2017 :: week 47

November 19

Lauren gave the article of faith in primary and really wanted a parent to help her. Even though she gave her part in the primary program over the pulpit in Sacrament meeting just fine the week before she got a bout of nerves and needed some reassurance.

November 20

The kids had the week off school for the Thanksgiving holiday. Going into the week I was a little worried about how we would survive, but we fared much better than I feared. Monday we went to the zoo with the Wilsons and had great visit. We got to ride the train and see a lot of fun animals. That night we had pizza for dinner at my parents' house. My cousin Maria and her family was passing through on their way to Wichita and we spent an hour together eating and catching up. The kids went to play in the basement and Lauren ran back up yelling, "Memaw! There's a bird in the basement!" Upon further inspection we discovered that it was not a bird but a bat!

November 21

Landon came over to play for awhile in the morning and then we went to Science City together. The boys had a fun time playing together, and we nice to include Lauren in their games too.

November 22

Wednesday was the coldest day of the week and so we went to the Lenexa Open Gym for an hour in the morning to get some wiggles out. Lauren's friend Daphne, her brother Nicholas, and mom Jolie joined us. Then we delivered Meals on Wheels. We have a weekly route, but it felt especially meaningful to pass out meals the day before Thanksgiving. Both Will and Lauren seemed personally affected by some of the residents we met, and their extremely humble circumstances. We live a life of such abundance. I'm grateful for the opportunity to interact with people that are outside of our normal "bubble" and the good health we enjoy.

November 23

We celebrated Thanksgiving with the Throsells this year. Anthony and I made our usual--green bean casserole and rolls. Anthony also tried out a new recipe, a knockoff Ruth's Chris Sweet Potato Casserole. It was really good!

November 24

We didn't go to a single store on Black Friday (though I did buy a few things online). We worked in our yard for several hours, though you wouldn't know it now. The leaves just keep coming down like crazy. In the evening we went with the Ule family to the Luminary Walk at the OP Arboretum. It was beautiful!

November 25

When we moved Will was 19 months old and I was pregnant with Lauren. At the time our kitchen seemed big. Six years and two kids later it isn't feeling so big. We decided getting rid of the wall between the kitchen and family room will help us maximize the space we have. Anthony and I worked on removing the trim and drywall for about an hour and then our friend Steve helped us cut down the rest with his reciprocating saw (which we do not own). Next week we will be getting new floors in the two rooms. It it amazing what a difference it makes in the openness of the two rooms already!