skating (amazing in SoCal) and then the big lighting of the Inn. After the whole town counts down, the lights all turn on, and then a spectacular firework show. Here's a little video for you, Tessa! (pssst- turn your volume down, it's a rather loud 10 second clip!)

When we were driving home tonight, one of my girls said "Thanks, Mom, for coming out with us even though you feel so crummy!" and the other said "Yah, I know it was hard. Thank you soooo much." and then my smart aleky teenage son said in the way only parents of smart alec teenage sons can understand, "Oh our most dearest mommy, we present you this day with a reward for your most excellent fortitude."

Amidst the laughter and eye rolling in our car, I just treasured in my heart how grateful I am for my rotten kids, their quirky little ways, and our amazing God who lets me know and love these strange, funny, amazing people. Apparently, I have even more to be thankful for than Puffs-with-the-potion, NyQuil, and my flannel sheets.

though I am still glad to be putting those all to use as soon as I hit "publish post"

blessings to you all!