In the midst of June birthdays and surprises and graduations, I nearly forgot the most significant milestone of the month. And today, Father’s Day, is the perfect time to honor it. My dad was diagnosed with laryngeal cancer five years ago this month. He was a smoker for 30+ years, and like many before him and many since him, he... Read more
Friday morning following Laura’s graduation ceremony, Mom and I got to work on the party menu. We purchased the necessary ingredients and began preparation for: Appetizers Fruit with Strawberry Cream Cheese Dip Meatballs Cheese and Crackers Main Course Lasagna Baked Penne with Roasted Vegetables Macaroni and Cheese Tossed Salad Crusty Italian bread Desserts Chocolate Cake Strawberry Shortcake Cake Coconut Cupcakes... Read more
I didn’t quite get to all of the projects I had planned for Laura’s graduation celebration (i.e. napkins Gocco’d with “Class of 2010”). But I think I did a pretty darn good job considering how busy I have been. First up: Graduation announcements and party invitations, designed in Adobe Illustrator and printed via Vistaprint. I carried the colors, fonts, and... Read more
Congratulations to the final family member to join the Dover High graduate club! Dad received his diploma in 1973 and Mom in 1974. I walked across the stage in 2000 and Andrew in 2002. And eight years later Laura turned her tassel! Laura was ecstatic to have both of her siblings home for the big event, including our brother straight... Read more
I hinted in my previous post that my brother, Andrew, gave us a great big surprise last week. Let me fill you in. I traveled home on Friday evening one week ago to celebrate Laura’s 18th birthday and Dad’s 55th birthday. We ate burgers on the back porch and retreated indoors when the dark clouds rolled in. The storm had... Read more
Laura turned 18 last week, which called for a very sweet celebration! Mom and I surprised her with a trip to the Hershey Spa for cocoa baths, cocoa massages, and unlimited Hershey’s Kisses. Before slipping into our plush robes, Laura and I visited the fitness center. Because that meant we could eat more chocolate throughout the day, right? We had... Read more
Tomorrow my mother and I have a special birthday surprise in store for my 18-year-old sister. Hint: It involves chocolate and plush robes. Also, not to be overlooked, the June birthday boys. Happy Sunday Birthday to Dad! Cupcakes shall be served. {Newport, 2007} And Happy Monday Birthday to Andrew! I would mail cupcakes across the pond, if I could. {Florence,... Read more
With just one month to go until our summer vacation, we still have accommodations to book, activities to plan, and restaurant reservations to make. So of course I’m turning to you, dear Internet friends, for recommendations! Take a look at our route. A Home B Saratoga Springs, NY C Burlington, VT D Montreal, Canada (with a day trip to Quebec... Read more
Today my little sister turns 18! (Read the letter I wrote on her 17th birthday.) {photo credit Robert Winton} Happy birthday, Laura! I can’t wait for your surprise birthday celebration on Saturday! Read more
Friday Last Friday I drove two hours west to Shippensburg University to watch my sister compete in the state track & field meet. Laura’s previous PR in the high jump was 5’5″, and after she cleared 5’4″ — along with seven other girls — the bar was raised to 5’6″. She had attempted that height before, but had never cleared... Read more