me&t deep in thought --- thinking of blog ideas for 2012?
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
BRIGHT
Family, Friends & Followers ...
me&t t&me
P.S. check back on Photo Friday (think family Christmas cards)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Run, Run, as Fast as You Can
I am out of steam. I feel like the gingerbread cookie my Emma decorated and attacked. The finish line is in sight. A bit more wrapping, a few more cards, a purchase or two (!) and so on. Along the way, there are concerts to attend and caroling out in the snow (?)
Tonight, I am going to recharge my Christmas battery ~ a celebration with friends. Wish you were joining us. This year, we are exchanging a "favorite thing" in the spirit of Oprah. I can't wait to see what everyone selected to give. I'll let you know what I get. ;)
Tricia
Tonight, I am going to recharge my Christmas battery ~ a celebration with friends. Wish you were joining us. This year, we are exchanging a "favorite thing" in the spirit of Oprah. I can't wait to see what everyone selected to give. I'll let you know what I get. ;)
Tricia
Monday, December 19, 2011
MORE
I think the follies follow me.
Here's what not to do: attend a Friday night party and consume too many spirits. Host a party the next night but not get out of bed until 3 hours before the party starts. Get sick about 10 minutes before guests arrive.
Tis the season my friend!
Tracy
Here's what not to do: attend a Friday night party and consume too many spirits. Host a party the next night but not get out of bed until 3 hours before the party starts. Get sick about 10 minutes before guests arrive.
Tis the season my friend!
Tracy
Sunday, December 18, 2011
It's Christmas Time in the City
Nothing compares to New York City at Christmastime. The lights, the tree, the store windows, the bustle..Christmas is in the air wherever you turn. A few days ago, I took my girls to see The Nutcracker. No doubt, I enjoyed it the most. ;) I can't stop humming Tchaikovsky's haunting music - have the CD in the van too. Remember when we visited New York as little girls? There will always be a place in my heart for the city in her Christmas glory.
Six more days..
Tricia
Six more days..
Tricia
Friday, December 16, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
FOLLIES
Every year without fail there are Christmas follies. I try my best to minimize them.
Tonight Jack had his holiday band concert. Mike had to work at a basketball game and Matthew had basketball practice. So me, Kate and one set of grandparents attended the concert. Very festive.
But the schedule was tight. Concert started at 7:00 with the 6th grade band playing first followed by the 7th and 8th grade band. I had to get Matthew from basketball at 7:30 at the school next door (if you are late he freaks out).
6th grade band played. It's 7:15 and they are done. Kids have to leave the stage and then Jack's group has to come in and set up. That has got to take alot of time. I sneak out to get Matty.
Basketball is over, back at the middle school, we are walking to the auditorium and jamming to the music in the hallway. We sit down, I get out my video camera just as they are finishing Feliz Navidad. Pop-Pop turns to me and says "they're done" and I say "done, done" and he says "yes".
Nice, I missed their concert.
Bah humbug!
Tracy
Tonight Jack had his holiday band concert. Mike had to work at a basketball game and Matthew had basketball practice. So me, Kate and one set of grandparents attended the concert. Very festive.
But the schedule was tight. Concert started at 7:00 with the 6th grade band playing first followed by the 7th and 8th grade band. I had to get Matthew from basketball at 7:30 at the school next door (if you are late he freaks out).
6th grade band played. It's 7:15 and they are done. Kids have to leave the stage and then Jack's group has to come in and set up. That has got to take alot of time. I sneak out to get Matty.
Basketball is over, back at the middle school, we are walking to the auditorium and jamming to the music in the hallway. We sit down, I get out my video camera just as they are finishing Feliz Navidad. Pop-Pop turns to me and says "they're done" and I say "done, done" and he says "yes".
Nice, I missed their concert.
Bah humbug!
Tracy
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
This and That Christmas Style
1. Every Christmas we attend a brunch with Santa and get a family photo with the Big Guy. It is a rare shot with the six of us..being dressed up is a bonus. This year, the photographer decided to put my precious photo in a snow globe. Yep - the plastic kind you shake. The kids love it. I want my 5x7 in a glossy finish.
2. Emma peeked in as I was getting dressed for a holiday dinner. As I successfully tugged on my tights, she exclaimed, "Wow Mommy, you look pretty." (pause) "I think you should wear something over your tights though." thanks.
3. Much to the joy of my children, we have a blow-up snowman outside of our mudroom door. Usually, he gets knocked around a bit with the weather. Most of the time, he is laying down, flat on his face. Ed thinks he is perfect..our Frosty looks as if he has had a bit too much Christmas cheer.
4. True story: my good friend's brother-in-law broke his arm putting the star on top of the tree. {A break in two places, requiring surgery no less.} My friend's daughter remarked, "At least he didn't break the star."
5. I am gathering a gaggle of runners for a Jingle Run on Sunday morning. (for those with parties the night before, it may be a hangover run ;) If anyone wants to join us, meet us at Starbucks at 9:30 AM. I will provide the jingle bells for all runners and we will treat ourselves to coffee afterwards. Only two miles ~ you 'kin do it!!
Tricia
2. Emma peeked in as I was getting dressed for a holiday dinner. As I successfully tugged on my tights, she exclaimed, "Wow Mommy, you look pretty." (pause) "I think you should wear something over your tights though." thanks.
3. Much to the joy of my children, we have a blow-up snowman outside of our mudroom door. Usually, he gets knocked around a bit with the weather. Most of the time, he is laying down, flat on his face. Ed thinks he is perfect..our Frosty looks as if he has had a bit too much Christmas cheer.
4. True story: my good friend's brother-in-law broke his arm putting the star on top of the tree. {A break in two places, requiring surgery no less.} My friend's daughter remarked, "At least he didn't break the star."
5. I am gathering a gaggle of runners for a Jingle Run on Sunday morning. (for those with parties the night before, it may be a hangover run ;) If anyone wants to join us, meet us at Starbucks at 9:30 AM. I will provide the jingle bells for all runners and we will treat ourselves to coffee afterwards. Only two miles ~ you 'kin do it!!
Tricia
Monday, December 12, 2011
CHECK
This elf has been busy. AND my email and Internet are not working again (about the 90th time this year). Trying to do my first post from an iPhone so bear with me.
Definitely starting to feel the crunch so I am checking my list twice. Here is what's happening:
* shopping again tonight but did well
* some packages from on-line orders arrived today (exciting)
* finally ordered the family Christmas cards yesterday (paid extra for rush order - lame)
* trying to lose 5 pounds before the parties begin because I will most like gain 10 pounds (double lame)
Stayed tuned.
Tracy
P.S. I have a really cute photo to post - can't seem to upload from iPhone :(
Definitely starting to feel the crunch so I am checking my list twice. Here is what's happening:
* shopping again tonight but did well
* some packages from on-line orders arrived today (exciting)
* finally ordered the family Christmas cards yesterday (paid extra for rush order - lame)
* trying to lose 5 pounds before the parties begin because I will most like gain 10 pounds (double lame)
Stayed tuned.
Tracy
P.S. I have a really cute photo to post - can't seem to upload from iPhone :(
Sunday, December 11, 2011
A Christmas Story
Especially at Christmas, I like to gather the children's Christmas books..I find an oversize tray to corral them. Placing them out in the open and providing easy access to them gives my children opportunities to enjoy these books all season long. We adore old ones like Clement C. Moore's "The Night Before Christmas" and "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." We delight in new ones like "Olive the Other Reindeer" and "Snowmen at Christmas." To be honest, I enjoy reading our Christmas books as much as they do.
Tricia
Tricia
Friday, December 9, 2011
SPECIAL
A special post and shout out ---
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR MOM
WISHING YOU A HAPPY DAY!
Love,
me&t t&me
"I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine -
she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights." Terri Guillemets
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
TRADITIONS
The countdown to the big day is on. So much to do.
Here are some of our traditions and things yet to squeeze in:
Our added tradition this year is the Elf on the Shelf. Very popular. Our elf arrived this past weekend. A gift from Santa. When the kids aren't looking or when they are in bed, the elf moves around the house. We even found him in the Christmas tree the other day. Funny guy.
Tracy
Here are some of our traditions and things yet to squeeze in:
* cutting down christmas tree * music programs *
* shopping * shopping * shopping *
* German advent calendars filled with chocolate (a kid favorite!!!) *
* gathering with family and friends * Christmas cards *
* glance at Santa in the mall from afar (no lap) *
* watch favorite Christmas shows *
* buy gifts for charitable groups *
* cul-de-sac Christmas party * hosting on Christmas day *
Our added tradition this year is the Elf on the Shelf. Very popular. Our elf arrived this past weekend. A gift from Santa. When the kids aren't looking or when they are in bed, the elf moves around the house. We even found him in the Christmas tree the other day. Funny guy.
Tracy
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Traditional Home
More than any other holiday or event, Christmas is a month-long celebration filled with traditions galore. Here are some of ours -- >
* making gingerbread houses..we make them here or there and anywhere. Somehow, we always end up with a gingerbread village. They smell as good as they look.
* singing Christmas carols - yep, the old-fashioned way going door to door. We carol with our dear friends and their children. Last year, we added Santa hats. There is always a blizzard that night. Wonder if it will snow this year..
* Christmas lights tour ~ basically, we pile in the van, crank some Christmas tunes, and drive around our town in search of lights. Much to our dismay, many homes, including our own, tend to have white candles in the windows and wreaths. (boring) Our tour searches for houses covered in bling, figurines on the lawn, and, perhaps, loudspeakers blaring music.
* and I can't forget * Christmas concerts and programs at our schools * baking cookies * sitting on Santa's lap * sending cards to those near and far * donating to those in need * watching our favorite Christmas movies over and over
What traditions do you have sister?
tb
* making gingerbread houses..we make them here or there and anywhere. Somehow, we always end up with a gingerbread village. They smell as good as they look.
* singing Christmas carols - yep, the old-fashioned way going door to door. We carol with our dear friends and their children. Last year, we added Santa hats. There is always a blizzard that night. Wonder if it will snow this year..
* Christmas lights tour ~ basically, we pile in the van, crank some Christmas tunes, and drive around our town in search of lights. Much to our dismay, many homes, including our own, tend to have white candles in the windows and wreaths. (boring) Our tour searches for houses covered in bling, figurines on the lawn, and, perhaps, loudspeakers blaring music.
* and I can't forget * Christmas concerts and programs at our schools * baking cookies * sitting on Santa's lap * sending cards to those near and far * donating to those in need * watching our favorite Christmas movies over and over
What traditions do you have sister?
tb
Monday, December 5, 2011
SPRUCE
It is also starting to look like Christmas inside of our house sister. This past weekend we made our annual pilgramage for the perfect tree.
Every year we cut down a fresh christmas tree. There are many tree farms sprinkled about the countryside of Pennsylvania. About a 15-20 minute drive from our suburban house. I have many memories of cutting down a tree and often times there is snow on the ground making it quite picturesque and magical. Even made the front of a christmas card. This year, not so much. It was warm. No coats. I wore a scarf just to look the part.
I have to admit we had a tough time finding the perfect tree. The trees were so big in fact we felt they needed to stay in the forrest. And I no longer wanted the "traditional" christmas tree. But rather something fun, something that might be seen in a Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel catalogue. Mike was annoyed, gave in and said just pick a tree!
We settled on a tree that is in the blue spruce family. Mike cut and two kids cried. They declared it ugly. I think it is beautiful.
We brought the tree home, cleared out the corner, put it in the stand and stood it upright. All was good right up until the top foot of the tree was stuck sideways up against the ceiling because it was too tall. Hmm. Let the follies begin!
Tracy
P.S. Cool app alert --- ShopSavvy. You scan the barcode of an item in a store and it will tell you if it is the lowest price and will also provide instant consumer reviews.
Every year we cut down a fresh christmas tree. There are many tree farms sprinkled about the countryside of Pennsylvania. About a 15-20 minute drive from our suburban house. I have many memories of cutting down a tree and often times there is snow on the ground making it quite picturesque and magical. Even made the front of a christmas card. This year, not so much. It was warm. No coats. I wore a scarf just to look the part.
I have to admit we had a tough time finding the perfect tree. The trees were so big in fact we felt they needed to stay in the forrest. And I no longer wanted the "traditional" christmas tree. But rather something fun, something that might be seen in a Pottery Barn or Crate and Barrel catalogue. Mike was annoyed, gave in and said just pick a tree!
We settled on a tree that is in the blue spruce family. Mike cut and two kids cried. They declared it ugly. I think it is beautiful.
We brought the tree home, cleared out the corner, put it in the stand and stood it upright. All was good right up until the top foot of the tree was stuck sideways up against the ceiling because it was too tall. Hmm. Let the follies begin!
Tracy
P.S. Cool app alert --- ShopSavvy. You scan the barcode of an item in a store and it will tell you if it is the lowest price and will also provide instant consumer reviews.
Christmas Tree Adventure 2011
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Deck the Halls
Christmas has officially begun in my house. There are bins and boxes everywhere as I write. Tonight, we are decorating the tree. Each child has his/her own container filled with special ornaments..some from Santa, others from me, and the precious ones created by the children in school. There are squeals of excitement as the children dig through their treasures. Tiny handprints, baby photos, and lots of glitter. ;) The children know when they have their own families, homes, and children some day, their ornaments and memories will go with them.
Tricia
Tricia
