Thursday, December 31, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Traditions
We all have traditions in our families; they are meaningful in our lives and are a part of our story, our legacy of what we pass down from generation to generation. Brian and I often talk about the traditions we were raised with, what we would like to continue in our own home, and what we would like to create for our own family...by definition, tradition means in so many words "the passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation."
One of the things we decided as part of our Christmas tradition is to pick out and buy an ornament together for each year. In both our families we had Christmas trees stock-full of ornaments, no two alike. In some ways, this holds close to our heart the kind of trees we had growing up, but also adds a new dimension in that we will personally choose a new one to add on each year. The year will be recorded in some way on the ornament...so, now we have 2 ornaments. Our first was actually given to us by Michel and Rachel; it's a ceramic heart with the words "Our first Christmas" with shamrocks on it. Here's a picture of the ornament we picked out for this year; if you look closely, you'll be able to see the trinity knot symbol that was used in our wedding programs.
One of the things we decided as part of our Christmas tradition is to pick out and buy an ornament together for each year. In both our families we had Christmas trees stock-full of ornaments, no two alike. In some ways, this holds close to our heart the kind of trees we had growing up, but also adds a new dimension in that we will personally choose a new one to add on each year. The year will be recorded in some way on the ornament...so, now we have 2 ornaments. Our first was actually given to us by Michel and Rachel; it's a ceramic heart with the words "Our first Christmas" with shamrocks on it. Here's a picture of the ornament we picked out for this year; if you look closely, you'll be able to see the trinity knot symbol that was used in our wedding programs.
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Happy Holidays
December 26th...the excitement and anticipation of the holidays have come to an end, but the joy, warmth, love, and memories remain. We enjoyed yet another quiet Christmas with the two of us in Dublin...we started our morning by checking out our stockings, what joy! I didn't grow up with a stocking tradition, so Brian shared with me a tradition of his family...putting small token gifts in the other's tocking. In his family, each person has a designated stocking created by his mom (he has had the same stocking for the last 32 years), and the stocking is filled by Santa (aka his parents). I now have my own stocking at the Carter household alongside Brian, Jason, Amy, Justin, Michel, Rachel, and Waggles.
Following the stockings, my day began by starting the process of making homemade yeast rolls and Banoffee pie for dessert (an Irish/English dessert that consists of graham cracker crust, a layer of caramel/toffee, a layer of bananas, topped with whipped cream and chopped walnuts. The dinner menu: turkey breast stuffed with spinach and feta, salad, mashed potatoes, corn, and homemade rolls. Over dinner we reminisced about our childhood Christmas memories...it's amazing what other memories surface when you start reflecting back.
After dinner, gift time! We exchanged our gifts...we like to open them one at a time taking turns so we can watch the other's excitement. We definitely know and spoil each other well. :)
One of the highlights of the day was being able to Skype with our families and enjoy Christmas with them from afar...we are so thankful for advanced technology; Christmas (and living abroad) would not be the same without being able to "see" our families and friends.
We hope you had an amazing holiday season full of love and laughter!
Love and hugs,
r&b
Sunday, December 20, 2009
PEZ...brings out the kid in you
Those of you that know Brian know that he's literally a kid at heart, but there are some things from childhood that will always follow...note what brings a smile to Brian's face to this day. It's a good thing that PEZ only requires one hand, with the occassional assistance in re-filling it.
FUN FACT FOR THE DAY:
FUN FACT FOR THE DAY:Did you know that PEZ is the brand name of an Austrian confectionery? The name PEZ was derived from the start, the middle, and the end of the German word for peppermint-PFEFFERMINZ. The first PEZ flavour was peppermint.
Waggles...
We miss you! Waggles was brought into the Carter family on December 28, 1997...she brought so much joy and love to everyone she encountered. Bailey adored her and despite their age difference, they found ways to play together, but also enjoyed their fair share of relaxing together. Waggles will always be in our heart...she died on December 18, 2009.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
2 months in review...
Why do I do this? I really wish I could be like my friend Shauna, and blog on a regular and consistent basis...one of my resolutions for 2010 is to be a better blogger. Well, here's my attempt in briefly capturing the last 2 months after the 12th October:
October 2009:
Good friends Kyle and Mabel visited us from Seattle; we enjoyed travelling to Amsterdam with them and celebrating Halloween decked out in costumes.
November 2009:
We started off the beginning of November with another trip back to the States; this time we headed to San Diego first to celebrate Holly and Jason's wedding and even got to see good friends Lindsey and Jake, their 2 kids, and Cash (their dog), then flew back to Chicago to spend time with the Feder family. Luckily for us, we were able to have a 2-hour layover in Seattle, and spent a short, but sweet time with the Carter family.
At SeaTac airport, we were able to spend some quality time with Michel and Rachel, Jason and Amy, and Waggles. We were gifted some yummy sugar coated almonds made by Rachel...she makes them every year for the holidays, and we were lucky enough to bring some back with us. Waggles, the family golden retriever, enjoyed all the attention that was doted on her by us and other bystanders in the airport. She has lived such an amazing, love-filled life...her age appears to be catching up with her and we know this may be our last time seeing her.
In Chicago, we enjoyed hanging out with my parents, my brother and sister, and BAILEY! It was so good to see and hold Bailey again; I worried that she wouldn't remember us, but she proved us wrong by slobbering us with kisses. Bailey is so loved and happy in Chicago...she couldn't be in a better place. I decided that since we don't know when we'll return to the States, it's only fair that Bailey remains where she's most loved, and right now that's in Chicago. Tami is now her proud momma...as much as it hurts, it's the right thing to do. We see her often on skype and will see her every time we visit the family. I went to a mini high school reunion with the girls after about 14 years--we all reunited via Facebook and decided that when I was in town, a mini reunion was in order. We met at Big Bowl in Lincolnshire and chatted the night away...can't wait to see them again!
Who ever said Americans can't celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland is wrong...we attended not 1, not 2, but 3 delicious Thanksgiving dinners with wonderful company, great food, and awesome craic.
One of the best news in November is near and dear to my heart...our friend Shauna, is a momma! She went to Ethiopia and brought home her precious daughter, Maeve Mahlet Sinclair. We were able to meet this bundle of cuteness on Skype...she is ADORABLE and we can't wait to watch her grow and love on her with everyone else.
October 2009:
Good friends Kyle and Mabel visited us from Seattle; we enjoyed travelling to Amsterdam with them and celebrating Halloween decked out in costumes.
November 2009:
We started off the beginning of November with another trip back to the States; this time we headed to San Diego first to celebrate Holly and Jason's wedding and even got to see good friends Lindsey and Jake, their 2 kids, and Cash (their dog), then flew back to Chicago to spend time with the Feder family. Luckily for us, we were able to have a 2-hour layover in Seattle, and spent a short, but sweet time with the Carter family.
The wedding was gorgeous; the setting couldn't have been more perfect...such a beautiful setting for a beautiful couple. It was fun catching up with old friends, but of course, the time never feels long enough.
At SeaTac airport, we were able to spend some quality time with Michel and Rachel, Jason and Amy, and Waggles. We were gifted some yummy sugar coated almonds made by Rachel...she makes them every year for the holidays, and we were lucky enough to bring some back with us. Waggles, the family golden retriever, enjoyed all the attention that was doted on her by us and other bystanders in the airport. She has lived such an amazing, love-filled life...her age appears to be catching up with her and we know this may be our last time seeing her. 
In Chicago, we enjoyed hanging out with my parents, my brother and sister, and BAILEY! It was so good to see and hold Bailey again; I worried that she wouldn't remember us, but she proved us wrong by slobbering us with kisses. Bailey is so loved and happy in Chicago...she couldn't be in a better place. I decided that since we don't know when we'll return to the States, it's only fair that Bailey remains where she's most loved, and right now that's in Chicago. Tami is now her proud momma...as much as it hurts, it's the right thing to do. We see her often on skype and will see her every time we visit the family. I went to a mini high school reunion with the girls after about 14 years--we all reunited via Facebook and decided that when I was in town, a mini reunion was in order. We met at Big Bowl in Lincolnshire and chatted the night away...can't wait to see them again!
Who ever said Americans can't celebrate Thanksgiving in Ireland is wrong...we attended not 1, not 2, but 3 delicious Thanksgiving dinners with wonderful company, great food, and awesome craic.
One of the best news in November is near and dear to my heart...our friend Shauna, is a momma! She went to Ethiopia and brought home her precious daughter, Maeve Mahlet Sinclair. We were able to meet this bundle of cuteness on Skype...she is ADORABLE and we can't wait to watch her grow and love on her with everyone else.
December 2009:
This Christmas will be a very low-key and relaxing Christmas; I have yet to decide on a menu and will need to start thinking about that soon. After 3 Thanksgiving dinners, I'm thinking homemade pizza and salad sounds good. :)
Holiday parties for work, brunch/cookie exchange with the girls, Chanukkah, Christmas shopping, holiday traditions, Brian's surgery...that sums up the first 3 weeks of December.
Finding a menorah in Ireland is not just nearly impossible, but impossible. So, Brian and I have improvised and used house candles instead. Next year, we may just use tea lights to minimize any fire hazards. Last year, I made a paper menorah and taped it to the wall, at least this year, we are celebrating with more 'realistic' items. We celebrate Chanukkah by remembering the story of Chanukkah, and me saying that I'll make homemade potato latkes, but never really getting there (I will this month!), and each night after lighting our candle, we give each other a small gift. The gift is to not exceed 5 euros, so it becomes a quest for creativity as well.
Brian finally had his surgery that I posted about earlier in the Fall...he put his trust and faith in Dr. Hannan Mullet, who has extensive experience in working with sport injuries, specifically shoulders. Brian had what is called shoulder stabilization surgery on the 16th December; the doctor re-attached his tendon with screws, repaired his cartilage, and fixed the "bumper" of the shoulder. Recovery is a slow, but steady process. So far, so good...Brian has experienced minimal pain and has not needed to take any of his pain killers since we've been home. He is off work for 4-weeks to allow time for his shoulder to heal; in 2 weeks he can start very basic exercises, and in 4 weeks time he will start physical therapy on a weekly basis.
This Christmas will be a very low-key and relaxing Christmas; I have yet to decide on a menu and will need to start thinking about that soon. After 3 Thanksgiving dinners, I'm thinking homemade pizza and salad sounds good. :) We hope this holiday season brings you all much joy, love, and laughter...here's to 2010 and a healthy new year for us all.
Love,
Love,
r&b
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