Gone 'til (next) November...

With our leftovers dwindling and our waistbands expanding...it's time to finish up my tribute to Thanksgiving. Fortunately for me, the feastin's not quite over just yet- I still have more celebrating to do at a friend's house on the actual big day. Can I get a heck yeah?

I wanted to share pictures of our big day with you all, but sadly, because I was busy, busy, busy playing hostess and chef this weekend, it didn't dawn on me to take any pics of the actual festivities. I could kick myself. However, I will leave you with a few things for which I am thankful:

1. My incredible hubs who is patient enough to deal with me on a daily basis. Not many people meet the love of their life at the age of 14. He's stuck by my side through wedding planning, proms, teenage angst, braces and acne. If that's not love, well, then I just don't know what is.

2. The incredible "family" I have made here in Virginia while I'm away from my real family (also another notch on the "for what I'm thankful" bedpost). Being a military wife kinda stinks sometimes, but having that built in support system of friends is key.

3. A job that I love. I truly enjoy going to work each day and spending eight hours with 25 kiddos that are begging to be loved, hugged, and nurtured. Sometimes I want to rip my hair out because of those little buggers, but I know that I am blessed.

4. Ann Taylor Loft petite section. If you don't know me in real life, here's a little tidbit: I'm short. We're talking, not quite five feet, Snooki short. Ann Taylor loft has an amazing petite section- thank goodness!

5. www.food.com. This is the most used item in my kitchen (via the computer) and my favorite website ever. I refer to it multiple times a week to find delicious recipes. I definitely recommend you check it out. Allow me to formally introduce you: Bloggers, meet food.com. Food.com, meet your new biggest fans.


6. Of course, no thankful list of mine would be complete without a little puppy lovin'. These two are the little lights of my life.

And because I am list crazy, I wanted to share my Thanksgiving recipes with you all. I hope they will be of some use to you. For what it's worth, all of the recipes have been prepared, taste tested and approved by yours truly.

Roasted Turkey

Apple Baked Ham (crowd favorite)

Mashed Potatoes

Stuffing

Cranberry Sauce (I added 1/2 cup sugar to this)

Gravy

Carrot Cake

Banana Bread

I hope you all have an amazing and delicious holiday full of love with your nearest and dearest. I can hardly wait to hear all about it!