finally

It finally feels like winter in North Texas!  It's like we skipped fall and went from temps in the 70s for most of last week to temps in the 30s starting on Friday.  What's more, the forecast calls for snow in the coming days.  Snow in November would be a first for me in Texas.  I think we're supposed to be back in the 50s next weekend, so maybe we'll still get a little fall after all.

Thanksgiving is late this year, and I can feel it, can't you?  I am ready for the break, and the Christmas prep and excitement that follows.  I've already seen lots of Christmas lights and decorations up at homes in the neighborhood, but we always wait until after Thanksgiving.  Our outdoor lights will present a new challenge this year since we're in a new house with a different roof line.  Good thing Steve has a little Clark Griswold in his blood.  We'll have help setting up this year since my parents will be in town.

They will be driving down, arriving here on Tuesday.  When they made the plans originally, it was contingent on weather up north -- as long as the roads were supposed to remain pretty clear, they would head our way.  None of us anticipated that the bad roads may be here instead of there.  Regardless, we plan to see them Tuesday evening.  Sara has been counting down the days!

She and I finished (I think) our Thanksgiving grocery shopping today.  Tar-jay was PACKED.  I guess I knew it would be, but ... geez.  Anyway, on the menu: turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberries, green beans, rolls, and pumpkin pie.  As always, I hoping for plenty of leftovers, too.

I have no plans for Black Friday shopping.  It just doesn't interest me, and I'm not willing to get up in the middle of the night to fight over a handful of the available "hot" items.  I'm looking forward to a quiet day around the house, decorating for Christmas, and hopefully a nice walk or trip to the park.  In fact, except for a grocery and/or Target trip, I don't anticipate doing any shopping next weekend. 

A couple nights ago I was able to get out for a couple of hours to enjoy dinner and some drinks with my friend, Erica.  I tend to give myself a hard time about being away from home on evenings and weekends, but I felt so refreshed after my short break the other night.  A little grown-up time was just what I needed.

The next few weeks should be a whirlwind; I'm sure you can relate.  Steve and I both have holiday gatherings for work, I have cooking to do for a couple of potlucks, and I have to go searching for an ugly sweater (Goodwill?).  Also, Steve will be running his second marathon, Sara has a dance recital, a school program, and - of course - we'll be celebrating her *big* birthday. 

For tonight, though, we're enjoying sitting by the fire watching the big prime time match up between the Cyclones and the Jayhawks (in case you aren't familiar with either team's season, this game is a total joke all the way around).  In kid news, Sara is sleeping on the top bunk for the first time, and Emma slept til 8:00 this morning so I'm totally hoping for a repeat tomorrow (and she is now sleeping soundly without a bedtime bottle ... hurray!). 

Hope your holiday season is off to a great start.  We're upon my very favorite time of the year!