I survived Thanksgiving 2011

The rundown....

I put my husband in complete charge of the turkey. He woke up at 7:30 to get it going for 8:30. Mark wandered in at this point and wondered what in the world dad was doing to that chicken's bootie.  He had found a recipe online for stuffing the bird with carrots, thyme and onion.  

Fast forward a couple hours and my kids bickering was getting on my nerves, so I put them to work making a turkey appetizer, much like I had put them to work the day before drawing and coloring table runners for our feast. 

They did a good job, if I do say so myself.

Done with the turkey I had them be quiet with other things. 

Our middle of the night arriving guests started waking up at about 10 - 10:30, and my husband took omelet orders for everyone. He runs a pretty good kitchen. My Friday morning omelet is cooking as I type this post.

We weren't doing this to pass the time before dinner twenty years ago. 

Then the sale ads and list making began. Lot of disappointment surrounding so many stores opening between 10pm and midnight this year.  

Our youngest guest. He reminded me a lot of my own kids - his cousins. My kids weren't much for the dull roar of a gathering buzz.  He'd instantly calm down when his momma brought him upstairs to a quieter place. Very much like my own kids. 

If you count the youngest guest, we had 19 for dinner. Uncle Calvin - who shared his birthday with Thanksgiving day, was remembering when Greg and I first moved into this house 14 Novembers ago, and two weeks later I had the whole gang over for dinner. I'm pretty sure that I also insisted I could do everything myself, and did. 

I've learned a lot over the years, This year I delegated the turkey, the potatoes, the raw vegetables, the green bean casserole and the yams. I hardly did a thing.  I even bought paper plates, which I usually don't do. 

The little boys learned all about Angry Birds and iPads
My mother-in-law and Aunt Susan made a delicious broth from the turkey remains
We nibbled and laughed well into the night
We enjoyed drop by company from Kathy and her boyfriend Dino
We laughed some more
Played Mad Libs

And at about 11:30 my brother-in-law and four teens/tween went to Kohls and at about 1am my sister-in-law, husband and myself all headed up to bed.

I tried for one sale at midnight on Amazon, but even though I hit the buy it button instantly - it sold out before it ever made it all the way to my cart.  Alas and such.

Today I'll make a turkey soup
We're getting company for the Fantasy of Lights parade
I'll probably wander downtown this afternoon and check out the shops, the tree auction, and other events.
Wendy and I will run a 5K

And we'll laugh some more.

Life is good.  

 

 

 

Comments

[Renee]

Thanks for painting a picture of Thanksgiving with the clan! Always feel lonesome for the Torm gathering if I am elsewhere. :) Sounds like a great time had by all!!

[AlanaM]

I love reading your family stories. My son is Calvin and I have a cousin Dino. It almost feels like my own family.