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??