Kevin and I hosted Thanksgiving this year, only at our house. Our teeny house with it's teeny kitchen. And people still came! Mom drove up for the day with her folks and Craig. We always love having Craig, and he was quite a good sport about our lack of televised football. After I informed my brother, David, about the missing football, he decided he was better off somewhere else (just kidding, Dave. But I know you didn't miss us AS MUCH, knowing about the football thing).
We were pretty organized. Menu, shopping mostly done over the weekend. Cooking and prep work even started on Wednesday while Patrick was at daycare. The food turned out pretty good, and I think we'll stick with the menu (only a few tweeks necessary). We brined the turkey and it was amazing. Super moist with that great crunchy skin. Oyster stuffing courtesy of Rachael Ray was a hit with most, Mom turned out to have a funny aversion to the oysters. Next year we'll just tell her they are mushrooms. Sweet potato souffle, brussel sprouts with bacon, green beans with walnut oil, cheddar mustard potato gratin, and Costco rolls. Plus lots of wine!
A few funny notes:
My grandmother told me I'd never have to worry about them wanting to live with us because our house is all wrong.
I told my Mom to take any leftovers she wanted. Turns out she brought her own Tupperware with her.
My Mom made That Face whenever we talked about the cost of something.
Patrick didn't want to share anything with anybody, missed his nap, but fell asleep at 4pm while we let him watch WordWorld during the end of dinner.
He also refused all food except the whipped cream.
The family headed home around 6:30pm, Patrick was in bed by 7pm, and Kevin was asleep before 8pm.
Today was a great family day. Kevin worked in the morning, and Patrick slept until 7:10am. Miraculous. We played, watched some movies, colored, and visited the library. He boycotted his nap but hung out in his room for 30 minutes. Some family time at home, then Kevin asked about going to Target. I declined, but said Hey! Take the kid! Patrick took a short nap for Daddy in the stroller. I stayed home and got some chores done. Boring but nice to do quickly and efficiently, kid free. That big boy room keeps calling my name, I've got to paint! We had a wonderful evening as VIP's at the opening of ZooLights! We got in early, had some complimentary treats and hot chocolate, and watched them "flip the switch." Patrick did wonderful, it helped that he was pretty subdued and content to sit in his stroller. The Zoo looks so beautiful every year, and it's become a tradition for us to visit at least once. We usually come with spiked cocoa, but maybe next time :) My only complaint is my back and hip are aching like crazy after a long five days with minimal rest. I'm limping pretty badly, and it's a difficult reminder of how important it is I cut back my activity. I walked the dogs an hour almost daily with my first pregnancy. I'm living the truth I tell women every day: each time is different. I know too well how many things can go wrong. If this is the worst I'm a lucky girl. But it's still a challenge.
I guess I'll go have some pie.
(there are no posted pictures because we forgot to take any. Typical)
3 comments:
A thought about Word World... It is an awesome show, and we have been watching it since it came out. As a result, both of my kids can sound out words, and Austin is reading at the first grade level. Amber is right behind him.
Your kitchen has room for at least three cooks - it's almost twice as big as mine.
And you are a skinny pregnant woman. But not too skinny. :)
It was a great dinner - I even loved the dressing.....when I took a bite that was oyster free!!
But you did a super job - Now only if we didn't have to drive 6 hours in one day to enjoy it!!
Post a Comment