Don't give the cat any paper...

All other props are welcome though.

Oh Fall, it was nice knowing you

And just like that...

It's time for Christmas.  It doesn't seem possible.  Even with it being so close to December.


 Oh Fall, why must you go?

Our Incredible Thanksgiving

We spent the day at an incredible pizza place, playing games, eating all the food we wanted, and spending some very quality family time.  Last year, I was working.  Voluntarily.  And I was more than happy doing so.  But I'm thankful that this year, I didn't have that choice; I didn't have that opportunity.

 I'm glad I was with my Favorite Two instead.  I'm glad Mister Man made pancakes.

I'm glad The Redhead put on a fashion show.

This move may not have been my idea, and it may have come with great sacrifices, but I'm thankful we're here.  Together.  I'm quite blessed.  And for that, I'm eternally grateful.

The Do it Now Approach

Since moving, I have adopted a "do it now" approach, or at least have attempted to.


I've attempted to seize the opportunity now.  Make time for the now.  To not put everything off.  To put my own household a priority.



It wasn't so easy before.  I was pulling myself in a million directions, not wanting to disappoint anyone. And for the most part, I did okay.  It wasn't always pretty, it wasn't always fabulous, but I got through it.  But there were a lot of things I didn't get to.  Things that really only pertained to me.  Or things that only mattered in my household.  And when I did get to them, it didn't always go as smoothly as it should have, because I was so worn out.



And I've made up for a lot since.  I've been on top of most things.  I've been changing my ways, training myself for when I do shove myself and my family into a chaotic routine again.  Because I know there will be a time.  And just like any sport, it takes a lot of training.  And there's always a more efficient way to do it.



But in all my training, I did sort of put off one of the things I started months ago...and didn't do until yesterday.


It's Sunny D time, that time of year you send in 20 Sunny D UPCs for your child's teacher, and they get 20 books for their classroom in return.  I started filling out the application months ago.


Oops.  So how is that Do It Now Approach working out?  Well, uh...

Does it count that I already sent the one in for our favorite Kansas sitter/ now Kindergarten teacher?

So, I ran out to the Dollar Tree yesterday to buy five more Sunny D products so we could steal their UPCs.  At least it's not the 30th yet.  I'm ahead of last year's schedule...

I'm Thankful for Willpower...

For which I usually have none.  At least when it comes to sweet, yummy, delectable goodness.  The fresh baked kind.  The kind that is just begging to meet your mouth.








But if I'm going to play that 30.Days.of.Thankful.Facebook.game, I'd be grateful for willpower right about now.  At least I'm hoping I'll be grateful for willpower.  I'm hoping I don't break into the smelly wonderfulness that is sitting on my stove right about now.  I'm not playing that game though.  But I am still hoping for willpower.  I'm hoping it will save me.


When I was a teenager, this was never an issue.  I didn't get excited about sweet things or eat in excess.  Maybe because I would have rather starved than put anything in my mouth.  But at some point, sweet things became my friend, that friend that's sort of bad for you, but you don't care.  You love them anyway.  No matter what anyone says.  No matter what sort of trouble they get you into.  You love them.  Unconditionally.


But I didn't make these for me.  That's why I'm hoping my willpower will work with me.  I'm not worried about my waistline, only my intentions.  I made those pumpkin bars with cream cheese icing for Mister Man's office.  And with a little luck....maybe they'll make it there tomorrow morning.  Untouched.



I'm hoping Mister Man's willpower will be kind to them as well.




But I'm telling you, they're so tempting, Jezebels on my stove, smelling up the house better and faster than any of my Scentsy warmers, taunting me.  A temptress in a glass dish.  I'm grateful I'm watching a movie out tonight, because willpower is only going to take me so far with that aroma lurking.


It's only going to take me so far....

Just some furry photos...

We had our second weekend involving sick people.  This time it was Mister Man's turn, which now marks the last human member of our family to have had that nasty stomach virus.

As for the furry members of our household, they're still here too.

A Monstrous Celebration

When we found out about this birthday party earlier this week, The Redhead was afraid we wouldn't let her go. She was afraid we already had plans.  But I like that she has made some marvelous friends here in California.  And the little girl this party is celebrating?  Yeah, she's special.  She was the first friend The Redhead made at her new school.  From the very first day I saw that little girl with her mohawk, I just knew The Redhead would become friends with her.  I knew it.  There was just something about her.

And surprise, surprise.  She's another Monster High fan, so The Redhead made her a card.

I loved the message on this bag.  That's why I bought it.  Not because it was reusable, but because it had an awesome message.  

What's inside the bag, isn't important.  It's who it's for.