This Thanksgiving week has been wonderful! It has been busy, loud, crazy, and a wonderful time with family and friends! Russ and I have hosted the Smith/Coon Thanksgiving at our home for the past 3 years. I know...you are all probably gasping right now just digesting the fact that I cook a Thanksgiving meal! Ha! Trust me. I learned as I went. For example, the first Thanksgiving we hosted...we ran out of food!!! Can you imagine that?! Never again! Ha!

My family arrived in town Wednesday night along with Lee and his mom. This was our first Thanksgiving with Lee (Kristin's fiance). It was such fun! If you know the Smiths at all, you know the more the merrier! Wednesday night we all sat around in our tiny living room to watch Four Christmases. We actually went to see this in the movie theater last Thanksgiving. We were creative on seating arrangements! Ha!

Dustin, Daddy, and Farley

Maw Maw, Kristin, Mama, Rhonda, and Russ

Thursday morning, we hosted my dad's side of the family for a Thanksgiving brunch. This was the first time we've had a brunch. It was a great idea! While Russ went for an 8 mile run, I woke up early to begin fixing mocha coffee punch, breakfast casserole, monkey bread, and sausage muffins. Mama also fixed her cheese grits. Yummy!

Sisters

Rhonda and Lee

Russ brewed the coffee. I am in my mid-twenties and have no idea how to brew coffee! I don't drink it, so I never learned. Sad, I know!

The "adults" eating a yummy brunch

Farley and me watching the end of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade...I've never missed a year!

Once the dishes were cleaned up - thanks to Mama and Rhonda for all the help with that! - we all sat around the living room and dining room watching football and catching up. We were stuffed!

My baby brother and me watching some football

Rhonda and Mama

All the guys ended up leaving to shop around at Bass Pro Shop. That was the only place open on Thanksgiving Day. They were there forever! Uncle Donald did bring us back a plethora of Black Friday ads. We scoped it out, and found what we would "hunt" Friday morning! Crazy!

Kristin and Lee making their list!

It wasn't long until it was time to start getting things ready for Thanksgiving dinner! It really is fun hosting my family for this special meal.

Dustin even helped wash and take skin off the chicken thighs.

I walked outside to cool off from the heat of the kitchen, and this is what I saw! Hilarious! They were checking out the horse of a dog next door. Woody is a Great Dane...and he is HUGE!

The three musketeers

Dinner was served promptly at 6:30. Lots going on, but no injuries like the third degree burn I received preparing brunch! Ha!

I was very proud of this veggie tray! Ha! I was taking the veggies out of the plastic container I bought them in, putting the veggies on a nice tray. I assured everyone that "I picked these vegetables myself from my own vegetable garden. In fact I even shucked the peas myself!" SHUCKED THE PEAS?!?! Of course, there was no reaction because everyone was trying to catch their breath from laughing so hard! Obviously, I gave myself away...I don't shuck CORN or SHELL peas! Ha!

The menu was excellent (in my humble opinion)! Russ grilled pork tenderloin and the sausage. We had tenderloin with carrots and gravy, barbeque chicken, ham, crunchy Romaine salad, sausage and cheese plate, chicken dip, rolls, fruit, squash, green beans, black eyed peas, and veggies. Russ also fixed his famous white chocolate bread pudding for dessert! He only does this once a year at Thanksgiving, and it was time! Yummo!





Once the food was ready, we dispersed the cute PAPER plates (one lesson I've learned from experience!) and "Gobble til You Wobble" cups. Time to eat! Everyone had to be creative! Be seated at your own risk! Ha!

The teacher in me labeled the cups for all 14 dinner guests.

Kristin and Lee

Jack, Clancy, and Uncle Donald

Uncle Howard, Mama, Pops, Rhonda, Maw Maw, and Aunt Patsy

Daddy and Dustin (Dustin found a creative seat)

Aunt Gail and Russ

After dinner and clean-up, Dustin and I decided it was time for a movie. But, not before he had his way with my living room!

Has your living room ever been rolled?

Having such a crowd for two Thanksgiving meals can be exhausting, loud, crazy, and fun. But, it is so special having that many family members together in such a small space. That is true quality time, and I loved every minute of it!

It was a Happy Thanksgiving!

...followed by a Black Friday! Yes, we were a few of the crazy people out shopping at 5 AM! Russ, Dustin, Maw Maw, and Rhonda all chose the wiser path - BED! Kristin, Lee, Mama, Daddy, and I chose the other! Ha! We fought the crowds. I just went for the fun of it...which by the way is the best way to do it. I just enjoyed myself as I watched the other crazies fight over Doorbuster Specials! Ha!

Daddy found his deal! He slept in the car the rest of the morning while the rest of us shopped!

One Thanksgiving celebration down, and a Johnson one to go! We are so thankful for such a fun and loving family! God has richly blessed us! Happy Thanksgiving Smiths!

A Reason for Thanksgiving

I have been following a new blog lately - the Nie Nie Dialogues. Since I saw her on Oprah a while back, I have been inspired by her story. This morning, Stephanie and her family were guests on the Today Show. Please take a few minutes to watch her story and realize how much more we have to be thankful for! Her strength and optimism in such devastating circumstances are amazing.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

If you'd like to see more, heartwrenching footage of Stephanie's story, watch this video from the Oprah show. You may need Kleenex.

Now, take a minute to give thanks for the life you have been given. Don't take a single thing for granted, because your life can change in a second.

Give thanks!

Thanksgiving Workweek

This Thanksgiving week has been a busy one so far. Thank goodness, Russ was able to ask off this week since I was off. I had quite the Honey-do list for him! Ha! Actually, he had this list himself. I went off to eat lunch with some friends from school, because one of the former teachers was back in town. When I came home, Russ was working on the list. We have had a few leaks this year, and it is high time for us to cover up the evidence! So, my sweet hubby began working on the recovery efforts. Yay!


Since he was working so hard, I figured it was a good time for me to do my kind of work for the week - shopping! I spent the day doing a little Christmas shopping. I was proud of my work today.


Now I'm back, and Russ is through for the day. We are enjoying our Christmas decorations we put up last night (more on that later). I'm wondering if I can talk Russ into dinner or a movie...or dinner and a movie! Ha!

Tomorrow's list includes grocery shopping for a family brunch and a family dinner that we are hosting Thursday. Stay tuned for the entertainment from that wild weekend!

Enjoy your week!

Show Us Your Life - PETS

I'm pretty sure you know that we have a dog named Farley. Farley is no doubt our baby. Russ and I were married just before Russ started his first year of medical school. It didn't take long for me to realize that I needed a friend at home while Russ spent all those hours in the library. After much MUCH begging and researching, I finally convinced him to give in. I had searched and searched for a Maltipoo. I just thought they were cute (from the pictures I found online! ha!). Anyway, I finally found some for sale near our hometown. I called the lady around 8:30 that night to ask about them. She only had one black puppy left. It didn't take long...approximately 45 minutes....for us to pack, buy doggie toys, and hit the road for a four hour drive! Crazy youngsters, I know! Ha! No one even knew we were coming. We broke into my parents' house, spent the night, and headed to Henderson, TN before anyone woke up. By the time everyone woke up, we were back with our little black ball of fur!

Farley is certainly treated like a human...which is probably why he THINKS he is one! I can honestly say that he is S-P-O-I-L-E-D!! Farley is known as the "grandpuppy." I'm pretty sure my parents are more excited to see Farley sometimes than me. Ha!

Farley meeting Granmomma for the first time

This is probably where Farley would be content to live!

Farley and my daddy are two peas in a pod. He is truly treated as a "grandpuppy" at the Smith house. Russ always says, "When we stay at your parents' house, Farley is YOUR DAD's dog. Not mine!" Ha! Farley also has an aunt who helps with the spoiled part. Does your dog receive gourmet Easter, Halloween, and Christmas treats? Mine does! Thanks to Aunt Kristin! You should also know that Kristin can not touch Farley or her eyes would turn inside out (literally) from allergies!

Farley's gourmet happy meal from Aunt Kristin

No matter how much his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins baby him...he is MY baby! I have literally treated him as such! From wrapping him in a baby blanket to letting him sleep between Russ and me. I've heard it said, "Your children are going to be awful!" Ha! This usually comes after I take up for Farley for something he did. It's just not his fault! Someone else was bothering him. Hence, the spoiled part! We have received a "handling" fee for Farley's behavior at the groomer. I, of course, am sure that they aren't being sweet enough to him, so he is fighting back. Do I sound like "that mother?" Ha! Don't answer that! I'm the mommy and I can think my baby is perfect if I want to!

Farley and his mommy

Without sounding too weird about my dog, Farley really has been a blessing. There's just nothing like man's best friend! Farley knows when we're mad, and he licks my face when I cry. He has kept me company and kept me laughing. Of course, he has driven me crazy in between all that! But, I wouldn't change a thing! He's part of our family.

The Johnson family

Tell me about your pet. Link on up to Kelly's Korner!

It's Beginning to Sound a Lot Like Christmas

Before you judge me, you should know that I do still have my fall decorations up. I'm not completely Christmased out just yet. Although, it won't be long hopefully! In college, my roommates and I would put up our Christmas tree in October while watching Home Alone. Nikki would fix pigs in a blanket while Kelly and I acted like kids I'm sure, and our "downstairs roommates" would come up just for free food I'm sure! Ha! Those were the days! When I got married, I envisioned nights like that decorating with my husband. Ha! Yeah right! The first couple of years that Russ was in medical school, I was lucky if he even noticed a tree in the room at all! But, now that things have settled down these last couple of years, we decorate together the week of Thanksgiving. I'm off that week. Plus, it's the only time my family sees our house decorated for Christmas, because we host Thanksgiving dinner.

So, now that I've made that disclaimer...and prepared you for next week's Christmas decorating posts, I'll get back to the original thought - the sounds of Christmas!

I rarely buy CDs for myself. Most of the music I like will eventually come on the radio, so I'm fine with that. But, Christmas music is one thing I'll splurge on! Each year, I buy at least one new Christmas CD. Well, this year, I bought three! You see, since Mississippi holidays are filled with warm wishes...literally...I need a little musical pick-me-up to do my Christmas shopping. It's just hard to get in the spirit without the sounds of the holidays.

So, the picks of the year (or at least for now) are...


33 Miles. I have come to love them because of two songs in particular. So, I thought I'd try out their Christmas CD. I love it! I highly recommend this to you if you're on the market for new holiday tunes.

Barlow Girl. I only bought this because I thought they looked cute on the cover. Ha! Yes, I'm one of "those girls." I am enjoying it though. I really like thier voices and their take on the classic songs.


Sugarland. Sugarland is one of those groups you either love or don't love. Well, I love them. I'm not alone, I noticed, because they won the CMA's Duo of the Year. I do like this CD, but I only recommend it to my country lovin' friends.

Of course, these CDs are in addition to my countless collection of holiday music: Backstreet Boys, Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Mandisa, Amy Grant, and various NOW Christmas albums...to name a few. Yes, I know. Some of those names take you back in time. But, you just can't beat the oldies (well, oldies for me!).

What are you listening to this holiday season?

Good Company. Bad Game.

There really aren't many words that can make this Saturday's game sound good. Why? Because it was not good! Don't worry. I still am and always will be a proud Bulldog! So, because of that fact, I must only think about the positive.

Positive points from the Mississippi State vs. Alabama game:

#1 - As always, the Smith tailgate was full of good food and great company! We always enjoy visiting and watching the game day festivities unfold. We especially like "watching" (because we would NEVER participate in such a thing!) other people heckle the opposing team's fans as they pass us on their way to the stadium. While the girls chat and observe the latest fashions as the sorority girls walk by in their cute boots, dresses, and coats, the guys sit back and enjoy some football on TV. One of my favorite parts is when my college friends stop by to catch up!

Me and my baby brother...

...and his shoes!

Russ and Dustin looking at Dustin's x-ray of his recently corrected "boxer's fracture." No questions please! Ha!

The guys watching the Ole Miss game

Jean and Jennifer dropped by for a visit and a back rub! Ahhh...I need one right now!

Taking a break from talking to pose

Lee and Russ solving the world's medical problems, I'm sure!

Sisters

Me, Russ, Jimbo, and Rachael

My pregnant college roomie!

The whole crew! These guys had no choice but to become friends because Kelly, Rachael, and I didn't really give them any other option! Ha!

#2 - The pre-game festivities were fabulous! The gates opened at 4:00 Saturday for the 6:00 game. We, of course, didn't want to miss a thing. We entered the stadium an hour before the kickoff. But, we weren't the only ones! The stadium was packed full within 20 minutes! The team practiced in their maroon jerseys. However, when they came out to play...they were wearing BLACK jerseys! It was awesome! The crowd went wild! We looked ready!

#3 - We set a new attendance record AGAIN! 58,103! Woo hoo!

#4 - The pride in our school as the team walked over to the student section for the Alma Mater. Holding their heads high, they stood as a team and as a school.


Now, those were all very good points. However, after the game...we felt like this:

Me, Kristin, Dustin, and Ashley

So, we took down the flag and headed home...

...hoping for a better game against "that other Mississippi school" on the 28th.

I Will Take Care of You...

I have carried you since you were born; I have taken care of you from your birth. Even when you are old, I will be the same. Even when your hair has turned gray, I will take care of you. I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:3-4

At Mistletoe this weekend, my mom and I came across this verse at one of the booths. It gave me goosebumps when I read it. On days when I feel like I'm alone, or I feel like giving up...it is so refreshing to be reminded that He has carried me since birth. That same God who carried me as a baby, and walked me through my adolescent years, and blessed me with such an amazing husband as an adult will be the same. Even when I'm old and my hair has turned gray, He will take care of me and sustain me!

As Thanksgiving draws near, I am encouraging my students to think of all the things they are thankful for. I should take my own advice. Instead of dwelling in stress, disappointment, loneliness, and anxiety...I need to sit down and simply be thankful. Thankful for the infinite list of blessings He has given me that I am so undeserving of. Simply sit. Simply give thanks. He has been with me since before I was born. He has carried me all the way. He promises to take care of me when I'm old. He will rescue me. Rest in Him, Megan. Thank Him!

I will thank Him for...

...a beautiful day.
...the phone call from my hubby this morning to greet me.
...my sore tummy from laughing so hard this weekend.
...the Christian women He has placed in my life to guide and inspire me.
...the children who need me. (Heaven help them for depending on ME! Ha!)
...Christmas commercials and electric blankets.
...sweet dreams.
...the opportunity to learn from my mistakes.
...the reminders of what I take for granted.
...building my patience and trust through our infertility journey.
...winter boot SALE!
...hand sanitizer.
...falling asleep on the phone with my DH (darling husband).
...skeletal lesson plans next week!

What are you thankful for?

P.S. - Thanks, Farm Wife, for the reminder to list thanksgivings. I needed that today!

Dear Yayas

Dear Yayas,

I'm so sorry I wasn't able to make it Friday night to eat with you at Stix! However, I am SO happy that you thought of me when you finished your meal! My Stix leftovers were very good! Megan ate macaroni and cheese while I devoured hibachi chicken and steak! Come back to visit any time!

Sincerely,
Russ

Mistletoe Madness and Yaya Yuletide

We should probably call this Mistletoe Yuletide and Yaya Madness. That's really what it was! Ha! But I prefer the alliteration in the title.

Well, this was it. The weekend that the Yayas wait for all year. Mistletoe Marketplace! This year, the Yayas made reservations at the Johnson hotel pretty early. They arrived in town Friday afternoon, and we met at Mistletoe because I was already there taking care of my own shopping. We spent all night Friday night there, and we spent all mid-morning shopping at Mistletoe on Saturday.

We met the blonde from Any Blonde Can Cook cookbooks. She was having tooth trouble, so our resident tooth Yaya, Sherra, fixed her up with great advice!

Kristin and I also found a favorite spot to hang around. We literally spent probably an hour looking at all the designs in Art by Amy. Kristin ended up designing her own pieces of jewelry...and some for ME! This is Amy (I guess) and Kristin designing my necklace! So cute! I'm going to pretend I didn't see it, because it's a Christmas gift.

I was also VERY tempted to ask Hope from Days of Our Lives to pose for a picture. But, I figured I should probably buy some of her jewelry first. So, no picture with Hope. Sad!

The boys did not join us at Mistletoe. While we finished our day shopping around Renaissance, Dogwood, and Tar-jay, they spent their day eating at Buffalo Wild Wings, going to the Apple store, watching football, and napping. They were both just grateful to have someone other than a Yaya in town. Ha!

Lee watching the football game

Russ resting from all the Yaya noise!

Now, this is where the Yaya Madness comes in. Evenings with the Yayas are never dull! This weekend was no exception. Of course, we missed Yaya Hope, Yaya Natalie, and Yaya Vicki. But, the Yayas were in close contact via text messaging, I believe, throughout the weekend. Friday night, the boys went to bed. The Yayas came alive! Ha! We talked, joked, and watched 27 Dresses. I played music from my iTunes playlist and watched it all unfold.

Yaya 2, 5, and 1
(This is based on age. I learned that this weekend.)

Yaya Sherra and Yaya Teri dancing

Mama laughing at the scene

We also did a lot of eating! Friday night, we ate at the newly reopened Stix. I think we all voted that Bonsai is better, but it was good! Saturday night we ate at Bonefish Grill, where a generous man from our church (and also did Russ's jaw surgery) covered our meal. What a nice surprise! We were thrilled, and the food was fabulous! Today, we had brunch at Julep. It was, as always, exceptional!

The weekend was so much fun! Thanks for the company, Yayas! I can't wait for your next road trip to Jackson!

Boys and Their Toys

So, apparently our house has been filthy for some time now. Russ bought a new toy this weekend. And, to be honest, I think I'd like to play with it too! He worked all day pressure washing the house, doors, awnings, ceiling on the porch, garage door, and sidewalks. Man, I sure didn't remember my back porch being that color! Ha!

The Yayas are coming into town this weekend, and I suppose the outside of my house is ready. We do have yet another leak, but that should be fixed by the weekend. I cannot speak to the inside of the house yet, but we're looking good from the street! Ha!


Dear Russ,

Thanks for taking care of my humble abode! I'm glad you like your new toy. Do you think I could just spray down the inside of my house too?

Love, Megan