Pumpkin Soup

What do you do with your fall decorations after Thanksgiving?  Make soup, of course.

Roast

Puree and season

Done.

Prepping For Our Feast

We don't serve the traditional Thanksgiving dinner around here, but we still have lots to prepare.

Cranberry sauce cooking - the girls like cranberry sauce

Homemade hot fudge to go with our dessert -
I left a little in the pot to put on our crepes for dinner last night

Ready to be roasted

Our bird - yes, it's a chicken - off into the oven

Everyone's favorite mashed potatoes

Ham

I have renewed my love for roasted brussel sprouts

I didn't get a picture of the brownies with icecream and hot fudge - they were gone before I could grab my phone.

Our feast was delicious. We only have enough leftovers for about one meal, so I know I planned well and everyone enjoyed the food.

I'll leave you with the things my girls said to me tonight when I tucked them into bed.  Emilia hugged me tight and exclaimed, "I love you. Happy Thanksgiving" and Ella whispered into my ear, "I am thankful for Rex because you can tell him a secret and he doesn't tell anyone else."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank You, Team Rex

Rex is doing much better these days, so without naming names and in light of the impending holiday, I want to thank the current professional Team Rex for everything they do for our special boy:

1) his classroom teacher
2) his special education teacher
3) his educational assistant
4) his school OT
5) his school PT
6) his school SLP
7) his private OT
8) his private SLP
9) his BCBA
10) his RBT
11) his two bus aides
12) his two trusted babysitters
13) his cranio-sacral therapist
14) his county DDS case worker
15) county family support services staff
16) local groups and organizations offering events for kids just like Rex

Without his village, Rex would not be where he is today.

Picture Of The Day

Today was our first really chilly day of the season with temps struggling in the low 40s. It's quite a shock to the body since we had a record high of 76 degrees yesterday. So what's a girl to do but make a pan of cornbread and a veggie casserole to ease into winter?  Scrumptious!

Wonders For William

Local readers, my cousin Maria and I are selling our now semi-famous sugar cookies again this holiday season.  This year all funds raised will be placed into an agency adoption grant for Ella's friend "William" who still waits for a family.

2 dozen plain for $10
2 dozen decorated for $15

Last day for delivery is 12/16.  Orders can be placed to viviane 8 at yahoo dot com.

Emilia's Together Forever Day

Five years home with us - my heart bursts with love for this child.  I know I am completely biased, but to me she's sunshine personified, pure joy in a pixie's body, sprinkling fairy dust everywhere she goes.

Happy Together Forever Day, sweet daughter, you are loved, you are safe.

Picture Of The Day

I usually toss bananas my family's way when they ask for an afternoon snack, but decided to go a little overboard today with these cinnamon nut thins topped with vanilla mascarpone cream and raspberries.  #onceinabluemoon