happy birthday, james

You just might be my favorite (big) little brother.

I love you.

a dapple of my weekend

Extremes, extremes, extremes. That's what my weekend was. I've not had a stranger, happier, more exhausting, devastating weekend, I don't think ever.

Let me back up.

My weekend started Thursday night, when Rachel finally flew home to us and we chatted nonstop the entire ride home from the airport. (You may think I'm exaggerating, but really--there was not one lull in conversation the whole 45 minutes. We can talk.) Friday morning was fantastic--I took the day off, we went to an early yoga class and met Mom for a leisurely breakfast.

Unfortunately, Friday evening we had to attend the wake for a dear family friend. Never have I seen the town come together as they did this weekend for a such a loved member of the community. It was a heartbreaking tragedy, but good to see so many familiar faces coming together.

This also meant that many friends came home from far and wide for the weekend. (Remember when I mentioned extremes?) It was so good to see old friends and unexpectedly get to be together again, despite the circumstances. (One friend had even planned on moving to Germany this past week, which he put off just long enough to be here for the family and see his friends one last time.)

All day Saturday was an exhausting "funeral," which really seemed more like a celebration. Tears were shed and laughter could be heard. Shared dishes were eaten and hugs were every two minutes. It was an unfathomably sad day.

I was so busy and mentally occupied that I didn't even have the desire to take a picture until Saturday night. Which was when regular, "everyone's home for the weekend" activities resumed, much to our delight.

Five crowns and Brandy Alexanders? Our families know each other so well.

While there was so much heartbreak and mourning this weekend, there was an equal amount of joy and festivity, as well.

The heat of Sunday brought out the towels in the backyard and the kids on the slip and slide. And Rachel was still home, thankfully.

Isn't she just the cutest? I love her so much.

Monday was a busy day of our Memorial Day picnic and party for my mom. Family and friends all came with dishes and it was just the perfect day to end the first summer weekend. Rachel and I might have been planning this for weeks, between you and me.

Oh, and I made an enormous chocolate cake with raspberry filling. From scratch. A la Deb, of course.

Have you ever seen a sweeter baby? Being a pro babysitter has its perks, I guess. Just look at this pose:

I mean, Mary and the other kids even caught fireflies in jars.

I sort of love summer.

So, it was a weekend of extremes. Inconceivable heartache, familiar joy, right next door.

Life sure does throw loops, sometimes.

We'll all miss you more than you know, Ydalmen.

Reasons Why I Love Being A Grown Up

#1:

We can have sleepovers. Whenever we want.

On work nights, even.

And on birthday eves? They're even better.

Happy birthday, Lauren.

xoxo

corner view: holidays

One day late, here's my corner view. Holidays, is the theme.

Everything's taken down, everything's packed up, everything's put away. All I have left is this Christmas box packed full of items rendered useless until next year, bought last season on clearance from Marshall's (don't you love getting the holiday clearances?) It's kind of sad, really. I'm afraid to put it too far out of sight, for fear of Christmas really disappearing. I guess I should face it.


Goodbye, holidays.

making the season bright.

This week, we had our huge annual event at work (which may have contributed slightly to my lack of blog presence . . .). Through the nonprofit I work for and a boys' prep school a few towns over, we raised over $10,000 and bought hundreds of toys for kids, giving them away at "Toy Shoppe." The parents are able to come and "shop" for their kids for free, in addition to enjoying a holiday party complete with Santa Claus and carolers. It doesn't sound like anything huge, but believe me--there was so much work put into this event that I don't think any of us slowed down for even a second, all week long. It was fun though, watching parents painstakingly make decisions over which toy to get their kid and seeing the kids posing for their pictures with Santa.

christmas is all around us

{Lucinda Symons, via Ill Seen Ill Said}

{Candy Hearts, via Oh, Mishka}

christmas in the house

Christmas Alphabet

Cocoa w/ marshmallows

Christmas Lights in Berlin

Oh Bokeh! Oh Joy!

happy birthday, baby sister.

Ten years ago (plus two days),

I was twelve and couldn't believe I was getting a baby sister.
Now, she's practically a tween (as she likes to think she is now).
Happy Birthday, MH :) I love you!