November started just after Hurricane Sandy made its way through New York and the Northeast. As I mentioned before we were very fortunate and sustained almost no damage in our area. We had a scare during the windiest part of the storm when a window flew open and we thought it had broken, but thankfully it just needed to be locked and it stayed put the rest of the storm. It's hard to believe that it's been over a month since the storm and yet there are still areas where the damage is so complete that people have had to leave there homes. Many of you have gone through hurricanes before, but to then be followed by a cold winter makes it even tougher! Please continue to pray for the recovery efforts!
The first weekend in November we had another fun and successful dinner at the Ronald McDonald House, we served a Mexican Fiesta themed dinner.
Robby jammed out on the drums in the Activity Room while one of the older kids that is staying in the house played the bass.
Right after the RMH dinner, we went celebrated two of our friend's birthdays at a mustache themed party. Check out the cupcakes!
On Sunday, we took some non-perishables to a local restaurant that was arranging deliveries to the Rockaways. Check out all the boxes! They had sections for canned goods, toiletries, clothes, baby supplies, blankets and more! It was so moving to see all of these people giving to those who are in such great need.
We had our first snow storm the next week. I worked from home, and Bess helped!
Robby had to go in to the office, but thankfully it was only a 5 minute walk.
In a bitter sweet turn of events, I got to go to Florida to be with family to remember my Godfather, Orlando, who passed away from a heart attack. He was always the life of the party, so he will be missed immensely. I am so grateful that I was able to be with family during that time and that B & D, Mark, Crystal and Toots came by as well!
Back in New York, the City began preparing for the upcoming Holidays! One of the subway trains was even decorated inside and out for the MACY's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Robby, hanging out with Papa Smurf!
We decorated our apartment for Christmas as well! No tree this year though, since we will not really be spending much time in New York in December.
During the days we had off from work, I got around to (finally) making the cushions for our chairs.
We had to cut the cushion to match the size of the seat.
Here are some of the supplies we used.
Check out this action shot of Rob!
I had already sewn the fabric together several weeks ago, so they were all set to staple into place.
Danger: Drea with a staple gun!
Ta DA! We are so happy with how they turned out!
In addition to cushion making, we also ventured into Pie Making!!
Yummy pie crust, courtesy of Fresh Direct!
All in all, we made FOUR pies (two traditional pumpkin pies, and two pumpkin cheesecake pies. We also made Cornbread Casserole, Green Bean Casserole and Baked Mac and Cheese. (So. Good.) That weekend we also got to spend time having lunch at Serendipity with the Milian's who were visiting from Florida! Needless to say, we are eating extremely healthy foods in preparation for the Christmas festivities!
November 27th, Robby began his 6 month seasonal position with the NFL. What a huge answer to prayer! Thank you everyone for joining us in praying for Robby to get this opportunity. We still can't believe it! We are hoping that this can lead to a full-time opportunity if it's God's will.
Rob was excited to expand his wardrobe beyond his school related coaching gear, check out his Tie-tying skills! Whattup! This pretty much sums up our month of November, and we continue to be so thankful for all that God has been doing in our lives. This year so far we have spent two different seasons wondering what job Robby would have next, and both times, God has provided in His perfect timing! It has been hard for us to trust God in the times of waiting, but it has been really faith-building as well.
This last "Do-it-Yourself" project is from the first weekend in December, but I wanted to share it now anyway, because I know the December update will be jam-packed with lot's of good stuff. I made Euro Sham covers for the pillows on our bed. Above you can see the Mauve colored fabric, those were our old covers. So I went about cutting and measuring the fabric.
Then I ironed the seams... I have found that ironing the fabric is actually one of the easiest ways to quickly make a sewing job look a little bit more professional. So it takes a little extra time, but it's worth it!
Then after pinning the fabric together and sewing everything up, voila!
Here's the completed view of the bed with the new Euro Shams! Another success!
Love to you all, Drea and Rob