Still being thankful...

Our Thanksgiving celebrating started yesterday. We drove up to Hubby's parents and at with my MIL's (mother-in-law's) family. Last night Hubby and I went on a date and left Munchkin home with the grandparents and aunt and uncle. It was so nice! It was a little weird going on a date as husband and wife going to the places we used to go when we were just dating.

Today Munchkin and Hubby stayed at his parents' while I went shopping with my mom. My sister met up with us for most of the day. No, we didn't wake up in the middle of the night to catch the mega sales, but still faced the crowds and got some more Christmas shopping done. It was almost Munchkin's bedtime by the time I got back tonight. He had quite the day too. There's nothing like playing in the good country air! He also made some sugar cookies with grandma. I'm not sure what all else he did, but let's just say when I got back he was literally running around in circles and "screaming." He is having the time of his life.

Tomorrow we have another family dinner and we'll be watching the Mizzou game. Tomorrow night we're having a get together at Hubby's parents' house. Friends and family are coming over for games, football, socializing, and my MIL's famous nachos!!! (As if we're not eating enough! Ha!) And Sunday we are getting together with some more family for some more eating before heading home.

I hope everyone is enjoying Thanksgiving as much as we are!

Thanksgiving Eve

Today I am thankful for my ordinary life. I get to stay at home every day with my Munchkin while Hubby goes off to do a job he loves. My days consist of cooking, playing, doing dishes, cleaning, laundry, reading books, changing diapers, dancing, wrestling, exploring outside, capturing bugs (for fun...oh how my life has changed), coloring, and building with blocks.

When people ask me "What's new?" my answer is usually "nothing." Don't get me wrong, Munchkin is learning, growing, and changing every day, but really, nothing in my life changes much. And for that, I'm thankful. Granted, sometimes I would like some change - a chance to get away from my every day routine. Even just a chance to get out of the house is as appealing as a Hawaiin vacation! But pretty much, my life is constant.

I feel like I should be knocking on wood or something. Now that I've written about how my life is the same every day I can just feel it- something is going to happen and cause upheaval. Well, even if it does this thing will remain the same: my God is who He says he is and always will be. And for that, I'm especially thankful.

Thankful Tuesday

Today I am thankful for my family: parents, siblings, grandparents, in-laws, Hubby and Munchkin. I am so blessed to be surrounded by family who loves me, loves Christ and loves each other.

My family, and Hubby's, actually enjoy spending time with each other! What a gift!!! Not every family is this way, which honestly is difficult for me to imagine. Not only do I love the family I grew up in, but I love the family I married into.

My prayer is that the family Hubby and I are starting will enjoy spending time with each other and will make it a priority. He and I both have such a rich family heritage that is so important for us to pass on.

I am really looking forward to being able to spend time with family over this holiday and continue to share Munchkin with them. I hope that he is learning how valuable they are.

Thanksgiving Week

With this being the week of Thanksgiving, the next few days I would like to write about those things that have currently been on my mind that I am thankful for. Today, I will start with that which is most important to me, my faith.

Lately our pastor has been preaching on the book of 1 Peter. The letter was written to a people, much like the Christians of today. Just as the Christians during the period of the letter, we too live in a world that does not accept us. We are seen as "wrong" and "evil" for what we believe. Daily we are in constant struggle to keep the rights that we have. Furthermore, we feel more and more like we are refugees, aliens, etc. We feel this way because simply, this is not our home.

Man, have I been feeling that way lately. Did anyone watch the American Music Awards last night? If that didn't make me feel homesick for Heaven, I don't know what would. Our culture today is shocking, and it is getting worse. I am so incredibly thankful for my faith and the knowledge of Christ and what asking Him to enter my life has done. Because of this faith I can watch things like the American Music Awards and be heartbroken over the things people without faith value. I know that happiness is not what is most important. I know that a life with Christ provides a peace and hope that is more valuable than momentary happiness. I know that joy isn't found in having a lot of money, everyone knowing your name, and wearing expensive clothes. Because of my faith my heart is filled with songs about grace and mercy, hope, peace, comfort, joy, holiness, etc. not things like having sex, being powerful, breaking up, or how wonderful I am.

So today, and basically every day, I am most thankful for my faith. What are you most thankful for?

Helping Daddy

Helping Daddy put a new water filter on the kitchen faucet. (Notice Munchkin is trying to climb onto the counter. Surprising? I think not.)

As Seen In...

...my kitchen.

Notice the two guys on the right. Apparently there were fatalities in the accident! Ha!

A Day At the Arboretum with Daddy

These pictures clearly weren't taken today because this morning we woke up to snow on the ground - just a light dusting. It quickly melted and rain returned.


The other day while I was out and about, Hubby took Munchkin to the Arboretum. Hubby is just the best daddy. He loves our little guy so much. He is such a help with him at home and loves spending time with him. And Munchkin is pretty attached to his daddy. He wants to be just like him.

On a walk.

"You comin' dad?"



Taking a break for a quick snack.

Playing in the sticks and leaves.

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You may have noticed my "Praying for Stellan" button is gone on the right. If you have followed his mom's blog, you will know that God performed a miracle and Stellan's heart is healed!

It finally happened

It is no secret that I have struggled with Munchkin's napping situation. A couple of weeks ago he finally did what my mom said he eventually would.



He was watching a video and I went to the kitchen for a couple of minutes. When I got back, this is what I saw...

He slept for over two hours!!!! Praise God!

Birthday Celebrations

Last night we celebrated my dad's 60th birthday at my sister's house.
After supper we had some play dough time!

Playing with Papa.

My sister, Munchkin, and Dad.

Next came the cake. This cake was so yummy! My sister had it made at a local bakery. It was white cake with strawberry mousse between the layers. Yummy!

Taking the frosting off and eating it while we sang to Dad.

Helping Papa open his presents.

"Look Papa! A laptop!"

Dad speechless because of his new toy! :)

This morning we met for brunch and then headed to my sister's house to spend more time together. It is quite rare getting us three kids together at once.

Me, My Sister, Dad and My Brother

Papa, Munchkin, Mamma

Dad and all his "kids."

Happy Birthday Dad! I hope you enjoyed your weekend. We certainly had fun celebrating with you. We love you!

Happy 60th Birthday Dad!!!!!!

Today my dad turns 60! He has been the most wonderful father (and now grandfather) for as long as I can remember. He played a big part in my faith walk and developing my relationship with God. He also taught me what a marraige should be like and how family should be a top priority. He has also taught me not to take things too seriously. I am so thankful for having him in my life and now, in Munchkin's life. Those two really love each other, as you can see...

Happy Birthday Papa!
We are looking forward to celebrating with you tonight. We love you!

And today...

Munchkin woke up with no fever! In fact, he had no fever all day. Here's praying that he is completely healed. A few times today he did say his mouth hurt, and he was chewing on things quite a bit. I tried to feel around in his mouth, but nothing felt swollen. He isn't acting like he has a sore throat - he is eating and drinking fine. Maybe his two year molars are starting to give him trouble. Hmmm....if only he could tell us exactly what was going on.

I do know however that he has to be a sore little guy tonight. He is all boy and is turning into quite the daredevil and is starting to injure himself. His new favorite thing is to get off the couch by going head first. He doesn't hurt himself when he does this, but this morning he thought it would be fun to go off Mommy and Daddy's bed head first. Our bed is quite a bit higher off the ground than the couch. His little face got carpet burn.

Soon after that, he was trying to turn Hubby's radio on (which is on the nightstand) and hit the side of his face with the corner of the nightstand.

Then, while I was trying to sort laundry today he was playing on our bed again and covering himself with the clothes. We had music playing so all at once he got up, started dancing, and fell and hit Hubby's nightstand with his face.

Later, he ran into his bathroom (I usually keep his bathroom door shut, but I was putting toys away at the time and he has bath toys strung all throughout the house so I had the door open to put them where they belong.) and I immediately heard crying. He was in the bathtub holding his elbow. I can only assume he fell into the tub.

Awhile after that he and I were going downstairs and my arms were full so I told him he would have to go down the stairs by himself. He does this every day by safely going down on his tummy (feet first) or on his bottom, so I didn't think it would be a problem. Little did I know that he now thinks he is a big boy and can walk down the stairs. Yep, he totally fell down the stairs. Good grief!

I know this probably makes me sound like a horrible mother who is never monitoring her child. Believe me, I could go on and on about the things I caught him doing and was able to prevent him from hurting himself. For example, he was trying to stand on a little table in his room that holds his CD player. I also caught him trying to get off our couch via the armrest. He also attempted to climb up onto our china hutch from a chair. Tonight while I vacuumed the dining room, I had the dining room chairs lined up in the kitchen. Munchkin was attempting to climb onto the counter, into the sink and over the back of one chair into the seat of another chair all within a 30 second period of time.

So as you can see, Munchkin is feeling much better! But he is probably a little sore.

So far...

Munchkin slept through the night! Praise Jesus! This morning his temperature was 100 degrees. I gave him Tylenol, he hasn't had a fever since. He has lost his appetite, somewhat and looked a little pale today. His eyes were also looking pretty tired after his nap. Here's praying he sleeps through the night again and that his fever doesn't come back. Thanks for all the prayers.

Sickness please stay away

***Update***
They don't want me to bring Munchkin in because they are thick with flu patients. Since he isn't acting lethargic (at all) and is still eating ok and doesn't have a cough, we'll just keep using Tylenol. If he still has a fever on Friday, we are to call and make an appointment. Here's praying that he continues to act ok and that the Tylenol helps AND that he doesn't have a fever still on Friday. Oh yeah, and that he sleeps ok tonight!

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Yesterday Munchkin was rubbing his eyes and said, "Eye hurt." I checked it out, and everything was fine. This morning he woke up (slept in longer than usual) and felt warm. We took his temp. and he was fine. When I picked him up from MOPS, he was rubbing his eyes again and saying they hurt. When we got home, he pointed to his nose and said, "Nose hurt." I took his temperature, and it was 101.3. I called his doctor and am waiting for a nurse to call back. Please, oh please, sickness stay away!!!

My Snuggle Bug

Munchkin came to me and asked if he could watch a video. After I got done putting it in the DVD player, I turned around and this is what I saw.

Chuck E. Cheese

On Sunday night, I went with three other ladies on our street to the Sprint Center to see the show So You Think You Can Dance. I have never watched a full episode of the show on TV, but thought it would be a fun. The show was incredible, but I don't think I had as much fun as the boys did without Mommy being around. Mason's mom was one of the ladies who went with us to the show, so Munchkin, Hubby, Mason and his dad all went to Chuck E. Cheese. It was Munchkin's first trip.

He looks so excited!

Looking not quite so excited. Maybe this one was toward the end of the night???!

This is Mason and his daddy on the screen on the right.

I forgot to post a picture of Munchkin looking up at Chuck E. Cheese. Hubby said that our little guy just loved that mouse! Hmm...something that dances and sings that he loves - no surprise there!!!

Munchkin and his friends

Munchkin's best friend is Mason. He lives two doors down. Mason's mom has a daycare and takes care of twin 4 year old girls. The four of them play together quite often. They really are the cutest quartet.

Outside having a snack.

Munchkin and Mason. I wonder what they're talking about????

Playing in our leaves.

Latest Happenings

I'm glad you have been enjoying the pictures (those of you who have told me you are) but I'm taking a quick break to give a status on the Munchkin.

Last Thursday he turned 21 months. Here's what's been going on with him lately:

• Sunday morning he was playing in our bedroom while Hubby and I were still trying to sleep (good parenting, I know) and Munchkin said "A, B, C, D!" What a genius! (No, he hasn't done it again since, but loves to pretend to sing his ABC's.)
• Monday night he was lining up blocks and counted to seven. Again...genius! (Again, no he hasn't done this again.)
• Yesterday he knew he colors green and yellow and point things out that were those colors. (Knowing his colors is a skill that still comes and goes.)
• He is now pretending his food is animals.
• He is making short sentences.
• He has started trying to dress himself.
• He continues to climb on everything and his latest hobby is climbing up on something and then falling off of it.
• He pretends to read out loud.
• He is starting to sing and pretends sticks and things are horns and pretends to play music on them. Once he is done playing a song he says, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you." Where he got this, I have no idea. But I am learning every day how much he is like his father! :)
• And last, but certainly not least, his favorite word is still "no".

More Outdoor Fun

First of all, yes, we still have roses blooming every day. Crazy. But aren't they beautiful???

My little climber.

Isn't this the cutest little face???

This is our neighborhood cat. She does not belong to us. In fact, I'm not sure she actually belongs to anyone. She pretty much roams the neighborhood. Her name is Priscilla. Thankfully she is declawed, because she is very temperamental. She really isn't a fan of people - especially Munchkin because he always chases her. And yet, she continues to come around. This week I think they finally made peace. See?

He kept saying "Wuv you itty" (I love you kitty).

Fall Fun

It has officially started feeling and looking like fall here. Munchkin has had lots of fun playing outside.

Playing in the pile of leaves.

Munchkin getting ready to hide one of his toys in the pile of leaves.

Do you see what I see?



Playing with the neighbors' tree.

Trying to figure out how to climb the tree.

Halloween

Every year, six houses on our street get together on Halloween night. We meet at one house for supper and then set up a buffet of candy. Each house brings a bowl of candy, we set up tables in the driveway, and trick-or-treaters come and take a piece of candy from every bowl. Those of us who are there leave our houses dark, so they know we are at the neighbors. After supper, the men take the kids trick-or-treating, while the women stay and pass out candy. It really is so much fun. We've done it every year since we've lived in this house.



Now....

Be prepared to see the cutest little cowboy you have ever seen!!!!

Don't you just love his smile???

The outfit is actually a pair of pajama's that we got at Kohl's. We don't really like to spend money on an outfit he'll never wear again. This way he has another pair of pjs! The hat my parents bought for him on a recent trip to Texas.

Hubby put a bandana on him.

Mason as a Fireman!

At the party.

Ready to go Trick-or-Treating

While Trick-or-Treating. Munchkin running away from Daddy! :)