Thanksgiving 2011, Part I

This weekend we went to Justin's grandmother's (Jojo's) house in Charlotte for her Thanksgiving get together. The food was delicious, as always, and it was so nice to visit with everyone. We can never stay as long as we'd like but I'm always reminded when I go there how grateful I am to have such a wonderful family. Jojo's Thanksgiving dinner really kicks off the holiday season.

And speaking of, the Christmas music has started on the local radio station. When I was a kid my dad used to listed to Christmas songs starting in November and I thought it was cruel and unusual punishment, especially since he didn't know the words so he'd make them up as he went along. Often times he would use our names in the song and carol about how bad we were or how we weren't getting anything for Christmas. He found it very amusing. My sister and I seriously considered throwing ourselves out of the moving car a time or two. I swore I'd never listen to Christmas music as an adult but look at me now! It just makes me happy. Who can be in a bad mood when there is Christmas music on??

The holidays really are in full swing...we had our office Thanksgiving Lunch Party today. I made Sherry's sweet potato dumplings and boy, we're they a hit! Everyone LOVED them! I had at least three people ask me for the recipe. Super yummy! I also brought pumpkin cupcakes. There was so much food and it was all delicious...seriously, everything I tasted was amazingly good. No one wanted dessert at the end. I brought home a plate for Justin. He was very happy. There's just something about the holiday favorites (mac n cheese, sweet potatoes, string beans, ham, pumpkin pie, potato salad) that is just so comforting. I am definitely looking forward to the holiday eats!

Still working on all these pictures. I'm looking for the best (and quickest) way to upload them to the internet. I'd like to do it in a creative way but we have almost 700 pictures! Holy smokes! This may take a while, or at least a backseat to friends and family for the next several weeks. One thing that I am focused on is our Christmas card. Justin and I look so forward to designing the card...picking out the theme, the pictures, etc. This year, we're definitely going to incorporate travel pictures! So fun!

I'm in the best mood ever! Delicious food, new Christmas candle, clean kitchen, seeing family all this month. Does it get any better? I think no! Happy Holidays! :o)