Santa 2015

We took the kids to see Santa this evening although neither of them believe in him anymore. Currier asked for Xbox One Skate 3 and Lego Dimensions (especially cyborg) video games and The Golden Dragon Ninjago Lego set. Rya asked for a camera and an American Girl Doll bed, clothes and glasses.

End Of Summer Bash

We had a potluck party at our house over Labor Day Weekend.  We set up the jumpy/castle waterslide, the blow-up pool and the tent to entertain the kids.  Our neighbors brought corn hole (I giggled when I typed that) and jello shots to entertain the adults. Good times!

I'm sad to see the summer come to an end. 

Annual 4th of July Cul-de-sac Party

Last night was our annual cul-de-sac potluck party to celebrate the 4th of July.  It was an evening full of delicious food, good company, lots of laughs, cold beer and fun games such as three-legged races, egg toss and sac races. 

We ended the evening with a firework extravaganza in the street and more laughs.  As always it was a BLAST! 

Father's Day 2011

For Father's Day we woke Trent with breakfast in bed.  After crowding around him while he ate, we let him sleep in till 10am and then I woke him to mow the lawn (Happy Father's Day indeed!).

After our household chores, we packed a picnic and spent a good part of the afternoon basking in the HOT sun poolside.  We followed the pool with a long nap and a family movie night.  It was a good day.  Happy Father's Day Trent.  You are the BEST father I know.   

Craig's 40th Birthday Bash

For Craig's 40th Birthday, his wife Lauren rented this monstrous house on the Isle of Palms for Memorial Day Weekend and they invited all their friends to come spend the weekend.   

It was an action packed weekend full of delicious food, great company, lots of booze, a couple fights and many laughs.  Happy 40th Craig.  Thanks for the memories. 

May The Force Be With You

For Currier's birthday, he requested a Star Wars theme.  My co-worker, Laura, made these adorable invitations.  Talented she is. 

To save money, I made all the food, cupcakes and gift bags myself.  Tired I am. 

We blew up the jumpy castle/waterslide and gave all the kids noodles to use as lightsabers.  I was worried that this might be the worst idea I've ever had but it turned out to be one of the best!  Awesome I am.    

Part of the Jedi training was to nail Darth Vader (AKA the birthday boy) with water balloons.  This was a HUGE hit with the kids.  Funny it was.

Over 30 kids came to celebrate Currier's special day.  Lucky he is. 

The Darth Vader pinata caused a stampede.  Crazy it was. 

Currier got a ridiculous amount of gifts.  Thankful he is.  

Mother's Day 2011

For Mother's Day, I got breakfast in bed, fresh tulips, handmade cards, popcorn (WTF?), a picnic lunch on the beach, a sun burn, lots of sandy kisses, a 2 hour nap with my dogs, a taco dinner, a ride for an ice cream, more hugs and kisses and a bedtime without any fussing.  It was a damn good day!  I am lucky indeed. 

Top O' The Morning To Ya

The silly leprechaun charmed us with his presence on St. Patrick's Day and left Lucky Charms and mini pots of gold coin chocolates for Currier and Rya.  Of course he didn't leave without pulling some shenanigans.  He peed in our toilet and forgot to flush, knocked over a stack of blocks, left a messy trail of clovers and escaped our trap leaving behind his tiny top hat as a tease.  

Trent's 39th Birthday

Last night we had a simple celebration for Trent's 39th birthday: Steak bombs, chips and worms and dirt cupcakes.  One more year till the big 40... I promise to have something a little more exciting planned for next year, Trent.  Enjoy the last year of your thirties.  We love you!

Happy New Year 2011



We spent New Years Eve at home eating pizza, decorating cookies and lighting sparklers. Rya had her friend, Riley, over for her very first sleep over. They lasted until 9:30. Currier until 10:00. Trent and I until 10:45. We rang in the New Year sleeping... A first and a good way to kick off 2011.



Christmas in Tampa 2010

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Wishing You a Merry Christmas...

Froehliche Weinachten, Buon Natale, Feliz Navidad, Kala Christouyenna and Mele Kalikimaka from our family to yours! 

Horny Cookies

I was eight years old when my mother died.  That first Christmas without her was especially tough and I remember all the adults in my life trying so hard to make me happy.  On Christmas night, we stopped by my Aunt Joan's open house and she presented a plate of cookies "just for me" to take home because she knew I loved the kind with the Hershey Kiss on top.   I blurted out, "Thank you so much.  These are my favorite.  They make me so horny!" and whole family turned and scowled at my always inappropriate father.  Having no idea what horny meant at the time, I really did come pretty close to describing how these cookies make me feel!   From then on, I call the cookies with the Kiss on top "Horny Cookies" and I smile every time I eat one!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Dear Santa

We took the kids to see Santa tonight at Towne Center. Currier brought his wish list for Santa to read. He's asking for Criss Cross Crash and several different Star Wars Legos. Rya had nothing to say and would barely look at the Big Man.  Ho Ho Ho!

Jammies, Movies and Crafts

We skipped the gym today (Mama is sore and tired), stayed in our jammies all morning, watched Santa Claus is Coming to Town and decorated paper Christmas trees to adorn our windows.  Perfect!  

23 Days and Counting

This morning the kids and I made this paper chain to help them understand how many days until Santa arrives.  It's hanging over our dining room table and each morning we'll take a link off the chain.  As the chain gets shorter the closer it gets to Christmas! 

Thanksgiving 2010

We actaully celebrated Thanksgiving the evening before Thanksgiving this year.  This way I wouldn't have to worry about cooking after running the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning and also so that my dad could enjoy leftovers for a day before flying out the morning after Thanksgiving.  We had a quiet, simple dinner.  I have so much to be thankful for but this year I was especially thankful to have my father here with us.  

Thanksgiving morning I ran the Turkey Run 5K downtown Charleston in 80 degree weather with my good friend Ella.  My dad, Trent and the kids greeted me at the finish line and so did a giant beer truck.  Life is so good!   

After the race, we watched the Macy's Parade, ate leftovers, watched football, ate more leftovers, unbuttoned our pants and decorated the house for Christmas.  Bring on the next holiday! 

Thanksgiving Craft

I had the kids make this little Thanksgiving craft to give Papa on Thanksgiving.  I love doing little projects like this. 

I don't even mind the messy hands.

But I do get a little pissed off when I turn my back for a second and someone decides it's a good idea to dump purple paint all over herself, the chair, the wall and the floor.  Papa better appreciate this masterpiece.  Happy Thanksgiving! 

Happy Birthday Papa and Rya

Incredibly, Rya shares her birthday with both of her grandfathers.  Papa Currier from Massachusetts came down to Charleston to celebrate Rya's 2nd birthday and his 72nd birthday.  I didn't have anything special planned to celebrate since I wasn't sure of my dad's energy level after surpassing 50 chemo treatments this year.  However, his spirits were high and his mood was terrific so I threw together a celebration at the Yamato Japenese Steakhouse on a moments notice.  Our good friends the Healys, the Buelks, the Woods, the Hudsons, the Maczkos and the Broadhursts all gathered (making a party of 26) around the hibachi to watch the chef cook, to chat and laugh, to eat and drink and most of all to celebrate the lives of these two special people!  For a spontaneous evening, it was just perfect.