Monday, November 29, 2010

Thanksgiving 2010

Who: Just the four of us!
What (we ate): Turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and mini-apple pies. Yum, yum! And for Riley, baby dino chicken nuggets. And for Adrian, just green beans.
Where: G-ville. We spent the weekend hanging out at home, going to parks, going shopping, writing at Panera, and playing some basketball at Oak Hall.

The Highlights:

1. Going Black Friday shopping and out to Panera for breakfast with both kids! Since Shawn was up late Thanksgiving night, I decided to take both kids along to Kohl's at around 7am for some shopping and then a stop at Panera for Riley's "bagel and muffin" and my coffee. It was awesome. I am hoping to train Riley to be my shopping buddy!

2. Riley started telling me, "You stay here and don't touch anyfing!" When I asked her where she got that phrase from, she said Aladdin. Yes, that's right. She is quoting movies.

3. Shawn and I seriously made a meal for a dozen people, not 2.65. We are still eating leftovers! But everything we made was delicious. I was really proud we were able to make such a tasty feast! Good work, hun!! Oh, and I was pretty pumped to try my friend Natasha's apple pie recipe. Soooo good!

4. Adrian turned six months old on Sunday. Hard to believe our little man already has a half year under his belt. He is still smiling like crazy and now he is so active: rolling, scooting, and trying to crawl. He's awesome!

5. I am so thankful for my incredible family (in Virginia and beyond), my wonderful friends, the chance to pursue my passions (writing and teaching), my twin sister, my husband, and my babies. This year, I feel my life coming together. At one point, I realized I was in it, and by it I mean raising kids, pursuing a career, living day to day and trying to soak it all up. How fast it happens. I am grateful for the opportunities I have right now to live the life I have and be surrounded by the people in my life. I am thankful to be happy, tired and happy.







Saturday, November 27, 2010

Holiday Report...

Tree is up in its stand.

700 lights are on.

All the ornaments we own, except for the cheesy ones Shawn vetoed, are on.

I am tired.

Especially since my deadline is two days away.

But I am happy to have spent the evening listening to Christmas music, feeding Adrian green beans, watching Riley's fascination with holiday decorations, and finishing the tree with Shawn after bedtimes for the little ones.

A great night.

More revisions and writing in the morning, when I can function again.

'Tis the season!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

An Awesome Visit!

This past weekend, my dad came down to visit and lend a hand while Shawn was away with his cross country team (2nd place at State!! Wahoo!!). We had an awesome time! Saturday was packed with gymnastics, breakfast at Panera, furniture shopping (for my dad), Christmas pictures outside, a trip to the park, some cleaning, and lots of writing and editing. Today was full of Christmas decorations and outdoor work, a cross country team party, playtime outside, some errands, and a yummy chipped ham and cheese lunch (among other things...). My dad is awesome with Riley and Adrian, and it was so wonderful to spend time together this weekend. Thanks for all of your help, Daddio, inside and outside the house. Especially with the microwave! I am so glad you were able to come down to see us. It meant so much to me! We love you!!






Saturday, November 6, 2010

The Day's Highlights...

1. Riley professed an urgent desire to "start the laundry" today. She compiled the dirty clothes from her room and Adrian's room, then dragged the bin to the garage. I started the water and added soap, and she took care of putting all of the clothes into the washer. How cool is that? Next week, we'll work on folding...
2. The lollipop graveyard. In our refrigerator, we have a bowl with a half dozen lollipops in it, open and stick-side up. Today, Riley spent about five minutes with a lollipop and then added it to the graveyard. She then asked to have another lollipop. Funniest thing ever.
3. Barbeque!! That's all I'm saying.
4. Date night. Pretty sure Shawn and I haven't been out sans kids for at least 5 months. So excited to head to the movies tonight!!