Play-off Sunday

While I am not a huge fan of football, I am a huge fan of family--so on the spur of the moment yesterday, I invited my kids and their families over to the house to watch football and be together. T.J. gave us his over sized TV last year when they realized it was just too big for their new house, and Ryan had been disappointed that he didn't get to spend even more time with Grandpa the day before so it seemed a good idea. At first, Ryan wanted to watch the game at his house--likely because his Daddy was watching there and would have to leave for another commitment with Zach at about halftime, so therefore wasn't going to come here. But then Uncle T.J. and Aunt Jodi said they would come and bring the doggies. So at about halftime of the first playoff game, Jen and the two little ones and T.J. , Jodi, Lucy and Lola all arrived. The kids were so happy to see Uncle T.J. and Aunt Jodi. Lucy and Lola were excited to see us, too. I wish I had thought to take a picture of Lola. She has grown so much since we last saw her! She is as big as Lily. Lola seemed to see Lily as the perfect playmate, and kept attempting to climb on her. I was really proud of Lily--while she loves both dogs, she didn't really like Lola's dominating behavior. She didn't fuss or cry, she just pushed Lola down and learned to use an authoritative voice with her (as authoritative as an almost-four-year-old can be). Naturally, Lily had lots of support from the adults in the room and eventually, Lola seemed to learn that she could play without being on top of Lily.

For dinner, I had put a chili in the crock pot, and we had some gourmet hot dogs from our box of Omaha Steak goodies that T.J. and Jodi gave us for Christmas. I sent Tom to the store earlier for hot dog rolls, and he came back with cheeses, sodas, and ice cream for dessert. I put out the cheese with some apples, clementines and a hot mustard for dipping. I don't think anyone left here hungry.

Since the Ravens weren't playing, we found ourselves rooting for other teams--there were two games and the way I see it, the team we were rooting for won the first game (Colts over Jets) and lost the second (Saints over Vikings). The Saints have never before in their history gone to the Super Bowl, so that was nice for them. It should be a fun game to watch. But I enjoyed the afternoon and evening with my family.

Happy events

Yesterday afternoon, my sisters and I met at a restaurant near our parents' home to make plans for a 60th Wedding Anniversary Celebration Dinner. Come early February, our parents will have been married for Sixty Years! We were really pleased with the restaurant and the room, and afterwards we headed straight to Mom and Dad's to let them in on the plan. We couldn't really do it as a surprise, since we want to be sure they will be there!

So we visited with Mom and Dad for a while, and then Mom asked if we could stay for dinner--she had actually baked a ham that day! So we called our hubbies to let them know they were on their own and we shared an impromptu meal with our parents. It was lovely. We helped with the dishes and then headed to our respective homes before the 'wintry mix' that was forecast started.

We are running a bit late with the final plans, so I made an email invitation last evening. After it has been vetted by my sisters, it will be sent out to the family. I am looking forward to the event. I am hoping we come up with some nice gifts (Cathy had some cute ideas) and other fun things. Suggestions? This is the Diamond Anniversary, if that spurs your creative flow.... ;-)

Still a lazy blogger...

I haven't posted at all for 2010...so, to catch up.

We spent New Year's Eve at Cathy & Jim's Shore House with several other members of the family. The house was full, but Cathy and Jim handled it very well. The bedrooms were all assigned to families (parents with children) and, of course, Mom and Dad. Tom and I were on the sleep sofa in the alcove, Janet and Jim got what Cathy's Jim referred to as "The Harry Potter Suite"--an air mattress under the stairs. There were young people on air mattresses in the dining room, and I think one in the living room, too. We had folks there from age 2 to 80, and we really enjoyed ourselves. Food was plentiful, with a delicious dinner, steamed shrimp later, a champagne toast at midnight, plentiful snacks, yummy breakfast casseroles the next morning, with mimosas if desired. In all, a lovely celebration of the New Year.

Just over a week ago, I looked after Ryan and Lily while Jen went to the doctor. While I was there--Jen was back, but I was still playing with the kids--I managed to put myself in a very vulnerable position that encouraged Lily to leap onto me. She landed on the back of my head, and my nose hit the floor hard. It felt really odd, like it should be bleeding, but it wasn't. Ryan was appalled that Lily did that while I still had my glasses on. I said something like 'not worried about the glasses, I think my nose is broken.' Ryan said "Let me see." I, idiot that I am, actually raised my head so six-year-old Ryan could check my nose. He reached over and 'tweaked' it between thumb and forefinger! Oddly enough, it did not hurt at all. Ryan proclaimed my nose all right, because he could 'feel bones in there.' Two days later, I took my swollen face to the doctor who, after exam and x-rays, declared it unbroken. He gave me percoset for pain and suggested warm compresses. It is still getting better. Swelling is almost gone, as is the soreness. I still get headaches that seemed to start about the same time, but I imagine they will go away with the swelling.

The same day I saw the doctor for my nose, my sister Janet hosted a lunch for our parents, Cathy and me. It was lovely. Janet had left up all her Christmas decor, she served beef burgundy, with choice of sweet potato pie or nut bread for dessert (I chose both). Afterward, we chatted and just enjoyed each other's company. It was great.

Last weekend was the first game of the playoffs, and the Ravens beat Oakland soundly. Tomorrow is their game against the Indianapolis Colts, and was are hoping they beat them, too. Tonight, Tom is taking me to the Hippodrome to see Young Frankenstein. Janet recommends it highly. She and Jim saw it on opening night because Jim won tickets! Woohoo! There is a country music concert tomorrow in Lucky's at the Power Plant downtown. It benefits St. Jude's. We may go--it will be in the afternoon, and is expected to be over in time for the game at 8:00. Busy weekend!

So, after a wonderful, very enjoyable holiday season, 2010 has started off pretty well (barring the nose incident, but that is really inconsequential). :)