Thanksgiving

What a beautifully exhausting day. *sigh* I don't think I have ever missed my mother so much in all my life! We woke late and I still had tons to do before driving an hour to my brother's house. We arrived a half hour late which threw off my entire day. And if you know anything about me you can imagine how happy I was about that. {insert grr face} My sister in-law recently had hip surgery so I knew she wouldn't be any help, but the boys were a huge let down today. On my own entirely (including prep at home) I prepared one HELL of a glorious meal! Turkey, homemade gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, peas (Chad *rolling eyes*), stuffing, croissants, chocolate eclairs, two pumpkin pies, Chocolate hazelnut brownie bites, cinnamon rolls and two gallons of punch. All (exception croissants) were made from scratch, fresh ingredients Everything. From the herbs to the beans, even squeezed my own lemons and oranges into the punch! .............And it was delicious :) Not just blowing sunshine up my own ass, it seriously was spectacular and I'm rather proud of myself.

<- My bird :)

I didn't expect much, if any, help preparing the meal but thought for sure I'd have help packing the leftovers... Breaking down the turkey, finding tupperware, a 'who eats dark meat' sorta thing...... *sigh* My brother did tell me to leave every dish in (on, over) the sink and he would take care of them. But that's because we called Momma Bear on speaker and she told him it was the least he could do. (Love her!)

After a huge meal we left them to nap and went to my girl, Holly's house to attempt to eat another meal with her family. My sweet potatoes (Boston Market's copycat recipe) were a huge hit all around and the kids loved the desserts... which pleases me. I love when kids tell me I'm awesome :)

We put the kids down and shared some wine Robert's uncle made. Then the neighbor lady stopped by, sloppy drunk. She kissed the top of my head before leaving, telling me she could "just watch me for hours" cuz I'm adorable.... Which was definitely one of the creepier moments in my life. Especially when the boys offered to get me a wheel and a dribble bottle.

All in all a good day. But I really did find myself missing the rents a lot harder than I thought I would. And not just cause mom would be a HUGE help in the kitchen.... There are just some days I really miss their faces and this was one of those days. I WILL be home for Christmas though!!!!! She's just gonna love the menu <-(sarcasm) Since we've been alone for the Holidays the past few years I've treated my man with some pretty elaborate meals. And now we've created a sort of tradition - Christmas eve, Venison steak in red wine chocolate sauce. Christmas day - Beef Wellington. Chad has fallen madly in love with my Wellington and refuses to spend a Christmas without her.. (yes, he calls it 'her'. Guess that's what they do when they're in love) But I'm certain my parents have never even tried it before.... Sooooo maybe we'll repeat this amazing bird then too. It's Ramsey's recipe! (I'm a total recipe stealer... I'll post the link so you can be too) I'm telling you, it was the best poultry I've had in this lifetime and those who shared it agree with me. And the gravy!!! LORD the gravy! Very highly recommend giving it a go.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5PFXhdfVT8