Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Roots and Wings

I am so proud to say that yesterday, Bobby closed on his first "home". He bought a co-op about 15 minutes away from us. I am grinning from ear to ear as I watch him take this giant step. I will miss him. Mr. Wonderful will miss him. But he will be home for Sunday dinners.

I have had all the other children move out, but this one is different. This is truly the event that says we have given them ALL roots and wings.

I am proud of us. We did a good job.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Making a list....

Today is food shopping day. I know I will do the homemade manicotti (a Christmas tradition)- but everything else depends on what the market has to offer. Hoping for some gorgeous artichokes and mushrooms...

I wrapped and sorted all the gifts last night, so I seem to be right on track. Working abbreviated days today and tomorrow and off on Thursday and Friday. It's almost like being on vacation!!!

Hard to believe we are winding down another year. I remember being a child and wondering if the year 2000 would ever come, and now I am knocking on the door of 2010!

Monday, December 21, 2009

Not a creature was stirring...



Looking at this scene, it is hard to imagine nearly 2 feet of snow falling outside!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

No Long Lines for me!

As Christmas Day approaches, I am amused at the hustle and bustle of families trying to get their shopping complete. I remember doing that. I remember wrapping and hiding gifts only to scavenge around on Christmas Eve to load them under the tree. I remember Mr. W. waiting for me to fall asleep so he could fill my stocking and put my gifts under the tree - (and, yes, he still does that!) I remember waiting to hear the squeals on Christmas morning as the kids discovered all their goodies.

Things are different now. With the kids grown, Christmas takes on a different flavor. I hang stockings for all the kids and give them all instructions to put something in each other's stocking. Then I fill them up. There are always envelopes stuck in the tree - their "Big" gifts. We wait until the extended family leaves on Christmas and we gather as an intimate group and open gifts. They all know they are getting their envelopes, but they still giggle as they unwrap the treasures found in their stockings. I love to watch them revert to being my "babies" once again...

Each year, someone proclaims, "This was the best Christmas ever!" I am looking forward to keeping THAT tradition going...

Monday, December 14, 2009

Highlights..

Highlights of the weekend:

Tree went up on Saturday.

Tree was decorated by everyone after a Sunday family dinner.

All the former Boy Scouts competed to make a roaring fire that generated enough heat to warm all of Long Island.

#2 Son threatened to Shrink Wrap #1 Son to see if he can slip him under a door.

What nice Christmastime memories.....

Monday, December 07, 2009

18 days to go...

I tried my best to muster up some Christmas spirit this weekend. It wasn't easy!

#1 Son moved in on Saturday. For a guy who rented a furnished apartment for a year - he certainly had a lot of crap to bring over! He is a good sharer, though. He brought 2 big flat screen TV's - one of which he is generously giving his brother for his new place. He also brought his Keurig Coffe Maker and planted it on my kitchen counter. This thing is AWESOME!!! I guess I will close my eyes to the two shedding pugs that are now roaming around the house, too.

Well, at least the stockings are hung by the chimney with care. Now, if I can wrestle one of the boys to help me go buy a tree.... I would ask Mr. Wonderful to help, but he is too busy trying to train one of those shedding pugs!!!

Thursday, December 03, 2009

I Did, I Do, I Will Do

Today, we celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. Although we've come a long way in 32 years, I am pleased to say that some things still remain the same.

I am still an early bird, he likes to sleep late. I fret about everything, he takes everything in stride. I am a realist, he is a dreamer. I am ALWAYS on time, he is ALWAYS late. I still think he is blonde, he still thinks I am beautiful.

Happy Anniversay, Mr. Wonderful. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds for us...

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

The Menu(s)

I know it is WAY after the fact - but here is the Thanksgiving Menu. The reason I am posting it is so that I can get suggestions on what to put on my Christmas menu!

Appetizers:
Assorted Olives
Homemade Crostini
Assorted Cheeses
Imported Sun Dried tomatoes

Dinner:
Turkey
Southern Cornbread Stuffing
Grandma's Italian Meat Stuffing
Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes with Carmelized Leeks and Asiago Cheese
Sweet Potato Casserole with orange zest and mini marshmallows
Broccoli Casserole
Roasted Brussel Sprouts
Cauliflower Au Gratin
Roasted Butternut squash with blue cheese crumbles and candied pecans
Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Corn

Desserts:
Cookies
Blueberry Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Fresh Fruit Platter

What the hell am I going to make for Christmas??????