Thanksgiving dinner

I know, I'm behind. I'm just having the hardest time getting myself jump started into the holidays. I was all gun ho for Halloween and then it just kind of petered out. I just don't feel the Christmas spirit yet. Maybe when I get the decorations up this weekend I'll change my mind.

It might also have something to do with having Jeff gone during the week. He's only home on the weekends and it's a mad dash to get everything done that we need to. I think I'm just feeling a little bit blue. I'm going to try to make it a little better though. I think I'll make some treats today... or take a nap. NO! No nap! Fight the urge!

OK, here's the pictures from our Thanksgiving meal. The plates use to be my moms. I was able to complete the set though. Lots of searching and thrift.

I didn't get to use all of my pretty serving wear this year. When we were condensing the kitchen, that was the fist stuff to go. So, the table isn't as picture perfect I like it to be for Thanksgiving.

The girls also got a gift. They were such big helps the day before, they totally deserved it. They wanted fuzzy socks and could talk of nothing else for the last two weeks. I found a great deal at Walmart. Lindsay stayed in her PJ's the whole day...everyday. She didn't wear regular clothes until school started back up.

Hmmm, where have I seen those before?

I was looking for interesting Christmas photos on Yahoo and I came across this picture.

It made me think, "Now why are these so familiar?" Then I remembered where I saw them first.

I think we'll be going traditional green this year, the wooden type. I'm sure if Lindsay were to see any of these she'd strongly disagree with my choice.

What kind of tree are you getting?

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I'm thankful for my family and the fabulous food we'll be eating all day.

I hope you all will have a wonderful and thankful day too.

*HAPPY THANKSGIVING*

Final Thanksgiving Prep

Well, it's after 10 and I'm all done. The kitchen is clean and ready for tomorrow and everything that needed to be made in advanced is.

There is one casualty. I'm opting out of fruit salad this year. I know. It's sad, and maybe I'll change my mind tomorrow.

I got all of my pies done and I think they are going to be wonderful. Especially the banana cream pie. My aunt Janice came to the rescue and gave me grandma's tried and true recipe. I got a little taste of it and I can tell you it is DIVINE!!! I strongly urge you all to try it. You'll find it in the comment section in one of the posts below...ya, I'm too lazy and tired to tell you which one, sorry.

So, here are the remaining pictures of my prosperous day. I feel very accomplished.

This is for the stuffing tomorrow.

These are for the vegi platter. I cut up other stuff too, but didn't photograph it.

Ya, it's u-g-l-y. It does have an alibi, it's yummy! Ya ya it's yummy!

I made a cheese ball for tomorrow and it's killer yummy. I didn't have a recipe, maybe I'll put it up if anyone's interested.

Finally, the miracle of it all...the kitchen is clean and ready for tomorrow. {sigh} It was a good day.

Thanksgiving Prep Part 2

I've finished with a bunch of stuff on my list. I don't have the list with me, so you'll just have to take my word for it. : )

Georgia Pudding stuff all done and ready for the oven tomorrow.

Went a different route with the cherry pie this year. I thought it would be fun to use these and make it closer to scratch.

I'm hoping that they look better after they're cooked.

It looks pretty now. :)

Pie shells for the pumpkin pie. They were a pain to get into the pan. Then I remembered my little trick with wax paper...on my last crust of the day.

Loverly.

The natural light is gone, so the pictures aren't going to be as nice looking.

Jell-O ready for the white stuff.

I'm still not done. Man, I'm wishing I'd have skipped the nap. I'm way behind. Jeff couldn't come home yet. He's going to be late because someone called in "sick". I would've made them come in anyway.

Thanksgiving Prep Part 1

OK. I've got items 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 off the list. The nap was longer than I expected...it's kind of embarrassing how long I slept so we'll just move on. {sheepish grin}

Starting the yams for the Georgia Pudding

They look and smell great!

Lindsay came home from school ready to help with pie dough

One soon turned into 5. I LOVE my food processor!

Time to start the very traditional Cranberry Raspberry Jell-O salad. The first layer ingredients.

Time to start the Pumpkin Pie. Abbey came home just in time. This is one of her favorite things. Not so sure about the pumpkin. I'm wishing I'd have just bought Libbie's. I'm a sucker for a deal though.

Well that's the first bit. I've got a bunch more to go. Stay tuned. :)

It begins....

Today is baking day. It's been my tradition for the past 10 years to do a marathon prep/baking day, the day before Thanksgiving. I'm soooo excited to start. I have about 18 things on my list to tick off. Yes, I made a list. : )

One thing I still need to do is to find a really good recipe for a banana cream pie. I'm looking for one that uses flour instead of cornstarch, so if you happen to have one....do tell.

I can't lie though, I'm feeling the strongest urge to go take a nap while the kids are in school. I'm really tired. Jeff has a temporary job in Pasco, so he's gone all week and comes home on the weekend. I'll be single parenting it for a while, but it's not so bad, just a little bit more exhausted at the end of the day. I just really miss having him around. I'm SO excited to have him come home this evening though. {SMILE}

I would like to get a little sappy right now. I just want to proclaim my thankfulness. I'm so thankful that I have food. I can't help but think of those that go without everyday. I can't help but be thankful for a kitchen at my disposal, full of food.

I will try to do posts throughout the day showing my progress....but that nap is calling.