FUN

Mike and I were just at a baseball game.  Contemplating youth sports --- just because you're not the best doesn't mean you shouldn't play sports just for fun, right?  Not everything we do turns into something great or extraordinary?  What is wrong with just fun?  

I left said game to get Kate at practice.  Got this text:

Got home and checked Facebook.  This popped up --- an actual sign posted on youth athletic fields (in Chicago, IL):

Way to go Matty!  Good to keep perspective and have fun.

Tracy

Great Gift - Part 2

On the topic of teacher gifts..let me put this out there. Anyone who takes care of your child for approximately 900 hours during the school year deserves a gesture of appreciation. It doesn't have to be expensive: a handmade card, a bunch of flowers, stationery, a book to read over the summer - you get the idea. An added bonus - allowing your children to have the opportunity to express thankfulness.

Great Gift

It's that time of the year..how do you say "thank you" to teachers who have educated your children for the past ten months? With a thoughtful gift of course! In previous years, I have done monogrammed canvas tote bags, colorful beach towels, cosmetic bags filled with goodies and so on. To simplify things, I try to choose one gift and give it to all of my children's teachers.

This year, my go-to gift is a duo of sunscreen. I went to the Clinique counter and selected a body cream and a face cream with SPF 50, wrote a thoughtful note, wrapped it all in cellophane with ribbon and ta da ~ done! I received a similar gift (thanks mom!) and I love my Clinique sunscreen each time I use it..a bit of indulgence while staying safe in the summer sun. Truly a gift everyone could use.

tricia

Photo Friday on Sunday

Funny Face in New Jersey

Funny Faces in Pennsylvania

FRAME

You and I sister have been antiquing together for a LONG time.  I would say around 16 years to be exact.  I can remember our first trip to Renninger’s together (in Kutztown, PA).  I really didn’t want to go because antiques are old and dusty and they kind of grossed me out.  But I left that day as top shopper.  I was drawn to baskets and wood and had armfuls of stuff for my new house.  I still have some of the items. 

Something I picked up from you is don’t buy any artwork unless it is already framed (except if you really love it).  Chances are you will buy a print and never frame it.  Especially me.  For some reason though, I feel I have been drawn to artwork lately.  Maybe I need to freshen up my house, things are starting to feel stale.  So when in Brooklyn what did I buy … art.  Well flea market art to be exact but what is better than that. 

Happy to report I am on my way to framing and hanging …

Tracy

Unframed

TA DA --- Framed!

this&that in photos

The cicadas have arrived in New Jersey

and they are pretty much everywhere!

My kids are fascinated by them

and poor Tripp doesn't know

what to do with them..

Emma usually wears some kind of "get up" to school.

This means that nothing matches, at all!

She finally wore a snappy dress..I wonder

if her teacher recognized her. Hmmm.

A dear friend has been making Ed a 

super-healthy-green-juice-drink

to help with his recovery.

There is one on our doorstep

every morning! 

I love the messages written in

green on the bags...

(thank you!!!!!!)

Ok..same dear friend hosted both of

my little ladies for a sleepover

to give Ed a little peace and quiet.

Wagon loaded up with their

bags and pillows.

(thank you again!!!!!)

Photo Monday ;)

A Great Gift Idea for Kate

from Everyone in New Jersey

(Cupcake anyone?)

Birthday Treats for School

in Pennsylvania