Thankful For "Just Another Play Date"

I have always found it slightly odd when you first meet the parent of your child's new favorite friend.  Who is to know if the connection of two 3 year olds will carry over for their moms?  I met Isaac's mom at pick up and drop off at school and was pretty sure we could find something to talk about while our kids played together.

At first, our conversation was strictly about the kids and the challenges of being a "stay at home" mom. Which, by the way, isn't really a fair term. Every "stay at home" knows the worst thing you can do is "stay at home". Anyway,  it wasn't long before we started discussing what we do in our "free time".  We quickly realized that we have more in common than "staying at home".

We soon discovered that we shared a passion for art and creating new pieces for decorating our homes.  Soon Isaac's mom became Coleen and we began trading project ideas and discovering new mediums to work with.  

Months later, at just another play date,  we started the conversation about what we would do if we could turn our passion for creativity (painting, sewing, designing) into a real business.  Coleen casually threw out this idea of dessert tables, that she had recently been introduced to by her sister-in-law,  and it was as if the music stopped.... that sounds like a genius idea! This is how Genius Dessert Tables was born.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I am especially thankful for that play date. Not only did I gain a business and business partner, but I gained a lifelong friend.

What are you most thankful for? 

Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

Remember your old pal Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving feast? What better way to include the whole family than to have a mini dessert table complete with all of Charlie Brown's favorites: toast, jelly beans, popcorn and pretzels.

In true Genius fashion, we dressed it up a bit, using ribbon, the beloved chevron print, and a bold pattern for the tablecloth.This is a treat that all ages can truly enjoy, before heading over to grandma's for the real feast!

What are your Thanksgiving plans?  How do you include the little ones in preparing for the holidays?  What would your children prepare for their own Thanksgiving feast?