It's Fall Ya'll!

Fall has finally arrived in South Carolina and I am excited! I do love summer, but after months of humid 90-100 degree temperatures the chilly winds of fall are a welcomed relief. I love living in the south because we get to experience all the seasons! Spring and fall are two of my favorite times of year because there is a distinct change in temperature. This past weekend was wonderful. Temperatures were very cold at night and pretty chilly during the day which gets my mind in gear for winter foods! My husband made a huge pot of his famous chili that we enjoyed while watching football and my kitchen was filled with the smell of cinnamon candles as I put out my Thanksgiving decorations and started thinking of our next holiday. Thanksgiving is such a special time of year and although I count my blessings everyday, the season just helps me get everything into perspective and I think of all that God has blessed me with all through the year. I went to Walmart on Saturday and was shocked to see Christmas trees already up before the Halloween decorations were put away...it makes me sad because sometimes I think Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday. We go from Halloween straight to Christmas. We have many fun Thanksgiving traditions in our family but this year things will be a little different. My aunt, uncle and cousin from Atlanta have spent Thanksgiving with us for as long as I can remember. My parents live in my neighborhood but Thanksgiving is always held at my house. We girls (my mother, daughter, aunt, cousin and myself) have special traditions that we have practiced for a long time. We always meet at my mother's house for Chuck's (my husband) chili on Wednesday night. Then, Thursday everyone comes to my house for the big dinner. We usually have about 15 people total but for me, the more the merrier! We start off with apps and hot spiced cider and then dive into the traditional Thanksgiving foods of turkey, dressing, giblet gravey, veggies and of course dessert! Later in the evening while all the men are sacked out watching football the ladies gather around the dining room table and sip Amaretto while clipping coupons and mapping out our plan for the day after Thanksgiving sales! This is probably one of the best of our traditions. We all get up early, put on our Christmas sweaters and hit the mall!! This really gets me in the Christmas spirit! We have done this for many years but this year it will be different and I feel a little sad inside since it won't be the same. My daughter will be in Atlanta with her boyfriend and his family and my cousin won't be able to make the trip this year. I know sometimes traditions have to take a detour and I'm okay with that...I will just miss our "girltime"!

I have already started thinking of the appetizers I will be serving and the desserts I will prepare. One dessert that is sure to be a hit is my carrot cake. I made this one a few weeks ago for a dear friend's birthday and have decided it will definitely be on the list for Thanksgiving! I'm still looking for some good appetizer recipes so if anyone has one to share I would appreciate it! For now I have plenty to keep me busy the rest of the week...finishing a dress for my daughter, making monogrammed cookies...yes, even a cookie needs a monogram, and baking a red velvet cake for my daughter's 27th birthday! Happy Birthday Brooke! That's about all for now...I need to get busy...I have lots to do! ~Becky