A mild November morning, a treat, the outdoors called and we answered. I popped my head into Grace’s room and said, “Do you want to come outside, with Sarah and me?” We three went together into the sweet air of the new day.
It was approximately 7:30 a.m.
Sarah’s pink sweater was crocheted for her big sister, Grace, 11 years ago, by her Great Great Grandma. These sweaters (she made two others, one for Jacob and one for Ethan) have been a constant delight to put on my babies. They zip right up the back, have an adorable pointed hood to keep the little ears warm, and were made with loving hands.
After letting out the chickens, we went over to the play set and I put Sarah in the swing.
These next pictures were taken one after the other…watch her little hand….
It was a happy time playing outside with our baby. She is a wonderful heavy armful of pure joy.
Yes, she is our pretty doll, and we all adore her.
Back inside, Sarah played on the floor, on a blanket I crocheted a few years ago.
She insisted on playing with toys that matched her little nightgown! 
These pictures recorded about an hour of our morning. Since then, we have been busy getting things done for Thanksgiving day. Ethan and I went (with Sarah) to Costco to get the turkey. We had to park way far away from Costco but we didn’t mind because the weather was so nice. We pawed through all the fresh Butterball turkeys so we could buy The Biggest One. It was 22 pounds. After getting a few more random items, we left that crazy place and came back home to schoolwork, reading, and naps.
I took a nap with Sarah and if she hadn’t woke me up I would be sleeping still. Really!
((loves)) Shanda
PS. I am thankful for YOU. Blogging has become such a bright spot in my life because of the friends I have met here. Thank you for your gracious friendship and loving notes day after day.
Good to be Home 
precious pictures!
Wonderful – delightful pictures. I appreciate your friendship as well.
The last one on the swing with her little fist is just yummy! You cannot look at it and not smile!!!! Loved reading your description of a little chapter in your busy day!
She is just beautiful~ CinnamonHappy Thanksgiving
Beautiful baby! I had one of those zip-up-the-back sweaters for Bethany. I loved it! We have a 22 lb turkey too. Have a wonderful time preparing for Thanksgiving and Thanksgiving day. I am thankful for YOU!
Sara is such a sweet little thing. She looks so happy with her smile and shining eyes. I enjoy reading your posts… a good mama.
Sara is just so beautiful. I love that little sweater too. Gifts like that are so priceless. Happy Thanksgiving to You, Sara and Your all family. Much love 🙂
She is such a happy girl. Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Such beautiful pictures of sweet Sarah. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. You’re blog makes my day..I always look forward to your posts and beautiful pictures.
She is so yummy!!! What a great way to start the day!
what a beautiful time you had with your girls. I love that sweet little sweater. Shanda, I hope you have a beautiful time of Thanksgiving with your dear family? will it just be you and Rich and the kids, or will you have visitors. reading about everyone’s Thanksgiving prep has been making me want to bake up a storm. since my dad is from New York state we have celebrated in the past for him as well 😉 perhaps we can do that this weekend as well.
She’s a doll! I love the picture of the two of you- it reminds me that I need to take more pictures of each of my children with me. You just look too young to have seven children!
She is so cute and happy!
I think Sarah looks much like Caleb. What do you think? I bet the chilly fresh air was wonderful with that warm bundle in your arms!P.S. I, too, am thankful for you.
Beautiful post! Love the thankful quotes with the pictures on this post and your last one also! 🙂 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
I love all of the pictures of Sarah, especially the last one. I think it is so funny that Seth was the more petite baby, but they are both so cute in their own ways.I’m envious of your autumnal walk outdoors . . . it is hot, hot, hot here. Listening to the kids play Jingle Bells and Silent Night just doesn’t seem right, especially when I am hanging out the laundry and smelling the neighbor’s honeysuckle blossoms.
What a wonderful,happy armful you have!Wishing you a Blessed Thanksgiving!
she is just a angel!
Great shots. The lovely little sweater looks like it is brand new. Homemade is always the best! 🙂
Aw. She is so cute. I can see her growing too quickly. : ( I would not want to venture to Costco at all between now and next week! yikes.
You have such happy looking babies Shanda. Love that little hand and fist on the swing. I am thankful for you dear lady!
Thank you for sharing some of the most vulnerable parts of your life with us. What a gift you are and always so inspiring to me 🙂 Have a Fabulous day!
Awww.. she certainly IS an armful of joy! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your sweet family!
so adorable! love your anne of green gables music! i recognized it right away!
What a happy, happy baby – she truly lives up to her name!”Gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” I might have to borrow that quote for my Thanksgiving post today!
@mytoesareblue – Rich and I are having Thanksgiving here at home with the kids AND my parents, AND my sister and her family, AND my brother. However, it will seem like a small group b/c my two other brothers couldn’t make it this year.
What an adorable and precious Baby. You are so very blessed. Wish I lived closer so I could spend some time cuddling your adorable pink bundle! And what a blessing to have those sweaters for your children. I cherish the blanket my Grandma made for my oldest. She died of cancer a couple years ago and I miss her so much but it is so wonderful have the things she made and labored over out of love for my littles. And I am thankful for YOU also. I feel while reading your blog as if we are close friends. 🙂 I love your posts and they bring joy to my heart many times. Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
WISHING YOU AND YOURS A WONDERFUL THANKSGIVING DAY I REALIZE THAT I AM IN A W OMENS WORLD I TRUST YOU ARE NOT OFFENDED BY AN OLDER GENTLEMAN DROPPING A COMMENT EVERY NOW ND THEN. YOUR FAMILY HAS BECOME VERY SPECIAL TO ME–BLESSINGS–MERLE
Thankful for you too and the beautiful posts. I could just kiss little Sarah’s cheeks! Again, love the fall colors!