Home for Christmas

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Nashville Home

We had a great week traveling along the "Christmas Triangle" as I called it: We went from Nashville to Peoria, to Louisville, and back to Nashville. We got to spend time with both of our families (most importantly little Drew - who I basically didn't put down for 3 days straight...). It snowed in every city we went to and then we came back to Nashville on the 25th to a white Christmas too. We unpacked and cooked an Italian Christmas day dinner, and relaxed on the couch. Now it's back to work and the routine, though I always feel ready for that after a vacation. January always seems a slower month, when we're holed up inside because of of early sunsets and snowy weather, but I sort of look forward to a slower pace and catching up on projects and books and conversation.

Christmastime is Here

Festivities

"A Christmas Story" themed party (Ralphie and a leg lamp)

The first Nashville snow!

Our first Christmas tree :-)

Thanksgiving

We had over 40 people to our house for Thanksgiving Day this year. Thankfully the weather was warm and the rain held off, so we were able to use the deck and the porch and gain a little space for everyone! Mark smoked a turkey on the grill and everyone brought a side and there was plenty to go around. Both Mark and my parents came to Nashville, along with friends and neighbors, making it a big crowd, but really a fun day.

Carving the turkey and ham

Good times and good conversation on the deck

Billy - "The Mayor" of 17th Street

Family from Bowling Green that came to join us

Friend from the Congo that came to join us

Kitchen finishes

Here are some before shots of the kitchen - right after we knocked out the wall and discovered the chimney (which I love!). Exposed brick just makes a house seem cozy somehow.

And here are some after shots of things. Mark's dad built us an island and a kitchen bar. He is so talented at woodworking (and generous!). Then we got some black granite countertops. Next step: paint the green wall and hang up some blind or curtains and we'll be done!

Boston in the Fall

I just got back from a 5 day trip to Boston with two great friends. It was technically for work purposes, given that we were there for a nurse practitioner continuing education conference, but it was also a great excuse for a girl weekend get away. It was so much fun to go out for dinner each night and just talk for hours on end and catch up. Plus, Boston in the fall is beautiful. Our hotel was right by Boston Commons so we walked through everyday on our lunch break (with scarves, hats, and hot coffee of course since it was 35 degrees outside...brrrr).

The best Italian food ever!

Eating some yummy gelato

Boston Commons

Monique and I and the future baby - did I mention she's pregnant?!

I could live here...

Busy-ness

I sometimes don't know how I have time to breath.

Projects and events for the month of November:

• Put the house on the market
• Sell the house (I hope. Please. Please sell.)
• Nurse Practitioner conference in Boston with old friends
• KIPP potluck with the parents and kids
• Thanksgiving gathering at our house
• Siloam Medical Outreach at St. Luke's Community Center
• Not necessarily in that order...

All good things. All fun things. All fit into a 45+ hour work week. I'm a little overwelmed. I want to take a long week away at a cabin in the Smoky Mountains and take naps and read novels and go for trail runs and not be this busy.

Highlights for the month of October:

Mark's birthday party (I accidentally left him out of the picture...oops)

Trip to Chattanooga for a wedding. I love the 'Nooga in the fall!

Avett Brothers Concert at the Ryman for Halloween

Training for the Memphis Half Marathon at Shelby Bottoms Park - it's beautiful this time of year!

And now - here is one of the easiest recipe you'll ever make...

Pumpkin Brownies:

1 can of pumpkin

1 box of Devil's Food Cake Mix

2/3 cups water

1/2 bag choc. chips

Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes

Birthday

Today is Mark's 37th birthday. This is the year of the Louisville Ironman! It's also the year we'll celebrate our 1st wedding anniversary. This morning, in a sleepy haze, I told him I couldn't wait to celebrate his next 65 birthdays together. Ok, so maybe the math was a little off...but, then again, you never know.

I love him.