Happy Thanksgiving Ya'll!

Happy Thanksgiving from. . .The Pilgrims and the Indians. . . the Turkey . . . the turkey put up a brave effort but alas. . .

As we all know, the pilgrims were victorious. Poor, poor turkey.

My First 5K!

Well, I did the Turkey Trot at the Hammock this morning and completed my first official 5K. Let's just say it was my best time ever! (yes-I know-it was my only time ever, but ya gotta start somewhere people! My only suggestion for those of you planning on trying a 5K-don't choose the one in November, even in Florida, it was C-O-L-D!(Keep in mind these pictures were post race!)Me, Heidi and Sarah, Heidi's cousin.

The Cannons made it a family affair and Eddie placed 3rd in his age division!

Happy 5th Birthday Peyton!!!!!

Well, 5 years ago today (@ 10:54 pm to be exact) I became a mother to a beautiful baby boy, Peyton Robert Spencer. He was my first baby and I thought he'd never arrive, but he was well worth the wait. He has brought countless moments of joy and fun (and a little exasperation) over the last five years. He is smart and loving, funny and mischevious, cute and outgoing. . .I could go on and on. Here's a look back!

Some of my favorite moments include:

• The first time he said, "I love you, Momma." -Of course!
• The time he told me he was going to pray for me because I was not agreeing to his plan of wearing his pajamas all day. (and all this praying took place on the potty, of all places)
• His first t-ball game that he was so excited for.
• Watching him love on his little brother and sister when they were born (and occasionally, still)
• When he chose coffee at Starbucks over hangin' with Daddy at Chili's.
• Almost every moment in between November 23, 2003 and today!

Ok, I'm going to admit something that will probably get me in trouble with Starbucks lovers everywhere but I'm going to say it anyway. A couple months ago I took a chance on the Pumpkin Spice Latte. I was nervous because I thought "What if I don't like it? I will waste a trip to Starbucks and I'm sure that breaks some kind of coffee lovers code." But, I convinced myself it would not be a waste because everyone raves about it so much I figured, what the heck! Well. . .I hated it. I felt like I was drinking liquid pumpkin pie (maybe this is appealing to some but I'm not one of those people) and quite honestly, the orange issue creeped me out.

(I know about now you are wondering, "What, exactly, does this have to do with Two Thumbs Up Tuesday?" Stay with me folks, I promise it's coming.

So this weekend I notice Starbucks has rolled out the speciality Christmas drinks. And my first thought was, "No way, Jose, I'm not getting sucked into that dark hole of coffee drinking again." But, then the other little voice in my head said, "Come on! You're 31 years old, married with three kids; how else you gonna take a chance in this life?" So, I took a chance on a Grande Peppermint Twist Mocha.

. . .Let me tell you, the birds sang and the sky seemed to turn just a little bluer. It was great! The peppermint and the mocha made it taste something like a Thin Mint and even better-it wasn't orange or any other funky color for that matter.

My tip for Tuesday: Try the special holiday coffee at Starbucks and if you don't like it, wait for the next holiday and take a chance again!

Ms. Robyn is my Stylist

Ms. Robyn bought me this adorable fall outfit before I was even born. Well, it was finally cool enough and I've grown up enough to fit into the outfit. Don't I look pretty cute? (Also, I'm including a few pictures of my big brothers too, because I have to at least pretend that it's not all about me and my cuteness)! Love, Rylee Jane

P.S. I included this picture of me coming down the slide at the park. I love slides and feet first. . .it's for sissies!

Fall in Indiana

Even though we travelled to Indiana for a sad reason it was nice to spend time with Jon's family. I also feel sure that having Peyton around provided a nice distraction for everyone. With Jon's parents we visited an Apple Orchard and enjoyed some delicious, fresh hot apple cider (and yes, Robyn, you would have loved it). We also found time to visit the Martinsville Candy Kitchen which is a staple of Jon's childhood. They make homemade Candy Canes and they are wonderful! Although, they didn't have any the day we visited????? Jon says that it's kind of like the time we stopped at KFC and they didn't have any chicken but I assured him it was probably because we are still two months from Christmas. We also took Peyton to the park which is right next to a big hill that is the sledding site in Martinsville. We never seem to be there when there is enough snow to sled down it but I'm looking forward to that day. For myself-I'm not sure I want to witness my babies shooting down this hill on a sled toward an end that requires hay bales to stop you. Anyway, enjoy the pictures of fall in Indiana. Peyton with his cousins Clare (she is only two months younger) and Isabel.

Peyton on top of the sledding hill (we were a little afraid we were going to have to call the ambulance for Uncle Nick after climbing the hill but fortunately, for him, I did not take a picture of him at the top of the hill).

Ok, my tip for Tuesday, (although, I don't remember agreeing to this!) is the new makeup I've been using for the last three or so weeks. If you've ever watched late night infomercials you've seen it: Bare Escentuals/Bare Minerals makeup. I know you wondered if it really worked as well as it looked on tv. Well, it does, my sister-in-law, Stacy, was the first person I knew (in real life) who wore it and then my mom started wearing it. And even though it looked really great on both of them I still wasn't a believer. See, I have really oily skin so every kind of makeup I've ever tried has vanished off my face by noon. So, my theory was: the expensive stuff slides off my face just as quickly as the cheap stuff did so lately I've been buying the cheap stuff. Well, I finally tried Bare Minerals and it is by far the best makeup I have put on my face! It stays on much longer and prettier than any other makeup I have ever used. The starter kit is $60.00 but when you consider what you are getting it's a pretty darn good deal! And you can order from the internet or the new JCPenney's up at 1-4 and 27 has a Sephora which also carries the makeup.