Thanksgiving brings visions of warm family gatherings. Cozy conversations around the fireplace, playing games with the kids, and general relaxation.

The reality of Thanksgiving can be much different. Slaving over a hot stove, a turkey that takes two hours longer than anticipated to cook, hungry children running amok - all of this can turn a lovely holiday gathering into a stressful event.

Today I discovered the magic of Wegman’s. This is a new store in my parents town that has an extensive gourmet, prepared food section. I went there to shop for ingredients for the Thanksgiving meal and I left with several items that were already made - ready to heat and serve. Easy!

And how do I feel? Guilty, for not being the quintessential “Suzy homemaker” and making everything from scratch? Actually, I am relieved. The pressure is off.

This year I am thankful that I will not have to cook the entire meal myself!

It is Thanksgiving week and things are getting festive around here.

Last week I posted some links to fun Thanksgiving coloring pages for kids. Well, there is more where that came from.

Char, at Printables4Kids.com has created some entertaining Thanksgiving coloring pages and activity pages that will be sure to keep the kids busy while the turkey is a cookin’.

I regularly read a wonderful site called Free Stuff 4 Kids (now who wouldn’t want to check that out?).

Yesterday they posted a bunch of free Thanksgiving coloring pages, including this one:

This could be a fun activity for the trip to Grandma’s house or while waiting for that meal to be ready. (cooking always seems to take forever, doesn’t it?). Just don’t forget the crayons!