Thankful!!!

Thanksgiving was pretty much awesome. Jake and I were up until 3 Thanksgiving Eve baking pies and tarts. Pumpkin, Pumpkin Chiffon, Apple... mmm! Dan, Adrianna, and Karis came over to help us celebrate Turkey Day. Dan made AMAZING AK cranberry-sweet potatoes. Adrianna brought the green beans (my favorite). Karis made deviled eggs and mashed potatoes. Jake did the turkey, and I made the dinner rolls. And there were lots of other yummies to go with. While we were waiting for all the fixings to finish up, we turned on the radio to Sirius Holiday, and danced to Burl Ives and Nat King Cole. We were very satisfied, and had an all-in-all spiffy day.

Adrianna Dancing

Daniel, Dan, and O-Jo Dancing

Adrianna, Karis, and O-Jo Chillin'

Thanksgiving Day Delivery: Karis Has Seal Oil

Ready To Eat...

The Feast

King of Turkey Day

After dinner, for some unknown reason, I was hyper. You know, everyone else is unbuttoning their belt loops 1 notch, and I'm literally bouncing around the room. I think I drove everyone else a bit nuts, as they just wanted to be left alone to digest in peace. But in any case, with great prompting from me, we got the tree up, and although we still have some decorating to do, I'd say we look festive.

Today, we started the potty-training in full throttle. DJ is doing well for the first day. He's made several successful and near-successful trips to the toilet, and seems to be understanding how the whole thing works. Hopefully (say prayers and cross your fingers) he'll be trained completely by his 2nd birthday, and will be in "big boy" mode while we're visiting in WA in December.

Right now, I am sitting in the MPR being serenaded by the ladies of Unalakleet's Sewing Circle. The annual auction is about to start!!! We usually spend at least 1/4 of a paycheck on this charity function, but this year, we're trying to save a bit more, considering how much we just spent on airfare to "Be Home For Christmas" this year... so I baked an apple pie and donated it to the auction. Hopefully, it will make a nice amount for them. All proceeds from the auction go right back into our community, so it is a worthwhile thing supporting. We're only planning to stay for a little while (as Darlene is being generous enough to watch DJ during our date, on the first day of potty-training) --but wait... as I type, Jake is bidding... and yup, sold... to Jake... a sign that says, "I love you more today than I did yesterday, 'cause yesterday you really ticked me off." He says it's going right over my side of the bed. Ha-ha-ha.

Last Monday, we had a recital here in UNK. I performed with Karis, Sierra, and Teresa in a string quartet... Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring... with me on cello. I had been practicing with the group on my bassoon (which I love to play!), but the balance was not as good as it could have been... and I thought maybe I could reach back to my 8th grade skills, and find the courage to play cello... and, while it wasn't perfect, I did alright... and most importantly, we had fun. My high school band, choir, and orchestra also played for the show, and for students that have not even played their instruments for 3 months (ever), they did me proud. The potential is there for some very quality music... hopefully, the music program is here to stay. I love teaching English, but it is cool to see the kids so excited about school because of electives again.

Well, we just got more stuff (but I stopped typing to bid that time)... and now... Jake just bid on a shitty sign (literally, a sign about baby poo)... um, no thanks. Where do people come up with this stuff? It's all good... we're having fun, and even if Jacob buys a shitty sign before we leave, it will be for a good cause.

We are thankful for all of our blessings, including you. We love you all.

Janelle