thankful

In true one-week-behind style . . . Last week we celebrated Thanksgiving here at our home with our own little (or perhaps, not so little) family. Since we have been traveling a lot the past two weeks, we decided on a travel-free holiday.

When people think Thanksgiving, they think food, football and family. To tackle the first "f"on the list, I rushed into Coborn's at 10:30 on Wednesday night (procrastinate much??). As a was flying into the store, I hastily grabbed a cart and noticed an advertisement for "a complete, fully cooked Thanksgiving meal" available at the deli for $69.99, and I immediately thought, "If it weren't so expensive, I would totally do that!" For the last three years we've had Thanksgiving at home, and let me tell you, it's hard to pull a massive meal like that together all on your own! Usually, other family members that come provide apps, side dishes and desserts! Anyway, I did my shopping and got everything on my list. I went to the checkout and was shocked when I saw my total . . . of $98!! What the heck!! Next year, I will be doing my last minute shopping at the Coborn's DELI.

I am happy to report that for the most part, we had a relaxing day. I pulled off a traditional Thanksgiving meal of Turkey, (real) mashed potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberries and rolls with pumpkin pie (which I bought), brownies and ice cream for dessert. The kids and Carl had a carefree morning which trickled into the afternoon. It was very low key.

Our app spread . . . nothing fancy, but it fit the bill

This year we had a 16 pound Butterball . . . and a 7.5 pound turkey :)

During dinner, we always ask the kids what they are thankful for. Here were their responses:

Jocie - Basketball
Ella - our house and our family
Claire - treats (dad.....this was sponsored in part by you and 3 Musketeers!)

Later on we were excited to see snow outside our window. And not just any snow. HUGE flakes that were floating down from the sky. As they fell, I could almost hear the words "Welcome to the Christmas Season" being whispered in the breeze. We just had to go and freak out in it :)

didn't know what to do, she was so excited

...so she just decided to do a little dance and throw up a gang sign or two :)

not so sure . . .

then okay with it

Of course, we have many things to be thankful for. Sometimes it's hard to remember them on a day-to-day basis. It's easy to get caught up in self pity. But the fact of the matter is - We have a wonderful family (immediate and extended), we ALL have our health, we have a house to live in, jobs to help us pay for the things we NEED and great friendships that help us get through rocky moments. Who could ask for anything more? (truth - I can on most days . . . if we could just take my job out of the equation so I could stay home with Carter and Claire (and not minus any of the money that comes from said job), move our house to a different location and then renovate it complete with a photography studio/shooting space, and take 10 pounds off my body, I'd be one happy mama - - What?!  I'm just sayin'.)

In all honesty, the thing I am most thankful for is the time I have had at home with my kids. Yes, I would like it to be more permanent, and yes, I am starting to get sad thinking about having to drop them off at daycare everyday before heading off to work for 8 hours of every workday, but I AM thankful for the time I have had and will have for the next month. It's more than most "working mothers" get. And for that, I am thankful.

birthday get-a-way

 Last weekend we packed up the van and headed to Thumper Pond outside Furgus Falls to celebrate Grandpa Dwaine's 60th birthday. Thumper Pond is a hotel resort with a water park right inside, so the kids were super pumped about the trip!

The first thing we did was have Carter meet Austin, our new nephew! He was born just 3 weeks after Carter, and because our lives have been so crazy since the boys have been born, we haven't had a chance to get these two together. I think it's pretty safe to say that these little guys love each other already (except for the time Carter made Austin cry....because he was crying....shocker).

 ....already holding hands :)



 Austin showing us his Tummy Time skills

The girls had a lot of fun at the water park and also at the arcade. I wasn't able to witness any of this fun because I was with Carter in the room while he napped (and I got a chance to read my book....in the sweet, sweet silence), but the girls brought me back some proof :)

When everyone laid down to take a nap, I headed out for a little nature walk. Carter had been pretty "vocal", and I needed a little peace.

Then came time for a family picture.  With everyones busy lives, it's not often that everyone is all in the same place. Of course large family photos can be a challange . . .

(notice everyone wondering if they are in the right place, Carter screaming, Darin photo-bombing :), and Ella's face)

 

But like champs, everyone was able to get it together and we got the shot :)

Here are a few more random candids from the birthday dinner

Wish I could have gotten a few more pictures, but little man was a tad demanding. Thanks everyone for the fun time!

  



4 months!

I don't have time to blog today (amongst the crying baby, busy and demanding toddler, not to mention all the unpacking and laundry to get done . . . ) but I wanted to celebrate another mini-milestone.

 

Carter - 4 months old

 

Carter Loves - nursing, being talked to, being sung to, babbling when being talked and sung to, napping and sleeping in no particular pattern, being bounced on a fitness ball, showers and his bouncy chair with hanging toys

 

Carter Hates - going anywhere in the car, being strapped in his car seat, times of the day when his tummy hurts (which is still often), getting dressed, wearing hats, going to a restaurant and evening hours in general

 

 



We just got back from Grandpa Dwaine's big birthday bash at Thumper Pond . . . more to come! 

 



the big hunt

Here in Minnesota, Christmas comes in November for all those who love to hunt. And there are a lot of them . . .  you see them everywhere . . . big, burly and bearded - wearing blaze orange and a big fat smile. Carl is one of those hunters . . . and Jocie will be next great hunter in our family (minus the stereotypical description).

 

 

Joc couldn't do any actual hunting this year because she hasn't taken gun safety yet, but she did help push some woods and sat in a stand with Carl . . . she said she really liked it ( . . .really??). Thank goodness I can just go to the local grocery store to buy our meat now-a-days, because the hunt was unsuccessful. Bambi = 1, Carl = 0.

 

 

But that doesn't mean that everyone can't get together and eat like the hunt was successful! The food was plenty (as always) at "Deer Camp", and Carter got to meet his Great Grandpa Kuznia. He's almost 95 and probably healthier than me. 

 

 

 

 

We were delighted on Saturday to wake up to a coating of ice on everything. Just another charming trait of being in Northwestern Minnesota. The ice totally ruined my idea of going to East Grand Forks for the afternoon . . . I haven't been "home" for a year and a half!! That's just crazy pants. I guess there's always next time . . . when ever that is.

 

We can't end on a depressing note. So here are a few snaps of my littlest chicklettes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

They're pretty cute, if I do say so myself.





pumpkins, costumes, candy and such

Well folks, I bet you didn't know it was Halloween yesterday, right? And so I bet you don't know what's coming at you first . . . okay, I don't know where to go from here, so let's just get on with the pictures, shall we?

*not like you care, but none of these are edited....I've been up to my eyeballs in editing for the last two months and these are good enough :)

 

 like, OMG mom. don't take pictures of my face. I haven't showered yet.

 

Carving pumpkins is always a fun event. Cleaning up after it, is not. Everyone scattered and I was left with this. Urg.

 

The main event? That's right! Bring on the candy!

Joc didn't come with us this year. She stayed at home and passed out candy. She's getting too old :(

 Yes, our kids are running across the street. And yes, we looked both ways before they went.

(Jocie's pumpkin is eating the littlest pumpkin, Ella and Claire's pumpkins are on the lower step and you can tell whos is whos by the teeth...:) and Carter's is the little one who looks like it's sad/mad....how fitting)

AND - Introducing Carter's BFF

This is Ty Johnston!! (my dear friend Nicole's son) He and Carter already have things in common...

1. He was born early (37 weeks)
2. He spent time in the NICU
3. He is home now and is as healthy as an ox
4. He's as cute as a button
5. He eats like a man and poops like one too

I was so excited to be able to take newborn photos for Ty, and I gotta say, he was the best newborn I have ever worked with. Slept like a champ and didn't mind being posed one bit. His mama did the beautiful editing :)

I can't wait until these boys get to play together!


Hope your Halloween was as sweet as ours!