Holiday Cheer

We decided to go for another real tree this year---not only that, we went to the tree farm and cut it down ourselves!  It was fun to wak among all of the trees in search for or perfect tree:)

The girls were excited to get the tree decorated--and Grandma was here to watch!

We have also been doing holiday cookie baking--which is my favorite:)

This was the first year that we have gone Christmas caroling!  We went to a convalescent home down the street with our school.   Their tree in the lobby was just beautiful--it became our holiday pic this year!

Here is our group singing there hearts out:)

After that, we headed over to our church for our school Christmas party.  The girls had a tea party--fingerfoods, tea, cocoa, cakes, crafts, story time, fun with friends and just plain fun!  Complete with an adorable pink tree!!

The older girls played games with the yonger girls which was great!

The crowd pleaser was the candy cane hot chocolate~ so yummy!

Dalaina was very careful with the real tea cups and pots and creamer!

She had a great time, as did all of the girls:)

We decorated sugar cookie cutouts-there were some serious artists there!

We made paper snowflakes:)

The children learned the story of the candy cane and were able to make some out of pipe cleaners:)

Overall, it was an amazing day!

Count Your Blessings

Imagine going through the cold, New England winter living off a slim, summer corn crop and a few fish. Every person suffered daily from hunger and watched as the food supplies continued to dwindle. Tradition says that eventually all that was left for this band of Pilgrims to eat each day was five kernels of parched corn. Certainly, this is a stark contrast to the Thanksgiving most of us experience!

We did enjoy a marvelous feast yesterday-- However, we did teach the children about the pilgrims and the first thanksgiving this week.  It's important to instill the reason for the holiday.  They enjoyed learning about plymouth rock and the mayflower, Squanto and the shared meal!

These are pictures of some of the crafts the girls have made this season--I forgot to post them before

These were made from their hands and feet:)

We are truly blessed!

Thanksgiving 2010

This year, we were unable to make the trip to PA for thanksgiving.  However, my mom made the trip here and celebrated with us!  The girls played with their ponies in the living room while we cooked in the kitchen!

I haven't cooked a turkey in 2 years!   Faith helped with the basting

Dinner was delicious-turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, stuffing, rolls, homemade cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and fudge!!!  We ate well----all day:)

Later, David and Faith attempted to break the wishbone, but that didn't work---we set it out to dry overnight!

Then, came our tradition of making a gingerbread house!  We bought a pre-built this year.  They had fun decorating it:)  Although, I missed the falling apart house giggles!!!!!!!!!!  We tried a skype call with their cousins--it was great to see them and their fallen down gingerbread house.

It turned out pretty good:)

Oh, we watched Mary Poppins and later-Miracle on 34th St!  Each year, we are able to count our blessings--this year the girls said they were thankful for their family, food, and clothes!

Overall, it was a great day:)

GOOD TIMES

The crsip fall weather inspires us to different activites than usual.  David has started taking guitar lessons and I captured a moment of Faith trying to learn as well.  Funny thing is, I have this exact photo from when Faith was about 2yrs old--I just can't locate it right now.

Faith has been wanting to learn kart wheels and hand stands but has been too afraid to actually do them.  Well, thathas changed.  They begged me to take them to the park and I did.  Then, the whole time, they just played in the field!  Faith was determined to do a kartwheel!  So, it was that open window-teaching moment, and I took advantage of it.  After thirty minutes, she was able to do some great things!!!!----she is doing great-very determined!

We love the fall--we look forward to everything about it. Pumpkins, crisp air, harvest fairs, leaves, etc.  However, the leaves are the best part!  This year, not so great:(   our pathetic leaf playing...

However, the lack of leaves did not stop them from having a great time!  They ran around, jumped, screamed, gathered and played---it was great!

Rest and Relax

 The girls are learning Psalm 23 for their bible lesson and I am gaining as well. 

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.  He makes me to lie down in green pastures."

Such a simple truth, yet so hard to remember daily. 

God made each of us, he knows us so well. He knows the matters of your heart. He provides for us---everything that HE knows we need.  He wants us to rest and relax in that truth.  To put our trust in Him for all of our needs.  Let go of control and realize that He is in control.  Do not worry---just as the birds of the air do not!

It has been a blessing to step back and have David take part in homeschooling the children and chores at home.  Also, I stepped back for a day as the leader of a small group that I do.  I let someone else take control and it was amazing.  It was nice to rest and relax and trust that things will go fine if I am not in control.  It is humbling to see others do what you do.  To see their way.

When we trust in God, that He is always with us, we can feel safe, rest, and relax!

AND THE WINNER IS.....

RED LICORICE---84% VOTED IT WAS BETTER THAN BLACK.

Personally, I think they are both good.  However, there is a brand of black licorice-I think it's Australian---it is amazing!!!!!!!

Pete's Pumpkin Patch

We took a drive to Spring Hill Farms--- Pete's Pumpkin Patch. Bunches of fun there!!!

Rows of new calves:) They were soft and cute!

They were very friendly

...or just hungry?!

I think they were kissing, but who knows!

The girls got to feed the calves and just loved it!!

Piggies:)

some long haired ox thing, I forget!

My pilgrims

Mr Peter had some old time wagons on display

His house is from the Sears Catalogue--back when you could order your house!

The always fun haystack

A hayride -- down to the pumpkin field and potatoe patch

They got to dig for potatoes--buy what you dig-$1/lb. We dug red, golden german potatoes, and purple potatoes!

Onto pumpkin pickin'

They inspected each pumpkin in search for the perfect one!

We took the potatoes home and washed them and had them for dinner---DELICIOUS!

Overall, it was a great trip! We tasted homemade cheese and homemade ice cream-good stuff!!