Each year it is easy to start off with a list of resolutions and ways to be better in the coming year.  The problem I usually have is that I feel like the list just hangs there over my head.  Taunting me if I haven't quite succeeded in each area.

This time of year always does two things to me....makes me crave being inside with a fire next to the Christmas tree snuggling up with my family OR it drives me crazy with all of the parties/events that we have to do in such a short amount of time.  Don't get me wrong I love all of these fun plans that the holidays bring, but wow is it a struggle to make it all work.

Since Thanksgiving is officially past us I think it is only fair that we start sharing our holiday wish lists. My birthday and Christmas are fairly close together so luckily I only have to come up with this list once a year. I don't know about you but I hate the question, "What do you want for your birthday/Christmas?" When I was younger this wasn't nearly as hard to come up with....but the older you get the harder it becomes.

So, for my husband who is hopefully reading here is the coveted list you are always asking for
(wink! wink!)

It is so easy to get caught up in all the little things that are going on in life.  The daily tasks of just getting the kids where they need to be, attending about a gazillion meetings (yes that is a real number), and just keeping up with life. I love Thanksgiving because it forces us to take a moment and be thankful for what really matters in life.

Pinterest love.....I could spend hours on there and come up with so many ideas for the holidays.  The issue is finding the time to actually implement all of them.  I did come across one this year that I knew I just had to put my spin on.  We have a space on our porch that just calls for something festive and I always struggle with just the perfect thing.  So, I spent a few minutes hours on Pinterest and found a super cute welcome sign that was made using chalkboard paint.  I love the look of writing on chalkboard, but I do not really have the most consistent handwriting.

This time of the year it is so easy to come up with excuses to get together and grill out with friends. Usually that means there are lots of tempting foods to try and keep you from staying on track.  Here is our go-to meal plan for that impromptu gathering.  Like most of the recipes that we tend to make they are very easy and take only a few minutes to put together.  That way you can enjoy the company and get back to what matters most. 

Menu:
Grilled Chicken on Salad
Grill chicken, covered, over medium heat for 8-10 minutes on each side or until no longer pink. Divide salad greens among serving plates; top with tomato, olives, mushrooms (or any veggies). Slice chicken; arrange over salads. Serve with Italian dressing on side.

The 4th of July was such a fun filled weekend for all of us.  We had so much going on but it was really a lot of fun to see the kids get excited about the day.  For at least two nights prior we had many "explosions" until at least midnight.  Which, generally is not a big deal, except the kids would not sleep.  They were scared and didn't understand what was going on.  Thankfully, the 4th fell on a Sunday and we did not end up with another two or three nights of the festivities continuing. 

I have been praying for days that it would finally start to feel like Fall.  I have so much that I want to do, but it has been so warm out that it just does not feel right.  I have boxes ( seriously ) of Fall Decor that I want to get down from the attic and start decorating with.  I love this time of year and the house always seems so warm and cozy.  The best thing is that I can decorate in September and leave it up until Thanksgiving.  That is what I call worth it!  As much as I love to decorate for Christmas it is so much work and is only up for such a short amount of time.

So, I have been thinking about this beauty. I am just not sure if it will fit between the door and the screen...but I just may try to make it anyway.