Alright y'all it's that time again, time for cool brisk days, cuddle up in a blanket nights... the holiday season is upon us! Now those of you that know me well know that I blend the two together, it's November 8th and I'm behind on decorating, but when I get to it I break out the "Christmas" decor right away! Many of you are against this, I get it. I still have "two holidays" but I love the look of all the holiday lights and such. Um plus I don't have fall/Thanksgiving decorations. If I did, I would surely put those out until Turkey Day and then do "Christmas decor". So if you come over and see my snowmen and garland, that's just me... :-P 

This year is going to go a little different for me, my Nana has come to a point where she just can't handle the large holiday meal anymore. She will make herself do it, but then she's wiped out for days... and who wants Nana going through all that? So it's time to let Nana retire. Exciting part? I am cooking for my mom's family!

I must say I'm thrilled to have creative reign over the menu (with input from the family as well). Plus, last year I did a trial run of Nana's dressing, and it came out very close to hers, (and got the Nana seal of approval in a taste test!!) So I will be happy to share this with my family.I can't wait to teach the kids one day all of the yummy recipes I've learned- and will learn. There is something special about a home cooked meal that brings everyone together!

I recently received turkey salt and pepper shakers from my aunt Jess, so I'm thrilled to be putting those out for use!

What's on the menu you ask? Well, turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, lima beans, green beans, fresh cream corn, rolls, broccoli and rice casserole, sweet potato souffle, chicken and dumplings, sausage balls, deviled eggs, spinich dip, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake, pecan pie, chocolate pie, cherry cheesecake and cranberry sauce! YUMMY!

After the meal at our house, we will be headed to Rob's family get together where the newest official wife in the Green Family is preparing dinner! While I'm talking about them, let me just add that I'm thankful for having two sisters (in law) that are fabulous! These three brothers got themselves some great women... ;)

Then for what I hope becomes a new tradition, Nina (my mom) is going to come stay with the kids for Rob and I to go out Black Friday shopping, and the next morning make holiday crafts, cocoa and muffins with the kids! 

I'm so excited this time of year, everything is beautiful, the lights and warm feelings make it seem so magical.

So, let's get interactive! What is the one thing (or a couple) that you MUST have for your Thanksgiving meal to be complete? That one thing you could say "it ain't Thanksgiving" without it? Leave your answer in a comment below! 

Til next time~
~K

 

Cosby was right, kids say (and do) the darndest things!

It's been quite awhile since I've posted anything, so what better way to make a come back than to start with the pleasantries of being the parent of a toddler. Alexis is getting to be quite a character! What's she up to? well, Dr. Seuss for one. She is obsessed with the movie Horton Hears A Who, it doesn't matter if she is actually sitting to watch it, she still wants it playing pretty much 24/7 with a couple of breaks for Micky Mouse Clubhouse! 

Check her out here, listen close and you will hear her say "Horton Hears a Who!" I had to put the link instead of the youtube video, the video when added won't show up. Not sure why, if anyone knows let me know~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpFlHbzaVyA


Last weekend we traveled to see our dear friends, and Lexi decided to learn the concept of sharing... or so she thought...

The ladies are all sitting on the porch, while Lexi toddles around going in and out the door. She's carrying a bag of candy corn around eating one here and there. She goes inside, and after a couple of minutes Zander comes out with an announcement: "Um the baby looks weird." 
Me: "He's fine, he's just sitting funny because of the Bumbo seat." 
Zander: "no mom, I mean he looks like.... his face looks like he doesn't feel good..." 
Me: "ok I'll check on him"
I head inside to see what little Wylie is up to, and he looks fine. I pick him up and initiate the usual "baby babble" and I notice that he doesn't smile at me like usual. Something told me to check his mouth- low and behold I fish out a whole candy corn! He just stares at me having no idea what is happening since he isn't really eating more than bottles yet... I tell Lexi that she can't feed the baby candy, and she replies "I share." 

How do you argue with that? We teach our children from the start that you "share" "be nice" etc. At least her efforts were out of love.

Luckily the little guy didn't try to eat the candy, it just sat on his tongue. Equally lucky, Zander noticed something wasn't quite right even if he was not sure what it was. But let's keep this post a positive one instead of a "what could have happened". Lexi went on to "share" the rest of the candy corn with the doggy... hehe. (Cookie is also fine!) 

What other fun things can we chronicle about Alexis and the fine age of 20 months old? Hmmmm. She's recently become a fan of "daps" or "fist bumps"... and will ~almost~ always give them if you ask! 

She loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and can name almost all of the characters... my favorite one she says is Goofy, but when she says it, it comes out as "goosey". Precious with a capital "p"!

She loves shoes, Daddy, and all of her stuffed animal friends. Christmas is lookin' like a Minnie Makeover for her! Adding in some Dr. Seuss and some Disney Princess here and there. 

That's all I've got for now on the Lexi front, stay tuned for Jaden and Zander updates as well as other things to come!

Til next time
~K~