With Gratitude

 Happy Thanksgiving!

 My sweet sister Shawna and her wonderful family came and brought yummies...such as the above Christmas Jello. I am so grateful for the love we share with them.

 I was successful at making vegan pumpkin pie that Lydia actually ate. It is super easy although next time I make it, I will do a graham cracker crust.

Recipe:

1 lg can of pumpkin pie mix

1 1/2 pkgs of tofu

1 tsp vanilla

Blend super well until smooth. Place in unbaked pie crust. 

Cook at 350 for one hour. Refrigerate for several hours until firm.

Best picture of the day!

We have so very much to be thankful for this year..health and new opportunities, our family, friends and all the amazing things that have been coming into our lives. I try to remember to say a prayer of gratitude each evening. So very, very blessed we have been this year! Prayers and Blessings to each of you. May your hearts be filled peace as we enter into the darkness towards the light!

The towers are growing

I've been such a slacker at blogging. My home is filled with boxes...boxes for storage, boxes to mail, boxes I don't know what to do with....empty boxes waiting to be filled.  Have you ever watched a small child stack up wood blocks and knock them down then laugh and do it again. The same principle seems to be working here with the cardboard and the five year old.

We have gone from Plan A to Plan B and then decided neither would work. Still trying to figure out the best way to move an entire family across the United States on a small budget.
It really isn't just a move. The kids are counting on this being the 'best' vacation ever. lol.  I might do a series here...Christmas across I-40.

2010 Polar Express Train adventure

 Waiting for the Polar Express!

 Brrrrr, it is very cold outside (24 degrees)

 Maliea was so enjoying herself!

 I brought a special cookie and apple cider for Lydia

 Santa almost missed giving Quayde a bell

 The Conductor gave us all ticket confetti in our hair

We were invited to ride on the Polar Express!

Normally I don't like to do anything Christmasy before Thanksgiving but this year is all a little mixed up and crazy with our pending move. The first day the railway starts; the Polar Express is a charity ride. Since our family is one that has children with difficulties we were asked if we would like to attend. Originally I had received the email invite but had deleted it when I couldn't get the attachment open.  My sister Shawna called and she knew the lady in charge. So we all got to go!

It was so much fun! Songs were playing, the story was read to us, we got hot chocolate and cookies and then Santa came on the train and gave all the children a bell. 

I guess I still believe because all I heard for most of the trip back from the North Pole was about 50 kids ringing the bells as loud as possible. Quayde even got a bell. Grandpa Hayes was with us, which made the train ride extra special! We had a blast with Shawna, Mario and the boys. Her new baby is the best baby ever!! He didn't cry or fuss once even with all the noise. I am so thrilled we all got to share this adventure together before we move. Lydia and Thayne have been talking about the train ride for days now. I think it will be a very happy memory.

Hunting for elves

After working in the garage all weekend and the house inside becoming more and more of a feature on the tv show "hoarders"; Quayde asks, " Can we move already? Can't the magical packing elves just come?"
I feel his pain.

QOTD

Thayne: " I was thinking I might get a puppy but now I want a dragon"

What will be......

 My new kitchen!

 Our new entry way and stairs!

 Our new family room!

 Our new bedroom- which I will need to punch up with some brighter colors!!!

This is downstairs with its own master bathroom with a jetted tub.

 Our new front porch!

Our new rental home! It is a 1914 farmhouse completely renovated on 500 acres. It has a detached garage with a room above it also. The upstairs contains 3 rooms and 2 bathrooms plus two extra rooms for all the kids! Room for chickens and a garden etc...  and room for anybody who would love to come visit!