Thursday Night Life Group Thanksgiving

Thursday was a day I was VERY much looking forward to.  It was one of the main reasons I opted to decorate early, so that when our Thursday Night Life Group gathered for our annual Thanksgiving Potluck Feast, I wanted it to feel very festive.  For me, this event is kind of the kick off to the holidays.

I knew Thursday was going to be a NUTTY day though, so I did my best to prep completely the day before.  I'm so glad I did.  It gave me the ability to enjoy these two ladies when they showed up to visit.

The fact that Kaela was here was quite a special scenario.  She had told everyone else in our group that, due to the fact that she'd have to be coming down on Monday for Christi's shower, she would have to pass for financial reasons on this event.  It's not cheap driving back and forth from Portland.  However, her and I had talked, and had come up with a way to get her back to Portland (en route with us as we return to OHSU for John's surgery).   It still wasn't a sure thing, though, and it was kind of a last minute "heart decision" for Kaela to decide to "just go for it" and come down to surprise everyone and absorb the encouragement and fellowship she'd been missing from our group.

Kaela hung out with Alysha and I for about an hour, and then left to meet with ladies from First Baptist that she used to hang out, giving Alysha and I some time to catch up on our own. 

Whitley woke up from her nap while Alysha was here and totally lit up when she saw her....so cute!

A little sampling of some of the decor and how the tables/chairs were positioned to accommodate an even dozen of us (using seats) - along with Whitley at the end in her high chair.

We had set the start time for 6pm, but we had some folks coming late, particularly Christi who was bringing the most important part of the meal....

The turkey!  A definite upgrade from the Costco rotisserie chickens from last year.  Christi had set the turkey up, basting it and stuffing it with garlic and then her mom tended it in the oven while Christi went to work.  Such a great team effort (including her dad who delivered it to her at work...)  Thanks McClaggan clan for taking care of our group so well! 

So, the gang had some catch up time as we awaited our final guest, Elaina (who was secretly bringing Kaela with her).  

I tried to snap pics as Kaela walked in the door - some of the reactions were priceless - Kaela should feel so absolutely loved when seeing evidence like this!!!!

Love that look from Elaina - the "we pulled it off" look.  When Kaela comes down to Eugene she stays with Elaina, so it was necessary to include her in our covert planning.  Elaina has other reasons to be "glowing"....she is in love.  And it has happened in such a story book way...  A guy that has been family friends (his mom led her mom to the Lord!) began corresponding with her over the last several months.  What began as just an encouraging friendship began to blossom into more, and eventually, "Brad" desired to come visit her here in Oregon (he currently lives in Michigan) to see her.  This all happened last week, and while the week began with them still in the "friendship realm" as it unfolded, it quickly moved to much, much more.  By the time he left to go home, he'd asked her mom for her "blessing" (Dad's out of the picture), they'd looked at rings, and he's begun making plans to relocate here in the spring.  They are looking at an April wedding - with him returning around Christmas to propose... I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER FOR THIS GIRL!!!!!!  She has had to endure seasons of waiting and sadness over situations out of her control and then, in the last six months, (before Brad was part of the picture) her whole outlook seemed to just turn to peace and contentment.  And, then, in God's perfect timing, God unveiled His perfect plan.  I'm so honored to be a part of her life and witness how God has moved in it.  

The only person we are missing is Courtney.  Based on an Instagram post, she was setting her alarm that night for a 3am wake-up call, most likely for her to be where she needs to be in her med school rotations.  Being at our house was definitely where she wanted to be, but not a reality she could make happen.

This pic includes Mikayla...with Kaela taking the pic (John, who's usually our photographer, was at the Marist Football Awards Night with Brayden)

And this pic has Kaela in it as Mikayla snapped the shot.

A sampling of the delicious goodness on the table - turkey, green bean casserole, stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls, raspberry pretzel salad, green salad, even homemade orange-cranberry sauce.  I shoveled the food in....it was embarrassing....

Whitley couldn't stop her intake of the turkey either - Steph could barely shred it fast enough for her.

Later, I offered to hold Whitley while Steph got a head start at an encouragement activity as she knew Whitley's time was limited for the evening festivities.  She was snacking away on the spinach leaves, and clearly doesn't have a handle on etiquette yet with her bare feet all over the table.

After getting an "around the table" update on the majority of us, we moved into the living room.  Christi has got less than a month before Elsie arrives....it won't be long before she'll be holding her own precious bundle!

Oh how these ladies bless my life!

This is the "Encouragement Activity".  I had seen on Pinterest a glass ball filled with miniature rolled up scrolls of sheet music and wondered if we couldn't duplicate the idea, but instead of sheet music, use encouragement notes to each other.  I brainstormed with Heather - she liked the idea - and I told her I'd grab the ornaments and paper strips if she took care of the rest.  She did awesome!

Completing our "love notes" to one another took a while - especially as we had a jar for Mikayla and Whitley - and even Courtney.

This is what they ended up looking like as the jars began to fill.

Kaela laid her notes out to demonstrate....

And, then, after each person had read and treasured the love from the others in our group, they'd roll the strips up and put them in their ornament.  I suppose the downside is that it would take destroying the ornament to reread the strips...but I guess if you were really desperate from encouragement it might be worth it!  I think most of us, though, will just "ponder these things in our heart" (one of my favorite phrases from Jesus birth - in which Mary ponders the wonder of it all after He is born).

Whitley got cozier in some pj's and got some special love from Amanda and Mikayla....I love her crazy hair when we take her hair out.  

Dessert included my Vanilla Bean Cheesecake (with toppings on the side so folks could choose), Darcy's pumpkin bars (a Paula Deen recipe...they were a huge hit), and Suzie's pumpkin pie which ended up not being touched...I'm sure Lance (her hubby) was delighted about that!

Ah....full bellies and full hearts - lounging and watching "The Thanksgiving House" from the Hallmark Channel.    What a FANTASTIC evening, that absolutely exceeded my high expectations!

 

Pushing Through

I promise things will get a lot more lively and fun on this blog...give us just one more week and the holidays will explode around here, and then you'll get more "happy smiles and festivities" than you'll want to read about.

But, we're not there yet.  Personally, I have my annual doctor's appointment on Tuesday.  That means I'll want to weigh in at the same point (give or take by a minimal amount) where I've weighed in over the last several years.  I've got a few pounds to go.  Minimal eating means irritable Stephanie.  I know it might seem more like a pride point than anything else, but it is actually kind of an accountability for me, and definitely good timing to get myself a little lower before the holidays because we all know the damage that can be done that time of year!

It's also been a heavy time in the life of someone I meet with.  The reality she's facing is something brand new for me to walk along side - and I am so grateful for wisdom from our church leadership to help guide her way.  It's been an honor to be in her life, but so hard when there's so very little I can do besides pray, and just "be there". 

John is doing so much better, but still struggles with tremendous light sensitivity and lethargy.  It's been enjoyable having him around, enjoying Whitley together, etc. - but I know he's internally struggling with that pull to "contribute" - to get back to work and feel the sense of accomplishment and fulfillment in providing.  However, Tyson has been adamant about wanting him to rest and be as healthy as possible going in to this next surgery so it will be as successful as possible.  You can't argue with that - and we are so grateful beyond any description that Tyson is demonstrating such an act of grace and love (and financial sacrifice) to insist John stays home. (Daniel, his buddy from work, stopped by today).

Mikayla has her Webfoot Club Volleyball try-outs tomorrow afternoon.  She is very nervous.  We've had her working with Ashley every other week to improve her skill set...we'll see how she does.  Mostly, it's a matter of who is on the team with her and not the name or level of the team.  I desperately hope she feels like the end result is fair and she's not separated from her friends.

Brayden - he's doing just fine.  He's been cheering on Sheldon High School for the last two Fridays as Marist's football season is over.  That means some good times with his two favorite Sheldon students, Tanner and Solomon.  I'm happy that, indeed, as I'd hoped, just because he's attending Marist doesn't mean he's losing his Sheldon friends. 

He's also beginning his own (at home) training in lacrosse.  Yeah, lacrosse.  I'm not sure if this is because all of his buddies are playing or if it's something that just seems like fun, but he's committed to playing when the season begins in March.  We traded in some sports gear no longer used at "Play It Again" sports and got him some balls and a stick he really likes.  I'm not sure why he has to gravitate to a sport that costs so much to participate in....but, hey, if he's a happy kid, I guess we'll write the checks (at least for a while and within reason).

So, there's a sampling of life for the Rileys lately - it's all bound to get a lot more cozy and festive very soon, but in the meantime, there's work to be done....

My Own War Heroes

My dad, my Grandpa Plum (Mom's dad), and my Grandpa Alexander (Dad's dad).  Based on the sideburns and hair color (not gray, and it's still there!), I think it's safe to say this picture was taken in the mid 70's.  I love that my Grandpa Alexander's glasses would be considered cool nowadays (Brayden's been wearing a similar pair all weekend).  Grandpa Alexander is actually sporting a a pretty good-looking shirt - and Grandpa Plum looks like a modern-day golfer...though I'm pretty sure he did not play.  And, Dad - well, he was definitely stylin' for the 70's....

Those three got along very well.  Despite Grandpa Plum's lack of smile, I can guarantee he was amused and probably hiding it just for the picture.  Grandpa Alexander probably said something inappropriate and got his son laughing.  It actually hurts my heart to look at this picture as much as it makes me smile.  I wish I could be this age and have them at that age and really get to appreciate who they were - their personalities as individuals.  

I also wished I would have been mature enough to ask them about their service to our country and have gleaned first-hand stories.  Instead, I get to rely on Dad who has such a great memory for their details.  I had a special time talking with him and Mom a week ago as we sorted through pictures and facts for this post.

I'll start with my Grandpa Plum as he's the one I've been longest without.  His real first name was Lael, but everyone called him "Bud".  =)  He went to school at Springfield High School - (the rival school to Thurston where my dad and mom went and where Michele and I went) - and apparently he was the guy everyone loved in high school.  I'm not surprised.

We saw Grandpa Plum all too little during the years - after he and my Grandmother divorced (around the same time Mom and Dad got married), Grandpa Plum was married three more times.  His second wife (after Grandmother) was named Diane, and she was so special.  Perfect for him.  And, she died all too soon of cancer.  It was so sad.  His second wife was not a good choice and they were not married for many years.  And, his final wife, Eleanore is now his widow - she, too, was a perfect match for him and I wish they had had so many more years together than they did.

As for his military service, he served in the Navy in World War II from 1942-1945 in the South Pacific.  He actually lost part of one of his fingers during that time when he released one of the "to shore" boats from the big ship and caught it in the release mechanism.  As he later became a carpenter and shop teacher, it was usually guessed he lost it from a saw.  Nope.

He passed away in 1995.  His birthday was right around Halloween so this time of year always brings thoughts of him - as every year we'd make a trip to Sherwood to celebrate with him - which would soon be followed with visits on Thanksgiving and Christmas.   I remember him so fondly.  I wish I had a picture of him in uniform.  I know it's out there some place, but not in our possession - so I will have to someday add it in when it is rounded up.  Instead, here's a pic of him doing something he LOVED, "calling" for square dancing....  Thatta way Grandpa Plum...

On to Grandpa "Clyde" Alexander.  My dad's dad.  He died on Christmas day of 2001...just four days before Mikayla was born.  I remember my second cousin, Jason, being so worried that I would just pop at the funeral (I knew I wouldn't...Brayden was 11 days late, at that point, being 2 days late was nothing).   The years before his death, he suffered from a series of debilitating strokes.  It robbed him of a lot of his thinking, vitality, and personality, but he was really starting to "return to us" when the final stroke robbed him of life.   My grandma ended up dying exactly 51 weeks later.  We're convinced that was as long as she could wait before meeting up with him again in Heaven.  She was miserable without him- blind, and lonely during the day- but, dreaming of being with him EVERY night.   They had married when she was 15 (she had my dad at 17!) - and had spent over 50 years together.

I also wish I had gotten to know Grandpa Alexander better.  We spent a lot of time together and were spoiled rotten by Grandpa and Grandma who lived near us.  Sadly, as we grew older, Grandma struggled to "let go" and let us grow up.  She suffered from tremendous anxiety and worried incessantly over us.  It caused a growing level of resentment for us - never feeling like we were giving her enough time or attention and feeling smothered.  So much of that was Grandma, though - and Grandpa and his personality kind of got buried beneath it all.  He had a mischievous spirit (evidenced by that smile above), tremendous character and conviction, and a heart full of wisdom of God and His Word.  Again, I wish I could spend time with him at this age...

Grandpa Alexander was a First Sergeant in the Army - serving from 1939-1945 in World War II in France and other parts of Europe.  I don't know a lot about his time in the service, but have one stellar picture of him in uniform.  What a handsome man.  No wonder Grandma was swept off of her feet by him at the age of 15. =)

Finally, my dad.  Paul Alexander was a Specialist Fifth Class in the field of Avionics.  He served in Vietnam.  Dad was drafted - it was a dreadful day he and mom both vividly remember when they got his "summons".  They spent his first year after Basic Training in Georgia where Dad taught avionics - and then he headed to Vietnam.  

He showed me his pictures and it looks like they were in the midst of a desert instead of the tropics of Vietnam.  That would be "Agent Orange" - having killed all of the vegetation in the area.  (A point of interest in that Dad is just now being offered medical benefits because of his exposure to that chemical through Veterans' Affairs).  Dad serviced and repaired helicopters - and yes, he saw things he wishes he never had to see or go through.

I feel like the stories I've gleaned from Dad have been more about how he felt being away from Vietnam than while he was actually there (though we have some interesting ones of what happened amongst men in his own platoon...Dad held his own, let's just put it that way!).  He spoke of his all-too-short "R & R" in Hawaii with Mom, dropping to the carpet in the hotel room every time he heard an alarming sound - and that good-bye to her...I just can't fathom.

When he returned to the U.S. - it was not to a "Hero's Welcome".   While he didn't choose to enlist, he was blamed nonetheless.  He ended up "re-entering" in to the world by staying in a trailer in a small town with just Mom for a month...partly escaping the hostility of a country who didn't approve of the war and partly readjusting to this country and all of its overwhelming nature.  

He did come home with a rather unorthodox "badge of honor" though.  It is a 40mm artillery shell (basically an exploding grenade shot from a helicopter).  It was given to him by his outfit for his exemplary service.  I have no doubt he earned it and SO MUCH MORE...

For so many of us (especially those of us who are teachers or have school-age children), Veterans' Day is just another day off in November.  It's the time to start getting serious about holiday planning, or jump the gun on sales in the stores, or get away for a long weekend.  I'm guilty of all of that.  This year, I thought I'd do my little part in saying how indebted and grateful I am to ALL who have given up for the life, liberty, and freedom we so often take for granted in this country.  THANK YOU.

Social Hour

As mentioned, we had a crew of folks over to watch the UO vs. Stanford highly touted game.  As it was Thursday night, the majority of those that came over were from our life group - along with their spouses (in Christi and Suzie's case - Tyler and Lance).  

I have to admit that once things started to turn sour with the Ducks, I was absolutely agitated to the hilt, and a little uncomfortable having a houseful of people to contend with on top of my own feelings.  Occasionally Heather and I would exchange glances that made it clear that we WERE NOT HAPPY.  Questions like, "Now if the Ducks lose this game, will their chances of competing in the Nati be gone?" - at the beginning of the second quarter were about to make her and I lose it.  (Though it was a very valid question - and certainly not inappropriate to ask...just a reality check in an already stressful time).

Eventually, I reached that detached, apathetic state, so by halftime I was able to appreciate folks having a hot salsa eating competition (Amanda kicked everyone's butt....totally d emasculated the guys!)  And, by the time the Ducks made their comeback attempt in the last five minutes I was able to appreciate the effort even though I was certain the loss was guaranteed.  Sadly, I was right.

I had taken a long nap before the game with Whitley in attempts to prepare her for a night of fun.  She must have precognitive abilities, because her attitude was sour from the start - so very unlike her in a group full of people ready to shower her with attention.  She sure looked cute, though.  =)

Despite my attitude, what a great crew of people!

Then, on Friday, we got a VERY special treat.  On HIS birthday, Michael Chase chose to bless us with a surprise visit.  At about 10:30 the doorbell rang, and we opened it so see him grinning there.  Great time for us to catch up with him, the changes he's anticipating in his life (graduating in June, new job opportunities).  John isn't pictured in these, but he was there participating in it all.

Can't say that I've ever seen my son looking better.  Due to their grading period, he had the day off. 

Whitley enjoyed his visit too.

At around 11:30, we got a text asking if she could come over and spend her lunch (half) hour visiting too.  Double treat!

In good times, and times that don't turn out so well, we are beyond blessed by the friends in our life!