for Ellen

Sunday Summary - turkey edition

Helping Gramps Steve cook bacon
Norelle advising Grandma Liz that for moister turkey, baste often

Back to work tomorrow? Can't be true but then again I am organizing a big graduation reception on Thursday at Eastcliffe so I have caterers to talk to and name tags to make. Hmpff.

Laughing at... er... with Papa MichaelNori jams with Uncle Dunkel

We had a super visit to Winona, grandparents and great-grandparents alike where happy to spend time with Nori (Megan who?) witnessing her new found love of giraffes and pointing. So much happened since Tuesday, here are the highlights: baby hams it up late at night after crying all car ride, lunch at Acoustic Cafe with Char, dreadlock discussions with Elle, emotional meeting with Pastor Schoen and family about saying goodbye to Grandma Audrey (he made a great point that blood is not what binds us but rather the emotional bonds are what make a family), lots of family time, hang with Hol, delish turkey, cranberries and Parkerhouse rolls, Papa sees doctor and gets on right meds for heart and other issues, coffee at Blue Heron with Fluffy, Abby & Case, Emily's surprise baby shower, turkey sandwiches, Sarah's 30th birthday, Makenna's dedication, Andy's monkey bread and a Sunday afternoon to get ready for another week.

Makenna is dedicated to God!

'Tis the season to be jolly and joyous!

It's that time of year again and like everyone, we are trying to be wise about what we buy. I want Nori to connect with the holy significance of Christmas, not the commercial. Have you heard of the Say YES to NO campaign? I really want to be deliberate about not spoiling her with material things but rather with love and experiences. Since she can't read or log on to the Internet yet, I think it is safe for me to share what we plan to gift her with. When shopping for her, we followed this rule: something you want , something you need, something to wear, something to read

So here is what we bought...
want: push & ride toy for walking skills
needs: 18 mo onesies
wear: cream sweater dress
read: art board books I picked up in Seattle

And maybe Santa will drop off something too...I can not help what he does with his polar money. Our family gift was having our photos taken and framed. It is such a joy to be a family as last year at this time it was just a hope with an uncertain timeline!

Happy Thanksgiving!

gratitude

I am thankful for so much. This is has been the BEST year of my life and I can not want for more. I give thanks...

For Norelle and the daily joy she brings to my life and for Jake, my BFF and husbo. For my family, our parents, grandparents, brothers & sister, aunts & uncles, cousins, and this year, the new birth family in our lives. My dog, Dororthy. For friends, old and new and their little ones, too. One last Thanksgiving with Grandma Audrey. Good health and sound minds (more or less). Our jobs, may we keep them! A warm home, enough food to eat and clothes to wear. Freedom and hope for the future. God's blessings and His abiding love & comfort.

Tip!

Unless you actually want to bleed to death, never buy generic razors.

weekend update

3 amigos go for a run ( not pictured, amigo number dos)

Here is what I did this weekend, if you care. You must care, you are reading this. (BTB I miss you, why don't you call?)

Friday
killer workout at YMCA with Mendota moms
nap
cleaned all three bathrooms
baked penne & cheese pasta dish
watch DVR shows

Saturday
Bruberry's with N, J & Hol
Christmas shopping at Target
cleaned room and organized clothes
more errands & laundry
Papa Murphy's pizza party, Casey joined us
Famous Jake's warm cookies
Dexter, ep 1

Sunday
oversleep for church
fireside coffee
blog
chillax
workout
pack for Winona

MTV Cribs: Tot Editition " And here is my sweet toy closet"

I am really focusing on all my blessings and feeling so thankful for all the wonderful people in my life! This will be a very special Thanksgiving as I am so grateful for my life with with my baby girl.

Nori & Dorothy standing on the wall

The bad news is that getting the basement insulated does not seem to have helped the heat loss problems but the good news is that my feet are going through menopause so they love walking barefoot on the ice rink floor.

Her new hangout