November in a Nutshell

It's been a while since I blogged.

I really can't beleive it's already past the middle of November.

It's been beautiful here. November is the "fall" of Austin and the leaves are all ablaze, well the ones that aren't Live Oak or Cedar, which is about 15% of them. The air is finally cooling down and staying that way, no more 70 degrees and then 90 the next day. We still have 70's which are really lovely.

For Thanksgiving this year we finally get to host 4 of Lance's siblings. Adria, Luke, Eric, and Ian are driving to Austin next week to spend the weekend with us! I'm so excited !! Cooking for more than just us 4 is so much easier for a big meal like Thanksgiving. Last year we were eating leftover for weeks. So far the plan is to make 4-5 pies and visit Sea World!!

Because of visitors coming for Thanksgiving I have been in a mad dash to get at least the first floor decorated and ready to "show". I've had painters come and paint my living room, kitchen, breakfast nook, entry way, and staircase. I had planned on doing it all myself but after tackling Beth's bedroom I felt sick just looking at all I still had to do.....and I have TALL ceilings and walls and didn't really want to risk my life on a ladder. Of course decorating a house takes time and money so it won't be perfect, which is how I like things when people come, but it's looking better and cozier. Now if I could just get those curtains up....

Lance and I are in a constant depression every Saturday watching our Longhorns get creamed in football. I guess every team needs a rebuilding year...or two....or three???

SO SO SO SO excited to go home for Christmas. Can't wait to see snow, wear sweaters, drink hot chocolate, sit by the fire, and enjoy the Christmas season with family and friends. I'm not even stressed about flying alone with the girls this year. They are old enough to behave and be happy with a DVD player in the middle of them and snacks coming at them from all sides. It's how I cope.

I actually am stressed up to my eyeballs about most of the things I've written about. Decorating, hostessing, getting ready for Christmas, my church calling (primary secretary in a brand new ward...hello lists, agendas, binders, rosters, and ward Christmas party), etc.

BUT.....

to help with all the stress....

I get to go see Harry Potter tomorrow night, a night early, with Lance's firm for a client relations event... which means it's not only free but we get all the junk we want from the concessions stand!!! Heaven knows I love a good trans fat movie theater popcorn!!!

So for now I'll focus on all my many blessings instead of all my responsibilities.

Happy Pre-Thanksgiving!!!