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:

I've got spirit

I've been known to be a bah humbug at times.

I mean, of course I want to be that cute hostess/wife/future mom who has an abundance of crafty holiday DIY projects all over the house.

And I'm an elementary teacher. So I desperately want to and always have every intention of getting into the holiday spirit for all holidays.

However, let's be honest. I usually huff and puff and grunt and growl while I'm dusting off the holiday decor, setting up for parties, and digging through my cookbooks to try to find holiday recipes that wow.

But I get really get grumpy when holidays jump the gun and stores start preparing us 3-4 months in advance. Like when it's August, and they already start playing Christmas music. Ugh.

I think things just sneak up on me. And I get a little overwhelmed. Because I'm a perfectionist. And everything has to be perfect. Obvi.

But this year, my friends, I am already in the Christmas spirit. And it's not even Thanksgiving! It could be because this is our first year with our own house to decorate.

Or it could be because I spent an hour and a half at Hobby Lobby with my mom this weekend because all Christmas decor was 50% off.

Or because we got professional pics taken for our Christmas cards, so holiday spirit is on my radar.

But for now I'm going to put on the brakes. At least until all this Halloween candy settles...

Nothing like a HUGE sale to put me in the SPIRIT!

Oh heyyy

Happy Tuesday, almost Wednesday.

I'm in a fabulous mood.

It is 9:48 p.m., and although I'm just now getting home from a long day, I'm going to blog and hit the sheets.

No work!

I'm on this new kick.

It's called: "Leave work at work."

Ok. Who am I kidding?

I'll never in my life be able to live up to that mantra.

But I have discovered a whole new groove.

I haven't gone into work the past THREE Sundays.

Can't even believe it.

I am finally getting to a point where I'm able to say,

"Nope. You're staying here tonight.

And I'm not gonna feel guilty about it.

And I'm even going to sleep well knowing

that I wasn't able to cross you off my to-do

list. So nanny, nanny, boo-boo."

It feels good.

Life has still been as busy as ever.

Just attended our 13 of 14 weddings this past weekend.

Where on earth will I spend my time and money when we only

have 5 (and counting) weddings next year?

I still MUST do a post on a recent wedding we attended. But time does just not permit

the post it deserves right now.

So I leave you with:

Pieces of Me: October Edition.

celebration of mi birth

got to see mi lifelong friends I've known since kindergarten

celebration of mi college friendships and KSU's short-lived 7-0 streak.

competed in the oktoberfest bier barrel race. so.much.fun

celebration of mi hubby's birth

and little sammie-boy's birth

turned out to be the only teacher in my hallway to dress up - boo.

wedding numero 13 of 14 this year - congrats to the super-cute couple

Dear November,

Please do not go as quickly.

Mmmk. Thank you.