Thanksgiving Day OUR Way

To my precious kiddos:

Instructions for Thanksgiving appetizers:

Shrimp Dip

Drain can of shrimp in sink, rinse shrimp and drain again

Place block of cream cheese in middle of plate, pour cocktail sauce over top, then shrimp on top of that.  Put crackers in bowl and set out to enjoy.

Deviled Eggs

Peel eggs, rinse to remove any shell tidbits and lay on paper towel to drain.  Slice eggs in half, remove yellow and put into bowl.  Place hallowed eggs onto serving tray.  Mix egg yellows with enough miracle whip to make creamy, add a few squirts of mustard, a pinch of salt, pepper and paprika.  Spoon filling into eggs and sprinkle with a bit of paprika.

Vegetable Tray

Place cut vegetables and pickles on tray with ranch dressing.

Meat and Cheese Tray

Place cuts of meat and cheese on platter along with favorite crackers.  A great side for this is a spicy mustard.

Nuts, Candies, and Small Cookies

Place nuts, candies and cookies in small bowls for a little something sweet to enjoy with all the savory foods.

Keep Thanksgiving appetizers simple as you don’t want people to fill up too quickly and not truly enjoy the dinner.  Set these out early, this will not only keep people out of your hair, but will keep the “I’m hungry” comments to a minimum.

Remember, the most important part of the day is spending time with your family and friends.  All the food is a bonus.  If ever you don’t have the money for all of the appetizers, stick with carrot and celery sticks with ranch dressing.  These are inexpensive and will keep people munching.

Love you love you love you love you love you!!!

Mom (smooch)

Mother-In-Law

I often feel like there are just some things that need to be said out loud . . . shouted from the mountain tops, or maybe just written for the world to see. These words about my mother-in-law should be written for everyone to see!


I often hear friends and co-workers talk about their mother-in-law in such a negative way, but I can honestly say I have never had that experience.


Darlene, if I could just tell you how I feel, this is what I would say.


You have been a friend, no matter the circumstance. A friend who says it like it is and who does not judge me. You have cried with me when I was heart broken and scared. You have laughed with me till we both were in the floor rolling. You have never hesitated to ask me questions, no matter how uncomfortable I was to answer. I have always tried to be as truthful to you as you have been with me.


You have been one of my biggest cheerleaders, even in those times when I felt that you should have turned your back on me.You have encouraged me to make good and then better decisions. You have always been my sounding board.


You welcomed me into your family with loving arms. Not just that, you accepted my beautiful daughter into your family. You took the time to get to know me, when many would have refused.


I have enjoyed our countless conversations about friends, family and life in general. I appreciate that you pick-up the phone when I call. You have never missed my birthday or anniversary or any major holiday without sending a card or giving me a call.


You have given me the best gift a woman could ever have asked for. You gave me my husband. You created a caring, loving, strong-minded, yet willing to bend man that I have come to know as my best friend. You created the man who is able to forgive and love more ferociously than anyone I have ever known. He gets this from you. You have been the best mom a person could have asked for and an even better mother-in-law.


I know I do not speak for just myself when I say all of these words. Thank you for being who you are. God answered my prayers when He blessed me with you, the best friend and mother-in-law.