First Thanksgiving: 2012

Okay, so it's not my first Thanksgiving-but it was my first time hosting it. Shane's parents came in for his first round of the playoffs, and after spending a weekend in Savannah on the coast, they returned for the week of Thanksgiving with us at our humble abode : ) Here is the month in review via pictures-backing up a few weeks and taking us all the way to this weekend! Life has been hectic, and Shane is really feeling the weight of teaching, coaching, and staying on top of his masters-along with the rest of life that is NOT work related (having a child on the way for instance : ) ). In the midst of our attempts to keep our feet on the ground and cast our cares on the Lord, it was good to take out time to reflect on all the ways we are truly blessed. 

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As the Fall weather set in, I couldn't help but want to experiment with some Fall baking! I got this recipe from my sister Racquel-and it sounded too good to pass up! a recipe for Apple Cider Donut Holes tweaked for the gluten intolerant crowd : ) 

 So good!!!

I also did a little functional baking, and made some "Gender Reveal" Cupcakes for my colleagues at work. So, as you can see from the above picture, it is official-we are having a little GIRL!!! 

I made one of my favorites- Pumpkin Spice cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting. 

Even though most of my seventh grade colleagues were convinced I was having a boy, they were very excited as they bit into their cupcakes and discovered the pink filling! 

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Shane's parents started their visit 2 Friday's ago at GAC for round 1 of playoffs!!!

The Spartans clenched a victory, and this coach is clearly happy. 

Basking in the win and being together. 

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After weeks, okay maybe months, of planning, Thanksgiving had finally come! I was, and am, thankful  that my pregnancy has not given me a strong aversion to raw meat! 

It was quite the adventure as I sorted through cleaning out and preparing my herb and butter roasted turkey. 

I was thankful for the coaching and moral support ( via Mom Woodward) as I entered into uncharted territory. 

No turning back!!! 

Got up and baked some cornbread for the the cornbread stuffing-later to be toasted, crumbled, and added to a mixture of shallots, mushrooms, pecans, and other tasty ingredients. (and of course it was all gluten free!!!) 

Mom & Shane peeling and chopping for the Butterscotch Apple Crisp. 

Dad watching some Thanksgiving Day Football.

Such a process!!!

The final browning process.

Final Product=A Success. Thank you Martha Stewart for a moist, delicious turkey!!! 

                     

The Carvesman : ) 

Cornbread Stuffing

Corn & Green Beans

Buttermilk Spinach and Herb Potatoes

Homemade gluten free gravy. This was not an easy task, as anyone making gluten free gravy knows(took about 4 x as long to thicken! I was getting nervous), but it was sooooo worth it! Liquid Gold : ) haha

Raspberry Jello Mold (Woodward Tradition)

The thankful crew : )

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The last night that Shane's parents were in town they were able to go to round 2 of the playoffs in Franklin, GA out towards Alabama. The three of us roadtripped out there to see GAC match up with the Heard County Braves. Talk about Country!!! It was definitely an experience! 

The game was extremely exciting. Most of the entire first half consisted of both offenses matching each other touchdown for touchdown, and it was clear this game could change in momentum at any turn. 

The defensive players struggled to show up mentally the first half, but after a solid first half offensively and a couple good stops defensively (along with many prayers!!), they arrived in the second half, and even managed an exciting interception!!! 

 The final score says it all-and although painful and stressful at times for the defensive coaches-they took away a well deserved win! (We will be playing round 3 this upcoming Friday at home on the Spartan Field)

The initial celebration on the field.

Coach Hardy reminding the players that they are not done yet! 

Happy Coach

Defense Debriefing

Spartan Mascot

Ending time with family is never easy, but it was fun to end on such an exciting positive note!!! Such a good week. 

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Shane's mom also brought us a few things of Shane's from when he was a baby, including this Wedgwood set from his Aunt Beth. 

It was used only on special occasions, and was in perfect condition,

Peter Rabbit story and all!!!

 So cute!

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I of course wasted little time in swapping out the pumpkins for the Christmas tree : ) 

Our beloved LED USB tree : ) 

Ornaments

Stockings

Nativity

Shane breaking down film while I bustle around the apartment and play Christmas music : ) He loves me : ) 

 Advent (a little early maybe, we are exercising self control)

Trying not to wish this Christmas season away, as we anticipate our Baby Shower in Chicago and spending the Holidays with Family up North!!!!! 

Here is a pretty rough "mirror Picture" of me at about 22 1/2 weeks. I feel a lot bigger than I look. Trying to stay comfortable at this very uncomfortable stage! Still battling day long nausea and heartburn, but trying to keep busy and not dwell on it! Here you can see my new "Cosby Sweater" as Shane and I have dubbed it-definitely fell a little more flattering on the model online-but man is it comfortable!! haha!

3 1/2 weeks left of school-pray Shane and I both handle it with grace and patience!!!

-M.W.