To finish this supposedly "quiet month" as I always call it, we went out with a big bang with a week of celebrating and cooking, and eating, and did I mention celebrating? First, our oldest kiddo Jackie had a milestone birthday. He turned 50! Seriously? How did that happen so fast? I remember when I turned 50 and I thought for sure it was only a few years ago. Certainly not 22 years ago! He was very adamant that there be no surprise parties and frankly he wanted no parties. But his daughter, Summer, asked if they could please have a party for him. He can't say no to his sweet kids so celebrate we did. And we did it here. Knowing I was also hosting Thanksgiving it was a bit busy! Jackie was supposed to be born at the end of January but thought Thanksgiving week was better! Weighing in at only 2lbs, 10oz 50 years ago, it was truly a blessing he wasn't born with cerebral palsy or any other problems that could have occurred. There wasn't the technology then that we have now for preemies. We even had to cut cloth diapers to fit! No pampers that small back then. His first hospital pic was taken about a month after he was born. I thought he was adorable but he was super tiny!
But he grew up super cute too!
Wearing his vintage 1974 hat! Happy birthday Jack III....yep, he's the third Jack! After this gathering, everyone returned on Thursday for turkey day!
John (Lexi's boyfriend), and sister, Rae.
Jack, Phil, Jackie, and Jonathan, (Driana's hubby) eating pie later in the day. In the background is Driana, also eating pie but she's eating for two! Yep, come Spring we'll be Great YaYa and Great PawPaw! I didn't take any more pics and I really need to up my photo taking duties! We did have lots more family here. Around 16 total so I'll try and do better at Christmas! To finish up the week our boys came by yesterday and spent the morning helping Jack get wood in and get the wood burning furnace up and running.
The city delivers a big dump truck load if you want, for a reasonable price. Not going into the woods to cut our own is good. But still, it's a lot of work with splitting, stacking, hauling, and stacking and splitting some more! You can't see it here, but the barn has stacked wood all around it on the sides that get sun. We leave the north side open. Anyway, many hands made quick work and they did great! I made them lunch, and we had fun as well as using up calories gained on Thursday! So now I'm getting all the fall and Thanksgiving decor put away and the Christmas stuff will be next. Whew! Busy time of year but I'm truly thankful for so many blessings. My family, friends, blog buddies, and pets too! Speaking of pets, today Annabelle went with us to ring the Salvation Army bell again this year.
With her Santa "Paws" sweater on she was ready for the task! She received many pets from folks and this year we brought her stroller so she could get off the cold floor during the hour we were there. The comments from people were "Spoiled"? Yeppers, she is! Bye Bye November! This year has sure flown!
2 comments:
Hi, YaYa!
Once again, I would like to wish Jackie a happy birthday. Hope he doesn't think 50 is old. Shucks, I'm 76 now! The story of Jackie's survival and "thrival" from a mere 2 pound, 10 ounce preemie is remarkable and inspiring. Such wonderful and priceless pictures you took of his early weeks, months and years! Thanks for informing us that he is actually Jack the 3rd.
(I'm Hen-er-ry the 8th, I am. Hen-er-ry the 8th, I am I am). :)
It was so nice of Summer to suggest that you throw a b-day party for her dad there at The Pines. Did the Yeti rent a tux? :) Seriously though, I'm still down in the dumps after learning about the demise of granddog Happy and hoping that Summer is coping with the loss of her beloved pet. Please tell her that I am thinking about her.
Look at Lexi and Addy Rae Rae! They look like a couple of movie stars! I always knew that you and Jack are great, but congratulations on becoming Great YaYa and Great PawPaw with the arrival of spring and Driana's baby. Please let Driana know that I share her joy and anticipation, and tell all the rest of your family members that Shady says hello and happy holidays.
It was nice of your boys to help you collect, prepare and stack firewood for the upcoming winter months. From what you told me about your weather forecast, they picked an ideal time to complete the task. Yessum, the months are flying by. Every year, you are engaged in a flurry of decorating activity practically from Labor Day on. You always do a fine job. Bless my sweetie Annabelle's heart for helping raise money for the Salvation Army!
Stay safe, healthy and warm until I return next month my Christmas offering at Shady's Place, dear friend YaYa!
Dear Yaya, I wish Jackie a very Happy Birthday. I turned 69 on October 27th. Your photos are lovely.
I want to thank you so much for your visit and kind comment on my blog today. 😊 I am so glad you were in Montreal for Expo 67, it was a wonderful time.
When you mentioned about the French signs, I totally agree with you. Canada ❤️ is a bilingual country, both English and French are used here. My mother tongue is English and I was born here in Montreal. I don't agree with some politicians here that want to make Quebec all French...and I am fluent in French. We get tourists from many countries, including our lovely U.S. neighbours, and I personally think Quebec should be bilingual.
I really appreciate your comment, Yaya, and I smiled when you said "crazy Americans" Not at all...I say those crazy Quebec politicians. The ones that want only French used here.
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