Epic Thanksgiving Army Style...

Family, Friendship, togetherness, laughter to me those are the things that come to mind when I think of the perfect Thanksgiving. I will admit this years Thanksgiving Pot Luck was all of the above the only thing missing was our daughter Julianna but she will be here next year. I couldn't stop myself from inviting the people who we share our lives with some single soldiers far away from home, some married couples, some with kids, some without the guest list just grew wild I honestly have no idea how many people we actually had most likely 30...some were there start to finish, some were there in time to eat then were off to visit other friends and some came later to end the night with some laughs. According to the boys it was Epic.
Thanksgiving was boisterous and full of laughter I laughed so hard at times I swear I strained some abdominal muscles. I was asked that night if we could do it again so Christmas Eve seemed like I good chance to get together again. I can honestly say I loved every second of it there was no running around rushing to get ready, no spending all day in the kitchen cooking and since it was pot luck I wasn't burdened with a giant grocery bill.
We had 2 turkeys 20 & a 25lb one, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, baked beans , a 1000 dinner rolls, cranberry sauce, deviled eggs, salad,  pumpkin pies, cheesecakes and yummy gooey creamy ball salad ..which is a grape salad which our friend Kelly B makes. Our friends are all different they all have interesting personalities they all bring something unique to each get together...Someone said to me the other day you and your friends are always laughing and having so much fun I think I need to be your friend too..I say if you aren't enjoying life, family and friends then take a step back and figure out what needs fixed...because life is suppose to be full of laughter and happiness.
A major reminder was given to us in November with the loss of a battle buddy, a friend, a neighbor..His unexpected death is a giant blaring billboard that says to me life is short, laugh, smile, love, skip the dishes and cuddle your family, go window shopping with the girls, have random dinners with friends, don't put off life and always tell the people you love that you love them...
As we move into preparations for EPIC Christmas Eve Pot Luck I am relaxed, excited and looking forward to spending the day with my family and friends. It will be full of laughter, good food, funny stories, Kodak Moments I will take too many photos, eggnog will be passed around, Christmas Carols will be sung off key, they will rock band, do some call of duty, maybe a little EPIC sledding, the kids will complain that Santa is taking too long and then the night will end....but for weeks we will still be talking about it and debating on what the next big holiday will be that we open our haus to an EPIC family and friend event.

So my advice to all my followers is don't be in a rush this Holiday or for that matter any day take your time the holiday should be enjoyable not a stressed out day have a potluck or make cooking the meal a family event have your kids join in...just remember to laugh and enjoy that time together those out the memories your family and friends will always remember.