Friday, November 30, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving



From my little pilgrim to you, Happy Thanksgiving!

November... we're getting there!

My husband is a good cook. Really good cook. And his chili? Well, it's award winning you know. Some of our friends host Monday night football gatherings each year, and once a year, will also add in a chili cook off! Last year, Jamie won first place with his chili (which he had never made before that night). I would just like to add that I found the recipe, but then he tweaked it to make it his own. Just sayin'. Anyway, this year, Jamie came in third out of twenty entries (please don't ask him about it - he was NOOOOOT happy, LOL!), which was still pretty awesome! Here is my award winner proudly displaying his trophy. :-)



November also brought the start of basketball for Sean, which he has been wanting to do for over one year. I must say, he really surprised me with how good he was at it, but much like soccer, he's not the kid that likes to "get in there and steal the ball". I'm beginning to think he might be more of an individual sport kind of kiddo (swimming, gymnastics), for now anyway. He did enjoy basketball, but was glad when the four week course was over. Here he is practing some drills. Please excuse the blurry images... it was hard to get a good shot!





One of my best friend's from college (and sorority sister, Jodi), asked if we would like to get tickets to the Polar Express with them, which was in Monticello. Although we've never watched the movie or read the book (I know, I know...), I thought this would be SO much fun! They encouraged everyone to wear their jammies, and join the fun on the hour long ride. They read the story to us, served hot chocolate and cookies, and had singing, dancing, and games. It was really fun, and a neat memory to share with the Jones.



Our attempt at a family picture. That didn't happen.





Getting sleepy...



Thanksgiving was a lot of fun this year, as my extended family got to celebrate with us. My Aunt and Uncle, Cousin Sherri (and Tom), their kids Justin (minus his beautiful wife Emily) and Melissa (and Dwayne), and of course my sister and her family. It was a typical Thanksgiving of entirely too much food, a good nap, and lots of good football. But the best - well, see for yourself.




My sister and her beautiful family



Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Party Time!

I was fortunate enough to be able to bring some birthday treats and celebrate with Sean and his class today... what fun! I love how excited he was when I walked into the room. That will just never get old to me. :-)






For Sean's friend birthday party, he asked if he could do a swim party at the new YMCA (he is quite the little fish). The price was reasonable, and the venue was fantastic, so we invited 10 of his friends to come celebrate with us! Everyone had a wonderful time, including Aunt Wendy and Grandma Becky who came to town just for the big day! I was so thankful for my sister, who I must admit did most of the work, as I was battling a nasty case of the flu. I felt miserable, so she really stepped up and did so much. Thanks e!





I have to give a shout out to my dear friend Michelle (Frosted - Gourmet cupcakes by Michelle). She is amazing. She has done the cupcakes for a few of our events, and she never ceases to amaze me at her talent. I swear she outdoes herself each time! All I told her is that is was a Mario theme, and this masterpiece is what she came up with. HOLY WOW right???



And one more shout out to my incredibly talented friend, Janay, for designing yet another brilliant birthday shirt! This was a tough one, but she picked a red shirt (per Sean's request), which is Mario's shirt color, and did his "6" to look like Luigi's overalls! Seriously, just too cute!!


Guess who's SIX?

Mario is really excited to wish Sean a Happy Birthday... in fact, check out what he did so that he could be the first to wish him HB in the morning?? Sneaky little fella.

I cannot BELIEVE that my baby is six. SIX. Ugh, how is that possible? I so vividly remember his birth and that sweet, sweet face. I remember thinking, "I'm a mom. A mom! Me." I sometimes still am in awe of this blessing God has given us. The pure joy, love, and heartache that comes with being a parent. Watching this beautiful child grow, develop, learn... it's just amazing to me.

And he's six.

Six.

I cannot believe six years have gone by. When they tell you to cherish it, because it goes by so quickly, I really didn't get it until this moment. Oh how I love you my sweet Sean, and I am so excited to celebrate your birthday today!

XOXO,
Mommy