Thanksgiving smiles

I have always enjoyed the memories of my childhood where we would gather 'round to divulge ourselves in Grandma/Granny's home cookin. Honestly, they are both great cooks and I have tried hard to keep the spirit of their cooking going strong in our family.
This year has been a great year for me to test out my hostess skills. Now that I have a bigger place with a bigger kitchen, I thought it would be great to invite some friends over to try a southern thanksgiving. I told everyone that Daniel and I would provide the ham and turkey and side dishes if they would bring rolls and desserts: two things I am terrible at making. Well, I went to work on this huge task and got things going in advanced (I only have one oven so I had to plan wisely). It was hard, but fun. I prepped the sweet potato casserole early and put it in the fridge, as well as the chicken and dressing ( a day's work prepping that one), I then made a list of all the things that needed to go into the oven on thanksgiving and make it all so that everything would be warmed by the time the guests arrived. Whew, I like lists, but this one was a doozy. Thank heavens for a warmer on the stove and in the oven.
The day arrived and I was on my feet from 7:30-3:30! Daniel was excellent and smoked his very first turkey! It turned out great: Moist and flavorful! We had to get the house ready for guests and got most everything set up the day before. We didn't think our table would be too small for 8 adults but with two turkeys (a guest brought one)  and a ham the table was packed. Good thing we set up a kiddo table. Those kids were funny and only sat down for dessert...they barely touched their dinner, Geesh!
I have to say, it was a  great experience, but now I realize just how much work goes into creating such a fantastic experience (Thanks Grandma and Granny for all those years of slaving in the kitchen). Selfishly, I had a great time because I saw everyone else enjoying themselves. Everything turned out well, except the mashed potatoes..."How can you ruin mashed potatoes?" (Granny and Grandma both asked this when I told them--haha).
Next year, I'm taking a break! (good pics to be posted soon. I wasn't able to take any pics while people were here.)

I think she was 6 weeks in this photo...

Surprise roses after Dad and Lily went shopping.

Lily wanted to pour the parm cheese on her spaghetti.

Gotta love those eyes!

Reunited with my dear mission companion. She brought her son and mc.donald's fries to get Lily to like her. :)

Prepping the food while Lily played with rice and beans...oh was that a mess to clean!

The sweet reunion. We had so much fun.

So did these two

We had fun taking a bazillion pics with the phone.

The prepped chicken and dressing! Boom Baby!

Lena sat there all nice and quite the whole time...not.

Lily watched movies the entire time I cooked..sounds about right. :)

Lily and Lena are continuing to grow and develop their cute personalities. Lily is in a movie phase...probably my fault, I love my movies. "Watch novie?" Lena is smiling so much latley and is really such a happy baby when she isn't having tummy problems. This gal has been going 7 days without pooping. I can tell it's been uncomfortable (why wouldn't?). Thankfully, the days between poops are getting shorter...it was 4 this past week. She is such a cuddle bug and loves to be held. She can't stand being alone unless she's absolutely content or tired. I am amazed at how much love I have for these two. Motherhood is difficult and I need to get out and exercise, but man do I love those two girls and want them to be happy and brought up in light and truth! I've got a great job, even if I find myself watching Monsters Inc every day.