Happy Thanksgiving!

My Menu:

Pumpkin Soup

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Parmesan Garlic Roasted Butternut Squash

Mini Cheddar and Gruyere Au Gratins

Brussels Sprouts with Fried Shallots

Pancetta and Sage-Butter Rubbed Turkey

Gravy and Cranberry sauce

Apple Pie

Pumpkin Ice Cream Torte

I have an ambitious menu planned and 15 mouths to feed for my first Thanksgiving, and I am very excited. I am heading home early today to brine my turkey and put the finishing touches on my decor and table settings!

I hope everyone has a lovely holiday and can enjoy the long weekend spent with family and friends-or however you choose to spend the time.

Hooters...I'll explain

Two of my closest friends came to town this weekend to see the new house and spend some time with me before the baby. It was so much fun to see them show them my house and my new neighborhood. I had a commitment on Saturday to go to Lunch with my husband and his Grandmother, but my friends had already planned to meet up with another friend for lunch- so it wasn't a big deal. I still wasn't happy about the timing, since my husband had agreed to the lunch without my go-ahead and because it took time away from hanging out with girls that I don't see very often. BUT I rose above because it is difficult for his Grandmother to get around, and if this time didn't work, who knew when we would find another. THEN, I find out that she wants to go to HOOTERS. I couldn't believe it! Why would you take your grandson and his pregnant wife to lunch at HOOTERS? Why not just come and see our new house! Why not go somewhere not centered around beer and boobs! I was not happy. Big guy told me he wanted to buy me a new outfit for lunch so that even if I wasn't happy about where I was- i would feel great about how I looked. This worked and I decided to grin and bear it. Saturday came and we loaded into the car and hauled off all the way to the city. We had just gotten off the highway and were headed towards the "Restaurant" when I asked- what time are we supposed to be there. He called his mother to find out if she had arrived with his Grandmother- only to find out that she wasn't downtown- she was planning the lunch for NEXT Saturday. I just started crying. I don't know why! I couldn't stop. I was just so tired and disappointed that we had gone through all the trouble to get ready and drive down town and would now have to fight the northbound traffic and waste the valuable time I would have spent with my friends- for nothing! I was just upset. I told Big Guy that I wasn't mad at him, and that I understand that people make mistakes, but also that this was not the way I organize a lunch date! I confirm! I double confirm- I know what time to be there! and WHAT DAY! We finally got home and I had stopped crying when I looked in my dining room and it is filled with people!!! My friends had thrown me a surprise baby shower!!! There was no Hooters lunch- (that part was Big Guy's idea of a joke, which now I admit is pretty funny.) I have a few pictures that I wanted to share. Everything was blue and brown and so cute! I have such great friends- and I had a great time. The gifts I received were so generous and thoughtful and my little preppy baby even got a silver spoon from Tiffany- which of course all my friends thought was just hilarious...punks...

All in all it was great- minus a few tears.....but hey- I am pregnant...that is my excuse.