Happy Days

Our family did its share of helping the sagging economy this year on Black Friday. We carefully studied all the sale ads from the area papers. Matt was out and about at 11:30 p.m.Thanksgiving night doing reconnaissance on pre-sale items. He began to plan his attack, being careful to note direct routes to the merchandise and have alternate routes if any aisle was congested. He carefully planned his escape route, practicing his escape with speed and agility. He diligently observed the registers for the fastest cashier and fastest register. He came home at 12:30 a.m. to rest and get some supplies for his stake-out. He went back up to the store and bravely entered the battleground at 3:15 a.m., armed with reading material and his charge card. He moved in for the kill at 5:00 a.m. when the merchandise was released and with courage, speed and agility, he bobbed and weaved his way around carts and civilians to make his way to freedom at the check-out counter. He came home about 5:30 a.m. with a new TV for the family room. Needless to say, Keaton was THRILLED to have a new plasma when he rolled out of bed Friday morning. Little does he know that Matt is the new "Rambo" of Black Friday.

Thanksgiving was short this year. We were only in Flint for about 24 hours, but I did get to see my little McKenna. I think we have a special bond because she's my mini-me. She's VERY strong-willed and opinionated and she LOVES the color pink, high heels, jewelry and anything glittery or furry. She wanted me to spend the night with her and sleep in her tent (I'm sure it's either a Barbie or Princess tent). We'll have to have a slumber party at Christmas when we have more time for girlie things - like manicures, hair and make-up sessions, tiaras, and chocolate fondue. We might even let the boys have some chocolate fondue too. (But, we'll make them wear tiaras!)

In other news, Matt celebrated his 40th birthday last weekend. We went out to dinner with Keaton and his girlfriend on Friday night and then nearly set off the smoke detectors with all the candles on Matt's cake. On Saturday, we went out to dinner with Matt's brothers and others and friends. After dinner, we went across the street to hear a band play. The band wasn't the one we were expecting, but they were still okay. They played a lot of classic rock (which was WAY before my time, so I didn't know many of the songs) and there was a pinball machine, so Matt was still pretty happy. The alcohol may have contributed to his happiness a little...just a little bit though.

November News

Halloween was a little different this year. It was the first year that Keaton didn't dress up. He and some friends did still go out, but it wasn't the same without them being dressed up and posing for pictures. Matt and I still dressed up - he was a gladiator and I was a Roman goddess. It was a stretch for me to actually have to get out of my everyday Domestic Goddess outfit - my pajamas. Cyrus was a hot dog with mustard. (It didn't really fit in with our Roman theme, but he was pretty darn cute!) We'll never be too old for Halloween!

This month's news is that Keaton was inducted into the National Honor Society. We're very proud of him! Unfortunately, Matt had to miss the induction ceremony while he was away at a conference. It's a good thing we have a video camera! The other big news is that Keaton now officially has a girlfriend. Her name is Laura (she's also in Honor Society) and she's very cute. He's been to her house a couple of times (I took pictures when he left for his "first date"), has taken her out to the movies twice (a scary movie each time - he's pretty smooth, isn't he?) and they've gone out to eat a few times (Applebee's and Burger King - I guess he can afford more than McDonald's!). They do a lot of texting and chatting on the phone when he's not with her. They're both pretty busy kids and he'll be even busier when basketball season officially begins next week.

Have a happy Thanksgiving! We're very thankful for our blessings of family and friends.