November

Well, I cannot believe it!  It is almost December!  November has flown by and it was a wonderful month.  Well, time to update.  I will start with the most important thing that happened in November...my birthday!  Just Kidding, but really it was amazing.  My husband is one of a kind, and yes ladies, be jealous and men, take notes!  I don't know how I got such an amazing man, but he is always keeping me smiling and keeping life exciting.

This year for my birthday I really wanted to go to the zoo with our family.  I LOVE the zoo!  I just love the animals and I love watching my kids at the zoo.  We haven't been since Josephine was born and I was really wanting to go.  Well, money was a bit tighter than planned and my van needed some serious attention in the brakes department.  I was super bummed out to not be going to the zoo.  Still, James took off Friday and while he worked on the car I went and got a massage.  When I returned from the massage the house was a man's version of "tidy" although when I came home James was mopping the bathroom (should have been my first hint something was up) even though I told him not to worry about mopping, I would get to it tomorrow.  I was starting to really be grumpy because James wasn't doing anything about dinner and just wanted to lay around the house!  Then, out of nowhere he loaded us all into the car (he even woke up Josephine from a nap!) and took us to Wal-Mart (oh joy...).  Now I am down right irritated!  I'm hungry and my birthday has been a flop!  No cake, no ice cream, no dinner...nothing!  Well after he took us on other random errands we headed home.  He started texting on the way home and I yelled at him and told him to hand me his phone and I would send the message for him.  He refused to hand me the phone...now I knew something was up.  By the time we pulled into the driveway I was telling James that I just wanted to go home, put on my pajamas and go to bed.  Then, I saw some cars parked in front of my neighbors.  I complained that they were having ANOTHER party, then it clicked.  I HATE being surprised.  I can't stand being startled or scared and that fear started to set in.  I didn't know what was behind my door and I didn't want to go in.  I was trying to shove my kids in first (real protective mom huh!).  Finally James pushed the door open and our home was filled with friends yelling SURPRISE!  I don't know how he did it, but my husband had pulled off a surprise party!  I had even seen most of these friends during the week and nobody even hinted bout anything!  I was totally surprised and overjoyed.  I wasn't forgotten!  We then enjoyed cake and pizza and lots of wonderful friends.  It really was a birthday I will always remember!

Right after they surprised me...the shock was still setting in.  Look how smug James looks!

Me and Edrea (my Chinese sister!)

 The other big thing about November is the obvious...Thanksgiving.  I was very proud of myself!  I cooked everything except the gravy and it was yummy.  We invited some friends to join us, so when all was said and done there were 14 people in my little house!  Eight of which were children.  My home was filled with laughter, yummy food, smiles, friends and family.  It was the best Thanksgiving I have ever had.  I wish I had pictures of the day, but I don't.  I got so busy cooking and cleaning I totally forgot.  Then josephine caught a little tummy bug, so I didn't even get a picture in her little turkey outfit because she yucked it up.  I will just have to live it in my memories.  We are truly blessed and we have so much to be thankful for.  

Eric as a pilgrim at his school Thanksgiving program and lunch

Silly boys at Eric's School Thanksgiving Program and Lunch

Josephine enjoying the Black Friday ads while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

I know I didn't update on Josephine turning 7 months, but we are almost to 8 months, so I will update then.  Let's just say that lately she is so wiggly it is like trying to handle an octopus!  SHe scoots on her bottom and is full of giggles and personality.

7 Months Old!

 December will be here in two days and I am looking forward to creating some new memories with the kids and to enjoying some of our established traditions.  So until next time...