I really am thankful...

So, I really am thankful, I'm just too busy to tell you all about it, lol. We had a great Thanksgiving this year. My in-laws had to stay in Michigan a little later than expected due to a hip replacement surgery for Ross' Grandfather. They decided to wait to come home until Christmas and we all did our "own thing" this Thanksgiving. I have to admit it, it was really nice. I wouldn't want to do it every year... I would miss the tradition of going to Ross' Grandparents home, but it was nice to do our own thing. I made my first Turkey and it was SO GOOD. I love that Ross has had Turkey Sandwiches every day this week, lol. EASY! I also made my first Pumpkin Pie. I am fairly well known for my pie making ability...but since my mother in law always makes Pumpkin Pie, I've never needed to do one. I wish I had made four. I love Pumpkin Pie. :) Anyway, it was a beautiful, restful day for our family, and I loved every moment of it.

I set a simple table...





With special touches for Haley...who always appreciates them. She loved the placecards. :)



And my kids were happy after pie...




I consider that a success. :) I am so thankful for my family, who loves me and I love so much. I have a good hubby who understands me, and kids who are proud of me for the things I love to create. I am blessed, and I know it. :)

Have you started yet?

Holiday shopping, that is. Can you believe we are like 40 days away from Christmas? I am already about 1/4 done with my shopping! (You've gotta love Craft Shows!) Since I'm so ahead of the game, I thought I'd help all of my wonderful readers and do a gift guide. Check out these awesome etsians..


CatherineMarissa has GORGEOUS jewelry. I know, there is a ton of jewelry out there. But she actually went to school to learn to do it right! I own two pairs of her earrings, and I love them. I have another pair on the way!



LydiaLayne is another site that I love for jewelry. I have been eyeing this necklace for months...



If you've been reading this blog at all, you know I love LittleBitFunky! She has these awesome towels...I have two sets. I couldn't resist. What a fun, funky gift!


K Bella Bambino has amazing children's clothes. She makes me wish my daughter were 5 again, and I could just dress her up in these little skirts!!!


Then there is Allikayesmama, who makes these adorable blocks. Here we have the Christmas version, but she does ADORABLE custom names, too! What a great gift for a baby's nursery!! Or your last name to put on your side table. Too cute!


And who wouldn't want a monkey from The Monkey Shop? I swear, I have not met a person yet, adult, baby or child. I do shows with Dulce, the creator of these monkeys, and EVERYONE wants one! I have never heard so many squeals!!

And here is one for the tween scene... vmdesigns. Amazing how she can take a scrabble tile and make it that girly! I love the extra ribbons!

And for any child in your life...I love these pillows! Someone in my life is getting one...I just can't say who. :) Go see The Giving Tree to order one of you own!

And last but not least...MariaSoleil, my favorite Paper Girl! After you package up all of those great gifts, you have to tag them, right? Here are my favorites!! She also makes AWESOME clipboards, so keep watching her shop for more fun stuff. :)

And of course, the best place to find stocking stuffers and presents is MY shop, silly! Happy shopping!

My son

Davis is so funny. He is an odd mix of funny, silly and responsible. He is the one that is STRESSED if his homework is not done right away. He is a rule follower, like his mom, but he also has this cute little quirky side. Today he wanted to stay home from school because he was tired. He had woken up VERY early and couldn't fall back asleep. Since he's managed to go to school on days he really didn't feel well, I decided to let him sleep in and stay home. Haley went off on the bus, and Davis and I napped on the couch. Just as school was starting, Davis sat up and said, "Mom, what day is it?" When I replied, "Tuesday" he got the saddest look on his face. He was missing gym. Suddenly he felt a little better, lol. So off we went to school, just in time for Gym, his favorite thing he does all week long. He recently told me he didn't like that Thanksgiving Break made it so that he only had gym once that week. LOL

The other day, he came out into the living room and asked me for some candy. I replied "For breakfast???" and he said, "No, Mom WITH breakfast", lol. As if that were better. He's too smart for his own good. He knows he has me around his little finger when he makes me laugh. :)