Church decorations

The Church had a workday putting up the decorations one day before Thanksgiving. Grayson and I stopped by to help for a little while. Grayson got to go and play with Mrs. Linda while I helpoed in the children's wing. Jessica and I had a good time chatting while we hung garland and tried to get a fake tree look full and "real". I think it looked great!

I picked up Grayson to leave, and as we exited the Church, the ladies were putting the ornaments on the trees in the Welcome Center. He asked if he could help and proceeded to pick out a few decoratiosn and place them on the tree. All the while, he talked up a storm to these ladies, that I think got their laughter in for the day listening to him. Thank you for your servant's heart Grayson! You're always wanting to pitch in and help out whatever it is. I learned servanthood from my parents,a dn I am glad to instill that in you too! God is pleased by your actions!

Playhouse Disney

We rushed back from Lynchburg for Sunday afternoon. We had a date with all of Grayson's favorite friends. No, not 'Adesander' or 'Hamton'. But rather, Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, Tigger, Pooh, Darby, Little Einsteins, adn Handy Manny. The Playhouse Disney Live Tour came to the Scope!! It was a great show and we had tickets in the 2nd row!! We've been staring at the tickets for months as Trevor purchased them back in the Spring! Flash photography is never allowed, but I snuck a few pics. We all 3 had a marvelous time. It made us ache for a trip to Disney!!

Thanksgiving...Work?!

We left for Lynchburg to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with my family. It's the first year since Grayson has been born that we were with them for Thanksgiving. Grayson and I prepared some special crafts for the day before we left town. We made placecards for teh table. He wasn't too crazy about the fingerpainting, but he loved getting his thumb colored to make the print for the 'body'. We didn't have brown paint, so we colored our thumbs with washable marker!

On Thanksgiving morning we got up and had donuts and other breakfast specials before sitting down to watch the opening of the Macy's parade. We have had the privelege of being there to watch it in person, but it's always great to see it on TV too. Before long, the sounds of a chainsaw filled the neighborhood. My Dad was out back cutting down brush and trees in the backyard behind the pool. He was clearing a place out for a new pool house to hold the furniture in winter and double as a changing room for the summer! Mom said he needed something to do with his days off!!

So we all changed into our grubs and spent the rest of the morning clearing brush, stacking new firewood for mom and the fireplace, and adding to the brush pile by the road that the City would come by and pick up. Mom spent the morning inside prepping the turkey and all the fixings.

Grayson and I went on a leaf walk to collect various colored leaves for yet another "turkey" craft. This one we had fun doing. Although Grayson has yet to master control with the glue!!!We all sat down to eat, famished from the work outside, and looking clean, although not as dressed up as usual! Mom, the food was fantastic as it always is. Grayson said he needed to the prayer, and I don't think any of adults could have prayed a better thankful prayer. He is becoming quite the "prayer". "Those who don't help prepare are on dish duty!" said Mom. So as we were all out helping Dad, all 5 kids were on dish duty, but with that many people it was done quickly.Dessert and games finished out the evening. On Saturday, my youngest sister Megan treated us all to a pancake breakfast. This tradition was started by me when Megan was a kid (we are 10 years apart). I used to get up early on Saturday mornings with her, and we would make pancakes and watch Bugs Bunny cartoons! Thanks Megan!!

Another one-liner

Grayson was just getting out of bed and it was still a little cold for bare feet. He proceeded to sit down and pull off his socks. When I told him to keep them on, he said "Mommy, my feet need some fresh air!" After a quick giggle, I said "Oh, you mean that your feet are hot and sweaty, so you need your socks off?" "Yes, Mommy, they need some fresh air!"

Serious Chats with Santa

So Grayson had his first visit of the season with Santa at MacArthur Mall last week. The mall was dead as Trevor and Grayson were there before the Thanksgiving weekend! They walked along the top floor, and as Trevor said, Grayson was walking along the glass wall, and as soon as Santa came into his view, he stopped and looked up at Trevor with bright big eyes and let the biggest squeal out. Santa must have almost heard him because Trevor said that Santa looked up and caught Grayson's eyes and waved. This made Grayson giggle and jump with delight!

They walked downstairs, and of course had no line to contend with. Grayson walked right up and sat down and proceeded to have a heart-to-heart with Santa. Trevor just laughed he said to listen in on the conversation. Of course, Grayson had to inform him that we don't have a chimney, but that we would leave a door open for him to come in and leave the presents. Trevor said that Santa was good, and reassured Grayson that chimney or not, locked doors or not, he would get in to be able to leave Grayson all of his goodies. Grayson also informed him that he didn't have a list yet, so Grayson said he would come home and write one and then bring it back later.

What a time Grayson had! And of course because I am the photographer and it was a boys day out, there is no cute photo. Which is actually okay with mommy as Grayson was not dressed in "taking a picture with Santa" attire!!

Babe!

Another moment for the books...Trevor and I were both out doing errands yeasterday. I was at the bank, when who should walk in, but my 2 men. I didn't see them but I heard Grayson, "Mommy, what are you doing here?!" I finished my transaction and then gave my boys a kiss and began to walk away. Trevor said that he would see my at home, to which Grayson echoed (at the top of his lungs, mind you!) "We'll see you at home, Babe!" I turned around to blow him a kiss just as the laughter errupted from everyone in the bank. I think I might have even blushed! Oh the ways that both of my guys can make me feel special and loved!

Just Jayne, not Mommy today

So, this week has gone by really fast! My Mom "needed to have Grayson for a week", although we'll be in Lynchburg for Thanksgiving! So he has been there since last Saturday and we'll get him tomorrow afternoon. He has had an absolute blast. He has called us and kept us posted with all the goings-on there. I can't believe how grown-up he sounds as I talk to him over the phone, and actually understands everything he is saying!! On Wed. AM he called just to say "Hi" and to inform me that he was going to lunch with "the girls". He proceeded to say that he and my mom and sisters all had a lunch date at The Olive Garden. They had a great time.

So Trevor and I have enjoyed reconnecting again and getting some of those tasks done that are just so much easier with no interruptions! We have also been going to the Y to workout together all week! It is so nice to be reminded of why we love each other and are glad to still be friends and in love after 13 years. There is just a comfort and an ease and knowing that I can be cheesy, although I'll get the roll of the eyes and the head shake, I am cherished for all the crazy quirks!

A great time of relaxing and fun for all involved! Jayne is ready for being "mommy" full time again!