Such fun planning menus - it feels so 'normal'. I have missed 'family life' since being in the UK and nothing has ever really been 'fun' rather we have made the best we could out of every situation. I think it has been harder for the kids - they dont get to see grannies, auntie and cousins on birthdays and at christmas - even the family fights are fun 'brandy fucking custard' springs to mind - my how we laughed! I tend to go too far, buy too much, over compensate desperately trying to fill voids that just cant be filled. But mainly I just want to have the attitude that I cant be arsed - problem is - I am. My thinking has been challenged so much this year - the arrival of Frankie has helped me put so much into perspective. So much this year is for him. Christmas will be different - we fly to SA on Christmas day..... Leaving Scott and Lauren & Frankie behind, it will be hard, but kids grow and Mums are entitled to a life of their own (?). Of curse we will open prezzies with Frankie before we head for the airport and we will have a christmas eve dinner this year so we will still celebrate but it is just not the same. I remember the days of everyone at ours on Christmas day, chefs in the kitchen, marquees up, noise, laughter and of course the odd tear. Seems like a life time ago.

Anyway! Thursday - menu planning, inviting friends over (they have become surrogate family really) kids all at home, cant wait! I have the whole week to prepare and cook - to say I am in my element is an understatement. What I do know is that I will cook too much, eat too much, laugh too much, cry too much - that said I also know I will thrive on every moment and the opportunity to give thanks for my wonderful family and friends (near and far). I love you all xx PS menu pasted below - you are all welcome !

Thanksgiving – Thursday 26 November 2009

Roast Norfolk Turkey stuffed with Cornbread, chestnut mushroom and macadamia nut dressing, glazed with sage, apple and red onion chutney, accompanied with cider gravy & cranberry sauce

Served with:

Traditional corn biscuits

Roasted Red Rooster potatoes with parmesan and garlic

Pumpkin Fritters

Mac ‘n cheese

Green Bean Almondine

Roasted maple ginger carrots

Roasted sweet potato fries

Salads:

Waldorf Salad

Salad of romaine lettuce with marinated tomatoes

Chunky Beetroot, onion and apple pots

Dessert

Pumpkin, maple and cinnamon muffins

Pecan Pie

Pumpkin Pie

Fresh Cream

Ice Cream