GREAT THANKSGIVING

Dear Family,

As you know, I had a surgical procedure in my foot and have been grounded for the last four weeks so have not written much.

However, the stitches are out and I was able to celebrate one of the best Thanksgivings we have had.

We had five of our eight daughters and their families here and it was great. Present for Thanksgiving was Cheryl and Paul, Suz and Scott, Cathy and Pete, Becca and Paul and Bina and Scott with all their kids for Thanksgiving dinner. Becca, Suz and Bina and their gang stayed in our home and it rocked.

On Tuesday night, we had a secret reunion; Doug slept over to get to the airport early the next morning and Rob and Eva and their kids were stranded in Salt Lake on their way to California because of the blizzard. Here is a picture of all. It was great to see tham all; we stayed up until one in the morning visiting. Mom took them to the airport early the next morning. Eva is due in February and is doing well.

Well on Wednesday, our home turned into Iron Chef Stadium. Becca was in charge of the cooking assignments. Suz planned the 22 lb Butterball turkey. Becca made rolls and deserts. Bina made the chocolate pudding pie. I was in charge of the oyster dressing and brining and smoking a smaller turkey.

The oyster dressing is somewhat of a tradition in the Wirthlin family; it is at least 135 years old. It was quite an experience for my father who prepared the dressing the night before. I did the same and modified the recipe. Here I am putting the finishing touches on the oyster dressing. It is so good but the number of people who really like it are diminishing.

Becca made pies, rolls, sweet potatoes. Bina did the mashed potatoes. On Thursday morning, the sweet smells of a classic dinner filled the air. Everyone worked hard. Mom made pretty table decorations. For the first time, everything was prepared on time, all the sides were orchestrated to be ready with the two turkeys, the gravy was made in advance, and everything was set.

There was excitement and a lot of noise. I tried to invite people to sit down but nothing happened until I called in a firm voice, "Alle bitte Platz nehmen!" There was instant silence; Cheryl muttered, "That worked!" and we gathered for the prayer.

With family and a close friend who joined us I tried to say the Thanksgiving prayer and was so overcome with such a feeling of deep gratitude for Faith, Family and Friends, I choked but finally managed to voice of prayer of Thanksgiving.

It took 36 hours to do the smoked turkey and with three days or prparation, the meal was consumed in minutes. Here are Cheryl and daughter Madeline looking good and comfy after the dinner.

The boys took the kids to a Walt Disney movie and we gathered again in the evening for dessert. I made a New England Indian Pudding. There were pies of all kinds. Cheesecakes and goodies galore. It was a great time!

Well when it was all over, the left overs were organized, everything was cleaned up and it was the most organzed Thanksgiving dinner and We were so happy.

The next morning, the gals were off at 5:00 AM to hit the early sales and get a start on Xmas shopping. The guys and I went to a Cabelas early morning door opener and had a good time and went to a second one the next day.

Then it was time for all to beat the next blizzard and drive home. What a great Thanksgiving and how grateful we are for the blessings of Heaven.

We love you all, Mom and Dad