Yeah, so the whole idea of starting to write every day didn't really work out. It was probably for two reasons: it was December and I was in the process of quitting a job. Life got really nuts around the holidays, just like it does for everyone else.
I am warning you now that this is a long post. Hopefully, I will get photos up soon, but this is just a text review of the holidays. If you don't get through it, I won't hate you!
We had a day after Thanksgiving gathering and our Christmas party Dec. 11 (and I had made 13 kinds of cookies all the food, decorating, etc.). On Dec. 12, we went to a surprise 50th birthday party for my aunt and went to Hozak's farm (the same place we got our pumpkins) to pick out our annual live tree. The following week I had a work Christmas party and was getting ready for Christmas.
On Dec. 19 we went to my grandma's house to decorate her tree, and my cousins were there, too. It was a good time. Since my grandma wasn't feeling well, she told my mom the week of Christmas that she would like my mom to host the holiday. She didn't want to give it up, but it was the best choice. I had spent all day Dec. 8 taking my grandma to get x-rays and tests done. We were all excited mom was going to host Christmas, since my parents' house is bigger.
My last day of work was Dec. 21, and it was such a happy day for me. I hated the job, and I really needed to move on. (You can read more about that here.)
On Dec.23, we went to dinner at Undo's, a local Italian eatery, and then we went to the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert. He is a local musician who puts on a fantastic show. If you ever get a chance to listen to his Christmas music, you should listen. Joe and I pretty much agree that the B.E. Taylor Christmas songs are the best versions of the songs. We love him.
Dec. 24 was the most wonderful Christmas Eve. It was so relaxing and wonderful. I assembled a Christmas breakfast casserole (apples, French toast, etc.), and here is the recipe for it. I used the reviewers suggestions and flipped the layers. Also, I added a little pumpkin pie spice and most of the apples. It was tasty. I then made a cranberry spread that my family loves. I made that for our post-Christmas Eve Mass celebration. I served the spread with Nilla wafers, cinnamon Graham cracker sticks and honey Graham cracker sticks and honey wheat pretzel sticks. Here is the recipe for the spread. I also assembled a DELICIOUS chicken, broccoli and stuffing casserole. That recipe isn't online. It was from a Taste of Home magazine.
After making those things, my husband and I made lunch and cuddled on the couch to watch "Home Alone." It was so perfect. After that, we got ready for dinner at my parents' house. My mom made pasta, sausage and salad. After dinner, my brother, sister, husband, dad and I went to church early for choir practice and then celebrated Mass. There is nothing as magical and wonderful as Christmas Eve Mass. It was beautiful. After Mass, we headed back to my parents' to hang out a bit longer, visit and eat again. Come on, it's the holidays!
The next day, Joe and I woke up early and opened our gifts from Santa and each other. Wow, he spoiled me. My favorite gift from him was probably the mugs, plates and bowels he bought me from Ireland that match the teakettle I bought when we were there in August. I was pleasantly surprised. Then we headed to my parents' house to exchange with everyone. We had breakfast, then my mom, dad, husband, family friend who is a priest Father Bill and I headed to my dad's mom's house and visited and had lunch. We then headed home and got ready for Christmas dinner. Everyone was there, including my in-laws. It was great. That night my brother stayed the night so he and my husband could play their new video games. I made them barbecue riblets and chicken nuggets.
The next day, my husband and I hosted a Christmas movie day for our friends after Mass. We served sloppy Joes and a delicious macaroni and cheese. (Note: I used to make Pioneer Woman's mac and cheese, but this recipe is better.) I made a triple batch, and it was hammered. We all wear pajamas and everyone comes over and brings food and blankets and we are bums ALL DAY. We watched "The Santa Clause," "Elf," "Polar Express," "A Christmas Carol," "The Grinch," "The Grinch" cartoon, ""Four Christmases," and "Christmas Vacation." it is so needed after the busy holiday.
On Wednesday, we visited with my cousins, and we had a wonderful time. We went to their house, and we had a blast.
Thursday was the Christmas celebration at my dad's mom. We had lasagna, salad, bread and tons of cookies and cake.
On New Year's Eve, my parents hosted again! It was great and the night did not conclude until almost 5 a.m. on New Year's Day. We played games and had a wonderful time. My sister-in-law and her boyfriend stayed with us because my in-laws Christmas celebration was the next day, and their house was a bit crowded. So, after virtually no sleep, we headed to the in-laws for a wonderful Christmas gathering. It was a long day!
The next day we went to church and then my husband, sister-in-law and her boyfriend headed to my parents' house for leftovers. Then my sister-in-law headed back to Cleveland, and we went to my parents' for dinner that evening.
It was a busy but wonderful holiday. Although we continued the season through yesterday, our big celebrating concluded then. I wish everyone a blessed and Happy New Year! Hopefully we have an exciting and winderful year approaching. Stay tuned, and I am back!
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friends. Show all posts
Monday, January 10, 2011
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Christmas from the Past!
So, I am going to try to do one post every day this month! December, what a great month to start with, right? We'll see!
Anyways, I this is a wonderful month. I was so enthralled to wake up to snow falling on the ground on Dec. 1. It felt magical. I love the snow, and it is pretty snow. I love everything about the holidays, especially how often I get to spend time with family and friends. I love the smell of winter, fires burning, cookies baking, Christmas music playing ( I have it on at work right now - Celine Dion's "O Holy Night"). I just love it, really.
In honor of the month of Christmas, I am going to post some pictures of some Christmases past. After looking through my files, I realize the only two Christmases I have uploaded are from 2007 and 2009 (the rest are on the computer at home). I will warn you, this post is picture heavy. So, here they are:
Anyways, I this is a wonderful month. I was so enthralled to wake up to snow falling on the ground on Dec. 1. It felt magical. I love the snow, and it is pretty snow. I love everything about the holidays, especially how often I get to spend time with family and friends. I love the smell of winter, fires burning, cookies baking, Christmas music playing ( I have it on at work right now - Celine Dion's "O Holy Night"). I just love it, really.
In honor of the month of Christmas, I am going to post some pictures of some Christmases past. After looking through my files, I realize the only two Christmases I have uploaded are from 2007 and 2009 (the rest are on the computer at home). I will warn you, this post is picture heavy. So, here they are:
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| Cutting down our tree in 2007 |
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| Our Maddy in 2007! |
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| Daddy and Maddy on Christmas Eve morning 2007! |
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| Us in front of our tree after Christmas Eve Mass 2007 |
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| She is trying to guilt us into more gifts! That adorable face gets us every time! |
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| This is during our gift exchange at our party. |
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Some of the gang at our house for our annual Christmas party. |
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| Hubby and me before Christmas Eve Mass. |
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| The 2008 cruise group at our Christmas party! |
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| My brother's girlfriend Maria, me and my sister Kayla at my parents' house after Christmas Eve Mass. |
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| My brother Derek and me at my parents' house on Christmas Eve. |
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| My husband and me at Grandma's on Christmas. |
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Gift time at my other grandma's house on Christmas Day!  |
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| We host a movie day after Christmas Day at our house. Everyone lays around ALL DAY, eats and watches Christmas movies. We all wear pajamas and are so lazy. It is wonderful! |
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| My sister and I with Dad at Grandma's house. |
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Carolina's Coming!
Yeah, so I was going strong, blogging almost every weekday and absolutely loving it. Then, life happened!
We decided to have our living room painted and had to clear those rooms out for the painter, pick paint, pick new curtains, etc. After the painting was done I decided I wanted to do a good clean of the two rooms, which mean floorboards, floors, rugs, every piece of furniture in the room and everything that goes back into the room (including what goes back into the china hutch). It was tough work. After I finished that, I decided I wanted to do a good clean of the back bedroom since my best girlfriend, Carolina, is coming to stay with us. So, that meant scrubbing the walls, floorboards, floors, rug, cleaning the curtains, comforter sheets and everything that went back into my room. My back is crying for a break. Yuck.
But, it will pay off because I get to see my Carolina! I just have to clean the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom tonight and maybe make a few treats for the weekend.
Carolina is from Columbia, and we met in college in a history class. We studied together a couple of times, and we really hit it off. I was a communications/journalism major, and she was a communications/theater major. We ended up having a few classes that overlapped, and we just kept hitting it off. Although I was not involved in theater in college, I loved and still do love theater. Carolina was the stage manager in many of the productions, and I loved going to see her.
Our second year in college, my first roommate decided to live off of campus, so I was left without a roommate. Carolina was my suite mate, and when things with her roommate didn't work out (think young college girl dating a man older than my parents...blah), Carolina decided to move in with me.
We stayed roommates throughout the rest of our college experience. She was the neat freak, and I was the slob. However, I think she rubbed off on me because I am a crazy clean person now. Yes, my house gets messy, but it drives me insane.
In our junior year of college, Carolina and I moved into a house on campus. That house is where we truly bonded. We got our own rooms and had the chance to have some more space to ourselves. It was really good for us. We spent many nights sitting on each other's beds laughing, crying, studying and gossiping (and we, of course, occasionally opened a nice bottle of wine). It was perfect!
After college, Carolina moved around a few times and is now living in Virginia, near Washington, D.C. We see each other more now than we did a few years ago. The last two Thanksgivings she has come to our place (day after Thanksgiving). Last Thanksgiving, she came down to our place, and we went to Cleveland to see "Wicked" and the house from "The Christmas Story." I traveled down to see her the week of Holy Week, and we went to the cherry blossom festival and to see a production of "Sweeney Todd." It was nice because her birthday is April 2, and I got to see her! Remember, we love our theater. So, that's always an important part of our time together, too!
I can't wait for this weekend. Our plans include some Christmas shopping and catching up with friends for a nice dinner. It will be great and relaxing!
I will try to get back into blogging more. Right now is rough because of the holidays and other big things going on, but I am trying to get back into the swing!
Have a great day!
We decided to have our living room painted and had to clear those rooms out for the painter, pick paint, pick new curtains, etc. After the painting was done I decided I wanted to do a good clean of the two rooms, which mean floorboards, floors, rugs, every piece of furniture in the room and everything that goes back into the room (including what goes back into the china hutch). It was tough work. After I finished that, I decided I wanted to do a good clean of the back bedroom since my best girlfriend, Carolina, is coming to stay with us. So, that meant scrubbing the walls, floorboards, floors, rug, cleaning the curtains, comforter sheets and everything that went back into my room. My back is crying for a break. Yuck.
But, it will pay off because I get to see my Carolina! I just have to clean the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom tonight and maybe make a few treats for the weekend.
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| Carolina and I waiting to see "Sweeney Todd" in April. |
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| Me and Carolina at the Cherry Blossom Festival! We had incredibly beautiful weather. |
Carolina is from Columbia, and we met in college in a history class. We studied together a couple of times, and we really hit it off. I was a communications/journalism major, and she was a communications/theater major. We ended up having a few classes that overlapped, and we just kept hitting it off. Although I was not involved in theater in college, I loved and still do love theater. Carolina was the stage manager in many of the productions, and I loved going to see her.
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| Carolina, my mom and me |
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| Carolina looking adorable, while I look like a total bum. We were heading home after "Wicked." |
We stayed roommates throughout the rest of our college experience. She was the neat freak, and I was the slob. However, I think she rubbed off on me because I am a crazy clean person now. Yes, my house gets messy, but it drives me insane.
In our junior year of college, Carolina and I moved into a house on campus. That house is where we truly bonded. We got our own rooms and had the chance to have some more space to ourselves. It was really good for us. We spent many nights sitting on each other's beds laughing, crying, studying and gossiping (and we, of course, occasionally opened a nice bottle of wine). It was perfect!
After college, Carolina moved around a few times and is now living in Virginia, near Washington, D.C. We see each other more now than we did a few years ago. The last two Thanksgivings she has come to our place (day after Thanksgiving). Last Thanksgiving, she came down to our place, and we went to Cleveland to see "Wicked" and the house from "The Christmas Story." I traveled down to see her the week of Holy Week, and we went to the cherry blossom festival and to see a production of "Sweeney Todd." It was nice because her birthday is April 2, and I got to see her! Remember, we love our theater. So, that's always an important part of our time together, too!
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| Carolina and I at "Wicked" last November. |
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| My brother's girlfriend Maria, Carolina and I waiting for "Wicked." |
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| At a restaurant featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," after "Wicked." |
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| Visiting the house from "The Christmas Story," after "Wicked." |
I will try to get back into blogging more. Right now is rough because of the holidays and other big things going on, but I am trying to get back into the swing!
Have a great day!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Week in Review - Oct. 17-23, 2010; Halloween Party
Well, we had another fun and exciting weekend, and now it's a rainy Monday. What a bummer! Anyways, last week was so busy, and I was lazy and forgot to (more like neglected to) document each day. So, I am trying to recall it all at one time! What a joy.
Sunday - It was the day after alumni band, and since we went to Mass as a part of those festivities, we didn't have to go to Mass that day. However, I did have to get up and do a Weight Watchers meeting in excruciating pain. Remember my foot saga? Oh, it was bad. I pretty much laid around and elevated my foot for the rest of the day. I even watched some of that show "Sister Wives." I totally and completely disagree with their entire lifestyle, but I couldn't look away. It was like a car accident. Later, we headed down to my parents' house for pizza and then headed home. It was relaxing, and it was nice for a change.
Monday - Monday, my foot was swollen bad, and I had trouble putting a shoe on. I hobbled into work, and my co-worker Janice encouraged me to call my doctor. So, I took the afternoon off and went to the doctor who was convinced I had gout. That whole story is here. After stopping by the doctor's office, I went to the store for my weekly groceries and dropped off my prescription. Then, I headed home and put rustic chicken in the crock pot. It was so yummy. I then ate lunch and relaxed for the afternoon and evening.
Tuesday - I woke up, and the steroids and pain killers were magical; I finally had some relief. I did some light working out that day, just to see how it went. I went to work. After work, I made beef and noodles and worked on cleaning out the office a bit in the evening. "Glee" was a re-run, so I had to make other plans. I had some stuff to put in storage, and my brother and Joe took the stuff downstairs.
Wednesday - I woke up and did Tae Bo before work. I then headed home for lunch. After work, I dropped off some stuff to Goodwill, and then I headed to Weight Watchers to do my meeting. We had leftovers for dinner, and for Wednesday date night, we watched "Hocus Pocus." We love that movie. Then we relaxed for the rest of the meeting before heading to bed.
Thursday - I got up and worked out (I believe). I went to work and went home at lunch to put chili in the crock pot for dinner. I can't remember what I did right after work. But, I remember we had chili for dinner, and then my brother came up to watch "Community," "The Office" and "Outsourced." We had hot chocolate and had a great evening, and Joe finished putting together my Halloween costume (pictures coming).
Friday - We had a busy weekend coming up. I went grocery shopping for all the events. When I came home, we had leftover chili for dinner. Joe had cleaned the house, and we had a great evening making a spider cake. We made a chocolate cake in the shape of a spider's body. We used chocolate frosting and chocolate sprinkles (to make it look hairy). Then we made chocolate-covered marshmallows and attached them going out from the body, to make the legs. We used pretzel M&Ms for eyes. It was huge and was a hit. We delivered it to my parents' house. That night, I could not sleep. I think I was up until 5 a.m., absolutely wide awake. It was terrible. I have gone through bouts of terrible sleep for years, and this weekend was bad. I was so exhausted. I only slept for three hours. I then got up and made a lot of food for Sunday. We were planning on heading to the pumpkin patch, and I was having my family over afterwards for food and "Sweeney Todd." On Saturday, I made pumpkin trifle, sweet potato salad, pumpkin dip and a cheeseball. Then I showered, ate and laid down for a bit before the Halloween party at my parents'. However, I only slept maybe a half an hour. I got up, got my stuff together, got ready, and then we headed to the party. We stayed there until 2:30 a.m. Then we headed home, and I got approximately five hours of sleep before my Sunday Weight Watchers meeting. It made for a long and tiresome Sunday.
Yesterday, I got up, did my meeting, went to choir and church, headed to the pumpkin patch for a fabulous but hot few hours. We went to the shop, ate fudge and kettlecorn, shopped and had a wonderful day. Joe, my mom, dad, sister and I went, and it was so much fun. We headed to Kroger before heading back to the house for food. I served a pepperoni cheeseball (with crackers); pumpkin dip (with gingersnaps, Nilla wafers, graham crackers and cinnamon pretzels); pumpkin soup and bread; barbecue beef for sandwiches; a walnut, feta cheese and cranberry salad; homemade macaroni and cheese; Doritos; pretzels; some leftover desserts from Saturday that my mom brought up and an awesome pumpkin trifle. It was tasty. My mom, dad, sister, brother, Maria (brother's girlfriend), Joe, Father Bill (family friend who's a priest), friend Shaun and I had a great evening and watched the gruesome "Sweeney Todd," which was a hit. Joe and I love that movie.
What a week. I need a nap after my long weekend!
Here are a few more pictures from the Halloween party. Pumpkin patch pictures will come next week.
Sunday - It was the day after alumni band, and since we went to Mass as a part of those festivities, we didn't have to go to Mass that day. However, I did have to get up and do a Weight Watchers meeting in excruciating pain. Remember my foot saga? Oh, it was bad. I pretty much laid around and elevated my foot for the rest of the day. I even watched some of that show "Sister Wives." I totally and completely disagree with their entire lifestyle, but I couldn't look away. It was like a car accident. Later, we headed down to my parents' house for pizza and then headed home. It was relaxing, and it was nice for a change.
Monday - Monday, my foot was swollen bad, and I had trouble putting a shoe on. I hobbled into work, and my co-worker Janice encouraged me to call my doctor. So, I took the afternoon off and went to the doctor who was convinced I had gout. That whole story is here. After stopping by the doctor's office, I went to the store for my weekly groceries and dropped off my prescription. Then, I headed home and put rustic chicken in the crock pot. It was so yummy. I then ate lunch and relaxed for the afternoon and evening.
Tuesday - I woke up, and the steroids and pain killers were magical; I finally had some relief. I did some light working out that day, just to see how it went. I went to work. After work, I made beef and noodles and worked on cleaning out the office a bit in the evening. "Glee" was a re-run, so I had to make other plans. I had some stuff to put in storage, and my brother and Joe took the stuff downstairs.
Wednesday - I woke up and did Tae Bo before work. I then headed home for lunch. After work, I dropped off some stuff to Goodwill, and then I headed to Weight Watchers to do my meeting. We had leftovers for dinner, and for Wednesday date night, we watched "Hocus Pocus." We love that movie. Then we relaxed for the rest of the meeting before heading to bed.
Thursday - I got up and worked out (I believe). I went to work and went home at lunch to put chili in the crock pot for dinner. I can't remember what I did right after work. But, I remember we had chili for dinner, and then my brother came up to watch "Community," "The Office" and "Outsourced." We had hot chocolate and had a great evening, and Joe finished putting together my Halloween costume (pictures coming).
Friday - We had a busy weekend coming up. I went grocery shopping for all the events. When I came home, we had leftover chili for dinner. Joe had cleaned the house, and we had a great evening making a spider cake. We made a chocolate cake in the shape of a spider's body. We used chocolate frosting and chocolate sprinkles (to make it look hairy). Then we made chocolate-covered marshmallows and attached them going out from the body, to make the legs. We used pretzel M&Ms for eyes. It was huge and was a hit. We delivered it to my parents' house. That night, I could not sleep. I think I was up until 5 a.m., absolutely wide awake. It was terrible. I have gone through bouts of terrible sleep for years, and this weekend was bad. I was so exhausted. I only slept for three hours. I then got up and made a lot of food for Sunday. We were planning on heading to the pumpkin patch, and I was having my family over afterwards for food and "Sweeney Todd." On Saturday, I made pumpkin trifle, sweet potato salad, pumpkin dip and a cheeseball. Then I showered, ate and laid down for a bit before the Halloween party at my parents'. However, I only slept maybe a half an hour. I got up, got my stuff together, got ready, and then we headed to the party. We stayed there until 2:30 a.m. Then we headed home, and I got approximately five hours of sleep before my Sunday Weight Watchers meeting. It made for a long and tiresome Sunday.
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| Making the spider cake. My husband is the artist, and this was his baby. |
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| I am working on the frosting and sprinkles. |
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| Our finished project. I have quite a creative husband! |
Yesterday, I got up, did my meeting, went to choir and church, headed to the pumpkin patch for a fabulous but hot few hours. We went to the shop, ate fudge and kettlecorn, shopped and had a wonderful day. Joe, my mom, dad, sister and I went, and it was so much fun. We headed to Kroger before heading back to the house for food. I served a pepperoni cheeseball (with crackers); pumpkin dip (with gingersnaps, Nilla wafers, graham crackers and cinnamon pretzels); pumpkin soup and bread; barbecue beef for sandwiches; a walnut, feta cheese and cranberry salad; homemade macaroni and cheese; Doritos; pretzels; some leftover desserts from Saturday that my mom brought up and an awesome pumpkin trifle. It was tasty. My mom, dad, sister, brother, Maria (brother's girlfriend), Joe, Father Bill (family friend who's a priest), friend Shaun and I had a great evening and watched the gruesome "Sweeney Todd," which was a hit. Joe and I love that movie.
What a week. I need a nap after my long weekend!
Here are a few more pictures from the Halloween party. Pumpkin patch pictures will come next week.
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| My awesome parents dressed up as Carnival Cruise Line employees. We love cruising, and I love them! Hilarious. |
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| And the big reveal of our costumes. I was Flo, the Progressive Insurance girl, and Joe was the Nationwide guy. This was Joe's idea. He made my apron and buttons. |
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| My brother was the three hole punch version of Derek (as opposed to Jim). If you watch "The Office," you understand. |
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Week in Review Oct. 10-16
This was a fun but busy week. I was on deadline for work, we had alumni band, my brother-in-law came in for a visit with his kids and my parents went to Baltimore on a trip with the church. So,here goes nothing!
Sunday- I had to go lead my Weight Watcher meeting in the morning. We then headed to church for choir and had Mass. Then we headed back to our house, and my brother-in-law Jim stopped by for a quick visit with his two kids, Hannah and Ethan, before heading back to his house two hours away. Jim was visiting my in-laws all weekend (who live 15 minutes away). His wife couldn't come because she had to work all weekend. We had a nice visit. Earlier in the morning Jim called me and asked me to be baby Ethan's godmother.Of course I said yes, and I looked forward to Jim coming over so I could snuggle with the little guy. It took him a few minutes to warm up to me, but he did. After Jim left, I went to the mall to get my uncle a Steelers' shirt for his birthday, and then I went home and woke Joe up, so he could come to my grandma's house with me for my uncle's party. We then headed up to my grandma's for dinner.We had my grandma's amazing meatballs, pasta salad, my mom's wedding soup and pumpkin pie for birthday cake. After a long day,we came home and relaxed before bed.
Sunday- I had to go lead my Weight Watcher meeting in the morning. We then headed to church for choir and had Mass. Then we headed back to our house, and my brother-in-law Jim stopped by for a quick visit with his two kids, Hannah and Ethan, before heading back to his house two hours away. Jim was visiting my in-laws all weekend (who live 15 minutes away). His wife couldn't come because she had to work all weekend. We had a nice visit. Earlier in the morning Jim called me and asked me to be baby Ethan's godmother.Of course I said yes, and I looked forward to Jim coming over so I could snuggle with the little guy. It took him a few minutes to warm up to me, but he did. After Jim left, I went to the mall to get my uncle a Steelers' shirt for his birthday, and then I went home and woke Joe up, so he could come to my grandma's house with me for my uncle's party. We then headed up to my grandma's for dinner.We had my grandma's amazing meatballs, pasta salad, my mom's wedding soup and pumpkin pie for birthday cake. After a long day,we came home and relaxed before bed.
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| It's Aunt Renee and her newest godson! |
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| He is wondering about me! |
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| Happy birthday, Uncle Joe! |
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| Go Steelers! |
Monday - I woke up bright and early to walk Maddy,and then headed to work. It was a deadline week at the paper, so it was a busy day.I went grocery shopping during lunch. I then packed up a lunch and headed back to work. After work, I had to go to the doctor's office to pick up a physical paper for my brother, since my parents were out of town, and Derek had to go straight from class to work. Afterwards, I went home, made chicken with tomatoes, baked potatoes and corn for dinner. After dinner, Joe did dishes, and I cleaned out the hall closet, while watching the season opener of "Giuliana and Bill." Yes, I am a reality show junkie. Then, I went to bed absolutely exhausted, but I couldn't sleep until 2 a.m. It made for a long Tuesday!
Tuesday - Even though I had a long night, I got up early and did a workout from digital cable. I then headed to work for actual deadline day. I went home at lunch to put a ham in the crock pot, and I headed back to work. Joe finished dinner. He made mashed potatoes and green beans. I got home at around 7 p.m. and ate. Then we relaxed and watched T.V. Kayla came up and we watcher "Glee." It was great episode about duets. Loved it. Then I blogged a bit and headed to bed. What a long day!
Wednesday - Wednesday I woke up and went to work. I know I worked out at some point, but I can't remember if it was in the morning or during lunch. I went to work, and after work headed to Walmart to pick up supplies to make the Oreo cupcakes I was making for the weekend. Then I had my Weight Watchers meeting, headed home to my house that my husband cleaned (we're talking bathrooms and all) and ate ham leftovers. Then I had a Weight Watchers conference call at 8 p.m. Afterwards, Joe and I watched "Sweeney Todd," and relaxed. My sister, brother, and brother's friend Ben stopped by for a few minutes. We had a a nice evening.
Thursday - Thursday I was planning to have my parents up for dinner because they got back very late Wednesday night from a three-day trip to Baltimore, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C., and I wanted to hear about the trip. Well, Joe had cleaned the whole house the night before, so I didn't have to worry too much about that. I think I did Tae Bo in the morning before heading to work. At lunch, I came home and made an apple spice bundt cake; it was yummy! After work, I headed home and made taco salad, corn bread, cinnamon applesauce and macaroni and cheese. Then my parents came up for dinner. It was yummy, and we had a chance to visit, look at pictures and relax. It was really awesome. After they left, my brother and sister and my brother's friend came up to watch "The Office." It was a great night.
Friday - I woke up early and did ab exercises. My left foot was killing me (and still is), and I couldn't do much exercise. It is a pain that radiates from the inside ball of my left foot into the toe. It even looks slightly swollen today (Sunday). Joy! I then went to work, came home and baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cupcakes that were divine. (I even chopped up Oreos for the cake batter and for the frosting.) Then, Joe and I relaxed and watched "Groundhog Day" before heading to bed.
Saturday - It was the big alumni day I have been talking about. We had practice at 11 a.m. at the high school. I got up early, went to practice, and we all headed to get Chinese after practice. Then we headed to Mass at the high school and played after Mass. Then, we rode in the band bus to the stadium (five minute drive away). The game was fun, and we ate a lot of Swedish fish, which is an odd tradition for alumni band. After the game, we drove cars (that we dropped off at the stadium earlier in the day) back to the school and played at the fish fry. Then we hung out in the band room and Chris (alumni band member) played "American Pie," "Piano Man" and "Sweet Caroline," while we sang along. Chris is, by far, the most talented musician I know. He can hear a song and just play it right now - no music needed. Amazing! Afterwards, my cousins Megan and Ryan rode with us back to my parents' house. My mom had awesome roast beef sandwiches, chips, Doritos, potato salad and macaroni and cheese. We also had my cookies and cupcakes for dessert. We ended the party way into the night (after 2 a.m.), and I had to be up for my Weight Watchers meeting at 7 a.m. That was a blast (notice the sarcasm).
Today, I am relaxing and taking it easy. I hope that by relaxing, I will give my foot some time to heal. Go Steelers. Ben is back!
Wednesday - Wednesday I woke up and went to work. I know I worked out at some point, but I can't remember if it was in the morning or during lunch. I went to work, and after work headed to Walmart to pick up supplies to make the Oreo cupcakes I was making for the weekend. Then I had my Weight Watchers meeting, headed home to my house that my husband cleaned (we're talking bathrooms and all) and ate ham leftovers. Then I had a Weight Watchers conference call at 8 p.m. Afterwards, Joe and I watched "Sweeney Todd," and relaxed. My sister, brother, and brother's friend Ben stopped by for a few minutes. We had a a nice evening.
Thursday - Thursday I was planning to have my parents up for dinner because they got back very late Wednesday night from a three-day trip to Baltimore, Gettysburg and Washington, D.C., and I wanted to hear about the trip. Well, Joe had cleaned the whole house the night before, so I didn't have to worry too much about that. I think I did Tae Bo in the morning before heading to work. At lunch, I came home and made an apple spice bundt cake; it was yummy! After work, I headed home and made taco salad, corn bread, cinnamon applesauce and macaroni and cheese. Then my parents came up for dinner. It was yummy, and we had a chance to visit, look at pictures and relax. It was really awesome. After they left, my brother and sister and my brother's friend came up to watch "The Office." It was a great night.
Friday - I woke up early and did ab exercises. My left foot was killing me (and still is), and I couldn't do much exercise. It is a pain that radiates from the inside ball of my left foot into the toe. It even looks slightly swollen today (Sunday). Joy! I then went to work, came home and baked pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cupcakes that were divine. (I even chopped up Oreos for the cake batter and for the frosting.) Then, Joe and I relaxed and watched "Groundhog Day" before heading to bed.
Saturday - It was the big alumni day I have been talking about. We had practice at 11 a.m. at the high school. I got up early, went to practice, and we all headed to get Chinese after practice. Then we headed to Mass at the high school and played after Mass. Then, we rode in the band bus to the stadium (five minute drive away). The game was fun, and we ate a lot of Swedish fish, which is an odd tradition for alumni band. After the game, we drove cars (that we dropped off at the stadium earlier in the day) back to the school and played at the fish fry. Then we hung out in the band room and Chris (alumni band member) played "American Pie," "Piano Man" and "Sweet Caroline," while we sang along. Chris is, by far, the most talented musician I know. He can hear a song and just play it right now - no music needed. Amazing! Afterwards, my cousins Megan and Ryan rode with us back to my parents' house. My mom had awesome roast beef sandwiches, chips, Doritos, potato salad and macaroni and cheese. We also had my cookies and cupcakes for dessert. We ended the party way into the night (after 2 a.m.), and I had to be up for my Weight Watchers meeting at 7 a.m. That was a blast (notice the sarcasm).
Today, I am relaxing and taking it easy. I hope that by relaxing, I will give my foot some time to heal. Go Steelers. Ben is back!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Alumni Game 2010
As I mentioned, this weekend is alumni band weekend, and I am so excited because so many of my former band peers are coming in for it this year. We will have practice tomorrow morning at the school, and then we will all head to lunch before returning to the school for Mass (Catholic high school). After Mass, we will head to the game and play and hang out. I doubt I will play much, as I look forward to the company more than anything, but my whole family will be playing, and it is a good time. When I say my whole family, I mean my mom, dad, sister, brother, aunt, uncle and cousin. Yes, we were all in the same band, at different times, of course :)
After the game, we are always pretty starved. So, we will head to my parents, and my mom will have tasty food. I am going to make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cupcakes. We also bought a couple dozen smiley face cookies from a local bakery, which was a treat my group always enjoyed while we were growing up. Yum!
Here is the link for the Oreo cupcakes:
http://acupfullofcake.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-death-by-oreo-cupcakes.html
Here is the link for the chocolate chip pumpkin cookies:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-iii/Detail.aspx
Now, I haven't made either recipe, yet, but you can be sure I will give you a full update next week. I mean, honestly, how can they be bad? They are chocolate and Oreos and frosting. Thinking about that alone made me just gain five pounds! Normally, I like to make apple pie cupcakes for the fall alumni game, but I am changing it up this year. I love trying new recipes in the kitchen, and my husband never seems to mind! Since my post was so picture heavy yesterday, I will keep it free of pictures this time. Be sure there will be plenty from alumni game next week.
Have a great weekend and be safe!
After the game, we are always pretty starved. So, we will head to my parents, and my mom will have tasty food. I am going to make pumpkin chocolate chip cookies and Oreo cupcakes. We also bought a couple dozen smiley face cookies from a local bakery, which was a treat my group always enjoyed while we were growing up. Yum!
Here is the link for the Oreo cupcakes:
http://acupfullofcake.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-death-by-oreo-cupcakes.html
Here is the link for the chocolate chip pumpkin cookies:
http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies-iii/Detail.aspx
Now, I haven't made either recipe, yet, but you can be sure I will give you a full update next week. I mean, honestly, how can they be bad? They are chocolate and Oreos and frosting. Thinking about that alone made me just gain five pounds! Normally, I like to make apple pie cupcakes for the fall alumni game, but I am changing it up this year. I love trying new recipes in the kitchen, and my husband never seems to mind! Since my post was so picture heavy yesterday, I will keep it free of pictures this time. Be sure there will be plenty from alumni game next week.
Have a great weekend and be safe!
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
25 random things about me
I have seen a lot of bloggers doing a "25 Random Things About Me" post, and I am not above being a copycat:) There are many quizzes and surveys out there that answer a lot of the basics, but this seems like more fun. This might get long, and I apologize in advance. I might go into a little more description about these in future blogs. So, here it goes:
1.) I have a major sweet tooth, and I mean major. I adore chocolate, candy, cake, cookies, and since I am constantly watching my weight, I have to work hard to limit these treats.
2.) My husband and family mean the world to me, and my biggest fear in the entire world is losing them. Enough of that, too depressing.
3.) I absolutely love Thanksgiving time and on through December, because I have a real obsession with Christmas. I love the sights, smells and sounds of the holidays. I think it even annoyed my husband when we were first together. Growing up, Christmas music began Nov. 1, and that tradition has finally taken hold in our household now.
4.) I obsess over my weight. I lost 40 pounds five years ago, and I have kept it off, but I still worry I will wake up one morning, and it will all be back on my body - irrational and silly, I know.
5.) I am a journalist, and I love writing. However, I like writing here more than what I do for a living. There is more freedom and less censoring. Side note: When I do write, I follow Associated Press Style because that is what I follow for work.
6.) I love to travel. Since getting married, my husband and I have been to Disney World (honeymoon), Minnesota, Virginia, Baltimore, the Caribbean, the British and American Virgin Islands, Mexico, Florida, New York and Ireland. There have been many other side trips along the way, but those are the major locales. Many of the tropical places were places we visited when cruising. Travel is so important to me. I grew up traveling, and it is something I want to pass onto my family.
7.) I love spending time in the kitchen trying new and creative recipes.
8.) I love to entertain. I work very hard planning parties, and my husband and I throw several parties each year: birthdays, day after Thanksgiving gathering, Christmas party, Super Bowl gathering and St. Patrick's Day party, along with all of the other gatherings we host.
9.) My husband and I have a small, but incredible, group of friends. We have known each other since high school, and they are mostly guys, but we love them dearly. They are very supportive, and we even travel together.
10.) I am a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, Notre Dame and my high school football team. My husband and I, along with my aforementioned friends and family, still have season tickets to the high school games.
11.) My husband and I eat dinner together, at the dinner table, with the television off every night, unless one of us is working. I am so proud of that and really cherish that time.
12.) I have a hard time picking out one hobby to stick with. I think I get too many ideas and can't stick to anything in particular. I love to read, watch television and scrapbook. I really love blogging;)
13.) I am a very anxious person and stress over so many significant and insignificant things. It drives my husband and me crazy. I really need to figure this one out.
14.) My favorite books are Harry Potter. I adore them, and I am reading them again before the movie comes out in two months. I better get on that!
15.) My pet peeves include: smokers who blow smoke in my face, people who talk on cell phones and drive, loud chewing and poor drivers. I know these things make me look shallow, but it is the truth, and I want to be real here.
16.) I love fall. It is definitely my favorite season: the smell of spices and crisp air, the cool breeze, the changing leaves and the taste of apple cider!
17.) I am a person who loves tradition, and I stick to them. Each year, my husband and I go to a pumpkin patch, go shopping together the day after Thanksgiving and eat lunch at Panera Bread that day, cut down our own Christmas tree, decorate our tree together, go to the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert and much more.
18.) The thing I love about my husband most is that he does so many things with me. From eating together, to attending graduation parties and vacationing with my family, my husband is there and doesn't say a word. My family truly is my husband's family, and I love that about him. I don't have to worry about going anywhere alone, because as long as he is not working, Joe is right by my side.
19.) Since getting married, have become a clean freak. It drives my husband crazy sometimes, I am sure, but I used to be so disorganized. It was like I did a 180-degree spin.
20.) My dog Maddy is a rescue dog and is my life. I love her to pieces.
21.) My favorite day of the week is Thursday.
22.) I absolutely love, love, love anything and everything that is Disney. I love the old movies, the music, Walt Disney World and the magic that I feel when I experience it. I love Disney so much that we went to Walt Disney World for our honeymoon and can't wait to go back.
23.) I equally love musicals. As I mentioned before, my family loves music, and all of us can play instruments. We used to watch musicals when I was a kid, and I still love them to this very day. Some of my favorites are: "Sound of Music," "Music Man," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Wicked," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" (which is a musical that brings another tradition into my family, and I will talk about that in a later post).
24.) My biggest dream my whole life has been to be a mom. I feel it is a calling, and I look forward to someday fulfilling that dream. I also hope to stay at home with my kids (to some extent) because my mom stayed home with us, and I am still grateful for that sacrifice she made.
25.) We live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and although that can be obnoxious at times, it keeps me grounded now and while I was growing up. Also, there is always someone there for you when you need it. It really is a good thing.
Sorry that was so long. If you made it all the way through, you deserve a treat. I say you go for a nice big bowl of ice cream or a warm chocolate chip cookie (that's the sweet tooth speaking).
1.) I have a major sweet tooth, and I mean major. I adore chocolate, candy, cake, cookies, and since I am constantly watching my weight, I have to work hard to limit these treats.
2.) My husband and family mean the world to me, and my biggest fear in the entire world is losing them. Enough of that, too depressing.
3.) I absolutely love Thanksgiving time and on through December, because I have a real obsession with Christmas. I love the sights, smells and sounds of the holidays. I think it even annoyed my husband when we were first together. Growing up, Christmas music began Nov. 1, and that tradition has finally taken hold in our household now.
4.) I obsess over my weight. I lost 40 pounds five years ago, and I have kept it off, but I still worry I will wake up one morning, and it will all be back on my body - irrational and silly, I know.
5.) I am a journalist, and I love writing. However, I like writing here more than what I do for a living. There is more freedom and less censoring. Side note: When I do write, I follow Associated Press Style because that is what I follow for work.
6.) I love to travel. Since getting married, my husband and I have been to Disney World (honeymoon), Minnesota, Virginia, Baltimore, the Caribbean, the British and American Virgin Islands, Mexico, Florida, New York and Ireland. There have been many other side trips along the way, but those are the major locales. Many of the tropical places were places we visited when cruising. Travel is so important to me. I grew up traveling, and it is something I want to pass onto my family.
7.) I love spending time in the kitchen trying new and creative recipes.
8.) I love to entertain. I work very hard planning parties, and my husband and I throw several parties each year: birthdays, day after Thanksgiving gathering, Christmas party, Super Bowl gathering and St. Patrick's Day party, along with all of the other gatherings we host.
9.) My husband and I have a small, but incredible, group of friends. We have known each other since high school, and they are mostly guys, but we love them dearly. They are very supportive, and we even travel together.
10.) I am a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, Notre Dame and my high school football team. My husband and I, along with my aforementioned friends and family, still have season tickets to the high school games.
11.) My husband and I eat dinner together, at the dinner table, with the television off every night, unless one of us is working. I am so proud of that and really cherish that time.
12.) I have a hard time picking out one hobby to stick with. I think I get too many ideas and can't stick to anything in particular. I love to read, watch television and scrapbook. I really love blogging;)
13.) I am a very anxious person and stress over so many significant and insignificant things. It drives my husband and me crazy. I really need to figure this one out.
14.) My favorite books are Harry Potter. I adore them, and I am reading them again before the movie comes out in two months. I better get on that!
15.) My pet peeves include: smokers who blow smoke in my face, people who talk on cell phones and drive, loud chewing and poor drivers. I know these things make me look shallow, but it is the truth, and I want to be real here.
16.) I love fall. It is definitely my favorite season: the smell of spices and crisp air, the cool breeze, the changing leaves and the taste of apple cider!
17.) I am a person who loves tradition, and I stick to them. Each year, my husband and I go to a pumpkin patch, go shopping together the day after Thanksgiving and eat lunch at Panera Bread that day, cut down our own Christmas tree, decorate our tree together, go to the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert and much more.
18.) The thing I love about my husband most is that he does so many things with me. From eating together, to attending graduation parties and vacationing with my family, my husband is there and doesn't say a word. My family truly is my husband's family, and I love that about him. I don't have to worry about going anywhere alone, because as long as he is not working, Joe is right by my side.
19.) Since getting married, have become a clean freak. It drives my husband crazy sometimes, I am sure, but I used to be so disorganized. It was like I did a 180-degree spin.
20.) My dog Maddy is a rescue dog and is my life. I love her to pieces.
21.) My favorite day of the week is Thursday.
22.) I absolutely love, love, love anything and everything that is Disney. I love the old movies, the music, Walt Disney World and the magic that I feel when I experience it. I love Disney so much that we went to Walt Disney World for our honeymoon and can't wait to go back.
23.) I equally love musicals. As I mentioned before, my family loves music, and all of us can play instruments. We used to watch musicals when I was a kid, and I still love them to this very day. Some of my favorites are: "Sound of Music," "Music Man," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Wicked," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" (which is a musical that brings another tradition into my family, and I will talk about that in a later post).
24.) My biggest dream my whole life has been to be a mom. I feel it is a calling, and I look forward to someday fulfilling that dream. I also hope to stay at home with my kids (to some extent) because my mom stayed home with us, and I am still grateful for that sacrifice she made.
25.) We live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and although that can be obnoxious at times, it keeps me grounded now and while I was growing up. Also, there is always someone there for you when you need it. It really is a good thing.
Sorry that was so long. If you made it all the way through, you deserve a treat. I say you go for a nice big bowl of ice cream or a warm chocolate chip cookie (that's the sweet tooth speaking).
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