Weekending

Today's another snow day and I'm giddy like a kid. Although I have no desire to bundle up and go out into the world. I  finished Inheritance this morning. I couldn't help myself. I didn't want to breeze through it, and yet I needed to know how it ended. Of course, because it is a memoir of Shapiro's life, there is no ending. Just a pause. The story is still unfolding. It was a powerful tale of identity and secrecy. It was provocative. Who am I? Why an I here? How shall I live? I don't think these fundamental spiritual questions are often given the weight they call for. Dani is never afraid to take them on. Her writing is both humbling and empowering.

I'm trying to write here, but Tigger is making it quite difficult. He's been glued to my side since last night. I think he's feeling the hygge right along with me. That was the tenor of the entire weekend. The kids had a scheduled day off today after exams last week so they are mildly disappointed that all the schools in the vicinity are closed now too. They probably aren't thrilled that I'm home either, although I know Ted appreciated the eggs benedict I made him for breakfast.

I was busy in the kitchen for a good chunk of the day yesterday. Cooking gives me measurable peace. It's like therapy to mix and chop and season. I made banana bread because I can't throw away overripe bananas. I can't throw them away because banana bread is Ted's love language. Then a made a batch of peanut butter cookies because they are Lily's jam. I made pheasant bread just because and a big pot of turkey chili. I had dinner simmering away in the crock pot on the counter all day. My dad stopped by midday to deliver his much loved beef barley soup, a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine. We shouldn't have to leave the house until June.

It was a nice surprise to have a short, unexpected visit with him. And then late afternoon my brother and sister in law stopped by. Their impending visit was solely responsible for the shower I very much needed.

The kids were busy with friends all weekend. Mike and I decided to see Green Book Saturday night. It was better than I expected. It was poignant without feeling forced or overdone. We laughed more than I expected too.

So not much to report or espouse upon. Just that I am enjoying the uneventful days of January and the snow that forces us to slow down. I find that it's in these lingering moments that the extraordinary ordinary is the most evident.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

Keeping warm any way possible. Winter finally arrived on our side of the lake and it's been cold and snowy as it should be in late January. This is wool weather and I'm loving it. These two furbabes don't mind it either.

My boss for brushing off my car during a snow storm the other day.

Story slams. I took Candace to her first slam this week. It wasn't the best I've heard, and yet it was a wonderful night because just being there is special. It's because I know this that I went out after a day of staying cozy inside watching the snow pile up. Downtown was abuzz too. Neil Young was in town and there was a Marquette game. There was a feeling of festivity and camaraderie in the air.

My nephew attended the concert and on his way back to Lacrosse, he hit ice, lost control of his car and plummeted down an embankment. He's okay. His car is not.

Mid-week soup parties. I made stock during the snowstorm Wednesday. It's such a cozy thing to do. Then I made a pot of chicken noodle soup. Thursday after work, I made bread and another batch of cabbage soup with farro. Jess joined us for dinner. The entire loaf was devoured, but we have lots of soup to get us through this cold snap.

                                          The winter sky. I'm sort of captivated. 

Stacks. Dani Shapiro's latest memoir was recently published and I started it. Then she was interviewed in The Times Book Review, which I love, love, love. I quickly ordered some of her recs from the library and I feel rich as Roosevelt with this stack. I've long been a Truitt fan and I'm loving  Hall's essays.

This is why:

When I was young, my language wore coats and shirts and trousers, neckties, bespoke shoes. In my lifetime as a writer I have cast off layer after layer of clothing in pursuit of nudity. I hold nothing back except transitions that might once have elaborated notes in to an essay. In a paragraph or two, my prose embodies a momentary victory over fatigue. As I write toward my nineties I shed my skin. I tell short anecdotes, I hazard an opinion, speculate, assume, and remember. Why should the nonagenarian hold back anything?

Why should anyone?

Another kind of stack. Homemade onion rings for a cold day lunch.

Top Chef. I'm hooked. It's funny too because I really don't cook or eat like that, but I'm fascinated by their knowledge and their abilities.

My writing companion. Although it's a struggle to get much done when he's purring and pawing all over me.

We've completely deChristmased. Out with the greens and in with the tulips. I bought these for a dinner party last weekend and they are still going strong.

Two new orchids too.

Dinner parties. It's such a welcoming way to spend time together.

Sunday night dinner.

Uncle Brad was our guest last weekend. The steaks were not the best. Too thin. I was glad he urged me to bake the tuna casserole I made for him to take home. We both enjoyed our mom's signature dish.

My crew. Company while I clean up. 

A very mellow weekend in our purview.

Dear Lily Kathleen,

These pictures below are from your first date. Don't ask how they were procured. Since, there's been a second. This time the movies. Escape Room. As far as I know, there were no pictures. By your own observation, your brother is either a late bloomer or you are early. When you told me you liked this boy and he liked you, you brought up the fact that T. has only had dates for dances. I never expected this from you, and I'm also not surprised. I was your age once long ago, but not far away. More than anything I'm happy that you told me about him and one of the things you told me is that he's nice to your friends. The only cautionary tale I'd tell you is not to make the boy the center of your universe. You still need your friends and it's important that you continue to make them a priority too. I didn't do that so I'm speaking from ill-fated experience. From regret. With rue.

Your dad drove to the movies and met him for the first time. He was impressed that he shook his hand and not so impressed that he didn't hold the door for you. I was won over that he bought you a ticket only to find out that his mom bought the tickets. That is a statement and a reminder of age.

Speaking of age, you are full-blown teenager these days. You are a bit moody. Usually when you're hungry, being asked to do something around the house, or when you don't like your outfit, which by the way can be the get-up you had to have and bought just days before. You spend most of your time at home in your room and are almost always on your phone. We went out last Sunday to run errands and you were on Snapchat the entire time. When I asked what you're doing or who you're texting you said, nothing...no one.

You are acing your freshman year. You are a good student: in class, of life. You seem to me to strike a perfect balance between being serious and being social. They are both important.

More than anything, I'm just happy that you're happy and that you have nice friends to share this experience with. I know how important it is to surround yourself with good people and I like to think that I've taught you that. Quality over quantity. People who lift you up.

Being your mom certainly lifts me up. I love you to the wolf moon and back Cutie.

XX,

Mom

Inches

Out my window the snow is accumulating steadily. The world looks so perfect and peaceful that I'm resisting sleep. I was lounging on the couch literally watching the snow fall earlier. I suspect I'm also resisting sleep because I'm feeling a little off, unsettled, out of sorts. The funny thing is that I've really been quite on, balanced and straight. I suppose I'm still going to have funks, and they may be even more noticeable after prolonged periods of positivity.

Peanut is curled up behind me keeping me warm. I'm doing the same for him. The cold and the snow...they don't bother me. My boss said to stay home tomorrow if the weather is inclement. I chuckled because I only live 5 minutes from the office, but I appreciate his concern and generosity. The truth is that I could really use a snow day to make some soup and do some reading. I had designs on recreating the Cabbage Soup with Farro just not the energy. I had delicious plans for dinners all this week in fact, but I've been existing on my Mom's tuna casserole, which I fixed this weekend. Existing happily even though hers was so much better. My kids don't seem too put out by leftovers and fending, and yet I feel guilty for curling up on the couch for a Top Chef marathon. As much as I know I should get up and get something done, I cannot pull myself away from the television. This On Demand is going to be dangerous.

It's exam week so they have adjusted schedules. They were both scheming about a snow day tomorrow. It makes no sense to me since they are amply prepared for the day's exams. I don't understand why they don't just want to get them over with and then goof off in the snow.

It was another snowy night Friday. I went to book club with my group. We had a small, but steady group due to the weather. The ladies who couldn't come missed an intimate evening of wine and warm soup. We discussed Before We Were Yours. A little. One friend didn't read it and another found the topic a little too close to home. I didn't love it, which wasn't a popular opinion.

I did love a night we recently had with friends. We invited them for dinner. We used to do this with them all the time before kids and we've recently reconnected as couples. We made a kind of fancy, but not fussy dinner: Chicken Marsala, Julia Childs' Garlic Mashed and roasted asparagus. They brought a beautiful wine. We ate Chocolate Mousse with Almond Cream and played a game and before they left we said that we will do this again and soon. I have missed them. Us.

Tomorrow I'm going to a story slam with another pal. The night's topic is gut feeling. I think it could be a good one. It'll be nice to bundle up on the cold winter night for some time together as well as a connection with the bigger group. It's true that I'm feeling a little like I don't want to go, but the thing is that I know I'm going to have a great night. Sometimes just showing up is half the battle. Saying yes. Faking it until making it. Taking small steps. Moving inches.

Amen. Alleluia.

Sorrow in one hand. Joy in the other. Being human is a prayer.

~Giro Boga

Dear Theodore Michael,

As I type this I wonder, will you be Teddy or become Theo, or just Ted? That was the point when we gave you your name: plentiful and strong options. I really feel that you cannot go wrong. There's not a single derivative you've not been called. Except maybe Edward. Although you have been known as Tedward, for the record.

When I came home from work yesterday, you'd just wrapped up your video interview with Boulder for a scholarship you're pursuing. You were excited to share with me some of the questions, but mostly your answers. I admire your confidence. You said, I'm good at interviews. I'm a good presenter. I think quick on my feet. And it did sound that things went swell. We need it and other things to go well as Colorado is double the tuition as Madison. Madison another fine institution, which is not only cheaper, but also much closer.

It's crossed my mind that's maybe why you want to go to Boulder: to really leave the nest. You know, for a long while I was convinced it was the distant proximity as well as the surrounding slopes. Talking with you today, I think it's much more than that. You are really thinking about your future. You have done your research and you've found that this business school is a better fit for you. I can see how. I can see why. There are some unique and appealing aspects about the experience Boulder offers.

I'm impressed that you're working hard to secure scholarship money that makes it a more viable an option. You're putting skin in the game and that shows a lot. A lot of character and commitment. One of the questions you were asked during your interview today was, What makes a good leader? Your answer was, Being a good speaker, but also a good listener. Patience and bravery. I couldn't agree more.

While we're in the thick of figuring out next year (or really this fall..ugh), I am trying hard to not forget about the here and the now. I don't get the sense that you want to speed the plow, or rush through this time and space any more than I do. This is sort of a grace-filled time. The really hard work is done and now you can enjoy the rest of senior year with your squad of friends...many of whom you've been together with since your school days started. I love that you have a standing Tuesday night date to watch Marvel movies with the boys. I don't mind when I see random guest charges at the club because you need to field a team for basketball. It's all good.

I love you Teddy and I'm very proud of you. Sure, there are a few things I wish you'd pay more attention to, but they pale in comparison to the many things that you take seriously, that you take pride in.

And for the record, I saw you were teary eyed at the end of Silver Linings Playbook yesterday afternoon and it warmed my heart. You see another essential quality of a great leader is heart.

I love you T. Bone.

XX,

Mom

Winter Inventory

It's been quite a while since I've written a smash up of life at present and since I don't know where to begin with the odds and ends I want to capture, this seems like a fine start.

Reading: I'm about to finish Before We Were Yours for book club on Friday. I don't know that I'd have read it by choice, but it's been a decent selection: rather sad and predictable, but entertaining and educating too. I'm about to start Dani Shapiro's new memoir Inheritance. I've been waiting for this one for what feels like forever. Shapiro's stories are always intimate and illuminating. I feel like her confidant, friend, student, sister.

Then I'll likely get into Where the Crawdads Sing, which I was lucky to receive for Christmas. I didn't love much of what I read in the last months of the year so I'm carefully curating my 2019 chosen reads. Stay tuned.

Wondering: How long this feeling of contentedness will last. I wake up feeling grateful in the morning and I go to bed every night feeling thankful. Actually, it's more than that. I feel happy and light too. It's not exactly my nature so I find myself suspicious of these buoyant feelings.

I'm also wondering what my next chapter looks like because I know there will be one. I feel like I'm living my life in reverse. My work life. Most people have a myriad of experiences when they are young and getting started. I feel like I may have more change in the prime of my working years after spending 25+ years at one job. I'll stay put as long as I am contributing and valued where I am, but I'm no longer terrified to try something new if the situation warrants it.

Thinking: Why I have the recurring dream that I've wasted a whole semester by not attending a single college class and now I have to show up for the exam I'm not prepared for. In fact, I don't even know where the exam is. The campus is unfamiliar. I am lost. Why I often dream that I'm on some exotic vacation, but I never even step foot out of the room. These aren't exactly dreams of panic. It's more regret.

Watching: Mike and I have been on a movie kick. Nothing I have to taut as a must see. Bird Box was meh. The Apostle was wtf. Seven Pounds was really? The Invasion was fine. Hereditary almost had us and then that end was so so so...out there. I think the glut of content takes away from the quality.

I was fortunate to see The Book of Mormon again. I laughed so hard. Blushed too. And also felt a little sorry that I skipped church that morning. I should probably have confession. Lily and I haven't seen a single high school show this year. I love theatre hopping and luckily we still have the spring musical season to look forward to.

Eating: I haven't had a whole heck of a lot of kitchen inspiration lately. I feel like I'm always making the same things. I'm working on adding some new recipes to the rotation at Casa Wags. Unfortunately, most of the recipes I want to try don't appeal to one or both of the kids. Sometimes that doesn't stop me though.

This very simple Smitten Kitchen recipe for Cabbage Soup with Farro was literally calling to me. I had to make it. I have to make it again. Mike and I loved it. It was such a delicious example of simplicity and depth and comfort. You must love cabbage though if you call this a meal. I enjoyed it so much that I shared some with two friends because #foodislove. And I left the last bowl for Mike. #thatislove

Lily, Mike and I made a pit stop at a local bakery. Simma's treats were a staple of my childhood. We picked up some pastries and cakes for a friend turning 50 that day and then stood in line all over again to take home some morning buns.

They became French toast the next morning, but not before Ted ate one with ice cream the night before as dessert. In hindsight we all agreed, they're best left as is. It's such an important lesson too.

Wanting; More hours in a day...days in a week...weeks in a year. A crystal ball. Winning lottery numbers. Peace on earth. Enough food and clean water for the hungry. Shelter for the homeless. Hope for the hopeless. Some joy for all hearts. Every soul to feel safe and loved.

Enjoying: Where we are right now...my little family of four. The kids have active social lives, but they are open to some family time too. Mike and I have been getting out or entertaining in more. It's nice. We have a couple overnight getaways and a dinner party in our purview. We've both been getting out on our own a bit more with friends too. It feels good. And at the same time, I am happy as a clam staying home sweet home all day and night too. Oh, Saturday bumming, going out for lunch and this Classic Italian from the original Milwaukee sub shop. It's really the little things in life.

Loving: Anne Taylor blouses. I've always been a sweater girl this time of year, but I've recently become a big fan of their pretty shirts. Classic Bass Weejuns. Scarves. Christmas tree lights (yes...still). Lily's room redo. It's boho meets shabby sheek. January. Talks with Teddy. He's got a lot of insight for an 18 year old. Talks with Lily too. She's another one wise beyond her years. Life.

Be.Here.Now

It's Wednesday, but I cannot shake the feeling that it should at least be Thursday. I think I have just a tinge of the post-holiday blahs. More so in the sense that it all just goes so fast. And all I want is for these days and nights to last. Not forever, just longer. Well, maybe forever. This time with the four of us still at home together feels important and special. Who am I kidding...Teddy is rarely home and Lily's here less and less, but the point is that they come home every night and that gives me great peace and happiness.

When I came home from work today, I crawled into Lil's new big bed (with her reluctant permission) and we watched an episode of The Office together. I love that she loves that show. We used to snuggle side by side many a night in my bed watching one program or another, but not so much anymore. I really miss those times so I was extra grateful that she let me crash her pad for awhile. I like to think she even liked it.

I had to get up to get the phone. It was the vice principal. He was calling to tell me about an incident today in the girl's bathroom involving one of Lily's friends. A friend I would never in a million years have guessed would be doing what she was caught doing. A good choice friend. I was that age once and I remember all the antics that occurred in the high school bathroom. He was quick to tell me that Lily didn't do anything wrong, but that he wanted me to be aware that she was there and what went down. I thanked him for calling all the while thinking I know she did nothing wrong. I know my girl and she would never do that. In a split second, reality hit me. Teenagers can be sneaky. I hid so much from my mom. What don't I know?

I went back to her room. She knew exactly who was on the phone. I was very calm. She started to cry. The tears flowed because she was conflicted about telling me and betraying her friend who she's worried about, cares about and wants to have in her life despite this recent bad habit.
We talked and I think both felt much better. I'm still learning how to best communicate with my teenage daughter because it's so very important to get it right.

While we were making dinner tonight, Ted was hanging around the kitchen salivating. He's a hungry boy these days because he's amped up his workouts. We were talking about where he's at in the scholarship process. He's a candidate for a Leed's scholarship at the University of Colorado-Boulder. That led to a discussion about how different it is today from when Mike and I were at this point in our lives. He lamented about the pressure and the preparations. I cannot deny that I don't remember an ounce of the stress he's feeling. He recently said that he's just trying to enjoy his life now and not think about leaving home. I know he's more excited than scared to leave his family and friends to get out on his own, but I'd be big fat lying if I didn't admit that makes me feel a little good. He already knows home is not a bad place to be. He already knows that he'll miss it when he's gone.

He was accepted into Madison a couple weeks ago. We found out via a text he sent us from a friend's.  Remember...almost never home. After the dancing Bucky bitmoji, he typed...I couldn't have done it without your love and support. I was a marshmallow. An ecstatic marshmallow! I'm really hoping for numerous reasons that he chooses my alma mater, but I am trying damn hard to let it be his choice.

My oldest friend turned 50 last week. Oldest as in known the longest. She's not big into her birthday, but Mike and I tracked her down so we could toast her on her special day. I think she was touched and that was the point. We have a GNO planned in her honor on Saturday. Quaint and low key, but I'm very excited for the gift I know will surprise and delight her. And also the celebratory night out with some of the best people I know.

I cannot believe I'll be 50 in August. I was thinking about my mom's 50th birthday the other day. My mom was young (and wise) beyond her years, but I have to confess that she seemed so much older to me at that age than I see myself now. Sometimes I don't even feel like a grown up yet. It's like I'm still waiting for the answers and the secrets and the spoils. Capisce?

And speaking of growing up...Lily had her first date on Sunday. Her first date with a boy. He asked her to go ice skating. They met at the rink downtown. God forbid they arrive in the same car. I just happened to be across the street with her aunts, uncle and grandma seeing The Book of Mormon. (Just as irreverent and hilarious the second time around btw.) During intermission, we flanked the wall of windows that looks directly out at the rink with our opera glasses trying to get a glimpse of Lily and her friend. We finally spotted them. They looked sweet. After the show, she spotted us crossing the street in route for post-show libations and small plates. She waved. I waved nonchalantly and kept walking. I felt bad like I should go up and introduce myself, but there was no way I thought this poor boy wanted to meet her entire family on the first date. That would have killed the chances for a second. She confirmed that she thought there would be a second. He offered to buy her a hot cocoa (being the independent young woman that she is, she bought her own), they didn't run out of things to talk about and they skated for 3 hours. I definitely think they'll be another. I'm trying real hard this week to leave it alone and not ask too many questions. It's all part of the communicating with teens challenge. Ask too many and they won't answer any.

I started exercising again this week. I've not been able to much (or at all) since I started my new job. Now things have settled down at work and we are post-holiday so it seems like a good time to get back at it, but it's so #&@!ing hard to rebuild that discipline. I should have never stopped. I know I need to make time for it in the mornings because when I come home at the end of the day, I just want to make dinner and chill especially at this time of the year. It's equal parts permission and perseverance to make things work. Accepting what is and then persisting within those limits. And then taking it day by day.

And that brings me to my word for 2019. Words really. Be.here.now. It's something I remind myself of daily. I'm better at it some days than others. I kind of failed it much of last year because I spent most of the year either looking back or flashing forward. I couldn't help myself. Hello, permission.  The thing is that I know the benefits that living in the moment bring. I want to practice presence so that I am able to eke out the most from these moments I so cherish. Amen. Good night.

Grateful Friday

Today I give thanks for...

Making the time to stop here this morning. It's something I'm not doing enough and I want to change that in 2019. It is one of my intentions to write more often.

This guy. He had off for the holidays and I was happy because he needed a break. He wrapped almost all of our presents, worked out at the club with Ted a few times and spent some time relaxing.

My family.

When all you have to bring to Christmas Eve dinner is the side.

Taking your boss a par-baked Lisa's pizza, which just happens to be his favorite and hearing him say that it was the best gift he's received in a long time.

We are now living in fort Knox. Casa Wags is camerad up. The good news is we have only seen raccoons and cats and opossum lurking on our porches.

Tigger is my playboy and preener. He begs for us to pick up strings and his favorite brush.

Peanut always has either food or cuddling on the brain. The other day I left the kitchen for not more than a couple minutes and he crawled up on the counter to drag this stick of butter to his favorite chair. And as you can see, he managed to break through the packaging and help himself to a taste.

We're still very much enjoying the Christmas tree and will be for some time to come. My goal is to get it curbside on the last possible day of pick up.

Ted knows how to play Backgammon now. My dad wants him to learn crib. After dinner on Christmas Eve, he suggested a game of poker and he took everyone's money.

My view these days. In my favorite chair with my favorite throw with a cat on my lap and a movie on the tv. 

January. It's slow and steady. Still a little festive. I still feel the hygge.

Holiday Life

It's funny to me the way that so much of the world is done with Christmas January 2nd. Trees are dragged out to the curb, the egg nog is poured down the drain and good will goes out the window. The rat race resumes and resolutions set in. Don't get me wrong. I know that we have to return to the real world so we can pay for all the presents that were wrapped pretty under the tree just last week. I grant you that the needles start to fall and fast. It's true that resolutions are good things. The thing is...I'm just unable to flip the switch so flippantly. I'm a hold out every year and I cannot...I will not...apologize for the fact that I like to let the holiday peace and joy, and the seasonal hygge linger into the new year. 

To that end I must confess that I'm still eating Christmas cookies with my coffee, watching Christmas movies (The Christmas Chronicles was really clever and cute) and working on my intentions for 2019. I'm excited about the upcoming year. The last one was tough. 2018 involved deep introspection, messy excavating, confronting fears, overcoming doubts, taking scary chances and ultimately growth in self love, respect and confidence. The thing is I am happy. Happier than I've been in such a long time and I want more of that. I don't want stagnation or complacency although I'm quite fine with a little coasting and basking right now.

Christmas was really phenomenal this year. All of our celebrations. I felt present and blessed and loved. I had a calmness about me going into the holiday week that I believe was a factor in my ability to just go with the it, show up, expect little, enjoy a lot. 

Christmas Eve we celebrated at my Dad's. It's a long haul for all of us, but it makes him so happy to host that it's worth it. My step-mom loves to decorate and my dad loves to plan and execute the meal. This year he committed to beef wellington. He made the duxelle and the pate himself and it was delicious. 

Ted drove us home in the wee hours. I was the first one up Christmas morn, but I didn't have to quick get Santa gifts out or eat cookies. Instead I hung out with my cats and my coffee and I waited for the rest of the house and my monkey bread to rise. We had to coax T. Bone out of bed because Lil was ready to attack the pile. The boys were ready to attack their banana.

The kids were gracious and I believe very happy. Lily was most excited about the Nike shoes she wanted that she didn't think she was getting, but I scoured the Internet until I finally found a pair and then I prayed that this obscure website would actually deliver. She opened her air pods last and they were disguised in a much bigger box. She was surprised and I was not about the fact that they've scarcely left her ears since Christmas morning. Ted didn't have much on his wish list this year and he acknowledged that was a sign that he doesn't need or want for much. Hands down his favorite gift was his Patagonia sweater, and it is a beaut. He's worn it every other day. He'll appreciate the Visa gift card when he takes his ski trip over spring break. I surprised my guy with an overnight in Green Lake to see Willy Porter in February. All good.

We couldn't linger over brunch with a game because family was waiting for us for another celebration. Mike filled his deviled eggs (it's what he always brings to his Mom and Dad's) and I plated a gigantic tray of cookies and we set out for another lovely celebration. We ate, we drank, we laughed and I didn't take many pictures, but it was a good time with brothers and cousins.

Baby Teddy turned 18 on the 27th and at the last minute we pulled together a family dinner at his favorite pizza place. It happens to be my dad and my brother's favorite too. It was a wonderful, impromptu celebration for a milestone birthday. The icing on the cake was that a bunch of Ted's friends came over after we got home for pie. French silk at the birthday boy's request. Mike pulled the one gift wrapped in 3 boxes trick. The birthday boy was only mildly annoyed until he found a new phone in the last box.

We were proactive this year in making New Year's plans. We almost always celebrate with the same families, but it's usually rather last minute. This year Mike and I decided well in advance that we would host an adult's only dinner party because let's be real the teenagers want to hang out with their friends not their parents. Both kids had plans that night. I set the table pretty with china, stocked up on champs and planned an easy menu. Mike and I hit up Gloriosos for the fixings for lasagna and a very scrumptious antipasto salad. Panna cotta with fresh berries and homemade Irish Cream was dessert, which we enjoyed while playing a game. It was a perfect night with some of my most cherished friends. The boys even did the dishes.

New Year's day was the perfect stay in  pajamas and watch movies all day kind of day. Three total. We took a break to roast some mouth watering lobster tails and toast the new year. I think we're off to quite a stellar start.