For the first time in my life I won't be spending Thanksgiving with my family (insert sad face here), we just couldn't finagle a way to travel across country to see them. The holidays have always been a special time for me and my family, especially my mom and I, so I am fighting the "not home for the holidays" blues. Despite not being with family this Thanksgiving I'm determined to cook up a grand feast and give thanks for all the blessings my family and I have enjoyed this year! By nature I'm an optimistic person, so although I will miss my family (mom) this coming Thursday, I'm hopeful for next years Thanksgiving being spent with them! 

Because this is the FIRST Thanksgiving without my mom, this is also the FIRST Thanksgiving where I'm cooking the whole meal! Yikes! I've never cooked a whole Turkey before and I keep envisioning ridiculous and extreme antics to ensue due to my lake of turkey roasting knowledge! I've spent the last two weeks scouring the web and cooking magazines for the perfect recipes to please James and the kids (not normally picky eaters but on Thanksgiving VERY picky). I think I have finally devised a menu that will keep everyone happy and provide us with lots of tasty leftovers!