Wednesday November 28, 2007
Christy completely outdid Martha Stewart in hosting us for Thanksgiving weekend. I feel quite sure the latter never even tried to throw a formal dinner with a one-year-old in tow or keep guests happy and fed when they were precious little help in the kitchen and there were five children under three in (probably) less square footage then her kitchen and dining room. Not to mention that happy and fed is no small feat when the two women seem to eat as much as the men and much more often.
So after travelling all of Thanksgiving Day and finding that NOTHING was open for lunch besides McDonalds (which did not make me smile) and that by 3:30 when my body screamed ultimatums like, “get food or throw up,” even they had closed, you can imagine how restful it was to walk into a house that smelled like real food. To hear music and watch candles flicker. To our family, a beautiful table is almost as important as having delicious food. And Martha, I mean, Christy, did it again. Right down to the original place cards.
And then there were all the other little “I love yous” like a miniature crystal goblet for Adam and a mini Princess House cafe mug for Lawrence. Afterwards we cheered for Zachary when he walked and laughed when Lawrence and Adam thought they could get celebrated like that, too.
Moped rides, baby girl grins, competive Cranium, reminiscing, a trip to the zoo, and always more food…..
And then the long trip home which wouldn’t have been so bad except that we got stuck in a traffic jam for two hours.
And then there was Monday. Which was just, Monday. But next came Tuesday and I hosted the Beachy family day. Except that no one saw the foggiest resemblance to Martha Stewart. Instead, Jo took one look at me and offered to fix my cereal so I wouldn’t have to open the frig and then she went a step further and fixed Adam’s beloved stinky grits. Mom Beachy and Ro fixed lunch and supper and I stayed as far away from the kitchen as possible. And Emily, Jo, and Kristina sewed and sewed and sewed for me. I felt wonderfully cared for and didn’t care at all that I was also spoiled rotten. I think spoiled is a good thing for grown-ups. As though that wasn’t enough, Emily and Ro decided to come clean my house this afternoon while I go to the doctor which means Adam can stay here with them and I can go to town alone. I think I’ll go and not even think about the fact that they are going to clean parts of my house that have not glimpsed a rag since before I got pregnant. Funny how desperation takes care of a lot of pride issues momentarily. When I told David Lee last night what they are doing he got as excited as I did! “If they clean your house today and you do the laundry tomorrow you are going to feel like a new person,” he said. (I wonder now if that was more excited or hopeful I heard in his voice.) Indeed I will.
Wow, you truly have a southern son, grits and all! I wondered how your trip would go–it looks like you still managed to take some pictures. As far as Anna’s personality, it depends if you’re talking about our personalities now or as children. Because Anna, with her outgoingness, cheerfulness, and sense of humor, reminds me of her father every day. But when her father was that age, he was a serious, quiet little boy. So, who knows?
Lovely pictures and writing.. .. .. .. ..as usual.
oh, I almost feel sick just reading this! (and I don’t even have a reason to feel sick) You poor thing. I feel so sorry for you. I’m so glad that your inlaws are helping you out like that. I think I agree with David Lee, you just may feel like a new person! 🙂 Bless your heart. I hope you dr. appt goes well and that some time away alone can make you feel better as well.
I agree with Jasmine… makes me hurt for you! Hoping that “this to shall pass” comes soon! 🙂 Looks like you did survive a lovely Thanksgiving. We ate off of styrofoam
but with 70+ people I will give up Martha Stewart. 
Loved your post…Christy’s table was beautiful. you deserved a break …enjoy the clean house. I would be worried about all the crud people would find in my house. I’m sure yours wasn’t that bad!!
I am so glad you got your house cleaned for you. Bless Ro & Emily. Call me if you need anything, and btw, I like your advice.
Christy’s table was GORGEOUS! I’m sure it was wonderful eating all that good food. I can still remember how nice it was to be taken care of like that. Enjoy it & let your sisters and sisters-in-law do it for you.
That is a lovely table.
I agree, the prettier the table, the better the food.
I loved the pictures Michelle… Hope you’re feeling a little better. 🙂 Mom sure sympathised with you (I mean, I do too, but I’ve no clue what it’s like…
) Tell Adam to be a good boy for his mama! Grits?! your child likes grits?! 
take care. Remember what Roosevelt said: “when you come to the end of your rope tie a knot and hang on”. 
Oh, my it was so much fun, and I’d be even more sad that it’s over if we wouldn’t be coming up so soon. I’m so glad someone is so lavishly taking care of you this week. Enjoy the freedom.
bless your in-law’s hearts! being pg sick w/ a dirty house is depressing…..you sit and see the crud and feel worse yet! i was in your shoes just a year ago….
glad you had a delicious thanksgivig!
Michelle, I’m so very sorry your feeling worse again, I wish so much I could (fix)it for you 🙂 but since I can’t I’ll pray for you!
Way to go Kristina, Jo, Ro and Emily, What better way to say that you care!
Your Thanksgiving looks and sounds Lovely!!
I’m amazed that you can actually smile for the pictures! We might just have to wait till my baby comes and you’re feeling better to do that day we’ve been talking about. Hoping and praying today goes better.
I was referring to Dutch Blitz.
Although, I’ve never seen non-Mennonites playing Drop the Blanket, now that I think about it. I sure hope you’re feeling like a new woman by now!
Hi Michelle. Just wanted to let you know who betz536 is.
That is my daughter Shanna’s xanga site and since I’m not up to date enough to have my own site, I go under hers. I was so excited when I found you 3 girl’s xanga sites. It’s been fun catching up with you all. I’m sorry you’re so sick but happy for you that you’re pregnant. Hopefully it will be gone soon.
Marita Huyard
Isn’t family wonderful?
michelle i never know whether to laugh or cry when i read your posts since your pg. most of the time i do some of both. i am so sorry you’re so sick, but my mind goes back to this past summer when you and i were sitting by our pool talking…..and of how much you’re gonna enjoy this baby! so hang in there dear……this too shall pass! luv ya,K
oh and …..the table looks wonderful! christy really did go all out, didn’t she? she probably had so much fun making it beautiful for you guys! i love doing things like that too!
Hey, yeah, we’re surviving here… 🙂 Thanks for your comment! Well, having 4 younger siblings would be hard to just do stuff when we feel like it…
But it’s only for a week, and I keep reminding myself of last yr and tell myself it’s not as bad!!
thanks for the comment. I did edit and add my age,…but some of the questions were after that.:)