DIY season!

The Holliday season is here! Tis the time of giving. This year, with having Drayze in our lives, a new top priority, the gift giving has been a little different. Normally, we try to get everyone a little something. We realized the budget was going to be a bit tight this year after we bought for each other and our son. Thus, bring on the DIY. I wanted to share one of my favorite DIY gifts this year. We have 15 nieces and nephews. Naturally, we want to give them all something, but for obvious reasons it didn't seem realistic. UNTIL! Our cute little niece, Maylen gave me a fabulous idea! 

Individual chalk boards! 

I knew I could do this for next to nothing thanks to the Restore store in Spanish Fork. All I needed was some decent pieces of wood, chalk board paint, of course a few decorative brads, and chalk! 

I finished 6 small boards (the others are too little to find them fun) and two large boards (one for grandma Barb, one for the mother) all for under 10 dollars! 

Simply paint the wood with chalkboard paint. The brads are conveniently nails. 

I just hot glued then mod podged a ribbon to hold the pieces of chalk on the boards, leaving enough ribbon free to flip to the back of the board. I know the kids will want to rip them off anyway. 

TADA! Affordable gifts for the children! 

Thanksgiving with a side of Mesquite

As Thanksgiving rolled around this year Zacary and I wanted to take a little extra advantage of the time off work. We had been trying to plan a trip for quite some time, but the timing just never seemed to be in our favor. We finally decided what better weekend than Thanksgiving weekend to take off for a few days. We booked our room, put away some money, and of course Michelle was more than willing to take Drayze for a couple of days. Our plan was finally set. Mesquite it was. 

When Thanksgiving day finally arrived the mother in me came out. There was no way I could leave until I had the chance to celebrate with my son for his very first time. I wanted to feed him all the yummy Thanksgiving food, dress him up cute, and watch him play with family. 

Drayze and I started the morning visiting Grandma Barb and Grandpa John. Drayze played with the doggy for a minute, and Grandpa played "You Are My Sunshine" {one of Drayze's favorites} on the organ while we sang along. After a good visit with the grandparents, we went to the football field to watch Daddy play ball. Next, we spent the rest of the afternoon cooking at my mom's house. Finally, with hungry bellies, we gathered as a family at Randy's house. The menu was traditional and extra delicious. 

Quick after dropping Drayze off with my mom, off to Mesquite we were! The drive felt like we would never make it, but we eventually did. We settled in to our room, freshened up a little bit, then headed for the casino. Since learning how to play cards, I have to admit, I'm a bit of a gambling fanatic. Over the two nights and three days we were there, we spent the majority of time in the Casino. We rotated between Bingo, Roulette, Texas Hold 'em, and the occasional Slots and Sports Book. I was rather impressed with our abality to stay on top. Zacary hit Bingo once and won 100 dollars on one session of Roulette. I did quite well in the poker room, doubling my money 3 out of the 3 times we sat down. More than the gambling, it was so amazing to get away as a couple. It was a much needed trip to spend some much needed quality time together. 

Family. 

Playing with cousin Kallen. 

Baby talk. 

Glass of wine on Thanksgiving. A must. 

Made it to Mesquite!!

BINGO

Husband loves the Sports Book. 

Laying in bed at 3 in the afternoon. This doesn't happen at home. A highlight of the trip. 

Drayze seen Santa while we were gone. 

So much fun, but SO happy to be home.