This was a Thanksgiving of many firsts.
Grace asked to be in charge of the entire meal. Totally in charge. Not a bad goal for being only Sweet 16. From menu planning, to list making, recipe planning, cooking and serving, our AMAZING GRACE handled it all.
Her menu –
Tangerine Glazed Turkey
Herb Encrusted Duck
Maple Ginger Carrots
Cheddar Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes
Green Bean Casserole
Rolls
Relish Trays
Another first was homemade stuffing. Scott had to call my mom several times for coaching, even though it is just bread chunks, gizzards, celery, onions and some seasoning it tasted amazing.
Sorry Stove Top, you may never be welcome in our home again.
Another first, I bought Scott an electric knife. He was so happy, I probably won’t have to buy him a Christmas present.
The first disaster for the day.
We changed the name of the potatoes to “Pepper Cheddar Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes” when the entire content of the pepper shaker and the lid were added to the potatoes. Of course, when we asked who left the lid unscrewed…. “NOT ME!”
Grace let me set the table. That’s my favorite part, anyway.
Scott included our guests in the family tradition of going around the table and expressing one thing you are thankful for. We acknowledged we all have MUCH to be thankful for.
friendship
the Lord Jesus Christ
good health
fellowship
neighbors
football
Grace cooking the meal
family
remission
Scott shared the verses the Lord put on his heart for the day:
Psalm 95:1-2
Oh come, let us sing to the LORD!
Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
Since I did all the dishes as she was cooking, after dinner we only had to clean up what was on the table.
I mean, the men only had to clean up the table. Since three of the men in the house were guests, this was a daring call, but well received. Guest Grandpa Pat was the first one in the kitchen and took care of the bulk of the dishes. Dave finished loading the dishwasher.
Keith dried. I told him I would make sure his Mommy saw this picture. She’ll be so proud of him. Not sure if my son Jon actually helped, or if he was so fast, I just didn’t get his picture.
The women and children reclined downstairs to watch the classic “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.” The men stayed upstairs and talked. No football. We don’t have TV reception or cable. Thanksgiving without football is wonderful, sorry to rub it in to those of you who didn’t experience that.
Another first, thanks to the influence of our athletic guest, Keith – a Thanksgiving evening run. Yes, Scott’s headband is pink.
Yes, we teased him.
No, he didn’t care.
He’s also wearing Snoopy Christmas socks.
Jon wants to cook next year. I thought he was excited about all the new recipes Grace tried and wanted to rise to the occasion as she did.
No, he just loves the rule, “If you cook, you don’t clean up.”
Wow, what a wonderful Thanksgiving!!The food sounds AMAZING — post recipes!!I can't believe Grace did the entire cooking!!My daughter is 15, does that mean there is hope for next year????
What a beautiful family and an awesome celebration. You sweet Mindy… certainly have a lot to be thankful for. Your kids rock!thanks for sharing your celebration!Kimmiemama to 7one homemade and 6 adopted
Ruby, yes, a newfound tradition in about the last twenty years or so. It really isn't that healthy, it consists of green beans, cans of condensed soup and these dried onions sprinkled on top. I KNOW the pilgrims didn't eat it! Our family has learned to love the day as a day to just work together, eat together and thank the Lord together. Not all America celebrates the same way!
Your Grace, and the whole gang did an amazing job!!! Thankgiving looks like something you guys really get into. I love those verses, too. The Green Bean Casserole seems to be on the menu at most of the US blogs I read (along with turkey of course) so I'm guessing that is a Thanksgiving Tradition.
It was lovely reading about your Thanksgiving. You beat me to it because I was going to write a Thanksgiving one as well :)The menu made me wish we had eaten with you guys!!! The pictures made Aaron and I giggle.. We miss you guys and can't wait for Christmas!!!!!