Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Christmas Knitting

I was extremely productive this holiday. I knit several gifts and managed to get them done wrapped and delivered!

My favorite was the Soft Baskets I made for my sister. I also loved the Snow Cowl I made for my beautiful niece Jessica.

I managed nine other knitted items (really 11 because I made three sets of Peek-a-boo Mitts)

All given away...

I am ready to do some just for me knitting!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas Tiny Tim

This has been a weird holiday season for me.

Not typical.

I love Christmas. I love the chaos and the non-stop running around. I love feeling the holiday close in on me and know I am not ready, but it doesn’t matter because it will come anyway.

When I hear people bitch about the madness I feel very superior and smug, because it just doesn’t bother me.

This year has been different.

I am one of THOSE people. I feel miserable. I am worried about money and what to get people.

I am not excited about one single thing that I bought for my husband, not one.

My daughter on the other hand, got everything her heart desired. I know, with out a doubt, she will be happy tomorrow morning.

I don’t know what happened this year.

I have watched all my favorite Christmas movies and made all my favorite treats. On the outside everything is snowy and bright, but on the inside, I feel like the Heat Miser…

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Snow Day

As I sit her contemplating the first snow day of the season, roughly seven days before the first day of winter, I feel like it must have been divine intervention that brought this delicious christstollen to me just when I would need it most.

So I will make myself another pot of coffee, turn up the carols and thank my lucky stars for such kind and thoughtful patrons.

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Tuesday, December 7, 2010

The Year Without a Santa Claus

Fifteen years ago, the first Christmas after we married, we hosted Christmas morning for my father, his new wife and their baby boy.

My father and his family showed up loaded with packages and smiles. We ate a big breakfast and then got down to the important stuff...presents.

As I opened my gifts from my dad I got to a beautiful Liz Cooper Santa doll. He was just amazing, and a completely unusual gift to get from my dad.

“Wow dad, this is wonderful, thank you.”

“I got him for your collection.”

“My collection?”

“Yeah, your Santa collection.”

Hmmmmm, I had no Santa collection, and let me remind you we were sitting in my completely decorated living room with no evidence of a collection. But he thought I had one, and he has gotten me a Santa every Christmas since. Now, I have a collection…

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I get several Santa’s a year, from lots of people. Santa is taking over our home, I have run out of places to set Santa. My lovely antique nativity set is surrounded by Santa’s like SWAT is coming to get the baby Jesus!

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Too bad he didn’t think I collected money…or diamonds…

Monday, December 6, 2010

Day 30 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

A Picture

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I love this picture. It makes me think of the many, sweet, summer days we spend camping with our friends. We camp almost every weekend in the summer. Right around January I get online and start dreaming of hot, summer days and beautiful lakeside camping spots...

Well, that’s it, 30 posts about me. If you read even one….I thank you.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Day 29 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

3 Wishes

 

  1. I wish you a Merry Christmas.
  2. I wish my backyard wasn’t flooding.
  3. I wish we could go to Florida this year.

Christmas Workshop

I have been a knitting fool this last month! I have cranked out five gifts, a hat for my daughter and a pair of mittens for my god-daughter. I still have two gifts to knit, but I feel confident that I will do it. Even though I have no idea what one will be and I have no interest in making the other, Christmas is about miracles right?

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Saturday, December 4, 2010

Day 28 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

Something that stresses you out.

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What stresses me out is food.

I love food.

I love to eat.

I love bread, potatoes and cheese.

I wish that this admission would make me feel bad and repent, but it actually makes me hungry.

I have gained 50 pounds since getting married 15 years ago, shocking isn’t it? Of course I have also lost 70+ pounds.

My husband still tells me I am the most beautiful woman he’s every known.

When I complain about my fat ass, he says how unimportant it is. He tells me he never thinks the things I think about the width of my butt or my jiggley belly.

He is a sweetie, but I still stress about it all. I want to feel better and be healthier for him and my daughter. I just need to figure out how to do it...

Friday, December 3, 2010

Day 27 – 30 Day blog Challenge

Pets

I grew up in the country, just down the road from my grandparents farm. There was horses, cows, pigs and chickens. Not to mention cats and dogs.

Growing up we always had a dog or a cat, usually both. They were house pets and part of the family.

As a couple we have always had a cat or a dog too. When we were first living together my husband got me a beautiful tabby cat from the shelter. Her name was Calypso and she was a doll. She was funny and sweet, just what you want in a pet.

After she died I got my husband a dog from an ad in the local pennysaver. A golden retriever chow mix, free to a good home. He was the best dog I have ever owned. We had him for 14 years and he was never bad, not once.

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We have had cats on and off too, strays that find there way from the farm next door. Sometimes we just can’t pass up a cute little kitten.

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We have had this cute, little kitten for about 6 years now. She is not very nice, but she is mellowing in her old age.

We got a new puppy after we lost our big, old, yellow dog. She likes to bite people, she runs away and doesn’t listen. She eats anything she finds. She is lazy and looks like a junkyard dog most of the time.

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But, damn, if she isn’t adorable!

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Day 26 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

A picture of your family

photoThis is what we do in stores. We embarrass our daughter whenever we can. We act silly and laugh most of the time. We get mad and we fight, but there is a lot of love here and that is what is important.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Day 25 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

imagesI have been waiting for this one!! I love my iPod and I use it everyday. I have a dock in my kitchen and I need music all the time. If I stop and think about it I really do listen to music all the time that I am home. Anyway, what this means is that I have a lot of music on there, 1000’s of songs, and they are all so different. Here are the first 10 on shuffle (no skipping);

  1. Baby by Justin Bieber (this is embarrassing )
  2. Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran (takes my back to 9th grade instantly )
  3. Photograph by Nickelback (something about this song gets me )
  4. U + Ur Hand by Pink (this song reminds me of my sister )
  5. You’re Never Over by Eminem (i love his crazy ass )
  6. Fernando by ABBA (in what world is Eminem followed by ABBA? )
  7. Mandy by Barry Manilow (i love BM, but he’s starting to look weird)
  8. Ventura Highway by America (anyone that can write a song about alligator lizards gets my vote…they are the best)
  9. Winter Wonderland by Ray Charles (this is my favorite Christmas song )
  10. Easy Lover by Phil Collins (again...high school is in the air tonight )

What a mix of music! Everyone of them has some story or memory behind it. I am going back to that Bieber one…

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Day 24 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

 

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So, I didn’t make it, I missed a few days, my 30 days of continuous posting is shot. I missed one day and then another and another, but I am picking up the ball I dropped and moving on!!

Today’s challenge is to talk about something I have learned (in my 41 years), hmmm?

What have I learned?

I have learned that no amount of repetition helps me. I can forget a habit almost immediately.

I have learned that I need to be in charge...all the time...or something bad might happen.

I have learned that one child was the right decision for me.

I have learned that I have no self control, if I want it I HAVE to have it.

I have learned that my husband and daughter are more important than (insert anything here).

I have learned that one very good friend can make all the difference.

I have learned that I was born to knit.

I have learned that 15 years is a lot of work, but worth it in the end.

I have learned that I am still learning...

Friday, November 26, 2010

Day 23 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

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Last winter we went to a small cabin in the mountains of the Adirondacks. It was right on the water, secluded and beautiful.

We rode snowmobiles in and we hiked the area on snow-shoes. We cooked on a wood stove and my girl even learned to ski.

We chopped a hole in the ice of the lake to get water and we cooked outdoors over an open fire.

We went to bed early very night, worn out and exhausted from our winter fun.

I can't wait to go do it again…

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Let’s Be Thankful

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I am thankful for a home and food to put on the table.

I am thankful for a husband who loves me and the extra 50 pounds I have gained since he married me.

I am thankful for a beautiful daughter with a sweet heart.

I am thankful I am not Tiger Woods.

I am thankful that I will get to see my sister today and laugh, laugh, laugh.

I am thankful I don’t have to rush anywhere and can cook this bird in my pj’s.

I am thankful for this French Silk coffee.

I am thankful that there is nothing I need bad enough to forgo sleep and dignity by going shopping tomorrow.

I am thankful...

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Day 22 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

My favorite city

Without a doubt this one is NYC. We went for our daughters' eleventh birthday and it was fantastic.

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We took the train and arrived in this wonderland. We walked through Time Square like it was another country. It is impossible to see everything.

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Everything is so bright and beautiful. We took a red bus tour of the city and I highly recommend it. We got a history lesson and saw some amazing sights.

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My daughter and I will definitely go again!

Monday, November 22, 2010

no pressure...

  1. cranberry relish
  2. corn pudding
  3. mashed potatoes
  4. green bean casserole
  5. sage cranberry stuffing
  6. homemade butter
  7. peas & lettuce
  8. squash
  9. rolls
  10. pies

does anyone want to help?

**UPDATE**

I am kickin’ ass!!

Day 20 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

What are your nicknames?

I haven’t had many nicknames. My name just doesn’t lend itself to shortening I guess.

When my little sister was learning to talk she called me “Ea”. It sounded just like it’s spelled, long e and short a.

When I was a kid my dad called me “Lizard”. I really don’t know why, other than I hated it and he thought it was funny.

When I was in high school some people called me “Chug”, no explanation needed here.

In college I don’t recall any nickname, but I don’t recall much.

Now my nickname is “Mom” and I hear it constantly, continuously and loudly.

I am waiting for my next nickname, “Grandma”. There is no rush on that one!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Day 19 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

Something you miss…

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Day 18 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

Today the challenge is about regret. What would you use your “do-over” on? What words would you take back if you could? What actions would you rewind?

Basically, I think regret is a waste of time and emotion. I try to not do things I will have to then look back on and wish I hadn’t done. None the less, I experience some regret.

I regret that bite of chocolate cake, right after I swallow it.

I regret that second glass of wine.

I regret making eye contact with the over-sharing, crazy patron at work.

I regret not spending more time with my grandparents, while I can.

I regret screaming at my daughter for some small infraction because I am tired or frustrated.

I regret saying I am too tired when my husband wants to cuddle.

I regret yelling at the dog as soon as she cocks her head and looks at me with those big eyes.

So, even though I try to avoid it regret seems to find me.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Friday, November 19, 2010

Day 16 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

I am past the half way mark!

Woot! Woot!

Today is simply, your dream house. I have had many of these. When you are little it’s castle’s and tree houses. When you get a little older it’s somewhere in Paris or the coast of Greece.

I met my prince and we have a beautiful little house that we love. It is just right for the three of us. I would be happy to be here for ever. I have never thought of it as a starter house. It is where we started, it’s true, but it has always felt like the one.

Until we saw the empty house in the Adirondacks.

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It was at the base of a mountain. It was abandoned and empty. It is gorgeous, it calls to me.

I have thought of it so many times since we first saw it. We drove by it as we went to and from the camp. My husband is also under it’s spell.

We love our little home, but we long to be in the cabin by the mountain…

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Day 15 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

I am supposed to tell you my favorite bible verse. I don’t have a favorite. I can’t even think of one.

I spent my formative years in a catholic school and have attended more masses than anyone should, but I know very little of the bible.

My last challenge was to show you a favorite photo. I chose the one of my beautiful girl in the beauty of the Adirondacks.

When I look at that photo this is what comes to mind...

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

{{a moment in words}}

Outside my window…
A dark, wet sky.

I am thankful for…
Ben & Jerry’s Carrot Cake Ice Cream.

From the kitchen…
Baked rigatoni with fresh mozzarella.

I am wearing…
Jeans and a Nike tee shirt.

I am going…
To watch some football, do some face book and go to bed.

I am hoping…
That we have enough money for Christmas.

One of my favorite things…
The first sip of a cold glass of wine.

A few plans for the upcoming week…
Our daughters play is this weekend. she has been practicing for months and we are so excited to see her up on stage.

Here is picture for sharing…

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Monday, November 15, 2010

Day 13 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

Today’s challenge is about goals.

My goals are simple, but I don’t kid myself that I won’t struggle with them daily.

I would like to teach my daughter to be a kind and loving person, but first I just want to get her through middle school.

I want to be married to my husband until one of us finally goes on to glory. But I want us to always feel like it’s our first date.

This isn’t asking much, right?

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Happy Birthday Mom

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Today is my mom’s 60th birthday.

I am sure we would be having a huge party, everyone together and laughing.

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I think my dad would have planned a trip or a get-a-way of some sort.

Maybe she would have announced that she was retiring from her nursing career, since dad is retiring in a few months too.

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They would talk about the things they would do together in their dotage.

We would sit around talking and laughing about all the the things she has done in the last 60 years.

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She would hug us all and kiss her granddaughter and tell us how lucky she has been to have had this life.

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Saturday, November 13, 2010

Day 12 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

What do you believe?

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This is a good one, I don’t think we give this question enough thought.

What do we believe?

Is this question about religion, politics, our relationships? These are all things that require some faith.

I’ll tell you what I believe.

I believe my thoughts about God are my business and those people that shove bible verses down your throat maybe don’t believe as much as they think they do.

I believe my mother is somewhere watching me. Is it Heaven? I am not sure.

I believe I would die to protect my daughter, without hesitation.

I believe that I need to work on myself everyday, no matter how old I am.

I believe I found the man I am supposed to be with for the rest of my life, but that doesn’t make it a fairy tale.

I believe I am good at a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean other people aren’t too.

I believe I need yarn and needles in my hands at least once a day to stay balanced.

I believe I procrastinate on everything.

I believe we elected the right man for the job, if we would just give him a chance.

I believe in my friends and they believe in me.

I believe I would win the lottery someday, if I only bought a ticket.

I believe this post has gone on too long...

Friday, November 12, 2010

Day 11 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

Growing up my favorite TV shows were WKRP in Cincinnati, M*A*S*H, All in the Family, Laverne & Shirley and Happy Days, all the classics.

Now that I am older and have more refined tastes I am all about reality. Or the completed scripted, edited, made-up reality of reality TV.

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I also have a soft spot for English cooking shows. But mainly in the morning while I am here alone, blogging and drinking my coffee. I also have a favorite one that I watch online with Rohlad Dahl’s granddaughter.

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I actually love TV and just like to have it on in the back ground of anything that I am doing...sad but true.

I am sure that I have many more favorites, but these are my most current ones.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Day 10 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

Today I am supposed to talk about something I am afraid of. Hmmm, I am a famous worrier and I could really get into this one. I think it’s best if I am brief.

I am afraid of something bad happening to my daughter, heartbreak, sickness, abduction. I have had a moments panic over them all.

I am afraid of big trucks and the thruway. All those cars going by me so fast make my heart start beating wildly and merging!? forget about it.

I am afraid of my husband losing his job. A good job is only as secure as the day you have it. You just never know anymore. We are not prepared for such a thing.

I am afraid of getting old and sick. We visit my father in law in the nursing home and I think about how horrible it would be to be sick.

I am afraid of someone hurting my family and not being able to stop them.

Sometimes I am just plain afraid.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

fml

  • wake up and stumble downstairs for that first sip of coffee, only to discover it tastes like shit.
  • totally miss the opportunity to see this as an indication of the day ahead.
  • look into the mirror to see that the zit cream i have liberally applied to my face has made a red, raw map of ugly all over it.
  • leave late for the 13 year olds orthodontist appointment because she can’t find the retainer we are going there to have checked.
  • tailgate a rusty, crappy AstroVan all the way to the appointment only to see it pull into the same dr we are going to…awkward.
  • find out the kid is chewing on the plastic retainer and making it not fit properly and shell out $100 unexpected dollars to get a new one.
  • leave appointment and head out to UPS store. carry heavy, awkward box to door and realize the store is not open yet.
  • sit in car with kid for 15 minutes in complete silence while i ponder the waste of 100 of my dollars.
  • watch store employee arrive at exactly the moment the store is supposed to open and unlock the door.
  • carry heavy, awkward box back to store and listen to employee (who just arrived) tell me it will be a few minutes until the computers warm up.
  • walk around UPS store for 10 minutes while she tells me i will have to reach over the counter and lift my package for her because she has a 5 pound weight limit.
  • look at same employee like she is crazy when she asks me if i would like to take a few minutes to fill out a survey on my service here today.
  • finally head back to school with kid…we are so late.
  • listen to stomach rumble and grumble because i suffer from some weird affliction that makes me physically sick when i am late for something.
  • watch low fuel light blink on even though i just put gas in the damn car yesterday.
  • drop the kid off at school and feel relief that it will be 9 hours before i will have to argue about something with her again.
  • get home, pour more crappy and look at clock...it’s only 10am

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Day 9 – 30 Day Blog Challenge

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A picture of your friends

My friends… I love my friends. They make me laugh, they make me cry, they tell me stuff I don’t want to hear. And they tell me stuff I do want to hear just to make me feel better when they have to.

I would do anything for them and I know they would do anything for me. That is not as common as you would wish it to be.

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Mm, gonna try with a little help from my friends

Mm, I get high with a little help from my friends

Yes I get by with a little help from my friends With a little help from my friends

Monday, November 8, 2010

Day 8 – 30 Day Challenge

Talk about a place you’ve traveled to.

Well,I would rather make a broad, sweeping list of the places I want to travel to instead of the meager list of places I have been. But that is not the challenge...

I have been to Cape Cod, we went every summer when I was little. My grandmother, mom and her sisters would all pile into a car and drive down. My grandfather and my dad would fly down in grandpa’s plane for the weekend. We would stay for what seemed like months… It is one of my favorite childhood memories.

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I have also been to California, to Escondido. My father gave us the trip for Christmas. We got new suitcases with tickets hidden inside. We went to stay with my mother’s cousin in her cute little apartment. This is how we did it Cali style...

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Once my parents woke my sister and I up in the middle of the night and put us in the car. They drove all the way to Hershey, PA while we slept. We woke up to the sweet smell of chocolate drifting in through the car windows.

We drove to Florida as a family several times also. The last time we went I got violently ill at Disneyworld. My dad made me walk along, puking in garbage bins because we were not wasting those expensive tickets!

My husband and I went to the island of St. Lucia for our honeymoon. Thanks to my generous and wonderful in-laws we got to spend a week in a cottage on the beach in that amazing place. It was heaven…

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Since we had our daughter we have gone to Florida a few times when we get the super cheap plane tickets. We’ve been to Disneyworld and Sea World. I would love to go again, very soon.

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One day we bought a cool, vintage motor home and started camping. Since then most of our trips have been place we can drive to. Over the years we have updated to a newer camper and we have broadened our range to the Adirondacks.

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Well that is it, the only other thing I can think of is a trip to Kansas City to visit my sister and we road tripped home.

I think, so far, my favorite place to be...is home.