LaHarpe Lighted Christmas Parade

Who would have imagined that a small town like LaHarpe could pull off a lighted Christmas parade? This year the weather was perfect for a December evening outside. So we took the family and sat outside as the lighted floats drove by. Just when I thought, "Hallelujah! The Halloween candy is gone!" we go to a parade and come home with enough candy to last until the next candy-filled holiday.

Here are just a few of our favorites. (I need to learn how to take better photos at night. I'll just add that to my to-do list!!)

One of my favorite floats, remembering a special life!

Eli loved all the trucks. 

Christmas Piano Recital

I have trouble getting into the Christmas mood without some good Christmas music. I want to say thank you to this wonderful group of pianists who gave a wonderful recital this past Sunday. Everyone did a fantastic job, and it was wonderful to hear the festive music.

Alfalfa

Ever since the girls saw Little Rascals, they love to do this to their brother in the bathtub. 

Phases of the Moon

It is no wonder the girls are enjoying science so much this year. Looking back on our projects, they involve a lot of sugar!!!

After studying the moon, we created the different phases with the icing on Oreo cookies. We started with a new moon, crescent, quarter, gibbous and full moon. 

They didn't last long. 

Thanksgiving Memories

When I was growing up, Thanksgiving was always at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Turkey, potatoes, noodles, corn, cole slaw, pie and sweet tea. I know she worked so hard to get it all done, but I also know that it was her joy to prepare a wonderful meal for her family. 

So, now it is our turn to make Thanksgiving memories for our family. We do a lot of gratitude activities during the month of November. God has blessed us beyond what we deserve. 

Thanksgiving Day this year was full of delicious food at Grandma's house. And lots of time playing with cousins -- and making potholders. Unfortunately I left the camera at home so I didn't get photos. 

Although Matthew would probably say that his favorite part of the day was watching his beloved Cowboys play football, mine was playing an entertaining game of Malarky with the family. We learned a lot and laughed a lot.

My brother and his wife and son, and a family friend came to our house on Saturday for another Thanksgiving meal. Once again, the food was good, and it was fun to watch our children play with their cousin, Joshua. And, the afternoon ended with an exciting game of Skip-Bo with a come-from-behind win by Megan. 

No matter what your family traditions, make meaningful memories. 

Cranberry applesauce: A new favorite recipe. 

Our turkey breast. I have only one complaint about this turkey. I didn't get any leftovers!

Aunt Hannah made the most delicious pumpkin bars! Eli had to sit right next to his cousin while having their snack!

Don't Forget to Stop and Enjoy the Tea Party

There is something special about little girls and their tea parties. I don't know if it is the special treats, or drinking out of ridiculously small teacups, and pouring from ridiculously small teapots (both of which need constantly refilled.) Maybe it is the way they dress up and plan with anticipation. Or the way they talk to each other with sophisticated, hushed little voices and create the most pleasant conversations.

We have a lot of tea parties, and they are not "ladies only" tea parties (where there is food, there is Eli)! This conversation at this particular tea party was centered around ear piercings. Juice filled and refilled the cups, and lots of snacks were piled onto tiny little plates. But the pure, simple joy in a quick little afternoon snack break was immeasurable!

It is so easy to get busy with everyday life to neglect these little events that make every day special. It doesn't take long to set out some snacks and serve them on fancy plates. Thirty minutes at the park can make a day the best! Taking a walk will refresh you! It doesn't have to be fancy, expensive or take an entire afternoon. How do kids spell "love?" TIME!

Don't forget to make every day special, and make everyone in your day feel special!

Sharing Christmas Music

Last year we were able to share Christmas music with the residents at a home in Macomb. This year we were able to do it again. I love to watch hands play the piano, thus photos of hands on the keys. Such a neat tradition trying to bring joy to the lives of others! And so much fun to watch as the kids grow in their musical abilities!