Happy Harvest

Growing up, Patrick's family didn't celebrate Halloween. His mom decorated the house with festive fall things and filled candy dishes with candy corn and instead of saying "Happy Halloween", they wished each other a "Happy Harvest".

This year was almost an unhappy harvest. Actually I think the harvest is still happening. I have very crude farm knowledge, but I know it's a very late year. It started late because of the spring rain and now it's ending late because of the fall rain. In years past I remember Patrick's dad being finished by October, at least the gathering of crops part. As of yesterday he still has some harvesting to do. I hope it turns out to be a very happy harvest for him.

David (Patrick's dad), also known as Grandpa Tractor around here, invited the boys out to help with the harvest just a few weeks ago. It was a sunny and warm, simply beautiful fall day. Henry rode with him from around 1:00 p.m. until it was dark and he brought the combine home around 6:00 p.m. William didn't last as long; he rode for close to 2 1/2 hours, and part of that time he was snoozing. He fell asleep riding along on Grandpa Tractor's lap. I should note that I was also in the {itty-bitty cab} for the 2 1/2 hours that William lasted.

First a little farm education,

so very thankful

It's become a rainy afternoon; I heard on the radio that we may even see snow on Thanksgiving. When I told the boys about the possibility of snow, William shrieked "snowman" and then smiled a big face-covering grin! Henry then informed him that we wouldn't have enough snow to build the whole snowman by Thanksgiving. He said we could build the top and middle but the bottom will have to wait until we get more snow on Christmas. I offered that we could build a smaller snowman so that he could also have a bottom but Henry didn't see that as a possibility. There will be no three ball snowmen until Christmas.
It's nearly Thanksgiving and I have been reflecting on all that I have to be thankful for. There is truly so much.
Here's my thankful list for 2009, by month,
J a n u a r y

The New Year.
Cold days.
Snuggly Pj's.
Sweet moments spent between brothers.
February

Love of family.
My two sweet Valentines.

Mexico.
Relaxation.
A lovely week with hubs on the beach.
And amazing grandparents who watched over our boys while we were away.
M a r c h

Friends.
Michelle and I. We hadn't seen each other since high school and I was able to meet her for lunch in Chicago while she was visiting.
A p r i l

Accomplishments.
Henry learned to ride his bike without training wheels.

Family.
Jesus' resurrection!
Our family picture taken on Easter.
M a y

Accomplishments and milestones.
My brother Cory's graduation.
So proud of him!

Our peony bush
Honestly there is nothing I love more about spring than our peonies in bloom. I think those bushes would be at the top of the list of things I would miss about our house if we move.

Cousins who are friends.
Caleb and William.
A visit to Dan and Sara's over Memorial Day weekend.
Again family that's more like friends. So thankful!

Me and my Mom
Moms.
Motherhood.
My mom and I spent a long weekend together in Myrtle Beach for Mother's Day. The perfect getaway and celebration.
J u n e

Sunshine.
Swimming.
Summertime.


Family.
Ben at Cory's graduation party.
J u l y

Henry.
His 4th birthday, July 22, 2009

Cousins who are also best friends.
Henry and Gabe in Henry's Gator, a gift he received at his party that day.

A loving husband who is also a super great father.
7 years of marriage.
Our anniversary.

Friends.
Henry and Charlie. Henry's first time having a friend sleepover!

Patrick.
A really involved, super helpful and fun dad.

Athletic ability that comes from Patrick and
NOT me!

A u g u s t


Vacation.
Family time.
Beauty in nature.
Deliciously juicy pineapple.
Warm sun.
Hawaii.
S e p t e m b e r

Family
Devoted, helpful, warm family.
Bapa Bug, Grandma Bug and William
A trip to the zoo during their visit here.

Friendship
Henry, Ben and William
One last visit with Erica and Ben in Chicago before their big move to New York.

Me and Holly
Friendship
Laughter
Fun
A passion for fashion (hahaha)
O c t o b e r

William.
His 2nd Birthday; October 19, 2009
*photo credit: Sara. Thank you Sara for taking all of the amazing pictures at William's party!

My birthday.
The big 2-9
Yikes.

Learning.
Milestones.
Accomplishments.
Henry learning to write his name.
N o v e m b e r

Rachel, me and Holly
Friends
Lattes.
Laughter.
Silliness.
Starbucks.


Henry and William with Grandpa Vance.
An abundant harvest.
A grandpa who is also a farmer.
Our faithful God
who has seen us through so many trials this year and will continue to be faithful in 2010.
So very thankful.