Adventures in DeanTown

Being gone four days out of the week every week in November, it started feeling like coming back home to Boise was more of a vacation, because we would try to fit in as much as we could. Recently, Brandon and I were lucky enough to get two weeks at home just me, him, and Tori. Unfortunately, one and a half of those weeks I've spent sick. Kind of disappointing, however, this week has made up for it more than enough in exciting break throughs, starting with Tori spending the whole two hours at nursery! It was SOOO hard leaving her all upset, but I was really proud of her for calming down and being brave! When I went to pick her up from she didn't even seem to notice me, either because she was having so much fun or because she was mad at me....not gonna lie, it sort of felt like the latter!

But since we were on a roll, the next morning I finally decided to take Tori to the infant reading time at the Garden City Library. It was so fun! They had song time, and story time, and then play time with a ton of fun toys. We had our share of proud moments and not so proud moments. Proud that occassionally Tori got brave enough to go interact with the other kids, not so proud when she got too big for her briches and took a toy from a 10 month old baby and screamed "Mine!" at her. This is why were trying to do these things though, and thankfully the other moms in this group seemed very understanding.

We've also been lucky enough to enjoy a few days of sunshine, which we're not used to in the winter coming from Salmon. It's been greatly needed though, as Brandon's been busy with finals and Tori and I have needed ways to burn energy. Here she is being Mommy's helper and raking up those leaves! And on another note, this year with our Christmas cards we sent out a brief newsletter for those we don't talk to as often. After reading it to Brandon, he was appalled that I didn't include a section about myself. I simply reminded him that "I'm not doing anything. What would I put?" Well, this week I got my Christmas present early, and now am so excited that come January I'll be starting a 2 month modern dance course. My first dance class since college! Being on a tight budget this year, I couldn't seem to think of anything I really wanted to spend money on, until my sister-in-law Tara told me about the community classes they offer in Boise and Meridian. Brandon helped me find the list of classes and there are a ton of fun ones. I opted for dance so that I have something just for me to look forward to, however, come March I hope to do a Mommy and tots dance class with Tori. In the mean time I can't really think of a better gift! It'll be a night out to myself, meeting people with the same interests, and it's a nice way to get a little more integrated into the community, which is ultimately what I want the most. And I can say Brandon got it for me because I was sitting there trying to talk myself out of it the whole time, until he finally paid the fees and said, "Done!"

I feel very greatful for my family this Christmas, and I know everyone's husband is the most thoughtful husband to them, but I really think mine takes the cake! And tomorrow we take off for what promises to be the best Christmas break ever, since it's the first time my side of the family will be all together! Safe travels everyone!