Tis' The Season

Is it just me, or do we start to celebrate Christmas earlier and earlier each year? I'm not against it, but putting your lights up before carving your turkey is pushing it!
I ran into my neighbor the other night who was all in a frenzy about not having her tree and decorations up yet. I had to remind her that it wasn't even December!

As for Thanksgiving, I was able to spend a day filled with food (literally), family and more food. Who can't love a holiday that encourages eating as much as possible? I was SO thankful to get the day off... But let me tell you, it required a lot more work beforehand! We had to book and record a whole new show just to air on the holiday. It required double the work in a day's time.
Below are some pictures from Talk of Alabama during November.

Our live show from "The Market" event 

This is where I watch the show when we are live on site - it's inside a satellite truck!

Recognize this guy? Taylor Hicks joined us for a performance one morning!

Although I didn't go into the station, I still woke up bright n' early to get everything in order. This year, I was in charge of the sweet potato casserole. This is a Thanksgiving STAPLE, so it had to be perfect! But if you know me, I had to do more than just one dish.... so I decided to make 2 other things, that weren't so traditional: a pineapple casserole and chocolate chip cupcakes with peanut butter frosting. I actually had the pineapple casserole when I was at another potluck. After my first bite, I literally said "I HAVE to have this recipe for my family Thanksgiving!" The girl who made it said is was from the Paula Deen cookbook, so you really can't go wrong with a recipe that has BUTTER as the main ingredient.

As for the cupcakes, who doesn't love peanut butter? If you don't, just stop reading. The cake part was simple, but the icing is what made them a hit! I even sprinkled some Reese's Pieces and Heath Bar on top just to induce that sugar coma.

Cupcakes & Sweet Potato Casserole... "Made with Love!"

Homemade Apple Pie I made for our work potluck!

You know those professionally iced cookies you see in bakeries? Well I was determined to try it myself!

Here's some fall leaf sugar cookies with "Royal Icing"

Food aside, It's already the first week of December and Christmas will be here before we know it! Luckily, I got a head start on my shopping list and have just a few things left to buy. Your parents are always the hardest... they already have everything and when you ask them what they want, it's always "I don't need anything." I would say what I have gotten them so far, but I'm pretty sure my mom reads this... Hey L!

What do I want for Christmas this year? I'm afraid if I went into detail, it would turn into a Lifetime movie. But you can never go wrong with shoes and clothes!

To wrap it up, November was a busy, busy, BUSY month and December is looking the same way! Who's ready for 2013?

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. 
Proverbs 19:21