Wishing You a Old Fashioned Thanksgiving!!!

I have never had the gracious opportunity to prepare and cook a Thanksgiving feast, but one of these days, when I can host a proper Thanksgiving dinner, I will.

 I am in love with old fashioned pictures no matter what time of year it is. This Thanksgiving season I found myself looking at some images on-line and thought I would share some my favorites that inspire me to always mix the old with the new.

One year, when we were still living in California, we drove to Oregon to spend Thanksgiving with J-P's father and family. I had checked out a Thanksgiving book from the library 

to take with us, to get us in the spirit of the season. 

The version that we learned from the book that's stuck in my head reads like this:

"Over the river and through the woods to grandfathers's house we go!

The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river and through the wood to Grandfather's house away.

We will not stop for doll or top for it's Thanksgiving Day!"

J-P was the one who drove the sleigh(Suburban), and he didn't and doesn't like to stop for anything, he likes to keep on truckin'!

I love the holidays, but I get a bit nostalgic for my family and long to be in their presence this time of year.

May everyone who reads this, have a full thanksgiving of good food, hearty laughter, and the makings of good memories! Love to you all!

My Ode to Ilene

This is for you Ilene!!! When I was pregnant with Calvin I gained nearly 40lbs. As you can see, a lot of that was all up front causing me a lot heart burn and discomfort. I was feeling for you when the days were nearing your due date and no relief was in sight. I know the fear and doubt that's coupled with the realization that the baby might not come on his own. Or you find yourself stuck thinking about,"How much bigger can I get?" This picture was taken a week before I delivered Calvin.  I was feeling for you and now I am elated that you are a mother now! Congrats! Rowen is beautiful! I can't wait to hear all about it!!! 

Ammon and Cosette

Cosette was eating a snack and decided to share with Ammon

"Huh? Us? We're not doing anything."

Ammon: "Okay, she's not looking give me more."

Cosette: "Okay, here you go. I'll put it right here for you."

Cosette won't share with her brothers, but Ammon is definitely the exception 

Ammon's focus is undeterred.......it's all about the food. 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Carving pumpkins before the big scary night!

I just watch and sort the seeds so I can bake them with salt and butter. 

The witch, a lady bug and jungle clone troopers. Costumes were exceptionally easy this year, Calvin wore his pajamas and Oliver wore everything he owned that was camo.

Oliver had a costume parade at his preschool. When he was the only one on stage, he sprinted across and didn't stop for anyone to ogle at him. Apparently he doesn't like the lime light unlike his brother. This is me trying to be creative and paint he's face to look like a Jungle Clone Trooper. I had five minutes to do it and Oliver is such a good sport he just went with it. Afterwards, when I picked up Calvin from his school he said,"Oliver you look awful!" Well that pretty much sums it up. Nobody wanted their face painted after that, I was fired.

                              Hand me down from Aunt and Uncle Crazy, it was Mables.
It was so perfect! Cute as a bug.

Lady bug stretches before the candy walk

Lady Bug at attention

Lady Bug crawling up J-P's leg

Just a day in the life of Oliver. 

I love this picture immesenly because it makes me think of when I was just a babe in my father's arms in his farm truck. I love and miss you Dad!