LIFE AS A LANKFORD

Finishing up my month of thanks this week, and what a wonderful reminder of how easy it is to find something to be thankful for each day, even amid the craziness of holidays, school, parenting, etc.

What a week!  We had a nice mix of busy and relaxing which is always nice.  And, our longest travel time for the holiday was about 30 minutes, which is even nicer.

Ned and Avery went to church Sunday.  I had been planning on taking Sam for worship after his nap, but since he had been running a fever during the weekend I decided to keep him home.  We were hosting Thanksgiving for my mom's side of the family that night.  My cousin and his wife had already said they couldn't come, and that afternoon, my mom's brother and his wife said they were staying home because my uncle wasn't feeling well.  I hated we weren't having more family, but I did enjoy being able to stop straightening up the house so much.  We had steaks since we'd be getting turkey twice later in the week, and we had several yummy sides.  I wanted to make use of the dining room and had my mom shopping for a tablecloth the day before.  She didn't find one and then forgot hers that she was bringing, so we used the pink fabric from Avery's birthday party.  It was not pin-worthy but it was a great night.

We took Avery to the ENT on Monday.  We dropped Sam off on our way and were in Norfolk by 9 a.m.  Our appointment was quick, even with making the decision to go ahead with tubes.  We have definitely given her ears as much time as we can to grow and just can't go through a 3rd season with constant infections or fluid.  We were done at the doctor's and at the mall before the stores opened at 10 a.m.  We made several quick stops and I got several things checked off my list.  Ned funded a shopping spree at Loft so that I would have a few new items in my closet.  We had lunch at California Pizza Kitchen, then I sent Avery and Ned exploring so that I could get books for Christmas.  I found too many for Avery and none for Sam.  We came back to where we had left Ned's truck, and Avery and Ned headed home while I went and got Sam and took him back to the doctor.  He was of course fever-free and had no apparent problems other fluid on an ear and teething.  Avery went to Bible Zone after dinner and then it was time for bed.


We had a program after school Tuesday, so I picked up the kids and took them to my parents' for a quick visit.  My mom cut Avery's hair, and while I was a bit nervous at first, it ended up pretty cute.  I met Ned so that he could take the kids home, then I got dinner and went back to school.  It was almost 8 p.m. before I left, making it quite a long day.

Wednesday was an easy day at school.  Now that I have a SmartBoard in my room, movie days mean I get 1.5 hours of work time in my room instead of the cafeteria.  School dismissed at 1 p.m. and I went home and enjoyed some time to myself.  Ned picked up the kids and brought them home.  Sam had been fussy and hadn't napped well, but he wouldn't take a nap at home.  We had Thanksgiving at Ned's parents' that night.  A 6:45 p.m. dinner is a bit too late for Sam, and while he can usually doze in his bouncer, he couldn't that night.  My parents always eat with us, and my dad tried so hard to keep him happy, but I finally just brought him home.  He was asleep after our 3 minute car ride home.  Ned and Avery got home about 8.


I got to sleep in a little Thursday morning, but I wasn't able to do much sleeping.  Avery was so excited about the parade and did some watching and some playing.  Sam took a short morning nap, making me very nervous, but he then took a very long afternoon nap.  I think I did too.  Avery, however, did not.  We had dinner that night at my dad's sister's house.  It is always a fun time and a big crowd since my uncle's side of the family joins us as well.  Dinner was only slightly earlier, but since Avery and Sam caught a nap in the car, everyone was feeling good.  We had a great dinner and ate far too much.  Avery and her buddies Lawson and Caroline spent their time after dinner dancing and requesting that my cousin get them.  Sam took his bedtime bottle but was too interested in all the excitement to go to sleep.  It was after 8 p.m. when we left and almost 9 before we got everyone in bed.





Ned hunted Friday morning, and no one felt the need to sleep in after the late night except for me.  Avery was awake at 6 a.m. but is not allowed up at that time.  We had a good morning at home.  We put the Christmas tree up and realized that we were going to need a taller step stool to do any decorating.  Ned hunted that evening and we got pizza for dinner.  I ordered most of their Christmas online and enjoyed Black Friday shopping from the comfort of my home.


Ned hunted again Saturday and thankfully the kids slept a little longer.  We spent the morning at home again and spent a lot of time keeping the cat out of the tree.  The camouflage mesh that Ned wrapped the bottom in seemed to be tasty instead of a deterrent from chewing the wires.  I went to the grocery store once Ned got home, and by the time I returned everyone had had lunch and was down for naps.  Avery didn't nap....again...and Sam had a short afternoon nap since his morning nap had been long.  That has been a pattern while we've been home that I'm not crazy about.  My parents came at 4 p.m. so that Ned and I could have a much-anticipated date night.  We had several stops and dinner planned in Colonial Heights.  Sadly, Ned's hunting store was closing when we arrived, so we moved right on to Helzburg for our jewelry inspection.  Our rings needed recoating, so we are both without wedding rings for two weeks.  I am ridiculously self-conscious about it.  Ned had a fantastic time helping me get felt and other craft items at Jo-Ann Fabric.  Then we had dinner at Olive Garden.  Target and Starbucks rounded out our night and then it was time to go home.  We visited with my parents for a bit before they left, and then we both fell asleep watching TV.

We have had a wonderful Thanksgiving week celebrating multiple times with our family. We have much to be thankful for this year. It has been a year of changes and challenges and each one has blessed us and taught us many lessons. Our children, our families and friends, our warm home, and our jobs just begin to scratch the surface of our many blessings.


I continued to record my thankful thoughts this week.

We had a good, busy week.  I guess we are just gearing up for the holiday season, or either our new normal.

Sunday morning we had a mini-session photo shoot with our friend Lexi.  The sessions were originally scheduled during Sandy and were rescheduled due to the weather.  I knew the 11:30 a.m. time would be good for us but was still a little nervous after all the work it took to get Christmas pictures the day before.  {I received those online Monday and they're wonderful, but I'm not sharing them yet.}  Avery was not much on smiling, even with Lexi promising to bring Mason to play.  We've seen these three previews and I think they turned out great.  We can't wait to see the rest!  I had never done a mini-session before but felt like it was the perfect amount of time to do pictures before things get hairy.




Avery informed us on the way home that Sam was falling asleep.  My love of nap time overcame my good senses, and I climbed in the back as we traveled down the road.  We were on Ned's truck, allowing me to sit between the kids, which Avery loved.  Sam was tough to wake up but then didn't seem to mind that he had been disturbed.



We picked up lunch and then had naps that Avery didn't participate in.  We enjoyed the nice weather that afternoon with a walk and playtime outside.



Avery wanted to her picture taken while I was taking Sam's, and of course she was in between outfits.




We did not have the day off Monday and even lost our early release after missing for the storm.  Avery went to Bible Zone and I picked her up.  They were practicing in the sanctuary for the Christmas program so I hid behind the swinging doors and watched.  I like to see what she does when we're not around.  Avery's class will be the animals so I'm hoping there are some good shepherds to maintain control.  Sam enjoyed some catalogs while Avery was gone.  He can now push up and off with one leg and scoot himself forward in a strange army crawl.  Between that and all the rolling, nothing is safe.


Ned kept the kids home Tuesday because Jennifer had a funeral to go to.  It worked out well because they both had ear checks that afternoon.  I was supposed to meet them there, but our buses were late leaving because of rain, and by the time I left school they were done.  Avery's ear is either still infected or infected again, so we are off to the ENT Monday so that he can see it when it is infected.  Luckily she usually isn't bothered by her ears or it would have been a long week.  Sam had fluid on an ear but did not get medicine.  I met them all at Lowe's and we got our new Christmas tree.  We then had dinner at Fred's, where Avery was sure Ho Ho was eating at the counter.  That's the 2nd time we've seen that man there and before too long Avery is going to make her observation known to him.

We had conferences Wednesday until 6:00 p.m.  Sandy also cost us our 2 p.m. dismissal for conferences, bumping them back an hour.  That left Ned to pick up the kids, bathe Avery, do dinner, and prepare and get to dance.  It's always good to see what the mom goes through!  Everything went well except for the pony tail.  Mimi was here with Sam when I got home and Ned and Avery returned soon after.

We didn't have anything going on Thursday other than drill for Ned.  Friday was another normal day other than the excitement of the weekend.   Avery woke up about 6 a.m. and had quite the party in her bed.  Whatever she was doing ended with her flying off the end of her bed and onto the floor, creating a sickening thud in the kitchen where Ned and I were.  I was sure we were going to find a broken limb, but she was just scared.  I lost years off my life and can only hope she learned her lesson.  Then, Ned texted as I was leaving school and said that Jennifer texted him because Sam was running a low-grade fever.  After Avery's ears Tuesday and the fluid on Sam's, I was pretty exasperated.  Of course the pediatrician's office had closed early so I couldn't talk to anyone.  Sam had not napped well and had been fussy all day.  He just looked tired and his fever was low, so I prayed it was teeth since he has one coming through.  He caught a nap in the car and then was happy as could be at home, even though his fever was then over 100.  We decided to do Mexican take-out instead of going there and we enjoyed our night in.  You've Got Mail on TV always makes Friday nights good as well.

Avery was up at 5:15 Saturday morning.  If this continues to coincide with Ned leaving to go hunting he may have to sleep in the trunk.  She shouldn't be hearing anything, and she had wet through her pull-up, so I'm hoping that's it.  She stayed pretty quiet until Sam woke about 6:30.  We had a great morning home and did lots of hanging out.


Ned came home from duck hunting about 10 a.m. and I went to the grocery store.  Sam took a long morning nap, and everyone was playing when I got home.  We had lunch, then Ned left to put up my dad's tree stand and deer hunt there.  Both kids napped well and I enjoyed reading and watching part of a movie.  I got some cleaning and laundry done once they got up.  The hours between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. seem to stretch on and on when I'm alone, but we did ok.  Avery and I enjoyed potato soup from the Crock Pot for dinner.  Sam ran a low fever in the afternoon and before bed, but other than that was just fine all day.  I put him to bed and let Avery stay up a little longer since she napped.  Ned came home while we were playing and put her to bed.  We are hosting our first Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow night and having my parents and my mom's brother and his wife over for dinner, so I got busy making deviled eggs and pumpkin lust cake.  We are having steaks tomorrow night since we are all eating turkey multiple times next week, so I will not be attempting my first turkey.  Ned is asleep in his chair and I think I'm going to get under my blanket on the couch in preparation of another busy week.

Although this post is not even that late, I've kind of forgotten what we did last week.

Avery and I went to church Sunday.  Our Sunday School class started our finance class.  When we got home, I filled Ned in on our homework assignment...start writing down everything you spend.  He wasn't excited.  I then forgot to make us start, and we missed the next class.  I do hope to get with the program soon.  Sam and Avery had fun with some old cell phones that morning.











Sam enjoyed the swing while Avery swabbed the deck of her pirate ship.  My parents came for a visit then I ordered pizza because we were completely out of food.  Hunting season is upon us, and now that Sam is sitting up, I'm going to have to brave the grocery store with two if we want to eat on a regular basis.

We are in the midst of a busy week, and with Thanksgiving next week(!) it doesn't look like things will be slowing down any time soon.

30 Days of Thankfulness sounded like a great little project to tackle during the month of November.  While I feel like I do pretty good with my thankful thoughts, I can always use a push.  Plus, even though we are entering my favorite season {Thanksgiving-Christmas}, it is always a stressful season as well.  Hopefully going into it with a long list of thanks will keep my stress and complaining in check.  I'm sharing daily on Facebook but want to record here as well.  Here is my list so far since starting a day late last Friday.

Sam Binsen (as Avery calls you), how in the world are you 8 months old already?  It is impossible for me to believe that in 4 short months we'll be celebrating your first year of life.  The days are flying by and becoming more sweeter, and busier, by the minute.  We'll add some pictures once we have nice, sunny light to capture your sunny self.


You continue to grow and grow and often look almost as big as your sister when sitting side by side.  About a week and a half ago, you were over 19 pounds, just 8 pounds shy of Avery!  You seem longer and longer each day.  You are still wearing 9 month clothing, but you pants seem to be getting a little tight and a little short.  Pajamas are also getting a little snug.  Buying clothes for you is a bit of a challenge, as your two Christmas outfits (both size 12 months) differed in length by about 2 inches.  You are still wearing a size 3 diaper and wear a 3 and a 4 at night.  I have needed to measure your feet all week to order your first few pair of soft shoes but have not.


You eating schedule has remained the same with the exception of one small change.  You now take 4 7 oz bottles a day and have dropped your 2 oz bottle with breakfast.  You eat when you wake up and then at 11 a.m, 3 p.m. and bedtime.  You eat 1 stage 2 container of baby food for breakfast and dinner.  You usually have some type of breakfast variety and at dinner have 2 types of fruit, vegetables, or meat.  The only table food we've tried is puffs.  You enjoy them but only occasionally get them to your mouth.  We are also working on the sippy cup and you seem to like it much more than your sister.  You have 5 teeth now with 3 more looking like they'll emerge any time.


You continue to wake normally between 6-6:30 a.m., nap at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. for an hour or 2, then go to bed at 7 p.m. or a little before.  Your third nap has disappeared for the most part.  If we're home and your afternoon nap is short, you take a 3rd nap  You no longer sleep on the way home from Jennifer's and I usually don't try to put you down once we get home.


For someone not crawling, you certainly are everywhere!  You roll, pivot, reach and inch forward and backward to get what you need or get where you need to go.  You are most happy if you can roll around and get into a variety of things that you should and should not.  You always roll to your back to inspect your treasures.  You are sitting up completely on your own now but will lunge forward if you see something that interests you.  You like to pass things from hand to hand, turn them around, and shake them to see what they do.  Luckily, Avery doesn't mind too much if you get into her things and is pretty good about sharing with you.  The bouncer still contains you and keeps you happy, but your days in that are numbered.  The exersaucer is fun for 10-15 minutes at a time.  You like to interact with your sister, although I can sometimes tell in the car that you are not interacting in the way she thinks you should.


You are still usually as happy as can be.  We got into a period of fussiness about 2 weeks ago and headed to the doctor.  In addition to lots of teeth trying to make their way through, you had a glassy looking ear.  We gave it a few days, but when the fussiness continued we started an antibiotic and you've been as good as new.  Strangers do not seem to bother you too much yet, although we aren't leaving you much either.  Sometimes you still fuss when I leave the room.  You do have a pretty funny mad face and yell, and since it's not frequent, it's cute to see you trying to show how you feel (or get attention).




Sam, you are such a joy in our lives and we are so thankful for you.  You bring such a happiness to our home and have been the perfect addition to our family.  We love you.

Mommy and Daddy

We started the week with Sandy, trick-or-treated in the middle, and rounded things out with some fun at the end.

Thursday was a regular day for everyone.  We had a breast cancer reception after school and a speaker from a woman's clinic.  Those are usually short, but when I left at 4:30 the lady was still talking and I had yet to eat any food.  Hunger and being late to get my children are never a good combination.  Ned sensed my frustration and brought home chicken for Avery and I since he was eating at the firehouse.  He sat with us while we ate, then I got the kids to bed once he left.

Avery spent the night with my parents Friday night, so I dropped her off and Sam and I headed home after school.  Ned was supposed to leave work right at 5 p.m. so we could eat in Roanoke Rapids.  He arrived home at 5:50 so a dinner in town was the best decision.  We ate at Fo Sho and Sam never made a peep.  We haven't tried him in a high chair since he is usually happy in his carrier.  I put him to bed once we got home.

Ned got up with Sam Saturday morning and I slept in a little.  Once I got up, I remembered the time change coming up and thought maybe I should have left that for Ned.  We were planning on going to a little downtown festival in our city once Avery got home, so of course Sam didn't take a good nap.  It ended up being so windy and cold that we only stayed for a short time before convincing Avery that lunch at The Palm Tree sounded like much more fun.  Both kids took good naps since I went to the grocery store while they slept.  Once I got home, Ned went hunting and we got ready for Lexi and her boys Mason and Levi to come over.  Our pizza took forever to arrive but everyone had fun playing in the playroom.  Both husbands were hunting and neither made it back before Lexi and the boys left.  We had a great time and are thrilled that they'll be living closer to us while they build their house.  Ned got home once I had everyone in bed.  We stayed up kind of late but I can't remember why.

I'm linking up with Kelly's Korner today in what will undoubtedly be a delicious link list of sweet treats.  If you're visiting, please say hi!

Asking me to pick my favorite dessert is like asking me to pick my favorite child.  Who can choose??  Dessert is hands down my favorite thing to cook in the kitchen.  I love to bake, and I love to eat.  We are guilty of keeping desserts in the house a little too frequently, and with fall upon us, I wanted to share two of our seasonal favorites.  I'm linking to the same recipes I use and borrowing the pictures from the website.

Halloween was an exciting event in the life of the Lankfords this year.  Avery alternated between shouting "trick or treat!" "happy Halloween!" and "trick or treasure!"  Somebody has been watching too many pirates.

We ate a quick dinner last night and then got busy turning Avery and Sam into Cinderella and Gus.  Bad light and Sam needing to snatch Avery's crown made Mommy sweat {and raise my voice} so luckily pictures outside in the cold worked much better.  When in doubt, keep Sam busy with a pacifier and leaves.



But always be prepared for a sneak attack.



We loaded up and headed to Ned's parents' so that we could trick or treat in our old neighborhood where the houses are closer together.  Mimi had presents for the kids and then we made our way around the block.






Sweet girl lost some of her braveness and volume but wasn't afraid to knock on doors.


Once we got around the block it was getting dark and cold.  We drove back to our neighborhood, and Avery and I got out to visit the older gentleman we're always waving to.  We made one last stop at the house on the corner of our road, and what a good decision that was.  Avery got a treat bag that filled up her kitty bag, making it so heavy she could no longer carry it.  I hope she was only giving them out to neighbors, or else the kids were probably very disappointed with the candy we left on our porch.  I carried the treats and Cinderella back home, where Ned and Sam had gone in to find our candy bowl empty {shocking}.  Ned dipped into his personal stash of Pay Days for a few kids we knew, then we turned off the lights.

Avery has been playing with her candy from Bible Zone since Monday night, so a bag full has put her into candy heaven.  It really is more treasure to her than treat as she's played trick or treat, cooked, and made up many more games.  She has yet to ask to eat a piece!  We're finding candy in odd places, but that's ok as long as she's entertained.  We had a fantastic night and had the kids in bed by 7:30 p.m., so it was a success all around.