Family | Peaches Prattlings

{January 12, 2015} Where does the time go?

There is a time bandit and I do not know where it comes from or goes!

I was awakened by EJS about 6:40 this morning, she crawled in bed with me, wondering where her mommy was, at the gym, go GES! I should be there with you!

About 7, we got up and started to head downstairs for breakfast, just as mommy got home. Into the kitchen to make breakfast, lunch and snacks for two wee tots. Finish homework EJS, someone else woke up tired, no names. Breakfast and getting ready for school was interesting.

EJS left for the bus, GES left for the train and MGS and I were left to get dressed and go to school. Finish breakfast, head upstairs and mini fight to get dressed, then head to school.

Make sure we have her bag for the week [blankets, sheets for nap time, lovey] Didn’t know mommy had put a love in the bag, so we spent about ten minutes looking for it, decided on a lion and tiger and away we went. She was quiet on the way to school, didn’t feel much like chatting. We were on our way by 8:15am.

Got to school about 8:45, did the drop off, and was at Whole Foods by 9am, then it was returns at multiple stores, pick up other things and then head home, by now it is about 11:45am.

I got home about 12:15/12:30, unloaded the packages and made some lunch, sat and ate, then got down to business, doing things around the house that needed to be done, made a few phone calls, applied for a few jobs, answered emails and all of a sudden it was 3:30 and time to pick up MGS.

Seriously…Where did the time go?

PS… Happy birthday to my dear friend from high school and youth group, JT.

{January 11, 2015} The weekend…zzzzzz

Here we go!

My brother in law, ACS’ birthday was yesterday, but the celebrations started Thursday. We met with B&S at The Cheesecake Factory for the first celebration of the weekend, it was lovely, then home for Harry Potter and bed.

Friday was low key… during the day. Ha ha. Pick up EJS from school, take her to karate, back home, then to school for the Winter Extravaganza, then to synagogue where EJS is in the junior choir, very cool. Home for Harry Potter and bed.

Saturday, yesterday, was ACS’ birthday. There was a knock on the door at 7:40am, it was GES, “I’m taking EJS to soccer, can you watch MGS so ACS can get some sleep?

EJS went off to soccer and ACS and MGS and I went to get breakfast at the local, wonderful bagel shop, then to a farm stand for fresh apple cider donuts and some other sweet delicacies. Hung out in the afternoon, then did some shopping because people were coming over for the game. Full house, lots of food, lots of shouting, the Pats won, go Pats!

After everyone left, babysitter came over and we went to a local Chinese restaurant which is also a local hangout for after the game, among other things, had a few drinks and appetizers, a few friends came by to visit and we watched all the people who were coming in after the game, it was ffffffrrrreeeezing! Cold enough just going from the car to the restaurant, imagine being at the game! No thanks! I’ll stick to the indoor stadium, thank you JFT! The kids were asleep when we got home, sigh.

Today started early again! About 9am, we went to a friend of EJS’ family for brunch and ice skating! Her family had installed a skating rink in their back yard! I wonder what’s going to happen at this house next winter! The kids loved it! I left a little early to go find a cake pan to make a football cake.

I went to Michael’s and found a cake pan to make dresses, kind of like a bow. I bought it and tried to decide if I wanted to bake two and make a full football, but I opted for a half cake and brownies. I even made goal posts and yard lines, too cool. It looked great! I’m sorry I didn’t take pictures, sorry.

In between baking with MGS, she went to swim lessons, then I took EJS to swim lessons, waited with MGS for a balloon, she wanted a bow and arrow, well, arlighty then! Bring MGS home, finish decorating the cake, get dressed and head out for the big birthday dinner with , well, almost everyone!

Dinner at a local Chinese restaurant with about 30 people, kids and adults, it was crazy and fun. Cake was a hit! A few hours later, it was home to get the kids to bed, GES and I walked down the street to KS and AS’ house to pay a call since KS’s dad passed last week, it was good to see her and see that she was alright.

Back to the house to put on jammies and then write to you! Tired yet?

PS Happy birthday to my friend CEN’s son O!

{January 9, 2015} My day..don’t blink…

You might miss it!

The early part of the day started off normally enough, I actually got to sleep in a bit, the girls didn’t wake me, go girls!

I got up as GES was heading out to get breakfast with a friend, took a shower, got some things done around the house, put up some curtains, made some lunch, got some work done, looked for a new project, made some phone calls, the usual. Then the excitement began…

Do you remember the other day when I had to get a new battery? Well, yesterday, I went to get in the car to pick up MGS, it wouldn’t start, the indicator lights came on but nothing…I called the garage, they sent a tow truck to pick it up and away went Annie. The driver said he had seen issues like this, it probably just needed a jump, what? I just got a new battery! Nope, take it away, let’s see what the garage says.

Back to today…I get a call..it’s the starter motor, what? I called around, they had the best price… please take care of it.

I head out in my car at 3:45 to get EJS from school, take her to karate, 45 minutes later back to the house, pick up GES, go to EJS’ school for Winter Fest! There was pizza, veggies, photo booths, flip book photo booths, a DJ, dancing, games and fun. We hung out for a while, ACS showed up with MGS for some fun, then took me to get my car from the garage. I drove back to the school because I had both car seats.

Then we leave school and head to temple for services, EJS is in the junior choir, a lot of fun to see her singing and enjoying herself, the choir was terrific and services were enjoyable.

After services, oneg with lots of sweets for a sweet Shabbat, lots of talking and good company. Eventually, it was back to the house for jammies and a few more pages of Harry Potter, we might get to the end of chapter one by the end of the weekend!

Have a great weekend my friends!

PS. Last night was my cousin MS’ birthday. Happy Birthday cousin!

{January 8, 2015} We started Harry Potter!

Last night, ACS thought it would be fun to start reading Harry Potter to the girls.

They have seen the first movie and I know that EJS has seen the second one, so it seems safe to read it to them and at the rate we are going of a few pages each night, they should both be in their teens by the time I get to the more intense books!

I sat down to read to them, put on my British accent and away we went! It’s night two and we are almost done with chapter one!

I love these books, each time a new one came out, I couldn’t put it down and I was ready to read the next one. I have read each one at least twice, except for the last one, too emotionally taxing, but I still loved it!

I am so excited for this opportunity to read this series to them both, I am just ticked pink! I will keep you posted on our progress!

{December 31, 2014} What a year it’s been.

It’s New Year’s Eve and what a year it’s been!

There have been a lot of changes, some good, some bad, but experiences nonetheless and like you, I have grown with each one. I would like to share some of the things that have happened to me this year.

I got a new job in February that I love. It gives me the opportunity to do two things I absolutely love: train on software applications and travel for work. I have been in multiple cities for this job, my friends on Facebook are trying to keep up! Someone asked me if I was traveling for work or did I win the lottery? My response “I love my job so much it feels a little like both!” This job not only allows me to travel to new locations for work, I get to travel to different locations on the weekends, it allows me to go to fun places to visit family and friends and do races in cool places. Aside from that perk, I am always learning new modules for the applications I teach, it helps build my skill set and makes me a better trainer.

I went to the Bar Mitzvah of one of my closest friends from high school. CS was pregnant at my wedding! Oh my! What an honor and treat to be a part of it!

You may or may not have guessed by my posts, that I am now single, DCM and I parted ways romantically, it was a mutual decision that was best for both of us. I hold no grudges or bear ill will towards him, we are still great friends and I am happy that he is happy with his life. I will always be thankful for our time together, our shared experiences and giving me something I never thought I would have, grandchildren!

Speaking of grandchildren… we have a new one! Baby W, DCM calls her Twig, too funny! She is a beautiful baby who I hope to meet one day. I got to see Baby A before the family moved to Texas, it was such a great visit, not only with Baby A, but his mommy, I felt really close to them both that day. Not to mention the fabulous mothers day gift I got!

I finally met LB’s sister, Baby L when I went to Las Vegas. LB was so excited to see me, she had me read the same book five times! I had the best visit with both wee tots and their mom, it felt good to talk to her one on one, so to speak.

I have gotten back in the dating world, gone out once or twice, but obviously nothing worth mentioning, but I have been enjoying life, who knows what next year holds!

I did a few races, 5k, 10k and mud runs, around the country, Disney, Atlanta, Colorado, Michigan and my second half marathon in Las Vegas. I drank some moonshine and Jameson! Ick but I did it!

As much traveling as I do, the one place I have never gone alone was overseas, so two months ago, I took myself to Ireland and it was feckin’ fantastic! I’m ready for more international travel!

I also had the fortune to visit friends and family around the country. I spent quite a bit of time in Atlanta with my favorite people and Miss A is walking! She is walking and running around like a champ! I had trouble keeping up with her a few times! Go Miss A!!! So very proud! You can only imagine how her mom, SDL feels!

As a result of being single, I got to spend more time with my sister’s family, I drove with two cats from Colorado to Kentucky to Boston, I know you’re jealous of that one! The girls get to experience unconditional love with the cats and even better, I have gotten closer with the girls they get so excited when I am there now, amazing!

I started skiing again after almost 20 years! I wasn’t sure if I would like it, but I loved it! I skied a little in the beginning of the year and now I am spending New Years at Breckenridge skiing!

A big thing that happened in 2014, I know I didn’t talk about it with you…my sister became a SURVIVOR!!! In October/November 2013, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and in November 2014, she got the all clear, so fantastic! 2014 was a really rough year for my family and we are so happy its over and looking forward to 2015

2015 will be a new year, duh. There will be so many new experiences to be had, projects, places to visit and work, nieces doing amazing things, I cannot wait to tell you all about them.

Along those lines, I have something that I will be sharing, medically speaking with you, I have shared with most of my friends, working through the list, and when I begin the process, there may be days I do not blog much, I hope I will at least be able to tell you what is going on.

Two years ago, January 6th, I rediscovered my blog, with the intention of posting every day and I did it and loved it. I feel lost if I don’t post and January 6th of last year, I decided to continue, guess what I’m going to do January 6, 2015!

You have all stuck with me throughout these last two years and I thank you! My blog has been viewed 4000 times THIS YEAR!!! O M G!!! THANK YOU! I will publish some stats in another post. I look forward to sharing the next year with you!

May 2015 bring you health, happiness and all the joy your hearts can handle!

Happy New Year!

thCHFBYUW9

{December 28, 2014} A visit and a Falcon’s game

Another long day, I know you’re shocked!

The day started way before my alarm, of course, but it gave me the time to spend time with KS’ cat, Miss Molly and talk to TS for a while, jumped in the shower, packed my stuff and headed out the door.

I went a whopping three minutes down the road to LGR’s house, we realized the last time we had dinner that she and her family lived so close to TS, very small world. I had not been to their house before, so her fabulous daughter, CGR, gave me the grand tour. I saw her fabulous room and playroom and her Frozen collection, very impressive, MGS would love it!

After the tour, we got in the car and headed to brunch, yum! We caught up, laughed, talked, swapped stories and realized we have known each other since 1995! Can you believe it? It was awesome to spend some time together and CGR. We headed back to the house and after a bit, I headed to the MARTA station to meet JT and his brother DT to go to the Falcon’s game.

We met at one station to ride together to the Georgia Dome. We went in, got drinks and found our seats and settled in for the game. Half time, we went in search of pretzels which we found along with funnel cake for DT. The seats are great and that was the best thing I could say about this game. We left during the third quarter along with almost everyone else in the stadium, that’s how bad the Carolina Panthers were beating them, so now, the Falcons are out. If they had won, they would have gone to the playoffs, oh well. I love going to the game every year, I really appreciate that they take me.

Back on MARTA and the car, hanging at ST’s tonight and then tomorrow off to Colorado.

Maybe I’ll take a nap tomorrow!

{December 26, 2014} What a day!!!

You ready for today? It’s gonna be a long one! Get some coffee, no-doze, red bull, here we go!

The day started early, well not early like a work day, but 8am after falling asleep about 2:30/3am, that’s early when it’s not a work day. So, I got up about 8, said hello to the cat, hung with Miss A, then with Miss A and SDL while they had breakfast and prepped our breakfast, cinnamon rolls, yum!

DJL came downstairs and the three of us talked and laughed, as we always do and then the cinnamon rolls were done and it was time to munch on some sweet goodness and I believe the first time I have eaten an entire cinnamon roll.

After breakfast it was shower time, hanging out with Boogie Bear, SDL’s cat, who has no tail and from behind, looks like a bear, dress, pack, hugs and kisses and hit the road.

In the car, I headed to lunch with DL at Houston’s, if you remember, DL and I used to work together and she has become one of my closest friends who I love dearly and what a treat to get to sit with her and catch up. We talked about life, kids, grand kids, travel, romance, work, holidays, you name it, we talked about it, all in less than two hours, I was impressed! And thank you again, DL for treating me to lunch, I was very touched.

After lunch, I got back in the car and headed to Decatur to visit with another one of my besties, RJS, she’s been under the weather, so I visited her at home and it was such a great visit. We talked and laughed and caught up and talked about everything and nothing all in the same conversation. The cats came to visit, and I got love from one an typical cat disdain from the other, I was neither surprised or offended.

She was feeling up for a walk before I left, which was great, I could use a little movement and a walk would do her good. We walked towards the entrance and back to her house, then the other direction and back. It was so fantastic to see her! It’s been too long! We exchanged holiday gifts, and my gift was a fabulous pair of RJS original earrings, if I haven’t already told you, she is a master of glass, mostly jewelry and I have received a few pieces over the years and I love them!

After our walk, I changed shoes to a much warmer pair, ready to be outside for the evening and headed to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens to meet CKM. We met, parked the cars and walked to the Garden to enjoy the lights spectacular. We put our names in at the restaurant, there was about an hour wait, gave them my phone number and off we went to admire the pretty lights.

They do a wonderful job a the gardens, all the wonderful lights, in the trees, on the lawns, water, orchid house, the bug and wildlife creations, all spectacular.

After a while, we headed to the café to see if our table was ready, after another 20 minutes we sat down to a rather disappointing experience. The food was pretty good, just overall, not thrilled, but the conversation was good and we had a good time.

After eating, we headed back out to walk around, went into the orchid house, enjoyed the “walk through the treetops” then headed back towards the cars, got our presents and headed to Starbucks for drinks and gifts!

We hadn’t stopped talking yet! We opened our gifts, love! Then as they were closing up, we headed to the parking lot and in typical fashion, we stood there and talked for another 45 minutes, of course.

Then we hugged goodbye, got in our cars and I headed to JT’s house to crash for the night, which is very good because my morning plans are near here.

Ok, so now it’s about one am and time to crash, another busy day ahead!

Good night!

{December 25, 2014} Merry Christmas!

To all my friends and family who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas!

All I keep hearing in my head right now is the line from Trading Places “Merry New Year!” Some will get it, some won’t! But I digress, I know you’re shocked!

Today was a great day, it started at JT’s house, well, next door at his parents house where his dad made breakfast and it was yummy! Thank you T! The best part was it was just JT, his brother, mom, dad and me, well, and the dogs, of course. It was fun sitting with them, talking, joking, talking about last night’s festivities and excitement but then, I got to watch them open their gifts and enjoy every moment with each other, that is a very private family moment and I appreciate being invited to be a part of it. All of this while A Christmas Story was on in the background.

After a great breakfast and a rousing game of backgammon with JT’s dad, which reminded me of playing backgammon with my dad, for hours and I won this game, by the way! I headed to SDL’s house for the annual Christmas Day festivities!

I called on my way and SDL and her sister DJL and of course, Miss A were Skyping with their parents, Momom and Popup, I’m sorry I missed them. I headed to the house, went in and started playing with Miss A, who was monopolizing Aunt F’s attention! Then SDL came down from freshening up and we started cooking.

A great amount of food [we went shopping yesterday] two types of pasta, pesto, meat sauce, steamed veggies [carrots, zucchini, squash, spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli, guess who was really happy!] bread and salad. Think we had enough for three adults and one child? You betcha!

All this while listening to Christmas music and really listening for certain songs. You know, like “Baby it’s cold outside” or Porky Pig’s rendition of “Blue Christmas” or Alvin and the Chipmunks “All I want for Christmas” or The Waitresses.

We ate, talked, laughed, told stories about celebrating the holidays, crazy families, you know, the usual. It was great fun and after lunch, we went into the den to hang out, watch “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” and open presents. I got a fabulous hand made magnet, in the shape of a deridel from Miss A, LOVE! And DJL and I opened our calendars at the same time! My other favorite! I look forward to those calendars!

After presents, there was A Christmas Story, I guess I was making my own marathon! Then after bath and brushing of the long beautiful hair, it was time to watch Home Alone, I think we had a god Christmas viewing lineup. We watched movies, lounged in the hose doing not much else.

And now, my friends, I am going to turn into a pumpkin, if I don’t turn this place over.

Merry Christmas… and to all, a good night!

{December 24, 2014} Happy Christmas Eve

Is that what you say for Christmas Eve?
Or is it just Merry Christmas? Either way… Happy whatever!

Tonight I participated in one of my favorite traditions… spending Christmas Eve with JT and his family. I started spending Christmas Eve with them after my divorce, so it’s been six years, I can’t believe it!

It’s been so great to celebrate with them over the years. They are loud and crazy and from the northeast, could be part of why we get along so well.

I think I told you about going shopping with JT, or annual tradition, well, normally, I go over early to wrap gifts, but last night I decided to wrap everything at SDL’s, made it much easier today, I showed up good to go.

There are always a lot of people and food, seems like a good combination to me.

Normally, we eat and then open gifts, this year was little different as some people were going to have to leave early, this year it was presnts, break for dinner, presents. All the names were in a Santa hat, the first name came out of the bag and we were off.

The gifts were great, people really think about what to get each other, one of the reasons I love going shopping with JT.

Thank you go the family who have taken me in as one of their own, I love you all!

Happy Christmas Eve

{December 19, 2014} An amazing greeting!

Yesterday was travel day and I was coming to Boston for the weekend, as my sister calls it, my northeast connection while I am on the road, it always feels like coming home.

So…as it was a travel day, it was a long one, but I was ready to get back and see my family, especially EJS and MGS and let me tell you, it was AWESOME when I did!!!

I got out of the taxi, got my things and headed up the path, up the steps and knocked on the door. What happened next, I could not have planned and it any better! I so wish I had had a camera to record it!

I could see the girls in the window looking at the candles on the menorah, I thought they would have seen me, but they hadn’t, so I knocked on the door and when they opened it, their faces lit up and in unison they screamed “AUNTIE!!!!!” and then it was attack of the little people and it was wonderful!!!

I walked in, each girl took a bag and then I got individual hugs, told “I love you” whispered in my ear, then telling me about the presents they got…so much excitement.

I will be reliving that moment over and over and over, it was so amazing!!!

AUNTIE!!!

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