Christmasgram #7.

Merry Christmas, everyone! I can't believe it's December 25th. And that 2014 is just around the corner. 

To be honest, this last month has been one of the most difficult I've experienced in a long time. You may have noticed the lack of posts; new recipes have been few and far between lately. But despite the craziness, I'm beyond lucky and blessed with the most generous and supportive family anyone could ask for. I have just the very best husband (of four months, yesterday!), a warm and beautiful apartment, and the means to provide for our future together. The road to that future has been a bit bumpy lately, filled with unexpected turns and detours, but I'm finding my way through it, with the help of my favorite people by my side. 

This is the first time that we haven't been with our families at Christmas. We miss you all so much, more than we can say. But we've had a lovely day together, just the two of us, as our own little family. The apartment building is quiet today, and it's been cozy and calm to snuggle at home and cook all day. 

Here's just a bit of what we've enjoyed over this first Christmas as a married couple...lots of photos (thanks to a beautiful brand new camera!!!), plenty of coffee, constant Christmas music, and delicious food. 

We hope everyone enjoyed some time with their family and friends and was able to share in a meal, a drink, or a phone call together. That's what today is really all about - coming together in any way, shape, or form.

A very Merry Christmas, from our family to yours.

Christmasgram #6.

Christmasgrams are back! They're my quick posts to capture Christmastime around Shorewood, and wherever else we find bits and pieces of the season. 

It's tough not knowing when we'll be home next. I hate it, actually. So I'm trying to be positive and look for the good in all the little things, like this gingerbread man, that Andrew and I shared over our breakfast date earlier this week. It's Christmastime, we're married, working to build a life, and get to spend time together. These are all good things. 

To everyone at home - please know how much we love and miss you. I hope you're staying warm and cozy despite the cold and snow. 

And go have a gingerbread cookie. It helps. 

Christmasgram #5.

 

Even though the Christmas season is just beginning for our families, I'm one step ahead, thinking to Easter...the pysanky supplies are out! Stay tuned for more on that as springtime comes closer, but I thought this one looked like a snowflake, and therefore, Christmasgram-appropriate.

Right now, it's lightly snowing, and I can see the red cardinals hiding in the pine trees from the two giant windows in my mom's kitchen. Peaceful and lovely. Perfect for making pysanky and drinking something warm.

Have a beautiful night! 

Christmasgram #4.

Countdown to my sister's flight to MKE: less than 24 hours. 

Countdown to Chicago Christmas fun: 2 days. 

Countdown to driving home for Christmas: 3 days. 

I'm a happy girl. 

Christmasgram #3.

Fancy Christmas cupcakes on display at Sendik's, our favorite local market. They're too cute to eat! 

Have a great start to your weekend - happy Friday! 

Christmasgram #2.

So different from our last apartment's entryway - this one's actually decorated (and taken care of) for Christmas!

Happy Thursday!

Christmasgram #1.

Like many twenty-somethings, I often use my iPhone to snap pictures of random objects that grab my attention and post them to Facebook or Instagram. This is especially common around Christmastime, as I'm easily entertained by ornaments, snowflakes, cute red coffee cups at Starbucks, etc. I find myself doing this a lot lately, wanting to document our first Christmas in Shorewood. It occurred to me today, though, that some of my dearest readers (read, our parents) may not be seeing some of these pictures...so, easy solution: they'll be coming to you every once in a while from our Kukhnya! 

Enjoy!