Yesterday was a challenge. To jump from a third world cultural experience to  immediately transition right into my “mom” role is a bit surreal. I find I’m having to compartmentalize my emotions with things such as planning our Thanksgiving menu.

My Gratitude Roll tradition or Leaves of Thanks tradition will receive a whole new meaning this year. On Saturday I had the privilege of bringing my sponsor child, Bridget, to a restaurant for the first time in her whole life.

Can you even imagine? Now, I am heading to the grocery store, enjoying a class pizza party, and planning a feast all in the same day. Perspective.

As I share some of our favorites for Thanksgiving, won’t you take a minute and read about the day that wrecked me? It might just be the perfect way to enjoy your pumpkin pie this year. Read it to your family over coffee, gain perspective and remember – The Best Christmas Present Ever. We are so blessed.

Now enjoy some of our Favorite Thanksgiving Weekend Eats (and don’t forget to enter all my giveaways closing in a few days. You’ll love some of the kitchen ones.)

 

Adorable Turkey Veggie Tray Vegetable Tray Easy Veggie Tray   (Adorable Turkey)

Cider Baked Turkey (wonderful for whole turkey or just a turkey breast)

Cider bakedTurkeyBreast BakedTurkey Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

 

Gourmet Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for a Large Group freezer mashed potatoes2 opt Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

 

Mashed Cauliflower (great alternative to mashed potatoes for those on low carb diet)

 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

 

Homemade Butterhorn Roll Recipe

butterhorn rolls 500x310 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

 

Put a new twist on meal time with my Gratitude Roll tradition.
  IMG 1690 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

I love having this Easy Homemade Pumpkin Cake around throughout the weekend. Homemade Pumpkin Cake Easy Homemade Pumpkin Cake

 

Pumpkin Pie (or any favorite pie) in a Jar pumpkin pie in a jar Pumpkin Pie (or any Pie flavor) in a Jar

 

Easy Pumpkin Bar Recipe with an Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

Pumpkin bars 300x199 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas

 

Thanksgiving Turkey Cake (although who will bring back the Twinkies)

Turkey Cake 500x333 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas
Best Cheeseball for Thanksgiving 500x435 Thanksgiving Dinner Menu Ideas
Make sure you keep a look out for marked down turkey AFTER Thanksgiving.
You’ll love the ease of this $2 Crock Pot Turkey Leg recipes.

Don’t forget to submit your Simple Holiday Recipes to be featured here on Balancing Beauty and Bedlam. I’d love to share them with my readers this holiday season.

CLICK ON OVER FOR LOTS MORE  Tasty Tuesday THANKSGIVING IDEAS! I know you all will have wonderful ideas featured in Tasty Tuesday, and I can’t wait to see them. Please limit your links, no other carnivals, and make sure you link to your direct recipe post and not your blog home page. TASTY TUESDAY