January and February 2024

We are glad it’s March and winter is almost over. It’s been a tough couple of months for us. Here’s the good and not good.

School look for Ally

A very tired Cloey

Ally had a job interview as a gymnastics coach.

I attended an orientation to foster cats thru the MSPCA 

A neighboring town had a teacher strike that lasted 15 days. Becky went to one of their rallies.

Some new jeans

Ally got the job! She started working Thursday & Friday after school and Saturday mornings.

She had a volleyball tournament. We did not go, she got a ride there and back with a teammate. But Sunday morning she told us she didn’t feel good and remembered she had sustained a hit to her head trying to return a serve. 

She was soon back asleep. 

But she rallied and we met up with Roxie at the mall. Ally admitted she did not feel right. She went to school late on Monday and saw her doctor on Tuesday. Concussion. This was Ally’s second concussion in 10 months. It hit her pretty hard and she struggled to focus at school.  It was a difficult time.

One bright spot is always our cars:

The cats are so adorable.

Ally’s artwork on display at school.



2024 teen fashion; baggie jeans and platform Uggs.

Another milestone! Ally ordered food for herself!

We got a new backpack cat carrier.

Ally worked so hard to try and keep up with her school work. 

Valentin’s Day heart tortillas

Donuts







It was a gummy game controller.

We had waffles for dinner

And did a family craft project.





Ally found some Daisy perfume at TJ Maxx and it reminded me about Aunt Martha in London when Daisy first came out and was advertised on taxi cabs.

And finally it was Spring Break!

January 2024

2024 started with a minor basement project that became pretty substantial. 2 weeks later Becky has a finished office/hobby/gaming space. Back to school for Becky and Ally has meant the pets are missing them terribly and Ally’s club volleyball is in full swing.

First day back at school outfit.

Shutterfly killing me with memories from 16 (above) and 9 (below) years ago.

Here is she a typical teenager, on her phone surrounded by her pets.

They greet her when she gets home.





Follow her into the bathroom.

Let her cut their nails.

And look adorable.

Some sightings of Ally on her club social media page




Ally took this picture on her school field trip to the Museum of Fine Arts.

Before we started basement work it looked like this. 

Mid way through

And finished.






Becky is very happy with her new space. It has a ceiling, shelving for our storage bins, it’s sealed off from our laundry and utility area with new walls and a pocket door. We created a closet in the basement too. Which we desperately needed. Our house is lacking closet space. 

Happy New Year! 2024

The week between Christmas and New Years was nice and quiet and restful for us. We all had the week off.

Ally would wake up around 10-11, eat breakfast and watch TV and then take a 2 hour nap. Wake up eat some lunch, watch some more TV, get dressed, play some PS5. Super chill and restful.

My friend Michelle and her husband Jay were in Boston for a night and came over for dinner.


We booked Becky and Beth a trip to Iceland in April.

Finally on Saturday we went out to do some returns and shopping. 

Then it was New Years Eve. Ally and I watched movies. Becky played on her PS5 and then we watched the ball drop at midnight.

I’m not someone who makes resolutions but we are looking ahead to 2024 with excitement!

Christmas Day 2023

Such a fun and festive day.

So many gifts. We are all very lucky and blessed.


I love this of the cats and dog and Ally and the tree they are all wearing matching pajamas or scarfs. Hard to tell…



I made the breakfast casserole I make every year for Christmas. Traditions are important.







No it was not Cheezits for Grandma Debbie but Santa needed a box.

Daisy hung out with us for most of the morning. This was a first for her. She’s usually too shy. But she loves Ally and having a little sister has helped her be brave.

Some great gifts from Aunt Martha, candles and a gift card for Julie and Becky

Gold jewelry for Ally. 

Aunt Suzie and Gruncle sent Ally a new bible. 


I made a photo puzzle of Christmas memories. 

Simple table setting this year.

Rudolph themed Life is Good Tshirts!

After dinner we watched Die Hard. Debbie had never seen it and we all believe it counts as a Christmas movie. Then it was good byes as Grandma and Poppy were leaving in the morning.