Random Dozen

1. Are you sticking to traditional Thanksgiving foods this year, or are you being culinarily adventurous?
Traditional.  Even though I am married to a scientist, I am not allowed to experiment with his holiday meal.

2. Tell me something concrete that you're thankful for. (Something you can literally touch, see, etc., not a concept like "hope.")
I am thankful for my children and the laughter that happens whenever we are together.
 
3. You knew the flip side was coming: Share about something intangible that you're thankful for.
I am thankful for finding joy everyday in little things.

4. Share one vivid Thanksgiving memory. It doesn't have to be deep or meaningful, just something that remains etched in your memory.
Last year, I made a pumpkin cheesecake from a recipe I found here.  Suffice it to say that it took a number adults to get it out of the pan--several who sport college degrees--and it, um, wasn't worth getting out of the pan.  Oh, and the best part is that it got 'stored' in the refrigerator in the garage....until Christmas.  I didn't serve it at Christmas.  Really.

5. What is one thing that you know beyond a shadow of a doubt is going to happen this Thanksgiving because it always does, year after year?
My Uncle Tom will fall asleep and snore so loud that the game on TV cannot be heard.  But he wasn't sleeping, really, he wasn't.
 
6. Do your pets get any left-overs?
Um.  Maybe.  

7. Does your family pray before the big meal? If so, do you join hands while seated, stand, repeat a formal prayer or offer a spontaneous prayer? Who does the praying?
We pray in a standing circle while joining hands. The same prayer that is said at the beginning of all of our meals....and the same prayer that our family will be praying in far away places like KC, Austin and St. Louis. 

8. Will you be watching football in the afternoon? If not, what will you be doing?
Football.  And board games.

9. There are two distinct camps of people on this issue: How do you feel about oysters in the dressing/stuffing?
Gag with me with the potato spoon.

10. Do you consider yourself informed about the first Thanksgiving?
Yep.  

11. Which variety of pie will you be enjoying?
Cherry and pumpkin.

12. Do you feel for the turkey??
No.  This is what he was born to do.  It's fulfilling his mothers' dream for him on the day he was born.  


(This is a humorous throw back question related to the 12th question in another Random Dozen!)