Twas the week before Christmas

Twas the week before Christmas

and all across the East

a storm was a brewin'

as we all went to sleep.

We woke in the morning

to everything covered in white

Mother Nature had blessed us

with snow overnight.

The children were pressed

at the window in awe

at all of the snow

that had started to fall.

Mom in the kitchen

baking cookies to eat.

while the snow kept a comin'

almost two feet!

As it kept piling up

Boozer went crazy

this was one day

that the dog wasn't lazy.

Dad was busy spinning,

some cool Christmas tunes.

From Frank, to Dean,

to Johnny and June.

George Strait and Dave Matthews,

Jack Johnson as well.

We danced in the kitchen.

Shhhhh...don't tell.

The neighbor got stuck

while getting some booze

maybe next time

he'll stick to the shoes.

Ribs in the oven

A feast on its way

Then off to next door

So the kids could play.

Following our dinner

we cleaned up the mess.

Then gathered all around

to watch the Polar Express.

Eggnog was flowing

Liquor galore!

Oh, Mr. Weatherman

please call for more!

Wrinkles are for sheets

She reached up and grabbed my face with both hands, cocked her head to the side, frowned her brow, and pulled me in.

Kate: Mama?

Mom: Yes, Dear.

Kate (pointing to the outer side of my eye): What are those? Do you have wrinkles?

Mom: No. Wrinkles are for sheets. Those are smile lines.

Kate: Smile lines?

Mom: Yep. Smile lines are from many, many years of good fun...smiling and laughing.

Kate: Do I have smile lines?

Mom: Yes you do. When you smile. And if you keep having fun, one day you will have as many as Mommy too!

Kate: I want to! I want to!

And with that, I kissed her goodnight, turned off the light, and headed down the hall to apply the anti-wrinkle cream...just a few hours early.

Worst words at Christmas

As for many, Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year! The smells, the music, the family gatherings... Since having children, this love has only grown. The kids are still small, and for the first time, our oldest understands the concept of Santa, knows all the words to Rudolph (including the classic inserts), and is talking of leaving cookies and Reindeer food on Christmas Eve. This is the year she (with the help of her teacher) wrote her first letter to Santa.

I don't know who is more excited! Her to receive the gifts, or me to play Santa. In looking at the letter, I figured I was lucky. The list had only three items, non of which were impossible (another brother or sister), or on the "Hot Toy of the Season" (Zhu Zhu pets) list. So, I grabbed my list for Conor, added these items, and headed to Toys R Us.

When I arrived, I grabbed a flyer and headed towards the preschool section. I figured I would start at the back of the store and grab the Toy Lawn Mower that Katie wanted to give to Conor first. Then, it began. After ten minutes and a few too many trips up and down the same aisles, I went searching for help. The Lawn Mower was "not in stock", the attendant said. Come again? "The red, yellow, and blue model is not sold at this location." "Model?" I asked. Well, the pink lawn mower certainly wasn't going to fly for the BOY I was purchasing it for. (Did I mention I drove to this particular location because it was one of the largest stores in the area?) Sigh.

Okay, no big deal. I'll get it elsewhere. Onto my next purchase...the Minnie Mouse. I can't find it. "Sorry, Ma'am", the attendant said. "We don't carry Minnie. We only have Mickey." For a moment, I thought I didn't hear her correclty. No Minnie either? "No, Ma'am," she said.

Okay, this is getting a bit odd. "How about the Leap Frog alphabet?" I said. "The one where you put the letters on the refrigerator." We walked to two aisles over. Sold out. This can't be happening.

We proceeded to My Little Pony. Surely, there would be plenty of the these. As we turned down the aisle, I was relieved, the shelf was full of little pink boxes. Success! Then, we got closer. The little pink boxes I had gotten so excited about seconds ago were the miniature My Little Pony dolls with all the itty bitty corresponding accesories, brushes, mirrors...the larger single My Little Pony dolls were...you guessed it...Sold Out. Grrr.

I had lost all my enthusiasm at this point. It was at 7:23pm, in the My Little Pony aisle of Toys R Us that I decided this year... Mommy was simply going to shop on-line.

On my way out of the store, I decided that just for jollies, I would see if the little table and chairs set we wanted to get the kids was available. Nope. Sold Out.

I left the empty cart at the door, got in my car, and called my husband with a heavy heart. It was my first Christmas with a list in hand, and I left the toy store empty handed. I was so dissapointed. As he always does, he reassured me we could purchase the list on-line, take advantage of FREE SHIPPING, still use all my coupons, and get the items in time to wrap before Christmas. In fact, he said, it would be easier.

He was right. I felt better. I smiled, hung up the phone, and tucked my coupons away in my wallet. As I did, I noticed the fine print on a couple...in-store only.

Bah Humbug.

Let it Snow!

This past weekend, we backed out of our driveway just as the snow was beginning to fall (below...5-6 inches) . We were headed to Philly to celebrate little Jake's third birthday and enjoy time with dear friends...well, family.

The party was at Gymboree, and the kids had a blast hiding and dancing to the "Dinosaur" song...Where did they go?

(above...The Birthday Boy himself)

Little Man Conor

We then stayed over, and all our little ones snuggled up next to the Christmas tree and fireplace that night.

It was a wonderful weekend with friends. On the ride home, we were even able to enjoy the remnants from our first snowfall of the Season.

Isn't it beautiful?

Happy Holidays!

Whispers in the Dark

We laid in her bed, face to face, covers pulled up to our chins, exchanging our favorite events of the day. The room was dark, with only our shadows from the dimly lit Princess night light.

We talked about her day at school, who had to sit in the "thinking chair", who was the line leader, and what she ate for snack. She shared details of the story that was read, how she received a candy cane, and how Ms Marci had a box with lights in it. We talked about Christmas and what we thought Santa would bring. She asked about GrandMom, Pop, Mom Mom, and Pop Pop coming for Christmas and then declared "that would be fun!" She explained why she wanted to see Ava this weekend, and that she was going to take her "Ariel blanket" and her sleeping bag. She has never been light with words, but tonight, she was more talkative than ever. And so, I caught myself smiling at her in the dark thinking back to when I was a kid.

I remember spending weeks in the summer at my Mimi and Pa's house. Each night while I was there, we would turn off the lights, Mimi would crawl in the bed with me under the dim lit light of a Mockingbird, and we would chat. I don't know how much time really passed during those nightly chats all those years ago, but to me it felt like hours. We talked of nothing in particular...no conversation do I specifically remember. What I do remember about our nightly chats is how I felt I could say anything in the dark.

Just like those nights I remember with my Mimi, the conversation with my daughter on this night ended with many commands of "It's time to go to sleep now" and a few more confessions before her words fell silent.

While I laid there watching her fall asleep, I couldn't help but think back to those nights spent with my Mimi twenty years ago. How I can still see the shadows in the room, smell the crispness of the sheets, and feel the comfort of our shared conversation. I am so thankful for those moments and hope my daughter and I will always be able to share whispers in the dark.

Happy Thanksgiving...oink!

Three days late, I send out a wish for a Happy Thanksgiving. A late greeting because the swine flu had me on my back most of the week...oink!

As I lay in bed, I could hear the sound of laughter from two joyful kids echoing up the staircase. More than once a day, each kid would clinb the stairs to check on me. Katie would softly touch my forehead to see if I was still warm, while Conor preferred to pat my belly to ensure I was tucked in just so. I would hear them share conversation at the dinner table, giggle at one another in the bathtub, and sound softly to sleep each night. Their Daddy, leading them through each passing day with ease. I am so thankful for our two healthy kids and my one wonderful husband! While I knew what kind of man he would be the day we exchanged vows, he continues to amaze and impress me. I am ever so thankful!

When the illness finally did pass, we found some moments to enjoy with family.

Happy Thanksgiving to all near and far!

As crazy as it may sound, I am so thankful for the illness that forced me to my back, and gave me time to rest and realize I have a lot to be thankful for. This is a picture of Kate and Conor heading to see Santa. So excited!

Santa was at the Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, MD. We headed out early to spend some time visiting with the Big Man. As you can see from this picture, Kate had a lot to tell him!

I love Christmas! When I was younger, I shared this love with my late Pa. So much so that when he passed, he left his prized Christmas tree to me. Every year since, I have made it tradition to erect his artificial tree, and attempt to replicate what he had made so special. However, with each year, I knew my Hubby loved the idea of having a REAL tree to decorate. So, this year, we headed to a Family Tree Farm to pick out one of our very own. This picture is of Kate and Conor watching their Daddy hacking down the "perfect" tree.

"How will you know when you have found the perfect one? she asked. You just know, I replied. It was smiles all around for our very first REAL Christmas tree. Let the Holidays begin....

Spreading cheer one floor at a time

Today was like so many others this past year. I quickly ended a conference call, grabbed my purse, squealed out of the driveway, and swooped Conor up from Ms Marci's for yet another Friday afternoon Doctor's appointment.

I remember when Katie was this age. It was the first time I thought to myself, "Being a Mom is so much fun". Yes, it had been wonderful, fulfilling, and so on...but it was the first time it was truely FUN. And, now two years later, I am getting to enjoy "eighteen months" all over again with our son. It's still so much FUN.

Eighteen months is the age where you can stroll with them down the sidewalk. Run out for errands and not have to worry about sippy cups or bottles because there is always a snack or beverage for purchase nearby. It's the age where they understand what makes you laugh, and begin to explore all the wonders of life...worms, leaves, trash. Ewww. Did I just say this was fun?

So, as we left the Docs office, we strolled down the hall, finger and hand towards the elevator. We stopped at the window to admire the view from the top floor, and left a few fingerprints before the doors of the elevator opened and Conor led me in. Once closed, his mouth dropped, eyes widened, both hands flew over his head, and then slammed down iluminating every floor button. "Oooooohhhh! he yelled with enthusiasm.

You know that scene in the movie "Elf" where Will Ferrell is in the elevator of the Empire State Building, and hits all the buttons admiring how they iluminate the shape of a Christmas tree.? For those of you who have never seen this incredibly comical movie, allow me to enlighten you...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOCCHKzyqnI

I couldn't help but share in his joy (and be a bit thankful)...

1. The building we were in only had three floors. Whew.
2. Someone had some forethought, placing the RED Emergency stop button way above his reach.
Yes, I just love this age...Ding...So FUN!

24 hours and counting...

It has been busy here in San Francisco, and as a result I was unable to make it to the Golden Gate or Fisherman's Wharf since Sunday. But, I was able to grab a few more pictures from the streets of San Francisco...

Like this sign. Now that is good marketing! And this car. Surely this driver doesn't have kids, or a dog, play golf, travel, have a yard... As fun as it has been, it's time to say good-bye to the double decker buses...The street cars... The fresh sushi...And fun art galleries...

It's time to say good-bye to San Francisco and come home.

Love and hugs, Mom.

Mommy's in San Francisco

My precious little ones.

Leaving for this latest trip was hard. While travel has become common in recent years, for some reason this trip brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. Perhaps it is because I am 3K miles away from you. Perhaps it is because this, Katie, is "Parents Week" at dance, and Daddy has to record your class in my absence. Perhaps it is simply because I love you and leaving, if even for business, doesn't seem fair. Especially, Conor, when you do this...

So, Mommy decided that while she can't physically pack (I mean take) you along, I would tell you about the places I visit. This is my last trip of the year, but know that from now on, I will bring the places I visit to you.

With that...let me introduce you to San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco is in Northern, CA. Up the coast a ways from the place your Mommy and Daddy met, fell in love, and got married. It is a colorful, busy, city with many, many hills. Hills so steep your Uncle B-Rad wouldn't even attempt them with his longboard.

Hill so steep, that in some places, stairs have been built into the sidewalk.

Mommy arrived late last night, and as a result slept in the time change this morning. I was hoping to endulge myself in some sushi for lunch, as San Francisco is known for it's fresh fish. However, most sushi bars didn't open until 5pm, so Mommy settled on her second choice and love...Mexican. Better yet...burritos.

The people of San Francisco seem friendly, sending their hellos and wishes for a good day.

Some, so joyful, they even share a song or two loudly with the people in the streets.

While walking around the city, I noticed many of the older men prefer to wear their hair longer (although some more incognito than others).

The Hotel Mommy is staying at is very nice. I even have a "Mommy Bed" to keep me warm.

As a courtesy, the Hotel I am staying at welcomes the furriest of pets, and provides them water upon arrival, free of charge.

Interesting, considering I will be billed for my stay and $3.50 for each bottle of water I choose to consume. Sheesh.

After work concluded this evening, Mommy found a nice little place, and satisfied her craving for sushi. It was yummy!

Hungry for exercise, I then walked a few blocks towards Fisherman's Wharf, up to Nob Hill, and found a great view of the Golden Gate Bridge at night. The Golden Gate Bridge has the seventh longest main span in the World, and while it appears Red in color, it is actually Orange. I hope to break away from work at some point this week to bring you a picture of the Bridge in daylight. It is so spectacular, Mommy still remembers visiting it when she was a little girl.

Mommy then walked down to Union Square, and found herself amidst many, many shops. Since you both know I am not the best shopper (where are you friends when I need you?), I instead found the Street Car Depot. Conor, you would have loved watching the street cars pass. They moved slowly along the tracks just like your trains, and gave a soft dinner bell ring when passing each intersection. While the two of you have never known "Mr. Rogers" or "Three's Company", trust me when I tell you seeing the street cars brought memories of watching these shows as a kid.

It was a beautiful night to be out exploring the city. But, my favorite part was talking to you two on the phone. I love you both dearly. Be good for your Daddy.

I love you. Hugs and Kisses.

Mommy

No place like home

This post isn't funny. Just recorded to remind myself that as hard as it is to leave sometimes, I always cherish the homecoming. Each time I am reminded of the blessings I have been given in life, and know I am a lucky girl.

One cold, Fall evening, after a busy week in Chicago, one WAHM was anxious to get home to her family. I landed at the airport, walked swiftly to my car, and followed the dark interstate one hour towards home. They really do need to consider lighting on the Interstate (see below).

When I arrived, I dropped my belongings at the door and headed upstairs to get a peak of my little angels before snuggling in bed myself. First, I went to my youngest. He was on his stomach, knees tucked under his belly, breathing in a soft rhythm. As I pulled the covers up over his rear to tuck him in, he let out a small sigh. I whispered an "I love you" and quielty walked out of the room. Just like my trip three weeks ago, I felt he looked bigger.

Next, I went to Kate. When I saw her covers pulled back and empty, I knew immediately where she was. I headed down to the end of the hallway towards our bedroom, and found this...

She had made her way into our bed, and was sprawled out next to her Daddy...sound asleep. I couldn't resist capturing the moment.

I lifted her from her slumber, relocated her to her room, pulled the covers up tight, and left a kiss on her cheek. I then climbed into bed taking her place next to Daddy.

It's so good to be home.

For the record

Our dearest children,

I started this blog almost one year ago to aid in capturing all the wonderful, comical (sometimes chaotic) and simply perfect moments in life that I may not one day remember. So, Conor, please let it be recorded here that the Mickey costume was your Dad's idea. I voted for the Duck.

Still, you made one handsome little mouse. I will always remember the way your shorts waddled when you walked, and how your tail stuck out straight from behind. You are truly the only mouse I could ever adore!

Kate, despite the rainy walk around the neighborhood, you and your friends were troopers. I enjoyed watching you run up to each house eager to ask the question, "Trick or Treat?" I hope you always embrace your imagination and good spirit like you do at this age.

Lastly, this like the Mickey costume, was your Daddy's idea, and proof that even Mommy and Daddy could have a little fun. Note: You may need to Google Gilligan's Island.

Wishing you many more Happy Halloweens!

I love you. Mom.

You could call it a tradition

Every year we gather around the kitchen table to mark our creativity upon a few select pumpkins. In true Halloween spirit, we scoop out their guts and roast their unborn. Mwahaahaa...

Our only rule...no stencils. Here is this year's lineup...

Awww...so sweet.

???

Arrr, matey!

Spooky!

Is this pumpkin trying to tell me something?

And some honorable mentions from year's past.

Signs of the Season

One of the things I love best about the East Coast are the seasons. This one is my favorite! The trees are trying to hold on to what shades of yellow, orange, and red leaves they have left and the air outside is crisp and damp. It's a nice change to the summer heat and a bleak reminder of what lie ahead for old man winter.

The damp, cold weekends lend nicely to indoor dress up parties with best friends.

Children parade through school yards in their fun costumes.

Our little ones share their excitement in a hunt for the perfect pumpkin!

I think it is time for me to enjoy a hot cup of Cocoa. Cheers!