Thanksgiving and other happenings

I know - I've been gone for awhile.  Things at our home have been crazy.  We got back from our trip and all got sick within a week.  First the boys - than it hit Mike - and not to leave me out decided to hit my upside the head.  This horrible LINGERING cold that never goes away! 

Needless to say - the 12 table runners that were on order for a special client didn't get done in time, the 3 quilts to be quilted, are still waiting to be completed.  The house was a mess.  Little was getting done. 

My brother and his family came into town for Thanksgiving which is always fun to see them. My little brother Nick also came into town - which is always a big help and Jake LOVES his stories. We were all feeling better, so we went out to play last week.  A dinner, a day of games at our house, Thanksgiving at my moms.  Jake has fallen in love with whip cream thanks to Grandma Sharon and her pumpkin pie!  Grandma Polly let him loose at Thanksgiving. 

He decided to dip the beater into the whip cream and then lick it all off - then repeat...SEVERAL times. 

Thanksgiving night I started to feel sick again - What is going on here?  I use to never get sick!  So the last few days I have been feeling crappy again - but still had a few more parties to go to.

We all got dressed up for Luke on his special day.  I had to get pictures of my kids since we are rarely in our Sunday best...

 I think we are going to try for one more family dinner tonight before the boys all leave town again.  I will actually take my camera out of the house and see if I can snag a few pictures of my kids with their cousins.  It has been so much fun to see them interact with the older boys.  I can go hours without seeing Jake when they are around.  Its as if Jake thinks he's 10 or something and fits right in with all the boys.  It would be so much fun to have them around all the time...but we'll take them when we can. 

With everything that has been going on - I actually managed to get Christmas decor up on Sunday.  More to come on that soon!

Menu Monday

Trying to get back in the swing of things (do I say that every week?)  I'm also trying to use what I have at home, so that may mean a lot of chicken!

Monday - Chicken and rice casserole from Costco - so good! w/ pears
Tuesday - Rump Roast  w/ mashed potatoes
Wednesday - Lemon Chicken w/ salad
Thursday - Beef Stroganoff w/pears
Friday - Chicken Enchiladas

Manicotti

Sunday night I made manicotti for my brother and his wife since they welcomed home their first baby on Nov 1st!  Baby Dylan is so cute and content.  Sadly I haven't taken any pictures of the little guy yet....back to dinner...

I use the recipe on the back of the manicotti noodle box.  I added a little spinach and doubled the recipe.  I got a pan for my brother, one for us (with leftovers for lunch) and froze a pan!  I don't make manicotti often cause it takes a little time to fill the noodles (I use a zip lock bag and cut a little point out in the bottom corner) but I forget how much I love this recipe. 

I added some garlic bread and a homemade Cesar salad and it makes a great meal! Give it a try - you won't be disappointed!

Newport Coast

The last two years we have tried to slip away to Newport Coast, California for a week in October. 

We have taken my in laws and we have a great time!  This year was another success.

We hit the beach - which Jake LOVED

  But Sam SLEPT through

We hit Disneyland a few of the days

The whole park was dressed up for Halloween.  I am always amazed at all the detail and the small things Disney does up for the guests.

We went to Mickey's Halloween party - on Halloween.  Not our brightest idea.  It was WALL TO WALL people.  You could barely walk.  I have never been to Disneyland when it was so crowded.  We went back a few days later when there were no crowds and it was pure bliss!

Sam tried some cotton candy out and loved it.  It may be the only thing in life that will keep him happy in his stroller.

The boys had a good time even with the crowds.

We loved hanging out in Newport with Aunt Gina and Uncle Gary.  Gina SPOILED the kids to no end! 

We also got to play with cousins Kelly, Gavin, Owen, and Charlie.  I have to say spending time with that cute little Charlie almost makes me want to try for a little girl....ALMOST!

We had such a good time with my great in laws.  I love watching the kids interact with them.  They even tended for us a few times so Mike and I could get away.  It was a fun, relaxing trip. 

Too bad we can't stay on vacation all the time!

Super Heroes

Above are a few of my favorite super heroes.

I am thrilled this little guy is was walking in time to become Superman.  It just wouldn't have been the same, if he was crawling all over the cape....

Jake couldn't decide if he wanted to be Batman or Spiderman.  This was our dress rehearsal.  We actually spent Halloween in Disneyland (which was CRAZY and busy - I don't suggest it, more on that later).  Jake ultimately went with Spiderman.

Dressing up is fun - but at our house, this is what it looks like most days...

Pin Cushions

Two of my newest pin cushions and by far my favorite! 

 Brown and pink is so girlie and sweet.  I love the moda home brown and pink polka dot.

 Shangri la by Moda was one of my favorite lines and a little Buggy Barn star is one of of my favorite patterns. 

Both pin cushions are stuffed with crushed walnut shells.  I love how the pins feel going into the cushion.  Is that weird? 

I love easy quick projects.  Maybe its because life is so crazy and I like to feel like I can actually get something done.  Thus the pin cushions, small quilts, square quilts etc.  I didn't realize I have a pattern going on here...I must hate to have unfinished projects!

Nicey Jane

I fell in love with this line.  I LOVE the big BIG polka dots, the large floral, the colors.  Everything about this line screams ME.  I can't decide what to make out of it - and I fear before I figure it out it will be impossible to find.  Any ideas? 

 Pine Needles had a charm pack they had cut from the fabrics, so I grab that up to make a little something to tie me over til I made a final decision on a bigger quilt.  I'm loving this little baby quilt.  If only I had a girl!

 I don't think Mike would go for it hanging in Sam's BLUE nursery.

Maybe draped over my chair in the family room?  Adds a little springy color.

Or a little table topper so I don't have to dust so much....

Or I might just look at these dots ALL DAY.

This may just end up in my Etsy Store to help pay for the big quilt once I can decide what to do.  I've gotta go with big bold blocks to showcase the fabric.  If you have any ideas let me know!

Nana's Quilt

This table topper is about 2 years old!  I made the top a few summers back.  I FINALLY got around to quilting it for the boutique.  I love how it turned out.  This is another great quick pattern from Pixie Girl Quilts called Nana's Table Topper.

A great pattern for showcasing that large print you just can't cut up!  I have seen this made up a hundred different ways and its cute every time.  Makes a great small baby quilt or cute table topper to throw together as a gift - even if its last minute.