Gratitude Journal

About six years or so ago, my friend introduced me to the idea of a gratitude journal. The idea is, I bring some empty scrapbook pages for family and friends to write down what they are most thankful for during Thanksgiving dinner.

Here is a picture of two of the pages from last year.



Here is a pictures of what some of this year's pages look like:



Here are some of the things the kids wrote over the years:







When I go through the previous pages, I can see how the children are growing up. Also, it's a great feeling to read about what other people are grateful for. It makes me realize how much we are blessed with so many things.

I appreciate all my friends and family. That means all of you!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Tonight's Dessert

One of my favorite desserts is sauted apple with Breyer's Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. It is so easy to make and has gourmet taste to it. Here's how to make this dessert.

1. 1 Apple


2. 2 tablespoons butter


3. 2 tablespoons sugar


4. 2-3 tablespoons of water


5. 1 teaspon lemon juice

Wash and slice the apple into 16ths. Melt butter in sauce pan, be careful you do not burn it. Once the butter is melted, add the apple slices, suger, and water. You can add more water if you want thinner carmel, slightly less for thicker carmel. If you want to make more carmel add more butter and sugar, if you want sweeter carmel, add a little more sugar.

When apple is soft and the butter and sugar are carmelized, stir in lemon juice, then turn the heat off. Lay out some apple slices on a plate, add a scoop of ice cream and drizzle the carmel over top. For a hint of color a mint leaf would look great.



I cheated and used a basil leaf. Tanya, I need some of your mint leaves!

You can also use bananas instead of apples, its just as good.

Bon Appetite!

Custom Baby Memory Blanket

Sorry I'm a few days behind updating this blog. I've been sick the last few days.

Before I got sick, I took Rachel's old clothes (pictured below).



And made this blanket:



Rachel just adores her new blanket.



When I finished making this blanket a flood of emotions washed over me. Each square reminds me of what occasion she wore the clothes and how tiny she was. It has also reminded me of how fast she is growing up.

I thought this would be a great way for others to preserve their memories of their little ones and unclutter a few closets. So, I decided to post this service of making custom memory baby blankets on Etsy.

Halloween Pictures

Halloween day started at 6:30 AM. The boys had a Halloween parade at school. They wanted to dress up as soon as possible.

Both boys dressed as pirates.


Christopher was sooo into his role. He went the serous sroute. Michael went the suave debonair route.


He is so charming!!!

They both loved the beards I drew for them.

Rachel love the witch outfit.


She went around the house casting spells all over the place. She tried to turn her brothers into a frog.

It was busy and crazy, but I'm sad to see it end. Oh well, at least there will be next year. Here is Rachel's pumpkin.



Hope you had a happy Halloween!!