my holiday weekend

Happy Monday! Boy am I in need of a weekend!!! Holidays are ridiculously busy. We spent Thanksgiving with my family.

Corn Casserole (my sister made) via Michelle at Guess How Much and mom's macaroni and cheese with bacon. Fabulous. 

Pioneer Woman's Mashed Potatoes. Holy cow the were good.

My mom also made these (hopefully she will comment below the name of this recipe). I was reluctant to try them, only because I'm weird. Puff pastry, goat cheese, figs, walnuts, and some sort of delicious sweet sauce drizzled on top. Fabulous. 

***And she did...well she tried, it didn't work. So my sister tried. You can find the link to the recipe in the comments!***

My aunt made that green bean casserole. This wasn't your ordinary green bean casserole....fresh green beans, mushrooms...amazing. I could have eaten the entire pan.

Cranberry sauce. No weird canned stuff for us. 

I made the rolls and the sweet potato casserole (recipe soon) just to my left. I'm not allowed at family functions if I don't bring my rolls. 

 We also visited my husband's side of the family on Saturday (which included 4 hours in the car). It was great to see them and my mother in law is a fabulous cook. She always has such a beautiful presentation. Classy and elegant. She was also gracious enough to send some amazing Christmas decorations home with us. My husband was less than thrilled, but that's only because we look like this on our way home.

Traditionally, my family and I are crazy enough to take on the mall on Black Friday. This year, I had to work so we moved it to Sunday. We always meet for lunch, shop a bit, then stop for a treat, and shop a little more. I have to admit the smaller crowd and better parking spots really sold me on skipping Black Friday. With two little boys in the family, we had to meet Santa! 

Cousins. 

My mom and aunt trying to convince the boys that Santa was ok.

I made it in the picture at the last minute. 

This is what I told Santa I want for Christmas. I also told him these were at Williams Sonoma, but are competitively priced online. 

This week is going to be so busy for me! My new layout is being built this week and I CANNOT WAIT TO SEE IT!!! My new December sponsors go live but not without a last look at my November ladies. Aaaannnd I have another pie for the current series. My co-worker and good friend comes back from maternity leave. My company Christmas party is this week and we have family photos this weekend! 

I need a nap already. 

Giving Thanks

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.

I will admit that a lot some of the time, I could point out 10 negative things in life before one positive thing ever come onto my radar. I need to work on that. 

I told my husband that I am ridiculously excited for Thanksgiving this year. Why? No clue. I mean, someone might need to give me a sedative soon. I'm that excited. 

I even bought a new edition of Trivial Pursuit so that a family game will, without a doubt, take place. Who am I???

 Last year, the holidays were pretty much a miserable blur for me. (Yeah, boo hoo, Debbie Downer.) I was 4 months post baby and a hot mess....physically and emotionally. 2010 was filled with a whirlwind of events including (but certainly not limited to) getting pregnant, getting married, having a baby, and buying a house. I had no clue on where to start managing my time as a full time working mom and wife...and workout? Don't worry. I stumbled through it, without any grace (as in graceful) whatsoever, and came out alive. 

As I reflect on my life over the past 365 days, it is a true and humbling reminder that no matter how much I think I'm in control...I couldn't handle being in control. I have been commanded by my Father to devote myself to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And for me, that feels really good. 

I am thankful for ...

today.

the promises He has given me.

a happy, healthy, and vibrant little boy. 

that he still needs me to rock him to sleep. 

I am thankful for my loving, supportive, and handsome best friend and husband. 

I am thankful for... 

two dogs that could be mistaken for pigs any day of the week. 

all of the family we will be seeing this holiday. 

a great job to return to on Friday. 

I am thankful that I don't have to worry about where our Thanksgiving dinner will come from. 

I am thankful that I do not have to worry if we will have heat tonight. 

And I am thankful for the wonderful blogging community I have found. I have prayed for friends  for...well, a really long time, and I have already met some of the most fantastic women, just by being me. 

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!