Project 365 - 2018 Edition - Go fast enough to get there, but slow enough to see. - Jimmy Buffett
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 365 - Happy New Year with love...xo
P365 - 2014 - Day 365 - Happy New Year with love... xo
Another year is about to draw to a close and here I sit at my computer again trying to sum it all up in one blog post. But how do I sum up 365 days? A house renovation that seemed to never end (and really hasn't completely ended yet) sport accomplishments, summer days, great report cards, high honor roll, an 18 mile run, a State Cup final, a Disney trip, a finger saved, surfing, soccer, basketball, more soccer, friends, family, love, laughter, health, happiness.... Some days were good, some days were not, but I am thankful for them all for while the days pass by slowly, the years move swiftly. In less than 30 minutes we will usher in a new year full of new promise and hope - another 365 days, a blank book waiting to be written, a photo album waiting to be filled in, a life waiting to be lived. My wish for this new year is that we take advantage of every moment, live every second, drink it all in, and appreciate every single day. I wish for another year of health, happiness, and time spent with family and friends. The minutes are ticking away - I need to meet my family on the sofa to close the door on 2014 and open up 2015. I can't wait to see what this year has in store. Happy New Year with love.....xo
P365 - 2014 - Day 364 - holiday beach badges
P365 - 2014 - Day 364 - holiday beach badges
With 2014 coming to a close, it was time to get the holiday beach badges for the 2015 season. I love the reminder that summer will, in fact, be here before we know it.... and I love the reminder, in the summer, of our winter on the island. With that being said, the holidays are coming to an end....now I'm ready for summer!!
Monday, December 29, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 363 - pretty stinkin' cute
P365 - 2014 - Day 363 - pretty stinkin' cute
To say that The Boy likes hats is a vast understatement. He loves hats. He is growing quite the collection....favorite teams, favorite places, and let's not forget the sorcerer Mickey Hat he just got from Disney. Sometimes I find two or three in his backpack and another two in his soccer bag....he likes options. With his long hair hanging out the bottom, he does look pretty stinkin' cute..... ;-)
P365 - 2014 - Day 362 - Happy kid
P365 - 2014 - Day 362 - Happy kid
Steelers jersey - check. Steelers hat - check. Terrible Towel - you bet. Staying up late to watch his team - check. And they won their division! Happy kid.
P365 - 2014 - Day 361 - gift
P365 - 2014 - Day 361 - gift
This beautiful sign was a Christmas gift from our friends, Stacey and Dale. I love it and found the perfect spot to hang it! It was so nice having them here for Christmas this year!
Sunday, December 28, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 360 - instead of making resolutions
P365 - 2014 - Day 360 - instead of making resolutions
This year instead of making resolutions, I decided to make a list of things I want to learn, new things to try, places to go,etc..... With the help of Pinterest, I have turned this into a "board". I plan to follow up on the board with my progress and outcomes and add new things and places as the mood strikes. I want 2015 to be a year of new adventures, challenges conquered, and exciting experiences. Here's to a new year!
Friday, December 26, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 359 - Merry Christmas
P365 - 2014 - Day 359 - Merry Christmas
My Christmas wish is that as the years go by, these three always spend their Christmas together. I hope that the memories of their childhood Christmases are always full of family, love, laughter, good food, and magic. Mostly, I wish them a lifetime of magical Christmases full of all of the same. Merry Christmas from our hearts to yours. xo
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 358 - quiet, still eve
P365 - 2014 - Day 358 - quiet, still eve
Even though today was a little rough for The Princess... she spiked a 103 fever after a night of throwing up. She spent most of the day in bed, although she did come around just before bed after a bath and some new pjs. Her temperature went back down and she is now sound asleep....as are her brothers. And as I sit here typing this I am reminded how much I love this night. The cookies and beer are left out for Santa, we have said our goodbyes to the elves, and It's a Wonderful Life is on the television. I've said before that I love the stillness and the quiet of this night. The anticipation. The joy that is simply in the waiting. The lights. The time spent together. The love. It's a day that my heart is full and heavy at the same time. It's a day that brings up memories of Christmas Eves past....the loved ones that are no longer here...the time that we had with them and the time we still wish we had. While my heart is heavy with nostalgia and missing loved ones, my heart is full for the traditions that we have passed on to our children as well as the traditions we have built with them. As I sit here on this quiet, still eve I am thankful for my Christmases past, hopeful for my Christmases future, and happy with my Christmas present. xo
P365 - 2014 - Day 357 - final ring
P365 - 2014 - Day 357 - final ring
The final ring on the Christmas chain....only one day left.......
P365 - 2014 - Day 356 - good day
P365 - 2014 - Day 356 - good day
It was a good day from start to finish. I woke up feeling much better and took My Wonderful Husband to have his cast removed. His finger may not look pretty but it looks so much better than it did a few weeks ago. The doctor was happy with his progress so far and he was happy to have freedom for his other fingers - just a splint for now. We ended the day with a family game night of Disney Cranium. After an initial butt kicking from our kids, Team Mom and Dad came back for the win in the second round.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 355 - Ho Ho Ho
P365 - 2014 - Day 355 - Ho Ho Ho
After seven days in Disney World and coming home to a fever, it was easy to forget that Christmas is actually right around the corner..... Our special visitor tonight was a good reminder though. Santa showed up in front of our house on the fire truck bringing candy canes and holiday cheer. Ho Ho Ho...only a few more days to go!
P365 - 2014 - Day 354 - basketball game
P365 - 2014 - Day 354 - basketball game
We too a late flight home the night before and didn't get home until the early morning hours. But The Boy was determined to still make it to his basketball game. I woke up sick and The Bear and The Princess were still sleeping so The Boy and My Wonderful Husband went together. He may have been tired, but he was sure excited to get this orange jersey and his team won the game!
P365 - 2014 - Day 353 - seventh and last day
P365 - 2014 - Day 353 - seventh and last day
It was our seventh and last day in Disney World and our final do over day was Magic Kingdom. One last walk down Main Street...we got there in time to see the opening which is one of my favorite things. We went on lots of rides...even got stuck on Pirates and had to be rescued through the cast member exit. It's always hard to say goodbye - so instead, like Mickey says....See you real soon!
P365 - 2014 - Day 352 - sixth day
P365 - 2014 - Day 352 - sixth day
Our sixth day was another do over day - this time in Hollywood Studios. We met characters, took on Tower of Terror again and finally got to see Fantasmic!
P365 - 2014 - Day 351 - fifth day
P365 - 2014 Day - fifth day
On our fifth day, we started the "do over days" with Magic Kingdom being the first do over. We did some things that we never did before... the Swiss Family Robinson House and the Jungle Cruise (or Jingle Cruise this time of year..) We left the park by boat and went to the Hoop Dee Doo Review. It was a warm and beautiful day and oh so much fun!
P365 - 2014 - Day 350 - fourth day
P365 - 2014 - Day 350 - fourth day
On our fourth day, we hit Animal Kingdom. We started the day on the safari, climbed Everest, went back in time to see Dinosaurs, saw characters, and four out of five of us braved the rapids.... Another day full of Disney Magic. :-)
P365 - 2014 - Day 349 - third day
P365 - 2014 - Day 349 - third day
On our third day we went to Hollywood! Hollywood Studios, that is:-) From Rock and Roller Coaster to Tower of Terror and an amazing Christmas light display, this was an amazing day.
P365 - 2014 - Day 348 - second day
P365 - 2014 - Day 348 - second day
On our second day we went to Epcot - one of my favorite parks. One of the things I love about Disney is the special touches - the magic moments.... as we were walking through the park, we ran into a custodian using his mop to draw this Minnie! So cool! We spent this day soaking in all that Epcot has to offer - we drove cars in Test Track, flew over California with Soarin', visited countries, ate in Italy, and saw a great light and fireworks show. I love Epcot!
P365 - 2014 - Day 347 - first day
P365 - 2014 - Day 347 - first day
It was our first day in Disney World and these feet set out from our room on a sunny, crisp morning. We started off in Magic Kingdom because we all like to start our trip with a walk down Main Street. The park looked amazing all decorated for the holidays and we had a lot of fun!
Friday, December 12, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 345 - a little nose twitching
P365 - 2014- Day 345 - a little nose twitching
Somehow, with all of our planning, I still left all of the packing until the last minute. After a a minor bag crisis and a few more loads of laundry 3 of the bags were packed by about 11pm. The rest will hav eto get done in the morning. This is one of those time when I wish I was Samantha from Bewitched. A little nose twitching would go a long way right about now.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
P365 - Day 2014 - Day 344 - found some time
P365 - 2014 - Day 344 - found some time
I still need to finish the packing but The Princess and I still found some time, while the boys had practice, to go get our nails done. The packing will get done... I think.... but either way, we have happy fingers and toes that are ready for some sunny weather. (fingers crossed on that one too)
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 343 - sure one handsome trumpet player
P365 - 2014 - Day 343 - sure one handsome trumpet player
Today was the 4th grade concert and My Wonderful Husband and I got to see our "Littlest Leonard" play his trumpet in the band. I might be biased by that is sure one handsome trumpet player. xo
Monday, December 8, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 342 - Appreciation Committee
P365 - 2014 - Day 342 - Appreciation Committee
I, along my co-chair of the Appreciation Committee, completed the holiday gifts for teachers and staff and set up the PTA holiday breakfast for tomorrow. Another thing erased off the chalkboard today.. :-) But seriously, I am happy to be able to do my small part to thank the teachers and staff that do so much for my children. xo
P365 - 2014 - Day 341 - I was ON IT!
P365 - 2014 - Day 241 - I was ON IT!
I think we should plan a Disney trip every year around this time because it really makes me get things done! Every year, I say I am going to start the Christmas cookies right after Thanksgiving and every year that never happens. I am usually baking cookies right up until the last moment. But this year, I was ON IT. I stocked up on butter during sales and made a plan to start baking right after Thanksgiving and stuck to it. Add to that the fact that my head elf was out of commission and unable to help in any way.... I am slightly impressed with myself. I made two batches of butter cookies (thanks once again to my neighbor's cookie press since my mom's and my replacement one are both broken). I managed to get through those two batches with no muffled curses being mumbled under the sound of Christmas music. That alone is a Christmas miracle because every year without fail, the butter cookies either bake too fast or break or some other catastrophe. Then I made two batches of thumbprints, one batch of mocha butter balls, and two batches of M&M cookies leaving just the batches of chocolate chip to do tomorrow. I have made gifts for teachers and neighbors, a special tin for my cookie press provider, let the kids and My Wonderful Husband have a few tastes, and now the tins stay closed until Christmas. :-) We'll open them on Christmas Eve, leave some for Santa, enjoy them with friends on Christmas Day and share them as gifts. It's less about the cookies for me and more about the process and the memories that go with the process. I cranked the Christmas tunes as I mixed and baked, reminisced about Christmases past marveled at how long I have been making these recipes and missed two important people that taught me all know. But I am pretty sure they were here in this kitchen with me and that is why the butter cookies came out perfect and required no cursing, every other cookie looks delicious, and I managed to finish all of this with days to spare until Disney and even longer until Christmas. :-)
Saturday, December 6, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 340 - "Operation Teacher Gifts"
P365 - 2014 - Day 340 - "Operation Teacher Gifts"
Today was "Operation Teacher Gifts". With the threat of rain in the forecast and the fact that My Wonderful Husband shouldn't get his cast wet, we decided against going to the Ship Bottom Christmas Parade. That gave me the whole day to work on the teacher gifts. This year I decided to make everyone mini pumpkin breads. The kids' classroom/homeroom teachers got a little extra with a chalkboard mug, a stocking and some extra cookies..... The tin is for the office and is filled with a pumpkin bread and cookies. The rest of the breads are for the other teachers and staff that are a part of my children's day at school. I like to be able to remember everyone but the idea of buying a gift or gift card for every.single.person... is just too much. I believe that it's the thought that counts, homemade is always best, the way to everyone's heart is through their stomachs, and pretty wrapping makes the gift! That being said, I think these gifts came out great...well worth the day spent doing this. Because now I can erase this from my command center chalkboard. ;-)
Friday, December 5, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 339 - cookie tasters
P365 - 2014 - Day 339 - cookie tasters
I baked my third variety of cookie tonight and my cookie tasters had some hot chocolate to go with their "taste subjects". Christmas music was playing, Christmas movie on the TV, and I am working my way through my "to do list"..... 'Tis the season... :-)
Thursday, December 4, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 338 - One the bright side
P365 - 2014 - Day 338 - On the bright side
I took My Wonderful Husband for his follow up with the hand specialist today. They removed the dressing that was on since surgery, removed the stitches, and took an x-ray of his finger. Everything looked good....as good as it could look two weeks after almost cutting off his finger and having emergency surgery. Because we are going to be in Disney and because he has two pins and a wire holding his bone together at the moment.... the doctor opted for putting him in a cast for now. (He chose this orange color ;-)) Once she removes the cast, she will splint the finger until the bone fuses and the finger heals. Once again, I am thankful that there are 5 fingers under this cast even if one of them is pretty battered right now. On the bright side, we probably won't lose him in Disney. ;-)
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 337 - feeling yucky today
P365 - 2014 - Day 337 - feeling yucky today
With our Disney trip looming and about 567 things to do, I sighed deeply when The Princess woke up this morning and said she felt sick. After a trip to the doctor and the pharmacy, I got her back home to rest, start her antibiotic, and hopefully heal quickly so she is ready for a magical time in Disney. My poor baby was really feeling yucky today...here's hoping she gets some rest tonight and feels better in the morning.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
P365 - 2014 - Day 336 - silver lining
P365 - 2014 - Day 336 - silver lining
Due to his injury, My Wonderful Husband is unable to drive so that means no going to campus for at least the end of this semester. Luckily, with the power of technology he is able to still hold classes and today he was even able to video conference with his students about their senior papers. I am certainly not happy that he almost cut his finger, needed emergency surgery, and can't drive. But the silver lining - because you need to find them - is that is working from home until the end of the semester. While I was busy making the last batch of butter cookies, I was able to listen in as he conferenced with his students and "see him action" so to speak. This isn't a side of my husband that I get to see often. I see him working at home, but I rarely, if ever, see him with his students. I know how cool this guy is and all of the things that he does at home. He is a great husband, and awesome father, an amazing coach, a cool surf instructor. In my eyes and the eyes of our kids, he can pretty much do anything! So it was pretty cool to get to get to see the professor side of him today as well... I was like a fly on the wall.... and I can say he is a pretty fantastic professor too. No wonder his students love him! xo
Monday, December 1, 2014
P365 - 2014- Day 335 - These cookies
P365 - 2014 - Day 335 - These cookies
Now Christmas can really begin.... I have begun making the cookies. After dinner tonight I started the first batch of cookies. And all is right with the world. These cookies - more than any others - these butter cookies are my childhood. The process of making them, the smell of them, everything about them remind me of Christmases spent watching and eventually helping my mom make these cookies. It makes me both miss her and feel like she's right here at the same time. Thanks for teaching me how to make these Mom! Wish you were here to enjoy them. xo
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