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!

Happy Thanksgiving!

This photo says it all.  I am always fortunate that when I am either at work, or at home, I am with "family".  I am looking forward to sharing today as our first holiday together as husband and wife.  Forever grateful to those who stand the watch.

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!

Thanksgiving at Sea..

Happy Thanksgiving from the..ocean :)

I got to sleep in this morning, which was amazing.  I stayed up late last night to bake some of my famous Pumpkin Spice Bread for the Wardroom.  I hope everyone enjoys it!
I am about to eat brunch, then go on watch..have a late dinner. 

This week, I reflected a lot about what I am thankful for..here goes:

• My Family.  I have the best brothers and sister a girl could ask for.
• My Faith.  My faith keeps me strong, even on the worst days out at sea.
• My friends.  No matter where they are in the world, they know how to make my worst days better.
• My dog, Bella, and all the love she has to give to me, and everyone she meets.
• My hometown, Chicago.  The rich history, the amazing food, and the sports teams..even the Cubs. 
• My job, even when it takes me 6,000 miles or more away from those I love.
• The ocean.  So vast, and so beautiful.
• My shipmates.  They challenge me and make me a better person.
• Fresh Fruit.  I miss fresh fruit, food, and milk. 
• My own bed.  Comfy sheets, pillows, and a Bella make for better sleep.
• Coffee dates with friends.  A cup of joe with friends makes all the worries in the world go away.
• Mail and care packages.  Makes 9 months fly by!
• Email/phone calls/Skype.  Allows me to call my family and boyfriend, curbing homesickness
• My guy.  My best friend.  I couldn’t be doing this 9 month deployment with out him supporting me every step of the way. 

Thanksgiving Recap..

I had the best time for my holiday!  I got out of work early on Wednesday..which got me to the airport early.  Then, United bumped me up to a direct flight, and got me home 4 hours early!  My guy picked me up at the airport, and we had a chance to have a nice dinner, and go to bed to get ready for Thanksgiving!

We spent the day with his family and had a wonderful Polish/American meal.  I got to meet more of his extended family.  And here is where the funny story happens.  I say funny, because I can laugh at just about anything. 

We had just sat down at a table for 10, when we ordered a round of drinks at the restaurant.  The server set down my Miller Lite, and then she dropped the tray of the remaining 9 drinks on me and my guy.  I just cracked up.  He was a bit peeved, and I just laughed.  I think his family thought I was crazy until I told them about my oldest brothers wedding.  He got married on a lake, and we had the reception dinner at a lake front restaurant.  The waitress dumped a tray of 17 drinks on my sister in law (still in her wedding dress).  So lets just say I figured...a couple of Miller Lites on Thanksgiving is nothing compared to multiple Miller Lites, and 1 Pink Lady on your wedding day! 

We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing, watching movies, having a date night, meeting up with friends, family.  It was a whirlwind, and a great time.  I don't remember a time where I was not stressed, and just enjoyed being home.

I can't wait to go home for Christmas.  There is something about Chicago..well anytime, and especially at Christmastime.  Plus, I get to snuggle with my new niece again!

How was your holiday?!