Ida-snow

*Image & card by brooklynbookbinder

If I were in Idaho, this is what I would be doing today. My mom said she was going to sled down the driveway to the car and I'm jealous. Maybe next week when I go to Dallas I'll see some snow. Haven't seen snow in two winters now.

Snowy

*Image & stamps by Yellow Owl Workshop

Usually a Seattle winter includes much gray, drizzle and cold. This year instead of rain they got snow for Thanksgiving. I know not everyone was happy to be home bound, due to the cold, but a week off can't be all that bad. My week off is over and I am headed back to work with the children. I can't say I am excited to be up early this morning, but I can also begin my countdown to winter break. It was fantastic seeing my family and hanging out with friends, now I have writing cards, wrapping gifts, and mailing packages to look forward to. What does your December have in store?

Bro

*Image & card by byvik Ink

Happy birthday little brother. Hope California is treating you well. Hope someone baked you a pie or put a candle in something else wonderful to eat.

Thankful

*Image & card by Cottonflower Press

Today is a good day to reflect on all of the things that make your life worthwhile. I am grateful for such an awesome group of friends and family who constantly remind me why my life is good. I am glad to be greeted on a daily basis by snorts and wiggles from the bulldog (not the husband). I am lucky to have a beautiful home to live in, even if the location is far away from the beautiful Northwest. I have my health, I have everything I want and need, and I am loved. What are you thankful for?

Torture

*Image via Cooks Illustrated

Having two pies in your house, freshly baked and not being able to eat them. That is akin to torture. We're pre-making much of our Thanksgiving meal so that tomorrow is less grueling and daunting, but that doesn't make me salivate any less when I see a pie sitting on the table. What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

Potter

*Movie in theaters now!

Last night I spent an evening out at the movies. Harry Potter and a pitcher of butter beer? You got it! My viewing experience was enhanced by seeing our flick at the Alamo Drafthouse, which is a theater plus a full service restaurant all in one place. The movie was full of beautiful interesting scenery and, I believe, did a good job staying true to the novel. I can now see why they chose to split everything into two films and agree with the decision. Not really a spoiler, but I sure am glad that there wasn't a thriller to-be continued ending to keep me on edge until July. Are you a fan?

Parents

*Image by Will Cheyney

Today my parents are flying in for another visit. Last year they came for Thanksgiving and it was a blast. This year we have more to show them and they get to sleep in an actual bed! (The bed we ordered last year was delivered on the day they left...) I am so happy to be able to host my parents and to give them a break from all that they do. I can't wait to see them both today. Who will you be spending the holiday with?

Brother

*Image & tree via Branch

As the holidays approach I often think of my brother and his view of Christmas trees. His birthday is usually on or just after Thanksgiving and when the holiday decorations come out I remember him urging us all to plant a tree for Christmas instead of cutting one down. I wonder if he would appreciate his own little tree in a sustainable bamboo pot? He should be going home for the holiday, but I think he'd dig that I was inspired by him. Do you cut down a Christmas tree or assemble one from a box?

Off

*Image by masone

What a week, and now a break. I can't wait to sleep in and read books and hang out with my folks and eat pie. I have a bunch of great things to be thankful for this year, I should start writing them down. What is on your list?

Komforte

*Image & chocolate via Komforte Chockolates

Today I am in need of some comfort. I'm currently slacking off in a planning meeting because my lunch is two minutes away. All I can think about right now is chocolate and happy hour. Thank goodness I just have to get through one more day of teaching before I have a week of vacation. Yes, you read that correctly - I have a whole week off for Thanksgiving. What more could a girl want?