It's All About the Gravy!

So, I finally made my first Thanksgiving dinner. I have to say that I did enjoy making everything. It was fun to finally be on the other side of it and see how it all comes together. The turkey turned out great along with the sweet potatoes. My mashed potatoes were a little runny and the dressing was edible. The pumpkin pie was too gross to serve (I am still wondering how you can screw up pumpkin pie - but I miraculously did). Last but not least - I made the most disgusting gravy that you could possible make! Yeah for me! It was baaahhhd! What I am dumbfounded about today is that I was such a ding-a-ling to serve it! I mean..where was my head? Why did I put it out there for guests? I guess I just found myself in such motion to get things done that even though I tasted it and it was gross and I didn't like it, I thought there should be gravy (good or bad). I spent most of my time working on the gravy...maybe I felt that sense most of my efforts went into the gravy that it was going to be on that table NO MATTER WHAT! Scary!!

Thank heaven for good Aunt Sharon (aka Ina Garten), no pressure preparing your first Thanksgiving meal w/ your Goumand Aunt as your guest! She showed up w/ apple pie from scratch and the most delicious hand made pumkin rolls (ditch the pumpkin pie and white flour buns from Safeway ASAP)! I must say she handled my disasters with great class and ease. I looked at her and said "this gravy is disgusting...it tastes like a salt lick." Aunt Sharon tasted the poison gravy and calmly said "it's a little salty."

HA! HA! HA! HILLARIOUS!

Well, all in all, I feel good about the day...the food was by no means perfect but I was happy to serve my family and I think they appreciated my efforts. I love them all and maybe next time I can show them my love with better food!

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Now, let's get ready for Christmas!!! Woo! Hoo!!

What I Like

I like smiles. I like crocodile tears. I like Eskimo kisses. I like the pitter patter of rain on the roof. I like the sound of football on in the background and the smell of popcorn. I like jeans. I like cowboy boots. I like watching plants grow and bloom. I like watching children grow and bloom even more! I like the sound of my feet crunching on the rocks when I hike a trail alone. I like the sense of accomplishment. I like a stunning ring. I like grilling outside on the weekends. I like turtles. I like doing something the right way. I like making others feel special. I like every single color there is and ever will be. I like honesty. I like courage. I like empathy. I like love. I like aging. I like crosses. I like having experience. I like being strong. I like time for prayer and thanks. I like cotton sweats. I like flip flops. I like a good pair of earrings. I like going out for ice cream. I like cuff bracelets best. I like athletics. I like the desert. I like Sunday drives.

Love'n "That Time of Year!"

Well "that time of year" started about a month ago. I don't know about you, but I have been busy, busy, busy getting in the holiday spirit with my family. I am feeling rather proud of myself this time around as I feel as though I am really getting into the swing of the whole holiday thing. Art and I have been married for seven years and every year I seem to take it a step further when it comes to doing all those things that make family holidays special and memorable. It is a lot harder than I even imagined. Kids seem to make the biggest difference. They make it very rewarding for me. Before we had kids I don't even think we had a tree for the first few years. I was traveling all the time and tired and Art was well - " a dude." Times sure have changed - and so have I. When we had our kids I really wanted to readjust my thinking and dive into making our holidays become more "alive." It is such a great way to bring families together. Seize the moment! I have memories of my mom making great holiday meals, and the house always felt like Thanksgiving and Christmas. I really appreciated and enjoyed it - now that I am doing it I have an even greater appreciation. Oh my gosh....lots of work! In any regard, having that experience makes me want to share it with my family and have them enjoy these times of year - make it special for them and for Art and I. My hope is that we will all look back and cherish these times. It is supposed to be fun!! I'm gonna have some fun!

Petite and Unique!

Tiny 18k gold and sterling silver ladybug necklace with six diamond spots.

Design made by hand in the good old U.S.A. Chain hand made in Germany.

When you put this one on...you never take it off!

Learn more about this style by clicking here