mama style

when i bought this dress years ago, brian hated it because he said i looked like i was wearing a bag.  it didn't even dawn on me then to put a belt on it (must say this to the tune of beyonce's song, "put a ring on it")  oh here we go again, my attempt at being funny again.  i like ease and comfort of this look and paired with tights, which you can't see the print on them, and these dark brown suede boots makes it fun.

Food, Family, and Thanks

we had a beautiful thanksgiving filled with food, family and thanks.  we hosted the holiday this year and it turned out perfectly.  everyone helped with food, decorations, clean up, and running after caleb.  brian only got a little stressed out ;-)  i just wish that i had more time to take pictures of everything that took place and of everyone that was there.

turkey was prepared in a brine overnight, then stuffed with apples, cinnamon, sage, rosemary, and onions.  i made a herbed butter from butter of course, sage, thyme, and nutmeg that went under the skin and all over the outside of this birdie

we geared up and took a break and went on a walk with babcia and benny

brian's stressed face in full swing as he's carving the birdie

caleb was clapping because he just couldn't wait to eat

oh and did he love his first thanksgiving meal

poppy even got on the floor with caleb and tried to get him

enjoying snacks with family in the kitchen while nana makes her delish gravy

i regret not having photos of the spread of food that was available.  we had so much to eat!  we were really blessed by God's bounty and love.

mama style

oh how happy am i to dig these boots our of the closet finally.  i scored these babies from my mama, lucky me.   i paired my skinny jeans with a navy top, camel blazer and this awesome coral scarf.  my belt sucks but i just didn't have a good one at the time.

15 months

it was hard to get pictures of my little monkey today, he is just so busy!

• caleb wears 18 months clothes and is really starting to need 24 month tops
• he is very shy and sensitive and tends to run to me for protection and huddle around my legs
• he cannot get enough of books, this boy loves to read and will even turn the book in the correction direction if i give it to him upside down
• he walks backwards to get to my lap and just throws himself down in it
• he likes to climb on the futon in the office, especially when we are not looking!
• he carries a remote control everywhere in the house and tried to remote control the cat and all objects
• he is still fascinated by ceiling fans and light switches, he likes to remote those too
• he is picky with food one day and then the next he will surprise us and eat what he didn't want the day before
• he definitely prefers fruit and sweeter foods over veggies
• caleb loves to walk and be outside.  he tries to beeline it down the driveway and onto the street when i get him out of the car seat.  he will just start walking away and screams if i try to hold his hand or pick him up, that's fun, especially at the grocery store.
• he backs down over steps or even ground.  he will actually get on his tummy and step down if there is even a small uneven part like from the garage to the driveway.
• he loves to push and pull his toys all around the house.
• caleb has 9 teeth with more coming each week, poor kid is constantly teething.

i can go on forever describing him and what he can do!  i love him so much and can't wait to see his beautiful face each morning when i go to get him out of his crib.

mama style

the one thing i like about this crappy cold weather is that i get to wear one of my favorite pair of boots.  i scored these babies after batting my eye lashes at my sweet husband on an impromptu trip to just take a look see around the store.  this gray top i scored from my sister and i've had it forever.  i wish she lived in the same town so we can swap clothes more often. 

mama style

i got a new haircut and had her add bangs.  i'm into bangs all of a sudden and wish that i had them this short sooner.  i did get home from the salon and cut them to this length myself because they just weren't short enough.  i'm pretty brave to do that, i know.  but it worked out.

cheese

for caleb

we recently gave you some crayons and tried to get you to color a little bit.  but you seemed to be more interested in eating all of the crayons that we set out for you.  you did manage to get some lines on your superman coloring book and mama is so proud of your art.

mama style

it is nice to be able to get out and enjoy the fall weather for a few moments in november without a coat on.  i like that i can pair textured tights, even though you can't tell, with a skirt and my new shoes.  i am wearing a small gold cross necklace, that you can't see in this pic, that is my new wardrobe staple.  i have a very strong renewal to my faith and i can't seem to take off my necklace.

i woke up super late this morning and could not take a shower, shhhh don't tell anyone :-)  thank goodness for long hair that i can pull up and some oscar blondi dry shampoo to save the day.

almost over

fall time will be coming to an end soon and i will miss the beautiful trees, the pumpkins, and not having to wear a zillion layers of clothes to stay warm.