In the night...

We got snow!!!



Just a little. But still fun! I'm taking William out to play now...

Happy Thanksgiving, You Turkeys

A few things I'm especially thankful for...


My Husband




My Baby




My Family



My Friends

Not our only friends, of course, but the only picture I have available.

Good health

The ability to travel



Music



Books



Sewing Machines



Baked Goods

Sort of a blessing and a curse.

I hope everyone had a lovely, peaceful, fun day. I know I ate way too much. How about you?

Oh. Yes.

I may have gone to see this last night wearing a Twilight hoodie. I may have gasped, clapped, or squealed at key moments. And I may be seeing this 2-3 more times this week. At least.

Ruth and I went to the ArcLight in Sherman Oaks last night and it was AWESOME. I think it's my favorite theater. You have assigned seats and they don't let late-comers into the theater. Plus -- look at the sweet lit up collage that took up an entire wall...






I went into this movie fearing and expecting the worst. I left feeling very satisfied and happy with it. It may be confusing/boring to people who haven't read the books, but I loved it!! There were a few things that were less than perfect, but overall I am pleased. And need way more! :)

What did you think?

P.S. Holy crap the new Harry Potter trailer is so incredible!! I get the chills every time I see it. How are we supposed to wait for 8 more months!?!?!

Thinking Out Loud About the Holidays

I was up until 2am last night. Thinking about Christmas. For the past week or so I've been trying to decide how we're going to "do" Christmas, now that we have started a family. The commercialization and buying frenzy that goes on around Christmas really makes me physically sick to my stomach and I want to make sure that within our little family, we never get caught up in that side of the holiday. I want it to be focused on family and traditions and the real reason for celebrating in the first place. Not "having" to buy gifts, stressing about wrapping/entertaining/cramming every possible holiday thing into a couple of weeks, etc.

What I decided to do with our kid(s) is to give 4 gifts from us -- something they want, something they need, something to wear and something to read -- one Santa gift (something bigger) and a stocking with craft/hobby supplies or something to add to a collection along with an orange and a little treat. We will also focus on giving mostly handmade gifts.




I have been thwarted a bit in my goal to make/buy handmade as some last minute plans mean I won't even be home for the majority of the month. I've already been gone for two weeks and after one day at home, I'll be gone for another 3 weeks. This will leave me one week before Christmas to make a couple of handmade things (mostly William's). I have purchased a couple of handmade-by-others gifts, however. For the remaining gifts (besides a couple purchases from Amazon) I am going to buy local.

So anyway, exciting post, huh? This is just what has been keeping me up at night and I'm so happy to have it like, all figured out. Maybe I'm a freak to be so obsessively worried about it right now, or at all, but I like having a plan.

William and I are off to Utah for Thanksgiving on Sunday and will be there for 3 weeks. Have a Happy Thanksgiving, all you kids, and I'll catch ya lata.

Sorry again for the lame, boring, picture-less post.

William's First Haircut

William did great getting his hair cut for the first time. And yes, I know Mom, it doesn't really look like he got his hair cut. We just did the bare minimum -- trimmed the bang, cut off the brillo pad in the back, and the cut off a few little pieces that made him look like a long-haired hippy. He still looks like my little baby!

Utah

53 weeks old.

Two of my favorite people in the world.

A fun street to be on.

We go places other people wish they could go.

From the rooftops.

I love old stuff.

And blue stairs.

A favorite.

Lovely.

I spent a good chunk of change here.

Even fun at night.

William's first fall leaves.

Super fun.

Ryan climbs a tree for the first time.

Trevor looks on.

Sigh. Someone buy me a house on this street, please.

Ice cream counter.

Mommy and Will having fun wearing coats! and playing in the leaves.

So many pretty places.

Grandma's house.

More fall.

I miss you already.

William and I had an excellent time in Utah with my family. We spent most of the days with Beth or Trevor as their school and work schedules allowed. Then spent evenings with my parents and Ryan and Alexa.

I realized that I hadn't been to Utah during the fall for many years. I was driving around town just in awe of all of the color surrounding me. It was actually kind of a hazard. It was just so beautiful. I miss it even more now than I did before.

And it cracks me up that wearing a coat seems like such a novelty. Growing up, having to wear a coat for 5 + months of the year was quite a nuisance. But, I miss that, too.

Disneyland!

Sleepy baby.

We picked a great day to go to Disneyland. It wasn't too hot and it wasn't very crowded. We got to go on Space Mountain (everyone's favorite) 3 or 4 times! We could have gone more but decided to move on. William was a little overwhelmed by some of the rides (Pirates, Haunted Mansion) but it was a very fun day! Thanks for treating us, Gma & Gpa!

Birthday Boy

Amazing pumpkin cupcakes with pumpkin spice cream cheese frosting.

William ate his cake very neatly. And left the icing.

The party.

I think this kid had a pretty good day.