Thanksgiving is next week?! ♥

 

Hello Friends! I took this photo from Pinterest.  It's it pretty?  I loved it and thought it was so appropriate in capturing November.  It's moody and dark, but still cozy and whimsical.  I can't believe next week is Thanksgiving.  Normally at this time I would be in a much different mindset, but because of everything that's been going on at home I've decided to take an alternate route. A much easier one.  It was my husband's suggestion and I must admit I had already thought of it but didn't say anything.  I made the decision to order a Thanksgiving dinner - all prepared and ready to go!  Shaw's Supermarket had a great deal.  A fully cooked turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls AND a pie.  I'm picking it up on Wednesday. Sometimes you have to do things to save time and make your life easier.  I'm going for it.  As Rob says "how bad could it be?"  I have faith its going to be great! I may add a veggie or two and I'm planning on making my own apple pie (the dinner is coming with pumpkin pie).  I'm just happy my family will at be home and together on Thanksgiving.  As soon as I made the decision not to cook I felt a wave of peace over me.  Who knows, maybe it will be so good I'll do it again next year?? We'll see.  Fingers crossed! : )

In other news John had a band concert last Sunday.  He did so well.  The school provided them tuxedos.  I have to share a picture because when we were outside taking it all I could think about was how the neighbors must think he's going to a prom! lol 

He looked so handsome! 

He's tucked in the back on drums and you can hardly see him back there (back row, center, left), but we could certainly hear him.  He did an amazing job.  The school music program has been so wonderful over the years.  He loves it.  They are now practicing for the Christmas show in December.  I hear the big number is Sleigh Ride.  I'm looking forward to that! 

And speaking of Christmas.....♥

Just when I said to myself I was going to wait until after Thanksgiving to start decorating.....nope.  I went to attic to get one thing and then couldn't stop.  I hung garlands around the windows in the kitchen, hung lights in my office, and put up this little tree on bedside table. Just seeing the little bits and bobs around the house made me happy.  Christmas decorations are such a mood booster, aren't they? And we all need it right now.  

I'm going to do more this week, little by little, until all that's left is the tree...that's my favorite.  

Have you decorated yet? ♥

The weather has been very cold (finally!!).  On our nightly walks I've been wearing a scarf, gloves, and last night I broke out the ear muffs. John gave me an "are you kidding me" eye roll, but I didn't care.  I was nice and toasty.  I love the cold weather and I'm so happy it's here.  One of my neighbors put a Christmas Story "leg lamp" in their front window.  We laughed so hard last night when we saw it.  I'll try to snap a picture of it if I can do it nonchalantly and show you.  I don't know this neighbor but I wish I did.  I think we would be friends : ) 

The ground is covered with frost in the mornings and I've been using my automatic start to warm up the car before the school run.  John and I both have hot coffee to sip on the way.  Yesterday when I got home I noticed this one rose still thriving in the front yard.  She's the lone survivor.  I don't know how long she'll last with these frosty mornings but I'm rooting for her! ♥

And now I'm off to have a favorite snack. An orange and a square of dark chocolate.  They really are lovely together.  I hope you all are doing well and enjoying the beautiful month of November.  The December rush will be here soon! Have you started shopping yet? I'm happy to say I have. 

Thank you for visiting me today.  Have some hot chocolate, get a warm blanket, and watch a Christmas movie.  I want to watch The Holiday this weekend.  It's one of my favorites and always leaves me dreaming of Christmas in the English countryside.   Someday! ♥

Stay cozy friends! And thank you all for your continued well wishes and prayers for my family.  

Love you! Xx