Thankful

I am so looking forward to being with my family for Thanksgiving. There are so many things to be thankful for this year. I am so grateful for the people in my life. Here are some of those people who make me feel so thankful every day:

Thanksgiving Gift

I put together some quick, easy, and inexpensive gifts for Shelly's four teachers for Thanksgiving. 

We bought some fuzzy soft socks from the Dollar Spot at Target and combined them with a body lotion from the Dollar Tree. This is just a little something to let them know we are thinking of them. 

I created a little bag topper with designs from mycutegraphics.com

New for Christmas

I've added a few new items to our holiday decor this year. Shelly and I actually spent some time last week decorating the house. We just need to add our tree after Thanksgiving and we will be ready to go!

John bought me this adorable tall snowman from the secretary at Shelly's school. I just love it. It is actually created from tobacco sticks.

I went to a local shop the other day and purchased this adorable pillow. I love how it goes with my chevron pillows.  

I bought this fun plaid tablecloth at Marshall's and added our cute little tree to the table. I used the red ribbon that came with the packaging on the tablecloth to use as a garland on the tree. The topper is a sweet Snowbabies figurine that my mom gave me the Christmas before Lily was born. So sweet.

Plaid is so popular right now. So this is a fun addition to the holiday decor.

Daisy thought it would be fun to get in on the photo action!!!

Long Whiskers!

Advent Ideas

I'm preparing for the upcoming advent calendar season. Each year we (I) like to fill the advent calendar with fun activities for the family. I have a few small items that go into the calendar (lip gloss, money, candy, ornaments, etc.) along with service activities and fun things to do. Here are a few things on our list this year:

• Decorate Christmas cookies
• Drive around and look at the lights
• Watch Elf together as a family
• Play a game together
• Paint your toenails Christmas colors
• Make Christmas ornaments
• Send cards to recovering soldiers
• Make a snow globe
• Decorate a gingerbread house
• Perform a random act of kindness
• Hot Chocolate Bar & Doughnuts 
• Bake a treat for a neighbor
• Make Chocolate covered pretzels
• Do some Christmas Mad Libs
• Volunteer

Years ago, my sister-in-law got us this super cute personalized Advent Calendar from Pottery barn. We love it! 

These are some current versions that are cute:

Rudolph

Snowman

Painted Reindeer

Cheer for a Cause

Shelly's cheer leading team participated in a cheer competition on Saturday. 

Girls with their terrific coach, Mrs. hawkins!

The competition was sponsored by a senior from the high school for her senior project and there really wasn't a competition---just lots of support and fun for all the girls. 

All the girls dancing in between cheers

Jumps

SUPER HAPPY CHEERLEADER

FRIENDS!

There were several cheer groups including two teams who were special needs and it was a really special time for the girls and I'm so glad Shelly was a part of it. The donations received from this event went to the Special Olympics program.

Grandma's Note

My mom was so good at making my girls feel special. She wrote sweet notes and she created fun birthday gifts for the girls. I ran across a note from her to Lily. It was a simple message about Lily's upcoming birthday and my parent's trip to Hawaii. I loved how she included the map for Lily to keep up with their travels. She knew how to make things interesting and fun for them.

I love looking at the many cards and notes I have from her. I'm a saver of letters and cards and at times like this, I'm grateful that I have them. As always, I love and miss her. 

Honoring Veterans

Thinking of all the Veterans today, especially my father and brother-in-law who both served in the Navy. And grateful that my nephew is currently serving in the Navy!

My Dad!

Shelly's school has an annual Veterans Day performance where they honor the veterans in the area. Here's a little of their performance:

Daisy

A few recent photos of Dazzling Daisy!!!!! She's my frequent afternoon companion and she's always sharing her unique personality with me.

Love her little pink tongue

Precious Gift

Last year, Lily made a wonderful Christmas gift for me, John, her grandpa, and her Bestemor. 

She took a deck of cards and used each card to list the reasons why she loved us. Lily made a set for each one of us. They were amazingly personal gifts and were customized for the recipient with very special items listed on each card. And she created this without any of us knowing. Such a unique and thoughtful gift for someone you love. 

Examples of some of her cards

She added sweet thoughts along with funny comments---that's what I love most about her gift!

The box of cards sit on my nightstand and every now and then I take them out and read them.

John's set of cards

Again, funny items combined with sweet

Who wouldn't love to receive this sweet and thoughtful gift? Just perfect.