On Sunday after The Nutcracker, I loaded the boys into the Double Bob and E & I walked around handing out our cookie tins. Out of the five neighbors we made tins for only one was home, so I hope the other four had a happy surprise on their doorstep when they got home. In the tins were magic cookie bars, sugar cookies, gingerbread men, pretzel kiss candies, and snickerdoodles.
Later that night I got a call from the neighbor next door to us. She was calling before she ate anything because she thought we left the tin on the wrong porch. I thought that was kind of funny. I would have eaten the treats and asked questions later. She is home bound and I haven't met her once in the two years that we've lived here. I am familiar with her husband and he is often out walking their dog or in his backyard which abuts ours. He'll talk to the kids and Ellie will yell at his dog. Today I received a Christmas card from her saying everything was delicious. Yay!
I would like to make this a yearly tradition. If I made time to make the cookies this year with sick kids, moving plans and the regular hustle and bustle of the holidays. I am sure I should be able to make time every year. Besides being a very neighborly (I like that word) thing to do I feel it's a great tradition for Ellie and I. She liked helping me and I really enjoyed her company.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Happy Birthday, Charlie!
Dear Charlie,
Today is your second birthday. You woke up calling for me, and after two days of being pretty darn sick you had a smile on your face jumping up and down in your crib. Your sister and I greeted you with our lovely rendition of "Happy Birthday To You" which you weren't too sure of at first. You continued to give me dirty looks as I changed your diaper. I let you stay in your PJ's. It is your birthday after all and we didn't have anywhere to be until later in the afternoon.
Before breakfast Ellie wanted you to open just one present. I am pretty sure it was more for her enjoyment then yours, but she can get away with that for at least another year or two. You unwrapped your Elmo Play Dough Shape Maker. By 8:30 we were finished making your b-day cupcakes. We used Diego liners because even at only two years old you seem to have already outgrown Blue's Clues, which was the themed party I had pictured in my head several months ago. Your sister graciously handed you the mixer attachment covered in vegan chocolate batter first because you are the "birthday boy". She's been calling you birthday boy all day. You may not realize it's your special day, but she sure does.
This afternoon you had your two year well visit at the pediatrician. You did well with the one shot and finger prick you received. Dr. Sarah was happy with how big you're getting. I wasn't surprised that your head is the biggest part of your body :) You get that from the Mello side of the family. When you get older, if you have issues with me calling your head big remind me to tell you the story about your cousin Kenny and how they wanted to send him for a CAT scan when he was born. After your appointment Ellie and I frosted your cupcakes. She said you'd like them with blue frosting, so we tinted it blue just for you!
After dinner, you blew out your candles with a little help from Daddy. You seemed impressed with your cupcake. You waited to eat it until after you opened your presents. You weren't very impressed with the t-shirts we got you, but you seemed to love the Tomas & Friends Adventure on Misty Island Mega Block Set, your first remote control car, your Buzz Lightyear space racer and your Thomas bath toy. All in all, I think it was a pretty successful birthday. I love you honey. I am so happy to be celebrating the milestone of your second birthday.
All my love,
Momma
Today is your second birthday. You woke up calling for me, and after two days of being pretty darn sick you had a smile on your face jumping up and down in your crib. Your sister and I greeted you with our lovely rendition of "Happy Birthday To You" which you weren't too sure of at first. You continued to give me dirty looks as I changed your diaper. I let you stay in your PJ's. It is your birthday after all and we didn't have anywhere to be until later in the afternoon.
Before breakfast Ellie wanted you to open just one present. I am pretty sure it was more for her enjoyment then yours, but she can get away with that for at least another year or two. You unwrapped your Elmo Play Dough Shape Maker. By 8:30 we were finished making your b-day cupcakes. We used Diego liners because even at only two years old you seem to have already outgrown Blue's Clues, which was the themed party I had pictured in my head several months ago. Your sister graciously handed you the mixer attachment covered in vegan chocolate batter first because you are the "birthday boy". She's been calling you birthday boy all day. You may not realize it's your special day, but she sure does.
This afternoon you had your two year well visit at the pediatrician. You did well with the one shot and finger prick you received. Dr. Sarah was happy with how big you're getting. I wasn't surprised that your head is the biggest part of your body :) You get that from the Mello side of the family. When you get older, if you have issues with me calling your head big remind me to tell you the story about your cousin Kenny and how they wanted to send him for a CAT scan when he was born. After your appointment Ellie and I frosted your cupcakes. She said you'd like them with blue frosting, so we tinted it blue just for you!
After dinner, you blew out your candles with a little help from Daddy. You seemed impressed with your cupcake. You waited to eat it until after you opened your presents. You weren't very impressed with the t-shirts we got you, but you seemed to love the Tomas & Friends Adventure on Misty Island Mega Block Set, your first remote control car, your Buzz Lightyear space racer and your Thomas bath toy. All in all, I think it was a pretty successful birthday. I love you honey. I am so happy to be celebrating the milestone of your second birthday.
All my love,
Momma
Sunday, December 19, 2010
The Nutcracker (and some randomness)
E and I were fortunate enough to go see The Nutcracker this afternoon thanks to Hubby's boss and our babysitter who I was able to snag last minute to stay with my (sick again) boys for the day. We had such a great time. We were right in the center section of the lowest level of the balcony. Our view was perfect. My favorite part was when E would fervently clap after one of the ballerinas did a solo. She did ask to leave three times. Once right before the first act was over, once during intermission, and once at the end. I think this was a combination of short attention span and hunger. We had a little snack before the noon show, but I was quite hungry by the end and I'm sure she was too. Our sitter didn't mind staying later even though the boys only slept half an hour so E and I could grab a late lunch in the city. It was another magical day. She's at a great age to enjoy special outings with her Momma!
I have to say I love Philadelphia. Driving around is so easy and I don't think twice about driving into the city. I should clarify that I don't mind driving into the city with good cause. I will drive in to visit Hubs for lunch, see The Nutcracker, or go to the CHOP ER. I won't drive there by myself just to grab a bite to eat or to go shopping at a store I could easily find outside the city, like Macy's. I hear they have a gorgeous Christmas display in the city, but I can't stand shopping and staring at a large Christmas tree just doesn't do it for me. Though I'll admit that I was tempted to stop as I drove by today with just E in the car. The $23 we had already paid for parking for the day snapped me out of that though.
I can't say the same thing about Boston. I drive through Boston white knuckled and this includes places I have gone to a million times. I usually try to get back up to go with me, especially if I have the kids. I avoid it at all costs. Philadelphia is laid out so well. I love it.
I broke down and called our Realtor. Our lease is up at the end of January. We need to find another house to rent because they have found buyers for the one we're in. For some time now I have decided to not deal with it because there really wasn't much to do, except obsess. Melanie already found us a gorgeous house, but it's in the next town over. I don't mind that, except that I want to make sure E can continue at her current preschool. That is the only deal breaker I have. I'll even share a bathroom with my kids if I have to. P.S. moving sucks.
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