Thanksgiving is not the only time to give thanks, but it sure is an appropriate time to express our thanks. God gives and he takes away. Either way, His mercies are new every morning as the sun rises as a reminder. It's just that...when the skies are gray, we feel let down and find smiles hidden away. The sun has been reluctant these past few days and our smiles have been hidden as well. I've experienced yet one more thing I had wished I'd never have to experience in my lifetime: the loss of a child. Our little Owen is as healthy and nutty as ever, but our baby on the way has gone to be with Jesus. I found out yesterday that there is no more development growing inside me, and Owen will not have to share us as soon as we had hoped. It is the 1st trimester still, but the loss is still great. We hurt, we are sad, and we are disappointed because the hope and expectation of number two was so wonderful to have, even for a short time. We still have hope and we continue to praise God for his sovereignty. One blessing we have to hold is that our little Angel is already praising God. We made one more being that can praise Him, and we will meet in heaven one day. I know these kind of things have torn people apart, but I truly see a bond between Roger and I that we have not had before. We are surrounded and loved and truly blessed. Owen is learning to use a spoon, so we have plenty to smile about. :-)

Owen's daddy is teaching him all kinds of stuff about sports! He usually makes it, but I think he is trying really hard to "go up hard," like daddy says. But he sure has the "palming the ball" down! Now he's learning to say, "oh, baby!" when he makes the basket...too funny!

I'm just doing some thinking about time...it moves so fast, and sometimes we wish time away. I get so flustered when I can't get done with my "list" fast enough or efficient enough. I get even more frustrated when something on my list doesn't get done. But, in the last few days of nice weather, I took time to take Owen to the park. I let him walk up the path through the tall trees which make him look so small. Then I let him "explore" in our little patch of woods by our townhome. He picked up pinecones and threw them. He tripped on sticks and felt the prickle of pine needles. He wandered into think parts and I had to "rescue" him and get him on the right path. We took our time. We didn't hurry to get it done with. I took a breath and enjoyed the fresh air and his quiet wondering and wandering. Momentous...I meant to write about it right away...but time got away from me. I didn't even have my camera on hand that day. I did have my camera the other morning when Owen and I were getting ready for school. The hanging blinds looked like they were glowing so I looked out and saw the sky on fire. The sunrise burned the mornig sky into a brilliance that my camera actually was able to capture. Owen wasn't as interested in the sun as he was in his toys that he had left out on the deck... :-) I smile...

At Carrie's Kid Care Owen got to make a turkey with his hand print. Okay, so he had a little help from Carrie, but I think it is darn cute! You can tell Owen's contribution...the blue scribbles. Hey, it's a start! :-) Precious...Thanksgiving...hmmmm.

This is for Grampa Phil...he asked for proof that, after last Sunday's slaughter of the Vikings, Owen is backing the pack. :-) The Reger's were none too happy when we showed up at a party with Owen wearing a Packer sweatsuit!...

Owen had his mouth full of raisins and Roger asked, "does he have to wear that?" as I took this picture...

Uncle Jack, the only other one who married into the Reger family...holding firmly to his true loyalty! Packer loyalty seems to pay off sooner or later!

They let him throw around a football and because he is so darn cute, nobody really picked a fight! Owen did get up the courage to say, "no doggy!" and "down!" to the puppy who was determined to get Owen to play. I was so proud of him! :-) We'll see how he does with Taz this weekend!

Last Saturday night was a late one for the Reger's! We put Owen to bed, had our friend Jeff come over and do homework on our couch while we went out to celebrate Kate's 30th birthday with a whole mess of Hall's (Aaron's siblings) and many of Kate's beautiful friends. How can one person have so many beautiful friends?! Whew! Axel's on Grand Avenue in St. Paul sure is a rockin' place!
We had some appetizers and cocktails, we enjoyed company and music, and were greateful for a night out on the town!
The dualing pianos were incredible! Kate had fun requesting some of her favorites...yes, that is a balloon tied to her waist and a foil sash around her neck. I think she's beautiful!

Last Saturday we went to Walmart and bought owen his own basketball because he brought the dirty one in the house and started to mark up the walls and floors. He loves any kind of ball, but basketball has been his latest thing.


Owen has figured out how to climb up on the coffee table and I've never been able to catch it on video...now I did. I try really hard to not laugh when he is being silly. I have a feeling he is going to be one of those kids who makes me laugh when i am trying to yell at him (Lori Jo!). Notice his dancing skills and his favorite number: 3!

"Captain Stubing" and "Little Red Riding Hood" went to a party last weekend! It actually was a wedding reception for friends of ours so I thought I would share this momento with y'all. Yes, we still have the outfits, so if anyone was to borrow the red cape or little white shorts for any occasion, just let me know! :-)
Owen got to dress up too! Rog worked with the youth while I lay on the in-laws couch...Owen handed out candy one or two times before falling asleep himself. He didn't mind the costume...
And he liked the crinkle of the candy!
The colors are more enticing than the taste because he still craves crackers more than cake!
so concerned...you'll get candy...someday! :-)

Each day that is nice enough to play outside, we do! Taking advantage of nice days helps because I don't know how Owen will take being cooped up inside all the time! :-)
The little horsey still is in the garage along with some other toys so being outside invites lots to do and see and play with!
Including...serious four-wheelin' time! I couldn't keep up with him to get a good picture, but at least you can see...
Next, we'll have to get the steering down! and...figure out how to stop on purpose!
When I said it was time to go inside, Owen was not all too happy. I lured him in with a snack and I moved on to cleaning. Owen found my dustpan and decided to help me sweep the deck. So...we spent some more time outside!