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!

Mother's Day

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What does Mother’s Day mean to me?

It means so many things.  It is happiness.  It is sorrow.  It is old memories..it is making new ones.

My mother passed away 9 years ago, and it is sad to know that she is no longer here with me, but taught me to be the best that I can.  She taught me that it is ok to fail.  To get up.  Try again.  To love unconditionally.  To live it up in college-you only live once.  To always rely on your siblings.  To never show up at anyone’s home empty handed.  How to make meatloaf.  I think that is my husband’s favorite.  Her memory will always live on with me, and my siblings.

It is standing in the kitchen, waiting for some homemade banana bread to be done baking for brunch tomorrow with my mother in law and family tomorrow morning.

It is praying for those who are trying to conceive and be a mom.  A road that is not easy for many. 

It is praying for those moms of angel babies, who yearn for their children on this day, and many days.  

It is helping out those new moms, who may just need a hand at home.  A break from mommy duty.  A friend to just listen, and not to judge.

Mother’s day is a day to appreciate those women all around us that much more.  Those that are here.  Those that are the role of mom, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend.  Those that just do those mom things. 

Cheers to all the moms.  Both here on earth, and in heaven.  Those with us today, or 2000 miles away.  The world is a better place with women like you!!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I had a great weekend out and about in the city I love.

I had a date night Friday with the husband.  Our fav sushi place, and a movie.  Couldn't be better.

Saturday I went downtown with my friends, met up with family, and spent most of the day downtown.  I ended up in my own neighborhood, and just relaxed!

Sunday, I stayed in my neighborhood with family and neighbors and had a great time.  I normally go to the South Side Irish parade, but decided on a change of pace this year..

Makes me so incredibly happy to be home!

Daley Plaza

Obligatory Selfie

What are your St. Patrick's Day Traditions?

Promotion

So if you remember this post, I was selected to be promoted back in July.  I was slated to put on my new rank in February, and I delayed the actual ceremony for a few days so my husband could come.  It was definitely worth it.  I asked him and my former CO to both put on my collar devices.  It was a quick, simple ceremony, and I was on cloud nine.  We went and had an amazing dinner at Ragtime afterwards.  Shrimp and Grits.  Oh my goodness, it was good!

My Commanding Officer Administering the Oath

Former CO, Me, My Awesome Husband

So happy that there is another LCDR Gill in the family!

Wedding Wednesday: Rehearsal and Rehearsal Dinner

We had a fantastic Rehearsal at Assumption Church, and an amazing dinner at Maggianos.  I swear, there is always so. much. food!

It was such a blast to hang out with my family and friends, get caught up and prepare for such an amazing step in our lives!

Liz and Me.  Love this gal!

So there was a cardiac convention in town.  Had to pose with these guys!

Bridesmaids and I at Maggianos!

Me and my love

Great Menu courtesy of my awesome in laws!

Quick Trip to Chicago

I had my last trip before the wedding a few weeks ago.  Yes.  I am crazy.  Planning a wedding from Florida/the ocean.  But..it has to be done. :)

I got to Chicago on Friday night, and Mike and I had our standard date night.  Our fav sushi place.  We caught up, and just relaxed. 

The next morning, his mom took me to get my dress altered.  Yep.  The lady there freaked when she found out my next/last fitting is going to be just days before the wedding.  Woosah.

Mike and I then went to a family party, as a cousin of mine is headed off to start college this week.  He met that side (mom's side) of the family for the first time. 

The next day was the wedding shower...stay tuned for a Wedding Wednesday post about the details!

And finally..the day I left.  We met with a general contractor for the home remodel we are planning.  I can't wait to get it done:) 

Short, quick, and sweet update.  Stay tuned for more:)

Such a great family party!

Sweet Home Chicago!

So I am back in town to take care of some much needed wedding planning, and drop the monkey off back home.  My work schedule right now is too hectic to have her in Florida with me.  It is just not fair to her. 

I was so glad to get home on Friday! 

Saturday was Pre-Cana.  We were definitely the couple with the most time until their wedding #militaryproblems

Sunday was a relaxing day.  We walked the dogs in the park, and I took my sister and her kids to lunch.  It was her and one of the little's bdays', and the older one graduated from grade school!!
One of my bff's came over later in the day, and we watched the Hawks.

Not bad for my first weekend back!!!

So happy in my last state of the drive from FL to IL!

Cutest 2.5 year old ever.

I am so happy! and suck at taking selfies.  But that is ok.  It isn't going on my resume. 

Love my neighborhood! 

Wedding Wednesday: Engagement Party

I went home a few weeks ago to look at venues, and have a party to celebrate with family and friends.  Since I am a "geobachelor" in Military speak, I don't live in Chicago with my fiance.  Living in Florida has its perks, but I'd rather be at home!

I had so much fun at home.  It was a whirlwind weekend.  I flew home on Valentine's Day, and to celebrate, we had take out, wine, and I was hoping one of his gifts would arrive on time.  The chocolate covered strawberries arrived the next day:(  Mother nature had other ideas for on time delivery, but you can't cry over spilled milk!

Saturday we got up early, and met with our wedding planner.  We looked at a lot of amazing venues, and we picked one this past week!  After a long day planning, we met up with family and friends at Curragh, in Chicago.  I think the party was a taste of how the wedding will be.  Quick, fun, and end the night exhausted and hungry!

Sunday we had brunch with one of my besties, and then I took off to Florida.  Unfortunately, my flight was cancelled.  Some may say fortunately...but I really needed to get back to work!  We had a lot going on, and I missed being with my Sailors fixing some very important gear.

Enjoy some pics from the party and the weekend!

High School ladies.  MHS for life!

2 out of 4 bridesmaids.  Love all my ladies!

4 of 5 kids.  Love my family!  

Me n my guy!

Better late than never!

Family

via google

Families have their moments.  I am from a large Irish family, and I wouldn't change it for the world.  Tons of aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings...family parties, etc.

I am proud of my family-each person has such incredible gifts.

I can't wait to get married this year, and start a family of my own!

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!

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!!

Weekend Travels

Well folks.  I went and travelled a LOT this weekend.  It will probably take a few posts, as I saw a lot of people, ate a great amount of food, and celebrated big events!

First off, I went to Leesburg, VA to visit family.  I had the best time!  We went to a place called Clyde's Farm for lunch.   It was amazing!  I don't remember the last time I had some amazing comfort food like the meal I had.  I had a pumpkin dip for a starter.  It was in a little pumpkin, with ginger snaps, apple slices, and walnuts.  Best idea ever!  I also had a fried green tomato sandwich for lunch.  Yum!  We walked around a Civil War battlefield, and grilled steaks that day as well.  I was literally only there for 24 hours, so it was a whirlwind visit.  But worth every minute to see my "mini mes", as we call my niece and nephew. 

Pumpkin Dip.  Such a cute idea!

Creepy Halloween Décor!

Gorgeous Flowers in the guest room.  I may or may not be in love with buying these vases at www.personalcreations.com!

Civil War Battlefield

Perspective.

Gorgeous Leaves!



I heart Fall!

 

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Mail Call and Care Packages!

The best part of deployment by far has to be receiving mail and/or a care package.  I have been so blessed this deployment with love of friends and family who have sent me an incredible amount of mail.

Sometimes people ask what to send?  It can be a bit different between sending packages to troops on the ground, versus Sailors at sea.  We only receive mail about 1 time a week, or it could be as long as 6 weeks.  That was the worst part of the holidays.  We didn't get any mail until January.  None in December, total morale killer.  Although we did have a port visit, where we went out, bought a tree, decorated, etc.  It made Christmas so much better since we were so far away from home!!

When we did receive packages in January, we were Christmas central.  Candy canes and hot cocoa everywhere.  It was amazing.

Some of the best things I have received are:

• Hygiene products (Toothbrushes/toothpaste/floss/lotion/shampoo/conditioner/etc)
• Healthy snacks (Fiber One bars, Nature Valley Protein Bars, KIND bars, dried fruits, trail mixes,etc)
• Books (I always read them and pass them around on board, or even send them to other friends on deployment)
• Magazines.  We don't have TV here, so catching up via magazines is the way to go
• Fav non healthy snacks (Frango anything, Garretts popcorn, chewing gum)
• Drink mix (coffee, tea, low cal drink mixes like Crystal light singles, etc)
• Anything that reminds you of home (ND tee shirts, Chicago tees, CPD tee, etc)
• Pictures. I love getting pics of family and friends in the mail so I can add to my photo albums
• Supplements/Vitamins.  The food isn't always the freshest/healthiest, so daily vitamins are key!

I am sure I will add more to this list soon.  I just received my birthday package from the bf.  Card, snacks, and 2 Alex and Ani bracelets.  Couldn't be happier.  It is the little things that get you through the days.  Especially when every day seems like Groundhog Day.  

Off to work..until next time!

Puppy Love

I went to my family's house this past weekend.  Here are some pictures of the dogs.

Dingo!

Gorgeous yard.  I am not used to seeing cows in the morning, and stars at night.

Bella!

Ellie Mae and Spanky

Ellie Mae.  Photogenic pup.  

Family and Faith

I was definitely stressed out last week.  You ever have those days where everything goes wrong?  I mean, literally everything?  I hate those days.  The days where you want to just sit in the tub and soak it all out.  The negativity, the drama, you name it.  I am so lucky that I could call someone to vent.  My brother listened, understood, and let me just hash out why I was upset.  I am so grateful to have family like him in my life.
I don't like venting to my friends sometimes because I feel like since they are going through similar stuff, it is just drama.  Luckily for me, one of my ladies listened, and gave me a huge hug.  She knows that it isn't just "drama", it is my life.  I took my future schedule to heart last week when I realized my timeline for "life" got a little shorter.  The deployment preps sped up a bit, and it took me by surprise.  I am so excited to go to my next job.  New place, new people, new challenges ahead.  I know God has a plan for me, and I am excited to see where it goes.

Vacation Recap

I was lucky enough to have the past couple of weeks off of work/school.  We took an exam, and poof...3 weeks "off".  I boarded the pup for about 10 days, because I felt bad leaving her too long.  I went to Chicago and spent some time with my wonderful guy, my friends, and my family. 

• Day 1.  Quality time with my guy + dinner at a new Indian restaurant
• Day 2.  Took the train to downtown to hang with my friends.  Did some holiday shopping, had dinner at Wilde, and had a sleepover.
• Day 3.  Spent Christmas Eve with my middle brother, SIL, sister, and baby. Had coffee that afternoon with my closest college friend. 
• Day 4.  Spent Christmas Day with my guy and his family.
• Day 5.  Had brunch with my besties at Feast.  Met my guys bff from kindergarten. 
• Day 6.  DMV day.  Boooo.  Birthday dinner @ Wildfire and drinks @ Fado.
• Day 7.  Back to North East.
• Day 8. Drove to Philly.  Had my "real" birthday.  Spent the evening at a dear friends rehearsal dinner where she and her guy had some birthday fun for me! 
• Day 9.  Dave and Busters..dinner..relaxing with our friends at the hotel.
• Day 10.  NYE wedding.  Amazing!
• Day 11.  Back to reality..dropped my guy at the airport, and drove home.  Got my pup back.

Me n my girl @ Wilde

Me n my brother

Downtown for Brunch!

Wrigley Building

Love these girls!

Birthday drinks @ Fado

So Happy!

Big 30!

Thanks for making my birthday special Col!

NYE Wedding!

Can't wait for my next trip back home!