Ahhhh... Thanksgiving

What a glorious, peaceful day. It is 9:15 on this gray, frosty morning and nothing is cooking, I'm in my pajamas, and Eli has his dad all to himself. I love to cook for guests and visiting family isn't half bad, but, since we have never had a holiday season with just our little family, I decided it was time.
Although, we do have plans. Gourmet food.

Rosemary Butter Roast Turkey
Potato Gratin
Baked Yams served with Butter, Brown Sugar, and Cinnamon
Stuffing (special emphasis here, since it's my favorite, with sausage, pecans, craisins, etc.)
Green Beans (the way my mom makes them, blanched and sauteed with onion, garlic, and bullion)
Fresh Cranberry Sauce (with some apples and lime zest too)
Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Pie

Lets see... white, orange, green, red...perfect, gotta make sure I have color.

As tempting as black Friday sales are, we're having an emphasis on homemade gifts for now on. I suppose we won't be helping the economy, but I want Eli to grow up thinking that Christmas is a time to be sharing, thoughtful, and resourceful. There are lots of ideas, like these, these, these for kids, and these for men.
Tomorrow night we will go for the lighting of Temple Square and a new downtown tradition of an old world Christmas market with local artisans, and free hot chocolate at Deseret Book. I also hope to make an advent calendar. If you're looking for a new tradition and a nice family activity this long weekend, I highly recommend it. I love this one by Martha's people because it's so simple, inexpensive, and easy to store. I have some favorite wrapping paper that can live on year after year as it's decoration. Plus, I also have all the supplies since I pooped out last year after making one to send to Anna.

Saturday will be diaper marathon day. Anna and I will finish sewing and snapping our 66 pride and joy baby bum covers.

Happy Thanksgiving family and friends, we are thinking of you.