Superb sides, wedding, family - so much to be thankful for!

This year we hosted Thanksgiving, and with the help of some talented chefs (Nisha and Manish), we pulled off the yummiest, tastiest, soiree ever! Since we spare the turkey at our house, we decided to showcase our favorite sides. The selections this year: Creamy Mac and Cheese with crunchy breadcrumb topping, Sourdough Cranberry Stuffing, Creamed Spinach, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Asparagus and Apple Crumble with Vanilla Ice Cream for dessert. YUM. It was a hit with all but our toughest little critic. Hint: he is about 2 feet tall and prefers Mac and Cheese from a box. (sigh)

Thanksgiving was also the weekend that Neils' sister Angelina got married, so we took part in all the festivities including a henna party! I'll post pics from the wedding events later because I didn't take pictures on my camera (really should get better about that, especially since I have a blog - duh!)

All in all, a wonderful weekend, and I can't wait until Christmas - which we will host as well!

Nisha starts the cooking early!

Jaidan lends a hand

Mac and Cheese

Cranberry Sourdough Stuffing

Creamed Spinach

Garlic Mashed Potatoes with Chives

Roasted Asparagus

Apple Crumble

Time to eat!

Happiness is.....

A BIG push on the swing!

Say cheese!

Yippee! Cheese and juice!

Don't even think about asking for a bite!

The one food that Jaidan loves more than anything? Cheese, of course. Why should I be surprised? When I was his age, I would point to the fridge and say "Cheese!" "Juice!" And wouldn't you know it - Jaidan now does the EXACT same thing. Only I have to limit his cheese consumption because too much of it makes him irregular, something we've been struggling with for awhile. Hence why I try to get him to eat fiber rich food at every chance I get, and that is tough with my picky little eater! Too bad he doesn't say "Prune!" "Juice!"

Mommy needs a time out

Jaidan refused to eat the roasted sweet potato dish I painstakingly made for him so that he would get some much needed fiber and nutrients in his diet..

Then I go to open the fridge to give him something else, and the spaghetti sauce bottle comes crashing down.

The things that make me ..err.. Jaidan happy!

I am a member of MOPS - mothers of preschoolers - a group for moms that meets regularly at a local church twice a month. This morning we held what is called "MOPSwap," a FREE exchange of clothes, toys, home decor, etc. Well, as soon as we started "shopping," I spotted a great little kitchen center. Now, I've been looking at buying a kitchen center for weeks - I thought it would be a perfect birthday present for Jaidan - and here was an absolutely free kitchen in great condition! I snapped it right up.

It's amazing what gets me excited these days. A train set on Craigslist, a discounted pair of kids shoes, a free kitchen... I used to feel that way when I found a pair of designer jeans (for myself) on sale. Another change that comes with motherhood, I guess!