Our Family Advent Calendar

We had such a nice holiday weekend. Full of too much turkey, a trip to the movies to see The Good Dinosaur (bring tissues...), and some Christmas decorating.

She loved, loved, LOVED adding ornaments to the tree. She brought in her little stool from the bathroom and hung every ornament I would give her on the same branch. I had to keep coming behind her and moving them. She also wants every tree and ornament to all be in HER room. She already has a nice little artificial tree but she needs MORE CHRISTMAS! I hear you little one, me too...

We also have started a new tradition in the house. The advent calendar! I never did these growing up. My husband's mom would get the little cardboard ones where there is a chocolate behind each door. Downside? Had to share with his 2 sisters. So that's only like 8 pieces of candy! I purchased an advent calendar from Pottery Barn Kids. For some reason, in my head, it was like poster sized.. Nope, it's enormous. And I love it.

I've filled it with little goodies like socks, gloves, candy, small ornaments for her tree and some fun activities for us to do together or as a family. Like making and delivering goodies or dropping off little secret gifts to friends. Of course we are going to also incorporate the true meaning of Christmas along with the fun.

     
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Thanksgiving Planning

We have two Thanksgivings each year. That's right, two turkeys, multiple pies, cranberry sauce you name it. The first Thanksgiving is at my mother's house each year. It takes place on actual Thanksgiving. We typically have shrimp bisque for the first course and fried turkey with dressing and sides. 

 

Our second thanksgiving is at my in-laws. It always takes place a day or two after actual thanksgiving (which is good news for us!). They always oven roast their turkey and stuff it with stuffing and serve it with traditional sides. 

I love to cook, but I am always delegated to appetizers, small sides or dessert. I make a pretty mean apple pie, but it's SUPER time consuming. I haven't made it since I had my daughter, but I'm sure I will get it going again soon enough. This year, I am making homemade rolls for T1, and THIS pumpkin cream cheese pie for T2. I may make some cinnamon butter to go with the rolls, or try and sneak in an appetizer to one of the gatherings. 

For those with a bread machine (one of my favorite appliances), here's my easy go-to dinner roll recipe:

Easy Dinner Rolls, makes 12

 

Ingredients:

• 1 egg, room temp and enough hot water to equal 3/4 cup when placed together in a measuring cup
• 2 Tbsp Vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 2 Cups All purpose flour
• 1 tsp Dry Active Yeast

Directions:

1. Add ingredients to bread machine in order shown. Set machine on "dough" setting
2. Place dough on a floured surface and divide into 12 pieces and shape.
3. Let rise on a greased baking sheet for 30 minutes or until double in size (you can cut time in half if your oven has a proofing setting)
4. Bake at 350º for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

 

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Thanksgiving Planning

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving will be here in 2 and a half weeks! The Holidays are barreling down on us like a runaway train. With both of our family dinners, I am usually in charge of bringing a dessert. In the past, I typically made an apple pie totally from scratch. If you've ever done that, then you know it is a pain in the butt. Delicious, but a pain. Not to mention, everyone is always so full from eating all day long and not much of it gets eaten. This year, I'm thinking on doing something different. I've had my eye on this Pumpkin Tart or possibly this Pecan Spice Cake. 

Last year was baby's first Thanksgiving. I made her an appliqué turkey onesie. (instructions here) This year, I'm thinking she'll rock this sweet little plaid dress:

Right now, you can get this little dress for 30% off with code HAPPY. It would look cute dressed down with some little jeggings or dressed up with tights and mary janes.

For myself, I picked up this:

Also on sale right now. I plan to pair it with leggins, boots, a cream vest and a glass of sangria.

Talk turkey

I am so excited for the holiday season! I went Christmas shopping today and was able to check a few people off my list. I like to be pretty close to done with my Christmas shopping before thanksgiving just because of the crazy rush. Especially this year with a little one in tow. Speaking of the little bug, words cannot express how stoked I am for her first thanksgiving. She's big enough now that she can have a little bit of everything at the table. I'm looking forward to seeing the look on her face when she gets her first little nibble of pumpkin pie. First holidays with your baby are so special. 

I've dressed baby girl up for all of her first holidays and thanksgiving will be no different. The past few holidays, I've gotten my craft on and embellished some of her onesies for the occasion. This month, we're talking turkey!

I got a bunch of different colored small sheets of felt from Michaels. They are a great size and under a dollar a piece, I have plenty left over for other projects.  I cut out the pieces freehand and pieced them on the onesie. (I can put together a template if needed)

Then, I used white thread to just outline the felt pieces. I had two little beads left over that I used for the eyes, but you could use little buttons, or knot the thread. The finished product is super cute and super easy! Happy Holiday Season!