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Give Thanks

November 22, 2011 by Edie Wadsworth 44 Comments

So, how long have you and I been going steady? Like 3 years, I think?
Well, except for that time you broke up with me when I posted about Loretta Lynn.
And okay, the mullet made you a little uncomfortable.   And the bluegrass.

But all and all, we’re pretty solid, you and I.  I would totally hold your hair back in a crisis.  I adore you.  I do.

So, I wanted to say thank you. For meeting me here so faithfully after all this time, through all these trials and all this joy.
For rescuing me from despair when my life fell apart.
I am so humbled that you come. And that you make it okay for us to be who we are.
You are like family to me. I couldn’t be more blessed by having you in my life.
A few goodies and links to say thank you!
I made this banner 2 Thanksgivings and 2 kitchens ago and hope to make time to print it out again this year. Link up in the comments if you print it and post about it!
DSC_0839

DSC_0842

DSC_0845

The pdf files for the letter are here for you to download and print.
G in Give
I in Give
V in Give
E in Give

T in Thanks
H in Thanks
A in Thanks
N in Thanks
K in THanks
S in THanks

Here are some links of food I’m making, in case you need a few last minute ideas.

Obviously, this list isn’t complete.   At least my family hopes not.

But these were easy to find and I hope all your dishes are wonderful and tasty!

Chocolate Banana Cream Pie by Emeril—don’t make it until Thursday, it doesn’t ‘keep’ well.

Green Bean Casserole–-Alton Brown (an alternative to the cream of mushroom version)

Red Velvet Cake—Cuisine at Home  (I’m making the one from Cuisine at Home, which has no online link but it’s close to the one I linked to.  It’s made in 2 8×8 pans and then the cakes are sliced in half to make a 4 layer cake.  The sides aren’t frosted so you can see the red—it looks amazing!  I made the cakes already and froze them and will ice them on Thursday.)

Parker House Rolls—Martha Stewart  (I make these every year and they are amazing!)  Make on Thursday.

Vicki’s Olive Salsa—appetizer    (Stevie LOVES olives and thinks it’s a downright disgrace not to have olives on the Thanksgiving table.)

Crab Rangoon Dip—appy (new for me this year)

Oyster Dressing-–Pioneer Woman   (I make sausage dressing too but I LOVE oyster dressing and so does Grannie.   And I think we’re the only two but try it and lemme know!)

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins—I already need to make another batch!  They disappear so fast and are perfect for a lazy after-Holiday breakfast!

And here’s my fail proof turkey method—–LOW and SLOW.    We don’t eat until 6 pm so my timing is based on that.  If you plan to eat at noon, you need to put that baby in the oven at 2 or 3 am.

I start with a 20-22 pound turkey and soak it in a salt water/apple juice brine either overnight or at least for a few hours.  (about a half handful of salt and one container of apple juice and then submerse in your sink by filling the rest with water.      At 6 am, I turn the oven on 300 while I prepare the turkey.  I pat the turkey dry and stuff it with sausage stuffing.   I them rub softened butter over the outside skin.    Put into the oven and leave at 300 for an hour and a half.  Then reduce the temperature to 250 and cook for several hours.   At around noon, I check it to see how we’re progressing.  If it seems to be cooking along very well, I often turn the oven down to 200 and leave it for the rest of the afternoon.   Sometimes, I turn it down to 200 but after checking it at 3 pm, if it’s not starting to fall apart, I increase the temp back up to 250.    There has never been in the history of the world a juicier turkey.

LOW and SLOW.

It’s the key to all of life.

******************

I leave  you with this prayer for the home!

Lord God, our home is among the most precious gifts we receive in this life.

We realize this all the more as we remember our Lord Jesus. He set aside home and family. Having no place to lay His head throughout His ministry, he chose to sojourn among those He came to save. We prayerfully invite Him to dwell in our earthly abode even as He continually invites us by Word and Sacrament to dwell forever in our heavenly home, which He prepares for us.

Make us ever grateful for this shelter from life’s storms.

Keep this house always the home of comfort, joy, peace, and forgiveness.

According to Your will, protect this home from the spiritual assaults of Satan, but likewise make our home a fortress against the calamities of nature and the wickedness of sinful man.

Grant us the virtue of hospitality, the joy of harmonious living, and the blessing of gathering around Your Word and bringing our families’ prayers before You.

May all who dwell in our home be blessed by Your presence and Your peace,

and may all who go forth give thanks for the grace they receive from You, through us, Your dear children

We receive Your loving kindness in our home as a reminder of the eternal home we inherit through Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray.
Amen.
{prayer taken from the Lutheran prayer book which can be purchased at Concordia Publishing House.}

Sweet blessings on your  home this Thanksgiving season.

Filed Under: faith, family life, from my kitchen, holidays

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Avatarginawilliamsh says

    November 23, 2011 at 1:59 am

    Sissy, I can’t wait to be blessed this Thanksgiving by you and your amazing house!  We are looking so forward to this special time together, making memories along the way!  Thank you for all you do to make this day of Thanks each year in our family a day that we won’t forget.  Especially with all the great food! Can’t wait!  Love you!

    Reply
    • Avataredie wadsworth says

      November 23, 2011 at 2:36 pm

      All will be right with the world when you get here!  Love you and hurry up now:)
      xoxo

      Reply
  2. AvatarLaryssa says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:02 am

    Oyster dressing is a family tradition for us! It wouldn’t feel like Thanksgiving without it. 

    Reply
  3. AvatarShayne says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:02 am

    So excited that you shared your secret for the juiciest turkey ever!  My turkeys have always been okay, but that’s about it.  I’m trying your hints this year!  Most of all, thank you for the prayer for our homes.  My Lutheran prayer book sits on my shelf, and I never thought to source it for such a beautiful, true-to-what-I-pray-for-my-family type of prayer.  Blessings to you and your family.

    Reply
  4. AvatarGina says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:05 am

    I always love to see other’s menus. I love the idea of eating late so everyone can visit and not be in a hurry. I am fortunate to still have my grandparents so we will be eating at their house. I love our southern country dishes (shuckey beans, cushaw pie, stack cake) and look so forward to it every year. I’m sure this Thanksgiving will be very special for your family. You have so much to be thankful for, as we all do!! 🙂 Oh, and I am baking a red velvet cake for my son-in-law’s birthday for when they arrive tomorrow. I am using a new recipe but plan to check yours out. 😉

    Reply
  5. Avatar{darlene} says

    November 23, 2011 at 3:10 am

    Happy Thanksgiving.
    I love you, dear friend!

    Reply
  6. AvatarChristy says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:05 am

    Yummy! I just might have to give the oyster dressing a try. Sounds delightful!! Happy Thanksgiving! 

    Reply
  7. AvatarBetty B says

    November 23, 2011 at 4:54 am

    May you and family have the most thankful and joyful Thanksgiving.   You all deserve it. We here in Ontario,Canada have already celebrated our Thanksgiving but are looking forward to Christmas with all its blessings that God bestows on us.  God Bless you all.  Love Betty Baker

    Reply
  8. AvatarVicki says

    November 23, 2011 at 5:12 am

    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  9. AvatarAdriane says

    November 23, 2011 at 5:45 am

    How does one theoretically go about getting herself invited over for your delicious Thanksgiving feast? Hypothetically, of course.

    Reply
  10. AvatarAbby says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:27 am

    Oyster dressing was a Thanksgiving/Christmas staple at my Grandma’s house.  Early on in my marriage, I convinced my Grandma to share her recipe (very similar to Pioneer Woman).  Well,  the first year I made it, I made a big mistake.  I picked up canned clams instead of oysters!  I used them anyway.  The mistake turned out to be a good thing.  My FIL & husband both said they wouldn’t have touched it with a ten foot pole if it contained oysters.  I now make it with clams.

    Your menu looks yummy.  I can’t wait to check out the crab rangoon dip!
    Abby

    Reply
  11. AvatarFunkySteph says

    November 23, 2011 at 10:51 am

    Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for being there, thank you for this blog. Here in Luxembourg we don’t have Thanksgiving and I regret it every year.

    Reply
  12. AvatarFunkySteph says

    November 23, 2011 at 10:51 am

    Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for being there, thank you for this blog. Here in Luxembourg we don’t have Thanksgiving and I regret it every year.

    Reply
  13. AvatarSouthern Gal says

    November 23, 2011 at 11:52 am

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours, Edie. 

    Of course, your menu looks amazing. Thank you, thank you for the green bean casserole alternative.  My daughter was asked to make it this year and didn’t want the old version.  I’ll pass it on to her.  I want to try Tidy Mom’s wild rice, cranberry and pecan stuffing, too.  Only I don’t want to use it as stuffing.Funny, but all those posts you linked made me love you more – not break up.  Well, maybe break up laughing.

    Reply
    • AvatarSouthern Gal says

      November 23, 2011 at 12:01 pm

      Just to let you know, the green bean casserole link isn’t working.

      Reply
      • Avataredie wadsworth says

        November 23, 2011 at 2:41 pm

        just fixed it renee!  thank you so much for your tireless encouragement.
        you are a dear and i wish you a blessed Thanksgiving.
        xoxo,
        edie

        Reply
  14. Avatarbasketladydi says

    November 23, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    Oh my!  Everything sounds deeeeliiiish!!
    Rejoicing this Thanksgiving for God’s generous provision in a new job for my husband after more than 2 years.  
    Rejoicing with you for his overflowing grace in your life….which spills over in to mine.
    Happy Thanksgiving!

    Reply
  15. AvatarTessa says

    November 23, 2011 at 5:07 pm

    Thanks so much for all the great links!  Just checking – is the H in THANKS a different font?  I was printing away and noticed it looked a little different.  Happy Thanksgiving to you … I can just imagine you as a mad woman in the kitchen right now!  🙂

    Reply
  16. AvatarTessa says

    November 23, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    oops … the K looks different too?

    Reply
  17. AvatarTessa says

    November 23, 2011 at 5:13 pm

    oops … the K looks different too?

    Reply
    • Avataredie wadsworth says

      November 23, 2011 at 6:47 pm

      oh i see that tessa! i’m working on it. hopefully i’ll have it within an hour or so 🙂

      Reply
      • AvatarTessa says

        November 23, 2011 at 6:57 pm

        thank you Edie – I am sure you have so much to do right now and I appreciate you fixing the font!  Right now we have GIVE TANS!  🙂

        Reply
        • Avataredie wadsworth says

          November 23, 2011 at 6:59 pm

          okay the ‘k’ is done—-now for the h!

          Reply
        • Avataredie wadsworth says

          November 23, 2011 at 6:59 pm

          okay the ‘k’ is done—-now for the h!

          Reply
        • Avataredie wadsworth says

          November 23, 2011 at 7:03 pm

          yahooooooza! i did it and i didn’t blow up the internet.
          🙂
          happy happy day friend!
          xo

          Reply
  18. AvatarBeth says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    oh, drat!  the k link won’t open!!  i have give thans.  

    Reply
    • Avataredie wadsworth says

      November 23, 2011 at 7:21 pm

      i’ve been trying to fix it, it was the wrong font. lemme check it again beth!

      Reply
    • Avataredie wadsworth says

      November 23, 2011 at 7:27 pm

      beth, it’s working for me but since i’ve been *messing* with it, try closing my blog down and reopening. the fact that i’m pretending to give internet advice is hilarious 🙂 xo

      Reply
  19. AvatarNeilacstone says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:37 pm

    I also have Give Thans! No K for me! I closed and reopened. 
    But love the idea, if I get the K to work!

    Reply
    • Avataredie wadsworth says

      November 23, 2011 at 7:39 pm

      okay now try?!??!!?
      let me know if it works for ya 🙂
      that particular letter was set to ‘private’ for some reason.

      Reply
    • Avatarneilacstone says

      November 23, 2011 at 7:47 pm

      Got the K!! Thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

      Reply
    • Avatarneilacstone says

      November 23, 2011 at 7:47 pm

      Got the K!! Thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

      Reply
  20. AvatarMichelle Starling says

    November 23, 2011 at 7:53 pm

    That’s a beautiful prayer.  Thanks for sharing it.

    Reply
  21. AvatarTessa says

    November 23, 2011 at 9:11 pm

    I now have GIVE THANKS!  Thank you for fixing it … much appreciated!  Happy day to you!  🙂

    Reply
  22. AvatarPbhoney says

    November 23, 2011 at 10:14 pm

    So happy for you and yours! Happy Thanksgiving !

    Reply
  23. AvatarMaggie says

    November 23, 2011 at 11:25 pm

    Happy Thanksgiving!!!! We are making Guy Feri’s (sorry i don’t know how to spell his last name..) Green bean casserole looks totally AMAZING!!!!

    Reply
  24. Avatarpatty says

    November 24, 2011 at 1:09 am

    happy thanksgiving to you and yours, edie… and i’m tempted to take you up on the turkey advise. this is the second yr for a free-range bird and last year’s was, well… less than juicy for sure. 🙂
    xo

    Reply
  25. Avatarsusan says

    November 24, 2011 at 11:47 am

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful prayer…I included a link on my blog to it…hopefully it will be said at many tables this day.  And I will take your turkey advice…tomorrow.  We’re eating with family for the big day, but I thought I’d cook a turkey the next day to keep us full all weekend long.  Thank you!  Happy Thanksgiving. 

    Reply
  26. Avatarteresa says

    November 24, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    Edie,
       Your post brought me to tears.  I know your day will be filled with warmth, laughter, thankfulness, and even a few tears in remembrance.  Lots of love to you!

    Reply
  27. AvatarTara says

    November 25, 2011 at 2:31 am

    you are hilarious and I have a strong feeling that the way you write is the exact way you talk in real life.
    I love that you liken our blogging relationships to “going steady.”

    Happy Thanksgiving!!!  You are a dear person….loved your prayer…

    Reply
  28. AvatarBrittan says

    November 26, 2011 at 4:18 am

    http://alwaysgettingbetterwiththegotbeters.blogspot.com/2011/11/happy-thanksgiving.html

    Reply
  29. AvatarValarie says

    November 27, 2011 at 4:30 am

    I adore you, your blog and your zest for our loving Jesus. You inspire me to be a better person. I found your blog and have been going steady in your world for a year and 1/2. It broke my heart when you lost your home, you warmed my heart when you had the square dance at your home and wore cowboy boots, you made me a better mother, grandmother when you home school and share stories… my dear .. I am thankful for you!  Hoping you had the best Thanksgiving… see ya at Blissdom?  

    Reply
  30. Avatartoko jual hp says

    September 10, 2014 at 5:43 pm

    Hey would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult
    time selecting between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.

    The explanation I ask is because your design seems a variety of then most
    blogs and I’m looking for something unique.

    P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

    Reply

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  1. Thanksgiving week menu plan | Random Recycling: Green Living for Modern Families says:
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    […] for organizing the days before Thursday, recipes and decorating ideas. I’ve printed out this Give Thanks banner and will be setting it up tomorrow. Did you know you can recycle tons of your Thanksgiving day […]

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ediewadsworth

Coach. Healer. Life Mentoring School.
💕💕I help women heal & rediscover their purpose & calling.💕💕 Click below for my free purpose field guide!

Dr. Edie Wadsworth|Lifeingrace
2 years ago today, your world shattered into a mil 2 years ago today, your world shattered into a million pieces.

Sometimes I marvel at how we were blessed enough to be there holding you when it all came crashing down. I do know this—I can’t remember my life without you.

I do know that thousands of tears and meals and boo-boos and toy trucks later, we stand in awe of you---your courage, your brave big boy fight, your tender little boy heart, your hilarious old man ways. 

We know how sacred this walk with you is and we don’t take it lightly.

We are here for it all and we couldn’t be more grateful.

We have always loved you and you have always been our special gift.

 Love you little one. Let’s keep listening for Aslan. He will find a way to put everything back together. 

“Herein lies the world. Beautiful and terrible things will happen. Do not be afraid.”
Hiring these two out for all your ring bearer and Hiring these two out for all your ring bearer and flower girl needs.  They provide ample entertainment to your guests and accept plush toys for payment in lieu of money. May or not be VERY strong willed.  And also adorable. @williamsperformance @ginawilliamsh @ameliadurand4
I turned 51 last week and spent a much needed few I turned 51 last week and spent a much needed few days alone with this guy.  As soon as we drove out of the driveway I started crying. I don’t think I realized how much I needed a break.

it was incredible and relaxing and amazing and so life-giving. 

this week it feels like last week was 100 years ago because you know, life. 

I am excited to say that despite the fact that I’m another year older I managed to figure out how to go live on YouTube with my new camera. It only took me approximately 6000 hours. So maybe you’ll join me at noon today on YouTube and we’ll try something new together.

Here’s to 2021. Maybe it will get its act together but if it doesn’t we will get ours together😂🥳❤️❤️❤️
“To have Faith in Christ means, of course, tryin “To have Faith in Christ means, of course, trying to do all that He says. There would be no sense in saying you trusted a person if you would not take his advice. Thus if you have really handed yourself over to Him, it must follow that you are trying to obey Him. But trying in a new way, a less worried way. Not doing these things in order to be saved, but because He has begun to save you already. Not hoping to get to Heaven as a reward for your actions, but inevitably wanting to act in a certain way because a first faint gleam of Heaven is already inside you.”
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Here’s to climbing out of tough spots in 2021❤️
What I learned in 2020?? I am HERE FOR ALL THE L What I learned in 2020?? 

I am HERE FOR ALL THE LOUNGE WEAR. 

Amen. Goodnight. 🤩🤩🥳🥳🥳 

Okay fine. Currently sporting sweater from Target which I have worn everyday for 3 months.  Natori PJ’s which I HIGHLY recommend, and Ugg slippers which I’ve worn everyday for a solid year. 

How’s your lounge wear game?? Tell me everything.
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We took Tommy boy for this first ski adventure tod We took Tommy boy for this first ski adventure today and it was so satisfying to see him tackle something hard and keep his chin up and have a BALL doing it.

He was very entertaining to his ski school friends, despite the fact that his German instructor couldn’t understand a WORD he said. 😂🥳

But all you mamas out there can see through all the pretty pictures and videos to know that days like today can also be full of frustration.

Making sure everybody has their stuff, the reservations, the snacks, the HASSLE of boots and poles and gloves and skis, the tears, the snappy replies, the hurt feelings, the wrong turns, the missed moments, the potty breaks.

NEED I GO ON??????

But then there’s the down to your soul goodness of being smack dab in the middle of God’s glorious creation, the sheer joy of the wind and sun on your face, the fleeting feeling that everything is right in the world, the triumph of tackling something hard and pushing through all the doubt and fear.

I felt every emotion today. What a privilege to live this life we’ve been given. What grace to live it with these people.

Today was a dream. But like every dream come true, it has a cost, it requires more of you than you think it will. You will want to quit.  A million times.  But what waits for you on the other side is worth fighting for. 

That’s what we’re diving into this week in my online workshop LIVE YOUR DREAM.

You may have given up on setting goals, but don’t stop dreaming.

Come dream with us and let’s make 2021 the year we were willing to be so alive that we would risk feeling EVERY emotion, every setback, every failure in order to see it come true.

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What’s one thing you’re dreaming about this year???
It was magical. ⛄️⛄️⛄️ Know what’s It was magical. ⛄️⛄️⛄️

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