Looking For Control Freaks & Worry Warts - We're still here!

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Renee - have fun! Would you like me to FedEx you some turkey??? If I were you I'd get a small turkey breast and take it over. I just can't imagine thanksgiving without it!

I tell you, I'm seriously thinking that I could guilt her into it this year. She was almost a week late mailing my birthday card out, so I figure I could call her and thank her for it tomorrow and say... "listen, I was thinking that I'd like to bring part of my family's tradition into the mix this year AS A GIFT TO YOU GUYS!". Maybe guilt would consume her and she'd agree. I'll bring my stuff, we can still do your stuff - that way she isn't feeling like I'm squashing their family thing.

What do you think? I don't want to be pushy, but then again, I've endured this for 10 years. I'd really like Thanksgiving dinner once a DECADE! Is that too much to ask? Besides, they all hate leftovers and it is just sad that everyone gets one small scoop - most still want more and there is none, so extra food would really be a blessing. Now - next question - what can travel slightly over an hour??? Cooked casseroles? Would those hold?

My SIL said she had a pyrex dish that had a 5 hour warming pack - what do you guys think? I am always worried about food spoiling. My MIL - not so much. Remember the milk in the garage last Thanksgiving and it was 70 degrees?

OMG I got an early Christmas present!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

My MIL is having Thanksgiving early in the afternoon at her house, which is 15 minutes way from my Aunt who is serving in the early evening! We can easily manage both places.

You guys know what this means to me!!!!!!! Stress free baby!!!!!! I still can't believe it!!!!!!

You lucky duck! Hopefully it will hold up.

Well, Carlos got told he has to work through Tuesday - then he is off until Dec 18th I cannot wait!

Off to pack for my night away from the kiddos. I'm excited to get some gifts knocked out. I'm HOPING that people would like a grouping of like 10 handmade cards as part of their gift. I can make them nice looking, and those things are so expensive now. I hope noone thinks that it is a sucky gift. I'm planning on doing it for all the "ladies" that I give to instead of junk that will clutter their house.

Hope that everyone is having a great night! Catch you late Sun or Monday!!!

 

[CRdisMom]

OMG I got an early Christmas present!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

My MIL is having Thanksgiving early in the afternoon at her house, which is 15 minutes way from my Aunt who is serving in the early evening! We can easily manage both places.

You guys know what this means to me!!!!!!! Stress free baby!!!!!! I still can't believe it!!!!!!

whoo--hooo that is awesome!!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

OMG I got an early Christmas present!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!​

My MIL is having Thanksgiving early in the afternoon at her house, which is 15 minutes way from my Aunt who is serving in the early evening! We can easily manage both places.

You guys know what this means to me!!!!!!! Stress free baby!!!!!! I still can't believe it!!!!!!

That's wonderful Debbie!

 

[MAGICFOR2]

I tell you, I'm seriously thinking that I could guilt her into it this year. She was almost a week late mailing my birthday card out, so I figure I could call her and thank her for it tomorrow and say... "listen, I was thinking that I'd like to bring part of my family's tradition into the mix this year AS A GIFT TO YOU GUYS!". Maybe guilt would consume her and she'd agree. I'll bring my stuff, we can still do your stuff - that way she isn't feeling like I'm squashing their family thing.

What do you think? I don't want to be pushy, but then again, I've endured this for 10 years. I'd really like Thanksgiving dinner once a DECADE! Is that too much to ask? Besides, they all hate leftovers and it is just sad that everyone gets one small scoop - most still want more and there is none, so extra food would really be a blessing. Now - next question - what can travel slightly over an hour??? Cooked casseroles? Would those hold?

My SIL said she had a pyrex dish that had a 5 hour warming pack - what do you guys think? I am always worried about food spoiling. My MIL - not so much. Remember the milk in the garage last Thanksgiving and it was 70 degrees?

You lucky duck! Hopefully it will hold up.

Well, Carlos got told he has to work through Tuesday - then he is off until Dec 18th I cannot wait!

Off to pack for my night away from the kiddos. I'm excited to get some gifts knocked out. I'm HOPING that people would like a grouping of like 10 handmade cards as part of their gift. I can make them nice looking, and those things are so expensive now. I hope noone thinks that it is a sucky gift. I'm planning on doing it for all the "ladies" that I give to instead of junk that will clutter their house.

Hope that everyone is having a great night! Catch you late Sun or Monday!!!

I think if you have any milk or eggs you should have a warming thingy that keeps it at 140 or put it on ice for traveling and then warm up in the oven when you get there.

Veggies or fruit salad that don't have those in them could keep pretty well.

As for the turkey or stuffing, it is scarey and should be either cooked at the MILs or cooked and then cooled REALLY well and transported in a cooler, then reheated. Or maybe just buy a small packaged - pre-cooked, stuffed turkey breast that you can bake at the MILs.

You should definately be honest about the dinner - she should respect your traditions - you respect hers.

As for the cards - I think that sounds like a wonderful gift - I bought a set of those from QVC just so I could give away hand made cards for occasions - I would love to receive something like that! Have a great weekend!

 

[soontobewed07]

Renee- I just talked to my dad (food service industry he has worked for top companies like Reebok and has to know about food safety) and he said the turkey will hold for an hour to an hour and a half if it is kept warm- He suggests one of those bags from walmart that keeps things warm or at the drug store they have warm packs you toss in the microwave you can put those in the cooler and put the hot turkey on wrapped in tin foil. If you are making mashed potatoes just cook the potatoes cool them and add the milk and butter or sour cream when you get there. Hope that helps.

Debbie-You lucky duck we will be going from my mom's to my dad's an hour away. We have to bring dessert to both and needless to say I need to find room in my fridge somewhere.

Well my Xmas list was cut big time this year everyone is asking we not exchange which is fine with me. I will only exchange with Mike (stocking) my mom and step dad sisters and brother and one uncle who is single and a few just in case gifts!

Have a great weekend. Going out with my step mom today (wish me luck) and then to dinner with her and my dad. Talk to everyone later.

 

[Debbie6221]

I know I still can't believe it will work out. We will see though....They just have to hold true to when they are serving or we will be leaving in the middle of the meal.

See, I always think my DH humors me and just let's me be happy with this all and he doesn't care but just now the TV was talking about being "fair" to the families at the holidays and he turned the volume really high. I, of course pretended not to hear or know what he was doing. BUT obviously, he doesn't feel like things are fair. I just am so awful on this issue. His side changes stuff up so much, people are there or aren't (like his one sister is in Florida with her family this year), their family dynamic is always changing with the kids growing up and the whole divorce thing that I feel like they don't care how we do things. My family has done the same exact thing for the last 41 years of my life. No matter how much I truly do feel I am selfish about this holiday thing I just can't do the "taking turns" thing. I can not imagine it being the "first year" I'm not with my parents. You guys know I have always admitted this is an issue/fault of mine. Oh well, at least I feel like this Thanksgiving will be fair. 1:00 to 3:30/4:00 at his family and 4:30 - ? (I am sure it won't be late. I am guessing 7:30) at my Aunt's. So we eat twice...who cares! Renee...I will have some turkey for you!!!!!

 

[sewer]

It's c-c-c-c-cold here!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Thanks so much everyone for the suggestions. My SIL actually told me maybe we should think about ordering one of those complete traditional thanksgiving dinners. Kroger has one for $45 - turkey, stuffing, 2 veggies, rolls. Hummmm.... everything is fully cooked, so that would be no trouble. I think I will do that or do like every year and just have "thanksgiving" here on Saturday and cook everything so it is hot and yummy. The kids are still young enough that the day doesn't really matter.

BUT I LOVE ALL THE SUGGESTIONS! Great ones for future things.

I hate to be a pain - but most of you know I'm getting into the cooking thing now. I have just two good crockpot recipes. Anyone else have something other than a roast and tomato sauce? I would really like to add some good ones to my list.

I'm almost packed. Still need to do a smaller bag. I'm bringing all the stuff this time, so that is two suitcases. I'm excited though.

Our Christmas has been massively slashed. We asked not to exchange with our parents. My real dad wouldn't understand, so we will get them something - easier than dealing with the fallout. I made my mom and SIL a Christmas organizer. It is like a planner for the holidays - sections for christmas card log, recipes, decorating, gift ideas, homemade gift ideas, etc. I'm making a set of 10 cards for everyone else. Carlos and I aren't exchanging and the kids each get 10 things - some of which were from the $1 bin at Target. They will be pleased though. Got the neice/nephews a small something and that is it. I'm done with the shopping.

For a really cool xmas idea for some of you, my neighbor goes (and I think it is going on right now) and gets everyone a nice handsoap from Bath & Body when they do their 5 for $20 sale, so it is like a treat and gets used. I always love that gift. We all generally bake for each other, but that can run into some serious money for 8 familes! I may make homemade crunch-n-munch and attach a cute small ornament.

Okay, off to shower and finish packing. Enjoy the cold morning. If we are at 18 degrees, I feel for those of you north of me! BURRRRRR!

 

[Camster0307]

Hey Renee - Have a great trip! Hope you get some relaxin' done!

Yeah, I'm making the same suggestion to my family also - only give gifts to the kids. And I've already told the girls it's going to be a "lean" Christmas this year. I'm not going to go as crazy with the decorations either. I usually buy real wreaths, put bows on them, and hang on all of my front windows; also trim the doors and lightposts in pine roping - but that little project costs me about $200 bucks! So this year, it will just be candles in the windows; lights on the bushes and a wreath on the front door.

The girls are with their dad this weekend. I need to finally put away all of my summer clothes and pull out all of my winter stuff. I left some things out for our trip; now they need to go away. Also hoping to get out tonite with a friend for drinks and a movie. But it's soooooo cold today and I'm feeling real lazy! We'll see.

Have a good one everybody!

 

[Debbie6221]

Renee....
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1646479

Cammie....enjoy the time to get stuff done.

 

[Debbie6221]

Looks like winter is hitting most of us early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am freezing! Can you say 28 degrees!!!!!

 

[Debbie6221]

Time for my posting of the weather ticker........

This is why I crave a WDW ticker....​

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[DizzyErin]

I need to finally put away all of my summer clothes and pull out all of my winter stuff. I left some things out for our trip; now they need to go away

Oh my goodness my summer stuff has been away for a very very very long time, in fact our summer was so awful this year i'm not sure it all came out in the first place

 

[tttessa]

Hiya -

Erin - I agree completely!!!! When was summer over here (a couple of days in July I think??) - I think I missed it completely, dull, drudgy, grey springs to mind - and today is coooooold, and of course grey and slightly damp too -- woo-hoo.... (for those who don't do UK humour - the woo-hoo is sarcastic!)

Debbie - glad your plans are working out...

Hubby is back from US - brought loads of reeses pieces - peanut butter ones mmmmmmmmmmmm -so he's made we 3 girls verrrry happy!! Doesn't take much. . Bought the girls some Nintendo DS games too, so they are over the moon and have told him he can go back again if he wants!!! This from 2 girls who woke 2 nights in a row asking if daddy was home yet.....

We ate fahitas last night - littlest dd wouldn't let us eat them while he was away, since "that is our treat we have with daddy"

Anyhow - got to go wake him up or jet lag will last a week..... (just gone 10 am here - he's normally up by 8 on a weekend!!)

Tessa

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Some on this board must have connections!!!

I called MIL to see what I could bring Thursday. She thought we WEREN"T coming, nor were any of the others, so you know what her dinner plans are?

Butterball Precooked TURKEY (hey, it is TURKEY!)
Potato Casserole
Brocolli Salad
Rolls
Apple Pie



I'm having TURKEY on Thanks giving!!!!!

 

[UsNew2Disney2008]

Renee....
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1646479

.

We'll the girls night out was amazing. We stayed up till 2, and slept in until 8 am. Didn't get out of bed until 9 am. BLISS. Seriously, I haven't done that for at least 5 years!

We had a great night out. We did dinner at a mexican rest. I went to the bathroom, and of course she had to tell them it was my birthday dinner, so they all come to sing. Embarrising but fun. SO... I've never been here and one of the guys acts like he is going to spoon feed me the first bit. Nervously I play along, and takes the spoon of whip cream - oh yeah, smeared all on the face (AKA up the nose!)

My BF thought it was a hoot. I told her that she better had watch out. I've got 4 months to plot my revenge!

Serioulsy though, going back to what everyone is saying about Christmas being cut back. Everyone gave me the gift of their time this year rather than a "gift" and I don't think I ever had a more special birthday. My mom & step dad TOOK THE DAY OFF WORK - they've never done that. The morning, my mom treated me to lunch and shopping while my SF watched the kids, then we swapped and my dad took me to see a movie, then Carlos and Nicolas and I went to the movies last Sunday - it was cute, Nicolas used my card and "paid" telling everyone it was my birthday, and then this weekend Laura took me out. I sware it was the best, just spending time with everyone.

All this said to encourage everyone - maybe with all the cutting back this year we will be all a little more focused on the holiday and it's meaning rather than the commercial components, and maybe we will all be talking about how this was the best ever too!

Off to start the dreaded unpacking of all my crafting gear. I took 3 suitcases!

 

[Debbie6221]

http://www.myxer.com/video:353952/

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Yeah

Renee! So glad you get a real Thanksgiving dinner!

Hi Debbie - It was 40 here today - 29 right now.

Cammie - are you back in your routine yet? So cool that you have another trip right around the corner!

Jillian! So glad you had a great Girl's night out! Sounds like fun!

Hi Tessa - glad your hubby is home with the treats safely! That's funny that your girls missed him so much and then told him he could go back!

Hi to everyone else!

Jim and I went to Medford - (90 min away) today to do some Christmas shopping for the kids. We had a nice day - stayed in our budget at Toys R US and found what we were looking for! I didn't find what I wanted at the mall,except lunch, but I found some Jeans on clearance at Old Navy for $11! Then found a few fall items at Target - Jim got a snow shovel and ice melt

I found a new camera at Costco, so I'm excited about that - I broke my last small one this Spring and didn't replace it yet. Jim found a couple of pairs of Dockers to wear for coaching.

We stopped at my Aunt's to help her place an order, ended up staying for a glass of wine - then suddenly it was "too late to go out for dinner" and we had to rush home. We got some KFC and headed out - Jim was really grumpy and kept saying, "I THOUGHT we were going to eat early - I THOUGHT we were bringing caramel apples home for dessert...."

What a ****head! He was worried because Myles wanted a surprise and he was already in bed - no thought of a nice dinner with his wife I hadn't really talked with my Aunt for over a year - you'd think we could be cordial - not "thanks for your money - let's go!" again

Thanks for letting me vent!

 

[karajeboo]

Debbie - Yea!!!!! Your Thanksgiving plans sound wonderful that they're spaced out now!

Renee - Yea!!!!! You get to eat turkey on Turkey Day!!!!

Oh, I will send you some AWESOME crock pot recipes - I use mine all the time!!!!

 

[soontobewed07]

Good Morning.

Tammie- Vent anytime that's what we are here for. If we didn't have each other we would just be talking to those walls that are our Husbands

Kara- I would love crockpot recipes if you have them I am always looking for something new.

How was everyone's weekend?