Baking

Baking pies is my Thanksgiving tradition, which is a comforting task before the holiday.

I just put my little crock of leftover pumpkin pie batter in the oven just now, a trick I learned from my friend, Jacque. One of many. I think she called it pumpkin pudding. And oh my goodness, yum. To think, I'd just dumped that leftover goodness down the drain before she showed me the light.

She passed away on Thanksgiving and I guess there's no way to forget that, ever. But I'll be a little sad tonight and then just thankful tomorrow.

I miss my friend, but I have such faith that she is in the best place. And that when I get there, she'll have more to teach me. Maybe even mentor me there.

If I get to pick, it will be so.

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A Thankful Season

It's my favorite way to set a fall table, a tray of gourds. The colors make me happy.

This is the corner next to our table. Each piece means something to me. The plant that a friend gave me as a going-away gift when I left school last spring. A rocker that was my dad's when he was a child. A clock that used to reside on my grandparents' mantel. A figurine of a mother, given to me by my own mom. When I sit at my table and look at this, it makes me feel happy.

Then I can look out our back door, which is right behind our table, and watch the sun set. It is a beautiful sight that I marvel at each evening. As if I'm surprised that it happens each day. There's an alfalfa field across that road and some cows go out to graze just beyond that. When they're let out to pasture, we can hear them moo. We live in town, but have the best country view.

I have no point here. Except maybe that I'm at peace again. We've settled in and are making this home. I still miss things about Omaha every day, but am feeling more content right where I am.

My mom asked me this summer (while I was in the middle of a big fret), "Do you have what you need for today?" Well, yes I do. I keep asking myself that question, almost daily. The answer so far has been yes every time. Then why on earth would I sit and worry.

I have what I need for today.

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My sister and I had talked that morning and I shared with her that I was going on a preschool field trip that very day. "You're living the dream!" she said. And you know what. She was right.

My very first preschool field trip.
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Halfway to Five

 

                    Thinking deep, thinky thoughts

There's this intensity to my boy. A fierceness that's tough to describe.

An example: last night when he went to bed, we were discussing lego houses. He'd like me to build some to resemble the ones in the book we'd read. The first thing he said to me this morning when I woke him up? "Build me those lego houses!"

That sums it up. He's beyond explanation.

Tough guy. Thinker. Builder. Playful. Energetic.

And sweet. Gentle. Loving.

My little man keeps on growing. The great part is, I get to be along for the ride.

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Inspired

 I don't have much at my house to decorate for Thanksgiving. I insist on waiting for Christmas decorations until the weekend after Thanksgiving, which means sometimes our house is a little unadorned in November. I was lucky to be gifted a few things from my mom when we moved. She was cleaning out her holiday stuff and I told her I was in need of some pilgrims. So now at least I have a couple of pilgrims, a turkey, and two Native American children. A good start.

 I was so happy to come across a post as I was wandering around on the internet the other day. It tells how to make a Thanksgiving Garland Project. I found myself completely inspired to do some decorating with gratitude in mind. Something I've been trying to focus on for months.

I feel like only good things can come when you bring an attitude of thankfulness into your home. For we are so grateful for everything that we have and for each other.

My end product is much simpler than the inspiration photo, but I like it and it fits perfectly in our home. The kids helped with the words we put on the leaves and were excited to see them tied on with ribbon. I even tried my hand at a few of the fabric rosettes, they turned out okay and add a little color. It is a great addition to get us through to December when we'll get out the Christmas decorations.

I ended up making this wordle too and picked up a candlestick 1/2 price at our hobby store.
The Thanksgiving decor is coming along!

My whole point was to recognize gratitude in our house and I feel grateful to Tatertots and Jello for the starting point!

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A Jedi and a Flapper

We definitely know who Luke Skywalker is. We'd watched movies 4, 5, 6 last spring and loooooooooove Star Wars! So our little guy was a Jedi for Halloween. Easy. He even got his first light saber. Joy.

B was a little tougher. I knew she'd make a cute flapper. Fringe? Beads? Sparkly shoes? Sold! I showed her some images of the 1920's and she was hooked. Though next year, she wants me to remember that she plans to be a hippy. She "admires their way of life". Okay then.

Our first Halloween in a new town. Grandparents were in town for lunch and we all went to the high school's production of Wizard of Oz in the afternoon. Then it was trick or treating after a dinner of potato soup. My favorite. Yummmmmmmmm.

Aside from chilly temps, it was a great night. The kids had fun and we had some family time.

Loot! (Early on...you bet there was more where that came from!)

A little to hand out too.

With each week that passes, we are more at home.

This morning B asked, "Is it November 1st?!" Yes it is. She said it was sad because now it will just get colder and colder. We'll have to talk later about the bonuses, the good with the not-so-good. Thanksgiving! Basketball season! Christmas! Snow days! New Year! Things to look forward to. All good things.

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