Thanksgiving

We ran in a neighborhood Turkey Trot on the morning of Thanksgiving with some friends from the ward. 

Alan stayed home and worked hard on Thanksgiving dinner. He's a much better chef than I am, plus cooking isn't really my thing. It stresses me out because I feel like I'm just making a mess to clean up! I am, however, a fan of having a day for thankfulness, though!

Brooke loves to help!

I did have the goal of making a cheesy yam, pumpkin and squash pot pie that we had on our cruise to Mexico. I found the recipe online and tried to recreate it. It wasn't quite as good, but it was definitely yummy. 

And here's Emma hard at work on the computer (or playing games?!)

My taste in design

When is comes to decorating my home, I have 2 very opposite tastes that are constantly battling within me.

First, I love the sleek, minimalist look. I love how it is uncluttered and how that creates a feeling of peace and tranquillity. I love quiet color pallets, horizontal lines, and long rectangles.

But at the same time, I love the look of shabby chic, aged furniture and all the cute little nick-nacks that are so popular right now. This look is so warm and full of character.

Any ideas on how to successfully blend these two worlds? When it comes down to it, the minimalist side of me always wins because I can't help myself-- when I see clutter I HAVE to eliminate it. It's like it's programmed within me. I'm sure I get it from my dad. But I would like to incorporate at least some cute, fun, colorful, unexpected things in my decorating. One day I will strike the perfect balance and the battle within me will cease. 

Alan had the girls help him plant the winter grass. He really, really loves his winter grass here in AZ. It makes me chuckle. 

Lemons and the many faces of Ryan

Happiness is fresh lemons from a friend's tree, a delicious recipe to use them for, and little hands to "help" in the kitchen. 

He just cut 4 teeth on top in the last few weeks and has 2 on the bottom.

Random fun pics with Ryan - 8 months

He has decided to start taking his first steps at 8 MONTHs!!!

And yet again, more soccer!

 Brooke SCORED this game!