A time for giving

This time of year is one of my favorites because people get credit for "giving".  On a daily basis, most people do something out of good will for others and never really take notice to it.  Most are too busy to notice or just don't realize how something so simple can be so big.  The holidays brings this into light a little and I think people take notice more.  Maybe it is because "Santa is watching" or maybe their hearts are more open.  Maybe we should have "Thanksgiving" every month so people "take notice".  This past month for me has lightened my steps.  Why?  People have taken notice, not always, to the little things I do for them and are very thankful.  How hard is it to say "Hi" and smile to someone walking by?  To give a compliment or to lend an open ear to listen.  The simple things are most often the most meaningful gift someone can give.

November has been not too busy for us it seems.  We really didn't do too many new things this month, but that is okay sometimes.  Jeff, his dad and brother were able to go hunting opening weekend.  No one came home with a trophy deer, but they did come home with lots of fun times to share about.  I'm sorry I don't have any pictures from deer camp, maybe next year.

We decided to take a little time to learn to ice skate.  Tri County Ice Arena was open for a open skate so we took to the ice.  The wall was Jayden's friend in the beginning, but did adventure out on his own towards the end and did great.  We will be doing this again.

Ooops..."this ice didn't hurt me Mom".  He got right up and took off again and again.

I was pretty uneasy on the skates at first, but got the groove back after a little bit.  Here though, Jayden and I were holding on for dear life.

Stephanie is a pro and Gabbi, lets just say she needs a few more years to really take the ice on.  She was a good sport though, loved going around gliding between two of us.

My two best guys...tired after skating.

 Jayden and Daddy made a Rocket together on a Daddy weekend.

Jayden received a science project kit for Halloween so we took on one of the projects after school one day.  I thought it would be fun to add a little food coloring to it to make it a little more exciting...lets just say I won't do that again.  Jayden had blue hands for a few days.  It was a lot of fun to play in the Goop!

Every year we have a little get together at my Mom's house to bake Christmas cookies.  This year we did it a little early since Baby Claffey would be arriving.  My Mom, Nicole, Kelly (our old neighbor), Sheri and I made our goodies and had a wonderful time doing so.  Since it is so early, I'm pretty sure nothing will be left for the holidays.

"Mom, I want to try something new."  "What is it Jayden?"  "I want to play the guitar."  A long while ago, Jeff bought a simple basic guitar so we got it out.  One night he was all into it with his sucker in his mouth just plucking away on the strings.  I'm pretty sure it still is a little big for him, but was fun to see him just having a blast with it.

 

 While the guys were gone hunting, Mom, Jayden, Linda (Nicole's sister-in-law) and I went to Fond Du Lac to the Kristmas Kringle Shop.  We had a lot of fun in the shop and found two new ornament for the tree this year.

Jayden's cool Turkey he made at school, gotta love a gobbler when you see one!!!!

The guys of the house took off to the Christmas Parade downtown the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.  They enjoyed the parade very much and wishing I could have joined them.

What do you do when you get bored?  Make a slide in the house!!!

Our first big snow for start of our Snowy season!!!  We sure hope that we get more.

Our first attempt at a snow angel...look close to see the green angel

made with love by Jayden.

 Baby Claffey has arrived!!!!

Introducing...Grant Michael Claffey 7lb 0.9oz 19.5 in, born 11-27-12.
Congrats Nicole and Mike...you sure made a beautiful little boy!!!

 

Oh my, I think that might just be a turtle.
Wonder how that got there?  Guess he just has to love them just like his Auntie.

So sweet!!!

We hope that everyone enjoyed this month and look forward to the great times ahead in December.  This year sure has brought us a lot of things to be thankful for and hope it has done the same for you family too.

Until next time...
Jeff, Heather and Jayden