Some Turkey and a Whole Lot of Thanks

In case I haven't mentioned it enough already, Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday (it follows closely behind Christmas, which I'm mildly obsessed with). I love cooking and I love when the house is chaotic and filled with family.

This year, my family and I hosted Thanksgiving at our house, and our chef was my dad.

It's worth mentioning that everything I know about cooking I've learned from my dad. He had me making risotto (lots of stirring and the occasional pouring of chicken broth) at the age of seven. I stood on a chair in our kitchen because otherwise I couldn't quite reach the stove.

That being said, both my father and I are a little bit particular when it comes to details (that may be an understatement). So, as you can see, when we went shopping on Wednesday, our list was detailed and organized. We split it in half. I took the left column,

and he took the right.

When we got to the store, Dad told me to meet him at the checkout in 15, to keep my head down, not make eye contact, and to absolutely NOT talk to anyone.

The only problem is that my town is sort of small. And I sort of know a ton of people here. So I kind of couldn't help the chatting. Dad found me talking to an old friend and bumped his cart into mine. On purpose. Yup. My family takes Thanksgiving pretty seriously.

I spent most of Wednesday afternoon and evening preparing for marathon cooking, and woke up at 7 am on Thanksgiving to assist in the kitchen. Please keep in mind that I am not a terribly good morning person. I downed about three cups of coffee to keep moving, and chopped, stirred and sauteed my little heart out. Essentially my role as an assistant to the master chef (Dad) is to be an extra set of hands and not get in the way. I've mastered these responsibilities over the years.

Dad and I made two of the most perfect turkeys I think we've ever made. We also made regular stuffing, Hungarian stuffing and peas and pearl onions. Dad made the best cranberry sauce and I made my popular sweet potato casserole with homemade marshmallow sauce and a pecan crumble. Mom even contributed a delicious coconut custard pie.

My fabulous aunt (pictured with her dog, Prince) made amazing mashed potatoes and cheesy vegetables.

In other words, my family didn't exactly starve.

Unfortunately, I was so busy cooking and chatting and overall enjoying myself that I made a big mistake - I took no pictures of our spectacular feast. I know. Epic failure.

But maybe it's okay that I don't have pictures. In fact, I didn't take any pictures on Thanksgiving at all because I was too busy enjoying myself.

All of the pictures in this entry are the product of my 6 year old cousin Mali's pretty fabulous photography skills.

I think that maybe, when it comes down to it, being a good hostess is definitely about making good food and providing for guests, but maybe it's even more important to take some time to actually enjoy the company and be grateful for such fabulous people - especially on Thanksgiving.

I know times are tough right now, and I know this post is a few days late, but I am grateful for so much, and not just on Thanksgiving.

How was your Thanksgiving? Is there anything you're particularly grateful for this year?

And, hey, it's okay to be thankful for the little things too. Right now I'm particularly thankful for a super cute sweater dress that I think Santa may be bringing me for Christmas.

And I'm thankful to all of you, for reading, and especially for commenting.