Thanksgiving Morning, Noon And Night

Thanksgiving morning brought with it the making of a new (and very yummy) cranberry bread recipe (along with confirmation that chopping cranberries is a terrible job), as well as the watching of the parade. It brought much excitement and the familiar smells of Thanksgiving wafting from the kitchen. 

Thanksgiving afternoon brought with it more cooking (these sous chefs of ours are truly amazing!), and the arrival of my sister. There was much chatting and crafting and noshing as we waited for the rest of our family to arrive. Dave's parents -immediately followed by my parents and brother- arrived and fryer prep was begun. The final piece to our meal would be ready in 47 minutes. 

The table was set, the obligatory two Thanksgiving group photos taken (one with me and one without) and an amazing meal was shared together that night. There was chatting and eating and laughing (oh, the laughing!) and game playing and movie watching and snuggling and lots of wonderful memories made. It was a glorious Thanksgiving day all around. Thank you, dear family, for making the journey north to share it all with us. It wouldn't feel like Thanksgiving without all of you! xo

{This Moment} With Gifts Of Thanks

{This Moment} - A Soule Mama Friday ritual. A single photo- no words- capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you are inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments section for all to find and see. We wish you a weekend full of gratitude and blessings!

We Gather Together

From our family to yours we wish you the happiest of Happy Thanksgivings! We hope that your day was full of delicious food, wonderful conversation,lots of love and laughter and time spent with those you hold most dear!

Wordless Wednesday::Preparations

Sewing On Sunday

On Sunday after church we headed over to the Clarke's house to do some sewing. 

This day had been planned in early October during the Fall Fair at our church. 

Grace had chosen some sewing notions (a jar of buttons and a small bag of lace) from the Country Kitchen area at the fair.  

Seeing what Grace had selected Mrs. Clarke asked her if she liked to sew. 

And from there it was decided that a sewing day was in order. 

A lovely lunch was had, then the sewing was begun, and before we knew it the girls each had the front of their doll quilts done. 

Please pardon the blurry picture. Her expression was just too perfect!

Soon batting was cut and backings were chosen. 

Just a little more sewing and her first quilt will be done (Grace was using the foot peddle here).

Straightening out her doll quilt. 

Emma absolutely loved grabbing the corners and turning it right side out. 

Thank you Mrs. Clarke for spending the afternoon sewing with the girls! The three of us had a truly delightful time. I think it's safe to say that there will be many more quilts made and many more sewing projects in their future. 

Girls Race Too!

Saturday brought with it the arrival of the first Girl Scout Pinewood Derby in town!

It was a day that we'd been looking forward to for months!

The room was electric with excitement! Some girls who have brothers had experienced the Derby before. For others, like Grace and Emma, this was their first Derby ever!

Grace's car's first race. 

And they're off!

Next up: David and Emma. 

Well done!

David and Grace's car raced in this heat. 

And Grace won!

Emma's car is ready to race again.

And she placed second! Great job, Em!

Each car raced six times. 

This is Grace's last race. 

David's last race. 

And Emma's last race. 

Look at the Lavender Racer go!

It was such a fun day! A Daisy from the girls' troop took the "track record for the entire day" and David and Grace both placed in the top ten (David in seventh and Grace in ninth place)! There were roughly 200 girls that participated throughout the entire event (our troop closed out the day) and it's already being said that there will be a Derby again next year! Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this day happen for the girls and their families! It was a glorious day and one that we shall never forget!