thanksgiving weekend pt.1

WEDNESDAY


We started out the weekend with friends. Turns out we were all given the potato assignment so we decided to have a "potato peeling" party and do it together. I must say it did make the drudgery of peeling a lot more fun, but I made way too much. Guess next time I'll remember to stop before I hit 10lbs.




While we peeled the kids played and danced to a wii game. I couldn't believe how long they were able to keep going. Even us girls gave it a try for a bit and I was wasted at the end of 3 songs...am I not in shape?

THURSDAY


We started the day off with family pictures. My mother-in-law likes to send a photo with her Christmas card every year and since we were all going to be together it seemed like the perfect opportunity. Even I was on the ball and had Jill take one of the 5 of us. After, we finished up the last minute items, finished filling the table, and sat down to have our delicious feast. Even though I always enjoy myself, it always goes quicker than I hope it will or at least that's how I feel.


The rest of the day was totally low key hanging out, the way Thanksgiving should be. I looked through the Black Friday sales, we had pie, movies were going, we ate again, etc. Later the girls helped their Nana by decorating one of her trees, my most favorite tree, that's decorated with all the old ornaments from Adam's childhood. I love the nostalgic feel and the randomness of it all. It's what I remember about my family tree growing up--handmade ornaments, no two ornaments the same. My favorite part is knowing that tree is full of a lifetime of memories just waiting to be told.

FRIDAY


We enjoyed a serious lazy morning, or at least I did until about 10am--Adam took the girls to get a bagel while I slept in. When he returned we went for a walk, it was drizzling by then, but not enough to really get us wet. It was a beautiful morning. Later we decided to brave the madness. Not really sure our motivation, I suppose we just wanted to get out. We hit the mall and since we really had no agenda we weren't at all irritated by the crazy busy parking lot and the mass hysteria we found inside. Good times.

everydayness | october

We found time, just the two of us,


and time at home, together.


We looked for witches at Gardner Village,


and revived game night.


We spent ample time outdoors enjoying the fall,


and equal time indoors getting ready for the season.


Tess finished up her soccer season,


and Megan too.


Bella enjoyed her 30 year reunion (more to come) while Megan continues to learn what a ront de jambe is,


All of us working, we brought our busy life together.


We baked fall goods,


and trick-or-treated for some too. (52 photoproject week 28 | trick or treat)

everydayness | may

this is why we all make our own pizzas--lot of eating, lot of finger licking


turkey burgers--thanks for the idea meili


remember this game?


time with my lovely friends


miss meg the ballerina--taken the night of her recital


delightful morning view


like mother, like daughter


always a good time with this girl, well, except when you're exhausted.

holiday happenings

--We had a family party with my extended family and played musical chairs. Usually the little kids just play, but this year each generation had a turn. I'm thinking it was our parents that wanted to get a crack at it. Tess and my dad won and I got second place, lost to my cousin Nick. Man we were so close to sweeping it as a family.


--Megan and Bella had their annual Christmas violin performance last Tuesday night. Megan could not get her hat to agree with her. Each time she took a bow it would reposition in all sorts of crazy ways.

--I'm working on my 5th time through Pride and Prejudice in the last week. Don't judge me. I simply have not been able to get enough of it--it has kept me company while wrapping and folding laundry. It is good to laugh and swoon while doing work, no? One of my favorite lines, "i am not the sort of person to torment a respectable man. Please hear me when I say I cannot accept you." Tess, who was home from school Friday with pinkeye, got her first glimpse into the wonderful world of Jane Austen. I think I have managed to persuade her, although I'm quite sure she didn't follow it completely.


--Bella, who's the only experience violinist in her 5th grade orchestra, was able to play a solo at the school recital Wednesday. Though she has been quite modest about the whole thing I know she was thrilled to be able to do it. p.s. forgive my poor video capturing skills. I had to cut out the first few seconds because it was unwatchable. New years resolution--work on my video skills.


--Megan's dance class did a little demonstration for the parents Thursday after school--a little rendition of the nutcracker. I was quite impressed by her developing skills since the last time I saw her perform. If dancing is something she'd like to do, I dare say it will take her.

--It's snowed again last night after a warm weekend. My 80 year old neighbor told me he mowed his lawn for the first time ever in the month of December. Crazy. Hopefully it will be white for Christmas and then I'm all for 50 degree weather. Of course it's not the cold that gets me in the winter, it's the grayness.

--My studio is a disaster. So much so that it's difficult for me to come in here. Boxes, wrapping, filler, tags, ribbon, and all manner of packaging scattered about the room waiting to be used. It looks like Christmas is coming. Cannot believe it's less than a week away. Are you ready??

Happy Monday!
xo

only santa could get my husband to dance....

Later he would say his motivation was his girls, that he only did it because he thought they would love to see him interact with Santa. All the while not knowing, never dreaming it would be dancing--in a tutu and tiara no less when Santa called him out of the crowd.

Tess and Megan, who laughed themselves silly, especially loved it while Bella, unsure, leaned over and said, "I'm having mixed feelings. I don't know if should be embarrassed or having the time of my life."

Me, I was loving it. He had no rhythm and sort of clueless as to what to do, but he was cute and mine and brought the biggest smile to my face. Man he makes me happy.

our therapy

Whenever one of my girls comes home from school after a hard day they don't always want to talk about it, so instead of moping, we turn on the music and dance.















Does the trick, every time.

a day of dance

Both Megan and Tess had their dance performance today. Even though, I sort of knew what to except I always love to watch them give it there all and enjoy the reward after they've worked so hard.




i'm not sure why she keeps doing this face, but it cracks me up.











sadly I forgot to bring my telephoto lens for her performance so I couldn't get in close. I know I'm a sap, but her solo made me teary. She was so beautiful.

Intermission

This is what we did while we waited for our homemade pizza to cook.











We danced.

challenge reminder

I'm sitting here at dance like I do every Wednesday waiting for Tess and Bella's class to get over. I usually sit here for two hours, but I have "activity days" tonight so I'm not staying the entire time. These two hours, though long, actually fit nicely into our schedule. It gives me time to read and the girls time to do their homework. Case in point, last week we didn't come because I wasn't feeling well and I totally spaced making sure they finished their homework. Apparently Wednesday evenings have a purpose.


[laptop camera]

When I left the house this afternoon I couldn't find my book so I brought a laptop along thinking I would read some blogs, however, Bella seemed to have the same problem with her book and didn't bring anything else to do while she waits for Tess' class to get over. So instead of being occupied, she's reading over my shoulder making it difficult to concentrate. She's actually laughing as she reads the words I'm typing now. She loves reading over my shoulder, but unfortunately I'm not a fan. Does that drive you crazy too?

Ok, so onto the real reason I started this post, after all if Bella's hanging out I should hang out with her.


[Thursday, february 12]

I wanted to remind everyone who wanted to participate in the 12of12 challenge that tomorrow is the 12th. So get your cameras ready and enjoy capturing your day.