Thanksgiving

Has it really been a month since I last updated. Apparently life is too busy for me to keep up! I honestly cannot remember what went on in November except for Thanksgiving... Oh yeah--I did have to speak in church. So that took pretty much all of my brain cells that are left.

On to Thanksgiving...

We kept up our annual tradition of the Turkey Trot at Washington Park. It is so great to just walk over. I think this was our 6th year; Grey's 3rd and Elise's 1st. She is the little pink hat in the stroller. Jared was so kind to push the HEAVY stroller and I got to run freely with some lovely ladies! It was a perfect start to the big, delicious-food-filled day.

We have been decorating away and getting ready for a fabulous Christmas season. Happy December!

Happy Halloween

from a ballerina, a fire chief and little red riding hood

Be safe and stay warm today!

Snow Day!

What did we do on our snow day(s) you ask?

We (meaning Jared) shoveled with a little helper

Grey built a mini snowman (again meaning Jared did all the work)

We built a bigger snowman with a carrot for the nose and chocolate chips for eyes and mouth. We even added a scarf to make it really authentic.

Jared built a "mountain" in the back yard for Grey to go sledding down.

Then it was back inside for some warming up with hot chocolate.

Oh how I LOVE snow days.

And it is still snowing...

I am happy.

T-H-R-E-E

Wow I am on fire! This snow day has been very productive for me. I took some three-year pics of Grey as well. I cannot believe how much he looks like a little kid. He is getting SO big. I cannot get enough of him...

Poor guy got super sick from his shots. He was throwing up and got a fever. Ugh. Luckily he is better today so we can enjoy the snow. I was excited at his appointment though--he is in the 90th% for weight (gaining over 8 lbs this year!) and 80th% for height (growing almost 3 inches). No wonder his pants are all high-waters. We have a BIG boy on our hands.

Halloween Preview

I got some random burst of energy and decided to make (most of) Elise's costume. Really I just wanted her to wear a tutu! I have my own little dress-up doll.

Featuring my baby ballerina:

Pictures: Round One

I have been wanting to take some nice pictures of Elise in her blessing dress. A cold, snowy day was perfect for some studio & photoshop time. There are more photos coming your way...

Thank you mom for such a special, beautiful dress. And thanks to Pam for the gorgeous bracelet. She made it (along with a few others) and gave them to me at my shower.

I think she looks like a mini-angel--but I am biased!

Lunch Time

I get bored easily with the same-old lunches. I came up with this salad that I want to eat all the time AND it is very healthy.

Chick Pea Salad

2 cans of quality chick peas, drained

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 cucumber, chopped

At this point, I put some in a bowl for eating and the rest in a tupperware for leftovers in the fridge.

When you are ready to serve add a chopped tomato and a handful of feta. Then I drizzle with a good olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt & pepper.

You can really adjust this to your tastes in all sorts of ways. Play around with the veggies or try a different kind of dressing. I have been wanting to try a lemon vinaigrette and parmesan cheese. Have fun & enjoy!