[movember]

 The month of November has been renamed in an effort to help raise money and increase awareness for men's health related illnesses including prostate and testicular cancer. 

As a way to contribute to the cause, DOW Electronics has offered to pay $300 for each male employee that grows a mustache during the month of November. 

The money raised is donated directly to Movember, 

which will be distributed between the Prostate Cancer Foundation 

and the LIVESTRONG organization. 

Todd decided to participate in the fundraiser in honor of Grandpa Sloan. 

These are his before and after shots! 

[thanksgiving away from home]

This year was the first Thanksgiving both Todd and I had to celebrate away from home. 

It kind of throws you off when you don't have the same traditions and way of doing things because then, it doesn't really feel like Thanksgiving at all...that and the warm weather! We missed out on gathering with both of our families, 

Black Friday shopping with Todd's sisters 

and eating our traditional Thanksgiving dishes. 

But, we couldn't be more thankful. 

We were able to Skype with both of our families for a few minutes, 

and when we were finished and would normally have been disappointed to not be there with them, we had Thanksgiving with our new family in Tampa. 

We are so blessed to have support during the hard and lonely times. We honestly could not make it here without them, and for that we will always be thankful! 

Skyping with my family

And I was even able to make a few family specialties

[meet gus]

Since moving to the area, we noticed quickly that we live in a dog friendly community. Our neighbors are seen outside walking their dogs constantly, and the fresh market is full of "doggie strollers" (such a weird concept)! So with some convincing on Todd's part, we decided to be puppy owners! We looked around for the perfect little guy and found Gus! He is the sweetest puppy ever, and we were so happy to make him part of our little family. Between us, the Overflow staff, and our neighbors he is already completely spoiled. 

 We love him!