My baby boy (DS1) is home from college for the week and the holidays have begun. He was sick as a dog before he got home, but besides the cough, he’s better now. I made a Dr.’s appointment for him this morning and he’s getting his last flu shot (swine). DH and I got our swine flu shots finally on Friday. DS1 and I probably both already had the swine flu, but they said we should get the shot anyway as there’s a possibility it could have been something else…either that or we’ll turn into swine.

We had a great weekend! We had our first fire in the fireplace and the Yule log is still around after 2 nights of fires. The kids made our traditional annual Gingerbread house (no, not this one, but pic attached)…a little early, but they were looking for something to do together. DH and I shared one of those ‘looks’ while they were busy icing and decorating, where we were having a ‘kid moment’…our babies are all home, it’s the Holidays, and they’re all working together happily and laughing.

I set the Thanksgiving table and buffet to get everyone in the mood (pic attached). The fridges are full of things waiting to be made. Yes, I’m cooking…stop laughing…no, I mean it, stop!…I’ve got recipes and I promise to follow them. I’ll have to tell you though that the refrigerated pastry crust for the pumpkin pie came in a two pack and it’s very tempting to get creative with that second crust…(in case you didn’t read my cooking creativity moments READ HERE). Let the festivities begin!

What a beautiful Gingerbread house, your kids did a great job. My problem would be that I would probably have a hard time not eatting it, I dearly love gingerbread!! Your table is beautiful too, I was noticing the piece of furniture in the picture and it brought back memories. My dear mom had one very similar to this one, and I really can't remember who in our family has it now.

Hope you have a Blessed Thanksgiving. We are leaving for Alabama in the morning to spend the week. I guess I'm glad I don't have my band yet or I wouldn't be able to eat all the terrific things my sister-in-law will have. She is a GREAT cook! lol

Great gingerbread house! I remember my sister and I trying to make one when we were in college, it ended up being held together with some decidedly inedible rubber cement. Clearly your children have more talent than we did.

Con- Thanks! The oak DR set (table, buffet, and not in the photo-serving table and 6 chairs-the chairs are in the basement waiting to be refinished) is from my MIL's parents home, so it's probably from about the 20's (her mom was 40 when she was born). They fit with the rest of our traditional home. Have a great Thanksgiving with the family! It seems like yesterday I was having what I thought would be my 'last Thanksgiving'...I've since learned I'll be having the same things, just smaller amounts this year! -BG

kc- Yeah, amazingly they all got my 'artistic gene'...along with some not so good ones I passed on (but so far, no evidence of the 'fat gene' as they're all skinny).

BG,

Happy Thanksgiving to you and to all the people who reads this blog!

Barbara

ps. My mom gave me a sideboard like your, but it from a French monastery.

Oh Happy Days Ahead..... I just love the Smells of Thanksgiving..... Really I do! I am not that into food anymore these days. Has that happened to anyone else? I have not been interested in a lot lately. I have been very busy at work. Almost overwhelmed. I hope I am not getting depressed. I guess it happens to everyone once in a while.

I am never unHappy when I read your Blog BG. You are the greatest. Thank you I get cheered up the minute I read it. I am looking forward to a wonderful Thanksgiving and the food will not be an issue this year. I am going to the in-laws for dinner after the football game. I am also doing a small turkey for our home because get this, I love the smell of a turkey roasting. I do not even like to eat turkey. The family does and they want sandwiches and all the left overs. That I can not take from my in-laws dinner so I will make our own.

I am acting if I am HAPPY does it sound that way? I am glad for a short week of work but it is sometimes harder having to get everything done in three days that use to take five. I know I will enjoy my days off. Thanks for the beautiful picture of your gingerbread house those are so special and always a great childhood memory. I am Going to have a great evening so let the FUN begin... imaluckydog Kathy

My kids would love to make a ginger bread house. I remember doing this as a kid and it was such a great feeling of accomplishment when finished. Thanks for the inspiring idea. The boys are two and six. Good fun for all. Happy Holidays.

drowsy- Your boys will LOVE this, and you can even get prebaked kits at the craft stores to put together. We've been doing this with our kids every year since my oldest was 2 and now she's 22 and still looks forward to it...they had a blast!

Use the glue gun NOT the royal icing to hold it together...otherwise your kids will learn some new cuss words...oh wait that was me!!!