Lots O Fun

I am thankful for joy, laughter and in general lots of fun!

It feels like life is flying by at a quick pace but I think that's mostly because we've just been enjoying so many fun activities with friends and family.

Thursday night of this week, Angela treated me to a session at Let's Dish.  We each came away with 9 meals after about 2 hours of time at my local Let's Dish.  I would HIGHLY recommend this meal-making spot, especially if you appreciate having meals 'ready to go' in the freezer like I do!  What a blessing to have a freezer full of meals.  It was nice to go with someone who had been to Let's Dish before so she could show me the ropes.  We actually got to chat a good amount, too, and I always appreciate conversation with Angela!  Ross and I enjoyed the Pink Ribbon Chicken Stir Fry last night.  It was really tasty with great flavor and fresh veggies and ready in under a half hour with easy to follow directions on the bag (minus that I forgot it was a half recipe so I added too much water to the rice but it was fixable!).  Thank you Angela!  I can't wait to go again with her in a few months as my treat! :) WOOHOO!!!!

Friday evening found us enjoying Aurelio's with my parents and Josh and Ann.  It was wonderful to spend time with them.  Upon leaving there, I went on to thoroughly enjoy some good girl catch up time while celebrating a close friend's birthday.  It was much needed and very relaxing to be with two people who I can always trust and just be myself with - refreshing!

Saturday morning we got our family ready and headed off to the Mill City Museum/Stone Arch Bridge area for family pictures. It was cold and a little windy but I'm sure Rachel got some great shots.  We then headed back home to pick up cookies to decorate, pumpkins and carving tools and went to my parents' house to carve pumpkins with Josh and Ann.  It was a spontaneous Halloween party and very fun. Everyone got really into 'creative' carving and we ended up with a Philadelphia Eagle, Elmo, Curious George, and a few others.

YUM!  

Carving

Our finished masterpieces - thanks Mom for watching E-man so we could carve!

A few of the finished products on Halloween night

Saturday evening we had the privilege of watching two of my favorite little sisters.  They are so fun and E-man LOVES spending time with them!  

We also got to visit quickly with some friends heading to a costume party.  They got ready at our house - they went as a dolphin and dolphin trainer.  Very funny!  

Halloween day found us at Chipotle after church enjoying 2 dollar meals and then enjoying a nap before heading out to trick or treat at the Grandparents' homes.  Ross also walked E-man around my parents neighborhood a bit and he got really into 'trick-or-treating', asking Ross to go to more houses.  All in all - I'm thankful for a wonderful weekend with lots of fun memories made!  

Me and my little monkey!  I promise he enjoyed wearing his "Monkey George" costume ... he just isn't all about posing for the camera these days :) ... 

Peanuts

Today we visited the allergist.  Last year around this time, we were discovering things that caused E-man to break out in hives (like egg whites, peanut butter and penicillin).  We had a check up with our friendly doctor today and we didn't re-do the skin testing but she did say to keep an eye on things and try to avoid the nuts as much as possible.  E  also got his flu shot with not even a tear, frown or scowl [grateful]. The child impresses me when he gets a shot - I think I flinch more than he does!

This evening, Ross and E-man joined me for my piano lesson with our niece, Adrienne and then they continued on with me to choir practice.  Ross thought he'd have fun singing along and joining the choir this coming Sunday and all of the wonderful people at Park Free are always asking when Ross and E-man will be with me.  After Ade's lesson, on our way out the door at Pam and Chad's, Pam offered us all a piece of candy.  When we got in the car, I asked Ross what he let E-man have and he said 'a snickers' and I said - REALLY!??! (GASP! PEANUTS!) Of course, on the DAY we visit the allergist, E-man has a peanut containing candy.  Well - my grateful moment is we have not had to use the epi pen yet tonight and I don't think we will ... he didn't seem to react even a tiny bit.  He has been happy, playful and hive-free and right now he's peacefully sleeping.  Perhaps this will turn into a bigger grateful moment when we discover he has outgrown his reaction to peanut butter!  I would be one thankful mama (because I really like peanut butter and feel bad when he asks for some and I have to say 'no, you can't because you're allergic').  Here's hoping!

Good Reminder

 ¹⁶Be joyful always; ¹⁷pray continually; ¹⁸give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16-18