Monday, November 23, 2009

Prepping

22 lbs of meat is defrosting in my refrigerator. I gave my potatoes a trial run last night for the hubs and I...new recipe that actually will NOT make it to the table Thursday. Sticking to what I know, which are good ol' fashioned mashed potatoes with tons of butter, sour cream, garlic, and salt, which are clearly low fat. When you are cooking to impress my normal consciousness of nutritional value goes out the door. I'm all kinds of Paula Dean up in here.

And I have to be, you know why? Because ALL of my grandparents are coming. The matriarchs of Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners will be there, including my own mother. My dad's mom, God love her (or something), is always one for a comment. You know, the subtle dig with the high pitched voice and smile to tag along just to let you know it was okay, but not quite right. My mom's dad who I absolutely love, we call him Captain Rick, who will drink straight vodka with lime the moment he arrives only to either continue to comment about how good the food is or say nothing at all. Which again will signify success or failure. Then my Nana (mom's mom) is coming who is essentially Betty Crocker. No seriously, she is. And her house is always spotless, bushes trimmed to perfection, everything with her outfit coordinates, mother f'in pressure is on. Then as mentioned my parents who are both damn good cooks, and of course my brothers. I'm not worried about those two, the fact that they are not going through the drive thru to eat that day nor spending their own money is considered an all around win for them. Plus, I'll have beer and wine - for free. Another win.

Please pray, light a candle, something for my turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, deviled eggs, cornbread, and rolls. The cranberry is coming straight out the can so if that screws up the store brand distributors can suck it.

Okay so in all seriousness, I am thankful. Very thankful to have family close enough to pay a visit, thankful for my brothers coming into town, my parents, my husband, my daughter, my friends...my list goes on but the point is BE thankful. Take your moment wherever you are and reflect on what you have. Time here is precious and no matter what bullshit or hardship circulates in our lives there is always time to stop and give thanks. We put our Christmas decorations up early this year so that our house would be all the more cozy when everyone is over. We just started putting the tree up and I caught this:

and NOTHING makes me more thankful.

7 comments:

Lift Like A Mom said...

You are too funny! Hope your Thanksgiving turns out great. If they don't like the food, you can always lie and say you tried to easy route and picked up at Luby's. Haha..j/k!

And what a precious picture. Your tree is beautiful!

Nicole Marie said...

aww cutest picture ever!! . yay for almost christmas season!

Grand Pooba said...

Great picture! It's just so sweet! And kudos to you for having thanksgiving at your house! I would die. Before the big day came I would keel over and die. But I'm sure yours will go just fine!

Take pics!

j.sterling said...

I CANT WAIT FOR THE POTATOES!!!!!! butter, sour cream.. dash of cheese.. OMG! i'm going to eat mashed taters until they come outta my ears. then i'll curse myself all night long for being such a fat ass, but WHO CARES CAUSE TATERS!!!!!!!!!!

Elizabeth said...

Heather, you really are gifted with the written word. I can totally see you making your mil with a Paula Deen meets Carrie Bradshaw type of book. Or someone else hip and blond and cute that is less offensive to be compared to when you are a wife and mother, you know- whatever!

I am sure your food will be great. The mashed potato recipe you're reverting back to is a win-win-win. Anyone who does not like lots of butter, garlic, sour cream, et al...is clearly a communist.

I identify more than ever about what to be thankful for this year. My brother, my vital, young (30's) and seemingly healthy brother had a massive stroke Sunday. We will be having our turkey in the family waiting room of the ICU at seton medical center...so it definitely will not be the most gourmet or well decorated, but you can be damn sure I am understanding the meaning of "giving thanks" very well this year.

I know your holiday will be great...and that photo is gorgeous! What a great picture to remind everyone of the tree-lit excitement and possibility of this season.

BTW...the word verification, the little thingie you type in so that your blog knows I'm not trying to advertise a REALLY AWESOME!!!1 dietary supplement or teeth whitening system is...:

grtshef

So even random letter groupings are trying to tell the world that, duh, you're a "great chef".

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

I hope everything turned out fabulous for you! And that pic??? Priceless. So precious!

Sierra said...

I hope all of your baking turned out well, I am sure it did! I have no doubts. :) I love your Christmas tree, so pretty! It just so super adorable with your little girl in front, seriously.