Gratitude Garland + more

I realize Thanksgiving is now over a week past, but I wanted to document a little more about it.  All month we wrote things we were thankful for on leaves and added them to our Gratitude Garland.  This is what we ended up with .....it was fun to read them over dinner, some serious and others funny, but all were from the heart.

Speaking of dinner.....the last time we stayed home for Thanksgiving we opted to have pies for our meal {pizza and pumpkin;)}  When it came time to discuss what we should eat this year....there was a little campaigning for the traditional meal.  This surprised me somewhat since none of our girls really eat much of the "traditional meal" ...hence pizza last time.  I personally enjoy Thanksgiving food, probably because I don't make that food any other time of year.  But man, is it a lot of work when you are making each dish alone.  When everyone offered their help ...how could I refuse;)  We did most of the big stuff the day before so we could relax a little more on the holiday.  Karsyn took on the mashed potatoes and Bailee made a Reese's pie to go with the pumpkin...her very first pie making, and it was delish!!

 

  Mark made the Smith traditional rolls, which he always does, but this time the girls jumped in on that action.

 We were split down the middle for Turkey or Ham.  Emmrey was the tie breaker and being that she is a little animal protector and [selective]vegetarian she voted we have neither:)  Finally she conceded to have ham because she "really didn't think she could sit at that little table and have to look at an animal right there in front of her" [said on the verge of tears mind you].  So we went with a ham this year and we will just leave it at that for now....can't rob them of all their innocence;)  These girls really worked away to help get things done.

We also had the special treat of hearing Emm's Turkey story read on the radio.  Her teacher is friends with one of the stations DJ's and she arranged for a segment they referred to as "Culinary Delights".  The kids wrote stories giving instructions on how to prepare and cook a Turkey.  Emmrey was actually appalled by the whole idea and I am actually surprised that she came up with anything.....but she wouldn't want to disappoint her teacher;)  Here is her story...

 You get your turkey at the farm.  Then you stuff it.  Next you turn on the oven to pre-het {pre-heat}. Then you let it coke {cook} for an hour or les {less}.  After that when it's cokeing {cooking} you set the time.  then you get the turkey out of the oven.  Also you let the turkey cool off.  Last you put the turkey on the table and tell my faimley {family} to wash there {their} hands and come eat. 

By Emmrey

The DJ thought it was especially funny that she included the hand washing....I mean how many 1st graders think of that;)  She also set us up with lots of fun things to look at adorning our basement door.

Lots of Gratitude spilling out I tell ya!!!