Post Thanksgiving..."Normal" Life

I've neglected my blog recently.  I think I poured so much into the blog over the month of October that I've encountered a writer's block!  I feel like I've talked about all the points that needed brought up about Ds.  With all of that out and me off my soapbox (until I need to again), it's just us...my family of 5.  Mom, Dad, two boys and a little girl.  A 3rd grader, kindergartner and a rambunctious toddler.  Basketball schedules, school functions, holidays, therapy appointments, runny noses, Christmas parties, gift purchasing, Christmas shows, homework...you get it.  We all do it in some way or the other.  It is just us...living our life...our "normal".

Thanksgiving was good this year, but different.  We didn't travel to Indiana this year.  It is only the 2nd Thanksgiving we weren't with our families.  Jason had to work...the downside of working for a business that is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  The weather was gorgeous.  I started cooking at 9 a.m. and I finished at 5:45 p.m. when we ate dinner.  I was able enjoy the weather with the boys while Hailey napped.  Dinner was quite tasty (yes, that is my opinion...no one complained and most of them enjoyed seconds and at leftovers for 3 days after) and we started decorating our trees in the evening.  We missed our families, but had a good day.

The boys tearing bread for stuffing...I had enough for about 20 people!

Christmas decorations up early because of the unseasonably warm weather.

Playing a little soccer waiting for Dad to get home from work.

Yes, everyone is thankful for that little peanut!

The boys have even started teaching Hailey how to unload the dishwasher!

Christmas decorations are different this year.  I've never changed my decorating because of the kids until this year.  Ian was always curious, but he stayed out of the decorations for the most part.  Or, if he did bother them, I don't remember it (mental block).  We didn't put any ornaments on the bottom 2-3 feet of the tree.  The boys decorated the trees so there are no ornaments higher than 5 feet either.  I don't have the heart to change them :-)  We've only left stuff within Hailey's reach that she is allowed to touch.  The Veggie Tales nativity scene, a couple musical plush from Hallmark, and her felt Christmas tree.  I first saw it on Pinterest and then Megan posted hers that she made for Ellie here.  I was motivated then to make Hailey one.  I'm not sure who plays with it more...the boys or Hailey :-)

Notice no ornaments at the top?

Hailey's felt tree...the ornaments are removable but the star and presents are hot-glued on.

The only "safe" decorations....she "dances" to them.  It is too cute!

The boys have been excited every morning searching for their elf "Bernard" every morning.  Hailey seems pretty indifferent to him.  We are gearing up for some of our annual Christmas traditions...Christmas parties, visiting Santa, Christmas programs at church....  I keep putting baking cookies and making our gingerbread house on the bottom of the list because the OCD in me isn't ready for the ginormous mess that they both entail.  Don't worry, we will still do them.  I just want to make sure we have time to enjoy it and not rush through it all.  The boys have so much fun with them and I'm sure Hailey will in time!