Anniversary Party

You might have read in an earlier post that over the weekend my parents celebrated 40 years of marriage! My sister and I hosted a surprise dessert and cocktail party for them at their house after a celebration dinner at Landry's.  We have been planning this since their 39th wedding anniversary.... of course we only started talking details a month ago or so but it's the thought that counts....right?  RIGHT.   

It was really hard to not say anything....especially when your mother is constantly bringing up her anniversary.   BUT the look on her face when she walked into the room filled with friends and family was priceless.  I wish I could show you how she reacted but the pictures will have to do.  

We actually told my Dad about the party because two weeks before the party his back went out on him.  I didn't want him to be in any kind of pain that would cause him not to enjoy the occasion so I made the decision to tell him.   I think that him knowing that this was going to happen made his road to recovery a little quicker! 

 Cindy, Judy, and Tyra helped us set the whole thing up.  Friday I delivered everything that was going to be used at the party to Cindy's house. Saturday the cake was delivered to Judy's house. At 6 o'clock the 3 of them worked their magic and got the house ready for a celebration!

A few weeks before the party I went to a craft show and sampled a mini cupcake from A Piece of Cake bakery in Montgomery, Texas. With just one bite I knew that this was "the cake".  It was amazing!  I can't even tell you how many people were loving this cake...it was moist, flavorful and decorated so perfectly.  We went with a white butter cream cake with raspberry filling.  The doves are from my mom's wedding cake.   

My aunt did a little research on my parent's wedding. She found out that my dad never had a groom's cake.  We did the right thing and ordered him a chocolate on chocolate cake from RJ Goodies. 

 My aunt also learned that my parent's song was, "We've Only Just Begun" by the Carpenters.   It is actually a catchy song... I love the tambourine and horn combo.

There was a toast, gift opening, and lots of laughing, talking and reminiscing.

My favorite moment (besides Cade asking my mom to hurry up and cut the cake) was when grandma gave my mom the 40th anniversary plate that my mom gave to her on her 40th anniversary.   I thought that was really neat! I hope I get it one day!  Only 35 more years!

Happy Anniversary Mom & Daddy!  I love you both!

          

Turkey Dinner

This year will be my first time - EVER - to host Thanksgiving dinner.  This morning Travis and I planned out our menu together.   My mom is bringing stuffing and green bean casserole and we're doing the rest.  

I knew I was going to be making the Pioneer Woman's Cranberry Pomegranate sauce. 

Cranberries are my personal favorite.  

I remember spending Thanksgiving at Travis' family's house one year while we were dating and I went in the back bedroom and called my mom crying over the cranberry dish, prepared out of a can.  Looking back, that was a waste of tears but there is something about fresh cranberries that I just LOVE. I'm sure it has to do with the many meals before shared with my parents, grandparents, and aunt and uncle.... cousins too!   

For the bird, we are going to attempt to make Sandra Lee's Roasted Buttered Herb Turkey.

I've never roasted anything besides a beer-butt chicken. So I'm going with this one because of the "simply homemade" approach that comes with the recipe.

For sweet potatoes we are going with a recipe I found in Southern Living Magazine.  It calls for cornflakes, mini marshmallows, butter and brown sugar... sounds like a wining combo to me!

And then for desert we are going with Texas Table's, Pumpkin Praline cake.  The picture in the cookbook looks amazing! 

Travis is making his Great-Grandma Aggie's Yeast Rolls and a delicious spinach, pear, pecan salad.

I usually do something special for tablescapes at my mom's house.  Last year it was a special note telling each one how "thankful" I am for them.  This year I'm going to make something special for my guests at their place setting... it should strike up a conversation for sure!

Time to head to the store.... hopefully beat the rush!

gobble. gobble!

Happy 40th Anniversary Mom & Daddy!

Married November 21, 1970
Trinity Lutheran Church
Stonewall, Tx