Thanksgiving- at my house

So I cooked this year. Yes, it's true- and everyone survived. It was something of a gathering of odds and ends. My sister, Stacey, and I gathered up our remaining family members and had a very memorable Thanksgiving, to say the least. I hope it's a new family tradition. I really enjoyed having everyone together in one place- if only for a short time. I've always sort-of passed by thanksgiving, as if it were just a pause in the time between Halloween and the much anticipated Christmas. This year I stopped to give thanks for the people and the blessings in my life.

Oh the Holidays!

Well here we are. It's the end of 2008 and the Christmas season is upon us.
I'm not sure what's wrong with me (something SURELY is!) but I'm not one bit interested in shopping this year! Is it the current economy or just the sheer fact that shopping is overrated and I need something more challenging? Who knows. I plan all year for this season by shopping early and slaving over the stove making homemade goodies for family and friends. I wonder if I've just stockpiled enough that I can't justify spending? Either way, I feel great! (and you thought I was going to start complaining!)
Our friends, Mike and Aimee, had their baby Lucy today. 8 months ago I would have thought 'that's cool, good for them' but today I know it's the single most incredible thing that happens to us in our lives. I'm excited for them! I'm so grateful that I can appreciate that. I LOVE being a mom! Who would have thought...

Playing with Easton

Recently we had our friends, Crystal and Easton, over for dinner. Crystals husband Derrick was out of town hunting and we found it most convenient to plan a long visit over dinner! Crystal is one of my good friends and we used to see each other daily at work. So this has been a much needed visit! Easton is getting so big and just over night started spitting out words like crazy! He played so well with Ella- she especially loved his new polar bear slippers. What a fun relaxing evening.

Our little Glow Worm

Ella is growing so fast its just incomprehensible. She is sitting up and has been for a month or so now. She has a bucket of kitchen utensils that she plays with while I cook dinner. She especially enjoys the big plastic whisk that my mother brought back from Washington for me. I breathe now for the moments in the day where she smiles at me, as to say "Oh Mommy! There you are!"
I love to see her first thing in the morning... She is SO happy. We say good morning to the day- everyday. Her eyes just beam when I ask her if she's ready and I reach for the wand on the blinds. She hops like a little frog when her daddy walks into a room- she really has a thing for him too. Aren't we just the luckiest parents ever? We think so.

I am so excited for fall this year! I am really looking forward to having pictures of Ella taken with the vibrant fall colors that compliment her so well. I've been shopping tirelessly for the perfect outfit to no avail. There are so many fun options but just nothing that leaves me speachless.
I met a photographer today- she's incredibly talented. I love that she really captures simple beauty. It's everywhere- and mostly where you'd least expect.
I'm going to add her link to her blog- check it out.
Crystal also has me interested in another photographer that has a Halloween special shoot- I'm planning on taking Ella. She's going to be a Glow Worm- SO CUTE!!!
...Until then.