We have been thankful for the lack of snow so far this fall with all the exterior work the house in Ashland needed. Jeff was able to work with my dad to complete the foundation issues that needed repairs, front porch was removed, we hired out the house's new siding, and then interior work done as well. It is moving along, and the house is looking better every day, just always takes a little longer than you hope - such is construction and remodeling! Jeff is enjoying the process and even has been looking at a couple other possible houses in Ashland for future remodels.
For work I had an Education Day, After Hours and Annual Meeting to coordinate along with the first of several MOPS crafts for the year, and a couple MOPS events in the evening, so the month was full on those two fronts. The NARI chapter did agree to hire a part-time assistant, though, which is great and I'm hopeful that will help to lighten my load as we head into 2015 - We'll start training her in December! I also had a couple fun evenings with friends from MOPS doing crafts, and read a library book for fun (it's been a while), so those were a fun outlet during the busy month.
Despite all of the work, we got to spend some fun times with friends and family as well, obviously at Kalum's party, but also with Amanda's Aunt Cathy, cousin LeAnn and daugher Amelia when they came through town, Our friends, the Smiths, were in Omaha and we got to meet their new little baby, Madelyn. Samara loved holding the little baby of course! Jeff's parents joined us all for lunch out in Ashland then stopped by to see the house and Jeff's other possible flip houses, then of course Thanksgiving weekend! We spent Thanksgiving Day with the Pennell's, Nick & Courtney and Poppy and Grandma Kunes - great food and time together and then Mom helped Courtney and I get started on our t-shirt quilts that we've been saving shirts to make since childhood. We got through the first couple steps but have a ways to go before completion. Friday after Thanksgiving we went to Derby's to have leftover Thanksgiving and watch the Husker game. We were glad that Aaron, Michelle and Evelyn were still there so we could spend time with them. Thankfully it seems it will work out for everyone to be in town to celebrate Christmas together, so we're looking forward to that! (Though not actually quite ready for Christmas really).
Samara's Month:
- She is very interested in letters now, much more than she was at this time in school last year! Tries to sound out words with some letters she knows. It's fun to hear her putting things together.
- Went to a party at the VFW social hall to celebrate Jeff's Aunt & Uncle's 60th Birthdays. Leaving the party (there was a microphone/DJ, and music and some lights on the dance floor) she said she wants to have her party there when she's 5. I said, ok, we'll see about that when it gets closer. Nothing says five year old girl like the VFW hall!
- Well, unfortunately, we found out Samara's tantrums were not over this month. It seemed that if she got tired at all, they ramped back up. Nothing can be done really and they were very wearing on Mom. These have happened at home, leaving Sunday School, and at Hy-Vee. Leaving Sunday School I was eventually able to diffuse the situation by explaining that her actions and words were not showing God's love. She also earned a consequence after the Hy-Vee disaster of not being able to go to the store or out to eat for the week. After a different time, she lost tv/movies for three days- tough on all who watch her as well. We'll be digging into Love & Logic book again for more thought-process and techniques I guess. By mid-month she'd gone a couple weeks without, so we'll hope it was a phase... By the end of the month she was telling us how long it had been since she was "mad".
- Samara had a pre-school Thanksgiving party where they wore paper turkey hats they made and sang fun songs for parents during class. She wore her turkey hat around the house for days after and kept getting the "Albuquerque is a turkey" song in our heads - over. and. over. Even as I type this I will now be singing it for another day it seems...
- Two-year check-up stats: weight: 30.5 lbs (75%) and Height: 35.25" (70%) He got the flu vaccine then was off and running for his promised sucker on the way out! Such a sweet tooth on that guy!
- He loved his birthday "digger cake"! The cake was his favorite, chocolate of course, and Daddy seemed slightly envious of the coolness of the cake Mommy made, which included candy rubble and construction vehicles on top. :) Kalum smiled while everyone sang to him, then said "now eat it!". He took his time to eat the frosting and cake off ALL the trucks that were on top of the cake, along with a piece of cake.
- Mid November he got a brief stomach bug of some sort. He didn't want to eat all day, then he threw up twice that night. At 3AM laying on the floor half undressed as Mommy sleepily worked to clean-up the pj's and bed, he kept saying, "sorry I puked". It was the most pitiful thing ever!
- Heard him saying "Look at he!" when he meant "look at him". So cute that I had to jot it down, it probably only lasted a couple days.
- He finally figured out how to eat fruits again! He was chewing and spitting out grapes and apples. I guess he remembered he can chew and swallow as well.
- Kalum is all grown up now! He asked a girl to dance at the family birthday party we went to at the end of the month. Slow song came on and everyone started grabbing dance partners. He realized he was all alone and came over by Mommy. "You hafta dance" he said, grabbing my hand. Oh, melt my heart, had to say yes to that little sweetie!
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