November

Yikes! Thanksgiving is in two days and December will be here in one week, I guess I better get another November post in! Here is what has been going on with our family:

Aaron has been hard at work and hard at play. They have a big project going on at work that he has been an instrumental part of and besides a few hiccups, things are going well there. In addition, his boss is retiring at the end of the year. Provided that nobody transfers in to that position, he will definitely be applying for it. It's government though... so there won't likely be many updates about it for several weeks (months)! He has also been featured on the State website, you can check it out here. On the recreational front, Aaron had a successful opening day of (rifle) deer season, bringing home an 8 point buck. In an effort to save money this year Aaron skipped out on deer camp a few hours away and hunted on State land across the river from our house. He was able to cover shifts for his coworkers over the weekend, hunt in the morning on opening day and return to work by 10am! Talk about efficient! Our freezer is now stocked with venison. Click here to check out a picture.

I'm doing good! Still trying to keep up with running! I love it and hate it all at the same time. I had two of my wisdom teeth out on Friday. I had my lower wisdom teeth and two cuspids removed when I was 17 and the thought was that when my upper wisdom teeth came in they would push all my teeth together for a beautiful smile. What I didn't understand at the time was that I was still going to need to have them removed after they did their job of pushing my other teeth together and well, I've put off having them removed for the past few years. But, they are finally out now and it was not nearly as a rough experience as when I was 17. I think childbirth definitely puts painful & uncomfortable experiences in a whole new light. Oh, and I also think that IV sedation should be offered with most every uncomfortable experience.

Jacob's teacher is back. We loved the substitute, Mrs. Hellem, but I truly, honestly cannot picture any teacher doing a better job than Mrs. Render. It breaks my heart to see the pain in her eyes, no one should have to lose a child no matter how old they are. We continue to pray for healing for their family.

Jacob went ice skating for the past three weeks as part of Enrichment. He really did great! In true Jacob form, I believe he was the only child that didn't cry but he was also the most cautious! After the lesson they allowed the kids some free time and we would get out a hockey stick and puck for Jacob to play with. It was amazing to see how much more confidence the kid had with a hockey stick in his hands.

Brody. Ahhh, Brody. He's a pleasure and a nightmare all at the same time. The best way to get an idea of Brody's volatile personality is to imagine being around a really drunk person. He loves you one minute and hates you the next. He's always missing at least one article of clothing and God forbid the guy can't find his sippy cup!! He is really into making big messes right now and not only will he refuse to help you clean them up, he is greatly offended that you are cleaning it up! He spent a lot of time making a huge mess and he would like to keep it that way thankyouverymuch!

Austin is the sweetest little baby anyone could ask for. He's so mellow, happy, snuggly and sweet. He goes with the flow and tries to stay awake while we are out and about, but you would never know that he has missed a nap or two because he is such a charmer. He sleeps like a champ at night and goes right to sleep when you lay him down awake in his crib. I'm convinced he has a tape worm because he has a voracious appetite and is still just a tiny peanut of a baby. He is starting to eat more and more table foods and less purees but still isn't crazy about drinking anything out of a cup or bottle. I think he may have just barely (or is really close) to finally doubling his birth weight at almost a year old! As much as I am looking forward to Christmas, it makes me a little sad because 5 days later my little Austin will turn one and my baby days are over. Wow, they really do grow up so fast.

For Thanksgiving day we are headed to my parents where we will dine with my parents and the Hilley family. Jacob and Brody are pumped to play with their cousins who just got back from Disney World! Then on Saturday we will head to Aaron's parents and the boys can see their Uncle Pete who they haven't seen since June! We hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving! This year we are thankful for friends, family, health & happiness!!