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Tuesday, October 9, 2012

A Blessed & Thankful Weekend


It is the day after Thanksgiving holiday (for those of us who live in Canada).  Nearly one month has passed since my last post and of course, so much has happened since then!  The fleeting fall season is upon us and the autumnal trees are boasting their magnificent hues.  The girls have been in school for over one month now and our family has settled back into the daily routines and orderly schedules of the school year. 
 
On a less pleasant note, our little Annabel broke her arm over a week ago.  I can't tell you how awful it was for me the first couple of days.  But because Annabel is so strong and brave, she keeps me focusing on the positive.  With all the extra love and attention she's getting; fingers crossed, by Halloween, her cast will come off, and she will be good as new again! 
 
Aside from that bit of sad news, everything else is great!  We had such a glorious holiday weekend; filled with so many good things, I just can't wait to share it with all of you!
 
On Saturday, we went on our annual fall drive to see the changing leaves at their peak.  A mere thirty minute drive from our home, in the city of Orillia, we saw this spectacular scenery!
 
 
 
Autumn is my favourite season and these photos are proof of it.  Can you see the vibrant red, orange and yellow leaves?  It is breathtaking to see the trees on a sunny fall day; they radiate such a soft, warm glow this time of year.  It is M-A-G-I-C! 
The girls and I picked pretty fallen leaves and stuffed them in a book to take home and dry. 
 
We stopped for lunch and then went for afternoon tea at this quaint and cozy tea house in Orillia.
Click on the photo for a link to the website!
 
 
At the White Lions Tea House we enjoyed freshly brewed tea and scones!  If you are ever in the area, you must stop in and visit.  Laurie, the owner, is so warm and welcoming, and her freshly baked scones are delicious! 
 
Here is Laurie's selection of loose-leaf tea.  I love how she stores them in clear glass jars.  Even the drawers are smiling!

On Sunday afternoon, I made pumpkin pie to take to my parents' home for Thanksgiving the next day.

Here is the pie dough.  It's the first time I ever made this type of pie edge.  I notice that the more pies I make, the better I become at playing with the dough. 


I also made half a dozen mini pies, to be on the safe side.  Our house is full of pumpkin pie lovers and it would be very dangerous to have a whole pie out on the counter, for all to see. We wouldn't want anything happening to the Thanksgiving pie, now would we?


And finally, the much anticipated day arrived - Thanksgiving day - at my parents' house.

Here is the famous 24 pound turkey, after five hours roasting in the oven.
 For some reason, the turkey keeps getting tastier and tastier as the years go by!

Thanksgiving is about tradition.  Here are a few of ours:

My mom always makes the turkey, stuffing and potatoes
We always celebrate at my parents' house
I always bake the pumpkin pie
My dad always sets the table
Nuno (my husband) always carves and serves the turkey
We always eat too much!

I love this picture!  I was taking a photo of Nuno carving the turkey, when I noticed Anita unaware and staring at the turkey, licking her lips.  Simply priceless!


My plate - turkey breast, stuffing, potatoes and gravy - YUM!

And lastly, our dessert...

a slice of homemade pumpkin pie! 

This year we added something new to our Thanksgiving celebration.  Annabel and I wrote a Thanksgiving prayer together.  Annabel read it at the table yesterday before we carved the turkey.  From now on, the prayer will be read every year at our Thanksgiving dinner. 

I hope that my fellow Canadian friends enjoyed yesterday's Thanksgiving holiday. I hope it was filled with lots of love and gratitude.  I am thankful every day, but particularly on Thanksgiving day, for my wonderful family, my dear friends, my loving husband, and precious daughters. 

I am glad that a holiday like Thanksgiving exists; reminding us to take time out from our busy lives to fully appreciate all of our blessings.  Because no matter where we are in this life, no matter what the circumstances, there is always something to be thankful for.

Many blessing to you all!  Have a wonderful week and continue to enjoy the autumn leaves, while they're still here!  xo


6 comments:

  1. Oh Rosinda....This is so beautiful! OK, the picture of Anita peeking out from under Nuno's arm is just priceless....that is like something that should be made into a painting!!!

    Darling....all of you! Traditions are so wonderful, aren't they? They hold us together, help us yearn for certain times and events, and keep our memories rich and full. Traditions are something small children hold so very dear. Keep them and add to them and treasure every moment, as you truly do.

    I love you all....
    Blessings for each and every one!

    Joann in CO

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  2. I so agree with Joann, Rosinda. The leaves and the details of your celebrations are very special...so lovely to share with you all! Anita was really looking forward to that turkey, wasn't she?? Wishing sweet Annabel a very speedy recovery...and all of you much love. You are right - so very much to be thankful for...friends are a big one for me! xoxo

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  3. What a beautiful post Rosinda. You put a smile on my face from the begining to the end. I loved everything you said and all the pictures with all the smiles. But the one with Anita licking her lips looking at the turkey is just the funniest one:)
    Annabel's prayer at the table is cherished in my heart for ever!!!
    We're so lucky to be a close and happy family. To me that's the Best Blessing of all. Thanks for sharing our Thanksgiving true and precious story! Love you all. XOXO

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  4. Just beautiful Rosinda! Fall Family Thanksgiving Prayers at the Table Pie Baking (lip smacking) You've captured it all. The idea of tea and scones is marvelous too. You have a wonderful blog!!! Keep counting and sharing your blessings with all of us!

    xoxo Georgie (NJ)

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  5. Stopping by after being away once more and finding your charming autumn post, sweet Rosinda! Oh, my heart aches to see those glorious sugar maples in the fall glory! I love them so (and you for posting the photos!!). I took so much for granted when I was growing up. Thank you for your dear friendship and what a treasure you are!! My love to Annabel for quick healing and to you for your caring and tender heart! Hugs, Sherry xoxo

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  6. I LOVE the "ALWAYS"!!!! That's what make our traditions so special, isn't it...the "always"! xoxo...Karen

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