Thanksgiving!

Our celebrating started on Wed. when we went to the "Forgotten Carols." It was such a good way to bring in the holiday spirit.


Damon got a little restless near the end, but I think he had a good time. He insisted on sitting in the chair with the same number as his ticket. That meant that when I made him move closer to me (in an attempt to keep him quiet a few min. longer) we all had to search for our tickets and then find the one that had his number.


Thursday we had dinner at our house, which I think is great. My fridge gets filled with all the leftovers.


After our food settled we ran across the street to play football. It was such a nice day!

We had to end our day with a game of Monopoly. This was Damon as photographer, so it has that "looking up at everyone" charm, which only someone short can accomplish. At least we are centered.

My last November post. I am so grateful for my wonderful family and friends. Every one of them means so much to me, and I have something special to love in each of them. I am so blessed to be surrounded by those I love and be able to keep in touch with those who aren't so close.

These Boys!

Finally, the party we have been waiting for since our pretty invitation arrived on a silver tray, way back in September.

So much time and effort was put into this party, and we had a great time!

We got cute gift bags full of all things Twilight (my favorite is an "Overcast in Forks" umbrella), followed by food, nail painting, limos, a charity auction, The Movie, more food.... It was lots of fun. Of 250 guests, Tyler was one of about 5 guys. I am still not exactly sure why he wanted to come, especially since he likes to make fun of all my favorite parts of the books. But I think it is funny that...

...the same day Damon attended an "all girls"(save him) birthday party. I just don't know about these boys.

Today I am grateful for...

*This amazing thing we like to call "The Internet" - This week our dish was not working on T.V. Night (Thursday), and we were so glad we could at least crowd around the computer and stay caught up on all of our favorite shows. Just one of so so many reasons I love my computer! But, staying in touch with everyone far away is number one for sure!

Can you believe...

I went on a run, wearing shorts and a T-shirt, today! OUTSIDE!
I don't recall moving to a super sunny climate, and I think it's Nov., but one step outside and I'm not so sure!

So, today I am grateful for the nice weather, but also a little freaked out!

Insideout and Backwards...

...was the theme of a party Lori and I attended last week.

It was really funny to see what everyone came up with. This was our take.

BTW: Jeans are so funny inside out, and very comfortable (I think it is the lack of seams). The front pockets are out of control. The tops were not so comfortable, especially the jacket.

Today I am so grateful for MY BOYS, Tyler and Damon! They are so sweet to me. I am so lucky to be able to spend time with them each day.

Confession....

... I am currently listening to Josh Groban belt out Christmas tunes, and thought I would share this cute pic of Damon last Christmas.



The season always passes me by too quickly, so this year I am getting an early jump on things (wish I was so good about my Christmas shopping.) This isn't to say I am forgetting about Thanksgiving. I am very excited and started planning a menu just today (before I put the Christmas C.D. in). What kinds of things do you have to have for Thanksgiving Dinner?

Today I am grateful for...

*Tyler giving me this C.D. last year, and

*Joshy's lovely voice.

Who's Ready...?

Christmas is so close already. The sights and sounds are all over and I really thought by now I would have more done.




















I had a little nudge last week when Lori asked me to go with her to a Christmas Gift craft night. The Christmas treats were so yummy and we got a bunch of really cute, and inexpensive gift
ideas.























This bag was one of the items that was really fun to make, and so easy. I thought I'd share the recipe.

Ingredients:
1 fabric placemat
2 yds. of ribbon
bow (or any cute embellishment)

Directions:
Sew on the ribbon and bow, stitch up the sides, and add a little notch in the inside to create a flat bottom. So easy!

It would be a perfect scripture bag. If I had a daughter she would have one in every color.

Know any other cute gift ideas? Let me know!


What am I grateful for at this moment?

-my sewing machine
-the phone call I just had with my cute sis!
-seeing my mom today
-dinner with Lori and Ryan last night
-preparing for the holidays
-chocolate

Voting, Fuel, and An Orange!

I don't want to get too political, but I would like to say that I have always taken pride in my ability to vote. I am disturbed by the fact that yesterday brought out record numbers of voters. It makes me sad that it takes crisis for people to decided to do something.









Good Example: Why is it, that it takes gas to jump above $4.00 a gallon for people to finally decide we need to look at alternate fuels? Things like this really upset me. Why can't we all just want to be our best, and do our best all the time?









Now, because I always find comfort in listing things I am grateful for, and because of the fun holiday we have coming up, I want to dedicate all of my November posts to something I am grateful for at that moment! They may be deep and meaningful, or small and simple. Whatever strikes me, I guess.

Today: Oranges!

Story: A couple weeks ago Damon really wanted an orange. I decided to pay the 60 cents and get one. We were not impressed. Now suddenly the days are shorter, the weather is colder, and I can buy a whole bag of delicious oranges for $3.50. The thing I am really grateful for today is that we can get fresh fruit, and any food for that matter, up here in the icy, cold mountains any time of the year. We do still need to be aware of the seasonal items, like oranges, but when they aren't available something else always is. Lucky!

Lots of Fun on Halloween!

............................................................"Yabba Dabba Dooooo!"...................................................................

......................................................................"I am Ninja!"............................................................................