Back to Life

Nothing says back to reality like a flat tire! Ugh, not how we planned to start our day. And when we finish taking care of that I must go and get another shot. What a lovely day this will be.

To the Beach

Saturday morning after we packed up we headed to the beach. I decided that despite the howling winds I needed to see the ocean to carrying me through until July.

When the boys saw this, they just had to go.
A recent storm created this peninsula-like sandbar.

So we went!

The sand was really moving!

Blown Around

Thursday
After the Turkey Bowl we got back in the car and headed to NJ for Thanksgiving dinner with Pop Pop (EJ's dad) and Nana (EJ's grandmother). We stayed with them until our return home on Saturday afternoon. It was a very chilly and windy visit, but no rain!
As soon as we arrived, we ran off for a quick photo shoot. Hoping to catch our family as the perfect people we are, for our ever so amazing Christmas photo card. Seems we left those people in VA, but beggars can't be choosy. I guess we got one. Of course, I won't reveal The One, just yet! Here's a glimpse.

And this was before the pumpkin pie.
Whoever came up with the saying "a bun in the oven" sure was being kind.Pop Pop and Mason

Nana and Pop Pop
Here is one of those great picture takers I mentioned above.
Just for a glimpse of that wallpaper and flooring :)

Friday
We braved the chilly weather and headed to a small town nearby for a magic show. We got there too early, so we hopped into the Five and Dime store to escape the bitter wind. Such treasures!

He actually wanted to put this on, not that you can tell by his excited face.

More turkey, anyone?
The magic show was outside and we didn't wear enough layers.
Does anyone else think its funny that all 3 have the same expression?
They are eating soft pretzels. We can't go north without getting some.Rest for the weary.
Back out for the tree lighting!

Tradition

It wouldn't be Thanksgiving (for EJ) if he didn't play in the annual Turkey Bowl. Although originally played with friends from his high school youth group, the gang is much different now, as the "original guys" are fewer and farther between with family commitments and complaints of aging bodies. While the new guys are dropped of by their parents and only cause to remind the "originals" just how old they are. Thankfully no one was injured and the weather was almost enjoyable.

EJ, second from left in white tee with navy shorts.

This was a great catch, so glad I caught it on camera.Owen and Mason cheered very loudly with help from a donut sugar high.

Family Ties

We arrived at Mim's (EJ's mom) house very late Monday night. The boys were barely asleep by midnight. Mason did not sleep any of the 6 hour drive and was still going strong while we wrestled them away from Mim's basket of toys.
EJ's uncle and cousins traveled from VT for Thanksgiving. We rarely get to see them and our boys were thrilled. Noah (10) is still very much into Legos and since this is Owen's newest love, they hit it off great! Mason just enjoyed being tossed in the air by Andrew.

EJ and his grandmother, Mimi.

I heart Pumpkin Pie

If only I could eat pumpkin pie for every meal today! Yum! I could totally go without the turkey and sides. It's not very polite to eat the whole thing myself. Even if I am eating for 2:) Well, I guess I could but I should probably bring my own next year.
We have a fun day planned outdoors, if only it would break to 46 degrees, it's been holding at 45 since 8 this morning.

With love

Give thanks to the LORD, Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise!

Sweet Words

I must confess one of the best parts of our "turkey" was how many times my name was mentioned by my sweet husband. He has always been so good at complimenting my cooking or housekeeping. I know, I am such a June Cleaver, but I love that he appreciates it. It helps that he is the most flexible man I know and very easy to please. But I'll take it. I can only hope it rubs off on my boys and that they can bless their wives too!

Giving Thanks

At dinner time, during the month of November, we have each shared what we are thankful for. This has been an amazing exercise for all of us. Even Mason recently caught on. I guess by hearing our examples each night he has started giving one that actually makes sense. In the beginning, he would just say a random number or letter. Yesterday he said he was thankful for "daddy."
I loved how this activity gave our family something meaningful to talk about at dinner. Most nights we also said our highs and lows*. So between the 3 of us and having 3 specific thoughts to share our conversations have been awesome.
Owen hasn't been talking very much these days, but he almost always initiates our "highs and lows." I am so glad he feels the freedom to be a part of our conversations.
Now, I must think of a new topic for December!

* from a previous post- we have recently started telling each other our "highs" and "lows" of the day, at dinner. basically the best and worst part of our days.

Pain in the Butt

So I had my first progesterone shot today. Ouch! Not looking forward to 16 more. Not to mention it took an hour and the pharmacy hadn't filled the vile enough. (Insurance is going to love that one) And I had Mason b/c I assumed it would only take a few minutes. What was I thinking? Oh, just watching him climb on the furniture at he Dr office, picking up who knows what kind of germs. UGH! They assured me the second time would be quicker. Let's hope so. The things we do for our children, even the unborn ones. After having a good cry in the car, I remembered to thank God for this little munchkin inside. I feel much better now.

New Wheels

This weekend EJ and I bought our Christmas presents to each other. New bikes! We decided it was high time to be able to jump on bikes with our boys. Well, I won't really be jumping on mine much while I am our carrying precious cargo. Plus someone has to push Mason up the hills!
EJ is definitely enjoying his new wheels. (We have 2 months to make sure we like them, so he has already started using it) He moved up a few notches on Owen's cool belt, when he jumped the curb :) And he definitely motivated Mason to push his pedals harder. He seems to manage the perfectly flat areas, but any type of hill and he is is out of luck.

Tis the Season

Last night we went to one of our "open air" malls for the Christmas tree lighting. I was so bummed that I didn't have my camera! We ate dinner outside (a tad chilly) but the kids loved it. There were tons of people to watch and great music to listen to while we ate. The mall hired a band, snow blowing machines and some balloon artists (the ones who make animals, etc). Owen wanted a balloon and since they were free we stood in line. Little did I know we would be in line for almost an hour. I didn't even know Owen could stand still that long. He really wanted a balloon! It kind of reminded me of "The Christmas Story" when Ralphie stands in line for Santa Claus. Fortunately, we could still see the tree lighting and hear the band while we waited. The balloon guy was totally amazing. True works of art. He created anything the kids wanted. Tow Mater, Lightening McQueen, space alien, Thomas the train, penguins, monkeys and he even sprayed the balloon flowers with fragrance! Mason got a fishing pole with a fish hanging from it. Owen wanted a monkey on a stick and then at the last minute asked for a Jedi Light Saber (a boy in front of us got one). So in the end we waited forever for one of the most simplest balloon sculptures ever. But he was so happy!

PJ Conference

My first appointment of the day can hardly wait until breakfast is cleaned up
and certainly expects me to arrive in my pjs.

How blessed am I?

Thankful

My 16 week appt went great today. Looks like my body is not getting too eager yet. It was awesome seeing "munchkin" again (that's the nickname Owen came up with). His/her legs were tightly crossed so no early peeking for me. We do hope to find out the gender at the 21 week ultrasound, but won't be making any announcements until Christmas Day. Isn't that the best gift? Well, aside from Jesus of course!
The Dr. isn't totally letting me off the hook. Because of my past 2 preterm labor scares I am going to be receiving 1x a week progesterone shots from here on out. Supposedly it's been proven to help prevent preterm labor or at least minimize bed rest. It will be super annoying to go to the Dr. every week and have a sore rear, but I can think of much worse. (Hopefully that wasn't too much info).
I am just so thankful for a good report today.

Discoveries

The rain has ceased and the past 2 days have been gorgeous. In the background you'll notice mostly green. EJ got most of the leaves up yesterday. Now our grass can breath for a couple of days until the rest fall. Oh and there will be a lot more falling :(

My little engineer was at it again. The boy finds all kinds of uses for this rope. Today was a pulley system for his wagon. He just pulled himself back and forth between 2 trees. Then he decided to tie the wagon to his bike and pull Mason. Don't worry I was tugging on the back end just in case they needed a brake system. It actually worked. Owen could pull Mason and no one was injured!

I was hoping to capture a smile. Silly me. Neither boys pose. Our Christmas card should look fantastic!

Mason is trying to get the hang of pedaling. It's slow going but he is making a tiny bit of progress.

It was just wonderful being outside.

I include this shot b/c we've been seeing a lot of this expression lately. I think in this picture he is actually just pulling the rope, I guess its his strong man face? But it actually looks like his angry face, minus the redness his face gets when he is fired up.
I am not sure what is going on with him, but we have digressed quite a bit. It's been ugly around here. He is making our 2 year old look like a saint. Everything we say or ask is met with an argument. And in most cases normal everyday questions, like, "what did you do today?", get the silent treatment. LOVELY, when did he become a teenager? He is still only in Kindergarten, right? I know time flies, but really?
I found myself taking a ton of close up pictures of his face today. I think because I've unintentionally been avoiding looking at him too closely. Afraid of what I'll see. Probably b/c he reminds me of someone I know. Someone who is always questioning, always arguing (in my head) with the One who made me and Loves me and knows what is best for me. Ugh, how can I possibly be mad at Owen, when I am exactly the same. Only thing is I do know God's love for me. He is only just begun his discovery.

Chatter Box

I spent most of my day with a dear friend I haven't seen in at least 4 months. It did my heart so much good! Our two boys played amazingly well and tolerated our endless chatter. I barely made it to the bus stop in time.

Then tonight, I am having dessert with my Tues morning (Wellspring) small group. I may speak enough words today o spare my husband for the weekend :)

It's Friday! No specific plans for the weekend. We really need to rake our millions of leaves, if only it would stop raining.

1st Fire

Technically, it isn't cold enough (48 degrees) to need a fire in the fireplace. But it sure did melt some cold hearts and warm our spirits. The boys and I were pretty irritable this afternoon. I am sure the constant down pouring and high winds are to blame. Looks like we are in for a 3rd day tomorrow.

This guy is especially tired tonight. He made himself very comfortable.

Then he came up with the sleeping bag idea. Bedtime stories in front of the fire.

I can't wait to cuddle up with my favorite man, once the kids are in bed :)

Rain Rain Go Away

My to-do list is soooo long, the piles are high and the pouring rain is clouding my inspirations. Nothing too exciting to blog about.

EJ had off yesterday, for Veteran's Day. He and Mason and I spent the morning Christmas shopping! It's an annual tradition. We've been doing it for at least 8 years. It was nice just having Mason to tote around. Owen was bummed to miss out on daddy's day off, but he would have been so bored with our errands.
We don't usually buy much, but just the act of brainstorming and looking really expedites the process later on. Plus, we usually try and bring Christmas presents with us on our Thanksgiving trip to PA. A whole month before Christmas really sneaks up on a person if I am not careful.
Then we had lunch out and EJ fixed dinner. What a treat!

Taking Advantage...

of gorgeous weather,
our good health,
my mobility (with possible bed rest in my future, every walking day is a blessing),
time with just my little one,
and a coupon for the local ZOO.

We went at a very slow pace. No stroller! This zoo is very small, the perfect size for a leisurely morning visit. I totally enjoyed myself and so did Mason.

Chimps in the background

My favorite for the day. Check out this sweet baby. The mama reminded me how exhausting a little one can be. She was very affectionate but never sat up, just let the baby roll and climb all over her as if she had no energy left :)

Mason LOVED feeding the goats, giraffes and deer, straight from his chubby little hand.

We both took naps. The past 3 days have been very busy. My feet are aching! But it's so worth it.

Oyster Festival

Yesterday, we joined my parents in Urbanna for the 52nd Annual Oyster Festival. It's quite a sight to see. And that is all I'll say about it:) We've been several times in the past, but we are fair weather fans. And yesterday was the perfect fall day. If nothing else it was a treat to be outside with my family.

We enjoyed lunched while listening to some very twangy country.

Owen and Sir made a wooden sailboat.

Checking out the pony rides.

Waiting in line for the pony ride.

He agreed to ride (grandma's treat), but only if I walked with him.
Don't be distracted by my very rapidly growing belly (what the heck? perhaps I should have been doing sit-ups between #2 and #3)Grandma keeper of the tickets.Grandma's treat

Watching the parade and loving it!

How much better can the day get? A free ride and ice cream.

At dinner last night it was unanimous. We are so thankful for Grandma and Sir. (for the month of Nov, we are spending time at dinner each night, sharing what each of us is thankful for)
I am loving it. Being thankful takes work. Sadly, it's easier to think of what we want or need, than why we are so blessed. So to verbalize something on a daily basis is really awesome. Plus hearing what others say, helps open our eyes to see beyond our own little world. I am excited to see how Owen's thoughts change.