Hayrides and Christmas Lights!!

My wonderful sister in law arranged for us to all do the Holiday of Lights at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, but not in the traditional car drive through method, on a hayride pulled by a tractor. Needless to say, it was an awesome and wonderful experience, and a lot different than experiencing it from the inside of your car. The kids really enjoyed taking in all the lights and finding their favorite items in the lightscapes. If you have the opportunity, do yourself a favor and add this to your holiday list of fun activities. I believe the hayrides are only running on Friday nights, but if you're able to do it, you'll be glad you did.

Blessed by . . .

Her spunk, wit and tender heart
His gracious and loving heart, and laid back style
Their bond, good bad or otherwise, they are in it together
Our family- full of laughter, giggles and rough housing. Knowing that we are all appreciated, cherished, loved and respected. I couldn't be more proud of each member of our family both individually and as a unit! Love you all so much!!

Thankful for unexpected opportunities

2 weeks ago today, there was a knock on our door and to our surprise and delight my dear Uncle Larry was here to visit. We were aware that he was making a trip to the west coast, but weren't really certain when he would make it our way. He ended up staying with us for a week, and it was such a delight to get the chance to visit with him and catch up. It's funny how we like to plan things and have things "under control", but often the best rewards and opportunities come when we deviate off of the schedule that we are often tethered to. Thank you for your fellowship,your help, and all of the giggles & laughter than you brought to our home. Also, thank you for the kind reminder to take life as it comes and to delight in the treasures of everyday, both planned and unplanned.

Sweet gestures of love

This is one way that this sweet little boy tells all of us that he loves us!! We love you too buddy!!!

Grateful appreciation for my children's teachers!!

When you are blessed enough to be in the presence of a great teacher in action, it is truly something magical. This year my kids have had the pleasure of having two women who are absolutely nothing short of amazing at what they do, what a blessing for our children. At a time of year that we give Thanksgiving for the blessings and treasures in our lives, the kids and I made some sweet little delights for their teachers to say "thank you for all you do". These were apple pies made inside of canning jars, once the jars were cooled, we attached a little card along with a plastic spoon with some natural jute. If you decide to make them, I highly recommend putting the jars into a cake pan, a they are very likely to overflow while baking.

Apple pie filling recipe:

Peel, core & slice 5 to 6 large apples per pie (I like to mix several different types of apples for texture and taste)

Add to apples:
3/4 cup sugar
2 to 3 Tbsp. of flour
1 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (I usually add a bit more)
1/8 tsp. salt

Stir to coat all apples, allow to sit for 15 minutes stirring several times to coat and soften apples a bit. Spoon filling into prepared crust. We prefer a crumb (dutch) topping instead of a top crust.

Crumb Topping:

Combine with a fork
1 cup flour
1/2 cup firm margarine
1/2 cup brown sugar

(We also added about 1/4 cup of oatmeal for the topping for the cherry pie).

Do not use electric mixer, just combine together using a fork until crumbly and then top pie filling and bake at 350 degrees for about an hour. Again, I recommend putting a cookie sheet under your pie plate, as it is likely that it will bubble over as it is cooking. Yum!!!!

Wow!!! I have some catching up to do !!

This month has been a bit of wild, crazy and unexpected adventures. I have quite a bit to add to my blog, hoping to get it updated over the next couple of days!!!

Thankful for the beauty outside my front door!

So today's praise of thankfulness is for the beauty that is outside my front door, at this time of year . . . take a peek and enjoy. Growing up in the midwest I absolutely love the change of season, I think there is so much beauty at this time of year. With the time change, the kids and I get the most delightful treat every evening as we return home from school. As the sun is setting, it makes the color of all these trees come alive, and the entire street is just drenched in beautiful autumn hues.

It's always fun to win something

Check out Today's Give Away to check out what could be yours. The current giveaway is a gift certificate to Delicate Expressions, for some super cool vinyl letters to be used around the house or on a cool craft project. There are some really awesome designs and wonderful quotes. Come join in the fun !

It's Friday!!!

I am Thankful for my Friday's . . . sure I am fond of this day because it winds down our school week and is the start to a weekend spent with my little ones without the rigidity of so many schedules. However, in recent months this has become a favorite day of mine for quite another reason . . .date time with my hubby. The kids are on different schedules at school, Drew gets out at about noon and Alyssa not until 2:30 or so. Lanny and I have started using this morning as a date morning for ourselves, which is such a wonderful delight. Most mornings we go have a bite to eat, and some wonderful (uninterrupted) conversation, I have come to really look forward to and treasure these Friday morning dates.

Thankful on Thursday

*picture was in the construction phase* What a huge undertaking, but so worth all of the work!


Today I am thankful for . . . the swingset!!

The kids came home super amped up from school and really needed an outdoor release, I am so thankful for our swingset as it draws them outside and will provide tons of entertainment together. I can only imagine the places they are going or the characters they are planning to be. I delight in being able to look out of either of the windows, at the back of the house, to see them plotting their next adventure or soaring through the air, the pure and simple joys of childhood!!

Today I am thankful for . . .

God's provision.

Almost a year ago my work closed their doors (very abruptly), we were not sure how things would all work out. At that point I surrendered my fears and worries and vowed to trust in God's provision and plan for this fork in the road. I'm certainly not saying that this has always been an easy choice. There are days that I have prayed about and surrendered these fears or concerns several times a day. Throughout this process I have repeatedly been amazed by how abundant the Lord's provision is for us. Thank you Lord for always knowing my needs often before I know them myself and for always providing for us, generously. While I am saddened for the state that our economy is in at the moment, I do believe that there are some very valuable lessons that can be gained from this trial, that has impacted so many. Please let us see, understand and respond to that lesson.

Fun new look for fall . . .

I am loving this background for fall, got it at Templates by Tenille, she has some adorable FREE background designs and with a few tweeks in the font colors, it starting to feel a lot more like fall =)

I am thankful for . . .

Throughout this month I am going to try to post often (hopefully daily) what I am thankful for, as a simple gesture of honoring and acknowledging my blessings, and giving glory to the Lord for all of these blessings.

Today I am thankful for my family. Thankful for a husband who is kind and patient and who has an unbelievable heart. A husband who is an amazing provider and protector of our family. A husband who has given of himself selflessly for all of us.

I am thankful for my children, who brighten my every day and make my heart skip a beat with their sweet gestures of love. I am thankful for Alyssa's strength and courage to stand up for what she believes in, all the while having the most abundant heart you will ever find. I am thankful for Drew's laid back and easy going attitude and his ability to adapt to change at a moment's notice, with a smile on his face and a hop in his step. I am thankful for the laughter and the joy that they bring to my life everyday.

Thank you to our families who have supported and loved us and helped us to grow a happy and strong family.

Trick or Treat

Drew at school parade



Alyssa at school parade


Halloween Night




We had a lot of fun getting ready for Halloween this year. The kids and I created a lot of fun goodies and made some really fun recipes. This was my first year of actually taking on any handmade items as part or most of their costumes. I have to say, it was a ton of fun and has inspired me to try my hand at it again in the future. Since Halloween fell on a Saturday this year, the costume parade at the school was held on Friday. Alyssa went as a bride (any good excuse to wear a fancy dress and fancy shoes and she's in =) Drew wanted to stay with his Thomas costume. Then on Halloween night, Alyssa went as a rainbow fairy and Drew as Thomas. It was such a delight to see them get so excited with anticipation for putting on their costumes. It was an evening full of fun for them and for us.

Fun Halloween Decorations

We made these fun little decorations a few weeks ago. They were a lot of fun and the process could be used for just about any holiday. The paper mache takes several coats (we used 3) of paint to be completely covered, you could add jewels, glitter, rub ons, scraps from your favorite papers, there are many fun options. For step by step instructions check out Blue Cricket Design.

Sweet Treats

I came across this recipe at the beginning of October and knew we had to make some. They were so tasty and just adorable with the candy corn kisses. We made our first batch and packaged them up for the kids' teachers last week, then we made another batch for sharing on Halloween night at a party hosted by my SIL and her husband. Recipe found here . . .