Happy Thanksgiving everyone! This year, we actually have room to host the event and Steve and I are busy getting everything ready. Ok, I’m blogging and Steve’s prepping the turkeys, but we’re still working.
It’s so exciting for me to see the table set for 13 people and know we have plenty of room for everyone. Our old house was so small! We bought two fresh turkeys and Steve’s been prepping them to go on the smoker. One is flavored with our favorite spice combo [Northwoods](http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysnorthwoods.html) and stuffed with pears. The second is rubbed with [Old World](http://www.penzeys.com/cgi-bin/penzeys/p-penzeysoldworld.html) and stuffed with apples. Steve also put some applewood chips on the smoker for additional flavor. Steve’s also making butternut squash risotto to go with the meal. He’s excited to cook in the new kitchen and I’m excited I can concentrate on the important things like setting the table and making sure we have enough wine.
Ralph, Blair and the girls arrived last night so we went out to mom’s for a bit. I walked in the door and was greeted by two little bundles of energy yelling, “Aunt Tammy, Aunt Tammy, Aunt Tammy!” It was delightful. Lydia has really grown up and is expressing her opinion often. She’s quite a handful and there’s no arguing with her once she makes up her mind. Julia gets more and more mature every time I see her. It’s so fun to be around her and interact with her. Of course, it’s always good to see Ralph and Blair. Ralph recently got Lasik surgery and is enjoying life without glasses. Yes, I’m a bit envious of it, but I don’t know if I could actually go through with it even if I had the money. She said they do give you Valium, but not enough!
It’s the calm before the family storm here so I think I’ll finish my coffee, read all the Thanksgiving ads and enjoy some quite time before everyone arrives. I’m thankful for my family, my life, my health, my husband and my friends. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Be sure to eat too much, watch too much tv and nap if you need to!
Pretty Pretty Bang Bang 