thanksgiving twenty ten.

i just marked 891 new posts as “read” in my google reader, so i could be wrong when i assume that there are already 891 posts out there about thanksgiving. but, i have a feeling, that my assumptions are right on the money.

and guess what? here is another one. a day late and a dollar short.. but it’s better late than never. so they say.

as i mentioned awhile back, marshall & i were registered for a 5k turkey trot on thanksgiving morning.

well, plans changed. i mentioned that i have been sick. i have been trying to use the secret and not think about it or talk about it.. but after i was up all night wednesday night with a throat as sore as when i had my tonsils out, i cried mercy and finally admit it: i am sick.

i realized that running a 5k in 33 degree temperatures would be stupid. races are fun, but races in the cold when you are super sick and want to be better to enjoy thanksgiving in california with your family are not fun.

so i opted out.

at 6:30 AM thursday morning, i told marshall that i wasn’t going to be participating in the race. i figured he wouldn’t either, because he’d been griping non-stop about me “making” him do the race in the first place. but guess what?

he opted in.

this took my by major surprise. marshall hasn’t run since the last 5k i made him do over two years ago. apparently he was bound and determined. i bundled up and accompanied him to the race.. i couldn’t run, but i could surely be his cheerleader. as long as cartwheels weren’t involved.. i never was good at those.

oh, want to know what is crazy? as i was getting up and ready, i realized that i had left my running shoes back in utah! i decided that this was the universe’s way of keeping me from running the race had i tried to decide to run in despite my sickness. i am a firm believer in things happening for a reason. janetha g and the turkey trot was just not in the cards.

anyway, back to the race. we got there are picked up our numbers. hey, i still had to snag my free shirt!

there were over three THOUSAND people racing. that is a hefty number considering the small town the race was held in. i loved seeing all the turkey themed props and attire.

after a quick stretch, marshall was off!

how funny is it that he just decides to to a 5k, in his PJs, wearing a beanie and sunglasses, in pumas he bought the night before? what a guy.

we walked around for a bit and then ended up at the finish line right in time to see him finish. i love this action shot.

good job, marsh.

after the race, coffee was in order. it was COLD outside.. and that says a lot coming from me, i am used to the cold!

we hit up peet’s coffee, which we don’t have in utah (unfortunately, because i LOVE peet’s) and i just have to share this awesome menu choice they offer.

press & go? yep. french pressed coffee.. in a disposable, individual press!

GENIUS. so, so, SO genius!

yes, i get stupidly excited about innovative coffee contraptions.

we got back to my sister’s house where i made some toast with eggs and a steamy mug of theraflu.

oh, yum.

before i knew it, it was time to get the cooking projects started. i went to my sister’s computer to print off a few recipes when i spied someone’s blog—

yes, my sister and mom are addicted to mama pea. with good reason.

cooking shenanigans—all the ladies busy in the kitchen while the boys watched football. typical, but i am not complaining! i would rather cook than watch football every day of the week

things started off with several appetizers.

• sausage stuffed mushrooms
• prosciutto wrapped pears with arugula & bleu cheese
• green apple & brie crostini with brown sugar glaze
• sweet pickles
• black olives
• assorted cheeses & crackes

“aunt neefy, why do you have to take pictures of EVERYTHING before we can eat it?!”

as you can see, the appetizers were a hit.

my parents are cute.

check out this beautiful bird!

all credit goes to momma b.

the turkey was carved..

and dinner was served!

the full menu:

• turkey
• candied sweet potato casserole
• sweet potato & goat cheese galette
• mashed potatoes & gravy
• stuffing from the turkey (my mom’s is the absolute best!)
• sausage stuffing
• apple & cranberry salad with poppyseed dressing
• green beans with caramelized onions & almonds
• fresh fruit salad
• assorted dinner rolls
• corn bread muffins

my plate..

the stuffing right in the center, where it belongs. my favorite part of the entire meal.  actually, the only thing i went back for was more stuffing. you guys, i am addicted.

then.. the obligatory nap.

i was full for a good 7 hours.

we played games. i posted a blog post. we napped. we played wii. we chatted.

THEN there was room for pie.

all homemade. all delicious. pecan, pumpkin, apple and coconut cream.

i had a sliver of every kind. because, well, why not?

the napkin says it all.

thanksgiving was great. i am so happy we were able to spend it in california with my sister and her family, who we don’t get to see all too often.  it was marshall’s brilliant idea to visit them for the holiday and i am so glad he suggested it!

i realize that this post is ridiculously long, so if you made it this far, thanks for reading. you are a champ!

well, i am going to go drink more theraflu and hope tonight isn’t as horrible as the last couple have been.

hope everyone has a lovely weekend.. i love that there are still two whole days before monday morning comes!

Qs~

1. do you like pie? what’s your favorite kind?

2. who did you spend thanksgiving with?

xo. janetha g.