Family, Food, Football, and Fun

This is the first Thanksgiving in about 15 years that I won’t be cooking. Normally my whole day would be spent between the kitchen and the tv…cooking or watching football. But this year, for the first time in forever, hubby has to work. It’s pointless to cook for one.

Fortunately I have friends and family who’ve been generous enough to invite me to share the holiday with them, so I’m going to hang out at my cousin’s. I know, little foodie that she is, that she’ll have brined the turkey…(I usually do the same).

If you got the above turkey naked and swapped out those rose petals with other seasonings (though you could also keep those roses if you’re that kind of chef)…and maybe used a cooler instead of a bath tub, that would be brining. 😉 The turkey is terrific that way!

And of course, the house is usually full of family and friends and definitely football….so you’re always looking for ways to keep everyone entertained. Let’s face it, not everyone is a football fan…. This year I saw this particular version of BINGO and cracked up! Can you imagine?

Okay, so some of it isn’t nice or Thankful….but you have to account for close quarters and family…and the complications that are usually entailed when you get a mix of such different personalities (and family members) in the same room.

My Cowboys play every Thanksgiving, so I always have that joy…. I’m also finding it very interesting that this year is going to be an all NFC game holiday. For me it’s definitely a “Go Cowboys!” day…so all Cowboys gear, even to Thanksgiving dinner.

Of course when you combine Family, food, and football….fun usually ensues. Sometimes it comes from the announcers on TV, other times it’s from the people at your table… (C’mon…y’all had to know I couldn’t keep it clean forever. Whose blog did you think you visited?)

Still, at the end of the day….it’s all about gratitude. And making a difference. Recognizing those meaningful moments. Some prayers answered, and some gifts of unanswered prayers. I’ve seen a lot of different videos today, but I think the one that touched me most was shared on Facebook by my pal, Jess Witkins. Watch this and see if the power of this message doesn’t move you the way it did me.

Finally, I’d just like to say that I’m thankful for each and every one of you. May you all have plenty to eat, love that knows no bounds, and a life well lived…with very few regrets!