Saturday, November 28, 2009

" Family, Food, Fun and Free Time !"




The first Saturday after Thanksgiving. I trust that everyone had a
full-filling Thanksgiving Day. We certainly did even though I was sick the entire week before, I managed to feel good enough to go to our son's house for a delicious dinner.

My son Frank with his wife Amy, cooking t
ogether.
We had a buffet style dinner and kept trying to push
each other out of line.

Typical for our family!




I am still not feeling quite up to par but it's alright as I have the day alone and intend on just relaxing the rest of the day. My husband, unwillingly of coarse, left for work today and Katie left to spend the night at a friends house.

To think that they left me alone with chocolate chip brownie's, pecan pie, whipped cream and a vanilla pudding cake. Apparently they tr
ust me ! Fortunately I have no sweet tooth what so ever today. I did make a huge batch of turkey salad for sandwiches this morning. So that is what I will have for dinner and Jake had plenty
to take with him over the road.


I had a few surprises on Thursday. One of which was my grandson's , baby Jack's,
vocabulary which has grown immensely these past few weeks. He warmed my heart on Thanksgiving Day as he repeatedly requested more green beans. Very clearly I might ad. It seems that he has reached the parrot stage of his growth and tries to repeat everything.




Here we have my soon to be 15 year old, Kate, making dessert while talking
on the phone ! Would you expect anything less from a teenager?




After dinner we had the privilege of listening to a lovely concert put on by our granddaughter Sarah . She was a bit nervous but more aggravated as her little brother, Jack, kept trying to steal her guitar away !
Sarah will be seven years old in less than two weeks and I am having a difficult
time accepting the fact of how fast time flies!




The second surprise came when my mother gave to me my grandmothers lovely set of inlaid silverware. It is beautiful. I have been trying to decide weather or not to use it.
Yet I can hear my grandmother saying "Oh honey just go ahead and use it, that's what it's for!". It is tucked away for now as I will continue to ponder this for awhile.




Below is a photo of a photo of my grandmother who was an extraordinary woman
who I miss everyday. For many years of my life she was the one who made the Thanksgiving Day dinners. My mother and I were talking about those special memories on Thursday.

I truly cherish all of the things that I have that belonged to my Grandmother
Laverne.





I managed to decorate the house for Christmas while I was sick. I don't know how I found the strength to do it, but I just kept pushing on. It all looks quite nice, despite that fact that I did it through splitting headaches and nausea!




I am quite proud of this doily as it is the first and only "Fillet crochet" that
I have ever made. It has angels on all four sides as well as "Hosanna".

I also managed to make it to church this morning as there was work that needed to be done. I snapped a couple of photos while I was there.

This one was taken from inside the "Matthew" classroom a
s I was copying off the bulletins. You can see the screen in the window !





I think that you can see by the bags under my eyes how well I've been feeling.
Gosh I look horrible !




One more photo I took driving by church today after I dropped Kate off at her friends house.




The rest of my day I plan on resting and perhaps cutting some more squares for baby Jacks quilt. I have quite a bit of cute fabric leftovers for it and am excited to start sewing it. I think it's going to turn out well.

I do hope that you all had a great Thanksgiving.
Despite not feeling well I did manage to enjoy
Family, food, fun and now some free time !

Bless you all.

29 comments:

Dee said...

Hi,I hope you are feeling better. Thanks for sharing your Thanksgiving with us. Like you, I have a son Frank. I use his middle name ~ Ryan, because I also have a husband Frank, and a grandson Frank,who I call by his middle name of Max. I have a daughter Amy. Thankfully there is only one Amy. :) I give you applause for decorating your house for Christmas while not feeling well. I am still in the ~I should decorate stage ~ but am to lazy to go to the storage shed to get it all out. Talk at ya later...Dee

Diana said...

Hi Dee!
I am feeling much better but still not 100% yet.
Don't applaud me to soon, I had eight tubs of decorations that I had Katie bring out of the basement BEFORE I got sick. So it was either decorate or leave everything all over the house! I hate clutter so I opted to decorate!
It's so neat that we both have Franks! My son was named after his grandfather Frank (Francis) after St. Francis.
Love Di

Barb said...

Hi Di,
Loved your post and photos - I covet that crochet doily that you made. WOW! The gift of your Grandmother Laverne's silverware is priceless. How I would enjoy having something of my Grandmother's (besides all my fond memories!).

REST, DI - my needle is stuck on this mantra for you...

PS Mail me some of the desserts - I DO have a sweet tooth!

Diana said...

Hi Barb,
You would be very proud of me as I have been sitting for four hours now!
Catching up on blogs and watching
"The Family Stone" I love Diane Keaton.
I did indulge in a piece of pecan pie w/ whipped cream on top! I would send you some if only I could. It was very sweet and I didn't finish it. I shall go workout Monday morning! Love Di

Wanda..... said...

Hi Di,
Glad you felt good enough to enjoy Thanksgiving and your cute grandkids. I've been eating left overs and dessert all day with Alivia.

That's beautiful silverware from your grandmother, I can see a resemblance of you in her photo. You should get a special plate and use the silverware when you need a special treat for yourself. Your grandmother would love that I think!

I did some decorating before Thanksgiving and more today also. I have the tree up, but at this point it only has lights, will finish it little by little!

Hope you feel completely well soon!
Luv,
Wanda

Eileen said...

Hi, Di!
You amaze me! Really, you are my idol! I can't get over what a cleaning freak you are first of all, and then to clean and decorate for Christmas while not feeling well! You are Superwoman!
'Wish a little of you would rub off on me (well, A LOT OF YOU actually), maybe I wouldn't procrastinate so much!

We've got a lot done, outside decorating is done, but inside I'm still going at it, and I'm not even doing half as much as I usually do! I took down the Fall window today and tomorrow I'll put the Nativity scene in the window.

I'm glad you got to enjoy Thanksgiving with your beautiful family, your grandchildren are really adorable! I LOVE their white/blond hair!

And, Di, your doily is absolutely beautiful too! You know me, I'm crazy about things like that, and this religious/Christmas one is especially beautiful!


AND you went to work too! You really are super! Your church is very nice and it looks really big. I think it's nice to post about our churches. If I remember to bring the camera with me tomorrow to Mass I'll snap some pictures too.

And I think you look great. And I love your new short hair, it really does suit your face.

Great post, Di, I really enjoyed reading it all.

Okay, I'm off to see if I can post my Thanksgiving, and then we have a birthday party to go to at my niece Erin's apartment (her brother Thomas is here with his family and today is his birthday, he's here from South Carolina, he's stationed there with the Navy now, he just recently got back from Iraq).

'Talk' to you soon!
Love you lots!, E

Eileen said...

PS ~ You have to do a "Tablescape Thursday" with Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch one of these days with that beautiful silver from your grandmother!

Diana said...

Hi Wanda,
I do resemble my grandmother only she wasn't short and stocky like me.
Physically I am more like my great-grandmother. I do like your idea about the silverware. Something that I will consider.
We don't have a tree yet. We always get a real one and I just don't know if that will be possible this year.
I do have a few small artificial one's.
Sarah and Katie's birthday are both in two weeks. It makes things a little difficult sometimes!
Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Eileen,
I hope that you all enjoy your time together at the party. What a nice homecoming for Thomas, more to be grateful for!
I sometimes go to service on Saturday night. I'm still not sure if I am going tonight or tomorrow morning. The stained glass windows are breathtaking at night. I keep wanting to photograph it but keep forgetting to do it! But I will one day. They truly are spectacular.
Enjoy your family Eileen!
Love Di

Jackie said...

Di...Each time I see that you have posted a blog, I can't wait to read it. It's just like sitting and talking to you and listening to you.
I'm glad that you were able to be with your family. Our meal was also buffet style. I like it that way...especially if the crowd is large.
Congratulations on "green beans"...vocabulary. Those are not small steps...and I'm so happy that he said them so plainly! What a blessing. The little guitarist was very brave to play in front of others...that's the hard part...and she did it! Hugs to her from Jackie.
The silver ware set is a cherished treasure to you, I know. Your grandmother Laverne is beautiful...and I know that she would want you to use it. What a beautiful set. I'm so glad that you have it in your home, Di. It could rest in no sweeter place....but...don't let it rest...Use it, my friend. Enjoy every moment of it.
You look beautiful to me....and I hope that you have a restful evening. I know that you miss Jake...and when you talk to him, tell him that I said hello...and that I look everywhere for his truck. He needs to hang something special somewhere on it so I'll know it's his. I'm going to be arrested for waving at all those white trucks.
Many smiles and hugs to you, Di.
Always,
Jackie

Bernie said...

Di, I am so happy that you managed to be with your family and share stories with your mother. I love your grandmother's silver, please use it Di, it is such a shame not to even if only for special occasions.....Your grandchildren are adorable and I always enjoy hearing about them.
Oh I so love your Hosanna doily, I have never seen one like that and to know you made it. I smile and think of you every time I touch my bookmarker you made me....if you only knew how much it means to me my friend.....take care, rest, relax....do whatever you have to do to get well, you are one special lady and I miss you when I don't hear from you....:-) Hugs

Gail said...

HI DI-

thank you for the great pictures and the memories of your holiday traditions. I love them all. And that doily, wow!!

Feel better, soon,. I am quite busy with our lil three eyar old grand daughter here - phew. Our Thanksgiving at our sons in Brooklyn was wonderful. I will post next week with some pictures too. ANd with my Mom having some health issues I will be busy with her appointments as well. SO time is a mystery, for sure.
Feel better

Love Gail
peace,,,,,

Diana said...

Hi Jackie,
I missed posting and reading everyone's blogs. It's difficult to keep up when everyone is home let alone when I'm not feeling well. I should have more time this week.
Jack kept saying "geen bean", it was close enough for me. And Sarah and I had alone time in her room which I treasure. I spent an hour up there with her!
I will tell Jake when he's driving through Georgia to out a bag of
Frito Lay product on his dash. That's the company my son works for. We aren't "allowed" to buy any other brand! He used to tell Katie that Pringles will give you cancer!
My mother told me to USE the silverware. I just have to mull things over before I do something like that. I hope you had a good Thanksgiving Jackie.
Love Always, Di

Jenny said...

I'm sorry you aren't feeling 100 percent. It sounds like you need a few days R&R. Loved your family pictures. They all look so full of personality. And use the silverware. Somethings are better loved close up. And what wonderful memories you will make each time you put them on your table. Your baked goods sound scrumptious, BTW!

Diana said...

Hi Bernie,
I am feeling much better just tired.
Mom and I talked about how wonderful grandma's holiday dinners were. She had a tiny apartment and we would be all cramped together in her kitchen.
She was in her glory. Never got frustrated or angry. Always happy and smiling. I want to use the silver and really have a need for it. I'm just afraid that Katie may accidentally throw a fork in the garbage, which is why I am short forks now! But she is getting older and hasn't done it in a long time. So I don't know.
I'm glad that you liked the doily Bernie. I made it about five years ago. I don't know if I could do something like that now, it's hard on the hands! Love you Bernie!
Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Gail,
A three year old will wear us out quickly but I know how much fun you must be having with her. They grow up so fast. I remember when I used to baby sit Sarah for the first three years. And now she's almost seven, and soon fourteen. It brings tears to my eyes!
I do hope that it's nothing to serious with your mom. She sounds like such a wonderful lady. I will say a prayer for her tonight Gail. And you take care of yourself as well. I can't wait to hear about your Thanksgiving!
Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Jenny,
I am feeling better as I type this. I have been sitting most of the evening. I am leaning towards using the silverware. I am just worried about my teen accidentally throwing a
fork in the garbage. She's done that before but she was younger then , it's been quite awhile.
The pie was pretty good. I'd share if you were here!
Love Di

Maria said...

Hi Diana!
It looks like your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! Love the list of sweets :)
Your grandchildren are just precious~ Time does seem to fly... even my sixth graders say that!

Your Nativity on your own crochet work is lovely. The Reason for this Season!

I hope you give yourself time to rest up, Diana... It's important to refuel and recharge~
Thank you for all the lovely wishes for the holidays.
Blessings for you & your family
~Maria

Diana said...

Hi Maria,
I think that time is moving faster don't you? Or maybe I'm just moving slower!
The Nativity is my favorite decoration.
Not to worry about me Maria, I've been sitting doing nothing all evening! Lazy!
Love Di

Donna's Book Nook said...

Wow--there was so much in this post! Thanks for sharing your Thanksgiving with us. I'm glad you are some better, but from a nurses' standpoint, you need to REST.

I love your doily--and also can't believe you decorated and worked while ill.

Sarah is adorabe--and apparently talented. Glad you could enjoy dinner and the family. Donna

Blessings each day said...

Hi Di,

Love that beautiful blue butterfly that you found to put in the post...I am partial to butterflies and have been for years as they symbolize Jesus' death and resurrection.

And that gorgeous doily which I can appreciate so much but have never done! The few that I have tried don't seem to lay flat for me.


Along with most of the others, I agree that you should use that wonderful silverware...loving things need to create more happy memories and to bring more happiness.

Your grandkids are adorable. when we went to Phoenix, my grandaughter Myla would 'read' (she had pages memorized) Geen Eggs and Ham and I LOVED how she said geen instead of green. She also read Siddy Saddy (Silly Sally) which I loved so much, to me several times.

So happy that you were able to enjoy Thanksgiving but I do pray that you are all well soon!!

Hip hip hooray for your nativity...mine on in tons of boxes and we are preparing places for them now.

Did I ever tell you that my first step dad was Lutheran and that he and my sweet mother would go to each other's church every Sunday? They were both amazed that even our readings each Sunday are the same! Your church is huge and beautiful.

blessings and prayerful hugs for quickly getting all well,

marcy

Diana said...

Hi Donna,
I rested all evening and don't have much to do today, well normal cooking, dishes, etc..
Kate is supposed to have a friend over tonight so they will be off in their own little teenager LaLa land!
I am taking this horsepill antibiotics and do feel much better.
Love Di

Diana said...

Hi Marcy,
I have always said that a Lutheran is a Catholic, once removed . Get it?
HaHa HaHa!
I remember very well your Nativity collection. I never even had one until just a few years ago when my mom gave me that one for Christmas. I was so excited as I always wanted one of my own. I would love someday to have a small one for my front porch or yard. I don't decorate outside anymore but I would put one out there if I had an outdoor one.
Sarah used to memorize books too. I found it fascinating!
I am going to service this morning and then will go pick up Kate and her friend who is supposed to spend the night tonight. I can't wait! Love You, Di

Dr.John said...

Glad you had a good Thanksgiving.
Glad little by little your feeling better.
My grandmother was the great cook in our family but it was Christmas not Thanksgiving that we went to her house.

Diana said...

Hi Dr. John,
My grandmother did both dinners and I don't know how she managed in that tiny apartment! But we all had a wonderful time as did Gram!
Love Di

Rebecca said...

First, I'm sorry that you weren't feeling well last week (I'm trying to ignore a sore throat myself the past couple of days...). Turkey salad sounds great! I sent some leftover turkey home with guests. Wish I'd kept more. We're down to just a few pieces - not enough for salad, I'm afraid.

Grandma Laverne looks like one classy lady! You are blessed to have reminders of her - I'd have the same dilemma trying to figure out whether to use the silverware or not.

The doily! Wow. You are a woman of many talents!

We had a little "repeater" around here, too! She parroted EVERYTHING she heard, It was a hoot!

Be mindful of your health and gather the necessary strength you need for the days ahead.

Diana said...

Hi Rebecca!
It sounds like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
Our turkey is almost gone too. There is a little left and Katie loves the turkey salad so I will probably make more!
We have Advent dinners each week this month so I will be doing more cooking for that too.
Advent is such a beautiful time at our church. Why Katie even enjoys it!
Don't ignore the sore throat too long. Kate just got over strep again! Love Di

Ginny said...

Wow, mom, that doily is soooooo beautiful! You're so talented! I love it!

Tranquility Speaks said...

I was working away on Thanksgiving and haven't as much as come online to see mails and blogs, but its great to know that you had a great Thanksgiving :)

The crochet is amazing! If I were to look at it, I'd say it's ready made. It must have been so difficult and time consuming to make it. It's beautiful :)

Sorry to hear of your ill health. Take every opportunity to rest and eat well. Work can wait. Take care Diana!