P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 366 - (+1) Happy New Year!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 366 - (+1) Happy New Year!

As 2012 is drawing to a close, I have been sitting here trying to come up with poignant words to wrap it all up in a neat little bow.  Unfortunately, I am having a hard  time doing that.  2012 is a year not easily tied up into a neat little bow...there were ups and downs, happiness and sadness, hellos and goodbyes...but then what year doesn't have that to some degree.  So instead of summing up the year that I spent 366 days summarizing as we went along, I will instead end the year with this wish for continued health, happiness, love, and laughter.  May 2013 bring positive changes, exciting endeavors and time spent with family and friends.  
To that end, I need to go get comfy on the couch with My Wonderful Husband, The Bear, The Princess, and The Boy for the movie they are waiting for me to start....  Happy New Year!  

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book.  
Write a good one."  - Brad Paisley

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 365 - Clean up

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 365 - Clean up

It all started innocently enough this morning.  I was going to take down the Christmas decorations and the tree since we were home and had no plans.  That was how it all started.....this is where it all ended...  When I went up to the kids' rooms to take down the trees in their rooms, my spidey senses were assaulted by a mess beyond all my neat freak mind could comprehend.  Thus began a clean up to end all clean ups - "What is this?" "I don't know." "Do you need it then?" "I guess not."  "Ok then lets get rid of it."  We made donate piles and trash piles and cleaned the remaining belongings so that miraculously one might even know what is there.  
I did end up getting all of  the Christmas decorations down and put away and then I moved on to the playroom closet and added even more to the trash and donate piles.  In the end, we filled three large trash bags, four bags of clothes, and a pile of books, toys, games, puzzles, etc to donate that looks like Mt Everest.  
I feel better already and so do the kids if they are being honest...We are going into the new year clean and organized.  Bring it on 2013.. we are ready. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 364 - Snow Surfing

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 364 - Snow Surfing

These kids are all about the boards - surf boards, skate boards, and even these makeshift snow boards.  They were "snow surfing" down our big hill today and they had a blast!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 363 - Start the healing

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 363 - Start the healing

These past few months have been some of the most difficult in my life.  My dad's sickness and death followed by a hurricane that damaged a place that was special to us all and a connection to my parents was all almost more that I could bear.  So when we finally got back to the island yesterday, I literally sighed in relief.  I had missed this place so much.  My Wonderful Husband, the kids and I made a trip to a favorite spot for lunch today that had just opened back up yesterday after cleaning up the damage from the storm.  It was bittersweet to be back at Scojos without Poppy who had loved it as much as us, but it seemed a fitting place to come and start the healing in our hearts. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 362 - Heavy sigh

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 362 - Heavy sigh

The kids and I have not been to the beach house in almost four months.  My Wonderful Husband has been there a few times for clean up after the storm, but the kids and I haven't been on the island since before soccer season started.  The plan was to go to the beach house yesterday.  But snow in PA kept us housebound.  We were annoyed, but we rolled with it, changed our plans, and left this morning after the weather cleared.  I joked yesterday that "come snow or high water" we would make it to the island.  Little did I know how true that statement would be.... We made it to the island in great time and without incident and then started seeing the water as we crossed the bridge.  Uh oh, not looking good.... then we stopped.  This picture was actually a borrowed picture - we didn't even get this far and I was far too upset about the situation to grab my camera.  The island was so flooded that the boulevard was closed.  The police officer explained that it was impassable and it would be about two hours before they would be letting anyone pass.  Heavy sigh.  Ok...where does one go with a car full of three kids and a dog that just drove four hours from PA?  Thank goodness my cousin lives close by and let us "gate crash" and even fed us while we waited.  THANK YOU! :-) xo  After an impromptu visit and once the water receded we were able to get back on the island and finally made it to our house. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 361 - Lego Boys

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 361 - Lego Boys

My Lego boys spent the day putting together their new sets.  They are both very proud of their handy work :-)

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 360 - Merry Christmas!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 360 - Merry Christmas!

It really was a merry Christmas - some gift highlights from the day included a Lego Hogwarts set that The Bear has been asking for for a very.long.time, an American Girl doll for The Princess that she has named Kimmie, an Imaginext castle that The Boy was really hoping for, a sock monkey toy for The Pooch which he has already stripped of all of it's stuffing - it is now a sock monkey rag but he loves it just the same, a beautiful Coach purse that I never in a million years thought anyone would get for me, and some cool headphones for My Wonderful Husband.  While these gift highlights were all great, the real gift today was the time spent together, the good food we shared, and the love we all have for one another.  The gifts are just icing on the cake.  I think I have mentioned before that this year has been one full of quite a bit of heartache, stress, sickness, and sadness....but as this year winds down to a close and a new one approaches I continue to be thankful for the good that we have in our lives.  We are so very lucky and I am so very grateful....and as always  - Merry Christmas to all our family and friends far and near, those still with us and those not here... xoxoxo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 359 - my favorite night

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 359 - my favorite night

Christmas Eve is my favorite night of the year.  This year was tinted with shades of sadness as we missed special people no longer here to share in the day, but nonetheless this night is my favorite part of Christmas.  When I was little, it was the pinnacle of the season - the countdown had ended and I knew that Santa would be coming.  Then as I got older, I reveled in the traditions - even if I didn't eat all of the traditional seafood - there was something so special about the meal and the time spent together preparing and eating, talking and laughing.  With the arrival of our children, the night took on another special meaning... that same anticipation was reflected in the eyes of our children.  There is a magic to this day in its stillness.  In its quiet waiting.  In its togetherness and warmth.  When the snow started falling today, it was just added magic...a fluffy white blanket of snow to warm our hearts on Christmas Eve.  We reveled in the traditions - the seven fish, the family gifts, the cookies,  the reindeer food, the cookies for Santa, a farewell to our elves, new jammies, and children nestled in bed.  And even through the sadness, the magic of this night is not lost - it's the night before Christmas and all through this house not a creature is stirring not even a mouse.... Merry Christmas from the Leonard Family! 

P365(+1) - 2012 - Day 358 - Cookie Lovers

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 358 - Cookie Lovers

The Pooch didn't take too long to figure out where we keep his treats (cookies).  He, like his predecessor The Puppy, can be found many times of the day sitting in front of the cabinet where we keep them staring and willing it to open.  The kids aren't much different when it comes to Christmas cookies... While they might not sit in front of the pantry staring and they can actually use their opposable thumbs to open the pantry they find ways to beg nonetheless.  On the eve of Christmas Eve, I decided to lift the ban on eating the Christmas cookies (you appreciate them a lot more on Christmas if you haven't been already eating them for weeks prior) and let them have some with hot chocolate for dessert.  All cookie lovers were happy!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 357 - Two Days Left!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 357 - Two Days Left!

The excitement is building...another link came off of the Christmas chain and there are two days left until Christmas morning!  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 356 - Woo Hoo!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 356 - Woo Hoo!

This is what the first afternoon of winter break looked like.  Four kids chillin' in the playroom with a movie and popcorn.  You can almost hear the sighs of relief....from the kids and from me.  No early morning races, no making lunches, no rushed breakfast requests, no checklist reminders on the way out the door - "Did you brush your teeth? Do you have everything?" etc. etc.., no checking backpacks, no homework....NO SCHOOL for almost 2 weeks!   Woo Hoo!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 355 - Christmas Wishes

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 355 -  Christmas Wishes

We ended the day with a visit with Santa. I love watching the kids talk to Santa each year.  I love the smiles, the pure happiness.  I think Santa got a bit of an earful of Christmas wishes from these three...:-) 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 354 - ZIP LINE

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 354 - ZIP LINE

It is a wonder that Burke, Isabelle, and Barnes have the time to keep an eye on the kids and report back to Santa with all of the mischief they have been up to.  They have Santa'ed the kids' pictures, graffitied the blackboard in the playroom, taken over the Nutcrackers' jobs, sledded down the stairs, played with the dog's toys, played hide and seek, planned beach trips, and last night they set up a ZIP LINE!  They have been having quite a time during their visit this year.  But mischief or not, the kids will sure miss them when they go back to the North Pole on Christmas Eve....

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 353 - The stockings are hung...

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 353 - The stockings are hung

Our newest four legged family member has been living with us for almost 2 months now and yet  he did not have his very own Christmas stocking until today.  We have been meaning to get him one and just hadn't gotten around to it and then when I looked yesterday, none of them were right for him...  But today My Wonderful Husband found the perfect stocking and we added it to the mantel to join the rest of ours.  We are ready - the stockings are hung by the chimney with care  - My Wonderful Husband, Me, The Bear, The Princess, The Boy, and The Pooch! :-)

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 352 - New Hats

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 352 - New Hats - 

When the kids woke up this morning they found gifts from the elves in their rooms - New Hats!!!  The Bear has been talking about this Steelers Santa hat for years...I guess the elves finally got the hint.  The Boy was thrilled to get a Jets hat and The Princess could not look any cuter in her leopard Santa hat.  Good job elves:-)  and three more deserving kiddoes there can not be....xo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 351 - A quiet day

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 351 - A quiet day

Today was a quiet day.  I cleaned, the kids played.  They watched football with their Daddy.  They read.  It was perfect.  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 350 - ♥

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 350 - ♥
Our Christmas 2012 new ornament finally came in the mail today.  ♥

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 349 - simply grateful

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 349 - simply grateful

In light of tragic events in our world today, I am simply grateful for these three children that My Wonderful Husband and I are so lucky to have.    

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 348 - big discussions

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 348 - big discussions

There are big discussions going on in the Leonard household these days.  Some decisions have been made, some steps have been taken, and we continue to hold our breath and cross our fingers for other developments.  Most importantly though, during the discussions there were smiles - from the kids and from us.  Once we made our decision I feel like I took a deeper breath than I have in months (completely unrelated to my allergies;-)) and I have been smiling more than I remember smiling in quite some time.  I think good things are on their way.....  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 347 - 12*12*12

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 347 - 12*12*12

So today marks the end of my 12 on 12 project - 12 pictures on every 12th day of every month this year.  But today was no ordinary 12 on 12 - today was 12*12*12  - the last repeating date that we will see in our lifetime.  I think that is pretty cool.  It was supposed to be a "magical" day - well I don't know about that but I certainly tried to harness any magic today might offer.  It was a good day - but when I got the kids to bed and turned on the 12-12-12 Sandy Relief Benefit concert and got to hear Bon Jovi - my day got even better.  Then he and Bruce sang my favorite song - Who Says You Can't Go Home...and this Jersey Girl was very happy.  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 346 - firmly crossed

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 346 - firmly crossed

Dear Universe,

You and I have not been seeing eye to eye for quite some time.  We have even had some words - ok I have had words...but you have done your share - be honest.  But I am calling for a truce.  Not only that, I am asking that we change this dynamic that we have had going on.  Why can't we just get along?  So tell you what, I will be nice and I will not say any unflattering things about you, what you can do, or where you can go... instead I am sending all positive visualizations out to you while I keep my fingers firmly crossed (and boy is it ever hard to type with my fingers crossed all of the time)  I really think if you and I work together on this we can make some good things happen.... think about it and I will be in touch. Love ya! 

Your new friend xo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 345 - pretty cool

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 345 - pretty cool

Homework, it seems, has gone by the wayside (at least in the schools here) and I guess you can say I am "old school" - I think kids need homework.  Despite this no homework trend, The Boy's teacher this year has incorporated book reports that the children complete at home and I am thrilled.  The Boy chose Hour of the Olympics for this book report and he was thrilled that he finished reading the book tonight.  So thrilled that he got started on his project right away!  I am going to brag a bit here - all three of our kids are great readers!  I know this and yet as The Boy read me this book over the past week, I was just reminded of it.  He reads with inflection and expression.  He asks questions as he reads.  He is pretty cool and I am pretty proud.

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 344 - could not be more true

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 344 - could not be more true

I love these magnets that my friend gave me yesterday - they could not be more true!  xo
 
Throughout my life I have learned some lessons over and over.  But as I get older, the lessons finally seem to make more sense.... I only hope that somehow my kids don't have to do all of the leg work that I have spent a life time doing for them already.  In other words - dear children of mine - learn from my mistakes and I hope to set a good example for you.  Make sure that you surround yourself with people who truly care about you and who you truly care about.  Don't waste your time on those who really do not.  Learn to know the difference between the two. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 343 - absolutely perfect ornament

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 343 - absolutely perfect ornament

Our friends Stacey and Dale came to visit today on their way home from DC.  We were so happy to see them and share some holiday cheer and yummy food with them!  While just their visit was certainly gift enough...they also came bearing a few goodies for the kids and the puppy and they brought us this absolutely perfect ornament which I LOVE!! It is front and center on our tree and a great reminder of beach days that make this family so happy.

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 342 - Resident Paparazzi

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 342 - Resident Paparazzi

My resident paparazzi took this picture of me and My Wonderful Husband tonight before we headed out to a faculty holiday party. xoxo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 341 - The (Christmas) Baker

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 341 - The (Christmas) Baker

I love to cook but I am not a big fan of baking.  I think this has something to do with my intense dislike of following written directions.  Yes - there I said it - I hate following directions.  I am the person that looks at a picture on a box in order to put something together.  Now, My Wonderful Husband would tell you that this doesn't work - but it just doesn't work for him - for me - it works just fine.  So back to the cooking/baking conundrum.  Cooking, to me, is easy - I cook things I know and cook how I like things to taste....it's all second nature and what not....  Baking requires reading recipes which, as I stated, doesn't work for me and since I can't look at a picture of a cake and bake it, I tend not to bake.  Except at Christmas (well and Easter).  At Christmas, I am The Christmas Baker - I am a baking machine.  I am a cookie extravaganza!  This year (either due to fantastic baking skills, great time management, and two angels making sure that I am not cursing under my breathe while baking OR due to the steroids I have been taking for my sinus infection) I have managed to get all of my cookies done in less than a week!  (My Wonderful Husband has two types of cookies that he bakes too - but he is waist deep in grading right now...) Tonight, while I was chopping pistachios for my biscotti The Princess asked if she could take a picture of me.  My first reaction..."ugh I hate having my picture taken...how do I look?"  She rolled her eyes and said "You look fine."  "Fine?" I said.  "You look beautiful.  Now let me get one of you chopping then one with you looking at me.  Let me turn off that light behind you - it's too bright.  Do you have a picture of the day today?"  Ah, another crazy picture lady was born today and her first subject was The Christmas Baker. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 340 - They were Santa-ed!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 340 - They were Santa - ed!

What will those silly elves think of next?  The kids woke up this morning to find out that they were Santa-ed!  I guess Burke, Isabelle, and Barnes thought the pictures of the kids needed to be dressed for Christmas!  Those elves.... :-)

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 339 - Climate change

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 339 - Climate change

Christmas lights in the background while grilling in short sleeves.  Just weird.  Climate change - a myth - I think not.  It was about 70 degrees today and I could totally get used to this!  But knowing that it won't last...while in spring - Grill and Wear short sleeves!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 338 - the next Parker Brothers

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 338 - the next Parker Brothers

The Bear made a game board as an after reading activity in his class.  He has been talking about this game board for a few weeks and I know that he put a lot of work and thought into it.  Today, he finally got to bring it home (with an A as a grade) and The Boy couldn't wait to play it.  Even though this sweet picture of the two of them playing The Bear's invented game turned into a big argument and a very mad 7 year old, I kept this the picture of the day.  The way I see it, The Bear could be the next Parker Brothers or Hasbro... they had to start somewhere too....

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 337 - Who let the elves out?

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 337 - Who let the elves out?

Who let the elves out?  Burke, Isabelle, and Barnes made their yearly trek from the North Pole and arrived this morning!  The kids were excited to see them and we are all awaiting the crazy shenanigans that they will be engaging in until they go back with Santa on Christmas Eve.  Oh silly elves - we have missed you..... :-)

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 336 - 'tis the Season

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 336 - 'tis the Season

We went to the tree farm today - an annual tradition that My Wonderful Husband and I started the first year we were married.  This year, our new puppy joined the ranks and together we all searched for the perfect tree.  I remember the Christmases when it was just me and My Wonderful Husband at a pretty tree farm in Maryland - then the year I was pregant with The Bear and The Princess - which had to be the fastest we ever picked out a tree...there was about 2 feet of snow that year.  I stood at the top of the hill and said - "That one looks good."  Then their first Christmas when again there was tons of snow and we had two buddled up babies we were carrying through a new tree farm - we wondered that year if it was the best idea - but we found a tree and our tradition was intact.  But for the past 9 Christmases we have been going to Seven Springs Tree Farm, first with two little ones, then another year with me pregant with The Boy making it a short trip and a quick pick, then three little ones.... Finally we had three kids not only big enough to walk but big enough to start to help with the search and eventually even help a bit in the cutting.  Sixteen Christmases so far and each year a new adventure and another beautiful tree to bring home and decorate.  'tis the Season!

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 335 - It has begun...

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 335 - It has begun....

The first tin is filled - with a batch of butter cookies.  The cookie press cooperated this year and I think they came out pretty good.  It has begun....

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 334 - Once again

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 334 - Once again

Once again, Jersey found a comfy lap to fall asleep on - tonight it was The Princess.  I guess he wasn't interested in the Christmas show everyone was watching tonight.....

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 333 - One spoiled dog

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 333 - One spoiled dog

This is one spoiled dog.  He was sound asleep on The Boy's lap.  Earlier I had heard The Boy pleading and telling Jersey - "you can lay on my lap - you really can".  I guess he got his wish. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 332 - Letters to Santa

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 332 - Letters to Santa

The kids took some time tonight to write their letters to Santa - sealed with all of the hope and wonder of the holiday....  The Boy asked if I was writing a letter to Santa and after giving it some consideration I thought that maybe this year I would.  Here goes.

Dear Santa,
It has been some time since I wrote to you - but I fondly remember sitting and drafting my letters to you as my children did tonight.  I am writing to you now to send some of my own requests along with my children's.  These days, I don't pour through the Sears or Toys R Us catalogs circling and starring the items that I want.  The things that I want the most can't be found in stores, catalogs, or online.  (well except that Coach purse that I found on Ebay - but I digress Santa...)  If you can manage it I would like my children to always have the joy, wonder, magic, and love of Christmas that they do right now.  I hope that they continue to enjoy the time spent together and always fondly remember and keep all of the traditions that we have passed down to them as well as the ones that we have built together.  While they are asking for the items on their wishlists - I would like them to remember the feeling they have when they not only receive a special gift but the feeling they get when they give one.  For that matter, I want them to remember the moments that have nothing to do with gifts.  If  you can fit it in your sack, can you bring them good health for another year?  Can you stuff some packages full of laughter and silliness under the tree?  How about some magic dust to sprinkle on them when they forget how very much they love each other and they argue or bicker...Can you stuff their stockings with a lifetime of happiness and wealth not measured in money but in family and friends?
I promise that the we will leave you some wonderful cookies and of course some beer  - safe travels Santa and Merry Christmas!
Love, 
Lisa

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 331 - vacation day

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 331  - vacation day

Today was a vacation day due to the the first day of deer hunting season - yup that is what I said.  That is something that I will never get used to - days off of school for hunting. Weird.  But the kids took full advantage of the day and I managed to get the remainder of my Christmas decorations out - so I guess that's a win win.  A sweet friend of The Princess spent the day here and all four of the kids played all day long.  
Today, no matter how strange I think it is to have not just today but tomorrow off of school for hunting season, I am thankful for having had six nights that I did not have to make lunches.  Hey - it's the little things sometimes.... ;-)

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 330 - Memories

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 330 - Memories 

I started the first phase of the Christmas decorations today.  I say the first phase because with the amount of decorations that we have, it takes several phases to accomplish the decorating if I don't want to spend 12 straight hours moving bins, decorating, cleaning, etc...and I really don't...  So today was Phase 1.  The kids and I cleaned and dusted the bedrooms, put the table top trees up, and they hung the ornaments.  I got all of my "little trees" throughout the house - I like to have a tree of some kind in every room of the house because I am just that crazy.... ;-)  I hung the garland and the stockings and then vacuumed up the mess and left the last two bins of decorations for tomorrow because I was exhausted!  Tomorrow I will work on the rest and then Saturday we will go for our tree - the final phase as it were...  It's a lot of work for sure - and I even downsized a bit this year and decided to leave all of my snowmen for January after I put away the Christmas stuff - but once it is done, it is completely worth the effort.  Even in my current state of not totally looking forward to the holidays...decorating always puts me in a better mood and for that I am thankful today.  I love that I have old and new decorations mixed together. The things that My Wonderful Husband and I have gotten over the 15 years we've been together, along with the things my parents had over the years as well.  The things that have been a part of my Christmases my whole life and the things that will be a part of my kids' Christmases their whole lives.  Everything has a memory attached.  Everything has some special meaning.  Everything reminds me of times gone by.  Every year when I open the bins, I am happy to see those pieces of my past.  I am even happier that they are a piece of my kids' present.  Today's picture is a ceramic tree that was in my house growing up as far back as I can remember.  I am pretty sure that my grandmother made it...but I am certain that it sat in my parents' dining room every Christmas of my life.  That is until it started sitting in my living room.... my parents gave it to me several years ago because they knew how much I loved it.  It was the last thing I put up today before throwing in the towel and once the lights were on, I felt like it was Christmastime.... So tomorrow, I will go through the rest and finish Phase 1 1/2 - I will bring more memories out of storage, dust them off, and welcome them all back for the season. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 329 - nap

 P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 329 -nap

If I haven't already said it, our new dog is such a good puppy.  Based on the amount of time that he spends sleeping, I am not sure why the expression is "cat nap".  His naps are interrupted periodically by playtime, eating, or going out.  This dog loves a good nap and he is making it his life's work to find all of the cozy spots in the house to curl up and snooze.  One of today's choices was right on top of the toy he had been playing with.  Given how completely exhausted I was today, I am especially thankful that he knows how to sleep and lets me chill out on a cold, dreary, wintery day.  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 328 - Star light, star bright

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 328 - Star light, star bright

When I took the dog out tonight, I looked up in the sky and saw stars...lots of them.  Of course my little camera and my photography skills couldn't capture a sky full of stars, but I did manage to somehow capture one.  Seeing the stars in the sky and then seeing the one star I captured in a picture made me think of the childhood rhyme I would say every night whenever I saw a star..... Star light, star bright, first star I see tonight.  Wish I may, wish I might, have the wish I wish tonight.  Here's hoping that works..... 
*In keeping with the month of thankfulness (even though I caught up on days 1-16 all in one day) I am thankful for those pretty stars in the sky.... 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 327 - Happy Thanksgiving

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 327 - Happy Thanksgiving

I wasn't looking forward to today - the start of the holiday season...I knew it would be hard.  I miss both of my parents more than I can say.  But here's what happened today...Every single dish came out perfect - everything timed out perfectly - the pie crust was spot on in one shot -  the puppy slept straight through dinner under the table - and there was a giggle fest at the table during dessert -  forces beyond our control were at work here today and for that (and a million other things) I am thankful! xo 
Happy Thanksgiving to family and friends far and near, those no longer with us and those still here. ♥

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 326 - family recipes

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 326 - family recipes

(This post is late because I was having technical difficulties last night and after a night of cooking I was too spent to figure them out.) I reluctantly got started with the Thanksgiving preparations.  I made the sweet potato casserole (mashmallows get added to the top later before it cooks), I made the stuffing, and I made the cranberry pear relish.  I am not entirely looking forward to the first Thanksgiving without both my mother and my father but I can say that I am thankful for all the Thanksgivings I was able to share with them and I am thankful that under their guidance I learned to make all of our family recipes.  Thanks Mom and Dad! xo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 325 - Fortunes

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 325 - Fortunes

My Wonderful Husband and I went to our favorite lunch spot today and after a good chat about lots of things that we have going on we both jokingly said - "Maybe the fortune cookies will answer our questions and tell us what to do."  Well - these were our fortunes and I would say perhaps they did. 
Today I am thankful for Ping's, good sushi, and lunch dates with the love of my life. xo 
 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 324 - "wish list collage"

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 324 - "wish list collage"

The Princess has been campaigning for an "American Girl Christmas" for several months now.  She is very persistent and thorough.  She has been collecting the American Girl catalogs that come to the house (which by the way - how did that start happening? Does that company know all of the households that have girls ages -  I don't know  - 5-12 years old?  Is there some type of rule that they repeatedly send catalogs until you spend a certain amount of money on their products? I am waiting for something like the scene in Harry Potter when the letters come flying in the through the chimney - a shower of American Girl catelogs- even though our mail isn't delivered by owls - but I digress.  I'm just curious.)  Today, she went a step further and made a "wish list collage".  I applaud her creativity and I have to say that this new step in her plan to wear us down was well thought out and nicely executed.  So, here's the deal, if I have heard this correctly (about 1000 times) she wants a "look like me" doll in that outfit (did you hear that? in that outfit)  and apparently with more expensive clothing, accessories and furniture than the ones that I myself own.  If Santa complies with this, I think I will move in with the doll.  She will be living the life.  

Today I am thankful for my sense of humor.  I am suppose to have a sense of humor about all of this right? ;-)

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 323 - Tooth Fairy

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 323 - Tooth Fairy

The Boy had to do a book report for his class and prepare a presentation from the perspective of one of the characters (he could dress as a character or make a puppet).  He read Junie B First Grader Toothless Wonder and he will be presenting from the perspective of the tooth fairy.  He went out on a limb with this one, because while the tooth fairy is a character that is talked about in the book, it is not a character technically.  (but we checked with his teacher and she was cool with this as long as he tells the story from that perspective)  The Boy decided to make his tooth fairy a man instead of a woman and I think his puppet came out awesome!  I love that all of those materials were just in the house...
Today I am thankful for imagination and outside of the box thinking.   

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 322 - Today

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 322 -  Today

While I held down the fort here with the kids and the dog, My Wonderful Husband finally got to LBI yesterday and spent the past two days cleaning out the mess.  While I took the kids for their haircuts this morning, he was meeting with insurance adjustors and ripping out drywall. 
Today I am thankful for being able to still keep a normal routine for our kids unlike far too many people we know and those we don't know that were affected by Hurricane Sandy.  I am also thankful that that trash pile sits in front of our house - a house that is still standing - because many were not that lucky.  

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 321 - Stand up and be thankful

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 321 - Stand up and be thankful

So today was Stand Up To Bullies day at the kids' school and they were asked to wear pink to represent their pledge to stand up to bullies. This was the shirt that The Boy chose to rock today. And rock it he did. ;-)

On this Stand Up To Bullies day - I decided to put my foot down as well.  I have been feeling very bullied by - The Universe.  It has been a bad year in many respects but - and listen very carefully Universe - I am done!.  I am done being pushed around.  I am done letting it get to me. ( I think) 

So, I also realized today that I have not been giving thanks this November because I have been so darn preoccupied with hurricanes, dumb decisions, lack of communication, mean people, sadness, hurt, etc. etc. etc.... So in my effort to stand up and not allow my feelings to continue to be bullied, I am going to use this opportunity to catch up on the things I am thankful for.

1. My Husband - he is my best friend and the best father ever.  He is also THE MOST reliable person I know and I can count on him and trust him in any situation.  I don't have words for how happy I am that he is ok after his car accident today.  Good thing he thinks fast and doesn't panic. The fact that afterward he got in a rental car and continued up to NJ to start cleaning and pulling drywall, only serves to prove my point above.

2. My three children - they are the best things that I ever did. They amaze me every day and I am so utterly proud of everything they do.
 
3.  My parents - while they are both gone from this world - I will forever be thankful for everything that they gave me throughout my life.  I would not be who I am without their love and guidance and I miss them every single day.

4. My family and friends - I have learned many hard lessons in recent months about the people in my life.  I have learned who is truly there for me - who loves me - and who I can count on.  I only hope they know the same from me and they should know who they are.   I have also learned who is not - does not - and whom I can not... But I am happy to finally clearly see the difference.

5. The beach - it is more than just sand and sea to me.  It is the place I feel most relaxed and at home and I look forward to being back there soon....

6.  Running - it's more than just exercise - it's therapy.

7. My photographs - I am not a photographer by any stretch of the imagination but I love to see all of the moments I have captured....

8. Books - there is nothing like getting lost in a good story...

9. Memories - everyone keeps telling me these can't be taken away even when people are gone.. I am still struggling with that but I am so glad to have the memories of loved ones that I do. I am especially thankful that some of the tangible memories were saved from the flood.

10. My dog - I am pretty sure that he was sent to us to help us heal a bit... that's a big job for a puppy but I think he is up for the job.  

11. Insurance - We are relying on three different policies right now  - flood, home, and car.  I will never question all of the money that I pay every year ever again.

12. Coffee - they can't all be poignant.  I really like coffee. 

13. Cooking - it makes me happy and I love to feed the people around me.

14. Creativity - it is an outlet for me.....

15. My Blog - I love that I have this record for my kids - in my voice...with my thoughts.  I love that I can share lessons with them through this that I hope they will cherish someday.

16. Finally on today the 16th day I am thankful that I have things to be thankful for.  It has been a hard year  - but I am blessed in innumerable ways and need to start focusing on those things... and leave the rest behind.  I will try. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 320 - Fireplace Addicts Anonymous

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 320 - Fireplace Addicts Anonymous

"Hello, my name is Jersey and I am a fireplace addict."
"Helloooo Jerseyyyyy"
"When I first came to this new place, my pets turned a switch on the wall and made this box very hot.  I put my nose to it and they yelled NO, NO.  I thought these pets were very strange to have a NO, NO hot box in this place.  But slowly, I started going back near the NO, NO hot box but not close enough that I touch my nose.  Because those pets were right about that...ouch.  I eventually realized that this was very nice.  So nice, that I want to lay by it all day.  But sometimes my pets turn it off.  I must learn how to get to that switch on the wall.  In the mean time, I sit by the NO, NO hot box when it is off and whine.  This seems to get my pets' attention and someone will turn it on.  Apparently even the small pets are allowed to touch the switch - if they can, I must be able to.  So, yes I have been addicted to the NO, NO hot box - which I have learned is also called a fireplace by my pets.  They have so many words.  I don't why I am at this meeting though...I don't have a problem."  

Sorry - I really needed a laugh today. ;-)

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 319 - Just a quiet night

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 319 - Just a quiet night

Just a quiet night - cleaned up leftovers in the fridge for dinner, helped Matty work on his book report, and the kids all just chilled - all 4 of them.  xo

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 318 - Are we having fun yet?

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 318 - Are we having fun yet?

So I realized tonight that I never got a picture today..apparently getting my 12 pictures for 12 on 12 yesterday tapped me out...So here I sat, thinking and turned on my FUN album..... love this band and I needed to hear my favorite song Carry On.  I am not gonna lie - this year is taking it's toll on me ..it has been a doozy and I need some reminders to carry on.  Are we having fun yet? Not so much... hopefully that changes soon. 

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 317 - Caught up

P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 317 - Caught up

I finally got all caught up on the Twilight movies by finally watching the latest one tonight while My Wonderful Husband was teaching (because I figured he wouldn't mind if he missed it.. ;-))  Now it will probably be a year before I get to see the new one that is coming out the end of this week... oh well - something to look forward to. :-)