Monday, December 21, 2009

December happenings

I need to get better at updating. So much happens in between posts and I don't want to forget a thing!

Shortly after my last post, Nana suffered a stroke. Luckily, she is improving everyday and I pray for her. My mom has been visiting every weekend because, while she is getting better, she is not ready for independent living and must remain at the rehab center.

Sarah surprised me for my birthday and Justin, Sarah and I met my parents in Randolph for a most delicious birthday dinner at Not Your Average Joes. One of my students baked a batch of cupcakes for me and the very sweet aide assigned to my class had the students sign a card for me as well.

The following weekend after a much-productive morning of shopping, Justin's cousins joined us for an afternoon/evening/morning of video game playing only breaking for meals and sleep. =)

We all met in Agawam Saturday for a family Chrismukkah celebration at Nana's rehab center and I am so glad we were able to. There is no match to time together with family. Nana's stroke and news of unfortunate events and losses remind us that all we have is today. It's too bad it takes things like this to remind us of that precious fact. I felt spoiled with the multitude of gifts I received--cute tees, sexy tops, cupcake paraphanelia, cookie cutters, a muffin pan, tank tops, sweatpants, socks, dish towels, ornaments, reflecting dog stickers, wooden plaques and a dvd. Oy.

Saturday night, after a delicious dinner at Chef Changs, I met Becca for Christopher's hockey game at Fenway--very cool! We topped off the evening with a few beers at Game On! and Our House--the sponsor of his team.

Sunday was scheduled to be my birthday brunch at Fireside Grille but with the nearly 2 feet of snow we received, I was forced to postpone it until January. . .

Tonight a very good friend of mine from BC, also my sophomore year roommate, is coming by to visit and meet Ellie since she is home with her fiance for the holidays. I am very much looking forward to seeing her.

Break is two days away and I am looking forward to sleeping in, spending time with family, [visiting a corneal specialist to determine the status of my eye ulcer once again] tackling some long-term third grade projects, and baking--of course.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

What a weekend!

Two weeks ago Justin and I hosted our second annual Potluck Thanksgiving. We welcomed 15 friends into our home and served a 19 pound turkey, potatoes, stuffing, cornbread, biscuits and the tasty treats our guests brought.


the beginning of the set-up

our prized bird

And what is a holiday feast without a clever, festive dessert?



Pilgrim hats

The recently-passed and oh-so-missed Thanksgiving break was g-l-o-r-i-o-u-s! Wednesday night I enjoyed a Thanksgiving break kickoff dinner with two of my best friends. I also reunited with an old friend from high school who makes you laugh without her even trying. It was so nice to see her again.

Thursday Justin and I happily Thanksgiving-hopped from Randolph down to Freetown. We brought Ellie with us to my parents' house but their dog Sandy was none too pleased to be sharing her territory (read: garden window) and her snowman squeaky toy with Ellie. Dinner was delicious, but more than that, I love spending time with my family. Its rare when we are all together, Nana included.

As nervous and anxious as I get when Black Friday comes around, I do feel as though I should take advantage of the sweet deals and that I did. By 6:30 am, I had purchased 800 thread count sheets, winter accessories, 2 winter coats, 2 cardigans and a pair of jeans from Old Navy at a steal. (It's a shame I stayed up and drove there for a 3 o'clock opening when in fact this particular store chose not to open until 5--unlike the rest of the national chain. :/ ) Alas, not only did I get the apparel I went for, I also landed a free Xbox video game for Justin's cousins' Christmas gift.

coat #1-- 50% off


coat #2-- 50% off

After 2 naps, I ventured to my parents' house and saw the sweet deals the two other Yoffe girls secured in their early morning spree. Their purchases led me to visit Target, after the mad dash and into the early evening, where I bought just a few more items. :)

Friday night was a much-needed girls night in with a homemade dinner, a delicious carrot cake, Glee, and The Proposal.

Saturday I had a wedding dress appointment. My mom, sisters, Nana and 2 bridesmaids came along and it was so much fun! I had a pretty good idea about the styles I liked and styles I did not prefer. One of the dresses that became one of the top two contenders had been one I had been looking at online for a few months and just happened to set aside to try on. (We shall refer to this gown as Charlotte.) =) Mom and I went back again Sunday to try Charlotte and her competition Betsy, on again. While Betsy was fancier and very ball gown-y, it was not me and while it was actually pricier than Charlotte, its fabric wasn't nearly as smooth and comfortable. Charlotte was the winner, and I love it. =)

Saturday night we ventured to the quiet mall for a stroll and to purchase a few more holiday gifts--on sale too!

In third grade news, my new student arrived on Monday and she's a doll. (She brings my class total to 20--a nice even number.) Today I stopped at Ocean State Job Lot to pick up a few items for a holiday drive at school for soldiers and veterans. While I found winter gloves and puzzle books to donate to the drive, I also excitedly came upon full-color, elementary-level biographies of Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Tom Brady for my classroom library--for $1! I plan on going back later this week to buy a few for the school's library.

December is starting off on a high note! =)