Thanksgiving 2009

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We have been so blessed since moving to Greenville to be able to celebrate Thanksgiving, both last year and this year, with fellow residents. They are truly like family away from family. J.D., Danielle, and their son, Jeremiah, shared Thanksgiving dinner with us this year. They are from Alabama and had to stay in Greenville for J.D. to work. Just like us having to stay for Matt to work. So, it worked out perfect! I decided to make my first attempt at a turkey and I must say I did a pretty good job! Other than having to cook it longer that anticipated, it turned out moist and yummy. I made my favorite homemade yeast rolls and pumpkin roll dessert. Danielle brought her amazing mashed potatoes (and I mean that - so creamy!), field peas and chocolate pie. Field peas are new to Matt and me, but they are a common side dish in the south. They are so good! Although all of us missed our families, it was a great evening with friends. You will have to notice Jeremiah's turkey on his adorable outfit...so cute! Also, the artwork near the beginning of the slide show was made by the boys at their schools. The first one is by Dane, and the second with the turkey hand is by Blake. We hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving where you are.

Grandpa Steve & Great-Grandma Hollenbeck come to Greenville!

Photo and video editing at www.OneTrueMedia.com

We were lucky to have Matt's Dad and Grandmother here for a visit. Although they arrived in the rain and left in the rain, the weather while they were here was superb! Sunny & 60's! The boys had a great time (being spoiled!) playing with their Grandpa and Great-Grandmother, especially all of the time they had books read to them. We enjoyed showing off downtown Greenville and it was a pleasure to cook for them and enjoy good food in the comforts of home. It is always a treat to have visitors while we are here in Greenville, and this was truly a special one. Thanks, Steve, for embarking on the long drive from St. Louis to hang out with us for a few days!

School Pictures

I guess this is our lucky year because we were blessed with AMAZING school pictures of both boys. Blake's are on order, so when I receive them I will scan one and post it on the blog so you can see it. It is simply perfect. Dane's school used a local professional photographer who will donate part of the procedes back to his school. She does beautiful work and the three she captured of Dane don't reveal a huge smile, but that is okay because the third one really shows his personality! Below are directions on how to view them on her website. Enjoy!....we are also looking forward to our family picture proofs in the next week or so!

Go to website: http://www.kerriganphotography.com/
Click on "enter site" on home page (left box)
Click on "proofing" at bottom on next page
Enter password: dhollen
Click on each of the three pictures to be able to view them

SUPERMAN!

Have I mentioned that I love living in Greenville! What a beautiful day it is here today, and what's better than being able to go to Falls Park as a family for a nice long walk and playtime at one of the many playgounds! This is a rare occasion during this journey in residency, so when the opportunity presents itself we leave bright and early, and soak up all the time together. We were also lucky enough to run into my good friend, Catie's, parents at the park during their weekend visit in Greenville. They had brought their granddaughter, Sullivan, to the park while Lee and Catie were away. So, the boys had some great playtime with her...and we some great conversation with Catie's parents!

Although the few hours at Falls Park may seem brief, they sure are treasured. With Matt's hectic schedule of working 90+ hours per week, required readings of stacks of journals, presentations, and studying for an upcoming national exam it is these little bits of time that turn out to be very big moments. Not to mention that he does not miss a beat being a wonderful father and husband. I honestly don't know how he does it. I'm certain Matt should be wearing the Superman T-shirt along with Blake...

I'll Take That As A Compliment???

This afternoon after picking up Dane from Mother's Morning Out and Blake from school, I dragged my shingled self and the boys into the pediatrician's office for Dane's 2-year well visit and flu shots for both of them. I really like our pediatrician, so it's never a daunting task. Who doesn't love a pediatrician with 6 kids of his own and who looks like he just graduated from college! My guess is his youthful look is due to his wife raising those kiddos virtually on her own, but who am I to know ;)

I knew with both boys having busy days, no naps and Matt being on call tonight I would need to dose prophylactic Tylenol (for them...maybe something stronger for me!) and plan on a Chik-Fil-A stop on the way home. Really, I shouldn't complain. They truly do a great job...aside from the tearing up of a small square room where some absent-minded nurse left ALL the cabinet doors unlocked. The good news: Dane is healthy as a horse, developmentally on target, is growing like a weed, and continues to challenge our pediatrician by NOT displaying his wide array of social skills while in his office. Hence, the stated, "bye" when Dr. Earle walks in the room. Blake and Dane both tolerated shots well and recovered from hysterics quickly. So...as we are tying things up and preparing to leave, Dr. Earle leans down to tell Dane bye and says "well, you are still the same strong-willed little guy." Hmmmm....should I take that as a compliment?

In Need of a New Roof?

...because I have shingles. And not the ones you tack up on top of a house. As gross, weird and unusual as it sounds, it is true. I have occasional good moments, but for the most part I feel pretty crummy. Fever, sore throat, nausea, severe fatigue, headache...and not to mention the jabbing neural pain on my right side and the itchy, burning small rash. Ick! As usual, we always keep thing interesting in our house and never take the easy road.

Ortho Halloween Party 2009 (58 photos), by Beth Hollenbeck

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos

Dane's Bday & Halloween (109 photos), by Beth Hollenbeck

I'd like to share my Snapfish photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share.
Click here to view photos