Friday, November 23, 2012

Thanksgiving!


Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  I LOVE to bake and cook, plus I don't have to worry about gifts, and I'm not burnt out by the commercialism of Christmas.  For me, it is like the magical doorway to the season, the promise that all is well and will be well.  This year was a little different, however.  I just couldn't connect to the magic- my idealistic visions of tasty treats enjoyed by smiling family with holiday jingles in the background- to the screams of my son, or the fact that I left out the butter, vanilla extract and salt in my pecan pie!  If one child wasn't crying, the other one was.  And, forget about nap time!  Well, I am learning to toss out my idealistic notions of the holidays for reality, resolving to go with the flow.  It is a MUST, or I would have no enjoyment at all.  At the end of the day, I realize that I have two healthy children, a wonderful husband, and moments that, although brought a few tears, will one day bring laughter and great stories.  The magic will come about, I'm guessing years down the road, when all this hard work turns out two loving adults.  I will try to remember this come Christmas!


What everyone "thinks" our day was like!

The real thing!

Mom and Annabelle's Thanksgiving Craft

Grand Marnier Vanilla candied Cranberries!!!

Little stinker!


Sweet face!

My Turkey Brine!

I LOVE it!  Makes up for the Pecan Pie!


Pumpkin Pie from SCRATCH!

Dinner Time!

First Pumpkin Pie!

Annabelle's Pie Job

Happy Thanksgiving!  :)

Thursday, November 1, 2012

October Fun

October was a great month for the Homans.  Lot's of fun to go around for everyone.  While I am always tempted to break out the Christmas music in September (yes I am one of those persons), I restrained myself, this year, to only the enjoyment of Halloween.  I am thinking the Holidays can only get better for the years to come (until my kids are adults).  I feel like a child myself watching Annabelle experience all that is involved in celebrating this time of year.  Of course Joey is involved too, but he doesn't know what's going on yet.


Photo shoot at the pumpkin patch!





Homan Family 2012

Little Red Riding Hood, Big Bad Wolf (and cub) and Lumber Jack

Not only did we celebrate Halloween this month, but also Joey and I were able to make a trip back home to Illinois to see my side of the family.  Joey was able to meet everyone, and ESPECIALLY his cousin, Wesley!  They were just adorable together.  It was just wonderful to spend some quality time with most everyone in the family.  We were also able to celebrate Uncle JJ's birthday, while back.  Now, I LOVE Colorado, but being back home makes me realize the great distance between our home and my family.  I always get choked up when I leave.

 SO much cuteness... I CAN'T stand it!


Uncle Eddie and cousins Wesley and Emma

BFFs