what we did over Thanksgiving break...

cinnamon applesauce ornaments

pinecone ornaments

thankful hands turkeys

pilgrim napkin rings

framed hand turkey art

yummy fall snack mix

my brother-in-law celebrated a birthday, and we made him this cake

Indian headband and macaroni necklaces

We did a lot of crafty stuff over Thanksgiving break trying to keep the kids busy and distracted from fighting with eachother. It worked, too!

Link

Richie is so good about making his own costumes every year for Halloween. Infact, i think there might have been maybe only 1 year when richie didn't wear a costume since we've been married. This year i failed to post a picture of his costume! He worked on this one for months. He came up with his own pattern, and sewed it all himself. he's so talented. if only i had the patience to teach myself to do the things he does....

He dressed up as Link from the Zelda video games, and his costumes turned out awesomely (that's a word, right?!)! Everybody knew who he was supposed to be, which is a definate pro. He also made my costume, but didn't devote quite as much time to mine before he just ran out of time to work on it, so it wasn't quite finished. I was supposed to be Princess Zelda, but i didn't get any looks of recognition, just a bunch of looks that said "what are you supposed to be?"...

"Nourish and Strengthen" and "Called to Serve Again"

So, this really awesome LDS novelist lady i know, Maria Hoagland, has written and gotten published a book titled Nourish and Strengthen that i am really excited about reading! Here is the synopsis:

Chloe Taylor has the perfect life: a model's figure, a husband who adores her, three healthy children. So why does she feel so much less than perfect?
After losing forty pounds, Chloe Taylor is finally happy with her body. What she doesn't realize is that she's not the one in control. When Chloe is called as the Primary president, she discovers that managing the highs and lows of a chronic illness may be easier than the ups and downs associated with family, friends, and church callings. Consumed by her own challenges, Chloe fails to recognize the issues her friends are facing and is in danger of losing their friendship. As Chloe strives to develop Christ-like love for herself and those around her, she learns that outer appearances are far less important than inner peace and spiritual strength. But is she strong enough to face her most difficult trial yet?


Now, here's what i need you to do:
1. Read the first review for her book here.
2. Order her book here, or her ebook here.
3. Check out her blog to find out more about the author here.

Check it out! I know i'm gonna!

P.S. You should also check out Jeffrey Olsen's blog here. He's also written a book titled Called to Serve Again.