Mason Jar Granola Gifts

We're getting all crafty & christmasy over here..

I made this glitter ball jar and wasn't quite sure what to do with it..



I finally found my favorite granola recipe on Pinterest.. I had lost it and was fumbling trough cookbooks, old magazines, etc.. and I found one that sounded very similar...

 



I followed the recipe above, except I added Pepitas & Coconut and left out the Walnuts.

Baked for 25-30 min at 325 - stirring every 5 min or so.

I started filling a few ball jars.. and then decided to whip up a little thankful craft gift for our teachers and a few friends.

Samantha gave two to her teachers yesterday and they were so happy!

I like to remind her of the importance of being thankful for things in her life, and also to make her realize just why the heck do we celebrate Thanksgiving? .... I think she gets it.. My big girl.

ribbon, glitter, tags, bags.... I heart craft-time.

Samantha's First Field Trip Day

This morning Big Sister had her FIRST field trip.

First time on a big yellow school bus.

She was off to the Great Pumpkin Farm ...and Mama and Lil Guy had the morning to ourselves.

This is a little preview of next year I believe, when my big girl will be in the big K all day... (holding back tears...)

 

So Andrew and I headed to the grocery store... and since it was just us.. I treated him one of his favorite things to do... Open and close the freezer doors... we stood there for about 7 minutes.

We took a long stroll together

He is becoming the most precious little boy, something I feel so blessed about, and Im constantly looking up to God and thanking him. He's my total shadow. ALL DAY LONG... "Mama... Mama..."

He's coming into his own.

Finding creative ways to play

He plays so well by himself too, and he (we think) is pretty damn smart. Just the motor skills, and memory observation we've witnessed.

So lil brother went down for a nap, and Daddy was home working that day..

So I hurried up to the school to pick up my big girl..

 

The bus had just pulled in...

I walked towards the front of the bus when I heard a knock on the window.

There she was in the last seat, waving and grinning from ear to ear!

I was so relieved...

She had a great time she said.

I wish I could have been there! ... Or just watching somehow ... 

Big and Proud.

With a pumpkin in hand for her little brother



After her big morning, I took her to one of our favorite spots..

Panera...



 

We had a little cookie/smoothie/cupcake girls only date.

 

Can you tell she enjoyed herself?

I love one on one time with my kids.

And today I got to have both