Thanksgiving with the Bennetts

 On Black Friday, Dave went shopping nice and early while Mommy and Andrew slept.  At a reasonable time, we all got ready and headed to Grandpa and Grandma Bennett's house in Lakewood.  They made yummy food and we enjoyed eating, playing, and socializing!

 Andrew's favorites this year were stuffing and cranberry jello

 But even better than the food?!? 

Feeding Aunt Melissa!

 Yes, I'll stare down the camera!

 It wouldn't be fun without moving the lawn! 

Andrew loves that bubble mover!

Thanksgiving at Grandma Pfeffer's

 On Thanksgiving day, we drove down to Lakeside to visit with Grandpa and Grandma Pfeffer.  Andrew was a trooper on the way down in the car, but didn't want to sit still for the rest of the day!

 rocking in the bear chair that Dave built when he was in junior high

 riding Grandpa's tractor with Daddy

 Dave's cousin and daughter, Mike and Alba, came over for dinner.  The kids loved chasing each other around the dining room table with the ball and Alba loves Reese!

Black Friday

While people stood in line for the best deals of the season, we tried to sleep in the trailer.  Our cutie-pootie had other plans and woke us up at 4:45 am. Dave took the oppertunity to go over to Radio Shack and by himself his birthday (new Evo 3D cell phone) and Christmas present (XBox 360 with Kinnect) while Andrew and I played in the sleeping bags.

 After a bottle, play, and another nap it was a reasonable time to go play with Grandma and Grandpa again.

 Three generations of Pfeffers

 Playing with Grandpa

Thanksgiving in Review

Ready for a TON of pictures?

We had a very busy day in San Diego with two full meals.  Andrew was a champ and had a grand time with all of his grandparents.

 We started with a smooth 1.5 hour drive down and a short stop at Grandma and Grandpa Pfeffer's house.  Andrew and Reese played for awhile.

 At noon, we headed over to the Buxton's house and Dave and Danny helped get the turkey into the deep fryer.

 Andrew enjoyed his own version of Thanksgiving dinner.  First, he enjoyed some chunks of sweet potatoes and tried mash potatoes (which he didn't like).

 We gave him a larger chunk of turkey for him to gnaw on and he LOVED it.  He gnawed and sucked on it and did not want me to take it away.

 After dinner, Andrew played with Grandma and crawled around to work off his meal.

 After our time at the Buxton's we went back to the Pfeffer's for our dinner Thanksgiving meal.  Andrew was ready to eat again (much more than mommy and daddy).

 More turkey!

 He actually managed to eat some of it this time!  He also added pieces of corn to his daily food intake.

 Andrew crashed for the night about 8:45 and mommy and daddy followed immediately!

Also, Andrew made turkey-hands for his teachers at school and his grandparents.  I got the idea from a fellow April mommy, Ashlee.

Oklahoma Trip in Review

We had a relaxing trip spending time with family. There were no big plans or events, just laid back fun together. On Tuesday, we spend the day with Pauline and Alicia in Joplin shopping and had dinner with the entire Brooks/Charles family in Miami, Oklahoma.

On Wednesday, we drove to Webb City and picked up the kids for a few hours of bowling. Couldn't beat the price at $0.25 a game!
On Wednesday night the storms rolled in--the temp dropped from 76 to 30 degrees, the tornado and thunder clouds took over the sky, and talk changed to "storming." Thursday for Thanksgiving it was FREEZING--I bundled up in all my layers (tank top, shirt, lightweight sweater, multi-layer sweatshirt with fleece, peacoat, scarf/beanie/gloves) and we drove from Miami to Webb City.

Julie did most of the cooking and Pauline added a few dishes.

Jesse (20 years old)

Keeri (15 years old)

Alicia and Ryne

Dave and I on our way home on Friday afternoon! This pregnant lady is ready for her own bed, but glad to spend time with family.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Today, and every day, I am thankful for my wonderful Savior, husband, family, and our wonderful life. Also, this year we get to thank God for the precious baby growing in my belly!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

As I reflect on this past year, I quickly realize how blessed I am and

how many thousands of things I am thankful for.

Not only do I a personal savior in Jesus,

I have a personal encourager and stronger supporter in difficult times.

My family has had a very difficult year, but we are closer than ever.

Although the perfect job hasn't found Dave, Melissa, and Dad, it has not caused major issues.

God has kept his promises and provided for the needs of the family.

Not only do we own the house,

but we've made great progress on turning it into a home for our little family.

The dog that came home unexpectly had become my "baby"

and she provides everyone with such joy.

I am blessed with a career that I enjoy and provides daily rewards beyond the paycheck.

As I complete my second masters degree,

I am thankful for the perservance my parents taught me.

I have found a passion in educational leadership.

Again

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Thanksgiving Classic-Pumpkin Pie

Although it is Thanksgiving, and typically we overeat to the extreme on this day, I wanted to share my favorite (WW) trick for the day.

One Point Pumpkin Pie!

I love pumpkin pie--so much so that I can't just eat one slice. Regular pumpkin pie is 9 points for an 1/8th of a slice. These beauties are 8 points for the WHOLE THING!! Or 1 point per slice.

Here you go (this is for one, I always double it so that I can eat it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner):

• 15 oz can of pumpkin
• 12 oz can of non-fat evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup egg substitute (egg beaters) or 3 egg whites
• 1/2 tsp salt (don't leave it out, it helps set up the pie)
• 3 tsp pumpkin spice
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 2/3 cup Splenda

Combine all of the above and beat until smooth. Pour into a Pam sprayed 9" pie pan. Bake at 400 degrees fro 15 minutes, then lower temperature to 325 and bake for an additional 45 minutes. Make sure knife put into center comes out clean. (There is no crust)