STARS

In case you haven't heard, and it has been all over the news, the astrology signs have changed!  Really?  I have spent the last 40 years analyzing my sign as it relates to me.  Apparently this change has something to do with the Earth's position in relation to the Sun.  But do not panic ~ whether or not you need to reinvent yourself based on a new sign depends on whether you follow Western astrology or Eastern astrology ~ who knew?

It appears that Western astrology is based on the seasons (and they have not changed) vs. Eastern astrology which is based on constellations.  If you follow the Eastern version, then start learning your new sign AND be prepared becasue there is a 13th sign known as Ophiuchus.  Craziness! 

I have always been a follower of my sign ~ astrological Cancer ~ a tough sign in my opinion.  Cancer is a mysterious sign, filled with contradictions.  In just our two families, we have a total of five astrological cancers, yikes!  me&t (that's right, both of us!), Matthew, Grace and William. 

But here is my "new" thing ... birthday-ology (not sure if that is even a word).  This is where you drill down to personality traits based on your date of birth.  Fascinating!  A co-worker introduced me to this and a wonderful, huge book that she owns.  Then, I came across a pocket sized book at one of our favorite stores ~ Anthropologie.  This book provides much less detail but is useful none-the-less.  Here you go sister:

t

You are quick and have a good, clear-thinking mind, although you are sometimes unintentionally brusque in your speech.  You have strong determination and the conviction of your ideas.  You make friends and hold them.  The love you will compel will be strong and steadfast.

me

You are blessed with unlimited ability.  You would find success in anything you undertook if you applied all your efforts faithfully.  You are upright and have fastidious tastes and sound judgment; you are dependable and loving and enjoy and seek a harmonious life with pleasant surroundings.

So, I periodically refer to this book  and refresh on the details about Mike and the kids of course.  It certainly helps me to understand where they are coming from.  Puts things in perspective (which I love).  Husband thinks I am crazy!!!  What do you think?

Tracy

Why does the title have to include the words

"Fortune-Telling"?

Eat, Drink & Be Merry

I was going to write about a fun, frivolous topic today and something happened to change my mind completely. Both you and I got the horrible news that our next-door neighbor passed away. I can't think about anything else..my mind is filled with it. My carefree-looking-forward-to the-weekend-Friday has taken a turn for the worse. Nothing fun or frivolous about it.

Our lovely neighbor was a mother to three children, two girls and a boy. They are now adults, but I remember when they moved in and she brought them home from the hospital as babies. They all had summery blonde hair and the girls often twirled outside in their dresses. They were a young family with so much promise.

Besides being a wonderful mother, our neighbor was a gifted nurse. She worked with the fragile babies in the NICU. Once, she joked as she held one of our babies, that it felt so good to hold a healthy, heavy baby. Whether a mother or nurse, she was always smiling, happy, and beautiful - she had the most amazing thick, curly brown hair. Like I often say to my kids ... "beautiful on the outside and beautiful on the inside."

She was only fifty-five years old. Too young. When things like this happen, and they often do, I take a deep breath. I remember what I need to be mindful of doing. Cherish the moment, tell loved ones that I love them, and hold my children just a little closer and a bit longer. Pretty much everything else is out of my hands.

Tricia

Photo Friday No. 9

Cozy in

New Jersey

loving new sunglasses in

Pennsylvania

{snow covered, 10 degrees, but sunny!}

SNL

I am not a Saturday Night Live junkie BUT I heard that Gwyneth Paltrow is hosting this weekend!  And sister, you know I AM a Gwyneth Paltrow junkie!  Funny thing about Gwynnie is that she is everywhere these days.  I guess her days of staying out of the spotlight to raise her kids is over.  She is back on the big screen, singing on the CMA Awards, blogging on GOOP and even making guest appearances on TV shows.  There was some buzz over her appearance on Glee and especially her rendition of Cee Lo Green's "(Expletive) You" song.  Of course I watched that episode and dvr'd it for later reference. 

On occassion, I will do a Google search of Gwyneth.  I like to see what she is up to, what she is wearing and who she is hanging with.  Some celeb gossip pages are very helpful and call out the brand names she is sporting such as the Goyard bag.  I then of course Google Goyard and quickly become dissapointed to learn that I cannot afford the same great bag that Gwyneth carries.  So sad. 

I recently began to check out some of her interviews via You Tube.  I think my favorite is her talk with Chelsea Handler.  Gwyneth tells a story about how her daughter has an American accent at home but a British accent at school and around her friends.  It is funny ~ check it out!

Did I mention the musical guest on SNL is Cee Lo Green.  He apparently liked Gwyneth's rendition of his song and hinted there may be something in the works for Saturday night.  But he is not telling what.  He did say that whatever they do is going to be extra cool.  So tune in my friend!

Tracy

Gwyneth was spotted wearing one
I could afford one

a really good cause

This and That #2

1. Thanks to you ~ the minivan is rockin to our new Taylor Swift cd. We are loving it!! It seems no one loves it more than Emma...the other day at the top (and I mean top) of her lungs, she sang, "You're a liar and pathetic" over and over and over again. True.

2. As we anticipate another snowstorm, the kiddies and I were plotting what we will do on our snow day tomorrow. Henry said, "We can make snow devils!!" Snow devils??!! I told him he must have meant angels. Nope. Devils. He said they made them at recess, horns and all.(I pray that God has a sense of humor & their principal didn't notice)

3. I do get sad when we take down our Christmas tree. It is a loss of a beautiful decoration and a season of memories. That said, we finally took the tree down on Sunday. It was time as the dry needles were becoming a fire hazard. William paddled downstairs Monday morning in his pjs and asked, "Mommy, is Christmas over?" See, sad all over again.William is not one to give in easily -- threw a tantrum until I dug his Santa hat out of the bins packed away in the basement. He is still wearing it.

4. Finally went to see Black Swan. It was a great movie. Beautiful and horrible at the same time. Loved the acting, costumes, music, and scenery...just about everything. It has given me some bad dreams and maybe a stomachache from too much buttery popcorn. Go see it!

5. Thanks for the spelling practice program! (Spellboard by Pala Software) Grace is trying her first spelling bee and needs to practice, practice, practice. Hope she can spell "chrysalis"! Good luck Grace!

6. Some in's and out's --> gray seems to be the new beige, furry trapper hats are out (still looking for one!),and Prosecco (an Italian sparkling white wine) is the "in" drink. Cheers!! And, last, a handbag styled in the spirit of a man's briefcase. I wonder if Ed will mind if I empty his out and borrow it. Ed??

7. It seems OCD is contagious!! I shared a photo I spied about organizing clothing in drawers using a vertical instead of horizontal orientation ~ brilliant!! This way one can see all of the choices, rather than just the one on top. This is where it gets good...my husband caught the new year, clean slate, get organized bug. The photo below is his t-shirt drawer. No joke. I am seething with envy. I wish one of my drawers looked like his.

Is it snowing in Pennsylvania? It is snowing here. It felt like snow was in the air all day. We can't wait to make "snow ghosts" tomorrow. Picture a cylinder instead of three balls. Dig out holes for the eyes and insert flashlights so it looks spooky at night. Wish me luck!

Tricia

Start Spreading the News!

Okay, this one is going out to our readers ~ yes, YOU!!! Both T's would like to thank you for not only taking time to read me&t t&me, but to share your kind and thoughtful words about it. We appreciate you being part of our little (and I mean little) venture. That said, feel free to share your thoughts by posting a comment -- (hint, hint) Maybe, even become a follower -- (hint, hint)

Looking forward, we have some fun, new things in store for all of us...more field trips and adventures, guest writers (soon!), and, hopefully, some comments & dear followers!! In the meantime, be on the look out for a tiny square that could be coming your way so you don't forget about us.. (see below) We are always thinking about YOU! xo

SLOPES

Sorry we didn't connect this weekend sister.  We spent Friday and Saturday night on the slopes!  With some fresh snow on Friday, we couldn't resist.  Although I quickly came to realize why we don't ski on a Friday night ~ the average age of everyone on the slopes was about 17.  I felt like an old lady.  We had some fresh snow on Saturday again, only about an inch or so but it was so beautiful.  For some reason, I felt like I was in Vermont.  So the skiing was great but it was COLD!  Matthew sat out Saturday night ~ poor little man.  Thank goodness grandparents live 10 minutes from the mountain and are more than willing to babysit.  I know you bundle up and dress for it but I am guessing it was in the high teens on both nights.  I am still thawing out.  Hope you are warm in New Jersey.

Tracy

P.S.  We need to finalize plans for our next shopping adventure!

    does laying on the snow

make you warmer?