Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! This year Thanksgiving was rather quiet. Mathew and Andrew both came home for the long weekend. We kept our usual tradition of having Thanksgiving lunch at my grandmother's house in Northern Arizona. Paul spent the holiday with Rachelle's family so he did not eat turkey with us. I absolutely adore my bothers and love spending time with them whenever possible. No one can make me laugh like my bothers do. I appreciate all of their humor, it eases my Type A personality. Poor Scout Dog. With Mathew and Andrew both home he didn't know where to sleep and ended up being shut out of both Mathew and Andrew's rooms. He finally made his way to his bed in another part of the house. In the morning, I found him so dejected and depressed lying on his bed, like this: Imagine what the poor Scout is like when everyone leaves.

Friday morning I actually awoke, grabbed breakfast at Starbucks, and made it to Target by 6:15 am. I wasn't even shopping for anything. I just couldn't sleep and shopping is one of my favorite things to do. Eventually after some confusion as to where I was, my mom joined me for Black Friday shopping. I didn't find any fabulous deals but I did purchase gifts for almost everyone on my list. I don't think I have ever been done with my Christmas shopping prior to Christmas Eve. Now what?

We decorated the house Friday afternoon as well. I cajoled Mathew and Andrew into hanging Christmas lights. I definitely could not have done this alone. It took so much longer than I anticipated especially after Mathew and I hung the first lights and in the end they did not work (and we did test them before hanging)! I totally appreciate Mathew's help with the roof. I'm not a fan of heights, and I've worked in personal injury for way too long! Soon, decorating the house became a family affair. It was a really nice way to spend the holiday with the family.Mathew and Andrew both left today. It is way too quiet around here now. I miss the 2:00 am ruckus, the sibling banter, and the laughter. But most of all, I just miss my brothers. This Thanksgiving I am most thankful for my brothers and, of course, my kind and loving parents.

Olive & Ivy

It was girl's night Friday night. Brooke, Britton, Kate and Kristy all had babies over the summer. So, when Brooke suggested going out it sounded like heaven to all the moms. I begged Nick to come meet us at Olive & Ivy . There is definitely plenty of laughter when he is around. Plus, I was no longer the only single, childless person. It was definitely a good night with plenty of good food and friends.

Walking Scout

As soon as Scout sees his harness or the leash he is absolutely out of control excited. He runs around in circles, barks and jumps. There has never been a happier dog. He loves his harness so much that he practically jumps in it before we can properly put it on him. It's a sight to see. Shortly after Andrew finished his time with the Air Force he came home to Phoenix. Being the avid outdoors man and taking advantage of the great weather, he started taking Scout running. Andrew became Scouts most favorite person in no time. Now Scout wants to go for a walk every day. I am certain that no matter how many times I take him for a walk, I will never be his favorite person. Darn.

History and a Book

A few days prior to Election Day I was in Borders browsing the books as I waited to meet a friend. I review the titles in the same fashion every time. I start with the new hard cover releases. If nothing catches my eye I move on to the newly released paperbacks, then to the buy 2 get 3 books, and then to the shelved books starting in literature and working my way throughout the store until something catches my eye. I rarely leave Borders without a book.
On this particular trip I did not even make it to the new paperback releases. The yellow jacket with a picture of Abraham Lincoln and Union soldiers caught my eye. As a student of History I have grown to love the Civil War. It is, perhaps, my most favorite part of the past. As soon as I saw James McPherson authored the book I knew I would be taking this one home with me. McPherson is undoubtedly the foremost Civil War historian of our time. He has done countless research, written numerous books, and can actually write so the reader understands what is going on. Tried By War has been featured on NPR and reviewed by The New York Times.

So, as I sat there on Election Night watching Barack Obama become our President-elect, I could not help but think of another President from Illinois who laid the foundation for a man like Obama to be able to achieve what no other has done.

If you're interested in the Civil War, I suggest starting with McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom. It's the most comprehensive account of the Civil War in one book. The size is intimidating but it just might inspire you to read more about this period of History.

Teavana

So, I've found a new expensive guilty pleasure...tea. I gave up soda a little over two months ago and have become obsessed with teas. I have most recently converted to whole leaf teas. Whole leaf teas are fresh and do not come in little bags. Over the weekend I stumbled upon a new little store at the Biltmore called TEAVANA. I was in tea heaven. They have an entire wall filled with different types of teas: white, black, green, red, and herbal. Some of the combinations I could smell from across the store. I wouldn't say the tea is exactly cheap, but it's so flavorful that it's worth it, especially if you love tea.