Here it is almost Christmas

And I'm just barely posting about Thanksgiving.  With that in mind, don't expect Christmas pictures until February....maybe March.

We did have it.  Thanksgiving that is.  In fact, we decided to celebrate with just our little five person family.  My parents were in Alaska, and we couldn't bear the thought of another traveling weekend to the Valley, so we stayed home. 

Lauren was so excited.  She kept telling me, "Mom, I'm so proud of you.  This is your first time to cook Thanksgiving all by yourself."  She's pretty close, but I still think she should give me a little credit.  Actually, I sat down the family and told them that there was no way I would be willing to cook a big meal all by myself for a bunch of heathens that were going to finish the meal in ten minutes. 

So, my rules were simple:  Everyone is in charge of some dish AND you must sit at the table for at least twenty minutes before I excuse you.

Ryan was in charge of the turkey, Cade made mashed potatoes and gravy, Syd handled the salad, and Lauren was my right-hand girl.  We even pulled out the china, silver and crystal for the big event.  (I also remembered why I don't do that much.  Everything has to be hand washed!)

Notice Cade giving us a thumbs up for the effort.  Oh, the joy of teen age sarcasm.  Maybe next year it will make my list of "Things I'm Thankful For".  Then again, maybe not.  But I'll tell you one thing that is always there- this wonderful little family of mine!