Something Old, Something New

Dad recently bought my mom a giant new wedding ring. They have been married for 36 years, I'm not really sure what bee got in his bonnet, but all of a sudden he was shopping for a giant new rock and got it for her. He does have prostate cancer, but is low grade and low cells and supposedly going to be very treatable (surgery is happening in January). I don't know if that has had an impact on him and has made him want to do stuff for my mom, but regardless, she got a sweet new ring. Strangely enough, she already had 2 rings. Her original ring was too small after she had kids, and rather than get it sized (like a normal person), dad bought her a new ring. When she got her NEW new ring, she gave me one of her old ones. (Yes, I asked for it....it would have just sat in her bathroom drawer for years if I hadn't). These people aren't that old, but between the two of them, they honestly couldn't remember which was the original ring. Who knows. I just picked the one I like the best. It was totally smashed, the band was all bent up (mom is not easy on jewelry apparently). I took it to a jeweler, he straightened it, sized it (thanks for the giant hands, mom and dad), got it re-plated and the diamond prongs redone. I love it. My wedding ring is silver, mom's is gold, and my mom's and my rings are the only ones I wear, so they don't match, but I really like wearing it. It's pretty, it makes me feel like I am carrying on something from my parents.

Mommy's Helper

Thad really likes to help me keep our house clean and organized, just how I like it. 

He is such a good helper. Honestly, one of the things that was really hard for me to get used to as a mom is the acceptance of clutter. At first, I would follow him around picking up the trail of toys. And the pile/basket/stack of baby toys in every corner of our house first bothered me quite a bit. Now I try to look at it as a way to make my life easier. Anything that helps keep him occupied is a positive in my book. It goes against my natural instincts, but things change.

Turkey Day

Long time no blog. Where shall we start? How about Thanksgiving. The simultaneously dreaded and looked forward to holiday. At heart, I love Thanksgiving. Mostly, I think, because of the food involved. There is something homey and comforting about a meal that consists of things that you put gravy on and apple pie. The plan was to head to my parents house along with pretty much every. single. member. of my family including grandparents, and aunt and uncles (even a great uncle!), not to mention all my siblings and their spouses. All in all, about 20 people. Somewhat overwhelming, but still fun at the same time. 

Aunt Megan helping Ashlyn and Thad

Uncle Seth

The Whole Clan!

Mommy and my boy

Great Grandparents

The car ride was not as awful as I expected, although I feel like we made it there in the nick of time. Thad got to play with his sweet little cousin Ashlyn. She wasn't real impressed with his skills, a year makes a pretty big difference at their age, but she did let him push her around on the lion toy. (Which we got to bring home with us. Suh-weet! He loves pushing it, and it's pretty humorous to see those little legs going).

Pro Tailgater!

Well, we did it. We took Thad to a Duck game. And, I have to say that it was pretty successful. Thad had a great time in the back of the Explorer, peeking at everyone over the tailgate. He even took a nap back there. (Just for maybe 30 minutes, but still!)

I

I got really nervous when we headed into the stadium, he was all wrapped up in his fleece camo bunting (bunting? I don't know, it's something you put over her clothes) and we had ear phone things for him to wear. (Autzen is known for its decibel level, which was one of my big worries). He did great, got a little fussy before halftime, but ended up falling asleep, and we were planning on leaving at halftime anyway. Each time we successfully complete an outing, it gives me more confidence that we can lead an actual life. Next up, lunch with a friend on Monday, then the big one...dum dum DUM...a car ride and over night trip to Grandma and Grandpas for Thanksgiving. I'm scared. :)

1st Halloween!

We didn't really DO anything for Halloween this year. A lot of things I am looking forward to doing with Thad, but feel like they require the ability to walk before they will really be enjoyable for him. We got pumpkins from the grocery store. We'll go to the pumpkin patch next year. Lately, I have been feeling like we should make more of an effort to do stuff. I think he has me a bit paranoid because I have not forgotten our first couple of months. We had an awesome day yesterday though, which included a trip to the library and to Walmart. He was really happy the whole time, and being a goofball. It was fun. Anyway. I digress. Halloween. Grandma C had bought him some cute striped PJ's, and I was planning on just wearing PJ's all day for Halloween. But, when we did our annual last minute trip to the thrift store to make Justin's costume, I saw a fluffy lion costume for 5 bucks that I couldn't pass up. Note to self: he does not appreciate being dressed as a lion. 

He does not seem to be bothered by wearing orange and black, which is a bit concerning to me. (We are a green and yellow family, get with it kid!)

But what he REALLY loves, is to stand up. He pulls himself up on anything he can get his hands on, and wiggles his little tush around trying to stay stable. It's great fun. At least until he looses his balance and whacks his head on the floor. Then it's no fun for anyone. 

 

Day of Cooking

A friend from work had a new baby recently, and Thad and I were planning a visit to meet him on Monday. Knowing how things go with a new baby, I wanted to bring some food along to help. I had a couple of new recipes to try, one for Chicken Noodle Soup and another for Chili. In addition to the soups, I also made some bread from a recipe that I had used before, and some frosted Halloween cookies. It's not often that everything I make turns out perfectly, but I was really happy with everything. The Chicken Noodle Soup was delicious. Because of the deliciousness level, I wanted to post the recipe:

Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup:

3 large chicken thighs
1 chicken breast
5 cups water
2 stalks celery
1 carrot
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 cup noodles


Cook the chicken in 5 cups of water until done. Let cool and debone. Add chicken back to the broth along with the diced celery, sliced carrots and noodles. Cook over high heat for 10 minutes. Add salt, pepper, cream of chicken soup and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Projects!

Once I get a new project in my head, it floats around in there until I get it done. So, I busted out these projects to clear some space in there. First, I made a new bathrobe. I have one already, but it is a shorter style and a thicker material. I wanted one that is full length and made out of flannel. I really liked the pattern of this flannel material. Note to Self: sewing patters are really difficult to follow! I am used to flat, square things when quilting, 3-dimensional is more difficult for me. I got stuck a couple of times, and had to have both my mom and Justin's mom help me along the way. But, eventually, I figured it out. I really like it, it's quite comfy. 

My other project was a Christmas stocking for Thad. I made stockings for Justin and I the Christmas before we got married, and since it's T's first Christmas, I thought I'd better get one done for him. Justin still wants me to add T's name on it, so I might have some more work to do, but I'm calling it good for now....