He Knows if You've Been Bad or Good

I'm excited and anxious. Excited because I just finished crossing a lot of items off one of my treasured lists. And that included lots of holiday shopping and seeing the lights and decor and even the insane mass of people that have descended on Michigan Ave couldn't dampen the holiday mood.

Anxious because I have to spend much of tomorrow at work. This sucks in 2 parts. 1) I don't particularly enjoy giving part of my Sunday over to the job, but sometimes, it happens so I can totally get over it. But in the instance of 2, it's harder. I have SO much to do. I put a good dent in the list today, but I had lots planned for tomorrow that will have to be postponed...and since this is the last weekend we are in town before Xmas, this could get really interesting. I know everything will get done - it always does - but still, I'm anxious.

We're visiting "Santa Paws" tomorrow, so the boys got in the spirit of things a little early. Enjoy this whopping dose of cuteness. You're welcome!

The best surprise - these adorable 12 Days of Xmas plates showed up at my house yesterday. Thanks MIL! You're the best.

Santa Jack
Santa Coop
Double Santa - w/ Jack looking a little possessed (oops)
Could they be cuter?

Thanksgiving 2008

We typically spend Thanksgiving in Indiana with BJ's Mom, but we changed things up this year and spent the entire week in M'town with my family. True to form, my parents planned lots of great activities for us and the week truly flew by leaving us with great memories, fun photos and a little sad that yet another fantastic holiday is behind us. 

We kicked things off with an uneventful and easy drive from Chicago to WV and then began the week in earnest. We did some initial cooking and Turkey Day preparations and I even conquered a gorgeous banana pudding that got rave reviews if I do say so myself (me in the kitchen - big deal, so I get to brag just a little). :)

Our great family friends Bobby and DeeDee hosted our family plus their own for a very festive Thanksgiving dinner and everyone had a marvelous time. Their granddaughter Eva Claire is one of the cutest kids ever and she kept us all entertained throughout the evening.

And of course, no Thanksgiving holiday would be complete without sports, and boy, did we get our share. First of all, the televisions in my parents' house were forever tuned into one game or another and we attended the annual "Backyard Brawl" the day after Thanksgiving this year. They play at Heinz Field (home of the Steelers) and we had a fabulous time even though my fam was disappointed that the Mountaineers didn't pull through with a win. Next year!

We wrapped up the week with a lovely spa day at one of my new VERY FAVORITE places - Nemacolin Resort in PA. Mom and I joined Margaret (another terrific family friend) and spent the entire day being pampered - it was bliss. We headed home for one final (and very yummy) dinner and then called it a week. 

Mom & Dad - HUGE thanks to you again. You made it the best holiday yet. We loved every minute. Oh, and a special thanks for all of that food you packed for our journey home too. Our extra lengthy drive was a little better since we had yummy snacks to distract us. You have to love parents who still make you a PB&J just shy of your 30th birthday. Thankful indeed! You can see more holiday documentation here (just in case you can't get enough of us - haha).

I hope everyone's holiday was just as terrific. We returned to a winter wonderland here in Chicago and much to my delight, the holiday decor is out in full force. I plan to take it all in this weekend, along with more than my fair share of errand running. Be sure to keep checking back for more holiday fun. We've got LOTS planned this year.

Mom, Beeg & I at the WVU-Pitt game

Back in Chicago - first day of getting all bundled up - brrr!
Winter wonderland back in Chicago!
Dad & April - self portrait on way home from dinner
We LOVED this wine wall at a yummy restaurant in M'town
Nemacolin Spa & Resort - isn't it lovely?!
Beeg in I in the box at the game.
Matt and I at the game...
Self photo at Thanksgiving Dinner
DeeDee - our lovely Turkey Day hostess
Cute little tables set up for dinner
My prized banana pudding - isn't it awesome?! :)
Lovely snowfall on our first day in M'town

Thanks and a Blog-cation

We completed the looong and (today anyway) grueling trek back to Chicago today. What is normally a pretty straight forward 8.5 hour(ish) drive, was a traffic laden, 10 hour journey through every variety of nasty weather. Boy, am I happy to be home.

The trip was amazing and I promise more details (and photos) later, but wanted to check in since I (blissfully) and (a little regrettably, ahem) neglected all things online for the last half of our trip.

My newsreader is hopelessly backed up, the blog has been without updates and now that I'm back into it, I realize I actually did feel a little disconnected due to my spontaneous break from (most) things digital. I can't decide if that is a good thing or not...

In any case, it was delicious time with family and, as always, I'm a little blue this evening. Don't get me wrong...it helps that I'm snuggled on the couch with a fur baby on each side, enjoying the warm glow of my holiday lights and knowing that a warm cup of tea and another chapter (or 2...3?) of book 2 of this vampire series I'm now addicted to (who knew?? i really don't like vampires or anything sci-fi) will follow this post. But, goodbye is never easy. Even when it is temporary. Even when the time between this visit and the next isn't super long. It's just good stuff to spend time with those you love most, and when you live far away from family, that together time is infinitely sweeter. And flies by at warp speed. I seriously cannot believe it is already over.

We packed in enough fun for 2 months. Thanks again Mom & Dad - as always, you were gracious hosts and we left feeling well fed, (very) well loved and recharged. It's always a pleasure. And a joy. And I miss you already...

I hope you all enjoyed a marvelous holiday surrounded by everything that makes you smile and feel grateful. Now break out the holiday decor (unless like me, you've been there and done that already) and let's try to not let December whirl by and give us all whiplash like November has, m'kay??

Nuff said. Enjoy the week ahead!

Simple Signs

I notice signs all around (don't you?). My favorite signs are those that indicate the holidays are near. It's my very favorite time of year and THIS is my favorite sign that the season to be merry is just around the corner:Yep, the red cups are back at Starbucks! (I'm easy to please most of the time)

Happy early holidays all!