Long overdue...

Thanks to KelleeMcD for the gentle prodding for an update.. Over the last month, we've had the incredible fortune and adventure of moving into our first home. The boxes are almost history, curtains are slowing making their way over the windows and this house is becoming our home. Lil John is loving running all over the place, riding his little trike in the driveway and swinging and sliding in the backyard -- well until the colder weather sets in anyway!! I only hope that the heating bills don't skyrocket over the winter, or we'll be enjoying it all from a massive family huddle to stay warm :)

We had so much to celebrate this Thanksgiving. I use the word celebrate purposefully, in the same way I would say we celebrate the Mass. It's not something that we do, or go to, it's something that we engage in, embrace and enjoy - we CELEBRATE! (and pumpkin pies are certainly worth celebrating..). Together, we thanked God for all of the blessings in our lives, for our family, each other, for Him.

We're trying to find a new area Church that is a good fit. I miss our old community and was really lacking the inspiration to go to Church. I regret that we missed two Sundays in a row, we just didn't make it there. I recently heard that the pastor of our old Church has passed away and we heard this after the arrangements. I regret not being there in our old Church to celebrate his life and mourn his passing. And in not being there, I didn't really take any time myself to do this.. We went to a new church this past Sunday. The church was full and there was a sense of community, I just felt like it wasn't a community that I was a part of. I miss that.. I know we just need to set roots and get involved, that it takes time.. I have to allow myself that time and be patient (so I tell myself..). Patience, waiting, watching, praying - I guess it is at least the right season for such as we enter Advent.

On to the Lil John updates --

>> We have a Potty in the house! John isn't using it yet, but he recently has started to tell us "diaper" after finishing poops. He has even told us "diaper, poopies" before the fact in some cases. So, the potty has arrived and is a great source of inspection at the moment. All in due time, we're in no rush.

>> John can count to 13 and has spelled his name out loud! J-O-H-N, John, John, John!

>> John helped mommy make Thanksgiving cookies by stirring the cookie batter. I have to see if I can get a picture up of this, he LOVED the batter.

>> He loves Noggin's Jack Big Music Show and sings part of the theme song.. If you know the theme song that opens the show, the last line is something like "Come one everybody, let's get up and go. It's always something on Jack's Big Music Show". He'll sing that last Shooooooowwwwww, in a loud, clear voice with much excitement, knowing his favorite show is about to start. (Sorry John, only one Big Show episode a day allowed.. Two max..)

>> Blueberries are his most favorite food and probably Old McDonald and Itsy Bitsy are tied as his favorite songs these days.

And last bit from me, I am totally hooked on Kiki's novel blog. Gotta go check for any new updates!

Thanks for sticking around with us, we'll try to post more often.

Many blessings --