Friendsgiving/Converse Thanksgiving

On Thanksgiving Day, we went and had breakfast at my dads then we were home all day with no plans. Since our good friends Alex and Gina didn't have plans either, they came in to spend the day with us. Since it was a hard day without my mom, we  tried relaxing, having fun and just spending time together. My dad didn't go as well, but I knew it was going to be rough.

On Saturday, we had our Converse Thanksgiving at my mom's. My mom LOVED hosting all of our family holidays at her house and that is the first place we have all be together as a family in nearly 15 years or more. Right after mom passed, we all agreed we would keep having our family get togethers at moms. She would want that. And I know she is smiling down knowing we are following her wishes and trying our damn best to keep this family together.

It was hard having everyone, almost everyone, together for the first time since mom's funeral. It was one less table setting we needed. The food wasn't as good, but it was still delicious. There wasn't as much laughter. It just wasn't the same. But this is our new life. We have to accept it. We have to move on. We have to learn to live this way and keep living our life. 

Joe, Shawn, Caleb and I did most of the cooking at moms in the afternoon. We didn't want Dennis home alone, and I just wanted to cook in mom's kitchen. I always loved walking into her house, seeing her cooking in her dream kitchen and making food far better than I could ever make myself. I was hoping I would feel her with me as I cooked, but I didn't. And that's ok. Maybe at Christmas I will. 

We weren't going to do our traditional "What are we thankful for" in a circle, but we did anyways at the end of the night. Clint said the absolute sweetest thing EVER about Tara and Regan, and that alone made me incredibly proud of him.  Dennis was thankful that "he had a wife he loved so much that it hurts this bad". And that right there, was the rawest, most honest and sweetest thing I had heard. Even though most think this year has been horrible, Joe and I are still grateful for the beginning of 2017 because we were finally blessed with our little girl. Piper has most definitely been the light in this storm and I can truthfully say, she has been the main reason that has helped keep me alive and going throughout the past few months.

Banx's Dance at North Mahaska

Two weekends ago Banx had her dance performance at North Mahaska. I might be a little biased, but dang that girl has some moves! Banx I am so proud of you and how hard you work. You are a bright shining star and I can't wait to watch you grow with your dancing over the years.

Thanksgiving/Banx Birthday at Dad and Shari's

Since Brook and Austin were going to be gone for Thanksgiving and not able to be at my dad's, we celebrated Banx's birthday at dad's and also a little early Thanksgiving time together. It was fun to have everyone under one roof and as always, we ate too much good food.

She really loves her Uncle Austin

Daddy's Little Girl

I don't always give Joe enough credit for being the great Daddy he is. He is so hands on, always doing his fair share, takes kids to daycare and picks them up most days, cooks, helps cleans, does night duty with Piper, etc. Basically you name it, he does it! Even when he wants to have "guy time" and play darts, he makes sure to accommodate for Piper's needs :) 

PowerKids Family Night

The other week was family night at church where we played games all night. The kids had so much fun playing with each other, us and their friends. Even in times when I am angry with God and my faith, I am still so grateful that we have a church family and a church home for our kids to grow up in. 

Our 3 Bath Babies

The kids will kill me someday for these pictures, but how could I pass this up?! They are my bath babies for sure :)

Piper Collins: 9 Months

Piper Collins, you are 9 months old already! I feel like you should only be 6 months old for so many reasons, but the main reason is because you should still be my little baby and I missed out on so much with you this summer. You are getting to be so funny right now and your personality is shining through. Daddy and I have started calling you "Pipes" because oh my goodness do you have a set of pipes on you! When you are trying to get our attention, you can certainly get loud! You are very demanding that someone pays attention to you :) You love to smile at anyone who will look at you. If you are in a funk, and then look at someone who is smiling, you quickly get out of it.

At 9 months you are:
-weighing 20 pounds
-29 inches long ( I think, I already forgot :(
-wearing size 12 months clothes and size 4 shoes
-wearing size 3 diaper
-you are no longer sleeping through the nights because you get so HUNGRY and need a bottle in the middle of the night, but you are so good at going right back to sleep so thank you! :)
-you really wanted nothing to do with baby food and now you are on full feed table food :)
-you love pasta, pizza, bananas, cereal, steak, and cottage cheese
-your eyes are dark brown and I am thrilled to be honest :)
-your hair is SLOWLY coming in and it is blonde
-starting to walk around things and even standing for a split second on your own now
-you can say "dada, mama, and bye" and wave :)
-learning to sign for "more"
-you have two older brothers who adore you dearly