Alright y'all it's that time again, time for cool brisk days, cuddle up in a blanket nights... the holiday season is upon us! Now those of you that know me well know that I blend the two together, it's November 8th and I'm behind on decorating, but when I get to it I break out the "Christmas" decor right away! Many of you are against this, I get it. I still have "two holidays" but I love the look of all the holiday lights and such. Um plus I don't have fall/Thanksgiving decorations. If I did, I would surely put those out until Turkey Day and then do "Christmas decor". So if you come over and see my snowmen and garland, that's just me... :-P 

This year is going to go a little different for me, my Nana has come to a point where she just can't handle the large holiday meal anymore. She will make herself do it, but then she's wiped out for days... and who wants Nana going through all that? So it's time to let Nana retire. Exciting part? I am cooking for my mom's family!

I must say I'm thrilled to have creative reign over the menu (with input from the family as well). Plus, last year I did a trial run of Nana's dressing, and it came out very close to hers, (and got the Nana seal of approval in a taste test!!) So I will be happy to share this with my family.I can't wait to teach the kids one day all of the yummy recipes I've learned- and will learn. There is something special about a home cooked meal that brings everyone together!

I recently received turkey salt and pepper shakers from my aunt Jess, so I'm thrilled to be putting those out for use!

What's on the menu you ask? Well, turkey, dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, lima beans, green beans, fresh cream corn, rolls, broccoli and rice casserole, sweet potato souffle, chicken and dumplings, sausage balls, deviled eggs, spinich dip, pumpkin cupcakes, pumpkin pie, chocolate cake, pecan pie, chocolate pie, cherry cheesecake and cranberry sauce! YUMMY!

After the meal at our house, we will be headed to Rob's family get together where the newest official wife in the Green Family is preparing dinner! While I'm talking about them, let me just add that I'm thankful for having two sisters (in law) that are fabulous! These three brothers got themselves some great women... ;)

Then for what I hope becomes a new tradition, Nina (my mom) is going to come stay with the kids for Rob and I to go out Black Friday shopping, and the next morning make holiday crafts, cocoa and muffins with the kids! 

I'm so excited this time of year, everything is beautiful, the lights and warm feelings make it seem so magical.

So, let's get interactive! What is the one thing (or a couple) that you MUST have for your Thanksgiving meal to be complete? That one thing you could say "it ain't Thanksgiving" without it? Leave your answer in a comment below! 

Til next time~
~K