Thanksgiving

Our little man got dressed up on Thanksgiving Day.

Family Photo

We had an excellent Thanksgiving this year, so many things for which to be thankful. We spent Thanksgiving Day and night at Ruben's parents. His sister and new beau also came down from Seattle and were able to be with us. It was a nice day. Plus, when we got back home we still had time to make a second Thanksgiving dinner - this one was just for the three of us. It included a delicious ham from our pig (Paul), an amazing sweet potato dish that ended up tasting like pie filling, made from scratch green bean casserole (even down to the tiny fried scallions on top) and homemade rolls (Barb's buns, if you will). Our first Thanksgiving this year was good, but the second one was even better.  

Here's Gabriel trying to help Maximus get his ball from under the chest.

 On Friday before leaving Portland we met up with my wonderful friend, Julia, and brought Maximus home with us for a couple of nights. Our time with him could not have gone better. He and Gabriel got along fabulously. There has been much laughter and squealing in our home the last couple of nights. It's been a great holiday weekend. I hope all of my loved ones have felt as blessed as I have this Thanksgiving.

11.19.12

Yesterday was my 35th birthday and I had a great day! It started with Ruben and I snuggling on the couch to watch SNL, then eating french toast and ham with affogato (espresso served with a scoop of gelato in it), a walk with Robyn during a short dry spell, chicken tika masala for lunch, LOTS of wine tasting during our afternoon date, more snuggling on the couch & almost a nap, then pizza for dinner and to bed early. Although it's somewhat depressing to be another year older, I have two fantastic guys who will help me celebrate many birthdays to come. I'm really looking forward to next year when Gabriel will (hopefully) sing me a birthday song. Thanks to anyone who helped make my birthday and all my other days bright ~ I love each of you.

Here's one of Gabriel and I this morning.. it's gonna be another good day.

Cool days

It's been dry but cold the last week or so. I'm glad I got this fantastic sweater for him last year. It will probably still fit next year, too.

 He still loves the swing, but quickly gets bored. 

We had the pleasure of lunch with Amy on Friday which was great. It's always fun to be with old friends. Plus, Gabriel enjoyed seeing himself on her phone. That was after he walked into the restaurant with only one shoe & ended up losing his pants after sitting in cheese. Oh yeah, and he went straight to the fish tank smacking his lips the whole way. He has quite a personality!

Gabriel before lunch, he thought it necessary to remove both shoes and socks. 

Another day full of blessings

Yesterday Gabriel and I spent time with our friends in Albany. 

There's also a picture of him with Taven - the friend from the video, but it's rather incriminating. I'm not gonna post that one just yet. :o) We had a wonderful day! I feel so blessed for the life I have, especially the amazing people who are a part of it. Having Gabriel around really has changed the focus of my life. 

Does anything else really matter?...

I've been trying hard to focus on and appreciate what I have each and every day. Not just this fantastic little man (my main joy), but his father, my job, our health, friends, family and mostly the ability to just be in this moment right now. It's a wonderful life. :O)

Videos

Having fun with Taven

Pictures

Monday morning at breakfast & he's already tied down.

The first one

It's funny how life has a way of moving us forward. Certain events and interactions can, if we are open to them, change the focus of our lives. Maybe not a drastic change, but a realization that things never stay the same. With that being said... welcome to my first blog. I hope it's a success and you enjoy what I have to share.