Happy New Year!

We have been at the shore for the past few days working on the beach house, celebrating Caroline's birthday, and just general relaxing. Our plans to bring in the New Year...late afternoon showing of Marley and Me followed by dinner, left over birthday cake, wine, and a stack of magazines in my pajamas, of course! Chances of any of us seeing the ball drop? Slim to none! Wishing you all a safe, happy, and healthy 2009!

The Aftermath...

...of hosting 51 people for Christmas is not as bad as you would think. But, today I am exhausted. After having the girls, MBM and I decided that we would host Christmas, totally selfish on our part because we want to stay home on Christmas. But, we do extend the invitation to our family to invite in-laws, friends, etc. So this was our 8th Christmas and we had quite a crew! The youngest, our nephew Alec (4 weeks old) and the oldest Aunt Phyl (99 years old!) So what does it take to feed 51 people... ...26 pounds of pork ...30 pounds of potatoes ...10 pounds of carrots ...8 pounds of green beans ...a ginormous antipasto salad ...lots and lots and lots of wine! We did ask our guest to pitch in with hors d'ouvers and desserts, which is a HUGE help! We also managed to seat all 39 adults at the same time, thanks to 20 folding chairs, a huge piece of plywood over the pool table. I really wanted to take some pictures, but as you might imagine, I was busy! So today, we were supposed to travel a bit to celebrate with my Dad's family, but there is some sort of virus running through their house so the festivities are postponed. And I was so glad to stay in my pajamas, play Monopoly for 3 hours (which by the way is still being played, 6 hrs later)and eat leftovers! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! Oh, and today is our wedding anniversary.....11 years!

Been Gone!

We are back now and trying to prepare for Christmas. As usual, we have a lot going on here. Be back soon!

Meet Alec

Alec was the secret that I was ready to BURST out with. He arrived on November 26 and is PERFECT! My sister-in-law flew out to Southern California on Monday and was in the delivery room with the birth mom. My BIL arrived yesterday. Now they are chilling with their baby boy in a Marriott until they are cleared to bring that baby boy home to meet his big sister and the rest of our crazy family!!!!

Secret Service

So, today at work the most fun thing happened! I have to work an occasional Saturday on the sales floor, it's fun and I don't mind it because it gives me the opportunity to meet more perspective clients. Anyway, this morning, the store had a few people in and I was working at the front desk on the computer, this gentleman came in, I said good morning, he walked through the whole store (we get a lot of husbands looking for their wives), I asked if I could help him, he smiled and walked out. A few second later he was back following these two women around the store, looking like a bored husband. Again, I asked if he was finding everything ok, yada, yada, yada...he wasn't very friendly. Then, I noticed the ear piece and thought to myself what does this guy think he's in the Secret Service? I went about my business, helping the two ladies find fabric to reupholster two sofas and pillows...then helping a few other shoppers...I looked outside and saw two identical Suburbans parked out front each with several men inside. Then, I finally figured it out...This was the reupholstry lady! So, the unfriendly guy, WAS in the Secret Service! She couldn't have been more gracious. She asked my name and then said, "I'm Jill." we shook hands...I helped her carry a bolt out to one of the Suburbans, surrounded by Secret Service. I hope she comes back soon! So fun! It totally made my day!

Feel the Love

Can you feel it? Ahhh, sisters!

Day Off

Tuesdays are my official day off, from work, not life! I would like to have a restful day, maybe flutter around the house, read, make a nice dinner for the family. This is what my day was really like... 6:30 up with the girls 7:55 bus, Emma stayed home, orthodontist appt and doctor appt. 8:45 pick up Caroline for the orthodontist, yes, she was at school for 45 minutes, she didn't want to miss anything (NERD) 10:15 return Caroline to school 10:30 paint the trim on one window in the living room 11:15 pick up Lulu at the bus, head to Walmart, lunch in the car of course (prepared by Emma) see friend at Walmart, shop 12:30 Emma's doctor appointment, she has allergies, duh?, I've been telling them that! 1:15 Drag Emma and Lulu food shopping 2:30 Return home. Emma and Lulu offer to unload the car, so sweet! I head to my office to check email/blogs 2:45 Lulu tells me she accidentally dropped the milk and there is a puddle, clean up what the dog missed, head back to my office 3:00 Emma comes to tell me the dog "Kinda, got the meat." 3:20 Still sitting at my computer afraid to go up stairs! Wish me luck!

Full Plate

Burning the candle at both ends, full plate, crazy busy...whatever! I have just been running around like a nut...not knowing which way to go...I think things are going to slow down soon. I hope. Here is the low down... Girls. Same old...homework, sports, parties, and playdates! MBM. Busy with work and travel...he has been wearing lots of hats lately, picking up my slack. Work. I have been VERY busy, lots of appointments, nobody buying:( House. Totally torn apart, literally. We ripped out rugs in 3 rooms and the second floor hallway. I am painting and making new drapery for the Living, Dining, and MBM's office. There will also be some furniture refinishing. Extended family. Weddings, engagements, and I have a BIG FAT SECRET, that I cannot share for fear of jinxing it! Friends. I have not been a very good one of these lately...wonder if I have any friends left! Trying to get my act together...be back soon! h.

Tagged!

I guess I am it...Thanks Kerry! Fourth of Fourth...fourth picture from your fourth picture folder, write about it and tag four more people! May 3, 2005...Caroline and Emma's Dance Recital Emma was five on that day, Lulu 2 1/2, Caroline six, and our friend Emily... Feels like a million years ago...they are so not dancers anymore. They have traded in their slippers and tutus for cleats and lacrosse sticks...and I could be happier! Looking forward to seeing...Fourth of Fourth from some local gals! RED Alex Prepadelphia Biscuts

Wedding

My cousin Danielle got married over the weekend...thought I would share some pictures... My youngest cousin, Kerry, she is a wild child! Looks can be so deceiving! Lauren, one of the sweetest girls ever! Isn't she beautiful? The Mr. and Mrs. Danielle and my girls, before they were whisked away to a babysitter. The tables were set beautifully. And the center pieces were out of this world the pictures do not do them justice. The wild child and the grooms brother,Colin, who was a surprise to everyone. The brothers kept tight lips. Colin entered the church with the Groom, just as the bridesmaids were about to process in...let's just say there wasn't a dry eye in the house. I thought their mother was going to come undone. Danielle and Brian actually moved their wedding up one whole year, so Colin would be present, but he was shipped out earlier than expected. It was a great surprise! Candy Apple favors...adorable and the the pumpkin place cards. It was a fun night and I wish them all the happiness in the world. They are off to a great start for being so young, they bought a real fixer up about 6 months ago and spend every second working on it...you may remember this? Did I mention the were next door neighbors growing up and until just a few days ago! It must have been tricky the day of the wedding, sneaking in and out of the houses without seeing each other!

Day TWO an THREE

Day TWO lead us all through the city and past all the sights, Day THREE we headed toward the Main Line, through very fimiliar territory, to our finish at Villanova University... Elfred's Ally, the oldest residential street in our nation! Kelly Drive, lots of sculling on the river that day! The "other side" of the famous Boat House Row. Love Park Pit stop on South Street Fabric Row...sooo hard not to stop! Fabric Shop owner and survivor! Familiar faces in Rosemont Mile 55...we stopped in for a little toast! The finish line...our team crossed together! Saluting the Survivors that walked The flag signals the last walker was in!!!! Some more "support" along the way! If the 3 Day makes it's way to your city...think about lacing up those sneakers or at least cheering for th walkers along the way. Our team raised over $30,000 the Philadelpia event rasied over 8.1 million...I am so grateful for this weekend and to be a part of something BIG!!!

Day ONE

Our team... The Opening Ceremonies and the walk begins. These flags are pasted from walker to walker for all 60 miles! Supporters around every corner... The streets of Chestnut Hill lined with supporters. Several residential streets along the way were all decked out with signs, pink streamers and balloons! Arriving at camp with the Philadelphia skyline as a back drop. Yes, that is me in the green, out of uniform! Home Sweet Home...at least the tent was pink. Happy Hour...wine and snacks! Over 3000 campers!

Walk

Sneakers...check Sleeping bag....check Air mattress...check Sunglasses...check Water bottle...check Socks....check Warm pajamas....check Camera....check Wine...check I am going on a WALK..... Be back Monday!

Crisis

We are in crisis mode...our coffee pot is not working. It makes the right noise, fills the house with it's rich aroma, even beeps when it is finished. But, does not produce any coffee. This is not good! I NEED coffee in the morning. And I have a big day planned today. Lots of errands, one which includes going to pick up my new camera. First stop, Starbucks. Second stop, Bed, Bath, and Beyond for a new coffee pot!

Camera

My camera is officially gone. Last Wednesday, I left my camera on the plane. It was right next to my bag under the seat in front of me and I just forgot to pick it up. I realized my mistake as I was standing in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton in awe over an arrangement of roses, when I thought I should take a picture. Immediately, I called my mother-in-law, who works for the airline we flew, to ask what I should do to recover my camera. After giving her ALL the information I could, she was off and running. My MIL called at least 25 people in the Philadelphia airport as well as Miami, from baggage to lost and found, she even was able to relay a message to the flight crew some 30,000 miles up to check the plane, as the plane basically touched down and turned around back to Philadelphia. I filled out all sorts of paper work at both Philadelphia and Miami, have been on the phone with several people in the "warehouse" in Charlotte. Nothing, Nada, Zilch, Zip, Nil! Nobody has seen my camera... So, it leads me to believe someone found it and decided to keep it for themselves. Unbelievable!

Back

We returned from our little vacation on Saturday evening, headed right to the shore for dinner with my parents, brother and his fiance, and of course the girls. Our trip was great...MBM's company really goes all out. There were cocktails, dinners, treats/gifts left in our room every night, spa treatments, lounging by the pool....aaaahhhh! I had grand plans of taking pictures of EVERYTHING, so you could enjoy the trip along with me. I wanted to show you my new dress...that I am in LOVE with for a lot of reasons, and I can't seem to find it online anywhere. BUT, I left my camera on the plane! That's a whole other post! I will leave you with this....my new favorite pants... J. Crew, Watson Pant...the yellow where marked down to $14 and change, I also bought them in black and the darker khaki.

Gone Fishin'

I'll be here for the next few days...

Moving Day

Today we moved my Granny from one Assisted Living Facility to another. This is her third move in just over four years. She spent 45 years in the same house but, jumps from one assisted living to the next. The reason she keeps leaving...1. The food goes down hill. 2. She follows her friends. It cracks me up one leaves and they all follow. While she was holding court in the gorgeous lobby, we were unpacking EVERYTHING she has ever owned. Including 8 boxes of band aids, rollers (electric and Velcro, did I mention she wears a wig?), a Jagermeister t-shirt and hat, the mini wedding album and video to my brothers very short marriage (he has been divorced for 12 years), volumes of People magazines, Christmas cards from years past, and prescriptions dating back to 1994. How some of these things have made all three moves is beyond me. We finished off the day with dinner in the restaurant at 3:00 in the afternoon. She was preening surrounded by my girls in her new home. So it was worth all the clutter. Plus, my cousin and I were laughed all day!

Yummy

Our night at "the table"...which is actually placed smack in the center of the market. It was seven courses of heaven, delicious wine and good friends. A halfway decent picture of MBM and me...there aren't many of those around! Not too much else to report. Girls are good, MBM is good, work is good. I am looking forward to sharing some before and after pics of projects I have been working on at work...lots of fun stuff!

What's for dinner tonight...

...the country's hardest reservation according to this article. We made the our reservation on January 2, 2008! Talula's Table is about 10 minutes from your house...we invited some good friends to join us as your reservation is for the "table" that seats twelve. I'll let you know how it is tomorrow!

What are the chances...

...of running into another blogger on a random morning at a random Starbucks? You can catch a recap here! I was so glad she introduced herself to me...let me tell you up close and personal, Biscuits is BEAUTIFUL...gorgeous skin, impeccable make up and hair and she is soooo tall. Of course, anyone over 5'3" I think is statuesque. Wish we had a chance to sit and chat a bit longer...next time you are passing through our little town let me know!

Music to my ears...

Look who started violin today...she needs to practice 15 minutes a day. YIKES!

Surprise!!!!!!

Yesterday, I went to my cousin's bridal shower. It was a miserable day here...rained...poured...ALL DAY LONG. The festivities were supposed to be held out side at her aunt's home and of course the weather didn't cooperate, so everything was moved inside. I don't know how many people were there but it seemed like a million or so. That's neither here or there.... Anyway, the shower was a surprise. Why do people insist on having surprise showers? The bride and her fiance are renovating their house. Basically, spending every spare second trying to have it ready by there wedding next month. I don't know what the plan was to get her to the shower was but, she decided it was too miserable out and she was going to work on her house. Finally, her fiance told her about the shower. She comes over and is a mess...A MESS! Wearing huge sweats and a tee covered in paint and dirt, her hair was piled on top of her head in a Medusa like fashion, make up from the night before smudged on her face. She was mortified. Then she had to greet all her guest and open presents looking like a fool. How embarrassing for her? I don't mean to be harsh...but, why do people think bridal/baby showers need to be surprises? You know you are going to have one. What are your thoughts...to surprise or not?

90210

Am I the only one who tuned in?

Back to School

The Mall

Last night, after work, since no one is home, I decide it would be a good night to go to the mall. I had a short list of things I needed to get then, I had thoughts of leisurely browsing through Nordstrom, J. Crew, and Lilly Pulitzer, having sushi for dinner, sipping on a decaf latte as I shopped...... This is what I need to accomplish... Mall #1...The Court *return shoes *pick up little Vera Bradley ID pouch for Emma in Mall #1 Mall #2...The Plaza *get new Crocs for the girls in Nordstrom *to Lilly and try on and possibly purchase a dress from the fall catalog that I covet and can wear a minimum of twice this fall(not online yet, but trust me, it is to die for) *find the perfect not to high, not to pointy black pump *use the J. Crew gift card I have been carrying around all summer This is how my night actually went... The mall was mobbed...I mean MOBBED!!! Couldn't find a parking spot between the malls, so I had to search for a parking spot, not once, but twice. I thought, "this is the afternoon crowd, it should be thinning out soon"....WRONG! The Court... *Nine West to return a pair of shoes. Of course I was passed the 30 day return policy so store credit was my only option. No problem, I get black pumps...WRONG!!!! Nothing, I could find anything! *Crabtree and Evelyn to get Emma's Vera Bradley thingy...every pattern except the one she wants...Strike Two The Plaza... *Nordstrom for Crocs. The kids shoe department looked like a scene out of a movie. Kids running everywhere, kids crying, Dads looking at their watches, Moms totally stressed out. Get my Crocs and proceed to pay for them when they tell my I need to "take a number", "Can I have your last name and the first available associate will be right with you?" But, I didn't need an associate to wait on me, find sizes, etc...I plucked what I needed off the wall and just wanted to pay. "I'm sorry, MAME, we take customers in the order in which they arrive, you have 12 families ahead of you." The MAME really did me in, I ditched the Crocs and went to the "other side/not so pretty side of the mall" to the Crocs kiosk. Again, find what I need go to pay and their computers are down...after a few minutes, I suggested they try inputting the information manually. Manually? For The Love Of God!!!!! *Make it up to Lilly, the only store not crowded...no dress, that's ok, I should really wait anyway! *go to J.Crew, aaahhh! NO, the store looked as if Gustav had stopped by and it was so crowded. I drooled over some shoes and blazers. I did find a few things for work. *Stopped in the Bare Essential store...the gal that helped me was supper sweet, very helpful and didn't call me MAME! I bought it! *And lastly, I discovered the perfect pair of black pumps do not exist! Some annoying observations from my mall trip last night... Using a coffee stirrer as a straw to drink coffee is wrong. Coffee is meant to be gingerly sipped, not sucked up through a straw. If I was approached by one more person wanting to straighten my hair, squeeze lotion in my hand, or put some sort of bean bag thing on my shoulders I was going to SCREAM! Tweens dressed as if they should be "working" walking around with their parent who apparently think their child is appropriatly dressed and wearing heels she can't walk in. Lesson learned...don't go to the mall on a Saturday night!

Changes

Well, the gang just left for the last weekend at the shore. We have had a big week here...the girls met their new teachers today. Lulu will be starting Kindergarten, boohoo, this year. We had a bit of an ordeal with the teacher she was assigned. Emma had this teacher for Kindergarten, let's just say, she needs to retire. We thought it would be next to impossible to have Lulu reassigned, but MBM handled all the phone calls and the next thing I knew, we were sitting in the Principal's office, getting a bit of a lecture, but in the end Lulu will have a GREAT teacher. Emma has Caroline's teacher from last year and Caroline has an adorable shoe loving teacher. So all is good! School starts Tuesday! Work has been great. I went on my first solo appointment on Tuesday, it couldn't have gone better! Except for the flat tire I got on the way back. I am currently part time and it is working out great. They are pushing me for full time and I am having difficulty with that...do I want the girls to come home to a sitter everyday? will I miss all their school events? How will it effect our household?The questions go on and on!!!! Any suggestions out there from working moms?

Normal....

SO, I am craving some normalcy in my life. I would like my children and husband back home with me. I was so afraid going to work outside the house was going to be a BIG adjustment for the girls and MBM...really, I think it has been hardest on me. I am so ready for school to start and everything that goes with it, homework, projects, volunteering, after school activities. I am certain in a month or so I will be eating these words! This week, I went on a business trip, to the D.C. area. I had a roommate, which I was a bit nervous about, but she was darling and young, I felt a bit of a geriatric. I will be heading back down to the Capitol District again in the next week or so to Lutherville, MD? There are some exciting things ahppening at work...stay tuned! One last thing...My fellow blogger, MCC, is running a special on her Etsy Stationary Store...go check it out! She is also having a give away on her blog...don't miss it!

The Article

Here is the article, it ran today in the Philadelphia Inquire...pretty funny! Click her to read! Have a great weekend!

Day Off

I had the day off today. Tomorrow and Thursday I work, MBM is away so I had to ship the girls to the shore with my parents. While, I have been enjoying time alone at home, I am starting to get lonely. The girls will be at the shore for the next ten days. MBM will join them on Thursday and I will join them on Saturday. MBM will be leaving for a meeting on Sunday afternoon and I will be going from the shore to Fairfax, Va for work for a few days...the girls will stay at the shore. Are you with me? Because, I have to be honest it has been a crazy summer trying to organize and keep track of schedules. I can't believe I am going to say it, but, I am looking forward to school starting and having our family back under one roof. So, I spent my day in my studio cleaning out/organizing and now I am moving to the rest of the basement and playroom. My neighbor is having a garage sale on this weekend to benefit the pediatric cancer research...my trunk is filled with all sorts of stuff to add to the sale...LOVE TO CLEAN OUT!!!! One more thing....Homedaisy if you are checking in...I miss your blog!

Opinion

Do you use a mineral make up? I have been using Bobbi Brown forever. I love Bobbi Brown but, one of my friends started to use Bare Minerals and she looks fantastic. What is your opinion? Will it work for a fair skin freckle faced girl?