Sisters

I don't know what it is like to have a sister. As a matter of fact, the only way I know what sisterhood is like, is through the eyes of family and friends who have a sister. Don't get me wrong I absolutely love my Wesbro. But I guess we all wonder from time to time what it would have been like to grow up with different siblings.

That's why when Rockstar (eldest) told me, one night as I was tucking her in, "Livvy, you're my family, you know...you're my sister!", I didn't really know how to take it. At first I was thinking, "A sister?? Me?? C'mon, give me a little credit, let me be an aunt or someone with a little more authority." Believe me I don't feel like just a sister. But, alas it stuck. She has been calling me this off and on now for a few weeks.

One night, I was thinking over all of this when I stumbled upon a conclusion. She LOVES her younger sister, Princess. I know the bond they share is very strong. So for her to say I am like a sister to her, is something very special.

I have never known this bond before in my life, and God puts people in front of you for unique reasons. I hope that these girls will look up to me like a sister, be open and honest with me like a sister. I hope they continue to share their lives with me and teach me things every day as they grow older. And I hope I can be a good influence in their lives as well.

So although it's a bit of a bummer that I'm having to work this Thanksgiving holiday, I am SO thankful for them. It is amazing these girls have so much love to give. And I am so glad they chose to give it to me.

Livvy, Princess, and Miss Rockstar-Thanksgiving 2010

What, you thought there wouldn't be a silly picture?

On another note...

Around this time of year we usually go to Crossville, for a family gathering. So last weekend, we headed up for great food, lots of family fun and, the best part, the farm. Well, it was a farm at one point. A dairy farm (right dad?). The Homestead is where my grandmother was born and grew up, where my father spent his childhood, and where we have visited on occasion. It has been a long time since we have spent any time on this land. It was so cool to hear stories about my grandmother and all her siblings and memories here.

I couldn't bear to wait any longer to share these pictures. Because even though I didn't grow up there, for some reason I feel very strong bonds to it. The rich history, smells, sights, stories... well, I just love it all. It was also a perfect photo op for a great Christmas card picture, which I obviously want to be a surprise. So I'll just show these:

This barn was built in the 40's and is where my dad used to play as a child.

Weston. I love my brother!

Can you imagine it filled with cows? I think this image captures the serenity that surrounds this place now.

I absolutely loved spending time up there. Being somewhere like this makes all the nonsense in your life just fade away. Just looking at these pictures makes me realize how much I am truly thankful for. God has blessed me insurmountably.

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

Liv

On To Thanksgiving!

First of all, I would like to send my sweet Mommy a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! She is truly an amazing woman in so many ways. Her creativeness, wit, faithfulness, and class are few of the attributes that inspire me every day. The older I get, people tell me that I am more and more like my mother. I can only hope I become even more like her in years to come! I love you Mom and hope your day is great!

Now, I'll backtrack a little bit. Unfortunately Daniel and I weren't home together long enough to carve our pumpkins. Thats okay, at least they'll last longer. One thing I did do, was spray chalkboard paint on one little pumpkin for the entryway. This is another idea from the blogging world. I found these great chalkboard markers at the Hob Lob that allowed me to have more control over what I wrote; more so than regular chalk which took off the paint more than wrote on it. Chalk+Markers??? Who thought of this? The markers are great and wipe off easily with a wet paper towel, so I was able to change my message from Halloween, to Thanksgiving.

My mom and I had talked about a cute arrangement we saw in PB not long ago. That was my inspiration for this easy peasy little centerpiece. I don't have a formal dining room/dining table, so I can't have a huge beautiful centerpiece that would overtake the room. I used what I had at home: wide vase, pine cones, and pictures. It's a fall inspired way to display what I'm thankful for!

I also wanted to share a little project I did for a Halloween gift last week.

I needed something more than the typical candy, and thought I would try this out. It was really easy and super fun to do. I love projects like this because the possibilities are endless. You could do one in any color to match any outfit for that extra umph!

At a country fair this year, my aunt bought a bucket just like this and had it personalized for her daughter to send as a care package, as she is in college out of town. Great idea right? I thought I could recreate it.

We don't live in a neighborhood with lots of children, but our next door neighbors have a little girl who was definitely planning on dressing up for Halloween. We told her we would love her to come trick or treat at our house, because we weren't planning on anyone coming at all and hated for the holiday to pass us up. Although I had a backup candy stash in case any other kids came, I knew for sure we would have one special tick or treater. Well, thats all the incentive I needed to start this guy...
This was a learning experience for me because I was painting on a different texture and it wasn't flat. But I think after I got the hang of it, it was a fun little project. Although it was a little more time consuming then expected, (that stinkin' little candy corn) it turned out pretty well. Oh, and I was so surprised to have a few more trick-or-treaters than expected. One, to Daniel's excitement, said we were to coolest house they had been to...score!

My mom shared these SUPER YUMMY Halloween cupcakes with us this year. They are made with butternut squash but taste a lot like carrot cake! Topped with cream cheese icing, these little puppies were to DIE for!

Oh, and one more thing! My sweet friends Gerry and Jananna welcomed the newest member of their family, Catherine Grace, on November 1st. I was lucky enough to be at the hospital along with other friends and family to see this little miracle come into the world! At risk of stealing their thunder, I will only share a few of the pictures I took.

Hello, world!

Look at those sweet little piggies!!

Proud Daddy, what a sweetheart!

She doesn't like changing clothes yet, but she'll learn. :)

In mommy's hands, a beautiful thing.

Congratulations, Cornett's. She is gorgeous and absolutely perfect! I am actually kindof obsessed with her. Love you guys!

Okay, now I think I can safely progress toward Thanksgiving. Is it bad that every time I hear or see anything Christmas I get butterflies? ....EXCITED! I'm even planning on taking the final for my online class two weeks early so I can enjoy the holiday season THAT much more.

Is anyone as excited as I am?

Liv