It's the Simple Things

Well, nothing major happening around here. Same ol', same ol'. We were all sick last week with sore throats, runny noses, and coughs. Fun. No rest for the weary. I thought it was hard having a sick kid and being sick myself, but having two sick kids and not feeling that great myself was a pain. Good thing they're not sick that often.

Halloween was a lot of fun. Grant dressed up as Lightning McQueen's pit crew and Ben made an adorable dalmation. Ben, of course, slept through Trick or Treat while Grant was busy walking the neighborhood. We made it back home with a huge bag of loot which now sits atop the fridge. Grant still asks for candy before breakfast every morning. Sheesh!

Chris and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on the 9th. Chris says it seems like an eternity - what a smart allic (sp?). It has flown by for me, however. Oh, those were the days. Time on our hands, easy going, and not a care in this world. Then, the boys happened. Hee, hee! I wouldn't change the last five years of our lives for anything in the world. I love you more and more everyday, Crissy!

Grant had been asking to go outside to play all day today so we went out for a little while this evening. Leaves are covering the front yard from our neighbor's maple that sits next to our driveway. Fun to rake? Not so much. But... raking a pile for Grant to jump in... lots of fun. He had a blast. Of course, I had my camera in tow to snap some pics of another first.

We are going to Golden Coral for Thanksgiving dinner this year. Chris has to work the day after Thanksgiving so we will spending the holiday together here in Virginia. I'm looking forward to taking it easy and not having to do any traveling.

We put up our Christmas decorations yesterday evening. I love Christmas! I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year. This will be Grant's first Christmas where he has a better idea as to what's going on, Ben's first Christmas, and our first Christmas as a family of four. I've always loved Christmas, but I'm especially excited about making Christmas traditions our own. Chris really isn't into the whole Christmas extravaganza that I love, but I'm determined to get him involved this year. I did talk him into hanging icicle lights on the house. Supposedly that will get done on Thursday (fingers crossed). I've always wanted to decorate my house. Grant seems to love the Christmas decorations too and has already ran into Santa at the mall. He was a little shy at first but quickly warmed up to Mr. Claus when he handed him a candy cane and a rudolph gumby. The kid can be bribed. What can I say? I'm sure we'll take many a ride on the mall choo choo train before Christmas and will see Santa again.

I am completely finished with my Christmas shopping for Grant, however, I have only bought one gift for Ben. What do you buy for a 7 month old who has an older brother with loads of toys already? I'm out of ideas. So.... diapers? Ha! I'm just glad to have a head start on the shopping thing. It tends to get stressful after Thanksgiving and not so enjoyable. So, I'm hoping that having a head start will keep me relaxed and in a good mood through Christmas. Hee, hee!

So, enjoy Thursday. Eat, eat, eat, and then eat some more. Tis the season, right? Man, I am going to miss mom's mac 'n cheese, chicken 'n dumplins, and especially "the rolls." Mmmm. You can't find them at Golden Coral. Are you cooking for Christmas too, mom?

Thank you God for blessing me with my one true love, amazing boys, a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and health.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We love you all.

Chris, Jen, Grant, and Ben