Thanksgiving Blessings!

I had so much fun last Saturday! A group of ladies from my daughter's (Chelsey) church came and lunch at the store - about eleven of them! Before that, I had just had a group from Tonganoxie. I served Taco Soup with Tortillas and Creamy Potato Soup in homemade bread bowls, with pecan pie and chunky chocolate brownies for dessert. New friends and old friends...what a great combination! It was just an overall wonderful day! Thank you ladies, for coming in and I hope you come back and visit real soon!

My daughter, Chelsey, and her husband Bryan, are flying off to Florida this evening for the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a wonderful opportunity and they are so excited! I am happy for them, but will miss them on Thanksgiving - my first time without Chelsey on a holiday. Sniff, sniff...Oh well, they will have a ball!

Darrin and I, and Erica and Kailey will be heading out to Plainville for the holiday Wednesday night. I cannot wait to go spend time with my mom and dad, Lyle and Nancy Dunning, and my sister, Jill and her husband Scotty, and my nieces, Emma, Ellie and Claire. Last but absolutely NOT least....my nephew, Ean. The only boy in my family. He's not spoiled at ALL! :) I am also happy that my Aunt Martha will be there; like old times!

Well, I pray that you and yours have a very blessed Thanksgiving! Thank you, God, for every person reading this blog and bless them beyond measure!

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas!

We have been busy decorating and putting out our wonderful Christmas items, including new and vintage treasures! I've attached pictures so you can see how much fun we are having getting ready for my favorite time of year! I also have new goodies arriving soon, so check back!

Darrin and I have also been busy decorating our home for Christmas - we have lots of blowmolds and lights and other delights! I will post pictures soon!

In the meantime, please come and visit me and have some freshly ground coffee and Christmas goodies!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

"Old" Friends

Today I had the pleasure of seeing two "old" friends, Claudia and Marjorie. They came into the shop, not knowing that I was here; it was so wonderful to see them both! It just brought back tons of memories for me, as Claudia was the FIRST person I met when my little family first moved to Topeka 18 years ago. We cross paths every now and then, and I never tire of hearing from her the story of how we first met; walking into Western Hills Baptist Church for the first time, with Chelsey, who was 4, and Erica, who was 2, in their little dresses I had sewn for them. Claudia says she remembers it so well, and she was the one who welcomed us into Topeka and therein began a wonderful chapter of our lives, surrounded by some beautiful people whom I will never forget! Aaaaaahhh...memories!

Marjorie also reminded me of a time in my life when another friend, Chris, and I would put on these fabulous Christmas parties, and invite all of our women friends for an ornament exchange. We would have it at Chris's house; and I would do the baking and cooking, while she was in charge of the decorating. It gave all of us a chance to get to know each other better, exchange ornaments and build some great friendships! I remember making homemade Double Layer Almond Cake, decorated with buttercream frosting, with edible glitter, and a bow around it like a package. Maybe I'll make that for the cafe this year during the holiday season!

So, thank you to my "old" friends (who really aren't that OLD) for bringing a special smile to my day today! And please come back soon!