Happy Thanksgiving

"The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts.  No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving."  ~H.U. Westermayer

Sitting here with an absolutely miserable cold and extrememly thankful for a two year old who is willing to entertain himself today~and didn't mind a boring old peanut butter sandwhich for lunch.  Can't breathe to sleep, but have no energy to expend (sitting up seems to be it for me today~and even that hurts). 
The cold has made me slow down, and I've been thinking about all my blessings while going through tissues and OTC meds:  friends, family, home, food, clothing, and so much more.  Thinking about that first Thanksgiving and all the hardships that came before it.  Amazing how the Pilgrims kept such faith in the midst of all of their adversity and dispairing loss.  Quite an inspiring story (and makes this nasty cold seem more like a measely little annoyance than the debilitation it's been to me today).
Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving and so thankful for the blessings that you all are to me!  God bless!

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These are a few of my favorite things...

The boys are snuggled up on the couch with Daddy watching "Polar Express".  Griffyn is convinced the boy in the movie is Max.  We may be a little early, but the boys love trains and we all love Christmas.  Both of the boys have had their baths and are in clean jammies and will hopefully get sleepy on Daddy and be carried off to bed soon...

Griffyn and I spent the day doing the unpleasant task of cleaning the house (which warranted a much needed bubble bath and glass of wine tonight~thank you, Marty).  The dusting is done, the laundry complete, the dishes put away, the birthday gifts wrapped (still need to have the boys make a few cards) and all set for our parties this weekend, and I began looking at the renewal process for our family's insurance policy (it's that time of year).  Griffyn and I managed to have some fun time too.  We made pumpkin bars for G'ma and G'pa Mitchell's visit tomorrow and for Griffyn and Max's special time with aunt Jen while Mommy and Daddy go to an engagement party.  This got me to thinking of all of my 'favorite things'.  Life's special little moments that make it so savory.

(the beginnings of pumpkin bars)

Baking is definitely one of my favorite things (especially this time of year), and my boys have always loved to help.  I'm not necessarily very good at it, but there is something so immensely satisfying about adding a variety of ingredients together and creating a delicious outcome--the comforting smells and tastes that evolve.  The entire process is a nurturing and delicious one.  It makes me feel like I am taking care of my family and friends.  It does not, however, help my waste line as I have a ridiculous sweet tooth and tend to bake when I am stressed~which seems to be often ;). 

Then there are the previously mentioned bubble baths.  Although they may not be as long as I would like (or happen quite as often as I may want), I savor them all the same.  They most likely begin and end with my two year old banging on the door and wanting "Mommy", but I will take what ever I can get in the form of "me" time.  I love the relaxing scent of lavender--few things calm me like the smell of lavender.  My favorite product is Philosophy's "Silent Night" (which is only sold during the holidays).  It's like taking a nap in a lavender field with the warm sun shining on your face.  Pure bliss!

(heavenly lavender bubbles!)

Clean sheets and snuggling in with the boys on a chilly evening (even if it means having to sit through an episode of "Wonder Pets" or the "Backyardigans").  Sleep doesn't come often as there's much to do and I have a husband who aggressively snores and children who get up frequently (and I'm one of those people who once woken has a very hard time getting back to sleep) so it is treasured.  Comfy pj's and lots of cozy blankets with soft, fluffy pillows.  If I could take a day just to myself--to do absolutely nothing--I would stay in bed and rest all day.  What a lovely dream :).

(my cuddle bugs!)

Time to join my boys on the couch and get the box of tissue.  I never get tired of this movie.  It too is one of my favorite things!  Please tell me some of yours!

November is here!

(my little Mario brothers)

November is here!  I've been waiting with much anticipation for this month to arrive for a very long time (what feels like FOREVER)!  My sister, Erin, and her boyfriend, Harold, are flying home from Brooklyn for Thanksgiving!  We haven't ALL been together for so long, and I can NOT wait!!!  I don't care about turkey, stuffing, or mashed potatoes~~I just want to soak up some sibling time and let the boys soak in as much Auntie and Uncle time as possible as well.  I just may lock everyone in and not let anyone leave once we're all finally together in one room ;)!

Halloween was a smashing success!  Such beautiful weather.  Aside from Griffyn wanting his Mommy (and only Mommy) to carry him most of the way, it was delightful.  All of our neighbors were out and it was a lovely chance to say "hello" to everyone (and rake in lots of candy--which I must admit I am noshing on with my green tea ;)).  The boys were the cutest Mario and Luigi, of course, and we only saw one other Mario all night~and originality is always key with me :).

Our yard is finally done!!!  Hallelujah!!!  The window wells have solid and very tight retaining walls built around them, the yard is regraded and built up all around the house, the hose thingy (please don't be intimidated by my technical jargon ;)) is buried in the yard in pipe form and coming out at the bottom so none of the water settles in our yard, and the slope of the side yard curved to insure the rain fall does indeed roll down and not make a swimming pool out of our back yard!  Between our brand spanking newly regraded and sodded yard, retaining walls, sump pump and back up, we should be set for what ever mother nature has in store for us next year.  Merry Christmas (and every other upcoming holiday for the next year of so :)) to Marty and I!  It sure feels good to have it all taken care of~despite the bill :).  Some people vacation to Disney World for the holidays with their children.  We get a flood proof backyard and windows :).

I ordered our tickets for the "Santa Express" train ride in Boone for the beginning of December.  Yay!  Such magical fun.  The boys actually still believe we are riding the hour and 15 minutes to the North Pole.  The grand illusion is made even more complete by all the lights and North Pole like decorations we see out of our windows!  Going over the amazingly high bridge still makes our tummy's feel funny, but the hot coco and cookies help calm it down a bit.  Santa gets on the train and greats all the children (and children at heart) once we finally reach the North Pole-and gives each child a silver bell from his sleigh (just like in the classic children's book "The Polar Express").  Such a fantastic night for all of us and well worth the ticket price!  What price can you put on being a kid all over again anyway? :)

Hope you and your families are all doing well!  I know the cold season is upon us (and Griffyn is on his nebulizer treatments again and battling the crud after catching it from his Momma).  Time for lots of vitamin C and hot tea!  Making sure the kids get their vitamins every morning, are drinking lots of juice, and looking into getting some gummy C's for them as an added measure of precaution.  Take care, God bless, and happy November :)!!!