I refuse to think about reality

Nope.

I will not think about the fact that my holiday break is coming to an abrupt end in just 4 days.

I had an insurmountable to-do list for my week off work.

So insurmountable in fact, I did not do one thing on my list.

Not one.

But it's been a joyous holiday, full of family, time with le hubs, relaxation, old friends, and lots of lounging.

All of which I desperately needed.

So, cheers to my holiday break that is almost over.

Happy Hollies

Oh mi goodness.

Thanks so much for the sweet comments on my last post - which was exactly two weeks ago - gulp! You all are just too sweet, and I MISS you. And blogging in general. I'm hoping to get back in the habit... at least while I'm off of work for a week. ;)

I've been quite busy with the hippity holidays.

And trying to finish up my masters.

And DIYin' all over the house.

And makin' stuff for my kiddos. And co-workers.

Hot Cocoa Mix for my teammates and para. Mmm. Hershey's Candy Cane Kisses for extra minty flavor.

Bags-O-My-favorite-Christmas-Things for my munchkins: hot chocolate, pretzels and m&ms, a candy cane, and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (best book ever).

Speaking of making stuff, what did we ever do before Pinterest? I swear I had absolutely no creativity about 6 months ago.

This past weekend, I had a little get-together with some gals for a scarf swap. A couple of items on the menu were from my dear friend Pinny

Made some of these guys. Embarrassingly easy. And have already been asked for the "recipe" by two people.

And Meet Mr. Popular: Holiday Sangria. Hit of the party! (As you can see, this stuff was almost gone by the time I thought to take a pic). This stuff was quite unique, but very delish.

So much fun and LOVE my new scarf I got! Love, Love, Love chunky cable knits! And LOVE girl time.

Hope you're having some holly, jolly holiday fun too!!

I have the coolest friends

My friends are way cool.

I mean, way cooler than me.

We're talking doctors, lawyers, professional photographers, engineers, writers, business owners, an opera singer, a band member, and even a writer of the back of books (you know the little blurbs that summarize a book).

I really love my friends. But the fact that they're so cool makes me love them even more. (And question why they're friends with me: an ex-corporate-recruiter-turned-fourth-grade-teacher).

So recently, we took advantage of the talents of one friend in particular because she has some pretty amazing photog skills.

We've been wanting to get professional pics taken because we haven't since our wedding...over 5 years ago.

So we decided to try the whole hire-a-friend route.

And I'm so happy we did.

They turned out awesome-spice. Words can't even describe. And huge bonus: It wasn't just a photography session, but a great MEMORY - we had so much fun!

Hiring a friend is totally the way to go. ;)

Thanks to the unbelievably talented Ali!

Happy Heart

It's been a week since Thanksgiving.

And I still feel overwhelmingly thankful.

And full.

But my heart is just very happy right now.

I'm so content.

The long Thanksgiving break was exactly what I needed.

Our first year hosting was a big success!

Lots of updates to share, but for now, I'm just enjoying my Christmas tree.

And my sweet husband.

Who's ready for Christmas break?

I can't believe I get one of those again.

Woop. Woop.

Thanksgiving Feast

The usual monthly update

Oh hello there.

We still friends?

Mmk. Good.

Figured I'd update the ol' lonesome blog.

Lots has happened since we last spoke.

Got fall pics taken with my cutie pie. This is only a sneak peek. ;)

My sweet cousin got married.

Visited my alma mater.

Had a reunion with my college besties.

Assigned a really cute turkey assignment to my kiddos: Persuasive essay on why NOT to eat their turkey for Thanksgiving.

Watched (almost) every single episode of Mad Men. Pure addiction.

And that brings us to date. Where I am furiously looking up recipes on Pinterest and allrecipes.com, digging out all my pots and bakeware, and heading to the grocery store to prepare for our very first time HOSTING Thanksgiving!

Gobble Gobble!

Have a safe, happy, filling, and RESTFUL Thanksgiving!!!

Thankful for my homies

My dad will randomly remind me of a story from when I was little.

And we like to talk about it's sweet irony.

Apparently when I was 3 years old, I went up to my dad and told him that I really wanted friends. When he asked what I meant, I just told him that I wanted LOTS OF FRIENDS.

Yes. I was a little social butterfly even at 3.

Some things really don't change.

But we will always talk about this little story and how my prayers came true as I have been abundantly blessed with so many amazing friends.

I say all this because I have a group of friends from home who have made a tremendous impact on my life. And even though we are scattered all over the world, we always manage to find time every year to see one another. And it's like we've never skipped a beat. I've known most of them since we were five years old. FIVE! These relationships are some of my most special and are ones that I will always treasure.

A few weeks ago, one of us got married. It was one of the most lovely weddings I've ever been to: outdoors, at the home where she grew up, wildflowers, country chic decor, and beautiful colors. And she didn't let it bother her one bit that the skies decided to open up and POUR just before the ceremony began.

It was still beautiful. And of course good luck! ;)

But everything about the day was very intimate and special. I was so happy to be a part of it. And I was once again reminded how lucky I am to have those friends I wished for back when I was a young tot.

Rehearsal Dinner:

Big Day: