If you know my husband at all you know he loves the extreme. If you're going to do something you may as well do it big! A few weeks ago he told me his jujitsu instructor had been raising turkeys and he wanted to get one, slaughter it (by himself) and eat it for Thanksgiving dinner. I'll be honest, when I first heard the idea I thought he was clinically insane, but 11 years of marriage to this man has taught me to never underestimate what he can do if he puts his mind to it. Well, we did it (actually he did it, I went NOWHERE near the bird till we ate him.)
We've tried to teach our kids that we are super blessed to be able to go to the store and buy our food already "prepared," but they know our meat was once a living thing. Because Clay and his dad love to hunt and we do a good bit of fishing the kids have been exposed to what food looks like before it is prepared. We also talk a lot about the importance of appreciating the fact that an animal gave his life so we can eat so we NEVER kill or hurt things just for fun, their always has to be a purpose.....and this year "Phil's" purpose was Thanksgiving dinner.
So, I was a little worried the kids would be scarred, because, like I said, if Clay does something he does it big. He brought the turkey to the campsite ALIVE!! The kids all greeted him when he arrived and I cringed....nothing like naming and befriending something that will be beheaded the next morning. Well, everyone woke early (it was FREEZING so no one slept much) and I look over to see Clay, my brothers and ALL of my children trapsing into the forest with Phil. I told my dad "go get Bailey Kate, I think this may scar her." Dad brings her back to me and she is crying. I said "Oh sweetie, are sad daddy is going to kill Phil?" to which she tearfully replied, "NO! I want to go help." Seriously, this girl is a paradox. She could not be more girly and yet LOVE adventure and dirt and the outdoors more! SO, I let her go into the woods and watch.
Like I said, I went nowhere near the bird. I heard Phil went pretty easily and quickly (with a little blood splatter) and a few minutes later everyone came back to the campsite to clean and gut Phil so we could get cooking. Mind you, no one was crying or upset, they were ready to get to work (I'll admit, I was a little grossed out). Though Clay will try anything, he is always well educated in the task at hand. He spent a lot of time learning how to kill, pluck, gut and prepare a turkey and he did a great job. The kids were all about helping and getting their hands dirty. As Clay was cleaning the turkey the "camp host" informed us that we couldn't use the turkey fryer on the grounds ANYWHERE. That meant taking Phil to the dollar general parking lot a mile down the road to fry him up. Doesn't get more redneck than that in my book! My dad, clay and Adam also shot a compound bow and the adjacent lot while they waited. It was quite a sight!
All the ladies prepared the rest of the meal (my mom did a great job at food prep before so it was a breeze). We all sat down at our picnic table and enjoyed the bounty of our labor. Phil was quite delicious! This Thanksgiving didn't look like the average day for most, but it was perfect for our crazy fam! This year was quite the super fun, freezing, dirty, bloody, tasty, relaxing, adventerous Thanksgiving. I'm so blessed with a beautiful family (on both sides!), a sweet baby on the way, healthy children, more than I could ever need or want and a husband who not only leads this crazy zoo with love and patience, but does it in a way that makes lifelong memories! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!
Getting ready....
The deed has been done...
BK did not leave Clay's side the entire time!
The finished product!
Frying in the parking lot!
Mashing potatoes old school style!
Uncle Trey snuggles.
Time to EAT!!!!
Nothing better than s'mores by the fire on a cold night.
