Dec 24, 2007

attitude of gratitude

Today I am grateful for.....

My beautiful children, so full of love and life.

My dedicated husband who always takes such amazing care of me.

Our happy home that we are building daily with loving care.

My cherished friends who shower me daily with love and provide a source of constant laughter and smiles.


I am truly a blessed woman, every day.

Dec 22, 2007

2007 round up

In January I wrote a post with the questions below about 2006. I did the survey again without rereading last year's answers. Should be interesting!

What books and/or magazines did I read this year?

I'll tell you what I DIDN'T read.... The 7th Harry Potter. This drives people nuts. I reread the series, but haven't yet read the last book. It is a minor miracle it hasn't been spoiled for me yet. I'l try to get to it, but who knows when that will happen with the way my upcoming schedule looks. I know, I know - I'm a freak. But I don't finish things. It says so right in my profile!

What movies and/or tv shows did I watch this year?
Let's see - On tv I like Gray's, Heroes, House, Desperate Housewives, and Brothers and Sisters. New shows I like are Private Practice, which makes me cry more than it should, and Gossip Girl. Love LOVE Gossip Girl. I netflixed the first season of Weeds and enjoyed that. And of course, as always, all things reality tv. I haven't been to the movies much, but I did see Superbad which was rude, crass, and immature - but I loved it anyway. Laughed hysterically!

What special days did I celebrate and how?
I went to the Cape for my anniversary. It was a great trip. We went to the Cape when we were first together ten years ago, so it was pretty special for us.

What gifts did I give and/or receive?
I would have to say this was a fairly big gift giving year for me. I haven't talked about it here before, but I was a gestational surrogate for my best friends this year. I had the baby over Labor Day weekend. I can confidently say that this was the biggest gift I've ever given anyone. And it was completely my pleasure to do so.

What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
I was extremely sick during the first trimester. It was awful. DD1 had the worst flu of her life this year. Other than those, nothing really stands out.

What fun things did I do with my friends and/or family?
I went to the Bronx Zoo with my family, and we had a great time, very fun. Anything I do with Steven or Bridget is fun, and usually leaves me laughing until my sides hurt.

What new foods, recipes or restaurants did I try this year?
I went to Shady Glen for the first time. People who grew up here can't believe it. Apparently it is a tradition. Who knew?

What special or unusual purchases did I make?
I bought my first house!! I am very proud of it. It took some time, but now that we are shaping it and making it our own I am loving it even more.

What were this year's disappointments?
I didn't take very many pictures. Compared to past years photos, it is almost like this year didn't even happen.

What were my accomplishments this year?
This is always a hard question for me. I don't tend see my own accomplishments as others do. Large scale I will have to go with the house and the surrogacy. Professionally, I was dumped into a huge project that nobody knew how to handle. I had to completely recreate a job description and procedures along with training and documentation. I think I did a great job with what I was given. Personally, I have started speaking up about what I want more, and not caving in. People who know me may think this is ridiculous because I tend to be outspoken and brusque. This is often misconstrued as getting my way. I realized that it really just means that I complain loudly when I DON'T get what I want. I have stuck up for myself more than ever lately, and although difficult, it is necessary and will hopefully be rewarding.

Anything else noteworthy to record?
This has been a pretty crazy year. There has been lots of huge events going on all at once. With all the good and the bad, I know that my strength has grown. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!

Dec 6, 2007

now bring us some piggy pudding

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. I love when things are all wrapped up pretty and perfect with ribbons and bows. I can't wrap that way, but I like it.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real. It is a tradition for us to go to our local tree farm and cut our own. It is one of my favorite Christmas moments!

3. When do you put up the tree? Sometime between "when we get a chance" and "when the weather allows." This year we lucked out and were free last weekend. We got the tree in before the frost and snow hit the area. Let me tell you, there is nothing like having to wait for your tree to thaw before you can decorate it!

4. When do you take the tree down? As soon as it is dropping more needles than it is holding. We got it early this year, so I don't expect it to be up much after Christmas.

5. Do you like egg nog? With a nice shot of rum, buttershots, or both thankyouverymuch. (Which may explain my bad gift wrapping?)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? I don't remember being particularly excited about any certain gift, but I don't remember being disappointed by one either. My goodness - have I blocked out my childhood???

7. Do you have a nativity scene? I do. I haven't put it out yet. This weekend I'll get to it. Funny story though - when DD1 was about three or so, DH was taking out the nativity piece by piece and telling her the Christmas story. When he pulled out Joseph, his head came off! It was the most traumatic telling of the Christmas story I've ever heard! ("Um, honey? I don't quite remember the part about Joseph being beheaded, do you???") So, now we have a new set.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Any of my in-laws. I'll just say they are picky, and leave it at that. (insert eye-rolling smiley here)

9. Easiest person to buy for? My niece. I always have to cut myself off and/or return some things because I go way too overboard. Now I've added a nephew to that list. I'm in trouble.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail. I have been making them the past several years, but I am completely stumped this year because I didn't take many photos. Can you even imagine?

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Nothing comes to mind. I am usually not very picky.

12 . Favorite Christmas movie? It's a Wonderful Life. Isn't it though? :)

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I shop all year round. I have a bin that I keep gifts in. It is always funny to open the box around now and see the treasures I have stashed away.

14 . Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not that I recall.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cookies. I have been dreaming of sugar cookies, and mom passed the secret family recipe to me. I have never tasted another sugar cookie recipe that is as good.

16 . Clear lights or colored on the tree? We've been doing white lights for years, but I don't think I really care one way or the other these days.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Oh Holy Night.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I like to stay home if I can help it. Come visit if you like, but I prefer to lounge around at home if I can help it.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Sure!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? This year it is a star. But we have an angel too. Depends on my mood at the time.

21 . Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Christmas morning. If you open them all on Christmas Eve, what do you do all day on Christmas?

22 . Most annoying thing about this time of year? I love everything about it. I am a Christmas dork.

23. Favorite Christmas ornament? I'm going to have to go with the "Piggy Pudding." (Yes, I know it's figgy pudding, but for some reason that's just what we call it.) It is figgy pudding on a plate and you can put a light inside it so that it lights up. It cracks us up every year and always inspires singing.

24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Anything NOT ham. Roast, turkey, sandwiches, I don't really care. There's going to be chocolate and cookies, right? That's all that matters.

Dec 4, 2007

new and improved! now with yummy photo goodness!

Let me tell you about my new baby.......


I love her. I really do. But I'm not gonna lie. I'm a bit intimidated. Alright, she scares me to death. I am in way over my head. You see, I am going from a cheapo, dinosaur era, sometimes works/ sometimes doesn't, film camera that wasn't even close to being in the same league. They weren't even playing the same sport!

I am working on learning more about how to handle and finesse this new little gadget, and hopefully will be able to improve my techniques a bit more every day.

In the meantime, while I am experimenting, enjoy some quick pics of my little lovies.....