What's Up

Christmas Eve Eve

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 13:14:00 +0000

On the way to school this morning Cami was excited by the fact that today is Christmas Eve Eve. Good luck to all the teachers out there who have holiday excitement and wiggles to contend with this week!

Last night I finished a little project for Bindi. We are not typically clothes-on-dogs people, but I thought a scarf would be cute for Christmas. I used scraps of colors of worsted weight yarn from my stash. The pattern is from the new Gooseberry Patch Christmas 11, which I borrowed from the library. ; )

Doesn't she look proud as a peacock?!

Christmas Worries - Let Go!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:39:00 +0000

Santa & Me, circa 1974

I found this photo last week while I was searching for something else. It brought a smile to my face. I wonder what I was thinking as this photo was taken? I remember being quite afraid of Santa when I was tiny. By this point I must have gotten over my fear, knowing he was they guy who brought me good stuff! I remember being too excited to fall asleep on Christmas Eve and also worrying about whether I was on the naughty or nice list. What if Santa thought I was naughty (even a little)? What if Santa forgot to stop at our house? What if I woke up and heard him? What if he couldn't make his way in to our home? Gosh, recalling these old worries makes me realize I'm really not much different today!

With much of the hustle and bustle of preparations and events behind me I can take a breath and just think a little, forming a final game plan. I want to be present for my family. Not as in a gift. Not presents, but my presence. It's hard sometimes. I've tried very hard to keep my heart open to the Advent season.

I'm feeling pretty good about Christmas plans for the week.

5 gifts left to wrap
one more grocery list and trip to the grocery store
2 days of work
1 trip to the dance studio and 1 indoor track meet
picking up the 7th grade science classroom bunny today for Christmas break (who signed me up for that?)
I may need and intervention when it comes to Lindor truffles
Want to clean, clean, clean my house, but time frame is tight. Plan to enlist the help of my elves.
Have guilty feelings about not sending cards this year

What's done is done. What is not done will not get done. I have let go of the worry about this. If you're reading this, I give you permission to feel the same!

Christmas Garden

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

Our Christmas benefit was Saturday night and I'm so proud of the dancers! They shared their talent to make a difference for a worthy cause. Two hundred students presented an original production of "A Christmas Garden." All proceeds went to the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital and NAMI - a support group for people who have someone in their family with mental illness.

Honestly, can it be any sweeter than this? I think not.

These are my little preschool angels at dress rehearsal! Aren't I lucky?

Closer

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Nothing brings out the kid in me like an Advent calendar. And we're lucky enough to have an Advent wall hanging quilt. Even more betterer, right!?

My talented mother-in-law, Shari made this for us a few years ago and with its little pockets to hide treats in it's a fun visual way to track the days 'til Christmas.

I like to recall the December days when my little girls would make paper chains of 25 links to hang in their bedroom doorway. They removed one link each evening at bedtime and grew more excited as the chain shortened, signifying that Christmas was coming sooner and sooner and sooner!

It's Contagious

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 13:44:00 +0000

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

A loss of interest in judging other people.

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

A loss of interest in conflict.

A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)

Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

Frequent attacks of smiling.

An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

ETA - No, I cannot take credit for this post. I found it here, among other goodies.

Making Halos

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 14:22:00 +0000

This morning I made 12 little halos to be worn by my preschool dance students in our upcoming Christmas dance concert, "A Christmas Garden." We are looking forward to this weekend's performance, which will benefit the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit at Strong Memorial Hospital and NAMI - a support group for people who have someone in their family with mental ilness.

Tickets are only $5 and I pinky-promise this show will warm even the Grinchiest of hearts into the most loving Christmas spirit! Come!

Oh! Hello, Snow!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 13:06:00 +0000

And so it's December. What a difference a week makes (compared with the pictures I posted last week)!

This is what 7:15 AM looks like today in my front yard. I greet the first snowfall with mixed emotions. The kid in me wants to blare Christmas music and wrap presents and eat cookies and get the mittens out and drink hot cocoa...! But the ol' grump in me recognizes this scene as one that will be here for a while. A loooooooong, cold, wet while.

PS - No, you're not crazy. Yes, It's snowing on my blog! Get the cool widget here.

That's All, Folks

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 13:33:00 +0000

I snapped a couple of pics of the remaining resilient leaves clinging to my flowering pear tree in our front yard. It's the last hurrah of the fall season, which is slipping away between my fingers too quickly. On Sunday I dumped the last of my flower pots, which were so done blooming. What a party pooper.

The gorgeous landscape color is gone and we're left with a neutral palette of boring browns and grays until spring. It's hard to get excited about that dreary fact. So that leaves me to dream up ways to get excited about the inside. I almost have Brian talked into helping me paint the living room this weekend. Almost.

Pizazz

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:22:00 +0000

A sneak peek of the wild, new look for Cami's furniture:

She's really happy with her sweet furniture. I'm pleased with the results too. The zebra stripes were simple and fun to paint. It's rewarding to have an idea that lived in my head come to fruition. I can't wait to get her room put back in order for the full effect.

Little by Little

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:29:00 +0000

This weekend we started a project in Cami's room. I'd been been thinking about it for a while...

This so-so-looking bedroom furniture belonged to my sister and me when we were growing up. With some fresh, white paint it's going to look great again.

Our weekend only allowed us enough time to get the pieces sanded and primed. This week Brian has been tackling the painting a little at a time in the evenings. He meticulously put the final coat on last night and I can't wait to see the bunk beds put back together.

Thinking Ahead

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:29:00 +0000

It seems that once Halloween passes Christmas is only a quick leap away. I have begun making lists with gift ideas for the girls, who are so easy to buy for, but really have no needs. Just wishes. How blessed we are.

But, let's not rush things. We have November.

Welcome, November

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 12:43:00 +0000

Recap:
On Saturday Halloween came and went without a lot of fuss. We carved pumpkins and Cami went trick-or-treating with her younger cousins. She brought home a large haul of candy as usual. I am very proud of myself for not eating candy this year! Well, not a lot anyway. Kaylyn attended a party with lots of friends at her boyfriend's house. It was a huge outdoor (chilly!) bash with tons of food and spooky decorations in the garage and a bon fire. Did you catch the word boyfriend?

Brian peeled and carved this creepy skull jack o'lantern, which Bindi the chicken-dog ate the next day. It was cool while it lasted.

Today:
Clocks are back an hour and it was nice to have more sunlight as Kaylyn & Cami hurried to get ready for school. This makes waking at 6:10 AM a teensy, tiny bit more bearable. That being said however, I was slapped with my typical Monday morning unluckiness while in the kitchen making simultaneous breakfasts, lunches and a crock pot dinner. In my rush I accidentally knocked a 2 qt. pitcher of sweetened ice tea off the top shelf in the fridge. It was a bit like this: splash to high heaven! Followed with a smug glug-glug-glug... It was one of those kitchen messes that make me want to cry like a little child as it was all over the outside and inside (as well as contents) of the fridge, and of course under. It was splashed on counters, cupboards, wall and puddled on the floor. My favorite flannel PJ's and fuzzy red slippers were soaked in cold, sticky sweetness as I stood in a little shock, plotting my quickest clean up. Mondays are never nice to me. I used to love Mondays when I had the house to myself, before the Mondays of working 9+ hours between 2 jobs. These days they are mostly harried and busy and stressful. I suppose I can be glad that my kitchen floor is starting the week all scrubbed and lemony-fresh. Thank you, Mr. Clean. And even though clean up was not pleasant, I can be thankful for a full fridge, ready to sustain us for the week ahead.

Gotta run. Kaylyn just called from school. She left her social studies project home and could I please bring it to her???

The Fire Within Us

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:41:00 +0000

I was asked by a young friend to shoot a few promo shots of his band, The Fire Within Us, for an upcoming gig. As a mom of three girls and auntie to many little ones I've never photographed a group of teen boys before. Boys. Wow! This was different. And really fun!

These guys go to school with my girls and I've watched them grow up. Aren't they cute? I mean, in a really hip, cool way (good save, right)? I played around in Photoshop to give the images an edgy look - perfect for a rock band, ya think?

When they make it big I hope they remember the little people.

Fall Colors

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 13:24:00 +0000

October bears many gifts. For us, mostly leaves. The task of raking is huge. My niece and Cami "helped" Brian this weekend while I was away for the afternoon. Yes, he grabbed the camera!

On my mind:

Book sale at the library - setup, setup, setup...
friends involved in a serious car accident, hit head on by intoxicated driver
Cami needs new pointe shoes
bills to pay
new Dream Street Papers designs
prepping dinner
do I need an eye exam?
refusing to think about Christmas shopping
need to make meal list for next week
and grocery list

More and More Cupcakes

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:58:00 +0000

How cute are these? They are perfect to give as gifts to sewing-crafty friends. My favorite thing about them (besides how adorable they are) is that they are created from repurposed wool sweaters, which can be easily found at thrift stores such as Volunteers of America and the Salvation Army store. It's a fun treasure hunt.

The original idea came from the book, Warm Fuzzies, by Betz White, author, designer and green crafter. Check out her pretty blog here.

To make life more pleasant visit Grasshopper Handmade (Etsy shop), which is the perfect source for the cherries/felt balls if you don't care to make them yourself. I tried creating them myself...and, well... not so good. I'll leave it to the master. Liz offers many other wonderful treasures as well. : )

Our Anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:14:00 +0000

I love October for its fleeting beauty, but it's also special to me because it is the month in which we were married. On a cool, overcast day in the year 1993 Brian and I exchanged vows in a beautiful Mass at St. Anne's Church, Palmyra. So young (both 23) and excited about our future together.

And our honeymoon! Our trip to Maui was the trip of our lifetime.

But our real adventure has been the journey on this path of life together.

"Marrying for love may be a bit risky, but it is so honest that God can't help but smile on it."

PS - I fully intended for this post to be sweet and lovely, but one cannot help but notice the dude with all the hair in our honeymoon picture! Not to mention the flowing coiffure of red awesomeness on that skinny girl.

Nature's Poetry Card

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 12:34:00 +0000

Here's a simple card I created recently using Dream Street's Nature's Poetry by Kelly Schults. I love the soft, pretty colors and gorgeous patterns.

Floral embellishment is Petaloo.

Happy Birthday, Cami!

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:33:00 +0000

Twelve years ago today I kissed my 9-pound baby girl for the first time. Cameron Grace - daughter #3 - such a blessing. What an adventure I’ve had with a fun character like Cami!

I looked at these pictures yesterday and was truly amazed to see the images of my girl ten years ago on her 2nd birthday, so small. It brought a little tear to my eye remembering how much I loved her then – and knowing now that I love her even more today! How does the heart do that? Always growing in love. The pictures also made me reflect on my daily challenges as a mommy to 3 lively, young ones. Ten years makes a world of difference. The challenges and worries of a mom to three teen/tween girls are... let's just say, not the same.

Each day she brings her sense of humor and charm to the table, always ready for a good time. But it’s her willingness to try hard and her warm, compassionate heart that make me so proud to be her mom.

Happy birthday, Cami!
XXOO
Love, Mom

Huh? October?

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:10:00 +0000

No posts in September.

Not even the obligatory 1st day of school post. Here's a pic. Fill in the blanks.

It's been so long - I hope I didn't lose my bloggin' pals. I'm still here! I'm movin' and groovin' with daily life, trying to be present in all that I do. Challenging. The girls have been back to school for almost 5 weeks and the structured schedule suits us. Not that I don't LOVE to sleep in. But today for example, by 8:00 AM I've accomplished breakfast, packed lunches, driven the girls to school (spoiled), folded laundry and started a new load, peeled 2 dozen apples and have a pot of soon-to-be applesauce simmering on my stove. There are not even any dishes in my sink. The FlyLady would be proud, even though we kind of have this love/hate relationship. No, I haven't showered yet, but whatev. I plan to work on some design stuff for Dream Street and then head into work at the library and then on to the dance studio.

Random, I know:

I'm concerned about my washing machine. The old gal ain't what she used to be.
Did you know Sunday 10/3 was World Card Making Day? Me either.
Tomorrow is Cami's 12th birthday. I dread her disappointment with not getting a cell phone. Even though I told her that would be the case. I know she is secretly hoping beyond hope that I am fibbing. I am not.
We turned our heater on for the first time this weekend. Brrr.
I started knitting a pair of wrist warmers.
My kitty, Pearl is snoozing on the couch, sweetly snoring. I love that sound.

And last, a random pic of a little fella Kaylyn found:

Art Form

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:04:00 +0000

I am always doing things I can't do, that's how I get to do them.
-Pablo Picasso-

Last week was summer workshop at the dance studio. Wouldn't you know, it was the hottest week of the summer? The students were privileged to have Shan Dai teach ballet class all week. She is a former principle ballerina of the National ballet of China and her knowledge is pure gold. I observed class as she worked with the intermediate kids - so much to take in!

During lunch break the kids got to chat with Shan Dai and she helped them stretch their feet. I love this shot below of Cami... No pain, no gain, right?!

Day Hike

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 23:28:00 +0000

The hot, summer weather finally showed up for the party. Fashionably late, that Mother Nature. Last weekend, in the heat, we hiked Taughannock Falls, one of our favorite spots.

My sister, Mary and niece, Lillie joined us. Cami loves spending time with her cousin. The two had a wonderful afternoon of exploring.

Bindi received two thumbs up that day for her fist-ever hike in a gorge.

B-Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 02:03:00 +0000

Is it my imagination or there a sort of crazed look in this pup's eyes? Mm-hmm...

Bindi is now 13 months old and full of pep and silly quirks. Like, she loves, loves, loves having her paws massaged. More than anything! She is a little bit chicken about certain things too. She has yet to try the stairs to the basment. Can you believe it? After almost a year?! She doesn't dare come with me to do laundry down there. Not even one step. It's taken a long time, but finally the two cats can tolerate being within 5 feet of her (most of the time).

A Little Crafter Humor

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 17:39:00 +0000

I got a chuckle outta this:
ETA - Dana's post made me realize I never gave credit where credit is due. I snagged this video from Facebook, where Cathie Filian shared it, originally on YouTube.

School Supplies & a Quick Room Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 12:31:00 +0000

My girls LOVE school supply shopping. I have a method that works for us and it's become a tradition they look forward to. I help them make a shopping list according to the published list the school sends home, browse sale flyers with them and hand them both a $50 bill (ouch). That seems like a lot, I know, but that is what it costs. For real. It was worse when I had three in school! I tell them it's their money to buy what they need and what's left they keep. I need to mention, this is only for the stinkin' supplies. Not the shoes, jeans, perfect tops, new undies, etc...

Cami was first to make a list of sale items, found a Staples coupon and was ready to go! Kaylyn followed suit. Long story short, when it's "their money" they don't blow it on all the fancy pencil sharpeners and highlighters, they shop practically. Cami walked away with $9 left over. Kaylyn, however, wanted expensive binders and wound up spending $52. That's OK. She's rich this summer from babysitting, so a few dollars here and there are not as enticing as they are to Cami.

If you know Cami, you know that money was burning a hole right through her pocket. What's a girl to do? Go to Jo Ann's! She purchased the above really cool vinyl wall decal (with another coupon, of course) and also got some sweet beads to hang in her doorway from Target. That dollar spot gets her every time.

A Soccer Kind of Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Tracy) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:33:00 +0000

This has been our scene for many an evening - Cami's soccer team.

As it turns out most of of those evening games have been cool. We've sat in the pouring rain many times. We've brought umbrellas to every game - just in case. It's been the weirdest summer - actually the coldest July ever recorded the weather man tells us.