pleased as punch

I read about this in a newsletter this week. The article said, "Recent studies have shown that people who focus on gratitude are healthier, they report fewer headaches and colds, are more active, pro-social, and are more compassionate. When people find something to appreciate everyday they are less materialistic."
The finding also show that grateful people are less depressive, anxious and are more likely to help others, "...they even get more sleep".

Who doesn't want to get more sleep! Being 8 months pregnant I would sleep all day long if my back didn't hurt, and my ribs didn't feel like they were going to pull apart like the thanksgiving wishbone. But I am "THANKFUL" that all of this discomfort will bring about a joyous result!

For months Chad and I have been anxiously awaiting the Third Sunday in November and today it finally arrived. Finley is old enough now to go into nursery and we were able to enjoy 2 kid-free hours of spiritual enlightenment. I leaned over to Chad in Sunday School class and said, "I feel like we are out on a date." Not a particularly fun date but a Finley break nonetheless. I have to admit I did get a little fidgety sitting through an uninterrupted 40 minute lesson. And Chad left class 5 min. early so he could go and peek at Finley through the spy hole in the nursery door. Other then that we did great!

I realized today how much I've missed quiet time at church. I'm used to running the halls, pulling her kicking and screaming away from the drinking fountain, stopping her from knocking on any closed doors and obstructing her view of the stairs (which if she sees she must climb). And as a last resort, sorry to admit, leaving church a 1/2 hour or more early to take my hysterical toddler home to bed. Hopefully we have at least 3 more weeks to enjoy this newly appreciated 2 hours of peace before Jr. arrives, and then it's back to the beginning again.

Finley getting ready for church. She didn't want to put her bloomers on right.
She thought she was so funny!

After 45 min. and a lot of chasing her around the house
we were finally dressed and ready to go.

With only one newly bruised cheek, one pony tail still in tact, a big smile, and art work in hand
I would say that nursery was a big hit for everyone!!!!

Do not underestimate this species!

The Rat Tail is the sacred cousin to the mullet. It is found most commonly among male adolescents.

Within the Rat Tail species, there are two major classifications: The Dumb Bully (on the left) and the Techie Dork(on the right). They have NOTHING in common, yet they still share a unique bond unknowingly...the Ratullet.

P.S. Nice pants, Bully

I'm just saying...

(Click on Fin's picture for a better view of her progress. "Splinter" might be a good nickname...)

Since we're having a tough time naming our soon-to-be-born baby boy we're opening it up to the masses. There's a Poll over to the right with a few names from the short list. However, if you'd like to suggest a name add it to the comments section of this post. For the integrity of this poll please try and vote only once... even if you are pulling for Hank or you think it might be funny if we actually named our kid Tucker just to see how that might morph into something more "creative" on the school playground.