2014

So this is the new year. 

Like every year, there are ups and downs, highs and lows, curveballs and fast pitches, laughs and tears. It's inevitable. It's bound. It's life. That's what it does. You take deep breaths. You find silver linings. You hit the gas, pump the brakes. You laugh, you cry. Put your hands up, buckle up, saddle up, whatever-up. You live. You love. You breathe. 

To my family and friends, for the new year... I wish you happiness, gratitide, love, tears, band aids, your glass more full than empty, hugs, excitement, and most importantly, living. 

Cheers. 

Happy New Years from us...

And of course, kitty. 

2 Christmas trees and my favorite cup of hot chocolate

During my years as a teenager, I didn't really care for Christmas. I thought it was too stressful, overrated, dramatic... But now that I'm older, I find a lot of respect in, not only the holiday, but the season. I notice all of the work, care, and precision that goes into everything about it and have actually fell in love with the holiday. It's hard some times when thinking about parts of the family that are missing, but I've been keeping notes of traditions to share later. 

Easily, one of my top two favorite things about Christmas. Maman's hot chocolate. 

Our Christmas tree green st.  

Maman's Christmas tree. 

Stockings hung. 

Also, Happy Birthday Kitty!!!

One of Maman's Christmas presents

Erin and I worked on this for Maman. I thought my loved ones would want to see it.

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The Shutterfly book we made for mom

Au Revoir 2012

This past year has been a very difficult one; with many trials and tribulations, with extreme highs and lows, with more losses than gains. Too many tears for one year. I am eager to start the new year with the support of family and friends, while I know there are difficult and adventurous roads ahead in 2013.  I am not to say there weren't great things from 2012, it is just more difficult reflect on them when there are many sad memories this past year. Some great things year; I was a great teacher, I gained a family, Daddio got married, I visited Erin and Erin moved home, I pulled some great pranks and made some great pancakes, I made some memorable friends who have become the best, I got some of my creativity back, we grew a garden and made more of an effort to be green, I went from a full time teacher... to teacher, nanny and full time student (and have really great health insurance..)
I have crossed one or two things off of my bucket list and I will be continuing that into the new year.
I will continue to write a silver lining of each day (which really helps with the hard days). I will read more. I will continue to exercise my creativity. I will get healthy (thumb, mind and body). I will graduate with my Masters Degree and put all of my effort into finding a job that I will excel at and love. I will remember and thank the people who got me to where I am and continue to support me by letting them know.

With all of these great and happy things I have listed above, I am truly hoping 2013 is better, happier, safer and healthier.

But to all of those I love out there; I know yours will be all of those things and more :)
Besos xxoo.

Last few days of November and the rest of December

This is the last post before the new year. These last few months have had their highs and their lows. I am going to refer to one children's book that reminds me of Erin; That's Good! That's Bad! by Margery Cuyler.

Thumb down... still healing (That's bad)... then Thumb up, by December 18th, the plastic surgeon told me I didn't need to see him anymore (That's good) They want me to go to physical therapy (That's bad) I never have to go back to the Center for Healing and Amputation Prevention (That's GOOD!)

Don;t worry Granny, no more pictures. 

 Maman took me to see The Music of Michael Jackson, performed by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. (That's good) The man behind us was constantly yelling and "whoo"ing, I also faintly remember him crying at one point in time and also saying "DON'T MAKE ME DO THE MOONWALK!" (That was bad)

 But it was a date night with Mommy! (Thats GOOD)

 Will and I went to about 3 more Steelers games, all for free... thanks to Daddio and our friend (That's good) But we might be bad luck because we didnt make it to the playoffs or whatever they are called (That's bad)

Chex mix is my favorite (That's good and That's bad)

We got snow! and Baby sisters! (I think That's Good and Good... some might think That's Bad and Good... but not me!)

 We went to Kennywood's Light Up production (That's good) we could only stay for 30 minutes (That's bad)

 I found these old pictures of Erin, Santa and me. They make me laugh (That's good) Why is that Santa on the left, a Santa (That's bad)

Missing certain people during this time of the year. Their favorite time of the year. (That's bad) 

 Maman got some wine, Jack got a walkable sleeping bag, I got "Mr. Tea" (That's all good)

Thanksgiving

This thanksgiving was the first year that I can remember that I did not go to New Jersey. I burned my thumb (3rd degree) about 20 days ago and it is still painfully healing so that held us back, along with Will's parents visiting.

My thumb has really been a damper on things. I haven't worked in 2 weeks and am very limited as to what I can do. I never knew how beneficial a thumb is!

While we stayed in Pittsburgh, we had Thanksgiving with Will's parents on Wednesday and with Maman, Jack, and Granny on Thursday. Different but nice. Still missed New Jersey, but ultimately glad we stayed home. I'm worried what would have happened if I tried anything with this thumb!

 My 2nd Thanksgiving dinner on Wednesday

 Watching the parade with my bum thumb Thanksgiving morning.

 Atleast we did something festive this weekend.

Mom's turkey.

Happy Thanksgiving you turkey

wrap up of november.

While we look forward to December within the next week, I thought I should evaluate my November. With highs and lows. Mostly lows, unfortunately. It has been a difficult month.

 Passing out candy as witches...

 :( Never will I ever light a fire again. (Firepit was the culprit for my thumb burn)

 Rode my bike, voted Green.

 The boys taught me how to flip on the trampoline.

 One of the boys in my old Preschool room tragically lost his life in the Pittsburgh Zoo accident on November 4th. Please pray and continue thinking of the strength for his parents to survive this hardship and devastating loss in their lives. I have never experienced anything like this. One of the hardest concepts to grasp and experience, the loss of a child, especially in a horrific freak accident. 

Now.... My thumb incident. 

GRANNY DO NOT READ PASSED THIS.

First sign of hurting. Nov. 6                                    Nov. 9

 In the ER. Nov 11

 I got a milkshake because I went.

 

 Day after ER visit. Nov. 12

 Nov. 13

 Kitty will not leave my side.

 After a week of wearing that cast, Nov. 20