the essence

I've become a pretty sorry blogger as of late. Sorry for the long gap in posts, I'm just busy at home, but not really busy with exciting stuff to post about.

Thanksgiving was very nice, it was the first time since I'd been married that I'd spent the whole day with my family. One of our biggest traditions is buying a pecan danish ring from Publix & eating it with the parade on. Not much of the parade gets watched anymore, I don't remember if I even saw a float or balloon. Guess I was too busy reading the sexiest man alive issue of People. ;)

We went to the Sherwoods early & it was so different this year! Only around 20 people & we sat at tables with real china & placecards. It was very nice. I'm just used to a huge buffet style table & people eating wherever (its usually nice enough that we can eat outside on their huge back patio). There were 11 pies though. :)

Friday we actually did very little shopping. I bought two adorable pumpkin shaped candles at Pottery Barn that I can use for Fall next year. I had my first holiday coffee from Starbucks too - a Peppermint Mocha. :)

Saturday we went to Cracker Christmas in Umatilla at the Nunleys. Ray had to leave early for work but I was able to stay until evening & rode home with Conrad & Rachel. I got some good pictures but haven't loaded them to the laptop yet.

For now, you can check out some of the pictures from Thanksgiving at Moms' blog.

This week we have big painting plans. I want to at least get the hallway & touch-ups done. I also need to print out my piano flyers (some of the business cards are already done & I think they turned out okay!). And, the Christmas decorations need to come down from the attic! I've already hung up my pretty new wreath on the front door & thankfully Ray likes it too.