Happy Halloween!

My witching hour was last night...when I was putting these little treat bags together while Catie and Anna were dreaming of tricks and treats! I love how they turned out...thank you SMJ! LOVE them! They are for Catie's class at school.

Catie is heading off with the entire kindergarten today for a Halloween parade and sing-along at a senior retirement community--I'm sure they'll love seeing the kids!

I'm on Halloween duty tonight with the girls...poor Rob has to work--but we will have fun trick-or-treating! I've vowed to myself not to stress out, trying to rush to get home to pass out candy. Our front porch will just have to be dark while we enjoy our time...then we'll go home and pass out treats.

Our little witch and Snow White are ready! I'll post pictures this weekend!

Happy Halloween to you all! :)

P.S. It's Digital Scrapbook Day tomorrow! Enjoy all you digi goddesses! There are some good sales! :)

TV Star?

Catie just loves her daddy..and a conversation yesterday morning before school proves it! She and Rob were talking about his job, and if he could ever have a new job where he wouldn't have to work at night. (Ahh..the life of TV news)

Catie had a revelation: "Daddy, I know what you can do!"

Rob answers: "What?"

Catie: "You could be ON TV! (instead of where he is now "behind the scenes")

Rob: "What would I do on TV?"

Catie: "Show off your handsomeness!"

Rob: LAUGHTER!

Catie: "What Dad, you ARE handsome!"

Catie's HSM3 Dance

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I found this High School Musical 3 "dance with Troy" on Jib-Jab...thanks to my Spraground friend Kari, who posted one on her blog! Catie got the HSM3 soundtrack from Gramma G. for her birthday--and has listened to it every day! So, I thought she'd get a big kick out of seeing herself dance with Zac Efron!


We had a great weekend celebrating Catie's 6th birthday!

I took her and her friend Ellie to see the play "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" on Saturday at the college where I work. It was outside under a heated tent, but it was pouring rain all day!--My minivan battery died before we left--and I had to switch cars with my mom--but we made it to the play, and it was fun. We had a picnic with a meatball sub in my office before the play..the girls loved that! I bought them Halloween cupcakes to eat under the tent before the show started...the headless horseman was a little scary for Ellie, but Catie wanted more spookiness! Where did she get that? I'm afraid of all things creepy!!

Sunday was her family birthday party--and we had a great time! She had an adorable Princess crown for a cake, (but all things Hannah Montana for the plates/napkins!) and she even let Anna help her blow out the candles! I'll post photos--promise! Catie then busted out her new karaoke machine--all the ladies--Aunt Stacey, Aunt Carrie, Aunt Kelly Gramma G., and Great Gramma came into the living room to see her sing..but she didn't want to! She just wanted to dance to her new Hannah karaoke cd--so little Miss Anna grabbed the mic and sang "Best of Both Worlds" chorus! I must get some video of that!

Happy Birthday to my Catie!

Can you believe this little "pumpkin" is 6?

happy 6th birthday catie!

At 7:32 a.m. today, October 22, 2002--we welcomed her into the world! I teared up saying "goodnight" to her last night..I told her they were happy tears as I said goodnight to her as a 5-year old for the last time!

Now--we are celebrating with her in K-garten!

We get to bring in cupcakes and juice...and a favorite book of Catie's to read to her class! I keep thinking that Catie could just read it herself! She chose "What was I afraid of?" by Dr. Seuss..we have the small version of the book...but we discovered it is part of "The Sneetches and Other Stories"...so we checked it out of the library, so we had a large version to show the kids!

Another part of her gift...Catie is thrilled to go to see "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" play on Saturday at Nazareth with me and she got to invite her friend Ellie...they can't wait! It is outside, (in a heated tent!--thank goodness, since we have SNOW tonight!) with a real horse!

Then, Sunday we celebrate with our family...she gets to spread out her b-day for a week!

Can't wait to see how she likes her presents...we got her a Karaoke machine!

Stories in Hand

I'm officially in! So excited for a new divine Miss J class...Jessica Sprague that is!

My friend Alicia and I are doing the class together....anyone else who wants to remember the little moments of their life before they go flying by...JOIN ME! Did I say free!? Yes, I think I did ....

Got fantastic news from mom this morning that my brother Matt and my sis-in-law Stacey get to move into their NEW HOUSE this weekend! HOORAY!!!!!

So Sad for Our Sox (and other weekend photos!)

Last night, Rob and I sat down to watch Game 7 of the American League Championships-our Red Sox could pull it off, right? Well....close--but, needless to say--the Devil Rays are now in the World Series vs. the Phillies. My rationalization to Rob: "If the Red Sox win two World Series in a row...people won't like them as much!"

Earlier in the day we took our weekly fall jaunt to the apple orchard for more cider and apples, and then to the corn maze! While we were there...I saw this adorable old chair with the mums planted in it...isn't it cute!? We put it on our front porch..and then at Christmas, I already have some other ideas for it...

Here are some other beautiful fall photos that we took...and Rob worked his photoshop magic on them yesterday afternoon...I had to show them off!


We are all tired (me, the most!) of being sick in our house...my cough was really getting to me the last few days. Anna woke up Sunday morning with red welts all over her stomach chest and back...luckily, Rob and I had gone through it once with Catie--so we knew she was ok. This morning---they welts were way down, and tonight--pretty much gone--pheww! Both girls have doc checkups for their ears on Wed. morning--to make sure the ear infections are all cleared up--Anna acted fine the whole time...here is her "rocketship" in the diaper box! Catie used the box from the wipes as a helmet!

I can't believe Catie is going to be "6" on Wednesday! She woke up this morning asking "how many days until my birthday!?" Wow...only a couple more days of "five"-going on 30!

Happy Friday!

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credits: Shabby Miss Jenn & DDE Hello Fall collab kit; SMJ Hoot Hoot kit; template: Jen Caputo

I had a little moment of clarity among my busy work week today...I was reading the Grey Matter during a quick lunch break (the Grey's Anatomy writer's blog, of course--checking out what they really thought of last night's episode) and scrolled down to last week's post. Here is what part of it said:

So I hope very much that you are all enjoying the quieter moments, the moments in between the breaking points. I hope you kiss your kids a lot and tell your spouses and parents that you love them a lot and buy yourself flowers a lot for no good reason. I hope you love your life.

It made my think about all the hustle and bustle of our week...running to meetings at night, or dance class--and then racing around to "get in bed on time." I just wanted to re-connect with Catie and Anna after a long week--and let them have fun! I drove home from work, called mom, and we drove back into the city to go to the Strong National Museum of Play. Our membership is only a week away from having to re-new it, and it is worth every penny! I love the Friday nights when they are open until 8 p.m. It usually is not busy at all...and we can eat there, too! Tonight was busier than sometimes, but not bad. We visited the new Curious George exhibit and of course Fairytale land! Anna and I went from the Cinderella Pumpkin coach (driving to the ball!) and "Snow White's cottage" while Catie climbed on the "Jack and Beanstalk" gym.

We called Rob--he literally works right around the corner --but the 7 p.m. newscast threw a wrench into the plan and we didn't get to see him. :(

Enjoy your fall weekend! Above is my second Pumpkin Patch page--LOVE that photo Rob took of the girls!

Pumpkin Patch Photos!

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credits: Shabby Miss Jenn & DDE Hello Fall Kit, SMJ Autumn Flea market kit, template by Jen Caputo

Ahh...finally, almost two weekends after we went to the pumpkin patch, I am so excited to finally post these! I decided, "wouldn't it be nice to whip up a digi layout with my fav photos from the Pumpkin Patch before I post them?" well..that was two weeks ago! Finding time to do much lately has been hard!

Catie's birthday is coming fast next week, and I have to figure out exactly what our little soon to be six-year old is getting! She really wants to go to the "Legend of Sleepy Hollow"-a children's theatre production at my college where I work...it is outside in a heated tent with a real horse. She is excited and wants to invite a friend for her birthday party. The play is this weekend and next...so we'll see which day we can go!

Both girls are doing much better after both had double ear infections within the last week! Anna also had pink eye...Anna is done with her meds, and Catie has almost a week to go on her meds..she just went to the doctor on Monday for her 6 year checkup.

I can't seem to shake my cold. I thought it was over, and then it seems to have snuck back this week...the girls both got flu shots at the doc--I am going to get mine at our work's health fair next week...definitely worth it!

Sunshine Sunday

Another lovely fall day...after church, we took a drive to the Apple Orchard, our weekly stop to get fresh cider! it is amazingly delicious!

It followed with a trip to the playground, and then I couldn't resist the fall tradition of making a homemade apple pie with Mom Long's recipe...thanks Anne--it was delish! We had it tonight...nice and warm with some vanilla ice cream. I also managed to squeeze in a banana bread, to use up the pack of bananas that we would never had been able to eat on time! More baking then I've done in awhile!

I came home from work on Thursday--and found these gorgeous roses on our table...courtesy of my great hubby. 8 roses for 8 years--thank you honey! He felt bad that they were a couple days late, but I say roses are never too late! :)

A Day at the Races!

Amazing...we had one of the most stunning fall days I can remember today. The sunshine, the leaves changing...crisp, warm. Ahhh, I love fall. We drove about 1/2 hour to the Genesee Valley Hunt Races, and had a wonderful day! They had it all..horse races, a fox & the hounds chase, pony rides, stick horse races for the kids, jack russell terrier and wiener dog races...tailgating!

The stick horse races were quite the event! They were each age group...Anna was in just 2-year olds...Catie in the 5 year olds! Anna was going great guns, until she fell in a big hole...but she still got a ribbon!Catie did great, too! She was SO determined, and got a 2nd place ribbon!! (My co-worker and friend Rachel is in the background above, and her little boy Raphael is next to Catie!)

My co-workers were at the races..and we all had a great time! My great director, Kate, brought her beautiful Golden named Georgie...and Alicia and Kris brought Rory and Alicia's best friend Sandy was visiting! I feel awful that Rob isn't in any of the photos--except the one below (in the background talking with Kris!) He took all the other great photos! :)

Friday catchup

Wow...what a week! Rob has been on vacation--SUPER nice to have my hubby home in the evening instead of at work..but it hasn't been much of a vacation for him--besides our anniversary dinner, he has been nursing Anna back to health. Our little darling has a double ear infection and pink eye, to boot!

I should have a photo of just how sad our sweetheart looked...but glad to say, she is on the mend! She was up most of the night a couple days ago--and one thing I can't forget is her funny: I'd asked her if she wanted "vaseline" on her nose (to prevent the crusties) and she said "no" of course! But then, just before bed as she tried to stall, that she said "I want some "gasolin-a" on my nose! Then at 4 a.m. when her ear was throbbing, she says in my bed "mommy, I want some "gasolin-a" on my ear...I just had to smile--so sweet.

Before I get a whole new round of weekend photos...I need to upload some beauties from last week--we went to the pumpkin patch--hopefully, I'll get to it tonight!

We're going out to celebrate with pizza tonight as a family--should be fun. Tomorrow--it is off to the races! An ad agency we work with at the college invited us to their tailgate party for the huge event The Genesee Valley Hunt Races...sounds like so much fun, and it is going to be a BEAUTIFUL weekend here in western NY.

Today at work...New York State Gov. Paterson was here for a big summit to prevent school dropouts--it was a COOL experience...and my dear friend Alicia and I were running like crazy helping with the media--bringing them to where they needed to be--and then a special press conference with the Gov. Pretty cool!

The other cool announcement that I need to share with you all...a way to remember these little stories in your life that mean SO much. My digi-idol Jessica Sprague is holding a FREE class at her website!

It will surely be AMAZING! I've taken all her classes--you DON'T have to be a scrapbooker, or a digi-scrapper--TRY IT, you'll love it! Did I say FREE?!!! You can register at her website on midnight of October 20th. Check our Jessica's blog HERE to read more! Hope to see you there!

8 years and 8 reasons

Eight years ago at this very moment (9:56 a.m.), I was waiting at the back of St. Louis Church with my brother waiting to walk down the aisle to Rob. It was unseasonably cold, but clear and beautiful--just like this morning. We got married at 10 a.m. on October 7th, 2000 --and Rob and the groomsmen (his brothers and my brother Matt) all wore morning suits with the ascots--so handsome! When I think back, wow, it is so vivid...with the sunlight streaming in the stained glass windows--forming a dreamlike arc over the aisle...as I walked towards Rob to begin our married life together...with all our family and friends smiling...it was a magical moment.

We recited our vows from memory that morning--with a promise to be true in good times and bad, in sickness and in health, to love and honor each other all the days of our lives. I think we've done a pretty amazing job--going through so much happiness, but also the challenges that life brings. We are blessed with each other, as well as two beautiful little girls that bring us so much joy! We live in a beautiful old historic house (which sometimes has its challenges, huh, honey! ;) ), and we are surrounded with wonderful and supportive family in our lives.

I am blessed to have Rob as my husband...and it got me to thinking--what a good time to list eight reasons why I love him with all my heart.

1. He is my best friend & a wonderful husband

2. He is hilarious & makes me laugh every day. (even if it is just listening to his gut busting laugh at a funny tv show!)

3. He is such a caring and amazing father (he is right next to me playing with our darling Anna, who is sick with a cold today)

4. He is loyal and true blue

5. He is so handsome--and distinguished (our code word for those graying temples!)

6. He cares so much about his family and others--it rubs off on everyone he meets

7. He makes me feel beautiful and loved

8. No matter what happens, I know he'll always be in my corner--and by my side

Happy 8 years Rob!

Love you...

We are heading out to one of our favorite restaurants tonight...Ristorante Lucano...at 6 p.m. Thanks to a tag-team effort of Mom, Matt and Stacey to give us this little window to celebrate with some good food & drink! It is one of the most authentic Italian hideaways in the city....can't wait!

Fall Weekend Fun!

A Happy 40th Birthday to my friend Trisha...she celebrated her birthday with a wine tour extravaganza this weekend, and it was the best time--some of her dearest friends & family together--and we had a ball! I'm honored to be friends with this amazing woman!


Kelly and I are giving Trisha a Shutterfly Digi scrapbook to commemorate her day! I can't wait to make it! I picked out a fab new kit at Shabby Miss Jenn! (OMG--who, by the way, just put up WAY too many new goodies for me to choose from--I'm addicted to her site!) :)

I'll make sure to upload the shutterfly album when I get it done!

TGIF--ready for a wine tour!!

phewww..what a week. We all have colds in the Long household--and we wake up still exhausted...which means some tough moods for both Rob and I to deal with this week with the girls....but we made it through!

After taking Anna to dance in the am...I am off to a birthday WINE TOUR in honor of my dear friend Trisha's 40th birthday! I can not wait....her hubby rented a big passenger van to drive us around the Finger Lakes here in NY state...a beautiful trip, that will end with dinner at one of the wineries. I haven't been since my bachelorette party wine tour 8 years ago! Dear friends and great wine...it will be a wonderful day.

Must go off to bed now! I'll take lots of pics to post...because Kel and I are going to give Trisha a digi album to commemorate the day!