Happy Thanksgiving!

I just wanted to stop in and wish ya'll a Happy Thanksgiving!

I am thankful for my husband who continues to sacrifice for his country and our family which keeps him away from me for yet another holiday.

I am thankful for my great friend Jess, for inviting my husband to her Thanksgiving table today. That really means a lot to me (and to him.)

I am thankful for my family, here in Minnesota, who make the holidays overwhelmingly amazing every single year and don't mind the fact that my biggest holiday skill is wine-selection.
I am thankful for my friends who keep me busy with holiday parties and other festivities so I never feel alone.

And, finally, I am thankful for you, my readers (and friends) who give me reason to express myself each and every day.

Thank you! For everything!

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I won't be officially celebrating with my family until Sunday, so today is just another relaxing day for me - complete with the Macy's Parade and other great TV.

Speaking of which, tell me that someone else find this hilarious:

I seriously can not wait to watch this tonight. I mean, it's a bunch of science-y rednecks using high-tech machines to toss pumpkins! It simply has to be hilarious.

Loosen your belt loops and have an extra slice of pie for me. I love you all!

But It's Worth It

Al is the most amazing man I know. He is selfless, hard-working, strong and has a beautiful soul. He's also smokin' hot! But at times, he tests my patience. He is stubborn and fiercely independent and never asks for help. He can be closed-off and quiet. And when you're 1400 miles apart, that can be grueling.

Sometimes I need a reminder that all the struggles, the work, the fights, the tears have a purpose. They make me stronger. They make us stronger. They make every second of our life together count for something. Each tear and every moment of frustration is minute compared to the moments of happiness. In those moments I am safe. I am loved. And I know that the rest of my life will be shared with the most amazing man I've ever met.

I have never, ever had a more difficult challenge. But, in the end, it is so worth it.

"Worth It" Francesca Battistelli

Love's not a feeling

Love's not convenient

But I know love will change your life

Love takes sacrifice

Love cuts like a knife

Sometimes love will make you cry

Love's not easy

But it's worth it

Love is a hunger

But love won't leave you empty

See it's the language of the heart

Love can steal your pride

But love won't let you hide

It takes everything you've got

Love's not easy

But it's worth it

(Chorus)

What you gonna do when the bottom falls out

And you're left with nothing

But your fear and your doubt to hold to

Who will hold you

Where you gonna run to

When it's all on the line

And you're looking for someone to save your life

To save your life

Love can hear you

Love can heal you

If you let it inside

Oh, remember now

Love's not easy

But it's worth it

Everyone Else Is...I am Not.

Pregnant.

Remember when I told you I had the fever? And we tried when I was in Texas?

Well, that's it. Round #1 was a failure.

I took a test. It was negative. Two days later, I got my period.

Now, I have no business complaining about this on our first try. I know many wonderful couples struggling to conceive who have tried much, much longer. Plus, who gets pregnant on their first try anyway (other than that girl in high-school...)

But it still seems like everyone is pregnant. Everywhere.

It surprised me how sad I was when I only saw one little line.

I had no idea how much I really wanted to be pregnant.

Alas, I am not. And we have to wait until December to try again.

But try we will, because I really, really want to see that second pink line.

The Lamp

Remember how I told you about the awesome skills my husband has? Well, here is the lamp he built out of a wine bottle, an old string of Christmas lights and some wiring he found in the dumpster. Oh, and he used his bare hands. Sexy, huh?

I suggested he try some different designs with the glass etching and I started collecting wine bottles in different colors. Hopefully, we can turn this idea of his into something we can give as gifts and/or decorate our home with. But for the first go at it, I think it's pretty spectacular!

Stuffed Croissants

I had some girlfriends over on Friday night and made these.

Source: quick-dish.tablespoon.com via Melissa on Pinterest

The original recipe is here, but I made a few modifications.

For one, I only made the broccoli and cheese version because some of my guests were vegetarians and those seemed quicker than the black bean version.

Second, I made two options: 1) broccoli, mushroom and pepper jack cheese and 2) broccoli and mozzerella cheese. They were both delicious.

I used a steam-bag for the broccoli and cooked them part-way before cutting them up and putting them into the croissants.

Finally, I found it difficult to wrap the dough as you would a normal croissant - at least without skimping on the stuffing contents. So, instead, I just wrapped them like croissants and folded up the edges a bit so I could put more yumminess inside them!

Bake them per the instructions on the Pillsbury can and you're good to go!

Veterans Day

I was going to write-out a long list of all the soldiers and veterans in my life to acknowledge their service and thank them for it. When I started the list, however, I realized how long it really was.
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful men and women in my life who have served or are currently serving our country.

Thank you, all of you, for your service.

Happy Veteran's Day!

He Can Do That Too

{I have had an extremely long week and am headed to bed early tonight, however I wanted to stop in and share something with you first.}

I have a pretty stellar husband. He's good-looking, incredibly smart and downright hilarious. He is a loyal friend, a good leader and an expert shot.

And he can pretty much do anything.

Last week, he sent me a text-message with a photo of his dinner. At first I thought nothing of it until he informed me that it was chicken dumpling soup. With dumplings he made. From scratch.

Then today he sends me a photo of a lamp. It's not just any lamp. It is a lamp that he built from an empty wine bottle and a small string of Christmas lights we had in storage. He even found some old lamp parts in the dumpster and wired it up with a few minor tweaks. Finally, he etched a design in the glass that illuminates when turned on.

Total cost = FREE

(Don't worry, I'll share pictures soon.)

I'm telling ya, I got a keeper with this one!

Andes Mint Cookies

After Jaci posted about some cookie options she was thinking of baking for their cookie exchange (of which I am unable to attend - sad face) I mentioned my favorite Andes Mint cookies that I've made in past years.

I had an event at school this weekend, which provided the perfect opportunity to make them and thought I would share with all of you. I used this recipe, although it is not the exact recipe I typically use. That one is in a book. With my husband. In Texas. The good news: I've had both versions and while I notice a slight difference in the two, they are both delicious! Instead of walking you through the steps I took, I'll let you read the recipe for yourself and simply look at my drool-worthy photos to inspire you to rush out and try them yourself.

Enjoy!

Crash Your Party

Have you heard of Karmin? They rock my socks. Pure talent.

They started out doing covers of Top 40 songs and frankly, some of them are better than the originals. After they gained popularity with their cover albums, they started introducing their own music. Those songs are fantastic too! Finally, their personalities are just incredible!

Do you want more reasons why they're amazing?

She has a great sense of style

And great hair

They are recently engaged

She can rap

He can play many different instruments

They are clearly mad about each other

And total humble:

Here is their new song - "Crash Your Party"

And my other favorite original song - "Carbon Copy"

Also, if you're looking for some great reading material for this beautiful fall day, check out my girl JG and her post today. I really could NOT have said it better myself.

Happy Thursday, ya'll!