365::31


sometimes....it's depressing how we alway have to do "separate" family activities b/c our younger ones aren't even close developmentally  to our older one.  But that's life-- and I 'd rather be separate than someting not be fun.  This morning, a basketball game and library trip (little ones confined to stollers and backpacks) and this afternoon Dad and older child went sledding at the Riverside golf course.  The younger ones and I had to stick close to home and settle for playing in a puddle....

365::30

I LOVE the sights and sounds of our after-school table.

365::29

Mom, I REALLY enjoyed my snack today, it was healthy, right?

365::28

Trevor: Tommorrow is going to be my best day.....My Gammie is coming over, I hope I don't have school...

Well Trevor, you got your wish today. And last night, reading one of my all time favorite books as a Kid, Frog and Toad. Now, Mom, you get to do it all over again. Thanks.

Today's inspiration here. I'm loving this guy's blog.

The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now

Today's inspiration....

Let's make 2009 the best year yet.

Read here.

365::27

Amazing!  At school, Breanna wrote the word DOG totally unprompted.

For Mom's with children under the age of 6.

For today's inspiration read here. It does get easier. Celebrate your mistakes here.

More inspiration here.

Being a parent rquires ALL you can give and then some.  For me, I remember just freaking out when I had a 4 year old, a 2 year old and was pregnant with my third. I didn't know how I was possibly going to do it. Then my third child came a long and things began to change, slowly. Sure, I've had my share of blowouts (still 2 in diapers). I have been trying to pinpoint the exact moment when things got easier. Maybe it was when my 4 year old turned into a six year old, who can fix his own sandwich (mostly), and can buckle himself into a carseat or read to his brother. Maybe it was hubby working from home. But most of all, I think it was more about knowing how to handle things. I know how to handle a two year old (and a 4 year old ) tantrum. I know how to handle power struggles and misbehavior. I know when to pick my battles (and which ones are worth fighting). It just doesn't seem as hard b/c I know what normal (and abnormal) is. I have learned to let ALOT of things go. I know how to cancel plans. I put ALOT less pressure on myself. Dog hair is my friend (except for once every 1-2 weeks when the place gets vacuumed). I guess there is a learning curve for motherhood after all. So the third child definately doesn't get as much attention as the first, but I think they get better parenting and I cherish the little moments more because of it. So, if I could pinpoint the moment, I don't think my kids changed or got any easier---I think I did......

365::26

Knock on wood. Today was the first day since December 13th, that everyone in the house is well--YEAH! AND, it felt great getting back to the gym after almost 2 weeks-energy GALORE!

the best times.



getting to spend time with Lily and Emma

girl clothes.

painting nails, doing hair, playing games and dolls.

Girls nite out.

sixty degree days.

walks and playing outside

helping and feeling needed and appreciated.

Thank you so much, Irene.  You truly are an amazing Mom.  Day in and Day out, hour after hour putting your all into everything you do for those girls.  They are truly blessed to have you for a Mom and you can tell they are loved.  I hope we could help a little and didn't leave you feeling even more tired.  Here's to the next weeks speeding by until Jeff's return.  Love ya!

Proect 365::25

A day at home.

Catching up on ALOT of missed hugs and kisses, reading and playing games.

to an AMAZING husband who didn't miss a thing while I was gone....which made today even more enjoyable:)

Project 365::24

Gymnastics in the morning (FUN!) and ALOT of waiting around for planes.  A very sleepy boy and finally making it home:)

The other side of a hug.....


remembering you.

Shirley T. Prager January 23,1924-January 12,2007

You will always be in our hearts.


To Remember Me--A Poem by Robert N. Test

by Robert N. Test, American Poet
Give my sight to the man who has never seen a sunrise, a baby's face, or love in the eyes of a woman.
Give my heart to a person whose own heart has caused nothing but endless days of pain.
Give my blood to the teenager who was pulled from the wreckage of his car, so that he might live to see his grandchildren play.
Give my kidneys to one who depends on a machine to exist from week to week.
Take my bones, every muscle, every fiber and nerve in my body and find a way to make a crippled child walk.
If you must bury something, let it be my faults, my weaknesses, and all prejudice against my fellow man.
Give my sins to the devil.
Give my soul to God.
If, by chance, you wish to remember me, do it with a kind deed or word to someone who needs you. If you do all I have asked, I will live forever.

Project 365::23

Enjoying some time outside on a beautiful warm Virginia day.  Sixty degree days in January are VERY hard to come by where we are from.....

to an awesome Girls night out tonight  (Thank you IRene...ans Sephora:)  )

Project 365::22

having fun at the Jumping Monkey...

Project 365::21

There is no where else I would rather be today than taking care of these three amazing little ones (and giving their amazing Mom a little ME time....)

I'm here

After a four hour delay (most of it sitting ON the plane on the runway), a missed connection and rescheduled flight, I'm HERE in VA beach having a blast with my nieces Lily and Emma. I'll update more and continue the 365 project when I get back Sunday. Have a good week!

Project 365::20

Witnessing the making of history 

A first plane ride (...and a first delay and missed connection!)

Calling all thirty-somethingers.......


Did you see this? Remember that show??? Cool.

365::19

Love this.....getting into mischief together? Yes, but getting along just the same.  

Love you.

Lovely.

Well, all this time at home is starting to drive me a little crazy (the Shining?!)  I'm still not feeling 100%, I even missed  Breanna's IEP meeting Thursday(cancelled), work Friday and church today.  I NEVER miss those things.  Hopefully this antibiotic will get me where I need to be by Tuesday, when I go visit Irene and the girls--and I can't wait!  At least, all this time at home was able to give us a brand new, hand-made, BEAUTIFUL, safety gate (complete with hat and mitten drying hooks) around our stove (Oh , please can I have that plastic one back?!?)...isn't it lovely?

365::18

Is it Spring yet?!?!?

42 things.
1. Do you like blue cheese? dressing

2. Have you ever smoked? no

3. Do you own a gun? No

4. What flavor of Kool Aid was your favorite? Don’t like Kool Aid

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments? no

6. What do you think of hot dogs? Love them, but will never eat one.

7. Favorite Christmas movie? National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

Favorite thing to drink in the morning? Juice

9. Can you do pushups? Yes

10. Favorite piece of jewelry? my engagement ring

11. Favorite hobby? photography, blogging, scrapbooking

12. Do you have A.D.D.? Sometimes

13. What is one trait you hate about yourself? flabby stomach

14. Middle name? Anne

15. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?  stuffy nose, sore throat, I can't type

16. Name 3 drinks: Water, Chai tea, red wine

17. Current Worry: Family and finances

18. Current hate right now? People who judge that aren't walking in your shoes

19. One of your favorite places to be? At the beach

20. How did you bring in the New Year? on the couch with my hubby and son

21. Where would you like to go? Anywhere warm

22. Name three people who might complete this. Irene, Mom, Grandma

23. Do you own slippers? L.L. Bean

24. What shirt are you wearing? coral sweater

25. Do you like sleeping on satin sheets? Don't have any

26. Can you whistle? yes

27. Favorite color? Green

28. Would you be a pirate? no

29. What songs do you sing in the AM? Whatever I hear on the radio that’s stuck in my head

30. Favorite girl's name? Breanna

31 Favorite boy's name? Trevor and Lucas

32. What's in your pocket right now? Nothing

33. Last thing that made you laugh? Something funny on TV, that yoga farting episode of the hidden camera show

34. What vehicle do you drive? Toyota Sienna

35. Worst injury you have ever had? Broken toe

36. Do you love where you live? yes (in the summer!)

3 7. How many TV's do you have in your house? 2

38. Who is your loudest friend? my son Lucas cries pretty loud..

39. Do you have any pets? Yes – 1 dog  (do kids count?)

40. Does someone have a crush on you? No

41. What is your favorite book?  Love you Forever

42. Do you collect anything? Memories, and hugs nad kisses from my kids.

365::17

These days, you are eating, drinking and breathing Star Wars....

what sixteen below looks like.......from the safety of my nice warm kitchen.

365::16

So proud of you Trevor!! 

Today

Just too cold to go outside, tonight zero degrees and falling.  WE had to settle for some more cozy Curious George time instead (complete with sippy cups).  Lucas REALLY loves these forzen blueberries, but they sure are messy (and I pity the person who has to change that diaper later-LOL!)

Project 365::15

Winter here can be so unkind.  We are battling a mild flu with aches and pains and fever  for the past few days....Thank god for Tylenol and Motrin...Mom's aren't allowed to be sick...

365::14

Our Am routine:  I take Trevor to the bus while Daddy dresses you guys and 15 mins ofCurious George before Breanna leaves for school.  You guys are LOVING curious geroge these days....

never mess with a boy and his snow....

365::13

You never stop amazing me....

Do less.

Click here.

Sounds good to me!

365::12

Evening rituals (which you do all on your own)......

You teach each other patience, tolerance, sharing, caring, kindness, and LOVE. You are each other's greatest gift.

Before and After...



boy does this kid LOVE playing out in the snow...he was in and out like 5 times today, building snowforts and playing, "secret force".

365::11


A winter day.....

I'm so into hibernating these days.  I was excited when another 8 inches of snow fell last night and our plans were cancelled for the day.  The kids keep us in such a flurry between inside and outside these days, a day at home is just as busy and fulfilling.  I've never in my life felt just so completely satisfied with staying home for our days.  In the busyness of the constant answering, preparing, tidying, helping, hugging, cuddling, and reading to, sometimes I happen upon a moment like this one, where time just stands still and I'm in total Awe of what lay before me (and yeah, those are stickers on her head).  

Boys.

I'll never REALLY understand them.

365::10

TODAY: 1st/2nd grade basketball game, library story time, hanging out at home (and fixing a chair).

365::9

The best ten dollars ever spent...

My little artist.

I've never seen a two year old have the level of concentration that you do with your drawing. You hold the pencil with the right grip already and today you said you drew a "t". Just the other day, you spent HOURS with us cutting out the paper snowflakes. I think, you are going to be my artist.

365::8

coming downstairs this morning (bleary eyed from working late last night) to this. You JUST want to be big and do everything your big brother does. ONLY a big cereal bowl for you. The cutest thing you do right now is answer "YEP" when someone asks you if you want something. A great winter day to be outside today...and you and I took advantage. So sorry you are not feeling well this evening (with a fever.) Also, tonight, homeade bread and soup...Just an evening filled with all the comforts and snuggles of home.

Happy Birthday Irene!

Hope you had a great day:)  Love ya!

365::7

Snow Day today.

365::6

getting back to our morning routine....minus a tooth!  Up (play) , dressed(play), breakfast(play), teeth(play), pack bag with lunch and snow gear(play), jacket, boots, mittens hat, neckwarmer and snowpants and out the door to the bus!

365::5
A space of your own.


Lucas, lately we have been having sleeping issues. I want you to know that Mommy still loves you and this is hard for me too, but I need my night's sleep back after almost two years. I NEED to take better care of me, so I can take better care of you. I still want to hug you, I still want to cuddle. I know we'll all be better after we get used to it. The crib it is.

Finished.

In no particular order,most of my pages (includes never before seen Days 21-25).  I really enjoyed this.  I love the scrapbooking as you go along approach (like project 365) to make something big REALLY easy to accomplish.  Looking forward to taking this out at the holidays next year and looking back.  

New discovery:

FACEBOOK.  Oh my.  Josh and I have been getting in touch with a lot of lost friends over the weekend.  Addicting.....

365::4

today: decorating our windows with homemade paper snowflakes, a sledding trip, a lot of complaining by one six year old that is more than ready to head back to school tommorrow,  and a BORING sermon (hopefully our regular pastor will be back next week!)