February 14, 2008
Happy "Get Some" Day!
Posted by Cate at 07:00 AM | Comments (3)
December 27, 2007
Gone. All Gone
Well, I've dismantled all the Christmas decorations and packed every damn bit of Christmas cheer away until next year. The trees were dragged back lovingly packed away to the safety of my mother's basement. Phew.
I am so glad that is done. This was the very first time I packed it all up before the middle of January. Youngest's birthday is Sunday and, frankly speaking, I had no space in my living room for anyone to sit. We've got a few people stopping over for lunch and I just wanted all the *stuff* out of the living room. I'm pretty impressed with myself!
Now, if only I could get the rest of my house this clean and organized...
Posted by Cate at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)
December 25, 2007
::::yawn::::
Psst!
Husband and I are off to bed - have a great Christmas!
Posted by Cate at 02:17 AM | Comments (6)
December 19, 2007
Peace and Quiet
The girls are at school. Hooray!
Now I can wrap all the gifts and bake a couple dozen cupcakes for Youngest's class party tomorrow afternoon. Eldest's party is tomorrow morning and I am bringing in cooked bacon and frozen pancakes. The kids in her 6th grade class will be having one helluva feast tomorrow morning!
On a sidenote, did anyone watch the season finale of Everest on the Discovery Channel? Husband and I are so hooked on that show.I can't believe that people would actually risk death to climb to the top of Mt. Everest. Certainly it's beautful but, since I am a chicken by nature, I can't even imagine doing something that dangerous. Besides, I don't even like the snow in New Jersey, nevermind paying €33,000 ($47,520 in American currency!!) And, climbing 27,000 feet above sea level. Uhh - hell no thanks!
Well, I am off to wrap - and bake too. Ciao!
Posted by Cate at 08:50 AM | Comments (1)
September 03, 2007
Relax......
Posted by Cate at 12:27 PM | Comments (0)
May 12, 2007
Happy Mothers Day to all those fantastic Moms out there!
Posted by Cate at 03:58 PM | Comments (5)
February 14, 2007
Happy VD
Hope you all have a great day!
Anyone want a cupcake?
John asked how I would get the cupcakes to school and this was my response to him:
Because I am such the loving and devoted mother, I chauffered the little miss and her 24 cupcakes to school. In the driving rain. I was able to drop her at the school door, park my car about 300 feet away and run/walk into the school. At least the cupcakes stayed dry. By the time I got back home, I was, literally, soaking wet from the thighs down. Wet corduroys feel so gross.
Thanks for the link John!
Posted by Cate at 09:36 AM | Comments (10)
December 31, 2006
C'mon 2007!
Happy New Year to all!
Posted by Cate at 11:20 PM | Comments (4)
December 25, 2006
Sugar, Toys, and More Sugar
Youngestdashed into our bedroom at 5:02am this morning.
I need a nap.
I hope everyone is having a wonderful Christmas.
Posted by Cate at 11:43 AM | Comments (2)
November 23, 2006
Gobble Gobble!
It's a great day to be an American and not so good to be a turkey.
Happy Turkey Day folks!
Posted by Cate at 10:21 AM | Comments (2)
November 11, 2006
My thanks
I won't forget..
Posted by Cate at 01:10 PM | Comments (3)
November 01, 2006
It's OVAH!
I am so frigging happy that Halloween is over. I can now assure you that the girls must have collected about 7 pounds of candy. Youngesthas TONS of candy and she can't eat about 95% of it. No big deal. We've got some goodies for her and she'll be collecting some cash for giving up her candy.
I'll be posting some pics on Flickr so check back soon!
Posted by Cate at 08:35 AM | Comments (2)
October 31, 2006
Happy Free Candy Day!
(image snagged from Curly Pumpkin GIF animations)
Posted by Cate at 12:09 PM | Comments (0)
September 10, 2006
Remember
Posted by Cate at 09:13 PM | Comments (1)
May 14, 2006
Happy Mother's Day
To all the wonderful mothers I know:
Have a fantastic Mother's Day.
Posted by Cate at 10:16 AM | Comments (5)
April 14, 2006
Who Hates You?
Found this on Snooze Button Dreams and thought it was awesome. Might not be too kid friendly but it's definitely twisted. Enjoy!
tags: easter bunny hates you
Posted by Cate at 08:34 PM | Comments (5)
February 14, 2006
Happy Valentine's Day
My gift to you is one of the funniest videos on the Internet.
Yes, I love you too.
Posted by Cate at 10:13 AM | Comments (1)
February 02, 2006
Happy Groundhog's Day?
I don't think so - the lil rat...
Posted by Cate at 08:09 AM | Comments (3)
January 01, 2006
Happy New Year!
We all stayed up to watch Dick Clark's Rocking New Year. When he came on and spoke, I got all teary-eyed. His speech is all slurred but I think he did a great job tonight.
NEW YORK -- There was more to celebrate than the ball dropping in Times Square for Dick Clark _ the personality who's been ringing in the New Year for decades made his first television appearance since a stroke in late 2004.
Clark, sitting behind a desk with the street scene in the background, sounded hoarse and occasionally was hard to understand, but he said, "I wouldn't have missed this for the world."
"Last year I had a stroke," he explained. "It left me in bad shape. I had to teach myself how to walk and talk again. It's been a long, hard fight. My speech is not perfect but I'm getting there."
I love Dick Clark!
I wish each and every one of you a fantastic New Year!
Posted by Cate at 12:03 AM | Comments (4)
December 24, 2005
'Tis the Season
To all of my wonderful family and friends near and far -
Posted by Cate at 11:37 AM | Comments (12)
December 20, 2005
Almost made it
I wrapped for a couple hours and almost got it all done. I still have to finish my Mom, Dan, Husband, a couple of things for the girls and my niece and nephews. Yeah, it takes me a while to wrap. I prefer gift bags.
OH! The last of my Christmas cards went out in today's mail. I ran out of stamps and didn't get any until today. So, please forgive me
Posted by Cate at 05:24 PM | Comments (0)
Five days til Christmas??
Luckily, all I have left to do is to wrap... and wrap.. AND, wrap somemore. But, that's all that I have on my agenda today. I hope I get it all completed.
This weekend just passed by with lightening fast speed. The tree is up AND decorated. Unfortunately, the outside of the house did not get decorated, much to the childrens' chagrin. I think Eldest is most disappointed. But, I hope to make it up to them tonight by driving around the neighborhood to see the lights. I'm going to set them up with hot chocolate in travel mugs and then we'll be off!
So - where the hell have all you guys been? Are you done shopping?.
Posted by Cate at 10:17 AM | Comments (3)
December 16, 2005
Presents
I ordered my assigned Secret Santa her gift last night. It should get to Texas by Monday. I hope she likes it!
In other news, I am getting my hair cut/colored/styled this morning. Woohoo - I really need this cut.
Off to get the kiddies moving for school.
Posted by Cate at 07:02 AM | Comments (1)
December 14, 2005
Revisiting Christmas Past
For some reason, the picture isn't coming through with the best quality. Yesterday, I brought the girls to the mall so they could visit with Santa. Ocean County Mall has an awesome Santa. We've been visiting him for quite a while now.
Check out some photos below of previous Santa pics. I love how, each year, the girls are seated the exact same way with Santa. I chalked it up to Youngestwalking over to Santa first so she would sit on the right whereas Eldest would meander over and sit wherever.
This is the girls 2004 photo with Santa:
I love this one 2003:
Here's 2002:
Youngestwas afraid of Santa in 2001:
Posted by Cate at 09:17 AM | Comments (15)
December 06, 2005
Card Exchange
I'm going to jump on the bandwagon and offer to exchange cards with all you fine blogger folk out there. Just drop me an email with your info - I do have to post a slight disclaimer and say, with regret, that I must know you through your blog or through other means.
Hope to hear from some of you!
Posted by Cate at 10:35 AM | Comments (2)
November 28, 2005
Coooooooooool!
Too bad we don't do THIS for Christmas.
Posted by Cate at 06:13 PM | Comments (1)
November 24, 2005
Turkey Day
Don't gobble gobble too much!
Posted by Cate at 12:25 PM | Comments (3)
November 23, 2005
Maudlin
I just saw this ornament on the front page of a Harriet Carter catalog. How freaking depressing is that? I would freak out if someone gave that to me.
::shudders::
Posted by Cate at 08:35 AM | Comments (0)
November 16, 2005
Weird
Two radio stations are playing Christmas music, nothing but Christmas music. The girls and I have been listening to it and singing along, having fun. This morning, Youngestand I were singing Johnny Mathis' version of "Sleigh Ride" while waiting for the bus in 72 degree weather.
Weird indeed!
Posted by Cate at 09:26 AM | Comments (5)
November 11, 2005
Thank you
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
- Dylan Thomas
Posted by Cate at 10:52 AM | Comments (0)
November 01, 2005
Halloween Pics
Check 'em out!
Youngestloved this place. Eldest, on the other hand, was quite freaked out.
Posted by Cate at 11:19 PM | Comments (8)
October 28, 2005
Time's a wastin'
Arrgghh!
Posted by Cate at 09:11 AM | Comments (6)
October 27, 2005
My eyes!
I still think they are cute.
images snagged from Curly Pumpkin GIF animations)
Posted by Cate at 04:21 PM | Comments (0)
August 28, 2005
Did you know...
Only 118 days until Christmas?
Posted by Cate at 05:17 PM | Comments (6)
July 04, 2005
Celebrate
Posted by Cate at 12:04 AM | Comments (2)
July 02, 2005
Holiday weekend??
Where the heck did June go?
Whoa.
Posted by Cate at 08:35 AM | Comments (5)
June 19, 2005
Fathers Day
Daddy
I wish I had another Fathers Day to share with you. I miss you so very very much.
I love you
Love
Katie
Posted by Cate at 12:01 PM | Comments (19)
May 08, 2005
Celebrate
Posted by Cate at 08:00 AM | Comments (14)
February 02, 2005
Groundhog Day
I was watching a little of the media hype on Fox News regarding Punxsutawney Phil. All I can say is - that pooor damn groundhog. When one of the dudes handlers Grand Poobas in a top hot pulled it out of it's little box, anyone watching could obviously see that the groundhog was flipping out not ::link:: "gleefully exit[ing] his burrow at 7:31 a.m. to be greeted by his longtime friend and handler, Bill Deeley, who held him high so he could greet the large throng of Faithful Followers. He wished them all a "Happy Groundhog Day." Bill placed him atop the old oak stump where he surveyed his surroundings. He then turned to President William and in Groundhogese directed him to the scroll which reads:
Natural disasters have been a terrible thing; tsunamis,
downpours, floods, landslides, heavy snowstorms, avalanches,
frigid temperatures, sleet and freezing rain.
They all cause much destruction, suffering and pain.
When it seems like too much with which to cope;
The coming of spring brings us new hope.
Changing seasons is a wonderful thing.
Now it's Groundhog Day and we think of spring.
Will Spring come early or will it come late?
It's time for me to prognosticate.
As I study the sun
It's all about fun.
But I'm sorry to say
I see my shadow today.
When my shadow I see,
Six more weeks of winter there will be!"
Posted by Cate at 08:44 AM | Comments (4)
December 26, 2004
Calling all survivors
It's pajama day in our house. The girls are thrilled. They are playing with their American girl dolls and just having a great time. I don't think they've even eaten breakfast yet. Hell, *I'm* still in my pjs.
So, you managed to (barely) survive Christmas. What are you doing today?
Posted by Cate at 10:31 AM | Comments (4)
It was a VERY Merry Christmas!
Guess who's going here to see them?
Yep! It's me!! I am SO excited!
Posted by Cate at 09:57 AM | Comments (5)
December 25, 2004
Merry Christmas
Seasons Greetings
Happy Holidays
Feliz Navidas
Be safe. Be happy.
Posted by Cate at 09:34 AM | Comments (10)
December 24, 2004
ONE MORE DAY?!?!?!`
Ack!
I need to clean.. and bake.. and wrap.. and bake.. I can't wait!
I love Christmas.
Posted by Cate at 11:09 AM | Comments (4)
December 22, 2004
Furious
I lost the girls picture with Santa - you know - the one cost $30 for 1 - 5x7 and 4 3x5's.
I want to cry - I am *that* angry.
Grrrrrr!
Posted by Cate at 07:40 PM | Comments (5)
December 21, 2004
Help
I want to buy a nice bottle of liquor for someone for Christmas. Problem is, I have no idea what this person would like. Not wine or beer.. perhaps a good whiskey/scotch.
Any suggestions?
Posted by Cate at 01:41 PM | Comments (2)
Favorite Ornaments
This is a sticky entry. It will remain at the top of my blog for a few more days. Current posts will be below this entry.
What are you favorite ornaments? Why?
If you want to play along, write an entry on your blog and a post a trackback to me so others can see.
One of our wedding pictures. My stepmom gave this to us for a Christmas gift. I love hanging it in a very prominent spot on our tree.
This is my very first ornament. My parents bought it for me for my very first Christmas when I was 6 months old. I will always treasure this.
We bought this ornament for Eldest for her first Christmas. I adore this artist. Her name is Bessie Pease Gutmann and she created beautiful pictures of children. The reason I *had* to buy this miniature plate is because this child looked just like Eldest.
This was Youngest's first ornament. It was given to her by my Dad and Stepmom. I think it's just lovely and Youngestloves looking at it.
Doesn't everyone need a Christmas cow?
Husband and I were SO broke one Christmas. We only bought a few ornaments and these little bears came as a set. I knew they were for us.
I had to buy this for Husband. He is so interested in space and astronauts that I thought he would really appreciate it. It even plugs into the Christmas lights and a tiny little light on the Rover blinks.
Posted by Cate at 01:16 PM | Comments (9)
Annoyed doesn't begin to describe it!
On 12/13, I bought a fleece shirt from Amazon. It was a Ralph Lauren top at a really great price. I bought it for my mom's boyfriend. Well, it arrived yesterday and the Amazon seller sent the wrong shirt. I've already emailed them about a full refund but now I have *no* gift for him. So, guess who's going to the mall this morning to buy a replacement gift?
You guessed it - me.
Posted by Cate at 07:20 AM | Comments (3)
December 06, 2004
So..
What's going on tonight?
The girls and I are decorating the tree.
Help me!
Posted by Cate at 08:10 PM | Comments (6)
December 03, 2004
Holiday Party
Husband was asked by one of his bosses if he was going to attend the company holiday party. Husband refused. He told his boss that "..he doesn't celebrate holiday. I celebrate Christmas."
Posted by Cate at 08:33 AM | Comments (7)
November 14, 2004
Tis the season
If anyone would like to exchange Christmas cards, please leave a comment. I will be starting them soon.
It's only 40 days until Christmas!
Posted by Cate at 05:28 PM | Comments (9)
September 21, 2004
The C word
Yes - the C word.. you know what I am talking about...
Christmas.
I have begun Christmas shopping for the girls and some members of my family. Lordy - I had better get hustling on crocheting some gifts as well. Yeah.. in my *spare* time. Heh.
I managed to get a little shopping done today. Youngestis at a friend's house, having a playdate. So, I hit KMart and Michaels. In KMart, I found some Lite Brite cube paper refills. In Michaels, a couple little puzzles and Crayola Model Magic. The girls love that stuff.
Well, I am off to the bus stop to pick up Eldest then we go pick up O at her friend's house. It's also back to school night so I don't know if I will be posting again. Hope you had a great day!
Posted by Cate at 02:32 PM | Comments (7)
September 14, 2004
Guess what?
Only 101 days until Christmas!
Posted by Cate at 11:11 AM | Comments (8)
September 05, 2004
Happy Labor Day
LOL
My dad and step-mom are coming over for a visit today. Also, P has a friend coming over and we haven't seen him in roughly four years. I am looking forward to seeing him again.
We've been busy this weekend. Yesterday, we stopped over my friend's house and hung out poolside having some drinks and watching the kids swim. My friend also has two gerbils who have recently spawned and now are the proud parents of six baby gerbils. Eww. M and O have been begging to get one of them. No.****ing.Way. I *hate* critters especially rodent or rodent-like critters. ::shudder::
So, the girls are fighting now.. I gotta break up another fight. What boogers.
Posted by Cate at 11:42 AM | Comments (0)
May 31, 2004
Memorial Day
P and I (the girls too) are watching <a href="http://www.historychannel.com/global/listings/listings.jsp?NetwCode=THC&View=Now&timezone=1"target=_blank>Unsung Heroes of Pearl Harbor</a> on the History Channel. I was watching soldiers recount their memories of the attack. I was crying from just listening to them. How horrific. Over 3,000 people - just wiped out. Soldiers trapped in air pockets in the overturned battleships, documenting their final moments on the bulkhead walls. Can you imagine.. just waiting to die? Knowing that you will die... and just waiting and waiting....
Thank you soldiers. My family and I salute you.
<img alt="memday.jpg" src="http://www.katespot.com/archives/memday.jpg" width="300" height="221" border="0" />
<img alt="mem2.jpg" src="http://www.katespot.com/archives/mem2.jpg" width="299" height="223" border="0" />
Posted by Cate at 01:47 PM | Comments (2)
May 28, 2004
Plans
What are you doing this weekend?
We don't have DAMN thing planned... and I am keeping it that way.
Posted by Cate at 01:07 PM | Comments (0)
May 19, 2004
Hmmm
I guess I should get around to packing up all my Easter decorations.
Nah.
Posted by Cate at 06:56 PM | Comments (1)
May 09, 2004
Maybe next year..
Today hasn't really gone as planned... it wasn't pretty... lol.. At least I will be watching The Sopranos and Deadwood tonight.
Rock on.
Posted by Cate at 06:55 PM | Comments (7)
So..
What are YOU doing for Mothers Day?
I am teaching Sunday School this morning. When I get home, P and the girls are taking me out to buy plants for my garden. Maybe I can get a birdbath too.
I can't wait.
Posted by Cate at 09:21 AM | Comments (3)
April 11, 2004
Easter wrap-up
Dinner = Success!
I am pooped.. and I am out of percosets. Damn.
Posted by Cate at 06:11 PM | Comments (3)
Happy Easter
I hope you all have a wonderful day.
P and I will be having family over for dinner. 8 people will be coming and then the 4 of us make it 12 people for dinner. We are making a ham, turkery, rice, mashed potatoes, green beans, broccoli (O loves it) and a big garden salad. Oh, I am also making baking powder biscuits. Today I baked a pumpkin pie, 5 dozen chocolate chip cookies and 2 dozen lemon cookies with chocolate icing.
Yum!
Posted by Cate at 12:02 AM | Comments (9)
March 17, 2004
Good MORNING
Happy St. Patricks Day to you all. Check out the <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/googlestpaddy.php" onclick="window.open('http://www.katespot.com/archives/googlestpaddy.php','popup','width=300,height=115,scrollbars=no,resizable=no,toolbar=no,directories=no,location=no,menubar=no,status=no,left=0,top=0'); return false"><b>Google's logo</b></a>
<img alt="stpatday.bmp" src="http://www.katespot.com/archives/stpatday.bmp" width="300" height="44" border="0" />
A wish for a happy St.Patrick's Day
is coming from me to you to say
May Irish blessings lead your way
to keep you safe and strong
May no turmoil ever defeat you
and your life be filled with song.
May you always have a friend
who never becomes your foe
and love...not wind....
be at your back
wherever you may go.
I wish for you
each day be new
like one you could live over
and where your feet
would meet life's road
be filled with fields of clover
All these blessings that I wish
be you not or be you Irish
for the wearing of the green
and for all that comes between.
Posted by Cate at 12:35 PM | Comments (1)
January 07, 2004
Tree
Well - I am attempting to break down the Christmas tree - with a four year old helping me. Please come to my house and just put me out of my freaking misery.
Posted by Cate at 01:34 PM | Comments (2)
January 01, 2004
2004
Happy New Year!
{{{love and hugs}}}
<img alt="2004.bmp" src="http://www.katespot.com/archives/2004.bmp" width="300" height="227" border="0" />
Posted by Cate at 12:00 AM | Comments (4)
December 26, 2003
Happy Day after Christmas!
We survived the holidaze! Hooray! Lots of fun, lots of food and a lot of presents!
Now I have to catch up with all you people!
Posted by Cate at 10:20 AM | Comments (2)
December 24, 2003
Merry Christmas
Happy Holidays from Kate and family....
Posted by Cate at 08:10 PM | Comments (21)
Christmas Eve morning
Man - I am pooped from last night's wrapfest. The kicker? After all that wrapping, Husband forgot the gifts for my niece and nephew. He was going to drop them off at my inlaws house for them to open tonight. ::sigh:: Oh well.
The girls are playing with their Briarberry bears. I love these bears. They are SO cute! Of course, that means Fisher Price has stopped making them ::sigh:: WHY do they do that??
Oh well, off to read a few more blogs then I have to get crackin' and clean and clean and clean... and bake too!
Posted by Cate at 10:25 AM | Comments (3)
Finished!
P and I wrapped for two hours. We are all finished with the girls' presents. I still have to wrap Mom and Dan's stuff but that's it. I will do that in the morning.
Sleep. Must. Sleep.
Posted by Cate at 01:02 AM | Comments (3)
December 23, 2003
Oops
I realized that I was a gift short for someone - Mom's boyfriend. So, I ran out to TJ Maxx and, amazingly enough, I managed to find something for him. I decided to stop at Pathmark and pick up a couple things I had forgotten to purchase the other day - like soda, napkins, toilet paper - important stuff!
OH! I totally forgot to mention this! I gave my Dad and StepMom their gift - a huge blanket that I crocheted for them. It took me 3 months to do it. It was a lot of work but I really wanted to give them something special. I am pretty sure they liked it. ::grin::
<img alt="burg2.JPG" src="/archives/burg2.jpg" width="350" height="367" border="0" />
Posted by Cate at 09:11 PM | Comments (7)
Two days left!
So - are ya ready for some Christmas?? I'm not. Hell, am I ever? Gotta wrap. A lot of things. Urgh.
We are off to the butchers in a little while to pick up my meat (heh). I gotta get my Christmas meat. ::giggling::
Ok - I can't keep this up. I am laughing too hard. I think I need to go yell at Eldest. She's not listening to me.
Bye!
Posted by Cate at 11:02 AM | Comments (5)
December 20, 2003
<b>5 days??</b>
Arrgghh! I have to wrap! And clean! AND bake!
:::running away screaming:::::
Posted by Cate at 12:42 PM | Comments (4)
December 16, 2003
Shopping
Well- we made it back in one piece. I managed to find a couple things for my father in law. Not an easy job. I hope I did ok. I didn't buy him anything from Pier One ::lol:: I don't think he'd be interested in that kind of stuff.
Posted by Cate at 10:44 AM | Comments (1)
Ooops
So far so good this morning. Once M is at school O and I have a few last minute things to pick up - <a href="http://www.pier1.com/home.asp">Pier One</a>, here I come.
Posted by Cate at 08:01 AM | Comments (3)
December 11, 2003
Christmas Cards
The cards are finished baby! Woohoo! ::Happy dance::: Uh-huh... oh yeah.
Posted by Cate at 02:49 PM | Comments (3)
December 09, 2003
Santa
We visited Santa today. Check out photos below.
<img alt="santa1.jpg" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/santa1.jpg" width="324" height="487" border="0" />
<img alt="santa3.jpg" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/santa3.jpg" width="448" height="336" border="0" />
<img alt="santa4.jpg" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/santa4.jpg" width="361" height="624" border="0" />
<img alt="santa.jpg" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/santa.jpg" width="431" height="330" border="0" />
Posted by Cate at 09:28 PM | Comments (8)
Shopping
So - who is all finished shopping and wrapping?
Posted by Cate at 10:56 AM | Comments (7)
December 06, 2003
Christmas Music
This would be a great cd!
Posted by Cate at 04:45 PM | Comments (0)
December 03, 2003
Heh
Yeah - I <a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/004354.html#004354">lasted</a> about 20 minutes. <img alt="laugh.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/laugh.bmp" width="15" height="15" border="0" />
Posted by Cate at 09:54 AM | Comments (1)
Must. Buckle. Down.
Ok - I am gonna try to work on my cards for a little while... Man, I need a secretary.
Posted by Cate at 09:14 AM | Comments (2)
November 26, 2003
Tomorrow
It occured to me today that I have reached a milestone in my life.. a passing of the torch. I am making Thanksgiving dinner.
When I was a child, we would start the day with a big breakfast - eggs, bacon, pancakes - the works. My brother and I would shovel down our food so we could turn on the television. We would eagerly watch the Macys Day parade, looking for Underdog and Yogi Bear. Who can forget Mighty Mouse? Tim and I would watch the marching bands and I remember looking for all the ones from New Jersey. I loved seeing Santa at the end of the parade and getting so excited that Christmas was only a very short time away.
Usually around noon, we would get all dressed up and then drive to my grandparents' house. They didn't live too far, perhaps about 20 minutes. I remember walking in to their house and taking a deep breath. There was almost an overwheleming array of smells - turkey, stuffing, pie - just a house full of delicious aromas. Nana didn't need any vanilla candles - her house always smelled like a bakery no matter when we visited.
Her tables were full of appetizers - pickles, olives, chips and dip, cheese and crackers, pepperoni or some kind of sausage and stuffed celery. I have NO idea who in the world came up with the idea of stuffed celery but he must be a culinary genius. It is delicious. A stalk of celery with cream cheese spread over it. Yum.
Then, my Mom took over making Thanksgiving dinner. I think by the very early 80's was when she started. Nana and Pop would come over with a carload of food. She made the best pies. I always loved her pumpkin pie. A few years before she passed away, I told her that I wanted the recipe for her pumpkin pie. Was it a family recipe handed down from her mother? She leaned over and said to me "I just use the recipe on the back of the Libby's can." Well - I almost fell out of my chair! Nana thought that was pretty funny.
We always had a wonderful dinner. Sometimes, we would have friends of my parents' over for dinner. We had a cousin from Iran, who lived with us for several years, who adored Nana. He was so skinny. She would practically stuff him full of food. Remember, fat=healthy. He loved it.
Then, my parents spilt up, making the holidays a little difficult. It's hard to eat Thanksgiving dinner knowing your dad is in a one bedroom apartment, all alone. We ended up moving to a smaller house. Mom would still cook Thanksgiving dinner every year. One year, Dad brought Tim and I to NYC to see the Macys parade. It was SO crowded, blocks of people just stuffed together. It wasn't very enjoyable and it was very very cold.
I met Husband in October of 1989. We moved in together April 1, 1990. The following Thanksgiving, we ate at both sets of houses - my Mom's and his parent's houses. My Dad remarried a few years later. Now, a huge dilemma. Where the hell do we eat dinner? We ended up eating at his parents' house and having dessert at my Mom's house. We did this for quite a few years.
This is the first year I have cooked Thanksgiving dinner for MY family. We will have a big breakfast. We will watch the parade. I'll even make stuffed celery. I miss my grandparents terribly. It is important for me to keep up our family traditions and maybe even toss in some new ones. I know my grandparents would have approved. I am thankful for all the wonderful things in my life - my beautiful girls, a kind and loving husband, parents who love me, an uber-cool brother, so many wonderful friends, a home, my health...
I hope everyone has a wonderful and beautiful Thanksgiving.
Posted by Cate at 10:10 AM | Comments (5)
November 02, 2003
Better late than never
Well - here are the Halloween pics. Enjoy!
Posted by Cate at 08:34 PM | Comments (4)
October 31, 2003
Halloween
The kids are having a blast.. we are eating dinner now and then heading out to a party... catch ya later!
Posted by Cate at 05:34 PM | Comments (1)
Oh, by the way
Happy Halloween!
Posted by Cate at 12:06 PM | Comments (3)
October 12, 2003
Costumes
Hmm - I think we need to pick up a couple Halloween costumes. We are off to either K-Mart or Wally World. I just want to be back home before the game starts.
Posted by Cate at 11:52 AM | Comments (4)
August 30, 2003
Labor Day
I hope everyone has a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.
Blogging will be light as P and I have some opportunities to do some serious work around the house.
Posted by Cate at 12:16 PM | Comments (3)
June 15, 2003
Happy Father's Day!
To all the great dads I know! You gusy are the best!
Posted by Cate at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)
May 11, 2003
Special Sunday
To all of my bloggin' Moms -
Happy Mother's Day!
<img alt="flowerbasket.jpg" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/flowerbasket.jpg" width="345" height="378" border="0" />
I love you guys.
Posted by Cate at 10:35 AM | Comments (12)
April 20, 2003
Happy Easter
<img alt="cross.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/cross.bmp" width="119" height="168" border="0" />
Posted by Cate at 12:18 AM | Comments (4)
March 17, 2003
Happy St. Patrick's Day
(image snagged from <a href="http://www.iband.com/clipart_holidays/zshamrocks.html">iband</a>)
<img alt="shamrock.bmp" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/shamrock.bmp" width="100" height="115" border="0" />
Posted by Cate at 10:07 AM | Comments (2)
March 16, 2003
Food for St Patrick's Day
Yummy recipes from this website! :lick: <a href="http://www.irishfood.com/home/Default.asp"target=_blank>Irish Foods</a>.
I want to make potato scones. Mmmmm!
(recipe below)
Potato Scones
Delicious served with bacon and eggs any time of day!
Ingredients
? 2 cups boiled, mashed potatoes
? 2/3 cup flour
? 3 tbsps real butter or bacon fat
? ? tsp. salt
Method
Mash potatoes well, add real butter and salt. Add as much flour as potatoes will take without becoming too dry.* Turn out onto a floured board, roll until 1/4-inch in thickness. Cut into circles, then into farls (quarters). Prick all over with a fork.
Cook on a griddle or heavy pan dusted with a little flour. When they brown with small darker spots appearing, they are cooked.
They can be refrigerated, wrapped in grease-proof paper like crepes.
They can be eaten immediately, hot, with butter, honey or syrup. They are delicious reheated in bacon fat until crisp with bacon and eggs. * Flour amount varies with potato used; the floury kind needs less than others.
Serves: Makes 12 farls.
http://www.irishfood.com
Posted by Cate at 01:57 PM | Comments (1)
February 14, 2003
P is on his way home
with Seagrams Ice for me! Yippie! O has a temperature of 100 and is hacking on the couch right now. Another fun holiday.
On the up side, my brother sent a lovely bouquet of flowers for me and the girls.
<img alt="P2140110.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/P2140110.JPG" width="400" height="300" />
Posted by Cate at 05:11 PM | Comments (3)
Happy Valentine's Day
<img alt="I *heart* you" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/hearts.bmp" width="75" height="75" border="0" />
Posted by Cate at 10:49 AM | Comments (4)