Giving Thanks

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I love it because everyone around the country has a chance to pause from their busy life and ponder their numerous blessings. Each year my list grows bigger, this year with the addition of a new life who has already beautified the world in his own lovely way. This is also a great time of year to extend generosity to others less fortunate. Growing up I always dreamed of devoting myself to the poorest of 3rd world countries. Eventually I realized that perhaps the most fruitful charity work to be done was in my very own family. Through forgiveness. Through sacrifice. Through spiritual nourishment. Through love. So I encourage you during this advent season to go the extra mile for your family and friends--out of thanksgiving for all that the Lord has blessed you--and pay it forward in your own special way.
Here are some of my favorite people to be thankful for:

A devoted and loving servant leader who guides me and my children to a closer relationship with Christ.

A sweet little girl maturing before my eyes. Also thankful for Catholic education and wonderful teachers, and the supporting parish community.


A cheerful burst of sunshine who has the uncanny ability to make everyone laugh.


A beautiful sign of hope for this world.

Playing catch-up

It feels like an eternity since I've had the chance to sit down and blog, but hopefully you 3 faithful readers wont mind. We've had more eventfulness 'round here where the party never ends. The most recent excitement included a trip to the ER after I slipped on water while carrying 30lb Leo and shattered the bone in my ring finger. My guardian angel is working serious overtime because Leo could have cracked his hard head right open (he walked away with just a small bump), or worse it could have been sweet baby Max. Luckily I dont need surgery *crossing fingers* and I'll just have to wear a split for 6 wks. So instead of writing about anything remotely interesting, I'm just going to post some pictures of recent happenings. Enjoy:)

Even cowboys grocery shop

Snuggly brothers

Hugs goodbye before leaving for school

Max being his sweet self

Fashionable even while studying physics

Sunday Fundays

Starbucks date with my favorite girl

Kiddie Park

Daddy's Girl

Yum.

Dreaming

Nana & Grandaddy

Great Grandpa Leo and Great Grandma

Papa and Grandma & Danze cousins

Sleepy Babies

Being two months old is pretty much fantastic. By now, Max is a pretty decent sleeper at night and cat naps all day. He eats quicker and stays fuller longer. His head is getting stronger, but he still is a big snuggler. With my other babies, I was always anxious for the next stage--I couldn't wait for them to sit up, or crawl, or eat solids. How quickly this sweet newborn phase passes without even realizing until it's gone forever! I'm trying my best to enjoy every day with my tiniest little love.

Max at 2 months
Weight: 12 lbs 5.5 oz, 70% (weighed 9.2 at birth)
Height: 23 1/4", 55%
Head: 15.6" 45%


Leo at 2 months
Weight: 13 lbs. 8 oz (weighed 8.7 at birth)
Height: 22 3/4"
Head: 15 1/4"


Emily at 2 months
Weight: 4 lbs. 11 oz (weighed 2 lbs at birth)

Our Pumpkins in the Patch

October finally brought some tollerable temperatures in south TX, meaning we wouldn't be scorching hot as long as we made it inside by lunchtime. One of our favorite traditions is a daytrip out to our local apple orchard/pumpkin patch. The drive is beautiful into the hill country and you can even see a couple (ok maybe like 2) trees with fall foliage. The pumpkin patch includes everything from painting pumpkins, hayrides, puppet shows, and insanely good apple ice cream.
Good ol' Dad. Takin' one for the team.

I think we learned more about apples than pumpkins that day. Makes me want an apple tree in our backyard! See the orchard in the background?

Why are my kids the ones who are always fearless--or clueless-- and trying to get in the petting zoo pen? Last year Leo's hand was almost eaten by a cow. This year, it was a pot belly pig.

We never take pictures in front of these cheesy backgrounds. This just happens to be the only picture I can think of with me and all my babies.

Good times:)

Halloween Madness

After 2 parties, a carnival, a halloween parade, and trick or treating, we're all in a sugar coma!
I'm not positive, but I think this may be the very first Danze male to take up ballet.

Paging Dr. Danze! Move over Aunt Lauren...you've got some competition!

These buckets are empty...let's get the show on the road Daddy!

Superman to the rescue!

Monster Max