The Crazy Key Family: I'm Back. . . And Happy Thanksgiving!

I have not had a second to sit down and even check my e-mail the past week or so! From the trips to Ft. Stewart (3 1/2 hours one way) to the unpacking to everything else, I have been so busy. Plus, my darling "carrier monkeys" have given me one heck of a cold. And that is why I have been up and on the computer since about 6:45 this morning. I could not breathe, which impeded my sleeping somewhat. The kids are mostly feeling better, but Momma and I are taking it harder. Mom does not even have a voice! They always do this to us, they bring something home from school and then I make sure they rest, drink, etc. No one ever makes sure grown-ups take it easy, thus when we get a cold it lasts longer. . .

We had a crazy week last week, so I will hit the high spots, OK? I will be as brief as I can, but you know I am long-winded. Sorry!

First, I tried a new photographer to take the kids' pictures. I have always gone to Sears. I like the on-line sharing and the 20% military discount. But Spencer had gotten to where he would burst into hysterics when we walk in the door. Not conducive to treasured family portraits. So we went to the lady who took their school pictures this year. And I LOVED her! And more importantly, the kids LOVED her! I was relaxed. I laughed. I did not sweat, cry, or get high blood pressure. It was awesome! And the pictures are great! I am not sure if I am allowed to post them since they are copyrighted, but I will check and see. . . This was a huge event that I was dreading, and it is now over and it was actually fun! Who knew? I did take a picture of the kids in her front yard as we were leaving. I am so pleased with their outfits this year. . .

The other big thing last week was the Thanksgiving Feast at school. I got to cook and eat twice, once for each child. I liked this a lot that they had 2 feasts because I got to go with each child and let them be the center of attention. Jessa always craves this one on one time. Bless Spencer's heart, at his feast, he kept asking, "Momma, where Jessa?"

Jessa's feast was on Thursday. And she has gotten to where she NEVER behaves well when I am at school with her. She is clingy and doesn't listen well. I have always told them that at school the teacher is the boss, not me. But lately, she acts ugly when I am with her. I told her I may not come anymore if she does not straighten up, so I am hoping the Christmas Party will be better.

Her class made Indian (or am I supposed to say Native American, not sure, but they do not call the way they sit "Indian Style" like we did, it is "Criss Cross Applesauce") vests out of paper bags (Remember those?) and little headbands with feathers and even a necklace out of colored pasta. Jess did not want to cooperate. Photographic evidence:

notice her holding my hand - CLINGY!

So, her feast was not terribly enjoyable. Although she is famous for being able to turn the drama on and off, she eventually acted a little better. . .

Spencer, on the other hand, was thrilled to see me and had the best time at his feast. I could eat him up with that sweet face!

He ate well, and he even got an extra cupcake to take to Jessa. He loves her so much and is just so thoughtful. . . His class made turkey hats, which he was reluctant to wear, but agreed to a few pictures.

Spencer's feast was on Friday, and we left right after to head down here to Ft. Stewart. We are skipping Thanksgiving in order to have an uninterrupted week of unpacking. Mimi and Poppy spent the weekend helping, but they went home. I am not a huge fan of Turkey, so no biggie for me, but my poor Daddy (with Abby) is driving to Atlanta on Wednesday from Illinois (9 hours) to pick up Momma (and Cooper) to drive another 3 1/2 hours here to help me. I am planning to cook David a turkey when he gets home - maybe we will all celebrate Thanksgiving in the new year? We have had it in February before when David was deployed. . . So here I am. At Ft. Stewart, swimming in boxes and paper, trying to makes us all fit in this tiny house.

I am thankful for so many things this year. I am thankful for phone calls and e-mails from Iraq. I am thankful that David will be home in 2 months! I am thankful that no matter how small, we have a place to live. I am thankful for everything I unpack because of the happy memories that are attached to each item. I am thankful for my family who always comes through for me when I need them. I am thankful for all my friends. I am thankful that my baby brother is cancer-free! And I am thankful for my sweet and precious babies who continue to entertain themselves so well in the midst of all of this chaos: