thankful

Yesterday, I made the best pie crust of my life! (Recipe here.) It must be the chilling of the water and the dough that makes it roll out beautifully - no tearing! And delightfully flaky. I forgot to take a picture of the finished pumpkin pie.

While I was thus engaged, Eva decided to make a "thankful list," and then she went ahead and made blank ones for all of our family members, to be filled out after Thanksgiving dinner. I can't find it right now, but I know that it included family, Jack the dog, feet, and knees.

I sent Max to Target to look for chocolate stars so we could make our chocolate turkeys (I ran out of time on Wednesday), but they were closed. Drat! (But great for their employees.)

We went to Grandma & Grandpa's house for dinner (at noon). It's a bit strange, and also delightful, to not have a lot of cooking to do for Thanksgiving. We all ate too much - except for Lucas and Eva, who ate only cornbread muffins, fruit, and broccoli. Huh.

After dinner, Eva called us all in to watch her movie: Animal Life, The Life Cycle. It included this badger, who is apparently a fruitatarian.

And these squirrels in the Egg Forest. The movie dragged on rather long, and ended with all audience members sprawled on the floor and the couch. They may have been carrying on whispered conversations as well.

Then we all went to the Muppet movie! I have such nostalgia for the Muppets. I watched that show every week and had a Kermit the Frog puppet that I adored. I started to get a little misty during The Rainbow Connection! It felt very holidayish to go to a movie and it was one that all ages could enjoy (even though my kids didn't even know the Muppets).

After the movie, we had pumpkin pie and peanut butter chocolate torte (Marc's birthday dessert). Yes, it was his birthday on Thanksgiving this year. (Not his favorite, but we celebrated on Wednesday.)

The birthday hamster, who sings the Beatles' birthday song. A Winegar birthday tradition. Strangely, I didn't get any photos of the birthday bear and hat.

Bob and Mim had prepared soup and sandwiches for dinner! But none of us could eat another bite.

But there's always room for See's.

Here's what I wrote on my thankful for list:

indoor plumbing
a warm house
family
DVR
chocolate
peanut butter
conditioner
books
Amazon
dishwasher
iPod
socks
yarn
fabric
Pinterest
cameras
temple
soft sheets
tea
KitchenAid
nail polish
hugs
teachers
ice water
stretchy pants
homemade cookies

Eva laughed at many of the items on my list, but then she had to admit that they are all pretty great. So much to be thankful for.

Thanksgiving in January

In November, I searched all of our local grocery and drugstores for Brach's chocolate stars – a necessary ingredient for our chocolate Thanksgiving turkeys. Alas, I searched in vain, and my kids were quite disappointed (as was I).

Imagine my surprise when I spotted some on the shelves at Target recently. On the baking aisle. So weird. Of course I bought them.

Tonight it was Lucas's turn to plan Family Home Evening. Making turkeys was the central focus of the night. He gave us a brief message about Thanksgiving not being the only time we should be grateful. We can just as easily express gratitude in January. And so we did.


Thankfully, it turned Eva's day around. A day fraught with emotion and tantrums. It didn't get turned around until 7:00 p.m., but I was grateful nonetheless.

After we ran out of chocolate stars, Marc fashioned this malted milk ball caterpillar. A first.

Lucas always has to make one with a smiley face. It's a tradition.

Especially on a busy day filled with bill paying, physical therapy, chauffeuring, dance class, helping with a science fair project, calming over-the-top emotions, and making dinner, I was happy to take time out for this gathering, talking, and laughing. It was definitely a good thing.

I am thankful for...

lemons & limes
the smell of Marc's new cologne
soft yarn on my knitting needles
free fonts
hugs from my kids
my parents
my in-laws
Creative Friday tomorrow, hooray!
homemade rolls
cozy socks
Bengal Spice tea w/coconut cream creamer
music
polka dots
a stack of books waiting to be read
blankets
my camera
UP rewards at RiteAid
Bananagrams
TV on DVD/streaming Netflix
my silicone rolling pin
the Conference issue of the Ensign
candied yams
leftovers
smooth-writing black pens
good vision
pretty accessories
good friends
butter
pretty papers and fabrics
inspiration at the click of a mouse
wrapping paper
ribbon
online banking
a furnace that works
a car that works
lime green
monograms
light
Advil
prayer
faith
the Atonement of Jesus Christ
purpose

Happy Thanksgiving!

thankful

I am thankful for my family. I am thankful for the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night outside my window. I am thankful for the scriptures. I am thankful for chocolate. I am thankful for mass transit. I am thankful for sunrises. I am thankful for yarn. I am thankful for color. I am thankful for sleep. I am thankful for fonts. I am thankful for books. I am thankful for blankets. I am thankful for clementines. I am thankful for Photoshop. I am thankful for cozy socks. I am thankful for my camera. I am thankful for blogging. I am thankful for creative people and their ideas. I am thankful for gelato. I am thankful for twinkly lights. I am thankful for friendship. I am thankful for sweet potatoes. I am thankful for burritos. I am thankful for new beginnings. I am thankful for the young women I have been lucky enough to work with (I was released on Sunday). I am thankful for hand sanitizer. I am thankful for recipes. I am thankful for blank notebooks. I am thankful for Goodreads. I am thankful for homemade cakes. I am thankful for the wisdom of my elders. I am thankful for forgiveness. I am thankful for lounge clothes. I am thankful for hair product. I am thankful for a body that serves me well, even when I need to take better care of it. I am thankful for good tv. I am thankful for music. I am thankful for chocolate chip cookies. I am thankful for prayer. I am thankful for air conditioning. I am thankful for a living prophet. I am thankful for good mail. I am thankful for hugs. I am thankful for fresh bread. I am thankful for fresh flowers. I am thankful for lemon verbena soap. I am thankful for my children's laughter. I am thankful for my Savior.

in their element

For my last Thanksgiving wrap-up post, I am showcasing different family members ... in their element. (or at least one of their elements!)

Grandpa sitting at his desk. I was able to sneak away for a little while and just chat with him. He told me some stories I'd never heard before, and, characteristically, he teared up during the telling. So sweet.

Grandma posing with the amazing birthday cake she made for Marc. She's the queen of baking, who has given me tutelage, inspiration, and all my best recipes.

A blurry photo of my Uncle Mark, graciously doing the dishes after Thanksgiving dinner.

Emily playing a Schumann piece for our entertainment after dinner. Impressive!

Dad, Denise, Marc, and Mom, perusing the family photos and choosing their favorites.

Charlotte, reading while snacking on Denise's amazing bruschetta. So classic.

The men, falling asleep while "watching the football game". (Well, maybe Mark was awake...)

Sarah entertaining Eva -- jumping on Sarah's makeshift bed and playing with dolls. I was so glad for her willingness to play with Eva all week!

Mom, emptying, sorting, and refilling the piggy bank she brought for Eva -- for the umpteenth time.

Grandma testing the dough balls. She loves the feel of dough.

Denise making a triple batch (!) of her famous rolls. They were all gone by the morning after.

Max and John engrossed in a chess game.

Sarah and Lucas playing a video game.

Mom peeling yams. Is that the cutest apron or what? I guess I should have a photo of her decorating -- that is her true element -- but she is also a pretty amazing cook!

And for a laugh, here is Emily doing her Paula Abdul impersonation:

I am so grateful for the time I was able to spend with my loved ones -- even though it never seems to be enough time. I feel like I got to know my cousins better. (Isn't there just something special about cousins?) Every time I am with my parents, grandparents and other family members, I feel like I am storing up treasured memories and a reserve of unconditional love. It is so sustaining. And watching my children interact with my grandparents was especially heartwarming for me, I love it that they get to know their great-grandparents. The only thing that would have made this gathering any better would be if Jessie's family could have been there. (sniff)

When we returned home, Lucas said, "I'm glad to be home, but I'm sad to be home. I'm glad because I like being home, but I'm sad because now we're far away from everyone." My thoughts exactly.

the turkeys

We have a Thanksgiving tradition of making chocolate turkeys. It gives the kids something fun to do during the dinner preparations, and everyone loves them. This is the first year I've properly documented the process!

malted milk balls and chocolate stars, the turkey components (along with canned chocolate frosting and red gel)

my cousins John, Charlotte, Emily, and Sarah making turkeys with Lucas and Max -- an animated group!

Emily was the Turkey Nazi -- she provided quality control. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it. (I provided what my Aunt Karen calls the poison control -- when someone steps in to taste test, just to make sure it's safe for the others -- a job I cheerfully volunteer for.)

Max had a little difficulty at first remembering the turkey protocol. He made what he called a few "oyster turkeys" before getting his mojo back. The oyster turkeys had to be eaten before they tried to join the gaggle of proper turkeys.

Making chocolate turkeys can be messy!

Lucas pointing out the turkey he made with a smiley face instead of the traditional wattle! I'm pretty sure the Turkey Nazi was unaware of the aberration.

After dinner, Eva parked herself in front of the turkey tray. I think she ate 3. Who knows what damage she would have done if we hadn't stopped her.


It cracked me up that the turkeys had their own paparazzi. We were all trying to get a good shot of them. My grandpa was standing in the background, looking like he couldn't figure it out for the life of him. I think we've all caught the documentation bug!

the people

During Thanksgiving dinner preparations, I got the idea to take some self-portraits with different members of my family. I'm glad I did it -- I only wish I had done it on a day when my hair was down. Every time I see a picture of myself with my hair in a ponytail, I wonder what I was thinking. And I wish I had done it with my cousins as well. Oh well. I was operating with a "no regrets" policy, but I still came away with a couple...

self-portrait with my cute grandpa

self-portrait with my cute grandma

self-portrait with my mom

self-portrait with Denise

Denise asked Charlotte to bring up as many cans of chicken broth as she could find. She found more than we bargained for!

My dad, talking after dinner was over. Isn't he cute?

my cousin Sarah

Tyrone (or as Eva calls him, Tyroni)

Grandma & Grandpa talking after dinner

On our first night there, we had just finished dinner and Eva looked over at my grandpa. She said, "He doesn't have any hair -- just a head!". That kept us laughing all weekend.

I don't have everyone pictured here, but all will be featured in an upcoming post, "in their element". Have I mentioned how much I love these people??

the places

Two places near and dear to my heart: Grandma's house and Denise's house.

We stayed at Denise's house. While I love to go to Denver any chance I get, I decided that it's even better to be there during the holidays because everything is even cuter, homier, and so very festive!

This just makes me happy.

I can't get over the Louisa May Alcott set of books that Denise found -- they match her paint color perfectly!

This is enough to make me yearn for a flocked tree myself. Who knew?

If this doesn't get you into the Christmas spirit, I don't know what will.

how cute is that?

I was amazed yet again by the fact that my grandparents' new home doesn't feel all that different from their old home. I was prepared to be devastated when they sold the home they had lived in for decades -- the only home I had ever known that always remained in the same place -- but somehow it doesn't matter. It still feels like coming home.

My first thought: I have got to do this next year!
My second thought: hmmm, I don't have any ivy or pyracantha...

It's enough to make me want to plant these things so I can have cute festive arrangements at Christmastime!

I have always loved this painting my Aunt Patti made of our family at Christmastime. (In case you're wondering, I am the blonde in the foreground, singing with my cousin Ashley. I don't think Jessie was born yet.)

This is one of the many things that has been hanging in my grandma's house as long as I can remember. I have fond memories of those sheep.

Ditto to this. My love for the Relief Society motto has deepened over the years.

Grandma loves to iron. I know several people who iron a lot, but I've never heard them say they love to do it. I definitely don't -- I avoid it as much as possible. But Grandma loves it. I don't know how she still does it, with her eyesight failing, but she does. I'm glad she can still do a few of the things she loves.

This is one view of Grandma's recently redecorated living room. How many grandmas have enviable homes/clothes/shoes etc.? She's got style.

Grandma's new flocked tree with aqua and chocolate ornaments. Seriously. I want it!

The only thing that could make me love this wedding photo of my grandparents any more would be the glittering tree lights in its reflection. It chokes me up a little.

I was thrilled to get a photo of one of my favorite things, this beautiful cast of my grandparents holding hands.

Is this not the sweetest thing ever??

The bottom line: I love these homes (and the people therein, of course). I feel completely at ease there, I could stay indefinitely if life circumstances allowed. And even though my family displaced two of Denise's children from their bedrooms, my boys were camped out on the floor, and we had suitcases and gear all over the house, I never felt like we were infringing, and that seems a rare blessing.