Santa vs Sensei

We are those rotten parents that threaten to tell Santa when Gryffin doesn't behave. Hey, it works and we know that it won't for much longer. Now we have a new VIP to use which will last much longer and year round. Sensei.
Gryffin is dying to take karate, or kung fu as he calls it. We took him to watch a class of 3-7 year olds at a local dojo. That was a mistake. All the kid wanted to do was don a ghi and jump right in. Mike and I were there to see if we liked the Sensei. I don't think it will be the dojo Gyrffin goes to but next time it will be only one of us going to check it out. The really good thing about taking Gryffin was the fact that he witnessed the respect that Sensei demanded. He took that very seriously. Now when he does something he shouldn't we just tell him that Sensei would not approve and neither do we. It usually whips him to attention.
Some might think 3 is way too young for a kid to take martial arts, but what they learn at that stage is how not to hurt themselves or others and respect is key. What kid shouldn't learn that at 3? Besides, with the winter setting in the kid has got to get exercise other than running laps in the house.

Ready, steady.... CRAFT!

I am making the majority of Christmas presents this year, from edibles to wearables to playables. Needless to say, I've got some major craftiness ahead of me. I've already finished four scarves and one dishcloth. I've got jammy pants to make and a few other things I can't mention here because chances are, if you read this, you're getting something.
I'm not a big believer in giving to get. I give because I feel like it and don't expect anything in return, except maybe a thank you and unending devotion and adoration. Just kidding on that last part. I am exceptionally blessed and like to bless others, isn't that meaning of this season?

Back in the blogging again

We got hit with a round of bad luck since my last post. I won't go into details except to say that there has been a lot of praying, crying and semi-relief.
I spent my Saturday doing something I've been wanting to do for months. I reorganized the kitchen. Ever since the addition of the big ass pantry, there have been empty cabinets just waiting to take the overflow. It took me the whole day, but I did it! I swear, you hear angels sing when the cabinet doors are opened.
Mike single handedly slew the laundry monster. It was not a small feat and took all weekend. It was interspersed with leaf raking, Gryffin wrangling and small projects.
I wasn't much good yesterday. My sinuses have gotten the better of me. My head is about to explode and all the drainage has got my stomach in an uproar. I know you wanted to hear all those lovelies. but that is the update.

Pictoral Update

Gryffin's helping Mike with the leaf situation in the back yard.

This is what Spiderman does on his day off.

Walking through the zoo, enjoying the fall colors.

Rock star in training.

Scooping out pumpkin gutts for a jack-o-lantern.

VOTE!

If you don't you won't have a right to complain about the government. Then what would people talk about?!