Week in Review ~ 11/20

This week I definately felt like a little kid waiting for Santa. It was the LONGEST week ever! I'm ready for a break, and evidently my third graders are too. From the looks of their work this week, their brains were already celebrating turkey day.

The week got off to a good start with Ned and I being able to sleep in Sunday morning. Avery spent the night with Lolli and Poppa since we had the wedding to attend. I picked her up after her morning nap and got home in time for lunch. After a long afternoon nap, it was a mad dash to get groceries, do laundry, and finish school work. Sunday is often the only time I can go to the store without Avery, but I hate going then. We just may have to start making it a Saturday habit.

The rest of the week passed by uneventfully but s.l.o.w.l.y. Christmas gifts are starting to roll in, but I've only started on Avery, so I really need to get in gear (and get some money). Speaking of Christmas shopping, Ned wanted to clarify that the Bayou Cottage is the name of his favorite house plan. He was worried that it looked like he was asking for a cottage on the Bayou, and that may make his list a tad extravagant. Ha!

Avery and Ned got an unexpected day at home Friday because our babysitter had the stomach virus. I'm holding my breath in hopes that we all stay well. Avery's nose was a drippy mess Thursday and continued into Friday, but hopefully it's nothing more than teething or allergies.

Today (Saturday) Avery and I are enjoying a day at home. Duck season came in today, which is Ned's most favorite thing ever. At 4:07 this morning he was leaving our bedroom fully dressed and ready to go. I never heard his alarm which means he must have been awake with anticipation. It could be that he was still awake from the dog getting sick on the rug in the middle of the night though. That resulted in lots of huffs and puffs, lights being turned on, and so much carpet cleaner sprayed that I couldn't breathe. I kept my eyes closed to ensure I wouldn't be asked to help.

Avery and I ventured out to the grocery store this afternoon to get a head start on our holiday cooking. A snack trap full of Cheerios or puffs will now accompany us each time. I didn't have to do any entertaining, and the Hansel and Gretel-like trail wasn't too bad. We're getting ready for Thanksgiving at Lolli's is tomorrow night, and I made a corn pudding and watergate salad tonight while I cooked our dinner. Avery enjoyed the free access to the cabinets, pantry, and the rest of the house while I was scurrying around. She amused herself nicely with a wooden spoon, pots, and other oddities and was so good. Tomorrow morning I'll be tackling a pumpkin roll.

I'm so looking forward to the week ahead that I just don't know what to do with myself. A 2.5 day work week is a big help, but we've also got three Thanksgiving celebrations, Christmas pictures Friday, and on Saturday Ned will pull himself out of the woods so we can get away and shop. I can't believe we'll be bringing a 16-month-old to our Thanksgiving dinners! We are overwhelmed with blessings and are so looking forward to sharing meals and giving thanks with our families.

Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday!

*Sweet Avery pictures wouldn't load tonight.

Dear Santa

This little gem was waiting for me in my inbox last night.

Ned’s Christmas List

**Mountain Khaki’s Teton Twill Pants Size 35x30 Color Natural
**Bayou Cottage House
**Nikon Pro Staff 550 Laser Range Finder @ Dicks Sporting Goods
**Nice shop in backyard of Bayou Cottage House
**Lands End No Iron Pin Point Traditional Fit Size 17x34 Color Clear Blue / White Stripe -monogrammed on the pocket
**“Life is Ducks, Dogs, Decoys” DVD from Macks PW
**Thumbs up from Whitney to get a lab puppy for Avery
**George Bush’s new book
**Lacrosse AlphaBurly Sport hunting boots Style 200017 Olive Green in Color Size 11M @lacrossefootwear.com
**Plan a day to take Avery to the Waterfowl Park in Scotland Neck this spring
**Another weekend away with Whitney
**Ducks Unlimited Outdoor Fireplace to go on the patio behind our Bayou Cottage
**Gift certificate to Dance’s
**Duck hunting trip with Habitat Flats in Missouri
**New dress belt
**Berretta Extrema 2 Shotgun
**John Deere Tractor with implements

I laughed so hard that I just had to share. I should have known it was going to be good...the e-mail that this was attached to said "Don't laugh!" Please note that his wishlist includes a variety of item ranging from a DVD to a new house, with a belt and a tractor sprinkled in for good measure. I'm sure this rivals any list Avery will ever make.

In Ned's defense (if a 28-year-old can defend this) he likes to be surprised and always lists MANY possiblities. I pick the items that I like and that also fall in the budget we set. While all of these are things Ned would love, some of these things were included to be comical I'm sure. Santa won't be bringing the Bayou Cottage. We can hardly afford the plans!

I think what Santa really needs to bring is a shirt that says "Go Big or Go Home," because my hopeful husband certainly isn't afraid to dream big!

Week in Review ~ 11/13

It's been another fairly busy week with a super-busy weekend. With the time change Sunday, I was expecting an early wake-up call, but Avery slept until 7 am, which was actually 8 to her! That was quite an accomplishment. She then took a big morning nap, and I had to wake her when Lolli and Poppa came to visit. We had not planned to go out to eat with them, but the thought of Cracker Barrel was a big temptation, so off we went. After Avery's big rests she saw no need for an afternoon nap. That should have been a warning.

Naps were crazy all week. She had been very regular with 2 naps a day since she had been sick, so I'm glad we didn't take the morning nap away too early. Thursday was the only day she took 2 good naps. By mid-week we saw a bottom tooth breaking through, so hopefully that's the reason. I of course worried it was her ears again, and it's still a few weeks before we get them checked. Her walking also took off this week, so maybe she simply has no time for sleep. She's bringing books to me now which I just love. I'm hoping to raise a bookworm like I was (before baby).

Wednesday night Avery and I decided we needed some pizza since Ned was hunting. I don't know why I thought I could manage Avery and a large pizza as it was not a good choice. Our power liftgate was a huge help. Now only if there were power doors at the pizza place, on the car, and at the house! To make matters worse, we were parking at the road because our driveway had been sealed and couldn't even walk on the driveway. After that experience, I'll be keeping an emergency cash pizza fund so we can make the most of delivery.

On Thursday I got out of school early and went to Suffolk. Moms in the area have started a group on Facebook where they sell items they no longer want or need. I got Avery a Little Tikes slide for less than half of what it would have been new. It had been kept inside and is in great condition. We're keeping it in our basement family room and just need to get a large rug to put over the tile where we're going to put it. Deals aside, it was so nice to set off in the quiet car with beautiful leaves, good music, and a fountain drink. I managed to squeeze in a little shopping at Belk and got Avery some Christmas outfits for the babysitter's.

This weekend Ned was in his good friend Brandon's wedding. Friday we both hurried home so we could make it to the rehearsal. Mimi came to keep Avery, and she got a good report. We were pretty late getting home, like 10:30 late which is pitiful, and it's tough after a day at school. Lolli came to get Avery after her morning nap Saturday because she was staying there Saturday night. Ned left early for the wedding so I rode with our friends Lucas and Kristin. I went early so I could do some snuggling with baby Emerson. I always enjoy weddings and seeing the details each couple chooses. Of course, I think back to ours and how smoothly it went after Ned's crazy appendectomy 6 days before our big day. After that stress I'm sure I just didn't notice anything going wrong and was too busy having fun. Now, with a daughter, I think about us in that situation many years from now. Maybe Avery will decide like I did that her daddy doesn't need to give her away and omit that part also. Nobody was giving me away! Thankfully we've got a long time before then with many things to teach and instill in our little girl.

I'm hoping for a quick week this week since it's the last full week before Thanksgiving! Meals are being planned, Christmas lists are being made, and I'm getting excited (and poor)!

Here's the new slide! As you can see, she thinks she's a pro.







Her smile here could be a tad bit forced like..."Let's get this over with, I've got things to climb!"



We're ready for Turkey Day!

Wordless Wednesday

Week in Review ~ 11/6

Welcome November! Avery rang in the new month with...



some snazzy jeans....



deep thoughts....



pie-pie stealing from the diaper bag...

peek-a-boos

and a few minor house repairs!

This was the week of the big election, and sadly it did not turn out in Ned's favor. After a very low voter turn-out, he lost the election by 2 votes. In our district of roughly 600 voters, there were about 180 votes cast, and since Ned stood at the polls all day, he knows that some of the voters he was counting on did not show up. We were very disappointed but know that this is the direction our life is supposed to move in now. Avery and I now get Ned home an extra 2 nights a month, more during budget season. We also are able to move forward with plans on building without feeling that we will be tied here 4 years or that Ned is backing out of a commitment. We've had two plans picked out for awhile now, and this week we sat down and went over them and also looked for any other possibilities. Soon we'll review these with our builder to get a rough estimate of cost. We'll also be having our realtor come in for a rough estimate of what we can sell our house for. While I love the idea of a new house, I'm not exactly ready for that stress now. I have a huge fear of coming home one day to find out that Ned has sold the house, much like in Father of the Bride Part 2. Just like the election and everything else in life, things will fall into place.

It's hard to feel down in the dumps when you have a little Avery perfecting her Frankenstein walk and hugging you SO tight at every chance she gets though! We also raised our spirits Wednesday night by deciding to order a pizza and wings AFTER I had put dinner in the over. Pizza Hut should be commended for some very effective commercials!

Friday was a rough day at school, not due to student behavior. There are many jobs in this world where the customer/other person must always be treated like he or she is correct and must be treated with respect. Teaching certainly falls into that category! Ned and I had just had a discussion about this recently. Customers keep his doors open (and our lights on) but because it is a family business, he could give a customer a piece of his mind or refuse service, although I doubt he ever has. Teachers, and many others, don't have that luxury. One days like this, 2 thoughts always run through my head: 1) Why must I remain professional, calm, polite, and together while others spew nonsense everywhere? and 2) Is this my reward for giving 5 days of each week to someone else's child instead of mine? Of course, it isn't alway like this, but these kinds of days and the promise that they will more than likely happen again can really take the wind out of your sails. Thank goodness for collegues who are friends and a sweet family to come home to! We celebrated the end of not the best week with a dinner at Applebee's.

Ned hunted most of Saturday, and Avery and I stayed home and played. She was busy, busy as usual. I got it in my mind earlier in the week that I wanted to get to Hallmark this weekend to finally buy our Christmas ornaments. Once upon a time my ornaments were purchased the weekend that they debuted in July. Here we are in November though and it's about time to hang them on the tree. Avery and I have never run errands out of town by ourself, so I thought it was time to give it a try. Errands in town are usually the grocery store, with anything fun being at least a 20 minute drive. I also wanted to be really brave and try dinner out with just the two of us. Avery is very good in public, I'm just used to an extra set of hands. So after nap, we set off with the Christmas CDs playing. We visited Hallmark first, where the biggest challange was holding the basket, navigating the stroller with one hand, and keeping Avery's hands off the merchandise. She did great and seemed to enjoy the store and all the people. Our next stop was Belk where she patienly waited for me to try on and purchase 2 new pairs of shoes. Judging by what was in the store, my shoes need a make-over. Again, once upon a time, not only did I know what shoes were in style, I had them! I'd trade shoes for Miss Avery any day though. I'm tired of Ned complaining about these shoes though, but I hate to tell him that they'll be keeping a spot on the shoe rack. Our last stop was Chik-Fil-A. We did just fine ordering, getting a high chair, getting things to the table, and filling our stomachs. Our only glitch was a little ketchup on Avery's sleeve as we were leaving. This remains a mystery as Avery didn't have ketchup. It's so fun to have a little companion and I know it will get more fun (and possibly more challenging) as she gets older. I can't wait to see what we'll get into next summer.

She's been in bed awhile now and hopefully will not be thrown off by the extra hour of sleep tonight. I'm catching up on my soap while blogging and am getting ready to enjoy the yogurt parfait I brought home. Thursday is a half-day at school and I'm planning on going to pick up a deal for Avery I scored on the Facebook group Watcha Got? It seems to be kind of like Craig's List but mostly moms selling various items. This weekend is the big wedding weekend for Brandon and Brittany. We're excited to be a part of it, and the anticipation is growing as we wait to see if Ned's tuxedo pants will fall to his feet when he tries them on!

A Few More Tricks Up Our Sleeves

Our little 50s girl was up bright and early Sunday morning, apparently eager to get the Halloween fun started again. Maybe it was because she was up late, maybe it's because she wouldn't eat pizza for dinner, who knows, but she was not happy in her crib and didn't even make it until 6:30. I know that her mood drastically improved when Daddy got her up, because there was lots of noise as Mama tried to sleep in.

I had to keep the nursery at church and for once it wasn't a mad dash to get there. I commend parents with young children who are able to go each Sunday. It is all we can do to get in a morning nap, get Avery dressed and out the door, have her home when her lunch bell starts ringing at noon, and get down for another nap. Avery had lots of fun playing and climbing on every chair in the room. She also sat very nicely when we went into church for the children's sermon, which she did not do for me last time.



We rushed home for lunch, played for a bit, and then Avery took her afternoon nap. While she napped, I made Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cake with pumpkin added. I think adding the healthy pumpkin really cancels out the 2 sticks of butter. The recipe is also delicious plain, and her cook book has lots of other variations.

After nap we picked up some chicken and headed to Lolli and Poppa's for dinner. Avery managed another huge meal of ranch potatoes and mandarin oranges. Chicken and green beans were tasted and quickly spit out. We got Avery all dressed again and loaded up into the wagon. She missed alot of the trick-or-treaters because we were eating but enjoyed seeing them while she got dressed. It was so fun to visit the same people that I did when I was small. The crowd was bigger this year because many towns trick-or-treated last night and lots came for round 2. It was still a good crowd and a great representation of small-town life. Avery was sure she was in a parade and gave all the other people and cars a hearty "Hi!" She clung tightly to 2 Butterfingers that she had taken from Lolli and Poppa's and basically turned them to mush. We still only visited a handful of houses and did much more talking than candy taking. Next year I'm sure we'll be going to every house.







After trick-or-treating we headed to the Baptist church for a party. There were so many people there that we only stayed for a few minutes. Next year Avery will be able to voice her opinion so I'm sure we won't be able to sneak away. It was just too crowded to move. We left the party and went back to Lolli and Poppa's to change into pajamas then headed home and put Avery straight to bed.



It was a whirlwind weekend but so, so fun. I love starting and continuing family traditions and of course seeing these things through Avery's eyes. We're pretty sure she's going to be expecting costumes, wagon rides, and candy each night this week.

Sweet November

Have you seen this movie? It's one I always get excited about if I stumble across it on TV. In addition to being a great love story, it's filmed in one of my favorite months. Here are a few other things I look forward to as we move into November.

*A successful win in Ned's city council re-election.

*A one o'clock release from school on Veteran's Day. What in the world will I do with myself in the 2.5 hours before I get Avery?

*Attending Brandon and Brittany's rehearsal dinner and wedding. Ned all dressed up in his tux will be an added plus.

*Having Avery's Christmas pictures done to use on Christmas cards. It took a long time for me to get the perfect picture last year, and Avery couldn't move. I'm calling in the professionals this year. Carol did some great work last year, and I'm excited to see what she can do for us. My favorite is the three children in blue. I may or may not have asked Carol to see that card last April. One can never be too prepared for Christmas! (Note: I wrote this several days ago and scheduled the post. After 2 nights of trying to get pictures of Avery in her costume, this decision is looking better than ever!)

*Decorating for Christmas. Lots of thought has already gone into this so that my Possible Dreams Santas and Hallmark ornaments are not subjected to any of Avery's (or Felix's) antics. Gates, fencing, and rope are not out of the question.

*Continued pumpkin baking. I stocked up on canned pumpkin last year when they said there could be a shortage. They're saying the same this year, so make sure you're prepared!

*Thanksgiving and all the food, family, and fun that comes along with it. I love the parade, the houses full of family, the days off school...I could go on and on! We certainly are overwhelmed with blessings and have so much to give thanks for.

*Christmas music and the start of my favorite time of the year.

Here's hoping November holds lots of sweet things for you!