Friday, November 25, 2011

Let There Be Thanks.. 2011

Ahhhh... Thanksgiving.  What a wonderful holiday!  It's all about home, family, love, cooking for your loved ones... and giving thanks for what you have.  We had a great day yesterday!!  Preparation starts weeks ahead with the lists.  Then the shopping, the cleaning, the cooking.  We spread the table with my new fall tablecloth.. after we put in the 5 leaves of my grandparents old oak 5 legged table.. and it was too small!  So, we found a bigger cloth and it actually worked with my Christmas dishes better! 
I had looked for Christmas dishes for years and actually found these at Fred Meyer - not a fancy brand at all, but they're porcelain and printed with plaid and lovely scenes.  I only put out the crystal goblets for the 6 adults. :-) 
OK, all set... The candelabra looked great with the table setting. 
And my little glazed majolica turkeys and the little glass turkey candle holders.
And finally the turkey is pulled from the oven.. Dayle's masterpiece, a 27 lb-er stuffed with his homemade sage dressing!  He puts butter and fresh sage leaves under the skin.
Here it is.. ready to carve. 
And here is my beloved husband, who I met when I was 14, who has survived so many things, not the least of which was cancer 2 1/2 years ago.  And whom I'm most thankful to have here, still, by my side.  (a moment of silence...)
Our son Shawn, his wife Beth, and their 2 boys, Michael and Gabriel...  
And our son Travis, his wife Kristi and their boys Hayden and Caleb.. with the "smile". :-) 
My plate.. now I must admit, I had taken a few bites before I remembered to take this photo.  But oh my my.. this dinner was TASTY.. deLISH.. YUMMO!   
Our menu was:  Roast Turkey, Sage Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Turkey Gravy, Candied Yams, Green Bean Casserole, Fruit Salad, Orange Cranberry Sauce, Rolls & Butter, Martinelli's Sparkling Cider with Pumpkin and Pecan Pie.  Ohhhhhhh yes.  

I wrote a poem many years ago about our family Thanksgiving, I'd love for you to read it.  And you'll see our whole family in the photo.  

And then.. while I was writing this post, the UPS man drove up.. and what to my wondering eyes should appear?  But a package from Cath Kidston!!  Merry Christmas to me!  Bwah ha ha!!  Actually, I did some Christmas shopping on their website and got myself a few things while I was at it.  I've always loved tartan plaid and when I saw this bag I thought, well, I need a Winter bag, don't I?  Does anyone know which plaid this is?
Aren't those tin chambersticks adorable?  And the spotted candles?  Oh my!    
 And I got a tin of Christmas tags for gift giving, and will be abe to keep my tags in there forever, as I always would lose them.
I'm so happy!!  And now.. I will post this and have some leftovers for lunch. :-) 
And so.. now that Thanksgiving is over, I will be beginning the Christmas decorating.  My dear sons brought down the tree and it's all set to decorate.  

I want to tell you that I do so enjoy my blog and making friends with you.  You've enriched my life so much, your comments are like gifts - and I've gotten to feel like I have real true friends in places I've never been.  So, you are also in my list of things I'm grateful for.

((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

24 comments:

  1. Teresa, your blog is my favorite of all blogs. Your home is so lovely. Your table setting is just gorgeous. Your plate of food so yummy!
    Cathy (ed4448)

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  2. What a happy joyful post, it looks like you had a great 'family' meal :) x

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  3. Really a wonderful poem. I must say that the turkey, and your plate, looked so good! I also must say that I love those goodies you got from CK and I am going to check out their website!

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  4. Seems like you and your beautiful family had a lovely Thanksgiving. Thanks for sharing your day with us - that meal looked so nice I could almost taste it :) Oohh I do love your new bag. Teresa, I share your feelings about your blog - its wonderful to be able to 'meet' and keep in touch with like minded people from all over the world. I'm now off to have a read of your poem.

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  5. What a beautiful table and holiday festivity you put on there. And look at all those goodies from the UK. That bag is too cute. I just might have to go find one online for myself.

    Hope you are having a great day. I spent most of today sleeping. Hope I'm not getting that fall sickness that happens when the weather changes. Sounds like both Pammy and Kris have it. My fingers are crossed that it's just post holiday exhaustion. We did have a great time here. But, it's on to the next.

    I bet there is going to be some turkey sandwiches and soup in your house this weekend. 27 pounds, so that what one looks like. Fab, job and all those side goodies too.

    Off to bed, calling it early tonight.

    Kate

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  6. Wait are those polka dot candles I see now too. You know I'm off to shop for sure...

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  7. Teresa-
    I am SO happy that you had a great Thanksgiving (in fact I have a huge grin on my face right now because I can feel your joy)!! Have a wonderful time getting ready for Christmas:)
    Blessings,
    Aimee

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  8. It looks like it was a wonderful Thanksgiving for you. I'll have to mention sage leaves and butter under the skin to Duane.

    I love plaid. My favorite is the navy/hunter green one.

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  9. Hi Teresa. Making me hungry what a wonderful meal you all had and then a yummy parcel to open too
    A day to remember
    Hugs Sue x

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  10. I'm very happy you had such a wonderful Thanksgiving, congratulations to Dayle for that delicious turkey!! Your poem truly reflects the spirit of Thanksgiving as I imagine it, it's beautiful :-) And yaay for the mailman delivering those Kath Kidston goodies, wow, I love them all! Have fun starting the Christmas decorating! xxxx

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  11. Pure JOY...what a lovely Thanksgiving you had. What a blessing to be surrounded my family!

    Now about your CK parcel..wow...love love love that bag...that is the same one I had my eye on...I will continue to dream away. xoxoxo Enjoy all your goodies. xoxoxoxo

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  12. What a wonderful Thanksgiving you had Teresa. Your table looks glorious, what wonderful plates they are and the new candelabra sets it off perfectly. What a great family gathering and even Cath Kidston put in an appearance ;0)
    I too really enjoy our blogging friendship and I raise my glass to you and yours my dear.
    Cheers and many blessings.
    Jane x

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  13. What a wonderful thanksgiving you and your family had - love that smile. Your table looked beautiful. Oh I love your spotty candles and gorgeous bag. ((hugs)) Joanna xx

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  14. Ooooooooh your Cath Kidston haul looks lovely :-D Glad you had a happy thanks giving, it's like having an early Christmas, then you get to do it all over again :-D x

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  15. I'm so happy you had a wonderful holiday. Ours was very quiet since our children were all at their respective in-law families. They will be here with us for Christmas so I can't complain. My DH requested chicken enchiladas and chocolate pie for Thanksgiving! A very easy dinner to be sure! We'll have the big turkey dinner for Christmas with the kids all around the table. Happy decorating!

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  16. Teresa, your Thanksgiving looked perfect. Dayle looks healthy and that is something to be thankful for.
    Hugs to you as always,
    Meredith

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  17. What a wonderful looking Thanksgiving, I had better not let my DH see the photo of that turkey he can hardly wait for Christmas dinner as it is!
    Lovely purchases from CK, not sure about the tartan, perhaps Royal Stewart...... looked it up.... looks very similar http://www.fruugo.co.uk/stewart-royal-modern-pure-wool-tartan/p-1314869?utm_source=google&utm_medium=product%2Bsearch
    Hope you are having a good weekend.
    Carol xx

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  18. Such lovely warm family pictures of your wonderful Thanksgiving, Teresa! The food looks delicious and your table so warm and homely. I love all your CK treats too, (what perfect timing for them to arrive as well)!
    Have a happy week.
    Helen x

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  19. Happy Thanksgiving! I love your Cath Kidston goodies - the best post to receive, Judy x

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  20. Hi Teresa, I'm back from our Thanksgiving and came back to your lovely post and delightful day. Your table setting really looked so beautiful and festive. The turkey, wow is all I can say. It looks so delicious, in fact everything did. Can't say how much I love all your CK purchases, I love that place. I wish we had one in the US!!!! Don't you? Enjoy your week, xoRobin❤

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  21. Beautiful table, beautiful turkey, beautiful family!! ;-)

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  22. Hello my dear Teresa. Your Thanksgiving Celebrations looked wonderful. Your family together - I know how much that means, the beautifully laid table - I would wish to do the same and that turkey awesome. I read your poem and it is very moving. You have a wonderful family - not surprising as you too are so delightful. Take care. Love Anne x

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  23. So thankful to have found friends like you!!!! How a lovely gathering with your sons... I hope your coping with not having your daugther in this special times!!! big hug!!

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