Thanksgiving

I know this is a little late but better late than never, right? Well, we had a great trip up to Hartland for Thanksgiving. A few close friends celebrated with us and it was very relaxing. Unfortunately, as soon as we returned the chaos of the season hit me. My 'to do' list tripled over night as I started realizing all the things I still have to do before Christmas. I don't know about you guys but I have the tendency to stay awake worrying about my list. In fact, I have learned to keep a notebook + pen on my bedside table so I can add to my list as I try to sleep. Last night I was awaken at 1:30am (loud neighbors) only to add another handful of items. I think that is how most of us are this time of year.

I am working on some fun homemade gifts and I hope to finish some soon. I will try to share more then.

I'm Thankful For...

(Photo from Paper Source)

Shane - As cheesy as it sounds, I really do love him more and more. Some current favorite things are the way he makes Sydney laugh out loud and how much he encourages me in everything.

Sydney - The way she gives 'baby hugs' and 'big hugs,' the way she runs to the door to meet Shane, and the way she always needs to snuggle first thing in the morning.

Family - The familiar traditions like cranberry bread and long talks on the phone. I love that even after long periods we can pick right up where we left off.

Good friends - They are always there to encourage me, pray for/with me, and just share life with.

Health - This time last year we were having a little health scare and since then I feel so blessed to be healthy and have my family healthy too. (Well not counting the multitude of colds a two year old gets.)


"O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man that trusts in you" -Psalm 84:12

Gobble Gobble

Just a little pre-Thanksgiving cookies to warm you up. I made these on Saturday (with a little help from Sydney).

The plan was for a warm, burnt orange frosting but they kind of turned out a more like a coral. Of course, they have all been gobbled up already so they tasted fine. I start actual Thanksgiving prep today with peppermint bonbons and cranberry sauce. We are off to the cabin in Hartland on Wednesday. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Shane was home all last week and with a little extra help around the house, I was able to get a little crafty. Here are some of the Christmas tags I made to go on all our gifts this year. I am thinking everything under the tree will be red, black, and silver. Stay tuned to see what really happens. Of course, Sydney wanted to get in on the action, so she started making her own Christmas cards to hand out. I think she liked the purple glue a little too much but I guess the cards have plenty of time to dry.

Birthday wishes come true

My wonderful husband has treated me to many lovely things this year for my birthday (officially tomorrow) but these are probably my favorite gift: fabrics from Anna Maria. He is so smart and knows me too well. Straight from my little wish list to my hands; it couldn't be any easier. Thanks sweetie.

Fall Finally

(Image from Keep Calm Ltd.)

It is finally starting to feel like fall here. I wore boots for the first time in too long, spent time explaining to Sydney why she needs to leave her socks on, and cooked comfort foods like Mom's cranberry bread. The weather is in the 60's and it has been overcast for two days. Now if I could just get a little rain (or a lot) I would be happy. For now I will settle for a cozy dinner with my family and a cup of tea.

Alvin and the Chipmunks

As many of you probably know, Shane has been working tirelessly on Alvin and the Chipmunks since earlier this summer. I am happy to report that after many long days (often more than 10 hour each) and long weeks (up to 13 working days before a single day off) he is finished!! Sydney and I are more than happy to have him home again for dinners and fun. Shane is as well (something about homemade food versus catering over and over and over again.) Luckily Shane has a week off for all of us to become reacquainted and for Shane to work a little more that little thing called school.

Sydney's 1st Disneyland trip

Even though we live a measly 45 minutes away from the self-proclaimed 'Happiest Place on Earth' we have never taken Sydney. Now that she is 2 and Shane is finally finished with Alvin and the Chipmunks we decided to take her yesterday. Let's just say that she loved it. And even without a nap all day, she was a doll. Here she is partaking in some of the time-honored traditions:

Her first ride

Lots of walking

Then catching a ride from Opa

Standing in line

Trying on silly hats

Meeting characters

Getting Minnie Ears with her name. This is right when we buckled her in the car...

and this is 5 minutes later!

Sleep well...

I hope all your Mondays were unexpectedly wonderful too.