I snuck away for a moment of reflection before the day starts.

We wake early in our home. Still, I stole a moment even earlier.

I hear little voices (don't worry it's just the kids talking) and sounds of little feet on the the wood floors.

I smell the pie's that darling husband helped me bake last night.....

Yesterday, I needed to "deep clean" my home (turn it inside out to shake all the crumbs and dust out, kinda cleaning!)

As I was cleaning I thought of all the blessings for which I am thankful.

I am thankful for the spilt goldfish (the snack, not the swimming kind) container that needed picking up.

I am thankful for the Lincoln Logs that were scattered around the play room.
I am thankful for "all" the everyday stuff that needs to be done "everyday" to keep my favorite place - home organized.
(Good thing I'm writing this down, I tend to forget that I'm thankful for this one!!)

I am thankful for all my favorites things in life that bring a smile to may face and makes me to do the "happy dance".

I am so thankful for the love and support from our family and friends.

We will be thinking of them all as we sit down to dinner and say our blessing today. Wishing them all a wonderful and very blessed Thanksgiving day.

It is my life's journey and I am thankful for all of it!

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's not often I eat a donut. But when my chickadees woke me with words of a donut run. It took no convincing for me to kick my darling husband out of bed with words of, "great idea, Dad will be happy to go"!  It was a tad selfish on my part...that meant I didn't need to make breakfast (one morning of pure sugar is not going to hurt these kids) and I needed the sugar jolt to accompany my coffee after the long labor intensive day yesterday turned out to be.

It's still early to tell how successful the fundraiser turned out.  But after tones of work I know the 20 vendors (including myself - I was the Southern Living at Home vendor) had a great time. Not sure I recommend coordinating the fundraiser, decorating the gym in Holiday cheer starting at 9 AM and worrying about everything it entails and having a booth is such a good idea! I'll tell you a secret....I had a few discontinued items at my table that I didn't know were discontinued!! Oops.... okay I can't do it all.  At least I was able to laugh and tell them I was a bit busy.

As the sugar continues to run through my system I must tackle the exciting job of unloading two cars worth of everything I took to school to make it all happen.  And thank my hubby for still loving me after thousands of calls for help and oops I forgot something at home can you hurry and I mean hurry to the school to bring it to me!!  I think I have a long day ahead of me...I see a grandee Cinnamon Dolce Latte in my future!  Hope your cup of joe tastes as good as mine does today!

I received my first holiday invitation for the season. It's always a struggle to think of a new "Hostess gift". Usually it's an hour before the party and I am running around the house looking for a bottle of wine (which is always enjoyable but not unique) or a candle to give.

In my attempt to be better prepared this year I came across 3 gift ideas for either Hostess or teachers. Teacher gifts are by far the hardest to buy!!! They have enough "apple themed gifts" but the struggle is what to get them. Gift cards, I know are always appreciated, but sometimes it's really fun to find something different or handmade. I really want try my hand at making more of my gifts this season.

I love themes. My theme for this Christmas is "Simply Thoughtful". I think the love and work you put into the thought of the gift is personally rewarding. Getting the kids involved will be meaningful to them as well.

I am organizing (good word for cleaning up after the children) the place I call the "pool room". I have grand ideas for this room. I have visions of knocking down a wall. Drywalling the remaining walls and finishing it off with vintage finds and remnants from flea markets. Ah! it's so nice to dream! This room use to be our storage room. But we had a swimming pool built which resulted in my storage room needing a major makeover because it leads off to the pool-it's also the place where we store TOYS and the children do their crafts. It has an extra fridge for the summer months. Which is then stock with an endless supply of Popsicle's and CapriSuns (you may find some beer in there too!) for family and friends who come to visit/stay awhile and swim. Hence the name,"the pool room".

One of my "favorite" finds at the vintage store was this cabinet. I did not have to do a thing do it but bring it home and load it up with my outdoor serving pieces. I feel in love it's old charm. When I first spotted the cabinet it reminded me of my Southern California days. It has such a warm and cottage feel about it, that I can't help but think of the summer months. I guess I need to stop day dreaming and get "organized".