thankful

i am feeling very thankful this year.  i was reminded this week of how precious life really is.  i'm feeling extra grateful for my family and for my dear friends. 

our family had a wonderful thanksgiving last night, hosted by my sweet in-laws.  look at the adorable place settings for the kids- those are chalk boards- precious, i know.  my mother-in-law sets a beautiful table and makes a really delicious meal.

 i'm thankful for my nieces and nephews.....all ten of them!  ten- how fun is that?

 anna michael was very thankful for ice cream yesterday.  she didn't especially care for dinner, but loved dessert. 

 and as usual, i am extremely thankful for these three faces.  i mean, don't you want to just squeeze them? 

happy thanksgiving

winter ONEderland

i had a request this week for a boy's first birthday party- his mom is planning a winter ONEderland for her little guy.  i have just the penguin for her!  i'm totally loving this party:

happy 1st birthday grant! 

chicken noodle soup

i'm sure there are a million recipes for chicken noodle soup.  this is just the way i make it- i imagine it's the way most people do.  two of my little ones have colds along with my mother in law- so last night i thought this would be the perfect dinner for them. 

in a hot pan add a couple tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and a tablespoon of butter.

add about a cup of chopped carrots and celery and a half cup chopped onion

saute veggies until they are soft- but not mushy- season with salt and pepper

add a large can of chicken broth

add cooked chopped chicken.  (i bake at 350 for 25 minutes coated with olive oil, salt and pepper)

bring to a boil

add 3/4 bag of egg noodles.  cook until the noodles are done (just follow directions on package) turn soup off when they are cooked.  if you continue to let simmer the noodles will continue to cook and turn into mush.

that's it!  i think they are feeling better already!

will is 4!

my little cowboy turned 4 right before halloween.  he decided on a cowboy themed party.  the party was held at the local indoor bounce house.  it was so much fun!

annie and finn

that's right- i like to get in on the action myself.  seriously- don't just sit on the sidelines at these places- they are really fun!

here is my birthday boy!

three of the cutest kindergarteners i know.

this is the face that makes all of the party prep worth it......he's seeing his "party room" for the first time.

here is the view of my 4 year old.

we got cowboy hats, sherrif badges and bandannas for all of the kids.  they were our place settings and party favors.  i got it all from oriental trading.

i did premade snack bags for the kids- goldfish and gummies per will's request.

cowgirl kate

my neices are the cutest....right?

happy birthday will.  you are the sweetest boy.  xo- mommy