Give Thanks

Our Thanksgiving was supposed to be different. It was supposed to happen among extended family in the country parts of Louisiana, four hours from home while Nate stayed back and worked his usually 12 hour days during this big hunting week. The girls and I were supposed to roast marshmallows and go on a hay ride. It certainly wasn't supposed to a lovely feast in the middle of the woods on a picnic table. It wasn't supposed to occur on a tablescape made up by two very loving girls who spent the whole morning picking rose petals, flowers and drawing artwork. 

 

Our Thanksgiving turned out even more memorable than I thought it ever could with Nate away at work. The thoughtfulness put into this day on short notice really made my heart melt. Due to a niece that is expected to arrive any day now, our plans changed mid drive to LA. Charly was determined to still have a turkey dinner despite me not planning to have to cook one myself. In the ninth hour, we braced the crowd at Wal-Mart on our way home Wednesday and successfully got all we needed.  

The plan was to surprise Nate at work with a beautiful set-up and a delicious Thanksgiving feast.  Even though it would have been nice to spend time with some family in Louisiana, we ended up being exactly where we should be on this special day. I'm grateful to have an insightful eight year old daughter who knew exactly what we needed to kick off our holidays!

After we ate, Nate and I laughed as we washed our best china with the water hose (I managed to transport 100 year old china to and from the dinner without chipping or breaking a single one). The girls and I  stayed at the work center for a while and ran around in the surrounding prairie. The girls were in heaven and it just solidified our desire to move out to the country.

 

This time of year is especially great because my darling husband is aware of the locations of all the mistletoe and makes a point to give his girls kisses!

What a happy Thanksgiving indeed! And for those who are wondering, my niece has not yet arrived.....I'm patiently waiting!

A Little Help From Big Sis

Piper has been trying so hard to ride her bike for the past few months, although the bike she has stands a little too tall, so it's hard for her to get started. Once she does, she usually just rides a few feet and falls.  

Sunday as I was working on things in the house, the girls came screaming, "Mom, Mom Piper just rode her bike the WHOLE sidewalk, all the way to the neighbors!!". They were both so excited to show me!

This seems to be common in our house, Nate and I will try and teach Piper something with little success, and then Charly will come behind us and, VOILA, the task it taught! (Side note: I'm considering having Charly potty train Winnie, LOL.)

Happy, Bathing Baby!

Winnie loves her baths, which is probably why she gets so dirty during mealtime. She will literally sit in the bath until her hands and feet transform into grandma-like features! We think she is oh so cute!!

The Early Birds

This morning we woke up early and headed to the church to do some cleaning. As always, we arrived early and the doors were not  yet unlocked. I'm so glad I had my camera because the lovely morning light provided for a perfect combination, along with genuine smiles to capture some cherished photos. 

Our church  is located on a huge lot in the middle of the country where there is plenty of room to run around. The weather was amazing and the laughter, even better! Winnie was running all over with the biggest grin on her face as she chased after her big sisters. Now that was a genuine smile! Notice her little hair tie minus the bow. She must have ripped it out as soon as she got in the car.

PS Last night Winnie said her first sentence, "Mom, it's hot." She was talking about her delicious dinner.

This moment melts my heart. Everything about it shows me the love these two have for each other!  Makes me forget about the times they are at odds, which almost  never happens (wink, wink).

I love me some Nathan! I also love having a daughter old enough who knows how to hold and focus a camera like a pro. Ahem, thank you CHARLY!

A Bow For the Little Lady

Until only recently, Winnie showed absolutely no interest in having any type of bow in the little hair she has. Today she hopped up on the stool that sits at a vanity and handed the brush to me. "Yay", I said, "Would you like a bow?".  She replied, "yes!". 

It didn't take her too long get tired of the cuteness sitting atop her head, she wanted it out a short hour or so later. 

I just want to squeeze her cute little face!

Charly And Piper, Take Two

I'm usually really critical of my photos, typically only posting the ones that I feel to be sharp, and of great quality in regards to color. Often times I forget that a perfect photo has nothing to do with these things. I almost didn't even put the above photo on here, but then I slapped myself silly and said, "Woman, look at these two! Look at the way Winnie is admiring her older sister, and how Piper is grinning from ear to ear from pure happiness!"  So here I am posting my "perfect", out of focus photo. Perfect because it is clear how much love I see in it.

And yes, you are seeing clearly. My kids are frolicking around in the front yard in their messy hair and PJ's.

We've Got Spirit, How 'Bout You!

Last night we ran around the parking lot of our church building eating crepes, loading our faces with candy and cupcakes, all for the sake of a little Halloween goodness!

Charly was the cutest little 80's pop star I have ever seen, in fact I think she has found her style with this costume. Don't you think her persona just screams 80's?? Piper was a princess! This whole week we have been explaining to her that she doesn't have to dress up for that. Although, she didn't quite get the concept, LOL. Then there was Winnie, wearing the same cuppy-cake costume she wore last year, only this time she filled out the center a bit more. Can't you tell how excited she is? She is so just like Charly as a baby! She's freaking adorable!

Nate and I wanted to take Dia De Los Muertos on for a second year in a row because we are awesome like that. 

We are already planning next year's costumes! Nate is dying to be yip yips, I suppose I'll jump on that boat with him.

And this picture below I threw in because it's just a great memory to share! This was last weekend when Nate was at guard duty. The girls and I were all snuggled up on the couch watching a movie, eating popcorn and all content. This was the start of a really great weekend!  They really do love each other so much!