Loving it!

What a GREAT weekend so far!  I am taking full advantage of a full 5 days off of work, and even better is that Ray had them off too!  I can't think of the last time that happened when we were not travelling.  We were both off on Wednesday and Kenley got her 1 year photos taken. Well, it wasn't quite the experience I had imagined which would have been Kenley being super cute and giving us kisses, smiling and hamming it up for the camera.  She wasn't in the best mood, and it ended up being a little stressful for Ray and I.  I was trying to keep Kenley happy in between changing her outfits and the pictures, and I guess I was a bit bossy to Ray.  (Sorry, honey)  However, I am sure there were many adorable pictures taken, and we will get to see them soon.  But, it was still nice having the day off and we managed to get our Christmas tree up!  Kenley was back to her usual happy self after she got to nap.

Our Thanksgiving was great, and Kenley was such a trooper!  We went to my Grandma Wostratzky's early in the day and got to see my Aunts and Uncles and a few of my Cousins, which was fun. Then, we headed to Ray's mom's house with his family for dinner.  It was his mom's first time having Thanksgivng in her new house, and it was so nice. Kenley napped in the car, and then we stopped by my Grandma and Grandpa Voight's house to surprise them since they didn't think we would be able to make it there.  So, it was a long, but fun day seeing all the family, eating, and hanging out.
We were so glad that Kenley was in such a good mood, and everyone was so happy to see her.  This is her last, first holiday.  (Meaning it was her first Thanksgiving, the last FIRST holiday for her)  It was really special for me, and I hope for her too. It was so  nice for her to be able to crawl around and entertain everyone with all of her new skills. She showed off her clapping, standing, blowing kisses, saying "all done" and "hello" to everyone.  I swear, I never saw a group of people more entertained by this.  (me included) She is clearly the center of attention at the family parties being the first, and only grandchild at this point. 
Friday, I introduced Kenley to her first "Black Friday" and she was so great!  I wasn't sure how long I would be able to be out shopping, but ended up being gone for almost 7 hours!  Surprisingly, it wasn't too crowded.  We went to Khol's and then to the mall.  I got a lot of gifts so far, and had fun continuing a tradition with Kenley.  I met my mom and sister at Khol's and then my aunts and Anthony were at the mall at the same time so we had luch with them. 
Today and tomorrow are just chill days to get a few things on my "to-do" list finished and relax a bit!  I don't want this weekend to end!  It's been great, and I know I only have 3-1/2 more weeks till Christmas break.  Here are some pics we took the morning of Thanksgiving.

Thankful

I am thankful for so many things in my life. Sometimes I think about how lucky I am and can't belive that I have been so fortunate in my life. 

First, and foremost I am thankful for Family:

This year my own family of 3!  It has been an amazing year becoming a mom and I am so thankful for meeting my husband because he has given me everything I ever wanted, a family. I have loved watching him as a father and Kenley Marie brings a smile to my face every day.  We couldn't be more greatful for our amazing little girl and every day brings a new adventure.  I am also truly so greatful for both of our families.  Our parents and sisters are always there for us and we are lucky to have so much support and love from them all.  I couldn't imagine not having them around and all living close by.

I am also thankful to all of my friends.  Although I don't get to see some of my friends as often as when we were younger, I am very thankful that they are just a phone call or visit away and it seems like no time at all has past.  I have been very lucky to have some of the same friends since childhood.  Not many people can say that. I'm hoping to get to see some of my friends over my Christmas break and catch up!  I'm also thankful for my co-workers, and my friends that I have met over the past few years through Ray

I am very thankful for all the things I have in life.  My house, car, and material posessions.  We have lived in our house for about a year and a half now and I truly feel at home and peaceful when I am here.  We put a lot of work (and money) into making this house the way we wanted it, and have really been enjoying it.  I am especially feeling cozy about being home now that we put our Christmas tree up!  Thankful that we have jobs, even though we complain about work, we are lucky that we both have pretty stable jobs that allow us to have these things.

I could probably go on about many, many more things I am thankful for, but these are the top of the list.  I am ready for Turkey Day tomorrow.  Just finishing up my corn casserole that is baking in the oven.  Next on the list is to get ready for Black Friday!  Yes, I am a freak and actually enjoy going out on this crazy shopping day.  I have always gone with my mom and sister, and it's a tradition that I find fun.  This year, I will be introducing Kenley to the maddness.  I plan on at least going to Khol''s, and it makes it pretty easy since I live right across the street.  Last year I got a ton of my gifts from there since its a place you can shop for everyone.  Plus, I want to get the Khol's cash!  I have a few things on my list to buy so far, but I am hoping to get more ideas tomorrow since we do our secret santa drawings with both families.  Yay!  I'm excited just thinking about it!

Looking forward to spending the day with family tomorrow.  We haven't seen our grandparents, aunts, and uncles, or cousins recently so it will be nice to catch up with everyone.  Let the holidays officially begin!

Happy Turkey Day!
P.S. We are also anxiously awaiting the news about my cousin, Rob, and his wife Pam.  Their baby boy is due tomorrow.  We all hope he is born soon!

Just Thinking....

Yay for another weekend!  Even better, out of the next 9 days I only have to work 2 of them!  Whoooo!! Thanksgiving is next week and Ray and I are both off starting Wednesday.  I am very excited about that because Kenley is going to get her 1 year pictures taken by Amanda Hein, Cheryl's wedding photographer.  We are also hoping to get some family pictures and maybe even a Christmas picture.  I already have 2 outfits planned for Kenley, including her b-day party outfit.

This weekend we are going to start shopping for gifts and maybe even put up some of our Christmas decorations.  The next several weekends are already starting to get pretty busy with lots of family b-days coming up, the holidays, and friend/work parties. 

Kenley isn't walking yet, but she is busy standing and pulling herself up every chance she gets.  She is still adjusting to the time change.  This morning she was up at 5:00 am again!  As much as I would love the extra sleep, I am also secretly happy when she wakes up a little earlier because it forces me to get up and then I get to spend more time with her before heading to work.  This morning we had time to snuggle in bed and play a little before heading to Sally's.  Sally, Kenley's babysitter is so sweet.  We are so lucky that my co-worker reccommended her to us.  She truly loves having Kenley over, and really misses her when she isn't there.  Between her and Ray's mom watching Kenley, we couldn't really ask for a better situation. 

 Here are some pics I took this week.

Trick or Treat!

Kenley's first Halloween was a lot of fun.  She was with Grandma Kruse during the day, and went to her work with her in costume!  All the doctors and nurses loved her.  Then, Ray and I took her trick-or-treating, just to a few houses and neighbors that we know.  The neighbors all loved seeing her and gave us plenty of candy that Ray and I enjoyed later. I took about a million pictures of our adorable little pink elephant!!  I know next year Kenley will be running up to all the houses and saying, "trick-or-treat" for herself!  Katie and Greg stopped by the house to see Kenley in her costume.  We were all surprised that she didn't seem to mind the huge elephant ears and didn't complain too much about having the thing strapped on her head.

This week I had a rough week at work.  Just the usual things that happen with students getting lazy and not listening, but it just really seems to have escalated the past 2-3 weeks.  I was happy to have parent-teacher conferences tuesday, and today I attended a reading conference.  I think I needed a little break from the classroom.  I saw a quote on somebody's facebook wall that said, "There are 7 billion people in the world, don't let one ruin your day."  I think I'll have to repeat that mantra and not let a few negative student ruin my day. 

Planning for Kenley's 1st birthday is underway!  We just got the invitations and her birthday outfit! We're just going to have the family over for a party, but I have already bought some great decorations and I am planning the rest of the details.  I'm happy to celebrate her 1st amazing year of life, but a little sad too.  To me, she is still my little tiny baby and probably always will be in many ways. 

Ready to enjoy the rest of the weekend.  After this week we have a few busy weekends coming up, and I know things probably won't slow down until after the holidays!  Wow....I better start thinking of gift ideas for everyone!