tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32573808950141186332024-03-05T16:34:34.423-08:00Scrapronicity 365Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.comBlogger367125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-9770124430041317302010-01-01T16:05:00.000-08:002010-01-01T16:08:28.510-08:00<span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">I miss Project 365 already! </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Please join me at </span></span><a href="http://scrapronicity.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;">Scrapronicity</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;"> as I try to work on my scrappy projects each day...and blog all about of course. In May I'll start </span><a href="http://scrapronicity40.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;">Project...Life at 40</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:180%;">!</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-16107396831201104372009-12-31T09:10:00.001-08:002010-01-01T09:34:40.110-08:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Thursday, December 31</span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2FbEJq-HBsArWqBmGHPhAm2Dyn_riPWXXxgoQBMmUUIgZH1nON_TtHuUdTgV9kjo_JH2SG0yMec2bCGZOwst83pmUwwhUhM4mHQzq2W6kX3nzxRSaikyJfA5UFiZXS9ltMIKe1-Xyv_8/s1600-h/365+Day365.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 172px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421802156784393634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2FbEJq-HBsArWqBmGHPhAm2Dyn_riPWXXxgoQBMmUUIgZH1nON_TtHuUdTgV9kjo_JH2SG0yMec2bCGZOwst83pmUwwhUhM4mHQzq2W6kX3nzxRSaikyJfA5UFiZXS9ltMIKe1-Xyv_8/s200/365+Day365.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{365/365} Today is New Years Eve, 2009. Today we will eat "junkie food" and play Guitar Hero. Today we will say good-bye to an entire decade and I'll say hello to my 40<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span></span> year. Today it will snow. Today we will watch the "ball" drop and have a champagne toast. Today we hope for good health and happiness for 2010 and today I'll pray that in 2010 Liam finds his "words." again. For me today is bittersweet because I finish a project that's been a labor of love for 365 days. "Project 365" concludes today and I leave it with undying gratitude. It's been sort of life changing for me, allowing me to focus on everyday life and not just letting it to pass me by. Although I've been scrapping for years, this one project has changed my perspective and I'm proud I was able to see it through to the end. Today I'll say goodbye to 365 but I'll look at life in a different way. To those that have taken the journey with me, I thank you for your support. I know I took the "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">journaling</span></span>" very seriously and had so much to say. For me, it was an important part of the process. Moving forward, I have new ideas up my sleeve and plan to resume a project again in May. Until then...goodbye 365 and thank you for such an insightful and exciting 2009!</span>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-45873997563151802592009-12-30T18:59:00.000-08:002009-12-31T09:09:20.364-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday, December 30</span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptm1v2HeDAhcrNOzwp_pqbdjtmqraeo2AWCGjgvBj6bmuZjeoMvo2HwrAhZMMlSpm_lVoHrPBAoVDv6f8SXmFOJSn0r4yKSY3LeTvh63aWKIwIiLecq_KVRQv-PvKw9_3izOk7T2C8cd2/s1600-h/365+Day364.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421439854709140386" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptm1v2HeDAhcrNOzwp_pqbdjtmqraeo2AWCGjgvBj6bmuZjeoMvo2HwrAhZMMlSpm_lVoHrPBAoVDv6f8SXmFOJSn0r4yKSY3LeTvh63aWKIwIiLecq_KVRQv-PvKw9_3izOk7T2C8cd2/s200/365+Day364.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{364/365} This is my life. I have a beautiful, intelligent, creative and dramatic eight year old. I have a delicious, curious, smart...and Autistic, twenty-nine month old. My epileptic and neurotic "fur baby" of nine years, has two metal knees and enjoys licking walls and jumping at shadows. My husband of 13 years (and who I've known for 19), is overworked in the television business and longing to spend more time at home. My house is "lived in" and that's how it goes. The laundry is clean but often remains in baskets. The garage is full of useless stuff that will eventually be thrown away. We have stacks of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CD's and DVD's</span> in our bedroom which were displaced when our cabinets started housing therapy toys. My scrap room/office is often a mess with several unfinished projects and bits of paper lurking everywhere. On my desk under a clear protector it reads, "I'm creative, you can't expect me to be neat too.". Emily's room is pink, Liam's is blue and if I had any strength at all, I would paint my scrap room pear green. I'm tired. My life took off in a different direction than expected and I'm still trying to gain control. I desperately need to lose weight and that saddens me each and every day. Such a daunting task. I try so hard to get it all done...class mom, girl scout leader, newsletter writer, scrapper, mom, housekeeper, daughter, sister, wife, "chef," "doctor," "lawyer," on and on...but my multi-tasking skills are lacking these days. I do the best I can. My goal for the upcoming year is to try and take things one day at a time. To make a bit more time for myself. To keep it all together. Despite the challenges, no matter what, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I'm very lucky and I'm grateful for what I have, each and every day. :)</span>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-47521864951401028632009-12-30T18:58:00.001-08:002009-12-31T08:34:16.528-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday, December 29</span> </span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmXdBVlSDu-H_BKJ0skDfv_qnUzuQ2iiXEXM8ZimLMu7aMguYqeptcsFZZbAVbf6AnTuGILps9OpYRZo363w2PNys8N6w_dmIoFEsiGAUTAVcBgUqy2ZotgM9jGQMSxsPfPMVq4U-NlCr/s1600-h/365+Day363.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 166px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421436345175358002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkmXdBVlSDu-H_BKJ0skDfv_qnUzuQ2iiXEXM8ZimLMu7aMguYqeptcsFZZbAVbf6AnTuGILps9OpYRZo363w2PNys8N6w_dmIoFEsiGAUTAVcBgUqy2ZotgM9jGQMSxsPfPMVq4U-NlCr/s200/365+Day363.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{363/365} During Hanukkah this year we were supposed to get together with Mike and Britt for a little celebration. Unfortunately, Britt was really sick and we had to go on with the Chinese food and lakes without them. :( Rescheduling isn't always easy but luckily both of them had the week off! So, after two hours of therapy for Liam and an extremely emotional doctors appointment for Emily (which involved a "finger prick") they came over for a post-Hanukkah celebration. Although there were no latkes, we did open gifts and dined on Chinese food. We had a great night which ended with me showing Mike the "</span><a href="http://scrapronicity365.blogspot.com/2009/12/monday-december-7-th-341365-today-while.html#links"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Munchos</span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">" entry on my 365! I was thrilled to get such a great photo as I wind down this year long project.</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-36925809216507202592009-12-30T18:45:00.000-08:002009-12-31T08:32:28.483-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday, December 28</span> </span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklyAIKLnffn8sExmfTBGEiXWqYv7kKk3CEUy4uvNmxL16uyZma-G2WKriFBRRyTMTpqrlb6m2-F9SyVZIpGfNEUD4-oW47o7THdP5RH21xFIeSzXEJP1c6fRnKERq337svsMUTO4imrMa/s1600-h/365+Day362a.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 168px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421438980068800018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklyAIKLnffn8sExmfTBGEiXWqYv7kKk3CEUy4uvNmxL16uyZma-G2WKriFBRRyTMTpqrlb6m2-F9SyVZIpGfNEUD4-oW47o7THdP5RH21xFIeSzXEJP1c6fRnKERq337svsMUTO4imrMa/s200/365+Day362a.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{362/365} Frank has been working with Michael for over ten years and Mike's family owns both a restaurant and a wine store in Manhattan. Last year for the holidays, Michael gave us a gift certificate for the restaurant which we knew would be a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">challenge</span> to use. It's not that we don't want to go, but arranging such a thing is never easy! This year Michael gave us a gift certificate to the wine store and I finally decided that we had to work this out! Tonight Frank and I had a "date," while my mom stayed home with the kids. We had an amazing meal at i <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Trulli</span> which included pumpkin ravioli for me and braised short rib for Frank. We then went across the street to Vino to purchase some wine. To end the evening we stopped into "Mustang Harry's" where a few of our old friends from our college radio days (<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">WONY</span>) were hanging out! How fantastic it was to have a great meal, drink a little wine, schmooze with old friends and feel like an adult for a change. I do love my kids but I certainly would like to do this more often. :)</span>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-16087630866101577332009-12-30T18:37:00.000-08:002009-12-30T18:44:18.257-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday, December 27</span> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh_bGR3hDLF0z0ai4FJFhQWIjfK9e46lmcdEmMxGbq-_2LYVmqVNqf16goX3SDqq5GMo72lFtqEPOd5Ah_ZOjbMAtJu9WdQ_gUtKNrhH3jNHFTO5rvx4akIleQINNLL1W6zBvNIXpQJj0/s1600-h/365+Day361.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 116px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421224956165060866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvh_bGR3hDLF0z0ai4FJFhQWIjfK9e46lmcdEmMxGbq-_2LYVmqVNqf16goX3SDqq5GMo72lFtqEPOd5Ah_ZOjbMAtJu9WdQ_gUtKNrhH3jNHFTO5rvx4akIleQINNLL1W6zBvNIXpQJj0/s200/365+Day361.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{361/365} In addition to seeing my kids happy on Christmas morning, I have to admit, emptying out Riley's stocking is also a highlight of my day! Each year I get her new bones, squeak toys and for her 9<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> Christmas, I got my pretty, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span> pooch a new pink collar with a matching leash! Tonight Frank and Emily went to Frank's Aunt's house (for a second Christmas dinner), while I hung out at home with Liam and Riley. Miss Riley had a grand old time playing on her back, surrounded by all of her holiday goodies.</span>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-13093220259556485562009-12-28T08:45:00.000-08:002009-12-30T18:32:09.624-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday, December 26</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrjjfLACP_a2tN45freVL5mUkVwbsFB7cOUlpeMFZdDEJwSAUBgzlWydUh-8GMWHrBorJNuUp4bL7keaXhT3G9gnsJXbxQFtzOaRNlAqWnfL3J3gnMwW2V3X4eKxe1dt-A5nvzrJCI0jR/s1600-h/365+Day360.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 169px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420329283166463154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsrjjfLACP_a2tN45freVL5mUkVwbsFB7cOUlpeMFZdDEJwSAUBgzlWydUh-8GMWHrBorJNuUp4bL7keaXhT3G9gnsJXbxQFtzOaRNlAqWnfL3J3gnMwW2V3X4eKxe1dt-A5nvzrJCI0jR/s200/365+Day360.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{360/365} I love the day after Christmas. We get to wind down and the kids get to play all day long. The house is always a mess and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">everyone</span> is a bit hyper but we have no where to go and that's the way we like it! After Emily and Daddy made the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jamba</span> Juice and we played a few games of Sorry Sliders...after Liam played a symphony on his new Little Einstein Piano and spilled a bunch of crayons out of his dump truck...I captured a sweet moment with Emily and Liam. Nope, this wasn't one of their new gifts, it was a video on my iPhone that made the two of them so happy. I wasn't offended in the least because for me, looking at them so content, is the best gift of all. :)</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-5035673426879261572009-12-28T08:44:00.000-08:002009-12-30T17:44:49.641-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Friday, December 25</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOFBYRWpzvXLs6kQfC8reO6EW4DYZhGRtpVhugjIURoSEGLE_hheiefo-yYk71A8J_eeOd1Cn4WwxJEUEYSiDiP-y0iXVYWa_STqa173nqwTwWmoIxCcP64qcOsKUWapkXd8NVJ-G2fDB/s1600-h/365+Day359.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 148px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420329110911556066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOFBYRWpzvXLs6kQfC8reO6EW4DYZhGRtpVhugjIURoSEGLE_hheiefo-yYk71A8J_eeOd1Cn4WwxJEUEYSiDiP-y0iXVYWa_STqa173nqwTwWmoIxCcP64qcOsKUWapkXd8NVJ-G2fDB/s200/365+Day359.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{259/365} Merry Christmas! The magical day began at 9am, luckily we have excited yet sleepy kids who don't wake us up at the crack of dawn. Santa was nice enough to leave Emily the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jamba</span> Juice maker and Jewelry Design <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">DS</span> she was desperate for and Liam received his Little Einstein piano and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Plex</span> microphone. In addition to the Santa gifts, Emily was in shock when she got the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPod</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Nano</span> and pink dock/dual alarm clock that she didn't even know she wanted! The look on her face was priceless when she found out we loaded it up with a ton of songs including both Glee <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">CDs</span>, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">HSM</span> 2 and 3, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Mamma</span> Mia AND All the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Single</span> Ladies! <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span> We ended the morning with Frank's delicious <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">Emeril</span> Breakfast Bread Pudding and by 1pm headed out to Frank's family in Staten Island. As always it was a really busy day and once it's over we can hardly believe it ever happened!</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-88820837182599211142009-12-28T08:35:00.000-08:002009-12-30T17:34:19.143-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Thursday, December 24</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tH-wepkopZDYRpUXxenywAqiRZDJ9eAgsqGukRH_SncZwceO9WKOUd1OMRVtZe91q3F9ccPOB2PRayDeLZZokHxny2KrmgetpQz0M0KYKFB2GVeQyr_I5-MS_KlbGFxglJR9O82szIG8/s1600-h/365+Day358.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 156px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420326936462101138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tH-wepkopZDYRpUXxenywAqiRZDJ9eAgsqGukRH_SncZwceO9WKOUd1OMRVtZe91q3F9ccPOB2PRayDeLZZokHxny2KrmgetpQz0M0KYKFB2GVeQyr_I5-MS_KlbGFxglJR9O82szIG8/s200/365+Day358.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{358/365} Christmas Eve and all is calm. This year Emily wrote her note (a bit late as usual but somehow she always gets what she wants) and a note from her brother as well. We leave out the cookies, milk and carrots each year to show Santa how much we care. To be perfectly honest, I thought Santa could use some coffee with that milk. I mean, he starts off on that sleigh so darn early and travels non-stop. Milk is nice, but I think caffeine could really do the trick. (Actually he could probably use a little eggnog but I don't want to promote drinking and driving). Thanks in advance Santa, we are looking forward to seeing what goodies are left under the tree...</span> </div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-34489529858971946462009-12-28T08:28:00.002-08:002009-12-30T16:46:14.810-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday, December 23</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3DHASGGGIX80_GFzhdQ2Mp-nNts3Vf3e75Ig-M_ztOAzFlqF8HVOwjA3imNcv8FYdQZ3zCyJv1cn2IMjv15aY6N23SBnh5Xj3D8crAJjZwnMNBKFCcawUENNYteNc1sv2aD2sPvn8yHd/s1600-h/365+Day357.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 152px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420328891805523010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic3DHASGGGIX80_GFzhdQ2Mp-nNts3Vf3e75Ig-M_ztOAzFlqF8HVOwjA3imNcv8FYdQZ3zCyJv1cn2IMjv15aY6N23SBnh5Xj3D8crAJjZwnMNBKFCcawUENNYteNc1sv2aD2sPvn8yHd/s200/365+Day357.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{357/365} It's hard enough to lose a loved one during the holidays, but losing my dad only five days before his 57<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> birthday was like rubbing salt into a wound. :( I decided years ago, rather than mourn his death on this day, I would celebrate his life. As I always do, I went through my box of memories, looking at old notes and smiling as I took a whiff of Old Spice. I also decided to look through my "family memory" scrapbook that I put together in 2007. It took me years to get through it without breaking down but when I was finished, I made three copies (one for myself and one for each brother), each containing memories about our grandparents, parents, our house growing up, our dog, etc. Now I can look at this page with a smile on my face to go with the tears in my eyes. How lucky I was to have such a funny, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">intelligent</span> and loving man as my father. We may have lost him seven years ago, but his memory will never fade away.</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-62655921961614211452009-12-28T08:28:00.001-08:002009-12-30T16:16:29.118-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Tuesday, December 22<br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aHEE54_Lyw1OqCRK_lLbd4LZuhNavc_f80zyloX6wrRHY6xCP2tkA_qmCEX5PfZW1MnT-XLziqSvYsVfZ6LLqZoqsrAFhXZyfb6V2Ue_7mJmpWUV31Xrhb6qEHKh9gUQsSFeUavzkkdZ/s1600-h/365+Day356.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420324802619018642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aHEE54_Lyw1OqCRK_lLbd4LZuhNavc_f80zyloX6wrRHY6xCP2tkA_qmCEX5PfZW1MnT-XLziqSvYsVfZ6LLqZoqsrAFhXZyfb6V2Ue_7mJmpWUV31Xrhb6qEHKh9gUQsSFeUavzkkdZ/s200/365+Day356.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{356/365} I have such fond memories of making cookies as a kid. Our favorite was a simple sugar cookie dough with a "secret ingredient"...sour cream! We would pull out all of the cutters and sprinkles and have a grand old time decorating! We also had a fantastic cookie press that was beyond old but worked like a charm. (Sadly, it broke a few years back and we have yet to find another). Tonight Grandma Eileen came over to keep the cookie tradition going. Out came the pans, cutters and sugar and the fun began. It was Liam's first time decorating and he had a ball! Emily was in heaven as she made her sugary works of art, sneaking sprinkles along the way. A great time was had by all and we can't wait to do it again next year.</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-61829069336909994752009-12-28T08:27:00.001-08:002009-12-30T14:47:40.166-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday, December 21</span><br /></span><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhRGNXS3uiMy8YHOWw6m8H9oS3tzjumSOwFcqVE_NHumnNURSWZpQIrmapouVKUkwVDbY_v7op1ucfA3KLwM3zbcIzwNPj8qBOGAA5yZizSJhutCwpRqTA8Zx6joJB65wtltlfFogqDfh/s1600-h/365+Day355.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420328759327772738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhRGNXS3uiMy8YHOWw6m8H9oS3tzjumSOwFcqVE_NHumnNURSWZpQIrmapouVKUkwVDbY_v7op1ucfA3KLwM3zbcIzwNPj8qBOGAA5yZizSJhutCwpRqTA8Zx6joJB65wtltlfFogqDfh/s200/365+Day355.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{355/365} When December rolls around, it's time for baking! Each year I make a bunch of my "staple" cookies, the same cookies we made as kids. Corn Flake Macaroons, Split Levels, Round Ball Cookies, Coconut Delights and Sour Cream Sugar Cookies. (Those are the kind you cut with cookie cutters and the sour cream adds a bit of something that's just so delicious)! I also like to try something new. Last year I made a lemon square while this year it was orange oatmeal cookies. I don't have as much time as used to so my Mom makes the most time consuming (Split Levels)... and I am so grateful! All of this baking is so involved, and I often wonder why I do it... but then I think, what would the holidays be without the cookies!!</span></div></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-18028277664810549942009-12-28T08:26:00.001-08:002009-12-30T08:51:46.660-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday, December 20</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQTqwt__m1CjQ0dkuczDMF_emG6aRR5uuFj0amWSKKtmtCCV4mJXgRsIrSqOkX_aXtEJwD2REGBQepTavrAN4Gx3Dkd25ulzJbbc_de5yww3ysnKEggfxcEjMHeex1mfMYputQXJQwF0L/s1600-h/365+Day354.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420324375323549266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdQTqwt__m1CjQ0dkuczDMF_emG6aRR5uuFj0amWSKKtmtCCV4mJXgRsIrSqOkX_aXtEJwD2REGBQepTavrAN4Gx3Dkd25ulzJbbc_de5yww3ysnKEggfxcEjMHeex1mfMYputQXJQwF0L/s200/365+Day354.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{354/365} I'm quickly realizing that just because a toy has a lot of colors or sounds or giant bells and whistles, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the most exciting toy for our kids. I remember having "Lincoln Logs" as a child and building away with such simple materials. As I wondered through Toys-R-Us last week, weaving through the aisles of "bells and whistles", I came upon a section of "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Animalz</span>". These are sweet little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Eco</span>-friendly, sustainable, recycled, hand-made, wooden toy animals that are the cutest darn things I have EVER seen! Liam took to them instantly, even giving his monkey a ride on the lions back! Being the obsessive, compulsive person that I am, I have no doubt that I will purchase several more of these farm/jungle creatures for Liam to enjoy.</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-28801228523548567582009-12-28T08:25:00.001-08:002009-12-30T08:26:07.233-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Saturday, December 19</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgY2YIhLFAajoyHBS700ongR7U00tby4SnFPmE2Gv2e8OnvEVdC0y-FrZp1SOVliqXqhDOpaySWB23JbT-AZCobP9euDzJr84URqnozgpnNrD5oF_DZoL2KDsBLlpzBEfZ3yzP7ALrMPY/s1600-h/365+Day353.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 198px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420324138619150962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYgY2YIhLFAajoyHBS700ongR7U00tby4SnFPmE2Gv2e8OnvEVdC0y-FrZp1SOVliqXqhDOpaySWB23JbT-AZCobP9euDzJr84URqnozgpnNrD5oF_DZoL2KDsBLlpzBEfZ3yzP7ALrMPY/s200/365+Day353.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{353/365} On December 19, 2002 my 13 month old was quietly asleep in her crib while Frank watched TV and I scrapped Emily's first year. My brother Mike called around 10:30pm and that call would turn out to be the worst call I've ever received. My dad collapsed on the dance floor at this company holiday party...shortly after I was told that he couldn't be revived. That was it...my dad, the rock of our family...was gone. There are still no words to describe the horror of that day or the literal numbness that I felt for a year afterward. How life would never be the same, the changes that have taken place in our family and that constant little empty feeling that still remains. On this day however, I chose a photo of my babies...a representation of all the good things in life. Each year on the Saturday before Christmas, the local fire department comes around with Santa on their truck, handing out candy canes to all of the wide eyed kids. THIS is what life is all about and on the worst of days when my mind wanders to the sadness of December 19<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span>, I try to replace that image with the faces of the three sweetest little angels a mommy could have. :)</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-55911604071118527382009-12-28T08:24:00.000-08:002009-12-30T08:13:06.938-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Friday, December 18</span><br /></span><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420328574085221522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ivQjw-pkhzbHUvdW1Jq-fANR3mO0mq69SZi-3uIu5L63UW6UHij_8n96Lukj0mRS4OcsdF5j_01KzKQvKVPP4FM8prGtML1xbK1BN2Pz9FP8Lh8tsVjqQYVNphJ3XEUq_mXBbBz8JTHt/s200/365+Day352.jpg" />{352/365} Tonight is the last night of Hanukkah and I got more of a gift than I bargained for. The night started off just fine, Emily and Liam received their gifts and we had our holiday "closing ceremony." ;) At 9pm I started to work on some cookie dough, tucking it away in the fridge to roll out next week. By 10:30 my little night owls were in bed and started to clean up the giant mess I had made. I used the Cuisinart for the dough, leaving the sharp blade in the cabinet. Unfortunately, I wasn't smart enough to secure the blade because when I reached in to put things away, out came the blade, hidden by some other items. The good news is that my pinkie is still in tact...the bad news? OUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That darn blade slid across my entire finger sending me into a silent panic. I quickly wrapped up my hand, not wanting to see what I had done. My first thought, "if I have to go to the emergency room, who would watch my kids?"...I simply wouldn't go! Frank was an hour away but mom and her boyfriend Bob just happened to have been out late. As I waited for them to arrive, I held up my wrapped left hand while cleaning with my right...how could they come over to this mess?? ;) Luckily I was not in need of stitches and while I'm very grateful for that, it does NOT take away the heebie jeebie factor! Not a fun night but I did learn my lesson...always keep you Cuisinart blade in a visible and <em>secure </em>location!<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><div></div></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-4094136324705560362009-12-28T08:23:00.001-08:002009-12-29T12:16:58.067-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Thursday, December 17</span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJs-Vr0DlgAiGQnNaR_RJjunQ7t3oOJZC-7_IKOArUWNT1el02jfKuQwbvwLOlg40Uc8IYVyPCzhanjfl0GDXRdHPPzOT-k0A36Hbd7De60WqDaEVC04vGds4P6473XqkYpAZDiDWqY7p/s1600-h/365+Day351a.jpg"><span style="font-size:130%;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 199px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420323660805459874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQJs-Vr0DlgAiGQnNaR_RJjunQ7t3oOJZC-7_IKOArUWNT1el02jfKuQwbvwLOlg40Uc8IYVyPCzhanjfl0GDXRdHPPzOT-k0A36Hbd7De60WqDaEVC04vGds4P6473XqkYpAZDiDWqY7p/s200/365+Day351a.jpg" /></span></a><br />{351/365} Liam was too young to really understand the concept of "presents" last year. This year was different. It started with the Santa box. At first, he just didn't understand the concept but after a few days when we would say..."it's time for the Santa box" he would just come running! As far as Hanukkah, the first night he seemed excited, little did he know there were seven nights ahead of him. By night number three, I would yell "present time", he would run over to the TV, shut it off and literally leap into his chair at the table. Oh the look on his face! Tonight he chose a small Elmo from the box (that's Emily's Kooky Pen) and opened up a case full of Cars cars (from the movie). It's night number seven and we got the best smile EVER!Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-58704967472626769512009-12-28T08:22:00.000-08:002009-12-29T12:04:42.168-08:00<span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">Wednesday, December 16</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9oZ_JtYKu6luBdIf3PIwQss7N87joNUT8ZIfzjykqyx2kc9SqRfCyzKOfCNUJONHOUp3XnVKg55yMT7MNx_pEvC7_Df3FdkHIqg_s4dtUXJGJ4ls17HVRX1O2Xmi3YQxIVElPJwrnYQr/s1600-h/365+Day350.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 158px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420323444700614178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9oZ_JtYKu6luBdIf3PIwQss7N87joNUT8ZIfzjykqyx2kc9SqRfCyzKOfCNUJONHOUp3XnVKg55yMT7MNx_pEvC7_Df3FdkHIqg_s4dtUXJGJ4ls17HVRX1O2Xmi3YQxIVElPJwrnYQr/s200/365+Day350.jpg" /></a>{350/365} Today Emily made gingerbread house number two! Each year her teacher goes all out, allowing her students to make fantastic houses. Each child has a box, graham crackers, white frosting "glue" and an INSANE <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">amount</span> of candy to work with! Although it was quite a chaotic sight, the children could not have had more fun. Gumdrops, M&M's, sprinkles, coconut, Skittles and other various pieces of candy were EVERYWHERE and each child was building with one hand and eating with the other. We had such a fun day and I got a big kick out of seeing all of the unique creations. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">I'll</span> admit, when I woke up this morning I was in no mood for the chaos, but once I left the party I was so glad to have been there. </div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-36709488786180444512009-12-28T08:21:00.000-08:002009-12-29T11:55:28.676-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday, December 15</span> </span><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSQfwmv9pPtbxziYT7ZO-Lvu0FOzN_o69JhKOFhme0Pmbh2p0OmfYkYUCEmzwGf1couk6DHeyrJdXnleL5x9YhwOkGnQpXoyrMEql7Ptk_OUtA2TYkzI72G1QaVL4aIUAZhYEcfdCqCEE/s1600-h/365+Day346.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420321343753526818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSQfwmv9pPtbxziYT7ZO-Lvu0FOzN_o69JhKOFhme0Pmbh2p0OmfYkYUCEmzwGf1couk6DHeyrJdXnleL5x9YhwOkGnQpXoyrMEql7Ptk_OUtA2TYkzI72G1QaVL4aIUAZhYEcfdCqCEE/s200/365+Day346.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{349/365} You know how they say a kid only needs a box as a gift and he'll be happy? I think that still rings true. I wanted to get Liam a few really good sensory type learning toys, so I spent days reviewing all that Learning Express has to offer. Will this one be too difficult or would he be too bored with that one? On and on I went, finally settling on a cool set of interlocking blocks that I thought would be just perfect for him. The plastic came off the top tonight and instead of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">analyzing</span> all of the contents or starting to build a tower, my little guy had something more fun in mind. The photo says it all. :)</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-33023786784331388122009-12-28T08:20:00.000-08:002009-12-29T11:54:48.618-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Monday, December 14</span><br /><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitrJBh6B8Yrk_sHfAsYMdLenucyiFiVrhlJ5QwwbizkWsSFNAZ91sXsJ00XosLSE8fcHzxQhvJqKsFiQo4plsql715_Jy_3Wm3Z29rbIK3cnsyfTK3_q52UIn6kE7DOon_a9NZYEsoXle/s1600-h/365+Day348.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU2xNg5P-0jFrwvOPoE3PK7EqkbzFawxPbTa-9mX7gsHqVKYXCMPJj2q3BoEQKGm5dJ56ow18gFXHbPqjuD3JPxCJnTDymuNFY3vOQfUMWCFm-caiM-TgX4_4IEqxyERS39fcLBw074wr/s1600-h/365+Day348.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420743440566888434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirU2xNg5P-0jFrwvOPoE3PK7EqkbzFawxPbTa-9mX7gsHqVKYXCMPJj2q3BoEQKGm5dJ56ow18gFXHbPqjuD3JPxCJnTDymuNFY3vOQfUMWCFm-caiM-TgX4_4IEqxyERS39fcLBw074wr/s200/365+Day348.jpg" /></a>{348/365} Emily was begging to make a gingerbread house this year. I often wonder if she actually likes making the house, or she likes eating all of the candy? Probably BOTH! When I went shopping I decided to buy two houses so we can make both a Christmas house AND a Hanukkah house. I never <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">attempted</span> such a thing but I couldn't pass up a good challenge. While Em was at school I put both houses together and decorated my Hanukkah house, complete with a menorah in the window and a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">dreidel</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">chimney</span>. She was so excited when she got home and couldn't wait to get started on <em>her</em> creation. I loved watching her work and I must admit, I ate my fair share of candy too. ;) </div></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-62704902160097082362009-12-28T08:19:00.000-08:002009-12-28T10:26:20.577-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Sunday, December 13</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1fhs0YyHpJJRMSpN7kjuif0pG2lu10yiabb39lYxAmJu2tSSrUS7ul4BvqSy3855ZpQ2SC9h3TAWZVAGLV3IfKRoLHBHwuezWR8EjeGE_WDxqgsQaFUXtzqf0OWxGcaACGvA3Lw0YN2H/s1600-h/365+Day347a.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 158px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420322625410318722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ1fhs0YyHpJJRMSpN7kjuif0pG2lu10yiabb39lYxAmJu2tSSrUS7ul4BvqSy3855ZpQ2SC9h3TAWZVAGLV3IfKRoLHBHwuezWR8EjeGE_WDxqgsQaFUXtzqf0OWxGcaACGvA3Lw0YN2H/s200/365+Day347a.jpg" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{347/365} Ever since Emily opened "Glee Volume 1" last week, it 's been all Glee all of the time around here! "Defying Gravity", "Dancing With Myself" and "Sweet Caroline" are among her favorites. Last Sunday Emily put up a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">flyer</span> that read..."Glee Dance! 5 stars. Tonight!" Yes, we were fortunate enough to take in dinner AND a show last week while Emily entertained us with interpretive Glee dances. I must have walked by this sign a million times and didn't realize until today that it was STILL UP! It also <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occurred</span> to me that the kid actually gave <em>herself</em> 5 stars...now that's confidence for you! Looking forward to the next show when she gets Volume 2. ;)</span> </div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-27321051983249023272009-12-28T08:14:00.001-08:002009-12-29T11:44:44.802-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Saturday, December 12<br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPKt_rAhgjOSuIgLCXTXSyhjbzhyxPDSOcPnzX8gtp8GRNAwVmukO-nqZyslp0YPZxBaWxVuaTmt0I1AHKiAfVJHO-KwahfF_CBieyZgWn5PHb0QqP9ivBnPT4Md4eInE7I9JQBY56NCm/s1600-h/365+Day346.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420744698057876610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPKt_rAhgjOSuIgLCXTXSyhjbzhyxPDSOcPnzX8gtp8GRNAwVmukO-nqZyslp0YPZxBaWxVuaTmt0I1AHKiAfVJHO-KwahfF_CBieyZgWn5PHb0QqP9ivBnPT4Md4eInE7I9JQBY56NCm/s200/365+Day346.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{346/365} About a year ago, Emily mentioned that she wanted to play the guitar. The thing is, she's not the type to want to actually <em>learn</em> OR practice, she literally wants to "play." I didn't think it was worth the expense of getting one at the time. This year however it dawned on me...I don't have to get her an electric guitar, I'll just buy her Guitar Hero for Hanukkah! She can sing AND play and I won't feel as if an instrument has gone to waste. Today Em and Frank had a fantastic time <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">rockin</span>' out to Band Hero..."Walking On Sunshine" was the popular song of the day. :)</span></span>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-83969165542506844982009-12-28T07:57:00.000-08:002009-12-28T10:12:01.236-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Friday, December 11</span><br /></span><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv21RqBQcirpB8LS2SoL_gLoI1YlA-QcBoFn0wvxiSgIJX1k5rEbnic3CrBfxHSvrIuMFaQGjMxLYTyCBc89wKebXEAuiPYmGBUwbsu5sPcV6xOH_5AVqvBUChdPML962JRdaNOEvC7qW5/s1600-h/365+Day345.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420349604636707154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv21RqBQcirpB8LS2SoL_gLoI1YlA-QcBoFn0wvxiSgIJX1k5rEbnic3CrBfxHSvrIuMFaQGjMxLYTyCBc89wKebXEAuiPYmGBUwbsu5sPcV6xOH_5AVqvBUChdPML962JRdaNOEvC7qW5/s200/365+Day345.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{345/365} Emily looks REALLY happy in this photo...why? Hanukkah begins tonight! She's been talking about it since her birthday in November and the night is finally here. We spent the earlier part of the evening at our schools "pizza with Santa" (which is sort of funny) and now it's time for deli, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">latkes</span> and gifts. A few minutes after I took this photo both kids got giant bean bag chairs (Emily has been begging for one) and Guitar Hero as well as a ton of gifts from my Mom (who joined us for the festivities and catered the event-<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">LOL</span>). It was a long but fun night and we're looking forward to 7 more celebrations to come!</span></div></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-35381888436938566862009-12-28T07:56:00.001-08:002009-12-28T10:03:23.220-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">Thursday, December 10<br /></span><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4BIeQvxzrlREoyhnfRMBMUGZnv1LrayF3Ks54DLEKlaFvyEQZfkLN1_PTwm6Ge2ySbkw7WJtGy2VaUTCHsMRiPiqa2ONyyVH_WpY3T9h2qS68kT-64zMmygP6YFWRf06DClRlqn_uDSl/s1600-h/365+Day344.JPG"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420320930025996178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4BIeQvxzrlREoyhnfRMBMUGZnv1LrayF3Ks54DLEKlaFvyEQZfkLN1_PTwm6Ge2ySbkw7WJtGy2VaUTCHsMRiPiqa2ONyyVH_WpY3T9h2qS68kT-64zMmygP6YFWRf06DClRlqn_uDSl/s200/365+Day344.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{344/365} When Emily was born we bought a set of infant monitors. Although our rooms were right next to each other, I was always afraid I would be too tired to wake up. When Liam was born, my brother and sister-in-law bought us the video monitors which is really cool. It came in handy since we expanded the house that summer and we were now one floor above both kids. Although Emily is eight, I still have both monitors just in case she needs me in the middle of the night. I have found however that Emily likes to use it to her advantage. On several Saturday mornings while I tried to sleep in, I would hear loudly, "I wonder if Mom is up yet??" This morning was my favorite..."attention mommy...I'm having a clothing dilemma and I don't know what to wear to school. Please come down soon and help me." I have to admit, when I bought those monitors eight years ago I had no idea what I was in for. ;)</span></div></div></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-63344433061682887932009-12-27T17:29:00.001-08:002009-12-27T17:47:51.154-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Wednesday, December 9</span><br /></span><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PJp7QO1yOy3L3A10WZXs42xejoYaeP8JybDmPRhUiioMGaDDfo79pxWNVRyoqgaevuVxH__Ef4nGaXFIaFNfcWOYDLJwuyplk4MD9GfBuhpz-ZaRZFjFVuF6Vd2mfvXQJZecbD94gk4Z/s1600-h/365+Day343.jpg"><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420093309660645042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PJp7QO1yOy3L3A10WZXs42xejoYaeP8JybDmPRhUiioMGaDDfo79pxWNVRyoqgaevuVxH__Ef4nGaXFIaFNfcWOYDLJwuyplk4MD9GfBuhpz-ZaRZFjFVuF6Vd2mfvXQJZecbD94gk4Z/s200/365+Day343.jpg" /></span></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{343/365} In 1993, Frank and I moved into Manhattan. We lived in a very small one bedroom on the Upper East Side and certainly couldn't fit a Christmas tree in that tiny place. So, along with a Menorah, my Mom bought us a miniature Christmas tree. That year we purchased some small, tacky, drug store ornaments that we dated and loved. :) When we moved into a larger apartment around 1995 (I use the term "larger" loosely) we could fit a bigger tree. On it we placed two years worth of drug store ornaments and in addition we bought an equally tacky star for the top. We fondly named it the "Cha Cha" star. It was colorful and would blink and was a tacky mess...but we LOVED it! We used that star up until <em>last</em> Christmas when the darn thing died on us. :( After all of these years, Cha Cha was gone! I had no idea how to replace it until I came upon a sight for sore eyes in Target. Cha Cha's twin! The exact same style with a bit less "cha" since it only has <em>white</em>, blinking lights. That's OK, the tacky tradition lives on and we'll be proud to see our tree <em>cha cha</em> once again! :)</span></div>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3257380895014118633.post-56341115865803467892009-12-27T17:26:00.001-08:002009-12-29T19:25:41.697-08:00<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday, December 8</span></span><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKMIO6XZH3xqC5bEwe7P_30x57ChtBFgheVIUq53kDgk6DnHzA8IxwgOx9r6ovbYlsee2bIKkhl62Q-a-x9KW8KOukvXntFoP_E9CkhI4jCOAOI-5Y537KGyXmlBHRjgpLREi-jNbRO8V/s1600-h/365+Day342.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420865141371668834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnKMIO6XZH3xqC5bEwe7P_30x57ChtBFgheVIUq53kDgk6DnHzA8IxwgOx9r6ovbYlsee2bIKkhl62Q-a-x9KW8KOukvXntFoP_E9CkhI4jCOAOI-5Y537KGyXmlBHRjgpLREi-jNbRO8V/s200/365+Day342.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">{342/365} The December holidays are here and the wall is changing. It's not quite organized just yet but this is how it looks so far. I've had a lot of fun looking for seasonal items this year and lucking out at Target! I was able to purchase the Peace sign as well as my cute metal Santa, snowman, owl and hanging reindeer. I also found an adorable "days 'till Christmas" figure where you change the little numbers each day. I purchased a second, painted it and now I also have a "days 'till Hanukkah" figure! My favorite however is the Christmas tree to the left with all of the hanging plaques. This was made by my friend Kristen and sold with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Lusya</span> at one of their craft fairs. I love it and just couldn't resist buying it because it's oh, so...<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">scrapbooky</span>!</span>Scrapronicityhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17013886696100112296noreply@blogger.com0