DIY Monday: Giving Thanks

It was a pretty nice long weekend. We got 2-hours early dismissal the day before Thanksgiving so I was able to go to the nail salon to get my nails done and relax a bit before kicking off the weekend. 

We spent Thanksgiving with J's family and it was a lovely time. I often make a big breakfast for us at home, we eat a light lunch and then we have dinner with J's family. JOE thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with her grandparents and uncle. JAE is still a little weary of anyone who is not J, JOE, me or her child care provider. But she will grow out of it. JOE used to be like that but grew out of it. 
We all had a lovely dinner and it was good to catch up on what's been going on with everyone.

Leading up to Thanksgiving. JAE started to "walk". She has been "walking" with the aid of her push toy for the last few weeks and can actually stand for a few seconds at a time. J and I are so proud of her. She wasn't even 7-months when she started this. I guess she is in a rush to catch up with her sister. 
To make things even more lovely, last week, at 7-months and 2 weeks, she started going up the stairs! This one really got me because she is not a baby anymore :-(. Every time I see her do these things, my heart rejoices but I am also sad at the same time because I feel like she is growing up really fast.

JOE and JAE love to play together!

In preparation for Thanksgiving, JOE made some "turkey cookies". They were DELICIOUS and I think she did a FABULOUS job!

This year, I have been so busy that I didn't really plan out what to make for Thanksgiving breakfast. However, the day before Thanksgiving, I stopped at the store and got some eggnog. J loves eggnog and immediately, I thought to myself, "I wonder what else I can make with eggnog."
I went on my trusted site (Pinterest) and found this recipe. I added 1-tablespoon of canned pumpkin puree and didn't have any rum extract at home so I used regular rum to make it. And it tasted DELICIOUS!!! Oh and I used Nigerian bread instead of challah bread cause that's what I had on hand at home. I will say that this recipe definitely needs a heavier bread.

We registered for and received a griddle when we got married. THIS was the first time I used it since we got married over 4-years ago. I couldn't even find it at first when I went looking for it :-). But it certainly came in handy. I even did the sausages on here and didn't have to use the gas range. Definitely a win-win. Only one item to wash after cooking.

Every year, our Church encourages people to make an extra dish for the homeless when making Thanksgiving dinner. I always make a dessert in hopes that something sweet to eat will bring something sweet into their lives. Plus everyone always makes food so I figured a dessert is a good alternative. 

This year, I made a chocolate pumpkin bread. It was simply DELICIOUS! I involved JOE in making it by making her peel the wrap off the Hershey's dark chocolate kisses that I used. She did a great job!

I have so much to be Thankful for this year. My family, good health, God's provision, our jobs. Just to mention a few. There is so much bad in the world and sometimes, it is hard to remember that there is also good going on around us. As I get older, I take time each day to remind myself of something I am thankful for. Even on my worse days, I am thankful because it takes being alive to have a bad day.

J and I are teaching our kids how to be Thankful and I was so happy that J took JOE with him for the second year in a row to deliver the dessert I made. I want JOE to realize that helping people never goes out of style and it is the humane thing to do. 

We have already started putting together items we will be donating this year as well as gifts in the Toys for Tots bins. We don't have a lot but I am a firm believer in being a giver from what God has blessed us with. 

Please take the time to remember those in need especially during the holiday season. Your gift in kind or cash gifts can make a world of difference in the lives of so many out there. 

Happy Holidays!

Photo Dump Wednesday: Doc McStuffins goes to the White House...

In one of the Doc McStuffins episodes last month, Doc visited the White house and met first lady Michelle Obama.
One day, while watching the episode for perhaps the 10th or 15th or who knows how many times she had watched it, JOE turned to me and said "momma, I want to go to the White House." I mentioned this to J and he said "let me see what I can do."
My hubby of course took it on himself to get us on the list to tour the White House. This was just so cool and we mentioned it to JOE the day before we were scheduled to go. 
J and I both took the day off and we all headed to the White House. JOE even wore her Doc McStuffins outfit from her birthday. It was just so cute! She also kept singing the song from Doc about going to the White house in Washington, DC.

We took a family picture right before we went in. 
 

This is wicked cool. The walls in the hallway makes you realize that real people live here. The first time J and I visited the White House, people were not allowed to take pictures inside so it was very nice to be able to do so during this visit.

Me and my girls. Yeah, JAE wasn't too impressed. She was more concerned about the fact that we did not make arrangements for her to eat before the tour and since liquids were not allowed, she was NOT happy. 
Side Note: If visiting the White House and you have a baby in tow, be sure to feed the baby BEFORE you go in because they do not allow ANY food. Not even breastmilk.
 

The china cabinet. I wonder if they actually ever use this china.

Our future first female President? Only time will tell...eitherways, I wanted to make sure I got this just incase :-D.
 

JOE often tells the girls "one of you will be President one day." I say from your mouth to God's ears. Well, when we walked in this room, I quickly exclaimed "JOE look, this is where you'll be having your wedding reception!" She wasn't too impressed. 
However, she turned to her dad and said "dad, where is she?" J asked "where is who?" and she said "Michelle Obama! She's not here!" Poor kid actually thought she'd get to meet the First Lady. Oh well...perhaps someday.

 

I took this picture because J & I watch the show Scandal and it reminded me of a scene from the show :-).

Had to get a picture of this floral arrangement. It was really beautiful and smelt so good!
 

I find it interesting that one of the first pictures you see once you make it into the White House itself is that of Hillary Clinton and the last one you see before you leave is that of her husband. Not sure of what to make of that. I am sure there's some psychological reasoning here.

Our little family right after the tour. Excuse JAE. She was H.U.N.G.R.Y! :-).

And of course, the picture in front of the White house. 
 

I love living in the DMV area and being able to take quick trips to DC to visit the White House and learn more about our nation's history makes it really that much more special.  

Next stop, a visit to the Library of Congress. We also plan on doing more trips into the City as the girls get older so they can visit the different sites. 

For my US readers, have a fabulously fun, safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

DIY Monday: 3Ehairupdate

I wasn't sure if a hair update qualifies as DIY but then I thought about it and figured "well, I'm doing it myself" so technically, it is DIY.

I figured it is time for another hair update. This month, its a little later than normal. 

I haven't really done much with my hair. I have primarily been wearing a bun for the most part. I ventured out with some hair styles that I considered hits and some misses but for the most part, I kept it simple. 

I am still taking the manetabolism hair vitamins. They had another 30% off sale and I got a couple of bottles. They need to stop having those sales right when I'm about to finish my stash. Its a conspiracy I tell ya! :-). In anycase, I have 2 more bottles so unless I buy a new supply, if I finish my current stash, I would have been on it for 8-months. 
So far, I think the results speak for themselves. 

First, check out my hits vs. misses for the month. For the  misses, there are a couple I don't consider total misses. I just didn't like the way my hair "fell" those days.

Like I said earlier, I have been bunning it for the better part of 2 weeks. Check out my little photo bomber a.k.a the back seat driver :-).

And here is one of me and my babies. As you can see, their hair is thriving as well. JAE's hair is growing at the same pace as JOE's at the same age. 

I love taking my mommy daughter selfies with these cuties.

I'm not doing anything to JAE's hair yet as far as styling. I primarily just wash it then add the Shea Moisture Jamaican Castor Black Oil leave in conditioner and extra virgin olive oil. I then comb it out. I also softly massage her scalp daily when I'm trying to get her to sleep.

Here is JAE's hair when pulled straight. She is definitely less fussy than JOE was at this age when it comes to getting her hair done.
On a side note, I LOVE her pout when she is sleeping. Too cute!!!

JOE's hair continues to grow and she continues to hate doing her hair. I've asked her if she'd like to cut it but she doesn't want to and likes to feel her hair touch her butt when the braids are taken out.
Until she decides she is ready to part with some of her locks, it'll be a weekly hair experience with JOE.

Now on to my hair. It is true what they say..."pictures are key". Seeing the pictures makes me realize how much progress my hair is making.

Hello! Check out my Albert Einstein hair style. I just took it out of a bun and was trying to detangle it. 

I recently decided to fully detangle my hair in sections and put my denman brush to use. Following that, I did a French braid and was pleasantly surprised of how full it looks. Woohoo for positive hair progress.

Well, it is Thanksgiving week and we have so much to be thankful for. I am very much looking forward to getting some time off and celebrating with family. 

If you're interested in seeing my hair progress on Instagram, check out the hashtag #3Ehairupdate

Have a fabulous week and be safe!