Thanksgiving dinner has come and gone…and I’m happy to report that we didn’t have to resort to my Plan B of steakburgers and chili from a fast food joint. Making a meal of that scale is a lot of work (and a little intimidating for someone with my limited culinary skills), but it really was worth it. The whole family was here, which doesn’t happen too often any more. And I loved being able to have everyone over. A good time was had by all and the turkey recipe worked out really well. Rosemary, thyme and apples made such a difference with our bird. The house still smells wonderful.

Dad doing his traditional carving duty.

I just had to share this. My sister’s gloves. Crack me up. Glad to know that my two-year old mentality is genetic.

After all of the dishes were washed, the family went home and things quieted down, we were all exhausted. Even Murphy crashed and burned after all of the holiday hubbub. (Doesn’t it look like he’s sucking his thumb?)

We had just loaded a DVD for the evening what I had the inexplicable urge to put up our Christmas tree. When I started dragging the stuff upstairs, the kids just stared at me in disbelief. Tanner said, “Mom, seriously, you need to just chill out.” But Keepsake by Keepsake, I did it any way. Okay, not the most logical thing that I’ve done, but I’m so glad now that it’s up. It feels like magic just blew into our living room. A perfect way to end a perfect day.