purple trench (jcrew) / tweed sweater (chic wish) / white faux fur beanie (jcrew) / earrings (jcrew) / suede boots (french connection, similar) / pink pants (nordstrom) / kate spade purse (kate spade) / pearl necklace (trolley square, similar)

hollands sweater (crew cuts) / skirt (crew cuts) / boots (joyfolie) *Joyfolie is having a HUGE Black Friday Sale, this is one you don’t want to miss 🙂

Last night we “wrapped up” our Christmas shopping, technically we are 75% done. This is the first time we have been this prepared in forever! And it feels good.

I usually don’t like to overshadow Thanksgiving with Christmas, but now I feel like I can fully enjoy Thanksgiving tomorrow. This has always been a favorite holiday of mine because growing up, this was the last time our extended family got together for the winter due to driving through mountain passes and some of our family would head off to warmer weather immediately after the Thanksgiving festivities. Which is why I always cherished Thanksgiving.

A tradition we do every year is we go around the table and we all say what we are grateful for. Because I shy away from getting choked up or being sentimental in public settings, I used to always just say, “my extensions”. Now that I no longer wear extensions and I’ve gotten slightly more mature, I really want to say that I am so grateful for my family and every day I get to spend with them.

The other day a thought dawned on me that if I was to “go away” I wondered if my kids would remember me? We were watching Cinderella and my heart hurt for Cinderella having an evil step mother. So I talked with my husband all about our plan if something like this should ever happen to our children. I got all nervous about the thought of not being around to care for my children as they grew up. Sorry to go off on this tangent, but I’ve seen it happen twice, as mothers have been taken from their families, one very recently being my mother-in-law, about 9 months ago, and her main thing was she was so sad to leave us all behind and to not be with us. Even so much that when she bought her burial lot, she bought a lot for each of us. I can relate as I love all my children sleeping with me, I secretly want to even put bunk beds in my master because my kids are getting bigger now and it’s getting a little squishy when they come in.

With this being said, this is always close on my mind. But I do realize that all I can do is worry about today and cherish everyday I have with my kids. So this year, more than ever I feel very grateful for everyday I get to be a mom and spend with my kids and husband.

Here’s my favorite Thanksgiving song to lighten the mood, enjoy!

black bow collar stripe tunic (shein.com) / black leggings (spanx) / black OTK boot (stuart weitzman)

Every year we look forward to the Holiday Kick-Off event with Trolley Square. I love how all the shops come alive in the spirit of Christmas.

Last night we had a fun evening as a couple why my parents watched my kids. We had no stragglers, just the two of us. This is the first year Dallin and I have ever done this event together. Last year I took my mom and the year previous I went solo as Dallin attended the kids. So it was super fun to have him there with me.

We started the evening off at a dinner with all the other bloggers. It was fun meeting everyone and talking with others who do the same thing as me.

We went around to all the different shops and got samples of what was sold in each store. My favorite was the pearl necklace from the jewelry store Payne Anthony, my children’s were the bath bombs from Cosset Bath & Body, and my husbands the olive and vinegar from Olive.

We then were allotted a certain amount of money to spend at the stores. Every year I tell myself I will make it to LuLu Lemon and get something for myself, but Pottery Barn and Pottery Barn Kids gets me every time.

Right now in store you can get up to 25% off your purchase of $250 or more in their spend more save more promotion. I also liked how all the items we ordered that needed embroidery was free shipping when ordered at the store, and thankfully it will come to my home.

For all the items purchased in store, they offer free gift wrap which is beautiful and a huge plus!

I am officially in full blown holiday mode and as crazy as it may sound, I am already looking forward to this event for next year.

Have a very merry weekend!

Warmly,

Shannon

dress (joyfolie) / fringe boots (joyfolie)

*Joyfolie is having a 30% off sale with promo code:  LUXE30 *

Just dropped off the kids at school, another little lays on my lap, so I figured a little Monday post and a hello to all of you would be the best thing to do. I have also shared a promo code to one of my favorite boutiques for little girls.

I hope your Monday is going great. I am anticipating tonight, we are going to take the kids shopping for kids in need. I am so excited for them to experience the JOY that comes from helping others.

Today as we went over the lists, the kids were in shock as the kids lists asked for mostly necessities for Christmas. There has already been so many great teaching moments, & I love watching my kids think about others, “mom we’re going to get them toys too, right?” -My heart could burst:)