I'm so Thankful this Year, I had Another Thanksgiving!!!

Saturday, I made Thanksgiving dinner for my brother Charles and his family, my mom, and Erin and Jed. This year, I brined a Turkey. It was quite intimidating, but it turned out so, so good. Erin took Natalie to the Park earlier in the day and then to Lompoc to see Jed's family so, I was able to get lots done without any "mimi where are you" interruptions. The pictures are a bit out of order, but you'll get the gist.

My beautiful Mom and Natalie's beautiful mom!!!



My mom came early and peeled all my potatoes for me, "Thanks Mom." I love visiting with my mom, it's like talking with a girlfriend, which is the best of both worlds

Look at these two in their Christmas PJs. Sooo Cute


it was Pass the Potatoes, Pass the Gravy and Pass Baby Noah around... Here he is with Steve...



Then Garrett.......

Then Charles.......

Then Lucas........

Then Grandpa Mark. He is quite the little charmer and absolutely loves to be held. He was a happy camper!

This is my husband's plate... He was watching his carb intake.. Not...



Jed and my Brother Charles


Charles and Family. Lucas is a professional dancer and we got to watch him on The Ellen De Generes Variety Show on TBS while he was here. It was quite impressive!!


How blessed I feel that I got to be with both of my families this year. Erin and Jed left this morning, and I'm pooped. I spent the day with my BFF, Toni, helping her with things for our upcoming Bonco Christmas Party. I watched two Christmas movies and I think I may just be in the mode now!!
Before Erin left today, she told me that True Bloggers keep up their blogs regularly. You make it a "priority" is what I think she said. I guess if she can do it while Natalie is on her lap and Noah is breastfeeding, I have no excuse...
Until next time....

While Erin was sleeping

Friday, I let Erin take a long nap while Noah was sleeping too. So, we entertained Natalie and she entertained us as well.



who needs toys!!

we decorated gingerbread cookies.

Noah got kisses from his grandpa Mark when he woke up from

his long nap.

Thanksgiving with the Stotko Family

Yesterday we headed down to Camarillo to spend Thanksgiving with all of Mark's family. We had a fantastic time eating way to much yummy food and dessert. I was busy visiting and didn't get very many photos, but here are a few
Mark's Mom, Pat.

It's tradition to write what you are Thankful for on Fall Leaf cut outs. We put them in a basket and read them and try to guess who wrote it. It gets pretty funny...

Gary, Lori, Pat, Cindy, Bryan, Mark and Steve.

What a wonderful Day with Family. We love you guys!!! . I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and for those of you traveling, be safe!!

It's the beginning of the Holidays

My brother Henri, his daughter Janine and grandaughter, Chloe, came for quick visit since they won't be able to make it for Thanksgiving. We had dinner at my other brother Charles (I have four brothers) and his wife, Beth's house and just sat around visiting. Thanksgiving is the beginning of when I get to be around all my family. This year, we are traveling to Camarillo to be with Mark's family. Then I get to come home to by grandbabies, Erin and Jed and cook another Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday. For me, the holidays are about friends and family and the more ther merrier. I think I get that from my Dad, who loved having people over and
Bar-be-quing, which a huge Santa Maria tradition. I grew up with many weekends of the pit going, gathering around telling jokes, playing darts, and just having a blast. My husband and I are not true Santa Marians. We don't have a Oak BBQ pit, and my husband is a city boy, and can't BBQ well, even on a Propane tank. I, on the other hand, can handle it.. at least the propane one.






The Pre-Wash Cyle

Charles, me, Henri and My Cute Mom, who will be 85 in Jan.

Chloe, who has the most beautiful blue eyes!

Jordan's Birthday and my first Post Ever!

Making a Wish!

Sunday, we celebrated Jordan's 19th birthday. Her twin brother Garrison lives in Utah, so she didn't have to share her picks for what type of birthday dinner or dessert she wanted. So, I started early, complete with candles lit throughout my house and Christmas music on ( my family was moaning at the early onset of Christmas music) and made an apple pie for dessert, orange roughy, mashed potatoes, artichokes and pasta salad, all at her request. We toasted with sparkling apple cider and had a really nice time.

Blog

I have a blog. My daughter Erin who is very intelligent created it for me. Now I have to figure out how to do it. I promise to update it often.