Thanksgiving 2013

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year!!

On Tuesday, my parents and grandparents arrived. We celebrated Maddie's birthday (I'll post about that later) that evening. On Wednesday, I spent time getting ready for Thanksgiving, and Gus and Maddie were busy playing with their MiMi, MawMaw, PawPaw, and Big Daddy. Gus's favorite activity right now is listening to his "Cowboy" cd and dancing. Big Daddy (my dad) showed him how to "call" the cows, and use a whip (pretend). Gus LOVED this!!

Here is Gus and Maddie dancing :)

 He spent the rest of the week asking for everyone to come to his room and listen to his cd with him. My mom made one of our favorite things- our family roll recipe. And she also made some gravy! I cooking a pie and then made two recipes for breakfast that could be stored overnight in the fridge.

Thursday morning we got up and going to begin cooking!! Josh brined and cooked our turkey. I got breakfast in the oven, and then we were all ready to be able to sit and watch the parade in front of the fire! My whole goal in planning Thanksgiving is to be able to have as much as I can prepped so we can enjoy watching the parade. This year things went really smoothly, and I was able to enjoy the parade :) And of course Santa came- which means it is officially the Christmas season!!

We ate lunch at about 12:45. It was all delicious! Here's our beautiful table:

 I always wish I could eat more. Of course there was tons of food left over as always, even though I tried not to make too much. I have to thank Josh, my mom, and my grandmother for helping clean up the kitchen. I just put things away, and it didn't take us long to get the kitchen cleaned up. 

The kids took naps, and some of the adults too. Then it was time to watch the Cowboys play football. It's tradition! I made a few snacks after halftime. But that was about it for the day. I'm so thankful that we were able to share it with family.

We ended the night with Maddie saying "EIEIO" in Old McDonald Had a Farm! She's so proud of herself

More to come about what's been going on around here this last week!

Craft Frenzy Friday Link-Up

I'm excited to be participating in Craft Frenzy Friday as a co-host!! 

Check out all the posts below, and link-up to join the party! 

We want to thank all of our Craft Frenzy Friday participants last week and welcome you back this week! Please be sure to like your host on all social media you want!  We appreciate the love!  Also, just a reminder we pin all the features on two Craft Frenzy Friday Pinterest Boards so you will get twice the love!

Craft Dictator

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/Bloglovin'/Pinterest/Google+   

Turning the Clock Back

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West Street Story

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And our two co-host this week!

Life As I Know It 

Blog/Facebook/Pinterest/Bloglovin'/Twitter/Instagram

Tales of a Real Housewife

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If you are interested in co-hosting email Cara at craftdictator@gmail.com!

Now on to our wonderful features!

All the features are picked by the host and co-host of the week!

 
Clementine Crate Centerpiece at Two It Yourself


Cute and Clean in 10 Minutes at Nicer Than New


DIY Large Christmas Sign at Two It Yourself

 
Caramel Apple Cider at O Taste and See


DIY Woodland Animal Card Holder at Just A Little Creativity

Be Sure to Grab a featured button here!!  Also, go grab a Craft Frenzy Friday Button here!  We'd love to see them on your page!

Now onto the party!

Happy Thanksgiving To You

We are enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving at our house. My parents and grandparents are here with us. I'll write more about our day later, but I just wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. The list of things I am thankful for would be way to long to put here, but I really couldn't ask for anything more. God has been so good to me and my family. 

 (It's officially the Christmas season! Santa (in the parade) is here!)

I hope you have a blessed day,

Cookies and Snow

A cold front came through Thursday night, and it has been cold around here!!! I love the cold when I can stay home in front of the fire :) 

This morning it started snowing! It has snowed off and on all day and is about to start snowing again! 

I've started planning for Thanksgiving, and Gus and I made a couple of desserts I could put in the freezer today. I had two helpers in the kitchen.  I made peanut butter cookies and peanut clusters (recipe HERE) The peanut clusters are really easy, and I can just keep the ingredients on hand throughout the holidays. 

Gus liked the chocolate kiss on top :)

Maddie is just walking now! She's such a big girl. I took a video of her walking today- she's getting pretty fast. 

 And here's the beautiful snow: 

Maddie turns 1!!!!

Maddie,

You are now one year old. The last month has been so much fun with you. In addition to now having SEVEN teeth, you are walking everywhere, talking, using your hands to tell us things, you are learning so much! I love how you are already girly. I love how you love me to hold you. I love watching you play with Gus. I love seeing how much you love your daddy and how much he loves you.

 

 I love seeing you play with the dogs. I love seeing you play with toys. You are such a joy. 

 

I don't know your weight yet. But you are wearing 12 month clothes, size 3 diapers, and still have little feet! You love to eat and eat all kinds of food! 

We started this morning early with some fun presents. Gus was excited to enjoy with them with you. 

We headed to a nearby city for the day. We did some shopping, and then we went to lunch at Chick-fil-a. Gus enjoyed playing, and you enjoyed watching.

 

While I had a dr.'s appointment, you went to a park with daddy and Gus. Daddy took some great pictures of you and Gus :)

We picked up your cake and headed home. I had to get your cake at the same place I got Gus's first birthday cake, and it is also who made your daddy and me's wedding cake! It is a fun tradition. 

We sang to you, Gus helped blow out your candle, and then you went straight in! You really enjoyed it :)

 

We had a wonderful relaxed day. It was spent with family. It was spent doing things we enjoy. You loved playing with all your new toys. 

Maddie- I love you so so much. Although I love you being little, I'm looking forward to watching you grow and getting to know you even better. It is always my hope and prayer that we will be close forever :)

Love always,

 Mommy

 

(Maddie's birthday party will be next week, and I'll do a post about the theme of her birthday)