Meaning of Thanksgiving - The Real Celebration

For many of us, the meaning of Thanksgiving usually includes feasting, four-day weekends, football games, floats, family reunions, or a forerunner to Christmas festivities. The “first Thanksgiving,” however, was neither a feast nor a holiday, but a simple gathering. Following the Mayflower’s arrival at Plymouth Rock on December 11, 1620, the Pilgrims suffered the lost of 46 of their original 102 colonists. With the help of 91 Indians, the remaining Pilgrims survived the bitter winter and yielded a bountiful harvest in 1621. In celebration, a traditional English harvest festival, lasting three days brought the Pilgrims and natives to unite in a “thanksgiving” observance.

This “thanksgiving” meal would not be celebrated again until June of 1676. On June 29 the community of Charlestown, Massachusetts proclaimed a day of thanksgiving for their good fortune. Ironically, this celebration excluded the Indians, as the colonists’ recognized their recent victory over the “heathen natives.” One hundred years later, in October of 1777, all 13 colonies participated in a one-time “thanksgiving” celebration which commemorated the patriotic victory over the British at Saratoga. It would take a span of over 150 more years to establish Thanksgiving as we celebrate it -- George Washington proclaimed it a National holiday in 1789, Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday in November in 1863, and Congress sanctioned it as a legal holiday in 1941.

This Thanksgiving I am blessed with good health, a loving family, wonderful friends, a secure job, beautiful home & my connection with Jesus.....what else would I need....

Comment on what your thankful for this year below.....

Holiday baked goods...in a JAR

Who ever thought you could bake a cake or something yummy in a jar - Well you can!
These yummy ideas make great gifts to send to family & friends near and not so near......So roll up your sleeves, put on your creative cap  on and lets BAKE...


Some of my military friends will love this idea - send these home made yummy treats to your soldiers....if they are not home to taste Mamma's cooking this holiday, send it to them!  These will last for a long time if prepped correctly.....

Have a garden.....here is a great and super yummy recipe......This is definitely a keeper!!


Zucchini Bread and YES baked in a JAR.....


3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground cloves
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup oil (use only fresh oil)
2 cups  fresh zucchini, grated
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup pecans, chopped

Preheat oven to 325-degrees

Sift together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and cloves; set aside. Beat eggs until foamy. Add sugar, oil, zucchini and vanilla. Mix well with beater. Add flour mixture to zucchini mixture. Add nuts.
For the pint jars, bake for about 35 minutes, moving the jars around in the oven so they'll bake evenly. Start checking the cakes at 25 minutes.

For 1-1/2 pint jars, bake for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, and start checking them at 1 hour.
Seal jars with hot lids. Let jars cool at room temp, covered with a towel.

Make a label or tie a ribbon around your jars and give them away as gifts.....be sure to keep one for yourselves!!!  ENJOY

Be sure to stop back for more recipes in a jar

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Pumpkins & MORE Pumpkins

So what do you do with all the pumpkins left over from Halloween? Well, if they are still firm of course, there is lots you can do......if they are sunken in, rotted or just not eye appealing anymore I am sure your local farm stands will have plenty available & at discounted prices I am sure....

Why not decorate for Thanksgiving?  Pumpkin crafts are great projects for the kiddos and make great centerpieces for the Thanksgiving table.  Show off their art work, or maybe display a little of your own talent.

I enjoy make "dip bowls" with my pumpkins.......cut off the top, scoop out the insides, wash well and add your favorite dip inside.....I lay a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper inside first....Great display...when done toss....NO clean up & looks great!

Pumpkin soup is another family favorite & again looks great IN a pumpkin..... Love this with crusty bread -  You can be as creative as you want, serve a big batch in a large pumpkin or individuals.

A few other crafty ideas in which my son likes to do is flower displays........no need to be a florist - buy a bouquet at your local grocery store (less expensive than a flower shop) and have fun! 

We have even pushed in lollipops for fun day at school.... 

 

 

I would LOVE to hear about your ideas - leave a comment at the bottom - 

Happy Pumpkin Crafting!

16 Uses for Olive Oil

16 Uses for Olive Oil – I bet you didn’t know:

 

1. Treat sunburn. The oil can soothe mild sunburn by keeping it moisturized. Chilling in the fridge makes an even bigger impact!

2. Dry lips. Mixing equal parts olive oil and beeswax will make an excellent balm. No beeswax? Just slather the oil on your lips.

3. Cuticle oil. I have horrible cuticles, especially during the winter. This is a great way to keep them moisturized and from cracking.

4. Cradle Cap. Put a little on baby's head and gently exfoliate with a warm rag. Rinse well with warm water.

5. Get paint off of your skin. Rub oil into paint and wipe away!

6. Sugar face scrub. Mix olive oil and sugar to make an awesome exfoliate for your face.

7. Hot oil treatment for hair. Warm up a container of olive oil. Massage into hair and wrap with towel for 30 mins. Rinse well!

8. Eye makeup remover. Massage into closed eyes and rinse to get rid of even waterproof mascara.

9. Use instead of butter in recipes. Great substitute! Just use a bit less than what's called for.

10. Prevent mosquitoes from breeding. If you have a rain barrel, add some olive oil to create a layer on top that prevents mosquito larvae from contaminating the water.

11. Use as Goo Gone. Saturate a sticker and rub in. Peel sticker off to remove.

12. Clean measuring cups. Coat your measuring cups to allow sticky stuff to slide out easier. (like peanut butter!)

13. Condition your cutting board. Rub a little oil into your board with a cloth to condition a dried out, wooden board.

14. Alternative to shaving cream. Slather onto skin for a super close, yet moisturizing shave!

15. Help kitty pass hairballs. By adding about 1/4 teaspoon of olive oil to your cat's food every day, it may help ease hairballs through their system.

16. Remove gum from hair. Massage into area where gum in present and leave on for five minutes. The gum should slide out.

 

Honoring all who served

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a bill proclaiming November 11th as Veterans Day and called upon Americans everywhere to rededicate themselves to the cause of peace. He issued a Presidential Order directing the head of the Veterans Administration, now the Department of Veterans Affairs, to form a Veterans Day National Committee to organize and oversee the national observance of Veterans Day.

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Both holidays were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. But Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, was originally set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle....

While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

Thank you to my son SPC. Michael Nelson & ALL our Military near and far.............




 Do you know or are you related to a veteran? Help us to honor them in the comments section.



                 

Would you walk in their boots?

My son, a Specialist in the United States Army wakes everyday in a foreign place. Washing his face, slipping into his required uniform to face the unknown everyday.  Working amongst his fellow peers sometimes until late at night, he is tired but has to finish.  Marching in the woods, sleeping in the rain, cold, no showers but still he must finish.  A shower is a luxury, to have a warm meal is sometimes not available but he must move on. This is the life he chose, I didn't expect it that cold November day when he spoke of his plans. He was only 17 when he left, a boy - my boy. Its been three years and it never gets easier to know he isn't close by, I cant see his face or here his voice, but I know he must finish.  He must finish what he started, after all its his path.  Some days are harder for him and for me, but I will put on my Army strong smile and support his decisions, I must support his finish. I am proud of my son, he selfless demeanor, courageous soul and connection with his family are the best qualities I could of hoped for in a son. He always exceeds my expectations and I  am lost for words but full of joy when I see him. 

There is only a small percentage of men and woman that are qualified to join our military and my son in one of them. A true hero is a person that puts their country, peers, community and self before others....I am blessed to say "My son is MY hero".....He doesn't wear a cape, you don't see him in a movie but he is there.....defending our country, putting his required uniform on everyday facing the unknown.....


                               Would you walk in his boots?

I am the mother of an American Soldier. I give my complete and unwavering support to my soldier. As my son serves the people of the United States, so I humbly offer up prayers for his safety and the safety and health of those he serves beside.
I respect his choice to adhere to a strict moral code and a system of values that has preserved our country for over two centuries. I accept that my soldier's first duty is to his country and I understand that this sacrifice he willingly makes is what keeps our nation great.
I will never expect anything but the best from my soldier, for I know that he is capable. I know that a soldier's heart is true and strong, and that my soldier will endure.
I will never abandon my soldier, my son, my love. I will love him unconditionally. He will know I am there with him, even when he is alone.
I am disciplined, emotionally and mentally tough, learning to wait for phone calls and letters or emails home. I, like my soldier, am an expert.
I stand ready to do whatever I can to let my son, my soldier, know that we are here for him, behind him, we love him and I will pray for the swift destruction of the enemies of our country. I am the person who stood guardian of this man who has become my soldier, now our Guardian of Freedom and the American way of life.
I AM THE MOTHER OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER!

I wear no uniform, no dress blues or army greens. But I am in the military among the ranks rarely seen. I have no rank upon my shoulder. Salutes I do not give. But the military is the world in which I live...for I am the mother of a Soldier.