Thankful Thanksgiving

I am thankful for so much that it just would seem wrong to let Thanksgiving come and go without trying to list what I am thankful for.  I have so much to be thankful for, that I know this blog post will not do my "list" justice.  But, all I can do is try.  One of my favorite quotes about being thankful seems so fitting right now.  "It is not happy people who are thankful, it is thankful people who are happy".  And, that could not be more true--could it?

I am thankful for the husband that I have.  Bryan is amazing, and he continues to surprise me everyday.  I have friends who just exist in their marriages, and this makes me so happy for the partner I have been blessed with.  Bryan is all that I could have ever dreamed of--honest.  I don't usually go on and on about him, because it frustrates me when people toot their own husband horn--especially when it is stuff they should be doing.  But, he really deserves it.  He does everything he should as a husband and father, and then SO MUCH MORE.  I am so lucky to have him.

I am thankful for this dirty faced, loud mouthed, book lover, house destroyer, sweet baby boy the Lord has blessed us with.  I had no idea how smitten I would be with my little man.  He is an absolute blessing, and I am thankful for him everyday.  I am thankful for the smudged hand prints all over the bottom 3 feet of my house.  I am thankful for windows that have slobbery kisses smeared all over them.  I am even thankful for smashed goldfish in my rug--it reminds me of what is important in life.  LIVING----not cleaning.

I am thankful for family.  My family is my support system, especially my mom.  I wish they lived closer to us, but what is a few hours?  We are blessed to have each other, even 4 1/2 hours apart.  Some people don't have the chance to know their parents, or maybe their parents have already died, it makes me thankful for just having them.  I am thankful for Mom, Dad, Zach and Johnny!  (And I can't wait to see them tomorrow--yes I should be packing instead of blogging).  I am also thankful for my in-laws.  They raised Bryan to be the man he is today, and for that I am forever grateful.  And, I am thankful for Justin and Carley.  I am thankful for our grandparents, and for Martin's great grandparents.  I am thankful for Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.  All of these people will help shape Martin into the boy and man he will become!

And, last but not least, I am thankful for friends....I think sometimes these are the most important, they are the family you choose for yourself.  You cannot choose your family, you are given them, but friends choose to stick around and be your support system.  I am thankful for each and every one of you.  Thanks for all of your support and love the past year.

My cup truly runneth over!!!!

I hope everyone has a great Turkey Day, remember to be Thankful and tell everyone that you love them.  Life is too short for anything less.

Sorry for my blogger hiatus

I wish I had some phenomenal story to share with my dear readers explaining my lack of posting....but I just flat out haven't blogged.  Sorry! I guess you get what you pay for folks--this is free.  Only kidding.  We have been busy around here, but nothing fun to take pictures of...or at least nothing I remembered to take my camera to.  Haha!  We decorated for Christmas.  I know it's early, but I sort of had a dilemma.  You see we usually have Thanksgiving at my house (Bryan always works Thanksgiving week), so my parents usually help me put up my tree and decorations the day after Thanksgiving--while my husband, who hates the decorating process, goes to work.  But, we are going to AL for Thanksgiving this year, so I needed to get the tree and decorations put out before we left so I could do it while Bryan was off of work.  We got it all out and up, and I have said "Martin, NO!" about 1,000 times already.  He has safe ornaments on the bottom half of the tree, but I still don't want him to pull them off.  So, when he pulls one off now he has realized I am going to make him put it back.  Well, he always puts them back in the same place.  Guess that part of the tree looked a little bare to him.  Haha!  He loves looking at the lights out the front window.  I made a new swag/garland for around my door, and it turned out really cute.  It is amazing what you can do with deco-mesh!

Doesn't it look good?  I will have to take another picture, because I have changed it up a little.  I moved the wreath up, and the garland has lights that you can't see here.  And, I took the autumn welcome mat up too.  And, we have the Merry Christmas one out.  I am KIND of thinking about doing wreaths for my other front windows too.  But, I need to put the lights on the house before I decide if I want to do that.  My sister-in-law made the wreath!  Isn't it great??  

Taking down the halloween/fall decorations with Dad!

I picked up some precious stockings at Pottery Barn.  We all had our own stockings, but they didn't match. And, when I tried to find some to match the old I wasn't having any luck.  So, I went in my favorite store and found the perfect stockings.  I will DEFINITELY post a picture once they are hung by the chimney with care (they are at the monogram place).

This weekend was BUSY.  We played LSU Saturday night, but since Martin is fighting his allergies and has a little runny nose, we decided that 4 hours outside after dark was not a good idea.  So, he got to stay and play with Bryan's parents.  Grammy and Pops and Martin had a great time.  And, Bryan and I didn't know what to do with ourselves.  It is amazing how much less stuff you have to drag to a tailgate when you are without the baby.  The people we sit by in the stadium wanted to know if we had forgotten something.  We were able to report that we didn't in fact forget him.  Hah!  Isn't it funny how you make friends with the people you sit with all football season, but never learn their names?  Weird huh?  Some LSU fans were on the other side of Bryan and the old man asked Bryan about a million questions about our players.  I guess our Rebel Grove subscription got put to good use.  But, at one point he said "Makes you think of Archie Manning, do y'all know who that is?"  Are you serious???  Is there anyone in this stadium who doesn't know Archie????  I thought about saying Archie Who just for laughs, but decided he might not get my joke!  I wanted to say, do you know where Arhcie's weekend condo is?  And, do you park by it every week and when you walk past wonder who you will get a glimpse of??  Last game it was Cooper and the game before it was Archie and Olivia!  Ain't Oxford Grand??  We had gumbo at the tailgate, and it was oh so good (thanks Eddie and Jo).

Before the game, we got to spend a few hours with Mary Beth, Michael, and Thomas Ketchum (
Bryan's cousin, her husband, and 9 month old baby).  We don't get to see them very much, so it was really nice to be able to spend a little time--once again, why didn't I take any pictures??  Then, Sunday morning we got up and drove to Holly Springs to see Allison, Shaun, Eddie, and JoLinda.  We saw them all Saturday at the game and tailgate, but Allison and Shaun live in Florida, so I wanted them to see Martin before they left.  They couldn't believe how big he had gotten in 6 weeks. Martin played ball with Betty.  He wasn't too sure at first, but he would throw the ball to her, and then she would give the ball to Shaun who would give it to Allison who would give it to Martin and Martin liked the lack of interaction he had to have with the dog.  He is just not really sure about dogs still.  Although this is better than being too friendly with dogs and petting one that doesn't like kids--so I won't fuss.  And, our dog stays outside, so it isn't like he is really around them that often!

Then Sunday afternoon we got to see Justin and Carley (Bryan's brother and his wife--the one that made the wreath).  It was a nice busy weekend.  And, now I am busy washing laundry and trying to pack for Thanksgiving!  Hope everyone has a great week.  I will try to be a better blogger!!!  We are headed to Oneonta Thursday morning, then to Columbus Sunday, Tupelo Tuesday, and back to Arlington Wednesday.   I am going to be slap worn out by next Thursday!!  But, I better get some rest, because Bryan and I are going to see The Nutcracker put on by Ballet Memphis Saturday night.  I cannot wait.  I always loved seeing The Nutcracker as a little girl, and I am really looking forward to it.  Isn't Bryan a great husband for wanting to take me to see Ballet??  Perhaps he can be husband of the year since I am going to be Mother of the Year.  Be sure to vote for us....if our names aren't on there....just write us in!

Sundays in Arlington

I love the sleepy little town we live in.  No one gets in a hurry, and everyone stops to talk to you.  It is part of what really drew me to this area to live.  When we first looked at our neighborhood (Villages at White Oak) I fell in love with the small town charm.  Families out walking together, little girls playing hopscotch, and boys riding bikes.  I actually wondered briefly if the neighborhood paid those kids to do those things the days we were out looking.  But, I have since learned that this is the total norm here, and I LOVE it.  We looked in a few more neighborhoods, and I just kept saying to Bryan, that first neighborhood we looked at building in, was perfect.  Bryan is a short 15 minute drive away from his work, and he doesn't have to battle the I-40 traffic.  We are close enough to Memphis (but lucky for me, plenty far away too).  And, in the afternoons when I walk with Martin I always talk to at least one person I haven't before.  Everyone is so friendly.  This town is a great place for my family to call home, and I love being reaffirmed of our decision daily.  This past Sunday during church the announcement guy at the end told everyone Faith would be at the Veteran's Day Service in downtown Arlington giving away popcorn and bottled water, and that he hoped to see everyone out there.  So, The Benton Family decided to go.  It was a very nice and moving service and one more reminder that we chose such a great place to call home!  The service made me thankful for all of the Veteran's in my family.  Especially My Daddy!  I can't wait for Martin to grow up and hear some of his very moving stories.  Hope everyone has a great Veteran's Day.  It will be 11/11/11 and that makes it extra special.  Be sure you thank a vet this week.

Martin listening to the Guest Speaker

The guest speaker was a wounded vet who was in Afghanistan and had both of his legs blown off in a convoy and now has two prosthetic legs.  It was so moving to see the emotions in the crowd from seeing this young (23ish) man with two metal legs.  Such a moving speaker before he even opened his mouth.  Wish I had a picture, but we were in the back.

Cool old Chevrolet

Loved this cool old car--especially the flag on the front.  It kind of reminded me of Bryan's dad's old car.  But, this was a Chevy, and his dad's is a Plymouth if I am not mistaken.

Motorcycles for each Branch of Service

They circled around at the beginning of the program, and Martin didn't really know what to think about all the noise.  He sat up in the stroller to see what was going on.

A Marine's View

It was so nice to see so much of our town out to celebrate Veteran's Day.  I couldn't really tell, but I bet there were over 500 people there.  Isn't that a beautiful picture???

United States Marine Corps

The few, the proud, The Marines!

At the end of the service, they recognized each branch of the military by having the Middle School Band play the songs.  It was very cool to see all of the veteran's in the crowd.  I of course recognized the Marine Corps song right off (Dad, aren't you proud).  From the halls of Montezuma, to the shores of Tripoli.......We are proud to claim the title, of United States Marine.

Martin was so tired by the end!

What we have been up to!

Bathtub Fun!

Cheese Puffs

My sweet boys

Martin's First Ole Miss Game

Another Ole Miss game!

Thumbs up

All tuckered out

His future is so bright....

Funny boy

Sometimes when your parents are slow, you have to take matters into your own hands!

I finally updated my iPhone, so I loaded all these pictures while I did.  There are certainly some cute ones--been a busy few months.  He is such a ham!!!!  I cannot believe he is 13 months old.  Where oh where has the time gone?

Birthday Party Sugar Cookies

Several people have asked for my cookie and/or icing recipe from the birthday party.  They were easy once I worked out the kinks, and if you don't remember the kinks, you MUST go back and read the post I wrote on making the test batch of cookies (with Bryan's help).  Haha!

So, without further delay, here are the recipes.

Sugar Cookie Cutouts (from Better Homes and Gardens)

Bake: at 375 for about 7 minutes

Yields: 36 cookies

--2/3 cup butter, softened

--3/4 cup granulated sugar

--1 tsp baking powder

--1/4 tsp salt

--1 egg

--1 Tbsp milk

--1 tsp vanilla

--2 cups all purpose flour

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.  Add granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.  Beat until combined, scraping sides of bowl occasionally.  Beat in egg, milk and vanilla until combined.  Beat in as much of the flour as you can with the mixer.  Stir in any remaining flour.  Divide dough in half.  Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.

2. On a lightly floured surface, roll half the dough at a time until 1/8 inch thick.  Use a cookie cutter to cut dough into desired shapes and place 1 inch apart on a cookie sheet.

3. Bake in a 375 degree oven for 7 to 8 minutes, or until edges are firm.  Transfer to a wire rack and let cool.  

Sugar Cookie Icing (for decorating)

--1 cup confectioner's sugar

--2 tsp milk

--2 tsp light corn syrup

--1/4 tsp almond extract

--assorted food coloring

Stir together confectioner's sugar and milk until smooth.  Beat in corn syrup and almond extract until icing is smooth and glossy.  If it is too thick, add more corn syrup.  Too thin, add powdered sugar.  

You want thin icing to cover the whole top of the cookie, and you want thicker icing to outline things.  After you ice the cookies, let them dry completely before stacking.  Also, remember that you can use all the scraps from cutting out the cookies, but the more times you roll them out the thinner they get.  Also, refrigerate dough between batches, or it will be too sticky to work with.  And, for reference, I used vanilla extract instead of almond extract, because it was what I had in the pantry.  If you make some, I would love to see them.  

These cookies were great, and I plan on making some football themed ones for the LSU game.  I can already taste them.  YUM-O!  

Happy Halloween!!

Can I just smile instead of saying "Trick or Treat"?

I think you are supposed to put some of that candy in my bucket

Candy please?

Reaching in The Ark for some candy

Dorothy and The Cowardly Lion

Checking out his loot.  Mom, don't you eat this stuff??

First sucker!  It was a HUGE hit.

Let me go get some more of these!

Haunted House

Little Lion tuckered out from the Trunk or Treat

Enough pictures mom, seriously!

Here is another sucker, someone open this!

I need to count my candy

On the run with 2 suckers

Fine, if you won't open it, I will eat the wrapper too

He would not be still for pictures....

Tough choice....which sucker??

Finally, they took the paper off

The Lion and the Pumpkin Man

I'm going to go hide over here and eat my sucker in peace.

Man this thing is GOOD!

In his pj's watching for trick-or-treaters

He got so tickled when he would see someone coming.

Martin had a great time!  And, he has a new found love for SUCKERS.  I mean, what kid doesn't love suckers?  But, he had never had one.  He had a few suckers--but after a little while we took each one away.  We were too worried he was going to get the sucker part off the stick.  I know--irrational fear after only 1 minute.  He really loved them.  I think I will have to find a bag of the safety suckers somewhere.  (Mental note--add that to the grocery list)  The trunk or treat at the church was really nice.  There were about 15 cars/trucks/suv's set up to give out candy.  Martin was a big hit, and several people asked did I make his precious lion costume.  Boy don't I wish!  Haha!  Target people.  Or Tar-jay for you fancy people.  He had worn the costume a few nights as a practice run so he wouldn't fight the hood on halloween night.  And, he did great.  I only wish the tail was a little longer so he could play with it.  We stayed at the church for about an hour, and then came home to see the rest of our trick-or-treaters.  We had about 15 before we left for church, and then maybe 25-30 after church.

The neighborhood close to ours had a house with a haunted house set up which I thought was pretty neat.  So, that neighborhood was packed with kids and cars for the haunted house...I bet the other people who live in that neighborhood ran out of candy.  We still have some.  At about 8:15 Bryan said "next kid who rings the doorbell I am dumping the rest of our bucket in there" and wouldn't you know we didn't have any more trick-or-treaters.  Haha!

Hope everyone had a safe and Happy Halloween!!!  You can't tell in the picture, but Martin's bucket had a light up handle on it, and everyone just oohed and ahhhed over it.  Bryan's parents gave Martin one, and so did Carley and Justin, and it was a huge hit.  And, we didn't see another one like it.  It was perfect, Martin had one to trick or treat with, and then we put the candy for the trick or treaters in the other one.