[Celebration] Giving Thanks Today and Everyday

Pumpkin patch

Hello, November, the season of pumpkins, pumpkin pies and thanksgiving in the U.S.  The history of thanksgiving dates back to the early 1600's when the Pilgrims gave thanks to God and celebrated the bountiful harvest after all the hardships that they experienced.  Pumpkins were a very important food source for them because it is very nutritious, delicious and has a good shelf life.  Nowadays, pumpkins are being used mostly for halloween decorations.  Many families with children visit different pumpkin patches and make carving an annual activity.  I just hope the children don't lose the real  meaning of the thanksgiving.

Pumpkin patch

One of the perks of taking public transportation is that you get to see and experience things that you'd otherwise miss when you're driving.  This time a year ago, I saw a pumpkin patch in one of the local churches in our area.  I wanted to check it out but by the time I had the chance to, they only had a few pumpkins left.  This year, I promised myself that I'd go before they were gone.   

Who said that pumpkin patches are for kids?

I would like to end this post by sharing with you the verse that we have in our dining room:

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;

His love endures forever."

1 Chronicles 16:34

Be blessed!

♥  michelle

[Celebration] Happy Thanksgiving!

This week, America is celebrating Thanksgiving.  This is my 4th year to celebrate Thanksgiving in the US, the 2nd in TX.  

I remember my First Thanksgiving in 2010 in Chicago.  

On my Second Thanksgiving, I made chocolate dipped cookies.  

Our first thanksgiving in TX was spent with our dear friends who helped us transition during our move.  I baked "Canonigo" for the first time that day.  

I made several "firsts" on this years thanksgiving season.  This was the handmade card that I sent my in-laws.  It was my first time to use Ranger alcohol inks to make the background, then stamped a maple leaf using Staz-on ink.

Thanksgiving Card and Fall Sugar Cookie inspired by SweetAmbs

I also made sugar cookies for the first time using a leaf cookie cutter and painted it using SweetAmbs' tutorial.  I super love her videos and the neatness of her work.  

SweetAmbs Fall Leaves

Well, it was also my first time to go to a liquor store to buy a small bottle of vodka, for arts' sake.  LOL. Oh boy, it didn't taste good at all.

Everyday is a day to Give Thanks.

What are you thankful for?  Do share it with me.

Happy Thanksgiving, America!

♥  michelle  ♥

Give Thanks [Thanksgiving 2011]

What does this photo remind you of?

Yes, the colors of Autumn / Fall and Thanksgiving.  

Table arrangement by my talented sis-in-law

Today is Thanksgiving Day in America and there is truly a lot to be grateful for.

You may want to read a BLOG that I wrote in 2010 when I celebrated my very first Thanksgiving in the U.S.

As of this writing, we are busy with preparations for dinner.  Being Filipinos, we have a wide varitety of food... such a gastronomic feast!  There will be turkey, fish, chicken, beef, vegies and a wide selection of desserts.  We will be singing songs and share about God's faithfulness.  To burn the calories, we will have a wii sportsfest and play mind games, probably cranium or scrabble.

I made these chocolate dipped peanut butter filled vanilla wafers for our giveaways. 

Yummy!

From our family to yours,

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Enjoy!