invested

You’ve got to be. In the holidays that is. This year, more than ever it seems, I am clinging tightly to all that the holidays have to offer. Last week at church, our priest gave a homily about what it is you would do differently if you knew that this was your last Thanksgiving...your last Christmas. And it started me thinking. It’s not about the gifts. It’s not about the sacrifices I make to fly home for the holidays. And it’s definitely not about the money. For me, it’s all about family, friends, and...well, decorations. I have to admit- decor is one of my favorite parts of this time in the year. Soft twinkle lights, beautiful glittered ornaments, warm fires and soothing music. And when the décor and the family come together, I am completely happy.

Here are a few things I’ve been working on:

1. The magic tree. I came across this picture in a Pottery Barn catalog and decided I had to have one of my own! My magic tree is filled with glittered butterfly pins, and gold and silver birds. Mine is a mini tree this year to start. I absolutely love it, and hope to start a tradition of having not only the main Christmas tree in our house every year, but a separate “magic tree.” I guess it brings out the kid in me. Maybe, by magic, Santa can deliver one present under the magic tree extra early- one week before Christmas.


2. Name cards. I am going home in two days for Thanksgiving in Anchorage and wanted to take something to add to our dinner table for the big meal. Name place cards are one of the things that I love in all holiday catalogs! They make the table so personalized and also add a bit of color. I know. Me? Color?


3. History. I want to start emphasizing the importance of history during the season. Jonathan collects Christmas ornaments, and has about 30 unique ones he’s picked up from his travels around the world. Since becoming a couple, we have continued this tradition. We brought home the cutest ornament in the shape of an elephant bell from Thailand, and a blue and white shoe from the Dutch colony of Curacao when we were in the Carribean. I also dug up some old-time artifacts. Hanging on Jonathan’s stocking is a mold of his hand when he was 3 years old. So cute. So small. And I think it makes for another historical touch to our Christmas.

If my magic tree, place cards, and touches of history are all that I unwrap this year- I will be happy. And if family and friends are all that I have around me this Christmas- I will most definitely be happy. Even if it’s my last!

hip happity birthday jonathan!

I can't help but absolutely LOVE birthdays. And I know that it's because my mom did such a fantastic job of them while I was growing up. They are everything that is colorful, whimsical, and magical in the course of an ordinary month. Jonathan turned the big 33 today! While he isn't as excited about getting older as I am, I wanted to bring some flimsy fun to the day. My sister Natalie helped me hit up the party store for 33 colorful balloons and my favorite New York cupcake shop for 6 rainbow cups of frosting.

The day was filled with coffee and waffles in the morning, watching the Notre Dame game in pajamas, a birthday massage for Jonathan at the spa, a home-cooked meal on our new dining room table, a very nice bottle of wine, and some birthday singing to candles. It was a great day to be 33!

another one bites the dust!

Yes- another one has jumped off the deep end. Well, gotten married that is. Chrissy is one of my best friends from Saint Mary's College. She married her long time boyfriend Mike Openlander. Chrissy Openlander. Christina Openlander...I'll have to get used to that one. Right about now- they should be basking in the hot sun on a sandy beach somewhere in Mexico. I couldn't be happier for them!

Jonathan and I had a great trip to Columbus, OH. We even got to spend some time with Jonathan's sister (and my new sister-in-law) Meredith. She's a junior at Ohio State. So, it was great to kill two birds with one stone. Meredith and I got our shopping on, and put in a few fabulous hours of girl talk. What a fun weekend!

With another trip crossed off the list...we are one step closer to going home to Anchorage for Thanksgiving. I can't wait!! More cinnamon rolls. (Those of you out there know what these mean to me.) Lots of catching up on the family gossip...attending the Great Alaskan Shootout...visiting long lost friends at my favorite historical bar in downtown (F Street), and fitting in some sledding in the snow. 2 weeks and counting!

a new day

This is a new day for the world. It is a new day to be an American. What an amazing feeling to be part of such a movement in a time when people need it most. I couldn't be more proud of our country. November 4, 2008 will forever be remembered as one of the most defining moments in American history. My grandkids might even ask me where I was and what I was doing at the time. Well- I'll tell you. Jonathan and I were camped out in front of our TV here in Bellevue, WA. After a nice dinner, we sat down to the rest of the political countdown with a nice big bowl of butter popcorn. Talk about a good show! Even though I was pretty sure that Obama would win, I sat there hanging on the edge of ever pundant's predictions.

Then, after the victory was called, we all waited in anticipation for the Obama family to come out onto the stage at Grant Park in Chicago to deliver his speech. They showed Oprah Winfrey on TV near the stage crying her eyes out. They showed Rev. Jesse Jackson near stage with a calm smile. It was like waiting for the main act to come onto stage after the opening act trailed off. Finally, the crowds errupted, the new first family walked out onto a stage lined with bullet-proof glass and delivered one of the most poised addresses I have ever heard. My eyes were watered. My skin had goosebumps. What a memory it will always be.

Opportunity has always been the strongest characteristic of the American dream. And I hope and pray that the leaps and bounds our country has taken this day will ensure a more prosperous tomorrow for the everyday lives we lead.

colorbutton goes live

After much anticipation and many many long long days glued to the computer- colorbutton had gone live! I'm starting on Etsy until I get my own site up and running- which may be 6 months or so. I was so excited to get my first REAL order from a lady in California yesterday!! Starting a business has always been something I've wanted to do. And, whether I sell one or a thousand pieces- I'll be glad to have had a go at it. Wish me luck!