Thanksgiving

This year we enjoyed Thanksgiving with Jim's side in Midland. I wish we took more pictures, but I guess we were just having too much fun. (The picture of Grant is with his cousin, Amy.) Grant got to sit at the "kid table" for the first time with all of his cousins. He had a blast following the gang around all day acting like a real big boy. When we were getting ready to eat we all held hands as aunt Jill said a prayer. Everyone was quiet when Grant looked up and asked loudly, "Is this Thanksgiving?" Kate was a little more pensive, observing the crowd and occasionally letting someone else hold her. She mostly enjoyed trying to grab the dog's tail.

A Heart to Heart

Jim hasn't seen the kids since Thursday because he's been really sick and in bed. Last night he was feeling a little better and really missed the kids so he came out of his cave to put Grant to bed. Before he laid Grant down in his crib he was feeling all sentimental and started telling him how much he loved him, how he would always be there for him, how he wanted to raise him into a strong man of God etc. Grant turned to him, put his hand on Jim's cheek and whispered, "You need to shave."

Quote of the week

"Dear God, thank you that you are Santa. Amen."

P.S.

Grant's cold never went to his lungs. He's on the mend. Thanks for praying!

Biter

Kate is starting to get a very strong personality. She is not quite as laid back as she used to be. The other day Grant had a broom that she wanted so she went up to him and bit him really hard in the arm. (This has continued to happen several times since- we're working on it!) Grant became hysterical but when I finally got him to calm down he asked me, "Mom, why did Kate bite me?" I said, "I think she wanted your broom." He answered, "No, I think she thought I was her food."

Grant started a basketball league for 3 year olds last night. He's the only 3 year old in the class who can't dribble. Do parents of 3 year olds really teach their kids to dribble a basketball? Jim felt like a failure of a dad (not really) so they are going to work on it this weekend. Gosh, this whole sports competition thing starts young. I swore I'd never be a part of it and I only signed Grant up for it so he'd get some exercise. But, now I feel like I'm being sucked in. The weirdest part is that there was a group of moms on the sideline who brought juice boxes and snacks for all the kids as they came off the court. I remember that happening after tennis matches in high school, but a 30 minute 3 year old basketball practice?! It was a nice gesture but the whole thing weirded me out. But, I'm sure we'll go back next week.

The Learning Tower

Lindsay bought this thing called "The Learning Tower" at a garage sale for $15. This is such a steal because it is usually around $200. Oliver is a bit young to use it so she let us borrow it for a little while. It is basically a structure that allows kids to participate in the kitchen helping cook, doing dishes etc without the risk of falling off a chair. My kids love it! Kate played in the sink the other day for two straight hours! The floor (and kids) end up quite wet but it is worth it.

Get Well Prayers

Grant seems to have come down with a cold/cough in the last few days. Last time this happened he ended up in the hospital with pneumonia. We are hopeful that it is just your average cough, but with Grant's lungs it always risky. Please pray for healing for him and that everyone else stays healthy. Thanks!

House Guests

Jim's best childhood friend, Corey, and his family came to visit us last weekend. Corey and Katie have infant twins and a two year old. In case you haven't added it up yet that made 5 children under the age of 3 under one roof! We had an absolute blast. Kate and Grant were intrigued by the babies. Grant is still talking about his new friend, Gavin. We hope to make it up north to visit them one day soon!

Taking a break

Grant: Mom, tell me the story about when I was a baby. (for the thousandth time)
Mom: Actually, my mouth is taking a break.
Grant: Again?? Your mouth already took a break today.
Mom: Well, it looks like it needs a break again.
Grant: Oh. My mouth never needs a break!

Halloween stories

Halloween was a blast. Grant pounded furiously on every door as he yelled, "Trick or Treat." When people came to the door he literally ran past them into their houses. Then, when they said, "take a candy" he put down his pumpkin bucket and dove in with both hands. Thankfully everyone thought he was pretty funny. We ended up with a lot of candy for only hitting a dozen houses.

Another funny thing has been happening concerning Grant. You see, we named our kids Grant and Kate because we purposely wanted short, easy to spell names to go with our long last name. But, somehow we've ended up giving the kids long nick names. Jim calls Grant "Granteous Maximus" (don't ask) and I call Kate "Katerator". The other day at the park Grant introduced himself to someone as Granteous Maximus and his sister Katerator.