As you know from reading our blog, Russ and I have relocated this month and sold our house in September. So, we were unable to host the Smith family Thanksgiving like we usually do. Kristin and Lee picked up the slack beautifully! We all traveled south to Jackson Wednesday night to get ready for a fun Thanksgiving holiday with the Tulls.

Kristin, Lee, and Rhonda headed off to bed not long after our late arrival. We spent the entire evening...I would say into early morning hours playing Wheel of Fortune on our iPhones. Mary ended up spending the night with us since it was so late (or early)!

The next morning, Mama got busy in the kitchen preparing brunch for my dad's side of the family. Kristin was in charge of dinner and Mama was in charge of brunch. We had a yummy meal: breakfast casserole, garlic cheese grits, monkey bread, and fruit. We visited and ate as we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. I must say it was quite relaxing to not be in charge of any of the meals.

Maw Maw and Kristin

Uncle Donald, Mama, and Pops

Rhonda and Lee

Me and Daddy

Once brunch was over, the family relaxed, watched some football, and visited with each other. Uncle Donald, Daddy, and I also took a quick trip to Bass Pro Shop to look around. I found a few gifts and I was good to go. Checking things off my list!

Maw Maw looking at Kristin and Lee's scrapbook

While the rest of us relaxed, Mama and Kristin began preparing for the big family dinner.

Several of the family got a little more comfortable....possibly wearing elastic so they could eat more food! Ha! We enjoyed visiting as the Coon family arrived. Kristin offered appetizers for us to munch on as she made the final preparations.

"The kids"

Pops and Dustin

Me and Clancy

Pops and Aunt Patsy

Dustin and Daddy

The appetizers: celery with pimento cheese, cheese and crackers, pumpkin shaped grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato basil soup

Kristin had everything so nicely decorated, and she and Lee worked busily on the details.

Kristin and her owl apron

Lee buttering the rolls

Yummy recipes everywhere!

Sweet potato dish

Unlike when I hosted Thanksgiving and every sits at their own risk using cute paper plates, Kristin had card tables decorated nicely with beautiful dishes to enjoy our Thanksgiving meal on. Very nice!

Complete with scattered chestnuts and an owl bottle filled with red daisies!

Yummy food

...labeled nicely!

Do you notice an owl theme?

Even fall owl cookies!

"Grown up table" I guess.

Mouth-watering goodness!

Once we were all seated and said a prayer of thanks for all these wonderful blessings: delicious food lovingly prepared, family, and friends sitting around us....it was time to dig in! It was an evening filled with fun, food, and fellowship!

Me, Mary, Dustin, and Clancy

Lee, Rhonda, and Daddy

Uncle Howard and Aunt Patsy

Thank you, Kristin and Lee for hosting such a wonderful Thanksgiving! We all had a blast and were STUFFED! Looking forward to next year to see what you will do to top this! Ha!

MSU vs. Arkansas

Once again, I have completely neglected my sweet blog. On a happy note, we are moved in and getting settled in our new place. We feel quite cozy and at home. Now, to catch up...

As most of you know by now, my beloved Bulldogs pulled off an extraordinary game against Arkansas a few weeks ago. Of course this family began our day much earlier. With tailgating!

Lee and Rhonda

We had lots of visitors and several regulars at our last home game and tailgate of the season. It's been a great season! The weather has been football-perfect! And the Arkansas game was no exception.

Mary, Daddy, and Mama

We all enjoyed visiting with friends and family. We laughed, caught up...

Leann and Kristin

....and ate - as per our usual activities! Ha!

Kendall

We enjoyed seeing friends as they stopped by for visits.

The Green's group

Me, Russ, Becca, and Adam

The excitement for this final game...and a big SEC game against two ranked teams...was enormous! We were ready and hoping for a win! The game was quite exciting. Now that it's been three weeks, I can't remember specifics as I usually detail the best parts. One thing I can tell you is that Daddy got excited...

Then, when we went into double overtime...I was having to sit with my head between my knees to keep myself from passing out! Too much excitement and nervousness! It was CRAZY!

However, after this photo...we went down. There were some fluke mistakes that just led us to a loss. But, if this football program is looking for a phenomenal game for their fans...they've done it!

Great job, DAWGS! We still had one more game after all. You know....that "other school" was next. Ha!

O Christmas Tree

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!

Thy leaves are so unchanging.
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging.

Not only when the summer's here;

But also when it's cold and drear.
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Thy leaves are so unchanging.

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

How often has the Christmas tree
Afforded me the greatest glee!
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Much pleasure thou can'st give me.

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

From base to summit, gay and bright,
There's only splendor for the sight.
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
Thy candles shine so brightly!

O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
How richly God has decked thee!
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
How richly God has decked thee!

Thou bidst us true and faithful be,
And trust in God unchangingly,
O Christmas tree! O Christmas tree!
How richly God has decked thee!

Our Life is a Cartoon!

For those of you who don't know what's been going on with Russ and me lately because of the recent delays between blog posts, no contact from either of us, or just simply because you are too confused...let me fill you in! It's hard to explain really. We are basically living a life of cartoons these days. A young "party of two" enjoying the perks of having no strings attached!

As you know, we sold our house in October. We've been living with my in-laws since July, which has proven to be quite the adventure. Everyone should have that chance once in your life! As for the next few weeks....our life is a cartoon!


The apron business is booming! In fact, my life is currently a whirlwind of threads, fabrics, scissors, ironing, and monogramming! I finally stopped tonight around 11. I LOVE that so many people like my creations! I feel all warm and fuzzy inside! There are orders coming out of places I never knew existed! From people I barely know...and some I know very well. Yay for "Sew Me Oh My!"

Then...

Monday, we will load the boxes up AGAIN and move to our final destination. At least until we find another destination. Ha! Yes, we have found a place of our own! We are actually simplifying life for a while by moving into a cute two-bedroom apartment, and I am so excited! There are several reasons for this. But, you know that a "party of two" doesn't need much and can save lots by doing just this very thing! And, besides, the only thing I'll be responsible for is changing light bulbs! How awesome is that!?

First things first...
One of the hard things lately about not having our own place is wondering about how we will feel at home for the holidays. But, when we move the boxes in...I'm getting the Christmas decorations out! Yes, I am! I'm off next week, and Russ doesn't like to help decorate anyway. I know. A sad tale. Once upon a time, I had visions of sugar plums and decorating with the hubby. But, then reality set in. My hubby is on call, working, and just simply not the least bit interested in helping decorate. Poop! Oh well. I'll play the Christmas music or put on the latest ABC Family 25 Days of Christmas show and decorate myself. I might even throw in a little hot chocolate while I'm at it!

The next day...

I will drive down to Jackson to spend Thanksgiving with my side of the family. Russ and I have hosted Thanksgiving for the last five years. Now that we have moved, I'm passing the torch on to my sister and her new hubby. It's a fun affair to say the least. We will all stay in their apartment, have brunch with one side of the family and dinner with the other side. We will settle in for a nice night's sleep....or not...because Black Friday comes early!
Friday morning, we will leave the apartment around 4 AM so that we can stand in line with all the crazies that dare attempt to shop for great deals on this crazy day! Yep. We'll be there. Always are. And, I hope we never find it "too stressful!" It's just fun! I didn't even buy anything last year. I just enjoyed watching everyone! I'm thinking football paint on our face this year. I saw that last year, and it was too cute! Ha!

The next day...


I'll travel north to Corinth for Thanksgiving with the Johnson side of the family. Russ has to work this day (and Thanksgiving Day), but we are hoping he will get off in time for supper. Things aren't for certain yet, but I'll be there to represent. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for my hubby to join us!

Two days later...

It's back to work as normal. By the way, for those of you who don't know, I am working at the new elementary school as an interventionist three days a week. I. LOVE. IT! Just so you know! It's teaching minus stress. It's a great way to keep me in the schools while we transition our lives from this crazy move! Ha!

A few days after this...
The Smith clan is setting sail on our cruise! Yes, we are! We are very excited! I'm sure this will serve as a great rest time for Russ and me after such a crazy couple of weeks. It will also be a great way to spend my birthday (which is creeping closer and closer to 30 each year!). We will say Bon Voyage and probably not blog at all! Or is it you that are supposed to tell us Bon Voyage?? Well, anyway. You get the idea!

Once we return...
Russ and I will enjoy each other! We will enjoy our new "home." We will begin the Christmas season with just us...this "party of two." And we are so thankful!