The Ruler

I love that she's so involved in whatever we're doing. She wasn't very helpful in cutting fabric, but she sure looked cute counting the numbers on the rulers.

Addy's Dress

My friend Krystl let me go through her Goodwill pile before getting rid of her stuff, and I found a few items that are perfect to upcycle! For instance, this was once a super soft small t-shirt. I cut it up, sewed up the sides, followed this tutorial to make the braided collar, and then I tried my hand at a little embroidery, and voila! Now it's a summery play dress for her little girl Addy.

Theoretically, this should have been an easy peasy project. But let's just say that my my machine revolted against the jersey knit and gave me trouble for a few days. But the pay off for hard work is great, and I hope Addy wears it out!

Sneak Peak

Um, how cute is this pocket? Way cute right?! Imagine the dress it's going to go on!

Family of Chucks

Hannah Met Santa

Thursday, Santa and Mrs. Claus stopped by Hannah's school to visit with the kids. At first, Hannah was terrified of Santa, but eventually stood in line to go meet him. She absolutely did not want to sit in his lap, but decided on her own that she wanted to ask him for candy canes. She immediately warmed up to him and talked his ear off! She had all of the grown ups laughing as most of the other kids had very little to say and she apparently had lots. He asked if she was really just 2-years-old because of how well she speaks. :) I wish we could have heard everything or videoed, but here are a few pics!

Let Them Eat Steak

Our Thanksgiving Day was off the chain. We relaxed all day long. In fact, I don't think Hannah ever got out of her jammies! It was so nice to spend quality time together, and especially nice to enjoy a good Southern meal for our Thanksgiving feast. Fluffy mashed potatoes, green beans with bacon, big juicy steak. Mmmm.

Pity Party - Table for One

Bah. I'm like the Ebenezer Scrooge of Thanksgiving this year. While everyone I know is daily updating their Facebook or Twitter with the things for which they're thankful, I'm counting down the days until this month is over. Bah.

Don't get me wrong - there are many things I'm thankful for.

We've got a beautiful family.

We're all healthy.

We have a roof over our heads... for now.

We have jobs... for now.
We live in the best town ever!
We live so close to our dearest friends... who have abandoned us this week! (How dare they.)

Our church is growing slowly and steadily.

But really, I'm stuck wallowing in my own self-pity, and all of these thankful people are reminding me that I should be giving thanks right now. And I kinda don't wanna. Our family has had so much up in the air for so long, that right now I'm really exhausted with all the unknowns and getting my hopes up. I know I'm being a little near-sighted by not considering all that God has in store for the future, but it's time I say it out loud that I'm discouraged.

So for Thanksgiving this year, we're foregoing the turkey. We're having steak and potatoes, dangit. And maybe when this month is over, I'll put my big girl panties on and be a little more thankful. But for now, I'll be at my own pity party.