The absence of writing is not due to a lack of little moments to be absorbed, but rather to too many of them! I have found myself taking in Thanksgiving, and the excitement of the changing seasons and all that it brings. I think I will let the pictures speak for themselves....smiles, laughter, time with cousins, only, I didn't get enough pictures with all the other family members: Grandma, Uncle Brandon, Craig, Lolo, Kelsey, Ally, Chris....
it was very special to be in Grandmama's house together for the first Thanksgiving without her. We used familiar silver, cooked in her kitchen, made crafts, went for walks at East Beach, drove to see the erosion at Wasque, played football on the lawn, and enjoyed all of the little moments as a family with a lot for which to be thankful.

 Happy Thanksgiving....Paisley's array of hats that came from school.

 Paisley learned a lot about Pilgrims in school and she was thrilled with the idea that drove and were near where the Pilgrims had once been.

                                Snuggly moments among sisters out at East Beach

                            Who doesn't love making sand angels...and then giving them a face

                                           Peeking through Allyson's vest on the beach.

 Although the plates weren't really eaten, there were tons of smiles, laughs, and good memories

 The ferry boat was very exciting! We stayed outside on the deck, despite the chilly air--we soaked in the sun!

Today Paisley proclaimed, "I am thankful for my whole family and all that we've got" 

Granted, this could be seen as cliche, but it wasn't. It was delivered with such innocence, sincerity and clarity. It was one of those moments you want to stop time, rewind, and play it back again and again. Then, copy it and replay it again in 10 years when we ALL need some reminding! She is such an old soul and such a kind hearted one at that. 

So much more to write regarding Thanksgiving...but on another day...sleep beckons!

Giddy Up!

Shyanne® Women's 12" Embroidered Clover Flower Western Boots

Dave has asked me what I want for Christmas. I know that I am not alone when I admit that I prefer to think about what I can get others; it is the mom in me. It is much easier to come up with fun gifts for my kids and my husband. That is not to say that I don't have things I want, but often the first thought that goes through my mind right after I think what I want is, "I could spend that money on something better-do I really need the boots?" But, then again, Christmas isn't just about need. 
SO, I did a little research and I found these: a fun, sexy, and somewhat unique pair of cowboy boots that I just might have to add to my Christmas list! I started the search with Old Gringo and turquoise, but in the end, I could not rationale those prices...and these seemed to do the trick for what I was envisioning. 

I will have to think if this is where I want to invest my "gift" but if I do, I am bound to feel reconnected, just one more time, with my inner cowgirl: the inner cowgirl who longs to still work on a ranch and play in the mud staring at the Western sky. 

I had to include this video because it captures halloween for me...now and when I was a kid....the excitement, the cold, the energy(sugar rush), and the smile it always brings to my/people's faces...thank you Harper, for keeping Halloween so simple and so fun! Paisley and Harper trick or treated in a way that I might just always remember--that sweet year where they are innocent, polite, excited, "into it" and yet, not overstimulated, obsessed with what candy they get, and perhaps full of shaving cream....it is that small and wonderful window of childhood holiday fun. We were there with both of them this year, and it made it special...for all of us. 

When I think of Halloween, there are so many images and memories that come to mind. We lived in a house where NO ONE ever trick or treated, which was probably good, given that they would have had to drive 1/2 mile in the driveway and then, that would have been a little odd, especially 15 minutes outside of town! But, I loved the costumes, and I loved that Lauren was repeatedly Laura Ingles Wilder while I was a repeat witch.....and of course, there was the candy-who doesn't LOVE Halloween candy. 

 

 On our way to/from Neverland and loving it!!

 

 

 

I thought my mantle was good, then I found this one online...overachievers, I think!! Who sees the mantle on Halloween?! But, of course I included it because I like it!