Thankful

What I am thankful for this year:

Wonderful memories
Healthy, beautiful child
My job
My father
Faith
My in-laws
Coffee
all my senses
freedom
Knowing we get to go on vacation for Christmas :)
wonderful babysitter who I completely trust
losing weight (LOTS more to go)
improving relationship with my brother
finding comfort in God's words and promises
a husband who is a part time stay at home Dad
election results
and more

Happy Thanksgiving! Rejoice and Give Thanks for all you are given. 

My DIY Christmas Plans

I have decided to massively simplify gift giving this year. The adults will be getting a magnetic frame/plaque, and coasters and maybe one other gift. I'm not sure what the "other" will be yet. Maybe a small decoupaged notebook for the ladies and ??????? for the guys. I was thinking maybe cakes in a jar for my Dad, but no clue for the other 3 males.
Baby R will be getting handmade blocks with animals, a set of puzzle blocks (from thrift store books), DIY bath crayons, foam shapes for the tub, DIY hooded towel, maybe some lacing shapes from foam, more felt food (not sure what yet), purchased dish set, a pillow pet, and a Baby All Gone.
If things go as planned, our Christmas will be spent in the beautiful surroundings of my ideal place. There are a lot of things that have to fall into place to make it happen but I am praying it does.

Ideas from:
http://twelvecraftstillchristmas.blogspot.com/2010/09/stuff-your-stockings-saturday-puzzle.html

http://www.filthwizardry.com/2010/09/craft-foam-bath-murals.html

http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2008/09/homemade-childrens-lacing-cards.html

http://www.kidskreate.com/article_1061.html

Our theme for the past few weeks-FARMS and What My Child Is Reading This Week(s)

Little R is having fun with our Farm theme. I have been a little slack, umm lazy and the theme has been sparse on activities and a little lengthier than I intended. We once again checked out LOTS of books on the subject and spent tons of time reading.
Some of our books on Farms- Cock-a-Doodle Quack!Quack!, Little Farm by the Sea, Cows, Cock-a-doodle-hooooo (R's favorite), Chicken Joy on Redbean Road (my favorite), Once Upon a Farm, Seasons on the Farm, All Pigs Are Beautiful, and many more.














A few of our activities-cotton ball sheep, TP roll horse, painting cow spots, picking cotton (random spot on side of road-I know, bad mommy), stopping to look at cow farm, lots and lots of Old Macdonald Had a Farm, and others.
By far the funniest thing that happened was on Halloween at the mall. Little R went up to the Chick-Fil-A cow, waved and then proceeded to try to lift up the front of his costume near his umm..unmentionables. I was horrified and then she oh so sweetly she looked at me and said "Mom, where's the udders for milk?. I couldn't help but laugh. LOVE that girl, she makes my heart smile.