Mr. Turkey, Mr. Turkey, run away, run away! If you are not careful you will be a mouthful, Thanksgiving Day, Thanksgiving Day. (sung to Frere Jacques)

This year I agreed to have Thanksgiving at my house. Don't ask how this happened as I'm not even sure myself. There were a lot of firsts--first turkey, first stuffing, first almost dropping the turkey in the midst of transporting it from the fridge to the sink for rinsing. I have to say the turkey turned out fantastic, thanks to the handy pamphlet I picked up from New Seasons. It said to rub the turkey down with an entire stick of butter after brining it for 24 hours, so I rubbed that turkey down, ya'll. It was the best turkey I've ever had. Butter is really amazing, isn't it? Here I am with Auntie Julie. I am relaxed because I just took the turkey out and it looked presentable.
Bryan unfortunately cut out the masterpiece in favor of a shot of me. You can just make out the end of it.

And here we have the kiddie table where approximately 5 bites of the lovingly prepared food was consumed. I can't really say anything since as a kid I thought every part of Thanksgiving dinner was pretty gross. But now I love it all.
And now, 10 things I'm thankful for:

1. Living 5 minutes from my mom. It's really the best thing about buying this house.
2. A husband who always asks, "what can I do to help?" and makes a homemade wooden star to put at the top of our Christmas tree.
3. Kids who make me laugh, cry, go crazy, and grow as a person more than I ever thought I could--all in the same day. Everyday.
4. A friend who helps me sew Christmas presents that are far above my ability.
5. Friends who I can complain to and they say, "I know! I feel the same way." It's comforting.
6. Chocolate. Always chocolate. Of any type except cheap Palmers crap chocolate.
7. Kids who sleep through the night and sometimes sleep in past 7:30.
8. My Sound of Music dvd. Thanks Julie!
9. Not having to get on a plane to see most of our family.
10. Knowledge of God's plan and my place in it.

Ok, lurkers. Tell me what you're thankful for--besides my blog. Ha!