Superheros

No VBK Christmas Cards

Yes, you read that right, you will not be receiving a Christmas card from the VBK's this year.  It's not because we aren't joyful this Christmas season or because we don't want to show off pictures of our Tater.  In fact, we are more joyful this year than previous years and you should know by now that we have a TON of pictures of our little man. 

About a month ago, I started to think about Christmas cards.  I love the fact that finally, after years of trying to have children, we have a reason for Christmas cards: Tater.  Seriously, who wants to see yet another picture of Dave or I?  We know who you really want to see is our little guy. 

For us, though, money is super tight this Christmas season.  I almost vetoed the cards simply because we just didn't have the money.  Between the money to purchase the cards and the stamps to mail them, it can get expensive.  However, I got a deal in my email and since I could get them for 40% off and get free shipping, I thought we'd go ahead and take the plunge.  I mean, come on, is it really Christmas without the annual Christmas card, or so we've come to believe?  I planned and designed, spending way too much time going through pictures, even designing a card which contained a picture from each month of 2011.  Hours went into planning out this thing.  Shameful, I know.

So, I'm sure you're thinking, if you spent all of this time and found a good deal, why no VBK cards this year?

Two days before I went to order the cards, I heard about the Tyson family, a family of 10, the youngest being the same age at Tater, who just lost their home and all of their belongings due to a house fire.  This weekend, a 8k is being run to raise funds for this family.  I started to think about the money that we were going to spend on Christmas cards and realized that I would much rather give that money to this family, knowing full well what it's like to lose your home to a fire, than to send out cards that will most likely get thrown away or forgotten. 

I may not know the Tyson family and they may never know us, but this Christmas, I'd like to think that the money that we were going to spend on Christmas cards is actually going to do more than just fill a mailbox or a refrigerator with pictures of the Tater.

Decorating for Christmas

The Monday after Thanksgiving, the VBK family decorated for Christmas.

Tater was in love with the tree box. 

Checking out the lights. 

 Decorating his tree. 

 We normally turn on a lava lamp in his room until he falls asleep, but for now, his Christmas tree lights up his room so that he can read before falling asleep. 

 The tree in the living room.  I love the glow of the lights. 

A Day With My Boy

On the 27th of November, Dave had to work, so it was just me and the Tater.  We spent some time cleaning and lots of time playing.  Around lunchtime, we took a walk to Gramma and Papa's house.  They were out of town and we were taking care of their cat.  

It was a beautiful day outside and we loved checking out the fall colors.  

We got to their house and took care of their cat.  Most of the time, their cat and Tater don't get near each other, but for some reason, they were good friends that day.  Poor cat was probably starved for attention and was willing to take what he could get, even if it meant being around the crazy toddler. 

We took Papa's "bike", as Tater calls it, for a spin!  Just kidding. 

We had a blast playing in their backyard in the leaves.  He ran in and fell in them for over a half hour and cried when I said it was time to go inside.  A promise to come back and play in them again made the tears go away quickly. 

We headed home just a little bit before nap time, but someone didn't make it home before falling asleep. 

We played some more and that night, we took a pic of us after Tater's bath to send to Dave while he was at work. 
Doesn't he look HUGE in this picture? 

What a great Saturday!

Thanksgiving

Before Thanksgiving, Tater's ear infection and fever returned.  We weren't sure what we were going to do about traveling for the holiday, but thankfully, the doctor had given us a prescription for an antibiotic.

He is so pitiful when he's got a high fever.  I hate seeing him like this, but I do love the snuggle time with him. 

The day before Thanksgiving, Tater seemed to be feeling a bit better, so we packed the car and headed to Nana and Papa's house. 

He had a blast playing with his train table (it's actually part of his Christmas present...don't tell him) with his Uncle Allen, Aunt Angela, and Ayla. 

 He had a pretty rough night that night when his fever returned, but we made it through.  Thanksgiving morning, he woke up bright and early.  He spent some time with Nana and Papa while Dave and I slept. 

 Then, we were off to Grandma and Grandaddy's house to celebrate with the family.  I must admit-I was horrible at taking pictures this year.  Last year, I took over 100 and this year, I think I have less than 20 total.  Just felt nice to hang out and not carry my camera around with me.  Sad that I don't have those memories caught in a picture, but thankful for some relaxing family time. 

Ayla and Papa hanging out outside.  The weather was cool, but beautiful. 

 Me with my beautiful niece!

 Gotta play some football!

Time to eat.  Tater even said the blessing this year. 

Chowing down on Grandma's yummy rolls. 

 It was Nana's birthday, so we all gathered around, sang Happy Birthday, and had delicious desserts. 

 After a great day, it was time to head home since Dave had to work the next day.  Tater spent most of the trip home doing this!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

November Challenge: Day 30

On the 30th day of November, I was thankful for the reminder of how fun a blanket tied around you like a cape can be.  The 3 kiddos LOVED running around in their capes.  It's a reminder of how we can find joy in the small things if we look hard enough.