HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This Thanksgiving I'm thankful for this little collection - even the squirmy one who is being difficult. Who ever knew being a mom would be so much FUN!

BIRTHDAY BOY

"Mom, I think we should definately have a party this year. To celebrate me." And boy, is this kid worth celebrating. I promised him whatever he wanted if he'd only agree not to have a birthday and get older - even a pony, which I thought would do the trick. But he was determined to turn four, and so, finally, we conceded.

Max is perpetually cheerful and full of fun. He is complimentary and affectionate, making him a favorite with his aunties ("Oh Auntie Kafryn, your hair looks so beautiful today!"). He idolizes his Uncle Pug, loves football and rodeo, and has a skull made of steel.

We sure love this kid. Happy 4th Birthday Max!

THAT'S MAX FOR YOU

Max to Nick: "Daddy, do all animals have red blood?"
Nick, "I think so. Like us."
Kathryn, "Ya, Max, because humans are animals, too."
Max, after processing that for a moment, "Oh, I get it... because we're Jesus' sheep!"

I'M IN LOVE

Finally, now that he's 15 months old, Little Sammy has learned to walk and say "Mama." Who would ever have thought that hearing this little man pant down the hall calling me would completely melt my heart? You'd think that kind of thing would wear off after four kids, but sometimes I just walk in circles around the house answering him so he'll keep calling. I wish I could freeze him just as he is - perfect.

JACKISM

Jack's fascination with all things Egyptian led to an interesting discussion about their religious practices, particularly one pharaoh's decision to go monotheistic and exclusively worship the sun god Aten (it's a long story). Jack was quiet for a while after I explained how it all worked, and then decided quite conclusively, "Well, if I were going to chose only one god to worship, I would definitely chose the God of Rain. You know - drought, famine, starvation... it doesn't seem like they needed any help with the sun living in a desert."

Good point, Jack. I bet old Amenhotep didn't think of that.