Days go by . . .

Quickly!  Where did that month go?  Oh - I know!  This was my busiest month at the MS Society because it was Traveling Turkeys time.  The program doubled in size this year and we were able to give over 160 Thanksgiving meals to people with MS and their families.  Not only that, but I also had around 30 volunteers who delivered them as well!  It was a lot to coordinate, but so incredibly worth it.

To finish October we enjoyed time with friends and competed in pumpkin decorating competition at my office.  I had a bit of a reputation after last year's Charlie Brown Christmas tree made from a paper bag, so it was hard to live up to the hype.  I went a little more low key this year and we simply carved the little pumpkin into the skeleton head for a cute little stand I found.  I say "we", but Brandon totally did all the work because the pumpkin was so thick we had to get out the Dremel tool.  I had pumpkin shavings everywhere! (But it looked awesome and we were the only ones who actually achieved a pumpkin carving!)

Brandon loves power tools!

Brandon also began some demolition work on the kitchen to prepare for new countertops and backsplash.  He loves demo . . . as evidenced by previous picture's hole in the wall and this sledge hammer.

A few ear warmers I created for the show

I did a couple of craft shows in early November and took some sewing and knitting classes too.  I think I'm hooked on both, so we'll have to find a place and some time for these new hobbies in the craft department.  I'm afraid I'm going to need to do a craft-supply-clean-out before I take over the basement.



A holiday-time tradition that I always enjoy is going to the train station here and seeing the Christmas trees that are on display.  A local charity organizes the event as a silent auction and you can bid on the one you would like to take home.  It's amazing to see all the different themes that people choose.  This was one of our favorites because Brandon started our Christmas village collection as part of my gifts last year and we plan to add one every year.  We were trying to figure out how we could make it to display them (surprise, surprise)!

We just got back from Thanksgiving with my family and of course all the pictures are on my Mom's camera.  I'll have to get her to send them to me so I can share!  It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!  Now - on to setting up that tree . . .

Family Time

I had a lovely time with my Mom and brother last weekend.  It's so nice to to spend time with family and be surrounded by their love.  We spent the day on Saturday taking in some of the sights in our charming city - including the Nelson Atkins Art Museum.  There was a photography exhibit about the early days of Egyptian exploration that I wanted to see before it was done and then we also got to view the new permanent Egyptian exhibit.  My Mom hasn't been to the Nelson yet during her visits here and it turns out she's a lot like me in thinking the building is just as impressive as the art inside it.  I think I also got my interest in Egypt from her if the truth was known!

Then we met up with my brother and took in the movie "Despicable Me" in 3D.  It was such a cute flick - love those little minions!  And it of course has an adoption theme which is such a fun thing about my life right now.  There are so many songs, movies, bible verses, and books that remind me about the joy of this process and before we got started I think I might have totally overlooked them.  Now I get to experience these moments with the joy and anticipation of someone who at least partially understands the journey.

Happy 4th of July!

We spent our 4th of July this year on Lake Michigan with Brandon's cousin and her husband.  It was such a great trip and we spent our days soaking up the sun and learning about life on a sailboat.  Brittney and Dave own a boat and keep it at the harbor in Racine, Wisconsin.  We slept on the boat and Janell had her first sailing experience.  The water there is so clear and blue - and COLD!

We made great friends at the dock party on the holiday and reconnected with family.  The girls left to get fries and ice cream that evening and returned to find the boys creating what is now fondly referred to as "The Sparkler Torch".  Imagine around 150 sparklers duct-taped to a broom handle and you've got an idea of what this creation looked like.  Always an adventure with the Petersons!