Our Thanksgiving

Hello and welcome to our home!


There's a fire in the fireplace...and though the outside air is bitter cold, the inside is warm and cozy.  Sweet notes of classical guitar and the fragrant aroma of spicy holiday fare greets you as you step inside.

The table is set in autumnal abundance - the last of the season - soon to be replaced by festive holiday baubles.

In just a short while, this peaceful scene will be replaced by the raucous chatter and laughter of a loving family... adults mingling, kids competing for attention...the decibel level rising to drown out the otherwise peaceful guitar refrains.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of all.   No gifts to wrap, no extravagant decorating... just warm, homey, love and fellowship enjoyed in the intimate setting of a traditional meal.  Its my favorite meal of the whole year to cook.  After so many Thanksgivings, I could make this meal while sleepwalking.

As a blended family, we are so very lucky to have four children who love each other and get along splendidly.  Sadly, half of the kids were not able to join us this year... but they will all be here for Christmas.  In the very beginning, Jack and I felt it would be easiest on all of the kids if we did not celebrate holidays on the actual day.  This way we unburden our kids with having to pick whom to spend their holidays with. As our children grew into adults and married, it continues to work well to celebrate on off days.  It works well for us as well... as there is always more of a chance that everyone will be able to join us.  And so, traditionally we have always celebrated our Thanksgiving on Black Friday. 

This one loves the pre-meal snacks... raiding the charcuterie tray.

We're lucky to have four generations present.

Mealtime entertainment is always provided by the youngest!


Ahhhh.... the joy of whipped cream!


Jack set up a race track and Easton was enthralled with driving the cars round and round.

I cooked our family's traditional meal: roast turkey, stuffing, gravy, corn pudding, mashed carrots and turnips, spinach soufflé, cranberry sauce, fresh fruit salad, green beans, pumpkin pie, coconut pie, freshly made whipped cream for the pies, banana bread, and double chocolate cookies.

The day was fun and festive... and over way too quickly.  The only way it could have been better was if every member of our family had been with us.  But, Christmas is coming... and everyone is scheduled to join us for that!


Thanksgiving lasts but a day, but the gratitude that I feel for this life, and for the presence of my people in my life, is a part of everyday.  

By the time Saturday rolled around, I was ready to throw myself into getting ready for the Christmas holiday.  Saturday's beautiful, but cold, weather was perfect for our annual Christmas tree hunt. 

 We visited a small, obscure farm that charges $25 per tree, no matter the size.  In short order we found two... one for the living room and a smaller one for the family room.

The surprise of the weekend was waking up to this on Sunday!

The first snow of the winter... only an inch - 

just enough to completely throw me into the holiday spirit!

Even an inch makes the farm look magical!

You can see individual snowflakes in the lower right hand side of this photo.


With December just around the corner, I will be sharing a little holiday cheer each day with our farm tales.  We've pulled out all the stops this year!

Comments

jaz@octoberfarm said…
it looks wonderful! i so missed out thanksgiving celebration for the 2nd year in a row. i won't even have a tree this year. i'm going to start planning for next year soon. it needs to be a big one!
Anonymous said…
Wonderful Thanksgiving pictures and the food looks great!
Lynne said…
Wonderful Thanksgiving post . . .
Loved the fresh whipped cream face!
(Best part of Pumpkin Pie, fresh whipped cream . . .)

And the wake up to snow, even an inch . . .
Puts me in the mood too . . .
Enjoy doing your holiday touches . . .
Lynne said…
I loved your dress, top, skirt, sash . . .
You looked lovely . . .
and
I liked the train idea for the littles . . .
daisy g said…
What a fabulous holiday! How blessed you are to be able to have the four generations present.

The snow is magical! Our November has thus far been quite chilly, so I am hoping for snow this year, and lots of it! (Be careful what you wish for, right?)

Thanks for sharing your holiday. Blessings...
Steph said…
Thanksgiving is also my favorite holiday. What could be better than good food and good company with no pressures! We have our feast between 5:00 and 6:00 so that the girls can plan on spending lunch time with their other families.
Thank you for sharing your farm and family with all of us.
Steph
Marcia LaRue said…
What a fabulous feast you provided ... mashed carrots and turnips -- I have to try that combo! A great substitute for potatoes!
That has to be the best way to spend Black Friday! Thanks for sharing the day with all of us!
THE BEARDED ONE said…
YOU AND HUBBS SURE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL AND FAMILY...YOUR PICS JUSST BLOW ME AWAY... THEY ARE ALL JUST SO VERY SPECIAL...SURE HOPE YOUR WINTER IS NOT A TERRIBLY BAD ONE...YOU TWO JUST HAVE TO BE SUPER FINE FOLKS...TAHNK YOU FOR THESE DELIGHTFUL POST...I LOV'EM !!!!!!
phyllis Schmitz said…
Wonderful photos....enjoyed each one.
This N That said…
Cute outfit...So much food...all yummy..I always miss not having leftovers for sandwiches..Thanksgiving has always been a favorite!! Super snow pics..XXOO
Thank you so much for sharing your Thanksgiving with us. It looked wonderful.
Anonymous said…
Oh Bev, there is something special about a house full of laughter and the scent of yummy spices...
Hugz from our home to yours.
Now, let the Egg nog flow and the Christmas music begin!
:>)
Katmom