Monday, November 19, 2007

Menu Monday and Happy Thanksgiving!



Oh, I'm JUST so happy. This week is finally here! And it's the week I've been praying for... a week OFF. Off of school, off of housework, off of the phone and computer, off of errands, off of ministry responsibilities, and off of kitchen duty! I know, Thanksgiving seems an odd time to be out of the kitchen, but that's where I'll be-- out! We're spending the week RV'ing in a beautiful state park in Oklahoma. This will be our third year to enjoy time away- just the four of us- enjoying time outdoors and being thankful, especially thankful to our sweet friends who are so graciously loaning us their RV.


Today I'm baking some of the things we love to take- sausage balls, banana bread, pumpkin pie and cookies. Dinner tonight will be a leftover buffet, and then tomorrow we're off! I've got my"camping style" Thanksgiving dinner all ready to go. I've got a smoked turkey which we'll do in the dutch oven over the fire. The stuffing is simply two boxes of Stove Top stuffing, some chicken broth, a can of cream of mushroom soup and a can of cream of chicken soup in the Crock Pot (my kids LOVE this!). I've got another can of cr. of chicken soup for our "gravy" and some potato flakes to mix up mashed potatoes, some green beans and some rolls to heat up over the fire as well. (The "old me" would not have considered this a proper Thanksgiving dinner at all... I like the "new me" much better!) Take my word for it, eaten outside by a campfire, this is the best Thanksgiving dinner ever!


The rest of the week's cooking is being done by my fun husband who came home with this over the weekend. Yes, our menu consists of whatever can be cooked over a fire (steaks, hot dogs, stew, biscuits, and of course, s'mores!)

(Those of you with a more "refined" palate should stop by Laura's to read other people's menus or to link your own!)

We're also taking some ideas/activities from Family Life's Thanksgiving resources. I'm adapting the Rainey's "five kernels of corn" activity to also correspond with this reading. I'm also taking some scriptures on thankfulness so that we can apply those scriptures as they pertain to God's faithfulness to the Pilgrims as well as to our family. I want to also pray those scriptures- thanking Him in advance for the way He will be faithful to us in the year to come.


I'll leave you with some pictures of what we'll be looking at this week...








I am so thankful for you, that you stopped by. Have a blessed, blessed week wherever you are and around whatever table your family gathers.

God is good, all the time.

9 comments:

Deidre said...

Oh, Cyndi, this sounds amazing. What a wonderful way to spend Thanksgiving - without all the stress! I pray you and your family have a wonderful, restful time. Happy Thanksgiving, sweet friend!

Mindy said...

OH Cyndi -- That should absolutley delightful!
I hope you and your famiyl have a wonderful time together!
See ya next week -- can't wait to hear about your Thanksgiving!
In HIM -
Mindy

Anonymous said...

I'm so thankful to have made it to this week, too! I love those pictures!!

Nicole said...

Sounds like you guys will have a blast! Beautiful scenery!! Happy Thanksgiving :)

Tricia said...

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you have a wonderful week. We love you guys!

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Have a wonderful time with your family!! It sounds like the perfect way to spend the week.

I have not been blogging much lately, too much real life going on, but I have missed connecting with you.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving!

Susannah said...

Thanks for the link to FamilyLife... I'd forgotten about their wonderful site. I would like to incorporate the "5 Kernels" into our family tradition.

I've never heard of camping over Thanksgiving, but what a great idea! I'll bet there are lots of happy Dads who would enjoy the break from city life. Enjoy your s'mores...

Blessings, e-Mom

M said...

hey cindy - where in OK did you go?? I bet you drove right by our house! I hope you guys had a great time!
:)

Terri | Sugar Free Glow said...

Love the photos!

Happy (now belated) Thanksgiving!! :)