Happy Thanksgiving!

As I am getting older, I am getting better about handling the holidays. Any of you ever see the movie, "Christmas Vacation"? There is one scene where the husband and wife are discussing holiday guests and expectations... Here is the movie quote:
Ellen: You set standards that no family activity can live up to. 
Clark: When have I ever done that? 
Ellen: Parties, weddings, anniversaries, funerals, holidays... 
Clark: Goodnight Ellen 
Ellen: Vacations, graduations... 
 I must admit that I have suffered from what I've dubbed, "Hallmark Movie-itis."  I wanted everything to be perfect.  I mean, really, is it so much to ask for one holiday to be drama free, family all loving towards one another and no selfish attitudes??  Yep, Vivian (so I say to myself) it is an awful lot to ask for.  See, the world isn't perfect and we aren't perfect people.  Sin entered into the world and thus we have imperfect people.  I have my very own selfish attitude, drama moments and unloving acts that I do. I'm afraid that I don't meet any other persons expectations of how they want THEIR holiday to be.
I'm not saying that I still wish for that perfect holiday but now I am more relaxed and allow people to be who they really are.  Part of the problem is I lack the ability to be in control of every situation (and I absolutely HATE that I am not... but thankfully God knows I would only make a mess of it any way so he keeps that ability to Himself!) So I am learning to be in control of the things I can control - My behavior. How do I choose to respond to each and every behavior I face; that's what I can control.  Does it make everything jolly? Nah, I would be lying if I said it did.  But it does take 98.9% of the expectations I have for others away from me.  That in itself allows me to have a fairly stress free holiday.  So my prayer for you is that you control the things you can and give God the rest of it.  Love your family, quirks and all and appreciate the fact that God gives us reason to celebrate.  

Thanksgiving in our home wouldn't be complete without the Macy's Parade and little smokies wrapped in crescent rolls.  My kids would be horrified if I didn't have those smokies! Perhaps the husband would be too...but he wouldn't admit to that!   My daughter has decided that another dish has to make it into the must-have category,  Butternut Squash Bake.  When I was part of the Secret Recipe Club, I discovered this fantastic recipe.  It really is quite delicious!

Butternut Squash Bake
adapted from Debbi Does Dinner Healthy
1 large butternut squash, about 2 pounds, peeled and cubed (I used some squash that I had roasted and stored in my freezer.)
1/2 cup mayonnaise                                                    
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1 egg
15 Ritz Crackers, crushed
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
3 tablespoons butter, divided
1 tablespoon fresh oregano,  chopped fine
salt and pepper

Heat a large pot of water to boiling, ad squash and cook until soft, about 15-20 minutes. If using frozen squash, thaw and drain liquid. 
In a small saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter; add in crushed crackers, cheese and oregano.  Season with salt and pepper; stir well.  Remove from heat and set aside.

Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in another small saucepan; cook onion until translucent and just beginning to brown; add garlic, saute for a few more minutes and remove from heat.

When the squash is cooked, drain the water and toss the squash in a bowl.  Add mayonnaise, onion, garlic, hot sauce and egg. Mash together well. 

Pour into an 8x8-inch pan or casserole dish; top with cracker cheese mixture and cover with foil.  Bake for 30 minutes at 375 degrees F.  Remove foil and bake for an additional five minutes.