A White Christmas!

Thanksgiving Review

Sure Christmas is next week, but I'm just now writing my Thanksgiving blog. I like to make the holidays last, you know?

Thanksgiving was really fun this year. We spent turkey day with the Youree family--everyone was there, except a few "grown" nieces and nephews. :-) Of course, we ate too much; but I wouldn't have it any other way.

Friday I spent time with my mom and Baylee . . . shopping. Our venture into the madness was minimal and late, compared to the before-dawn-shoppers. We got to spend some time with Chris too in the evening.

Saturday was a real treat because I had breakfast (that nearly turned into a lunch!) with dear friends from high school, who I haven't seen in YEARS! Catching up was too fun--so fun we stayed nearly three hours!

I also got to see and squeeze little Amelia, my "adopted" niece. She's the cutest 3-year-old around.

Enjoy pics from the weekend:

Recent Happenings

Nothing too life-shattering or glamorous happening at the Youree house of late--and we're happy about that!

Acorns are still falling like leaves, or as I say drowning my yard. It is a never-ending battle to pick them up; heck, we're even bribing the neighbor kids with money and sugar so they'll help. How about we play a game? Whoever can count all the acorns in the pic, gets a prize: Two, all-inclusive nights at the Youree acorn farm!

Aside from our domestic duties, we're also getting into the party spirit with the holidays around the corner. Last weekend, I hosted a Pure Heart International party. It's a great organization who ships jewelry right to your door. This hand-made loot is crafted by at-risk women in Thailand. All the proceeds from the sales goes directly back to this organization to help provide income and housing for women coming out of prostitution and poverty.

This weekend is full with a holiday party, lunch with a special niece, Christmas shopping, service project with our small group, church event, and a birthday party to boot. Whew, I'm tired just typing it. The Sunday afternoon nap will be soooooo enjoyable. :-)

Next week, we are traveling to Oklahoma and Arkansas. I'm so looking forward to it. We will spend Thanksgiving with Bryan's side, and then see my mom and hopefully my brother and niece on Friday.

Family Photos

After dad passed away, we had a private viewing for the family. We all gathered at my mom's house later. These pics are from that night.

Vegetation

If you've known me for any amount of time, you know I love plants. Each year, I purchase new plants to add to the plants I already have. It's a strategy. If I buy only a handful a year, Bryan won't realize they are taking over the house and yard.

Yesterday, I experienced fall in full force. When coming out my backdoor, I saw leaves raining to the ground. Ah, it was beautiful. I love plants, even when they're molting.

Here are some pics of our garden; it's near the end of its cycle (although we have a tomato plant that's exploded with fruit). The marigold pictured was planted in the spring. It is the largest marigold plant I have ever seen in my life. Notice the other flowers in the background compared to the one in the forefront. So huge!

You can also check out the before and after of my new flower garden. Let's just say the sweet potato vines did well. The latter pic was taken after the plants were cut back at least ten times--no lie.

Now, time to buy more winter pansies. . . .

Fall on Wabash

While Halloween is not quite upon us, we have our fall decor out, ready for the weekend. Hopefully, we'll get to the nursery before all the pumpkins are gone so we can carve one! Other than that, we're all set.

Most of you probably care less about fall at the Yourees; this post is for my sister. She likes to know how we decorate! :-) Enjoy!