So, I was planning this quiet Thanksgiving for just the immediate family. I was organized and was following most of my countdown tips. As is often the case, I remind myself of things while trying to help remind others. A few things were switched around from one day to another, but overall, I was feeling good about my plan of attack.
Late Tuesday night, my husband called. He had been talking to a relative, whom we had invited but had declined, and he informed my husband that his previous plans had fallen through. Instead, he and his family were going to be sitting home doing nothing special on Thanksgiving. Well, we couldn’t have that! My husband called them back and told them to come to our house instead.
I jumped up (after finally having kicked off my shoes and settled in to relax for the night) and began to do more thorough cleaning. I hadn’t gone overboard since it was just going to be us, so I quickly began knocking down cobwebs. I began organizing toys since I couldn’t simply close bedroom doors if there would be extra children. I suddenly had a lot more to do.
I usually make extra food just in case something like this happens, so there was plenty. I always make a large turkey. I figure if we don’t have extra people, we can always get creative with the leftovers. It turned out to be just right for six extra guests, three of whom were small children, and we all had a nice time. It was so good to spend time with them and see the kids, and nearly everything went well.
The only real issue was when I began to mash potatoes and realized I didn’t have any milk. I had used all the canned milk and the rest of the regular milk had been pushed to the back of the fridge and had frozen, so someone had tossed it. I started to get upset but took a deep breath. I realized that the gas station was open, so our relatives ran to get milk while my husband finished carving the turkey. It was perfect timing, and everything worked out.
Good food, good company, and lots of smiles and laughter from children simply add to all we have to be thankful for… it turned out to be a surprise and a blessing all in one.
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