Thankful

I'd like to think that I regularly recognize how many things I am thankful for in my life. That I frequently stop and appreciate those around me and express to them just how much they mean to me.

But like most people, I realize I could certainly do more. Perhaps that's one of the reasons Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday of the year (emphasis on one of the reasons: turkey and all the fixins are way up there in importance also, believe me).

I just love being surrounded by family. The bigger the celebration, the better. Most of my Thanksgiving memories growing up involve being with grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and of course my immediate family. Kids running around, dads watching football, wine flowing freely for the adults, the Horsky laugh reverberating throughout the house, and heaps and heaps of good comfort food.

Sure, Thanksgiving last year was fun when our little threesome played hooky and went to Disneyland when we had no family here to celebrate, but I'll admit to missing the chaos of a full house.

So this year, somewhat last minute, I decided it was time to host a proper Thanksgiving at home. For 12. Not too many people, but just enough that I had to run out and get more dishes, silverware and water goblets. Not to mention some seasonal decorations.



My brother Greg and his family made the trek from Reno, and we were also joined by my parents, and sis-in-law Stacie's mom, Joyce, and aunt Shirley. I wish my brother Brian and his family could have been here because they were missed. My goal for next year is to be with both of my brothers and their families (hint, hint).

It was a day-long affair, beginning around 9 a.m. when my parents and niece Stephanie arrived with a 20-pound brined turkey and stuffing to prep and put in our oven. About an hour later, Greg, Stacie, Ally and Jess came, and the first feast of the day began with a Benjie's deli spread of bagels, lox, corned beef, chopped liver, kalamata olives, pickles, and coleslaw. Not to mention some good strong coffee.



While my mom and I were in the kitchen, everyone visited and relaxed. Lauren was over the moon to play with her girl cousins, and they certainly did not disappoint.

Much of the day was spent by them on our IMac, making videos of themselves that were, in a word, hilarious. Jessica showed us how to create some trippy effects when using the computer's video and to say it was a hit would be an understatement.


[Let me just say, however, that 27 videos later, I still can't get Justin Bieber's "Baby" out of my head after hearing it 10,000 times during the making and repeated playback by Lauren of these gems]

Lauren has missed them so. Any time she gets with them is treasured.





Stacie and Greg brought a truly enormous bottle of wine they won at an auction, and we just had to break it open in advance of dinner.


[This behemoth was almost gone by the end of the night]

Norm was the keeper of the turkey temperature, and checked the thermometer on a very regular basis. My mom loved that.



About 90 minutes before we ate, things heated up in the kitchen, and I too donned my apron to whip up a few sides and put the finishing touches on our meal.



The table, ready and waiting.









Beautiful girls, hair curled and dressed for the occasion.



The bird, fresh from the oven and ready for carving.


[A quarter Honeybaked ham in the background - Mom thought a 20-pound turkey for 12 might not be enough! Norm, however, was singing her praises the next night for all the leftovers.]

A few of the sides.


[corn souffle, sweet potato brulee, mashed potatoes, and spinach gratin]

The entire family was then invited to the table. And when I say, entire family, that's exactly what I mean.


[Yes, we are thankful this year that Ariel is still with us and kickin' it]

Dinner was perfect, everything I love about entertaining. At the start of the meal, each person went around the table to share what they were thankful for this year. And there was certainly no shortage of gratitude. Then, glasses clinked and the celebrating began, with people talking over each other just a little bit and kids laughing, all between delicious bites of goodness.







After the meal, we rested for a bit, then returned to the table for a bounty of desserts, including pumpkin, apple and pecan pie, not to mention a little birthday cake for moi (yes, every 7 years I get to celebrate a little extra on Thanksgiving).





Lauren had a special surprise afterwards for her cousins. I just couldn't resist when I saw these. Every special occasion requires something to lighten the mood and inject a touch of levity.




[Yes, turkeys that "poop" jelly beans. A big hit, if I do say so myself]

So all in all, a successful first hosted Thanksgiving. A ton of work, to be sure, and my feet are still throbbing from wearing high heeled booties all night. But I would do it again in a heartbeat. And hope I get the chance to. Next year. To all who may read this, consider yourself invited.