Thanksgiving

So, this year's plans just got changed. We were going to do Thanksgiving with my parents on the actual day and with Nelson's family on the weekend. (they have to work on the actual day) Then, my Ma Ma (maternal grandmother) fell down her stairs, fractured her hip and ended up having a hip replacement. Long story short, she is doing really well, but it not very mobile. (obviously) She is home and can get around with a walker or cane (which is still pretty amazing, considering this only happened about 3 weeks ago!) but can't get to the laundry room, cook, etc. My Pa Pa is doing his best, but they need some extra help. Mom decided to fly out to help them, so I suddenly found myself planning for Thanksgiving for my husband and father (not to mention a baby!), neither of which does much in the kitchen. SO, I am officially making my first Thanksgiving dinner on my own! I'm actually pretty excited. I am keeping it simple and not making quite as many side dishes as my mom would make, but here's my menu:

*Turkey: (Duh) However, we don't really do any meat with a bone or dark meat at our house, so I am making a boneless skinless turkey breast. AND, I'm making it in the crock pot, which I have done before. You barely have to baste it and it turns out sooooo tender and juicy. It has some spices and melted butter, a little broth and onions, set it and FORGET IT! It's great. No giblets involved, GROSS!
*Gravy: I am not trying anything to fancy. I found a simple recipe and I'm going to make it. And, if I screw it up, I bought a packet mix and will make that, my dad will never know!
*Mashed potatoes: I'll make them with too much butter, half and half and whatever I feel like that day.
*Stuffing: I wish I was brave enough to try making my Grandma's, but I'm not ready yet. I need to observe my mom making it one more time or at least have her to help me. Plus, it is an ALL DAY process. Some day. I found this one and am going to try it. I'm making cornbread earlier in the week and will just make a double batch. My husband hates StoveTop or I would have just done that. : )
*Steamed green beans
*Cranberry Sauce: Nothing fancy at our house. I don't eat it and neither does Nelson. It's for my dad. And he eats it, you guessed it, still in the shape of the can it came out of. Classy!
*Whole Wheat Rolls. Maybe someday I'll try baking these from scratch, but not this year.
*Sweet Potato Casserole: Mom's recipe, pretty basic with brown sugar, milk and spices
*Olives (we always have some on the table)
*Pumpkin Pie (I WILL make this from scratch, but only because it's so easy and I can make it ahead)

I'll let you know how it goes, I'm excited!!