Grateful....

...for another really good Cohen/Gilman Thanksgiving : )

Lynne and Rob - during our Wednesday prepping!

Basting is the key!

Lar always brings Lynne beautiful flowers for the holiday table.

Note for next year....MORE PHOTOS, PLEASE!

2009 Project Grateful {#9}

Friday, November 20, 2009

20 more things for which I am grateful:

1. A recipe for homemade spray starch! (recipe here)
2. BIG trashbags that don't RIP when you fill them.
3. Tap water (in our township at least!) doesn't skeeve me.
4. Sirryha's random hugs and squeezes at dinner tonight. (Always best when they are unexpected and unsolicited! awww....so stinkin SWEET!)
5. Restaurants with paper tablecloths and a generous supply of crayons.
6. That I always use the crayons at restaurants - even if there are no children with me.
7. Sirryha's newly discovered love for STICKERS - and that Rob doesn't mind when she'd rather put them all over HIM than in the storybooks they come with!
8. Honeycrisp apples. SO yum.
9. Rob is eating the bag of cucumbers that I mistakenly bought at Produce Junction thinking it was a bag of zucchini. (oops)
10. ZIP LOCK BAGGIES. Sandwich size and the quart size. How did I live without thee?
11. Rob is not an "I don't DO leftovers guy."
12. Emeril's Spicy Garlic Bread recipe from "back in the day" (recipe can be found here.)
13. My "Thanksgiving Dinner" binder that I've kept since 2001...which has chronicled everything from the cost of the turkey, to each recipe and guest list.
14. Jackie's Christmas book that she has kept for over 15 years that has all the special gifts received, breakfast and dinner menus, their annual Christmas card, and Mikayla's and David's letters to and from Santa. Seriously priceless!
15. Being ALMOST caught up with my correspondence....
16. Anna Maria Horner's Folksy Flannels are now available by the bundle in her shop!
17. My navy blue leather clogs that are almost a decade old, were never attractive, but are the most comfy shoes I own.
18. That the "business casual" dress code at work means I don't have to wear pantyhose every day ('nuff said, eh?)
19. That Rob came across a Miley Cyrus concert on TV, and he played the same three songs over and over again for Sirryha (via DVR) just because she loved it. "Again, Daddy!"
20. Getting to watch Sirryha eat ice cream. (She dips the spoon into the bowl of ice cream, and then delicately licks the ice cream off the spoon...one wee lap at a time...as if it is on a cone? I am not sure. But it is adorable to me, at the same time shocking that any child would not devour a scoop of chocolate ice cream! She maybe gets a spoonful down via this method!)

2009 Project Grateful {#8}

Lynne and Lar, Thanksgiving Day, 2007 ...love this photo!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thankful ...

1. That we are a mere week away from another Thanksgiving dinner with the Cohens/Gilmans!

2. For a happy phone call from my friend who was STRESSED TO THE MAX a day ago. Glad it is "all better again."

3. For Panera Bread's chicken and wild rice soup on a cold rainy night.

4. For Johnson's (No More Tears) No More Tangles spray.

5. For Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus because I love the way Sirryha says her name and is mesmerized by her singing and dancing. (O.M.G. you have to see the new dance moves!)

6. For my Rowenta Professional Iron. I {heart} steam!

7. For Rob honestly not caring that the ironing board has become a permanent installation in the living/dining room. (Yes, I know I should install one of those hanger things in the stairwell to the basement....but.....)
   
8. For "off brand" rotary cutter blades that WORK JUST AS WELL AS THE OLFA BRAND at a fraction of the price!
9. For blog recommendations from friends, like this one. I know I would enjoy it if only I had more time!
10. For how happy it makes me when I find Sirryha's little pencil scribbles on my lists. : )
11. For the set of hexagon paper piecing templates from Bryne sewingthe quilt shops....I've wanted to try these ever since I saw this: http://rosylittlethings.typepad.com/posie_gets_cozy/2009/08/hexagon-piecing.html
12. For free online tutorials like this: http://www.craftstylish.com/item/8335/how-to-english-paper-piecing-project (in case I never get around to a full quilt of Hexagons!)
13. For podcast interviews.
14. For multilayers. (In hairstyles, fashion, art, and best of all - PEOPLE.)
15. For surprises.
16. For restaurants that serve "tiny bites" desserts. (A ramekin of cherry cobbler with a mini scoop icecream. YUM with less guilt!)
17. For Kleenex (I love to iron...but hankies for blowing your nose? Ewwwww.)
18. For twinkle lights. Indoors or out....they are strings of happiness.
19. For Origins Ginger Essence perfume (still my favorite scent!)
20. For stick gum that still comes with printed wrappers so I can gum wrapper chains when I stuck somewhere with nothing else in my purse to occupy me!

2009 Project Grateful {#7}

Wednesday, November 18, 2009


Thankful.....

1. for a much overdue visit with Jill! (always a wonderful soft landing....)
2. ...and getting to take part in her bedtime routine with her fabulous kids Scott and Raya...so stinkin' cute.
3. ...and sipping hot chocolate in a beautiful mug while sitting at her kitchen table with nothing to do but chat for a few hours...
4. ...and knowing that we will see each other again next week on Thanksgiving! xo
5. for learning my cousin is expecting a healthy baby girl!
6. that Rob picked up my Rx for me at Target. xo
7. that I had more than enough cash on me for the tolls tonight (I usually FORGET. I never carry cash.)
8. for Rob's mindfulness example.
9. for not sweating the small stuff (and the wisdom that comes with age on what "the small stuff" includes.)
10. for my sister Lisa, for sharing her stash of vintage fabric from Gram. xoxo
11. for a project/assignment at work I am enjoying.
12. for the Wegmans by L&L that is still accepting orders for fresh turkeys this year (my Wegmans is not! What is up with THAT?)
13. for news of "negative" test results for a family member.
14. that postage stamps are self-adhesive (can you believe we ever LICKED them?)
15. for self-serve, 24-hr access to postage machines and scales at the post office.
16. for a winning $12 instant lotto ticket in my purse that I had forgotten about!
17. for knowing I have more than enough and everything I need.
18. for lots of sticks on my cell phone when I wasn't sure when I last charged it!
19. shops that don't charge extra for gift wrapping!
20. for "getting over it" that this blog post will NOT have a photo. (refer to #9.) : )

2009 Project Grateful {#6}

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Thankful Times Twenty:

1. Receiving my first PaPaYa! Catalog in the mail! Holy moly I want one of each!


2. LEFTOVERS


3. Frozen Edamame.


4. That so far, "Upsidedown Baby!" is still working to get Sirryha dressed after bathtime.


5. Peaceful transitions with Sirryha when it is time to go.


6. Plans to visit Jill tomorrow (finally!)


7. MAPQUEST (I hate writing down directions and playing along that I know which routes run north and south vs east and west....whatEVER....just tell me left or right, 'k?)


8. Working hands.


9. That Rob never lets us run out of paper towels.


10. NORTHERN TOILET TISSUE (speaking of paper)


11. Discovering another clever artistic blog - like this one.


12. Fine point pens. Better still, EXTRA-FINE point pens.


13. Good quality paper to create with. YUM.


14. John Frieda Root Awakening shampoo and conditioner.



15. That Rob will run upstairs to get me socks when my feet are cold.

16. ...and then get me my book, too.

17. "Just checking in" calls and texts from family.

18. My Smiley Mug from Eat n Park that Jackie got the annoyed-with-us drive-thru girl to get for me to replace the yucky one she originally gave us! (Thanks, sister!)

19. For another year NOT having a car payment.

20. A LOVE BOMB text from Cameron tonight! Wee!! Count me in for February!! xoxoxo
    

2009 Project Grateful {#5}

Monday, November 16, 2009

Today's grateful list....

1. Birthday Celebrations with family {Happy 12th Birthday, David! xoxoxo}
2. Good books on hand for sleepless nights.
3. The hope that this necklace could very well be on sale some day....Anthropologie's Stormy Sea Necklace. Sigh.
4. That Rob always takes the trash out.
5. Dave Matthews Band.
6. My Barnes & Noble Member Card and coupons.
7. Journals.
8. Spooning with Rob on chilly nights.
9. 24 hr grocery stores
10. MIDNIGHT MADNESS sales.
11. That Mikayla still wants to go shopping with her old aunt and mom!
12. That UGGS are still in style.
13. Burt's Bees Lip Balm
14. All UPS drivers. I have never met one I don't like.
15. Curb Your Enthusiasm and all the SEINFELD references. I love to watch with Rob and hear his laughter.
16. The guy friends at work who've been there with me for over 10 years and have wickedly brilliant minds and terrific senses of humor (rare combo).
17. Our mailroom ladies at work - especially Joan who always delivers my WSJ to my desk.
18. Knowing I acted bravely in certain situations lately.
19. Clean Water AND good water pressure. Seriously.
20. How I feel peaceful and reminded of my gram and sister Kristin when I am sewing.

2009 Project Grateful {#4}

Sunday, November 15, 2009


Grateful for:

1. Serendipity. (The restaurant, yes, but moreso the actual occurances. May as well toss in the movie, too. I {heart} John Cusack.)


2. CUPCAKES (I know it is trendy, but I love them. In food or art form!)


3. TWITTER, cause speaking of cupcakes, how cool is it that you can track/find food mobiles like THESE?


4. THE INTERNET. An encyclopedia at your fingertips. Seriously. How did we survive without it?


5. VELVETA CHEESE, and that it has not yet been outlawed. I know it isn't REAL FOOD but it is truly yummy in mac 'n cheese. If you don't believe me, go try this recipe.


6. Lazy mornings with no need to look at the clock.


7. Super smart women who write authentic BLOGS.


8. That Rob and I "get each other."


9. Sunny beautiful weather today.


10. TWEEZERS (seriously--the witchy chin hairs? ew.)


11. GOOD hair clips that HOLD YOUR HAIR without wimping out and breaking or peeling (I think these were from JCrew, right Lyndee?)


12. Kelly's text messages that CRACK ME UP ..."and whatnot!" (hee. see? it's funny!)


13. Only 5 more sleeps 'til NEW MOON! (swoon!)


14. Text messages from Emily about her comings and goings and fun shops she visits that she promises to show me when I visit her at college. xo


15. Men who still hold doors for women...


16. ....and women who still teach their sons to do so (like the nice lady at WaWa the other day.)


17. Remembering to take KLEENEX to the dance recital ('cause I always bawl when the wee ones take the stage for the first time!! Fer cute!)


18. Finding a new restaurant, by accident, and loving it. (Firecreek in the Old Paper Mill in Downingtown for those nearby!)


19. Finding the Tiffany earring I lost EONS ago because they are still my favorite (thanks, lovey xoxo)
20. Kindness shown when it is least expected.

2009's Project Grateful {#3}

Saturday's Grateful List:

1. "Morning pages" with Sirryha!
2. Produce Junction and raspberries and strawberries for 2 dollars!
3. That Sirryha is so well-behaved and helpful and FUN in the grocery store.
4. Sirryha's love for clementine's and strawberries - "more, please."
5. Hearing Sirryha speak in longer and longer sentences each week.
6. A fun visit with Jan, Emma and Tessa (it went too fast, Jannie! Next time we start earlier!)
7. The sound of kids laughing, running and playing. (Thank you, Emma, for being so kind to Sirryha today! She loved visiting and playing with you and Buddy!)
8. Wild Harvest Organic brand Black Bean Tortilla chips, with no trans fats!
9. Messages from Lyndee and Lar about Thanksgiving plans....we love the preparation and anticipation as much as the actual holiday! xo
10. My sister Lisa, for sharing her vintage fabric stash with me. xoxox
11. Cousins.
12. Homemade soup weather.
13. Trying new recipes that my family likes.
14. My set of AllClad pots.
15. Having so many wise women in my life.
16. That Sirryha still wants to be held (they do grow up too fast!)
17. Jurges family Christmas plans include more presence than presents again this year! We love having company over the holidays!
18. Tomorrow's forecast includes SUNSHINE!
19. Family owned quilt shops - love when the husbands pitch in even tho' sewing/quilting is clearly "not their thing!"
20. Artists who upcycle and craftcycle like THIS brilliant idea! Every kitchen should have at least one of these!

2009's Project Grateful {#2}

(Sorry for the repeat image from last year...but seriously....I do so love FRIDAYS.)

Continuing with my lists....today's 20 things for which I am GRATEFUL:

1. My sister Jackie...


2. ...and that she lives 5 minutes away...


3. ...and takes such good care of me (and everybody!)...like bringing me my favorite Starbucks drink, almonds, fresh fruit, and a yummy Kasi bar....


4. ...and for manning my table at our company craft fair (thanks, Sister!)


5. For my craft fair earnings which will help me restock my quilting thread supply!


6. For a REALLY FUN (and REALLY DELICIOUS) lunch today with the West without Borders team.
   
7. For old family photos.


8. For fabric scraps from friends....that are my most favorite items to create with of late.


9. For an extra hour alone to finally finish the binding on my scrappy CONFETTI QUILT (using Anna Maria Horner Good Folks, scraps, Jilliene!)
10. That Sirryha still rushes over for HUGS when she walks in. xoxo
11. That Sirryha loves to read with her daddy.
12. That Teesha Moore posted YouTube videos of her lettering techniques (along with her other art journal videos.)
13. For Target's prescription auto-refill service.
14. For a planned date with AIMEE for a CROP DAY! xoxoxo
15. News that a friend had a great first date (to counter a recent breakup).
16. Finding cool jewel-tone sprinkles to use for holiday baking/chocolate making.
17. WASHABLE paints for our little artist!
18. For online free quilting and sewing project tutorials like this one and this one and this one.
19. For movie and book recommendations from my cousin JoJo!
20. For reconnecting with old friends. : )

2009's Project Grateful.

Last year I played along with my WASSIMA peeps and posted 20 things I am grateful for, daily, for the days leading up to Thanksgiving. Jilliene nudged me again tonight to play along...and so here we go.

In no particular order....20 things I am grateful for this moment:

1. My ART TRIBE, and nudges and encouragement from them, like Jilliene's invite tonight : )


2. Planning Thanksgiving dinner with the Gilmans/Cohens - our very favorite holiday. Cannot wait for that spiced turkey!


3. That my nieces all love college.


4. For Facebook, email, and texting, which helps us all stay in touch when we can't be together.


5. That my sisters, in addition to being great sisters, are such good moms and aunts.


6. Mikayla, who is the best PLANNER and found the PERFECT Christmas PJs for us this year at Old Navy!
7. Plans with friends (like painting ornaments and making chocolate covered preztels at Jan's! Thanks, Jan, we can't wait for Saturday!)


8. BFFs at work who always listen, provide a boost when I need it, and always, always make me LAUGH.


9. The company I work for promotes and supports so many programs for giving back to our communities, and that I get to participate on some of the planning teams.


10. People in power who DON'T "kiss up and kick down."


11. That Rob never, ever, complains about my crafting/creative/sewing piles.
    
12. RAKs and cards in the mail - I love snail mail!


13. My weighted pin cushion and scrap bag combo next to my sewing machine! Best $4.99 I ever spent.


14. Endless 40% off coupons at Michael's, AC Moore and JoAnn Fabrics!


15. The drive-thru at Starbucks when it is raining. : )


16. Whoever invented the little green-plastic-coffee-cup-hole-plug-sticks at Starbucks, so I don't have to curse out whoever invented the MOUNTAIN HIGH speed bumps in our parking lot at work! (seriously)


17. TV's GLEE.


18. iTunes


19. GOOGLE LOGOS that make me smile, especially the Sesame Street ones this week. (Love that they catalogue the logos....why does that make me so happy?)


20. Jeans passes at work!

Thanks Tracy! xo

How cool is this? TROLLBEADS have come up with this fun marketing campaign....they distributed SMILEY BEADS around the world, and those who received them (collectors and retailers) are to place them where others will find them.

And lucky me! My BFF Tracy received a batch of them and hid one for me and one for our BFF Kelly to find yesterday at work! You can imagine the excitement that ensued!

Like Christmas all over again! Thanks, Trace! xoxoxo

Some more pics of my YELLOW SMILEY BEAD (oh yeah. already on my bracelet! First thing I did when I got home!) and the card it was attached to:

Gratititude {20 Things, Take 14}

for...

1. That face!
2. Pigtails! They make me so happy : )
3. David! (Happy BIRTHDAY!)
4. Two more nephews have their own cell phones to text/call!
5. Shopping with Rob for Thanksgiving dinner ingredients. (Williams-Sonoma Brine? check!)
6. Maggie at Ruby's Diner (Sirryha's favorite waitress!)
7. STRAWS.
8. HAPPY PREGNANCY NEWS (no, not ME you loons!)
9. Lessons about WAITING.
10. Getting a few steps closer to an ORGANIZED DESK!
11. THE O'TOOLE FAMILY (Party of Six!) is joining us for Christmas dinner!
12. Our family is in agreement on the "No Buying Presents" rule this year!
13. THIS idea! Who's in with me?
14. Microsoft Office templates.
15. Rob doesn't scream at the TV during his football games when Sirryha is here!
16. Staying in all day.
17. Rob getting the grocery shopping done in 1/4 of the time I would need!
18. DRANO!
19. QTIPS.
20. DONNA D CLASS AT LSS NEXT MONTH!

Gratitude {20 Things, Take 13}

1. Thankful we live close enough to David and Mikayla that we get to be there to sing HAPPY BIRTHDAY and have cake together! (Thanks for waiting so patiently for us, guys!)
2. Thankful for kids who say "please" and "thank you" and still call their friends' parents "Mr. and Mrs." (Such nice manners!)
3. Thankful for my nieces' and nephews' friends who just call me "Aunt Susie/Susan." : )
4. Thankful Rob and I managed to build the damn organizer thingie for my desk without resorting to homicide (why are the instructions so NON-helpful??)
5. Thankful for hanging file folders in cheery colors (and 1/3 cut tabs that MATCH.)
6. ...and time to ORGANIZE.
7. ...and friends who "play along" with email recipe exchanges!
8. ...and that Pottery Barn and Williams-Sonoma and Anthropologie and J Crew are in the same shopping strip. : )
9. Thankful for SWIFFER dusters!
10. ...and BIG recycling bins.
11. ...and BOGO offers.
12. ...and headbands.
13. ...and Robert Kain and his 2 friends for creating ETSY (how about they offer craft classes at their offices in NY? let's go!)
14. ...and finally finding out where the name ETSY came from! ("A magical nonsense word" inspired by Federico Fellini's 8 1/2, according to Kalin.)
15. ...and free paint swatches.
16. ...and that I have one of my Gram's journals where she kept entries from 1960 through 1996...everything from visits from friends and relatives to trips taken with Pap to births of her grandchildren and everyday happenings such as "Aug 8, 1960 - I went to Bev Wertz's to play 5.00 poverty poker. Lost $.40. Fern Reardon's husband brought me home." (Gram didn't drive.) And "Mar 26, 1966 - Frank & Dottie came home to tell me they got engaged." (They married that November. Happy Anniversary Uncle Frank and Aunt Dot!)
17. So thankful for family history records!
18. ...and legible handwriting!
19. ...and my sister Jackie's great memory for EVERYONE's birthdates.
20. ...and a fresh system to record dates and events -- "Journal 10+" books.

Gratititude {20 Things, Take 12)

Friday's List of things I am THANKFUL FOR:

1. Noticing that the lavendar in our front yard is spreading into the ugly jaggy bushes I never liked...and having my MASTER GARDENER SISTER Lisa tell me we could INDEED replace the jaggers with ALL LAVENDAR! sweet!


2. Luxurious things...like the deliciously-aromatic (almond & shea butter) bar of handmade soap I bought at the Craft Fair at my office today.


3. ...and this treasure:


4. Sirryha played pat-a-cake and eensy-weensy-spider with me again tonight (we haven't done that in a while! Love her little FINGERS doing all the motions.)


5. Singing all the Sesame Street songs with Rob and Sirryha after dinner tonight. She hums and dances along. We LOVE THAT!


6. Sirryha's squeals of delight when she turns off the light-switches after bathtime (first the bedroom, then the bathroom, then the hallway as we make our way back downstairs.)


7. My giddiness when tonight Sirryha actually turned off the switches herself! (We had been helping her of course...but she has the hang of it now!)


8. The simple things. : )


9. Baby peas -- a veggie Sirryha will eat!


10. My mom's "invention" (yuh-huh! she did so invent it!) of cinnamon-sugar toast as comfort food (and having it as a trick up my sleeve to serve Rob and Sirryha when needed!)


11. This picture of me and Mikayla from our shopping day on Tuesday (for our BOOK, Mikay! Plus the NEDLEY book!)
12. WORDART.
13. HOT SHOWERS.
14. SPARKLING CLEAN BATHROOMS.
15. Dooce.com
16. Real Time with Bill Maher (especially "New Rules" - brilliantly funny.)
17. Wooden hangers in our coat closet.
18. Our front loading washing machine. (After 7 yrs, I am still amazed how it runs SILENTLY!)
19. Sirryha's koala bear snuggles, fresh out of the tubby, wrapped in a warm towel. xo
20. Quality HAIR PRODUCTS!

Gratitude {20 Things, Take 11}

1. I was able to retrieve some favorite pics from my old cell phone that I thought were gone for good!


Rob, NYC, New Year's Eve 2005. xo

2. Realizing how much BETTER the quality of the pics from my NEW cell phone are compared to my Samsung (sorry Burkie!)


3. Memory card for my cell phone was on sales at Verizon! weee! (no more lost photos!)


4. STEEELLLLAAAAAAAA! is going to be in town over the Thanksgiving weekend!


5. THIS girl who shares her papers and projects so generously with me! I am SO going to do the BLUEPRINT GUIDE in my SKINNY BOOK! Miss you, Cynthia!


6. The paper organizer I bought EONS ago at Sam's club and never built (a-hem, darling?) has made it's way back upstairs where Rob and I will trip over it until we finally bust it open and BUILD IT.


7. Gilman cousins are joining us for Thanksgiving dinner!


8. 13 days 'til we will be in NYC again!


9. The anticipation of more great Cohen/Gilman family portraits from Landon's Bar Mitzvah.


10. RAKs


11. Recipes written in my mom's, grandmother's, sister's, cousin's, aunt's handwriting. xo


12. SASEs


13. Online banking!


14. Home Companion magazine listed the COLOR. OF.THE.PAINT.IN.AMY .BUTLER's. HOUSE in the "getting the goods" guide!! (Glidden Aqua Tint/90 GG 74/108 and Seawall /SR 707 Vaspar--Signature Colors Seaside Retreat...holy CRAP I am going to hit Lowes and Home Depot and snag up THOSE paint chips!)


15. REBATES
16. Sweet emails from my baby sister! (Thanks, LaLa!)
17. Funny stories my sisters share with us about things their children say and do...oh we should write a BOOK! hee
18. Uncle Frank keeping me informed about health issues of interest to me (diabetes, vaccines, etc.) xo
19. Free time to catch my breathe again.


20. Hugs and holding hands.
    
    
    

Gratitude {20 Things, Takes 7, 8, 9 and 10}

Four days behind means I will never catch up if I don't just do a MEGA post and start fresh again with the "daily 20" tomorrow! So here are my lists from Sunday through Wednesday---all merged together (in no particular order!)

Thankful for:

1. A wonderful brunch at Lynne & Lar's to finish off Landon's bar mitzvah celebration. xo


2. Rob getting some good one on one time with his nephews and cousin on Sunday.


3. Planning Thanksgiving dinner with the Cohens!


4. Tickets to a show in NYC the Wed before Thanksgiving - a new Gilman/Cohen tradition!


5. Daily trips to the cafeteria at work with my peeps for coffee/breakfast sandwiches.


6. Hearing Sirryha say "da da da" (sometimes even on command!)


7. Sirryha's hugs and kisses and giggles.


8. Remembering how much I love having NO CAR PAYMENT when I start daydreaming about driving a MINI or a BUG!
9. When Rob makes me iced coffee exactly the way I like it. Every time. xo
10. Good news from my Aunt about my Uncle's health following his hip surgery. xo
11. 30% off magazines at Sam's Club (picked up Home Companion and Quilts and More.)
12. Amy Butler's free pattern downloads on her website (including items shown in ME's Home Companion holiday issue!)


13. My own copy of Anna Maria Horner's Seams to Me book.


14. REALLY GOOD photography.


15. APRONS being in vogue!


16. The new blues/purples/berry shades for fall (nail polish and clothing!)


17. Kal Barteski's Tiny Art & "Bullet-Proof Positive Attitude" inspiration.


18. J in the IT department at work for talking me down from the ledge when my email threshold was at MAX and I couldn't send emails until I archived....which she helped me do on the phone in less than 10 minutes. Thank you. Sorry I am so impatient!


19. Having Sirryha with us for dinner/the evening three weeknights in a row!


20. Bathtime with Sirryha - among the top ten most wonderous routines in a baby's life, no?


21. Sirryha dancing and humming along to my renditions of "Rubber Duckie" and "I Love Trash" after the bath as we get her into her jammies (even tho' we all know my singing is nothing to be thankful for!)


22. Another cute photo (thanks, Kel!) to add to Sirryha's "All about duckies" picture book.



23. Lots of Barnes & Nobel coupons lately.


24. Funs chats lately with my jr high school friend Marilyn!


25. Connecting with 3 old school friends this month.


26. Leftover White Chicken Ranch pizza for dinner when I did NOT feel like cooking!


27. Stacks of new fabrics waiting for me to CLEAR THE TABLE off so I can SEW SOME THINGS again : )


28. The sign I saw the other day that read "Both of us can't look good! It's me or the house!" hee
29. Crockpots & and one-dish/pot meals!
30. People who answer me when I pull up next to them and ask them to translate their vanity license plates for me (otherwise it will make me CRAZY all day trying to figure it out!)
31. James Taylor released an album this year! (Covers)
32. Spending a day at the Outlets with Jackie & Mikayla. : )
33. Martha Stewart's "Good Things" (first section I read when I open MS Living.)
34. TXT messages! Have I already mentioned TEXTING? Love it...especially when my nieces and nephews "ping*" their old auntie! xo
35. *Learning new NetLingo (Thanks, Paul!)
36. The lessons and rewards of Giving.
37. Serendipity.
38. Rob's patience. xo
39. The reusable shopping bags made from recycled plastic bottles (esp. Ikea's and Whole Foods'.)
40. Form AND function.
41. BFFs Tracy & Kelly who always have GUM at work when I don't! xo
42. Curt (Art Director at work) for saving me graphic design/art/type brochures/books solicitations he recieves in the mail.
43. Pick of the Week itunes freebies at Starbucks!
44. Having a hubby who NEVER nags me about my crafty messes/piles EVERYWHERE.xo
45. Validation when it is MOST needed.
46. New FLAIR from my peeps (I can't help it...I LOVE IT that much!)
47. The TWILIGHT movie is only 8 days away!
48. Pals going to the MIDNIGHT SHOWING of TWILIGHT with me!
49. Tom reading the Twilight series to humor me.
50. BFF Brian for getting my perverse sense of humor.
51. BFF Gene for being my "twin from another mother."
52. Having GUYS & GIRLS for BFFs!
53. New fonts to play with.
54. Embracing the concept of RUTHLESS EDITING in relation to "too much stuff."
55. Knowing item 52 is a work in progress --and that's ok.
56. Crossing off items on my mega 'to-do' list.
57. "Two pieces of paper" letters from/to Rob xoxo
58. When my nieces and nephews talk about/remind us "it's our tradition!"
59. David's great advice about bath toys/games for Sirryha. (ohhh that is a whole journal entry! that boy's mind is MAGIC!)
60. Kids who share.
61. Forgiveness.
62. Guardian angels.
63. Sirryha and Rob loving Honeycrisp apples!
64. Opportunities to "pay it forward."
65. Having the perfect colors for my Fall pedicures. (OPI's Siberian Nights, this week!)
66. Risks resulting in Rewards.
67. Fortune cookie fortunes coming true!
68. Leaders who listen to ALL sides -- not just their "YES MEN/WOMEN."
69. Compassion.
70. Acceptance vs Tolerance. (Think about it--there is a difference!)
71. Recognizing Emotional Intelligence.
72. Finding a stash of candles in the spicy scents of the season - cinnamon, clove, sage....
73. A weekend ahead with no particular place we have to be on the schedule (so far!)
74. Rob always there to remind me not to sweat the small stuff.
75. Perspective.
76. Clarity.
77. Focus (when it happens! Wish it lasted longer! hee - I am the "easily distracted queen!")
78. Rob promising to take the two bags of clothes to Goodwill (they've been sitting in the bedroom for oh-too-long-to-admit!)
79. Indoor plumbing. seriously.
80. Fresh starts.

Gratitude {20 Things, Take 6}*

*Subtitled: "The One About Landon's Bar Mitzvah!"

Landon, minutes before leaving for his Bar Mitzvah service and party. Cool as a cucumber!

Ok...those who know me well know I am a one of those "oh I cry at Hallmark commercials" types...and this was no exception. Bawled my EYES out watching Landon during the service....It was so emotional and touching and beautiful. So proud of him!

So much to be thankful for on this day:

1. It went so perfectly...the few hiccups were not worthy of a second's worry. Lar & Lynne - you would be excellent party planners if you ever decide to change careers!


2. The limo driver who didn't roll his eyes when we knocked on the privacy window and asked "excuse me, do you have any Grey Poupon?" Nice guy. I love a good sport!


3. I remembered to take some shots of NEDLEY!


4. The rain stopped while we were having our photos taken outside!


5. My new Colossal Volume Maybelline mascara didn't RUN!


6. Even tho' everyone hates the camera---I am always thankful when I INSIST because every once in a while, the reward is shots like THIS: (Ethy--hope you like this one 'cause I am posting it all over Facebook! hee! And Lyndee--told you your hair was fab!)
   
   
   

   


7. And this one:






8. And a bunch more that I just CANNOT GET TO LOAD PROPERLY (sorry!)




9. And the FRESH FLOWERS that looked amazing ALL NIGHT.




10. And that grandmothers always have Kleenex in their purses (thanks, Gloria. I knew I'd forget to bring some!)



11. The photographer who didn't kick me to the curb when I "backseat-photo-styled" her shots (I know that is horrid of me, but why don't they tell you to straighten your necklace, move that comma-curl of hair away from your eye, smooth your tie into place; get the glow-worm green gum out of your mouth!?)


12. Caricature artists who make me look on paper the way I think I look in my mind! ...and...



13. ...true friends who play along with responses of "oh yes! It totally looks EXACTLY LIKE YOU! I always wondered if you had ever been a Playboy Bunny!" (hee)
    


14. My LAST PAIR of sheer black hose lasted the entire evening without that pinpoint snag turning into a GAPING HOLE.



15. More FLAIR buttons : ) (Love the colors. Love this campaign. Love that you chose Breast Cancer Awareness as your mitzvah project, Landon. xo)


16. Thankful that Rob practiced the Aliyah (blessing) with me over and over again in the car on the way to the service!


17. Thankful for time spent with older members of our families - especially when I learn some interesting or heart-warming fact about our families' history(ies).


18. Thankful that EVERYONE DANCED ALL NIGHT at the party. I so admire good dancers but I love to watch "the average guys & gals" just going for it! So much fun.


19. Thankful for the bartender who went out of his way to make me a Shirley Temple (rather than have me walk over to the "kid's beverage station" even though I told him I would! (Instead I was chatting away with someone and the next thing I knew there was my drink! Nice guy!)


20. So very thankful for the ten years this wonderful young man has been in my life....and that I will be here to watch his future unfold. Love you Landon. Mazel Tov!

Gratititude {20 Things, Take 5}

"T" is for Thankful, Here are 20 more things I am grateful for, starting with some "T's":

1. TRACY - a total gift into my world a year or so ago - a wonderful BFF! love you!
2. THANKSGIVING is just around the corner! My favorite family holiday!
3. TARGET - the nice pharmacy people who are helpful with our questions and getting our rx's when the insurance people don't agree with our docs.
4. TEAMWORK - having a work project with my BFF Kelly!
5. TALENT - being attentive to the "best of" in people, and learning from their skills.
6. My TROLL BEADS bracelet! (Aimee, did you see the new beads for Christmas? Oh my....)
7. Three hours in Steinmart yielded two black skirts to choose from for Landon's bar mitzvah tomorrow (so tired of my other black skirts!)
8. Another Steinmart steal of a deal: a deep purple (don't make that face, Sandy! It's pretty not pukey!) corduroy jacket ...I want to go back for one in every color (sadly, they only had one other color that I noticed. Hope it is still there in my size!)
9. Thankful that NUTS are good brain food (especially when covered with dark chocolate, right? Thank you again, Steinmart for selling Godiva chocolates - and oh how thoughtful that you place them right there on the counter at the register!)
10. Thankful for Rob's cousin offering hand-me-downs for Miss Sirryha (can't wait for the cold weather to really get here to wear all these fabulous sweaters on her!) Thank you David, Jill and Raya! It was like Cinderella getting a whole WARDROBE from her fairy godmother (as opposed to that one impractical ball gown that freakin' evaporated at midnight!)
11. AC MOORE's REWARDS CARD! (Come on Michael's - get with the program!)
12. TWITTER because it makes me feel like STELLLAAA! isn't really living on the OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD now (seriously--why did I not realize ARIZONA is almost CALIFORNIA?!! my geography skills SUCK.)
13. FINALLY having the perfect inspiration for my nephew's bar mitzvah card (yes, as a matter of fact, I DO need to make them. And that is why cards from me are always late. It's worth it people.)
14. Rob's memory for dates and names when mine fails me.
15. Extra burst of energy tonight just when I needed it most!
16. My wrists stopped hurting (I will not get carpal tunnel...I will not get carpal tunnel...say it with me, people!)
17. The Acupuncturist helping the BoHo family bring their baby boy along into the world. (I, too, am sending positive thoughts your way....)
18. Thankful that Rob liked the two ties I brought home for him to chose from for tomorrow and that he didn't insist I return the PINK ONE! (Oh he's not wearing it tomorrow--but I think it will make for a great father/daughter portrait!)
19. My new 2009 calendar refill for my Daytimer - the ink on the pages is grays and pink ("Pink Ribbon"). Pretty and soothing to my eyes. Love the design.
20. I made it through to Landy's bar mitzvah without breaking a nail - for once they are all the same length when I need them to be "pretty pretty princess!"

Gratitude {20 Things, Take 4}

20 More Things I am Thankful For Today:

1. 
2. MoveOn.org (get your free OBAMA sticker designed by Shepard Fairey here.)
3. Rob taping the Oprah "Post Election Special" and watching it again with me.
4. Rob taping the Ellen show with CHER! (is this a trend? hee.)
5. Coming home to a clean kitchen (thanks, honey!)
6. Rob making dinner for me when I worked late last night. xo
7. Cynthia's dad for saying just the right thing in response to a coworker's racist comment - then walking away. Dignity and grace.
8. Gloria Steinem and this opinion piece for articulating it so clearly and graciously.
9. Emails from classmates from high school I haven't heard from in years!
10. FRIDAYS!
11. Plans for a shopping day with Mikayla and Jackie!
12. Our fridge with the ice and water dispensers in the door (never had that 'til we moved into our townhouse in 2001 - still feels like a luxury to me!)
13. Rob pausing the show we were watching to tell me something funny that he wasn't sure he had told me the night before (he hadn't!)
14. DVR! DVR! DVR! (I wish I had it at the MOVIES 'cause I hate when I miss a part of the dialogue!)
15. Recently discovering "Mothering" magazine's website.
16. And this one: "Brain, Child: The Magazine for Thinking Mothers."
17. My dear friend J for listening so patiently to an update on recent highs and lows of my stepmother situation and reassuringly repeating "you are doing the right thing, don't walk away, don't walk away." Thank you. Thank you.
18. My cousin JoJo's advice to "Stick to those who raise you up, not tear you down. They are your true family."
19. The volunteers in my neighborhood who organize the Thanksgiving food drive (dropping off shopping bags at our door--we just fill them and return them and they do all the rest.)
20. Paying to wear JEANS all month at work as a United Way fundraiser! Win/Win!

Gratitude {20 Things, Take 3}

WATCH THIS SPACE!! I HAVEN'T TRANSCRIBED MY SCRIBBLED LIST FROM WEDNESDAY YET! (Thankful for FREE PHOTOS pre-loaded on my laptop!)

edited: ok...here it is!

Today I am thankful for:

1. Rainy nights that wash the bird doo-doo off my car windshield when I am out of wiper fluid!
2. Packages in the mail!
3. This family & the excitement of Landon's Bar Mitzvah coming up Saturday! (Love you guys!xoxoxo):
4. My sis- & brother-in-law Lynne & Lar for always including me in the fun bits (and sending me the early proofs of their photo shoot above because they know how IMPATIENT I am! Thanks guys! love you!) [Those in the Philadelphia area needing a great photographer--go HERE: CASUAL CANDIDS - amazing work]
5. My sister Kristin for playing school with me and teaching me to read before I was in kindergarten, and inventing the "let's pick our favorites" catalog game (more on that later!)
6. My sister Lisa the Master Gardener (impressive, right?!?), for always knowing the answers to my gardening/composting/plants/flowers/trees/chickens questions.
7. Finding new "green living" ideas I can incorporate into my life. (Composting on my deck!)
8. My sister Jackie for always bringing me a water for our car rides, always sharing dinners and goodies she makes, and never complaining that we take forEVER to return her Gladware! (Seriously--I forgive you for ripping my Sonny&Cher poster! hee!)
9. My baby sister Niki for being my crafting partner and giving me so many good memories and great experience in taking care of babies/kids. (Wish we could go back to being 4 and 11 for a few days so we could read Thumbelina together and I could wash your hair for you! xoxo)
10. All my sisters for getting my goofy humor (usually!); for keeping the FUN in family dysFUNction; and for being such great examples as PARENTS, especially now when I need the lessons most (as a new stepmother!)
11. My mom for her soothing cool hand on fevered foreheads (I always felt better when she said "you are fine" - the magic of mom's power of suggestion!)
12. My memory of my dad's HUGE laugh.
13. Familytree Maker for having a place to organize all my memories and facts of our very big families (now if only I had the TIME to work on it!)
14. My WASSIMA tribe of artful, inspiring ladies - and another new project (fabric circle journal!) to work on!! weeee! Thanks STELLA, for starting this one!
15. My niece Mikayla's skill as organizing and planning and keeping us on track for our playdates! (can't wait for next Tuesday!) xo
16. My nephew Burke for being PATIENT with my slowness in getting my old cell phone in the mail to him (I should just SEND IT and find the packaging bits/book that goes with it LATER!) Can't wait to TEXT with you again! xoxo
17. The term "my tribe" to refer to the various groups of people in our lives that we cherish, love, and feel such soothing support from!
18. Emails from my talented cousin Brooke with pictures of her work from ART SCHOOL!
19. Having so many friends that accept my "cactus friend" behaviors (infrequent watering - but doesn't mean I have forgotten or love you less!) - I will do better at staying in touch, I promise I am trying!
20. Looking over this list and knowing how lucky I am to have so many PEOPLE in my life to be thankful for, that I need a list longer than 20 items to capture them all!! Stay tuned!