And so. Halloween 2016 is in the books. With a decent haul of candy, and no tummy aches to date. 😉 My babes enjoyed themselves in various Halloween activities over the last week. And my oldest did not hesitate to celebrate this fun time with friends. And, to add a touch of hectic to the weekend, there was even a trip to the local Emergency Room on Saturday night. Because, of course, I lack hectic in my life. Really, I don’t. My boyfriend was later admitted to the hospital, mainly because of his sky-high blood pressure. Thank goodness he is home now, on a medication regimen, with further testing to be done.  Rhianna and James went “Trunk-or-Treating” on Sunday afternoon in out high school’s parking lot. This was a PTA-sponsored activity where parents volunteered to decorate their cars, and then hand out goodies to “trunk-or-treaters” in costume. Despite some soggy weather, this was a great activity and my kiddos had a fun time!

My Davy Crockett and Miss Kitty then dressed up for school on Monday, the 31st. They enjoyed a half day of school, and got to parade around their elementary school.

Every year it seems I contribute less and less of my handmade touch to my kids’ Halloween costumes. This makes me sort of sad. I take pride in creating something special for them each  Halloween. But this year, with my new full-time job, my sewing business, and a few part-time gigs, honestly who had the time? Therefore, Davy Crockett and Miss Kitty are wearing store-bought costumes. However, I did contribute a handmade touch to our good friend Madison’s Halloween costume this year. She was an Elf on the Shelf, and had asked me to make her a skirt and collar. This is how I spent Halloween afternoon (yes, I procrastinated). But it came out great! 

Halloween is behind us. And, in a blink, it will be Thanksgiving. And in yet another, Christmas. I often say that the world spins so fast, I feel I should grab onto the nearest table leg with all my strength just to keep from being flung off this planet.

I am in an insane place right now trying to fill orders and create inventory for my upcoming craft shows. But this has always been my favorite time of the year. I totally love the anticipation and the events that lead up to Christmas. So, I am promising myself that I MUST take time every so often to slow down, and to savor what I love about this season.

And, one of the things I love about this time of year is television. I so look forward to my favorite shows and movies which mean Thanksgiving to me. Here are my top favorites, with quotable quotes!

1. Planes, Trains and Automobiles is a 1987 American comedy film written, produced and directed by John Hughes. The film stars Steve Martin as Neal Page, a high-strung marketing executive, who meets Del Griffith, played by John Candy, an eternally optimistic, outgoing, overly talkative, and clumsy shower curtain ring salesman. They share a three-day odyssey of misadventures trying to get Neal home to Chicago from New York City in time for Thanksgiving with his family. (Wikipedia)

   

   2. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving first aired in November, 1973. In this animated TV special, Peppermint Patty invites herself and her friends over to Charlie Brown’s for Thanksgiving. With Linus, Snoopy, and Woodstock, Charlie Brown attempts to throw together a Thanksgiving dinner. (iMDB)

   

   3. Home Alone makes my list because it was first released just before Thanksgiving in November 1990. It was all the rage back then, and always reminds me of Thanksgiving-time. In this film, an 8-year old troublemaker must protect his home from a pair of burglars when he is accidentally left home alone by his family during Christmas vacation. It’s a classic.

   

   I love these! And I hope you have some favorite things that you can relax to over the next few weeks as well. Happy anticipation! <3