November 2020

Happy November everyone.  Still stuck in COVID-19 pandemic with even more cases than last month and more restrictions to comply with. Here are a few highlights for the month which is an amazing feat, considering THERE IS NOTHING TO DO!!!!

No one was more surprised than I that Dylan was recognized with a "Soaring Eagle Award" from his science teacher.  These honors were given to students that stood out for some reason.  Dylan has had a rough time with all the solitude and lack of any social time so he really needed a bright spot in his day.

The kids and I got a day off in observance for Veteran's Day (Happy Birthday Grandma!) and we spent it doing some errands and enjoying a Burger King lunch...one place we can all agree on.

Hangtime this month was me taking each child out to procure Christmas gifts for their siblings.  Dylan's pick included having lunch at California Pizza Kitchen.  He loves to milk out these monthly Hangtimes with a one-on-one lunch out with me which I'm completely on board with.

Presley struggles with keeping her room tidy and managing all of her toys, art supplies, clothes, etc.  When I could stand it no longer (meaning me constantly & daily sending her to her room to clean only to find it messier than before, a mere 2 hours later), I spent a Friday night tackling it by myself.  I sent her out of the room and purged whatever I felt needed to go.  Not my idea of a good time, but loved the results.

Dylan had a big science project and I recruited former 2-time "Science Student of the Year" to sub in for this school work.  They spent a Saturday concocting a Rube-Goldberg which earned Dylan an A on.  Yay for not having to help with this task!

One random weekday, I got this pic texted to me from Maddox.  I love how much he enjoys baking and his treats are delicious.  Oatmeal chocolate chip, in case you are wondering.

Thanksgiving looked so different for everyone this year.  We usually celebrate at Grandma's house with Uncle Jeff, Auntie Rhacelle, Briar & Adden, but with the social distance mandate in place, each family exchanged food in Grandma's driveway and celebrated in their own homes. 

This was the first time I was responsible for a beautiful Thanksgiving table.  With Maddox and Presley helping select decor, our dining room turned out great.

Here's the family pic I asked Daddy to take.  There were jammie pants worn during this year's dinner.

The Andersons.  We sure missed fellowship with our family this year.

The next day, all Thanksgiving & fall decor came down and the Christmas decorating began.  t'was a long day, but the house now looks so festive and the cats aren't the only ones enjoying the seasonal look.

Once the tree was up, the kids wanted to wrap the gifts they had chosen for their siblings.  Watching the wrapping process is pure comedy.

Dylan and Presley needed some guidance for sure.

This guy is nailing his wrapping job.  

I also created advent calendars for each of us.  With everything so dreary and unpleasant in the world these days, I want to create as many things to look forward to as possible!

Our children's ministry at Church has created a program with crafts, games and snacks to remotely participate in every Sunday leading up to Christmas.  Here's Presley's Week 1 craft.

That's it for November.  Please take all precautions to be as healthy as possible in this pandemic.  Wishing you joy this Christmas!