Benefits of Homeschooling

Doing math on the couch in your robe.

Calling all Foodies

We had the *best* turkey for Thanksgiving this year. The gravy was so good, you could have drank (drunk? drinkked?) it by the glass. Well, maybe not quite, but it was gooood.

The secret? Putting the turkey in brine for 24 hours before cooking. We used about 2 1/2 cups of salt and one can of concentrated apple juice (because the recipe called for brown sugar and we wanted to avoid the sugar for the turkey) mixed with water to cover the bird (ours was 24 pounds) . We heated the salt and apple juice in some water in a pan on the stove to dissolve the salt, then poured it over the turkey that already had some water in the bag with it. We used one of the turkey cooking bags to marinate the turkey in and then another one to cook it in. I seasoned the bird in my usual way- onion, salt and pepper in the cavity, melted butter over the top.

Yum, yum. The turkey didn't taste salty or sweet, but just delicious. I don't think we'll ever do it any other way from now on!

Note: we did buy a free range turkey, but it wasn't organic or a heritage variety.

Happy Thanksgiving

From the family on the windswept plains...

Blue Wreath

Winter wreath for the shop.

Abby's new 'do.

This one is blurry, but gives a good idea of the cut.

Too bad they don't like each other much.

An attempt with Brian's camera.

Paper Wreath for Christmas

To sell in the booth.

Between all the feathers from the pillow and glitter from the wreath and cards, the house is in need of some serious cleaning!

update: strings of glue have been removed from the wreath. thanks to the photo for pointing that out to me (groan).

The World's Most Uncomfortable Pillow

Not only will the Jingle Bells on this baby leave marks on your face...

It's also stuffed with a strange mix of poly stuffing and feathers (probably one of the most scatterbrained ideas I've had in awhile- take apart a down pillow and use the stuffing for this. We are still finding those feathers all. over. the. house.

But let me tell you, despite its shortcomings, it is a very festive looking pillow.

Hannah's newest cards

On display at the booth. Along with a few turkeys and boxes of candy.

First Snow of the Season!

Abby celebrated by crafting this cute guy by the front door.

Jacob

Wasn't it just yesterday that this face was looking up at me?

That cute little boy who loved to play with cars and legos.

Who took such good care of his little sister.

And liked to dress like his daddy?

How did the years go by so quickly?

Jacob, such a tender, gentle boy.

Always concerned with the needs of others. Rarely asking anything for yourself.

What a gift you are.

How very loved.

Now on the verge of turning thirteen.

One minute still the little boy.

The next, acting more and more like the man you will become.

Still so gentle and protective.

Asking hard questions and not settling for pat answers.

Taking on more responsibility at home.

How grateful I am for every minute I've had to be your mother.

Happy birthday, son. How we love you!

Crazy Hat and Hairstyle Day at AWANA

Fall Pictures