Because we weren't together on actual Thanksgiving this year, a few of us family members decided to have a Thanksgiving Re-Do on Saturday.
The morning started off with coffee-sipping and lazy kitties everywhere. My two - Alejandro and Carmen - met my mom's new kitten, Jack Black, the night before. They were co-existing nicely, considering they were complete strangers to each other.
I wish I could say I did more than peel the potatoes and slice the Italian bread, but I didn't. I did clean up, set the table, and make the banner! Any points for me?
My mom was the super hero master chef, making my FAVORITE FAVORITES: stuffed mushrooms and hot peppers! They are what Thanksgiving tastes like to me!
Also made were four roast chickens (substitutes for the Turkey), homemade stuffing, both mashed and sweet potatoes from scratch, broccolli & cheese casserole, fried cauliflower, and more side mushrooms (oh, the farting)!
Paper plates, buffet style, and relaxed carb-loading. So much to be thankful for in the below moment.
Nobody says 'grace' in our family, because as a whole, we just don't put pressure on ourselves to do it, but I said my thankful prayers silently to myself. Maybe I should announce that I want grace said. ??? I don't know...sometimes I feel the time my mom puts into the food preparation, the stories, humilty, and laughter that everyone brings to the table, and our "Mmms" and "Yumms" are grace enough.
My sister came after work. She ate her portion. Homemade apple pie, pumpkin pie, and chocolate pie were served with coffee. My sister, cousin, and I painted our nails. We played with Jack Black and his new older brother and sister. By the end of the night we all felt like this:
Every year, I wonder how my future Thanksgivings are going to look. I imagine perfect placecards and sophisticated gold accents, but the above is the real thing. The important things, even though they don't add up to many Pinterest-worthy images or thoughts. They're what I'll want to remember 50 years from now, and all that matters anyway.
