Campfire and S’mores — Family Favorites

Campfire and S’mores — Family Favorites

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Making s’mores in the backyard is one of our favorite family activities each fall, because there’s just something about a bonfire and melted marshmallows that makes autumn feel all official.

We finally picked a new campfire spot out on our three acres, not too far from the house but not to close either. I wanted it to be somewhat secluded but still convenient for hauling out all the fixin’s. I also have this very healthy respect for fire (thanks to Smokey the Bear), and I need to make sure (my husband makes sure) every ember is doused before I can sleep at night.

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Sometimes it’s not super convenient to start a fire and collect all the ingredients for s’mores and there is always something else less fun that needs to be done, but every time we push to make a campfire happen we are totally rewarded with a bit of relaxing family time around a roaring fire and bellies full of sweet goodness. It really must be one of my favorite things on this earth.

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Of course, one doesn’t need three acres to create a great family outing. We used to build a fire and roast marshmallows in the backyard of our half-acre lot. Some parks also have fire pit areas for day use that make for a great adventure. Heck, you can even whip up some s’mores over the charcoal grill on your back deck. If you live in town, it’s also wise to check city ordinances before lighting up.

Okay, so now that I’ve just encouraged you to go play with fire, here’s my safety disclaimer. Please use all proper safety precautions before, during and after lighting a fire, Adult supervision (some husband’s probably don’t qualify 🙂 ) is required.

Happy (quickly fading) fall, y’all!

 

Created Those Christmas Cards Yet?

Created Those Christmas Cards Yet?

So our Christmas cards arrived today. . . or so I think. I had them delivered to my husband’s work and he texted me mid-morning saying they had arrived, but when I asked how they looked this is the photo I received.

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For all I know whatever’s in that envelope could belong to someone else, I might have misspelled our last name or I could have a boogie in my nose I didn’t notice before ordering. The suspense is killing me!!

But at least I “think” my holiday greetings have been printed and that’s a big check off my list. Through the years I have proven time and again that if I don’t order my cards before Thanksgiving, I might as well just wait for the happy Easter salutations because Christmas probably just won’t happen. So what about you? Have you purchased your festive photo greeting cards?

I found a cute card for a good price from Wal-Mart this year and chose the cardstock two-sided printing option so that I could customize the back with a recap of our year and add our return address on the envelope. I’ve never used Wal-Mart for my Christmas cards but hopefully I will be pleased.

If you’re still shopping for the perfect family photo cards here are a few places to try (some I’ve used, some I haven’t so I can’t vouch for quality and service), but I would love to know if you have a favorite that isn’t on the list. By the way, make sure you look for coupon codes and special deals right now, because they are certainly out there.

 
photo credit: HA! Designs – Artbyheather Vintage Christmas Card via photopin (license)

 

The Calm That Comes Between October and December

The Calm That Comes Between October and December

the calm that comes between October and December

What a crazy fall it has been! Hmm, that sounds familiar, because I believe I echo that same sentiment every year about this time. We ramp up around here in October for our son’s birthday and then barrel on through Halloween and into Thanksgiving before decking the halls for Christmas. If we add the end of daylight savings into the mix with all the seriously gray days here in the Midwest, it makes a mama feel like she is wading through really thick mud! Thankfully we woke up to the glorious, long absent sun shining on us today, which helps me tolerate the wind that blew in with it.

So with all the endless putting up and taking down of decorations that accompany our autumns at the Three Acre Wood, I have decided to claim my new favorite holiday as Thanksgiving. Now don’t get me wrong, I do love to decorate for Halloween, dress up our child and hit the houses for tricks or treats and I also love the hustle and bustle of Christmas with all its holly, lights and gift giving; but I have begun to seriously appreciate the calm that comes between October and December.

Thanksgiving is just one of those holidays that is a good return on investment. You get to visit family, eat loads of delicious food and maybe even take in a movie, do a bit of shopping or play a friendly football game in the cow pasture (okay, so not everyone has a cow pasture for playing, but any old yard or park will do). There are no presents to purchase and no packages to wrap; just bring a dish or two (yes, I’ll be making Nannie’s pecan pie), wear something with elastic, show up with a smile and plan to stay awhile. There’s no need to make multiple trips to the attic ahead of time, because decorations are minimal with a few hand turkeys here and some multi-colored leaves there. You might even get to eat on the fancy dishes and actually use that gravy boat that has been gathering dust since this time last year.

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You just can’t beat a turkey coloring tablecloth and a huge jar of olives!

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There’s always something for the kids (and grownups) to enjoy, like this turkey craft kit.

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One never knows when the aunts might show up sporting all their craziness!

Thanksgiving, by design, is meant to give us a day to pause and reflect on all our blessings, to give thanks for our family and friends and for all that gives our lives some meaning. It is a time for remembrance and appreciation and a time for laughter and warmth. For me, Thanksgiving is the calm that comes between October and December and the restoration that comes before the scurry and hurry of the grand daddy of all holidays. It is a day to refocus on what really matters and a day to appreciate everyone in our lives.

So to all my family and friends, I thank the Lord for your presence in my life. I am truly blessed!

 

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