First Thanksgiving as a Navy Family

[GANukeMom(EM mom)]

This year we will be celebrating our first Thanksgiving as a Navy family. We are one of the very blessed families as our Sailor gets to come home for both Thanksgiving and Christmas this year. In fact, we are extra blessed in that we get to host a Sailor that is in school with our's.

       This Friday will also be my Sailor's 19th birthday :).

My perspective on many things has changed this year with my son joining the Navy. I have learned to appreciate and make the most of even the shortest visits and phone calls. This is something that has changed in just the last 2.5 months.

I am treating this Holiday season as if it is our last one for a very long time. If it isn't then WONDERFUL, but if it is, then we will have made the most of it.

 

I hope everyone that reads this has the BEST Holiday season knowing that your Sailor has made a Wonderful decision and that your family has grown by leaps and bounds.....not only are we all apart of the Navy family, we are apart of a huge Military family.

 

 

 

[Pennadair]

Hi, Nukemom,

 

Congratulations of having your son for the holidays!  I know how much that must mean to you!  Also, wish your son happy birthday.  I love your post.  It is very positive and uplifting.  Hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

Elizabeth

[BunkerQB]

For the young wives, fiancees and girlfriends who are cooking this year, here is an easy Green Bean Casserole recipe. Guaranteed to be yummy. It's great the next day too - reheated in microwave.

Bea's French Cut Green Bean Casserole w French Fried Onion Rings.

1, French cut green beans (1 bag frozen - 16 oz)

2. French fried onions rings (1 carton 6 oz)

3. Campbell's Cream of Mushroom soup (2/3 of can 10.75 oz)

4. Sour cream 2 heaping tablespoon (light is OK)

5. Fresh mushrooms (10-12 medium or more if you like)

6. Slivered almonds (1 package 2.25 oz)

7. Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika)

Cook & drain beans. Clean, pat dry, slice mushrooms and saute in small amount of Wesson oil. Add 1 tbs of butter to mushroom. Using slotted spoon, add mushrooms to cooked beans in mixing bowl. Add French fried onion  rings (half of carton), sour cream, almonds, 2/3 can of cream of mushroom soup. Add seasoning - salt, pepper & garlic powder (to taste). Mixed all together. This fills up a 9.75" x 9.75" Corning casserole dish & a small 5" x 8" dish (or use one large one). Sprinkle with paprika. Heat in preheated oven 350 degree for 35 minutes (40 minutes if previously refrigerated). Add remainder of French fried onion rings on top. Heat another 10 minutes for French Fried onion rings to turn golden brown and crispy. 

NOTE: If making dish night before - do not add French fried onion rings & paprika to mixture until ready to heat up.  Sometimes, I add a couple of tbs of fine Pepperidge Farm dressing on top along w paprika.