Dana Daily

Sal woke up this morning and decided we needed to go tree shopping. I informed him that it was much too early in the season to buy a tree. He exclaimed that he wanted an artificial tree this year. This has been a sticking point between us the last couple of years; he always wants real, I want fake. This year I resigned myself to having a real tree and didn't even broach the subject so when he said he wanted to buy a fake tree, I was rather shocked. I asked him a couple times why, and finally got out of him that he wanted to decorate this weekend so that he could actually enjoy it. He didn't want to wait 2 or 3 weeks for a real tree. It looks like the North Pole exploded, primarily in our living room, but it's fun to be festive.

This year was epic. I made more sides than I ever have before, but the day went surprisingly well. Everything came together and dinner was enjoyable. We had ordered a farm fresh turkey last year, but I didn't think it tasted any better than the free Shop N Save bird. This year we stuck with the free bird. I basically let my dad handle that project from rinsing to cooking to carving. We had prepped as much as we could the night before, cut all the celery and onion, potatoes, and bread for stuffing. I also made the turnips and carrots the night before so they just needed re-heated in the oven. I made homemade cranberry sauce, which was much tastier than last year. It wasn't so sweet. I also made green bean casserole in the crockpot which was easy enough. I stirred all the ingredients together, and let it cook for a couple hours. When we were ready to eat, I tossed some french fried onions on top and that was that. I only made two cans of corn, and probably should have d...

Our anniversary isn't until November 30th, but we decided to celebrate a little early this year. We went to Cafe du Jour, the restaurant where we had our first date. I love that little place any time of the year, but it's so cozy in the winter. It's also delicious. You may remember we were there in August to celebrate my 40th birthday. Sal's a jeans and t'shirt kind of guy when he's not dressed for work, and he loves it when I suggest he wear a sweater. But seriously, don't he look cute. I rented my outfit from Rent the Runway, and what a debacle that was. I've rented before with no issues, but this time sizing was off, the belt for this pant suit wasn't returned by the previous customer, and I didn't love my back-up option. It ended up working out, but it was not a smooth rental this time. Following dinner we went to Shadyside to the Hillman Center for the Performing Arts. We saw Sole Defined  which was a tap dance troupe. It was quite inte...

While I used a picture from our trip to Sedona for our Christmas cards this year, my sister and I decided to have pictures of the kids taken for my parents this year. The last time we did this Sarah, William, and Emmy were 4, 2, and 2, I think. It was a train wreck. This time was no better. The older kids followed directions, William mostly cooperated, but Seth and definitely Anthony made it challenging. My sister and I decided that we'll wait to to this again until the older kids are well into their teens. This picture was the best of the bunch, as far as group pictures go.

Sal was a band show at Ohio University today, and I didn't want to be cooped up in the house with Seth for a second day in a row. We headed to Zoo Boo at Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium . I wasn't sure I'd be able to top last year's Mickey Mouse costume , but I found a reasonably priced Christmas Elf outfit at Toys R Us. I'm pretty sure they're actually pajamas, but they are comfortable, warm, and cute. So many boy costumes aren't cute, and I know in the very near future Seth will have his opinions about what or who he needs to be for Halloween. I'm taking advantage of being able to do what I want. It was a beautiful day, and we made our way to Seth's favorite exhibits, the flamingos, lions, elephants, giraffe, and kitty (cheetah). He's not into penguins or fish so much so we skipped the aquarium. We came away with four bite size pieces of candy and juice bottle, but at 2.5, that's all you need. Gymkhana also has a Halloween display, that i...

It was a beautiful day for a trip to the pumpkin patch. With temperatures in the high 70s, it barely felt like Fall, but you'll get no complaints from me. As we've done the last couple of years, we chose to visit  Shenot Farm . We browsed the patch and each of the kids chose a pumpkin. Sarah had been talking all day about finding a perfectly round one, and she did! We got back to the general store at the farm just as it was starting to sprinkle. Between the birthday party yesterday, and the pumpkin patch today, I am worn out. Man, this 40 thing. . .

My little pumpkin is growing up. She seems like a nine year old though so I won't say it snuck up on me, nor will I wonder where the years have gone. We invited Grandma and Pop-Pop, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Ron, Auntie Em and Uncle Joe, and Anthony and William. This may have been the best party I've ever pulled off, and I planned it all in about 24 hours. Emmy had wanted a rainbow ice cream cake from Dairy Queen, and so I ran with that theme.  At the last possible moment, we ran to Target and they had a blue tablecloth with rainbows all over it. Perfection.  I found a recipe for a layered rainbow jello dessert, and not only did it look amazing, it was delicious. I followed the directions and it came together flawlessly. I made a layered fruit salad, and we did a veggie tray as well. I tried to incorporate as many different colors into the food as I could. My mom had made the BBQ ham, and my sister brought a pumpkin spice cake, both delicious and enjoyed by all...