GIVING THANKS!

I guess something I am really thankful for this season is that I have been too busy to blog! gasp!
Ernesto and I should be winding down with the Christmas lights in the next week, what a season it has been! I have put a ton of miles on my little car running around Atlanta giving estimates. It has actually been pretty fun. I like meeting all the different people, and Oh! the houses and mansions I have seen. I have broke out my camera a few times. I love this pic of one of the houses Ernesto did! Damn those Christmas Light Pros are good!We have been so busy I didn't even get to share my wonderful trip home to Ohio for Thanksgiving. It was so nice to see everyone, even though it was only a 24 hour trip. Thanks to my sis Jenny for making the trip to the airport, I know how you love to drive!! (She was contracted out by Paul's Shuttle that day) We drove straight to Wooster Ohio!
Bill and Barbie hosted this year. I don't know how they had time, but their house was in tip top shape for guests! They put on the coziest most delicious Thanksgiving! Even though they have a 3 month old, you would have though they had lots of extra time on their hands. Look how carefree and relaxed they look!Barbie made 2 turkeys, caramel apples, little turkey name cards, she decorated the table like Martha Stewart and my favorite touch, a turkey made out of fruit. I must say my brother is a big help and wonderful hands on dad, but come on Barbie!?!?!? I love this pic:This was the first Thanksgiving spent with my family in 4 years. What a wonderful day! The most exciting part was that I got to see my adorable niece again, little Eleanor. What a little mouth!

Look at this little turkey! Isn't she the cutest?! My name for her, besides little mouth (which is for anything cuddly) is Cheekers. Can you see why? Hi my little Cheeker-Cheekers!

After dinner we roooooolled outside and the guys played "tossticle" while I enjoyed a piece [or two] of pie and the blazing fire!

Oh so many things to be thankful for this year! But as usual for me, my #1 thing is my family. How did I get so lucky? I was so happy that I got to spend the day with everyone. And although Tim & Michelle, Tyler & Noah were in New Mexico, we did video skype after dinner so we could all visit.

Now just a couple more weeks till Christmas!! woo-hoo! I hope I can last, I haven't been this busy in.....oh......a year and a half. So so thankful!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Even though I really missed being with my family (y Neto) this year, I had a really nice Thanksgiving. This was actually the 3rd year in a row that I have not been with my family (or Neto) to celebrate. (I was in India the past 2 and now here in Costa Rica). Good thing about being here in CR (ie: Gringoland) so many people I know are American and wanted to eat turkey! Unfortuately CR grocery stores know this as well, and put a price tag on a turkey of $70! WHAT THE HELL?

My friend Lauren introduced me to this website for free ecards and I ended up laughing my ass off with her. These were a couple of my Thanksgiving favorites. They have every holiday/occasion and they are sarcastic, politically incorrect and/or offensive! If you want to laugh, just start browsing. (the "workplace" section is hysterical)

Luckily I was not in charge of the turkey! I was making my delicious brussel sprouts with sour cream, but couldn't find the main ingredient (not a very popular vege here) so I improvised with broccoli.

(ps. that is powder in my hair, I am not that grey...yet!) Cook the bacon, saute the blanched brussel sprouts in a bit of the bacon grease (or broccoli in this case) add sour cream, salt and pepper. DELISH!! I was also in charge of making the brown sugar meringe for the ginger pumkin pie, which entailed standing at the counter with the hand mixer for 10 minutes....See what a good multitasker I am?
The girls came over to have a bottle of wine and help with finishing our pies....and to steal my jewelry. I love the FREE publicity!! Thank you to my biggest fans in Costa Rica: Lauren, Maureen and Kate!!Here is Kate and our Hostess with the most-est.....they were carving the deliciously juicy turkey! Thanks again Steph! You really made it a great holiday!

Although this next pic is way too romantic (ie: forgot the flash) you get an idea of what a beautiful spread we had.

Speaking of spread......I was quite full at the end of the night.No- Im not pregnant, and yes I did dance some salsa after dinner, so my stomach was back to "normal" at the end of the night....midnight!