Need a new 'do

It's that time again. Time for me to change things up a bit. I need a new 'do and I'm thinking of going with this look:

What do you think? Should I do blond? Brunette? Light or dark? I haven't done bangs for quite a long time, but I think it would be a good change. Opinions, please!

Miss 'em already...

It was so wonderful having my sister and her little family visiting us over the last few days. Whenever we get to be together, I remember just how much I miss being near them. They flew home yesterday evening and all day today, I haven't known what to do with myself. I'll be so happy when we won't have to live so far away from each other!

My beautiful sister, Paigey


My awesome bro-in-law, Johnny


Little Drakie


And Mr. Bubba Chubba, Pierce. "I do declare, the wind is coming from the southwest."

Four Photos

I have been tagged by fellow blogger and friend, Alice. So, I guess I am now "it!" These are the rules...

1. Choose a photo that makes me cringe like none other.

2. Choose two photos that I could stare at all day long.

3. Choose one photo that represents my dreams and aspirations.

4. Link four fellow bloggers and tell why they inspire me.

Here goes!

1 - Cringe-worthy:

I had just had my first baby boy. I was still losing the baby weight. I desperately needed a new 'do. This photo makes me shriek and cringe all at the same time! EEK! (I don't even know why I have allowed it to stay in my photo files.)


2- I love looking at these photos. They just make me happy.





3- What I aspire to be...

Healthy and in-shape.

4- Tag, you inspire me!
Kristie - because she is such a good mommy and a good friend
my cousin, Erica - because I wish I had even half of the creativity she does. Seriously! It's even her job to blog about it.
Uptown Girl - because she gets to live every day in a city that I would love to be able to even visit.
Jeni - because she is always there when anyone needs her.


There are plenty of others who inspire me, including YOU!

Christmas Movies

With the holiday season officially kicking off, I can't help but remember all of my favorite Christmas movies, none of which I actually own! It's such a travesty. I'm hoping that I can start to acquire some this year, especially ones that I know my boys would like.

These are the movies at the top of my list:

A Garfield Christmas
Classic. It's my all-time favorite!



Christmas Vacation
Another classic. It's not Christmas without it!



Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol
One of my favorite versions of the Christmas Carol. Mr. Magoo just fits as Scrooge.



Charlie Brown Christmas
Again, it just isn't Christmas without it.



Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas
Love this! My favorite is the part with the bells. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out!
(At least I think you are. I haven't seen this for a very long time. I think it's still as fun as I remember.) :-)



Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Not really my fave, but it wouldn't be Christmas without it, right?
Or without Burl Ives, for that matter.

I know that all but one of these movies are targeted towards children, but I guess that's why I'm so fond of them. I have such wonderful memories of Christmas from when I was a kid. These movies just take me back.

What about you? What are your favorites?

My RSVP

to Uptown Girl's month-long celebratory bash.

Hey UG, could we make it a joint celebration (seeing as how my b-day is the 5th)? :-)

Thanksgiving Preparations

I'm so excited for Thanksgiving this year. My sister and her little family are coming to visit! This will be the first time in a very long time that we will be able to celebrate Thanksgiving with family. I'm going all-out this year, even though there are only eight of us, and technically, only four of us will really be eating enough to make a dent in all of the dishes I'm preparing. That's not going to stop me, though! :-) I'm doing my grocery shopping today, and then I'll be making the necessary preparations the rest of the week. This is what our menu will look like:

Turkey
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy (made with homemade turkey stock)
Homemade Rolls
My mother-in-law's stuffing (my favorite!)
Yams with Pecan Struesel
Green Bean Casserole
Raspberry Pretzel Salad
Stuffed Mushrooms
Cranberry Sauce
Relish tray
Key Lime Pie
Chocolate Cream Pie
and finally...
Pumpkin Pie

I'm lucky that Brett likes to cook as much as I do, or this meal would be too much for me to take on myself.

If anyone feels like heading somewhere warm for Thanksgiving, we have more than enough food and space for everyone! :-)