thanking.baking.gaming

Thanksgiving week went something like this:

Pie-baking, family-bonding, deep-pitting, game-playing, table-cloth dressing, champagne-drinking and of course, loads of loving!

Thankful

This time last year, I had just spent 2 weeks at mom's nursing her back from serious brain surgery.

This year, we are THANKFUL for her last chemo session next week!

This time last year, I ran the Turkey Trot for all of those who could not run and wish they could. This year, I am THANKFUL to have run with my baby girl...3 miles in 40 minutes (not bad for 7)

This time last year, we were so blessed with a great family and amazing friends.

This year, we are THANKFUL for our family, our health, and our best friends who have showed us that in our most trying and difficult times, they will always support and be there! WOW! We are blessed!

This time last year, I was grateful for an amazing husband and two beautiful girls.

This year, I am overwhelmed with GRATITUDE for God giving me my best friend to share this life with and can't believe I am lucky enough to have such an amazing family!

What are you THANKFUL for?

The HELP

Last weekend, Mary and I hosted a dinner based on the book/movie, The Help. The girls showed up at 9am to "help" with the days preparations.

On the menu: fried okra chips, deviled eggs, cucumber tea sandwiches, cheese straws, homemade macaroni & cheese, Waldorf salad, fried chicken, fried pork chops, black-eyed peas, collard greens, corn pone and of course, Caramel Cake. The ladies took home The Help CD and the men took home mini- homemade chocolate pies.

It was such a great night with great friends!

Disney Fright-Night

It was a Disney Halloween with Princess Jasmine and Tinkerbell. We did the usual; Annual Hairball, trick-or-treating the neighborhood and a finish at the Fabrie's party. The kids had a blast, as always.

fall

Fall is my favorite time of the year! Although I love Summer, I so enjoy the crisp air this time of year brings. I am in love with the changing colors of the trees, my warm-weather clothes, Thanksgiving, my crock pot, darker nights, great evening television and of course all of the baking the early evenings bring. Winter will be here soon enough, but for now I am blissfully dancing through this season.

family

Troy and the gang took a 3 day/2 night hiking trip over the Great Western Divide. They went up Franklin Pass, over Sawtooth and had a great time. The weather proved to be a bit of a problem at times with heavy hail, rain and lightning. Great stories were told and bonds were formed with this group of 1st time hikers mixed in with a few veterans (okay, Matt and Troy were the only 1st timers but I heard they did great). There are now rumblings of half-dome in Yosemite and an even longer hike next summer. I'm not sure my nerves can take it.