And so it goes. . .: Thanksgiving around the Brown table...

Love this...

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others." ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero

This year we created a THANKFUL word wall.

One letter of the alphabet each day, beginning 26 days before Thanksgiving. It was a daily opportunity to be specific about our blessings. And some letters really allowed us to stop and think...which is always a good thing.

This is what Thanksgiving looked like at our house this year...

My mom's jello salad is a must. It was when I was growing up and it still is now. Cooper asks about it 200 times in the days prior. On a visit back home some time ago I was able to go through mom's cupboards and get my hands on the metal ice cube trays that she used to set the jello in. Now I use them for setting the jello cubes and somehow it makes it that much sweeter.

Brent's mom's orange rolls are always on the table as well. Brent carries on the tradition like a pro. Maddie can consume these by the dozen and will even pass on pie just to have another roll. Brent is also in charge of the mashed potatoes. Creamy, dreamy deliciousness.

I remember my dad being the best at gravy. I somehow have the knack. Mashed potatoes and gravy are my favorite sides!

Years ago we were invitied to share Thanksgiving dinner at a friend's home. Such a kind and fun family. Carolyn shared her stuffing recipe with me and I've never looked back since.

Our turkey is a new tradition. A wonderful family, not far from us, digs a huge pit on their property and slow cooks the turkey over night. Last year was our first attempt at the slow roasted pit turkey. It was our own fault that it didn't turn out as expected so we gave it another try this year. OH. MY. GOODNESS. Absolutely the best turkey we've ever had. Fall of the bone tenderness. I'm not kidding. And it freed up my oven for all the other yummy stuff. BONUS!

Not pictured are the pies. I'm not one for a store bought pie. Brent makes the scratch crust. He's good at it. We make pumpkin ~ straight off the Libby's label and banana cream ~ my mom's recipe. Brent loved my mom's pie and I love that he makes it every year because I know he loved her too. Oh! And whipped cream whipped with beaters, not out of a can. There is no replacement for fresh whipping cream. It makes memories I tell ya!