New traditions

I love love, always have and always will. I spotted fresh mistletoe while shopping at Trader Joe's and decided to buy it and hang it up for the holiday. The kids think it's silly and will say, "Uh oh, we're under the mistletoe!" while puckering their lips. I love it!

I've also started a new Thanksgiving tradition this year. I bought a white table cloth and fabric markers. During our family's Thanksgiving meal yesterday I placed the new tablecloth on the table and asked everyone to write down what they're thankful for (Sam had help and said he's thankful for books btw). The plan is to add something new each year and see how their handwriting and gratitude changes over time. ❤️

You'll see the Schulz Living History Farms/Thanksgiving pictures below. 

Thankful

It's that time of year again to celebrate Thanksgiving. We hosted the Schulz family for the annual Living History Farms/Thanksgiving event. We had a great time with the Schulzes and I am truly  thankful for all of them. I did have an epiphany over the course of the weekend and I think it's due to the fact that you don't really realize how much someone else does for you until you try to do it yourself. Hosting guests is a ton of work. The house cleaning, laundry, meal planning, shopping, realizing you didn't get something and going back to the store, dishes, washing bedding, working full time, finding fridge space, encouraging Sam to not pee on the toilet seat, etc. etc. etc.

My epiphany was this: G.G. is a saint! I host Thanksgiving once a year with Chef Eric doing the majority of the cooking and I still feel like I ran an ultra marathon when it's all over. G.G. is constantly hosting people, doing all of the cooking, cleaning, and entertaining, and she seems to love it.

I have a very long thankful list, but today G.G.'s name is written with a glitter pen.

Love notes

Laura has been leaving notes like these around the house lately. I can't imagine loving her more.

Party Time

Sam had his first "friends party" today. We celebrated with a Planes theme party and the biggest hit was the airplane simulation. Each kid got in the "airplane position" on my legs while we blasted a box fan. Then the party goer went through a "cloud" and was hit in the face with a plateful of whipped cream. The pie in the face trick never gets old. I wish I had pictures, but my hands were full of whipped topping. 

Sam and Laura both had breakfast in bed this morning and I have a hunch this is going to turn into a birthday tradition. Who knew waffles in bed could be so thrilling?!

These are the moments I know I'm going to miss when they're grown and away. 

Four

He's four! Sam had a great birthday yesterday that included Eric being his special guest at preschool, going out for lunch with Eric, make your own pizza night, cupcakes, and a birthday gift treasure hunt! 

I will update with more pictures after his Planes party this weekend. He also requested breakfast in bed. Where did my baby go?!