Christmas/Hanukkah 2008

It's Christmas Day and all is quiet in the house. I have a bad cold, so our friends really couldn't come last night-(since I get a cold only every few years, the one I get is a doozy!). So it was my MIL, Mr. P&P, Lilly and me for prime rib, scalloped potatoes and a kick a** chocolate mousse cake from WF. (Oh and asparagus too) Our tree is below and, yes, we DO get it online from the fabulous Weir Tree Farm. It's full, fab and smells like a dream!

Today? My MIL will be visiting with my SIL and BIL later so she's home. Mr. P&P and Lilly are napping and I'm watching White Christmas. Later, turkey, mashed potatoes (a Mr. P&P exclusive recipe) and some salad....oh and some more pastries from WF!

Santa/Hanukkah Harry were very good to us...

Lilly got a stocking full of toys (see pic above), Mr. P&P got a snazzy new radar detector for his snazzy sporty car and some clothes, a new suitcase for his work travels and some dark chocolate. I received a beautiful wallet from my favorite store leather goods maker (C) and a really fancy schmancy digital photo frame. It's all set up with a photo stream of Ally, Lilly and some J stuff too. I love it.

I saw K, Little K and Little Mista on Xmas eve and everyone loved their gifts. I usually get K some 'work' clothes (since no one else seems to think of it, though she needs new stuff for class...) and she loved each item. Little K went NUTS over her Uggs...she'll get chocolate colored ones next year (shh...) from our friends in Australia. Little Mista loved his building set and digital watch-he's getting so grown up! They got me a beautiful memorial ornament in honor of Ally which I loved and a nice Itunes card!

We made it a low key Christmas/Hanukkah this year...I think it's really terrific, keeping it simple and not focusing on 'buying'...spending time with those you love and really enjoying the time is most important and it feels good to focus on those things. That's a tradition I can really get behind!

On a side note, we have Ally's ashes home and here's a pic of our little memorial for her. That poem is the 'Rainbow Bridge'. We wanted a place of honor for her in our home and now we have it! Having her 'home' for Xmas was important and we are thankful we were able to do that!

Well, it's time to wake up the family from their naps and get cracking on that turkey...

We hope you all had a wonderful day (or week for those celebrating Hanukkah) and are enjoying a relaxing time.

See you in class this weekend so we can all work off all this great food!

Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas

Ok, tomorrow promises to be nuts (last minute running around) and I'll be home with the fam after 1pm or so (seeing K and the kids to give them their gifts around lunchtime). I figured I'd send you our holiday wishes now...

At this time of year we always reflect on the year and it's been another wild ride but one we certainly wouldn't have missed. K and I feel very blessed to be able to do something we truly love for our work. We are living our dream and it truly is something we are thankful and grateful for.
We want to thank you for your support all year, the joy you bring to our lives, the love and care you surround us with when we are in pain and the smiles you bring to us in class every day.

We also want to recognize our fabulous staff. Without Liz, Tammy, Patty, Kristen, Jessica, Lyn, Jill, Kara, Maripat and Tina we certainly couldn't do what we do. And if not for all our wonderful class managers, babysitters and the wonderful lady who cleans our Center, we wouldn't have time to devote to, not only our business, but our families as well.

2009 promises us our 15th year of business and we look forward to sharing every minute of it with all of you!
Here's to happiness, health, joy and love in the New Year.
We love you all.
XOXO
K&A

Yeah, I'm over it...

Winter that is. It's one day old and I'm o-v-e-r it.

Yeah, this is our street. There's 2 friggin' feet of snow on it.

We've had to cancel more classes in the last 3 weeks than we have in 15 years of business.

The weather gurus said we wouldn't get as much snow Sunday as we did Friday...liars.

Can you tell how happy I am about this?

NOT.

On the bright side, we retained power during all this (I know many folks did not) and I feel lucky that we have Lilly in our lives to brighten then because, if we didn't, I think it might be way passed time to move home to SoCal. At least it's sunny here today!

Kudos to ALL those who came to classes Saturday and Sunday morning- you guys ROCK! I was so glad to see you all (even in my 'cold medicine' induced state)!!

See you tonight!

Batten down the hatches...

More snow on the way!
Ok, so far the weather gurus say we aren't supposed to get as much as the south this time (but who the he** knows)...but it is time again for that time honored New England tradition...and what is that you ask?
That would be buying the grocery stores out of every gallon of water and loaf of bread there is. Seriously.
I used to live in W. Rox, the site of the Roche Bros. where Channel 4 normally films their 'storm prep' segments. You know, those segments where the reporter is standing in the bread aisle and there's literally 1 loaf of Jewish rye left in the entire aisle.
I have also been in line behind an elderly lady who had only bread and water in her cart. That's right-about 20 gallons of water and 20 loaves of bread. Is she running a prison? Does she have the turkey, cheese and such at home already?
Now, I'm all for getting ready for possibly being stuck at home for a few days but seriously...bread and water?
What do YOU stock in your home for those snow days?
In our house:
-plenty of puppy food and treats
-Water (but not 20 gallons worth)
-Bread and sandwich fixings
-Make sure there's gas in the gas grill in case we need it to cook on
-TP and paper towels
-Firewood, in case we need to fireplace to keep warm
We bring a cooler into the house in case we need to unload some of the refrig food. If we have to, that then goes onto our deck (where it's freezing cold and snowing) to act as our 'frig'.
-OJ, milk (see cooler trick for how we keep it cold if the power is out)
-A pasta dish that can be eaten cold if necessary
Pretty much that is it for us. Since we're due for a storm tomorrow night and Sunday night-we're fully stocked.
And, thank God, Lilly loves snow and doesn't mind doing her business in it!
Stay warm and we WILL see you in class Saturday and Sunday!

A holiday gift idea for your man??!!

Yes, that's right. There's now a perfume called 'Flame', reportedly scented like a BK Whopper.
Uh, why?
And if these people money why didn't I think of this?!!
Truly, I think this may be the sign of the Apocalypse people.
I bet they sell it in the same stories as the Chia.
Lord.

Ice Storm 2008, etc.

Good Monday morning...

We know some of you still don't have power at home and may be reading from work or the library...we pray you get power soon and can, once again, be safe and warm at home.

**Since the Chelm. schools are closed, remember that means we have NO AM classes. PM classes are ON! This is the 'regular snow day' schedule and will continue until the schools reopen.**

Here are some pics of our front yard area after the storm (we lucked out and didn't lose power at all).

Again, we know how lucky we are. Many trees were lost, but no property damaged.

And, for fun, here's an updated pic of the fabulous Lilly! (She's getting the 'potty outside thing' down, most of the time and is sleeping very well!) She's grown already and celebrated one week at home by spending the day with Daddy!

See you all this afternoon/evening in class!

Up and at 'em

Yes, that's right....as of 4pm today we have POWER at the Center!
See you Sunday!

Who feels like a popsicle??? Hmmm?

Well, as of 5pm EST today we have no power at the Center. We hope to be back online tomorrow (Saturday). Check the website and/or the phone for info after 7am tomorrow.
If you've got power, chime in here...or email us.
***Holiday Bazaar will be Friday, 12/19***
We are thinking of everyone and just grateful everyone is ok.
The lowdown from our house:
Lilly is doing well doing #1 outside, #2 is still in progress. She is getting used to her car crate and sleeps while Mom does errands. She also LOVES the big "J" and all the attention you all give her! She sleeps through the night and is the joy of our lives. We miss her big sis, Ally, but we see bits of her in Lilly every day. It's the same sassy personality and cuddly nature!
The Mountain is closed so Mr. P&P will be home with Lilly tomorrow while I (hopefully) teach and (definitely) get my hair done. Tis true, I only do highlights as I currently have 6 grey hairs all of which have K's name on them. I lucked out in the 'not turning grey early' department.
There are trees down on our property (we live in a townhome) and the guys were here chainsawing them off the walkways and driveways and our private road. We can move around and get to our garage. Our neighbor had a tree go through their garage, no damage to the cars though-thank God. They tell us a tree guy is coming (probably tomorrow) to start really cutting up the big trees. Free firewood-YIPPEE!
Chime in on your situation if you can and please PRAY we can have class tomorrow!
Stay safe and warm!

Holy Ice storm Batman!

Ok, so it poured rain all yesterday and turned to ice last night. Now (6:30am Friday), there are trees down on our property and our big, beautiful jasmine bush is kaput.
No power at the Center and MB couldn't even get there to teach anyway, given the trees and power lines down.
At least K's toe can have another day of rest!
All area schools (and I do mean ALL of them) are closed...although I don't know why Channel 7 isn't reporting our schools yet!
It's still pouring rain/icy rain-what fun! (NOT)
Check our website after 3pm regarding the afternoon/evening classes. If we have power, we'll be there. (Which we should, since the McD's across the street had power and that's a good sign)
Holiday Bazaar? Again, power and we're there!
Be safe!

Favorite Holiday treats

Ladies (and Gents),
First, a quick Lilly update:
She's doing much better in her crate overnight now that we've put the crate up so she can see her Daddy while she's sleeping. Mr. P&P is staying downstairs with her for now, until she acclimates to her crate and her new home...
She did well last night during my class and I think everyone oogled and aahed over her (thank you!). She is certainly loving the attention.
She still isn't wild about being in the crate, in the car...but it's for safety!
Second, let's chat about your favorite holiday treats (you know, those things you really just indulge in at holiday time).
Mine favs are:
-Fudge. I really don't eat it any other time of the year...thank God, right?
-Bacon. Weird, I know. I really only eat it Xmas morning, at our holiday staff brunch and possibly once on vacation. I love it but, sadly, my arteries do not!
-Mashed potatoes. Again, we really only have these Thanksgiving day, possibly Xmas day and maybe 1x during the year. Mr. P&P makes killer mashed potatoes and I could eat an entire bowlful-but I do not!
-Rolls with dinner. I banish rolls at restaurants (and any other bread since I live with 'bread boy') but for holiday dinners we'll do reduced fat crescents (from the Pillsbury doughboy). Not healthy...but yummy once in awhile.

Chime in with your favs and/or if you have a good 'holiday time' recipe to share!
See you in class!

It's a girl!

Friends and Family,

Here's our new addition...

Lilly! (It's a takeoff of Ally's name-kind of like "Little Ally")...definitely a tribute to her!

Thank you for your kindness and love as we continue to miss Ally and welcome our new baby, Lilly!

She's sweet and sassy...

Above pics are:

1st play at home

1st nap

1st "walk"

and 1st pic with Momma!

Two posts in 1 day-why...yes!

Hi All,
It's spitting rain and threatening to spit snow later this week...so as I sit here with my sets done for the weekend I was thinking...
I took a huge load of food over to the Food Pantry today and I wanted to thank all of you. They are in such severe need and you all (as usual) step up to the plate in a big way. You all rock!
You also rock for bringing in a load of toys (so far, you still have until NEXT Thursday) for Toys for Tots. We are going to make a lot of kids smile this holiday and we should all feel good about that!
Oh and lest we forget our Coats for Kids drive...I've taken over 12 bags FULL of coats. We've got until the end of the year-so keep it up! Let's get our closets clean and keep those less fortunate warm this winter!
So, as I was thinking about all we've done so far this year (HeartWalk, charity events, etc.) I wanted you all to know that your generosity never goes unnoticed. Times are tough for us all but when you open your heart you open yourself up to GET much more than you give and you all clearly understand that.
We are proud to know all of you and have you as part of our family.
Thank you so much and let's keep the Toys, food and coats coming!

Rudolph the Red Nosed Minivan?????

Ok people...
WTF is up with putting a red nose on the grill of your car and putting little reindeer antlers on the windows effectively turning your minivan into Rudolph?
Seriously.
I've yet to see a car sporting a wreath strapped to the grill but I know it's coming.
Oh and don't forget to send in your photos of your insane neighbors with their menagerie of huge inflatables on their lawns.
I cannot wait to see what you come up with.
Best photo (aka pic with the most inflatables in 1 yard) wins a prize!

Traditional holiday TV specials

HI All,
Well, it's December 2nd and last night 'Shrek the Halls' was on (I guess that's a new one) and the traditional 'cartoon' version of the Grinch. Did you watch? I love the Grinch? Karen can make that 'smile' of his that curls up her mouth just at the sides and it's truly frightening (in a good way)!!
What specials/movies/shows do you look forward to during this holiday season?
Mr. P&P's fave is White Christmas. We watch it every Xmas day after breakfast. It's really a nice movie!
So, chime in with your faves!