Monday Thankfulness.

I can't remember the last Thanksgiving week we had this much snow. It has steadily snowed since Friday night (that wet heavy snow), making shoveling a gruelingly difficult process. Today I am thankful we had the sunshine we did early last week so we could prepare for the storm ahead. Too many seasons have passed when we didn't rake enough or finish burning, making Spring a bit tedious in clean up. This Winter coming, I feel more prepared. 

I raked, Tim burned and The Little Girls had the best job, weighing down the wheelbarrow a.k.a. "rides".

Mad For Plaid.

 While wandering through my magazine collection in The Honey Hut searching for winter decorating ideas, I came across one of my favorite articles from Domino Magazine (R.I.P. in periodical heaven...sniff, sniff). I love plaid. My previous living room curtain adventure was of the plaid variety but quickly I grew tired of the colors as well as feeling like were living in perpetual winter. However, I do so enjoy touches of this Highland pattern during the cold months and if I were ever to be so lucky to afford a Winter cabin/home? I would decorate it just like Domino did.

 (photos scanned,  from the November 2007 issue)

Naomi.

 

Oh this baby! She is pure joy. And seeing her parents as well, parents? Amazing. This is a lucky girl and of course Craig and Shelley are lucky too. Their story of meeting their baby in Ethiopia is better than any birth story I've ever heard, they were instantly a family.

 I was so busy holding her every chance I got, I took very few photos. These two are Craig's, The Little Girls with their buddy Julia and me with a happy, proud Mama and her Naomi.

Baseball Birthday.

 Before The Little Girls, years passed unnoticed. Seasons passed, recognized only by wardrobe change or holidays. Nothing marks time more now than children, their development and growth. I can remember what I was doing with The Little Girls at this time last year and what stage they were in. I remember clothing they wore and what their faces looked like. A year ago, Jackson was born. I never imagined how much love can grow in such a short time. It continues to surprise me. I love this boy for his sweet nature, his easy smile, his adoration for the small things which he greets with pointed index finger, his connection to his cousins and how they all care for each other and for the special relationship we've built together every Tuesday when he comes to play.

 Jackson is 1 year-old. 

This precious boy is growing up too fast. Jared and Jenny 

celebrated by giving him a Giant's Baseball Party, two celebrations in one.

 Hot Dogs and French Fries.

 All in the Family.

 Jackson and his Auntie LiLi.

 Deeds and Savannah.

The 3 J's, a beautiful family.

Sac Antique Faire-November.

 Yesterday, the Little Girls and I wandered through the Sacramento Antique Faire. This dresser would have matched my side tables perfectly, especially considering it was refinished by the same vendor, but it was very pricey and unneeded.

 Ivy loved this jar of BLUE buttons, I was drawn to the red pliers.

 There were a lot of refinished pieces of furniture, in brightly painted colors.

 I ♥ these shoes! Had they been my size, I might have unnecessarily bought them.

This is what I ended up taking home. 

Vintage wrapping paper, bright orange fringe trim, 

an old lock, an embroidered runner and a tablecloth-perfect for my dining table.

Precious.

Hello my dear Honey Hutters, what are you up to this fine Fall weekend?

We are meeting Naomi! Our friends Craig and Shelley waited at least 4 years through an arduous international adoption process to get their baby. We can't wait to see them as parents and meet this baby girl who came from so far away. 

Have a swell weekend!

(photo via Craig's facebook page.)

Canning.

 At the Ranch yesterday, my Dad, Sylvia and I canned applesauce.

I love this tradition and the stored shelves of yummy sauce.

 Peeling and coring Golden Delicious, Granny Smith and McIntosh  Red apples.

 Steamed and sterilized jars straight from the water bath and ready for fruit.

 Water Bath on the left, fruit cooking on right.

 Final product. This year was a canning record, 51 Quarts!
(crummy photos via my iphone.)