End-of-November Festivities!

Our Thankful Tree (on top of awesome paneling... don't be jealous)

This year, we celebrated Thanksgiving on Saturday due to Jay's work schedule. Saturday also happened to be Calvin's 1st birthday. A two-fer! It was also the very first time in our 8 1/2 years of marriage that we tackled Thanksgiving all on our own. I think we did a pretty good job, if I do say so myself.

No fancy table arrangements, but some really, REALLY good food, mostly courtesy of Jay and some new recipes he got from a former chef that he works with. But, I was in charge of the homemade rolls and pie ... and let's face it, what is more important than pie on Thanksgiving? (Don't say "turkey," because everyone knows that pie trumps turkey any day of the week.)

What's Thanksgiving without a little olive theft?

Cal's birthday party was possibly the most low-key birthday celebration we've ever had, and that's saying something. Just the six of us and a few presents ... perfect! Anything else would have sent Dexter into a complete tailspin. He already had a hard enough time watching Cal open gifts. He kept screaming, "No! MY birthday!" and grabbing the gifts. This is what he looked like 80% of the time:

Poor guy. It's hard to be two.

Calvin didn't seem too disturbed by Dex, though. He just straight-armed him when necessary, screamed when he needed to, and played the rest of the time.

Here the girls prove that you are never too old to play with talking magnets:


I didn't want to bake a cake in addition to the three pies I made, so Cal had the unique privilege of being our only child to ever receive a birthday pie! (I have a feeling I will only be able to get away with this for another two years, max.)




The whipped cream was a hit ... the pumpkin pie, not so much. At least in Cal's opinion.

Overall, it was a successful and happy day. I felt so blessed to be with my family to celebrate all the many things we are grateful for, including the birth of our little (?) guy! Happy Birthday, Cal Browns. We love you to pieces!

Hi-YAH!

Tonight, not long after I had tucked the girls into bed, Beatrice came down the stairs, followed closely by Natalie.

"What do you need, Bea?" I asked.

"I'm just scared of the dark," she cried.

I responded sympathetically, "No you're not."

"I'm just afraid someone is going to take us," she exclaimed, burying her face in my stomach.

I gave her a big hug and reassured her that she was safe, our home was safe, I was here and I wasn't going anywhere, etc. That's when big sister Natalie chimed in, "I'm here, too, Bea." She paused. "And I can kick really high in the front."

I don't know about Bea, but I know I'll sleep a little sounder tonight...

My Kind of Girl

I found this "to do" list of Natalie's the other day (I hope this doesn't embarrass her, but it was too cute not to share):

In case you can't read it, it says:

5th Thursday list

Clean room, if it's messy

Play with Bea and Dex (the Dex part got cut off)

Play Nick Jr.

Go to school

Solve a mystery

Make my bed

I just love that even after a full day of solving mysteries, she will still remember to make her bed.

Pumpkins, Costumes, & Candy - Oh My!

Despite all attempts from our nemesis, the flu, we made it to the pumpkin patch before Halloween!

We fed goats, picked out our pumpkins, listened to Calvin scream, and balked at the price of a train ride. ($5 per person!) We came home with a wagon full of pumpkins, and on Halloween day, we carved them to pieces!

The day before Halloween was a busy day, with a parade at the school, and Trunk-or-Treat at the church that evening. We had a wonderful time at both events, and the kids really enjoyed dressing up in their costumes.

Saturday was trick-or-treating in our neighborhood, and I have to say, I was really happy with the experience. We live on a circle, and it was hoppin'. Families came out in droves, and even the groups of teenagers were dressed up. (I really hate when teenagers come to the door with no costume, their pillowcase thrust in your face. I don't think so.) Anyway, their was a friendly spirit in the neighborhood, and we were happy to be part of it. A big thanks to my mother-in-law, who passed out candy while Jay & I chaperoned the kiddos... you're the best!

Calvin, squeezed into a costume one size too small. Mobility is highly overrated anyway.

Dexter finally agreed to wear a costume. What a cutie!

Natalie, looking like the teenage sleuth herself, Nancy Drew:

Bea, wearing Jay's awesome creation - a shower:

(yes, it was inspired by a movie)

She got quite a bit of attention wherever she went. People were taking her picture at the door, and summoning loved ones from inside to take a look as well. She seemed to enjoy it, but I started to worry that all the attention would take a toll on Natalie. Natalie was a trooper, though, and didn't show any signs of jealousy, even if she felt them. She loved being Nancy Drew and taking notes in her notebook. And although Bea really loved her costume, I think she was happy when it was time to take it off. It was certainly not an easy thing to walk around in. She only fell one time though ... much better than I expected!

I hope everyone had as fun of a Halloween as we did.

OH! How could I forget?

Happy 31st Birthday to Jay, the love of my life. "One year older and wiser, too..."

Too bad he'll never catch up with me.