When I think about Thanksgiving, of course the very first thing that pops into my head is well duh, the FOOD! Turkey, ham, corn, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, green been casseroles, oh I can go on and on, and we haven't even addressed the desserts and the wonderful pumpkin pie!
I will never forget the year that my Mom and I went to my Aunt and Uncle's house in MA for Thanksgiving. I remember being told that I was in charge of making a dish. Me? Cook? Let me tell you a little secret.... as a youngin, well, boiling water was a challenge. However, after doing some research, I decided that I would be in charge of the Cranberry Sauce. Easy peasy.... open can, dump on plate, make it look pretty.
The house was full. All of my cousins were there, Aunts and Uncles, and Grandparents. The plan was to eat around 2pm. We all sat around just enjoying each others company, playing games, being kids. Then all of a sudden tragedy struck. Somehow, in the mess of it all the oven turned off and our Turkey was FAR from being done. My Aunt was so upset. I remember just hearing swear word after swear word flowing out of her mouth, which of course just made us all laugh. We didn't end up eating that day until around 6pm. Although it wasn't ideal and we swore we were being starved, it was a day I'll always remember. A memory that will always stick with me.
Although the food is wonderful, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy the people around you, enjoy the things that you have, and be thankful for all of the wonderful little treasures in your life. My life has been full of so much change over the last year, however I am so incredibly thankful for so many things. I am thankful for my beautiful children. They are my world and have taught me so much more than I could have ever imagined. I am thankful for my parents for standing by my side and supporting me, and I am thankful for my friends. The ones that I have known for more than half of my life and have always had my back. The ones that I can always count on. Although my life is far from perfect, it is a beautiful mess and I am thankful for it.
Last Thanksgiving, I hosted the family dinner for around 22 people. Here are a few pictures of the food, the crafts, and the table setup. My favorite of course was the Turkey biscuit holder. My kids love doing crafts, and I of course love enabling their creative little minds. So we cut up paper, used jumbo popsicle sticks and they created all of the turkey's feathers. From their, we used a big bowl as the base, used some craft paper to create the Turkey head, and then glued it all together. This was not only a blast to make, but the kids loved how everyone commented on it at dinner.
The Turkey Biscuit Holder Made by the Kids
"Giving Thanks" Candles that I made with white candles, burlap, and black felt.
One side reads "Thanks" while the other reads "Giving"
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Thanksgiving Menu: Turkey, Ham, Mac & Cheese, Green Bean Casserole, Honey Glazed Carrots, Corn, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Cranberry Sauce, and Stuffing
Delicious Pumpkin Cheesecake Decorated with Candy Corn and Candy Pumpkins
Surrounded by Pumpkin Cookies
