And Abraham Went Out . . .: Finishing Up November

It's the end of November. Halloween, All Saint's Day, Nutmeg's birthday, Thanksgiving . . . all recent memories made. . . Now were are quickly heading into Advent. Thankfully Advent is a little later this year. I need every single one of those extra days. I'm in the midst of some preparations for what I hope will be a simple, thoughtful, preparatory Advent season.

Here are a few pictures (and explanations) from our last few weeks here on the home front . . .

We had talked about doing some special activity for Nutmeg's birthday but she just wanted to have friends over, so we did. Sunday brunch with some friends. Along with this same group of core friends we've started up a bi-monthly family gathering and Bible study on Sundays. It has been so great! The separate men's and women's studies are great but it has been super refreshing to join in on the collaborative discussions with both sexes AND to have the kids in the mix too. Community-building is such a blessing! Doug and I always are so grateful that we are surrounded by so many fantastic people in this town.

Nutmeg's minty icebox cake. Huge hit!

Thrilled with her drone. This a girl with all brothers. What girl wants a drone for her birthday? Some do, I guess.

Thanksgiving table. Part of the gang humored me by driving out Thanksgiving morning to look for some greenery. One of my favorite traditions.

Private table for Mace.

Doug and I were both pleased by our Thanksgiving spread. A couple improvements for sure were needed (many of the green beans from the garden were too big and tough; gotta get those picked earlier next year and I also need to work on getting my crusts lighter/flakier) but overall we were happy with how things went. It was a much, much less guilt-free holiday meal. I have been avoiding dairy for almost two years now and I didn't want to throw that out the window for Thanksgiving. I wanted to enjoy the meal along with everyone else. Success! The green bean casserole is vegan, the mashed potatoes are vegan, and the stuffing actually had very little butter. The kids and I agree that the cranberry sauce was the best yet! Doug likes the canned version; so we oblige him that. Here are the recipes I definitely think are worth sharing: cranberry sauce, healthier stuffing, vegan green bean casserole, and make-ahead turkey gravy.

We were so lucky to have Grandpa S join us again this year! It's always a treat to spend together. I'm not sure we were the best host family (some of us were under the weather) but at least we were together. I'll say this . . . many board games were played. I even played three myself! Yes!!