29 February

Life with Boys....Part 2

When you are the object of their "mission" you know they love you.  Happy leap day!

28 February

Life with Boys......Part 1

These two, they make me pull my hair out and smile all at the same time (they were taking a "battle break" to read.....this was one of the smiling moments).

27 February

So we did it, we decided to tap two trees in our backyard.  Not because we are going to make lots of maple syrup to last us throughout the year (if we even get one drop), but because it will be fun for the kids to learn the process, and fun to have a day long fire outside to boil it all away:).  Because life is all about the process (and learning) and so far it's just pretty cute to watch them head outdoors every few hours to check their buckets.  It's like magic I tell you, Like magic.

26 February

This vacation we.....

Rearranged our room into different sections to prepare for battle.
Played hockey.
went to the library.
Created one really cool robot costume out of mailing boxes.
Went to see Alvin and The Chipmunks at the movies.
Read Elephant and Piggie Books and Calvin and Hobbes
Went skiing up to four times (depending on who you were.)
Went snow tubing
Had a treasure Hunt.
Went grocery shopping.
Tapped two maple trees
Bought Daddy a suit.
Had dinner with friends.
wrestled.
Went out to to pizza cave and to a burger place.
We cleaned the carpets, did lots of dirty dishes, and folded several mountains of laundry.
Watched some vintage cartoons (the kids are so into them!) Scooby -doo, Tom and Jerry and Looney toons.

25 February

And just in case you haven't seen enough pictures of us skiing, here's a few more from today, our first Family trip to Lost Valley (a smaller mountain).

Lucas: Mom, becuase we went skiing and went out for pizza afterwards, it was the most funnest day ever. (I agree)

24 February

Today....

Tubin' and laughin' and havin' dinner with friends.  I can't think of a better way to round out a vacation.  Good times.

23 February

Because when you are almost five, you need a REALLY big toolbox with a lock (don't tell, the code is SWORD) to carry around all your special stuff, like yarn,  cars, candy from your Valentines party, etc.....Boy, you make my life so interesting (and you ALWAYS make me smile!) Love you!

22 February

moments from our day.....February Vacation 2012

Lucas and Breanna both buckled themselves into their booster seats unassisted (that's a milestone!)
I took Bre and Lucas to the Library puppet show story time (along with the REST of our town) and Bre refused to go into the room (while Lucas made himself at home in the front row), when it was over they picked out Elephant and Piggie, Pigeon, Fly Guy and Bob books (Lucas can read them by himself!).
The kids were awesome at doing chores, Trevor folded a mountain of laundry, they put the clothes away, picked up their toys, loaded and unloaded the dishwasher (Because Trevor wants to prove her is "mature" enough to read the Hunger Games (some of his friends have read it) and watch Real Steel...not sure he is there yet, but I'm enjoying all the chore doing with a happy attitude).
Lucas...."Mom, my name is not Lucas, I am a robot..."  (enough said.)

21 February

It's just awesome when we can be skiing and riding our bikes all in the same week:)

20 February

Today....

We took Daddy up to Freeport to buy him a new suit for some big meetings coming up on his day off.
We ate lunch at Wild Willys (great all natural burger place)
The littles and I went to see Alvin and the Chipmunks and pick out a book at the bookstore, while the BIGS and friends went skiing (again), this time night skiing at Shawnee peak.  Trevor is getting so good at skiing and he loves it.

19 February

I want to remember....

How getting up there and getting skiing (even with our own equipment) takes 2 hours.
How managing all the "stuff" (three kids, ski equipment, clothes, hats, mittens, ski pants neck warmers, helmets, food, hot chocolate) can be a little overwhelming (and we're proud that we have only lost two mittens and a pair of goggles this year)
that gas is only a few miles away from the mountain (thank god!)
How longer skis are no good in icy conditions
How Trevor said matter a-factly, "I couldn't imagine anything more terrible" than the REALLY icy trail that we had to just go down.
How Trevor was favoring the REALLY STEEP black diamond trails (he's a better skier than I am!) to anything else, and how last year at this time he barely had the courage to try a blue.
How I had tears in my eyes when I saw Lucas skiing by himself for the very first time at the end of his ski lesson (no more harness!)
How the weather was perfect (temperature wise, not so much snow wise)
How Bre tried an blue trail for the first time (with the harness).
How we are so much further in our abilities,endurance and attitude than we were last year at this time.
How the ride up always brings about the best ,"talks"
how Lucas listened to his nursery rhymes on the way home (and then fell asleep)
How the nice man in the VERY CROWDED lodge didn't mind at all when Lucas spilled his hot chocolate on him (twice...)

How nine, seven and almost five were just so much fun, big and little all at the same time and how these are the some of the best days of my life:)

18 February

This week....

Fighting cabin fever (this time of year is hard), a few sick days and playing the the backyard after dark
School, work, homework
Piano lessons, Lacrosse, swimming
New and old toys being played with
snow melting
laundry
Favorite moment: Trevor teaching Lucas how to read the words in Calvin and Hobbes (Lucas says he's reading his "Very serious book")
Hanging out with my littlest, and thinking about how these days are coming to an end all too quickly.  Boy, is it going to be tough putting him on that bus for Kindergarten.
Going skiing a bunch next week....looking forward to February vacation.
So many good things to look forward to.

funny stuff

17 February

                              

                        I can't say nine is an easy age......you just want to do your own thing, and were all trying to figure it out, but  Boy.....you are a rock star, and your'e gonna bring the house down someday....Love you!

16 February

The third thing that makes me just like everybody else.  I cut my food with a knife and fork.

15 February

currently...

We have a very long piece of blue painters tape that runs on the floor through the living room, dining room and kitchen up and over some stairs and a couch and a chair.  They play with it for hours.....(hey it's cold outside!)

14 February

They didn't have you where I come from

Never knew the best was yet to come

Life began when I saw your face

And I hear your laugh like a serenade

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough, is forever enough

How long do you want to be loved

Is forever enough

Cause I'm never, never giving you up

-The Dixie Chicks

..and I hope you don't need a special holiday to know how much you are loved ....Happy Valentine's Day to the loves of my life.

13 February

To say that the oldest boy is just a little bit obsessed with hockey........would be an understatement.

12 February

The second thing that makes me just like anyone else.  I love to ski (and I'm even better than my little brother at it after only three lessons!)

11 February

Get up, hug mommy, demand a certain breakfast, finally accept the breakfast that I am given, play,fight with my siblings, get dressed (after some argument), brush my teeth, beg for a snack,  play spy wars with my brother, go ice skating, ride my bike, play with my dog, watch a show, ride in the car, play, read some books, eat, take a bath, read more books, go to bed (7 PM sharp:)).

10 February

Happy Fourth Birthday pretty girl!

9 February

First thing in the Morning, Lucas: "Mom, I think my legs are longer...." So after school, I took him on a little impromptu date to paint pottery.  He picked out a football bank.  He kept saying, "Wow, this place is actually pretty fun!" (actually....love that).  I hope to have more of these impromptu little dates, these simple things with each of my children,  Because every day is a celebration....longer legs and all....

8 February

Tonight.....

Trevor's winter concert.  Trevor played his recorder and sang winter themed songs.
The kids had a great time and Trevor even had a piece of art selected for the slideshow....We're so proud of you!

7 February

What were reading.....
Lucas and I go to the Library Every Monday and usually spend the afternoon reading.  (Not Pictured: The kindness quilt....he had to put that one in his backpack for school.).  I'm loving any children's book by Mary Lyn Ray.  Sweet, sweet stories.  And of Course, we have our old standbys that we have to read every day.  Pretty much anything by Mo Willems (because they are "funny") and some Dr. Suess.  What are you reading these days?

6 February

We have ice skated, we have skied, now we can check the box for sledding this winter.  Breanna's school has a REALLY big fun , fast, icy hill out back.  It was REALLY  icy, and there were jumps and bumps, but the kids all had a blast!  Now that the kids are getting a little older, there are so many fun things to do in winter.  Winter here.....it's growing on me:)

5 February

(5 people 12 times February)

Today....

Celebrating Our Patriots team in the super bowl

on the menu:  (something different for everyone)

Buffalo Tenders, pigs in the blanket,veggies and dip, Doritos and melted sharp cheddar cheese , ice cream and popcorn. (and when you run a 10 mile race in the morning....you get to eat all this stuff!)

4 February

Tonight....
a skating party in our neighbors backyard (that's right, they built a rink in their backyard).  The Boys had a blast    (the littles skated with chairs and the bigs played hockey).  The grownups stood around drinking hot chocolate until it got cold.  It was great fun, and next year we have dreams of building a bigger rink right at the end of the cul-de-sac for all the kids to use anytime.  I Love our neighborhood:)

3 February

Just another thing that makes her the same as any other seven year old girl.....she likes having long hair and styling it in different types of ponytails.:)

2 February

Groundhog Day.  Around here, it doesn't really matter so much if he sees his shadow.  It's about 8-10 more weeks of winter either way.  Around here, it is the oldest boy's half birthday, and we don't usually celebrate half birthdays, but we should because every day is a celebration right?  So happy nine and a half, sweet boy, you are going places.. The years spent being your Mom have been the best years of my life.

1 February

Welcome February....here's hoping you are as quiet as January was.

Currently.....

weathering: some snow but nice and pretty warm overall

wearing: new slippers and running sneakers

drinking: green smoothies for breakfast

eating: quick dinners, it's almost grocery shopping day!

listening: to books and music on our ipods (ALL the time!)

reading: Real Simple magazine, a Celebrating Moms publication, Elephant and Piggie ,fox in Sox, funny signs on the wall at work and little brother's survival guide.

Thinking: about friendships and how I can help my little girl with that area of her life

Wishing: I had a Friday off to relax at home.

Enjoying: the little bit of extra daylight that each day brings, we're on our way to Spring!