Happy Thanksgiving!

This has been a year full of heartache for us. It is hard to focus sometimes on all the things you should be happy about when we have been so sad. But in the spirit of Thanksgiving I am not going to be sad, but be grateful for all that I am blessed with:

Jon - he is a very hard worker and does all that he can to provide for our family. He is funny, smart, grounded, and makes me smile. I am so glad that he came into my life.

Reagan - the best gift I have ever received. It is impossible to be anything but happy around her. She is independent, funny, talkative, strong willed, and so lovable. I couldn't be more proud to be her mommy.

To my angels in Heaven- I love you.

Our families- There are no words that can express how Thankful I am for our families. I LOVE YOU and can not thank you for all you have done/do for us.

My friends- They have been my shoulders to cry on and people to laugh with.

My job- at times it is stressful, but is rewarding.

Life Lessons- I have learned a lot from what life has thrown at me. This year particularly has been hard- but I feel things happen for a reason. I have learned so much about myself through the good and bad times- for that I am thankful.

Memories

Harvest Time...

It is November in Iowa and that means it is Harvest Time! Jon is like a kid in a candy store when it comes to harvest time. He loves harvest. He has helped the past few years with harvest. This year is the first year without Grandpa Cecil.... I think it was hard for everyone.

Jon went up Tuesday morning to help get things started. My sister and I decided to take the kids up in the afternoon for some tractor rides. Reagan rode last year with Jon, but Michael has never ridden on a tractor, so he was VERY excited!! We got into Lake City a little before 3. We went to Jon's grandma Phylis's for a bit. We got to see Holly and the boys there which was an added bonus to our day! Grandma Phylis made apple crisp and had lots of snacks for the kids. After we left there we headed to the field.... We had to kill a little time while waiting for the tractors so we watched the pigs. Michael and Reagan had fun running and yelling at the pigs.

Tractor Ride Time!! Reagan and I rode with Jon's Uncle Mark in the combine and Michael and Shanon rode with Jon. Reagan was not so sure about it, so I pulled out a tootsie roll and then she was fine. Uncle Mark even let her blow the horn! Michael on the other hand LOVED it!! He was smiling from ear to ear every time I saw him. (Jon was too!) After the tractor rides we headed into Jon's moms for a wonderful dinner. We gave the kids a bath, ate, visited a bit, and then drove home. It was a great day and I am glad we got to see so much family. We was even more special to share some of those experiences with Michael and Reagan!

Michael & Reagan with the pigs (Reagan insisted on holding hands)
Michael & his Uncle Jonny in the tractor

Michael checking out the pigs!

Tractor Time!!

Awwww.....

Daddy's Girl!

A few things...

• Reagan names all her babies Waaa-waaa. It doesn't matter where we are or what the baby looks like- every time it is Waa-Waaa.
• She is becoming a horder. She carries things around with her all the time. Lately it has been her panties. She will dig them out of her drawers and sleep with them in her bed, take them to the table at dinner time, and pile them on the couch next to her while she watches cartoons.
• I do not like the word panties- my sister says it sounds like a dirty old man word- I agree!
• I won 100 bucks gambling on Sunday with my mom and sister!
• I need to get groceries.
• Reagan likes to wear her hair in a ponytail but calls it her pigtail.
• Jon has revised him Christmas list 4 times in the last week. It is all written in detail and marked with stars.

Guess who joined the Potty Train....

It is official.. Reagan has joined the potty train! (This is a book we read:) ) On November 1 we put her in big girl panties. She had about 4 accidents, then Monday she had about 3 accidents. Tuesday I took her to daycare and she only had 1 accident all day!! So far, only one accident since then!! I can't believe how good she is doing with it. I thought we would battle for a few weeks, get frustrated and want to go back to diapers: NOPE!! She tells us when she has to go potty, she wakes up dry most mornings (she still wears diapers at night- I am not that brave!), and has made it out in public! She is still working on the pooping- but told her teachers today and went no problems! I was dreading this day because it confirms one thing, she is growing up. Makes me happy and sad at the same time.

Way to go big girl!! We are SO proud of you!!

Minnie Mouse!

Thursday night there was a trick or treat outing at the assisted living facility where my grandma lives. We surprised her and took Michael and Reagan there. (aka Mickey and Minnie!) It was a lot of fun. We walked from door to door trick or treating. Reagan would grab a handful of candy and then smile and say "Thank you sooo much!" It was a lot of fun and my grandma was so excited to show off her great-grandkids!Minnie is ready to go!
Mickey & Minnie

Hugs for Great Grandma Ruth!

Say "Cheese"

Time for candy!