Friday, November 27, 2015

Thanksgiving at the Farm: A New Tradition


I had a few minutes this morning before we head out to Auburn for the Iron Bowl, so I thought I would share a little Thanksgiving.

Doing the feast at the farm was a huge hit with everyone. There was plenty to do and no laying around after gorging on southern food. It was a perfect day with one exception; I had to share Lindsay and Tyler with Tyler's parents in Atlanta:( We were minus our girl!!!

Hubby Jeff, Mama, and I all went up Wednesday evening so that we could be up and early getting things ready. I set our new table. 

WARNING: This is not a Pinterest worthy table, but a real life easy family table.


The paper placemats were wonderful.

Thursday morning was cook, cook, and cook. I can safely say none of it was healthy. Good thing we only do this once a year. I will share that I was so good. As the day approached I realized I was going to blow the detox with just a few days left.

The menu consisted of:

Smoked Turkey
Ham
Fried Turkey (the hit of the day, 
so Jeff has decided that he will only do the one next year....doubt he will stick to that because he loves family gatherings and ALWAYS goes over the top!)

Now, let's see...

Corn Casserole
Squash Casserole
Broccoli Casserole
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Bean Casserole

Green Limas

and

my mom's most amazing dressing.

It is literally the best stuff you have ever put in your mouth. No one ever tastes it that they don't rave about it!!!! I have to learn to do it, because it is the main focus of the meal according to everyone.

Now, for desserts...

My Pound Cake with strawberries and homemade whipped cream
Pecan Pie
Lemon Meringue Pie
Hershey Bar Pie

Yes, it was and always is ridiculous.

Before I go on....let me say I was so good. I got an extra small plate and ate only a few things in very small portions. I savored every single bite. I didn't eat breakfast or anything last night, just my drinks.
As soon as I had cleaned up, I put my app on my phone and went out for a swift walk around the land and made sure I did a mile.

I went out down the side one way to the woods,


and back up to the pond.


Then around past the barn to the pecan orchard


all the way to the side road. The most amazing cotton field was still blooming on the other side of the road.


Then around to see what was going on.

Guests included:
Hubby Jeff
Son Paul Allen
Mama
Jeff's sister Donna and husband Al,
Their daughter Kristan and her husband Torey..... AND THE TWINS
I so understand you grandmas out there, because when the twins show up, they become the stars. Our family is small. I am an only child and Jeff's sister only had Kristan.
Jeff's brother Danny
and
Torey's  parents, Judy and Ernest join us every other year.

Back up to a few inside feast pictures.

Jeff carving with two hoping for something to drop.

Torey, Paul Allen, and Aunt Donna

Mama and the twins, Tanner and Katelyn. Mama had to move because they wanted me!!!!

The new table.
.


Lots of fishing.

Tanner has something.


Adorable!

A little swimming unfortunately. Both dogs ran after the tours with the mules that Jeff and Paul Allen gave until they were worn out. They slept hard last night.


Not to be left out of the fishing.

So cute!

Done with giving tours. The boys set up a shooting range into the hay bales that were never picked up by the previous farmer. Oh my the guys had a blast. I never made it out to practice, but I am a pistol packing mama!

My two best fellas.

After dark, everyone made their way back into have a little more dessert. Not me though!




A fantastic day had by all. We have all agreed that a new tradition was born. It really kept everyone up and outside whether sitting on the screen porch or out fishing, riding, shooting, etc. No lazy days after eating soooooo much food.

The day would have been perfect with my other two chickadees, but I know Tyler's mama was happy.
They sent me a picture.


Off to War Eagle Country.

Blessed indeed,
Sandy









Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Overflowing with Thankfulness

A season of giving thanks seems to get lost in this world today. God doesn't promise everything will always be easy in this world, but He does give us so many promises for this life.

This past December as the eve of the new year was approaching, I made a list of goals for 2015. One of those was to just stop each day and be mindful of my many blessings. It is so easy in the day to day to lose sight of what He does for us. 

As we leave for the farm tomorrow to have Thanksgiving with the family, I just wanted to stop today and note some of those things in my life.

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7 

I have the most wonderful family. 

A husband that loves me and looks to always provide me with the best. 

A daughter who is such a good friend as well as a wonderful daughter. She has a light that glows in a crazy world and an optimistic attitude even when things aren't going well. 

I have the most wonderful son-in-law who loves my daughter. He is so very good to her.... an answered prayer. 

My dear son who is my very heart is doing so much better. He seems to have grown up so much lately. 

When I think back to last Thanksgiving, my mom was sick and just felt so stinking bad along with having to forge new traditions. Today, she is feeling good and ready to move. We close next week on a home. I am so grateful.

My list could go on... a wonderful church and a great group of friends.

I am going to enjoy the rest of the week. 
Going to see the Hunger Games with my daughter.
Headed to the farm tomorrow to prepare for the family.
A day to eat and fellowship.
Heading to the cabin on Friday.
Iron Bowl on Saturday. War Eagle! Hoping for a miracle!
Back home Sunday.
Get the tree up!

Everyone have a blessed week,
Sandy