Saturday, December 30, 2006
Have a Holly Chocolate Christmas
This was a special Christmas indeed. There was much excitement in the Ballou household this year, and lots to celebrate. Saint Lawrence Chocolates has opened!
Ellen and Angela, in cooperation from the entire family in Potsdam, has opened up a dream. One day Ellen was driving home along the river, and she thought she should pick up some gourmet chocolate for her work mates. It was stressful time of year, and she knew it would lift their spirits. Problem was, she soon realized, there was no where to get gourmet chocolate in St. Lawrence County. Ellen's vision became clear, why couldn't she use her skills to open a gourmet chocolate shop? She could make chocolates, couldn't she?
Ellen went to work. She took chocolatier classes online. She started to taste different kinds and brands of chocolate. She began practicing, and purchasing molds. At first, the plan was to run the business from home. However, after inspectors deemed it necessary for many renovations on her house, it seemed wiser to open a shop right away. Then Ellen found the space. A storefront right downtown in Potsdam, right near the movie theatre and across from the Clarkson Inn. She could hire Angela to make chocolates. If she only had the money.
After months of securing loans, and remodeling the shop, it happened. She opened the shop. Ellen and Angela couldn't make chocolate fast enough. The customers wanted chocolate, and they cleared out the cases as fast as they could. Ellen needed Tom to help sell chocolate. She needed Marylee and Mom to put together boxes. She even needed a temporary employee to help run the cash register during the week. It became a family affair. Everyone chipped in, and the shop was up and running. It appeared that even chocolate could catch fire.
The most popular items became the handmade chocolate cream, solid chocolate shapes, and dipped oreo's and pretzels, not to mention bark. They bought Jelly Bellies too, and sugar free and organic chocolates. Don't forget lollipops. Special orders started to come in too. And with Christmas only 15 days away! Long days and nights followed. No stopping now, the chocolate show must go on!
At Christmas, even Laura and John helped chip in where they could. The Warmers made some chocolate too. The whole family wanted some! Adam couldn't believe his eyes. The whole family was there, and behind them 100%. Congrats to Ellen, Angela, Tom, Marylee, Mom, Dad....you all did an amazing job. We are all really proud!
Ellen and Angela, in cooperation from the entire family in Potsdam, has opened up a dream. One day Ellen was driving home along the river, and she thought she should pick up some gourmet chocolate for her work mates. It was stressful time of year, and she knew it would lift their spirits. Problem was, she soon realized, there was no where to get gourmet chocolate in St. Lawrence County. Ellen's vision became clear, why couldn't she use her skills to open a gourmet chocolate shop? She could make chocolates, couldn't she?
Ellen went to work. She took chocolatier classes online. She started to taste different kinds and brands of chocolate. She began practicing, and purchasing molds. At first, the plan was to run the business from home. However, after inspectors deemed it necessary for many renovations on her house, it seemed wiser to open a shop right away. Then Ellen found the space. A storefront right downtown in Potsdam, right near the movie theatre and across from the Clarkson Inn. She could hire Angela to make chocolates. If she only had the money.
After months of securing loans, and remodeling the shop, it happened. She opened the shop. Ellen and Angela couldn't make chocolate fast enough. The customers wanted chocolate, and they cleared out the cases as fast as they could. Ellen needed Tom to help sell chocolate. She needed Marylee and Mom to put together boxes. She even needed a temporary employee to help run the cash register during the week. It became a family affair. Everyone chipped in, and the shop was up and running. It appeared that even chocolate could catch fire.
The most popular items became the handmade chocolate cream, solid chocolate shapes, and dipped oreo's and pretzels, not to mention bark. They bought Jelly Bellies too, and sugar free and organic chocolates. Don't forget lollipops. Special orders started to come in too. And with Christmas only 15 days away! Long days and nights followed. No stopping now, the chocolate show must go on!
At Christmas, even Laura and John helped chip in where they could. The Warmers made some chocolate too. The whole family wanted some! Adam couldn't believe his eyes. The whole family was there, and behind them 100%. Congrats to Ellen, Angela, Tom, Marylee, Mom, Dad....you all did an amazing job. We are all really proud!
Monday, December 25, 2006
North Country Christmas
Laura and I headed north for Christmas 2006. We had a great mix of new and old traditions this year. We exhanged gifts on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas day, because we had everyone there, and Adam couldn't wait. After a real great meal, we gathered around and had our first sibling gift exchange. Instead of buying for everyone, we drew names last year so that each sibling gave a gift or two to only one other sibling. I think it worked out great! We all gave to Adam and Mom and Dad, no restrictions needed there.
Laura and I had drawn Ellen and Angela. Here they are with their new aprons for the shop. After the sibling exchange, we also did a "Dirty Santa/Yankee Swap" with handmade gifts each of us made. I loved the ginger snap cookies I got that Dad made...yum. We decided to do it again next year, and we drew names again.
Adam was so much fun this year. He has reached a great age, and is really into unwrapping gifts. He is also in command of a bigger vocabulary, so he is real funny to talk and play with. He really loved playing with Tom! He really is doing great, and we all had a good time interacting with him!
Well, it was a great time, and I guess someone has to clean up after the party, so of course Wendy volunteers for dishes. I'm glad someone like to do them, thanks Wendy! Merry Christmas everyone!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Dirty Santa Gift Exchange
It has now become an annual tradition for us. Laura and I love to host a holiday party, and include our version of the "Dirty Santa" gift exchange. Why is it "dirty", well, its not because of the questionable tastes in gifts (or is it?), but because you can steal gifts away from other people. As long as everyone knows its in fun, it is always a good time. Thanks to Brian for his great pictures...
The second round is for more tasteful gifts, this year the theme was, "Made in Rochester."
Cards for Brian.
We do two rounds, the first round is for gag gifts...
The second round is for more tasteful gifts, this year the theme was, "Made in Rochester."
Chocolate for Gerry.
Wine for Chris.
Cards for Brian.
Grrrrr...owler for Cait!
New haricut for me!
Good times for all! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year all!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Christmas Bliss
One of our true joys of Christmas is getting to spend time with our friends Lauren and Sarah. Though sometimes we exchange gifts, it is the time spent with one another we truly cherish. I love seeing the excitement in Lauren and Sarah's eyes when we get together. They are so full of the joy of life, that it is easy to understand the real meaning of the Christmas Spirit.
This year we started with dinner out at Friendly's. The girls ordered drinks that would change their tongues colors, and we teased them about their friends seated at others tables.
Then we headed home to bake some gingerbread cookies. But we had fun first posing for some pictures with John's new funny hat.
The smell of gingerbread filled the air from fresh cookies, as we decorated a gingerbread house. We were all very pleased with the kit, but we had fun adding extra candy left over from Halloween too.
It was a night full of laughs, and everyone got a chance to eat some candy.
So what is the real meaning of Christmas? You don't have to look very far if you have young friends who can remind you. Nothing is more important than time. We are thankful to have this special time with our special friends.
This year we started with dinner out at Friendly's. The girls ordered drinks that would change their tongues colors, and we teased them about their friends seated at others tables.
Then we headed home to bake some gingerbread cookies. But we had fun first posing for some pictures with John's new funny hat.
The smell of gingerbread filled the air from fresh cookies, as we decorated a gingerbread house. We were all very pleased with the kit, but we had fun adding extra candy left over from Halloween too.
It was a night full of laughs, and everyone got a chance to eat some candy.
So what is the real meaning of Christmas? You don't have to look very far if you have young friends who can remind you. Nothing is more important than time. We are thankful to have this special time with our special friends.
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