Thanksgiving 2014

Imagine my delight when I awoke on Thanksgiving and saw some snow on the ground. 

Not much, but still enough to get me EXCITED!

I'm naturally already excited on Thanksgiving, so it doesn't take much to put me over the edge.

I was up with a cup of coffee taking it all in...

Especially my beloved parade! I just love watching it!

But let's get to the really important stuff.....

My mom always sets a beautiful table.

And each of the girls gets an ornament, a tin of fudge, and this year some homemade chex mix! Yum!

My mom does most of the cooking, but Paul does the bird.

And he always does a fine job!

Before we finally sat down to eat, I forced the kids to take a picture, but thankfully for them it wasn't anything too staged.

But yes, back to the really important stuff...

THE FOOD.

I've said it a million times, favorite meal of the year.

But even one step above the food?

Okay, maybe more than one step above the food...

Just hanging with my favorites.

At first we all gather and wait to pounce...

And then after the feast, there is the lingering.

Is that what all families do? Linger in the afterglow of food?

But we better not linger too long!

There were some birthdays to celebrate!

My brother....

And yes, me.

Such a fantabulous way to spend Thanksgiving.

 I love this time of year, and I love my family.

Thankful for our crew that gathers round the table.

A little Thanksgiving warm up

Last week we had the chance to get our Thanksgiving warm up on. 

School had a special lunch and families were invited.

Let me just say, school cafeteria workers are legit. It's hard work, and they do an amazing job. Now it's not my mom's cooking, but ima blame that one on Michelle Obama, cause I think they do the best they can with what they are given.

But really I wasn't there for the food, I just wanted to spend some sweet time with the kids. Paul and I decided to split it up, so I ate with Hope, and he went and hung with the boys.

Second grade girls are so giggly.

AND SQUIRMY.

But mostly just adorable.

While fourth grade boys, are just so chill.

But EQUALLY ADORABLE.

We are so excited about Thanksgiving!

I am ready to see my family, watch football, cook with my mom, and eat until I need to unbutton my pants. BRING IT ON.

Yes of course Christmas is up

Anyone that knows anything about us, knows we do Christmas early. 

I think it was two Saturday's ago that we got everything put up. It was a free weekend, we had the time, so hey let's do it! 

This year we did a little outside too. The kids were so excited!

I was super proud of myself for being really chill about it this year. I just sort of let the kids put stuff wherever they wanted.

 Go me!

Isn't it pretty?

I think it's so funny how people get mad about when others put up their trees. Especially people on Facebook, they always seem to be getting fired up over when it's okay to put up a Christmas tree.  It's pretty simple to me, if you don't want your tree up early, then don't put it up.

But for me, it's peaceful and I want to enjoy it as long as possible.

So if you need me, I'll be right here.

40.

Little G, established November 17, 1974. 

That means that the big 4-0 was on Monday. 

Honestly, who turns 40 on a MONDAY? 

While I wasn't super thrilled about turning 40, ON A MONDAY, I was super thrilled to celebrate it! Not gonna lie, I love a birthday! 

Tracey always does such fun things for my birthday, and this year was no exception. Starting November 4th I had a gift to open everyday leading up to my birthday....

Just look at all the cards.

And she did the lyrics to the Golden Girls.

We really can't wait to be The Golden Girls. (BTW, Tracey is Rose.)

I was also treated to dinner, my friend Brandy took me out Sunday night. When the little fellas unexpectedly came round the corner yelling and trilling their r's, I screamed and suffered heart palpitations. Thankfully my 40 year old heart can still take mild excitement.

Monday was so fun to wake up to phone calls and texts....

AND SNOW!

Right as we left for the day some snow started to fall and I couldn't help but feel it was a special birthday treat just for me.

Actually I felt that way all day. Lots of surprises, lots of love, and lots of food, which you know always makes me happy.

Brittany, who has her hands WAY full, was sweet and offered to watch the kids Monday night so we could go out alone to celebrate. I fulfilled an old lady stereotype and chose Cracker Barrel.

Brittany then made the evening complete by giving me a candle to blow out.

I suppose this is the time I should get all philosophical about turning 40? But instead I think I will sum it up with what Pierce said to me, "Happy Birthday Mom! You're about mid-way through!"

Thankful for my life. Thankful for the years. Thankful to take on another decade.