SANTA BABY.

I asked Santa for a sewing machine this year. And I must have been good, because he delivered. And early too!

Now considering I don't know the first thing about sewing, I opted for a basic, inexpensive model, and it suits me just fine.

I was really excited about getting started, but also a little intimidated, so I let it sit in the box for a week before even opening it. After all the fun things I've pinned on Pinterest, I decided leg warmers were going to be my first project.

I was eager to get started, and thought that nap time would give me adequate time to set up my machine and crank out eight pairs of leg warmers. Yes, eight. I tend to get a little excited, and think that every girl I know should get a pair. Anyhow, I should have known better. Nothing is ever as easy as it seems. Sewing was the easy part. Setting up my machine was a little more difficult (which in hind sight, it really wasn't). I really try, but sometimes I'm just not a very patient person. I wanted to sew now, not dink around with the putsy stuff. Me and manuals do not mix. I do not learn that way. I am visual, hands on. So I basically made Nick do it for me while I watched, but I still got frustrated when it wasn't as easy for me as it looked. That's something I need to improve upon, because the whole thing was meant to be fun. I ended up taking it all apart and starting over all by myself, forcing myself to slow down and learn it. And now that I know it, it's super simple and I won't forget it.

So yes, I got to work. It was addicting. An adrenaline rush. I was proud of myself and shoved every pair I made into Nick's face, making him love it and be proud of me too. Now I know it wasn't rocket science or anything, but just like my girl, I'm happiest when I'm creating.

It took me nap time, plus bed time, plus a little bit of one more nap time to finish them all. And some turned out better than others. But I loved it and am excited to pick my next project. We have a special girl picked out for each pair, but my favorite are the ones Nugget chose.

She'll surely be noticed at dance class this week. And lets just pretend that she's wearing a leotard, instead of Hello Kitty undies.

What are you hoping Santa will bring you this year?

GOBBLE GOBBLE.

I have to chuckle to myself at the title I chose for this post. My girl has been walking around all week saying she's a turkey, then exclaiming "Cock-a-doodle-do!". Maybe I should have titled it that instead. Any who, I know Thanksgiving tends to get thrown under the bus in a rush to get to Christmas. But I'm gonna drag it out one more day, because it was splendid, and drag out worthy. I have never really cared much for this holiday, that is until this year. I don't know why, but I was really looking forward to it. I was anxious for a day surrounded by family, my kids getting plenty of cousin time, and of course, stuffing myself full with some amazing food (that I didn't have to slave over the stove to make).

Nick made the turkey to bring to my Mom's house. Yum.

This wishbone is still sitting on our kitchen windowsill. I should probably take care of that tonight before our cat gets ahold of it and runs off. It has happened before. Ha.

Everyone got all dolled up to go to Grandma's house.

I love these two little turkeys...

My friend Megan made their cute owl shirts. Check her out here.

We arrived at Grandma's, and after her shy little warm up, Nugget was off and running with  her cousins. I hardly saw her but to eat a few bites of mashed potatoes, then back again for pie.

Somehow the kids took over the 'grown up' table...

And left the grown ups to sit over here...but no one seemed to mind too much.

Brother was a happy camper while stuffing his face with his first tastes of Thanksgiving goodness.

And my sweet niece, Lauren, hung back and played with him while the other girls played upstairs.

Despite our attempts to smooth it down, Brother's hair just wanted to rock out, Dennis the Menace style.

When it was time to go, my oldest niece, Caylie, took out her super awesome sunglasses. And I just had to try them on. I like how my sister pointed out every body's reflection in them. Awesome.

Caylie rocks the glasses better than me, and rightfully so. She makes me smile.

We traveled in a caravan to go eat again (Bummer!) with my Dad's side of the family. I didn't take any pictures there though. Wish I would have because they are lots of fun.

The next day we had our neighbors, Mark and Rachel, over for more Thanksgiving dinner. Again I wish I took more pics, but I did snag these...

 Pecan Pie. Yum. Wish I could say I made it, but I didn't. Nick did. Thank God one of us can cook!

Rachel is so sweet and my kids adore her. She's gonna make one amazing Mama someday.

And there you have it. Our Thanksgiving, with lots to be thankful for. Gobble Gobble...err...Cock-a-doodle-do. Whatever. Hope yours was cozy.

BE THANKFUL.

Our home sweet home, painted by the talented Farmgirl Paints.

May your heart be filled with thankfulness.

May your home be filled with love.

Wishing you a very splendid and delicious Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

MOSTLY LOVE.

Well, it's here. The first snowfall of the season. I was really looking forward to it, and once it came I was reminded why I love it. And hate it.

I love it because it looks like this.

I love it because seeing its magic and possibilities through the eyes of my littles fills my heart to the brim.

I love it because sledding is FUN.

Nugget insists that Brother's sled is a 'chicken'. I'm not exactly sure what it's supposed to be, but pretty sure it's not a chicken.

I love it because it gives us rosy cheeks.

And rosy cheeks makes hot chocolate taste extra special.

 Remember this mug? Yeah, I decided to keep it.

And I hate it because although it faithfully comes every year, people somehow forget how to drive in it and it takes forever to get where you're going.

But I mostly love it. 

SNIPPETS.

Well, with the first snowfall officially on the ground, it looks like winter is here to stay. Which means lots of time indoors. Boo. I actually don't mind it right now, but ask me again in a month or two and I'm sure I'll be clawing at the bit to get outside and play with the kids, sans snowsuits. I am in full on holiday mode, which is also known as craft haven. My girl and I can't get enough. We've gotta stay busy somehow, right?

Nugget has a sweet little desk in her room, but unfortunately it acts as more of a catchall right now. I'm working on making it more of an art center, a special place just for her where she can go craft her little heart out.

A reminder to give a little thanks...

Sprinkles make everything better. And colorful. I love colorful.

This is what Brother has to say about winter. How long before he succumbs to wearing his hat?

I'm loving my kids' post-lunch activities of choice. While I'm cleaning up, they are quietly engaged in their own play...a nice little wind down before nap.

Love this Leap Frog Tag thing!

And a sweet little Thanksgiving pie that has kept my girl entertained for days.

Filled with blueberries, cherries, pumpkin, and apples, of course. (and a few random scraps that sister snuck in). You may prefer yours with a single ingredient, but Nugs likes the thrown in whatever you've got variety.

Hope you have a great week!