day of thanks...

Thanksgiving is here- what are you thankful for?

I, myself am thankful for an outrageous number of things but most of all this year I am thankful for God following through- it may be in his own way or time, but he always does.

I have had quite the busy weekend and I apologize for not getting more out sooner but trust me- I cannot contain myself with Christmas, so you all will get a screen load of stuff coming at ya!

Are you having Turkey day at your house or are you going to friend's, family?  Whatever the case, one should never show up empty handed- here are some ways to keep your hands full...

Nothing to "wine" about here!

of course!!  Pick a festive dishtowel and ribbon- you'll be out the door in a flash!

(photo via goingtomakeitmine.tumblr.com)

such a great idea for an old sweater- or if you washed one and accidentally shrunk it... been there, done that.

(photo via greylikeswedding.com)

Take some leaves out of your centerpiece and voila!!

(photo via bhg.com)

socks, socks, socks.  A gift for her and him.  Her being the wine, he can have the socks!!

(photo via formalfringe.com)

you won't even need a handle for this one- it comes with it's own!!

(photo via ilovenesting.com)

made out of felt- cut with edged scissors, fabric glue and you're done!  You could even do a couple ahead of time and then grab and go!

(photo via bystephanielynn.com)

for the greenie in your life- this would be much appreciated by me, my husband could care less.  (he's learning, I keep telling myself:  baby steps, baby steps.)

(photo via pinterest.com)

I love the little frames with either a simple message or of course the family dog!!  Who could resist that adorable face?!?

(photo via napastyle.com)

so cute for the holidays.  Go to hobby lobby and check out the doll clothing- they always have great finds!

(photo via olderandwisor.blogspot.com)

I couldn't resist- pretty much everyone has these- I know for sure hobby lobby.

(photo via kirklands.com)


Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving!!

How cute is this?

that's one smart turkey- everyone looks good tan :)



let's get this show on the road! (show meaning holiday!)

Christmas  Thanksgiving is coming, the goose turkey is getting fat....

I must admit- every year, it slowly turns into a pile of green and red in my home and like some of my friends have stated, "Oh my, it looks like Christmas threw up in here."  I secretly grin, shrug my shoulders, and save a pat on the back for later.  Success.

So, as you could probably guess- I'm hosting Thanksgiving, but it's a lot of Christmas up in here!  (Although basement is strictly Thanksgiving.)

Where or where do I put everything?

So as I told you- I will be giving out a recipe and here is the first one:

pumpkin crisp

• 32 ounce pumpkin
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 eggs
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 sticks melted butter

Topping

• 1 ounce cream cheese
• 1 carton whipped topping
• 1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1. Mix together pumpkin, milk, sugar, cinnamon and eggs.  Pour mixture into 9X13 pan lined with wax paper
2. crumble the dry cake mix over the pumpkin mixture.  Sprinkle with crumbled nuts, then pour melted butter over the top
3. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes.  Turn upside down onto a platter and remove wax paper.  Allow to cool thoroughly.  When cooled, cover with topping mixture and refrigerate.
4. Enjoy!

This past weekend- we had a great family weekend.  It was my grandparents 65th wedding anniversary- what an accomplishment!  I am so proud of them, as they are both healthy and well at 87.  They have literally spent a lifetime together- unbelievable those two!

My family is from Breese, Illinois which may be one of the most quaint, little towns around.  It's really adorable and it has some really great food!!  As we feasted on pizza, fried chicken, fries, and slaw- you can't pass up one of these when you go to Clinton County! 

It tastes like an amazing blend of mountain dew and sprite but 10 x better- I'm not a soda drinker- and this I can down!

It was the obvious choice.


one last thing...
My sister happens to be the most amazing photographer.  We were able to sneak in a couple of shots and I just have to share this one.  (I can't share the rest- gotta save some for Christmas- ya know!!)

precious.

Cowles Imaging- check them out!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cowles-Imaging/133754833365008

They are wickedly awesome- her husband is as equally talented.  Based in Nashville, TN- if you're in the area, they come HIGHLY suggested!