I’m pumped for our family time this weekend! And so are the kids. Packing up the house and suitcases for a few days of fun was the highlight of the short week.
For some reason I feel “behind” in my holiday preparations this year. Maybe it’s because the weather has been so nice (just 70* last week Friday) and felt like summer was making a come-back. The little holiday items that I usually take care of quite early, end of October, just did not happen this year. Preparing the Holiday cards, starting to shop for Christmas, family photos, holiday dresses, etc. all felt rushed this year. I ordered a lot of things online this week, and took advantage of the Tiny Prints 40% off + free shipping sale that ended yesterday for photo cards.
Certainly there will be more sales for all the gifts I’m a about to buy and I’m definitely NOT really behind in anything that important. I need to keep in mind that these are first world issues, my stress is self-induced and what really matters are the people we spend our time with, not all these “things” we have to do.
So that brings us to the kick-off holiday to the best time of the year, Thanksgiving. A time to remember all that we have and are grateful for. A time to share some laughs, love, big hugs and the biggest meal of the year.
This year I’m thankful for my health and my family. Without good health you have nothing and I’ve had some moments this year that really put things in perspective. My family is everything and I’m so proud of these two kids and how fun, loving and kind they are. Their hearts are definitely in the right place. And my husband. Without his dedication and very hard work and extremely long hours + call schedule, over an hour commute each way to his outreach clinics 3 times every week + two days in Madison, we wouldn’t have the amazing opportunities or experiences that we have. Never in a million years did I think we would have this life and these experiences.  Every single day I wake up with a grateful heart because you never know what tomorrow will bring.
For tomorrow, here is what we have planned:
Nut-Free, Vegetarian Thanksgiving Menu at Mom’s House

• Turkey – free range, organic from Whole Foods (for the meat eaters)
• Turkey gravy – stock + corn starch and water
• Rhodes Bake ‘n Serve dinner rolls – spoke to the bakery and they are made in a nut-free facility
• Gillian’s Stuffing – purchased from Metro Market, free from wheat, gluten, soy, nuts, dairy, but DOES contain egg. We’re making it with vegetable stock.
• Cranberries – from a can because they are so 1980
• Cranberries – from our neighbor, homemade
• Roasted acorn squash + Parmesan
• Roasted Brussel Sprouts + craisins
• Green Bean Casserole – frozen green beans, campbell’s Soup + Onions, all safe
• Bluebunny vanilla ice cream – allergy statement has changed, but this is something we have let Chloe eat forever, and we have not had any issues.
• Homemade Apple Pie
• Homemade Pumpkin Pie – Penzeys spices, Libby Pumpkin and Pillsbury crust all safe
•  Warre’s Warrior Port Wine – for the grown ups!
• Kim Crawford – did you know Kim makes a rose? must try!

 
 
Cheers! I hope you are surrounded by love and happiness this Thanksgiving. Thank YOU for stopping by my blog.
xoxo