coffee or tea

Does she see dead people?

2012-01-13T16:51:00.000-05:00

So my girl is a little obsessed with death. In fact, both my children are very curious about dying. Mary Kate has mentioned random people mostly men that she sees in odd places for sometime. There was the man that stood by her window in the red shirt (at the old house). Now there is a man that she has seen at her preschool that "helps the people to not die". Last night she asked if dead people wear clothes. She said "When I die, I do not want clothes. I want to show everyone my boobies." Hmmmm.

I then proceeded to have a conversation with Charlie about why E.T. was all dried out when he died. He asked if dogs get all dried out like E.T. when the die. That led to the dreaded question, "What will happen to me and Mary Kate if you and daddy die?". I assured him that there are so many people that love him (did not mention that it is all taken care of in our will that Aunt Kelly and Uncle Doug will get him and MK). I made sure to start with Aunt Kelly and Uncle Doug. His response, "Oh yeah, they are nice. I know them. Uncle Doug is really good at changing tires". LOL!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-09T16:33:00.000-05:00

Instead of wishing what this new year will bring, I wish to bring this new year...
a frugal lifestyle
more love for the outdoors
down time
more time spent educating my own children
showing more gratitude toward the people I love!

Holiday

2011-12-29T14:32:00.000-05:00

From Thanksgiving to Christmas a warm home with family. Funny highlights included...

Mary Kate yelling to Santa on the roadside because she refused to get out of the car out of fear.

Charlie getting cut off by the other people in line while talking to Santa about his long, long, long list.

Charlie's proud moment as Rudolph in the school Winter Show. His singing talent was showed off at his sister's Nativity show while he sung above the whole audience out of tune and the wrong verses. Mary Kate also had a proud moment as an angel and we were just glad that she stood on stage and smiled considering she refused to sing the Thanksgiving prayer dressed as pilgrim. Our over excitement about our tall ceilings led to us having to cut about two feet off our Christmas tree (that was tied to the family Sedan). Can you say Chevy Chase...

Our not so regular house

2011-11-23T15:36:00.000-05:00

I think our old house on the mountain is now just a small memory to the kids. Every once in awhile Mary Kate will say, "Remember our regular house with the basement?" Our not so regular house now is starting to feel like home. My cousin once said that your home is not your home until you have scrubbed your own toilets. Check! It is now filled with our laughter, our tears, our smells, our pictures and our love. I do love this house.
I love my 175 year old home and all its quirks.
Since moving in, the most important things that have occurred are the purchase of rugs for the floors and most importantly the wood stove. We are now hopefully heating this house more efficiently. Tomorrow we will all sit down for our first Thanksgiving in our home. Charlie wants to invite Squanto and Mary Kate proceeds to tell us every day that she is not eating turkey. These pics were taken across the street at the school playground.

Chaos

2011-10-04T21:17:00.000-04:00

Trying to find some order amongst this chaotic life we are living right now. My sights are set on the future we will have in our new home but it is difficult to see this clearly when I am stepping over boxes, shoes, backpacks and such. I know that our small setbacks are actually just one step closer to a new journey. Set backs such as Carpenter Bees, chimney cleaning, replacing vent fans all of which have been thrown onto the man of the house. As he works out these kinks with outside resources, I am just trying to keep some normalcy to our lives. So, we keep routines among the boxes and still sit down for dinner every night.

Be careful what you wish for....

2011-09-25T07:23:00.001-04:00

I think (according to my friend Joy's analogy) I am balancing too many spinning plates. New grade level, new school, new report card grading system, literacy training, behavior Mantd training, selling a house and buying a house. Yes, I wished to start a new school. Yes, I wished to not teach kindergarten. Yes, I wished to move from this house. Yes, I wished for a new house. Well....my wishes came true but they all came true at once and I am feeling rather overwhelmed. I know, "This too shall pass". I feel blessed that all my wishes have come true. Doing my best to keep my head on straight. Here is a sneak peak of our new house. More to come after the appraisal.

Moving on..and growing up!

2011-09-11T09:27:00.000-04:00

Finally decided to put the house on the market! We were feeling the confines of our space and lack of bathrooms. In order to spare disappointment (superstitions), I am cautious to disclose future prospects of our home and sale of our house. But I will update as soon as we sign papers.
Charlie was initially concerned with moving. He was adamant about not moving from our house. Until one day he said, "I am really going to miss all my toys when we move." I then realized he thought we would leave everything, so sweet and naive. More to come, hopefully sooner than later!

On another note...I wanted to take a moment to document my daughter's imagination. She is quite the story teller and there are times she has me in a state of wonderment.
Her boo boo's come from wild animals in the forest.

She had a scratch on her leg. Her explanation.
"Mommy, that is from the bear. I am serious. I was was walking down the road in Round Hill and I heard a thump thump thump. I looked and there was this baby bear, Mommy. Really, it bit me. So I put my bear costume on and I scared it away. I am serious Mommy"

Her day with Mimi. Her explanation.
"Oh Mommy, I found a family of mice. They were so toot (cute). I played with the kids. I put the kids in my wagon and I took them down the street. We went to Ms. France's store and I brought them back to their mommy and daddy. We all had a tea party, with the mice, Really Mommy!"

Our first dance class!

Charlie's school experience has been nothing but wonderful! We hit a bus bump last week when and older kid persuaded my sweet little boy to trade toys. Fortunately, it was an even trade but mama was not having it! Uggghhh, the first of feeling completely out of control of your child's day and interactions. Charlie has a new found love in kindergarten. A girl who loves to run, jump and play superheroes!!!

All Grown up!

2011-08-25T06:35:00.000-04:00

Well...my kindergartener made it and came home with smiles, giggles and stories. I on the other hand did not do so well yesterday. Sending your child away on a school bus for the first time is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I have now worn the shoes of a parent of a kindergartener and it puts everything in perspective. I kept reminding myself all day (with the help of my husband) that he is fine and to imagine what I would be doing with my class on the first day of school. What a day!
Charlie apparently got to visit the Library, he painted a fish with one special scale (The Rainbow Fish), he listened to the "Kissing Hand". He heard music and had centers. He told his Daddy, " It's just that I don't really like the Housekeeping Center." We also asked if his teacher had to "talk" to him during the day and remind him to follow the rules. It took awhile for him to open up but before falling asleep he said, "Mommy, you can tell Daddy but don't tell Mary Kate. I banged the Choo Choo Trains on the track and made them crash and she said....pause....Don't do that."My sweet boy, let's hope he is always this honest. So, the reality has hit me, he does this everyday, 5 days a week. Here we go!!!!!!!

Decluttering my brain

2011-08-19T07:23:00.000-04:00

I have officially quit Facebook!!! It has been something that I have been wanting to do for awhile now. After being reminded at school about the precautions teachers MUST take, I decided it wasn't worth the worry. I found myself wasting precious minutes of my life reading about pointless posts and searching through pictures of people I barely even know. No offense to all my loved ones and best buddies out there, I will miss being apart of your Facebook life. I just got to easily sucked into something that was not a necessity in my life. Please email me or check on my blog for updates and photos.

New Beginnings

2011-08-17T20:11:00.000-04:00

As we say farewell to a wonderful summer...

My life is faced with new beginnings this week and the weeks to come. Mama started a new school. It has been like walking into a brand new family and I feel like they have welcomed me with open arms. Charlie starts Kindergarten next week. As if the heart tugs of a working mom or being a mom in general are not hard enough, we have to send our little 5 year olds on a big yellow school bus with big kids and a big backpack and lots of food because he is there all day and I just know there will be tears because there already has been. I just want to freeze time for my kids in the moments when they are filled with pure joy and giggling with excitement about starting school. I feel like I am sending my boy into the world saying, " Ok, now use everything good I have taught you and don't show your mama's temper, at least not the first week. And just be kind to other people, be helpful and listen."
I love my smart, inquisitive little man and I think that Kindergarten is going to be a magical place for him! My sweet little angle starts her preschool career this fall also. I think after Charlie got his shots for Kindergarten, Mary Kate expressed "I don't have to go to Kindergarten for a long long time". I am glad she is not in a rush. I wouldn't be either if I had to watch my brother get held down, while he was kicking and screaming and shot with the DTap.
Mary Kate is equally excited to start her new dance career at a new studio. I am happy that I get to take her on Saturday mornings and I feel like I need this special girly time with my girl. Just a few things that I love hearing...

Charlie, "Mommy, mommy.....pause....I love you"
Mary Kate "Bomatoes (tomatoes)"
Charlie and Mary Kate " It's just that we want to go where the coconuts are. It's just that we have never had coconut milk mommy."

Time Away

2011-08-01T19:18:00.001-04:00

We all had a little time away from home the past two weeks. The kids enjoyed a week with Nana and Papa on Kelley's Island. Enjoy, doesn't quite cut it. They had a blast! I am not sure what I was worried about leaving them, but they had the time of their lives. Making memories with their grandparents is a wonderful gift!

Nick and I flew into Ft. Lauderdale, visited with some old friends, tried the new surfer frenzy "Paddle Boards" and had an amazing dinner with an old Round Hill Family! Friday we cruised on down to the Keys to the most amazing, off the beaten path resort! Casa Morada fulfilled all our expectations and more! The serene atmosphere was just what the doctor ordered! Saturday morning we got up early with Captain Chris for a back country fishing exploration. It turns out, I LOVE TO FISH! We had a blast. The boat ride alone in the Gulf of Mexico was breathtaking! We fought a huge Tarpin but left without a big catch. We were served drinks on the water by a dear man named Bernardo from Ecuador (He raises shrimp). We swam in crystal clear bath water along the Gulf coast. We saw dolphins and sea turtles. We enjoyed quiet meals and uninterrupted sleep for 5 days. Life is good!

I spent the rest of the week in Ohio with my family. The Chicago city mice met the Virginia country mice and had a ball. They performed in two America's Got Talent shows in Nana's living room. Hilarious!!! Had a great meet up with my old HS pal and discovered a great new park (you know the good kind...tire swings, zip-lines, double-wide slides).

It's always nice to return home to your own pillow. I am now back to focusing on the last days of summer and the school year ahead. It's hard to believe this time has gone so fast. It always does.

Wordle and Glogster

2011-07-17T21:46:00.000-04:00

My summer days have been so well spent. This summer I made a conscious effort to not over schedule my kids with activities. I am also trying not to over schedule myself. I am up for re-certification of my teaching license and while it has been adding to my plate, I have learned about some pretty amazing new tech trinkets. Wordle and Glogster were introduced this week in my online class. Glogster is the new way of creating posters online. Remember buying poster board to finish school projects? Well, today kids can simply access Glogster and digitally create a poster for classroom assignments. I will show you first hand the effects of Wordle at the end of this post. In between pool time, I have been able to create some useful items for my upcoming school year!
Click below to view my Wordle of this blog post and my first Glogster Poster!

MY Wordle

Glogster

Outdoor Kitchen!

2011-07-07T20:51:00.001-04:00

Our outdoor kitchen inspired by

http://www.ohdeedoh.com/ohdeedoh/outdoors/a-play-kitchen-for-the-outdoorsb-organic-150550

turned out to be a hit! The kids washed dishes and Mary Kate proceeded to wash the windows with the baster! That's my girl! I love free and easy ideas! Thanks borganic.net!

Summer has begun!

2011-06-24T18:08:00.000-04:00

My little man can float! Yeah Charlie! What a great week of swim lessons! Now if we can only get Mary Kate to go to a lifeguard.

An unexpected surprise phone call from a former student and former colleague/friend, turned into a really fun blueberry picking experience! Thanks Genny! Can't wait until our next adventure!

Aren't these kids just the cutest!

Wikis-What?

2011-06-21T20:23:00.000-04:00

Tomorrow I am presenting WIKIS with a fellow teacher at the Active Loudoun Staff Development program. You may be asking: What is a WIKI? Just a simple website that can be used for your own personal classroom, that allows students to collaborate, edit and write together. It also allows for teachers to set up assignments and for parents to access information about your class. Check out the You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dnL00TdmLY
I can't wait to implement this in my classroom next year! More to come on WIKIS

On another note: Summer has almost begun. Swim lessons are going well for at least one of my children.
Charlie loves it.
Mary Kate does not and will not, I mean refuse to go to any lifeguard. Hmmm. the funny thing is... she is completely fearless in the water. Maybe next summer.

Not too shabby and chic!

2011-06-10T18:57:00.000-04:00

We had a not too shabby weekend with my mom and Greg. The beautiful "chic" wedding of Matt and Lauren in the Virginia countryside, followed by a day of Vineyard hopping was fun filled!

Mmmmm Good! Mary Kate thought so too!

My little man sang his heart out to "This Little Light of Mine" He is determined to not let anyone blow it out!

The fam and the kids' other sibling, Lillian!

Updates and anecdotes

2011-05-22T18:46:00.001-04:00

Charlie-
"Mommy, I know where ice cubes come from....The North Pole"

"Papa? Did it hurt when you lost all your hair? You can really see ticks on your head!"
Papa is bald and he took it very well, LOL

Charlie is currently obsessed with superheroes and his wardrobe includes a lot of black and gray. I am having a hard time with "character shoes" but managed to find some old chucks with Batman! He still insists on being Batman when he grows up. However, he still longs to be Santa. The other day, Mary Kate and I pretended to sleep (I really did doze off) and Charlie delivered presents to us in his full santa suit. He insisted that I wanted a suitcase from Santa and I found myself arguing with Santa about wanting a bigger bathroom. I got a suitcase.

Mary Kate-

" I want numbers! I want numbers!" Mary Kate has taken a love for Dancing with the Stars. She goes as far as performing for the family and then demanding numbers. "I want numbers. I want numbers!" She is always able to get a 10 from Daddy. Charlie and I are usually good for a 9.

She must wear dresses that spin! She puts on at least 3 a day and usually pairs them with pants that don't match. She then proceeds to put on shoes that don't match. And there you have it, a clown everyday!

Nick-
Still drives my wild side. There are times that his wild ideas and spontaneity ruffle my feathers, ok...it usually does. But he had a brilliant idea to have our first annual Kentucky Derby Party! It was fabulous and my feathers were not ruffled. I hit every thrift store the morning of and cleared out all of the fancy hats. I hit the dollar store for some red roses and rose garlands! Charlie fell in love again and I don't have any pictures to show of the event because I was enjoying myself so much! Now that is a successful party!

Me-
My Mother's day was classic and filled with typical moments of a 5 and 3 year old. Quick recap...
Lunch at Uncle Julios (not the Verybille Mexican Restaurant-which we heard objection to all the way there)
A spilled drink on a 5 year old's T-shirt (not good)
One 5 year old melt down
One 3 year old having an accident in her panties on the restaurant chair
A bus boy dropping dirty dished on our unfinished lunch. mmmmm
Let's just say, we got a free lunch and got the hell out of there.

I had a sad realization after visiting Anthropologie that I am not young anymore and
the prices seem absurd.

Good news... I will be teaching third grade in a school that is amazing and homey and only 15 minutes from my house. We are talking quality of life changing!!! I feel so lucky right now that I just may need to play the lottery this weekend.

Our life in a nutshell.

OM at OBX

2011-04-22T14:34:00.000-04:00

We love you Fran "France"! What an amazing time had by all!

"Best Days EVER!"

Date night

2011-04-13T06:49:00.000-04:00

N and I have been trying to get back into the practice of dating. Yes, after almost ten years together, it seems that we have forgotten how to enjoy an evening out as a couple. Thanks to Mimi and Aunt Nancy, we are able to do this more often.
Friday we stepped out a dreary rainy evening and hit Sunset Hill Vineyard. We learned more about wine making thanks to our taster, Ben. He shared everything from grapes to stink bug issues to a private tour of the wine cellar below this amazing renovated barn (refinished by the Amish). Did you know?...
American oak is different than French oak.
Viognier is THE Virginia grape
White wines can be processed without destemming or crushing.
But Red wines derive their color from the skin and must have direct contact with the skin while fermenting.

A few pics

photo fun

2011-03-23T19:20:00.000-04:00

Oh yeah!

I am so pretty

Lillian lookin' so sweet

LOL

Yummy

Our life

his life

her world

I am I

2011-03-12T06:59:00.000-05:00

I am I

Originality is... a by-product of sincerity. ~Marianne Moore

To thine own self be true -Shakespeare

Holy Birthday Batman!

2011-03-06T21:04:00.000-05:00

What a great day! My Charlie boy is 5. 5 sounds so grown up. No longer and toddler but still a lovable kid. One word sums up the day and it was said A LOT by my 5 year old, "SO AWESOME". A huge thanks to mom and mom-in-law and a huge thanks to all my friends that have amazing kids. You all made my boy one happy little kid!

Dear Charlie,
Happy Birthday my sweet little man. We have had traveled quite a road these past few years. Each year, I am amazed at how much you change and how much your little mind absorbs. I love that you are using grown-up words like, "are you kidding me?" I love that you are curious about where babies come from and that you believe that God planted a seed in me and daddy watered it with love. I love that you are starting to question whether or not Batman is real and that you still want to be Batman when you grow up. I love that you also long to be Santa. I love that you are learning how to read and that nothing holds you back when you are writing words like, HaPE BRFDay (Happy Birthday). You love your trains and doing magic tricks. You love to watch super heros but mommy doesn't like you to watch them. You love square sandwiches and get very upset when they are rectangles. You love yogurt, "chef-ba-oree (chef-boyardee) pizza in a box and berries. I love that you will dip spinach in ranch. I love the pictures you draw for our family. I just love your curiosity about the world and your excitement to learn about everything. You can be intense at times (kind of like your mommy) but I know that it only comes from your desire to control this big world. I hope that you realize sooner than I did, that there are so many things that you are just not going to be able to control. I hope you learn to let them go. Wait, you are beginning to learn to let things go and I am so proud of you. I love you Charlie and I want you to be good to the world and I want the world to be good to you. Happy Birthday Buddy!
Love, Mommy

say what?

2011-02-24T20:51:00.000-05:00

My latest parenting push seems to be foreign languages. After talking with a good friend, it seems that we both feel like a second language would benefit our children. I was inspired by a family I used to babysit in college. There little Hannah was 3 and learning German. They used a series called, Muzzy. I found it entertaining and she laughed at way more German humor than I did. Currently the kids are watching Muzzy in Mandarin Chinese. When I told Charlie that he was going to learn a secret language called Chinese he said,
"Will I look different?"
I laughed!

Just another funny thang,
Daddy was eatin' Mary Kate up, nibble, nibble because she is so edible. He said, "I am going to eat you up, you taste so good."
She says, "No, No Daddy, I'm not for dinner"
I laughed again!

Spring is here....Just kidding

2011-02-22T21:04:00.000-05:00

Just a few pics during the few nice days in February. Welcome back February, ice and snow today. February is the longest shortest month of the year.

She loves that dog!

I love that little face! And man, he can hit the ball!

I love this man!

Monster Mini Golf

2011-02-13T06:24:00.000-05:00

I was bound and determined to find indoor putt putt golf to please my almost 5 year old. We only had to drive an hour and half up to Jessup, MD and it was glow in the dark too! Good thing we were heading that way for Madison's birthday party. Turned out to be a hit, golf and the party. Charlie and Mary Kate enjoyed the Princess Party. However, I think the adults ended up with more nail polish, lipstick and blush that the kids, hahahaha. Good times!

Lovin' it

2011-02-06T16:25:00.000-05:00

Loved this day with my dear old friend Darby and her edible little girl Avery!

If we could only get our men to move to Cleveland.

How gorgeous are they???? OMG

Love this little thing too!

cozy winter days

2011-01-30T16:08:00.001-05:00

Cartoons, cartoons, cartoons!

"I so tired mommy" down and out with a cold.

Feeding the birds!

East coast storm 2011!

Snow Day

2011-01-18T12:53:00.000-05:00

Tiger mom or Kitten mom?

2011-01-18T09:46:00.001-05:00

A controversial book just came out called "Tiger Mom". A mother raising her children the Chinese rather than the Western, way. Riding her children hard, making them practice for 3 hours a day in piano, school work. Never letting them go to sleepovers, have play dates or watch TV. Well, as my kids are watching the "old school" Batman right now, I know that I should turn the TV off and practice some ABC's or sight words. However, I was raised Western and now I am a Western mom. But I am beginning to feel the pressure for my kids to succeed and be good at school, activities, maybe an instrument. What is the answer to raising successful well-rounded kids? Who knows?

I just finished an interesting book called "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. A story about success. What makes people successful? According to Malcolm, several factors come into play. Everything from cutoff dates, to having the best teachers or coaches, to practicing endless hours and working hard, rituals and organization, a combination of academic intelligence and practical intelligence, to parents monetary funds, and just down right where you are from, where your family comes from.
So it left me thinking a lot about what I want to give my kids. I feel like it is my job to give them the opportunity to have the best instruction in school, expect the best from them, provide them with cultural experiences and expose them to people and places that will increase their practical intelligence, teach them the practice of meaningful work and reward and financially be able to support future endeavors. Right? So if I do all that, my kids will be successful. Right? What if they get a bad teacher? What if they don't make the top team? What if they don't want to go to college? Well, I guess that is where I step in and give them the reinforcement at home with practice and enrichment. Right?
Tiger mom or kitten mom? Hmmmmmm.

Ok, so I am going to turn off the TV.

I have change my mind, Mommy

2011-01-16T08:24:00.000-05:00

I want to be Santa when I grow up!

"Mommy, I just wish I could be fat like Santa" said Charlie
"But Charlie, being fat is not healthy" said Mommy
"But Grandaddy is fat" said Charlie

Mary Kate has decided that she is ready to use the potty! Halleluia!

My resolutions seem to be going well...

Air and Space Museum
Free Family night at the Kennedy Center, check out Cake for Dinner
Spin class twice a week

A new year!

2011-01-02T07:30:00.000-05:00

I only hope that this year brings...
contentment
self-control
a smaller waistline
culture
a vacation

The best day!

2010-12-26T08:25:00.000-05:00

We like to say that the kids were in pure "SHOCK"! It took a few minutes for the gifts to sink in to these two overjoyed kids. We have had endless fun in our cardboard house and watching the Polar Express make rounds. Both castles are a hit and these children now want for nothing. Except Mary Kate, she was a little disappointed that she did not get a bell from Santa. (it came with the train) Who would have thought that the Bell would be the favorite toy. Nana and Papa are in Virginia for a few days. We have so much to be joyous about and I thank God everyday for family! Merry Christmas!

And he carved the roast beast...

2010-12-22T06:30:00.000-05:00

Even the Grinch learned to be nice. Not only did the Grinch's heart grow but my Charlie boy's heart is beginning to grow too. He is currently earning back his toys one by one with days of self-control. Nick and I were pleasantly surprised to learn that he is at least practicing self-control at school. According to his teacher he is doing fine, just tends to be a little too loud, too fast and too close to his peers at times. That would be my Charlie. We also decided to give this little guy a challenge and put him with some kindergarten students on T/TH afternoons.
Always hoping that I make the right decisions when it comes to my children. I guess a mother's job never ends. But I wouldn't change it for the world.
Last day of school before the holidays. Looking forward to the following...

Christmas morning
Christmas dinner with Mom and Greg
Discovery Museum's New Years at Noon
Organizing
Watching some movies
Snuggling with my babies in the mornings!

First Snow!!!

The lunar eclipse. Taken by Nick at 3am. Yes, he set the alarm!

Dear all the people I have hurt,

2010-12-15T18:06:00.000-05:00

Der Grndade,
I am sore. I wil not hit.
love, charlie

Der Lily,
I AM SORE FOR PUSEN.
LOVE, CHARLIE

SANTA? ARE YOU GETTING THIS? HAS ANYONE REALLY GOTTEN A LUMP OF COAL?

CHARLIE SAID, "MOMMY, I WILL NOT BE BAD ANYMORE. EVEN THE GRINCH TURNED NICE."

DID I EVER MENTION THAT BEING A MOM IS THE HARDEST JOB EVER!!!!!

All I want for Christmas is....

2010-12-14T21:21:00.000-05:00

to not look at Santa and get a candy cane.

a polar express train that is big, with doors , it makes smoke, it has coal cars, it is the biggest and the biggest bat castle for my batman! And a candy cane too please!

At the rate he is going these days....there will be nothing under the tree.

ikea finds

2010-12-06T20:35:00.000-05:00

My Aunt Debbie and I met at Ikea this weekend! I just love this place. I could live at Ikea, eat the Swedish meatballs and drink bubbly juice all day long. Ikea makes clutter look presentable. It simplifies home life and always adds a unique edge to their inexpensive goods. So, I found great duvet covers for the kids for $7.99 and some great trays for our leather ottoman. My dear Aunt so kindly purchased the other tray, when I was too cheap to buy two! Hugs Debbie!
PS-Found the vintage circus curtain at the local thrift shop. Had to brighten up this little room for my babes.

Loving this new design site

http://thedesignfiles.net/

Fa la la la la la la la la...

2010-11-30T06:05:00.000-05:00

Tis' the season! We dove into the Christmas decorations early this year. This is going to be Charlie's most magical Christmas thus far and our traditions have begun to set in for years to come. We have endless fun with the Nativity scene and once again, Baby Jesus is the center of attention. However, the other day Mary Kate told me, "Mommy, Jesus is in jail". Should I be concerned? ;) She also told me, "Mary is mad at the sheep. They ran away from the goat" (it was actually a camel).
Our 24 doors til' Christmas is stirring up excitement, while I try to find 48 little but cheap items to put in each door. The stocking are hung at the end of each bed, and I hope that St. Nicholas won't wake the sleepy heads.
Charlie's wish list for Santa continues to grow. Number one on his list is a real Polar Express Train that blows smoke. The details included in his description make me believe that Santa has his work cut out for him. He is also standing strong on the Batman Castle/Cave. I think Santa can handle those, however, the train track in the backyard may be a little difficult.
Mary Kate so simply has asked for a baby doll. I would just like Santa to grant her the ability to use the potty.
I hope that you are continuing traditions in your home. It brings a feeling of comfort and joy!

Keeper Crafts

2010-11-25T09:13:00.000-05:00

The following crafts are certainly keepers. Kathleen had the kids paint paper and recycled paper towel tubes. She then traced their hands and cut them out, glued them on the front and back of a cut tube and added turkey parts. Adorable, can be used at napkin ring holders, simple table decorations or even salt and pepper shaker covers.

My other favorite craft this season was a hit in my kindergarten and at home. A simple recycled baby food jar, old flannels, some ribbon and a label, make a perfect little "Gratitude Jar". The kids wrote all of the things they are thankful for or show gratitude toward on pieces of paper and folded them up into the jar. Voila, a simple keepsake. My children included all of our family members, friends, fruit, apples, strawberries and let's not forget Superman and Batman!

Happy Thanksgiving to all readers and loved ones. I am thankful for my warm home, beautiful trees that surround my house, understanding friends, unconditional love from my family and husband and the spirit of each of my children.

Perpetual Mess and Clutter

2010-11-23T20:01:00.000-05:00

This was my home...is my home just about everyday (that I am home) at around 5pm.

A Nana day!

2010-11-22T07:52:00.000-05:00

Charlie woke up Friday morning and with one eye open he muttered, "Is this the Nana day?" My mom came to visit for the weekend and the kids were drawn to her gracious gift giving and warm hugs. We spent the morning at the Discovery Museum, enjoyed lunch in the sunshine on the walking mall and Nana offered free babysitting for N and me Saturday evening. Thanks for a great weekend Nana!

21st century living room with a touch of the 19th century

2010-11-14T09:50:00.001-05:00

We have made a few updates to our cozy little home. We welcomed a flat screen TV, what a space saver and not to mention an amazing picture. We took an antique mantel saved and restored from an old mansion on top of the mountain. Nick has fond memories of visiting the victorian home of family friends.

3

2010-11-07T21:31:00.000-05:00

My baby girl turned three this week. She was born on a beautiful fall day November 2nd and each year the sunshines just like her! I love her, I adore her, I could eat her up, I admire her and I could listen to her all day long (except the whining). Her baby doll party was perfect. It included paper dolls, baby doll bubble bath and diaper bag decorating! Happy Birthday Mary Kate!

Trick or Treat

2010-11-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

Mary Kate: "Come on guys, let's go get more candy. I love Halloween Mommy"
Charlie: " I got the lotest candy"

Fall Photo Shoot

2010-10-25T21:09:00.001-04:00

Pumpkin Carving tradition continues...

2010-10-24T14:59:00.000-04:00

Our annual pumpkin carving party was a success! Fun, food, cider, bobbing, Charlie Brown, sword fights, creative creations, tears, laughs, prizes and treats! In between the carving and eating the kids had a ball (if they weren't trying to kill each other)! Prizes went to the most creative, scariest and most classic pumpkin!

Santa Claus is coming to town! We hope!

2010-10-19T20:43:00.000-04:00

The following conversation occurred between Charlie and Kathleen.

Charlie (out of the blue): For christmas I want- a spider man toy, an iron man toy, a volcano, batman castle and batman cave.
Kathleen: wow, thats alot for santa to bring. Do you think he can bring all that.
Charlie: Yes! He has a HUGE sack.
Kathleen: Yes but he only birngs things to really good boys and girls. Are you going to be good.
Charlie: I m only going to be good on Christmas Eve!
Kathleen: Really, You need to be good all the time.
Charlie: Im only going to be good on Christmas Eve and snowy days!

Tonight was not a snowy day or Christmas Eve and I had one bad little boy on my hands. It could be a long winter!!

Design Blog

2010-10-19T06:03:00.002-04:00

Love this new design blog!
http://decor8blog.com/

Off to the races!!

2010-10-09T20:38:00.000-04:00

Beautiful fall day at the races. Each year the kids get older, events such as this seem to get a little easier! Another reason to say no to #3. Did I mention that this has been on my mind? 3...to be or not to be. All the signs are pointing to...not to be for me! We will see.

Priceless

2010-09-25T13:22:00.003-04:00

You know those Mastercard commercials... 10 dollars for a leotard, 5 dollars for tights and ballet shoes, 1 day off work. Taking your daughter to her first ballet class....PRICELESS!

Always has her tongue hanging out!! Love it!

Love/Hate

2010-09-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

Love...
my morning coffee
my husband
dinners with my family ("was yur best of day Mommy" says Mary Kate)
microdry bath rugs
when my kids sneak a letter/picture into the mailbox before I get home

Hate...
my broken pinky toe
lack of planning time in kindergarten
stink bugs
that my clothes are still too tight

Fair Time

2010-09-19T11:20:00.001-04:00

Charlie's award winning self portrait!

2010-09-13T17:56:00.000-04:00

Last week was pretty much a blur (first week teaching Kindergarten), but I managed to have some clear blog-worthy memories. I have been trying to introduce sight words to Charlie. He seems eager to sound out words and make up sentences and stories. I began with the simple words

I can see the ....

He immediately made a connection to the word can. "Like we have beans in a can, mommy". Well.... not that kind of can. So, here he goes, he touches each words and reads, "I...(pause)...bucket see the jet." We both look at each other confused. "Charlie, where is the word bucket? That is the word, can. Try again." Ok, so here he goes again. "I...(pause)...bucket see the jet." uggghhhh. "No buddy, that is the word can."
He says, "But mommy, a bucket is like a can."

Ok, so maybe he isn't quite ready to read but we will keep plugging away. Charlie was also wondering when he would be a baby again. Then he said, "I know. When I go to heaven, I will come back as a baby again." You just might be right Charlie boy.

Mary Kate has managed to master all her colors, except she confuses white with brown. Hmmmm. And I love that she calls the kitchen "the chicken". She still remains to be a pretty happy and laid back little girl. She doesn't wear a lot of heavy emotions on her sleeve. She feels it and lets it go. She most certainly did not get that from me!

Nick and I had a great date night at Notaviva Vineyards (Music Festival) and dinner out at Magnolia's. Our sweet, mature and responsible little babysitter had the kids asleep by 8:15, made them eat all their dinner before they had a popsicle and still managed to get all her homework done. Nice night had by all! BTW-my man was lookin' real good in his new Gap jeans

Another week ahead!

few picks from daddy and son camping trip! Breakfast of champions, chocolate doughnuts and bacon.

PS-I am loving this cool weather!

Rockets and More

2010-09-06T07:31:00.000-04:00

"Mommy, I saw 6 rockets and they went upside down and they were so loud and I got a rocket just like them and it says United States of America!!!!!!"

Charlie had an unforgettable day with is Mimi and Grandaddy at the
"Thunder over the Blue Ridge" air show!

Why you do that?

2010-08-26T20:22:00.000-04:00

I woke my sweet peas up this morning. I hated to sneak into that dark room that smelled like pee pee diapers and sweet baby smell combined. But I had to give them love before heading off to school. I love their smell in the morning (strange, I know)! I woke up Mary Kate first. Her hair all frizzed and wavy, she crawled into my lap and the conversation began.

Mary Kate -"Mommy, you go to work today?"
Me-"Yes, sweetie."
Mary Kate-"Why you do that?"
Me-"So mommy can teach kids."
Mary Kate-"Why you do that?"
Me-"So I can make money to buy you things. Like food and toys."
Mary Kate-"And my blankie, and my babies, and my princesses?"
Charlie wakes up!
Charlie-"and batman toys and grapes and oranges."
Mary Kate-"and chocolate cake."
Me-"Yes, loveys, that is why I go to work. I love you both so much."

So, another day at school. My classroom is ready, working on planning. As my principal says, "Failing to plan is planning to fail." I got to work a few extra hours today. Nick took Charlie boy on his first overnight canoe trip on the river. The boys are camping and Mary Kate gets a sleepover with her Mimi! It is very strange to be in my house alone with my dog. It has been a long time, it is very nice and very quiet. Have I mentioned how blessed we are. I try and tell myself that everyday.
PS-Nick got a job, Yeah! Life is moving back into more of a routine but I know that it was a true blessing that Nick got time to stay home with our babies. A time that he nor they will ever forget.

Helping Daddy!

Date Night

2010-08-21T20:47:00.000-04:00

It was Nick's turn to pick date night. Last time I chose movie night. We started our summer evening in big blue, not thrilled (this car just scares me) but was loving the pockets of cool and warm air on the way home! Had dinner out and then checked out the new casinos in Charlestown. I am so glad we both hate to gamble, we just like to people watch and see the horses race. Instead of betting dollars, we bet massages. Yes, my #7 horse won! Whoohooo! Thank you to Mimi and Granddaddy for free babysitting and making our date nights possible. Marriage survival 101- go on dates!

It has begun...

2010-08-19T14:17:00.000-04:00

The excessive teacher thoughts that bring a mild tightening of my chest and back muscles. The back to school shopping, spending money on new clothes because the old ones are too tight and money on classroom materials. I keep thinking one day I will have all I need for my classroom and I will be old enough that I wont care what my clothes look like. Naaaa, that will never happen. It has begun, and I am trying to savor every part of my last days of summer and squeeze in as many naps as possible!

Down by the Bay

2010-08-16T22:01:00.000-04:00

Another amazing weekend. This one took place at the Chesapeake Bay. Nick's old buddy has a family cottage on the water and it is everything a summer cottage should be! Our pal was nice enough to invite us and the kids to hang for the weekend. The kids all got along great, the boys splashed, jumped, raced, swam and ran...the whole time! I got to finish my summer read, #2 Catching Fire (The Hunger Games) and now I am hungry for more! Mockingjay is released next week and I already have it pre-ordered on Amazon. Back to the bay, we had perfect weather. Dad's got to fish and the crab pots caught 46 crabs! Oh, Nicky was in heaven. Turns out Charlie loves crab too. However, on the way home he informed us that he was allergic to Lobster. Apparently they make him cough, who knew? So my children love to swim in the ocean and play in the sand. I am so glad we had the opportunity to fulfill this love for them. Thank you to our pals!

Friends for life!

2010-08-11T14:56:00.000-04:00

I had the chance to meet up with my best college friend Kelly and her sweet little girls, Kendall and Riley! Man I am glad her sister still lives in the area or I just may not see her as much. However, we talk on the phone weekly so we are certainly not missing any details of our lives! While her two sweet little girls sat so patiently in the stroller and ate quietly at the restaurant, my two rambunctious children terrorized every place we entered (sigh). In the midst of all the chaos, we managed to catch up and have conversations about then, now and the future. Kelly, I cherish our friendship. Thank you for always being there for me and listening with unconditional love!

Seven Pics from Seven Springs!

2010-08-10T11:01:00.002-04:00

A great weekend spent with my dad, Bonnie and Michael. We met halfway at Seven Springs Resort. A cozy little place in the middle of nowhere. A getaway with a cool breeze, alpine slides, 3 pools, putt-putt golf and great food. Seeing my dad with his grandchildren was priceless and both kids warmed up to Papa Don quickly. Dad has always made me laugh with his jokes and sound effects and this weekend was filled with laughter and smiles from everyone!

Of course, there were also several "talks" had with one 4 year old in particular. Man has he become mouthy these days. A few time outs and trips to the bathroom helped shape him up a bit. ugggghhh!

Alpine slides!Our little girl suffered from the pollen on the mountain. By Saturday night her eyes ball were like golf balls. Poor baby!! Darn Ragweed. Any tips for that??

Our Papa Don

"Old school Amish style haystacks"

Making happy memories with family means the world to me. Thank you Dad for a great weekend.

We love you!

Why Not?

2010-08-05T11:06:00.004-04:00

Puppy love

2010-08-05T11:06:00.000-04:00

OMG, Little "Sway" came into Caitlin and Ted's life Monday. A honeymoon baby. She is adorable and the kids ate her up. Nick and I did too!!!!!!

A day with Dinos and Julia's Kitchen

2010-07-30T07:25:00.000-04:00

A day well spent at the Natural History Museum. The conversation in the car on the way, went something like this...

Mary Kate , "Where are the dinosaurs Charlie"

Charlie, "The dinosaurs lived a long time ago Mary Kate. A long time ago, like with the princes and princesses and dragons."

Charlie. "Mommy, if the dinosaurs come back, I will fight them because I am going to be Batman. Did you know that there are two Batmans in Gotham city?"

Me, "There are two Batmans?"

Charlie, "Yeah silly, Batman and me."

Dinosaurs were a hit, the ever so famous elephant at the grand entrance of the Natural History Museum and of course the gift shop!

Mimi and I took a quick peek at Julia Child's kitchen that was a featured exhibit at the American History Museum. So great and so much more to see at the Am. Hist. Museum. May need and adult day for that!

Just a few quotes from Julia

• How can a nation be called great if its bread tastes like Kleenex?

Julia's Quote about American Food

• It's fun to get together and have something good to eat at least once a day. That's what human life is all about -- enjoying things.

Julia's quote about Friendship and Love.

Sigh of Relief

2010-07-28T13:34:00.000-04:00

Our sweet Ms. Kathleen has decided to endure another year with the McCracken kiddos. I can't tell you what a relief this is for our family, to know that our children are cared and loved for during the day. Kathleen is like a second mom and Lillian like a sibling. The necessity for both of us to work makes raising children a little more complicated. Between Kathleen's love, the security of Charlie's preschool and of course Mimi love, I think my babes will be more than well off! Thank goodness for the loving people in our lives.

I do!

2010-07-25T16:11:00.000-04:00

July 24th was Caitlin and Ted's wedding day and despite a heat index of 105 degrees, it was an amazing day. I was so honored to be apart of this day. It was so beautiful, getting ready, watching the bride put on her makeup cool as a cucumber, the portraits in the living room of her home and watching her mom hug her and say "I have had the best 24 years with you." made my mascara run very early. As we stood in the heat, listened to the string trio, a kind minister, beautiful readings, and a touching song, I was reminded of the importance of patience in the covenant of marriage and life. This wedding goes down in my books as one of the most well-done, lovely, organized and touching events. The family and friends of the bride and groom poured their heart and soul into this day and it showed all the way until they pulled away in their red Corvette. Thank you Caitlin and Ted for allowing me to be apart of this amazing day. Hugs

The ceremony was held at Ketoctin Church outside under an oak tree.

8 years ago Nick and I got married inside this 200 year old church.

Proud mother and father of the bride!

blog crush

2010-07-15T21:12:00.000-04:00

Thanks Joy, my new favorite place to visit.
Design Sponge
I love the sneak peeks!

The best day

2010-07-14T17:39:00.000-04:00

I treated myself on my bday to a play at the Imaginarium Theater with two of the best dates ever. How I became a Pirate was amazing, magical, funny and clever. The kids and I had a ball and we finished our outing at my favorite place in the world. IKEA! We devoured meatballs with gravy and polished it all off with a sticky bun.
While sitting at the table, Charlie noticed a lot of babies running around.

He said, "I wish I had a baby. Will God give us a baby?"
I said, "You have to ask God for a baby. Sometimes he gives you one and sometimes he doesn't. But I don't think mommy is ready to ask God for a baby."
He said, "Well maybe if you eat all these meatballs, you can have a baby!"

Oh sweet Charlie. Yes, the meatballs were amazingly good but I am not sure there is that kind of magic behind them!

Oh River

2010-07-10T08:10:00.000-04:00

The river and I have this love/hate relationship. I love the peacefulness, nature, wildlife and stones. I hate the fungus, slimy bottom and did I mention dirtiness? Yes, while my husband and children swim and relax, I stay a fully clothed bystander. I may just pick up a rock or two to skip, but that is about it. Oh River...how I love and hate you at the same time. I am imagining my very own saltwater pool with only my germs.

Bunk Bed perfection

2010-07-08T21:46:00.000-04:00

Click HERE to see the perfect bunk beds for small spaces. I want this for my basement. I had to request a quote. Resource Furniture is located in NYC on 3rd ave. I have a feeling these bunk beds are not within my budget. Ho hum... I can dream... right?

You've been invited to have tea with the queen!

2010-07-07T20:49:00.000-04:00

Our adventure today was inspired by the children's book Tea for Ruby, written by The Duchess of York ; Sarah Ferguson

Charlie and Mary Kate were invited to have tea with the Queen! We made crowns, put our pretties on, put on a handsome shirt and made a tie. Cheers!

101 summer meals

2010-07-07T15:58:00.000-04:00

NY Times 101 summer meals

New blog crush

2010-07-06T18:51:00.000-04:00

Love this fashion blog, check it out - The Sartorialist

Lovey Dovey

2010-07-05T20:39:00.000-04:00

When I was in OH visiting my sis, hubby texted..."mommy loves me. mommy loves me. mommy loves me all." Love-Mary Kate

My girl is such a lover

happy 4th

2010-07-04T18:20:00.000-04:00

Hot day in VA. Started the day marching to patriotic music outside. Sprinkler fun and a handmade slip and slide was next. Turns out I grew up with store bought yellow slip and slides with a small pool to catch you and Nick grew up with handmade slip and slides with a good ol' hose! Either way, they still make for some fun!

Sending love to my sister Kelly! She is the strongest person I know. Kell... I hope you get to the rooftop of the Cleveland Clinic to watch some fireworks.

Tub time, pajamas fireworks for us!

Team Edward

2010-06-30T07:21:00.000-04:00

Today, Eclipse is released in theaters. Yes, I can't wait.

Swim Lessons

2010-06-30T07:17:00.000-04:00

Charlie is building his confidence in the pool,

while Mary Kate is completely fearless.

Heading to Ohio to spend some time with my sister Kelly in the hospital. She had major colon surgery and suffered complications with a cut ureter. Her recovery will now take longer. I am going to take some shifts keeping her company.

A fly on our wall

2010-06-25T15:53:00.000-04:00

So if you were a fly on our wall today... you would have seen

coffee at 6am
two year old watching Peter Pan
Pee on the floor twice
uneaten cereal from breakfast
laundry that has not been put away
a broken vacuum (darn Bissell) and those of you who know me, know that is just downright awful
A party in the bathroom (I think I am party training not potty training) PS- I quit!! So does Mary Kate!!
a dusty walk to the mailbox (cough, cough, spit)
one bed turned into a pirate ship with a hand-painted flag by Captain Hook himself
several fights and pushes
one completed hundreds board and pic pac tack board (go here to order) they are great!
a shower and shave (believe it or not)
peanut butter in a bowl for lunch
Gluten-free pizza for mama
one UPS drop off from BabyJay (the best little white clothes in the world)
2 sleeping babes for nap

Shooo-weeee

Is it 5 O'Clock yet, it is somewhere...right?

Pics from our day

8 YEARS LATER

2010-06-24T20:34:00.001-04:00

Nicholas and Kristy McCracken were married on June 22, 2002 at Katoctin Church and partied down at Stoneliegh Golf Club...

8 years later...

we have 2 beautiful children
we still argue about laundry
I still don't eat fish
he still doesn't eat raisins
he still hides behind doors and scares me
I still dance nerdy for him when we are alone
I still leave cabinet doors open
he still loves camels
he still gives me 11 second hugs
I still think he is hot
we still tell each other "I love you" everyday

Not bad for 8 years, ups, downs, all around happy with our life together! If I had to do it all over again, I would pick the same man a hundred times over!

Is this the day?

2010-06-14T21:48:00.000-04:00

If I had a nickel for every time I heard Charlie say,

Is this the day you don't have to go to work?

Is this the day summer is here?

Is this the day we go to Nana's?

I would be one rich mama.

We are on countdown to the end of the school year and our trip to Nana's (on an airplane). Charlie not only decided to X out the days but he wanted to put an X on his hand.

He told me, "It is a love X for Nana, Mommy"
We have one loved Nana!
PS Nana- Charlie wanted to show you his watch!

Eat yur greens

2010-06-12T23:50:00.000-04:00

fresh spinach, broccoli and peas from the garden. The kids tore up the spinach and broccoli. Not big fans of peas. On my list for the upcoming week...
Make Miller Robert and Jack Riley a "welcome to the world" dinner
Finish 40 report cards
Complete Kindergarten with "Pirate Week"
laminate and cut for next year
Prepare for flight to Ohio
Plan ahead for Father's Day so when we get off the plane we will be able to surprise N!
Pilates atleast once this week

Best Buddies

2010-05-31T21:18:00.002-04:00

A special bond no one can take away!

I feel the same way about my own brother!

Bride to be

2010-05-23T17:45:00.000-04:00

On July 24, 2010 I will be a bridesmaid in Caitlin's wedding. No, my hair is not in a ponytail. I chopped it all off and I can't seem to grasp hold of my new do. Not sure what I was thinking. I am always looking for a change in my life. Friday, it was my hair. Good thing hair grows. No permanent damage done. Saturday was a day full of showers both wedding and rain. It was a great day for Caitlin.

by: charlie

2010-05-16T16:13:00.000-04:00

i like my lellow life jacket. i like rock beach. i like eating the strawberries on the river.

can't wait to see

2010-05-13T22:07:00.000-04:00

this looks hilarious The Kids Are All Right. Comes out July 9th. But before that...Twilight Series-Eclipse comes to theaters June 30th. Yes, my dear Linda gave me a Twilight Trash Magazine for Mother's Day and YES I loved every page of it. Did you know that Edward (Robert Pattinson) plays the piano in our world. A man of so many talents. Oh my!

However, I bet Robert could not run this massive tiller like my man. These are picks from our community garden we have latched onto this summer. All kinds of goods growing with the help of neighbors.

hungry?

2010-05-10T18:56:00.000-04:00

soo.. I have really been struggling with what to eat these day. After going Gluten Free and after watching the movie Food Inc., I just am not liking food and they are right, "I just haven't looked at my dinner the same". But the real problem is that I just don't enjoy cooking. You see there is a lot of great food out there... if you prepare it well. This is my new solution for coming up with ideas for dinners and lunches. There is this great local shop called Lockes Store, they serve home-made lunches and dinners that use a lot of local products (grass-fed beef/pasture raised chicken). I am just going to steal their ideas for the week and see if that satisfies my stomach and my family's. I have been purchased grass-fed beef from the local markets and chicken/cheese from Fields of Athenry Farm. I will just use the local goods and steal the food ideas from the local store. Wish me luck.

Lunch Menu-
avacado/havarti cheese sandwiches/fruit/chips
Dinner-(all served with a side of veges)
chicken BBQ sandwiches
Beef/bean burritos
Potato leek soup and salad
Ham/swiss sandwiches

PS-I did make some awesome Gluten Free cookies. Use Pamela's Mix, add some sugar, lots of Choc. Chips and pecans. Yuuuummmm!

Mom, mommy, mama, ma

2010-05-08T21:45:00.001-04:00

A beautiful boquet of flowers arrived today and a card attached that said, "Love, Mom". Thank you mom! You put a smile on my face.

Happy Mother's Day Mom-
For you, virtual blog pics of what I would buy if I could.

I think you and Greg would love a porch swing on the Island!

How about a pimped out golf cart too?

A backyard Lagoon for the Island house!

Or... how about a home in Key West??

Click on each one and take your pick.

I love you mom! Thank you again for my beautiful flowers. I can't wait to see you in a few weeks. The kids called Nana on play phone today, I love when they ask, "Mommy, want to talk Nana?"

Privately Saving and a day at the zoo!

2010-05-08T11:00:00.000-04:00

ZOO DAY WITH DAD!

A few complaints came in regarding the half-naked pics of my kids. I apologize if I offended anyone or worried anyone about the well-being of my children. I will save these, what I think, adorable pictures for my own viewing. Thank you all for following my blog and our lives.

Keepin' it simple

2010-05-02T20:36:00.001-04:00

A new addition to the Batman costume and
a pool of water on a hot spring day . What more could a kid want?

Things that made me laugh

2010-04-26T18:31:00.001-04:00

I had prepared a whole lesson on Recycling for Earth Day last Thursday. I haled plastic bottles and my dear Linda gathered cans. We had a recycling relay set up and I went to reach for a stack of newspapers and this was the headline, no lie..

Charlie was sitting on the toilet and I hear..."Mommy, come here. Did you know my butt is getting bigger. It is getting bigger like your butt and daddy's butt. My butt is going to get bigger and bigger!"

cool stuff

2010-04-20T06:37:00.000-04:00

Check out Sundance, awesome store! It was founded by Robert Redford.

loving...

2010-04-18T08:21:00.000-04:00

Chicken Tikka Masala...ready made at Costco! Yum and gluten free!

that our local farm has putt putt golf "Mooniture Golf"!

watching my students, watching the tadpoles in our class hatch! There is no better way to teach the life cycle of a frog than with real frogs!!

Charlie's questions about the bones in his face. Why do we have a chin? What is cartilage? How do my teeth stay in my mouth? Why do we have gums?

watching Mary Kate chew gum. She somehow redefined the age in this household for chewing gum. That's the second child for ya! (pic-colored her face with markers).

Nick!

Gerber Baby Shower

2010-04-13T06:26:00.000-04:00

A great weekend with family! However, not a huge fan of New Jersey's roadways. Katie was glowing in her beautiful home surrounded by several out of town guests. There is something special about the connection you have to first cousins. Holidays and gatherings are always the most memorable for me (rather than your day to day activities). It seems as we all grow up, grandparents pass and weddings are over... we just don't see each other as often. My cousins Katie and Jonathan will always be a part of those special memories for me. I was blessed to be a part of Katie and James' day to shower their new little bundle "Gerber" (Aunt Debbie's name for the unknown child).

Easter

2010-04-04T20:59:00.000-04:00

Our Easter started out memorable. Charlie wrote a letter to the Easter Bunny last night, it read...

Please PUT EGS IN DU GRDN

(translation-put eggs in the garden).

They woke up to a basket filled with goodies and their very own egg hunt in the backyard (and garden).

Our Easter turned interesting when we saw the birth of a calf on Uncle Joeby's farm. Also, Aunt Denise was so kind to collect a tadpole egg sac from her pond. Perfect for the start of our unit on life cycles!! I am headed back to school, it has been a great week. Mary Kate has started saying " awww, is so coot (cute)". Charlie wants to know why Jesus died and how he died (that's been a tough one). Nicholas continues to be an amazing dad. He camped out in the backyard with Charlie and sacrificed his body on the hard ground. I don't know that I would do that. Camping just isn't my thing. Thank goodness for our Daddy!

Happy Spring everyone.

My latest spring photo shoot!

Baltimore 2010

2010-04-03T12:48:00.000-04:00

A great little get-a-way. Our trip included a stay at the Marriott-inner harbor Baltimore (pool time), The National Aquarium (not completely impressed, very crowded and very cluttered), great eating, Fells Point (cobblestone streets), Paddle boats, shopping, Pirate Ship (USS constitution) tour and a lot of running (after Mary Kate and Charlie). 2 days was perfect!

Nonnannannonnanna....

2010-03-31T08:58:00.000-04:00

Bat Man

Thank you Mimi!

my girl and me

2010-03-28T08:58:00.001-04:00

Satisfied

2010-03-26T21:17:00.000-04:00

Thank you Janell, for my belly is satisfied and full. All you health nuts and gluten free fellows (traces of wheat and gluten may be in breads but the minimal amount even for Celiac patients). Try

Sami's Bakery in Tampa, Florida. We just got our delivery today and yummy! Our first Gluten Free Pizza night and everyone ate it!

Smell my feet

2010-03-26T06:49:00.000-04:00

"One more hug mommy.

Mommy, one more kiss.

Mommy, smell my feet."

She now also pretends to pee standing up. What's a mother to do? You would never know it by looking at this sweet face.

My Cowboy Frog

2010-03-20T15:47:00.001-04:00

Charlie boy is four! He requested a cowboy frog cake from his Mimi. I requested no artificial colors or flavors. Mimi was certainly challenged with the green icing! She did it and it was delicious. Charlie man was overjoyed and overtired. We learned to not have a four year old party at the end of the day. Made for a rough bedtime. Charlie slept with his new pirate ship from Nana and hasn't put it down since.
At four, Charlie...

is curious (God, strangers, volcanoes, earthquakes, seasons, time)
is cautious
is an attention seeker
is creative
is a follower
is smart
loves bubble gum (Glee Gum)

loves pirates
will be playing soccer
is funny
"Nathan is bigger than me. We weigh the same size."

I am crazy about this little boy and I rush home to see him everyday! I love you Charlie boy!

Just a little pic of little miss and her new habit and new hair.

making a shift

2010-03-14T16:01:00.000-04:00

i was diagnosed with psoriasis, uggghhh. have been battling dry, itchy scaly, red, scabby skin for years now. i am finally getting relief thanks to a wonderful dermatologist Dr. Kahn and a gluten free diet. a major shift for a pizza and sandwhich lover. it hasn't been as bad as i thought and the relief i have and overall great feeling is worth it. so.. what am i eating?
lots of fruits and veges
lean meats
hummus, cheese, rice/corn based tortillas, egg whites, smoothies
thank goodness potato chips are gluten frree
kix and organic corn flakes
nuts and beans
*fish is a really important food that i have yet to aquire a taste. any suggestions?

made a huge trader joe's run and i am feeling good. i have not been tested for a gluten intolerance but gluten is the number one thing suggested to eliminate from your diet if you are having inflammation issues inside or out. we'll see..

The time has come..

2010-03-13T07:52:00.000-05:00

We have finally purchased a new computer. Sorry kids, there goes another semester of college. But thanks to Uncle Sam's tax return and my financial planner hero (brother), mama and papa could get the ever so lovely imac. We currently are working on a laptop that has 21 missing keys, a power cord being held in by a candle and a memory with 2% left. Yes, the time has finally come. I will be posting pictures next week.