Our House in the Middle of Our Street

via Remembrance and Veterans' Day, a day to remember what our countries have been through to provide you with the freedom you have in this lifetime. Be thankful. As always, some picturebooks to help children understand what this day is about: * Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion by Jane Barclay * A Poppy is to Remember by Heather Patterson * Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh by Sally M. Walker (fantastic history lesson here about a well known bear) * The Wall by Eve Bunting * H is for Honor by Devin Scillian * The Poppy Lady by Barbara Walsh

via * Happy Thanksgiving, friends! Take the day the weekend to hug and kiss those you love, spend time with friends and family over good food, and be kind to those store employees if you head out on Black Friday. They need your patience and kindness, too!  This year I'm thankful for a warm, comfy bed when I'm tired, plenty of food in my cupboards, healthy and thriving children, a steady husband (whose birthday is tomorrow ! Wish him happy 29th!) who makes me laugh more than anyone else, and God's provision, even when we question it. We have much to be thankful for.  *To purchase this print by artist, Katie Daisy, head here . 

View of Vancouver from Stanley Park's Third Beach, and trail A little compare and contrast, if you will. Canadian Pros: *landscapes *suspension bridges *poutine *chocolates (ohh doesn't compare, American friends!) *dogs everywhere *maternity leave *accessible French children's books (this *might* be a niche..) *thrift stores American pros: *hulu *banking  *no library probationary periods (also, perhaps a niche..) *cheap cheese  *cheap gas *receiving packages *alcohol sold in grocery stores *artists  *flea market towns

A quick break on our nightly walk. Cheating, as this was yesterday's, but I like it.

Although somewhat drab in color, this photo represents a daily occurrence of our fat squirrels who like to nibble out of the homemade birdhouse.

Source: Uploaded by user via Cami on Pinterest Yes, I know this isn't my picture, and ahem*, I'm working on it! Every stinkin' time I make this, I try to remember to take a picture of it for the blog, and every time there is almost none left...when I remember. Anyway. What you need to know : This is a mix between baked apples, baked oatmeal, and apple crisp...with fruit. Yeah. I'll try to remember to publish a photo when I make it again, you work on making this crowd pleaser. This dish is great because it: 1) makes your house smell good 2) is pretty darn healthy 3) it's easy peasy 4) Who doesn't love apples in the Fall? This recipe was adapted from The New Better Homes and Garden Cook Book. Ingredients: 4-6 cooking apples (I used Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, and Granny Smith...because I like them) 1/2 cup+ raisins 2 tblsp brown sugar (or sucanat, or honey) 1 tblsp cinnamin 1 tblsp nutmeg 1/2 cup apple juice 1/2 cup thick oats 1/3 cup slivered or chopped nuts (al...