Follow-up to Thanksgiving Dinner

My first Thanksgiving dinner was a success!

I was in charge of dinner since my mom isn't allowed to put any weight on her foot for at least two more weeks. I cooked the turkey and stuffing (homemade!) in crockpots and made homemade mashed potatoes. Even though it took the pumpkin pies 2 hours to cook, they were pretty darn good, if I do say so myself. My mom was impressed- I even remembered to put the sliced bread in one of her Longaberger baskets.

My first (very simple) Thanksgiving Day tablescape.

Pre-Thanksgiving Cooking

Last Friday, my mom had surgery on her foot, and she is not allowed to put ANY weight on her foot until she sees the doctor in 2 weeks.

Mom who's not allowed to walk + Thanksgiving = Laura's in charge!!! Yikes!!!!!

Luckily, I only have to cook for my parents, bro, and grandparents, but still. Me.. in charge... of Thanksgiving dinner??? Seriously?? Seriously.

So today I made my first official pumpkin pie. I didn't make the crusts from scratch, but I did make the filling. And yes, this year, I did remember to add the sugar to the pie, unlike last year at Christmas. (It wasn't my fault- I was distracted last year!!!)

So, around 1:30, I throw the pies in the oven, set the timer and come back to check on them. They are still all gooey in the middle. I add some more time and check again... still gooey. After doing this SEVERAL times, it's now 3:30 and the pies are just finishing cooking. So I go in to my mom's room and say "Um, I put the pies in 2 hours ago and they are barely cooked all the way through." My mom says, "Yeah, I don't think my oven is working quite right."

Gee, thanks mom. You couldn't have told me that BEFORE I started????

I'll let you know how tomorrow goes. It might be my first and last Thanksgiving that I am in charge of.

Pens Game

So I went to a Penguins game this week. And the stories of the people who sat around me were more entertaining than the game (It was like watching the Devils from back in the mid-90's... BORING!!!!!!!) even though it went to a shootout.

So, the guys in the row behind us were the "married- left my wife at home- I know everything about hockey, so I should be the coach" type. They seriously did not shut up from 6:45 until 9:45. They talked the ENTIRE time! About absolutely nothing that had any value!

The girls to the right were the "I'm pretty, so I'm here to socialize, not watch the game" type. Therefore, they were in and out of the row about 15 times each period. Each time they would say "This is the last time, we swear" *hair flip*.... Me: "yeah, right..." *eye roll*

Kristie/Sars- I didn't see any triscuits, bummer... but, the Crazy Jagr Lady was there, except last night she was the Crazy Goncahr lady (even though he won't play til March).

Now, for the best part... pictures! Enjoy!

My car after the trip through the snow... GROSS!

How can you not love Staalsy?

Amber's Baby Shower

Today was Amber's Baby shower. It was such a nice day (inside, not outside) and we all had so much fun celebrating with her.

Here are some pictures...

The gift from teachers at Wright

How cute are Am's boots???

L.Ex. Girls

I *heart* Photoshop

So, on my day off, I have been playing with Photoshop, which is something I haven't really had a chance to do since school started. And with the help of my favorite cowgirl blogger, Pioneer Woman, I learned how to make website banners using Photoshop. And not only did I figure out how to make banners, but I also figured out how to download patterns to use on my banners. Today has been very successful! Thank goodness for Tuesdays off in November!

Now if only I can figure out how to add music to my blog...

What was I thinking update

Well, now I'm really mad that I am not at the Pens game... it's halfway through the 2nd period and it's already 4-0 Pens!!!!! GGRRR!!!!


Update: Seriously.... It's 5-4????? Let's go boys!


Whew.... thank goodness.. Pens win 5-4

What was I thinking....

So I had the chance to go to the Penguin game tonight and turned down the tickets! What was I thinking?!?!?! Oh that's right, I have an live chat for grad class, and I already missed the 1st live chat because I was at a Penguin game.

*Sigh* Right now, I could be taking pictures like this....

OR this...

OR this....


At least I graduate in May, and next year, live chats for grad class will be a moo point... "you know, like a cow's opinion... it's moo."