Happy New Year...and Anniversary!

Well we survived another year! Thank goodness that one is over. I don't mean to sound negative, but many things happened this past year that I don't think I want to redo! Be that as it may, we are on to bigger and better things here at Upper Pond!

I'm not going to try to make any big resolutions...just try to be a bit more patient, enjoy the time I have with my family and let the small stuff go. That's it, nothing fancy, just try to be the me that I enjoy being around. (some days, I don't even want to be around me!)

Three years ago I decided to take the plunge and started sharing my life with anyone that wanted to stop and read. I'm so glad I made the choice to put myself out to the world. I have "met" great people, envied the creativity that's out there and have explored many new things which I might not have, if I hadn't discovered it online.

Spud and Chloe and Colinette Jitterbug

So thank-you for stopping by my little part in the blog-o-sphere! And in celebration...let's have a give-away! Leave a comment...come out of Lurkerville...and introduce yourself. I will be giving away a skein of Spud and Chloe: Outer and a skein of Colinette Jitterbug. I'll close the drawing on January 4th and let you know the winner on Tuesday, January 5th! Good luck and I'm looking forward to meeting new friends!

5 things...holiday wrap-up

1. I absolutely LOVED our Christmas card this year. I was inspired by Sara+h and her love of Polaroid film. I used a Polaroid film application through Picnik and created a card reminiscent of the movie The Christmas Story.

2. The boys and I read The True Gift: A Christmas Story at breakfast during December. In true Patricia MacLachlan fashion, she tells a beautiful country story about a little boy and a cow. When the boys were little, we read all the time at the breakfast table. One page-one bite. I think I'm still saying that to Matt.

yeah, I know this picture has nothing to do with the Symphony...but they didn't have any good pictures on their website and I didn't have any pictures of my kids playing their instruments.
3. We started a new tradition by attending the Holiday Pops concert performed by the Syracuse Symphony. We've taken the boys to the Symphony since they were little and they enjoy the whole experience. We try to pick the Pops series to attend, as the music is a bit more recognizable. On a side note: please remember your local orchestras and symphonies in your giving this year and next. They have been hit hard with the economic downfall. Nights out, listening to music are one of the first luxuries to go when scaling down the budget.

4. We were lucky to have perfect weather for our pond to freeze, just in time for Christmas! When the ice is ready, you have to act fast and call everyone you know. Pond ice doesn't last long, especially if it snows! We hosted a hockey skating party and we skated on Christmas Eve!

5. It was over all too fast...now it's time to hibernate!

Christmas in Caz

Christmas in Caz
Originally uploaded by Upper Pond

The windows were beautiful this holiday season! Hope everyone had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas!

If...

the accountants looked like this in my husband's office...he would have to find a new profession.

The Accountant

If you haven't caught The Sartorialist's pictures from Australia yet, they are worth a look. Stunning!
Happy Friday everyone!

5 things...

1. I really stink at blogging. I just don't know what to give up to sit down and blog every other day. I'm in awe at the people who write regularly. I make myself feel better by thinking that their house must be a mess, or there are dishes in the sink, or beds are not made...you get the idea.

2. We got our tree. Thanksgiving weekend. Needles are already dropping.

3. Shopping for everyone but the boys....done!

4. Peppermint mochas are back! My favorite indulgence of the season!

5. Looking for some new holiday music. Suggestions anyone?