Happy Thanksgiving, Cooked Turkey

We had a nice, relaxed Thanksgiving.  That is what I love about staying home for holidays (though I'm only adament about Christmas).  Monday I attempted to spend time relaxing with the kids.  We watched movies and played and read, but I have to admit that it is really hard to sit and "do nothing" when to-do lists are beckoning from the computer desk.  Tuesday was cleaning day; and Wednesday was spent baking, baking, baking.  The kids helped a bit, though I think they were a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of items that had to be prepared -- four loaves of pumpkin bread, a pumpkin pie, a pecan pie, a cheeseball, and french onion dip.  Still, they added the cutest and probably most appreciated touch to the day:  they took a loaf of pumpkin bread to each of our neighbors. . . in the rain.  Needless to say they received a warm welcome at both homes.

Wednesday night they also went with Jason to pick Ging-Ging L. up from the airport.  Of course they are always thrilled to see Ging-Ging who comes bearing little gifts and lots of energy that momma seems to lack sometimes. 

Thursday began with the Macy's parade on TV, though the kids quickly dragged Ging-Ging downstairs to play most of the morning.  Since our turkey was a mere 10-pounder, and Jason likes eating festive meals mid-afternoon, I didn't have too much to do till noon.  So, I reveled in day-after-Thanksgiving ads.  There was really only one harried hour in my day -- that hour before eating when it feels you are suddenly having to prepare way too many dishes.  But can you have too much food on T-day?  I think not.

It struck me as funny when, at the end of the day, Jason sat down by me and said in a mopey voice, I feel like all I've done is lay around, watch TV, and eat all day.  WELL, DUH!  I told him to pull aside just about any man in America and he would find a sympathetic ear. 

So, what am I thankful for?

• A gracious, forgiving, and ever confident Father God.
• A wonderful Savior.
• The help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  (I need it!)
• An ever growing and strengthening marriage to a wonderful man who challenges me (in a good way) and stretches me and forces me to really think for myself.
• A friendly big 4 year old boy who sometimes just melts my heart with the things he says.
• A beautiful 2 year old girl who loves to give me kisses and hugs.
• A sweet-as-can-be 6 month old boy who smiles EVERY TIME he sees me, even if he is in the middle of crying his little eyes out.
• Two parents who I KNOW pray dilegently for me, Jason, and our children EVERY SINGLE DAY.  (Don't know how we'd make it through without those prayers.)
• A brother whom I have great memories with (like singing oldies in the car on the way to grandma's one summer).
• Two in-laws who love their grandchildren enormously.  Couldn't ask for more giving grandparents.
• A sister-in-law who never fails to make me laugh -- she is very gifted that way -- so funny when she wants to be.
• Good friends in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Virginia. . . the kind that you know you'll be communicating with for years and years to come.
• A wonderful aunt who has been much closer than any aunt to me my whole life.  (It's always nice to know you have someone like that in your corner.)
• And then, of course, all the physical things: home, health, food, clothing. . .  God provides!

And, for those looking for good recipe's, here's what was on the menu:

• Roast turkey (of course).
• Crock-Pot Stuffing.
• Philadelphia Potatoes (used full fat cream cheese and half-n-half).
• Sweet Potatoes (from a can) with this Pecan Marshmallow Streusel (I added some shredded coconut).
• Green Bean Casserole (always a must).
• Corn.
• Cranberry Salad (one can cranberry sauce + chopped apple or orange + cinnamon or nutmeg + chopped pecans, walnuts, or celery + apple juice or orange juice + strawberry jam).
• Green Goop (an L family tradition) (a small tub of Cool Whip + a small can of crushed pineapple + a package of pistachio pudding mix).
• Delicious Pumpkin Bread.
• Apple pie from our wonderful neighbors.
• Pumpkin Pie.
• Pecan Pie (from The Lady and Sons, Too! plus extra pecans).
• Pumpkin Cheese Ball with crackers.
• Lipton French Onion Dip with chips and pretzels.
• Curry Dip with veggies (I used sour cream instead of mayo and added extra curry powder -- we love curry).
• Sugar and Spice Dip with apple slices (a small tub of Cool Whip + 1/4c. Brown sugar + 1/4tsp. Cinnamon + Dash Nutmeg).

Phew!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!