thanksgiving remembered

a week ago, we celebrated our first thanksgiving without adult supervision. that meant cooking all on our own! luckily we weren't alone in this adventure; we joined mr. & mrs. nevers who were in the same boat.

mr. & mrs. nevers live in the south, so mr. pike and i took a little drive across country to meet them for a warmer holiday. it was so wonderful to be with the nevers; they're family and we like them a lot. mr. pike and i were so grateful to spend time with family. both of our families are spread all over the world, and it feels even more special when we get together.

we had a delightful dinner -- turkey cooked perfectly! mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potatoes, carrots, applesauce, and cranberry sauce. i made my grandmother's stuffing recipe for the first time, and it was so delicious. (i've included the recipe below.)

i also am so grateful for the bounty i have in my life -- a wonderful husband, great family, jobs that pay the bills, food in our pantry, a car that runs, a warm bed, heat in our apartment, a super warm coat, health, and so much more. i have felt God's presence in my life, and know He knows me.

during our time down south, i was also very grateful for good BBQ, gumbo on Beale Street, and the King.

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Grandma Vilate's Stuffing
16 c. day-old bread, cubed (1 loaf)
2 t. salt
½ .t pepper
½ lb. sausage
3 c. water or broth
½ c. chopped onion
1 c. chopped celery
1 c. chopped green pepper
1 c. chopped mushrooms
1 can sliced water chestnuts, chopped

Soak bread with broth for 5 minutes. Cook sausage, onion, celery, green pepper, and mushrooms for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper as you saute the mixture. Once the sausage has cooked through, add the mixture to the bread, along with the water chestnuts and toss everything together. Put in a oven-proof dish, and bake at 350 for 30 minutes.