our THANKful tree

my 5 year old enjoyed making her first thanksgiving centerpiece this year. it was a simple, beautiful and meaningful arrangement and one that brought her great satisfaction from her efforts. we gathered a pretty branch from a tree at a local school, dug through my garage for just the right urn and bought some pretty tags from michaels. a little oasis and an ambitious 5 year old and well...you get the perfectly imperfect thanksgiving centerpiece. while at dinner all 16 of us wrote down one thing that we are most grateful for this holiday. we hung them on the tree to enjoy during our meal. while eating, we took them off and passed them out randomly. it was wonderful to hear all that we have been blessed with, big and small. fun, easy, pretty and meaningful. i think this will have to be a tradition.

'thanks' in many languages

the gift of giving

sweet innocence

the family farm

this year, we had the pleasure of spending thanksgiving at my in-laws farm in beautiful santa ynez valley. the golden view at sunset is breathtaking! it is a peaceful place with which you can slow life down a bit and enjoy living in the moment. you combine the farm with grandparents, cousins and delicious eats and, well...you get a perfect day. our kids are in heaven in God's country, and, so am i!

*thankful*

when i reflect on this past year, i am reminded of the rich bounty we have been blessed with. laughter, breath, hugs, kisses, apples, letters, birthdays, baby bunnies, freedom, quiet nights, birds singing, the ocean breeze, purple mountains, sunsets, starfish, dance parties, butterflies, hand me downs, scented garden roses, discovery, joy, peace, health, happiness, love, thankfulness, serving, family, friends, GOD.