The children, were kindly and thoughtfully, given the gift of a game, by a dear friend. It arrived in the mail one cold, late Winter day, and that very afternoon, James, Rosie, Joseph, Julia, and Chubb, pulled it out of it's box, read up a bit on the instructions, and then dove in headlong and began to play. I too, got in on the action (which would in fact be a bit of an understatement, as to what was actually going on once things got rolling along.) but, in short order decided to "jump ship" and go for my camera instead. Though they (yes, indeed), were having so incredibly much fun, I, was (undoubtedly) having ten times as much fun, watching them. I was especially happy, because the pictures that I got were the perfect gift, in return, for the gift of the game. I don't think anything could have said thank-you, more truly and sincerely.
I was going to pick and choose a good number of the photos from among those that I took, to share here, but, it seems (to me, in my incredibly biased opinion, as their mother, you know) that it's just way more fun, and "wish you could have been there, larger than life", looking at them all, one following another, in this slideshow, right on over here.
And, since we're on the subject of fun, I thought it might also be fun, if any of you (and, I know you do) have a favorite game or more that your family really enjoys playing, and you might like to leave a note and share what the game/or games are, and why you like them, with everyone that comes by. I would really appreciate it, and I'm sure others would, too. Our family loves to play games (though, I'm oft' times having the most fun being the quietly, off-to-the-side, lowly photographer, playing the game/s vicariously through everyone else, remember?), but I'll not share our favorites here, in hopes that some of you might share yours. I think it would also be great to see that so many of us probably share many of the same favorite games, in common.
All right, well, in case no one happens to notice, (somewhat wildly waving my hands in the air to get your attention) I am going to go right on ahead and make mention of the fact, that I am in fact, doing that very amazing thing (for me as a blogger, these days, it seems) that I made reference to yesterday, and blogging (are you listening to this?? ;o) two days in a row! Should I (dare) make some similar mention of the possibility of doing so again, *tomorrow* (or, okay, next week, or even the week after that ;o)? Mmmmm.....perhaps best not, hunh? May be best I just be quiet and inwardly glad about the (albeit, mini, in the scheme of things, I know. I know) "miracle" of today. I guess, though, truth is, that if yesterday I "dipped my big toe in the blogging waters", today, I am certainly "up to my ankles". Which means, I do have a long way to go, before I'm "in over my head". So, you never know, about tomorrow ;o) Just sayin'. If you guys don't understand a word of what I just said, that's okay. It's not you, it's me. I've been up since 2:30 am, it's now 7:15. Smile. I am aware of the fact that I'm not the easiest gal to follow when I'm on a roll. And since I said so, you can feel free to nod in agreement, without feeling that you're putting me down. Grin.
Well, it appears that it's going to be a lazy (lazy, because I got up at 2:30am) gray day, today, as the sun is hidden away in a cloud-filled sky from which rain, is on again, off again, falling. A quiet day, after the off and away busyness of yesterday. A day for lighting some candles and the oil lamps, listening to lovely music, cooking up some deliciousness in the kitchen with the girls, while we likewise do this and that of the every Saturday morning (and sometimes early afternoon) big(ger than the other days of the week ;o) cleaning. And, no doubt, a bit later in the day, some popcorn will be popped, buttered, and crowned with a sprinkling of salt, and (drumroll......) yes.....(for those beautiful incredibles among you that are [somehow managing] to read my foggy mind) you guessed it, we'll bring out the games (that last bit was intended as a clever wrap-up to this post ;o).
And (this can be like a closing commercial) let us not forget, it's yard/jumble/garage/tag sale time (unless you're in Australia, poor souls, but there are always the thrift/OP shops, eh?) which is the best time to get your games, for cheap, cheap, cheap. So, do share your favorites, if and as time allows.
Thanks for all of your sweet notes, of yesterday. I enjoyed reading them, here alone in the near darkness, while everyone else was in bed, where they (and I) ought to have been (but wasn't). And, for those that asked/and hoped for me, yes, it was a nice day yesterday. Beautiful, weather-wise, and otherwise. We stopped at a couple of yard sales and found a few treasures (but I don't have them in a Flickr slideshow, yet, or you know, I'd send you there to see them ;o) and, especially, really enjoyed our time, together, and with Ada, and her littlest babe, Anna. But, it sure did, as it always does, feel so very good to be back home, at the end of the long and busy day, away.
Now, off to do all that I said I was going to do (on that little bit of sleep I told you that I got).
Lovingly, Jewels
I was going to pick and choose a good number of the photos from among those that I took, to share here, but, it seems (to me, in my incredibly biased opinion, as their mother, you know) that it's just way more fun, and "wish you could have been there, larger than life", looking at them all, one following another, in this slideshow, right on over here.
And, since we're on the subject of fun, I thought it might also be fun, if any of you (and, I know you do) have a favorite game or more that your family really enjoys playing, and you might like to leave a note and share what the game/or games are, and why you like them, with everyone that comes by. I would really appreciate it, and I'm sure others would, too. Our family loves to play games (though, I'm oft' times having the most fun being the quietly, off-to-the-side, lowly photographer, playing the game/s vicariously through everyone else, remember?), but I'll not share our favorites here, in hopes that some of you might share yours. I think it would also be great to see that so many of us probably share many of the same favorite games, in common.
All right, well, in case no one happens to notice, (somewhat wildly waving my hands in the air to get your attention) I am going to go right on ahead and make mention of the fact, that I am in fact, doing that very amazing thing (for me as a blogger, these days, it seems) that I made reference to yesterday, and blogging (are you listening to this?? ;o) two days in a row! Should I (dare) make some similar mention of the possibility of doing so again, *tomorrow* (or, okay, next week, or even the week after that ;o)? Mmmmm.....perhaps best not, hunh? May be best I just be quiet and inwardly glad about the (albeit, mini, in the scheme of things, I know. I know) "miracle" of today. I guess, though, truth is, that if yesterday I "dipped my big toe in the blogging waters", today, I am certainly "up to my ankles". Which means, I do have a long way to go, before I'm "in over my head". So, you never know, about tomorrow ;o) Just sayin'. If you guys don't understand a word of what I just said, that's okay. It's not you, it's me. I've been up since 2:30 am, it's now 7:15. Smile. I am aware of the fact that I'm not the easiest gal to follow when I'm on a roll. And since I said so, you can feel free to nod in agreement, without feeling that you're putting me down. Grin.
Well, it appears that it's going to be a lazy (lazy, because I got up at 2:30am) gray day, today, as the sun is hidden away in a cloud-filled sky from which rain, is on again, off again, falling. A quiet day, after the off and away busyness of yesterday. A day for lighting some candles and the oil lamps, listening to lovely music, cooking up some deliciousness in the kitchen with the girls, while we likewise do this and that of the every Saturday morning (and sometimes early afternoon) big(ger than the other days of the week ;o) cleaning. And, no doubt, a bit later in the day, some popcorn will be popped, buttered, and crowned with a sprinkling of salt, and (drumroll......) yes.....(for those beautiful incredibles among you that are [somehow managing] to read my foggy mind) you guessed it, we'll bring out the games (that last bit was intended as a clever wrap-up to this post ;o).
And (this can be like a closing commercial) let us not forget, it's yard/jumble/garage/tag sale time (unless you're in Australia, poor souls, but there are always the thrift/OP shops, eh?) which is the best time to get your games, for cheap, cheap, cheap. So, do share your favorites, if and as time allows.
Thanks for all of your sweet notes, of yesterday. I enjoyed reading them, here alone in the near darkness, while everyone else was in bed, where they (and I) ought to have been (but wasn't). And, for those that asked/and hoped for me, yes, it was a nice day yesterday. Beautiful, weather-wise, and otherwise. We stopped at a couple of yard sales and found a few treasures (but I don't have them in a Flickr slideshow, yet, or you know, I'd send you there to see them ;o) and, especially, really enjoyed our time, together, and with Ada, and her littlest babe, Anna. But, it sure did, as it always does, feel so very good to be back home, at the end of the long and busy day, away.
Now, off to do all that I said I was going to do (on that little bit of sleep I told you that I got).
Lovingly, Jewels
Good Morning early riser :)
I am ever so glad to here that your day (Friday)was a good one. Can't wait to see your picture's.
My hubby and I, and our kiddo's LOVE, LOVE just plain ol' regular card games. Maybe we are a wee bit simple, but that's our favorite. Things like rummy, crazy eights, just simple one's like that. OH...and Uno...luv that one.
Have a most plesant and blessed day with your family, and try to catch-up on your sleep.
Love & Prayers to you my friend,
Ronda
Posted by: Ronda | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:26 AM
Sweet dreams, dear Jewels... I always look forward to your notes. :)
Posted by: Tracy | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:36 AM
We have so many favourites!
Settlers of Catan, Ticket to Ride, and Carcassone are all great strategy games, for impossible silliness try "Quelf"...also Apples to Apples...hmmm...let's see, Pictionary and Taboo are also good ones.
Wonderful pictures Jewels, they made me smile all the way through.
I'm off to move chickens to the veggie garden, we though they could clean it up a bit before we plant.
Blessings,
Niki
www.ruralwritings.blogspot.com
Posted by: Niki | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:49 AM
Wow ! I couldn't believe yet another post from you :) *big grin*
Mmmm... favourite games, not easy first of all because my kids are all quite young and then we're from Italy and i know the games names only in Italian...ok, let's try this one UNO,my kids love it and we all have great fun playing together, it's easy and also my 5 years old can play and while we play we have time to chat and make faces and all the usual family sillyness since you don't have *to think* too much :))))
Well time to wish you a blessed and relaxing day and a wonderful sunday for tomorrow.
Flavia
Posted by: Flavia | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 08:51 AM
OOOO, I missed the yesterday post!!
We love love love Bananagrams! It's similar to Scrabble, but faster. Our hooligans are a bit too young to play without help as yet, but we do team playing and have a great time.
Also? Sorry. It's a classic around here.
So nice to see you posting! You are very uplifting to my day!
Posted by: jamie | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 09:16 AM
Oh dear, there are so many on our shelves. The ones the kiddos regularly get out and *force* us to play are chess, battleship, go fish, math-it (I know, I know, but it is really just a plain ole chicken-scratch game gussied up with a new, educational name ~ Mommy does their pluses while playing), and finally the game which keeps us all in stitches, apples to apples, which was really a steal of a deal for 3 dollars thrifting, brand new (!!!)) I'll join you in the sleep-deprived fuzziness today, having been up to (the time you mentioned) rising, and now getting up, not-exactly-early, for a children's play practice which we (they) are in. It could get interesting today, oh yes.........
Posted by: Sarah | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 09:18 AM
Gracious sakes alive, you do beat all, Jewels! Two posts in as many days. Be still my beating heart!!! This is such a treat. I've been a touch out of sorts since yesterday and your post brought a smile to my lips and joy to my heart. :o)
We're fierce lovers of Sequence and Dominos and Clue. Clue, not so much to *me* but my daughter and her best friend *love* it so much that it's worth playing over and again just to see their faces.
Enjoy your rainy, gray day. That's my favorite kind of day. We have heat. They (whoever they are) say it's a dry heat. Well, I don't know about that because at 102 come afternoon, it's just plain heat. I don't *do* heat. sigh. So, you enjoy your rainy, gray day complete with oil lamps and candles (swoon!)..I'll flip on the A/C and sloth about. ;o)
Bless you,
jAne
http://tickleberryfarm.blogspot.com
Posted by: jAne | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 09:36 AM
What a delight to see another post from you in my reader!!
I popped on the computer while making a pot of tea. Now it's steeped, but I haven't seen the pictures yet. Guess I'll have to sip a cuppa while I look at the pictures and then get on with the day.
Oh, how lovely it would to have you join me! It is a grey morning here in Colorado as well. I'd make up some scones--do you like chocolate chip?---and light the lamps and candles. Turn the sweet, soft songs on in the background and we'd drink and laugh and sit cozily watching the rain melt on the window panes.
*sigh*
Back to reality. Oh well. And that reality involves a lot of shoveling of compost today. Hmm...maybe you could come over next month and just enjoy the flowers!
Have a lovely day!!
Posted by: Kimberly | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 09:48 AM
'PIT' has no turns, and everyone plays at once. Players trade commodities among one another by each blindly exchanging one to four cards of the same type. The trading process involves calling out the number of cards one wishes to trade until another player holds out an equal number of cards. The two parties then exchange the cards facedown.
When a player has nine cards of the same commodity, he or she will call out "Corner on..." the commodity they have obtained, ending the round. (In deluxe editions of the game, a bell is rung instead.) That player then earns points equal to the number value of the commodity they "went out" with.
I took this definition from Wikipaedia. This has to be a game which generates the most fun I have ever had. Sometimes you can't bid for laughter!
PS We 'poor' Aussies get garage sales all year round because the weather is great all year. LOL
Posted by: cherrie | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM
I would have to say that far and away my very favorite is Taboo - such fun. We also like pictionary, balderdash, mad gab, buzz word . . . we love games. Such fun for family and friends. So great to hear from you once again - get some sleep, girlfriend!!!!!! Much love to you and yours - Raquel XO
Posted by: Raquel | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:08 AM
What a lovely surprise to see another post from you. We love our games too, but don't play enough all together. My three children will get together and find different games to play and I really love watching them play. Maybe next time I should watch them with my camera too.Some of the games we love playing are scrabble,Twister, Balderdash, Pictionary, Cranium, Monopoly.
Angela
Posted by: Angela | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:18 AM
We love games around here. Some of our favorites are Rummikub, Taboo, Scrabble, Blurt, Boggle, and Phase 10.
Posted by: Terri | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Ah dear Jewels, what a joy you are. I thought I left a comment yesterday about how your personified spring and brought her to life for me despite the fact that she is still hiding behind a thick cardigan and wool stockings up here on the Canadian prairies. I must have skipped off before I verified because I see my comment slipped off onregistered.
I just wanted you to know that reading about your days makes me feel more than anywhere else that I am sitting in a swing drinking tea with a neighbor and soaking up all the smiles and sunshine that are to be found in her presence and surroundings. I just sigh audibly, in excess as I read and feel myself relax and rejuvenate. Thanks for "having me over" two days in a row. I am a homebody to the nth degree but if I lived next to you I'm sure I couldn't resist stepping out often to find my way to your doorstep.
Posted by: Prairie Chick | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Why yes! I did follow your rambling, and very entertaining :) train of thought! I must say, you're doing very well on such little sleep!
We have a lovely sunny day here on the Island so yardwork will be on the agenda. On the next rainy day, we will probably bring out Pit - a game we're enjoying lately. It's noisy and so much fun!
Hope you get a little nap in later!
xo
Kathie
Posted by: Islandsparrow | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:08 AM
silly me, I forgot to mention our favourite games! We love card games. Spoons, Quiddler (like scrabble but better with a hand of increasing cards), Dutch Blitz, President (some call it Scum), Canasta... we also love outdoor games like bocci and bunnick.
Posted by: Prairie Chick | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Oh Jewels what a lovely gift of another post
We play Monopoly, Jenga, Life, and so many more...
I must confess that we haven't played any recently but this post has made me realize that we need to!
I can relate to insomnia, I have had insomnia for years sleeping sometimes no more than 2-3 hrs a night...it is getting better little by little...
Wishing for you a sweet little nap today!
Posted by: Kelley | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Oh Jewels, how wonderful to see another post today! I hadn't even had a chance to post on yesterdays. What a treat.
My family loves Apples to Apples, Set, and Dutch Blitz, oh, and Uno, a classic favorite. Oh wait, and Rummikub too! Have a lovely weekend.
Posted by: amy | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:22 AM
We're a big gaming family, at least we are at heart! Like Niki, we're fans of Settlers, Ticket to Ride & Carcassone, but we've also enjoyed Dutch Blitz a lot and Wyatt Earp.
Just a few more names to throw at you!
Posted by: Kelly Gayner | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Yippee, 2 days in a row, what a treat!! :) I have missed you and the encouragement of your lovely life.
Posted by: Kristi | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:06 PM
I have been a reader of your blog for a very very long time and often thought of commenting but this time I just had too. I had to tell you what a blessing you are to me personally. I just love reading of your adventures and life in general and your precious and i might add beautiful children and grand children. Thank you for being willing to put yourself out there in order to bless someone else.. YOu have truly blessed me today. I wish we live closer oh how I would love to meet you but since we don't my name is Francine Howell and I am newly married of a year and a half and I am a nanny and wife. Now you know me! LOL
Be blessed today...
Always
Francine
Posted by: francine howell | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:22 PM
How lovely to see TWO posts in as many days from one of my favoritists (that's a word right?)bloggers!
It's so nice to know that you and your family are doing well (how are Claire and the still tucked away babe doing?).
Games are such fun-one of our children's favorite pasttimes-especially when Mom and Dad play along. :-)
We enjoy many board games, but would have to say that card games are probably our favorites. With our older children, we enjoy Skip-Bo and the younger ones enjoy playing UNO.
Enjoy your "lazy" day and time with your family!
Posted by: Michelle | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 12:42 PM
Jewels, hello there. What a nice surprise it is to check in with your blog and find new notes from you two days in a row.
You sound so cheerful in your post today. I am so glad for that.
The strange thing is, I understood every word of what you said. What does that say for or about me? ;-)
My family's favorite game is Yahtzee. I got in the habit of playing that with the children because it exposes them to *fun* math. (We didn't get the math gene in our family, so any bit helps).
OH! I almost forgot...I looked at the slide show of your game playing and I had to chuckle, myself. In several of the photos it looks as if the players are actually laughing so hard they are pained. Now, that's some heavy game-playing.
Enjoy your games this afternoon.
K
Posted by: Kristianna | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 01:17 PM
Your posts bless me so much. I'm so thankful that the Lord directed me to your blog a couple of years ago.
Enjoy that rain and the candles and the oil lamps. It sounds heavenly to me just now...it's 10:30 a.m. and the temperature is already approaching 80*. We will have a day or two in the 100's this week.
My bunch are loving Corsair (a pirate card game), Apples to Apples and Blokus right now, but their favorites change frequently.
Posted by: Cheryl (Copper's Wife) | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 01:43 PM
Lovely to see you posting again Jewel, I missed the news of your lovely family and their doings. We have a couple of favourite games, Momopoly which DD2 outrageously sheats at, scrabble which my husband and I play every night when we are on holiday and various card games.
Posted by: Anne Arthur | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 01:49 PM
Jewels,
What a delight! Back to Back posts! We enjoy all kinds of games here, Rook, Uno Attack, Rummy, Mexican Train (dominoes), Sorry, Settlers, Risk...
It is a happy thing to follow your family's activities...we love simple living, hospitality, family life....
Thanks for sharing...hope you get a nap!
Posted by: Deanna (Mrs. Rabe) | Saturday, May 16, 2009 at 02:06 PM