Thanksgiving recap

Our Thanksgiving was very nice this year. We spent it at my parents house, just them, the kiddos and us. My mom made turkey, carrots, mashed potatoes and pie. I made stuffing, cranberries and pie. Everything was delicious. It was quiet. We even said the superman prayer (a prayer from school that we generally say before dinner at our home. it involves holding your hands up in the air, like superman, instead of folding them in front of you and bowing your head).

We were able to clean the house, like we hoped. We took care of Cici's cats. We ended up decorating together on Sunday, although the girls did suprise Carl with a newly decorated wreath for the back door and some small, holiday themed puppets. I was also able to use some scrap fabric to make a runner for the family room coffee table. Its not great, but it works. Carl and the girls decorated the house with lights on Sunday afternoon. Somehow, Alie took a tumble down the front steps while helping her father...she thinks a ghost pushed her. Clearly she is my child.

I just want to take one moment to brag. As of last night, I finished my Christmas shopping with the exception of one non-mall related gift. I now have the next couple of weeks to relax. I finished all of this shopping without ever stepping foot in a mall, or hunting out sales on "black friday/weekend". Instead, I have been a year-long shopper, snatching up great deals as I see them. I did the majority of my shopping this fall, as Carl and I decided what we wanted to give each of our family members. We put A LOT of thought into everyone's gift and we are so excited to give them. This is the part that I have trouble with...I get so excited about what I have for people, I can't wait to give it to them.