Peace, Playing and a new Program

Its Friday.  Hallows Eve.  And there are no ghouls in sight.  Halloween just isn't feeling very spooky after the disaster that has been 2020.  But we are trying.  The boys at one point said they wanted to go trick or treating.  But have changed their minds and asked that we just do something cool and fun together.  So who knows what the weekend holds in store for us.

Fridays around here are all about taking a look back at the week and sharing some happiness.  Finding the little moments that made you happy.  Things you are grateful and thankful for.  Its just nice to go into the weekend knowing that the week wasn't as bad as it may have seemed.  Or just a reminder of how blessed you are.  Here are the things that made me happy this week.

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Menu Plan 11•25•19

Happy Monday everyone! I know I said I was excited to sleep in super late but of course now that the option is there, I couldn't do it. I was up at 8 so its still counts as sleeping in I guess. Also, I'm to excited to sleep. I have things to do. Its Thanksgiving break and my house is no where near ready for company.

Alex is off having the time of his life at a friends house and Anthony will be off to do his own thing in a little bit. Which works for me because I have a million + 1 things to do today then have a doctors appointment this afternoon. So here I am. Starting my morning with meds, coffee and some sunshine on the patio. I have a feeling after all my appointments this week and the next, all my diet, medication and exercise suggestions will become restrictions. Which will bring on a whole crap ton of changes around here. Oh boy. Hopefully it wont be to bad.

Another good thing about Thanksgiving week is I mean you really only need to plan a little menu because Thanksgiving dinner is the highlight of the week. Anyone else do that? Eat simple and basic all week because you know come Thursday you will probably eat more than you should. I'm just emptying out the freezer this week and trying to use up what is in there. So....chicken or fish.

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DJI Global Mavic Mini #AD

• This post is sponsored by Best Buy.  All opinions are honest and my own •

Its time for Holiday shopping!  Have you made your list? Checked it twice?  If you said yes, you are going to need grab a pencil and make a little room on the list for the New DJI Global Mavic Mini.  I have a feeling this is going to be on a lot of Christmas lists.  Mine included. Who needs jewelry when you can have electronics? Is my nerd showing?

We are not new to the drone family but are still in the beginner bracket.  David got his first drone a few years ago, but I have to admit, it's a little intimidating.  I have never flown it but Im a backseat flier. Go this way. Go that way. Can you fly over there like this?  Poor David. So when I got a peek at this drone, I stuck it straight at the top of my list!  

So what makes the Mavic Mini so great? Well for starters, don't let the name fool you.  It may be small but that means it is easy to carry around, has a longer fly time and does not require FAA registration.  If thats not a win, I don't know what is! 

Let's take a closer look at what the Mini is made of!

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Sennheiser’s M3 MOMENTUM Wireless Headphones #AD

•This is a sponsored post•

It's officially October and you know what that means right?  It's time to start searching for the perfect Christmas presents.  Have you started your shopping yet?  David is the hardest person to shop for on my list.  As I have heard many husbands are.  Anyone who knows him knows he loves all things tech and is always on top of his music game.  Looks like I have found the perfect gift for him!

Sennheiser’s New MOMENTUM Wireless Headphones are where intuitive design meets superior sound. It redefines your premium headphone experience by reproducing the balanced and precision of studio-quality sound. Hear the Difference. Take a look.

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A Spoonies Guide to Google Home

When David brought the idea of a "Smart Home" to me, Im 99% sure I laughed at him.  I mean, what even is a smart home?  I'm also pretty sure he told me that it was really for my benefit.  I can't deny it any longer!  I LOVE it!  I catch myself looking at things and saying, I wish this was smart home compatible.  Don't judge me, but how nice would it be to pre heat the oven from your phone on your way home?  Although Im not sure thats what he meant by, I would benefit.

What he actually meant was that adding the little gadgets to our home would make my life easier when it comes to living with chronic illness.  And as usual he was right.  I can't imagine not having all these little gadgets in my life. Last month we added a Google Hub to the line up.  And I am so in love with it.

So I wanted to share a few commands that any spoonie will appreciate!  Honestly, everyone will enjoy them but I think those living with a chronic illness will whole heartedly understand how great they are!  Here are 9 of my favorite things to tell Google.

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Cranberry and Cinnamon Goat Cheese Tartlets

This post is sponsored by Montchevre but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

The holidays are here!  And we are finally feeling the spirit around here! There has been more cold days than hot it seems.  Which is a little different for us here in South Texas.  But we are embracing it and determined to enjoy it!

For us the holidays are special because they bring us all together.  Family.  Friends.  Neighbors.  This is the time of year to slow down and take time to be thankful for things that we might not have realized are blessings to us.  And we can't forget about all the food.  Am I right.

Fall foods are the best.  Thanksgiving is actually my favorite holiday of all.  We are a little traditional around here.  We do the turkey with all the fixings.  Stuffing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, creamed corn, rolls and don't forget the cranberry sauce.  I love cranberries.  Spring and summer its all about the dried cranberries, but when fall hits, I love seeing the little red berries everywhere.

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Wordless Wednesday { Christmas 2017 }

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Merry Christmas and 10 things

I know its been really quiet around here.  David has been home all week and the boys are off school.  Add in 3 holiday dinners, 2 sick boys and lots of visitors, I haven't had time to sit.  And yes, I did stay up late, but I am so close to making my reading goal for the year, so, forgive me if I am a little scarce until the new year. I know, I'm a nerd.  I embrace it!

So this is Christmas.  The first year in a few that the boys had more than a few presents under the tree.  All of Davids long hours and late nights paid off.  The stress was worth the smiles and screams as they opened each one too.  Man did it feel good.  We even managed to get each other a few things, which we never do.

The little sister and her boyfriend even made it to dinner and that was the icing on the cake.  Who knew a two hour drive could feel like she is a state away.  I can't wait for them to move back to town again.  I miss her.  We all do.

The boys are both stuffed up with allergies and asked to stay at Grandmas.  They needed some extra loving and my house needed some serious picking up.  Looks like Davids hate of clutter is rubbing off on me and I am about ready to take my tree down. I feel so crowded.  And I'm a little bitter about some of the lights going out and not being able to find the fuse that has them all blowing out.

Enough about that though.  Yes it is Christmas, but its also Friday, so here are a few things that made me happy this week.

1.  First off David being home for a whole week has been the best.  God I missed this man while he was working crazy hours.  And even though he will still not be home as early as we would like him to be, we are just glad hes home for bedtime.

2.  We went back to the Zoo.  Don't judge me.  Its my happy place.  I could spend hours in the snake house. Next time, I should Periscope it.   That would be fun!

3.  Alex went to his first birthday party and had a blast.  His birthday is coming up in a few weeks and he is already planning it. He is thinking about going back to the same place.  Because anywhere that has bins full of Legos is a win in his book.

4.  Snickerdoodles.  Nuff said.

5.  A day downtown with my boys.  We played at the park, walked the river walk and did a little last minute shopping at the Mall.

6.  Having friends over for dinner and a movie.  I finally saw Christmas Vacation.

7.  Seeing my little sister, even if just for a few hours, always makes for a happy heart.

8.  Jewelry.  I don't wear much, but I do love what I have.  My little sister got me earrings with Joe Manganiello on them. She said they are ugly but I will wear them anyways just because she got them for me. David would not be out done and surprised me with a silver and diamond anchor necklace that was just the best present ever.

9.  Seeing the boys faces light up when they opened their presents.  And also hearing them talk about how Santa only gave them one present because he has so many other children to give to.  They are so sweet. 90% of the time.

10.  Family.  I miss my family every day, but Davids parents are amazing.  His mom will listen to me talk about things I like all year long and then at Christmas she never disappoints.  This year she got me some awesome coloring books and pencils.  She even chose the ones that I had been wanting.  She knows me well!

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas.  I would love to hear what made you happy this week too.  And for more happiness join us at Why Girls Are Weird or The Flynnigans.

Happy Holidays.  I will be back to regular posting soon.  I have so much to share.  Have a safe and fun weekend!

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The Great Thanksgiving Surprise!

Every since I was little I remember the excitement that built up by the end of the year. Back home, we didn't have a "Fall".  Its a tiny tropical island. The palm fronds are green year round!  But that doesn't mean we couldn't feel the season. It started not long after school started up for the year. We started thinking about what we were going to be for Halloween. And we talked about who was going stateside for Christmas break. But me, I was thinking about Thanksgiving. 

It was my little secret. I remember the first time I learned about the Pilgrims and Indians getting together and that is what I loved the most. Dinner time in my family was something we did right. The dinner table is where all the fun happened. We would distract Dad while the others put the food they didn't like back on the platter. This is where my little brother dropped his first curse word and this is where my family, no matter how dysfunctional we were, came together. In my mind we were Pilgrims and Indians.

Now that I am an adult it all seems a little silly. But I was young and full of hope. And as far back as I can remember it is the one holiday I looked forward to. Always hoping it was better than the last!

Fast forward 20 years and I still get that feeling come September. I start trying new recipes and wondering who will join us. Davids parents are always over. And neighbors and friends are always popping in. I love it.  

I'm not sure I will ever be able to top Thanksgiving 2012. We surprised the family with my nephew. Mom cried. But then on Thanksgiving Day I remembered I needed to get a photo of everyone together. So as they sat together for a couple of quick snaps for me...

Then as I pretended like my camera was acting us and David snuck in with my oldest brother who asked if there was room for one more in the picture. 

Snap!  Look at every ones faces!

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Menu Plan Monday: November 9th

I have been non stop today. But so much got done that I wont even complain about swollen feet, broken nails and a sore back. Seriously i feel great! 

It has been so long since I've gone to lay down and felt happy because I know Im waking up to a empty sink and a decluttered house. I also got a lot off my mind and heart today too. Today was cleansing in so many ways today.

But its Monday and so lets get down to the good stuff. FOOD. That's about the only thing I didn't do today. I had a grilled cheese right before I picked up the boys and I may or may not have a Zebra Cake on my nightstand.  Don't judge me. 

This weeks menu!

Monday:  Leftover chicken and rice what ever veggies we wanted out of the fridge. 

Tuesday:  Grilled steak tacos. I love to grill but sometimes I just love my grill pan even more!

Wednesday:  Meatloaf with roasted potatoes and honey glazed carrots (thanksgiving test recipe)

Thursday:  Panko crusted pork chops, Trisha Yearwoods mac and cheese (thanksgiving test recipe) and broccoli

Friday:  Leftovers. The boys asked for fish sticks if there is any leftover macaroni.

So there's that. With 25 minutes to spare!  I will be back tomorrow to put in links. I think I'm finally coming off this caffeine high. Time to read a little and then call it a night.  

Are you adding any new dishes to your Thanksgiving menu this year??

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The Ghosts of Pumpkins Past

There are 2 days till Halloween.  Are you ready?

I'm not.

I just got my pumpkins today.  And I have no faces picked out yet.  Usually I'm on top of this.  I have the perfect pumpkins picked out as soon as they come out and I pick them out based on the designs I have already decided on.  This year I am 3 weeks behind.  Oops.

Not going to let it get to me though.  I spent most of the month in a funk and now I'm just rolling with it.  So not my style but I am making it work.  We do have one design picked out.  Alex and his class just read "Where the Wild Things Are" and he asked me to make a Wild Thing Jack o Lantern.

I have been obsessed with sugar skulls this year so mine might just be one of those.  Or something really scary.

Anthony still has to figure his out.

And David, well, David could really just care less about pumpkins.  Mostly because he knows I love them and will carve as many as he will buy me and then complain about how sore my hands are and how cramped my back is. Because when I get started...

I really do love carving pumpkins though.  Every year its what I look forward to most about Halloween.

Last year my Great Dane Pumpkin was a big hit.  It wasn't super amazing like some other carvings I have seen but I was proud of it!

These two were some of my favorites so far. Much easier than the dog!

What is your favorite part about Halloween?  Are you dressing up this year?  

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Get in the Halloween spirit with Cute Kitty BOO Kits!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.  All opinions are mine alone.  #BOOitForward #CollectiveBias

There is just something about October.  The start of Fall.  You can step outside and feel the cooler weather rolling in.  Well, those of us in Texas might have to wait a little longer.  And smell the wood burning in fireplaces! Oh how I love that smell.  The counting down to Halloween begins! Costumes and candy are on their way.  But why wait till the end of the month to celebrate.

This year we wanted to start the BOO'ing little early with these adorable BOO Kits.  A quick trip to Walmart was all we needed.  They have everything you need for a spooky or not so spooky Halloween.

We started with our treats.  One pass though the Halloween candy isle and we found a bag of our favorites.  Twix®, Milky Way®, Snickers® and 3 Musketeers®!  Yes please!  And what goes best with some yummy chocolate?  Something crisp to wash it down.  How cute are these mini cans? Perfect for our BOO Kits!

We also picked up containers for our treats along with some other little extras.  Then we headed home to put out kits together. Once you get home, gather all your goodies and get to work.

Toss a few treats in to the bottom of the pails.

Now put the mini monster cans in.  Doesn't he look like hes about to jump out of there?!

Next, add in some extras. We love the Halloween section at Walmart, you just never know what you will find. Top it all off with some more treats. This spider has declared himself King of the chocolate. Little FYI, lift your handle up before you add in any taller items or at least have it pushed towards the front. It will be easier this way.  Just trust me!

Everything is better with some ribbon right?  Tie it straight on the handle and move it around to where you like it best.  So festive and it adds the perfect little pop of color.

And don't forget the card.  You can find and print it here.  Just cut out the We've been BOO'd page and fold the You've been BOO'd paper around it.  Close with a piece of tape.  This way fun keeps on going.

Have you been BOO'd before?  I have to say that I have never been.  Yet.  But Im looking forward to starting this tradition with out friends and family.  Get some ideas for your own BOO Kits and jump in on all the fun.  

Speaking of fun.  How fun would it be to win $1000 Walmart E-Gift card.  Enter below for a chance to win! Good luck and Happy BOO'ing!

#booitforwardsweepstakes

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Happy Donor Day

The stores are sold out of chocolate and flowers.  Must be Valentines Day!  But did you know that February 14th is also National Donor Day?

So today, when you are done signing that sappy card for your lover, take a few minutes to give another gift. You can find out how to register in your state as a donor by visiting Donate Life America.  It only takes a few minutes.

There are 123,379 people waiting on a life saving transplant.

Every 10 minutes another name is added to that list.

On average 21 people die each day, waiting for a transplant.

90% of Americans say they support donation but only 30% know how be become a donor.

Lets change this.  We need more donors.  We need more awareness.  Talk about being an donor with your family and friends.  Encourage them to register as well.  

Share the love.  

Happy Valentines and Donor Day!

Post by Organdonor.gov.

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Easy Apple Chips

What happens when Christmas time rolls around.  OK well around here its almost all year, but y'all know what I'm talking about.  The doorbell rings and its the neighbors with handful of goodies for you.  I was so looking forward to holiday baking but we ended up being overrun by the flu so I never got around to it. Back to my story. What do you do when you have the sweetest neighbors but they have a few allergies that make cooking for them a little tricky if you don't know the ins and outs of the allergy.  My fix.  Apple chips. Because, whats better than apples, cinnamon and a little sugar?

The idea of Apple Chips came to me after seeing this post by a fellow blogger friend Jennifer.  A little back story. If you have been following for even just a little while then you know that I foster for the local great dane rescue. One day I shared a call for a foster family for a momma who needed to be separated from her pups so she could start her medication and get better.  Well Jennifer stepped up for me and welcomed Viv into her home with open arms.  Then her sweet son decided that Viv was his and so they started raising money to officially adopt her.  And they did this by selling the homemade apple chips. And now Viv has a forever home.  They used a dehydrator for theirs but I figured the oven would work too.  

Click here for a printable recipe

All you need is about 4 apples, some sugar and cinnamon.  

Wash apples and preheat oven to 225.

In a small bowl mix sugar and cinnamon. 

Slice apples with mandolin.  Or by hand if you can.

Arrange apples on cookie sheet.  But be sure they are not touching.

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.  No need to go crazy.

Bake for one hour. Flip. And bake for another hour.

Once they come out of the oven they will crisp up even more.  I suggest making sure they are not stuck down to the pan because if they harden to the pan they are a pain to get off.  

I hope y'all enjoy them as much as we do.  They boys think they are the coolest thing.  And keep asking what else we can make chips out of.  I'm wanting to try Kale chips but I'm worried they will be to tempting for me even though there is enough VitK in them to cause me some trouble.  What else could we turn to chips?

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Foster Dog Diaries: Hello Walter!

What is it about the holidays that makes time just fly right by?  If we are friends on Facebook/Twitter/IG then you have already been overwhelmed with this face for the past few weeks but I want to share him with everyone so...

Meet Walter!



Walter is a 5 year old Dane/Mastiff mix and is a dream dog.  He gets along great with other dogs. I have a Dane and a Chihuahua. He is probably the most laid back dog I've fostered so far.  He is not asking for anything more than a comfy bed and some love.  Don't let his size fool you.  He doesn't take up much room at all.  He is also my heaviest foster, weighing in at 145 lbs and yet one of the easiest dogs to walk.

Walter came in to the rescue with a busted back leg but has healed up great. On occasion he favors it but other than the scar you might not ever notice.  He really is an amazing dog and I am hoping he finds and even more amazing house and family.  Just look at his face!

So why isn't he adopted if hes so great?  Ill tell you why.  Because he is 5.  I cant tell you the number of times I heard "Oh wow, so hes pretty old".  And it breaks my heart. I like to think a dog is like a car.  You get out what you put in.  I've heard of Danes living to be 11 years old.  Proper care and nutrition will do that.  So yes, Walter is no puppy.  But hes housebroken, crate trained, leash trained.  He is very well socialized and is an all around great dog.  If you are looking for a laid back kinda dog, Walter is your guy!

In the almost 3 weeks of fostering him, he has settled in quite nicely here.  And as much as I love him and would keep him, that would mean a full house and no more fostering, which I truly love. What is that saying? If you love it set it free.  Something like that.  Knowing that he is loved is all my heart needs.  Isn't he just the cutest!

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New Year. New Focus.

I'm not making resolutions this year!  Plain and simple.  I had a few last year and I actually did pretty well.  I lost 10lbs.  Gained back 5.  I was eating smart for the first 10 months, then all hell broke loose. Walking everyday was a fail, but I did run regularly a few times a week for the first half of the year.  But something always happens and I always stop.

So what am I going to do?  Stop making these huge resolutions?  Stop having goals? I think what I really need to do is stop being so hard on myself. 2013 got the best of me and I will be the first to say it.  I had just about lost all my hope.  I let way too many things pile up on my shoulders.  Problems that were not mine to worry about.  I let other peoples failures hurt me.  I worried over problems I could not fix.  And I tried to help people who didn't want to help themselves.  My biggest failure of the year was not giving myself any thought.  I came in last because I put myself there.

What will I do this year?  I am going to let go of all the nonsense and I am going to enjoy my life.  I am going to read more, sweat more, laugh more and try more.  Make lots of memories.  I am going to take more photos, and actually be in some of them.  I am going to say no to things that won't make me happy and yes to the things that will.  This is my year!

What better way to start it than with a few small goals.  Wait, didn't I just say I wasn't going to be making any goals?  What the heck, I will make lots of goals, but I'm starting out small.  The first thing I need to do is get organized and on a schedule.  Plan my days better.  Schedule my day, cleaning and cooking.  And stick to it.  This includes going to bed earlier and getting up on time.  I think doing this is going to help all my other goals fall into place.  Not really the smallest of goals, but some things never change.  I always push myself.  I can't help it.

I'm going to start a 2014 Bucket List Board on Pinterest and will update here when I actually do them.  You can follow along HERE.  I am going to go back to sharing monthly goals.  I am going to write more,  I really sucked at that this year.  Like I said, it wasn't my best year.  But I'm over that.  I'm ready for the new year and I'm ready for new adventures that are going to come with it.

I wish you all the best in the New Year.  I wish you good health and a happy life.  Remember we only get one, so live it.

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Happiness is ______ {Week 27} #happinessis

We spent the last few days doing a whole lot of relaxing.   My oldest brother flew down to spend the holiday with us and we were all so glad to have him.  I really hope we didn't bore the heck out of him, because we are home bodies and unless its soccer season, there isn't a whole bunch going on around here.  Lets just say he got lots of rest here!  But we did fit in a few adventures this weekend. The tree lighting and the Zoo!

Happiness is a boat load of food and lots of full bellies!

 

Happiness is a mesmerized 4 year old.  He loved this guy! His smile when this dinosaur opens his mouth and growls...

We also managed to miss the tree lighting ceremony by a few minutes, thanks the insane lack of parking.  But...

Happiness is light up swords!

The next day we hit up the San Antonio Zoo. 

Happiness is new additions!  (Love the name Sarabi.  Name that movie...)

Happiness is Tadpoles.  Anthony just got some as class pets so he had lots of information for me!

Happiness is Alex excitedly telling everyone just how much an elephant can weigh. Seven slugbugs yall!  7!

Happiness is just wanting one nice picture...

Seriously.  Just one!

Happiness is my favorite part of the whole Zoo.  The Snake house :)

Happiness is a day spent with my family.  At a place we all love.  I cant wait to see all the new additions when they are finished!

Happiness is staying up a little late to finish some puzzles with Uncle Lester before he left.

Happiness was just having my brother and sister here with us for the holiday. I'm so glad he chose to spend my favorite holiday with us and the boys soaked up every minute with him!  Be sure to stop by Crazy Adventures in Parenting and see what happiness others are sharing!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and weekend! 

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Friday Five: 5 things I am Thankful for this year.

Black Friday just isn't for me.  Its far to crazy out there, so here I am.  Its almost 9am and everyone is still fast asleep.  Except for Chico the Chihuahua who is old and always up at the crack of dawn to go outside.  Anyways I wanted to take a few minutes and share some things I am thankful for this year!

I'm so thankful to have fallen in love with an amazing man.  He lets me listen to my music in the car.  He double checks to make sure they put cheese on my burgers when we go out to eat.  And he does his own laundry! He is one of the hardest workers I know and will always do what he needs to do to provide for his family. And he loves me unconditionally!  There is so much more but I know y'all don't want to hear it!

I'm thankful for the good health of my family.  My boys are growing like weeds.  They are strong and happy.  My mom quit smoking!  My sister in law just had major surgery for her Crohns and she is home recovering. Even though chemo is tiring, my Aunts tumors are shrinking!  And I am feeling pretty good!  God is good.  

I'm thankful for all that we have.  It may not be a huge house, but its our house.  It may not have much in it, but it is filled with love and memories.  And sometimes it feels like its not big enough for all of us, but we are together and that is what matters most.  We have two cars, even though I don't drive. I'm also thankful for the friends and family who drive me everywhere I need to go.  The boys have books and toys.  I'm thankful for the dogs as they are a big part of our family too.  

I am thankful that no one in our family is alone.  We are all with family this week.  My oldest brother came down to be with us and my little sister got to be home for dinner.  Mom is with my brother and his family.  Little brother has his sweet family with him.  And that my oldest nephew was home with my sister and their family.  And since my in laws only live two blocks away they were able to be here with us too. Such a blessing.  One of these holidays we are going to have to all get together!  Its on my bucket list!

And last but not least I am thankful for this blog.  I don't put much into it, but have gotten so much in return.  The friendships that have come from this are solid gold.  And the best part is that I have gotten to meet so many other bloggers, in real life and virtually that I cant imagine my life without.  For someone who is mostly home bound, that is such a blessing.  

OK that is way more than just 5 things but you get the point.  What are you thankful for this holiday season?  Are you able to be with family and friends?  

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Starting off the season with the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa

We have officially kicked off the holiday season!  David and I bundled the boys up and took a drive out to the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa to help kick off the JW Illumination Light Show. It was amazing and will be running nightly from 6:30pm to 10pm. The lights are synchronized with the music and there are cozy fireplaces to warm up by after you have walked around and taken in all the beautiful lights!  Add a hot chocolate and you too will feel the holiday spirit come alive.

And there is more to the celebration than just the lights.  There are activities for all ages! 

The Polar Plunge sounds like fun!  The water is cold just right and the lifeguard elves are there if you need some help! Are you up for the challenge?  Saturdays at 12pm and 4pm.  Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12pm.

Its not quite the holidays without a Gingerbread house!  So stop by the Gingerbread Craft Workshop and decorate a cookie or a house.  Mondays - Thursdays from 3pm to 5pm.  Fridays 2:30 to 4pm.  And Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 5pm.  

There are much more activities like Story Time, Breakfast with two very special guests, Ornament Decorating and even Pony Rides!  You can check out other activities and times HERE!

Most importantly don't forget to stop by the Texas Library and get your photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.  Be sure to tell them whats on your list too! 

We had so much fun visiting and it was such a great way to kick off the holiday season.  The boys have not stopped asking when we are going to go back for more hot chocolate!  I'm almost tempted to take a leap in to the pool too!  Here are a few more photos from Sunday.  

Don't let their cool faces fool you.  These boys are quite smitten with Tinsel the Elf.  She was so sweet to them and Alex says she must be real because she is super pretty!  Tinsel will be stopping by and visiting children all over San Antonio including the boys and girls at Methodist Children's Hospital!

Hows that for a pumpkin!  That sucker is huge and the boys said there is no way it is real.  All I think is mmmm pumpkin pie!

The lights as you walk around are wonderful.  How do they get them to light up with the music?  Magic right?  Because it sure was magical.

And one last shot of the fireplace.  Oh man was this nice and warm.  I sat for as long as I could but it was time to go.  The boys aren't the only ones looking forward to going back.  See that chair there?  It has my name on it!

What is your favorite part of the holidays?  Mine is the Thanksgiving dinner but Christmas lights are a close second.  We drive all over the place checking them out!  Luckily San Antonio understands my need for more lights, because they are EVERYWHERE!  And the river walk all light up is just the best!

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Friday Five: November Bucket List

There is no way I could top this.  I had already surprised my mom with my Nephew coming in for Thanksgiving.  Then, I took a break in the middle of cooking Thanksgiving dinner to grab a quick picture of everyone.  I'm so sneaky!  Because as soon as everyone was sitting, David came in with my oldest brother!  I'm not planning anything to big this year, just a few things to look forward to and plan with the boys.  Like I said, there will be no topping this...

Backyard camp out with s'mores!

We were planning on going camping this month, but I don't think we will get around to it.  So while uncle Lester is in town, I think we can squeeze in a backyard camp out complete with s'mores and hot chocolate in the crisp fall night. 

Go fishing.

My dad bought Anthony a very cool bamboo fishing pole that we have yet to try out.  Anthony had planned on fishing with his Grandpa, but I am hoping that fishing with me might be enough.  Now all I need to do is find a good place to go fishing here in San Antonio.

Explore a new park.

There are so many parks here and we haven't even been to half of them.  And with the weather finally cooling down, we will be able to enjoy a few hours with out overheating!  I have quite a few parks on my list but I have no clue where to start first.  I'm taking suggestions.  What is your favorite San Antonio Park?

Take family photos

This one I have been trying to do for years, but somehow it just never happens.  I have tons of photos of the boys.  A few of David and the boys.  And only a few phone selfies with the boys and myself.  I do have a few of the boys and I with the bluebonnets but I need to get some of all of us.  Who knows, maybe even the dogs!  

Volunteer

I have been talking about this long enough.  Some have said that being a dog foster is volunteering, but I would love to do more.  So I am going to sign up for orientation at the local animal shelter and I will be going in with a friend when I can.  Very excited about this.  

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