Come... Gather... Give Thanks.

Yesterday, we did indeed come, gather and give thanks. It was a beautiful fall day outside and a beautiful day of fellowship, feasting and fun, inside.

All the family contributed yummy food. We had all the traditional dishes: turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, yams, cranberries, jello salad, rolls and pies. We also had some delicious non-traditional additions: spinach salad, brussels sprout and avocado salad and pumpkin cheesecake (thanks Becky and Melody!).

Naomi helped with the candle centerpieces

Lucas peeled, cooked and mashed all the potatoes the day before.

The 22 # turkey just out of the oven

Naomi came in her Pilgrim costume to remind us of the history of our holiday!

It was a first Thanksgiving for these two little guys!

This little guy was all decked out in his tie and suspenders!

Truly a day to be thankful!

Goodbye, Garden ...

On Saturday Lucas and I picked the remaining tomatoes and peppers from the garden. We still have plants to pull up and general garden clean-up to do, but this is the end of our fresh produce for 2012! I will see how many of the tomatoes ripen and maybe make the rest into a green tomato relish or salsa.

My "Butterfly" Birthday Girl!

Yesterday we ended a weekend full of 10th birthday celebrations by taking in the homeschool day at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom with good friends. It was a beautiful sunny day and we enjoyed lots of wild animal shows and plenty of rides too! The birthday girl said her favorites were petting the stingrays, seeing the tiger show and riding the cobra roller coaster.

Happy Birthday my beautiful butterfly girl!

Changing Seasons ...

Fall has been here for some time, evidenced by the changing colors and dropping leaves, but it is hard to feel like winter is on it's way when we are having sunny, 80 degree afternoons!

Such is Autumn in California!

However with the recent cooler temperatures and the smattering of rain, we finally had our first fire last night.

Something about the woodstove glowing that makes it seem official ~ the seasons have changed and we are indeed headed towards winter!

Armfuls of Blessings!

A couple of weekends ago we had all the family here for a Saturday brunch, and got some great family pictures. I just had to share this one!
Miss M., Little O., and Baby B. What a delight they all are!

Happy Birthday ...

Thirty years ago today, I gave birth to my second child, a daughter. She was an easy baby, quiet, content and shy. As she grew she could always be found doing something creative. Today she is a lovely wife and mother and she is still creating ... with food or fabric or flowers ... always making her life and the lives of others beautiful!

Happy Birthday, Melody! You are a blessing to all of us!

A peek at our school week ...

With October more than half gone, we have fallen into a pretty good routine with our studies. Here is a peek at what is going on in our house.

Physical Science ~ playing with peroxide, yeast and fire!

Computerized math curriculum ~ it teaches, grades and keeps records; so great!

Reading history, in costume ~ Naomi dug up this costume from the garage, made for one of her big sisters 20+ years ago!

Naomi's zoology collages

Hard at work!

The "stash" under the desk!

Touche speech and debate team. Lucas is front row far left (in the red sneakers)