The long weekend

Over the long holiday weekend, we partook in the usual festivities...

We looked at a naked bird before it was fried.

A gingerbread house was built with Busha.

Books were read in the arms of a great-grandmother who doesn't mind reading the same book over and over and over...

Bits of the upcoming holiday began to appear.

We all baked cookies...from scratch.

We watched these 90-year-old hands work magic with flimsy cookie dough.

Sweet treats began to appear.

And many sweet memories were made.  

Warm and Cozy: Easy Pumpkin Muffins

This is the easiest and tastiest recipe I know!  I love easy recipes that you can easily commit to memory.

These are perfect for the holidays and great to have around with family and friends.

This is a 2 ingredient recipe:
1 can of Libbys pumpkin
1 box of spice cake mix (or chocolate)

1. Mix the cake mix with the pumpkin.
2. Don't add anything else!
3. Grease muffin tins or use muffin liners
4. Fill muffin tins about 2/3 of the way full
5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 18 minutes (this is the package instructions for the cake mix) or until a toothpick comes out clean.
6. Cool on a wire rack
7. Serve with a homemade cup of hot cocoa or peppermint latte!

It is the perfect treat on a cold morning!

BONUS!!  This is a Weight Watchers recipe so it is also fairly low in calories.

Did you know?

I love Shutterfly!  I have used them for years to create on-line photo-books.  It is a great way to preserve those sweet memories and create lasting books for your children.  I have made birth-story books for both my children and plan to share them when they are older.

The holiday card selection at Shutterfly is adorable, affordable and so much more updated this year.  They must have hired new designers.  The designs are so fresh and modern...just my style.

Here are some of my favorites:

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Wouldn't this be the perfect birth announcement for Christmastime?

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I love the Nordic color schemes of red, white and green mixed with darling pictures of children.

Did you know that Shutterfly is offering a little perk to bloggers this year?  Check it out here!

Thankful...

I am so thankful for the little girl who recently wore this around her neck at a Thanksgiving Feast at her school...

I love the honesty and true feelings that abound from the heads and hearts of little ones.

Thank you!

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You don't know me
 and I don't know you
 but today
 you made a big difference...

YOU, watched me juggle a sick, squirmy and unhappy babe in my arms

while holding a "to go" box, drink, diaper bag and purse

and you offered to let me refill my drink before you  in line.

YOU, held the door for me

when you saw a tired Momma with 2 girls in tow.

YOU, entertained talked to my 

little one on the elevator and effortlessly calmed a brewing mess.

YOU, watched my girl

 at the table while I ran up to get our food at the restaurant.

YOU, quickly decided it was

OK

that my girl didn't want to stand on the scale to be weighed and moved on 

not dwelling or forcing my tired girl to stand on an unfamiliar scale...

not today.

It was a busy day and YOU ALL helped me tremendously.

For that, I thank you!!

Pineapple

The Pineapple

Symbol of hospitality and friendship

What could be more beautiful than someone going out of their way to make someone else feel welcome.

In the early colonial days, the pineapple was placed on the table to welcome guests.  Pineapples adorned the wooden posts of guest beds, the finials of iron gates and was even woven into tablecloths and napkins. 

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Could there be a more appropriate symbol for the upcoming holidays?  I look forward to making guests and family feel welcome in my home this holiday season.  Perhaps I'll add a pineapple to my guest room decor...

Carefree stroll...

When was the last time you enjoyed a carefree stroll outside?

When was the last time you felt light on your feet as you drifted down the sidewalk?

Have you taken time to notice the grass and trees and their gradual change?

Have you looked up at the sky and the fanciful shapes the clouds make?

Have you taken the time to listen to your breathe as it fills your lungs with nourishing air?

Take time to enjoy yourself this weekend!