Dec 1, 2008

Grateful for Thanksgiving

I had been looking forward to Thanksgiving for months. One, because it is a holiday and I love a good holiday. Two, I was getting to host again, we all know how I love hosting. BUT the most important reason was, three, I had some family coming! I was most excited about that. My brother Greg, his wife Allice and their new baby Gus were first to arrive Tuesday morning.

My boys were so excited to see them. They had never been to our house, so Cole was excited to show them around. Jack LOVED baby Gus. All he wanted to do was hold him. It really put us at ease about him and a new baby here. HOW CUTE is baby Gus???


My brother Andy drove up on Thanksgiving morning. He had been doing an Army training for about a month. He had gotten home at like 3 in the morning. SO we were so happy to see him. He walked in to a yummy smelling house, because we had been a cooking frenzy! Everything turned out great, especially the bird, which I still always worry about. The Bacon Herb Turkey was a hit. Andy said the best thing about it was that the drippings used for the gravy made the gravy taste like bacon too. Oh so good!
I also had a good time decorating the table. I have had the china for awhile, and had used it before, but this year I was able to get some cheap white ceramic serving stuff. I got like 7 pieces for $30. PS the pitcher was not part of the deal, that was acquired at Target (have I mentioned how much I love Target??). I think the main favorite of the meal was the Raspberry Jello Salad and the Spinach Salad (recipes will be on my recipe blogs).






Our Happy and Hungry Bunch

The desserts did not turn out as fabulous as last year, although they couldn't have been too bad because Greg drank down the pumpkin mousse with a straw.
Dessert came after a rousing two games of bowling. Some families from church all got together for some really cheap bowling. This was Cole's (and Jack, he couldn't be left out) first time bowling. The ball may have moved slowly, but it got there eventually. Spencer and I bowled with them on the bumper side, and all I have to say is that it is a good thing we had bumpers. The other adults did pretty well. Andy did smoke us all though.

We all went shopping the next day and got some great deals. Mostly it was just great to spend some time with family. Andy's wife Melissa flew in that night, which added even more fun to the group. We had a great weekend of hanging out, and I am so grateful that they came up to see me. I definitely love having family come to see me. The whole weekend may have tuckered me out (see picture below), but I feel boring and lonely the minute they all leave.

11 comments:

Amanda said...

you're seriously amazing. I have never made an entire bird. I'm so glad your family was able to come visit! Oh, and on a side note, enrichment was AMAZING. I didn't get the chance to tell you before we left. See you guys soon!

Stockhoff Family said...

Oh sigh... it looked great. We all know it could have been better though. You want to know how? I could have been there. yup... I know you missed me. Don't worry though because K and I are saving up to come over the summer. I'm sure it won't get here fast enough though. I love you guys. You're amazing!
Nat

Amy said...

OK, so as I'm reading how you discribed the food I'm thinking "she sounds like me talking about food." Maybe it just sounds so yummy my crazy, pregnant, food crazed self. hhmmmmm, did any of that make sense?

Jenny said...

First and foremost--LOVE the blog changes...when will you teach me your techniques? Second, I crown you Martha Stewart...with your beautifully decorated table (pumpkin candle holders--cute, cute!), and WONDERFUL sounding recipes--can we be invited to Thanksgiving next year? Come on, anything with bacon is better! I'm glad you got to have some fun with your family and play hostess! Now, on to the next holiday...............

tara said...

how cute are you? way to go supermom! so i saw the picture of those candle holders on your food blog and thought it was something out of a magazine...little did i know, it was rissa's very own table. wow, how could i have doubted? i'm so glad you were able to have so many visitors. you really can't beat being with family. i'm hoping to head that way next year sometime as well. hope you have a great december!

Celeste said...

Everything looked great! I love the dishes. Way to go on the Turkey too. How fun.

The Brugger Bunch said...

Oh it all looks so yummy! I am with you I LOVE HOSTING!!! What a fun and special Thanksgiving! Your table looks so beautiful! I love it!

The Brugger Bunch said...

P.S. Your blog is SO CUTE! I love the new page! You are really very talented!

Jen said...

It sounds like you guys had a nice day! I love the pictures. Hopefully we can come visit soon. :)

Jen

Michelle said...

You are so amazing! I have no idea how you get anything accomplished while pregnant or a mommy of one or a mommy of two AND pregnant! And yet, you made an amazing table setting and Thanksgiving dinner! Dang!

Looks tiring, but like a lot of fun!

PS, I need your email address so I can invite you to my blog. Send it to me at austin.michelle@gmail.com

Dave Dyk said...

Your table looks great and the food looked delicious. Glad you had so much fun with your family!

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