30 June

Summer Vacation Day 2:

I want to remember:  How we still were able to make a broken washing machine, a grocery shopping, and laundromat trip into a fun family adventure. Seven bags of chips and a six pack seemed like enough to get us through the day week :)

How T got to go the very first of our newly formed church Youth Group adventures.  Fishing in the ocean and Saco River.  The family in our church that is running the group has a big boat and the Dad is a sea captain.  T  surprisingly felt a little sea sick, but was fine when he got home.  He caught two Mackrel (and they named their group the "Holy Mackrels")

Eating Everything strawberry, muffins for breakfast, cut up strawberries all through the day and shortcake for Dessert.  Feeling so inspired to make things and totally trash the kitchen with all the fresh food coming in.

Our Mini golf adventure with the littles (we took a 4 on pretty much every hole)

Our dinner outside on a gorgeous evening,  (wasn't it supposed to rain?!?)

The annual making of the jam....

After several years.....I've gotten pretty good at making this freezer jam.....all kinds, raspberry, strawberry and blueberry.  I think I still have some in the freezer from last year.... It's so easy....no boiling!

Step 1 : Wash all the strawberries in a strainer and Let the kids do the cutting (YIKES!) .....hopefully there are no stems in the jam...
Step 2:  Help each kid figure out where to stand so no one is squished and there is no fighting or crying.  Pull two chairs up to the counter.   sharing a chair is apparently not an option.
Step 3:  Start mashing the strawberries with a meat tenderizer (Oh, I forgot I do have a potato masher!) in a LARGE bowl.  Manage the kids arguing over whose turn it is to mash by setting the timer for three minutes each. Clean up spilled juice from all over everything....clothes, the floor, the wall and the counters.
Step 4: add 2/3 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of the instant freezer jam pectin to a clean bowl.  Add 1 2/3 cups of the strawberry mixture.  Stir for three minutes.  Manage whose turn it is to stir (see #3)
Step 5:  Funnel into jars....manage whose turn it is to hold the funnel and whose turn it is to ladle.  Repeatthe clean up part of step 3, then Keep scouring the kitchen to look for more containers and clean them.....there are ALOT of strawberries.
Step 6:  Place the jars on the counter to settle.  Have the kids make the labels that say "Strawberry Jam 2013"  Because one of my favorite things ever is little Kids Handwriting.  I want to remember it forever.  Manage fighting over who get to make the most labels.
Step 7: Repeat like 20 times.  It comes out much better when made in small batches (and everyone gets a turn to do everything)
Step 8:  Get the kids ready for bed.....tell them that the next morning first thing they are going to have to each write an essay on how to get along better before they touch an electronic device.  Collapse and realize that this should have been started earlier in the day when there was more time for clean up.
Step 9:  Clean up the kitchen, sweep and wash the floor.  Put the jars in the freezer.
Step 10: Give jars away to friends and family :)

29 June

Summer vacation day 1...I want to remember....

How were making this one a staycation because we live in vacationland after all!

How we dragged the kids out of bed on a misty Saturday morning to go strawberry picking and it was the best picking ever

How B said," I got a good one" with each strawberry she picked..How Kevin watched the littles all day so J and I could go to Ts swim meet TOGETHER.

How T totally rocked his 3 100 races and his first 2 200 yard races ever, taking 25 seconds off his 100 free time.

Pizza at Kevin's after with FaceTime calls to plan our little family reunion In a week...

Making the jam...stay tuned for another post on that..

Taking apart the washing machine....and hopefully fixing it. No laundry on vacation!!

28 June

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

27 June

These Days.....

The only time that shes not talking or commenting, or yelling "MOMMM!!" or singing or Dancing or taking videos or asking, "why??" is when she's doing this.  It's awesome and exhausting all at the same time (but mostly awesome)

26 June

If there is one post that reminds me of my family life in childhood, it's Split and Stack.

I laugh reading that post when I think of my own kids and all the complaining that goes on when it comes time for chores and doing what needs to be done to make this backyard become finally finished and this household run (and the youngest usually complain the least).  It's funny how I don't really remember  from my childhood vividly the trip to Disney or Europe or even every detail of the many camping trips we took.  But I  remember "doing wood".  And "doing" wood involved many weekends....Sometimes riding up to our land, with my Aunt and Uncle....Always with a tuna fish sandwich with crunchy carrots and peppers in it and Chocolate pudding pie for dessert.  I can still taste it.  It was part of this being together around a chore which made our family, our family.  Here's to the stuff they will remember, the mundane daily stuff that makes strong families......I'm thankful for the work.  

25 June

L 10 Things Right Now......

Watching: they r all watching the new North America series and loving it. 

Loving: Nerf Wars, building Forts and dressing up for battle.  Farm camp and reading

Wanting: a big trampoline for the backyard, a pool, to go to a theme park

Eating:  Watermelon, strawberries and snacks...He loves to snack this one.

Playing: With his iPod,  legos, nerf war with big Brother, sister, cousins, and sometimes even Mom, Stratego with T.  

Singing: Everything

Asking: If he can have a snack for the car.....if He can play his iPod or get a new game.

Negotiating:  What is he not negotiating......He's the Master

Wearing: Hand me downs from a friend.  Black Sport Shorts, Lucky Charmed Shirt.  Any Shirt that represents a New England Team or a tank top.  New Nike Sneakers (just like his big brothers)

Looking:  Forward to Times with cousins, Farm Camp, anything summer.  His next snack....

24 June

this week is all about Camp......Golf and Farm and hot and humid and sticky weather.  A special playdate to a friends pool..  Coming home tired, dirty and with tons of stories. The memories of a childhood well lived.  Summer has only just barely begun.     Ahhhhh Summer....I Love you :)

23 June

Today...

an impromptu visit from the cousins for some early summer fun!  Running and playing in sprinklers,  preparing for battle, eating good food and enjoying a late afternoon campfire (just before the thunderstorm).  Fun, fun Day!  Tomorrow on to golf and farm camp.....let the summer whirlwind begin!

22 June

Hello summer!!!
Today...we started clearing the trees from the backyard....really, exciting progress! The boys were out there helping, clearing brush and moving small logs...Trevor even made everyone lunch!!! We're all excited about what our new backyard is going to be. In the evening we settled in with some BBQ sandwiches and choice beverages....then off to our favorite Dairy corner and another episode from the North America series...I love weekends at home!

Favorite Links for Your weekend.

This week.....Not Your typical Mom.  Loved this and her blog.  She is the real deal.  OMG I cried.  Replace the word Autism with Down Syndrome and this could have been my post.....
this week in my garden.....

What's in the Share

I laugh because I can

The Directly Proportional Law of Housekeeping

They Do grow up too Fast

Friendship

I meant to tell you sooner

Surviving Summer

21 June

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

20 June

10 things right now T....

Watching: they r all watching the new North America series and loving it.  He would also pick Hunger games, Iron Man 3 or anything violent and boy-ish

Loving: summer vacation

Wanting: a big trampoline for the backyard

Eating:  PBJ, and cereal.  Lots these days

Playing: With his iPad,  legos, nerf war with little bother, sister, Liana and sometimes even Mom

Singing: doesnt really sing....

Asking: how he can make enough money to buy a trampoline for the backyard, and when he can go to freinds houses.

Negotiating: Sleepovers and time with friends(without planning ahead)

Wearing: any New England Team Logo, Flat Brimmed Hats and shades

Looking: forward to golfing next week.....

19 June

10 things right now B....

Watching: they r all watching the new North America series and loving it...she would also pick Cars 2 any day as her favorite movie and she loves Spongebob

Loving: Taking videos of everything and everyone especially herself.

Wanting: to play with her iPod all the time

Eating: cheese sticks, v8 fusion and strawberries...any veggie dipped in ranch....any meat with ketchup

Playing: with her little brothers, with cars and all her favorite stuffies( cat, dog,Lucy, and Minnie....they all have names, ages and birthdays)

Singing: Taylor Swift, always....

Asking: when she's going back to school and what's for hot lunch

Negotiating: more electronic time for completing her reading and chores, and when she can have her next cheese stick

Wearing: purple....and her hair down because it's "so soft today"

Looking: forward to going to farm camp and summer school...

18 June

So the first day of summer vacation was actually a pretty peaceful day spent at home doing....well whatever we wanted. A few chores, candy crush, going to a friends house, figuring out new rules, a make up tball game, starting our big sixth grade math packet. Not too much excitement for the first day( we will work up to it!) it all does just go by way too fast....read this. Happy summer!

17 June

So the backyard, Final stages are coming together, bit by bit.  on Saturday, Dad helped us take down like 10 trees (after J removed the back fence)  to clear the way for a bigger lawn area, and possibly A POOL!  It's exciting, but there is so much more work to be done to get it all cleared....Nothing like a Man with a chainsaw!  (Chainsawing and outdoor fires.....two of J's Favorite things!)

16 June

Father's Day 2013

Our Fourth annual Family Sea Dog Father's Day 5K.  I ran as 62 year old Lee as his heel was bothering him (and set myself up for my goal time at that age!)  T and J ran together and did a 7 minute mile for the last mile.  T was so proud :)  V and K and L and B all rocked it (5 K and kids fun run).  So, So fun for a warm sunny day.  Afterwards a big Brunch AND dinner at our house while the kids played corn hole and rode bikes and scooters in the road. We accidentally lost the rocket when we tried to light it off using the 1250 foot engine (in our yard, bad decision).  What a Day and  such a memorable first weekend of summer vacation!

15 june

Saturday....
A much awaited Grandparent visit
some baking and making with the fresh farm food that is stating to roll in.
a Big change to our backyard (stay tuned for photos)
A traditional end of school year dinner at our favorite flat bread pizza (and staying up way past our bedtime).
Relaxing into the the night hours in front of the fire.

14 June

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

13 june

Today....
A second grade "graduation" ceremony of sorts.  Songs, speeches and a slideshow (really, I don't know how HS graduation will top it, we were a bunch of dressed up, teary, proud parents!)  Afterwards, appreciating our teachers, and watching her walk through that hallway for one last time off to get our celebratory ice cream (the Second Graders created their own flavor!)  .  Onward and Upward my friends!  So proud of this girl!

And Really, If you have time tonight you Must read the 10 essential summer lies for parents.  Crawling to the finish line....and even though it was FOREVER ago, this post made me lol....yep, Funny Stuff.

13 June

In their own Words.....

T said:
Friday is my last Day of Fifth Grade.  I learned about Mongolia and a lot about the Solar System.  I loved having Gym and doing fun projects in our class.  i LOVED the Boston field trip when we walked the whole freedom trail.  At recess I like to Play Four Square with Dan, Tommy, Ethan K. Nolan and a bunch of other people.  I'm going to miss Mrs. Mayo and Mr. Kitchen.  Next year I will be in sixth grade at Middle school. I will feel big and a little excited.   I will miss having recess.  I actually just can't wait for summer vacation.  It will be fun.

B :   This year I learned, How to pick my own seat on the bus, How to sing Taylor swift, how to write down the things, "I like" How to play the piano, how to have long conversations with my friends at lunch (like taking a vote on which fast food everyone likes).  I made up some new games at recess  like "weather", London Bridge and Duck Duck Goose.  I got better at riding my bike and I learned how to tie my own shoes, and read a chapter book.   I am excited to go to my new school in third grade..... and B said:  IT's just so totally awesome, I love my school and teachers...Love, Bre.


L said: Friday is my last Day of Kindergarten and I'll love it.  I learned minus plus and equals and how to draw a better stick person.  I love art and gym and music.  I loved one world day.  In some game called rat hunters at recess, I'm a dog and Sylvia is the Rat and there is a bunch of us playing.   Eric is my best friend in my class.  I'm going to miss my teacher.  I like her (not love her like I love my mom), next year I will be in first grade and I will LOVE it.  

P.S. It was "fancy day" at Blue point, which explains the sport shorts, TIE and  polo shirt

10 June

The Monday of the last week.
        After over 1200 posts, I find myself at a loss on what to write about today.  It's the last week of school.  I hate endings, I'm no good at endings or good- byes.  I also suck at laundry.  I don't separate or Iron, I can't find my capris pants under my jammie pants.  I wore my sweater inside out to work this morning (thank God Someone pointed that out!)    Anyway, Their school experience, its sooo personal to me.  I drove by the High School graduation on Sunday.  I held my breath a little bit and said to myself..."thank God that's not me...I'm not ready yet..."  That's so dumb b/c I mean, that day is SUPER happy, I mean we have made it right....and we're still alive :)  There are so many more big changes to come our way....soon.  I hope I have time to let it all sink in a little.  THIS is happening!    Teachers, We love you, I can't think of any more job more worthwhile in the world.  None.  And If you have time...check out this post on Parenting and vulnerability.....Love that I can connect with other moms about sucking at laundry and messy game closets, and needing a mimosa by 9 am to get through the 1st week of summer vacation. (JK)   :)
Here's to summer being right on our doorstep!  Happy last week of school!

9 June

Today....

The BIG piano recital (and Ls' First ever Piano recital).  For the longest time L said there was no way he was going to do the recital....EVER.  His piano teacher said he would give him a week to think about it and then decide (I knew he would never change his mind because When L makes up his mind about something,....it is made up).  We just let it drop.  About a month later L suddenly said, Hey, I can play Pop goes the Weasel no problem, I think I'll do the recital!"  And that was that, he was in!  We only had like two meltdowns about getting dressed (notice the shoes, they were no problem this time btw).  The shot of them getting ready went something like..."Hey, I'll help you with your shirt buttons, then I'll punch you in the face...." SO them.  As always it was a really fun day filled with beautiful music, and all the kids played great.  Love this.

8 June

Saturday....

the Last LAX game of the season (where did that time go???).  The boys got to play at FITZPATRICK STADIUM.  Bre had a birthday party, so I had to miss it, but T scored two goals and had a blast with his friends and coaches.    So sad it's over, can't wait for next year!

7 June

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

6 June

Our Summer to do list 2013 :
Go Fishing
Try new Farm Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Backyard Camping
visit a theme park
Visit a waterpark
Beach
Lobster shack
Tie dying
NH or Boston trip
Go on a Picnic
Mini Golf and Golf
Pick Blueberries
Go to Hackney Cabin
Campfires
Pick Strawberries and Make Jam
Sea dogs Game and Fireworks
Portland Cruise
Homemade Ice cream or Popsicles
Walk or bike to Dairy Corner
Family Bike ride
Outdoor Concert
spend time with Friends
Waterballoon Fight
Outdoor movie
Work on Tree House
Summer Reading Program
OOB/Pier Fries
Hiking
Kayaking
Visit a Farm or zoo
Wiffle Ball Party
Spend lots of time outside
Garden
Breakfast a the beach

5 June

What I want for you......

as the doors are closing on yet another school year, and as we're trying to prepare as best as we can for the transitions of next year (beginnings and endings are always an anxious time for mom, so bear with me), it leaves me with a lot of thinking about "what do I really want for you in your life" type of thoughts.SO much so that I feel compelled to write them down.... (also see the talk.....which I , the sappy mess of a person that I am,  cry through reading to them at the beginning of every school year.....wish I had written that)

What I want for You......
To have friends.
To be a self-starter (we talk about this a lot in our house)....no matter what your ability, if you want something you have to be the only one willing to do the work to get it (even more work than is "fair" sometimes)
To be able to handle some discomfort, change and things not going your way.
To know you can do hard things (see self-starter)
To learn some stuff.....most of all compassion (and some math and how to use proper grammar too.....)
To eat healthy, drink water and take care of your body, be active.
To be kind, and know that happiness comes from within you (most of the stuff you stress about now, really won't matter in 10 years).  ....You are good enough.

4 June

Yesterday this came home in her bag....yep, she's a HUGE Taylor Swift fan....love her dancing and singing and writing and braids. Love this girl.

3 June

He has carried this with him every day in his backpack since the First Day of Kindergarten.  I had totally forgotten about it until I discovered it in the front pocket......Can't believe I am almost done with K forever.....bittersweet. 

2 June

Boy Does this season seem to fly by!  Second to last week already!  this week was a tournament in South Portland.  Tornaments=5-6 hours of sitting around for Mom Dad and little siblings.  Luckily, there was a nice breeze and it wasn't too hot.  the biys played amazing in the first game and then well....lost a little fire for the next two.  Can't believe there is only one more week.  Can't get enough. 

1 June

Hello June!
Let the yard projects begin! Not sure how we pulled this off this weekend....between the two families we had a lax tournament, softball game, tball game, Girl Scout event and friend sleepovers. Not to mention that it was like 95. The guys got a full day and a half in on the new swingset/treehouse. After a full afternoon of swimming...,thank god for pools on a day like today. J stayed over to work again tomorrow and I came home to slap a few air conditioners in (with duct tape) and fall into bed. Let the summer begin!!!