thankful after thanksgiving

Today finds me busily putting together a few Hanukkah gifts  - the first night is tomorrow and I am not ready, many things that I had planned will not get done and I am just fine with that. 

I cannot help but think about how thankful I am that really and truly we already have everything we need.  But because I cannot wrap up hugs nor kisses nor giggles nor time playing or hiking outdoors, I wrap gifts that symbolize all of these to me.

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of food, family and about a gazillion games of Apples to Apples Jr. (give or take a few).

Before I share a few images from our week, I'd like to thank all of you who come here and visit and share.  You all mean so much to me and I feel blessed to have you in my life and to call you my friends.  I wish you much joy and thanks giving - not just in this holiday season but throughout the coming year.

This past week we...

Enjoyed the yummiest, tiniest, and most fun brussel sprouts ever.  We roasted them with lots of olive oil, salt and pepper and everyone ate because everyone helped!

Arranged flowers for our table.

Marveled at how the blue eggs are blue on the inside too.

We took cooking breaks to venture outside and breathe the beautiful, crisp fall air.

We shot arrows at targets - or just into the woods.  This boy loves his archery and spends time each day perfecting his shot.

Then we made mushroom soup to accompany our turkey and all the trimmings.  The secret to this soup is definitely in the dried mushrooms.  (two stalks of celery and one turnip also went into the mix)

When it was all cooked, in went this gorgeous swiss chard.

Yum.

In fact, the mushroom soup was such a hit that only half the Thanksgiving feast was comsummed before the masses decided it was time for a walk in the woods.

We walked...

 We ran...

We played hide-and-seek.

And lots of cinnamon hot cocoa was consummed.

See.  I told you we already have everything we need.  But the presents will be wrapped (and unwrapped), the latkes will be fried, all the menorahs will be lit, and there will be lots of silly singing and dancing.

And all weekend long I wore this very warm little gift that I made for myself (finished more than a week ago).  More details as soon as I get the photos cropped.

I'm off pick up my kiddos and rush them to the dentist.  Why is it that I always forget to consult the calendar before scheduling that six month visit?  Winter break and holidays just seem so far off when the heat of June is messing with my last few brain cells!  At least I get to walk through my carpet of red maple leaves one extra time.  I am so very thankful that no one in this family takes the time to rake - these leaves are fabulous!

Be well, my friends!

Comments

[HeatherC]

Beautiful photos -- looking forward to info about that sweater -- looks like a great pattern and you chose a beautiful color yarn!

[christina]

Happy Hanukkah! (And late happy thanksgiving too.) I'd love to have the recipes for that yummy looking mushroom soup and the latkes.

[Andrea]

Beautiful photos, what a lovely place you live in. I'm glad you had a nice Thanksgiving (that soup looks yummy) and I hope you have a wonderful Hannukah!

[Jacqueline]

Happy Hanukkah! I have fallen in love with the color of those blue eggs, so much so the I think I might like my bedroom that color. The photos are beautiful, a reminder to slow down and take it all in. Like the others, a link to the recipe would be lovely!

[Meg Evans]

Love the sweater! In fact, I spent the weekend on ravelry looking at a pattern very similar to that one--I can't wait to learn your details. And I decided to take some of my red yarn and knit up a long-sleeved version of the Francis sweater that I love so much! What a wonderful holiday, and I hope the next one is just as full!

[dani@little fists]

What a gorgeous post!!!!!

That soup...the chard...your sweater...the leaves...ALL OF IT!

I can't get over your eggs. I told The Mr. that I wanted chickens after your last post that included egg pics. He laughed at me. But he did agree that they are mighty photogenic.

Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukkah!

[Jodi]

So much to be thankful for. That mushroom soup with chard looks so yummy. It's a good season for soup. I could live on it -- sadly, my children demand more.

You did such a marvelous job on your sweater. The color is gorgeous.

[Lisa Q]

the blessings are everywhere aren't they!? Sounds and looks like you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. LOVE the sweater....much better edging this time around- you are so good at making your sweaters so wearable. My mil just brought over a bag of brussel sprouts and I'll be roasting them just like you. Have a wonderful week Larissa! Hugs to you!

[LisaInCT]

Happy Hanukkah! May you find yourself ready with plenty of time to spare.

LOVE the sweater... the pattern, the color... please share!

[Stephanie]

Your sweater is gorgeous, and goes so nicely with the leaves :)
Looks like you enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving.
Enjoy the holidays to come!

[alyssa spring]

I don't think I've ever seen brussel sprouts before they are packaged...so cool! Your sweater is amazing as always and your children beautiful as always. thanks for sharing your beautiful photos....

[gardenmama]

It looks like an absolutely amazing day!
Look at those gorgeous Brussels Sprouts and those beautiful blue eggs! xo

[Jenny]

Ahhh... Your post was a sweet breath of fresh air. Thank you so much. And Happy Hannukah!

[MrPuffy]

Jenny took the words right out of my mouth! Homey and beautiful ~ the perfect Fall day in the woods.

I love the tiny brussel sprouts too. Can't wait to see more pictures of your new sweater!

Happy Hannukah ~

[dodi]

I love this post! Beautiful pics. Beautiful sweater. And that soup(!!) Oh my! I could have jumped through the screen to get a taste. I, too, could have made a meal of that and a fresh loaf of bread. yum!

Happy Hannukah to you and your family, Larissa. Do enjoy! :)