Thankful for yummy, minty sweet candy canes...
and their ability to transform a white gift bag from Hanukkah wrap to Christmas gift.
Thankful that they can be crushed and and pressed into semi sweet chocolate to make the best - and easiest - peppermint bark. (i'm also thankful for vacuum cleaners that pick up all the cane bits that ended up all over the kitchen floor - and a special thanks to two doggies who gladly licked up what the vacuum left behind.)
Thankful for how candy cane peppermint bark and coffee can get a mama through loads of playing, beading, stringing, cutting, gluing - not to mention a bit of chasing, yelling and bickering.
Thankful for these games (some new, others old favorites) that were played on each night of Hanukkah - and continue to be played almost daily. Tradition dictates that no work be done while Hanukkah candles are burning - only playing, singing and dancing - so on the nights that the kiddos received clothes or mama made items they also received one game to share and play. Several nights they also chose to grab an old favorite to play.
So very thankful for an extremely generous birthday gift from a very dear friend. Thank you so very much Lisa. I love the hat - that's my coat underneath and it matches perfectly!
Thankful for yet another thoughtful and gorgeous birthday gift from a dear friend. Thank you Kristyn.
Thankful for kiddos who requested banana French toast for dinner. Just mix cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a splash of orange juice into eggs. Top with bananas fried with a bit of cinnamon and maple syrup. Yummy and super quick.
Thankful for playing-in-the-snow days.
Happy Holidays Everyone!
The cute little "quilt" from your friend -- how will you display it. I have two or three of those and just love them, but haven't been able to find a good way to display them. I guess they could hang on the tree, but I'm trying to think of something where they could be out all year. Be sure and post if you come up with something clever.
Merry Christmas!
Joan
Posted by: wishes, true and kind | December 24, 2009 at 06:19 PM
What a great list of things to be thankful for! I loved those potholders when I saw them on Lisa's blog. The hat is beautiful too, what a nice gift! Happy Holidays!
Posted by: Stephanie | December 24, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Happy belated birthday to you Girlie! I love the french toast, it looks really yummy.
And that hat is so pretty. Peppermint bark is a great use for all the candy canes that I have lying around so thank you.
Merry xmas.
Posted by: julia | December 24, 2009 at 09:52 PM
There is so much to be thankful for....glad you're enjoying all the blessings in your life. You are a blessing to so many. That pepermint bark looks delicious...I've got lots of candy canes around here that could easily be crushed and sprinkled. And that french toast looks divine! Enjoy every minute. Thanks for the peeks into your days. Have a wonderful last week of 2009.
Posted by: Lisa Q | December 26, 2009 at 09:19 AM
This post is a great reminder that it's the little things and the special people in our lives that mean the most to us! Those games bring back such fond memories! Perfection, Operation and Sorry are my favorites! I remember playing Perfection over and over again! You're so welcome for the little gift! It's just so perfect for the awesome quilter that you are!!
Posted by: kristyn | December 26, 2009 at 08:28 PM
oh it looks like you have been having great fun! I'm still trying to figure out how to get rid of the bickering part of the whole holiday!
Posted by: jane | December 28, 2009 at 08:25 AM
Apples to Apples -- lots of fun! And Lisa's potholder is great. How nice that you inspired her with the quilt and now you have a little bit of it to see and use everyday. She's a real sweetheart. I'm glad you're enjoying life right about now.
Posted by: Jodi | December 29, 2009 at 06:16 AM
Oh, so much fun! My kids are obsessed with candy canes! We are loving board games around here also. It is so fun that my kids are getting to the age that they can sit down and play these kind of games. Sienna's favorite is Candy Land and Magnolia loves Sorry!
Suzy
Posted by: Hip Mountain Mama | December 29, 2009 at 11:40 PM
P.S.! I just read your comment! So glad you are loving the play silks...they really are the best simple toy for any child!
And...I just noticed the Apples to Apples game..we love playing that game with my neighbors (the adult version)..so fun!
Posted by: Hip Mountain Mama | December 29, 2009 at 11:45 PM
Happy New Year, Larissa!
Posted by: mary | December 30, 2009 at 08:56 AM
so much to be thankful for!
this is such a happy, uplifting post.
Posted by: Sandy | January 04, 2010 at 02:02 PM