November 2009 Update

To view the November 2009 Photo Album, click here.

I know I'm getting this out a few days late, but I've been working through my list of To Do's and this was down there on the list. The ranking was not because I'm not anxious to share some news, but rather I've been trying to time the delivery of this update with the mailing of our xmas cards. Consider it mission accomplished, and now on to the news of the month.

First, a word on the weather. In a word - incredible! I think we had more sunshine in November than we did in July. Even though we had a brief visit from the white stuff, the balance of the month was warm, sunny and very pleasant. I felt as though we were on borrowed time all month long, and at any moment the tide would change but it didn't. Poor Jake thinks this is a cruel joke. He can't wait to slide down the driveway, shovel snow and go snowmobiling. But so far there has only been a few flakes here and there - nothing to shake a shovel at. Mom secretly says "YEAH!"

From November 2009

Happy Birthday to Daddy!  Stephen turned 40 this past month.  We had just a quiet celebration with the kids and a night out for the parents (we got a babysitter!).  I know he wasn't looking forward to this one, but he's taken it in stride.  In exchange, he took hunting season on with great enthusiasm and committment.  He slipped out into the woods behind our house as often as possible.  He left most Saturday and Sunday mornings by 5:30 am, to return a few hours later.  He did the same at the end of those weekend days.  Unfortunately, his time spent in the woods did not produce any venison in the freezer for this year - but then again there is always next year.

From November 2009

Grammi Page dropped in for Grandparents' Day at Jacob's Head Start Class.  It was good to see her, and Jacob was tickled.  He continues to thrive in his class.  The teacher's reports home are good, and the discussions at his parent teacher conference were very encouraging.  Any areas where he needs work are on par with his peers.  It appears that my earlier concerns about Jacob dealing well in a classroom setting are unfounded, at least at this point.  This is a big relief, and a huge joy to see him in school.  He is learning his letters, and he actually sat with me this weekend to work on a cutting and pasting project the teacher asked us to complete.  This is amazing improvement and very exciting. 

Daddy made a special visit to Jacob's class during his Thanksgiving week vacation.  Part of the Head Start program is to incorporate as many field trips as possible.  They ask parents if there are any places they can suggest for field trips.  We worked out the details so the kids could have a UPS field trip without leaving the school grounds.  Stephen actually dressed in his browns and drove the UPS truck to the school - while he was on vacation!  The kids toured the truck and scanned their own packages.  Stephen gave a little speal about safety and everyone got a huge kick out of it.  We sent the picture to the newspaper, and they printed it so now we are all enjoying the fruits of the positive press. 

Thanksgiving was a huge success.  We stayed here, and Cathy, Darrell, Kalyn and Uncle Mike came to us.  I cooked the best turkey we've ever had, and all the other fixin's were good as well.  Mike really liked the butternut squash 'pudding', definately a remake for the future.  Jacob loved Uncle Darrell's macaroni and cheese.  It was good to see everyone and we had a nice time.  I didn't take any pictures of our dinner because I was too busy cooking it.  I'll have to remember that next time. 

From November 2009

We wrapped up the month with a visit to Santa's workshop in Wilmington (North Pole), New York.  It is about 1 1/2 hrs drive, on the side of Whiteface Mountain.  For those who don't remember, we first visited the old guy's workshop when Jacob was 8 weeks old.  I convinced Stephen we had to go because it would be a good family tradition for us to adopt.  At the time, we were completely unimpressed and thought we'd never go again.  Well times change and our vantage point changes as we begin to see the world through our kids eyes.  With just eight weeks experience, we were nothing more than DINK's with an infant.  With a few years and a second child under our belts, I would say we were better equipped to appreciate such an experience.  And Jacob is too!  He was thuroughly impressed with the reindeer, the roller coaster, the animal characters in the show, and SANTA!  He played it cool afterwords, but he dealt with the meeting of Santa with excitement and enthusiasm.  He practiced his list before hand, and then delivered when the time was right.  Jordan took the whole experience in with keen observation.  She is so tuned in to what is going on and what she should be doing.  She followed her brother up to Santa and sat on the opposite knee with no fear or hesitiation.  She was glad to be there.  "As long as Jacob is there what could be wrong with it."  She loved the rides and all the excitement.  We had a few moments of agnst in line with Jacob, but we managed through it and had a great time overall.

We are all holding Jim Roth in our prayers these days.  He is battling a long, hard fight with cancer and congestive heart failure.  He is currently in a nursing home where grandma and others are watching over him.  The miles between us and them makes times like these difficult, but we want everyone to know they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Take care of each other this holiday season.  We will be spending time here and with family.  Santa's helpers have been working steadily to make this a fantastic xmas for the Perry kids. 

From Drop Box

Oh I almost forgot 'Pointy'.  We've been blessed with a new xmas season tradition.  Grammi Page imparted this little Santa helper which the kids & I affectionately named 'Pointy'.  Pointy is Santa's little informant in the days leading up to xmas.  Legend has it that Pointy flies back to Santa each night to report on their trials and tribulations.  When the kids wake up, they never know where Pionty landed and the challenge is to be the first to find Pointy.  We started this little ritual on Nov 27th.  That is nearly 30 nights of flying and hiding.  It has turned into quit the challenge indeed for mom and dad who have forgotten about Pointy before going to bed on several occasions (already).  This means somebody has to get up in the middle of the night to deal with Pointy.  You can imagine all the found thoughts of grandma we are having at 2am.  Actually, it is worth it because the kids are definately into it - and in fact Jordan runs around with eyes wide as saucers saying "Puoitee" "Puoitee".  The other day I was scolding her for something, and I could see her flashing her eyes over my shoulder to where Pointy was - just to see if he was watching her.  So cute, melt your heart!  THANKS GRAMMI!

To view the November 2009 Photo Album, click here.