Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thanksgiving. Show all posts

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

(Photo Courtsey of Joseph Holodook)

Over the river and thru the wood,
To grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way
To carry the sleigh,
Thru the white and drifted snow, oh!

Over the river and thru the wood,
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes,
And bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.

Over the river and thru the wood,
To have a first-rate play;
Oh, hear the bell ring, "Ting-a-ling-ling!"
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day-ay!

Over the river and thru the wood,
Trot fast my dapple gray!
Spring over the ground,
Like a hunting hound!
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river and through the wood,
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river and through the wood --
Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for fun!
Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Can You Capture Thankfulness in a Jar?


(Photo courtesy of Hub Pages)
To most it would look like an old Pringles jar wrapped in pretty wrapping paper...and they would be right, but to me and my family it's much more. This is our Thanksgiving Thankfulness Jar. It began a long time ago, and each year on Thanksgiving it's pulled out again and set in a place of prominence. Throughout the day guests write what they are most thankful for on small strips of paper. At the end of dinner we pass the jar around and take turns pulling the strips of thankfulness out and reading them aloud. Each year we add to the jar, so mixed in with our current thanks you'll find the things we were thankful for over the last 10 years. It becomes a beautiful time of remembering, gratitude and recognition of the many blessings in our lives.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Thanksgiving Tabletop

This year my parents are hosting Thanksgiving at the cabin. The entire extended family will gather in the cozy house, most likely with the snow falling outside and a blazing fire inside. My mom has asked me to help with the decorations, and given the rustic atmosphere we have decided to decorate using nature as our guide. Here is the inspiration board for this festive affair:



-I love using textures in design. The feathers bring a soft, elegant layer to the tabletop. View the pheasant feather centerpiece here and the place setting here.

-These place cards create the affect of falling leaves scattered across the table.

-Given that my maiden name is Johnson, the Johnson Brothers plates are perfect for a family gathering. My mom has a collection that has been in the family for years.

-This centerpiece is created with many layers. Carmel colored felt, rich satin ribbon, scattered leaves and a pedestal full of miniature pumpkins and gourds.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Giving Without Spending a Dime


(Photo courtesy of Flickr)
This season is all about being thankful for the blessings in your life, but it should also be a time of giving to those who are less fortunate than you. Unfortunately, in this tough economy it’s often hard to find the extra cash that most of us think is necessary to help those in need. Well I am here to tell you that you can help those around you without spending a dime! Here are few ideas:
1. Offer to rake the leaves in the yard of your elderly neighbor.

2. Volunteer at a soup kitchen. Operation Nightwatch, located in Seattle, is one that I have served at in the past.

3. Donate your old winter jackets to a shelter such as the Union Gospel Mission

4. Call local hotels and ask for donations of soap and shampoo to give to local shelters.

5. Schools are low on resources and many kids can't afford school supplies. Ask local retailers to donate supplies to a school in their area.

6. Volunteer! Find a program that fits your gifts and your passions, and serve!

Here are some of my favorite Seattle volunteer and donation opportunities: Treehouse, Ronald McDonald House, YMCA, Agros International, Seattle Children's Hospital, World Concern