GRATITUDE FOR MIRACLES

Everyone has gone home after a sweet Thanksgiving Day surrounded by family. It was just about as good as it gets. I baked with different sets of children......the teenage boys were the most challenging. (I almost killed the 13 year old--but we both survived) Made pecan pies with the boys....pumpkin pies with Kaia and Mia (above) and chocolate cake with Lauren. The turkey was big and delicious and done just on time.

Since it is a day for giving thanks, I thought it was time for an update on Miracle Mia. As you can see from the photo, she is doing super well. She is loving kindergarten and even wants to go to school on holidays. We have come so far in the last two years: exactly two years ago she and Grace had just returned from six weeks of daily (except week-ends) Proton Radiation Therapy for the brain tumor and cyst that were sitting on her pituitary gland. She was a bit fuzzy and her reactions were slow and we had no idea what the results would be and how her brain would heal itself. And just look a healthy normal 5 year old!!! Yes, she will have to be on a highly regimented schedule of hormones for the rest of her life as her pituitary is not functioning--or the next miracle will happen and that little gland will restart itself. You just never know and prayer heals.

Of course, I can't resist an update on restorations that Roberto has been working on.

Here's the photo of the 16 lanterns before we did anything to them

They were very very very grundgy (sp?)......Roberto even found bird's nests and a couple of tiny eggs while he was cleaning them. (I felt bad asking Roberto to carry out such a menial task, but that seeded glass would be exceedingly $$$$$$$ to replace and I do not trust any other person to be as careful as Roberto)  And look at how they turned out

The lanterns are solid copper and super heavy. Still need to acquire the few parts that are missing, but tht shouldn't be a problem. So if anyone needs 16 vintage copper lanterns, you know where to go.

And finally, I'm so grateful for Mr. Jones surviving the massive ear infection that almost killed him last year...the infection took a tole, but he's back to his usual happy, naughty self. He is not a kisser, but he loves Lauren.

And, finally, thank you to all of you who read this blog. I am truly blessed.

Wishing you all the best of the coming week-end. Forget the shopping (except for antiques, art and decorative objects--bien sure). Hopefully we will all have time to enjoy the end of autumn weather.

Sending love for a wonderful start to this Christmas season.

Mary & Jones & Cole