Thanksgiving

This year my mom and sister delegated me as the host for Thanksgiving dinner.  When was first told of my assignment, I went into complete panic mode.  Me...do the turkey... I've never even cooked a whole chicken!  Fortunately, I was able to do a practice run several weeks before Thanksgiving. 

After effectively cooking my first 8 pound turkey, I was feeling more confident.  The week before thanksgiving I bought a 18.25 pound turkey.  I was still feeling nervous about making the turkey... in fact one of my students described my feelings perfectly.  He said, "You practiced on a 8 pound turkey and you plan on making a 18 pound turkey?  Don't you think that's kind of going from the Little Leagues to the Majors?"

The day before Thanksgiving we prepared the house and made 2 pumpkin pies.  We were ready for the "Big Show." 

On Thanksgiving Day everyone arrived around 1 and the festivities began.  Granny brought a ham, Jane brought green beans, deviled eggs,a strawberry dessert, and cheesecake bites, my mom brought corn and 2 pecan pies, Lauren brought mash potatoes and rolls, and I provided the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pies.  We had a feast!  Everything was so delicious!  Including the turkey!  I feel so accomplished in making the turkey!  It was so great being with family and seeing Claire experience her first Thanksgiving.  We have so much to be thankful for.  I am most thankful for Jerry, my family and friends. 

(This is the turkey after we took all the stuffing out)

Over the next few days, Jerry and I ate lots of left overs, decorated for Christmas,  went shopping, and hung out with family and friends.  It is a tradition that we buy an ornament every year for Christmas. 

This was last years:

This is this years. 



I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and is looking forward to Christmas!