Always treasured

Well, Mom, one of the most difficult decisions to make has been finalized! Dad and I have designed the marker that is to be placed at the cemetery to honor you. How do you sum up someone's precious life in 2-4 short phrases??? We hope that the words and symbol that were chosen will continue to be a reminder to live a life that honors our heavenly Father. I also believe that this was a difficult task for me because it is the last thing to do for you and the words are permanent. I know that we can show honor by living lives pleasing to God and we will continue to share memories of you with each other and we can bring flowers to show how much we miss and love you, but this just feels like this is that last thing in the process!
Still miss you bunches and love ya!

Messy Palette Art Studio

Oh Mom and I am going to write to Dave (Kurt's Dad), this time too!! You two would be so very proud of Kurt. He has begun a business. It is called Messy Palette Art Studio. In October of this year he started. He is doing art classes for kids and adults, birthday parties, adult art nights, special events, gallery nights, shows, and the list will continue to grow as he continues to see outside of the box and be creative!! We had a launch party in October with about 60 in attendance. Last weekend we had a Christmas open house with venders, art for sale, an art project, and of course goodies. We had about 60 in attendance and about 1/2 of those hadn't been there yet. The place is located on Broadway and it is in an old cobblestone house. The space is very unique. Livi loves to hang out with Daddy all day and Mia has enjoyed taking some classes and hanging out.
Mom, thanks for all your advise and expertise in the food world because I have been excited to make treats for the events. And a huge thanks to both you and Dave for encouraging Kurt over the years to continue to be creative!! Every time we have an event, it makes us miss you both so very much. Your hugs, smiles, advise for small businesses, encouraging words, and your tears of joy are thought of.
God is so very Good!! We pray that the Messy Palette Art Studio can be a blessing to Rockford and a warm, creative place to hang out.
Love ya!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving day was so wonderful, filled with family and food. The day was wonderful . Dad vacuumed and washed windows as I was preparing last minute foods. Kurt and Dad grilled two turkeys that were super fabulous! Oh, Mom, you would have been so pleased. We spent the afternoon playing Rack-o and Kurt and I did some late night shopping. The next day, we had Thanksgiving with the Erickson's. The siblings enjoyed playing Apples to Apples in the afternoon while we waited for the turkey. Again a delicious meal with wonderful loved ones.
Even though our Thanksgiving holiday was so delightful, we were missing the hugs and laughter of special loved ones that are no longer with us. We miss you dearly, but know that because of God's promises we have hope everlasting!! As I close this Thanksgiving post, I will end with this....share hope and celebrate hope! Love ya!

Pies, turkey, and pizza oh my!

Two beautiful pumpkin pies, turkey soaking in an apple cider brine waiting to be grilled, and Lino's pizza for dinner on the eve before Thanksgiving!

The day before

Wednesday was the day to prep and I had two wonderful little helpers and a couple of big ones,too! What an honor it is to be in my Mom's kitchen making The Thanksgiving meal, wish we could have been side by side. The girls helped with the dressing, pies, table decorations, and setting the table. Kurt did a whole lot of chopping and Dad helped rearrange the furniture. I was so grateful for all of there help!

Breakfast

Breakfast at Grandpa's!!!! Where's the cereal!

Ideas and recipes

Here are some of the ideas and recipes I will be using for Thanksgiving. I am using two church cookbooks....some of you may remember that green one. I am going to be using a apple cider brine for one of the turkeys with an apple cider sauce. I am combining recipes from the past with a couple new twists! Happy cooking!!!