tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3487454639546018292024-03-13T03:18:50.376-07:00Party of FivePartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-51088738277577813572013-01-18T08:34:00.002-08:002013-01-18T08:34:50.415-08:00Butternut Squash SoupToday I am linking up to <a href="http://www.kellyskornerblog.com/">Kelly's Korner</a> and sharing one of my favorite soup recipes. Perfect on a cool fall or winter night with french or sour dough bread and a salad. Enjoy!<br />
<br />
<b>Butternut Squash Soup </b><br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i><br />
* 1 1/2 tablespoons butter<br />
* 1/2 onion, sliced<br />
* 2 cloves garlic<br />
* 2 sprigs fresh thyme<br />
* 1/2 butternut squash - peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes<br />
* 4 cups chicken stock<br />
* 1/2 cube chicken bouillon<br />
* 1 pinch ground cumin<br />
* 1 pinch ground allspice<br />
* salt and ground black pepper to taste<br />
*1 stick of softened cream cheese (optional) <br />
<br />
<i> Directions </i><br />
1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat; cook the onion, garlic, and thyme in the hot butter until the onion has softened, about 5 minutes. Add the squash and chicken stock; bring to a simmer and cook until the squash is tender, 10 to 15 minutes. Crumble the bouillon into the soup; season with cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper; remove from heat.<br />
2. Pour the soup (and softened cream cheese if you choose) into a blender, filling the pitcher no more than halfway. Hold the lid of the blender in place with a kitchen towel and carefully start the blender using a few quick pulses to get the soup moving before leaving it on to puree. Puree in batches until smooth and pour into a serving bowl. PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-85836864451230761622013-01-03T12:10:00.002-08:002013-01-03T12:10:57.055-08:00Reviving the Blog?It's been about 3 years since I posted. Man time flies. I'm seriously considering reviving my blog and doing something more meaningful with it. Contemplating a name change as well. I'll be back soon!PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-8162855097383732072008-12-23T22:41:00.000-08:002008-12-25T09:49:23.226-08:00BooMama's Christmas Tour of Homes<a href="http://boomama.net/2008/12/15/christmas-tour-of-homes-2008/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/boomama205/boomamachristmassmall1.jpg" border="0" alt="BooMamaChristmasTour"></a><br /><br /><br />Welcome to our home! Sorry I am a little late getting this up, but Christmas has been keeping us busy. It's my favorite time of year and I tend to decorate a lot.<br /><br />Come on in and make yourself at home.<br /><br />This is our entry way and staircase when you first enter our home.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=entryway-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/entryway-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=staircase-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/staircase-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Here is a close up of one of our trees. This one is decorated in red and green fruits, balls and berries.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=fruittree.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/fruittree.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is our mantle. Live greens with balls and berries and two new trees I got at Hobby Lobby this year.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=mantle-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/mantle-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is our beautiful Nativity set given to us as a wedding gift from close family friends.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=nativity-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/nativity-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This was our dining room table ready for a party last weekend. You can see part of our silver tree in the background.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=diningroomcenter.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/diningroomcenter.jpg" border="0" <br />alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I took greenery and stuck it in my kitchen light and hung red balls with ribbon from the fixture.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=kitchenlight.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/kitchenlight.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />This is our main, family tree where we hang all our special family ornaments that we get each year from family, friends, godparents or purchase on vacation, etc.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=tree-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/tree-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />I tried something new this year with a "brown" tree in our basement. I loved these brown ornaments, especially the polk a dot ones, that I found.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=brownclose.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/brownclose.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />If you can't tell I love trees and collect them. Here are a few photos showing some of my trees.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=tree1-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/tree1-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=tree4.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/tree4.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=wreaths.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/wreaths.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />Visit more beautiful and festive homes at: <a href="http://boomama.net/2008/12/15/christmas-tour-of-homes-2008/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/boomama205/boomamachristmassmall1.jpg" border="0" alt="BooMamaChristmasTour"></a>PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-56247770256181665442008-09-11T06:14:00.000-07:002008-09-13T06:19:21.967-07:00Remembering 9/11It's been 7 years since that horrible, tragic day. It will be one of those days in my life that I will remember like it happened yesterday. It was a beautiful, sunny fall morning and I was on my way to take J to pre-school and then was heading into work when I heard the news. We gathered around the TV in the conference room completely stunned. Everyone went home early and we watched the coverage into the night. Dh was supposed to be on a business trip with two colleagues in New York that day, but because I was 8 months pregnant with our C his colleagues had told him to stay home. They were only blocks from the WTC when the planes hit and were then stuck in NYC for several days. Our C was born two weeks to the day later--a bright light during a very sad time.<br /><br />We will never forget.PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-7937989278093953452008-08-14T13:20:00.000-07:002008-08-22T18:30:48.000-07:00Back to School<em>Fall is here, hear the yell<br />back to school, ring the bell<br />brand new shoes, walking blues<br />climb the fence, books and pens<br />I can tell that we're going to be friends<br /><br />We're Going to be Friends by The White Strips</em><br /><br />Well it's not really fall, but we are back to school. Each new school year seems to come so quickly, which means my kids are growing up quickly. This will be the first time in 11 years that all of my children will be gone from me all day,5 days a week. C is in first grade, A is in third grade and J is in sixth grade. Ever since they have started school someone has been here with me at least for half a day. I know I will fill my days with many things related to PTO, volunteering, work, home improvements, etc but it is still bittersweet to know the days of toddlers, pre-schoolers at home everyday are gone.<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=schooljack.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/schooljack.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=girlsschool-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/girlsschool-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-33585821540492274762008-08-10T12:34:00.000-07:002008-08-22T18:24:46.239-07:00Summer Fun!We have enjoyed our weeks of summer vacation with no rigid schedules, homework or many extra activities. <br /><br />Here are some of the highlights:<br /><br />In June, we took two one night camping trips--one with several neighborhood families and one with A's Brownie troop. A enjoyed a drama camp, while J took some golf lessons. J went to boy scout camp the end of the month. We enjoyed our neighborhood 4th of July parade.<br /><br />July kicked off with 4th of July parties and my grandma's birthday (on the 4th) and our annual viewing of the fireworks at a local country club. The next afternoon we got on an airplane and headed to California for our annual trip to see dh's family. We were gone 10 days and the kids had a blast. We visited our favorite <a href="http://www.newportbeach.com/">beach</a> went to <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/home/home?name=HomePage&bhcp=1">Disney</a> and California Adventure where I went on <a href="http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/attractions/detail?name=CaliforniaScreaminAttractionPage">California Screamin</a>! Wow, that was fast!<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=beach1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/beach1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=goofy.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/goofy.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=calif.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/calif.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><br />We spent lots of time playing and swimming with grandma, aunts, uncles and lots of cousins. Grandma also took us to the <a href="http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/">Long Beach Aquarium </a>and we enjoyed the <a href="http://www.sawdustartfestival.org/">Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival</a>.<br /><br />We were able to see special neightbor friends who now live in San Diego and enjoyed a night watching dh's brother and SIL perform at a local taco restaurant in Dana Point. The time always goes much too fast and we miss our family a lot.<br /><br />The end of July we took in two county fairs, pooltime, BBQs with friends. J enjoyed 3weeks of band camp to get ready for middle school band class and the two girls went to farm camp for 5 mornings one week. We also enjoyed lots of playdates and sleepovers with friends.<br /><br />August brought a trip to a friend's lake house, trying to learn to waterski (J) for the first time, a beach day with a night-time beach bonfire, back-to-school shopping, more playdates and a last hurrah trip to <a href="http://www.miadventure.com/">Michigan Adventure</a>.<br /><br />Of course, we stayed up later at night, often playing with friends, the crickets and fireflies outside way past our usual bedtimes. We then "slept in" and cuddled all in bed in the mornings. We love summer and it went by way too fast.PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-82882378357168904312008-04-24T12:01:00.000-07:002008-08-15T09:13:06.022-07:00Happy 11th Birthday JJWEleven years ago on a early spring morning in April he blessed us with the most precious gift of all--being parents. Our first born child and son. He took his time coming out, but we were so happy to finally see meet him once he was here. Our buddy boy. He was our guinea pig as we navigated the waters of parenthood for the first time. Those early days as a family of 3 in our little house will always be special (even with the colic :)) <br /><br />These years have flown by and he has changed and grown so much. This is the year he leaves elementary school. While he may be short in stature, his heart is big. He is sensitive and empathetic to others, yet moments later stubborn and challenging. However, always with so much love for his family. He loves adventure. Never scared, he will ride any rollarcoaster that he is tall enough for. And, funny, is that boy ever funny. He loves jokes, tricks, magic, etc.<br /><br />We say he would make a great lawyer (for his strong debating skills) or a pediatrician (because he would never be in a hurry and parents would love him for that). <br /><br />His mind is amazing and he amazes us each day with his thoughts, ideas, analogies. We can't wait to see what the future brings for you.<br /><br />JJW, we love you so much our buddy boy. Even though you a pre-teen you are still our little guy. Happy, happy birthday to you!PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-69688225180301907662008-04-20T12:31:00.000-07:002008-08-22T18:22:22.094-07:00First Communion Day!Congratulations AEW on your First Communion Day. We were lucky to have Ama, PaPa, Aunt Donna and Grandma W with us, plus lots of other family and friends.<br /><br />God bless you today and always!<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=firstcomm.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/firstcomm.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-31613946538837535702008-02-15T20:00:00.001-08:002008-02-17T14:58:27.950-08:00Father and DaughtersThe girls recently attended two Father Daughter Dances with their dad. These girls love their Daddy!<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=fatherdaughter1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/fatherdaughter1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=fatherdaughtergirls.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/fatherdaughtergirls.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-38606677794114718402008-02-15T19:42:00.000-08:002008-02-15T21:15:29.988-08:00LoveHappy Valentine's Day!<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=kidsvalentine-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/kidsvalentine-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />My Valentines<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=aewvalentines.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/aewvalentines.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />Homemade Butterfly Valentines for AEW's classmates<br /><br /><a href="http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/?action=view¤t=breakfast.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/breakfast.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a><br />A Valentine Breakfast DinnerPartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-60132215712458701142008-01-31T20:39:00.000-08:002008-02-14T11:29:17.737-08:00Bedtime Conversations with CKWLast night while Daddy was putting C to bed. <br /><br />Daddy: "How did a daddy like me get to have a piper (nickname) like you for a little girl?"<br /><br />C: "My goodness Daddy that is a hard one. Well, God choosed to put me in (insert my full name) tummy so I could be born and you could be my daddy."PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-60568758374992604552008-01-20T05:39:00.000-08:002008-01-20T06:42:08.854-08:00Brrrr....It's Cold OutsideIt's a chilly 0 degrees outside right now with a nice layer of snow on the ground. My plans for the day are to try and avoid going outside at all costs. We went to church last night and I think I have dh convinced to go the grocery store. I have my coffee in hand and my slipper socks on. We have some school projects to work on, Christmas thank yous to write, a meal to cook for a friend on bedrest, and some Girl Scout cookies to sort. Two little girlfriends are coming here to night for a special sleepover (no school tomorrow) and we are going over to our neighbors/friends to watch some football later on this afternoon (so I guess I will have to go out once!). A perfect frigid, winter day!<br /><br />Stay warm!PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-18592645168889876112008-01-16T18:10:00.000-08:002008-01-16T18:17:35.130-08:00The King of HeartsEvery year my children's elementary school puts on wonderful plays and musicals. This year they are doing Alice and Wonderland. The musical was open to any 4th and 5th graders who wanted to particpate, with a few lottery slots for 3rd graders. It is a very popular activity at our school with lots of interest from both boys and girls. JJW is in 5th grade and this is his last year at our wonderful elementary school. He has participated before in the plays/musicals as part of the chorus, but has never tried out for a part. Well this year he tried out for a speaking role. Yesterday he found out that he was cast as the King of Hearts! I am so proud of him for trying out, something not completely in his comfort zone. I know he will enjoy it. <br /><br />So, JJW, we can't wait to see you in the musical. Break a leg!PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-84995028876423211532007-12-24T21:30:00.000-08:002007-12-25T08:22:35.360-08:00Silent Night, Holy NightAnother Christmas Eve is here. We've enjoyed a busy, tradition filled Christmas season. Starting Thanksgiving weekend when we head out to chop down our family Christmas tree and spend the next few days decorating it and our home for Christmas. December brings lots of activity--cookie baking, a family Christmas dinner with long time friends and kids, the Nutcracker, two special birthdays, advent Sundays, bunco and book club dinners and gift exchanges, a journey to Bethlehem at a local church, a drive through a local neighborhood to see the lights, and a 10 year running Christmas party that we host the weekend before Christmas (this year attended by over 90 people at some point during the evening). Of course there are also Christmas cards to send and many gifts to buy, wrap and send to family and friends afar.<br /><br />Tonight we attended Christmas Eve Mass at our church. All together in one pew, our family, including Grandma, PaPa and Great Grandma, sang Christmas carols and heard the story of Jesus's birth. Cold and wintery outside, but warm and inviting and filled with many friends we love inside. <br /><br />Now the stockings are hung, the presents are wrapped and Santa has just left. I sit here in the quiet by the light of the tree with the Christmas music playing just taking it all in. It always comes to quickly for me and ends so fast. I just want to sit here for awhile and enjoy this moment, soak it up, hang on to it for just a moment longer. <br />It is Silent. It is Holy. It is the best night of the year.<br /><br /><em>Gospel<br />Luke 2:1-14<br /><br />In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus<br />that the whole world should be enrolled.<br />This was the first enrollment,<br />when Quirinius was governor of Syria.<br />So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.<br />And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth<br />to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,<br />because he was of the house and family of David,<br />to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.<br />While they were there,<br />the time came for her to have her child,<br />and she gave birth to her firstborn son.<br />She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,<br />because there was no room for them in the inn.<br /><br />Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields<br />and keeping the night watch over their flock.<br />The angel of the Lord appeared to them<br />and the glory of the Lord shone around them,<br />and they were struck with great fear.<br />The angel said to them,<br />“Do not be afraid;<br />for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy<br />that will be for all the people.<br />For today in the city of David<br />a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.<br />And this will be a sign for you:<br />you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes<br />and lying in a manger.”<br />And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,<br />praising God and saying:<br />“Glory to God in the highest<br />and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”</em>PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-41006703174719889432007-12-17T21:25:00.000-08:002007-12-17T22:11:05.397-08:00Boomama's Christmas Tour of Homes<a href="http://boomama.net/?p=1730" target="_blank"><img src="http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h134/boomama205/tour.jpg" border="0" alt="Christmas Tour of Homes"></a><br /><br />I've been excited to participate in Boomama's Christmas Tour of Homes since I first read about it last year. I planned to be all ready with a post and pictures early in the day, but alas I barely made it on the 17th. However, I hope you stay and visit for a little bit anyway.<br /><br />Welcome to our home. I love to decorate for Christmas. Here is our front door. Yes, complete with snow! Garland and wreath over the door, lit trees in pots, plus a larger wreath on the window above the door and on trees in the yard.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/frontdoor.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>.<br /><br />Here is what you see when you our entry our front door. There is some fresh greenery and berries and a few pieces of my tree collection on the table, along with a decorated sleigh. The staircase has greenery also and a red and gold tree is on the staircase landing. <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/entryway.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/staircase.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Here is our main tree in the living room. White lights and all our family ornaments. I love trees so we have 3! Also, I have a tree collection that I will show a few pieces of later. <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/tree.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Our mantle with our stocking hung with care! I have a small village on the bookshelf to the left and my nativity set on the right. The nativity set was given to us as a wedding gift from long time family friends. I love it.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/mantle.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/village.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/nativity.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Here are a few pieces from my tree collection. I have about 16 different ones and usually get a new one every year. <br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/tree2.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/tree1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />In our basement is the "silver tree."<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/closeupsilver.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Going down to the basement we have some stocking garland. There are 25 small stockings and ever since we had our first child, the elves stick a little something in the stocking each day (usually candy, a pencil or a quarter).<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/stocking.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a><br /><br />Thanks for visiting our home and sharing the Christmas season with us. We wish you great tidings of joy and peace and happiness in the new year.<br /><br /><a href="http://photobucket.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee165/scugirl89/wreath.jpg" border="0" alt="Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket"></a>PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-14830564930681842832007-12-13T09:10:00.000-08:002007-12-17T22:35:52.797-08:00Happy 8th Birtday AEW!She came bouncing into our lives on a cold, December afternoon eight years ago (12/9). With Christmas music playing quietly in the background, I looked down at her and couldn't quite believe that she was here and that she was mine. A daughter. Our second child and first daughter. While we secretly had known she was a girl, the joy of finally actually seeing her made my heart melt.<br /><br />She has brought much happiness and love to our family. Full of life and spunk, she has always made us laugh. At 18 months, she started calling herself "Bobby" and everything out of her mouth for the next year was "Bobby Do." She had a little pixie haircut and oh was she a firecracker! She always asks us, "Was that when I was a Bobby Do?" She is smart, funny, imaginative and caring. Stubborn and headstrong too. Drama? Oh, yes. Ignoring mom? Ah, yes. She embraces life and all it as to offer. She is a social girl and loves a party. "What are we doing today?" and "Can I have a friend over?" are her two favorite sayings. She is kind to her friends and people like to be around her.<br /><br />So, my sweet girl, momma loves you with all her heart and wishes you the happiest of birthdays. Hugs and kisses to you.PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-42345907823604851362007-09-27T05:25:00.001-07:002007-09-27T11:12:58.763-07:00Happy Birthday CKW!My baby turned 6 on Tuesday, September 25. How did that happen? SIX!! That sweet baby girl came into our lives on a beautiful fall day, surprising us all with her arrival almost 3 weeks early. We tell her she just wanted to come out because she heard all the fun her older siblings were having and wanted to join in. She is our third child, our second daughter. Blessed with an older brother and sister, she completes our party! She was born exactly two weeks after 9/11 and I always take special interest in the stories about babies born in those weeks and months following 9/11 to moms who lost their husbands or partners that day. I say a silent prayer for those babies, most who are now in kindergarten, who are growing up without their dads.<br /><br />She is a pipsqueak, hence why we call her pip, the pip, pippy, and pippy girl. She is a petite little thing, but filled with spunk, energy and lots of laughs. Sensitive, loving and kind, yet stubborn and fierce. All in one!! I love this little girl so very, very much and sometimes I have to stop myself from squeezing her with love and hugs. Her last six years have flown by, bittersweet for sure.<br /><br />Sweet C happy, happy birthday to you my special girl!PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-71927379459044572492007-08-16T07:36:00.001-07:002007-09-27T11:13:17.731-07:00First Day of School!Summer has flown by once again and here we are at the beginning of another school year.<br /><br />JJW is in 5th grade. AEW is in 2nd grade. And, my baby, CKW, is in Kindergarten! It seems just like yesterday that I was taking my first born to his first day (when CKW was a baby!) and now she is off to school. It is a truly bittersweet time for me.<br /><br />We have been blessed with a wonderful school and teachers. It's a great little community with involved parents and many opportunites.<br /><br />Happy first day of school--J, A and C! Have a great year!PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-25012698094001244332007-08-07T20:05:00.000-07:002007-09-27T11:13:36.258-07:00Lordy, lordy, are we really 40?Lyndon B Johnson was the President. It was the height of the Vietnam War. The Summer of Love set the stage for the hippie/flower children culture rapidly forming across the country. The top 4o list of songs were sprinkled with artists like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Monkees</span>, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and Van Morrison (with one of my all time favorites, Brown Eyed Girl). Bell bottoms and polyester were staple fashion items.<br /><br />It was 1967. It was the year I, along with so many of my dear friends, was born.<br /><br />Fast forward to 2007. The years have gone fast and have taken us through elementary school, high school, college, first jobs, weddings and babies. We have experienced the excitement and happiness of life's joyous times and the sadness and despair of the difficult ones. And, here we are now at the year that we are all turning 40.<br /><br />I went to a 40<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> birthday surprise party this past weekend. I've been involved with and have attended many over the past several months (a few of us did turn 40 in 2006), including my own, and have loved each one. There have been a lot of walks down memory lane as the old photo albums have come out because of course no 40<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> birthday party is complete without a banner with your high school senior picture on it and several other life size photos blown up of you in your "awkward" years or with your ultra big hair or with your rainbow colored prom dress. There has been much laughter!<br /><br />I am lucky to live near many of my childhood/high school friends and it was been so much fun to celebrate with each of them. It has also been fun to hear about all of my college friends and their celebrations as they turn 40 across the country. We will be having our own 40<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">th</span> birthday girls weekend in the future.<br /><br />When I was 25, 40 seemed so far away, and now it is here. As I look back and reminisce and think of days gone by, I realize how blessed I am to have such special, wonderful and life lasting friends.<br /><br />Happy birthday to each of you and to all of you turning 40 this year!PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-348745463954601829.post-32455335457369974572007-07-20T20:06:00.000-07:002007-08-07T21:42:04.788-07:00Welcome!Welcome! We are just starting out in the blogging world and hope to share with you some bits of our crazy, chaotic life as a Party of Five!PartyofFivehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03404332900597507645noreply@blogger.com0