Sarah's Birthday and Turkey Day!

Sarah's birthday was on Thanksgiving this year. Unfortunately, she could not be with us as she and Todd were celebrating the holiday with his family in New Mexico. I missed her terribly. But, we were able to do Facetime via the internet and chat face to face, so that was a consolation for not having my firstborn here.

Happy Birthday, Sarah! I love you!! xoxoxo

Unfortunately, another family member was missing from our table this year, too. My mother. She'd had a bronchoscopy the day before and was not feeling well. Cindie and Steve had her stay with them for a few days, and Cindie (who is a fabulous cook) made Thanksgiving dinner for them all. I felt better knowing that my mother was with loved ones on the holiday.

We had a houseful, with 17 people at dinner. Just the way I love it. 

I love to get out my china and silver and set a pretty table. My Grandma Honeywell crocheted that beautiful tablecloth. Cindie made the beautiful floral arrangement.

Since we had so many guests, I set a second table with the African dishes. It's a bit of a tight squeeze in the dining room, but that's part of the fun.

A few years ago we began a new tradition of putting a cheeseball and other appetizers out around 11:00 for people to nibble on while the preparations for dinner are going on. (I love my antique buffet - one of my favorite pieces of furniture.)

And the nibbling begins. (Cole, Emily, Vanessa, Curt, Pooma.)

Take a look at Cole's left hand. I love you, too, sweetie!

The pass-through to the kitchen enables those who are cooking to hear and participate in the conversations in the living room and vice versa. It's also a good place to stand and watch while staying out from underfoot.

Judy Harrison (Emily's mom) joined us again! Such a neat lady and someone who has become a good friend. She and Lisa talk while Rick gets ready to help carve the turkeys. (We had two.)

We put all the food out on the kitchen table and the island for a buffet. Jenny is putting out her famous green bean casserole.

Lisa makes her much-anticipated garlic mashed potatoes. To die for!!

Jessica and Andrew share a quiet moment while baby Mitchell does a little kicking. (I love this picture of them.)

Also joining us were my sister Leslie, James and Sherree, and  Sherree's brother, DJ. Kyle and his family were en route from Florida and expected after midnight.

After dinner, we all gravitated to the living room. No one wanted dessert quite yet, and that gave me a chance to clean up the kitchen. Cole, Craig, and Andrew took over and did most of it, although others offered. (Thanks to all who helped!)

This year, instead of frantically cleaning up the buffet on the kitchen table and then setting out the desserts, I borrowed Leslie's card table and a tablecloth my mother had made her. I set the desserts out while the others were sitting around the living room, laughing and talking.

Cherry pie (me), toffee (Vanessa), WARM apple pie (Vanessa), a pumpkin pie that started with a real pumpkin instead of canned puree (Andrew), and a pecan pie (Jenny.) Leslie was so thoughtful - she made a safe pumpkin pie for Braden, so we kept that one back for his arrival.

James and Curt enjoyed the easy access from their seats on the couch. (That's Leslie, Rick, and Jenny in the background.)

It has been quite a year for our family with so many things to be thankful for. I love having a day dedicated to being thankful and counting your blessings with your family by your side.