HAPPY THANKSGIVING

A favorite pic that didn't really fit anywhere but happened as we were decorating the tree:-)!!

Allow me to state that I decided this year, that I was inspired to try a 7 course meal instead of the usual overstuffed pig-a-thon.  I knew that it might be challenging for Diz to sit through all seven courses, but one must have experience to succeed at any given task in life.  So, despite that we were pleasantly surprised with a visit from Dad and Stephanie, I stayed with my original plan.  I was hoping that the day and the meal would still be pleasant for all.  I was stressed, with the change, and the "change" coupled with knowing Dizzy would be out of sorts having gone to bed late, and dinner was going to be served during his necessary nap time, BUT I tried for once, NOT controlling the situation and watching as it unfolded.  Interesting, and probably created many more happy memories for all in attendance, myself included, than me trying to create a pleasant memory by controlling everything and everyone in the moment so that it would be pleasant for all when I realized that my stress and control efforts probably made everyone else remember it with more negativity than the memories I was trying to create in the first place.  

So the day unfolded with happy memories instead of those fraught with frustration in trying to control an uncontrollable situation.  Darned humans with their own free will anyway!

I started off the morning with a chat to Amy which was really nice as I was setting about preparing our meal.  No one had called yet or come over, so it was nice and quiet and I was able to listen to Amy without interruption, and I didn't feel like a bad hostess abandoning my guests.  Then before anyone arrived I turned the Macy's parade and watched two bits of while preparing the meal.

Everyone arrived within minutes of each other.  Jeff had been busily cubing brick cheese, ham rolls and salami rolls for appetizers.  I was grateful for his assistance.  I put the sweet rolls on for people to munch while watching the parade.  I saw a few things take place that normally I would have intervened on but resisted the urge.  Amazingly these things worked themselves out nicely.  Bean had been groomed on the proper way to behave around his elders whereas Diz was just Diz.  Ideally, I would like to have a happy medium of behaviors, but enjoyed the dynamics all the same.

SO, the rolls burned on the bottom, but still everyone ate one.  I guess they tasted okay.  I also had hard boiled eggs for balance.  It was nice to see everyone eating, watching the parade, and laughing and interacting during commercial breaks.  While I was finishing up the rolls and making sure everyone had something to tide them over, I noticed the cubed cheese on the counter with the rolls and eggs, I said to Jeff "Oh no, that was the 7th course!"  Everyone thought that was hysterical and became the joke of the day.  We had the 7th course 1st as part of the snacks.  Then it progressed to which course is this the 1st of the 2nd as we already had the 7th etc.

After the parade Bean got to play Cribbage with Grandpa Vergara, a game he has waited to play with him for 2 years!  Dad said "No" the first year that Brandon requested a game with him, and was too sick to play last Thanksgiving.  This year he got his wish while I made final preparations.  He was so tickled even though he lost by 6 or 7 points.  I am realizing that often times the fondest memories are those with which I have little to do.  I know that sounds really self involved, but I always thought everyone being at their best behavior was the best way to ensure a happy memory, and I am pretty good at getting people to behave a certain way, a trait I am not sure is wisest.

At 1:30 I served the first course, and by 2:30 the fourth course was finished.  The 5th course...not ready for 1/2 hour, so everyone took a walk except Neil and Diz and Rissy to was of great assistance in the kitchen.  I tried something new with the turkey.  I surrounded it with bacon, put it in a bag and let it cook.  I took it out of the oven and it looked gross!  SO I had to put it BACK in the oven with the bag open.  I am told that the bacon added moisture rather than flavor.  After the pumpkin pie disaster of many years ago, I hoped the opposite would be true that a yucky looking food could taste wonderful.  I heard no complaints so it must have been palatable, if not presentable. The remained of the meal progressed without incident.  

I decided, after hearing a great tradition idea on the radio, that I would start my own and asked everyone to write a message on a tablecloth, which I will embroider over the coming months and add to it each year.  Even Diz got to write on the tablecloth.

So, while I was treated to many helpers in the kitchen, and everything was cleaned up really quickly, I had the boys play with Play-dough and the big boys go down and get the Christmas tree, as is our tradition.  Dad had a rest in our room and felt better for doing so.  It turned out that the "adults" had as much fun as the children did with the Play-dough!

Stef got a nose job and did Jeff! 

We cleaned up the Play-dough and set up the Christmas tree.  Stephanie was amazed at how quickly our pre-lighted tree went up.  Each kid decorated their own part, and soon we all basked in the glow of the Christmas tree and of family together.  Soon after Dad and Stephanie retreated to their hotel.  Jeff sat unassumingly in his chair when he was attacked by both Grandkids at once.

 After just a few minutes Neil took on the boys in a wrestling match that would have dropped a lesser man.  It was such fun listening to the squealing, shrieking, and laughter...and the kids had fun too:-)  Before I knew it, the day had come to an end, and I had great memories, a lot of laughs at the very least 8 reasons to be thankful! Of course I know I have many more, but for those 8 closest to me in my life I am grateful!