A Prayer, A Craft, A Recipe and a Laugh

Good Day Everyone!
I have lots to share with you all today. First of all I was recently informed that a sweet friend of Spencer and Gannon's was diagnosed with Leukemia. The boys took it hard and have been asking a lot of questions. Mostly "why"? I wonder that myself!! After reassuring them quite a bit that God is watching over Abby and that she is getting great care at Children's Hospital, we came up with a little prayer just for Abby. It goes like this... "God bless her laugh, God bless her smile. Watch over her now, and for a long while!" So Abby, if you read this.. we are all hoping you feel better soon!!

Now, on a lighter note, I have a FUN Thanksgiving "Kids Table" craft project for you all! These cute, cute Pilgrim Photo Napkin Rings. Are they not hilarious!! They are a surprise for my boys and the wonderful Woolfolk boys who will be joining us this year. (Seven kids in all!) They are a snap to make, and really inexpensive. Both things I look for in a craft project!!

You will need:
Black card stock or construction paper
White paper
Photo of your child
Scissors
Glue Stick
Stapler

First cut a 2" X 7" strip of the black paper.
Then cut a 1/2" X 7" strip of the white paper.
Notch a "V" in the white paper and glue it to the
top portion of the black strip.

Next, cut out the head part of your child's photo.
glue the head to the top of the strip just above
the "V" notch. (the collar) Then, make a pilgrimish type hat out of the black. Cut a small
white strip for the hat and a small square piece of black to make the hat's "buckle". Glue the hat
in place on the head portion of the photo.

Allow the glue to dry a bit and then come back
and "curl" the strip to form a ring and staple
in place. Slide a napkin through the ring and ta-da!!
You are done! I added some pine and bittersweet sprigs
to make it festive. Now that is easy peasy!!!

Next up is my HOMEMADE HOLIDAY RECIPE SWAP!!
Since Thanksgiving is coming up so soon, I decided on a cranberry chutney that
is a cinch to whip up! This is great on pork or turkey and even better spread on
a block of cream cheese and served with crackers! Great for hostess gifts in a
pretty jar!!!

HOLIDAY CRANBERRY CHUTNEY

1 C. Fresh Orange Sections

1/4 C. Orange Juice

4 C. Fresh
Cranberries

2 1/4 C. Sugar

1 C. Chopped unpeeled apple

1/2 C. Golden Raisins

1/4 C. Chopped Walnuts

1 Tbsp. Vinegar

1/2 Tsp. Ground Ginger

1 tsp. Ground Cinnamon

TO MAKE:

Throw everything in a large sauce pan and
bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer
5 minutes or until berried begin to "pop"
Chill until serving time.

This colorful sweet chutney stores great in the
refrigerator for up to 2 weeks! Makes 5 Cups.

Now, for the laugh!! Today I went to my youngest son Nick's
first grade "Feast" at Twin Lakes Elementary. They
had a long "Table" made out of brown paper running the
whole length of the hallway outside the classrooms. They
feasted on carrots, corn (puff corn), craisins, pumpkin pie
and cucumbers! They made costumes too! (this is the funny part)
Nick got to make a Native American Costume. Some kids were Pilgrim
boys and girls too. Well, Nick decided that he didn't want to be a
Native American, because he thought that the Pilgrim costumes were
"cooler." So... he decided to run back in the classroom and make a "new"
costume. He came back out with a Pilgrim Hat, a Native American "Smock" and
an apron. He said "look at me, I'm a Native Pilgrim American!" No one laughed but me of course. It was a fun time, and all the kids enjoyed sitting all together in the hall. Thanks Mrs.
Osterman!!

In keeping with the "Gratitude Attitude Challenge" my thoughts are simple.
I am thankful for funny moments like the ones today, messy pumpkin pie faces,
and for the gift of being a Mom!

Thank you for all your recipes, crafts, fun stories and photos! I am
truly inspired by you all everyday! Enjoy the weekend, and I will be back
on Wednesday with another recipe and a fun centerpiece for your Thanksgiving
table! Take Care!