Giving Thanks

We kicked off Thanksgiving morning by participating in the Turkey Day 5K here in Stewartville.  Steve and I took turns pushing Maggie and Bode in a borrowed double jogging stroller.  Maggie spent the first mile or so crying because she wanted to run with Jack, a 10-year-old, who was waaaay ahead of us, and Bode took a nap.

After we showered and packed up the car, we drove north to spend a couple days with Steve's parents and brothers.  We left 60 degree weather in Stewartville, and arrived in Princeton to 30 degree weather.  We witnessed a beautiful snowfall, and enjoyed delicious food and great company.

 We came home Saturday evening to have dinner with my parents at Red Lobster (yum!) and sent Asia back with them so she can go hunting in South Dakota with my dad.
Following church this morning, we visited a tree farm in Rochester and cut our chosen Fraser Fir after just five minutes of searching! The afternoon was spent decorating, cleaning, doing laundry, getting ready for the week, and trying to explain to Maggie that it's not Christmas quite yet and Santa will not be coming tonight.  It might be a long month.

Bode was tuckered out after church and fell asleep on the living room floor.  A first!

Lower ceilings make for a shorter tree this year.

"I Want Bode to Talk"

"I want Bode to talk."  Maggie just woke up this morning and was looking for a playmate.  Then she continued, "And I want him to walk."
Me: "He walks."
"Yeah, but he falls when he walks.  I want him to talk real like Minnie." (She likes to give herself and everyone around her names from her favorite show.  Recently it has been Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.)

Well, although Bode's vocabulary of about four words and animal sounds isn't entirely up to Maggie's standards just yet, they have been enjoying each other's company a lot more.  I didn't worry quite as much today while I was making food for Thanksgiving with Maggie and Bode playing alone up in her room.  Oh yes, there are plenty of shrieks to be heard when the other has a coveted toy, but it's so sweet to see the times they play and laugh together peacefully.  Ahhh.

My "puppy" decided to get herself a drink.

Love for Grammy.

Taking Maggie, Bode, Asia, and Belle to the park while puppy sitting.

 

Some crafty new wall decor. 

Taking a break while geocaching.

This boy.

Stuck in the bar.

Tight squeeze for these two.

Early morning story with Daddy.

Halloween and November's Here

I know I'm a little behind with the Halloween photos, but better late than never!

The Saturday before Halloween, we took part in some kids Halloween festivities at the High School.  Games, candy, and cookie decorating were the highlights for Maggie and Bode.  

 

Puppy costume by Grammy.

Last minute costume for Bode.  Cape from Maggie's Snow White costume, socks from Aunt Aimee, tights from Maggie, and Speedo regifted back to us from cousin Eli.

Cookie decorating.

My little super hero.

Tuesday and Wednesday of that week, I worked from Fairmont for a couple days so my mom could watch Maggie and Bode.  We visited Grandma and Grandpa Evelsizer on Tuesday to show off my adorable babies in costume.  Wednesday after I was done with work, we hurried back to Stewartville in time for a little trick-or-treating and then quickly washed off the puppy make-up so Maggie could get to Cubbies for PJ night.  Whew!

Chair ride at Great Grandma and Grandpa's apartment.

Great to see them!

Is that not the cutest little super hero tush?

Maggie practiced her make-up artist skills.

A walk in Rochester one day.

As November has come, we’ve seen the end of 1^st Quarter for both Steve and I.  And this past weekend, I left Thursday evening for a professional development day in Plymouth on Friday and then attended the Hearts at Home conference in Rochester on Friday evening and all day Saturday.  In those 48 hours, I saw Maggie and Bode only while they were sleeping Friday and Saturday nights and just briefly Saturday morning.  Boy, I missed them!  And Steve, too, of course.  I think all three of them were happy to see me back in my Mommy role when all was said and done. 

 But boy, was the Hearts at Home conference so refreshing!  I learned a lot, was reminded of a lot, and especially enjoyed hearing from Michelle Duggar.  I just wanted to give her a hug.  She is the most genuine and encouraging woman. Now I just need to remember all I learned about child training and husband prioritizing.  To top it off, I was able to spend some time with my dear childhood friend, Becky!  

And with Thanksgiving just around the corner, I'm starting to get in a festive mood!