While the biggest poultry (and appreciation) day of the year is fast approaching, and many crazy birds are about to go into hiding (by way of our tummies) I thought it would be nice to share some of the things we here in Graceful Chicken Land are thankful for this year. And since I can't possibly spend the time to tell you every last thing I am grateful for, I am only choosing those that are captured in picture in some way or another (without violating the privacy of people outside my immediate family of course!)
So, in random order, I am thankful for having kids who are satisfied with birthday parties at home. And because I've always been a closet fan of western wear: boots, hats and the like, I am especially thankful for Madeline's latest interest in cowgirl stuff which lead to the making of a cowgirl pinata and western themed party earlier this month. She had originally wanted me to create a horse pinata but after much thought, I wasn't sure I was skilled enough to do that just yet. Maybe next year lil' darlin'!
I'm also thankful for the bountiful harvest we had in our garden this year. For a first year project, we were very spoiled (as were many of the veggies that we simply couldn't eat or give away quick enough!)
This is the last harvest, right at the end of October before we started clearing it all out:
Now, I must admit, I don't like green peppers at all. These were supposed to be red and yellow peppers but we had a very difficult time getting any to turn this season. (I'm totally open to suggestions on that one!) But the enormous cherry tomato plant that blessed us with a tremendous supply just about every day totally made up for it.
I'm also thankful for Halloween, the one day in which the true character of my children can come out and it is entirely appropriate!
And for the local pumpkin patch for the colorful photo op:
And I am thankful for the apple trees we planted. Although we only got one lonely apple this year from three trees, it was by far the most gigantic apple we have ever seen. We had to pick it a wee bit early out of fear it would break the branch and it practically fed the whole family. (And it tasted divine!)
And while I am talking of ginormous things, we absolutely loved our "only in Minnesota" sized sunflower. This picture was taken when we were harvesting the seeds: all the petals are gone, the majority of the seeds had been knocked loose and it still took both girls to hold the thing up it weighed so much:
I'm thankful for catching a few beautiful sunrises, complete with birds and dolphins (and I'm thankful for those that made it possible to be on the beach for them!):
And even for weird cats, and their ability to make us laugh...while they are sleeping:
And, speaking of laughing, I have to thank my kids for their clever ideas and their ability to keep me smiling:
And I am truly grateful for genetic testing that came back a-ok (all 10 vials of blood worth...seriously, I'm just glad they weighed Liam BEFORE taking all that blood), and for the simple things that make my kids happy: like the itty bitty back-pack that gets Liam excited on the days he gets to ride the tiny school bus to school:
And of course I am very thankful for this one last pregnancy which allowed me to create, not only another chick but a new Graceful Chicken shirt:
And for the husband who made it all possible (whether intended or not).
And for the Creator who laughed His heavenly tail off watching us this year and, of course, wept with us in times of sorrow.
And for all of you who read this blog and those of you who share with me in one way or another your thoughts and stories: thank you.
Blessings to you all!
omgoodness, woman you are amazing! your family is adorable, and i can't wait to meet the next addition (even if it'll only be through this blog). :-) happy thanksgiving!
ReplyDelete~amy