Prepping for Turkey Day

It has been a busy week. The kids have the entire week off. I forgot about this when I planned to pick up the data I have been waiting on from the DA's office. I had to drop them off with DH over lunch while I headed to the court house. Dragging my kids through the criminal courts sounded neither appealing nor professional.

On the bright side, I finally have the data I have been trying to get for about a month now. So I have spent the last two days reading about the most heinous murders in the county. Fun!

The in-laws are coming in tomorrow for T-day. I love cooking for Thanksgiving, and I get along well with my in-laws, so I am ok with this, but there is a lot of cleaning involved. My mother-in-law has a higher standard of cleanliness than I do. I am slightly irritated, however. After informing us that they would be spending Thanksgiving here, FIL accepted tickets to a major sporting event on Thanksgiving day. SIL's in-laws live in this area and had an extra ticket. I know that it is his favorite team and that it is a rare opportunity, but did FIL come to see sports or his grandchildren? I don't know if I am actually irritated w/ FIL or with SIL for making the offer. She lives in the same town as him--her kids get to see their grandparents several times a week. My kids get to see their grandparents 3-4 times a year. I know it's silly--just mildly iritated. Besides, he is gong out of his way to bring down an antique secretary that my grandparents are sending me. Just too bad for him that he will only get leftovers for dinner!

So, my menu:

Maple Roast Turkey
Apple Pecan Stuffing
Broccoli & Rice Casserole
Hashbrown casserole
Cranberry jello sauce stuff
Homemade Rolls
Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie
Frozen Cherry and Pumpkin pies

Yes, I realize all of my veggies are in casserole form, but this is the only time of year we have them like that, so it will be ok. I usually make all of my pies, but honestly, the frozen cherry is just as good as homemade (thank you, Marie Calender) and I don't eat the punpkin, so what do I care ;)

I have done the Maple Turkey twice and it is devine. It makes a rather sweet gravy, so I thought the Apple Pecan stuffing would compliment it nicely. The rolls will be by MIL. She makes the best rolls ever. I have the recipe and can do a decent job duplicating, but hers are still the best.

Also, one of my friends from law school whose family lives far, far away will be spending T-day with us. I think it will be fun, and my kiddos will like having somebody younger around.