Thanksgiving 2014

Thanksgiving at the Cabin is always a special family time.

This year, our anticipation of Thanksgiving had been building for weeks.  Our decorations were hung.  We had enjoyed E-Bear's Paraliturgy.  We had ingredients on hand.  We had been talking about the many things for which we are thankful.  And, perhaps most of all, we love being at the Cabin together.

This year, as usual, our Thanksgiving meal was a feast.

We enjoyed the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and cranberry thanks to MoMo.  We enjoyed stuffing thanks to Auntie Sharon.  We enjoyed traditional fruit salad thanks to Auntie Cindy.  As a loving salute to T's family, I made squash casserole and sweet potato casserole.  At the beginning of our meal, the plates were as stuffed as the turkey.

By the end of the meal, it was our tummies that were stuffed.

MoMo gave us all a puzzle as a family gift for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We made short work of the puzzle.  After all, we had a multitude of hands working quite hard next to the warmth of Papa's fire.

We also had a great time enjoying the wintery feel of the north woods.  T and I took the kids for a hike on the sled.  T pulled the sled, and I took the pictures. :)

The lake was frozen solid.  

We ventured just onto the shoreline.  

T and I are still too cautious to go out very far.  

E-Bear made a great snow angel on the ice.  

Before we left, Papa let the kids clean out the ashes from the fireplace.  This ended up being one of their favorite activities of the weekend!  Just look at those little Cinderellas!

We said good-bye to the Cabin for the winter as we left.  Buddy Bear was in tears, and I couldn't blame him.  We love Thanksgiving at the Cabin!  Maybe we need to plan a winter snowshoe weekend.......

Happily Ever,

Queen B

E-Bear's Thanksgiving Paraliturgy

Last week, E-Bear made us all think thankful thoughts at his Kindergarten Thanksgiving liturgy.

E-Bear began the event by welcoming everyone.  

"We want to welcome everyone here today. Thank you for coming to celebrate with us."

"Mom," he declared later, "today is my first time speaking into a microphone!"

My little man was a little nervous walking in with his class, but he quickly warmed up when the songs began.  I could hear him singing from across the room.  Every time E-Bear's teacher made a sign that she needed the students to sing louder, I could hear his voice coming through loud and clear.

Each of the students had a chance to come up to the microphone and share something for which they are thankful.  I was so impressed by the ability of the five-year-olds to speak loudly and confidently in front of a large crowd.  E-Bear said he was thankful for his brother and sisters.  I couldn't have been happier to hear such a nice sentiment.

Aftewards, MoMo and I got to enjoy snacks and juice with E-Bear before he returned to his classroom.  After watching him perform so well, I was feeling thankful all day!  Thanks, E-Bear for helping me to remember so many blessings, especially the blessing of getting to be your mom.

Happily Ever,

Queen B

Giving Thanks 2013

Last week, G-Bear quizzed me, "Mommy, did you know that 'Thanksgiving' is a compound word?"  "Yes," responded E-Bear before I could answer, "because it could be changed around to 'Giving Thanks."  Clearly, there had been some coaching going on, but I was impressed.  But no matter how you say the word, we have had a wonderful time giving thanks this Thanksgiving.

This year, we celebrated at the cabin.  

We spent Thanksgiving morning eating apple cake and making pilgrim napkin rings 

and Thankful Turkeys.

We romped in the woods with loved ones.

We peeled carrots, 

mashed squash, 

chopped brussels sprouts,

 and pureed sweet potatoes like true pilgrims.  :)

After the turkey was carved, 

it was time to feast.  

E-Bear loved the turkey, G-Bear loved the mashed potatoes, 

Buddy Bear loved the cranberry, and J-Bear even tried some sweet potato.

But that wasn't all.

This year, the kids put on an after-dinner production of the First Thanksgiving.

I was the narrator, E-Bear and G-Bear were pilgrims, and Buddy Bear was Squanto.

It was a hit!

We also continued the tradition of the annual After-Thanksgiving puzzle.

(Some people shop on Black Friday.  We puzzle.)

This year, it was a Disney special with 1000 pieces. The puzzle took us 2 days.  

Everyone pitched in (including all of the kids!), and it was a great pastime as always.

There was also a bit of football to watch.  We won't say much more about that.

There were some fireworks to watch as well 

(Those turned out better than the football).

All in all, we are feeling blessed and grateful for family, friendship, and full lives.  We also come away from our family weekend feel compelled to share our blessings with others. 

Could there be a better segue into Advent?

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Week 2013

We've decorated the house.

We've stocked the fridge.

We're getting ready to travel over the river and through the woods.

Here in Happily Ever Johnson Land, we're ready to welcome Thanksgiving!

I enjoy making a big deal over Thanksgiving as a family.  

What better way to prepare for Advent than to begin with grateful hearts?  

Here are a few of our plans to help make this week extra special, in a thankful sort of way.

*

What we'll be making:

~Thankful Turkeys~

This is now a three year tradition in our family.  Each year they are a little different and always special.  E-Bear has already asked when we'll make our Thankful Turkeys and what they'll look like this year.  We'll see.....

~Pilgrim napkin rings~

A gift from MoMo, these cute napkin rings are from Paper Source and will be a fun addition to the Thanksgiving table.  The kids can't wait!

*

What we'll be cooking:

I am so excited to contribute to Thanksgiving dinner!  Hopefully, we'll give J-Bear her first meal too.

~Southern Squash Casserole~

Just like Grandma Cookie used to make.

~Sweet Potato Casserole~

The Pioneer Woman recipe that can't be beat

~Shredded Brussels Sprouts with Bacon~

Brussels in bacon is a delicious combination

~Glazed carrots~

A technique that is so easy and so delicious.

*

What we'll be reading:

~Bear Says Thanks, by Karma Wilson~

This is a sweet rhyming children's book, reminding us to be 

thankful for others and eager to give in return.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week!

Thanksgiving Week 2012

Never mind that the Bears and I are currently playing Playdough outside on the porch.  

Pay no attention to this 70 degree November weather in Minnesota.  

Be not deceived by the green grass or an unseasonable thirst for a cold drink.

This is Thanksgiving Week, and there is much to do!

*

What we'll be making:

~Blessing Trees~

I tucked away this wonderful idea from Jessica at Shower of Roses.

~Thankful Turkeys~

Our Turkeys are a little different every year, but they are always thankful!  

*

What we'll be cooking:

After enjoying a Southern-style Thanksgiving with T's family in North Carolina last year, we'll be Northerners once again this holiday.  I am honored to be in charge of some Southern-style dishes for family Thanksgiving this year, and I'll be cooking some of T's favorites.  

~Southern-style summer squash casserole ~

With thanks to Nana, just like Grandma Johnson used to make.

Photo and recipe from MyRecipes.com

~Sweet potato casserole~

The Pioneer Woman recipe that can't be beat.

~Shredded brussels sprout salad with bacon~

True Southerners may debate the inclusion of this salad among Southern dishes. 

Yet, is any other region better at cooking vegetables in bacon grease?  I love it, and I'll be making it.

Photo and recipe from Martha Stewart.com

~Apple sour cream coffee cake~

Moist and delicious, I'll make this ahead for breakfast on Thanksgiving morning.

Photo and recipe from Martha Stewart.com

*

What I'll be reading:

The Catholic Home by Meredith Gould

My Thanksgiving reading is a new book from a generous friend.  This will be a great way to get in the holiday spirit, all the while reflecting on ways that the Liturgical year can help us celebrate each and everyday.

Our past Thanksgiving Week ideas, activities, and celebrations can be found here:

Thanksgiving Week 2011

Thanksgiving Week 2010

Have a blessed and thankful Thanksgiving Week!

Thanksgiving Day 2011

Happy Thanksgiving,

 from all of us in Happily Ever Johnson Land.

This year, I find myself particularly thankful for:

My three healthy kids,

My husband, with whom I am even more in love today than the day I married him,

Our parents, who have loved and supported us in extraordinary ways this past year,

Our siblings, who have welcomed us, hosted us, and shared our nieces and nephews with us,

The extra time we have had as a family to travel to be with friends and family,

Reunions with dear friends this summer and fall, reviving friendships we treasure so much,

Our job opportunities, the food on our table, and our sweet little apartment -- we are blessed to have these needs met,

The Lord, who is patient with me when I worry and holds us in the palm of His hand.

We are a blessed family, a blessed nation.  

What a great day it is when we stop to count our blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Week 2011

Pumpkins on my porch, your days are numbered.

Turkeys decorating my window, welcome.

To those of you who bemoan the rapidly approaching holiday season, be warned.  

T has been secretly playing his new Christmas music for about a week.

It is hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is only a few days away.

We can't wait!

Bring on the turkeys!

E-Bear and G-Bear have done a great job getting us ready for Thanksgiving this year.  We have them to thank for our turkey and harvest decorations that currently adorn our home.  Last year, I enjoyed making our "Thankful Turkey" so much, that we have continued the tradition this year.  This time around, G-Bear and E-Bear each made their own "Thankful Turkey," and each day we add to our turkey in honor of something that we are thankful for.  I must say, our turkeys are already handsomely plumed!  

Thanksgiving party snacks

Both E-Bear and G-Bear have Thanksgiving celebrations on Monday. We are in charge of bringing snacks, so I was thrilled to find the following creative, fun, and yet simple ideas from One Charming Party and Family Fun Magazine.  Thanks to the great ideas below, our party snack menu will be popcorn, cheese cubes and fruit!

 The easy tutorial for the paper bag turkey can be found here, courtesy of One Charming Party.

Meanwhile, you can find tutorials for the "Fruit Gobbler" at Family Fun Magazine,

along with variation #1, "Fruit and Veggie Gobbler"

and variation #2, "Gobble Me Up."

We are going to be happy snackers at the party on Monday!  What awesome ideas!

Thankful Placemats

One final craft will help us get in the spirit: Thankful Placemats. For the craft, start with a large piece (11x17) of colored construction paper for the placemat.  Glue an 8x11 piece of thick stock paper in the middle, where the kids can write or draw things for which they are thankful.  Then, raid piles of old magazine, junk mailings and newspapers and cut out pictures of things for which you are giving thanks and glue them onto the placemat.  I love this one, because G-Bear and E-Bear can pick out the pictures and clue them on themselves.  Now they each have a special, personalized placemat to use at the Thanksgiving meal!  

What a great holiday.  Have a wonderful time counting your blessings this Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Week

We are ready for Thanksgiving Week around here!  We are planning several things to help share and prepare for the Thanksgiving celebration:

1.  Thanksgiving Feathers

The friendly turkey below is taped to the window next to our dinner table.  He looks very naked, as you can see.  His feathers are cut out in a pile on the book shelf.  Each day, the kids and I will talk about something they are thankful for.  Then we'll write down our thanksgivings on a feather and the kids will get to tape the feathers to the turkey to get him ready for Thanksgiving.  I am hoping for a full-plumbed bird this year :)  I also can't wait to hear what the kids come up with for their thanksgivings.

2.  Thanksgiving books

My kids love the library, and we are headed that way on Tuesday to check out some Thanksgiving books for the week.  They will love bringing the books to the family parties to have new stories to read with family members.

3.  Thanksgiving Toys

Last year, my aunt gave us the Fischer Price Little People Thanksgiving Celebration set, and my kids loved it.  I put it away just before Christmas time last year, in hopes of getting it out each year to help celebrate Thanksgiving.  The best part about seasonal toys is that the kids feel like they have gotten a brand new present.  Let thanksgiving playtime begin!

4. Recipes

I won't be cooking for Thanksgiving this year, thanks to amazing family members who love to host the festivities.  But I have found no shortage of amazing, Thanksgiving-worthy recipes in my meal planning moments over the past few weeks.  Here are a few of my new favorites, which we have either already enjoyed or are looking forward to enjoying in the next few weeks:

Green Bean Casserole by The Pioneer Woman

Bob Andy Pie by Three Many Cooks

Easy Dreamy Apple Pie by The Pioneer Woman

Cornbread, wild mushroom and pecan stuffing by Everyday Food Magazine

Apple Stuffing by Everyday Food Magazine

Soul Sweet Taters (Sweet Potatoes) by The Pioneer Woman

Creamed Corn by Southern Living Magazine

Bon appetit!  

May your Thanksgiving table be filled with good food, many blessings and the love of many family and friends.  Have a great week!