Friends! How are you?! I’ve missed you, so let’s catch up!
First things first, Thanksgiving. It was great. Jay and I hosted our family this year, and although we’re a small group, it doesn’t mean we’re any less fun.
My mom made this adorable little turkey appetizer platter…isn’t it cute?!
P.S. – how amazing does my mom look?!? She’s been such an inspiration this past year, and I am SO proud of her! <3
Dinner included all of the usual suspects, and I made sure to load up on all sorts of carby goodness.
The boys thought they were so cool being able to sit at their own table.
And bonus…one of them actually ate a legit dinner! Even if we did have to call it chicken. ; )
After dinner included some football, both on the TV and live-and-in-person, thanks to Lucas’s latest obsession.
Don’t ask me about his outfit…I was not about to pick that battle.
And then, of course, dessert!
I made a delicious Brownie Heath Trifle, along with these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars, which were awesome.
Everyone ended Thanksgiving with happy hearts and full bellies! <3
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Next came Black Friday. I don’t typically do the shopping in stores thing, but I actually braved the crowds and trekked out to the mall for a few things. It wasn’t all that bad, and I did score a few good deals.
By the time I got home, Jay already had the tree up and the boys were jumping out of their skin because dad said they had to wait to decorate it until I got home.
Go figure, they loved it for all of about 5 minutes, and then it was up to me to finish the rest. Which I did, but not until Saturday while the boys were out with my parents for a few hours and I got some quiet time to myself.
Ahhhhh.
We had our friends John and Tal over with their kiddos on Saturday night for some impromptu pizza and drinks. The kids always have a blast running around, having fun, and getting treats.
But I’d have to argue that the adults definitely have the most fun.
Fast-forward to Sunday, and our big snowstorm began!
Two school snow days and about 21 inches later, it’s finally over.
And I’m just saying…106 days until spring.
Jen says
Whoa- that’s a ton of snow!!
The cheesecake bars look SOOO good! Definitely going to have to make those!
Lisa says
Your mom looks great! Please pass on to her that she looks amazing! How did she do it? Looks like you had a great Thanksgiving weekend.
Courtney says
Thanks, Lisa! She’s been doing Weight Watchers :)
Meghan says
Your Mom looks AMAZING!!!!! Also, send some of that snow to Texas 😜😜
Courtney says
Haha, I’d be more than happy to send some snow down your way!!
Sandra says
Looks like a fab thanksgiving with family : ). Your mum looks seriously AMAZING!!!!! Love your blog.. long time reader from Singapore : )
Courtney says
Awww wow, thank you so much, Sandra!!!
Courtney says
Oh my gosh, your mom looks amazing! Good for her!
Jennifer says
Your mom looks incredible! How has she done it? Need some inspiration for
Myself.
Courtney says
Thanks, Jennifer! She’s been doing Weight Watchers for the past year!!
Kari says
Before I scrolled down and read your comment about your mom, I had already said out loud to myself “wow, her mom looks fantastic!” Go mom go!
Lauren says
Your mom has always been so pretty but congrats to her on her health journey! her hair looks fabulous too :) Happy Thanksgiving!
Kelly Tschida says
Your mom looks amazing! And so do those desserts. Yummy! A small Thanksgiving sounds fantastic! I had to make mashed potatoes for 50 people this year. Needless to say my house was full of steam!
Courtney says
Holy crap, 50 people?!?! That’s a lot of freakin potatoes lol!!
Jay says
Your mom looks so fantastic!!! So proud of her success.
Jen says
Your desserts, mom,tree,mom look fabulous!!!! Yes I said your mom twice because WOW 🤩!!! Amazing!! Good for her. You have an amazing momma!!! So good to hear from you. I live not far from Chicago and we don’t have that four letter bad word (yet). Hoping it melts soon for ya!!
Courtney says
Hahaha, she is awesome! Thanks, Jen!! :)
Tamara says
I never ever comment, but just had to say your Mom looks awesome! She should be so proud!
Courtney says
Thank you, Tamara!!
Taylor says
Your mom looks AMAZING!!! What an inspiration she is!!
Kimberly says
Your mom looks great! Congrats to her! I love your lantern. Where did you purchase it and was the candle included or what candle did you use?
Courtney says
Thanks Kim! Lantern is from Walmart a couple of years ago, and I’m pretty sure the candle was from Target (also a couple of years ago)!
Heather says
Holy crap, your mom looks awesome!! Good for her!
Glad you enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I grew up in Syracuse, and man….I don’t miss the weather.
Courtney says
Thanks, Heather!! And LOL, I wouldn’t miss it either… :)
Mama Pat says
Thank you all for the very kind comments. You’ve certainly made my day 😊
Courtney says
All of them are SO well deserved!!! <3
Donna says
Mama Pat, you do look AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a long time reader and you are and have been always BEAUTIFUL and a great mama to Courtney. Congrats on doing WW and all your obvious success. Happy Holidays to all of you. Courtney I LOVE YOUR BLOG, YOUR FAMILY and how real you always are. May 2020 be one of your very best in every way possible.
Chelsea says
I didn’t even recognize your mom!! She looks AMAZING! Good for her!! I bet you are so proud. :)
Courtney says
SO proud!!! <3
Julie says
Happy holidays to your adorable little fam! Looks like you had an amazing weekend – thanks for updating us (we’ve missed you on the blog!). Also, even before I saw your note, I thought “wow, her mom looks incredible.” Please pass along the compliments – I bet she feels even better than she looks!
Courtney says
Thank you, Julie!!!
Steph says
Your mom looks incredible! Your living room looks so cozy with all the Christmas decs up, isn’t that the best?? Also if you could share that trifle recipe that would be amazing….I am a Heath junkie :)
Courtney says
Thanks, Steph! I do love how cozy it feels with all of the decorations up <3
The trifle is SUPER easy...a box of brownies, a large box of instant chocolate pudding, 1 container of cool whip, and Heath bits. Just layer 'em all up!
Elly says
The picture of your mom literally gave me chills. Oh my GOSH. Amazing!
Carrie says
Yay! Glad to see you back. I have missed reading. I only read 2 blogs now and yours is one of them. Long time reader. I was reading before Lucas was born. Thanks for all you do. Your blog is not only inspiring, it’s just plain out fun to read. Blessings to you.
Mary Burns says
Glad you all had a great Thanksgiving! Your lovely Mom looks amazing! So happy for her! I agree with the comment above, I wish you could send a bit of that snow to Texas!;)
Julie F says
Your mom looks great!!! You can tell her she’s got lots of compliments.
ANd plese keep the snow. Buffalo girl here. We only got a few inches of snow with some ice first.
Kate says
Your mom looks fabulous!! I just had a friend lose 20lbs on WW and I have to say I think it’s one of the best programs out there! Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the snow! I’m from Buffalo (now in Texas) and always miss it (some of it….haha) this time of year!
Molly says
Your mom looks AMAZING! She should guest post about her experience. She is such an inspiration!
Michelle says
Wow!!! Your mom looks like a million dollars. Your Dad to. We have been have enjoying 50 and upper 50’s in KCMO. I am so prepared for winter I hope I have kept it at bay for awhile. 21 inches oh my gosh we would be paralyzed for days.
Lauren says
My heart goes out to Jay! I lost my Mom almost 5 years ago shortly after Christmas – we spent Christmas Eve in the hospital with her. It gets easier but you never forget and there is always a hole in your heart (especially during the holidays). Hugs to your hubby! And yes, your mom looks AMAZING!
Teri says
Your mom really does look amazing! It looks like a super fun holiday weekend. Your white sweatshirt is so cute, where did you get it?
Courtney says
Thanks, Teri! I actually shared the details about the fleece in a recent blog post! https://www.sweettoothsweetlife.com/two-new-cozy-tops-you-need-this-winter/
Teri says
Awesome, thank you! 😊