thanksgiving

Our thanksgiving started off with a new tradition that we have only just begun the last 2 years, The Thanksgiving Hunt. We meet with friends, enjoy hot cocoa and take in the scenery. It is quickly becoming one of our favorite family traditions!

watching for the riders

Once the riders are off we head out to another spot where we set up camp and wait for them to come through again. The girls love to see who can spot the hounds first.

cocoa refill station

We were even lucky enough to visit with some very sweet Icelandic ponies. They are known for their unusual gait called tolting. In a perfect world our home would be filled with alpacas and ponies!

What a great time.

Wait, what?! I still have to cook dinner? Back home to get dinner going and wait for our guests!

Jane on green beans

Last year we warmed up a precooked supermarket turkey at a friends house so this year Scott and I were extremely thankful to have a kitchen to cook dinner for our family in. I think a year and a half of cooking on a hot plate in our dining room was exactly what we needed to appreciate the little things. That being said, coming to thanksgiving dinner at our house is kind of like a crapshoot. Scott and I have had years where the turkey is perfect and other years where is it is so bad I've offered peanut butter sandwiches. We put it in the oven, close the door and cross our fingers. This year we were in luck!

Thank you Ina Garten!

After an eventful day and a great meal there was no better way for it to end than with cuddles from the ones you love!

xo

oh christmas tree...

Let the holiday traditions commence!

We headed down to the local tree farm to pick out our tree today. For now it bears our name...next weekend we will go back where it will be cut down, the rings will be counted and it will be placed in a special spot in our home for the holiday season.

I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving. We will be sharing more of our holiday traditions soon!

what are you thankful for?

I am thankful for the honor of having these beauties in my life...

and this over my head... just to name a few.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Grosgrain

Dear Santa,

I would like a sewing machine for Christmas...and some sewing skills.

xo

M

I came across this fantastic blog today called Grosgrain you need to check it out. Kathleen sews gorgeous frocks and I am swooning over this dress that she is giving away! I could see both Anna and Jane getting tons of use out of it.

Since you asked so politely...

How can I resist?

Happy Birthday Julia

Julia was born on November 19th at approximately 3:00 am.

At 4:00 this morning I was awakened by the sound of Julia's voice, "Momma, Momma?" When I opened my eyes her sweet little face with her new pixie like haircut was right in mine. "Yes Julia?" "Congratulations Momma." "For what honey?" (in my defense it was 4am) "Because 13 years ago you just had your first child." "Oh, thank you sweetheart, Happy Birthday." And off to bed she went.

Later in the morning when everyone was off to school I sat down at the computer with my coffee to check my calender for the day. There it was, Julia's Birthday!!!!!!! she had added to the calender...like I could forget, I thought. But when I clicked on it I got a special surprise. "Thank you for 13 great years Momma and Daddy!!!" That sums up Julia. Always giving, always caring and thinking of others...even on her special day.

So, thank you Julia. Thank you for gracing us with your love, laughter and spirit for the last 13 years. For the honor of watching you grow and the opportunity to teach as well as learn from you.

Happy Birthday Julia, You truly are a gift to us all.

locks of love

Julia has been growing her hair with the intention of donating it by her 13th birthday. Tomorrow she turns 13. Tonight I was very proud.

"It's like my own little tribute to Eva."

It's here!

Check out the beautiful canvas I won made by the talented Dee over at Red Letter Words!

I can't begin to tell you how much I love it!

Right now it is living on "Anna's homework desk" in our front living room. It looks fantastic in so many spots it was difficult to choose a home. Finally it settled here where the message seemed appropriate. Sail on Anna, Sail on...