Mom Times Two

singular resolution

2012-01-01T17:26:00.000-05:00

I'm starting with ONE small resolution.

For the month of January, I resolve to eat a healthy breakfast every day.

It shouldn't be so hard.

I cut fresh fruit every single day for my kids.

You would think I could cut a bowl for myself.

Nope.

I pour myself some coffee and have a donut.

Nice.

Today, I had a protein shake.

It was delicious and filling.

I am resolving to eat a healthy breakfast every day in January.

Let's see how this goes.

If it goes well, I'll add another goal in February.

Happy 2012!

seat time

2011-12-20T13:50:00.000-05:00

Ryan spends a pretty large part of his day in a car seat.

His sister has to get to and from preschool.

His brother has to get to and from Kindergarten.

Then there is soccer, CCD, ballet, tutoring, etc....

He's a super sleeper in that car seat. Thank goodness.

And he rewards me with the most precious smiles.

I love him.

sea of love

2011-11-06T14:19:00.000-05:00

Boy, has blogging taken a back seat.

A back seat to this boy.

But here are some pictures from our Halloween.

We went with a nautical theme this year.

Here's my lobster...

And my shark and mermaid....

I love Halloween.

Here is one of the treat bags I made for Lulu's preschool class party.

We Booed and were Booed this season. The kids love it.

Lulu walked in her preschool parade,

I was able to be in Brendan's Kindergarten class for the party.

It was especially nice to go by myself, so I could focus on him.

Brendan's school had a parade too.

It's a bit surreal that I have a baby in elementary school.

His school had a character parade.

Halloween was great.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T20:54:00.000-04:00

i'm in love

2011-10-06T10:39:00.000-04:00

I'm in love with a blue-eyed, 10 pound, 4 ounce, bundle of love.

introducing Ryan Quinn

born 9-26-2011

that's my girl

2011-09-13T08:28:00.000-04:00

Lulu started her second year of preschool last week.

Whew...

She cries every day when Brendan gets on the bus.

Now, she's in school three mornings when he leaves for the bus.

Thank goodness. She misses him so much.

Fortunately, she loves going to school.

She walked right in, and she didn't look back.

That's my girl.

we made it

2011-09-02T14:10:00.000-04:00

It wasn't easy for me.

It wasn't without tears - mine and Lulu's.

But it was a success for him.

The biggest fear became the biggest treat.

He has enjoyed everyday of kindergarten, and he can't wait to board the bus.

He asked me what "Parent Pick-Up" was. I told him it was when a child's mom or dad comes to get them at school. He asked, "Instead of the bus?"

I told him, "Yes, and there might be times when I need to pick you up at school."

He quickly responded, "Oh, no. I wouldn't want that."

Tread gently, dear Brendan. Mommy's still adjusting.

where has the time gone?

2011-08-28T20:49:00.000-04:00

That's a picture of my kiddos when I started this blog.

I remember lazy mornings playing on the family room rug.

I remember lots of cut up fruit and bottles and pacifiers.

I remember relying on that pot of coffee to get me going.

I remember long walks with the double-stroller.

I remember his first day of preschool.

I remember sitting in the parking lot most of that morning.

I remember hustling home so they could both take an afternoon nap.

I remember being so grateful for the time home with both of them.

Tomorrow, he will start Kindergarten.

I want to say we're both ready. We aren't.

He's nervous about the bus.

I am nervous about everything.

I don't think I'm ready to say good-bye to his preschool years.

He hardly ever missed a day of preschool, but I liked knowing he always could.

I liked having him home with me.

I read somewhere that this transition is hard for moms because it's an end of an era of sorts.

I will forever envision the little guy above when I wave to that bus in the morning.

face painting

2011-08-11T22:22:00.000-04:00

Brendan couldn't wait for the face-painting book I ordered to arrive.

He's had a lot of fun getting his face painted, and the book has super-easy directions.

Lulu chose the princess designs - hardly a surprise to anyone.

things my kids say - lulu edition

2011-08-08T14:40:00.000-04:00

I haven't written these down for awhile, and boy do I need to do so. Because Miss Lulu has come up with some doozies this summer, and I don't trust my memory.

While on a long car ride and after asking a kajillion times if she could have some water, I insist Todd pull over into a gas station so I can buy a bottle of water for her. As soon as he pulls over, Lulu asks me what I am doing, and I tell her, "I'm getting you some water."

She immediately drops her whiney tone, and says, ".... and a lollipop?"

I retort, "No, Lulu, just water."

Her response, "Oh man, foiled again."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I asked Lulu if she was excited about having a baby brother. She didn't have much of a reaction. So I kept pushing the topic. Eventually, I asked her, "Will you help Mommy take care of your baby brother?"

She barely looks up from her coloring and says, "I will until you give me a baby sister."

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The kids wanted to play outside, so I went out first with Brendan. Lulu didn't have her shoes, so she was waiting for Todd to retrieve them for her. She stood at the door waiting for him to find them and kept calling into the house for him.

Finally she said, "Hurry up, Daddy. I'm not getting any younger."

(We can thank the movie Tangled for that last one. Todd and I were so shocked we had to ask her where she ever heard that line.)

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

While on vacation with our family, Lulu was running around with her cousins. As the youngest in attendance, she was constantly at the back of the pack.

During one of their sprinting sessions around the backyard, Lulu declared, "I need to stop and take a break. I have a baby in my belly, and this can't be good for him."

good sport

2011-07-13T20:26:00.002-04:00

Brendan wanted to play Wii. Toad obliged. Lulu wanted to play dress up, and dress up she did.

He's a good sport.

let the fun begin

2011-07-12T07:00:00.002-04:00

image from Chasing Fireflies

I typically decide on and order the kids' Halloween costumes during August. I am not trying to rush away summer; I just want to have that task taken care of before the desired costumes are sold out.

Well, let the fun begin. Our first Halloween catalog came in the mail today. Thank you, Chasing Fireflies.

baby boy

2011-07-11T07:41:00.000-04:00

In May, I had a level two ultrasound, and we learned the gender of our baby boy. The technician said she was 75% sure it was a boy. Well, I am not sonogram expert, but I was pretty sure it was a boy too. The radiologist said he was 100% sure, but that tiny seed of doubt had been planted. The baby wasn't all that interested in cooperating with us that day. He kept his back to us, and he crossed his legs during the entire session.

Yesterday, we went and had a 3D/4D ultrasound done. We've done it before with both kids, so we were hopeful to get some good shots. And also Toad and I wanted to receive some additional confirmation that this baby is a boy.

Well, we got that confirmation, and more. Despite the fact that he tried to roll over and stay away, we were able to see our baby's face. As soon as I saw it, I was overwhelmed. It's such a sweet pleasure to have a little view of our baby's earliest stages of growth and development. The wonder of it all takes my breath away. My gratitude and awe takes over, and I am reminded of how precious this gift is.

blueberry pound cake

2011-07-08T09:51:00.001-04:00

I found myself with four containers of fresh blueberries in my frig this week. I knew I had to make some blueberry pound cake to use them up. I thought I had blogged about this cake before. Yep, back in 2008. I hadn't made this cake in three years. Not sure why, because it's pretty darn good.

Plus, I had a great helper again this time too.

The recipe is on this post.

first flick

2011-07-07T08:58:00.000-04:00

We took the kids to see their very first movie yesterday. We saw Cars 2. Brendan and Julia were really excited to go to the movies, although Brendan explained afterwards that he thought he was going to see a live show. He thought it was going to be like the Wiggles. Lulu explained to him that it was just a really big, really loud television. I think the parents were more into this first experience than the kids.

Happy 4th!

2011-07-04T11:42:00.002-04:00

capturing a moment

2011-06-08T21:47:00.000-04:00

Lulu performed with her class at Brendan's graduation. She walked into the church, and proceeded to feverishly look for her parents. Once we were spotted, she smiled and followed her class to their spot on the altar.

About two seconds into her song, she spotted the rest of our family - my parents, her cousins, an aunt, and an uncle. Well, I caught that very moment on film. (My camera is giving me fits, but even this lousy quality picture makes my day.)

Shortly after her grand wave to her fan club, she sat down. She was the only one to do so. The rest of her class continued to stand and sing, but our Lulu sat. Later that night at dinner, we asked her what happened.

She replied, "I got tired of standing."

Enough said.

the graduate

2011-05-30T20:18:00.000-04:00

That little munchkin was Brendan on his first day of preschool in 2008.

That munchkin is now five, and just graduated from preschool.

He had a great time preforming in front of his grandparents, uncle, aunt, and a bunch of cousins.

garden time

2011-05-26T07:57:00.000-04:00

I've been slowly working on our garden in the back. Some years it receives more attention than others. This year, I am committed to planting some more perennials.

In the meantime, I am enjoying the peonies! I hardly leave any on the plant itself. As soon as they bloom or even begin to bud, I cut and bring inside. I especially like using these antique Ball jars to display them.

teacher appreciation

2011-05-25T06:55:00.000-04:00

This year's teacher appreciation gift was a simple one. Michael's had a great sale on glass containers. Brendan loves gummy bears, so I let him choose the candy. I had the ribbon in the house. Viola!

School ends Friday, so I have to get cracking on a final gift of the year. Last year, I bought planters.

The planters were already assembled, and the nice lady in the floral section of the grocery store gave me those sticks for the thank-you notes.

I better get going; it's already Wednesday. And I don't know what I am going to do for those gifts.

reality kick

2011-05-10T01:19:00.000-04:00

I am not a huge fan of Mother's Day. The men in my family don't exactly pick up the ball on this one. It becomes somewhat of a stand-off, and for some reason, I usually wind up hosting a family dinner.

After an uncomfortable Mother's Day last year when I tried to boycott it, I decided to dig in and do it the way my mother would most like it done. I hosted dinner for everyone - parents, in-laws, siblings and their families. I invited some neighbors too because I figured if I was going to do it, why not make it a party?

Within minutes of our family arriving, our 50-gallon water heater burst. Yes, thank you to the volunteer fire department who used the fire hydrant outside our house to fill up their tank and then cranked the pressure valve up quickly. Within minutes the basement was flooded.

Prior to that, my mother-in-law about drove me over the edge. She came in punchy, and proceeded to give me a pair of scissors and a pound of coffee for mother's day. Now, before I sound completely ungrateful, she told me she bought the scissors because she doesn't like the ones I have. Huh? Really? And the pound of caffeinated coffee? Sure; just what I am drinking these days. Then she asked for a coat because our house was cold. All while I am trying to cook for 20. On Mother's Day.

Lastly, my husband told me that our son approached him to tell him that Lulu and her cousin were using the f-word. How lovely.

The plumbing disaster only got worse today with another busted valve, the entire contents of our freezer gone, and a leaky ceiling.

Fun times; no?

The upside of all of this - I felt the baby kick for the first time yesterday morning, and then again today. Todd said I fell asleep with a smile on my face while holding my stomach. Yes, that was the kick I needed. The others are just crappy life events. The one that really mattered was the kick from inside. The best feeling in the whole entire world.

My unborn baby gave me the best Mother's Day gift in the world.

touring DC - Julia's kitchen

2011-05-06T07:45:00.000-04:00

In February, Todd and I took the kids to the American History Museum. We actually went on President's weekend. As locals, we try to avoid the crowded times, but it actually wasn't so bad. In addition to seeing an incredible exhibit on Abraham Lincoln, which includes his top hat, I snuck away for a few minutes to check out Julia Child's kitchen.

I had to chuckle when I saw the colors up front. Those colors are coming back; aren't they?

I was blown away by the shear number of kitchen tools.

My favorite part was the kitchen magnet on the frig for take-out pizza. I couldn't get a good picture of it, but I left wondering how often she called for one after a recipe failed.

girly day

2011-05-05T08:39:00.000-04:00

My Miss Lulu-belle is the girliest of girls. She asks to wear a dress every day. She wants bows in her hair and necklaces around her neck. She has even taken a shine to a certain locket of her mother's.

Her brother was invited to a birthday party last week. The birthday boy has been to our house for playdates, and we have gone to his house. Lulu knows this boy and was devastated that she was not included. She cried for well over an hour after Brendan received his invitation. It was quite the scene.

I had been promising her that I would paint her nails one day. I have never seen a little girl without chipped polish (which makes me nutty), so I have been putting it off.

During Lulu's near-breakdown, I told her that we would do something fun while Brendan was at the party. Immediately, the tears dried, and she asked, "Can I get my nails done?"

Oh, yes, she's going to be quite the teenager.

And I created it too, because that's exactly what I did. I took her to the local nail salon and had her nails painted. Every gesture she made at the salon made me (and others) think this was not her first time there. Believe me, it was.

April (Month in Review)

2011-05-04T14:09:00.000-04:00

Brendan getting ready to tell another joke.

Brendan learned about April Fool's jokes this year. He wasn't really good at them. He would say, "Mom, you have a rabbit on your head! April Fools!" On Friday, April 1, I picked him up from preschool. On the way to lunch, he told me he got in trouble at school. I was shocked. Brendan never gets in trouble. I quickly asked him, "What?!? What happened?" He responded, "April Fools!" He got me.

Brendan entering his future school for Kindergarten registration. The only picture I was allowed to take.

Brendan also turned five in April. I am so not ready for him to be five. It was especially odd to register him for kindergarten. I'm so excited and nervous for him. I know he's excited and nervous too. I think the hardest part of my job will be to stifle my emotions and remain calm and confident. Because that's exactly how I want him to feel. Calm and confident.

Brendan and Lulu getting ready for kick-off at Brendan's 5th birthday party.

Speaking of his birthday, he has been planning his football party for months. No pressure there - sheesh! It turned out great, but I earned a few (more) grey hairs in the process. After watching the Super Bowl this year, he wanted a similar event for his fifth birthday. Very reasonable, no? That party needs its own post.

Crazy Hair Day - Preschool 2011

The kids had crazy hair day at school in April. I forgot about it since it was the day we were leaving for vacation. I dropped them off, and both of their faces dropped when they saw their peers all done up with crazy hair. I felt awful. So I hopped back in the car, picked up the spray paint, and drove right back to school to do their hair. I was so happy to be able to do that for them. I learned my lesson - start reading the calendar that I actually spend time writing on each month.

Lulu and Brendan, Seabrook Island April 2011

We went away for spring break this year. It was so nice to see the ocean and feel the sand. The kids loved it. I mean, they really really loved it. And I really love South Carolina, so it was a win-win.

Brendan and Lulu, Easter Sunday 2011

We returned in time to celebrate Easter with our extended family. The kids enjoyed the egg hunts, and I enjoyed the candy. I am trying so hard to cut back on sugar consumption while pregnant, but my goodness, chocolate Easter candy is in every room of our house.

Lulu showing off her hand art at Preschool Art Show

Lastly, the kids had their annual Art Show at Preschool this year. I was really impressed with all of their projects, and Lulu was particularly excited about the ice cream sundaes. I will miss Brendan being in preschool next year, but realize that Kindergarten will offer lots of fun family activities too.

I am sure there were tons of other things in April, but that about sums up the month. When I don't blog regularly, I sometimes forget to take pictures. Hopefully, I'll be better in May. Especially with sonogram pictures - we find out the gender in just over a week! Sweet!

rub a dub dub

2011-03-30T14:16:00.000-04:00

one cute little man in the tub

so much for that idea

2011-03-24T12:02:00.000-04:00

In February, Lulu's ballet school hosted a Father-Daughter Dance.

I thought it would be the sweetest thing in the world for Lulu to go off with her dad for an afternoon of dancing and lunch.

Silly me.

She was not into it at all.

Toad said it was positively painful.

So much for that idea.

springing back

2011-03-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

Hello, Spring!

Boy, am I glad you're here.

When I don't blog, I don't take as many pictures.

When I don't blog, I don't document things I know I want to remember - like the cutest Valentine's Day cards or a fun St. Patrick's Day playdate or Lulu's first father-daughter dance or Brendan's excitement over Donuts with Daddy at preschool or the funny things my kids say.

But life has gotten in the way of late - all good things.

Actually, great things.

Well besides the morning sickness that lasts all day or the inability to cook, grocery shop, or see food without feeling ill, life is very good. I'll take it. It won't last forever. If this pregnancy is like the other two, I only have a few more weeks of feeling bad. And as I know, in the end, it will all be so worth it.

I saw a hand waving and legs kicking during the 12-week ultrasound last week. I listened to the baby's heart beat. I cried. I was so grateful. I just kept saying Hail Mary's the entire time.

So, that's my excuse.

I figured the first day of spring is a good of time as ever to get back into the swing of things.

playing catch up

2011-02-11T14:33:00.001-05:00

Less than a week after Lulu's birthday extravaganza, I got the flu.

I didn't get the flu shot this year. Ask me if I'll make that mistake twice.

Fortunately, I got sick during a snow storm. So Toad was here to take care of the kids.

I was out of it, but of course, I found time to make snowman crafts with my flu-shot protected kids.

Do moms ever really get a sick day?

And the of course, there is Valentine's Day. Typically, one of my favorite times of the year.

Even this nasty Influenza A can't kill the day of love for me.

Did you know you can buy pink marshmallow hearts at the Dollar Store?

Now, that's the cheapest centerpiece I have ever assembled.

Speaking of Valentine's Day, I had to assemble 24 gift boxes for the kids' preschool parties.

Kids love goody bags. I could do without the flotsam in my house.

I'm sure those 24 other moms are hating me right now as they trip over small bouncy balls or pick up a half-eaten lollipop from their area rugs.

Speaking of nonsense around the house, who said gingerbread houses that you never got around to in December should go to waste?

Certainly not us; that's a picture of our house of love.

That pretty much sums up the last two weeks of my life. Of course there was the Super Bowl, but that deserves its own post as it was a monumental day for my sports-loving husband and his newly indoctrinated four-year-old son.

my gift to me

2011-01-31T10:50:00.000-05:00

When either one of my babies has a birthday, I buy myself a gift - fresh flowers.

These gorgeous roses lasted two weeks.

daily reminder

2011-01-28T07:00:00.000-05:00

If worry were an olympic sport, I would hold the record for the most consecutive gold medals.

So each morning, when I pour my coffee, I read this quote.

Now, I may have started out with a sound mind, but I think that's long gone.

I'm holding tight to the power and love parts.

fancy lulu

2011-01-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

I didn't think we could top last year's Pinkalicious party, but Lulu picked her birthday party theme early this year. For the last six months, she's been all about Fancy Nancy. So we celebrated our fancy girl in style.

She loved it as much as I loved putting it together.

Here's my favorite picture.

THREE!

2011-01-24T07:00:00.002-05:00

my lulu-belle

daddy's big hoolee

brendan's julia

happy third birthday

three years of delightful love

you are patient and kind

you are protective and giving

you hate getting in trouble, and rarely are

you are forever with your ellie - sniffing her and holding her close

you express your joy with the sweetest words

"mommy, i'm so happy."

music to my ears

one of the greatest joys of my life is being your mommy

happy birthday to my daughter, julia alexis

you are loved.

signs of love

2011-01-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

My ultra hip friend who lives and works in NYC, visits an ultra hip coffee shop outside of her office building every morning.

When visiting NYC last month with my mom, we met up with said ultra hip friend at said coffee shop. Some background - my friend mentions designers and labels and accessories only rarely when we're together because she doesn't really know how to handle the blank stare I give her. Our friendship goes way, way, way back (over 30 years), and is based on such substance that she forgives my naivete of her world as I forgive hers of mine. When it comes to things that matter, we get each other.

Anyway, back to the coffee shop. It's very fancy. They have cups hanging on the wall. Everything is either black or white. Cups - white. Espresso machines - black. Chairs - white. Tables - black. I want desperately to start taking pictures, but I don't want to embarrass my friend in front of her coffee friends.

My mom and I looked like the tourists we were.

When my coffee arrives, I notice the heart shape design created by the milk. Of course, I comment, and say, "Oh, see how much that guy behind the espresso machine loves me. He gave me a heart." Now, I was kidding. I know this is how they do it. I did it to be funny, which I'm not. And I also did it to play up our tourist personas. I thought my friend would chuckle, then give me the blank stare.

She didn't.

She confessed that when she first starting getting coffee at this shop, the guy behind the espresso machine made her coffee with a heart. She looked forward to that heart every morning. I guess in NYC, you'll take the love when and where you get it.

When my friend shared her experience with a coworker, the coworker laughed and explained, "No, Silly, he does that for everyone. It's how it's made."

After she told me this story, we both laughed.

Then I stared.

I kind of wish her coworker never told her that it was customary and routine. I wish she let my friend believe that it was really just for her. A sign of love - who doesn't need or deserve that?

field trip

2011-01-12T07:00:00.002-05:00

We took our kids to the National Gallery of Art last Saturday.

I'd like to say it's because we're that cultured.

It's not.

We drove down Constitution Avenue looking for parking.

It was a cold and windy day - not a day to walk the National Mall.

There was a spot outside of the Gallery, and as a result that's where we went.

It was fun - it was a TON of fun.

The kids giggled when they saw some nudes.

"Hey, that person is showing her belly button."

And they loved the water wall.

"But where does the water go?"

And they pointed out art they saw from their Olivia books.

Thanks, Olivia.

My favorite moment... well, that was easy.

I asked them both to pick their favorite painting in a room.

I chose mine - Snow in New York by Henri

When I pointed to it, Brendan went running.

His hand went dangerously close to the actual art.

I ran after him and sternly told him, "You can't touch the art."

He pulled his arm back and asked, "Why is it still wet?"

I laughed all the way home.

nap time and maternal warnings

2011-01-11T07:00:00.001-05:00

For months, other moms tried to warn me.

If you take down her crib, say good-bye to naps.

She's won't stay in her bed. And she'll never nap.

Do you enjoy her nap-time? Well, those days are over.

Just be ready, for some long afternoons.

Here's what I know.

If Lulu is tired, Lulu sleeps regardless of the accommodations.

(and yes, those are orange popsicle stains on her face.)

huggies

2011-01-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

Several times a day, my little Lulu asks for huggies.

She looks at me, throws out both arms, and yells, "Huggies!"

I mean, seriously. Could there be a better request to receive?

My pleasure, Little Lulu. My pleasure.

big girl bed

2011-01-06T07:00:00.001-05:00

My baby graduated to a twin bed.

No more crib.

For the first time in five years, we don't have a crib in our house.

Well, it's in the garage, but that doesn't really count.

Do you think she looks happy?

She was beyond excited.

On the first night we found her wondering around at 11PM.

Ah, freedom.

And check her out - pajamas and sheets match.

Total fluke.

She tells me every chance she gets, "I'm a big girl now."

Like I need the reminder.

dividing time

2011-01-03T11:36:00.001-05:00

Brendan has been obsessing about my parents' beach house and keeps discussing it...actually, he is whining about when we can go.

He hates that it's hundreds of sleeps and many months away, so this AM he asked, "How many seasons until we go to Mim's beach house?"

When I said two, he lit up like the Christmas tree I just took down.

It's all about how you divide time.

Speaking of which, that's how I am handling my resolutions for this year. I am dividing time with my new mantra.

THINK SMALL.

Sometimes I am overwhelmed by large tasks. I see weight loss in 20 pound increments. I see cleaning a closet in trips to goodwill, the attic, the Container Store. I see painting a room in paint samples, gathering the right supplies, trips to paint stores, and time away from other tasks.

So this year, I am thinking small. I am starting small too.

I am going to bed at 10PM. I might not go to sleep right away, but I will have my butt in bed at 10PM. Daily. Well, no, tonight. Tonight I will be in bed at 10PM. Starting small....by dividing time.

looking back for only a moment

2010-12-31T11:24:00.000-05:00

because I have big plans for 2011....

(and because I need one more blog post to keep my unplanned tradition of 164 posts per year)

January - Miss Lulu-Belle Turned Two

February - I said good-bye (for now) to a friend

March - I did a whole bunch of cleaning out.

April - We finished our Bathroom Remodel.

May - My kids continue to crack me up.

June - The kids had a royal good time.

July - We had a great time with our family on vacation.

August - I was reminded (again) how I have the best teammate.

September - My baby started preschool.

October - I became a runner.

November - I became a soccer mom.

December - It was merry and bright.

wishing you the happiest of new years

these are a few of my favorite things....

2010-12-30T01:09:00.000-05:00

Our annual Christmas Eve Dinner at our house....

Julia saying over and over, "This is just what I wanted for Christmas."

(even when she never once asked for it)

Cousins singing Christmas carols together...

(they held hands without being asked to do so)

and decorating cookies for Santa

Brendan looking each person who gave him a gift in the eye and thanking him/her for the gift.

(just like we practiced.)

and the generosity of my family....

(twenty-five new pairs of pajamas for the Pajama Program)

pre and post dawn

2010-12-28T07:44:00.000-05:00

Pre-Dawn

Post-Dawn

and my most favorite picture of the morning

my merry and my bright 2010

2010-12-26T19:07:00.000-05:00

Hoping your Christmas was filled with lots of merry and tons of bright too.

nark

2010-12-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

We invited the biggest nark in the world into our house.

Actually, I didn't invite him.

Brendan did.

His cousins have JJ and Henry.

And now we have Elliott.

But Elliott only reports the good news back to Santa.

Brendan forgets that he has nightmares about the naughty list.

I don't forget, so we made some adjustments to the story.

This really isn't my thing. I am not into letters to Santa either.

I'm no Grinch, but this isn't exactly how I envision Christmas.

I will say that the morning search for Elliott is a ton of fun.

I'm gradually adjusting to this nark.

Peace on Earth starts at home.

Christmas Program at Preschool

2010-12-20T21:10:00.000-05:00

Here's my king and his back up singer.

Oh, how I love them.

here we go again....

2010-12-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

It snowed here today. Does Mother Nature know that I am not done shopping yet? Please.

Clear those roads. I have some serious shopping to finish.

easiest holiday (or anytime) treat ever

2010-12-16T08:34:00.000-05:00

We made these pretzel candies last week.

The kids lined up the pretzels and unwrapped the Hershey kisses.

Our resident choc-aholic took her work very seriously.

They snacked on carrots while I put the tray in a 200 degree oven for five minutes.

"Carrots, Mom, really?!" Yep, carrots. Can you hear the bribery that took place at the table? "If you eat all of your carrots, then you can have a treat when they're done."

Then I pressed the m and m candy into the center. (Speaking of the candy, I picked up a few bags of green and red ones at Michael's and promptly returned them when I saw they charged me $6 per SMALL bag! Um, no thank you! I bought the regular pound bag at the grocery story for half that.)

They had to be refrigerated for a bit and really should be stored in the frig until they're ready to enjoy. Warm, preschool hands can cause some seriously messy hands. But boy, are they good.

I am thinking of making another batch for their preschool buddies.

only my mom and only in nyc

2010-12-15T07:00:00.001-05:00

My mom and I took the train to NYC for a quick overnight last week. We saw some family, some friends, went to Radio City, window-shopped, and shopped at two favorite stores.

We stayed at the Marriott in Times Square. At 2AM, I see my mother making her way over to the window. I ask, "Is everything alright?"

She responds, "Yes, everything is fine. I just wanted to see if the lights were still on in Times Square."

Oh, my goodness, that cracked me up. It still makes me laugh a week later.

Kids' Bathroom Update

2010-12-14T07:00:00.000-05:00

a peak into the newly updated bathroom

We spent a lot of time and a whole lot of money on our master bath redo this year.

As a result, I did a low-budget cosmetic redo on the kids' bath.

Here are some in-process pictures:

And here's the finished product:

my second favorite decoration

2010-12-13T08:07:00.000-05:00

I have collected needlepoint stockings for years. I have quite a few, but never knew what to do with them at Christmas. Our mantel has a swag I made last year, so I don't hang them there. I hung them from the banisters, since we have a lot of stairs in this house, but they always looked kind of lonely.

We don't really put too many decorations (if any) upstairs, but this year, each door in the upstairs hallway has some holiday spirit.

It was pretty easy too. I used a cheap brass holder from Home Depot. Then I hung the stocking. I tied a bow using left over ribbon from my mantel swag project last year, and then added the clippings from our tree.

It makes me so happy when I climb the stairs. I love a new, simple, cheap, and easy decoration that makes me smile.

cleaning up

2010-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

I really should shower more. Now, I do shower. But I should shower earlier in the day. Our schedule doesn't always allow for it before I see other human beings. If I'm going to work out, it's going to happen post-preschool-drop off. This means many a person may see me before I have showered for the day. It's not convenient, but it's the best option for me. However, I am starting to reconsider. There have been a few situations of late where it has come to my attention that when I do make the effort to look presentable, it doesn't go unnoticed.

For example.....

Around lunchtime one weekday, I took the kids to the mall to have Lulu's coat monogrammed. I dropped it off at the embroidery shop, and the clerk told me two hours. We hit the food court, the play area, and checked out some stores. It had been 90 minutes, so I stopped by the shop. The clerk was annoyed with me for coming back early and said, "I told you two hours."

I decided to go home, take a shower, and head back to the mall later that afternoon.

Upon my return a short time later, I asked to collect Lulu's coat. The clerk looked at me and said, "Did you drop something off?"

I told him the pink coat is mine. He looked disbelievingly at me. He just stared and reluctantly allowed me to take the coat.

Oh yeah, he didn't recognize me since I showered.

my favorite decoration so far....

2010-12-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

We have a River Birch Tree in front of our house.

I love this tree. We bought it when Brendan was born.

No one thought it was a good idea to plant it in front of our house. River Birch trees need lots of water. They need lots of space. We give it dry land and a small bed, yet it flourishes. I tell you what it needs - love. I give it lots of love. Every time I drive up to our house I think, "I love that tree." And seriously, this tree grows.

My neighbor tells me every year, "I can't believe how well that tree is doing. I never thought it would last." He loves River Birches too.

Last year, we bought a spotlight for it. At Christmas, we set it up, and it shines on the bark. The winter bark is such a gift. Everything is so bland and grey right now, but not my River Birch.

It's white and chippy and beautiful.

I drove past a mega-mansion tonight. The owners of said mega mansion had an entire team of professionals lighting up their house - millions of lights, tons of wreaths, and a slew of special spotlights along with yards and yards of red ribbon were being hung by a large team.

I drove home to my spotlighted River Birch. It cost about $20 bucks. It brings me so much joy. I couldn't help but wonder how much it cost to have the mega-mansion decorated. I also wondered if the owners of the mega-mansion are as happy as I am when I drive home.

Hope so. Cause if not, that's a big old waste of money.

happy birthday

2010-12-01T07:55:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Todd!

Celebrating you and all you do today.

Thank you for taping every single one of Brendan's soccer games,

and then proceeding to watch those tapes with him over and over.

Thank you for coming to Julia's ballet class,

and for bringing her flowers.

Thank you for leaving your boys weekend

so you could attend the Wiggles concert with us.

Thank you for always being patient and kind to me,

especially when I don't always return the favor.

I love you.

Happy Birthday.

giving thanks today

2010-11-25T09:25:00.000-05:00

for days spent with these two munchkins

for days being a partner in parenthood with this guy

for countless hours spent with my crazy siblings and their super-cute and loving families this year

and for years of love from these two.

Happy Thanksgiving from my parade-watching, bloody-mary drinking, mashed-potato and stuffing cooking house to yours!

thankfulness

2010-11-23T08:23:00.000-05:00

I stopped picking up. I stopped checking email. I stopped reading blogs.

I played with crayons and chalk.

My kids loved it.

I am thankful for this time with them.

extending fall and focusing

2010-11-22T08:08:00.000-05:00

the view from our living room window - november 2010

We've had a real fall here this year. Crisp cool mornings, followed by comfortable afternoon temps, ending with clear cold nights. Our pumpkins are still on our front stoop, along with the scarecrow. The yard is only kind of cleaned up. I like the fallen leaves scattered about the garden.

Several of our neighbors have put up the Christmas lights, taking advantage of the warm temps. They're not on, but they're there. A gentle reminder of the hustle and bustle around the corner.

I have done some shopping. I have ordered our Christmas cards. I am making plans.

But not this week. This week, I am going to focus on gratitude. And in order to do it, I am going to slow it down.

Wishing you a slow and peaceful week.

wiggly mania

2010-11-16T08:24:00.000-05:00

The kids the morning of the Wiggles Show - November 2010

Last year, we took the kids to see the Wiggles. They had so much fun, they talked about it all year. They told every person they knew about it, including strangers.

As in, "We went to the Wiggles."

Stranger, "Um...okay..."

Brendan brought roses for Dorothy - November 2009

And last year, our kids were young. They were one and three. To me that's pretty young to attend a concert - even a kids concert. This was at a pretty large venue. Lulu even had to sit on my lap because the chair kept folding up on her.

Well, looking at the picture of me holding Lulu, I am realizing maybe she remembered the Boardwalk fries.
November 2009

All year, the kids have asked if the Wiggles were returning. I told them I would check. I never did. The tickets aren't cheap. Plus, I thought maybe that was a one-time-at-bat type of event. Well, my kids have great hearing. So great that they heard the Wiggles were coming to our area on the radio while driving to preschool. (Do ad agents know how to do their job or what?)

The kiddos before the show - November 2010

We decided to buy the tickets.

Toot Toot, Chugga, Chugga, Big Red Car - November 2010

The show did not disappoint, and the kids were thrilled. Lulu danced so much that she fell asleep towards the end of the show. This time her hand was actually in the bag of popcorn. Brendan had his eyes on the stage the entire time, and never once asked when it would end. The show runs for about 90 minutes. That's a pretty long time for a four-year-old.

Lulu and Brendan watching the show - November 2010

As ridiculous as the price of tickets can be, I won't remember that a month from now. I will only remember how for about a year or two, my kids were Wiggles groupies.

And thanks to this etsy shop, they have the t-shirts to remember it for another year. Maybe the t-shirts will help strangers figure out who the Wiggles are when my kids tell them about the show.

soccer mom chronicles

2010-11-15T07:00:00.000-05:00

I loved watching Brendan play soccer this fall.

He played his last game last weekend.

It was cold. So I quickly grabbed a hat from the hall closet as we exited the house.

He scored 8 goals. It was wild. The opponents were calling him "the Shark." As in the parents on the sidelines were saying, "Oh great, the Shark has the ball again."

Now, I will tell you, I have spent most of the last two months trying to prevent Lulu from running away from me or from removing the entire contents of my purse onto the grass, so I didn't see a whole lot of play.

I was so excited to see him play and play well.

It figures that Todd was on a boys weekend on the very last weekend when we were to bring the cupcakes for the team party.

But, all in all, I liked being a soccer mom. I enjoyed our new Saturday AM routine. And I will miss it.

I will miss it until spring when we will begin again.

my jeans don't fit

2010-11-10T15:26:00.000-05:00

They almost hurt.

It's shocking too because they fit before Halloween.

Gosh, I wonder why they're so tight.

costco love

2010-11-08T07:53:00.000-05:00

Do you know how there is a blog for all the Homegoods shoppers? They post about how they use the items from Homegoods to make their homes and lives prettier and better?

Well, I should do a Costco one. Maybe they even have one?

Every year I spend a ridiculous amount of money on annuals for the porch, deck, and garden. We travel a bit in the summer, so I either beg someone to help water, or I pitch and start over upon our return. Money out the window, I tell you.

Well, this year, I found these planters and hanging baskets at Costco. They were more than 1/2 the price of the containers at the garden center. I decided to give them a shot.

Well, the picture above was taken LAST week! Last week! Are you kidding me? We were away for four weeks this summer, and our neighbor did water, but I had to cut them back a bit upon our return. I can't believe how great these flowers did.

I think I might throw them away today since it's trash day, and they are starting to look a little weak. Frost will do that. I am not complaining - I got six months out of those flowers. Amazing.

running inspiration

2010-11-05T07:54:00.000-04:00

my favorite sign from the MCM, DC 2010

My brother's girlfriend and my best friend's husband ran the Marine Corp Marathon in DC last weekend.

It was the very first time I was a spectator at a marathon. We watched the runners at miles 10 and 16. Both mile markers are near the Lincoln Memorial. We cheered runners for three hours. I can't even find the words to say how inspired I was by every single person who was running.

When I thought about the course, the conditions, and the endurance needed, I was scared. Seriously, I felt scared for the runners because I, personally, can't imagine doing it. But those runners weren't scared. Most were very serious, and some were a little winded, but all of them were doing it.

When I saw our runners, the runners we went to cheer on, I cried. Can you imagine? I was that excited and nervous and energized for them.

Inspiration often results in action. This week I have run my furthest distances and logged my fastest times. I am still slower than the hare, but I am most certainly faster than tortoise.

pumpkin palooza

2010-11-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

Last year, we had a bunch of Halloween events to attend. As enjoyable as each event was, I was stressed that all the going and partying would land me with a sick trick-or-treater. I wanted to scale it back this year, but still give the kids an opportunity to wear their costumes more than once and celebrate the festiveness (is that even an word?) of fall. Well, I blew it. We had a crazy few weeks of fall fun. I wouldn't have changed a thing.

We went to the pumpkin patch with their preschool.

Lulu waiting to enter the patch

Brendan couldn't wait to pick his pumpkin

Lulu winced whenever the ducks got close

Holy smokes, B, you are airborne!

We decided to Boo our neighbors. Thanks to Randi for providing the inspiration. We started this tradition in our neighborhood. It was a little slow to get going, but a good number of folks participated.

Next, I planned a little play date with some of their friends. Mummy dogs, ghost pudding, and pumpkin puppets were on the agenda.

Mummy Dogs - crescent rolls wrapped around a hot dog - easy!

Ghost Pudding - lots of chocolate in this one

Loved these simple foam crafts from Michael's

The Play Date Crew

Goody Bags for all of the kiddos

We attended the annual Halloween parade in my sister's neighborhood. I love getting a picture of the kids with their cousins. I look forward to putting together a scrapbook page comparing those photographs over the years.

a clown, a witch, little red riding hood, the wolf, and the best erkel ever

Finally, the kids went trick or treating with Todd. I stayed back to answer the door, but this year marks the end of that silly tradition. Hardly any kids stopped by, and now I am left with over 200 candy bars. Seriously, I will gain 20 pounds if I don't start giving this stuff away. But who needs candy this week? Next year, I am leaving a sign and a bowl of candy at the door. Help yourself. Take one, take twenty. I couldn't care less. I want to see my kids trick or treat.

Now, I am off to pack up those Halloween decorations. I am leaving the fall decorations out, but a quick glimpse of the calendar reminds me that Christmas decorations are around the corner....

Yikes.

things my kids say

2010-11-03T07:00:00.000-04:00

While driving in the car, Brendan announces, "Seat belts are like hugs from your car."

I always tell Toad, "Now, you can start being nice to me." It's a silly expression I use when I think he needs to be more appreciative. Well, Brendan asked me on the way home from school, "When do you think Daddy will start being nice to you?" GULP. Do you think he shared this with his teachers?

After explaining to Lulu that a set of stairs is called a staircase, she responds, "Oh, I don't need to know that word. I am too little. I just say stairs."

Apparently, I was a little frazzled the other day because Lulu asked me, "Am I making you nutty?"

Lulu has to eat dinner or she won't receive any sweets. She loves sweets. I called her to the table and she told me, "No thank you. I don't need to eat dinner; I had enough sweets today." How do you spell backfire?

it won't be long...

2010-11-02T17:24:00.000-04:00

picture from Pottery Barn

I know it's just a matter of days for some creative blogger to replicate this $300 advent calendar for less than $30. Especially if that blogger lives near some woods - it is made out of branches, after all.

But it got me wondering. Haven't a bunch of bloggers already done this? Do you think PB design folks are blog-reading for their own inspiration?

Probably so.

Brendan's Crush - an update....

2010-10-29T20:11:00.000-04:00

I met Brendan's crush at the Halloween Parade today.

Check out her costume - a bride!

Now that was pretty funny.

She's making every one of my nightmares come true.

happy anniversary

2010-10-24T16:49:00.000-04:00

My mom threw a surprise birthday party for my dad this summer.

He was so confused.

It was two months before his actual birthday.

She's explaining to him that we're singing happy birthday to HIM.

He couldn't believe it.

He was really surprised.

His first instinct was to hug her.

His second was to toast the crowd.

Today these two are celebrating forty-six years of marriage.

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad.

too young for a crush

2010-10-19T07:00:00.000-04:00

Brendan on Picture Day - he wanted to wear his "string" aka tie.

Brendan came home from preschool yesterday, and he announced he played with Alex on the playground. I was glad to hear it because he came home one day and told me that he plays by himself outside. That just breaks my heart. The whole point of this preschool experience is the interaction with kids his own age. Kids he's not related to or kids not born to my friends.

As a result of what he mentioned before, I was happy, but because of his personality, I didn't make a big deal. I learned this technique from my mom - don't overreact when your kids share - just let them know that you're ears are open. I did just that, and boy, was that a mistake!

I responded casually, "Really? That's great. What did you play?"

He readily answered, "We play boy games, and Genevieve and Hallie, played girl games. But Genevieve whispered in Hallie's ear. And I said, 'I heard that.'"

Obviously, I am engaged because Genevieve's name has come up a few times in the last few weeks, and I ask, "Well, what did Genevieve say?"

Brendan tells me, "I don't know. I couldn't hear it, but I just said that. Then we just stared at each other because that's what we sometimes do. We just look at each other. A lot."

.....i am speechless....

Am I a Runner?

2010-10-18T07:00:00.001-04:00

I started running in March.

I am not a runner.

I could hardly run to the corner.

I am not a runner.

So I joined a women's training program, and I trained for 8 weeks.

In June, I ran my first 5K.

I'm clapping because my only goal was to run the entire 5K, and I did it.

I am not sure that makes me a runner.

I ran all summer. Some weeks, I would skip a run, and it would bother me. I actually missed running.

Is this how runners feel?

Today, I ran an 8K. I ran almost 5 miles. It was the furthest I have ever run.

There were a ton of serious runners there.

These people were fit, strong, and fast.

I ran it. I finished. Barely. Todd just showed me how 80% of the participants finished ahead of me. Really, 80%? I ran just over an 11 minute mile. I thought that was good. It got me a 20%.

My brother John, me, and Todd after the Acumen 8K

I'm still not sure I am a runner. Sometimes, I feel like a bit of a fake.

But I know I am more of runner now than I was 7 months ago.

And in March I couldn't have finished five miles. Or even one.

Now, I can.

I may be last, or close to last, but I am a runner.

family pride

2010-10-15T07:44:00.001-04:00

My grandfather came to the United States by himself as a teenager. He was young, and strong, and determined, and poor. Like so many immigrants, he worked hard to make a life for himself in America.

He married, became a plumber by trade, and had three children. On the weekends, he played football. He played with men half his age, and he would beat them. No one was stronger. He lived a good life, and he was always very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Uncle Ed and Brendan in Greenport, NY - July 2010

Well, his only son is my Uncle Ed. He is the Headmaster at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut. He's successful, and loving, and smart. He's a fisherman and a boater and very handy. I don't think anyone would call him an athlete, but that's part of the fun of this story.

Last weekend, the Board of Directors at Choate named the athletic field after my uncle. He will retire this year after twenty years as Headmaster. It's quite an honor.

It's just such a great story - a man comes to the States from Ireland in the early part of the twentieth century without any formal education, and now his name is on an athletic field at one of the most prestigious high schools in the country. He would be so proud of his son. I can see him beaming in Heaven. Beaming because, although none of his children lit up a field with their athletic prowess, there stands an athletic field in Connecticut that bears his family's name.

sitter story

2010-10-14T21:26:00.001-04:00

When I started blogging, I wrote a post about how tormented I was regarding our babysitter. Oh, boy, have we had our ups and downs with sitters.

Well, let me tell you, times have changed. I tutor outside of our home several afternoons each week, and we have a graduate student who comes and watches the kiddos until Todd gets home.

It hasn't always been smooth sailing, but as the kids have gotten older, they are enjoying having another adult with whom to play.

I have figured out that the solution for my kids is to leave a super fun project for our sitter to do with the kids. It's never elaborate, but something special "just for the sitter."

They've decorated cupcakes, made posters to cheer on a friend's marathon run, played with glitter art, and one day, Play-Doh. She even made an exhibit. The kids were so proud of their work, and to my surprise and delight, our babysitter of two years is SUPER creative.

Super creative and funny! I think I know who is going to be wrapping our Christmas presents this year.

going private....

2010-10-08T07:00:00.004-04:00

When I started this blog, it was an outlet for me.

I began posting when I left my job and became a stay-at-home mom to my little ones.

I loved reading blogs, and I felt the only way to comment and connect with other bloggers was to join in.

But then as time went on, blogging became my modern-version of journaling. I wrote to document my life, to document my life as a mom, to record this time, and then I met some wonderful people. I realize it's different for everyone, but this has been my journey. I didn't put much thought into the creation of this blog, but I wouldn't be honest if I said, I didn't think about it often.

I have been able to document my life.

And, I have written a bunch. Some personal things, but always with a mind to the fact that what I write here is inevitably available to anyone on the Internet. Or as Toad says, some freak named Steve pretending to be a mommy blogger.

(apologies to all the Steve's out there)

A few weeks ago, I wrote about photo albums.

I took the advice I received (thanks Deborah!), and I put together an album for each year since my son was born.

What a process.

But this process got me thinking about this blog.

This blog has documented our history. It's important. And I never have typed my kids' names.

That feels weird. I want to do that. But it's more than that. I want to write without worrying who is reading. I want to be more me, more us.

So, I am making this blog private. I want to print it. I want to save it for me and my kids.

I have made a few friends here, and I wanted to tell you. Because you have influenced me so much. I wanted to share this decision before I did it because I hate it when I have followed someone or lurked somewhere for quite awhile, and they have gone private without notice.

That said, if you want, email me or comment, and I'll be sure we can stay connected by way of an invitation to keep reading this blog.

my email is maureen0608(AT)gmail(DOT)com

little helpers

2010-10-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have been thinking a lot about how much easier it is getting around here. Our kids are becoming more and more self-sufficient. Sure, I am still putting the toothpaste on the brush, but they brush, brush, brush away.

Last week, my four-year old dressed my two-year old. They did this while I was taking a shower. Two years ago, I could never have taken a shower while they were awake. Heck, I couldn't have done it one year ago. If I had known the would be so constructive, maybe I should have left them unattended sooner.

Now, no one is eating bon bons around here, but I am the first to remember the exhaustion and desperation involved with caring for a colicky baby and diaper-wearing, paci-sucking, bottle-drinking two-year old.

This has been nice.

Plus they helped me wash the car on Saturday. And they actually did help.

Then they cooked dinner. I mean, they washed the car and cooked dinner. Holy smokes, at this rate, I am thinking by next year, I will be sleeping in until 10 and having breakfast served to me in bed.

Now, in the interest of full disclosure, the children did make pizza that night. But there wasn't a chance in Hades that I was eating that hot mess. The crust was about 2 inches too thick and could hardly cook before the sauce and cheese burned. Plus do you see those Little People on the counter? I haven't cleaned those little suckers since the spring, so there is no doubt they played with them while cooking. Oh, holy germs.

While they were being supervised by their dad, I was grilling Naan pizza on the grill. We skillfully pretended that my pizza was actually theirs.

See, we're parenting. But, right now, in this window, it's easier. And I'm thankful.

wordless wednesday - child labor

2010-10-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

in and out of love

2010-10-05T23:33:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I fall out of love with my house. Sometimes, it's the opposite.

Tonight, as I did the dishes, which took forever, I caught a glimpse of my house.

I fell back in love.

Does this happen to you? Or am I just a freak?

Probably the latter, but humor me.

growing a family

2010-10-04T22:54:00.000-04:00

This is the most current picture of my whole family.

My parents, four siblings, husband, my two kids, three out-laws, and five nieces, and two nephews.

(Yes, I call them out-laws. It's really the most appropriate term for those poor souls who marry into our circle of nuttiness. It's better to be an out-law, then you can pretend you don't know us in restaurants, Church, or other public gatherings.)

I recently looked at the family picture taken at our wedding six years ago.

There are eight new people in our family now.

I have been thinking a lot about my little family - me, Toad, our two little ones.

I grew up in a big family.

Once I met the right man, I hoped to have a bunch of kids. We've had two.

(and I know we're lucky.)

But, inevitably, I start "iffing" myself. If we met earlier, if we had more sooner, if I never miscarried.

It's a bad road. A road I need to exit. And quickly. Nothing good comes from "iffing."

Last weekend, I had a loving conversation with one of my first cousins.

I told her how I felt. How I felt sad that my children might only have one sibling. How this wasn't really what I imagined. How I felt so unsettled by it all.

She listened earnestly and responded.

She pointed out my children's cousins. She reminded me how often the cousins see one another and how they'll never think of their family as small. They're already influenced by the love and attention of numerous adults and peers.

We had three family gatherings just this weekend. It was a bit much, but inevitably, a slew of birthdays needed celebrating.

My children were surrounded by noise, and fun, and laughter, and love.

Everything I have ever wanted for my family.

Isn't that all that matters?

wordless wednesday

2010-09-29T17:01:00.000-04:00

What's Cooking?

2010-09-27T07:46:00.000-04:00

I had definitely hit a summer food rut. I couldn't get inspired to cook to save my life. I'm glad fall is here for nothing more than some food inspiration.

Our our way home from the small town fair in the country last weekend, we stopped at an orchard. I bought a whole pile of apples, grabbed a Barefoot Contessa apple sauce recipe, and got cooking.

After all of the peeling, coring, and slicing, the sauce pretty much cooked itself. The way it made my house smell was worth the price of the apples. The sauce was scrumptious.

Country Fair

2010-09-22T07:00:00.001-04:00

We went to my favorite country fair last weekend.

We hit a few at the end of summer each year, but this one started decades ago when a small group of families decided to get together to celebrate the end of summer.

Over the years, the gathering grew into a huge country fair.

But it feels small, despite the size.

I don't know how they do it, but they do.

My kids love getting their faces painted.

We're all about football in this house lately.

And she's all about the love.

There were plenty of animals to meet.

Lulu doesn't look too excited to meet this miniature horse. She doesn't know yet that her name was Cookies. I bet that would change her opinion.

Two cousins joined us too, so it was made even more fun. I love my nieces.

We had so much fun, a certain someone (and her best friend) fell asleep while I cooked dinner.

Speaking of dinner, I call this my Costco dinner. I need to do a separate post on this dinner, especially since I haven't done a cooking post in forever.

It was a great day. I bet those original families never imagined their end-of-summer gathering would gain such momentum. But I get it. I get the desire to celebrate the end of a beautiful season and to celebrate the beginning of another.

summer's over

2010-09-20T22:31:00.003-04:00

Montauk, July 2010

Okay.

Fine.

I'm ready.

I suppose I don't really have a choice.

stolen moment

2010-09-20T07:33:00.000-04:00

I found my baby girl reading this week.

She's two. She can't read.

She doesn't know the letters make words.

Check out that concentration. She's reading - her way.

She is using the pictures to create a story.

She knows the story moves from left to right. I watched as she turned the pages and looked a the pictures. I saw her smile when she recognized a character. I watched as she took in every detail - no doubt she was studying the character's choice of shoes.

I was in the next room. I grabbed my camera and didn't say a word.

Oh, the bonus? It was the title - Chores.

Okay, she really is my most favorite little girl in the entire world.

soccer mom

2010-09-17T11:00:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago I went to the local sports shop to purchase B's soccer uniform.

The twenty-something male clerk asked me, "So is he your first soccer player?"

I responded, "Yes. This is all new for us."

He snickered and responded, "Congratulations, you are now the soccer mom you used to make fun of."

I started laughing, then I stopped abruptly.

I left the store wondering what else this stranger knew about me.

memory keeping

2010-09-15T22:57:00.000-04:00

I haven't put a photo album together in ages. Lulu's baby book is empty. EMPTY. I thank God for this blog because I have tons of memories in the archives. But I have never printed it out. I am trusting the blogosphere to maintain my kids' early years? What in the world?

I need to get organized. I need to print out some photos. I do back up what I have on my computer, but that's not enough. I just am not sure I want to fill up shelves with picture albums or scrapbooks.

Or do I? Tell me; how do you do it?

I have to be able to locate the picture above years from now. Because I am not sure I can do anything but laugh when I see it. And sometimes I need a good laugh.

First Day of School

2010-09-14T07:00:00.001-04:00

My little man started his last year of preschool last week.

His sister started her first year of preschool.

If I wondered how she felt about it, here's a quick shot taken before the doors opened that answers that question:

Check out her face! Does it capture her apprehension?

Oh yes, it does.

She did great.

They both did.

And off we go.

Grandparents

2010-09-12T16:55:00.000-04:00

When I was growing up, I had two loving grandparents.

My mom's father was our Pop.

My dad's mother was our Nanny.

We lived within blocks of both.

I was lucky. Lucky to have such frequent contact with them. My kids are lucky too.

My dad is now Pop.

He has an endless supply of Tootsie Rolls.

That and love.

He's generous with both.

He introduced my kids to the Atlantic. He loves the ocean, and so do they.

My father-in-law is Grampy.

Doesn't he look like a Grampy?

He acts like a Grampy too. He's the quiet kind.

I love him. And so do my children.

His generosity is endless.

My mother-in-law is Granny.

I'm not sure that name fits.

I call her TOG.

She says it means Totally Objective Granny.

I chose a different "O" word.

(snickering)

She is the ultimate teacher. When around the kids, she teaches them about everything.

If her grandchildren are speaking to her, she tunes out everyone and everything.

They view their house like most kids view Disney.

My mom is Mim.

My kids are probably around her the most.

She lets them get away with murder.

She saves them from many a time out.

They know it too.

She never shows up without a gift. Never.

"Mim is great. She buys us underwear, a beach house, and toys."

I couldn't make up that quote in a million years. Not sure how they equate underwear to a beach house, but they did. I also love that they think that beach house was purchased for them.

Grandparents are a gift.

Happy Grandparents Day.

Grandparents Day 2009

classroom love

2010-09-10T06:37:00.000-04:00

Check out this classroom library. Talk about books done right. Did you learn in a classroom filled with books you could choose? Were the books organized by topic or type? Were there numerous informational books like atlases and science books to interest the non-fiction lovers? Was there a variety of books at different reading levels? What about having a comfortable chair or two to read while you waited for the rest of class to finish an assignment or receive direct small group instruction from the teacher? Was this your classroom experience?

It wasn't mine as a student, but boy, do I love seeing it now. Especially when it's done in the older grades. I wasn't turned on to reading until I was in college. Sure, I read what I had to read before then, but it wasn't something I did for enjoyment until I was out of high school. I think that's sad. I think having a classroom like this would have made a difference. My friend's son will learn in the classroom pictured above. I am so happy for him and for all of the other children who will either establish a love of reading this year or have it nurtured.

looking up

2010-09-09T10:22:00.003-04:00

I hate ceiling fans. I wear contacts, and nothing dries out my eyes faster than a ceiling fan. Each swirl of the blade is like a vacuum sucking every drop of moisture around my eyeball.

In our house, we have six. Well, we had six. I eliminated one of them last week. Here's a picture of the ceiling fan in our bedroom. We've been in this house six years, and this fan has never been turned on.

Now, meet my new best friend. I call her Gorgeous. When Lulu saw her, she said, "Oh, how gorgeous." I am not kidding, and hence her name.

She's on a dimmer, and I just love her. She was my Mother's Day present, and she was just installed. It takes time to get things done in this house, but she was worth the wait.

One down, five to go. But realistically, they won't all come down. That's okay. I have Gorgeous.

bright and shiny

2010-09-07T07:00:00.002-04:00

A former colleague referred to the beginning of the school year as "bright and shiny and filled with possibility."

Isn't that the truth? When I was teaching, I would start dreaming about lesson plans once the calendar turned to August. As an administrator, I would dream about what to give to teachers as they returned to work. I was obsessed with capturing the enthusiasm and spirit and energy of these special weeks.

It truly is the most magical and positive time ever in a school building. It's a clean slate.

I not longer hold those roles. But like last year, two of my most favorite children on the planet will enter Kindergarden this year. I can hardly stand it. I am the aunt. I am not the mom. I am the aunt, but it's almost too much for me. As I listen to the tenderness in their mom (and dad's voices), I melt. I hear the anxiety and stress. I know how they feel as a parent. I never new this feeling on this other side. I didn't work long enough after my son was born. I didn't know how parents felt. Not really.

As the educator in the family, I should offer advice. I should comfort. I should tell them about how the teachers are thinking that all is bright and shiny and filled with possibility. And they are. This is the most magical time of the year.

But I don't want to see these two to grow up. I want them to stay little. As one of their dad's says, "I want to shrink her and keep her in my pocket." Me too. I am not ready.

But they are. They are so ready.

So for all the moms (and aunts) who don't want to let go, know that there is an army of professionals who are only thinking that these children are bright and shiny and filled with possibility. In the end, it's the most perfect place for them to be.

I just have to remember that too. They've grown. They're no longer babies. But they'll always be my baby nieces. They'll never be too big for my kisses. Never too big for my lap. I hope they always know how much love I have in my heart for them.

trick or treat

2010-09-06T07:00:00.001-04:00

When I first became a mom, I chose my little guy's Halloween costume in August. He was a lobster. He was adorable.

The second year, he was a pumpkin. The cutest pumpkin I have ever seen.

By the time he was celebrating his third Halloween, he was a big brother. That year, his sister wore the lobster costume and he was the chef.

Last year, for his fourth Halloween, both he and his sister coordinated again. This time he was a football player, and she was the cheerleader. The team? The Cowboys. Toad owes me big-time for that selection.

So this year? I ordered their costumes last weekend, and they arrived this week. The picture above is the only shot I got of my little guy trying on his costume. Can you guess what he is? Can you guess his sister's costume?

I am so excited. I realize this is early, but that's how I roll. Plus, I don't know how many more years (if any) that they'll let me choose and coordinate. What's the best coordinated costumes you've seen?

birthday

2010-09-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

celebrating my fourth birthday

Sorry for the blurry picture. I think my mom took a picture of this picture using her I-phone. Then she uploaded it to Facebook, which is where I got it. The real life picture is one of my favorites. It was my fourth birthday. I love that number four - always have. I love celebrating my birthday. I remember big backyard parties with friends and family.

So thirty-five years later, I'm celebrating another birthday today. On the fourth of September. I will celebrate with family and friends just like back then. I still have those blonde highlights too (ha - we all know they're not as natural as they used to be).

I just hope to God that the cake this year isn't a number cake.

I also hope that I love the number four as much next year when it's followed by a zero.

and there she goes....

2010-09-03T22:03:00.000-04:00

Lulu attended her preschool orientation today. She's going to go to school one morning a week. Having spent the only two years of her life watching her brother attend preschool, she was ready for what she thought was an official drop-off today.

She made a bee-line for the table and chairs. See, that's what her brother's class did last year. At drop-off, the students found their chairs and sat. Mind you, the other children were on the rug playing with boxes of toys. Not Lulu. She found a chair. And she sat.

And she waited. Doesn't she look miserable? Believe me. She wasn't. She was doing what she thought she was supposed to do. I told her she could play, and she did. But her entry into her first school experience about cracked me up. Her brother and I just chuckled.

Here she is waving to her friends in the hallway. Yes, she even greeted the painted pictures. She is so ready for school. She is going to love it. I've said it before; I'll say it again. This child is all mine.

been busy....

2010-09-02T22:28:00.000-04:00

I am attempting to complete some house projects that I have put off for YEARS.

YEARS.

Enough already.

It's time to get to work.

me vs. technology - part two

2010-09-01T16:53:00.001-04:00

Last week (previous post), I wrote about my big screen dilemma. This post was supposed to follow it, but I lost my camera cord.

Apparently, cords are a problem for me. Because these cords were definitely bothering me the most.

The television is a 52 inches, so purchasing an armoire for this furniture-stuffed, relatively small rec room wasn't going to work. Plus, the wall isn't long, and custom built-ins aren't in the budget.

My solution? I found this relatively inexpensive sideboard last spring while shopping online at Ballard Design's for our bath remodel. I love Ballard Design's. I pour over their catalogue weekly.

The base of the television fits perfectly along this narrow sideboard. It is far less bulky than the previous big-box-store stand. It freed up a bunch of floor space in front of it too. Plus it provides plenty of storage for toys - a much-needed element in this rec room.

The biggest change was the elimination of the cords. Ahhh, my favorite part.

Those numerous and lengthy cords are tucked nicely in the opening in the back and are hidden behind the equipment. Look, you can't even see them when I open the door.

Now, the ~~monstrosity~~ television is still in view, but when I am down there, I don't even notice it. I just appreciate the sideboard.

Linking up to Finger Prints on the Fridge.

me vs. technology

2010-08-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

Do you have one of these in your house? No, you don't? Can I live with you?

Sure, I love a good movie on a big screen. Guess what, I am willing to pay $15 to see it each and every time as long as it's at a multi-plex! I just wish I didn't have to look at that monster in my rec room. It's ugly.

I hung our degrees above it so that people would know that at some point in our life we used to read books. Speaking of books, do you see how few titles I have listed for 2010. What in the world, but I digress.

I hate this TV. I hate it. It's a hazard. Just look behind it....

Oh, yes. That's safe. Those silly rubber tubes really do a lot to help hide those cords. Parenting magazines from around the world want to capture this in their next issue as the biggest DON'T when it comes to child-proofing your home.

I think it took 12 months to pay that sucker off several years ago, so I am not getting rid of it. Plus, Toad thinks this TV is about the best thing since he married someone who does his laundry. Imagine never having to wonder where your next pair of clean socks will come from? Okay, I digress again.

Tomorrow, I will post how I attempted to improve this eyesore.

old hood

2010-08-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

our kids trying to get a peek at my old apartment

Toad and I took the kids down to our old hood. We took them to the coop where I lived when Toad and I met. We walked the streets, pointed out where we first met, and where we had our first date.

Our little guy could not understand why we couldn't check out the apartment. That irritated him. He left annoyed. He doesn't like knowing life occurred prior to his arrival. Anyone else know a first-born like this?

Toad is trying to explain to our son why we can't go in. Lulu wants to hear more.

Lulu, on the other hand, thought it was great. She loved the steps, she loved the sidewalk, and she especially loved hearing about where Mommy and Daddy met. She ate it up. She giggled during each story we recapped for her.

So, tell me. Does birth order matter? Do gender stereotypes ring true for you?

our gardener quit

2010-08-24T07:00:00.002-04:00

I have a bunch of gardening to do. I am not feeling it. It's too hot. I am too lazy. Ugh.

felt like a dad

2010-08-23T07:58:00.000-04:00

We signed up our little guy for tennis lessons this summer. It was quick - one week of daily lessons. Toad was on vacation, so we all went to the courts to watch. Lulu entertained herself with another participant's sibling, so Toad and I were able to watch the instruction.

I grew up playing tennis. Tennis, when I have the opportunity to play, is my most favorite sport. I want my son to love tennis. I want him to enjoy every second of it, so that as he grows up we can play together. I want to grab our rackets, hit the ball around, and be with him. I get excited just thinking about it.

I realized something as we watched him play, this is exactly how dads must feel. I have watched for four years as Toad has enticed our son with basketballs and footballs and golf balls. They spent two hours playing baseball this weekend.

I suppose I always knew why he did it, but it was the first time I felt that way about a sport and our children. I felt like a dad.

Did you play sports with your parents? Do you play with your children?

Things My Kids Say

2010-08-21T11:03:00.000-04:00

Lulu at a Princess Party in June

As I was buckling Lulu into her car seat this morning, I commented on how pretty she looked.

I told her, "Lulu-belle, you look so very pretty today. I wish I looked so pretty today."

She looked at me with the most sincerity her two-year old self could display, "But Mommy, you are beautiful."

I was taken back. It was the sweetest thing to hear.

I told her, "Lulu, you just made my day. Thank you saying that to me. I love you."

She quickly responds, "I love you too, and you are beautiful. Just like me."

God love her.

say a little prayer

2010-08-19T22:15:00.000-04:00

I went to church tonight. Every Thursday, our church has holy hour and the rosary is said in this large, beautiful marble church with handfuls of people spread throughout the pews.

Different people take turns leading the rosary, and everyone participates. It's ritualistic and peaceful and comforting and just a lovely place to be.

I needed it. My shoe therapy post was an attempt to liven up my spirit, but quite frankly, tonight did more for me. I just stared at the statue of Mary and prayed.

I am looking forward to this week ending.

Tomorrow is going to be a tough day, and then onward and upward.

With a little prayer.

shoe therapy

2010-08-19T07:19:00.000-04:00

Like my new shoes?

I was invited to a shower a few weeks ago, and I realized that all of my dressy shoes are dated. It was time for new ones.

Thanks to Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale, these are now mine.

teammate

2010-08-18T10:04:00.001-04:00

If you take my first two initials (M and A) and my husband's first two initials (T and E),

they spell two words:

TEAM

and

MATE

Put them together, and you get TEAMMATE.

We figured this out when we were engaged. Isn't that something adorable, newly in-love, fawning all over each other people do? Well, we did. We thought it was so great that we had the word TEAMMATE inscribed inside our wedding bands.

I had a hunch about my teammate. Like any great teammate, I knew that this guy wasn't just going to be there for me when during the wins, but also the losses. It's the losses when you most need a good teammate. I got one.

Happy Anniversary, Toad.

fancy, yes...classy, not so much....

2010-08-18T00:19:00.000-04:00

I am attempting to load video for the first time on this blog. At one point in my life I was tech-savvy. Well, I knew how to use a word processor and not just a type-writer. Go, me.

Anyway, I am trying it because this particular video is cracking me up tonight for two reasons. One, my brother asks my daughter what kind of ice cream she has, and she responds, "Pink." That's all the matters. She would eat any ice cream as long as it was pink. Too bad there is no such thing as pink broccoli.

The other reason I am laughing is he is complimenting her shoes. She's all about being fancy, but if you listen to her in the background, she is begging for the potty. Because she's just learned to use one, her wait time is about three seconds. If she says she needs to go, she goes. Sometimes she waits for us to reach a bathroom, other times she releases. Fun stuff.

On this particular night, moments after being complimented for her fancy shoes, she went potty in a parking lot. She may be fancy, but classy is something we're going to need to devote some time to achieving.