Lock-Smith

She really is 2.
Maddie has learned how to unpick locks. Her favorite door is the kitchen bathroom, her favorite tool is a serving spoon, and her favorite victim is, Andy. (Serves him right, he taught her.)


Nap time is now becoming a game of hide-and-seek. Maddie gets out of bed and falls asleep in random places. Here she is the hall, and here she is in the corner of her closet.

Hap Thanksgiving

This year Austin brined and roasted and delicious turkey.



Mom and I made six pies, each one a different flavor.

Maddie and I set the table.

A total of 16 guests feasted on food enough for the usual fifty.


Lots of eating means lots of resting. I was asleep well before 8 pm, and my kids came in to kiss me goodnight.

What a wonderful Thanksgiving. Mom's cooking was never better.
(This is pilgrim, Maisie, with real Native Americans at her school program and her happy spectators. )

Healthy Baby

Today Austin and I went for my ultra-sound. The baby appears to be perfect! What a blessing to feast upon this week.

I did have slight angina when I stepped on the scale and it posted 168 pounds -- Austin had stepped on behind me, unbeknownst to moi. The nurses loved it, I simply had higher blood pressure because of it.

Really?

Austin called on his way home from work and asked, "Was your day exciting?" I responded, "Actually, yes. I bought myself some Christmas/birthday presents. It's a big month for me!" He replied, "Are you going to wrap those, or is that something I need to do?"

Really? I felt so important. Maybe I'll just buy me presents this year, since his money buys his own gifts via me, any way.

(We actually laughed together after his response. Photo of my exciting gift.)

Giving Thanks

Natalie helped me with this great FHE lesson. As a family we listed 100 nouns we are thankful for. You really should give it a try. At first it sounds daunting, but it takes about 15 minutes, max. Here is the link: http://www.theredheadedhostess.com/holidays/thanksgiving/thanksgiving-family-home-evening-idea/

Although I put no prep into the list, it truly was one of our favorite lessons this year.
(Maisie made this turkey.)

Library Books

Every child needs a mother to help them remember their library books.

Rock Climbing

Austin took the kids rock climbing -- a reward for being able to do 4 pull-ups. They came home thrilled and tired and hungry.

Something to Talk About

Lots of stuff has happened in the past two weeks -- nothing mind blowing; nothing but the majestically mundane.

We threw a baby shower for Kimmie. Amazing food and lovely ambiance. Our cousins came and we figured that in the next 6 months, Grandma Guymon (my dad's mom) will have 9 new great-grandchildren! Here are five of the nine prego-cousins together.


So here is my virtual announcement -- baby is on the way -- Maisie still prays that we get to bring this baby home alive.

Emily is now a Young Woman! She has already been to the temple twice. BTW, I never thought I'd truly love eating a Costco cake, but it was delish.


I organized my closet Saturday night. Mind you, the baskets that were on my shelf were swimming gear and purses. I simply took the swimming bucket to the basement, condensed the basket of bags, and added labeled baskets with items I actually use on a regular basis. (Who is kidding who? I only use the accouterments on Sunday, or on Friday night if Austin is lucky to have a wife that cares what she looks like on our date.) I am smug every time I use my organized space.