Top Ten List for 2010/Our Virtual Holiday Card

10. We sure hope you get this virtual Holiday Card. Our puppy Boo likes to eat everything. She likes to snack on my computer cord.

9. Elise has started Kindergarten. She is a true scholar and already says she will be attending a 'Pink College'.

8. Corinne is taking Ballet this year and will be doing her own interpretation of the Nutcracker.

7. Neal is definitely in touch with his feminine side with four females (dog included). He loves watching Barbie Movies and having tea parties. He does manage to sneak in some Wii Mario Carts games.

6. Janice has taken on some new roles this year. Daisy leader, PTO, Slow cooker whiz, Room and Soccer Mom. Soon she will take over the world but still refuses to get a Caravan:)

5. Boo is on Santa's Naughty list. She won't get any gifts because she ate her stocking.

4. The Poretsky's are becoming Green. Elise can ride a bike and Corinne is a big girl. NO MORE DIAPERS!!!

3. Neal and I are hoping for some 'Silent Nights'. I'm hoping Boo and Neal stop snoring so I can sleep in 'Heavenly Peace'.

2. With all the bad news in this world our family has joy/love and gets louder every year.

And the Number One Reason is we get to wish you a Happy Holiday and Happy New Year!

Making my list and checking it twice

The Holiday season is coming to an end. Our family has done a lot over the past month.

The Advent calendar with daily activities was a definite success! Mommy on the other hand is ready for a 'Long Winters Nap.' I wouldn't do anything different though. I expect to be crazy busy this time of this year.

So at this point I'm checking my list, and somehow it's getting longer. I'm not worried though it will all get done.

N and I will wake up Christmas morning (Way too early) to the joyful sounds of our beautiful girls. The Long Winters Nap can wait:) After all this is what Christmas is about.

Happy Holidays! Below are some of the activities.

Every night N would light the candles. Happy Hanukkah!

Snack with Santa. I hosted this for my Moms group. What a fun afternoon:)

Elise was pinned as a Daisy. Even better I'm her leader.

The girls and I made homemade ice cream. A family tradition from my side. Friends and neighbors may anticipate a special delivery:)

I took the girls for their first pedicure. The mall had special little girl chairs so we all got pampered for the evening. They painted there toes with red and sparkles. They even added a snowflake. E was having wonderful time and said "Mommy when can we do this again?" Oh boy:)

One of our activities was to make Dog treats for all our Dog friends. Our dog friends should expect some snacks. It was an easy recipe. Boo gave it two paws up:)

This was the Cupcake at the Ritz Carlton in Boston. This was just an activity for Mommy. I had a lovely afternoon with some wonderful women. It was nice to chat and be in the city for some tea and sweets.

Countdown to Christmas

This year instead of the traditional Advent Calendar I put my own spin on it. My neighbor gave me this wonderful idea to display bags with the date. Each day there would be a special activity the girls and I (Family) can work on.

The first week is over and I'm exhausted, but it was a definite success! The girls are excited to come downstairs each morning and see what's in store for them.

Initially I decided to do this in lieu of the traditional Advent chocolates because I thought the girls would love it (Also the chocolate in the calendars are horrible).

One of our activities this week was making popcorn and cranberry garland. The girls and I spent almost 2.5 hours at the kitchen table talking and singing Christmas songs. I'm sure more popcorn was consumed then strung:)

We wear so many hats as Moms. I'm fortunate to stay home with my girls. Physically I'm there 24/7, but sometimes not always present.

The simple activity of stringing garland helped me connect with them. I wasn't thinking of cooking, cleaning or laundry. I didn't check my email or FB once:) It really made me think. The girls really don't care what they're doing, they just want to spend time with me.

It's always a struggle to find time in the day to accomplish all I need too. Like most women I want to have the beautifully kept home and be the perfect mother and wife. Who has the time though? If my house looks good I've either been up late or the girls have been in front of the TV which I never do:)

I guess I can live with a not so perfect house (Baby steps). I just want to squeeze in all those magical moments with my girls while I can. I know that's what they will remember.

Hope you're enjoying the magic of the season in your own home. Thanks for checking on us!

Funny Runner

So even this late in the game I'm still finding I can do things I never imagined. The latest is running. No I haven't started running any marathons or even outside. What I have done is started running 3 days a week on my treadmill. Over the past couple of months I've grown stronger. I can run faster and longer.

I'm still a little apprehensive of leaving the security of my basement treadmill. Runners that are hardcore would be able to spot my skill level. I wouldn't want to be labeled as the 'Funny Runner.' I have a lot of friends that love running so it's a little intimidating


One of the reasons I'm enjoying running is I don't have time to make lists in my head. I can't concentrate on anything else but my breathing and rocking out to my slightly inappropriate playlist:) It's time for me!

Will I take this to the next level and get more serious...the jury is out on that. For now I'm content running, listening to music, and clearing my head. It's nice to know I can still surprise myself.

Tis the Season to be Busy

This weekend was a whirlwind of activities and excitement. We started out with another successful Thanksgiving. With a little help from Martha (LOL) and my family it was a wonderful day. The girls wanted to help. E insisted on a job so I made her the hostess. She stood be the the door for 45 minutes waiting for our guests to arrive. I instructed her that a good host welcomes her guests into our home. She told everyone Happy Thanksgiving and took their coats. She did a great job and was a big hit with everyone.

If it wasn't enough to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for 16 people I decided to hit the stores on Black Friday. I know people think it's crazy but I love being in the stores. I'm not the one lining up with my tent for that must have item. I generally pick items I know I have a chance at:)

Later that day we took the girls to see the new Movie Tangled . It was a great holiday movie but I don't think we needed to pay extra for the 3D.

On Saturday following Thanksgiving it's our families tradition to decorate the house. E was over the top with excitement. It's so exciting to watch it through her eyes. C put the ornaments on like a champ, but on the same branch LOL:) After the girls were in bed hubby and I have our own tradition (stop with the dirty minds). We watch National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.

Sunday was a magical day for E and I. I took her to her first performance of the Nutcracker. C was a little too young so she stayed home for some Daddy time.

Happy Holidays!

Blessings come in many ways

So N decided to leave his job after almost 10 years. He has a great new opportunity which will mean some changes for our family.

No we're not moving! Hope I didn't scare anyone, but I don't think anyone reads my blog anyway:(

The big change will be that N will be working closer to Boston. That means early mornings and late nights. No travel though! But with the commute it will just about even out.

After almost 10 years with a company it will be a new beginning for him. Change can be scary but sometimes it's necessary. We are all excited and very proud.

I have a lot to be thankful for as we approach Turkey Day...My Coffee Cup Runneth Over.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Big Day

C had her party today and a good time was had was had by all. The best part was at the end of the day she told me "Mommy I had a great party, thank you."



That is all need...

LOOK AT ME I'M THREE

This week is C's third birthday. The years have gone by in a blink of an eye. Now that big sis is in school full time C and I have had some quality time just the two of us. It's nice to see her personality. C is beautiful, loving, silly, and fast:) Don't grow up too fast my sweet little Rinney.

Below are pictures I took of her while at a park just us girls.

LOOK AT ME I'M THREE on PhotoPeach

Roll out the Barrel

Yesterday we had our annual Oktoberfest. The weather was the perfect picture of fall in New England. I was thrilled because the last two years it has rained. The day definitely goes smoother when we can have some outside activities for the kids.

We had a traditional potato sack, and three legged race. I also attempted a Chicken Dance contest. I think E was the only one who participated:) The big hit of the day was the Moon Bounce, and as always the Pretzel Machine filled big soft pretzels.

Today as I'm packing away my decorations I reflect on why I have these parties. I love inviting friends and family into my house. After all a house isn't a home without family and friends. I'm grateful for family and true friends that came to celebrate Fall with us.

A chill in the air

It's that time of year that I long for... Autumn. The girls and I have been busy enjoying the foliage and apple picking.

Here are couple shots from our adventures in the orchard.

Back to School

Well the day finally has come. E had her first day of Kindergarten. She was so excited and ready to go at 5:30 this morning:(

The first day I had to drive her to the school, and she would take the bus home. As I saw her line up walking to class I felt a way of emotion come over me. It's hard enough for me to believe I'm a mother some days. Where did five years go?

After I dropped her off at school C and I made a date. We spent the day playing at the park, doing puzzles, painting and singing.

Before we knew it we were greeting E after she had her first bus ride. The first thing she said to me when she got off the bus was "I had the best first day ever Mommy."

I love you let me count Eight ways

Eight Years ago today my new life began. This was before kids, and well not so much coffee:) Instead a boring Hallmark card I'm dedicating this post to my husband on our Anniversary.

8 Reasons I love you

8. I love you for taking out the garbage, picking up dog poop, bringing in the groceries, hanging pictures, and putting all the girls toys together. I find comfort in the fact I have a partner that will take care of the crappy jobs I just don't want to deal with:) When I'm with you I'm at home


7. I love you for your sense of humor. When we have a date night the movie we usually pick is the comedy. A little inappropriate humor with popcorn and Milk Duds makes me happy. Life is short, and I love laughing with you.

6. I love you for being you. Blunt and opinionated at ALL times, but the kindest heart I know.

5. I love you for being the rock of this family. You work so hard, and love us. We have everything we need.

4. I love you for being silly and romantic. I still feel like your girlfriend after 8 years.

3. I love you for challenging me to see another way of looking at things. Maybe I'm not always right? We have grown as a couple and are a great team.

2. I love you making plans with me and dreaming even after I've watched too much HGTV:)

The #1 Reason is...

1. I love you for giving me 2 beautiful girls and picking me to love.

All of these things, and so many more make our life together wonderful.

All my love,

Janice

My Garden Runneth Over

It's been a wonderful summer, but my garden runneth over:) I've had to get pretty creative with our abundance. Today E and I made homemade spaghetti sauce and refrigerator dill pickles.

I cherish the little projects we can work on while C is napping. I can't believe in about a weeks time she will be off to school full time.

I'm a SWAPAHOLIC

The girls have been a little high maintenance lately. E is whining, and C has developed a backbone. This has led to constant fighting.

CALGON TAKE ME AWAY!

Do they even make Calgon anymore? N will also be traveling non-stop for the rest of the month. I told him I needed a day. When I told him what I was planning he said "SAY WHAT"???

I just love that as a SAHM I'm still on top of my game. Until a day ago I had no idea what a clothes swap was. The moral of the story is being a Facebook Addict does have it's benefits:)

This is how it worked

10 am-12 pm SWAP DONATION DROP-OFF Bring a bag of clothing, accessories or shoes you’re ready to part with, making sure they’re in excellent condition (think quality not quantity).

10 am-1 pm CANAL DISTRICT SELF-GUIDED MAP TOUR We'll provide you with a map of the new boutiques and restaurants in the Canal District offering special deals for swappers.

1 pm-2 pm CLOTHING SWAP* Swapping starts @ 1:00pm Sharp !!* The good stuff goes FAST people, so be please be on time* If you didn’t bring a bag of clothes but want to participate in the swap, you can buy a reusable bag from us and fill it up for $10

* All remaining clothes will be donated to a local charity.

I went to the Swap with some friends and had such a wonderful day. We dropped off our clothes and then explored some of the local boutiques in the Canal District.

The Swap overall was a success for all of us. We then had a leisurely lunch al fresco.

Shopping, lunch, and great company just what this SAHM needed to recharge her battery.

A Star is Born

We have been keeping busy in the Poretsky house this summer. That's why I decided with vacations and day trip activities planned I wouldn't do any camps. When I saw the opportunity for a singing camp I couldn't resist. It really wasn't a camp. It was like a piano lesson everyday. Those were not found memories from my youth. I know now what my Mother went through.

E loved it. C and I who patiently waited outside, not so much. The session ran Monday-Friday. The last day concluded with a concert that made all the waiting worth while. C and I were excited to see E perform her first of I'm sure many solos.

Dream Vacation

Our family just got back from their 2nd annual vacation to Maine. A week on the beach, amusement park, arcade, fried food and ice cream. What more could you ask for?



The weather was great. Some days were a little overcast, but no rain days! The latest addition to our family joined us this year (Boo). The beach town we vacation at is dog friendly so it was nice to take her to the beach.



Now reality sets in as I'm doing another load of laundry, and sorting through all this mail. I just want to go back to the beach.

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My Little Farmers

Our family joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) this summer. We are splitting a share with a neighbor. It's week 4 and our family is loving it!

We pick up the share every other week. This was the first week I brought the girls. They were so excited to go to the farm. There are certain veggies that are PYO, because of the labor involved. If the share holders pick, the Farm can concentrate on other things.

The girls and I really enjoyed walking into the fields to pick our share of green beans. I was surprised on how well they did. At one point I looked over at E and saw she was a dirty mess. She quickly told me "Farmers are supposed to get dirty Mommy." C was too busy watching all the chickens to worry about getting too dirty:) They were both so proud to pick food for our family.

We headed back to the barn to pick up the rest of our share. This week was lettuce, greens (Kale), scallions, turnips, carrots, and something I've never heard of Kohlrabi??

Both of the girls are pretty good eating their veggies, but there is something about knowing where it's coming from. They have been MORE willing to try something new.

I'm a Midwest girl, and growing up we always had a garden. This was something our family did every year. I guess you could call it a tradition, but I just saw it as the way our family worked. My sister and I planted, watered, weeded, and harvested. I remember how hot our kitchen was in late August as my Mother, and Grandmothers canned leftover tomatoes, beans, peaches, etc.

I call the East Coast my home now. It's very different from the small town simplicity of my youth. I'm happy with my fast paced life, but it's hard to be so far away from my family at times.

The CSA and our family garden are nourishing our family. It's also nourishing a little bit of MY family history. My girls will have a little piece of me, and the family that lives so far away.

DH can't relate because he is too much of a city boy:) He is however, benefiting from the fruits of OUR Labor:)

Mommy INC.

I've been a SAHM for 4 years now. I came from the corporate world where meetings, structure, and plans were key. I'm actually one of those people that love to plan, and schedule. Obviously with two small girls and a puppy I have to be a little more laid back. It's easy to be more structured during the school year. The summer is not so easy.



DH has been traveling more than he ever has this year. I was starting to feel overwhelmed with all of the demands at the end of the school year. I knew I needed to do something to keep us sane this summer. E is very used to being busy. If I didn't have a plan it would be a long summer:) She is also off to Kindergarten in the fall. A little bittersweet for me. I wanted her to have a great summer she will remember (I know she is 5 so this is unlikely).



Without sounding too Type A I know summer is supposed to be spontaneous and carefree. Have you ever tried to plan a spontaneous beach trip with a 5 and 2 year old? I think not! I had to come up with something that would add a little order to the household.



I started something called the Morning Meeting. It's really not as formal as it sounds. The meeting is at breakfast and, consists of an itinerary for the day, some education (We do the letter of the day), and a little democracy so the girls can make some choices. I also threw in some family announcements and sneak in a couple of rules:( The result of the morning meeting... the girls LOVE it! E has requested we have a lunch and dinner meeting. When C is saying goodnight she will say "Night, night Mommy, I see you at morning meeting." Aahh future Corporate America:)



This seems simple, but it's a lot of work! Now that the girls are used to this I have to be on top of my game. I have found though even the mundane tasks of grocery shopping sound so much better at the morning meeting. It's not all fun and games at the Poretsky house, but it's only July and we have already done some amazing things.