Our Thanksgiving Yesterday

[altarflame]

We subscribed to Family Fun magazine awhile back, and one of Ananda's favorite things has been going through it page by page for art and snack ideas, with me. Some of it is really dumb, but some of it is awesome. When we got the Thanksgiving issue, we were over the moon about using, like...every single idea in the magazine. And so, I give you our appetizer table, set out through the day -


On the left are homemade sugar cinnamon tortilla chips with an apple dip that is DELICIOUS and somehow raw, and not done justice in the picture. Back and center a honeydew and pear turkey with grape and cheese skewers and red pepper feet - LOOK AT THE FEET!! - and then turkey sandwhiches, some full of cream cheese and some...turkey. The ones without pepper feathers have almond sliver feathers. The kids had a blast making this stuff, and when Isaac came out and saw the turkey thing with the skewers he actually gasped and then started laughing.


One of the crafts we did: dried (err...dead) flowers my Nana and Pa sent me in the hospital, ripped up and applied to construction paper with glue. A and A got REALLY into this.



Not shown: Our "Thankfulness tree", which was a stripped branch from the big hibiscus bush outside stuck into some dirt in a flower pot, next to a basket of construction paper "leaves" in a little basket, that were each hanging from a yarn loop...you write what you're thankful for, and hang it on the tree. Also, there were many cards the kids had made in AWANA and Sunday School.

Under the "Give Thanks" sign much of the day:

Yes, yes it was laundry day :p


We moved our Beautiful New Dining Table to the back porch for dinner, as it doesn't fit in the dining room with much breathing room when both leaves are in. Two people were sitting at the head and two at the foot, with this plan - and my baby nephew Brian was sitting a bit behing mom and Dad - nevertheless, what with two benches from inside involved, we had seating for 14 covered. Well...Elise was on my lap, but you know.


These flowers BLOW. MY. MIND. We got them from Knaus Berry Farm.


This is a horrible picture, but the camera ran out of batteries. Starting with my hair, there in the foreground, it's me with Elise in my lap but hidden, then Isaac, Shaun, Aaron, Ananda, Robbie, (standing) Grant Sr, laura, Brian (mostly blocked), Frank, and Bob. Jake is not in his seat and Grant was next to me, but taking the picture. It was a good feast with lots of praying and I was very proud when my kids took their turns saying what they were thankful for.


On the menu:
-18 pound turkey a la Alton Brown
-cheddar garlic mashed potatoes
-sweet potato casserole
-green bean casserole
-scandalous zuccinni (my sister makes it with a ton of bacon)
-cranberry sauce
-Stovetop Stuffing (hey, I love it)
-crescent rolls
-sparkling white and red grape juices

Grant and I were up laaaaaaaaaaaate the night before peeling and chopping and steaming fruits and vegetables for everything, and brining the turkey, but it rocked. We had apple pie with ice cream and pre-made pumpkin pie with cool whip, for dessert.

I love Thanksgiving. Really really. And I have so much to be thankful for, this year.

Comments

[mommydama.livejournal.com]

So gorgeous. Seems like a really lovely way to give thanks.

[theneolistickid.livejournal.com]

That honeydew turkey was great.

[methebee.livejournal.com]

those appetizers look AMAZING! seems like you guys definitely enjoyed your holiday! :)

[neurotic-orchid.livejournal.com]

Your table is beautiful, and everything looks sooo yummy. Your kiddies are adorable, as always. Happy Thanksgiving!

[custard-kisses.livejournal.com]

What a fun day!

[lost-almost.livejournal.com]

I love the turkey! And aren't those flowers cockscombs? I thought they came in that color.

[(Anonymous)]

I meant the turkey decoration.

[altarflame.livejournal.com]

They come in many of those colors, only some are dyed. You can tell which are which by looking for color in the stems. For what it's worth, I think dyeing flowers is awesome, just like dyeing wool yarn or whatever.

[florassecret.livejournal.com]

My husband works for a flower delivery company and often florist do that so they look more vibrant in the store under the harsh lights. It will then sell more. He also was told to add a bit of sugar (like a 1/2 teaspoon) in the water and it helps the flowers stay longer.

[jerkface02.livejournal.com]

until i read the caption under the first picture, i didn't realize that turkey was made out of fruit! that is so neat!
also, those flowers are blowing my mind, too! ;)