Guys! The weekend before Thanksgiving is here!!

There will be no 5 AM wake up time ALL NEXT WEEK -- for this I am truly grateful. In less restful news, it's all hands on deck putting the house back together after Parker's room overhaul. And seeing as we are having an overnight guest, I feel extra pressure to make the house presentable, so . . . you know. . . he doesn't find us filthy and disgusting. It's just a little something I'm particular about. 

Annie and I hope you and yours have a warm and wonderful holiday. Eat all the carbs you want. Watch some Hallmark Christmas movies. And take at least three naps -- that's an order. But first -- a few goodies o' the Internet for your weekend perusal.

I'm totally making this turkey cheeseball for Thanksgiving dinner. I'm a sucker for animal-shaped foods.

I'm also thinking about ordering these monogrammed pajama bottoms for Christmas Eve. 

Three stove simmers to make your home smell like the holidays.

Could someone recreate this hot cocoa party and invite me? Pretty please?

The events of this week reminded me of Naomi Shihab Nye's poem "Wandering Around an Albuquerque Airport Terminal." It should be required reading.

Have you seen the NYTimes feature "Teenagers in the Times"? Here's a good list of read-alouds to get you started (scroll down to the second section).

I've been waiting anxiously Mandi's baby boy nursery reveal. It does NOT disappoint. Why didn't I think of a stuffed cactus?!?

If green bean casserole is a Thanksgiving staple at your house, try Pioneer Woman's recipe. I made this last year, and it was a huge hit!

Next week our family officially starts listening to Christmas music. Nat King Cole's "The Happiest Christmas Tree" has been one of our favorites since the kids were little.

That's it folks. See you next week. Aprons to the ready!!!