birthday

Happy Birthday Autumn @ 4 years old

November 18, 2017

I simply snapped this picture while you were waiting for Poppy to come over for your birthday to give you your presents, but it’s a new favorite.

It shows off your personality perfectly.

You are eagerly waiting for presents, because you have zero chill. Yet, you still look cool and fun. I think it captures your free spirit. You won’t let us do your hair but you need to have sunnies around at all times for style and for the sun that bothers your eyes. The TV sometimes bothers them too, so it’s cute seeing you wear them in the house when you first get up.

I think you barely go a day without wearing something related to Disney, but it’s just so cute how you love the princesses just as much as you love Mickey and the Roadster Racers. But we don’t tell Disney Jr how you are also in love with Paw Patrol and Shimmer and Shine. shhhh, your secret is safe with me!

You are insanely smart. You easily identity colors, shapes, letters, colors, animals, and so much more. You are quick to point things out, and eager to continue to learn more and more.

However, you do not enjoy playing by yourself. You would be happy to watch youtube or TV allllll day if we let you (we do not!) but the moment the TV is off you are like “but who is gonna play with me?!?!” Dare we suggest that you color by yourself or create some play-doh masterpiece by yourself. HOW DARE WE?!?!? You think its much better that we draw something super complicated like Sophia the First with her horse and rabbit with the sun shinning that you immediately color in vs using the very coloring book that you want us to replicate.

I love how caring you are with Hunter. You are a wonderful big sister. It’s so fun to watch you with him. I know that you will continue to do a great job of holding him, helping him get toys, and helping me out with him. We just need to work on you not being so loud around him, or me.

There are moments when my frustration with you is ripping my head up when you are not patient or really, really loud, but those moments pass quickly as you have me quickly cracking up with some exaggerated expression or response to me. I know I should take you seriously when you roll my eyes at me, but it’s the cutest thing ever. Omg, when you nail being sarcastic… perfect!

I keep catching myself seeing you in the future, like in the picture above. There are these moments when you are looking so mature and I see you 10 years in the future and it breaks my heart and excites me at the same time. I don’t love how fast.

I am looking forward to everything this next year brings.

I love you so much!

Love,

Mom

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Currently…

you love “teacher beans”, carrots in chicken soup, but not the chicken, Doritos, making smoothies with me, rice, pasta, hot dogs, waffles, peas, corn, coconut water, and any excuse for “sessert” even when I tell you we don’t have dessert every day, it’s a special thing. You don’t like sharing food. We can play around pretending to steal your food until you don’t think it’s funny anymore and are like “cool it guys, it’s MINE!!!!!!”

symnastics (gymnastics) is your favorite thing. classes on Tuesday night make your week. You can do headstands against the wall with little effort. Your cartwheel needs a lot of work, but we can’t tell you that. At least your enthusiasm is 110%

You battle us at bedtime. You really shouldn’t be napping so long during the day, but it is what it is since you are at daycare, since it makes bedtime a struggle when you aren’t too tired, but need to bed to have enough sleep. And you sneak into our bed most nights, esp. since Hunter was born.

You weigh about 29 pounds. You generally wear 3T with some 2T and 4T in the mix as well.

Owl is still your favorite stuffed animal, but not the original owl since his eyes got beat up in the washer/dryer and you do NOT like them. You won’t let us wash this owl so I keep spraying it with monster spray (night time essential oils) to keep it smelling fresh. Also, I hope the oils will mellow you out at night too

“What did you say?” you say that in the cuuuuutest way when you missed what we said. It’s kinda excited and confused and all just one word at the same time.

You are not a cuddlier. Well, only when you know we will kick you out of our bed and then you want to cuddle. sneaky! And you still don’t like covers either.

31.

January 18, 2016

It’s my birthday today. I’m ready for 31.

There is going to be a lot of change this upcoming year and I am ready for it.

I’ve been feeling crummy lately with this feeling of being stuck. Stuck in Boston. Stuck in stuff at work. Stuck with this blog. Stuck in a whole lot of things.

But the big move to Florida is now fast approaching so my mood for just about everything is changing. I know I shouldn’t put so much weight on the move, but I am. It is giving me a fresh start to just about everything.

I am so excited about it. Sure, there are things that stress me out, like how our house is not yet sold, I am moving with Autumn about 6 weeks ahead of Price, and how I don’t yet have daycare for Autumn confirmed, but I am trying not to stress and just be happy that the thing I’ve been looking forward to for the past 10 or so months is finally here.

I’m taking the move as a chance to make some big changes.

Physical changes- I just got my haircut (like 4+ inches off!) and bought some new make up. Maybe that will help me feel like an adult? Maybe it will make me look more mature and people will treat me with more respect? Maybe, just maybe, that shit shouldn’t matter?

Emotional changes- I don’t know what I see for myself emotionally. I actually feel good now. I used to go to therapy, but then it got too stressful to juggle going, and what’s the point in being stressed about going to therapy? I don’t think I need to go again, but I miss having someone to bitch to without having them really go ‘well, you know you’re husband is great…” and I having to say back “Yes, I know he is great, that’s why I married the guy, but if I have to tell him one more time to XYZ I might just murder him in his sleep.” without being really judged since I’m paying them to nod along to my current crisis about some minor shit.

Work changes- I love the company I’ve worked for for the past 9 years for, but if we’re being honest, I’ve felt stagnate for the past few years. Basically, since I had Autumn. I know there are seasons/phases in our lives and I am in the ‘mom to a bossy toddler’ phase, but I’m tired of that being my label. I am looking forward to starting over in a new, much smaller office where I can make my mark again.

Blog Changes- I understand why so many bloggers are feeling the blogger burn out lately. Traffic is not what it used to be. Bloggers are tried of getting PR pitches for no money. People are not engaging as much. Bueller? Bueller? There are a lot of changes that I want to make for the blog so I hopefully you’ll have some patience with me while I work on those changes related to layout, branding, and finding my voice again.

Friend Changes- I hope to actually make some friends this year. I have always felt on the outside of so many circles. Outside of the singles circle. Outside of the New England sports teams lover circle. Outside of such and such circle. I am friendly with people at work, but I don’t have their #’s, I don’t go out to bars with them, I don’t exactly fit in. I’ve even felt outside of the mommy’s circle. It’s what happens when you can’t make it to any mommy’s groups since you’re working, you don’t go to church, and you don’t really bump into any other parents at daycare pick up. Shoot, I’ve tried to strike up conversations with moms at play centers and even Target. So hopefully this will be the year to change that. Maybe Price and I will end up with a Cul-De-Sac Crew one day.

Etc, Etc, Etc Changes- Be more honest without being mean. Stop being so loud. Stop yelling at the dog so much (but WTF is up with ripping up boxes of tissues). Eat more tacos. Stop apologizing so much. Start scrapbooking again. Stop ‘effing swearing so much. Reduce the urge to punch Sheryl Sandberg in the face ever time I hear someone say ‘lean in’. Buy more Sperry’s. Read more books.

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I think that 31 will be a great year. And if I fail miserably, at least I tried.

The Dirty Thirty Chicago Trip Recap

April 10, 2013

Price and I love to celebrate our birthdays. We make a bigger deal about them than Christmas. We go big for parties, outings, or gifts. And since this past September was Price’s 30th Birthday I went ALL OUT!! I planned a very big surprise trip to Chicago.

The trip took a few months to plan so is seems fitting that this post took at few months (oy!) to write and edit.

So leading up to the trip I only hinted to Price that we would be going away. As it got closer I teased Price about packing a bag for similar weather (his guess of the Bahamas was wrong) and that we would have to go to bed early Thursday night for a Friday morning adventure via a plane. He promised not to look at his ticket while in the security line but I was still nervous since I didn’t want someone asking him where he was going or to say ‘enjoy Chicago’ but we made it through without that. So we grabbed some Sbucks and then made our way to the gate. Once we stopped he realized where we were going!!! So excited to pull off the big surprise.

Once we made it to Chicago we caught the shuttle from O’Hare to our hotel and dropped off our bags since it was prior to check in and we had reservations for the Architectural River Boat Tour for 12pm.

The tour was a blast! This was a gift from Price’s mom. She had been before so she knew we would love everything we saw and learned on the boat ride on the river.

It was after the lunch rush when the tour ended so it was perfect timing to head down to check out The Billy Goat Tavern for some cheeseburgers.

It was fun to experience a Chicago staple but I didn’t think the burgers were very good. I enjoyed the atmosphere and character more than the food, but it was still great to check it out.

We then headed back to our hotel, Acme Hotel Company, to check in. Once we were settled took naps since we were so warn out from getting up so early. Well, first we took some pictures of the hotel and room as it had such great character. Loved how it did not look like a typical hotel room but had some nice features and unique design elements, such as the red lipstick night light incorporated into the mirror in the bathroom. We loved the room and the hotel.

Once we were refreshed from our naps we headed out for dinner at Frontera Grill. I was looking forward to going to a Rick Bayless restaurant and I am so glad that we braved the rain and wait for an amazing dinner.

We waited at the bar and grabbed some drinks as we waited for something to open up. Two seats at the ‘chefs table’ opened up so we sat right by the kitchen getting to take in the energy from the kitchen and servers. Everything was fantastic from the drinks to the food. I really wish that Bayless had a restaurant in Boston. Total dream come true!

On Saturday- Price’s Birthday!!!

We started the day with some breakfast from Acme’s continental breakfast bar. We were both really impressed with the selection they offered which include quiches, muffins, stuffed croissants, waffles, bagels, yogurt, juices, and tea & coffee.

We started out by walking from the hotel over to Michigan Ave and then heading south down to Millennium Park.

You can’t visit Chicago and not see Cloud Gate, aka The Bean.

We took so many fun photos there and really enjoyed all of the different angles of the city we saw from the curves.

We continued on down to the Crown Fountain.

And then through the Lurie Garden and wandered our way down to the Buckingham Memorial Fountain.

Did you ever watch Married with Children? Yep, it’s that fountain.

We continued walking all the way down to The Field Musuem and Solider Field before heading back north to the Shedd.

oh hello.

We intended to check out the Shedd Aquarium but the line to get into it was a few hundred people out the door. Umm, so not happening this trip. So we skipped it and just took the ferry between the aquarium and Navy Pier.

It was so much fun and gave us some great views of the city.

Stunning.

My co-worker Laurel, who is originally from Chicago, suggested Pizano’s Pizza for some great deep dish pizza so we walked over to Pizano’s from Navy Pier. It was a long walk but allowed us to build up our appetites for lunch. We ordered salad and soup (to warm up) and a mushroom and sausage deep dish pizza. We had been debating the medium pizza since we were so hungry but the woman next to us told us the small was more than enough. Although we doubted her we decided to listen to the local. Thankfully we did listen as the small was soooo filling. The pizza’s crust was thick and crunchy while the thick filling/topping was loaded with cheese, mushrooms, and sausage. I think I need my own deep dish pizza pan!

Stuffed, we headed back towards the hotel to be able to relax for a bit before getting ready for dinner out. Of course on our way we stopped into some really cute stores. I wanted to do some serious shopping but was just too tired to carry it back. ha!

Some naps, showers and some make up for me and we were ready to go out to celebrate the BIG 3-0. We walked up to John Hancock Tower to have some drinks and to enjoy the view and sunset. The line to get on the elevators to get up to the Signature Lounge was very long but we stuck it out as it did move pretty quickly.

It was worth it as the view from the 96^th floor was incredible.

We ended up with a table at the window to enjoy our drinks and chips with guac (not very good). When we were ready to go we went to the other side of the Hancock to check out the view towards the river and Navy Pier.

The view from the women’s room is incredible as it abuts the windows. Sorry guys!

We needed something sweet for Price’s birthday so we went Ghirardelli’s shop on Magnificent Mile. We split a super-rich banana split.

I just wish we had some candles to stick and pretend blow out! It was such a great way to end his birthday.

On Sunday morning we got ready quickly, had some breakfast at Acme, and checked out so we could head up to Wrigley on the L for our tour of the park, a gift from Price’s brother.

It was great to see the old stadium and hear about the history of the team and ball park as we walked all around the different areas.

We had taken a tour of Fenway previously in the summer and could compare between the tours. They were similar in price so the biggest thing that made the tour of Wrigley stand out to us was the size of the group and how length of time we got to spend on field. Both tours are great to go on but for us Wrigley wins. Esp since we got to go on the field!

After the tour we walked to Ann Sather’s to get a cinnamon roll. Well that was our intent, but we stayed to split a Denver omelet for lunch and get a sticky bun to go.

Continuing our walk, we headed down to the Lincoln Park Zoo. I love zoo’s so this was a great ways to spend a few hours.

We strolled around the different exhibits enjoying our cinnamon roll checking out the different animals, including some adorable seals and a baby zebra. Baby zebra!!!!

Once we wrapped up our visit to the zoo we walked back to Magnificent Mile for the last time for some window shopping and then on to our hotel to call for the shuttle. While we waited for the shuttle we had a drink at the Webber Grill Restaurant.

And that is how we blitzed through Chicago for Price’s Surprise 30^th Birthday trip!!

After our trip I figured out we walked over 16 miles while we were visiting Chicago. Not too shabby!! I can’t wait to go again since we love Chicago so much!

Thirsty Thursday: Birthday Cake Shots

January 17, 2013

Tomorrow is my birthday. I’m not sure if I am excited or not. It’s just another day. I typically try to take it off from work. I did last year and hung out with Rachel and her adorable kids, ate bagels, played around, and just enjoyed the relaxing day. I couldn’t take this birthday off since I have a deadline and I’m taking a lot of time off in February for our new puppy. I’m most excited about that.

The only thing I can think about turning 28 is my 10 year high school reunion and then I am filled with anxiety. A lot of it. I know that is a random thing to think about 10+ months from now but once I think about being 28 all I can think of is that. Also, I know I don’t have to go, but I think I want to, and that it’s not a big deal but oh where to begin… that is a whole other post. So my reunion is on my mind, not to mention a whole host of other anxiety inducing things. Fun times.

So to ease my anxiety I decided to make Birthday Cake Shots for this ‘birthday’ themed Thirsty Thursday. One of my old roommates introduced these to me on a night out of summer time bar hopping. I was completely head over heels for them as they taste just like birthday cake. I have no idea how the combo of frangelico and lemon does that but it plays some magic trick and it does. So enjoy a shot, they are about 150 calories which is much less than a piece of cake… ugh reunion.

Head over to Amanda‘s blog to check out her Birthday Cake Marshmallows. Such a fun way to celebrate a birthday… or a Wednesday! You can add them to hot chocolate, just pop them in your mouth, or eat them out of a bowl like cereal. ha!

Birthday Cake Shots

Makes 1 shot

Ingredients

1 ounce frangelico
1 ounce vodka
1 slice of lemon
1 teaspoon sugar

Process

In a 2 ounce shot glass combine the vodka.
Put the sugar on top of the slice of lemon.
Take the shot and immediately suck on the sugary lemon. enjoy!

9.20-23: long weekend recap in Chicago

September 24, 2012

{Thursday night} make a quick dinner | pack | trip to Walgreens for gum, jelly beans, & cash | bed early

{Friday} 4.30am alarm | get ready | cab ride to the airport | starbucks | Boston> Chicago | shuttle to The Acme Hotel Company | architectural boat cruise | lunch at The Billy Goat Tavern | check in at the hotel | nap | get ready for dinner | Frontera Grill – drinks at the bar & apps at the chefs table area | run back to the hotel in the rain (2+ total miles)

{Saturday} PRICE’S 30th BIRTHDAY!!! Woke up early | coffee delivery to the room | get ready for the day | breakfast at the hotel | started on our day of exploring | walk down to Millienum Park | pictures at the The Bean | Crown Fountain | walk through Lurie Garden | Buckingham Fountain | walk to the skip the aquarium- too long of a line | water taxi to Navy Pier | walk to Pizano’s for deep dish pizza | walk back to hotel | nap | get ready to go out | Signature Room at John Hancock Tower | drinks and guac | Ghirardelli Chocolate Shop & Soda Fountain for a birthday banana split | walk back to Acme | SNL and lounging around (7+ total miles)

{Sunday} wake up with the alarm | get ready & pack up | breakfast at the hotel | check out & store our luggage | take the L from Grand to Addison | tour Wrigley Field @ 9.30 | walk to Ann Sather’s & split an omelet lunch | walk to the Lincon Park Zoo- saw a baby zebra! | sticky bun | walk through Lincoln Park to get to Magnificent Mile | Disney store for a gift for Cara | beers at the Weber Grill bar | shuttle pick up at the hotel | fell asleep in traffic | chicago dog for dinner | flight home (7.5 total miles)

An Instagramed Birthday

January 19, 2012

yesterday was my 27th birthday, man I’m old…

I had been harassing Rachel about picking a day when I could visit her and her 3 kiddos since I have so much PTO (paid time off). Last week she happened to pick yesterday and I was delighted since it would be a day off from work on my birthday.

Before heading up to the Granite State, I stopped to get some bagels from Kupels.

We chatted and had some bagels. Then the kids thought my purse was the best thing in the world and went through everything in there. There was some coupon de-organization and Nivea lip care stick stealing. Maybe some was eaten too…

Being silly with my winter headband.

Contemplated stealing this little guy…

Gnome… before she went to take a nap.

I was requested to stay and watch a movie but had to head back to have some dinner with Pricer. Must make a plan for another play-date. 🙂

I was welcomed home by these flowers from my nephews and niece!

Every year (except last year- long story) Price and I make pizza on my birthday. We went to the grocery store and grabbed what we needed to whip up the birthday pizza. It was mash-up of things in the fridge…like leftover taco meat. I forgot my pineapple for it, but it was still great. Already looking forward to the leftovers for tonight.

Then Pricer gave me my presents. He gave me the CHEESIEST card ever. I really can’t believe that 1) someone wrote it 2) it was put into production. I was cracking up because it was so awful. Love it! I had told me that I liked a necklace from Kate Spade when I went shopping in the mall last weekend. He remembered and got it for me. Plus he got me a wrap dress and a shirt to wear with it from Banana. sweet!

It was a great, relaxing birthday.

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Happy Birthday P-Rice

September 22, 2011

Price and I enjoyed some Starbucks lattes for breakfast before he had to get in early for a meeting. I then surprised him by having cupcakes delivered to his office. MixBoston made such pretty cupcakes that he got to share with his coworkers. At the end of the day we went out to dinner. We had a fantastic dinner at Forum. (all thanks to a suggestion from Sean aka BostonMo) Price had the duck special, I think he would have licked the plate clean if it was acceptable. Ha!

We are hoping to head up to LL Bean this weekend so I can get Pricer his present. Plus some lobster (for me) would be nice!

Love P-rice so much!

Happy Birthday Mom

September 8, 2011

Happy Birthday Dad

August 22, 2011

Sweet 16(+10)

January 19, 2011

Yesterday was my 26th birthday. It started off pretty rough since I fell in the drive way on the ice, but things started to get better once I got to work. Surprising, no? Well I was greeted with 2 sweet treats from one of my bosses, Julie. She actually was traveling but made them the night before and my studio director presented them to me. It was so thoughtful since they both were personalized and she tried a new recipe for me. I loved it since it was loaded with almonds, which I love. And another great thing… no singing!!!! I escaped the thing that I (in recent years ) have been hating so much… the all eyes on you mumbled singing. Score! It made having cake for breakfast so much better.

And then my over the partition co-worker, Mai, made cupcakes for my birthday too. Not just your run of the mill birthday cupcakes but… Guinness Bacon Chocolate cupcakes with Peanut Butter Frosting. Holy Crap they were amazing!!

My day was also brightened when my Mom sent me tulips at work. They are stunning and bright. They are definitely helping me get out of the winter blues whenever I look at them. Plus, my flipcam accessories arrived from my Dad. Very excited about that so I can continue to document life without having to worry about batteries.

Every year Price and I make pizza on my birthday but I was in a pissy mood for thinking I messed up the dough, so we decided to get our favorite pizza instead. This would be perfect…keep this pizza theme alive and have a pizza we had not had in ages, but the place was closed! It is under new ownership and, I’m assuming, their idea of running a place involves having a closed restaurant when people want to eat. Genius! What place in a city closes at 9pm? What pizza place anywhere closes at 9pm? So after some quiet thinking/angry time in the car, we headed over for some sushi, for me just to change my mind and get falafel instead.

This birthday had it’s ups and downs, but I got through. Onward and upward.

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Birthday 24 LO- Studio Calico 11/28 Sunday Sketch

January 11, 2011

Sketch4

I really struggled with this sketch. Part of the reason that I am just getting to it now, while it was posted at the end of November, errr. I was not sure what to use for photos. I don’t really like to use mini photos, but I have been trying really hard to this past year. So when i recently was unloading my camera I noticed I had photos that would work small and I had enough of them for a LO.

This layout is from my friend Emily’s 24th Birthday from early December. We had a fantastic dinner out at Post 390. We could not decide on what to order to we ordered a lot of little things to share. Dinners out like that are fantastic since we laugh the whole night while enjoying drinks and making amazing plans for our next adventures.

While I struggled with this layout I enjoyed the completed LO because I got so many photos in one layout. I was able to capture everything that we enjoyed for Emily’s birthday. Plus, I really added dimension to my layout with the ribbon and the star pins (from Studio Calico kit) that hold the rolled portion in place.

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Birthday Dinner

December 9, 2010

Yesterday was my friend Emily‘s birthday. We went out to celebrate with food and drinks at Post 390. This place always impresses us with their amazing service, fantastic food, and tasty drinks. Those drinks go down just so easily! Esp when your best friend is yelling at you to drink another one because it’s her birthday and that means you have to do what she says.

The Hedgehog Ornament, one of the gifts I got for Emily, was getting cozy with the butter, and confusing all the servers. It’s not a porcupine people! The hedgehog started to off having plenty of room but soon he lost out on real estate when all our appetizers and sides came. It is perfectly reasonable to make a meal out of appetizers and sides.

We had a great time catching up. Yes, we live live 3 miles away, email each other every day, Price and her work together… but we still need long dinners like this to really catch up on the shit storms that are our lives. Oh, the hilarious insanity.

Happy Birthday Emily… may this year bring you happiness and success. But really… let it bring more (controlled) backyard/kitchen fires, drunken nights playing Trivial Purist, overnights sleeping on the Cos, and adventures driving to random towns.