New Year, again?

Really, it feels like we just did this! Ready or NOT, here comes 2011.

This is another one of those Holidays that we do here, in our home (read:MORE cleaning, MORE stress)I am glad that this event has grown, and that there are actually people who look forward to joining us each year. That fact still blows me away, but they all do still show up, so I'm gonna run with it :)

The kids look at this as their party. They love being home and they love parties, win/win. When all is said and done, there really is no reason to stress the condition of my home for this event. The people who come are the most relaxed, enjoyable people I have had the pleasure of knowing. We hae a house full of kids, and that is not an exaggeration. The run freely and happy in my messy house (that I say was pristine, but 'those darn kids'....yes, I blame the kids, it works ;)

We eat, we drink, we laugh...neighbors (new & old) who haven't a chance to really connect for awhile due to busy lives, sit and chat. Babies are passed around and loved. I look around, and I am....happy. I would not want to ring in this inevitable New Year, any other way!

An amazing New Year's Day meal was lovingly prepared for us by Mom McCay. Pork and Sauerkraut, always a crowd pleaser. We left with bellies full and heart's content. Prepared to meet 2011 head-on, Bring it!!!!

and a P.S.....we snuck in some sledding time at MOM MOM's hill as Juls calls it. It is a hill at my parents development that Jul and my Mom always walk to and Jul proceeds to roll down. She had a light bulb moment when she thought of the added fun snow would lend to the experience. So off we went, We visited with my parents for a bit and dropped off some Christmas meal to them. Good day indeed!

Christmas, Blissmas, bring it on!

Things were fast and furious around here the last couple of weeks. The kids vacation began 12/23.

I love the feeling that comes with knowing we are officially on no formal schedule. Sleep in my Babies, enjoy the comforts of home, prepare your beautiful minds for all the splendor of this Holiday Season.

The Hubs and I are always working on this goal: to be more prepared 'early' so we can actually ENJOY said Holiday Hoop-La, and not feel frenzied, distraught and overwhelmed. Seems like a simple concept, but one that manages to elude us, even after almost 14 years of this parent stuff!

I have to say, we did make time to enjoy. Enjoy the small moments, enjoy the moments that didn't go as planned, enjoy the fact that our kids really aren't expecting our version of 'perfect' and enjoy the fact that to them, it is ALL perfect, imperfections and all!

My little family went out without me and brought home the most lovely of Trees, very majestic. This was waaay ahead of schedule for us, so we felt....what's the word?.....productive! I love that my kids LOOOVE to decorate the tree. We go through each of their ornaments as they get hung, telling any interesting stories over and over for each, or making up one where no story existed, (whaaat?)

We spent the last weekend before Christmas in Philadelphia at our tiny dancers Irish School Winter Recital and Ceili (Irish party). While it stressed me initially, "who plans an all day event on the last of the days to actually get stuff done!!!!!" When I let that go, I let in the fun. The travel was fine as we left early. Got a great parking spot, and got the Wee one upstairs to her group to start practicing. It then became obvious, that since the event did not begin for another hour and a half, the facility had not turned on the heat! It was like sitting in a Meat Locker. All the Irish Dance families were asked to donate an appetizer/dessert type thingy, guess what I forgot? There was not going to be any formal food (for a five hour production?!?) But, in keeping with Irish tradition and custom, the Bar(cash) would be open. Can you guess where most of the Dad's were positioned? I guess it took the chill off :)

We were very fortunate that Mom & Dad McCay wanted to join us. I always feel a little bad asking people to come to such events for my kids, 1) for the travel involved 2) for the brief minute or two my child performs, then they being 'trapped' there to watch ALL the other performers! and 3) no REAL food.....Believe me, I get it.

But, I put it out there, and people can make up their own minds whether they want to come. I always feel I need to stress, "no obligation" so they know I am holding them to no contract :) But, these wonderful, loving Grandparents chose of their own accord to take part. They met us there, with a Veggie Tray Dad picked up for us, as it was one of those 'things' on my list that got over looked. We were lucky that Juls' group was at the very beginning of the program. Mom & Dad hung out for a bit more, then gave us a double blessing when they took our 'bored' 13 year old home with them. SCORE! Larry is always up for supporting his little sister. He clearly fulfilled his Brotherly obligations, and was ready to LEAVE! Jul was having soooo much fun running around with her friends in an amazing old building, The Commodore John Barry Irish Center, that we didn't want to pull her away from the excitement. The music was great, performed by Two Quid. And, the food, was actually, phenomenal! People brought so many variations of appies and desserts, you were left wanting for nothing. It was a beautiful experience for all of us.

Christmas Day we spent at our home as we always do. We have been very Blessed over the years to have both sets of parents join us for this day. Our parents truly adore each other, and we always have so much fun being together. The last few years I have invited my Aunt Dolly and her daughter and her grandchildren to join us. This year, they were all in attendance. My heart was a bit saddened when it became evident that my parents would not be joining us. My Mom rushed in to drop off gifts, and then she was rushing over to my brother's to drop off their gifts. My Dad was home in bed not feeling well, and she didn't want to leave him for too long. We missed them terribly. I was exhausted when all was said and done, but grateful for the happiness that took place under my roof.

My 'real' Christmas day, was December 26! The day I wanted, lingering in jammies all day, kids playing with their newly acquired Booty from Santa, grazing on all the leftovers, and not needing to cook due to all the leftovers. And not worrying about cleaning my house. Throw in a Snowstorm, and this day was hand-picked just for me, BLISS! Our dear friends, that live about 4-5 blocks away, CHOSE (without bribe) to walk over our house with their two children during to the Snowstorm, just to hang out with us. More food was brought out, and we all sat and watched hours of Candid Camera!!!! Thank You Christmas Gods!!!!!

Getting Ready

We are (for us) ahead of schedule with our Christmas prep. I'm all most certain something will step in the way to derail the train, but for now, we're on track. The kids keep focusing on the 'day', "I can't believe it's only x# of days till Christmas." I have been trying to instill in them to enjoy the journey leading up to the 'day'. It took me a long time to realize it, but I hope it sinks in for them sooner then it did me. They took so much pleasure in decorating the Tree, it made it truly special for Larry and I.

My father just had another short stay in the hospital. It just drives home the point to us to value every moment with those we have. He is fine now. He is chronically cold, to which my children love finding/inventing new ways to keep Pop warm. He is a trooper, and allows them to do whatever they want, he always has, and I love him for that. I love the relationship he has with them. My loving husband and adorable son went over to put my Mother's tree up for her. My Mom was always the reason our home had the Spirit of Christmas, if she wants her tree up....then so it shall be! Julia requested that she hold off on the decorating until she can come over and help. Mom wouldn't have it any other way :)

So here is some random 'getting ready' for the Holiday Hoopla pics taken by my talented aspiring Cinematographer son. He used the tripod which led to blurs and such. But, I think it is perfect as it shows the frenetic energy that is our home.

A Day in Haddonfield

The weather was just perfect for a stroll through beautiful Haddonfield. Really got us in the mood for the Holidays!

A Girl and her Saxophone

Our little one decided she was going to play the saxophone! Just like her brother, they pick the one instrument we don't have in the house. But, who are we to squash dreams ? So, my darling husband set out on a quest to learn all he could about an instrument that couldn't be any more foreign to him.

He finally found a good deal, and bought her her Saxophone! She was over the Moon about it. There will be lessons for her in the very near future, so she can master this beautiful piece of metal that is just about as big as she. But, for now, we are just reveling in the 'sweet' sounds she is able to produce, and the smile that accompanies it. We had to pry it away from her at bedtime :)

The Giving of the Thanks

We woke up to a little Thanksgiving Snow.It was a beautiful, peaceful Morning. We all just rolled with the flow of the day, Bliss.

This year was a bit odd in the 'practicing' of the THANKS. As a matter of logistics, we responded to one invitation before the next one rolled in, we are so grateful to have so many that wish to spend this day with us. The situation that arose was that our children REALLY wanted to spend the day with their cousin who was in from out of State, whom they adore and don't get to spend that much time with. I didn't know how this request could be denied, as it was coming straight from their hearts. Soooo, long story short, this is the first (and last) Holiday I spent away from my children. I could not in good faith, break my commitment the one who was first to ask. But, I also couldn't keep my children from seeing their beloved relatives from another State.

We had a wonderful meal at my brother's home. My sis-in-law did such a wonderful job making all feel so welcomed. My amazing Aunt Dolly was present, but my parents were not. My parents were asked first to a cousin's home (you see where I get this sense of honor & duty from?) She did not want to back out on her cousin, but, she hated being away from her children. I know how you feel Mom! Dad was not feeling great, so he stayed home. I'm glad my Mom was still able to get out for awhile and enjoy herself. We chatted at the end of the night on the phone, but I missed them terribly.

After our dinner was done, we rushed over to Lar's parents house, where dessert was just wrapping up, to enjoy the rest of the Holiday with our children and the rest of the Clan. One thing is guaranteed with this group, we laugh....A LOT !!!!! Many of the same stories get told, but, they never get old. And we laugh. The little ones will do something beyond adorable or sweet, AND, we laugh. Really we laugh A LOT! I love seeing my husband with his brother's reliving each story over and over again with all the skill of a Master Story Teller, holding their audience captive....as if we haven't heard the ending a bazillion times, we still laugh like it's the first time we heard it. So, really, these are the moments that mean the most. And when my kids sit around telling their favorite childhood memories, I hope they laugh, A LOT!

Halloween, All Saints, and then some.....

October has exited, and it caught me quit by surprise. Here is a photo re-cap so I don't get too far behind and I suddenly realize 2010 has exited without warning. Let the November to January Spiral begin!