Monday, November 30, 2009

A bit like Christmas

It's beginning to look more Christmasy around here. Even on this here blog. Got my Christmasy blog banner up, switched the tunes (over on the right...if you wanna listen, just click play) to some more festive ones and our family Christmas tree is up!

We are still working on the outside lights and all and I have to finish just a bit more of the advent calendar I started last year (and finished enough to use thankfully!) and get a few more decorations out and about. Honestly, as much as I LOVE Christmas and all it's fun and festive decor, I still like to keep it pretty simple. Mainly, because I want to enjoy the season, not stress out about my decorations. Also, with a young-ish child, it's good to keep it simple to where he can help out. Cause, this year he is ALL about helping with EVERYTHING. Seriously. I love it though, makes it much more fun. May take more time, but hey, he's only 6 once.

So, how is it going with everyone else and their Christmas decor fun? What is your favorite Christmas decoration or tradition? Also, just for fun, real tree or fake tree?

We have one of each. A little fake one I got for our apartment when we were first married and a real one for our family tree. :)

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

15 Years

This week holds plenty of sentimentality for me. Other than being Thanksgiving, one of my absolute favorite holidays, it is also the week my hubby and I officially became an "item".

Fifteen years ago today, the day after Thanksgiving that year, a friend called me up and asked if I'd like to go see a movie with he and another friend. Sure!

Somehow, that became our unofficial first date. We were sixteen. We had become pretty good friends over the course of the year, then one day it hit us both...we LIKED each other! Ya know, not just like, but like like....

We've been together ever since.

Oh, and here is a picture of us at seventeen when he asked me to come along to his senior picture deal. We ended up getting a picture together...wow, check out the plaid. What was I thinking?!



I cannot believe it's been fifteen whole years! Where has the time gone?! This next year we will celebrate our ten (TEN!) year wedding anniversary. I cannot believe that either.


And, I can honestly say I am more madly in love with him each year. He truly is my best friend.


I love you babe! Happy "dating" Anniversary!!!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Happy Friday?


Typically I really like Fridays. We get a "happy friday" email from our caseworker at the adoption agency and I always look forward to getting that. I also love our Friday family night together, whether it's watching a movie or playing games, it is always a time I look forward to.

This Friday however, I am not my typical Happy Friday self and am feeling slightly overwhelmed. Both in a good way and a not so good way. I find myself at the end of the week with a growing list of household to-do's. To-do's I simply didn't manage to get to this week....like dusting. It might not seem like much, but with my boys and their allergies, it can matter. And the growing pile of laundry....yet, I am also thankful for the clothes and people that wear the clothes, that then dirty them...for me to clean. I wouldn't change it at all.

Then there is the overwhelming feeling of the approaching holidays. Getting plans arranged between and around my divorced parents and trying to make sure everyone is happy and taken care of. I hate hurting peoples feelings, but sometimes something has to give! At the same time in the midst of that stress, I am looking forward to my sister, her kiddos, my kiddo and my Gramms getting together and baking pies in my tiny little kitchen. Oh the hilarious sight we are and the laughs to be had as we maneuver around one another whilst baking. Definitely a joy.

Then there is the never ending, and seemingly growing, list of handmade gifts I am working on. One very important one for my son who cannot wait to see the quilt mommy is working on. Amazingly enough, he asked to be surprised with it and for me NOT to tell him anything about it. You see, we typically plan things out together, but I like being able to surprise him with this. Now...let's just hope it turns out OK and in time!

And, I really do need to get working on it more. You see, this year we are opening gifts a little early. We like to focus on Jesus on Christmas Day. Not that there is anything wrong with opening gifts Christmas Eve or morning as many do. Just this year, we have decided not to. Really, our son asked if we could not so that we could celebrate Jesus more. Why not?! I kinda like the idea. We'll go with it and see how it all turns out.

Meanwhile, the last several years we "give a present" to Jesus for His birthday by giving to others in ways such as Operation Christmas Child and taking baked goods to others in need. Spending time and just sharing a little of our lives with them.

So, maybe after all it is a Happy Friday. In anticipation of the coming week, I know I have so very much to be Thankful for.

How 'bout you? What are things that might overwhelm, yet bless you at the same time?

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

We Have Pumpkins!

Yes, I know it's November already and pumpkin carving time is well over with....but, we have pumpkins!

Apparently the super hot 100 plus degree days this past summer really did the garden in. We had some nice tomatoes early on and our basil did great! The chives, beans and bell pepper...not so much. Granted, this was our first year to even attempt a little garden. We planted everything when it told us to and hoped for the best....and got a super HOT summer.


Things grew, but they never produced. Not until Fall that is....


Know what else decided to reappear? Tomatoes! Yes, we have TWO celebrity tomatoes growing. And the chives? The chives are thriving! I will not complain. I like chives.

Then I discovered something else....beans! The bean plants that took over almost everything and never did anything but try to strangle my other plants FINALLY grew some beans! My niece and my son were ecstatic and excitedly picked the beans to have with our dinner.

Crazy. I am thinking I might have to rethink our growing times this next Spring. Especially if we end up with another HOT summer like this last one. Now, what to do with a large carving pumpkin after pumpkin carving time.....I am thinking it might possibly become a Thanksgiving decoration of sorts.

Any ideas?!

Thursday, November 12, 2009

It's November What?!

I'm not sure where the time went, but I just realized I have yet to post in the month of November! Eek!

Sorry 'bout that. Didn't mean to just drop off the face of bloggy land. I am here though! This past month has been quite a busy one and promises to be busier as the month and year come to an end.

The adoption (that you can read more about over HERE ) has been keeping us pretty busy the past few weeks with our homestudy and all that jazz. Whew! I cannot wait until it's finished and paperwork turned in. Of course, then the official "waiting" will come into play and it might just drive me insane. Okay, not really, I think I already am. :)

Meanwhile, sewing of fun coffee cuffs has been keeping me busy and happily so. That and attempting to get some handmade gifts taken care of before it's serious crunch time. Who am I kidding?! I am totally gonna hit crunch time...

How about you lovely readers (that might be actually reading this)? What are your plans for the holidays as far as handmade goes? Any super fun projects in the works?

Happy Thursday!!! Be back later this week (or Monday at least) with hopefully something more interesting and with a picture! Not sure why I must post a picture with each post...anyone else feel that way? Oddly enough, I don't feel the need over at our adoption blog. Funny how that is.