We have been glued to the Olympics..the tv is front and center even during dinner. (!) This t has been staying up way too late for a glimpse of another event in swimming and an apparatus in gymnastics. Pass the coffee please.
My favorite Olympic story belongs to swimmer Missy Franklin. Before she won gold last night, I learned this -- > Missy gave up valuable endorsements so she could still swim for her high school (!) and she passed on moving to other states to train so she could remain with her family, friends, teammates, and coach. (!) She remarked how she wouldn't be as amazing if she wasn't surrounded by the people she loves. Wow.
Tricia
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
POLL
ME:
"Matthew, what Olympic sport are you most looking forward
to watching on tv?"
MATTHEW:
"PING-PONG"
"PING-PONG"
Who knew!
Tracy
Pins from the 1996 Summer Olympics
in Atlanta
Sunday, July 29, 2012
"Happiness is Chic"
On a recent visit to New York, I happened upon the Jonathan Adler store on Madison Avenue. Sigh. Preppy chic for the home with a dose of humor and happiness. Every inch of the beautiful store was brimming with bright, cheerful, modern picks ~ I had to loop around a few times just to take it all in. Sigh.
A few of my favorites: the needlepoint zodiac pillows (both t's like to show their Cancer crab) - the Claridge tiny teardrop lamp - needlepoint coasters, paperweights and cosmetic bags - all of the jute pouches. This t took home a paperweight with a needlepoint British flag just in time for the Olympics.
My favorite part of the Jonathan Adler store was the manifesto posted behind the check out area. Here are some of the best..
1. we believe your home should make you happy
2. we believe in carbohydrates and to hell with the puffy consequences
3. we believe minimalism is a bummer
4. we believe in being underdressed or overdressed always
5. we believe celebrities should pay full price
And, if you can't make it to New York ~ check out Jonathan Adler's online store and inject a little happiness into your home.
Tricia
A few of my favorites: the needlepoint zodiac pillows (both t's like to show their Cancer crab) - the Claridge tiny teardrop lamp - needlepoint coasters, paperweights and cosmetic bags - all of the jute pouches. This t took home a paperweight with a needlepoint British flag just in time for the Olympics.
My favorite part of the Jonathan Adler store was the manifesto posted behind the check out area. Here are some of the best..
1. we believe your home should make you happy
2. we believe in carbohydrates and to hell with the puffy consequences
3. we believe minimalism is a bummer
4. we believe in being underdressed or overdressed always
5. we believe celebrities should pay full price
And, if you can't make it to New York ~ check out Jonathan Adler's online store and inject a little happiness into your home.
Tricia
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
FIFTEEN
"You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing
an imperfect person perfectly."
Sam Keen
Happy Anniversary Mike
Simply said,
I Love You
Tracy
P.S. How young do we look?
P.S.S. Photo by you sister!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Summer is a Dash
I am still waiting for the long, lazy days of summer to arrive. Summer itself has arrived - it has been here for about a month - but, the lazy days are nowhere to be found. Since summer began, we have been up and out the door each morning. Off to the pool for swim team practice and a bit of theater camp this week. Long days, yes. Lazy days, not. With six people and a dog under my roof, the odds are high that someone is doing something somewhere during most of the day. Maybe August holds the promise of catching lightning bugs, riding bikes, playing ping pong, and taking Tripp for walks. I am hoping and praying. Is your summer a dash too?
Tricia
Tricia
Monday, July 23, 2012
RINGS
With the 2012 Summer Olympics fast approaching
(opening ceremonies are this Friday)
here is some Olympic trivia:
(opening ceremonies are this Friday)
here is some Olympic trivia:
The five Olympic rings represent the five continents that compete at the games; Asia, Europe, Australia, America and Africa.
A sport must be played on 4 continents before the IOC will consider it as a men's Olympic event.
More than 200 nations participate.
The games are actually awarded to a city and not a country.
At the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, silver medals were awarded to the winners and bronze to the second place getters.
The 2012 London Olympics will be officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
The 2012 London Olympics is aiming to be the greenest Olympics yet. A million new trees are being planted, spectators will arrive by Tube rather than car and massive recycling projects will be carried on during the games.
The Olympic medals are designed especially for each individual Olympic Games by the host city's organizing committee. Each medal must be at least three millimeters thick and 60 millimeters in diameter. Also, the gold and silver Olympic medals must be made out of 92.5 percent silver, with the gold medal covered in six grams of gold.
Let the games begin ... be sure to tune in.
Tracy
Sunday, July 22, 2012
The Right Stuff?
Stuff. In my house of two adults, fours kids and a dog, stuff is everywhere. Toys, books, sleds, bikes, boots, and so on. You know the list too. It is like the tide of the ocean, constantly coming at me, churning around my feet. I try to stem the tide, but, of course, my attempts are futile.
I read a few interesting facts about stuff recently.. Stuff is a big cause of stress in the lives of moms. Moms tend to manage it ~ store, sort, clean, donate, locate. Ugh. I am stressed just writing about it! And, with each kid in the house, the stuff increases by 30%! Again, more stress and it is increasing by percentages. Ugh. I saved the best for last -> one family resorted to storing stuff in a shower stall of an extra bathroom. I am stressed for them.
This t is putting her foot down. I am clearing out stuff and avoiding any new stuff. Wants and needs are going to be weighed and measured before purchases. Even for me. There is a new sheriff in town. I refuse to be the family with two cars parked in the driveway because my garge is piled high with stuff. So far so good. You can even drive by to check up on me.
Tricia
I read a few interesting facts about stuff recently.. Stuff is a big cause of stress in the lives of moms. Moms tend to manage it ~ store, sort, clean, donate, locate. Ugh. I am stressed just writing about it! And, with each kid in the house, the stuff increases by 30%! Again, more stress and it is increasing by percentages. Ugh. I saved the best for last -> one family resorted to storing stuff in a shower stall of an extra bathroom. I am stressed for them.
This t is putting her foot down. I am clearing out stuff and avoiding any new stuff. Wants and needs are going to be weighed and measured before purchases. Even for me. There is a new sheriff in town. I refuse to be the family with two cars parked in the driveway because my garge is piled high with stuff. So far so good. You can even drive by to check up on me.
Tricia
Friday, July 20, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
LBI
me& t on the beach at LBI ...
why do we always look serious in pictures
as though we aren't having much fun ...
even though we are for sure
like the matching foutas!
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Impossible Conversations
Each summer, a friend rounds me up for a trek into the city. Our destination remains constant: The Costume Institute's exhibit at the Met. This year we explored "Shiaperelli and Prada: Impossible Conversations." Two Italian designers from different time periods, but with a similar affinity for the unconventional. *
Weaving through the exhibit, it was difficult to differentiate which fashion belonged to Prada and which belonged to Schiaperelli. Their use of unusual materials, precise lines, and unique details exuded glamour. Each piece seemed like a work of art meant to be worn, although the designers differed on their opinions regarding fashion as art.
Honestly, I thought the beautiful book accompanying the exhibit brought the "impossible conversations" to life more than the exhibit. The book drives home the striking similarities between the designers and the photographs of models wearing their clothing brings it to life in a way that the exhibit was unable to.
If you can seek into NYC is summer, Impossible Conversations runs until the middle of August. If not, mark your calendar for next summer and look forward to the upcoming exhibit. I know I will.
Tricia
Weaving through the exhibit, it was difficult to differentiate which fashion belonged to Prada and which belonged to Schiaperelli. Their use of unusual materials, precise lines, and unique details exuded glamour. Each piece seemed like a work of art meant to be worn, although the designers differed on their opinions regarding fashion as art.
Honestly, I thought the beautiful book accompanying the exhibit brought the "impossible conversations" to life more than the exhibit. The book drives home the striking similarities between the designers and the photographs of models wearing their clothing brings it to life in a way that the exhibit was unable to.
If you can seek into NYC is summer, Impossible Conversations runs until the middle of August. If not, mark your calendar for next summer and look forward to the upcoming exhibit. I know I will.
Tricia
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Jersey Shore
Each summer we descend on the "Jersey Shore" for some fun in the sun. Two T's, seven kids, Grandma & Buddy, and Mikey Mike. (Ed & Tripp hold down the fort at home) Here are some of the highlights..
1. Lions, tigers, and hennas, oh my! All seven kids got hennas. (Thanks Grandma!) William's first choice was a topless mermaid. He got his second choice instead. One T got a glittery, anchor tattoo.
2. Both T's enjoyed chilled Coronas on the beach. The bottles were wrapped in paper towels clipped on with clothespins to "hide" them - fancy! One of the kids kept reminding them about the $100 fine for booze on the beach. Cheers.
3. One T had to sing for her ice cream. "Peanut, peanut butter - jelly!." The other T got picked to sing the same song the last time..she got smart and ordered coffee with strawberries on top this time. Suh-sweet!
4. One T and two kids wore matching navy-and-white-striped-shirts. Hint: the same T matched the striped waiters and waitresses at the Maritime. Seems to be a theme.
5. Two T's, three kids, and one Grandma took a surrey ride. The beach surrey ride always has an incident - - > one year, a kid bit one of the T's ~ this year, a kid almost tipped the surrey over by driving it into a ditch. Love the surrey ride.
6. What else? A jog on the beach, a quick shopping spree, birthday celebrations, The Pearl Street Market :), "shopping" for a beach house (Grandma?) and, of course, the endless ocean.
We can't wait until next year.
me&t
1. Lions, tigers, and hennas, oh my! All seven kids got hennas. (Thanks Grandma!) William's first choice was a topless mermaid. He got his second choice instead. One T got a glittery, anchor tattoo.
2. Both T's enjoyed chilled Coronas on the beach. The bottles were wrapped in paper towels clipped on with clothespins to "hide" them - fancy! One of the kids kept reminding them about the $100 fine for booze on the beach. Cheers.
3. One T had to sing for her ice cream. "Peanut, peanut butter - jelly!." The other T got picked to sing the same song the last time..she got smart and ordered coffee with strawberries on top this time. Suh-sweet!
4. One T and two kids wore matching navy-and-white-striped-shirts. Hint: the same T matched the striped waiters and waitresses at the Maritime. Seems to be a theme.
5. Two T's, three kids, and one Grandma took a surrey ride. The beach surrey ride always has an incident - - > one year, a kid bit one of the T's ~ this year, a kid almost tipped the surrey over by driving it into a ditch. Love the surrey ride.
6. What else? A jog on the beach, a quick shopping spree, birthday celebrations, The Pearl Street Market :), "shopping" for a beach house (Grandma?) and, of course, the endless ocean.
We can't wait until next year.
me&t
Friday, July 13, 2012
Thursday, July 12, 2012
ME
Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday to Me,
Happy Birthday Dear Me,
Happy Birthday to Me
Thanks everyone for a great day, for all the birthday wishes and for the awesome birthday gifts. Love them all.
Tracy
Matthew and the birthday girl
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Happy Birthday America, Grace & William
So many bloopers!
1st blooper ---
Here is our 4th of July post that we thought was posted but really wasn't. Oops.
A special shout-out to some really special kids.
2nd blooper ---
The picture of William here was used again on
yesterday's post.
Happy Birthday to my red, white, and blue, firecracker girl and boy - I love you with all of my heart - I thank my lucky stars for you.
Tricia
Monday, July 9, 2012
this & that
Let's get right to it..
1. I am having flea market ENVY over your outing to Renninger's..I can't wait to open my birthday present. The possibilities are endless. :)
2. During the last few weeks of school, Emma was in tears. The diorama she created for her guinea pig report was too small. Too small? Well, shoeboxes only come in a few sizes, even ones for boots. No, she tells me as she hold her arms out wide..classmates are bringing in boxes THIS big. Ok. I get it. Out to the garage for a BIG box. It seems just like houses, the diorama is becoming "McMansion" size. Is there no end to "supersize"??
3. Driving by the Victoria's Secret store in our downtown, I caught four year old William peeking at the window displays, giggling. Not sure who the famous supermodels were, just noted they didn't have wings. I inquired what was so funny..nothing he says. Maybe it was the lack of clothing, the underwear or both.
4. I noticed an odd smell in the van. With the hot weather, it seemed to get worse. Sigh. As I climbed over the seats in the rear, I spied it. Henry's "missing" lunch sack. PU.
5. At a July 4th celebration, William ran over to the face painter as soon as we arrived. As I got our belongings organized at a table and said hello to friends, I imagined a star or a flag on William's cheek. As he ran toward me in the distance, I couldn't quite make out what was on his face..see the photo below & you will realize why. Woof.
Tricia
1. I am having flea market ENVY over your outing to Renninger's..I can't wait to open my birthday present. The possibilities are endless. :)
2. During the last few weeks of school, Emma was in tears. The diorama she created for her guinea pig report was too small. Too small? Well, shoeboxes only come in a few sizes, even ones for boots. No, she tells me as she hold her arms out wide..classmates are bringing in boxes THIS big. Ok. I get it. Out to the garage for a BIG box. It seems just like houses, the diorama is becoming "McMansion" size. Is there no end to "supersize"??
3. Driving by the Victoria's Secret store in our downtown, I caught four year old William peeking at the window displays, giggling. Not sure who the famous supermodels were, just noted they didn't have wings. I inquired what was so funny..nothing he says. Maybe it was the lack of clothing, the underwear or both.
4. I noticed an odd smell in the van. With the hot weather, it seemed to get worse. Sigh. As I climbed over the seats in the rear, I spied it. Henry's "missing" lunch sack. PU.
5. At a July 4th celebration, William ran over to the face painter as soon as we arrived. As I got our belongings organized at a table and said hello to friends, I imagined a star or a flag on William's cheek. As he ran toward me in the distance, I couldn't quite make out what was on his face..see the photo below & you will realize why. Woof.
Tricia
Friday, July 6, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
FLEA
This t went to a Flea on Friday … a fave … Renninger’s Antiques Extravaganza. The show takes place three times a year in Kutztown, Pennsylvania (think farm country). A wide open field with nothing but vendors. LOVE IT! The vendors provide a blend of stuff. Not high end and not garage sale. The perfect in between.
Funny how over the years you get to know some of the returning vendors. There is a couple who has been very regular and I love their stuff --- I buy something from them every time. They take $10 - $15 off their list price and I feel bad (I want to pay them full price). The stuff they sell has a great mid-century vibe going. We were chatting and she said they look for items made of wood, metal and specifically rivets. Rivets? I would love to shadow them to see where exactly they find this stuff given the specific detail they look for.
This time I drug Mike along with me. He was only there once before and I’ve been going for 15 years and sometimes to all three shows. So hmmm. He did like Renninger’s the first time but loved it the second time. Often times were weren’t even together (I had Kate with me too and she was literally on my heels the entire time --- because she “loves me!”). Mike was focused on all the history and sports items. He even made a couple of purchases. He can’t wait to go to the next show (for real).
Tracy
Here are some scenes from Renninger’s:
Here are some of my picks:
(there are some more --- think birthday surprise for one t)
Monday, July 2, 2012
The Dog Days of Summer
Tripp is bringing his own brand of chaos, mischief and love into my life. (just as I knew he would) I thought I would share some dog bloopers with you. I know you adore a blooper.
* Tripp escaped from our yard. In flip flops, I walked through a sticker bush to retrieve him. Turning, it dawned on me, I had to walk through the sticker bush AGAIN to get us back in the yard. woof.
* Tripp threw up in the van. Trapped at a traffic light, I was helpless. Before I could pull over, the problem was solved..he ate it. Every last bit. Clean up was a snap.
* Tripp is a puppy..he likes to chew on pretty much everything. (a bottle of nail polish?) He has a big bin of all kinds of toys that I want him to chew on - he refuses to dive in and grab any - instead, he barks at the bin until I hand him one.
* Tripp caught one large cricket and one medium centipede in our house. He uses his big paws to stomp them out. Tripp 2 - Insects 0
Tricia
* Tripp escaped from our yard. In flip flops, I walked through a sticker bush to retrieve him. Turning, it dawned on me, I had to walk through the sticker bush AGAIN to get us back in the yard. woof.
* Tripp threw up in the van. Trapped at a traffic light, I was helpless. Before I could pull over, the problem was solved..he ate it. Every last bit. Clean up was a snap.
* Tripp is a puppy..he likes to chew on pretty much everything. (a bottle of nail polish?) He has a big bin of all kinds of toys that I want him to chew on - he refuses to dive in and grab any - instead, he barks at the bin until I hand him one.
* Tripp caught one large cricket and one medium centipede in our house. He uses his big paws to stomp them out. Tripp 2 - Insects 0
Tricia