Catching Up

Hi everyone!  It seems I’ve taken a little blogging hiatus.  It was not a planned event just something I needed.  My motivation has been waning lately.  J’s travels coupled with B’s mother-in-law passing and family drama have completely drained me.  I’m sorry.  A little break was in order.  I can’t say I feel 100% recharged but I do feel a bit better.

Here, let me share with you a few adorable photos from today’s feast at Cutie Pie’s school.

The children dressed up as Native Americans in homemade pillowcase costumes, paper headdresses and pasta necklaces. The cuteness was too much!

I stayed after drop-off this morning to help with the feast prep and decorating.  Luckily, several moms joined me so that we were able to get everything ready to go in no time.  Turkey noodle soup, cornbread muffins, pumpkin pie, chocolate chip cookies, apple pie and drinks!  We even had time to spare to help out Cousin B’s teacher who did not parent volunteers.

The blessing was delivered by Pastor Elmer.  He announced that he will be leaving the church where Cutie Pie attends preschool to begin a new church on the mainland.  We’ll all be sad to see him go in February but wish him the best in his new adventures.

J was in town and was able to get out of work for a bit to join us!

I helped serve the turkey soup that the children prepared with their teacher.  It was really good!

It was a lovely lunch and time of fellowship with our preschool families.  We are truly blessed.

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Thanksgiving

We spent a lovely Thanksgiving with J’s family in Orlando.  His aunt hosted the annual feast at her house as she always does.  The food- turkey, ham, squash casserole, corn, peas, green bean casserole, rolls, mashed potatoes, cranberry salad- was wonderful!  It was low-key and fun.  Everyone got along.  We laughed.  We told stories.  We played games.  It was exactly what Thanksgiving is supposed to be.

Given the choice, I’d opt for the no drama/no pretending/no games route every time.  It is quite liberating.

Arrow Chief’s Feast

Yesterday was the last day of school before the Thanksgiving holiday.  I spent the morning preparing my great grandmother’s fabulous cranberry salad for our family gathering in Orlando on Thursday.  It’s the most simple recipe with most amazing flavor.  One bite and I am transported back to my great grandma’s house.  There is magic in food, especially this time of year.  Remind me to post the recipe some time.

J was able to leave work to attend Wildman’s feast.  We arrived just in time to see the class check out Fred.  Apparently a family in the town just south of us has a pet turkey that they were taking around to local schools on Tuesday.  The turkey’s name is Fred and he is 9 months old.  He seemed to enjoy the children’s company quite a bit and made a show of gobbling every few minutes.  The kids thought he was the coolest thing!  I have to admit I thought he was pretty awesome too 🙂

I am happy to report that Fred will not be Thanksgiving dinner for anyone since he is a pet!

We went back to the classroom with the children after our visit with Fred.  Mrs. L had put all of the tables together to form a long banquet table down the center of the room for the feast.  Parents brought in all sorts of goodies from turkey slices to brownie bites to mac and cheese.  I was in charge of drinks and brought in a cooler full of Capri Suns.

J helped Arrow Chief fix his plate.  Mrs. L made homemade dinner rolls.  The children made the butter themselves!

The feast got two thumbs way up from Arrow Chief!

We spent a lot of time watching the children perform Thanksgiving songs/poems.  J and I also went around the room checking out all of the awesome art projects!

It was a wonderful way to spend lunch.  Wildman really has a great teacher and is in class with some of the nicest families I’ve ever met.  Fellowship like this is what Thanksgiving is all about.