Thanksgiving 2013

As Thanksgiving drew close this year, I found myself reflecting on all the things I probably take for granted every day. A warm bed, a hot meal, my health and the health of my family and friends... and I wanted to make sure that in some small way, I paid it forward this year. True, it wasn't a lot. But before we headed out of town this year, I dropped off needed groceries at Bethel Mission- Hope Ministries.

Never having been there, I wasn't sure what to expect. It was easier than I thought, which makes it easier to incorporate a food drop off at Christmastime too. And next time I'll take Rea with me and show her how even a small gesture of kindness, can help those in need. It felt good.

We headed north this year for turkey day and as usual, it was great to see family and spend time catching up and eating some great food. This year was full of Grandpa-shenanigans as the cool whip lid made its way to each of the grandkids' noses. Funny times! 

This year was extra special as we welcomed a new family member! My step-sister and brother-in-law had a sweet baby girl, Rose, and this was our first time meeting her. She was cute as a button and teeny tiny! Only 6 lbs. 12 oz. and slept so well, even during the chaos that ensues when all the grandkids get together.

So many things to be thankful for this year. My heart is full. 

Hello baby Rose!

Oh how these kiddos love their Grandpa and Gramma!

Belated birthday present- thanks Erin, Erik, Chris, Nina and baby Rose!

I had no clue she liked pumpkin pie.

Thanks for the fun craft project Gramma K.!

Tomorrow we get to spend the day with Andy's family and it's sure to be another great time, more memories to be made, laughs to be had, food to eat...from our house to yours, have a blessed Thanksgiving!

The High's and the Low's

The Highs:

Our weekend started off happy and healthy. Friday night Andy and Reagan had a daddy/daughter play date with our friends the Larsen's and the Dilk's, while I enjoyed a fun girls night out that included Mexican food and shopping. Thanks for a great night Jen & Jacque!

Saturday we enjoyed a fun birthday party for our sweet little friend, Willow- what a cutie!

Saturday night we enjoyed an impromptu visit from our besties, Nette and Davy. Rea was so excited! Nette's in trouble, Rea already wants to wear her clothes. :)

The Low:

Sunday morning, Reagan woke up very early crying of a headache. Pretty unusual for her. After registering a 101 degree fever it was time for a visit to the doctor. 3 hours later... diagnosed with strep. Not fun! But Rea was a champ and we started some good meds. Hopefully tomorrow will bring a better, healthier day.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Strike a pose

A few weeks ago, we had Julie with LandryAnna Designs take our picture.  It was cold, and windy! But we forged ahead and I love what Julie has come up with as her finished product. I did tell her she has to do pictures fourteen years from now because I will insist that she take Rea's senior pictures.

I just have a few pics from Julie- waiting for the finished CD in the mail.  I see Christmas card making in my future. :)

Wordless Wednesday~ Sneak Peek!

Hello Four.

Reagan had her four year well-child check-up today. I am pleased to report her growth is right on track! 

The doctor was delighted once again with her renditions of friends, bath time, favorite foods (quiche and quesadillas), cousins, how she scratched her foot and needed a band aid, how she will hold my hand in the parking lot even though sometimes she really doesn't want to because she's big, oh and she loved having a Hello Kitty birthday party when she turned 4.

I love the stories of a toddler's mind. 

The stats:
35 lbs 14 oz (55% for weight)
39 and 3/4 inches (46% for height)

So thankful for another great check-up. God is GOOD.

Yes, we had to celebrate a successful trip to the doctor with the good stuff- OL.

She is loving her babies right now... feeding them, burping them, pushing them in her grocery cart and stroller.

And... for good toddler measure, she is boycotting all things winter.  She found her swimsuit, put it on all by herself and proudly announced she was ready for a trip to Adventure Bay.  Aren't we all...

We are well on our way into year four- more toddler musings to come.

One of THOSE weeks...

It's been one of those weeks... with a scheduled (demanding) work trip, an impromptu cold/sinus infection while on said work trip, and a toddler with the flu. 

We survived... or I should say, we are surviving, but it gave me an entrepreneur idea.

I would have loved a company that delivers hot soup, warm bread, a bottle of pedialyte and, just for good measure, a bottle of Pepto Bismol.  I'd call it- "Superhero's Deliver" because let's face it, anyone that can deliver all of that when you need it most, is most definitely a superhero.

I managed one picture on my entire trip and if you know me, you know that's unusual. Hence the cold/sinus infection interfering with my travel plans.

Downtown Nashville:

The calm before the *toddler flu* storm...

I shouldn't complain. I learned a lot this week, was able to get home to my family safe and sound and peanut is on the mend.  Thank goodness for every day miracles.  Hope everyone had a week of better outcomes!  :)

Weekend Recap

We had a busy Saturday morning- giving babies baths, frosting cookies, putting our babies down for naps, multiple outfit changes, watching Monsters University, you know- all the things toddlers love to do. :)

It was hard to leave the giggles, and frosting, and toddler quotes, "Mommy, I'm sorry but you're the grandma now. You're too old to be the mommy."  *sigh* (I liked it better when I was the 'big sister').

But I had a planned girl's day out at the Hy-Vee Food and Wine Expo.  This is always so fun- the key is to arrive early, before the rush of the afternoon crowds.  I was saddened to see that Chocolaterie Stam was absent this year- but very happy to see my favorite Scratch Cupcakery was in attendance. They didn't disappoint. I may have used a fake mustache as a disguise to keep going back for my 5th cupcake.

They had a separate area for beer/ciders and that was fun as well- a DJ playing music, the Iowa game was on a flat screen and we had fun sampling!  One of my favorites was the beef slider by Flemings and triple dipped caramel apple by Hy-Vee.

And the best part- getting to spend some quality time with my soul sisters!  Couldn't ask for a better afternoon.

Someone was very happy to get a dipped caramel apple complete with mnm's.

Sunday Funday:

*warm fuzzies* We've been attending a new church closer to our house and every November they host a turkey dinner, donating all proceeds. This year the donated funds went to 3 homes for Habitat for Humanity plus nets for the malaria project in Africa.  The church raised $87,000 and counting from ONE dinner. It's amazing the good will of people and how great it feels to be a part of that. God is good!

Sunday night toddler zzz's...

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Wordless Wednesday~ Toddler Tumbling

 

Welcoming November!

Someone is excited for Thanksgiving.

Our lil turkey.
Although if you ask Reagan, she'll say she's a 'Princess turkey' on account of the tutu skirt and all...

When asked if she remembered what Thanksgiving was about, she said, 'Yes- sharing, being nice to our family and friends, thanking Jesus and eating rolls.' Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

Giving thanks for family, friends, jobs, a cozy home, reliable cars, mental/physical health, food on the table, leftover Halloween candy, a good book, Starbucks caramel apple cider, date nights with Andy, girl's night with my besties, mommy/daughter dates with peanut, a welcoming church, a dependable smart phone that stays charged, comfy sweats with fuzzy slippers, safe travel... feeling blessed. Happy November!