A Peak Into Our Thanksgiving;

This year we opened up our home and hosted Thanksgiving. I love to host in general. I love being surrounded by family and friends, the planning and preparations that goes into it. Maybe I should have been a party planner. Ha ha ha.

Everything went as planned and the food turned out great. I made my famous homemade apple sauce, homemade mashed potatoes, my glazed carrots with of course the rest of your typical Thanksgiving goodies.  Setting the table was probably my favorite part of preparing for the dinner. 

 For our adult dinner table I kept it simple. I used warping paper cut for the placemats. I borrowed burlap for my table runner since my theme was more of the rustic/ romantic theme. One rule of hosting is, it's okay to borrow. Don't ever ever forget that. Don't feel like you have to go out and buy everything just to host.

 For the center piece I shoved my husband outdoors and had him gather sticks from our backyard. Thank goodness for the woods. He he he. I used the yarn to wrap it around the sticks to give it a decor lift.  I bought an old fashion looking glass milk bottle from Big Lots for only 2 dollars! Yes I was very excited.

Now onto the kids table. For the table cover, once again I used the Christmas wrapping paper. It just happened to match my theme. I borrowed the beautiful hand crafted silverware holders from my Mother-in-law. I choose the wrapping paper for the children's table incase they choose to color on it. Great idea right? I thought so to. Our place cards were made from card stock paper folded and cut to size. 

Hope you all were able to enjoy your Thanksgiving. Now we are off to get out Christmas Photo's taken.

As Of Lately...

Lately around our home we have been spending a lot of family time. During the busy holiday season it's important to take a step back and remind ourselves what's truly important. This time of the year can become so hectic and stressful. From Christmas shopping with the long lines at the check outs to preparing for Christmas day. So this year I made sure we took that step back and relaxed. I grew up with what I would call, "go with the flow" parents who were rarely stressed. If they were they were super at hiding it. I want to be those parents. 

During our step back, the girls spend special time bonding, remembering what sisterhood is about. Something I wish for them to never forget. 

 While taking our step back, our oldest daughter learned to spell out words and write complete sentences all on her own. We are so proud of her big accomplishment. 

Although we had to take an unwanted trip to urgent care for our youngest daughter due to an ear infection, she did exceptionally well. Her first one yet at 16 months. She is now feeling much better now!

Our silly middle daughter. "take a picture of me mom!"

 We taught Our youngest how to color. She loves it, and does quit well.

We have been spending a lot of time finger painting with sponge brushes.

I snapped a picture when I caught Daddy reading with Baby H. I didn't want him to notice so it's a little fuzzy. I can tell this step back is rubbing off on him finally. 

 At night I may be guilty of letting her stay in our bed a few times. Their only little for so long. I feel so blessed and thankful for to enjoy these moments as a family.

Have you took a step back to relax this holiday season?!