To my family and I, living a thankful life goes far beyond the one day a year that is called... Thanksgiving  God our heavenly Father has given us so much to be thankful for. We have our health, our precious children, a roof over our heads, food on our plates, and warm clothing to wear. So each day we strive to live Thankfully So this year while you are shopping for your holiday meal, try to remember those who are less blessed than yourselves. Try donating to a local charity of your time and/or food. Or if you know of a neighbour, a family or a Military member that is alone this Holiday season, why not share the blessings that God has bestowed upon you with them Looking for some Recipes? Check out these out! My family and I have some favourite dishes we like to have only for Thanksgiving. Here are a few of them Mashed Potato Casserole Peel cut and cook 5 pounds of potatoes Drain and mash until smooth Add two (2) 3-ounce packages of cream cheese (at room temperature) One cup of sour cream Two tablespoons onion powder One-teaspoon salt 1/2-teaspoon pepper Two-tablespoons butter Beat until light and fluffy Preheat oven to 350 Butter a 2-quart casserole dish and pour in potatoes Top with dollops of butter Bake for 30 minutes Baked Spaghetti Squash  This is a very interesting squash! It is a winter crop. After it is cooked it looks just like spaghetti but has the flavor of squash. If you aren't sure which type is spaghetti squash ask your produce manager  Wash, dry and cut into halves lengthwise Place cut side up in a baking dish Put dollops of butter on each half Sprinkle with salt and pepper Bake covered in a 400-degree oven for 30 to 40 minutes OR 350 degrees for about 40 minutes OR 325 degrees for about 45 minutes (I have given a variety of baking temps/times for those who need it baked more quickly or those who have a little more time) After baking, scoop out the squash and place in a lightly buttered covered dish and keep warm till ready to serve Caramel Apple Pie (From Kraft)  1/2 package (about 24) Kraft Caramels 1 Tablespoon milk 1 (6 oz) Keebler Ready-Crust graham cracker pie shell 1/3 cup chopped nuts (any variety you like, I use Walnuts or Pecans) 1 package (8oz) Philadelphia brand cream cheese, softened (room temperature) 1/2 cup sour cream 2 Tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 1/2 cup chunky applesauce 2 teaspoons cinnamon 3 1/2 cups (8oz) Cool Whip thawed Fresh apple slices (any apple you like) Melt caramels with milk in a small microwavable bowl on HIGH for 1 to 1 1/4 minutes Stir mixture until smooth Pour into piecrust, sprinkle with nuts and let Cool BEAT cream cheese, sour cream and sugar until smooth, stir in applesauce, vanilla and cinnamon. Fold in HALF of the whipped topping Spread mixture over caramel layer in crust Chill at least 4 hours. Garnish with remaining whipped topping, apples slices and more melted caramels if desired when serving individual slices *Note - be sure to refrigerate any leftovers! Here are some links that I've found to be helpful, fun and cool trivia! Ocean Spray Butterball Honeysuckle White Traditional New England Thanksgiving Greeting Card - online Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Kids Crafts Thanksgiving Activities for Kids (Plus more for Grown-ups too!) Thanksgiving on the Net (Lots of ideas, crafts, trivia, games and recipes!) The First Thanksgiving I hope that you'll find the links useful and fun for you and your family May God bless you and yours this Thankful Season! Copyright 1998 - 2009 Laurie's Treasure Chest All Right Reserved - Not Public Domain