Happy Thanksgiving!

Clara got me up way too early this morning, that is why she looks so tired in the above pictures.   I should have stayed in bed myself but after finally getting my sewing station set up just the day before I was anxious to get back at it.

These Sugar City Journal Village Frocks were cut out months ago so with that head start I was able to finish them between the mixing, rising, and baking of several dozen rolls.  The mad rush of sewing mixed with baking only resulted in two problems, the placket was cut on the wrong side and sloppy covered buttons forced me to use what mismatched buttons I had on hand.  But paired with white collars, cotton under slips and paper bonnets they made for the cutest little pilgrim costumes.

The turkey was made for William in 2002. It was actually his Halloween costume (the pattern was from an old Martha Stewart kids magazine) but has become the tradition for each of our toddlers to wear it on Thanksgiving, even if they keep it on for only a few minutes.  

James and Peter made the fruit turkey. This is a tradition we are adopting from my sister Cheryl. It kept the kids busy, made for a decorative piece and best of all offered something light and refreshing to go along with the big feast.

Paul's parents hosted the meal and we certainly feasted!  It was a day full of work, family and food.  One of the highlights was the Thanksgiving skit the boys planned, they have been doing it since James was 4 and it gets better every year.

It was almost 10:00 pm when the kids loaded up into the van and Peter exclaimed "Now that that is over with we can start getting excited for Christmas"!  I have an abundance of blessing but as I chuckled in my seat not knowing how to respond to his somewhat inappropriate outburst, I was most grateful for the laughter and love that goes along with being a part of a family.  I was also very grateful for the turkey and leftovers that Paul's mom so generously packed in our van - not having to cook for a few days is a great blessing to tired mom!