Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours.  Praying for all those who have to sacrifice these holidays with working. From service men and women, to doctors and nurses, to police and firemen.  Thank you for standing the watch.

Holiday Thoughts

This post was on my FB page yesterday.  

"The holidays can be a rough time of the year for folks. Whether they have an illness, lost their job, are suffering from something you don't even know about or could understand-this quote says it all. I have seen so much suffering this month amongst my friends. I pray that everyone overcomes their struggles and has someone to lean on."

I have family members and friends who have lost jobs.  Friends who have been diagnosed with untreatable cancer.  Friends who just need someone there for them.

We all have our demons.  We all have our issues.  They may not seem "big" to other people that are suffering, but they may be big to the person it is affecting.  Maybe that lost job is the first rejection they have ever had.  Maybe they can't provide for their family.  Perhaps that illness was just the breaking point of that person.  Who knows.  It is really easy to judge.  It is tough to understand.  Forgive.  Accept.  

This holiday season, reach out to those suffering.  Reach out to everyone.  You never know what battles people are facing each day-and they might just NOT tell you about it or advertise on FB, etc.  Be kind.  Always. 

Holiday Traditions!

Holiday traditions have always been pretty sporadic for me being Active Duty.  I have realized that for the past 5 holidays, I have always gotten Mike an ornament.  So, boom, a tradition.  I got him one this year too.  Perfect for our first tree!!

The past 5 years!

2010 I spent the holiday with my middle brother's family in Chicago.  Mike and I just started dating.
Awkward....;)
2011 I spent with Mike and his family.  I flew in from Newport, RI
2012 I spent out at sea.  It was terrible.  No mail for over a month.  We literally celebrated in January
2013 I spent with Mike, he proposed that week!  I flew in from Jacksonville, FL
2014 I spent with Mike.  Our first Christmas as husband and wife!  I flew in from Jacksonville, FL
2015 I am spending with Mike, his family, and my family.  Yay for finally living in Chicago again!

We are starting a new tradition this year regarding gifts.  I know that gift giving can be stressful.  We also try to do little things for each other.  Making a favorite meal, surprise flowers, greeting cards with a special note, etc.

Our gifts are now broken into categories.  We did it this way to make it easier on us, and for when our princess arrives.  We would rather have experiences than a house full of things.

We broke it down to an item we want, need, wear, and read.  Simple enough right?

The wants are items that aren't necessarily practical.  I want a cleaning lady.  He wants a video game.

The needs are items that are practical such as an art kit, or accessory for a computer, etc.

The wear are items such as clothing, jewelry, perfume.

The read are items like books, or magazine subscriptions.

I wish I had thought about this sooner.  I kind of want to do this for my nieces and nephews bc shopping for them is a huge headache.  I never know what they want.  EVER.  So I just buy them stuff, that they probably don't want, need, wear, or read.  Eh.  I think Mike and I gave each other fair lists this year, and I look forward to doing this for our princess next year.  That way I am not buying her 30 outfits for Christmas.  :)

What are your favorite holiday traditions?

Good Cheer, Family, and Friends

I can't believe Thanksgiving just passed, and here we are, last day of November!

This week was busy seeing family, eating...but not overdoing it!  I made two incredible pies for Thanksgiving..I love pumpkin and apple pies.  Something about them just scream comfort food!  My recipes are on my pinterest page if you are interested.  I have made the apple pie before.  I will never use another recipe.  This one is just too good!

Preggo Mego.  I can't wait to have this baby girl!

I spent Black Friday downtown with my girls at Berghoff and the Christkindlemarket in Daley Plaza.  If you live in Chicago, are visiting Chicago, etc-YOU MUST go to the market.  I got a little hot coco and some non alcoholic spiced wine.  So good!

BFFs for life:)  

Now I am just trying to finalize holiday shopping, gift wrapping/mailing, decorating, and getting our cards out.  All while trying to bake this baby.  She is 33 weeks, and I swear every day she gets more and more cramped.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!

Christmas Recap!

The holidays were a bit of a breeze for me.  I didn't exactly get a lot of time off, because I am saving my days off for "terminal" leave.

In just a few words, it was good friends, good family, good food, and good booze.  Let's face it.  No one wants to read a whole lotta blah, blah, husband got me this, yadda yadda.  You want to see pictures.  Yes.  Pictures!

Puppies!

Tiramisu

Moonshine.

Ladies lunch.  And Moonshine.

Best thing ever.  $5 Starbucks gift cards to the CPD.  From: A grateful citizen

Waiting to give Olaf to my niece.  We renamed him.  Enzo. And he loves Irish pubs!

First Christmas as husband and wife.  Love him!

Chicago Christmas!!

This is the final post..ok, not final, I have a recipe post from the trip!

The 22nd, I went over to my future-in-laws house to bake holiday treats.  I wanted to spend quality time with them while my guy was at work.  I made the best dessert.  Recipe to come!
We talked, drank some wine, and went to dinner.  It was a great day! 

The 23rd, we met with a wedding planner to get some ideas rolling.  Then I met with one of my bffs, and we headed to the South Side for a friend get together.  All of the girls from high school gathered, ate Mexican food, had a blast with the littles!!

The 24th, my friend's momma gave me a ride back up North, and we made many pit stops along the way.  The first one was to our fav bakery, Wolfs!  If you are ever near Evergreen Park, IL or Beverly, you have to stop there!!!  My guy and I made stops that day to his Aunt and Uncles house, and then to my middle brothers house.  We had so much fun visiting with family, eating, and playing with my nieces!

The 25th, we had breakfast, and then went to his parents house.  His mom made such a great Polish feast.  I was so spoiled that day!!

Magners with Meghan!

Middle Brother and I on Christmas Eve!

Me and my guy!

Mistletoe!

More Chicago Christmas!!

So I hope everyone enjoyed that last post.  I am so excited to get married in 2014!

The day after the proposal, I made breakfast and we hung out at home, until we met friends out for dinner.

We made phone calls to family and friends, but kept the proposal a secret from our friends whom we were visiting with that evening.

Having wine with my bff, and grabbing dinner and drinks at Piccolo Sogno made for a great evening celebrating with friends!

Celebrating with my girls!

Piccolo Sogno.  Celebrating!

A Magical Chicago Christmas!!

So the past 10 days have been a whirlwind.  Family, friends, holidays...travel..you name it!

Let us start where the journey began on December 20th!

I had a tough week at work that week, and I was so excited to go home.  My flight was delayed (par for the course), and I was just so pumped to see my baby.  I got home around 8pm, and he picked me up at O'Hare, and we headed out to our favorite Sushi restaurant.  We had our usual dinner, some wine, and just had the best conversation. 

As we walked in the door, I noticed that the house smelled amazing.  Way better than usual.  That is when I noticed this waiting for me in the kitchen!

That is right ladies.  Roses.  Not just a dozen, but 100.  The smell is intoxicating.  There was also a beautiful love letter on the table.

As I was trying to take all of this in, I was summoned into the Living Room by my guy.

He told me to take a look at his Christmas tree.

I looked at his tree, and said, "nice".  I cleary did NOT see what he wanted me to see, as I had just taken off my glasses.  I went back in the kitchen, put my glasses on, and looked again. 

I may or may not have pointed, and screamed, and the engagement ring sitting on the branch at the top!  I was stunned, and crying tears of joy as my boyfriend put the ring on my hand, and asked me to marry him. 

Perfect proposal.  Just us.  In our house, with our pup (only 1 of em, the other stayed in FL), in our city.

I couldn't be happier.  Stay tuned for more posts from my trip!!

Holiday Work Party!

I had my holiday work party this past Friday, and it was a great time!  I wore this dress from Rent the Runway.  Due to wearing uniforms 5-7 days of the week, I don't have a great need to buy a lot of dresses.  So..I rent instead!

We had our party at the Omni hotel, and the food was great.  It was a nice time mingling with Sailors and their families, dancing the night away!

Holidays & Stress

I know that this time of year can be stressful.  I worked over 95 hours this week!  Sad Face. 

Trying to keep up with the holidays, the committments, etc, can be stressful.  Here are a few tips on how to not "over do it". 

1. Do not over extend yourself.  Do not offer to buy gifts for those you simply cannot buy for.  I buy for my bf, his parents, and my nieces and nephews.  Plus, we cap the gift amount.  That way there aren't crazy expectations.  I also bought a gift for my bff.  She just had a baby boy, and I had to get a gift for her.  Babies.  Drive me nuts:)  In a good way!

2.  Refer to Number 1.  Do not sign up for more than you can do.  Whether it is the 5th cookie exchange, or the 10th holiday party, you must limit yourself as well.  I have 1 holiday party for work, and then I am getting together with friends in Chicago.  Family on Christmas day.  That is it.  And I am ok with it.  3 events.  Simple.

3.  Make lists, and check them twice.  Like Santa.  Seriously.  I have an ongoing list of gifts, so I make sure that when I mail them all off next week, I didn't forget one that I was "hiding", etc. 

4.  Don't get that last minute "holy crap I had to buy it bc it was on sale" item.  I live "in" a mall. I seriously see the prices, and I know a good deal from a crappy one.  Thank goodness.  Because I was severely disappointed in Black Friday shopping.  First time, and last time I do that.  Nothing was really "I have to buy it now!" 

5.  Keep a schedule.  Plan to ship out gifts, mail out cards, bake those cookies, etc. 

6.  Plan out your outfits.  I did 30 for 30.  Again.  I did not buy a dress for our holiday party,  but rented one from Rent the Runway again.  I hope I love it as much as the last dress! 

7.  Keep calm, and go to the spa.  For reals.

8.  Enjoy yourself, and remember the reason for the season.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Cheer

I was fortunate enough to have the weekend off from a busy time at work.  I got home Wednesday, and just relaxed at home with my pup.

Thursday, I spent my Thanksgiving with Bella, as most of my friends are out at sea.  Not what I had in mind, but due to my work, I just couldn't get back to Chicago.  Just makes me realize how grateful I am for my family, friends, etc. 

Friday, I got my nails done, and some shopping accomplished.  I am not a "black Friday" shopper by any means.  We don't give gifts in my family, unless they are for the kiddos.  I have finished shopping for the littles, and I am very happy.  I love my nieces and nephews more than anything.  Spoiling them twice a year is my favorite thing to do! 

Saturday, I got Bella  a spa day, and my friends came over for dinner/sleep over.  My dear friend just got back from deployment, so I figured a home cooked meal and catch up time was just what we needed.  It is amazing that despite the fact that we haven't seen each other since May 2012, we caught up without skipping a beat. 

Sunday, we went out for Brunch, and it was amazing!  We went to Mimi's Café, and it was so great.  I can't wait to take Mike to get some delicious food next time he is in town.  After brunch, I went to see "White Christmas" with another dear friend.  I had never seen the movie, but it got me in the Christmas mood.  I really want to see it again, and soon!

Tablescape.  Love my new holiday décor.  I don't have much, but it is a start!

Christmas Traditions

Merry Christmas everyone! 

I had to think a lot yesterday on where I have spent Christmas since I have joined the Navy.  Everyone was talking about traditions..and I have to be honest, I don't really have any. 

2004-Chicago
2005-Chicago
2006-Honolulu
2007-Oman (Deployment)
2008-San Diego
2009-Yokosuka, Japan
2010-Bremerton, Washington
2011-Chicago
2012-Deployment

The one tradition I usually keep is visiting my brother and his family wherever they may be for the holidays.  Honolulu, San Diego, Yokosuka, Bremerton were all travels to visit family. 

I really hope I get to spend next Christmas in Chicago with my best friend next year.  I missed him so much yesterday, but was glad to know he was surprised to find gifts under the tree from me!  Here is to making new traditions!

Twas the Night Before Christmas..

Twas the night before Christmas, the ship was out steaming,
Sailors stood watch while others were dreaming.
They lived in a crowd with racks tight and small,
In a 80-man berthing, cramped one and all.
I had come down the stack with presents to give,
And to see inside just who might perhaps live.
I looked all about, a strange sight did I see,
No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stockings were hung, shined boots close at hand,
On the bulkhead hung pictures of a far distant land.
They had medals and badges and awards of all kind,
And a sober thought came into my mind.
For this place was different, so dark and so dreary,
I had found the house of a Sailor, once I saw clearly.
A Sailor lay sleeping, silent and alone,
Curled up in a rack and dreaming of home.
The face was so gentle, the room squared away,
This was the United States Sailor today.
This was the hero I saw on TV,
Defending our country so we could be free.
I realized the families that I would visit this night,
Owed their lives to these Sailors lay willing to fight.
Soon round the world, the children would play,
And grownups would celebrate on Christmas Day.
They all enjoyed freedom each day of the year,
Because of the Sailor, like the one lying here.
I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone,
On a cold Christmas Eve on a sea, far from home.
The very thought brought a tear to my eye,
I dropped to my knees and started to cry.
The Sailor awakened and I heard a calm voice,
"Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice."
"Defending the seas all days of the year,
So others may live and be free with no fear."
I thought for a moment, what a difficult road,
To live a life guided by honor and code.
After all it's Christmas Eve and the ship's underway!
But freedom isn't free and it's sailors who pay.
The Sailor say's to our country "be free and sleep tight,
No harm will come, not on my watch and not on this night.
The Sailor rolled over and drifted to sleep,
I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.
I kept watch for hours, so silent, so still,
I watched as the Sailor shivered from the night's cold chill.
I didn't want to leave on that cold dark night,
This guardian of honor so willing to fight.
The Sailor rolled over and with a voice strong and sure,
Commanded, "Carry on Santa, It's Christmas, and All is Secure!"

Inspiration for the Week..

I heard this story a few years ago, when a small town in Illinois reached out for a toddler with cancer.  The people in town did some amazing things, to give this little boy a Christmas.  They decorated their houses, in the fall, to ensure that Dax, who enjoyed those lights so much, could enjoy it.  Dax Locke passed away a few days after Christmas in 2009.  His parents are huge advocates for St. Judes hospital, and are currently raising money to run the hospital for one day.  It costs millions of dollars to keep that hospital running, and they do amazing work for little kids!

You can get to the webpage here, which also has previews for the movie made in Dax's memory. 
Here is the link to his momma's caringbridge site for him. Julie still updates it on her family, and more fundraising for St. Judes. 

This is one Christmas story I will never forget.  If you missed the movie on GMC, the DVD will be out next year.  I don't have cable, or a tv right now, so I am looking forward to seeing it. 

I sometimes get down at this time of the year, because of many reasons..reading a story like this makes me realize I need to appreciate what I have, love who I have in my life,  and continue to love and remember those I have lost. 

Operation Gratitude

I have spent a lot of time at the post office lately mailing out gifts to family.  I saw these marked boxes with "Operation Gratitude" written on them.  Operation Gratitude is a service that assists in sending care packages to service members overseas.  How awesome is that?  What a great way to support the troops. 

Operation Gratitude Home Page

The website also includes info for smaller donations, such as a letter to the troops.  Any teachers out there who want their students to write letters?  They have instructions on that, too! 

Such a great organization, especially right around the holidays.  Keep praying for our men and women overseas...

Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas from Seattle!  I'll be visiting family here, spending time with two of the cutest kids in the world. 

I have spent the past few Christmas's all over the world.  2006-Hawaii, 2007-Oman, 2008-San Diego, 2009-Yokohama, 2010-Seattle. 

Hoping that today looks a little like this...

Thomas Kinkade

I love Thomas Kinkade.  Someday I will actually splurge and buy one or two of his paintings.  They are simply amazing.

Another holiday party...

This Christmas season has been filled with many holiday parties..all a ton of fun. I am super tired, but there is more shopping to be done, baking to be completed, and people to see.  Not to mention travel!

We had a work party Friday night, which is always a great time every year.  Good food, good people, and of course, our crazy gift exchange. 

Andy, Me, Gabe

Love these ladies! Gale, Me, Karina

Chicago Christmas!

I had an appointment downtown on Friday, so I took a few pictures on my route.  Not many, but the best ones were at Holy Name Cathedral.

Water Tower

Holy Name Cathedral

Holy Name Cathedral

Christmas Spirit..

So it just hit me today that Christmas is in..well..11 days.  I went to the dentist, and the woman who cleaned my teeth asked me if I was ready.  Then I realized...nope.  Not even close.  I haven't shopped yet, made food for 3 pot lucks in the next couple of days yet, sent out Christmas cards yet, the list just goes on. 

I have been so swamped, stressed with work that I haven't even taken the time ro realize what I haven't done. 

This seems to happen to me every year before the holidays, I get super swamped, and finally get in the Christmas spirit when I get to my holiday destination.  Last year, it was Japan..and I loved every minute of it.  Now, to get my butt in gear to get ready for next week!  First stop..getting those Christmas cards in the mail!!

The Real Christmas Spirit

Via Google Images