Hayden's Thanksgiving Play {Video}

We attended Hayden's Thanksgiving play this morning.  It was one of the cutest programs I've ever seen!  He had several speaking roles that he memorized and spoke perfectly.  The other kids think it's the greatest thing to get to visit Hayden's school, and Hayden is always proud to have such a big cheering section :)  Here's a little flipagram I put together from pictures and vidoes on my phone!  Enjoy!

Thankful for 2012 Edition

Faith:
I am thankful for Proverbs 31 Ministry.  I have mentioned on my blog several times that I get their daily emails and it's jut a great way to start my day. 

Kevin:
I have become a very practical person since getting married and having kids, so Kevin helps bring fun into daily life.  I tend to want to do dishes or laundry or clean something (sometimes you just don't have time for fun!), but Kevin makes me stop what I'm doing and have fun with the family.  It's a good balance :)

My Little People:
Im thankful for one on one time with the kids.  Kevin and I have tried to make that important, especially since Krissy got here.  The kids love it and the parents love it.   

Things that Make me Happy:
Chocolate.  Chocolate makes me happy.  I wish it didn't; I wish I could take it or leave it.  Anything from Stephen Libs is my favorite.  I think I need to go get some chocolate Santa's now that I think about it. 

Conveniences:
We ended up getting our cable tv back.  I told Kevin I think it should be just temporary because I loved not having it.  I agreed to get it back because I was staying up late with Krissy and I was having a hard time staying awake.  I enjoy the entertainment (especially all the movies they play on the weekends).

Thankful For 2012 Edition

Faith:
I'm thankful for things being temporary.  Stress, conflict, friction, heartache, newborns that keep you up all night - it doesn't last.  I have to keep reminding myself that.  Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (A verse Sarah reminded me of this week at DOK)

Kevin: 
I am thankful for Kevin's job.  It pays the bills and it isn't a horrible, demanding job.  He enjoys the people he works with.  Most importantly, he is the only financial provider for our family and he takes on that extra stress so I can be at home with our children, which is so important to both of us. 

My Little People:
My kids genuinely love each other.  Of course they argue and fight like brother and sister, but they also snuggle together on the couch, the older two ask to hold the baby almost daily, and they make each other laugh all the time.  They tend to be partners in crime, which sometimes drives me bonkers (b/c I want Hayden realize what Allie is doing is wrong then tell her that instead of participating) but I'm thankful for their closeness.

Things That make me Happy:
Taking pictures.  I'm so thankful for my camera, so that I can capture these events and expressions and stages.  My kids have literally grown up in a blink of an eye and I love love love going back and looking at pictures of them. 

Conveniences:
I really am thankful for my phone.  Lame, I know, but it's how I stay in contact with so many friends and it helps keep me awake during those night feedings!  Plus I can facetime with my sis and that's pretty cool in itself!

Thankful For 2012 edition

My Facebook news feed is literally blowing up with people posting daily what they are thankful for.  It's definitely not a bad thing, but instead of following the trend, I decided once a week, every week of November, I'd write a post highlighting some things I'm thankful for in certain areas of my life.  

Spiritual Walk:
Crossroads is blessed to have an amazing senior pastor, Ken Idleman.  He is overflowing with wisdom and is able to present solid biblical truth in a loving way.  His messages every weekend are so convicting/challenging.  I truly look forward to church every weekend.  I believe behind every strong man is a wonderful wife, and Ken's wife, Kaylene, is no exception.  She teaches my bible study class on Wednesdays and her class is the highlight of my week.  She gives the entire class so much encouragement on being a wife and mother.  These two people have impacted my life so much.

Kevin:
I'm thankful for our marriage.  We have our ups and downs just like everyone else, but it's reassuring to know the "D" word will never be an option for us, and he'll always be here.  We are both 100% committed.  I know it's a little gaggy, but I like stability, and I know I've found that in our marriage.  We can give our parents credit for being good examples!

My little people:
My kids are busy, mischievous, loud, non-stop, and full of life.  I can't imagine having a child any other way.  Are there really such thing as calm, quiet kids that actually listen to their parents?  I'm thankful for them being wired this way because it's challenged me to become more patient.

Things that make me happy:
My furry babies.  I am thankful for them.  Especially Harry (aka The Best Cat in the World!).  >^..^<

Conveniences:
I am thankful for our home.  I love having a big yard the kids and dog can play in.  I like that our rooms are so close together that I don't need to use baby monitors.  I love my kitchen and the big window in it.  We have great neighbors that are always looking out for us.  I also like that I'm two minutes away from Walmart, and since I'm there daily, that's a big perk!

Thanksgiving Pies

I'm SO happy to report that after about 20 flops on pie crusts, attempts #21 and #22 turned out BEAUTIFULLY!  I made a pumpkin pie and a pecan pie this year for Thanksgiving and both were a success!  (A big success in my book - picture worthy actually!) 

 After baking:

I didn't try the pumpkin, but those who did liked it.  I ate the pecan pie and it was probably one of the best pecan pies I've ever had!  So, let me share my recipes with you!

Here's the recipe I used for the pie crust

Here's the recipe I used for the pumpkin pie (I doubled the cinnamon)

Here's the recipe I used for the pecan pie

I think the 2 reasons I succeeded with pie crusts this time are #1 the new recipe and #2 my pastry cloth, which I blogged about here.  I'd absolutely recommend them to everyone who will ever make a homemade pie crust!  They are amazing!

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Hope you all did too!

Thanksgiving cookies

 Cute cookies, huh?!  A super cute mom that brings her little boy to my Mother's Morning Out class brought these to us yesterday.  (She's also the one that invited me to the cookie class I blogged about here.)  I was so inspired by her adorable and VERY yummy cookies that I decided to try and make some too!

When I put the kids to bed last night, I cut out cookies, made icing, baked and sugared several dozen cookies.  For a spur of the moment idea, I was happy with how they turned out!  I'm hoping to plan my Christmas ones a little better and make a couple batches to share with friends and family :) 

Anyone else motivated to go make cookies now??  I'm thinking about possibly hosting a cookie class at my house in February.  Who all would be interested?  I think it's between $20-$30 a person.  Let me know! :)

Thanksgiving Menu

What is on your Thanksgiving menu?

We are having:
Turkey & Dressing
Corn
Green Beans
Seasoned Mashed Potatoes
Cranberry Jello
Homemade Bread

Pumpkin Pie
Pecan Pie

I really wish my sis was able to give me a lesson on "How to make a perfect pie crust" before next week!  She's the queen of pie crusts!  The pumpkin and pecan pies are new recipes.  If they are good I will post the recipes next week along with pictures, as long as you promise not to hate on my pie crusts! :)  Happy Meal Planning!