what are we thankful for?

Our Tree of Thanks is up! Goose and I cut out some leaves on cardstock and we used yarn to hang them up. So far, we are thankful for: cookies, Mommy and Daddy, my family, my friends, homeschooling, Daddy's hard work, Legoes, Grandmas, hot tea, learning to play piano, Cody the dog, and autumn. I can't wait to see what other leaves move to the tree! What are you thankful for?

Goose and Binky tested for their first yellow stripes on Tuesday evening. They were nervous the whole day.

But there was no reason to worry! They were great!

Yesterday we made gingerbread cookies. We had a great time. Yummmy!

We also made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies per special request by Daddy.

Goose reminds me daily how many days are left until Christmas. Yikes! We are going to make our own snowglobes this year to give to Goose and Binky's friends. We have never tried this, but I found the idea in a craftbook that looks pretty easy. We'll see how it goes. Goose is sick today. Maybe I can catch up on some much needed housework. The dust bunnies are multiplying by the hour!

Tissue Paper Votives

We have a bunch of glass votives/vases up in the cupboards so I thought we should do something with them this holiday season. I grabbed a package of tissue paper and cut it into squares and triangles. Then we applied them with Elmers glue and sponge-tip applicators. We finished with a couple of layers of Modge-Podge. They are so pretty! I do think I need some larger candles. Tea lights aren't quite bright enough. They are great as votives or vases!

Week in Photos

This is me always with a mug of tea in my hand.

Fun at the playground.

Cody on the mend.

More leaves by Goose.

Binky waiting for Sensi Terri to prepare for his first stripe test.

All in all, a pretty good week. It has been quite warm here the last few days. More like summer than fall. Binky is so excited he can hardly sleep because tomorrow he is going to work with Daddy! Yep, Daddy has to work tomorrow. Only for a few hours, but still, it sucks! Well, not for Binky! He loves it! Anything to be alone with Daddy, just the guys! Goose and I are doing our yearly get-together with Aunty, Cousin A, and Grandma to see the first tree-lighting of the season. We get some holiday shopping done, take lots of silly photos, watch the tree-lighting and then have a sumptuous dinner. We always have such a good time! I love spending the time with just us girls. Goose and I started making holiday gifts today. But more on that later! Goodnight!

Yesterday was the last day of Wednesday classes until January. Binky was really into his Geometry artwork. Goose was taking science and creative writing classes. She had a great time! She got quite creative in her writing. I will post one of her stories later.
I made this loom for Goose a while back. She has been reading "An American Girl-Josefina" who lives in New Mexico on a rancho in 1824. Josefina and the women in her family have to weave all their blankets themselves. So I made this one out of twigs. It was meant to be a nature weaving but it fits in with this lesson so well. These stories are great for learning about history in a way that's fun. Goose has the Josefina doll, who came in historically accurate clothing. Our educational coordinator even found a workbook to go with this series. Goose is going to make a replica of Josefina's rancho out of clay. I am looking forward to that! I wish I was homeschooled!!

I am loving the long shadows these fall days.

I love these kids!!!

I love spending my days with them, even the rough ones.

Just Beautiful

Yesterday was just beautiful! The sun was so bright, casting shadows everywhere. We went down to the water and went for a walk. Binky went for a skate.
We brought our nature journals and did some sketches of local plants. In the midst of sketching, we had a visitor come and say hello.

I love to go for walks here. I am always happy near the water.

Yesterday was one of those days where everything goes the way you planned it in your mind.

Just beautiful.

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vote!!!!!!!

Well, I did it! Goose, Binky and I walked to our polling place around 10:30am. No lines at all. The kids are quite excited about this election. They have their own opinions about who and what they would vote for .
After voting we walked over to our favorite bakery and enjoyed some patriotic treats!

Binky went with a snickerdoodle. We even brought the polling volunteers some cookies! I can't wait until tomorrow morning!!!!

Autumnal Weekend in Pictures