It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

I think I'm finally getting into the Christmas spirit this weekend!

I found some great deals on Black Friday, saw a cute Christmas movie (Four Christmases) with my good friend Jen, put up the Christmas decorations with Andy and...woke up to snow this morning!

A perfect day for snuggling in and enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa! Let the Christmas countdown begin!

Thanksgiving 2008

This year we spent Thanksgiving in Des Moines at Andy's parent's house. We had a nice day of eating delicious food, relaxing, and just enjoying the day. It was exactly how Thanksgiving should be- and I hope everyone had a safe holiday!

Jack and Evie as little Indians~

Evie isn't too sure about her new 'hat'~

Amazing turkey brined and cooked by Andy~

Way too much good food~

Let the Good Times (and bowling balls!) Roll...

Andy and I met some friends out Wednesday night for dinner and bowling. $5 martini's do not equate to a decent bowling score! I think my high score was 58. But hey, it's the fun that counts right? We had a great time catching up with everyone before the holidays.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!
Dinner at Legend's~ Gotta love those bowling shoes!

Jenny got a strike! She's my hero!

Crawford in the zone~

Inspiring

Every year, my company creates an 'Angel Tree' during the holidays. A Christmas tree is decorated with Angels that contain gift ideas for the Des Moines Boys Home, a group that takes in and caters to teen boys that have been exposed to horrific living conditions. They shelter and school the boys until they are 18 years of age. It's a great charity that I'm happy we can be a part of.

The heartbreaking part of the Angel tree are the gift suggestions from the boys- most ask for warm clothing, hats/gloves, one boy asked for his own 'blanket' and this year, the Angel I choose- a 12 year old boy asked for the book 'The Audacity of Hope,' by Barack Obama.

Here are teenage boys that have been exposed to years of abuse, poverty, and who knows what else- and instead of video games, electronics or some outlandish gift, they are merely hoping for warm clothes and some words of insight.

Even though it's just one gift, I hope the book will uplift and inspire.

Taking my mind off the economy...

Okay so I don't know about you guys, but I'm down right tired of watching the news lately! Tired of the layoffs, the foreclosures, the bailouts, the political fights... I need to get back to the basics. I need to start my 'grateful' list every day and keep on adding to it!

Every day, I'm thankful for my amazing hubby, who keeps me laughing and who treats me like a queen. I'm so thankful for my wonderful family and all my awesome friends- who continue to uplift and support me through anything. I'm so thankful that I have a job that I love- with benefits, friends, a free parking space. I'm thankful for my health- the fact that every day I wake up and can see, hear, taste, smell... I'm so thankful that I have a car that got me to work today and didn't have another flat!

My knuckles hurt as I'm knocking on wood while typing... but I just need to remember- stop, take a breath, and enjoy this day for all it has brought to me. Oh- and getting my next 5 lb. loss star at my WW meeting today helped too. :)

May God keep us and bless us as we live through these crazy times...

California Fires

Andy's parents received a phone call last night from family that lives in California. The border of their town was on fire- even the high school was burning. As of last night, they were spraying down their roof with water; their house was okay- let's hope the fires can get under control before it hits them. Please keep them and everyone affected by the fires, in your prayers!

Just like mama used to make...

Almost every special event since I can remember, my mom has made the BEST lasagna ever known to mankind. Better than any Italian joint in NYC- and lately, I've had a hankering for it. So I decided to whip out the big guns, and try to make it myself!

It didn't turn out too bad- however, my notes for next time: add more mozzarella and don't use 'oven-ready' noodles. Oh and this batch didn't have Baldy's 'special touch.' :)

And yes mom, I did recycle the jars and noodle box!