November 25

Happy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for this year. God has truly blessed us this year and we anticipate another big blessing at our Thanksgiving table next year.

And Merry Christmas too! Becca's extended family has some scheduling conflicts this year, so we had to do Christmas right after our Thanksgiving meal! Grayson got more into the presents this year, so this will be a fun year with him. 

November 24

Grayson got a four-wheeler that was just his size when he got to Mimi and Papa's. He caught on really fast as to how to drive it by himself.

November 23

Back to our favorite McDonalds when we travel. Grayson is now infatuated with dipping whatever he can. He liked the apple dippers tonight.

November 22

This is a new one for me. I washed a puffy, fleece lined vest from GAP this morning and before throwing it in the dryer, I thought I might check out the care instructions (one step too late, I know). But I found it odd when I read "tumble dry in a large capacity dryer with tennis balls". Has anyone ever heard of this?! I decided to go without the tennis balls and it came out just fine.

November 21

One of Grayson's newest things is trying on everyone's shoes and trying to walk around in them. It's very fun to watch his determination and persistence.

Oh, what fun!

November 20

The difference between boys and girls.

Boys do not eat chocolate covered strawberries delicately in several small bites. They prefer to shove the entire thing in all at once, let the chocolate melt off, and then chew up the rest. It's much quicker that way.

Grayson was in rare form tonight while we were with a different set of friends. He worked really hard to bring this abacus over, set it on the table, climb up in the chair, and practice his math. When has this child ever focused on an activity like this before?

November 19

Since we have yet to experience any kind of Korean food, we thought we should do that before going. We got a recommendation for a restaurant from Grayson's daycare provider and went with our Dinners for Eight group. One of the guys in our group lived in Korea for 6 years so he was a great help ordering and making food selections. Each table has a small grill inside to cook the meat on. They also brought 6 side dishes out to be eaten family style. Overall it was great food and we had a great time.

Apparently, this is how you are supposed to eat your meat. On lettuce, with rice, and bean paste. Tasty! 

November 18

Tonight we attended Jump, Jiggle, and Jive, an event organized by our school district's Parents as Teachers program. They simply set up lots of gross motor activities and riding toys in the gym and cafeteria of a school and let the preschoolers have at it. Grayson had a great time and was asleep within 20 minutes of arriving home.

November 17

Countdown to Christmas!

Our adoption fundraiser is in full swing and halfway over now. There are some fabulous prizes available and the rules are simple. So, if you haven’t checked it out, head on over and do so. There are some great Christmas gifts for everyone in the family. We would really appreciate your support.

From foster home to Foster home

Please let me know if you have any questions. I hope to continue adding prizes through Thanksgiving and then drawing for the winners by the 1st of December.

November 16

Tonight our family put together our shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. These are shoeboxes filled with gender and age-specific gifts for children around the world who would otherwise not get any gift at Christmas. They also get to learn about Jesus when they get their gift. Adam and I started doing this when we got married and have since added a box for Grayson too. We want to make sure our kids learn at an early age just how blessed they are and how much of a blessing they can be when they give Christmas to another child.

November 15

You know the hyper monkey really doesn't feel good when he falls asleep on our bed while watching his fish swim again in the aquarium (as Adam changed the batteries, he fell asleep). I think 3 of his 4 canine teeth have gotten the best of him today as he is running a fever and obviously feels crummy as they push through his gums.

November 14

Grayson decided to get up a little earlier than we expected, so we had plenty of time to give both guys haircuts before church. Grayson really didn't mind it at all this time and when he was done he kept looking at the clippers and was trying to get back into the chair. I guess he wanted it a little shorter.

November 13

Today was full with lots of activities, one being a lovely baby shower tea party for a good friend. It was quite fancy and delicious!

November 12

Today was the perfect day for soup--cold and rainy. I've always wanted to try butternut squash soup and on my way home from work, they talked about a recipe on the radio. So, I decided to try it. The first few bites were pretty good, but I'm not sure I'll make it again. The texture started getting to me after multiple bites.

November 11

I definitely will be rethinking giving Grayson syrup with his waffles next time. Although, it was pretty cute to turn around and see him licking the plate after his waffle was gone. I think he'd be better off eating them dry!

November 10

Grayson brought home his first piece of "art" from "school" today. It's going on the fridge!

November 9

I learned a new trick today. If I move my chair to the entertainment center, I can stand up and play with the DVD player!

November 8

Just a little duet--Maybe "Heart and Soul"?

November 7

Since we hadn't ventured out any this weekend (because everything we really wanted was right by the hotel) we decided to go towards downtown this morning before leaving Minneapolis. We went to a sculpture garden at the art museum. It was rated as one of the best places to take kids becuase they are encouraged to climb on sculptures. We thought this was just what Grayson needed before his 7 hour ride home. But, beside every sculpture, there was a sign that read "Please do not climb on sculptures". Go figure. We got to see the famous (supposedly) silver spoon and cherry sculpture.

Grayson did pretty well on the ride home- - for the most part. Every couple of minutes I would turn around and see something completely different though.

Houdini letting us know he had a dirty diaper

Hungry Houdini

Sleepy Houdini

November 6

We went back to Mall of America tonight and bought Grayson an unlimited pass to the amusement park. He had the best time on the rides and as soon as each one ended, he was signing "more" and occasionally crying. He ended up riding 10 rides and LOVING it. The faster the better!

The one part he did NOT care for at all was meeting Dora and Boots. He was scared to death.

November 5

Oh, this is going to  be a fun night!! Time to get some Christmas shopping done.

Those Swedes think of everything!

November 4

After I got out of the conference today, we ventured out to the mall. Since it was a weeknight, it wasn't too crowded. It was huge!

Grayson checking out the indoor roller coasters and wondering just how tall you have to be to get on.



November 3

We are on the road again. This time to Minneapolis to go to a conference for work. After working all day and a 7 hour drive with a little one, this was such a welcomed sight.

November 2

I put Adam in charge of buying some school supplies for Operation Christmas Child boxes. He did, indeed!! I only told him to get enough for 4 boxes. He just got so excited, he went a little overboard.

November 1

We had a challenging flight home today, which got even worse as Grayson fell and cut his head open as he walked off the plane. The pilot gave him a band-aid and that stopped the tears. And, yes, I am that mother, who pulls out the camera to capture this pic while there is still blood on his nose.

The evening took a turn for the better when we went to GG's (Grayson's KC grandma) house for another round of trick-or-treating.

October 31

Happy Halloween!!

Our little rooster caught on quickly to the trick-or-treating routine. He stood patiently at the door and then allowed anyone and everyone to fill his bucket with his favorite goodies.

Since Grayson and Mommy were back in TN for Halloween, the grandparents had the treat of having a special trick-or-treater. Can you tell he's the first grandchild on both sides?!? This must be a preview of Christmas!



October 30

We spent an hour at the beach this afternoon. Grayson loved it so much, he didn't hesitate to get in and get as wet as possible. By the time we left he was shaking all over because it was only in the low 70s. He is going to have a blast when we are able to come back when the weather is warmer. 

 Happy Birthday Nana! It was a nice treat to be able to spend Nana's birthday with her this year.

October 29

We spent the morning at the South Carolina Aquarium, something none of us had done before. Grayson had a good time looking at all of the fish and many of the exhibits.

During bath tonight, Grayson took it upon himself to clean his mouth out with soap. I think the result shocked him.



October 28

Grayson and I began a short trip to Charleston, SC today to visit my grandparents. We stopped at a rest stop in NC and found some beautiful places to take some pictures.

October 27

Just passing some time at the airport while we wait for our 1 hr 15 minute delayed flight for TN. This was the first time Mommy and Grayson traveled alone. I prayed it would go smoothly, but it began with a delay. Grayson was easily entertained in the airport though.

I decided to try this little harness and leash so Grayson could walk from the plane to baggage before getting in the car for a 3 hour drive home. It worked well and he walked the whole way. It helped burn a little energy.