If It Looks Like a Turkey and Walks Like a Turkey…

While our Thanksgiving wasn’t filled with the traditional family around the table – we had many friends instead – it was full of love, laughter and a fair amount of vino. And pie. Always the pie. My favorite thing about the day may be the way Anna-Laura spelled “deviled eggs” – I know. I die.

I’m not much of a traditionalist when it comes to the food on this holiday. About the only traditional thing I made was the turkey. We are usually game for trying lots of new recipes (almost always Southern Living inspired) and this year, we found some real winners. Case in point, Gnocchi mac and cheese. Oh man.

Scott sliced, I stood guard over the stove and the kids played with their friends. We had a raucous game of poker (that was fun), cornhole (more fun) and beautiful conversations with friends. Not once did I think to pick up the camera and take a photo while our friends were here. In fact, I largely logged off social media. Sometimes life just needs to be experienced, not documented.

We attended Mass as a family and I think I only had to do the stank eye once. Impressive. There was groaning about the clothes I made them wear, but that’s oh-so typical. Someday they’ll thank me, right?

And, true to tradition, the day before the meal, the kids gathered around the kitchen table and formed “the assembly line” or as John Paul called it, child labor. Whatever. Christmas cards are my jam. Always have been. Stuffing, addressing and licking those envelopes was great fun. For the first time – take note you parents of lots of littles – the kids didn’t bellyache one bit. They actually worked together. It was my Christmas miracle. We even blasted the holiday Pandora.

And Gianna? I’m pretty sure she was thinking, suckas.

I pray your Thanksgiving was beautiful – full of light, love and wonderful conversations with people you love and adore.