Our Thanksgiving . 2011

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My, I don't know where to even begin......     We are blessed!....     God is good!....     I love our family!....    I love Mennonite cookin'!....     man, I need to exercise!

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Our Thanksgiving Day was spent here at home. My Mr. spent most of the morning hunting, while Alex and I listened to Christmas music and prepared for our dinner party! We had both of our families over, missing a couple siblings and spouses.   We usually stick to the same menu each year, our family favorites!  Being hostess, I choose:  Croissant Rolls, Spinach Salad, Smoked Turkey + [of course] gravy, Pepperidge Farm® Corn balls, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato Souffle, Cranberry Salad, and layered Hummingbird Cake.  [we had more food than we knew what to do with!] 

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I hope you also had a wonderful Thanksgiving; filled with fellowship, gratitude, and loved ones!  Time and time again I am overwhelmed by God's goodness and love.  We are so blessed! 
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 - Here are a few snapshots from our weekend.    

Place-Card Printables from Claire Bella

Typography by Diamond Designs

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On 'Black Friday', a friend and I hit up Mercy House! I got this lot of books, baby clothes, and 2 tops for myself, all for $4.25!  Forget the crazy lines & Department store madness!

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It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....
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Though Thanksgiving Day is officially past, may we all strive to live out a daily lifestyle of thankfulness!

Thanksgiving Favors: Amish Peanut Butter

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Thanksgiving is tomorrow?!!  I'm trying to prepare what I can ahead of time!  Yesterday's agenda was to tackle the guest favors, place settings, and cranberry salad. Today it's the dessert, last minute shopping, and cleaning!  - I decided on Amish Peanut Butter for favors, a jar for each family. It's a favorite, quick and easy to make, and a great gift since most enjoy eating!  [wink]

Amish Peanut Butter.
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20 oz.  Creamy Peanut Butter

13 oz.  Marshmallow Cream

3 tablespoons milk

1/4 cup  Powered Sugar

1/2 cup dark Corn Syrup or Maple Syrup

   - Mix all ingredients together in glass bowl
- Beat on low for 3-4 minutes
- Check consistency [mixture should run, but be thick + smooth

If too thick, add more milk. If too thin, add more P.sugar- Spoon into *jars and let set for a hour

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* Use saved jars and containers to save money and recycle!

**Peanut Butter can be kept at room temperature

Best enjoyed when lathered on fresh, toasted bread!

 

Happy giving!

Christmas cards + discount

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I received our Christmas cards in the mail today, and couldn't be happier with how they turned out!  I went through Snapfish [as always] and once again, have no complaints!   I picked a couple photos from our recent family photo-shoot, and searched for a general, neutral style.  The following were my top 3 picks.....

I choose...............................................................................................

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Design #2!

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Sure, it's a tad premature to share ours already, but you'd see them sooner or later anyway. Not to mention, I'm too excited not to share them!!   [wink]

Have you discovered Snapfish's discount they're currently offering??  Just use the code "WINTER30" at checkout to receive 30% off your entire order.    - I paid just over $25 for my entire order, which included my package of 40 Christmas cards, several wallet prints, and yes, s&h!    You can't beat that, people!
 



30 days & 5 years.

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My heart is full!  My Mr. and I came back this afternoon, from a quick getaway celebrating our 5th anniversary, which was Friday... 11.11.11.   - I am getting a little behind on posting 30 days of Thankfulness, but want to take a minute to do so!
 


November 9.   It's right around the corner, and no, it's not about the turkey, football, or around here, who shoot the biggest buck! Thanksgiving is a holiday to remember all that we have, our countless blessings.  I'm thankful for Thanksgiving, it helps me to be conscious of my blessings, and have a grateful heart... to encourage me in living a thankful lifestyle. 


November 10.   Veterans Day. I am forever grateful for those who have served for our country, and currently are. My family and I enjoy freedom, and a comfortable lifestyle because of them and their sacrifice!  Bless each and everyone!


November 11.   5 years. My heart rejoices to celebrate 5 years of marriage today, and my husband!  I am forever grateful for him, our love, and God's provision in our relationship. It's unreal, all that Christ has brought us through.  God is faithful, and good!!


November 12.   My Mama.  Generous, loving, supportive, caring, hospitable.... my best friend.  My Mama holds a special place in heart. Time and time again, she amazes me with her generosity and love. I am so grateful for who she is, what she means to our family, and what she means to me.  She is irreplaceable.  


November 13.   Revival.  We are anticipating our church's Fall Revivals this week. We pray for revival within our congregation, in each of our hearts.  May we each be convicted, and seek God.... and His will for us!

Wishing each of you a blessed week ahead!

Thanksgiving Inspiration & printables

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With Thanksgiving only 16 days away, planning has been a must this week.  I am hosting a dinner party of approx. 20 people, a combination of both our families.  I know I want organic/natural, and simple, using fruits, burlap, and now sunflowers. [you'll see why.]   

           Here is some of the inspiration I've found, and love!

Traditional Clove-Stud Oranges

Cornhusk Votives

Pumpkins or Gourds incorporated into place settings.

The following are from the "Sunflower Thanksgiving" shoot by tomKat Studios, for HGTV.  Talk about beautiful!  The best part?! HGTV is offering all of the stationary/printables, here!



We have so much to celebrate and be grateful for!

30 days... & photos

Keeping up with 30 days of Thankfulness....

November 4.  Miracles.  Yes, they happen... even today, when you believe.  

November 5.  My work.  I'm so grateful for the people I come into contact with, work with and for. Their relationships are such a blessing and 'reward.'  I pray I can be a witness and blessing to them also. 

November 6.   Home, sweet Home.  Our time here on earth is so brief and temporary.  However, I am thankful for a comfortable home while we're here.   I think of how many people in the world live... [humbled] ....  We are so blessed!

November 7.  The here & now.  We are greatly enjoying and blessed by the current stage of life we're in, and little man is in.  His spunk, energy, and tenderness is such a joy and brings much fulfilment.    

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We recently had photos taken by the wonderful, Molly Whitmore Photography.  Molly truly captured our little family and this special time in our life.  We are forever grateful for her talent and these priceless treasures! 

Many blessings!

Sweet & Savory Chex Mix

Oh, it's that sweet time of year again... Fall!  And we all know the Holidays are just around the corner!  There's a million things I love about the Holidays, one of them being the treats & food!  Growing up there were special snacks & dishes that Mom would only make for Thanksgiving & Christmas.  One of us kids favorites was making homemade Chex Mix, and still is!  It's a tradition, one that I know many of you all have too!   

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Receiving snow last weekend jump-started my Holiday excitement and anticipation! I've been in the mood to bake, bake, and decorate! Shoot! I'm even ready for a Christmas tree!  - This week the little ones and I spent a morning mixing up Chex-Mix.  I always make a double or triple batch, freezing a portion of it for later... talk about quick & handy!       - Here's one of our favorite recipes!   

Sweet & Savory Chex Mix

3        cups Bagel chips

3        cups Cheetos® Cheese Puffs

3        cups Pepperidge Farms® Goldfish

3	cups pretzels
3	Cheerios® cereal
3	cups Chex® cereal
1 1/2	cups Mixed nuts [optional]
1	cup Butter
5	tablespoons Brown sugar
6	tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

3/4    teaspoon. Garlic powder

1/2    teaspoon Onion powder

1 1/2 teaspoon Seasoned Salt

Preheat oven to 250°.

Mix the last 6 ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat, until butter is melted. Cook until mixture is thoroughly warm.

In a large bowl mix dry ingredients together, except Cheese puffs! 

Pour warm sauce over top and stir until mix is evenly coated. 

*I like to add half the sauce, stir, and then add the last half.  

Spread party mix onto buttered cookie sheet[s].  
 Bake 30-40 minutes and let cool, add cheese puffs & stir in!

For freezing, I use Zip-lock gallon freezer bags

Have a great weekend!

Thankful Thursdays #13 + update

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My friends,
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I am "back" and feeling rejuvenated, after a much-needed break.  A break from everything "extra"... not mandatory.  The past month I'd been feeling overwhelmed and drained, lacking positive energy... especially for my home, Mr. & little man.   I knew I needed time to regroup and be filled, refocusing on what matters to me, whom, and what i love.  I'm thankful for the "breaking-points" God puts in my path, He knows I need them.   I'm forced to stop and de-clutter my life, to prioritize... What really matters?

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Update.  The night before, and morning of the Trunk Show & Sale, we received spontaneous snow & sleet!   Yes, it was October the 29th?!  We decided to postpone the show and reschedule. We are now planning for Friday, November 18 from 6:00-8:00pm... same place and everything.  You can check out our Facebook "event page" for further details. here.

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To get back on track with posting Thankful Thursdays, and with Thanksgiving quickly approaching, I am participating in 30 days of Thankfulness.  I'm hoping to weekly coordinate/incorporate it with TTs for the month.....  Won't you join me??




I'm thankful for......

November 1.   My merciful Savior & Lord. I'm daily reminded of my need for Him in my life, His grace, and His cleansing blood.

November 2.   My Mr. & little man.  Weather at my lowest, or 'on top of the world', they are always here. They show me unconditional love.... they bring such joy and fulfillment to my life.

November 3.   Our Families.  We have been blessed with amazing, godly parents and siblings.  They are a constant example and support to us. No matter what we are facing, they're here and wanting to walk with us.     What a blessing!

What are you thankful for??