The day after Thanksgiving I told myself no Joann’s. I knew that it would be WILD but you know deep down inside that 50% off notions wall just kept calling to me. Hubby heard it without a doubt and even volunteered to come along even with the kiddos in tow. Yep, we all braved Joann’s together! It was not horrible until we waited in line for about 45 minutes to get two things of fabric cut. I know, 45 minutes. . .who does that! Me! Anyways, we headed up to the front of the store to pay after hitting the wonderful notions wall and then we found ourselves walking to the back of the store again. Yes, the line was all the way to the back of the store and we have a larger Joann’s. Wow! As a wonderful happy family we proceeded to wait in line to check out for approximately 45 minutes. Let me tell you that the kids were wonderful (for that long of a wait). Hubby was a real trooper walking around for a bit with sister and keeping her entertained. I had the little man who was content to dump everything out of the cart and put it back in a few million times. I cannot believe that we went but it was worth it (just think of the savings) and we all even made it out alive!

We broke away from suburbia this morning and headed out to the country for a bit to a place that time has not touched. A place where log cabins stand and animals run wild. We all had a wonderful time exploring, chasing peacocks, finding the perfect leaves, sneaking up on sheep and just being out in the fresh fall air. There is nothing like breathing in that fall air that is cold in your lungs but yet so refreshing and life giving to your heart.

We had to get out of the house Wednesday! Both of the kiddos have colds which brings on the grumps plus it was a rainy day which made the house feel confined so we headed to the mall! We parked in the parking garage which we never do but alas it was raining and not worth being drenched getting the kids in and out. Well, since we parked in the parking garage we walked past the escalator to get to the elevator (we generally take the elevator since brother is usually in the stroller). Sister kept staring at it and we watched some people ride it and she still seemed very confused. I told her that it was kind of like steps that move so that you can go up or down without walking. She looked at me like I was off my rocker and said, “why don’t you just walk up the steps?”. Ahhh, we tend to be a pretty lazy culture as pointed out by a preschooler!

The Secret Life Of Bees is an incredible book that has definitely had a large impact on my life! A friend just shared with me this trailer for the movie that will be out this fall! I can hardly wait!!! I think that there is a girls movie night already in the works!

Monday night we went gallivanting around town with a group of friends. The whole evening was planned by one friend and no one else knew any of the details. It was really a fun evening! Our second stop was a Japanese Steak House which I had never been to before so I was really excited then we pulled in. I know, I know, how in the world have I made it this long in life without having my food cooked before my very eyes! There were 10 people in our group so it was the perfect size for the table and it was really fun to enjoy the “show” together. Here is the classic volcano that I thought that I would share. I know that most of you have probably seen this before but it was all so new and entertaining to me! I probably should get out more!!!

Brad and I have a season subscription to our local theatre and I have to admit that I have greatly enjoyed it! I was not so sure about it at first but now I really look forward to our date nights. It guarantees us a night out without the kiddos (generally once a month and sometimes more) and sometimes even a little dinner out before hand! We have been able to see so many terrific shows and concerts (Brad is really good to post about them on his blog). I also love the way the theatre looks and feels. A few years ago they did a huge restoration/update on it taking it back to the way it was in the late 20′s. It is truly a beautiful work of art that takes you back in time. Just thought that I would share where we have been spending out date nights lately!

We just had our second annual Gingerbread House (Candy House…the homes are made of wood) decorating competition. Okay, it isn’t really a competition but it is a TON of fun! Last year we were invited to a friends house for this fun festive evening in which they had made all the homes. This year those friends are quite with child (due any day…hopefully) but we were all really wanting to have the second annual so we decided to do it as a small group at a different house. Since we had all saved our houses from last year we were set! We each brought several bags of candy, ordered pizza and decorated the night away. Some of us (not to name any names) did cheat and added a few store bought doll house accessories as well as a ice skating pond (made with a little food coloring and glue). Here are some of the fun pictures from the evening! Enjoy!

The completed homes…

You have got to feel bad for this little man who is often stuck in a fabric store with his mom and sister! I am usually busy pulling and stacking fabric to get it to the cutting counter and Charis is carrying on about fabric and can she hold it and do I like it. This little man will need an escape with Daddy tonight for a little manly talk and roughhousing. He does get a lot of attention from the ladies at the fabric store though!

We journeyed out to the country this afternoon for a wonderful time with friends! I first told Charis that we were going to a farm yesterday and she was so excited and told me that she was going to see a cow! I told her that this farm did not have any cows and she said, “that’s okay I will see the pigs!”. I shared with her this time that it was a vegetable farm and they grow vegetables and do not have any animals just a few kitty cats and a dog. She seemed content with that and most excited for some time with Mom and Dad as Cai stayed behind with Granny (it would be too much for him being too late and too cold). On the way to the farm we did pass many a cow so Charis thought that was pretty cool although she kept trying to tell me that there were piggies out with the cows as well. Silly kid! Once at the farm (which belongs to some of our friends) we got to see their neighbors horses up close and personal. I even got to feed them and Charis touched one of them. Charis thought that was pretty neat. She spent the rest of the afternoon running up and down the rolling hills, playing with her little friends and swinging on the huge tree swing with her buddies. It was a fabulous afternoon and evening. We shared dinner together and even found out that Charis likes pumpkin pie. Who knew! It was really a wonderful evening and great to be out in wide open space not confined by the fences of suburbia. The kids and the adults had a grand time!!!

A much anticipated night finally arrived last Thursday…date night with dear friends, dinner and a show! Not just any show however it was Nickel Creek live and in person on stage! I really enjoy their concerts and love their random banter on stage. We had planed dinner at a local restaurant but found that it was closed for remodeling so we went with choice number two which proved to be quite tasty just from another part of the world (we had planned on Chinese and ended up at an Italian restaurant, odd I know). Dinner was sweet with childhood friends there were many laughs and fun conversation. Even though we live in the same town it is rare that we are all together without children so the evening was a sweet treat (we even had dessert). Next we were off to enjoy the concert! Brad had gotten us tickets to the concert series so we had already enjoyed our seats once before so I was really excited to see Nickel Creek close up and in person. They are on their Farewell (For Now) Tour as they each have projects that they are working on with other bands/solo. It was truly a lovely evening with the hubby and friends. It was a wonderful escape from normal life even if just for a few hours.
Side note: I would love to show you pictures from the concert but they were pretty strong about the whole no taking pictures thing during the concert….sorry!