More Christmas!

These pictures are courtesy of my sister Jennifer! She and Drew have been in town for several weeks and it has been so fun.

Isaac has an obsession with sports and fitness. Everyone enjoyed coming up with crazy excercises for Isaac to do. Here he is laughing his way through some wall sits.

 

 

He also got out the shovel and helped clear the driveway of snow on Christmas Eve.

As a Christmas present they took Isaac out for a day.  They started out with breakfast at the Waffle House.

 

 

Then they took him to a rock gym!

He is rocking his new Christmas clothes and hat.

 

 

They said he got a little nervous when he looked down and saw how far up the wall he had climbed, but overall, he did great.

 

 

Thanks Drew and Jen for a great Christmas present!

 

Favorite Holiday

We had a wonderful Christmas and I hope you did too.  Ryan, Isaac and I spent Christmas Eve with my family.  Jenny and Drew have been here for several weeks and Joe slept over.  Tom and Kelly Ann joined us later during the day on Christmas.

My mom has so many fun Christmas decorations.  She collects Nativities and has tons of them.  It is always comforting to go home and see all of the familiar holiday decorations.  Here are a small sampling of her collection.

Christmas Eve was a low key night.  We were going to do the light show at Hershey, but there was actually too much snow falling.  We set off but turned around after a few miles, since the roads were quite slippery.

Isaac did a great job waiting until 7:00 until her got up (despite a false alarm when he misread the clock at 1:00 in the morning). Isaac got me so many thoughtful presents and it was adorable because he could barely wait to give them to me.  I had to beg him to wait until Christmas.  This stamped coaster was my favorite gift from him:

 

Isaac made himself photographer for a while and here are the blurry results:

Ryan liked all of his gifts, but especially his tortilla pan set:

My parents got us a zoo membership and Ryan got me the Up fitness band, a beautiful pearl necklace and a bunch of Lush products.  Isaac was spoiled with helmets, jerseys, sports posters, and books. 

I also forgot to take pictures, but a few days after Christmas we had Ryan's kids over to open their presents from us.  His kids surprised me and Isaac with really sweet, thoughtful presents.  Ryan's parents and sister Katherine ended up dropping by and then later on his brother and his wife Patrick stopped by.  Patrick's present to Ryan was converting some hilarious home movies from VHS to DVD.  Ryan's siblings and cousins put together some hilarious "mystery" movies complete with soundtracks and previews.  We watched the movies together and it was HILARIOUS.  It was a really fun night with his family.

We are so lucky and so blessed!  Merry Christmas!!

here we go...

I have been so busy spending time with family (Drew and Jenny are here-- hurray!), preparing for the holidays, trying to keep on top of a mountain of IEPs and other work stuff, and just feeling sad and depressed after the Sandy Hook thing. 

Sorry to neglect you little blog. I have posted like two times in December. 

Ryan, Isaac and I went to Washington D.C. with my parents and Jenny and Drew.  We went to the Smithsonian for a little bit (the Museum of American History).  We only saw a little bit of what there is to see there but we really enjoyed it. 

A highlight for Ryan was seeing Julia Child's kitchen which is everything from her home reassembled in the Smithsonian.  He was a little starstruck.

A highlight of the trip for me was when Isaac recognized the Washington Monument and then said to me "Mom, are we near the place where Martin Luther King gave his speech?" I welled up a little with mom pride.  There is so much to see and of course we only had time to do a little, so Ryan and I are already trying to schedule a return trip.  After dinner we went to the Washington D.C. Temple to see the Nativity Display and check out the lights.  As usual, the temple looked magical.

 The visitor's center was more crowded than I have ever seen it.  Hundreds and hundreds of people crammed in there.  We did manage to get tickets to hear a free Christmas concert that we all enjoyed.  This is the second year we have done a Christmas time trip to D.C.  It is becoming a nice little tradition. 

We made it through the end of the school year and now we can breathe a sigh of relief that we are on vacation.  Isaac has been rocking a lot of sports gear (including batting gloves to school, see evidence below).  His class had a secret santa gift exchange and he made out pretty well.  His new thing is that I "keep treating him like he is four".  I am trying to remember that he is growing up, but it's hard.  He will always be my baby.

I enjoyed my first Christmas at my new school.  This is what our principal gave us for Christmas:

 

So that was pretty cool.

Another Christmas tradition my family has is we all go to People's Light and Theater Company and see the Christmas Panto.  It is always hilarious with cross dressing, singing, candy, audience participation and local references.  My brother Joe wasn't able to make it, so my mom invited Ryan's daughter Gabby to come with us, since it happened to be her sixth birthday.  She did a great job and she really loved it (even declaring she wanted to it again for her birthday next year).  Check out her sequined Kelly Kitty shoes.  Pretty stylish.

Oh yeah, and my sister got me this super cute purse for my birthday.

 

I think that's the update.  Happy Christmas!

 

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

So I had a ridiculously productive weekend.  Unfortuneatly, I am so behind on blogging, that these pictures are from TWO weekends ago, when we got all Christmas-y up in here.

My sister and brother in law were passing through town.  We had a nice family dinner and helped get the tree up at my parent's house. 

Dad played the piano and we all sung Christmas songs.  Drew and Ryan even busted out some falsetto.  It was a nice night.

We got a tree up at my house as well.  Typically, my tree buying tradition is going to Lowe's and looking for a tree that can be stuffed in my trunk.  Then I drive along at about 30 miles an house with Isaac twisted around in the back seat to ensure that the tree doesn't fall out between Lowe's and my house. 

Ryan was unimpressed with this tradition, and insisted that we go to Varner's a local tree farm..

and cut down our own tree!

Good times were had by all, and I am sensing a new Christmas tradition on our hands.

Linking up with Molly

Thankful

Thanksgiving was quiet and lovely. Ryan had to work in the morning, but Isaac and I spent a few hours with my parents.  My brother and future sister in law Kelly Ann came out too.  I did a little bit of baking, and also helped my mom make lunches for church volunteers who are driving into Jersey to help clean up from Hurricane Sandy. 

Source: heartsonit.com via ERenee on Pinterest

Ryan's family had invited Isaac and I to join them for Thanksgiving.  At the last minute, Deb and Patrick decided to host.  Deb's family is from Puerto Rico, so in addition to the usual stuffing and potatoes, there was also rice and beans and a baked banana side dish.  I made those ridiculously easy pumpkin muffins and they were a big hit.  Sunday we went to Ryan's parent's house for another family dinner. I am so lucky because I really enjoy his family and spending time with them. 

I have been thinking a lot about "things" and being grateful.  I am not going to make a list of things I am grateful for, but there is so much.  

This quote has been rattling around in my head for the past few weeks:

 

I have boxed up about four huge bags of stuff for charity. Living in a townhouse, it seems that storage and space is always at a premium. Especially when Ryan and his kids are here-- that is six people in this little house. I think my attitude is sometimes "Well I need a bigger closet/garage/house" so keep all of this *stuff* in, when really, I just need less stuff.

I love Pinterest and lifestyle blogs as much as the next girl, but, for me personally, I have to make sure that I am not allowing those websites to make me feel like what I have isn't enough.  Sometimes I have to conciously remind myself that I won't die if I can't have at least five of the the top ten "Must Have" items for [insert season here].   And it doesn't really matter how much the four adorable Target clearance shirts were marked down if I really, truly don't have the money left in my budget for them.  I don't know why it is so hard for me to learn that lesson.  I guess I am terrifically stubborn and hard headed.

And Pinterest?  I think it is is a double edged sword. I love the recipes, crafts, tips and tricks.  But I get a sort of sick feeling in my stomach whenever I see people with "dream home" type boards on Pinterest.  How can you feel happy with your own home and entryway, when you have seen this and pinned it to your "for the future" board?

Source: houzz.com via Alisha on Pinterest

How can you feel satisfied with your yard when your kids don't have a tree house like this for the kiddies to play in:

 

 

 

 

 

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Takakuni on Pinterest

Anyways, I am grateful for all of the people and friendships and love that I have in my life.  And I am conciously trying to worry about "things" and more focus more on experiences. 

Source: Uploaded by user via Jamie on Pinterest

Quick Sunday Social

1. Name 4 jobs you've had in your life.

- Bagel girl at Bruegger's Bagels

- Summer camp counselor

- sales associate at Delia*s

- special education teacher (currently third grade learning support)

2. Name 4 movies you would watch over and over.

 Home Alone

Hmm... that's all I can think of at the moment.  Not a huge movie person.  I can tell you movies have been FORCED to watch over and over again.  I know almost every word to Cars and Finding Nemo.  Isaac used to be obsessed with those movies.

3. Name 4 places you have lived.

North Salt Lake, Utah

Worcester, Massachuetts

Pittsburgh, PA in a variety of dorm rooms and apartments.

East Coventry, PA

4. Name 4 of your favorite foods.

Nutella-- that counts, right?

Quesadillas

French toast

Really, most sweets.

5. Name 4 things you always carry with you.

iPhone

keys

wallet

sunglasses

6. Name 4 places you have been on vacation.

 Orlando (Disney)

 

Myrtle Beach

 

Ocean City, New Jersey

 

Alaska

 

 

 

 

 

TGIF!!

It's freakin' weekend baby Imma about to have me some fun...

Or actually.... I'm about the celebrate my 31st birthday, go to a weekend soccer tournament and blog about my love of the crockpot.  I am the queen of the dorks.  The early 30's dorks....

The crockpot is my best friend lately.  I have owned it for years and never used it and now I am using it at least once a week. Walmart (Ryan's new employer) makes a great crockpot kit with fresh vegetables and roasts.  You just open it up and dump it in and six hours later you have dinner.  LOVE it.

 

 

Things at work have been crazy busy lately.  This is how I have been eating dinner most night this week-- doing progress reporting or entering grades.  I am pretty much the most boring person in the world. 

Isaac and I are loving this song.  In the song Florence Welch says "You're giving me such sweet nothing".  I was convinced she said "You're giving me sexy elephant".  Isaac and I laughed and laughed about it (to Ryan's great annoyance).

However, I was put in my place abruptly when Isaac came home with his autobiography.  This was the picture he drew of himself.  On the reverse he put traits about himself.  One of the qualities he listed was "sexy".  I am sure I will be hearing about THAT at his conference next week.

 

Have a great weekend!

seriously easy pumpkin muffins

**RIDICULOUSLY EASY RECIPE ALERT**

My friend Diana brought the most delicious chocolate chip muffins one morning and left them in the faculty room for everyone to enjoy.  After many requests she printed up some recipe cards and tonight I decided to satify my pumpkin hankering and whip up a batch.

 

 

All the ingredients you need are in the picture above: a spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin puree, a dash of cinnamon, one egg (or egg beater), and a half a bag of mini chocolate chips.  Combine the first four ingredients.  At first it will seem super dry and like it will never mix together, but keep at it, it will mix into a thick batter.  Then fold in the mini chocolate chips.  Bake for 20-22 minutes and enjoy.  They are so yummy!! 

 

It's not often that a snack can elicit a grin like this.

Biebs

Next weekend is my birthday. Since we will be tied up with our last soccer commitment of the season (insert Hallelujah chorus here) Ryan made plans to celebrate my birthday this past weekend. I had often spoke of how much I had loved my 30th birthday and I wasn't sure if it could ever be topped.  I guess Ryan took this as a challenge because he told me to pack an overnight bag with warm clothes but he wouldn't say anymore than that.

We dropped Isaac off with his dad and started heading north.  I had tried to do some snooping and I had assumed we were heading for Washington DC, so then I was really baffled and actually kind of freaking out.  I don't like not being in control and not knowing the plan.   We drove along forever and then I finally deduced we were going to New York City.  After it seemed like we had been in the car for an eternity, I noticed a huge billboard for Justin Bieber's concer that night at the Meadowlands and then when we got off at the exit for the Meadowlands I began seriously freaking out. Yes, I may be turning 31 but I am a huge Justin Bieber fan.  I had REALLY, REALLY wanted to see him when he was in Philly, but we couldn't get tickets and I tried to be okay with that.  I was thrilled when I put it all together and was more than happy to join the throngs of purple shirted Beliebers heading into the show.

Through a long series of events, we ended up with FREE tickets in the thirteenth row, right near Govenor Christie's daughters and some Victoria Secret models.  We also spotted Perez Hilton.

 

 

The arena was deafening.  If I would have known better, I would have seriously worn earplugs or some kind of protective earcoverings. Justin started the show strapped to a pair of silver wings and flying out over the audience.  

 

 

 

 

Best iphone shot of the night.

 

 

He played a few guitar songs for the audience from a crane.

 

 

He also wore hammer pants the entire time.  I guess they are making a comeback with teen pop sensations.  Who knew?  The show was excellent, our seats were amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.  The only thing that would have made it better was if Isaac was there.  He would have loved it, and I felt more than a little guilty that I was seeing the Biebs without him.

 

After the show we drove into Manhatten and crashed.   The hotel was very beautiful and swanky.  Here is the view from our window.  It has been a few years since I have been up to the city.

 

 

Since we did not have to pay for our tickets to see the Biebs, we decided to spend that money on a Broadway show.  One of the first conversations Ryan and I had was about how he wanted to see the shows Mary Poppins or Spiderman.  So we decided to hop in the TKTS line in times Square to get tickets.   There must have been a hidden camera because we noticed ourselves on a big billboard in Times Square.

 

 

We ended up at the matinee for Mary Poppins. The show was great.  We had great seats there as well.  (Thanks mom and dad for chipping into the birthday fun fund!)  We ended up getting a bit lost and wandering around the city for a while.  We did Rockefeller Center, some shopping and dinner in Times Square.  There was so much we wanted to do, but didn't get a chance to, that we are already planning our next trip back.

 

Thanks for making my 31st birthday so special Ryan!