The Thanksgiving Day Post

I know, I know...I'm a few days late. But as usual...we were on the road! So, lets travel back in time and start at the beginning.

Tuesday

I found the one perk of being on nightcrew. Danny was out of work before 8pm, which was awesome because it meant he could get to sleep at a normal hour...and be up early to get on the road!

Wednesday

Miley lounged while we packed!

  We packed up the car, loaded up Miley...and were on the road before 9:30. Where were we headed? Akron, Ohio, of course! The trip is ten hours from Jacksonville, but after a few gas and pee stops, we added an hour onto the trip. There was zero traffic..so that was amazing! We picked Kaleb up and headed to Danny's Grandma's for the next few days!

Kaleb was so excited to see Miley..probably more so than seeing his Dad. I'm pretty sure Miley even remembered who he was...they cuddled and played like they never even left each other. Miley must have been really excited because she didn't sleep at all Wednesday night. She was up whining all night..and finally woke the whole house up at 7:00 on Thursday morning!

Thursday

Thanksgiving flew by for us. Our first stop was to Danny's (other) grandma's house. She put me to work the second we walked in..she had me peeling and chopping potatoes. But I was paid for my work...with delicious Lebanese food. I had no idea what I was eating, but oh.my.God. it was amazing.

Next up was Aunt Edna's house. I was way nervous about going here...I knew Danny's sister was supposed to be there, and well...I'm 99.9% positive that she dislikes me. She didn't show up while we were there...so I was able to enjoy our first dinner of the day. I could have eaten every last morsel of the sweet potato casserole. Kaleb didn't want to try it...but that was okay..it just meant more for me!

After hanging out there for a few hours..we went back to Grandma's for our second dinner. It was more fun, but the food wasn't as good. I seriously missed my Mom's stuffing. Miley had so much fun playing with the kids...she ran around the yard and even "helped" them with their Lego building skills. 

The cousins being goofy!

 We were supposed to end the night by going to the movies (same as last year!) but we were exhausted! Instead Miley and Kaleb, and me and Danny snuggled up to watched Toy Story 3. Second time seeing it...and I'll be honest, still brought a tear to my eye!

Friday

Once again Miley was the first one awake...and if she is awake, she wants everyone up with her! I was lucky though, Danny got up with her for the second day in a row. I stayed in bed until I heard Kaleb and Miley playing together..they are seriously so cute together.

We decided we were going to the movies, Grandma told us to leave Miley out of her cage...so we did. I was so nervous the whole time. I can barely control the animal! We saw Megamind. I thought it was so good! When we got back to the house, the first words out of Grandma's mouth were, "I don't think you should ever leave her out of the cage if no one is home." My thoughts exactly Grandma!

We had dinner with Danny's dad. We went to Luigi's in Akron. We had to stand in line...outside. It was freezing out. I was seriously missing flip flop season while we were standing in that line!! Dinner was good, conversation was so-so. Danny's quiet...but his Dad is even more quiet. Me....not so much. I'd start random conversations about anything...get a chuckle or two, and then back to an awkward silence. Kaleb had fun though! They had a guy walking around making balloons...he got the worm-in-an-apple...I wish I had a picture of it!!

After dinner we dropped Kaleb off. Danny's ex had a surprise for me...a Beatles shirt! She did some Black Friday shopping and thought of me when she saw the shirt. Can I just say I really really like that things are not weird between the two of us. And I got a new shirt out of the deal!

Friday night was my first night ever out in Ohio. Danny's cousin, Candy, brought us out to a comedy show. We had a few good laughs and a lot of drinks! It was so nice to finally get out and do something in Ohio!

Saturday

Miley finally decided that it was okay to sleep in...except we were supposed to be up early!! We had a breakfast date with Grandma and Aunt Lillian. They took us to a local place and had an awesome breakfast to start the day. If you asked me out to either dinner or breakfast...I will always choose breakfast. Mmm mmm good!

After breakfast, we loaded everything back into the car and got on the road. Nine and a half hours later (um...way shorter than the trip up!?) we pulled into our driveway and were so so so excited to be home! 

NOW

It's like we never left. Danny is already back to playing COD and I'm blogging. Oh, I love being home!

We had such a good time in Ohio. Before we left I was kinda dreading the trip...but I'm so glad we went. I am so thankful to be part of their family and to have such great people to spend the holidays with when I can't be with my own. I really missed my family..and totally teared up when my sister sent me a picture from their dinner.

And just for a little comparison...here's last years Thanksgiving picture and this years picture! I wish Miley was in the picture, but she was too busy playing with the kids!

Thanksgiving 2009!

Thanksgiving 2010!

Danny, Nicole and Miley

wish you the happiest Thanksgiving.

Remember, it's not only the food you should be thankful for,

it's the friends, family and memories of the past year.

Enjoy the day.

My Famous Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Are you still looking for the perfect treat to end your Thanksgiving dinner?

Look no further!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (1 stick melted, 1/2 stick stofened)

1 cup packed light brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 cup canned pure pumpkin puree

1 Tablespoon pumpkin pie spice 

1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 2/3 cups flour

4 ounces cream chilled, chilled

1 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:

1) Preheat the oven to 350°. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2) In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, 1 teaspoon vanilla, the baking powder, the baking soda and 3/4 teaspoon salt. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.

3) Using a tablespoon, drop 12 generous mounds of batter, spaced evenly, onto each baking sheet. Bake until springy to the touch, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a rack to cool completely.

4) Using an electric mixer, cream the softened butter with the cream cheese. Add the confectioners' sugar and  1/2 teaspoon vanilla; mix on low speed until blended, then beat on -high until fluffy, about 2 minutes.

5) Spread the flat side of 12 cakes with the cream cheese frosting. Top each with another cake.

Enjoy!

 

  

The Ohio Update

First, lets just say...never start a roadtrip on a holiday during rush hour..especially when there are a billion college campus in your area. Our eight hour trip turned into a almost a twelve hour trip.

Danny's family was so excited to see him, he hasn't been home in a year! We had Thanksgiving dinner at his grandmothers house with his Mom's family. Danny made the big "we're getting married" annoucement, which I thought went well. But apparently his grandmother wasn't too please...but Danny's Mom and step-Dad stuck up for us. I love those two. Atleast we have people on our side! Later that day we went to Danny's Dad's side of the family.

It has always been tradition in my family to see a movie on Thanksgiving night...I was so excited when we decided to take Kaleb to see a movie!

I didn't take part in Black Friday events, large crowds in stores is NOT my thing. HOWEVER! Danny's Mom and step-Dad picked up some awesome things for me and Danny! A flatware set, a quesedilia maker, electric skillet, spice rack and some other stuff! SO EXCITING!

Friday night we were supposed to get drinks with Danny's sister and some friends. But I KNEW it wouldn't happen. I knew Kaleb wouldn't want his Daddy to leave. Danny was a little dissapointed that he didn't get to go out, but it ended up being a good night. I loved seeing the two of them together and having fun.  Danny is a great Dad.

I made breakfast Saturday morning,  chocolate chip pancakes...Kaleb said he has never had them before! Which just showed me that Ohio really is under a giant rock! Then we took his to see Santa..such a cute picture!

Saturday night we went out with Danny's Dad for dinner. It literally took Danny the entire trip before he told his Dad we were getting married. I was a little upset that he didn't want to tell him, he alluded that his Dad "wouldn't even care." It hurt a little that someone might not care about something this big. But his Dad took it well, and didn't have anything negative to say. He was all over Danny though about the security clearance/graduation thing. It was very strange.

We left Ohio late Saturday night so we wouldn't hit traffic...a good idea because his Mom was in traffic ALL day yesterday.

Yesterday we were laaaaazy all day. And then went out for sushi to celebrate my birthday. I'm sad I won't get to see him for my birthday..or for the rest of the month for that matter. I won't see him again until December 23. The longest we have been apart. But atleast I'll see him for Christmas AND New Years!

Tomorrow is my 24th birthday and I'm flying home to Boston! SO SO excited!

After the Turkey...

I spent hours with Photoshop! I managed to get three glaze firings in this week, quite an accomplishment alongside a dentist visit for three fillings (yes, three!! I swear I don't eat bon bons and drink soda all day!), a 5 mile pre-Thanksgiving meal walk, cooking a full turkey dinner (well the pumpkin pie came from Costco but I did bake Ina Garten's Outrageous Brownies...mmmm), cranberry margaritas with the neighbors, and reading the latest James Patterson novel cover to cover (meh... not sure why I keep reading them). So, I have quite a few new things to show off including three new glazes. A big part of two of the firings was devoted to a custom order so there aren't as many headed to the website as you might think but I'm pretty sure there will still be lots for people to choose from!

Jade is a rich, lush bluey green that is just the color of rough jade stones I picked up at Jade Cove in Northern California on a road trip a few years ago (haven't named this pattern yet):
I'm loving these Bracelet Bars, they're gently curved rectangles that fit nicely across the top of a wrist. Here's one in the pattern Koi glazed in my new favorite, Moss, a speckled chartreuse.A Lattice patterned heart glazed in Jade: Bubbles charm glazed in Jade:
A pair of Bzzz charms glazed with Twilight (I have them in the innie and outie versions):Cup O'Joe charms glazed in Rootbeer (a slightly darker and more pumpkin shaded version of my Harvest glaze): Another new design in Rootbeer (the outie version of the first pattern that has no name yet):Drizzle charms glazed in Peacock:A Patina glazed Magnolia circle:
A heart in my new Lantern pattern glazed in Moss:Here's a Bracelet Bar glazed in Jade (no pattern name on this guy yet either): Well, that should be enough with the photos for tonight! Now I need to start adding them to the website... might take a while- as always, if there's something here that strikes your muse drop me a note and I'll hold it for you.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Catching Up

My Mom came to visit this past weekend! We did SO much! It was great getting to spend time with her and Danny at the same time. She basically came down to make sure my new Southern family is taking good care of me.

Saturday I moved out of the house in Carrboro. I have never been so excited! As much as I hated that house and the people I lived with, I do not regret moving down here at all. I never would have met Danny. Everything happens for a reason.

We ate WAY too much while my Mom was down here. I'm pretty sure it's all we did! But it was a great time! Wine night, dinners, lots of shopping, a movie..fun!

Tomorrow me and Danny go on our roadtrip to Ohio for Thanksgiving. Nervous and excited. Meeting the entire family. I can't imagine how this conversation will go.."hi, this is Nicole..oh by the way..we're getting married." Should be interesting! But I'm mostly nervous to meet Kaleb, Danny's little boy. Maybe my (sad attempt) Buzz Lightyear cake will earn me brownie points!

Wish me luck!

Appropriate

With one week until Thanksgiving I felt this cartoon was appropriate. Why is it that people only feel the need to show that they are thankful once a year? People are constantly thinking and planning for Christmas, Easter and birthdays...that the real meaning of these holidays are lost along the way. This year stores had Halloween and Christmas decorations in the same aisle...Thanksgiving was lost in the shuffle.

Is it because gifts aren't given? Is it because people don't want to see family members that they might only see once a year? Or is it because people aren't actually thankful for anything?

Everyday I am so thankful for everything I have. Friends, family, my fiance, my new family, my education, green grass on a summer morning, the smell of apple pie, music, being American, and having the opportunity to do anything that I want.

Instead of only being thankful once a year, be thankful everyday.

My Thanksgiving Story - Etsy Bloggers Carnival

The year was 1982 and Brian and Patty had been married for just over a year.  They were poor, but they were happy, and they were anxiously awaiting the birth of their first child! Patty was hoping for an early delivery because she knew that both her and her brother had been born early, but that wasn't to be.  The due date, October 23rd, came and went. They went in to the doctor over and over, only to be sent home, "sorry honey, it's not time yet."

Finally, November 25th, Thanksgiving Day, rolls around.  Patty was exhausted, she was a month over due and couldn't remember the last time she'd gotten a decent nights sleep! She went in to the hospital to see if she could get some sleeping medicine to take after the family dinner at Brian's Fathers house later on that day.  Since it was an American holiday all of the Doctors on shift were foreign.  Apparently it was much more common at the time to induce people in England than America - and as luck would have it - Patty got a British doctor!

The Doctor took one look at Patty's chart and said, "Would you like to have this baby today?" "Yes, please!"

Late that afternoon, a beautiful baby girl was born.  Despite the fact that the baby was over a month late - Patty took one look at her little girl and said, "Let's have another one!"

As you may have guessed - that baby girl was me! My birthday doesn't always fall on Thanksgiving Day, but I think celebrating my birthday at that time every year has taught me a lot about looking for the things in life that we can be thankful for.  One of my favorite family traditions has always been that we go in a circle around the table and take turns listing what we are thankful for in the last year - and I'm going to have so much to say this year!

Of course, I'll admit that there was times when I hated having my birthday around a holiday, it was soooo hard to plan a party!  I did have them though.  My cousin and I are only 4 months apart and the picture here at the bottom is from I think my 6th or 7th birthday? I don't know for sure.  It was the only appropriate pic I had on photobucket and I don't have time to go upload photos from home today :P