Not really wordless wednesday - our Thanksgiving

So, I know some of you are waiting to hear how Thanksgiving at my in-law's went -Well, it actually went ok. Sure, when we got there my husband had to be his usual mediator self -His, mom was complaining about how people won't help (which I think is somewhat true -but, I also think like most of us women when people do help we still get frustrated because it's not how we do it ) Anyways I know people helped clean before we got there and then my husband and other people helped with some yardwork. Like I've mentioned before my MIL had 7 kids -grown now -but, 3 still live there -there's also my sister in law's live in boyfriend, and my MIL is also pretty much raising her 1 grandson (which if provoked I would surely point out to his dad-the BIL that is always negative towards people.) I guess there is some tension about that whole situation -almost in a sibling rivalry kind of way for some. Anyways so, we all pitched in -we also put up a Christmas tree-etc. For Thanksgiving we all sat down and had a good dinner (as shown above) -the pic is missing a few people (me who took the picture,my SIL, and her boyfriend- who ate in the living room because the table was getting cramped-12 in all) Finally met the girlfriend of the 1 BIL -she seems pretty nice. Everyone is so grown up now with girlfriends and boyfriends and jobs and everything! Friday morning we had an early Christmas mostly for the kids. Later in the day I was ready to get out for a bit -we headed to a park- suprisingly the 1 BIL went with us and his son- so the cousins could play together. And then Saturday we headed home. So, no big fights this time -I guess there will always be some tension and there was possibly some passive agressiveness - with that many people -bathroom time can get kinda crazy -I was gathering my stuff to go shower when the "negative"BIL snuck in before me -not sure if it was intentional or not-Hmmm... And there was the usual noisy chaos and people shouting expletives here and there -and my 1 BIL did make a few negative remarks here and there -So, yep pretty much typical -But, that was our Thanksgiving!

Wordless Wednesday -Happy Thanksgiving!

I know it's a little early but, I'm sure most of us are going to be pretty busy the next few days- So, just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving / Weekend!

The truth is Tuesday

Well, Thanksgiving will be in just a couple of days -and we're going to my in-law's. So we'll miss out on my side of the family's craziness fun. But,the truth is I never know how it will go at the in-law's either... After 10+ years of marriage I have adjusted somewhat - But, let me set the scene of how it has been -Used to be that my in-laws smoked -Oh and my MIL had 7 kids (mostly boys) So, at 1 point it was like walking into some kind of crazy smoked filled bar -with the inevitable boys wrestling around over there and someone else screaming expletives about something else over there. Not saying I came from a perfect; quiet family but, still it's a little shock to the system for me. Luckily things are a bit different now - sure there's still quite a few people and it can get LOUD -at least I can stand to stay there being a smoke free house now -The only person that still smokes (outside) is my 1 BIL - And that BIL is a whole other story...
I just hope it's not like the last Thanksgiving we were there (2 years ago) when that particular BIL and me got into it - well, actually him and a few people. He's the type who is negative about most things and people -including me. As I was saying before their family takes a little adjustment for me- I can be kind of quiet/reserved sometimes which is different for them- I guess. Anyways I guess there's been some tension there with that BIL -he often makes remarks about people being lazy -etc. me included because I'm a stay at home mom-yada,yada. I try not take things personally but, I guess he represents that type of people -so, we got into it. I was actually kind of proud to stand up for myself -And like I told him like he has a lot of room to talk -this coming from a guy who the 1st time I met him was when he was in prison -I mean seriously-Urgh! So, yeah that was an interesting Thanksgiving -he made the other sis-in law cry, me and other people mad, which in turn also made my Mother in law upset. Well, here's hoping things don't end up like that again -(hopefully) Happy Thanksgiving!

MckLinky Monday -Thankful for food

Today on the RHOK they're talking about Thanksgiving and ask - "What is your favorite food on the Thanksgiving table?"

Well, I pretty much love all food -especially Thanksgiving food! It's hard to pick favorites!

I do love me some sweet potatoes -My dad usually made a sweet potato casserole with mashed sweet potatoes and marshmallows on top that was really yummy! I also like other variations of sweet potatoes -etc. just fine as well though.

I also like cranberry sauce -I'm ok with different variations of that too - even if it comes from a can ;)

1 of my favorite dishes to make and eat is green bean casserole -I just use the Campbell's recipe -with frozen/thawed green beans and use my mother in law's tip of using french cut style green beans -if I find them easily.

Of course there's all the other great food like-stuffing! Which I think not all stuffing is created equal -Shh! Don't tell but, I don't really like my MIL's -she makes it in the Turkey -Ugh. I like my grandma's the best -I think it's a cornbread dressing -I even like Stove Top stuffing ok. And of course don't forget the turkey -with a little gravy -yum! You see I pretty much like it all ;)

So, how about you? Join in the MckLinky fun with the RHOK!

Surviving the Holidays

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving! -Sorry been a little MIA a lot of stuff going on here...

First a couple days before Thanksgiving my grandma called and was concerned about her health issues and wanted to know if as a back up plan we could do Thanksgiving over here?! - *Panic!* As I had mentioned to my husband I always see and thought about buying 1 of those fold-up banquet tables on sale around the holidays but, haven't - it seems I might need to get 1! Later after talking with my mom and grandma again it was decided that we would go ahead as planned to meet at my Gma's house -We were already planning on helping her out -everyone brought a dish and everything. And my mom and her boyfriend took care of most everything else. Thanksgiving worked out ok then. Later...

When we got back home we started to clean and get ready to to put the Christmas tree up -(we have an agreement that we'll wait at least until Thanksgiving is over ;) In the midst of doing that I got a call that luckily I answered it was from "Life Alert" and my other grandma (who lives out of town) had fell and possibly broke her leg. I figured my dad and uncle were just over there for Thanksgiving I tried to call my dad but he didn't answer. Luckily I got ahold of my uncle who was with my dad -I let them know I got a call and sounds like they were taking her to the hospital -They went on their way to see her then. I got a couple more calls from the life alert people and my other uncle -etc. At least we got some clutter cleaned up-We didn't get the tree up yet. Oh! and also before I went to bed -late. I got an email that for my upcoming cousin's wedding they want to hold a bridal shower and looking for a venue. It's kind of hard to explain but my cousin lives in Seattle but, they are having the wedding in this part of the country (I think mostly because it's near the bride's and groom's grandma's) So, since not a lot of bridal party live near here they were looking for someone who lives close by -*Ahem-Me* as a possible venue or other suggestions -I did make some suggestions for places but, since it will be a small event and my family agreed to take care of the food-etc. It seems the bridal shower will be at my house -Jan 1st -Yikes!

Friday...
I was hoping we could get the tree up but, we also needed to do our normal grocery shopping and some other shopping. So,after we got ready,ate lunch,got the shopping list done. We went out shopping. We 1st stopped by Kohl's because 1st I need a fancy-ish outfit for my husband's upcoming holiday party for his work ,2nd I also needed an outfit for the wedding, and 3rd my daughter needed a new dress for the wedding too. Luckily after what my husband would call "excruciating" shopping time I got an outfit that I'll wear for both the holiday party and the wedding and my daughter got a dress. Then we went on the great book hunt shopping -you see my daughter got a book awhile back for her birthday but, she didn't read it yet. But,when it came time for her to read a book for a book report at school she finally decided to read it.-Finally! after I said I wouldn't buy a new book when she has other books here we bought that she hasn't read yet. But, of course before she finished reading the book -she lost it! And she needed to finish it before today-Monday. So we 1st went to Barnes and Noble they didn't have it-but could order it-Hmmm. We decided to continue to look other places -Since we were nearby we stopped by Woodland Hills Mall -Wha? they don't have a bookstore anymore? -Weird! Since my husband in particular was getting tired of our shopping fiasco I had my sis call Waldenbooks in Promenade Mall to see if they had it -they did! We went and got it- My daughter had to pay for it since she lost it! Then we did our grocery shopping and finally got back home for the evening. We at least got the tree put up -but, didn't get it all decorated yet.

Saturday...
We finally got the Christmas tree decorated! We got the outside Christmas decorations/lights put up. And we decided to go to the Philbrook Musuem of Art's free Christmas lighting "Garden Glow" event.

Sunday...
Called to check on my grandma-didn't hear back until later that she was still in the hospital would've tried to make the trip out that way but,since it was kinda late didn't try to go out into the rainy cold day. Instead finished up the inside decorations,cleaned,and had a good Sunday spaghetti dinner.

Whew! So, that was my Thanksgiving weekend -How about you?

Thanksgiving is almost here!

Thanksgiving is a week away! Do you cook? Go eat at a certain family member's house? Are you ready?? I must admit I've only cooked a turkey once and it was for Christmas one year-and I had a lot of help from my MIL. We usually eat at a family members. It's kinda hard to fit everyone in around the holidays as it is -I've got my mom's side, dad's side, and in-law's side. So, we kinda switch around Thanksgiving/Christmas between them all. Like this Thanksgiving we'll be at my mom's side and we'll all bring a dish and help out.
I could understand how it can get stressful in the Thanksgiving kitchen! But don't fear! You should check out this Thanksgiving Guide! -Including my latest articles -Thanksgiving tips and tricks and Thanksgiving crafts
-Happy early Thanksgiving :)