Thanksgiving 09

Yes, I know it isn't Christmas just yet but we had Thanksgiving dinner on Ryan's side and the kids won't be together for Christmas so it was also picture time. Every year Ryan's mom buys the kids matching p.j.'s and we try to get a picture. I suppose it is wishful thinking to get one where everyone is looking and smiling but they are special to us even with the silly grins.

We also had Thanksgiving lunch at my Grandma's house in Chariton. It was worth all the drive time to see both sides of the family. We also really enjoyed a few days at home together. We put up our Christmas decorations (although somehow most of them ended up in Zo's room), napped (yeah!), cleaned out the garage and napped some more (yeah!).

On a side note...my dear friend Gayla is having her long awaited surgery to remove her breast cancer tomorrow morning. Please keep her in your prayers and send her good thoughts. After 8 rounds of chemo and still maintaining a GREAT fighting spirit, she deserves to have a really successful day.

Christmas Spirit

Ryan and I are dropping the kiddies at Gramma's for the weekend and going Christmas shopping in Des Moines, ALONE!! In reality, we are very aware that every time we plan something like this something happens. Someone gets sick, works calls or some other situation that means we don't go. Friday is getting closer though, so as long as Ryan feels up to it (his kidney stone procedure is tomorrow) we are going. I need something to get me in the spirit...energy to fight the masses of ticked off Christmas shoppers if you will. So I dug into my pics and found these from last year.

Zoie hasn't changed much but Kai looks like a different baby. Same huge eyes, just much bigger body. Most of the pics I looked at were taken in the old house. It made my stomach hurt to even see them...we miss our house. alot. We also miss our neighbors, friends, friendly Target store and several other things. But this year has brought a lot of change for us and we are grateful. Ryan loves his job, the kids are in a fantastic school system and I learned we really can survive without Target. (it took a while though)

Shockingly enough, my child is the blonde posing like she is on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. I think we have our hands full.....

Wish us luck on the shopping, eating, sleeping in, doing whatever we want weekend!

Dance Party

This has been a really bad day. It started off with a failed house project (which means costly), a visit to the E.R. for Ryan (kidney stones) and ended with the worst haircut ever given to a toddler. No kidding....I wouldn't even post a picture of my poor son knowing it was all my fault. It is really, really bad. Apparently clippers plus one-year old do not mix well. That is a job I will say is best left to the pros in the future. Until then, he has every reason to hate me.

The only highlight of the day was watching this dance party that took place yesterday. "I like to move it" is heard in this household on average 1o times a day. It was made famous by the dancing penguins off of Madagascar II. Fab movie by the way....watch it if you haven't already. Tons of adult humor.

Here's to hoping tomorrow brings a better day. I did decide to sneak in a day of wearing my new boots my Momma sent for Christmas to ensure a better day. Surely she won't care, right Nana??

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to everyone! Davis County's volleyball team played in the regional final game last night so we went to that and missed our trick-or-treat night. Instead we hit the Ottumwa mall trick-or-treat night which was considerably better given it was indoors, warm and fast!

The kids enjoyed their costumes, thanks to Grandma Janet and Tom. They send MULTIPLE outfits each year and Zoie especially loves that opening that box. This year it was Cousin It and a chicken for Kai and a ballerina, witch and genie for Zo. They play with them year round though at least they get a lot of good out of them. We hope everyone had a wonderful halloween!

Davis County Homecoming

Last week was Homecoming in Davis County. The weather didn't really cooperate but we did manage to make the parade and crowning of the king and queen. There is a ton of school spirit in this town, which makes for fun events. But, I have to say, it is still really strange that we are not "bulldogs" anymore.

Finally....udpates!

I have been super slow at updating the blog. Here are a few pics of Kai's bday week. He didn't like the chocolate cake. However, just like his momma, he loved the cake batter!

No laughing at my cake! It didn't rise quite as much as it should have. I attribute that to a little too much batter missing.

Zoie loves her school. She made this "fall hat" and wore it all day. She decided this morning that on Mondays she doesn't want me to drop her off in front of school anymore. She would rather ride the bus like all the rest of the big kids. Seriously?? She isn't even 5 yet! Why didn't someone warn me that mommy isn't cool enough to even drop off a preschooler???

Happy Birthday Baby Boy

Happy Birthday to my beautiful baby boy. You are ONE tomorrow! You have been such a joy to our lives and we are so blessed to watch you grow. You are so happy and willing to share your smiles and dimples with everyone around you. I hope you always find life to be so amazing. I thank God everyday for this wonderful family and for bringing you into our lives. Enjoy your special day. As Zoie likes to say, "you won't be age zero anymore!"

ps....Thank you Leslie (again) for the picture!