warmth

Ahhh, warmth. It's that feeling that only the holidays can bring. It's the warmth of a crackling fireplace, the laughter of family and friends, special holiday recipes that only seem to be placed on the table once a year and watching my little ones scurry about in the mix of all the holiday happiness.

I have been cooking Thanksgiving dinner for many years now. It started when my husband and I first got married. I felt the need to prove to him that I COULD cook! Anyway, the tradition began, and every year I cook "the feast" for my family. Regardless if we are joining around the table with others at their home, our family always enjoys our meal time together, just us.

My husband is always in charge of the Turkey. Every year he tries a little something different and it's always great. This year he decided to go the route of deep frying the turkey. Talk about yummo-licious! Holy cow, it was one of his best yet. The coolest part was that the bird was done in about 45 min. Yep, no all nighters/early mornings around here, it was great!

My favorite dish (besides my homemade cranberry sauce) is my sweet potato souffle, TDF!!! I also tried a new recipe, chocolate chunk pecan pie...oh my! I got a little festive and made a limeaide-cran punch that added a little pucker to the lips!

The girls and I made a bread basket/box to decorate the table. It was so much fun and it added such cuteness to the table. The girls faces would light up as they reached for bread from the box and Bryar would say..."I made dat", in her high pitch voice.

Just like clock work, the turkey laziness set in and Bryar was out! She fell asleep in her bed with her sunglasses still one, her Strawberry Shortcake book tossed behind her and her sippy cup just an arms reach away. This was my favorite memory of the day. It does a mommy good to know that little one (and big ones) are packed with food made from the heart and that their little heads have a resting place, warm and quiet. Ahhh, the warmth of the holidays...it's like no other!