Glitter in the Lint Trap

Days like this

2011-12-08T12:00:00.000-05:00

It's so funny. As parents, we model model model in order to show our children the behavior we desire. I try so hard to live the life I want my kids to live when they are grown and I am gone. There has been a lot in the news about bullying lately, and I worry about how this will impact my kids. I know there will always be mean people, people who just don't care, and people who think they are better than the rest of us. They are this way because no one ever taught them differently. In My girl's school, there is a huge anti-bulliyng campaign. We talk about it often. They have a program where the teachers catch kids who are being good, and reward them with a ticket. These tickets are then signed by the kids and put into a drawing for extra game time in the gym at the end of the week(this is a highly coveted activity). It's an incentive to be extra nice and to do the right thing. I think the thinking is that eventually the kids will just do the right thing without thinking about it because they have become so accustomed to it. I like this program because it focuses on the good. There are many other parts of the program that focus on the bullying part, but for this you need only know that part. I talk to the girls a lot about how standing by and watching while someone is mistreated is as bad as being the one who is bullying. I know it's hard to be the one to speak out, but it is so so so important to be the one.
Lilly came home yesterday and told me about her day. "Mommy, I got a ticket today for helping someone who was having trouble with his reading." so I tell her that I am so glad that she is being a good helper, but that wasn't the end of her story. "L, this boy in my class has trouble. He has a disability. He can't focus and can't sit still, and sometimes in music class he sings when we aren't supposed to and gets up and dances around. He's always getting into trouble. He never gets a ticket, so I put his name on my ticket so he would have a chance. " My heart about burst right out of my chest at that point. I told her how proud I was of her and what an amazing thing she did. I am so glad that I am getting through to them and that they are doing it, they are being the people who make a difference. This is an amazing feeling, I am so proud. I have amazing kids.

That was a long break...

2011-11-18T09:55:00.001-05:00

Things are moving along nicely here for us. Lots going on, lots of photos I'd love to post, lovely time in life, really. We are approaching the holidays with a speed I wasn't sure was possible, but here comes Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday, in a few short days. I love it so much because of it's focus. Giving thanks. I love that it's about family, blessings, and delicious food. At least in our house we focus on those things. Christmas has turned into one of my least favorite holidays. The time leading up to it is fine, but that day has gotten so far away from what Christmas originally was and has turned into a giant shopping bonanza, that I just really would rather have another Thanksgiving. Don't get me wrong, I love how excited the kids get, seeing them on Christmas morning, the joy. All that is great, but all the stress leading up to it? No thanks. This year, I decided to get back to the giving and doing for others. Now, we try to do this on a fairly regular basis in the form of small kindnesses. My kids get no bigger thrill than when we pay a toll for the person behind us, or when we take care of someone's breakfast tab and slip out the door before they know it's been taken care of. We always talk about what that person must be thinking when they realize what has happened. Now I know these aren't grand gestures, nothing life altering for the receiver, but I like to think these small acts are life altering for my children. They had an event at school where they were asked to bring in food for the less fortunate and to stuff an entire bus full. My girls all left the house with their bags so full that they staggered under the weight, but all insisted on doing so. There was no talking them down to a lighter load to carry. They've asked to do the same thing every day this week. I love that they have this spirit. So for the month of December, every day leading up to and including Christmas, we will do an intentional act of kindness. (I am toying with the idea of doing a 365 project and blogging it, but we'll see) This is not giant stuff, but these are things that will make a difference to someone. I just think about how it would make my day to have someone in the drive thru line pay for my coffee just so I would have a nice day and I want to give that to others. (My secret fantasy is that I would start by paying for one person and then the next person in line, having gotten their coffee paid for then pays for the next person and so on. I know, I'm such a sap) So here is our list of 25 kindnesses in no particular order except for 25. Some are small, some are bigger, all will make a difference to us and hopefully to someone else. With any of the donation of food or supply donations, kids come to the store and choose what they think will help with some guidelines.

1. Make and deliver cards to a local nursing home (as many as each child wants to make)

2. Cook a meal for a neighbor with a busy schedule

3.Bake Christmas cookies for our neighbors (each child picks a neighbor)

4. put together a few bags with handwarmers, socks, granola bars to hand to people on the street asking for money

5.make a food donation to the soup kitchen

6. Make a food donation to the food bank

7. Make a food/supply donation to the animal shelter

8. Donate socks hats and mittens to the teen shelter

9.adopt a family for Christmas gifts

10. Provide a meal to a family in need

11. Donate clothes and toys to kids in foster care

12. Bake treats and deliver to the fire station

13. Bake treats and deliver to the police station

14.Donate snowpants to the girl's school for kids who dont have them

15. Bring treats to the nurses on the children's unit of our local hospital

16. Pay for the meal of someone eating alone

17. Babysit for friends overnight so they get a break

18.Bring coffee to construction workers who are freezing out there (the kids love to bring popsicles when it's crazy hot)

19. Donate to Heifer International

20. Sponsor a child through Compassion

21. Bring Hot chocolate to the teachers who wait outside for the busses and children arriving to school in the morning

22. Make cards for kids in the hospital

23. Secretly shovel a neighbor's walk

24. Pay for the coffee of someone behind us in line at the drive thru and hope they pass in on

25. Deliver PW's hot cinnamon rolls Christmas morning to our favorite neighbors.

So, that's what we'll be up to in December, but I may start a little early with a few spontaneous additions along the way.

Sunset beach picnic

2011-07-20T10:39:00.001-04:00

One of the things on our summer list is a sunset beach picnic. I rounded up a few of the girl's friends and we headed out. (I often wonder what people think when they see me out alone with 7 (baby not pictured) children) We had a blast, there is something so magical about the beach in the evening. The kids caught a zillion crabs, with Maya being the bravest of all, called in when a creature needed wrangling, rescuing the six eight and nine year olds in the group. Played in the icy water, it's still only 60* here, and built some great sandcastles and hopefully memories. We topped off the evening with a trip to our favorite ice cream place. It really doesn't get much better. We decided to do it again. but to stay until it's dark enough for sparklers and lightning bugs. Cannot wait!

Summer

2011-07-12T12:20:00.001-04:00

What have we been up to?

2011-07-09T10:03:00.001-04:00

Mostly this. And loving every second of it.

The rockstar equivalent

2011-06-28T13:29:00.001-04:00

At the lake today Maya achieved rockstar status. She caught a big turtle. She was immediately swarmed by no less than 25 kids, all amazed by her capture. I had to escort her back to the spot she caught it and supervise the release so no one caught him again. Seriously rockstar.

Girls Weekend

2011-06-27T07:29:00.001-04:00

Girl weekend in Boston this weekend was so much fun! (Steph was there too, but left earlier that morning) We had a blast. We saw tons of Boston, ate amazing food, including Mike's canoli. It was the most laid back, spur of the moment, let the day unfold as it may kind of trip, my favorite. The weekend started when The Laura Case came in on Thursday night and then did family pictures for us on Friday morning. I will never forget this day. It was raining raining raining and we decided to try and get some photos anyway. Lets just say that Laura is amazing. She stood in the rain and whipping wind cheerfully while trying to get the grouchy (this person will remain unnamed for his/her own protection) in our family to smile. Not an easy task. There was a giant frame and tiny car involved, as well as many fake mustaches, I cannot wait to see how they turned out. We met up with Joanna, Liz and Steph later that day and had a fantastic dinner. Warrior Dash ended up not happening for us as it was fah-reez-ing and pouring so hard you couldn't see at times. We warriored our way right back to the hotel and relaxed and then walked around the city after the weather cleared instead. Much better than being cold, wet and muddy. It was like hanging out with friends I see all the time. It was so much fun and so refreshing to be around fun easy going people. We had another great dinner Saturday night. These ladies are funny. Seriously funny. Sunday we went to Harvard Yard and Laura did Liz's family pictures. Liz has the most beautiful family, and sweet, so sweet. We went back to her house for a cookout and relaxed. It was the perfect way to wrap up the weekend. (picture taken in the backyard) Laura and I made a quick trip to Ikea while trying to burn some time before going to the airport. I love me some Ikea. I had the best time and thank all of these ladies for a great time.

2011-06-22T08:32:00.001-04:00

So far...
I am short on words, long on fun. This is my favorite favorite time in life. Summer time with my kids who all still want to hang out with me. My house may suffer, but we are all so filled up with joy. These are the best days.

Show me the Family

2011-06-17T06:19:00.001-04:00

We have a tiny camp about 2 hours from home, on a fantastic river. We took the kids there for the first time (I'm not sure what we had been doing not going there all these years, but wow, what a bummer. We will be making up for that poor judgement this summer.) and they loved it! We managed one photo on the front porch before we had to go exploring again. Maya found a crayfish in the river, and Will found a walking stick that had been cut by beavers. It was a fantastic time, but now they want to live there.

On the road to Rhode Island

2011-06-16T09:56:00.001-04:00

So we went to Rhode Island for my brother in law's wedding. Very sweet tiny ceremony, wedged in between the rain and wind, the one dryish part of the day. It was lovely.

But.

We had a whole weekend to fill. We let the kids spend the entire morning in the hotel pool. When they came out their hair had formed what I can only describe as rubberized ropes, and even after several days of washing conditioning rinsing repeating, it's still a mess. Any ideas what happened there?
Then we met up with some of our oldest friends and went to this teeny tiny kick ass aquarium where there were more touch tanks than anything else. Maya was absolutely taken with the shark petting tank. Yup, that's right. There were two tiny dogfish sharks that you could pat, and they were actually seeking out people to get some love. I think she stood there for close to an hour playing with the sharks. (that's a sentence that I never thought I'd write) Lilly also braved the sea creatures and held a giant horseshoe crab. It was pretty awesome. We then had ice-cream for lunch and spent three hours at a playground right around the corner from where Will grew up. It was a great weekend.

Beachy fun

2011-06-10T07:26:00.001-04:00

We have been spending every available moment at the beach lately. The temperature has ranged from the 60s to the 90s, and each day has been fantastic. Let the summer fun begin!

My Allie Girl

2011-05-19T13:49:00.003-04:00

My Allie girl. This is a perfect perfect representation of her. Everything around her is gray is gloomy, and here she is shining brightly. She has such a light and joy about her. My girl. Walking out of school at the end of the day among the pint sized mass of dreary gray people, and rain for days,my girl with the rainbow umbrella comes skipping, skipping! to me. She lights me up. She is joy.

And now the damn blogger app isn't working...stat tuned for the picture!

Happy Birthday, Maya!

2011-05-17T17:29:00.000-04:00

Maya,

Today you are five years old. Actually just as I began this post, your birth minute passed. I can hardly believe another year has gone by. You are amazing. You are funny, so funny. You are kind and sassy and sweet. You are an animal lover, worm picker upper, spider fear-er. You have taken on the role of big sister seamlessly. You are a natural nurturer, and love love love the baby. Always kissing hugging, rubbing his head and checking on him. You are an incredible friend and care taker to everyone in your special circle. You learned this year that even if you don't really like someone, it is just as important to be kind to them as it is to be kind to your favorite friend. You are very brave, and have no problem taking risks. You jump off incredibly high platforms at the playground, and come away laughing. You learned this year that water in your face is not going to end you. You have bonded incredibly with Lukey-dog, and he sleeps on your bed every night, though he waits for your invitation. You and Allie fight all the time, but also play together well. Lilly says that the two of you fight about everything, and you correct her saying that you don't fight about air. You are so tall. You have also learned to read! You have started to sound out words and you write everything down now. Most of the time we know exactly what you have written. This morning you came into my room with a thank you note you had written in anticipation of your birthday gifts. You seriously amaze me every day. You allow my eyes to tear with pride on a regular basis. You are always the first one to offer up a toy that someone else wants, an instrument, a snack, whatever it may be. You are a peacemaker, except with Allie. You are fierce about everything, fiercely loyal, loving, caring, funny. Your best friend is still Ryleigh, although Dylan, Noah and Claire are up there, too. You love to sing in the car. Your favorites are 'We're not gonna take it' and pretty much anything by Pink. Last week we were driving listening to music, singing along, and I was flipping through songs, when I passed by Selena Gomez, and onto the Indigo Girls. You asked for Selena when she went by, by as soon as you heard the Indigo Girls, you said, "no, this one, I like this better." Makes me know I am doing this mothering thing right at least part of the time. You radiate beauty and happiness. You also have your share of the grumps, but really, they are not often, and are easily overcome. Some days you ask to please not leave the house, preferring to stay in your pajamas and relax. On these days, I try to oblige, but sometimes it's not possible. We try to make up for this on the weekends. You love to play outside, and ask regularly to stay after school and play with your friends in the yard. We try and do this nearly every day. You are a true source of happiness and joy in all of our lives. You are silly and prankish, loving and wonderful. I am thankful everyday for you. Happy fifth birthday lovey.

Farm Day

2011-05-15T11:44:00.001-04:00

Yesterday was farm day at a local farm. We got to see lots of animals, we fed some goats dandelions ( turns out we shouldn't have, as it makes their milk sour, oops! There weren't any signs saying not to.) climbed on tractors, went on hayrides, had faces painted, saw beehives, got to pat newborn lambs. There were 4 sheep mamas and there were 3 sets of twin lambs, and two of the three sets were one black lamb, one white one. So cute! It was a really fun day, and really, what's cuter than a kid feeing a goat a bouquet of dandelions?

Disguised

2011-05-05T10:37:00.001-04:00

That is all.

Show me the Mommy - car edition

2011-04-29T09:26:00.001-04:00

Misspeak

2011-04-26T17:50:00.001-04:00

Lilly and Allie playing horses in the living room.

Allie says, "Lilly, you're my trusty Steve!"

These are my favorite things.

Sweet

2011-04-21T08:46:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-20T08:41:00.001-04:00

I scream, you scream

2011-04-19T17:42:00.001-04:00

The first day for ice cream.

Show me the Mommy

2011-04-17T10:07:00.001-04:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

The lovely

2011-04-08T13:13:00.001-04:00

Sitting here soaking in all of the lovely. Will resume irregular sporadic posting at some point, but for now, there is too much awesome to breathe in.

Even I can't resist

2011-03-30T21:31:00.001-04:00

Whenever I am cranky, Will always makes his hand into a puppet and I just can't help cracking up. Every time. Even if I'm really mad. It's a weakness. This morning Lilly woke up grumpy, really grumpy. The 'I really want to stay home today so I'll say my tummy hurts because it kind of does and I'm feeling cranky anyway' kind of grumpy. There was no snapping her out of it. It lasted until we left for school. As soon as we got in the car I put on her favorite song to sing to (Pink's 'Raise your glass'. I know...) and broke out the singing hand. No dice. She cracked a smile and turned toward the window so she could continue grumping around in peace. When we got to the first red light I added eyes to my singing hand. She couldn't resist. The singing hand puppet worked it's magic! Success. We all couldn't stop laughing and she went to school happy. Seriously, you can't not laugh with a singing hand puppet looking at you.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

A little of this and that

2011-03-29T21:45:00.001-04:00

We went to Maine maple Sunday this weekend. They ran out of syrup. On Maine Maple Sunday. We had fun anyway and got free horse drawn wagon rides. Below is the Sugar House.

Maya loves the dog. Loves him. He sleeps on her bed every night. I think the feeling is mutual.

When did my girl get so old?! She is making such a goofy face, but looks so old to me.

Maya spotted these on our way out today. They made us all so hopeful for spring. I will not mention the "heavy amounts of snow" forecast for Friday.

Allie fell asleep like this tonight. She loves this nightlight. Loves it.

Show me the Daddy

2011-03-25T09:22:00.001-04:00

Before school this morning, some sweetness happened and I couldn't resist capturing it!

Princess in a Castle

2011-03-24T19:04:00.001-04:00

In between conferences

2011-03-23T10:46:00.001-04:00

Our friends schedule their conferences directly before and after Maya's so that we can share childcare duties. This is what I kept them busy with when it was my turn. It is 31 degrees here and windy. I'm not going out there, it's freezing!

The protectors

2011-03-21T09:32:00.001-04:00

Allie has unsettling dreams from time to time. Sometimes she will have several nights of bad dreams in a row. We have a dream catcher and sweet dreams spray, but sometimes that isn't enough. She created her own special group of protectors, they are arranged in a specific group every night before she climbs up to the top bunk.

Guard dogs. Apparently bad dreams climb the ladder, and these guys prevent that from happening. No bad dreams since they've been on the job.

On Life

2011-03-15T16:45:00.002-04:00

It's funny, but lately I have been feeling in a different sort of funk. A good funk. And I was feeling like I couldn't or shouldn't share. I am happy. I am a generally extremely optimistic person. I know that can seem annoying, but it is real. The real me. Even with all the crap of the past few weeks (see last post) I am happy. Not that my kids were sick or that we were without heat, but in my center, happy. And I decided, looking into my 34th year, which starts next month, that I am not going to apologize by omission anymore. I know life isn't all sunshine and rainbows shooting out of every orifice. Yes, things in my life are hard and we have things that are much less than pleasant to deal with, but I am lucky in so many ways. I choose to see the glass as mostly full. I love what each day brings even when I am frazzled and frustrated and there is way more stuff that needs to be done than I want to do, but I am happy. I was feeling like I shouldn't share this because people may view me as a fraud. You know something, I don't care, because I know that I put it all out there. When it's ugly, I say it is. When it's great, I want to say it's great. I don't say this to flaunt my life, I say this because it is how I feel about my life. Yes, I worry about lots of things and people and situations, but I make a very big effort to see things in the best possible light. Everything happens for a reason, this too shall pass, everything has to be somewhere...these are all things that my Mom always has said to me, and I used to roll my eyes and not think much of it, but now? I understand. We get to learn from everything. We get to try again. We get to have all of these wonderful, messy, awful, amazing, enlightening, life altering things. And we get to become. We get to teach our children how to be. We get to be here for such a short time. I hope this doesn't offend anyone. Please know that I think of my friends and family who are going through less than happy stuff, I think about the terrible devastation in Japan, I do my part in trying to support many different charities and causes, I try to make a difference. I try to teach my children to care for others, to be considerate. We try to do lots of little thing to brighten the days of others. It is amazing how much difference one tiny gesture can make, both good and bad. I like to go out of my way to fill up space with good. For me this has been an awakening. I used to hide my happy. I used to hide a lot of the great things in order to not seem fake, but honestly, I'm all done with that. I am happy, I am truthful, I love what is going on for our family right now. I love my friends and will support them all in whatever comes. I will feel sad, and I do about some things, but for now, I am unapologetically happy, content, and peaceful with who I am. I can feel a shift, and I like it.

A full week

2011-03-03T11:28:00.001-05:00

Just so we can look back and laugh in a few years. This week we have had in chronological order;

Maya diagnosed with Strep throat, and run a fever of 102

Our 100 year old furnace died Monday

Stayed at home even though it is below freezing, because our house is apparently crazy well insulated and although it is -3 with the windchill it's still 54* in the house

Built a gajillion fires in the fireplace

Lilly up literally the entire night Tuesday vomiting every 15 minutes

With no heat

Lilly diagnosed with Strep Wednesday

Still no heat

Got home from the doctors with Lilly and immediately have Allie say she has a sore throat

Call the doctor, have them call in a prescription for Allie as well

Discover that Lilly is allergic to Penicillin.

Still no heat

Call the doctor and get Lilly on a different antibiotic. Thursday.

Buy tons of yogurt

Buy flowers for the Target pharmacists because holy crap they are the nicest, most helpful go out of their way to help a Mom with everyone on antibiotics you have ever seen

Go to the pharmacy and deliver said flowers, pick up Allie's prescription and Lilly's new prescription.

Still no heat

Sit at home with 4 kids (yup, Ryleigh gets to have it too) who really don't want to be cooped up anymore. Thursday, still no heat

Try to take a shower but the furnace guys have shut off the gas because they are at the point of converting the new furnace from oil to gas, so no shower for me.

Try to be thankful that we have the means to buy medicine and have a new furnace coming.

Wish really hard that spring would just get here already.

Still no heat.

Wednesday with a caption

2011-03-02T08:27:00.001-05:00

This is a nearly perfect summation of my family, blurriness and all.

Show me the Mommy

2011-02-25T08:16:00.001-05:00

I took Lilly and Allie to lunch at the most fun local restaurant to celebrate the last day of school before vacation. They loved it there and continue to beg to go back. That *might* have something to do with the slice of chocolate cake we shared that was bigger than Allie's head. We ended up taking most of the meal to go, but we had such a good time together. Makes me realize that it date night with individual girls are fun, but having two at a time is such a treat! We played cards while waiting for our food, laughed so hard, and told great stories of the day. This was such a great time, we will definitely be doing more two girls at a time days.

Unexpected sweetness

2011-02-23T09:01:00.001-05:00

Walking across our porch a few days ago I came across this;

I have no idea when she wrote it, but the author is standing by to be sure I see it. My Allie girl is in such a sweet stage. Love.

Superhero Wedding

2011-02-22T10:23:00.001-05:00

The girls were playing super heroes with Will last night. I expected to see battles and rescues. When I walked in I found them setting up for a wedding. Will had cued up the wedding march on the computer, and the guests had all arrived. I can't imagine when he saved his super hero collection for his children this is what he had in mind, but he tells me time and time again that he wouldn't want it any other way.

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Skating

2011-02-21T16:38:00.001-05:00

We took the girls ice skating yesterday, and despite only having skated once before (last year) Maya rocked it! She flew around that rink, and left her sisters in the dust. They were impressed that she was so fast (and a little jealous) and wanted to know why she was so good at it. She skated with her friend Noah who is going to play hockey in April (see his cute gear?) and she ha now decided that she might like to play too. Now the question is whether or not I can be a hockey Mom.

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Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

I have never been a huge fan of this holiday. Will and I rarely do anything to celebrate it. I think that every day should be the day to tell and show people you love them. Why should one day be special?
That said, I do do a little something for the girls. I only do things that I probably would have anyway, but it was nice to have an extra reason to stay up late sewing paper hearts together to make garland for their room, and paper heart necklaces for them to wear today. I cut their sandwiches into hearts to send in their lunches and left a few small gifts on the ends of their beds, as well as a love letter for each of them, and they were happy. When I got back to the grocery store, there was a letter in our mailbox, stamp and all, addressed to Mr. and Mrs. Our last name. It was from Lilly. They are working on letter writing at school, and she had written us a letter that made me tear up. Her cursive is gorgeous, but her words are something that I will always remember.

"Dear Mom and Dad,
                            I love you because...
you're always there for me when I need you. When I get scared you cuddle meand tell me it's ok. I love you because you make me laugh. I love you because you tuck me in at night and spray sweet dreams spray over my head to scare away the bad dreams and nightmares. I love you because you're you.

                         Yours Truly,
                                    Lilly

P.S. Here is the key (picture of a key) to my heart (pic of a heart)

Seriously, I am so very lucky to have this girl in my life. I share this letter because I want to have it always and here it can be preserved should anything happen to the real one.

Love Note

2011-02-10T11:01:00.000-05:00

Allie wrote me a love note on my hand last week. I do this for her when she is having a hard time leaving for school in the morning. It's something that helps her through the day if she's missing me. Mine says (yes its upside down) "I love u with all my heart. xoxoxoxoxoxo" I have to admit, it was sweet to look down and see it there all day. Love that girl.

Bridget

2011-02-01T09:04:00.000-05:00

My friend Bridget is having Brain surgery today. Brain surgery. She is a great Mom to two wild and awesome little girls. Please say a prayer, think a good thought, do whatever it is you do to keep Bridget in your thoughts today.

Passing it down

2011-01-31T11:59:00.000-05:00

I taught myself how to sew, or maybe I actually learned in home ec in middle school. Regardless, I love doing it and love to have new babies to make quilts for. I have always quilted by hand. Sewing machines were endlessly frustrating for me, so I painstakingly did every stitch by hand. I loved doing it that way. This fall I borrowed my Mom's sewing machine and set out to learn to use it. Wow, what a difference. Easy peasy. I really love doing quilts now!

Lilly has been asking to learn to sew for a while now, so I figured yesterday would be a good time to teach her. We made a tiny pillow for her doll, by hand. It took about thirty minutes. Then I took her into my sewing room and taught her to make one on the machine. Less than ten minutes. She was very proud. She actually likes sewing by hand better as she said she feels a little out of control woth the machine. I completely understand. I made her her own little sewing box and she is happily working on a new pillow all on her own. She is asking if we can make a quilt together. I would be thirlled to do that with my daughter. I can't wait to start.

2011-01-25T08:10:00.000-05:00

This was taken a few weeks ago before we were assaulted by snowstorm after snowstorm, so there is a lot more snow on the ground now, but this light at the end of the day makes me so happy.

I am fairly certain that all of us are about to venture into our first colds of the season, so that will be fun.

We have a birthday party to attend which is at a super fun place with those bounce houses. This further cements my opinion that colds are definitely coming. Those places are like little germ factories, having been bounced on by, well, little germ factories. I'm sure the kids will have fun no less.

My cat gives legitimate hugs around the neck. It is bizarre. And she is extremely insistent.

I am always looking for occaions to bake, so if anyone needs anything baked, let me know. I think I may want to open a small bakery.

The end.

Still here, and a name change

2011-01-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

So I decided to change the name of my blog to better reflect this time in life, and since without fail I always find glitter when I am cleaning out the lint trap in my dryer, I thought it was appropriate. Plus, as hokey as it sounds, I try to find the good in everything. Even if that good or bright spot is actual glitter among all the gross laundry leftovers.

We are still chugging along. It is way too cold here and the snow banks are too big to see over, but everyone can put on their own snow clothes and enjoy a good sledding expedition, so everything is good there. The girls have been enjoying the many snow days we have has as of late, and I have been enjoying having them home (and not having to do the morning scramble).

Lately we have enjoyed; jumping really high, forcing each other to smile, sharing hugs with our naughty dog, and reveling in the aftermath of "accidentally" unrolling an entire roll of paper towels.

We've got some exciting stuff coming, and we are thrilled about it. I cannot wait to share more.

Sledding

2010-12-30T14:20:00.000-05:00

We go sledding in the same park every year. This year, due to some "improvements" to the hill (read jumps, rails to grind on, and other fanicness for exclusively snowboarders) we moved our sledding to a nearby hilly golf course. It was awesome. So many more hills to choose from, steeper hills, jumps, and way less crowding. I sadly forgot the big camera and only had the iphone, but managed this shot of Lilly catching air on the big jump. It was so much fun. We are definitely making this our new hill!

First playable snow

2010-12-24T11:59:00.000-05:00

We went out to play in the snow yesterday and the kids made forts to hide behind during the snowball fight. I love how I caught Maya sneaking around the fort with a bucket of snow and a sneaky hunched over stance. We made snowmen and basically used up all of the snow in the front yard. Fun Fun Fun.

Show Me the Mommy (and Daddy)

2010-12-23T08:14:00.000-05:00

Maya had her Christmas show at school on Wednesday. A friend snapped this picture of the three of us after it was all over. I love it! (It looks so odd to only have one child in a photo with both of us)

Show me the Mommy

2010-12-17T08:54:00.000-05:00

Morning snuggle edition.

Gingerbread cookies

2010-12-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

I made gingerbread people and trees last night. Will starts a new job tomorrow, so he wanted to bring in some treats for the people he will miss. This was so much fun, although he could not wait for me to finish and kept dipping cookies in straight powdered sugar so he could eat them...

I love that they are super simple, and quick, and really like how they turned out.

Show me the Mommy

2010-12-10T07:52:00.000-05:00

After school yesterday, while still on the playground, I decided to snap a quick picture of Allie and me. She's especially snuggly after a day at school, so I knew she'd cooperate. (I still cannot believe how low thw sun is at 3:00 )

I found them this way

2010-12-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

...and continued to watch them for several minutes before risking a photo...
whatever was on tv was so interesting that they didn't even notice, until a commercial.

(ans yes, I am a little obsessed with the hipstamatic app. I promise it won't last forever.)

Three Frames

2010-12-06T22:24:00.001-05:00

From this...

to this...

to this.
All at once.
My little fruitcakes.

It's that time of year

2010-12-01T19:23:00.002-05:00

Thanksgiving, spreading joy, and happiness

2010-11-23T13:56:00.001-05:00

Yes, I know it's two days away, but I have been thinking a lot about being thankful lately. Two of the biggest things we try to teach our children are to be kind, and to be thankful. From the time they were tiny, we practiced please and thank you, and also doing for others. We try to see how many good deeds we can do. Little things that seem inconsequential, like bringing in our neighbor's recycling buckets on trash day, and paying for the car behind us in at a toll booth are things that we do with regularity. They are things that get the girls excited. We try and think of things that will put smiles on the faces of others. Things that also put smiles on our faces. We like to do that. I think it makes a little bit more positive energy in the universe, which we could all use. We like to donate our bottles and cans for the refund, then donate it to a featured charity. We do this all year. I think that a lot of people think of being grateful and thankful around this time of year, but forget for a lot of the year. I try really hard to make a difference all the time in small ways. Last week I paid for the person behind me in the coffee line, then quickly left before he knew what was going on. I like to think he took that feeling and did something else good that day. Sometimes it's enough to brighten my day, doing for others. I try to be there for friends and take their kids for an afternoon so they can have a break. I think the more good you do, the better it feels. The girls are always trying to think of good deeds now, too. Lilly and her friends pick up trash on the playground during recess without being asked. Maya offers her friends the instrument they want if she has it during music time at school. Allie draws pictures for her friends to cheer them up if they are having a rough day. I think it's working. I think they are thinking about other people and how to make them happy, and they are seeing that helping brings them joy, too. I am incredibly proud of my girls and who they are turning into. I am thankful this year that we are so happy. I am thankful for the opportunities this year has given us. I am thankful that we were able to care for our friend and her baby. I am thankful that my girls are who they are. I am thankful that my husband has become an even more amazing, compassionate, caring, patient person. I am thankful that my parents are just next door and give us all so much love and support. I am thankful that my uncle is doing better than anyone ever expected he would health wise. I am thankful for all of my friends and rest of my family who are always there when we need them, and who allow us to be there for them. I am thankful that we can all bring tiny bits of joy into the lives of others. I am thankful.

Leafy Goodness (all on Iphone, sadly)

2010-11-17T10:09:00.000-05:00

We played, we raked, we threw leaves, we buried the kids, it was fun. That's all I've got.

Snapshots of our lives lately

2010-10-27T09:23:00.001-04:00

I have no words for this.

Fall

Allie's nightlight (the best thing I ever purchased) to ward off the evil dark.

Weekend Fun

2010-10-11T20:05:00.000-04:00

Warrior Lilly before the race.

Joanna and family approaching check in.

Lilly and Allie shooting paintball, and looking rather pleased with the situation.

My attempt at a picture of my girls. Laura got a waaaaay better one.

Warrior waitress Allie with the frisbee she won.

Sweet Maya with the Warrior hat.

The mountain of muddy donated shoes after just the morning. I can only imagine what it looked like at the end of the second day. I do not envy the person who has to un knot all of those shoes.

The girls being patient.

Maya ducky lips and Daddy during the race.

Fountain fun at night. I know it's blurry, but I love it for some reason.

Our best Warrior faces.

Fun times. I wish I had gotten more pictures, but I was too busy socializing...

Warrior Dash

2010-10-10T22:44:00.001-04:00

Warrior Dash was AWESOME! It was amazing to finally get to meet Laura and Joanna. I know, I'm a little late to the meeting other moms party, but it was totally worth the wait. The kids all got along like they play together all the time, and I felt like I have known Laura and Joanna for years, because I guess I sort of have. We met up for dinner the night before Warrior Dash, at Sonic of all places, because we had some long days of driving between us, and the kids spent a good amount of time running around the tables. After that we went back to Joanna's sweet suite and the kids ran and played some more and we got a chance to talk. I have to say, it felt like talking to people I talk to on a regular basis, which was great. The next morning we met at Warrior dash, and all of this took place;

The group shot before:

Now, after the group shot and before the first mud picture, there were tons more obstacles that spectators could not see, so no pictures, including a giant cargo net, hay bales to climb over, horse trailer type things we had to haul ourselves over using ropes and a foot hold, tunnels to crawl through, beams to balance across, and a FAH-REEEZING pond with rolling logs to make it over, and the bottom of the pond was slopey and the slipperiest footing I've ever been on, so while going through we fell multiple times, and by the time we made it to the other side our legs (and girl parts) were frozen. Then there was a muddy hill with no traction to climb, then finally the long awaited mud pit. Can you see me and Laura peeking our heads out of the mud pit? Joanna was behind that girl's legs, darn it.

Here we are having made it through the mud. Seriously, if you tried to not get dirty, they threw mud on you and people booed. There was no getting out of this one clean. It was Awesome.

Here we are at the fire jump. There were two of these, and they were both composed of rows and rows of Duraflame logs. Have some fumes...Up and over!

And then over the second jump and on to the finish!

Here we are after with our muddy medals.

This is the best after group shot Will got, some of the kids were somewhere else, or I guess just Lilly is missing, and Alex just barely squeezed in, but here we are. It was a blast!

After this shot, we went and stood in a line of a bazillion muddy people and waited to be literally hosed off by the fire department. I never knew one person could be so muddy. Let's not even discuss what a sports bra packed with mud looks like even after you thought you were clean. I'll just say cleavage mud and leave it at that. It was a fantastic day, and I am already looking forward to next year!

First Day of School

2010-10-04T11:20:00.000-04:00

Thsi was the girl's first day of school. I am a bit late in posting, but here it is. Lilly is in third grade, Allie in first, and Maya has started pre-school. It is bizarre to have two afternoons a week to myself. It's been eight years since that has happened. They all love school, with the one complaint that it is 96 stairs from the bathrooms to Lilly's class. I am so pleased that everyone is happy with their teachers and friends this year. Looks like we may be headed in the right direction.

A Visit

2010-09-29T09:51:00.001-04:00

I went to visit this guy and his Mom this weekend and had the good fortune of capturing this picture of him. It represents him perfectly. He looks good. He is adjusting well, and his Mom is doing a good job taking care of him.

I miss him like crazy.

the best ice cream photo?

2010-09-27T13:26:00.000-04:00

Not even close, but it was (probably) our last hot day (86!)to get ice cream. I I know that's cool to some of you, but here, that is crazy hot for this time of year. I have no problem getting ice cream when it's cold out, but this is probably the last time in sun dresses until next year. Oh, and Allie decided she'd like to try my pumpkin pie ice cream and decided it was much better than her black raspberry, so we traded. No worries, I "helped" her keep up with the drips, so I got some, too.

Coping and hoping

2010-09-20T12:13:00.000-04:00

Our tiniest houseguest was picked up on Saturday morning. It was heartwrenching and hopeful all at the same time. His Mom is trying, she really is. She loves him so much, and so do we. I guess I have to look at it as how lucky he is to have so many people who are over the moon about him, that makes everything a little easier. A little.

Even though we knew it was coming...

2010-09-16T10:56:00.001-04:00

Our sweetest houseguest is leaving us on Saturday. I would be lying if I said that we are not heartbroken. It is impossible for me (and Will) to not fall in love with a baby who lives in our home. Seriously, I never thought I could love a kid who isn't mine as much as I love my own, but I've got to say, that little guy wiggled his way in and is now lodged directly in the middle of my chest. I am glad he gets to see his Mom again and that she has improved her situation, but I don't want to let him go all at the same time. It's going to be a tough weekend around here, so send a good thought our way in Saturday if you don't mind...

Love!

2010-09-11T15:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, Lilly!

2010-09-05T09:55:00.000-04:00

Dear Lilly,
Eight years ago you were born. You were the one who made me a Mom. You are my first lovely daughter, the one who taught me to love so fiercely, so unconditionally, so wholly. You looked up at me the night you were born with big, dark eyes and immediately showed off your three dimples. You couldn't have looked more like your Daddy if you tried. You settled in qiickly and were the calmest baby ever. I don't ever remember a time that you cried as an infant. We were very lucky. We ARE very lucky to have you as our daughter. You are unendingly unselfish. You are helpful beyond measure, you are moody and quiet, you are joyful and loud. Your smile lights up everything. Your eyes have setteled on Hazel, more brown than greeen, except those rare occasions when you cry, then they are the brightest of green. You are going into the third grade, and have made some amazing friends. You have learned quickly that when a person isn't kind, she isn't worth being close to. You have become an amazing friend. You are an amazing sister, you always share and think of Allie and Maya when you are doing anything. You are a stickler for rules. You love the lake, and learned to swim well this summer. You swim underwater and can do flips as well. You also went off the diving board at the lake. You are very proud. You also learned to ride your bike without training wheels this summer. That was an ordeal. You cried and pushed and refused and tried to give up. I wouldn't let you and you finally figured it out, and figured out what it means to persevere and to be truly proud. You are a wonderful person. Not just an amazing kid, but truly a person everyone should have the chance to know. Thank you for teaching me to be a better person. Lilly, I love you more than you could ever realize, and I only hope you will be happy and have a daughter one day who will allow you to feel the level of pride and love that you have shown me. Have an out of this world ninth year, I cannot wait to see what comes along next.

Happy Birthday Allie!

2010-09-03T08:46:00.001-04:00

On this date, six years ago, at 6:59 am, my amazing middle daughter was born. She has changed my life. She looked at us with the biggest shockingly blue eyes that morning, and immediately had me forever. Allie, you are one of a kind. You are sweet and caring and lovely. You are so into make up and fanciness and style. You also love Harry Potter, and playing in the mud. You love to water all the flowers and plants, and basically anything that can be watered, and some things that can't. You have the most beautiful lips. Usually they are covered in some type of lip gloss, unless we are going somewhere, then you aren't allowed to wear it. You love nail polish and nearly always have your fingernails painted. You have learned to ride your bike without training wheels this summer, and it took you only about ten minutes to figure it out. Incredible. You are incredibly sensitive, cry at every injustice, real or perceived. You bounce back quickly. You are extremely ticklish. You love babies, and want to hold them all the time, unless they are crying, then you are all set. You love the playground and ice cream and your family and friends. You love television. Love it. You are extremely fair. You want everyone else to be fair like you, and don't understand why people are mean sometimes. You are nervous to start the first grade. Your best friend (aside from Lilly and Maya) is Elowen. You saw her at school after not seeing her much this summer and you literally jumped into each other's arms. You are beautiful. You love spending special one on one time with your favorite grown - ups, and I promise to do that more in the coming year. Allie, you are my amazing daughter. You look at each day with a sense of adventure, where anything is possible. I love you more than you could ever fathom. Have a wonderful, happy, sparkly seventh year, making this world better simply by being in it.

Our newest (temporary) family member

2010-09-01T11:52:00.001-04:00

We are keeping a friend's baby for the time being. She is in a tight spot and wants what is best for him, and that is our family right now. She is incredibly strong to leave him, but knows that we will love him like she does. He is eight weeks old, and this is our second week with him. He fits in perfectly, and we are all trying desperately to walk that line between loving him like no other and keeping in mind that he will go sometime. It is difficult, and will teach us all about sacrifice when we have to let him go, but for now, he is here and we are in love. The girls keep asking if we can keep him, and I try to explain that he has a Mommy, and they understand and know that he won't live with us forever, but keep hoping that will change.

Halloween Rejects

2010-08-31T15:19:00.000-04:00

We love goimg to the Halloween and party stores to try on masks. These three made us howl, but we have been assured that no one wants this to be their final costume. Bummer.

Bitten by a bear?

2010-08-19T10:06:00.000-04:00

We went to an amusement park/zoo this summer, and as we were waiting for something, I found Allie exactly like this. She was pretending the bear was eating her arm. Love it!

The dread and the success

2010-08-16T11:36:00.000-04:00

Allie got her turn at learning to ride a bike without training wheels this weekend. We "accidentally" lost hers when they were removed a few weeks ago. She was hesitant and sure that she wouldn't be able to do it. After teaching Lilly (one of the single most frustrating times as a Mom, then awesome) I had a sense of dread hanging over me. I decided to have her just do the practicing balancing with her feet hovering just an inch or so off the ground while going down a slight incline for a while until she felt comfortable. This took all of six minutes. She was ready. We took two turns around the playground, me running, holding her shirt, her wobbling like a drunk madman, and insisting she couldn't do it. I told her that she could and that I didn't want to hear I can't again. She said she was scared but ready to try. Just like that I gave her a push and she started pedaling. I rested my hand on her back and she was doing it! We did a few more straight lines with my hand on her back but not helping at all. Then we took off one more time and I ran beside her, sort of behind. She said, "I can do it I'm RIDING MY BIKE WITH NO TRAINING WHEEEEELS!!!!" And that was that. She can ride. She kept at it all morning and now can take off without help. What a relief! She is so proud, and I am, too. She did an amazing job and told me, "Mama, I didn't give up and now I can do it and I am so proud!" My favorite bike riding day yet.

Lucky, and something else

2010-08-05T08:59:00.000-04:00

As we have moved through this summer, I cannot stop thinking about how lucky I am. How lucky WE are. We have been gifted with the amazing opportunity of spending the days together with no real schedule, a fly by the seat of our pants kind of attitude, people around us who love us, general health and well being for the children, and lots of sunshine. I am feeling especially lucky to have the family and friends that I do. I have two amazing uncles who have always been a big part of my life, although we don't see each other as often as I would like, due to both time and distance apart, they are both in my thoughts often. While this summer has been a real gift, I have felt extremely torn. One of my uncles was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer this past winter, and has been undergoing heavy chemotherapy and radiation. He lives far from me, so I can't put my eyes on him when I just want a quick glance. He is in my thoughts daily, and I wish I lived closer so I could go over and cook him dinner and do his laundry. While I know this seems like a strange thing to wish for, I can't help but wish it. I guess what I really wish for is more time to be with him. I have always looked forward to his visits and the unique energy he brings to any situation he is in. He has this special way of making anyone he's around smile, whether with a funny face or story or inappropriate joke... The girls all know him and think he's funny. He always takes them to this one particular toy store downtown when he visits and lets them choose anything they want. He is usually surprised at what they pick, because it is something small, not anything extravagant, and so he always tries to convince them that they need this or that along with whatever they picked out. Last year when he was here, Allie chose a tutu and leotard that she ended up wearing for nearly two months, every day. This is still her favorite dress up outfit, although she is getting a little tall for the leotard. I am glad they have gotten to know him and have been able to experience the uncle I got to have growing up. So while I feel very lucky this summer, I also feel very conflicted, because I always have him in my mind, thinking about how he is feeling and hoping he will heal. It's such a weird, grown-up kind of thing to be happy-sad. Sometimes sad-happy. I love him and want to be there for him, so there has been lots of baking goodies and sending things I have found that I think will help him feel well. There have been many tears, some while running, (which does not make for easy breathing or seeing) and also much laughter while remembering something wonderful about him. I am trying to balance all of the good of summer and to live in the moment, and to take time to feel sad at the same time, while also sending him all the positive energy I can muster. So if you can, think a good thought for him, he's got a ton left to do, and I'm sure some positive vibes going his way couldn't hurt.

Blogging has taken a back seat for the summer...obviously.

2010-07-21T09:46:00.000-04:00

At the start of the summer we made a summer list. It is a wish list of all the things we want to do before the summer ends. It is prominently displayed in our kitchen as a reminder of things to do. The whole family contributed to it. There are some really big things like taking a weekend trip to Rhode Island and some really small things like getting ice cream at our favorite ice cream shop. There are 36 things on the list and we have done 14 of them. Now, some of the things on the list are done multiple times, like go to the lake, we have done this eleven times, and go to the ocean we have done six times. Each time we complete something on the list we cross off the item. If we have done something multiple times, it gets a tally mark. We've had a kid yard sale, selling all the big plastic toys that no one plays with anymore, not the actual kids. We have gotten rid of our playroom all together and turned it into a big kid hang out with bean bag chairs, art supplies and games, we have gone strawberry picking, had a last day of school celebration complete with water balloon fight, we have gone swimming countless times, including night swimming in an outdoor lighted pool, made s'mores, gone to Rhode Island with five kids and no air conditioning in the car on a 90 degree day... We are having the best summer. The kids are all amazing, (mine and the two I watch) the weather has been awesome, and the activities are endless. We do take down days every now and then, and we have finally worked out the proper amount of food to bring along for a seven hour lake day (practically the entire fridge) and are just having a ball. This weekend we are planning to climb a local (small) mountain with our dogs, and next weekend, hopefully camping at the lake. The girls are all tan (despite the copious amounts of 50 SPF sunscreen being reapplied every few hours and SPF shirts, don't worry, Laura) and their hair is so much lighter. The summer is my favorite time of year, and I am feeling like I really don't want school to start any time soon. Luckily we still have six and a half weeks of summer left...despite the fact that Target is telling me that it's back to school time... I guess I just won't go there for another month or so.

Waves and feet

2010-06-10T12:27:00.000-04:00

Will and I met in college in Newport, RI. This sculpture is located right in the heart of downtown. It was one of my favorite parts of the downtown area. When we went to Rhode Island for my half marathon, we detoured to Newport to show the kids where we met. It feels sort of full circle to have a picture of my girls here, it is such a part of my past and now they get to be part of that, too.

My most challenging episode as a Mother

2010-06-07T11:07:00.000-04:00

I have had my fair share of difficult times with my girls. There have been tantrums, power battles, stalling, all the normal stuff. There have been incredibly difficult times, sickness of parents, both mine and Will's, Maya being in the hospital for so long after two weeks at home as an infant, and the wrath I endured from my oldest as a punishment for being gone so long. That all sucked. it really did, but it was completely doable because there was a reason for all of it. Everything that happened had a cause, and so we could figure our way through it. A few weeks ago Lilly decided that she wanted to learn to ride her bike without training wheels. I was thrilled because I thought this day would never arrive. Lilly is not a risk taker, in any sense of the word. She also does not deal well with pain. At all. which we have learned to deal with as a part of her personality and it's fine. Bike riding without training wheels, however requires both risk taking and most likely an injury or two, so I knew it was going to be a challenge. Little did I know what a challenge it would be. We headed over to the girl's school where there is a large tarred surface as well as a field with a dirt track around the edge. We started with the running behind and holding the seat (which I have since learned is not the way to teach a kid to ride...who knew?) and after approximately a minute and a half, she was upset because she couldn't ride. A minute and a half. Now Lilly is like me in that she wants to be good at something the moment she attempts it, and does not like not being able to do something, especially in front of people, no matter who they are. So we did all the pep talks, the relatable stories, etc.. No dice. So we kept running behind and she kept to getting it and getting more and more upset. We moved to the field because she was afraid of falling on the tar. Fine. I ran with her for a few more minutes, and then something happened. She started to melt down. Like an epic meltdown a two year old might have. It was unreal. She started bawling and screaming and generally acting very un-Lilly like. I sort of had to step back and rub my eyes to be sure it was really happening. I kept repeating to my self that she would remember learning to ride a bike for her entire life, so I had better choose my words and actions carefully. Holy mother of all patience. I asked her what was wrong. She said she wanted to quit. I asked her if she was scared. No, not scared. I asked her if she was tired. No, not tired. Just didn't want to do it. I asked her why she all of a sudden didn't want to learn to ride. She told me that she wanted to stop because it was hard. Because it was hard. What?! If you know me at all, even if it is through this blog, you immediately recognized why this made me immediately and completely bat shit crazy. You do not quit something because it is hard. Ever. Because it is hard is the reason you try even more. I stopped for half a moment so that I didn't completely lose my mind, took several deep breaths, counted to twenty, I think, and then went in for the talk. I told her that we wouldn't be stopping because it was hard. If she was scared or tired or anything else she could get off the bike no problem. She wasn't any of those things she said, she just didn't want to do it because it was hard. What happened next was not anything she expected. I told her to get on the bike and she was going to ride. She refused. I told her that she was getting on the bike, and assisted her in the process. She was yelling and crying that she could not and wouldn't. I proceeded to run around with her for half an hour all the while she was crying and hollering and generally being a pain in the ass about the whole thing. Now, I know this may sound like an odd thing to make your kid do, why not just walk away? Who cares if she ever learns to ride without training wheels? I do. Because SHE wants to learn to ride without training wheels. If she didn't, I wouldn't, but I am not letting any child of mine quit something because it is hard. No way. So after about half an hour, HALF AN HOUR of torture for her and for me,she stopped crying and started pedalling more and stopped ditching off the bike every two feet, and started steering and trying and smiling and finally laughing. She got so close to getting it but wasn't 100% confident that she could do it. We were all tired by then, and she had had enough, but for the right reasons this time.We left the playground happy and with a feeling of hope that she would get it the next time we went out. The next weekend we went to a different park with a different kid, and she got it. After five minutes, she totally had her balance and steering and confidence and a giant smile. No tears, no ditching the bike, a new found pride, and just a touch of cockiness around the edges. She can ride. SHE CAN RIDE! She finally understood why I was so adamant that she not quit the week before. I was so proud that she actually put everything she had into it. I think she learned that hard work, put into something difficult can yield amazing results. I learned that patience, as hard as it can be to hold onto at times, is something that makes all the difference in the world.

Happy Birthday Maya!

2010-05-17T07:20:00.001-04:00

Today my sweet youngest child, you turn four. Four. How did that happen so quickly? I swear, just the other day you were bald, tiny (relatively speaking), and wordless. Now, you are so tall, and cannot stop talking. You want to know about everything. You draw everything. You are an amazing artist. You draw things that I cannot believe you can do. You spend a good portion of each day drawing elaborate scenes and writing words that you have memorized. It blows me away. You also love to play outside. The swings are your favorite and you can go so high on your own now. You tell me all the time, "look, Mama, I am touching the sky!" You love to dress up, and also love a good mud pie. You wake up happy every day. A happy like I didn't know existed. You shine when you wake. Shine and glow and smile. It is my favorite way you look, and I have yet to capture it on film for fear of spoiling the moment. You love to ride your bike and got a new one from Nana and Grandpa a few days early for your birthday.You choose your own clothes every day, and usually come up with some very interesting combinations, but we roll with it because you are doing it all on your own, and they're just clothes, after all. You have a fierce love for your sisters. You are kind, sweet, gentle with animals and babies, and you claim to be the fastest runner in all the world. You want to run all the time, no matter where we are going, and always ask, "can we run today?" Yo are sensitive, so sensitive and are quick to weep if you feel you have been wronged, but also bounce back quickly if we can make you laugh. You love to help in the kitchen, always asking if you can help me make dinner or if we can bake something. You love to stir and crack eggs. You love Ryleigh endlessly, and call her your best buddy. You treat her like a sister, and love to try to boss her around, but she has become wise to the fact that she doesn't have to listen to you, and that annoys you a bit. You love to sing. Your favorite song right now is, 'We're not gonna take it' by Twisted Sister. You sing every word. One day you asked me, "Mama, what they're not gonna take anymore?" So funny that you actually listen to and think about what they're saying. When you want to know the definition of something you say, "what means_____" which I think is a very sweet way to ask. You have a major sweet tooth. You sneak over to Nana and Grandpa's house to get a treat from the candy jar. You think it is hilarious to sneak over there and not tell anyone you are going. Nana called me a few weeks ago to ask me if I knew that you were over there. It was 7:30 in the morning and just wanted to visit, so you went right over. You love to be with them. You are very attached to Daddy and tell him everyday when he leaves for work that you'll miss him and draw him a picture while he's gone, and you always do. You love to play superheroes with Daddy. You also love to paint with him. You are becoming quite your own special person. My sweet Maya, when you were born, I knew that you were amazing. you have continued to prove it to me each and every day. I will never forget that from day one you have done it your way, and that way usually works out. I am so thankful that you made it through being sick as a teeny (again relatively) baby in the hospital, that you were strong enough to pull through and be with us. I am thankful every day for you, and remember how scary it was in the beginning often. You are tough and always have been. I have never met anyone like you. You are crazy and silly and outgoing and caring, and you always want to pat every dog we see. You love to say hi to Irish Grandpa in heaven when a crow flies by, and always say it so confidently and happily, like that crow is actually him, it makes me smile every time. You love picking flowers and handing them out and always bring me a wishing dandelion on our walks. I love you so very much my sweet girl, and cannot believe that you are four years old. Happy, Happy Birthday.

Up on the roof

2010-05-15T09:43:00.001-04:00

We went to visit my grandmother for Easter this year. We had a great time, and the kids favorite thing was, without a doubt, playing on the roof of her garage. The roof is flat, and large, plus its just one big step up, as she lives on a hill and the house is up above the roof line of the garage. I remember playing up there when I was a kid and loving it. nHaving a healthy respect for the edge and feeling totally comfortable up there. They were completely thrilled with being allowed to play up there. I have to be honest, though. As much as I adored doing that as a kid, it made me so nervous and crazy as a parent...all those fears of them FALLING OFF THE ROOF! They didn't, and had a great time, but it was my least favorite thing about the trip, and I am so not a hoverer, but for some reason I just couldn't go along peacefully with this one...
(all roof adventures completely supervised under several competent adults!)

Maya's favorite colors

2010-05-10T12:25:00.000-04:00

Upon asking Maya what her favorite color was, I got this response; "Momma, I love all the colors! Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violeNt, 'cause they're all so pretty!"

Huh.

Running my first half

2010-05-04T13:04:00.000-04:00

I ran my first half marathon this weekend. I ran with my Dad who is a seasoned marathonner, but who has never run a half. He is very patient and helps me along, as he is much faster and has been doing this for over ten years. I truly value our running time together. This race was in Providence, RI and was very hilly. The weather was overcast and about 75 and humid. We were very lucky the sun stayed away until almost the end. This race was, hands down, the hardest physical challenge I have ever completed in my life. Including having three children without pain medication. It was HARD. It was hilly. It was so much more than I ever expected it to be. The last 2.5 miles were torturous. I have always had a ton of respect and awe for marathonners, but after this weekend it has magnified by 100. This was really challenging to me mentally and physically. The training plan I followed was not enough mileage for me, to get me ready for this. I am slow, and the plan was mostly time based, not mileage based, except for the long run, so I think I will try a mileage based program next time. I am very proud of my accomplishment, and know that I put in a ton of hard work to get there. I will definitely try another one (although immediately after crossing the finish i swore to my mother that I would never do another one), after I have many more 10+ mile runs under my belt. It was lovely to see my girls, Will, and my Mom at the finish line, and I have never been happier to have an ice cold drink in all my life. I got a really nice medal for my efforts, and proceeded to wear it for the rest of the day! We also made a mini vacation out of our weekend and visited the zoo and Newport. It was a lot of fun, but exhausting. All in all it was an amazingly transforming experience, one I plan to have again several months down the road.

Tulip time again

2010-04-30T12:00:00.000-04:00

We took our annual tulip photos again a few days ago. These are a few of my favorites.

On my thirty second birthday

2010-04-26T14:41:00.001-04:00

On my thirty second birthday I am grateful. I am happy, truly happy in who I am becoming. I am blessed to have amazing family. I have, hands down, the best parents anyone could ever hope to have. Have we had trying times? Of course. We have had health scares and much time apart over the years, which did more to point out how lucky I am than anything could. My Mother has never not seen me on my birthday. This includes college years when I lived three hours away and when I lived in Tennessee and she surprised me by showing up at my front door. Amazingly supportive and always there to answer all my questions or to just be with me. I don't think she really gets how much I appreciate and look up to her. My Dad is just as outstanding, in completely different ways. He has been my running partner through the training for my first half marathon, and although he has been running much longer (he has completed ten marathons) he stays with me when we run. I value this time so much because it is uninterrupted, quiet time together when we can work out problems, make plans, and sometimes sing to get through it. He is always very analytical, trying to help me work out whatever needs working on, and has become much more patient as the grandchildren have multiplied! I have been very fortunate to have such giving, understanding, supportive parents. Will. I met Will when I was 18 years old, my freshman year in college. I called my best friend the day I met him and told her I had found the Man I was going to marry. She told me in no uncertain terms that she would not be attending the wedding because there was no way I could know he was the right one! As it turns out, I was right and he is. We have been through a lifetime of things in a relatively short period of time, and it hasn't always been pretty, but he is a wonderful husband and father. I have no doubt in my mind that he is the one I was meant to be with. He has been so supportive of my running, and always gets up with the girls on my long run days so I can go early. He gives me time for myself when he knows I need it, and even when I don't, so I can feel like me.
Lilly Allie and Maya. These girls are my heart. I have such a fierce love for them. They are the best girls In the world. They are caring and thoughtful and loud and loving and amazing singers even though the songs they sing may not be so appropriate (lots of Mommy's music influence), they are protective of each other, they take the time to include each other, they torture each other all in good fun, they love to be in the sun, to chase the ice cream truck and can't wait to go swimming again this summer. They are proud of me for my running, and have no idea that I am slow. They ask me all the time if I am going to win my races. They are the sweetest, coolest, most amazing kids out there (and I know I am biased, but it's true!).
I am happy in this life I have been given. I am lucky. I am blessed. I read an article about a Mom who instead of saying "I have to do..." started saying,"I GET to do..." and I have started doing that. I GET to go running, I GET to buy food for my family, I GET to do all the things in my life. I try to remember there are places where Mothers would love to be able to wait in line at the pharmacy (if there was one) for medicine that would heal their children. Who would weep with joy if they had access to the resources that I am lucky enough to have. I try to think of those moms on the days when I feel burdened and it helps me to feel lighter. I will live this thirty third year as a more grateful person, because I am. I am happy and lucky and grateful and blessed.

Unexpected

2010-04-22T20:17:00.000-04:00

I guess I never realized how odd little kids who are in the process of losing and regrowing teeth look. Lilly has been at it for about a year now, and several friends of ours came over today and a few of the kids are going through it too. They are a snaggletoothed looking bunch, sort of shocking, the angles and sizes of some of these teeth! We never commented on any of the kids teeth other than talking about the tooth fairy coming to our friend's house last night. I was out when Will put the kids to bed tonight, and he said after brushing her teeth, Lilly looked up at him and said, "I look like I have a mouth full of corn!" and burst into tears. Now her teeth do not look like corn in any way, but she is terribly upset about it. I guess I should pull out the pictures of me and Will from second grade. Not cute. Then she can see everything will straighten out (with or hopefully without the aid of braces). So pitifully sad for her. Hopefully she will feel better about it in the morning. I'm sure this is just one of many beauty battles we will see over the next fifteen years...

Something little, big to us

2010-04-16T14:48:00.000-04:00

When my girls and I go walking hand in hand we have a simple thing we do to tell the other we love them. It's the quick three squeezes for I love you, and four quick squeezes in return for I love you, too. I love that we have this and that we all use it so frequently. They have all been known to slip a hand in when someone else is talking ang they can't get a word in. I hope they always remember this.

Stars on ice

2010-04-14T09:26:00.001-04:00

We had the good fortune of receiving 4 tickets to Smucker's Stars on Ice. Allthe girls love to ice skate and really liked the skating in the Olympics, so we figured they'd like the show. Will volunteered to take them (the show started at 7 pm, our kid's normal bedtime, so this was very brave of him), which meant I would get several hours by myself! I really wanted to make Ryleigh a birthday cake (she is four today! Where does the time go? I swear she was so tiny when she was born, her head was the size of an orange! She was especially tiny next to Maya who was born mostly a giant, but I digress). I love to bake and what a treat is it to bake uninterrupted. Ryleigh wanted a vanilla cake with strawberry frosting. One of my favorite things to make from scratch is cake, so I was happy to do it. We ended up with a four layer pink cake with strawberry buttercream frosting, which she promptly swiped her finger through upon arrival to the house (after receiving full permission from Maya!). We will also be going out for burritos for lunch as per Ryleigh's request. Anyway, back to the Daddy daughter adventure; We really talked up the skaters, telling the kids they are the best in the world and that they can do all these amazing tricks, blah blah blah. I get a text from Will about 7:15 that reads;
"This iz what I am dealng with so far. The 4 year old: (loudly) look no flips you said flips. The skater performs a huge move. Maya: that is not a flip

Then a female skater bags it and I swear to Christ ally shouts daddy you said they were the best. The best. She just fell!"

Apparently they were not impressed at all. He ended up bringing them home at intermission (they thought it was the end). Lilly really liked it, and wants to go again, but the other two, not so much. They went to McDonald's after, which was much more exciting than the whole show, because they each got Toothless, the best dragon from the dragon movie in their Happy Meals. All in all the night was a bust, but Will said the people sitting behind them at the show were thoroughly entertained by the commentary Allie and Maya were giving, so there's that.

The best morning ever

2010-04-01T10:55:00.000-04:00

I got up the morning to meet my Dad for a run. It has finally stopped raining and the sun was out. My alarm wasn't annoying, as I had used my phone's alarm, and I didn't have to drag myself out of bed. I had laid out my stuff the night before so there was no sock scramble. Will got up to shower as I was leaving, and he said happily,"take your time and be safe!" (after trying to coax me back into bed moments before). We ran along the water, four and a half miles and talked most of the run. The weather was perfect, and I love starting my day with my Dad. My legs were stiff from a run the day before, but the company made the discomfort less noticeable. When I got home I expected to have to cook breakfast and make lunches, but to my delight, Will had already made the kids breakfast. Bacon and eggs with toast! What treat on a school day, I usually make cereal or toast and yogurt! Then he told me to go take a shower and that he would pack th lunches. I happily showered and while I was in there, Lilly brought me a cup of coffee! It was perfectly made and delicious. I got dressed and came down finding everyone completely ready for school. No arguments, lost shoes or misunderstandings. This was the best morning ever, and ironically it's April fool's day...I hope that doesn't mean anything. It's amazing to me how the simplest things become the most amazing.

Overheard

2010-03-30T13:37:00.000-04:00

Maya and Ryleigh are playing in Maya's room. Giggling like crazy. All of a sudden I hear Maya say, "hold on Ryleigh, I gotta go potty, I'm giggling some pee out!"
Priorities in line.

The bug lesson. Again.

2010-03-18T13:12:00.001-04:00

Every spring we go through the bug lesson. Someone always freaks out that bugs exist and have the aduacity to actually fly (or land!) in the area where we happen to be. This year it is Maya. She is totally freaked about completely harmless giant flies. It will go on for several weeks until she realizes that they are harmless. I tell her that flies eat poop and garbage and since she is composed of neither of those things, she need not worry. She's not buying it. She will probably start accepting them right about the time the bees and mosquitoes arrive, and then we will have a whole new problem.

Monday

2010-03-15T09:19:00.000-04:00

I love being a work at home Mom. I love being home with the girls and having other children here, too. I also love getting to make Mom decisions. Today the weather is hellacious. Torrential wind, sideways rain, and cold. Plus it's Monday, and the day after the 'spring ahead' but I woke up happy. I decided to keep everyone home to have a pajama day. We are cleaning, cooking, watching movies and having tea parties. I love having my girls home and wish they could be here everyday. Yep, I'm a responsible parent.

Weirdness I never thought I would experience

2010-03-11T12:38:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago we went downtown on a Saturday. We went to walk around and to enjoy the shops. There is a great toy store, a comic book shop, and many other fun family friendly places to see. At the comic book shop, they sell these plush things called, "giant microbes". They are fuzzy friendly looking replicas of germs. Who knew by sewing eyes on something, you could make the swine flu look adorable? The girls, of course fell in love with them. They were eight bucks a piece and I was not willing to shell out that kind of money for a friendly germ that unlike a real germ would probably gone, lost to the toy gods in a matter of days. They decided to save their allowances and to come back when they had enough money. Will and I were sure that they would forget all about them. Fast forward two weeks. They all asked to go to the comic book store to buy their germs. Since it was a nice day to walk around, we agreed and set off. Upon arrival there was much cooing by all three girls over the adorable creatures. They spent a good ten minutes deciding on which ones they wanted. Lilly chose "earache" which looks like a peach colored peanut still in the shell. Cute enough. Allie chose "Black Death" which looks like a skinny black jellybean. Fine. Maya decided that since she had enough money, (she had been saving a long time prior to discovering these gems) she would get two. She settled on "earache" like Lilly and, wait for it...Gonorrhea. My three year old chose to purchase Gonorrhea, which looks similar to earache, but with blue eyes and gray fur). I tried to steer her toward something less disgusting, more appropriate, like mad cow or the flu, but no, Gonorrhea it was. Ok. So because most of the girls money is in coin form, we have them tell us how much is in their banks, and we front them the money if they want something and we are out somewhere. I should have known better because Maya is still shaky on credit, and had her bring her actual money. So we got in the car, after stopping to get coffee for the grownups, and I started explaining again that she would have to hand over her money when we got home because of her purchases. She howled, and I decided she needed a visual interpretation of the transaction. It went a little something like this:
Me: (holding earache and Gonorrhea) See, Maya if you want to buy them, you have to give me that money.
Maya: (holding a wad of paper money I had handed her) O-kaaaay, hands me the money.
Me: See, you give me the money, (handing over the microbes) and I give you earache and Gonorrhea.
Will: Sprays mouthful of coffee all over the dashboard of the car.
Seriously, the things that I never thought would come out of my mouth. No please, Fate, let this be the only time my baby ever deals with Gonorrhea. Oh, and seriously, they have not left her side for a week and a half. Of course.
http://www.giantmicrobes.com/ if you're interested in getting Gonorrhea for yourself.

I love you even when

2010-03-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

As the girls were going to sleep the other night, (they all sleep together in a queen and twin pushed together at their request) Lilly yelled that Allie was licking her face. It went a little something like this-(all yelling down the hallway)
Lilly: Allie is licking my fay-ace!
Me: Why are you doing that?!
Allie: well, she has her face in my face!
Lilly: we sleep next to each other! I just have my head on my pillow!"
Allie: Noo-oh, you have it crunched to the edge, right next to my face!"
Me: Lilly, move over, Allie, stop being gross! I love you, go to sleep!"
Allie: I love you too Momma, even when I'm gross!"
Me: I love you even when you're gross, too.
Seriously, it's better than any show on tv when they go to bed.

A New Skill

2010-03-03T10:04:00.000-05:00

Lilly is beyond excited that she can do this now. She has been practicing for what seems like years. She is so proud, and we are thoroughly entertained.

Quite possibly my new favorite picture of me with the girls, taken by Ryleigh

2010-02-26T16:59:00.000-05:00

Would you be concerned? I am.

2010-02-25T09:09:00.000-05:00

Let me begin by saying that I like Allie's teacher. For Allie. She was Lilly's kindergarten teacher too, and she was not a good fit for her. Mrs.T is flighty and a bit out there, which may sound like a bad thing, but Allie is sort of the same way, so they get along well. Now, Allie's class is difficult. There are a few kids who don't speak English, and a few more who have moderate behavior issues, so I know her teacher I busy, but... I sent Allie to school dressed in a short sleeved dress with a long sleeved shirt underneath and tights. When I picked her up, she was wearing her long sleeved shirt, her tights, and that was it. She. Had. No. Dress. On. No dress on. I asked her where her dress was, and she said,"in my bag, I was hot. My teacher said I could take it off". What?! Her teacher (even if she didn't say it was okay to take it off) let her walk around school in tights and a shirt. With no dress on. No dress on! Am I over reacting? I feel like I am justified in my concern, because if she doesn't see that my kid is missing a major portion of her clothing, what else is she missing? There were patterned tights, and not completely sheer, but you could definitely see striped panties underneath. Allie is 5, so I do put partial blame on her for disrobing, but come on. I sent her to school today with explicit instructions to keep her clothes on. I did give permission for sweatshirt removal, with the qualifier that the tshirt underneath stays on, no matter what.

Exitement

2010-02-23T22:31:00.000-05:00

I took Maya and Ryleigh to a local greenhouse today to pick up a new plant for my Mom. We have been doing some planting indoors at our house, so plants and seeds are at the forefront of all of our minds. While I was paying for my things, Maya and Ryleigh were examining the seed packets on the spinning carousel holder. I looked over when I heard a big squeal of happiness. Maya said, "Mommy! Come here come here this is so amazing, you won't even believe it it's candy seeds! Candy seeds, Mama, CANDY seeeeeds!". I went over to where they were, trying to figure out what they could be looking at. It was a packet of rainbow beet seeds. The picture on the front was cross sections of all different colors of beets, and it did look like it could be candy. I explained what it actually was, and in doing so I think I ruined the dream that candy could grow on trees. I guess we could have bought it and tried to pass off the beets as candy. Something tells me she wouldn't have been fooled.

There were two in the bed and the Mommy said...

2010-02-18T11:09:00.000-05:00

Last night, Lilly was not feeling well, and Allie couldn't sleep because Lilly wasn't feeling well, and she also couldn't stop coughing. I invited Lilly to sleep in our bed. We have a queen, so when one of the girls is with us it's pretty cozy, but doable. Last night, Allie got out of bed after having been asleep for an hour, coughing and crying. I tried to get her back to sleep in her bed, but she kept waking up. I invited her into our bed. Lilly was asleep, and Allie was instantly asleep. Allie is not a calm sleeper. She sleeps sideways, kicks like a mule, and constantly thrashes around. Lilly sleeps right through it even when she ends up with feet, literally in her face. Me, I cannot. I ended up on the edge with no covers, being used as a punching bag.I love my children, but I do not love sleeping in the same bed with them. They are insane. I am hoping there will be some good sleeping going on tonight and I can watch the Olympics and sleep again!

Allie's Makeup Obsession

2010-02-15T13:40:00.000-05:00

Allie loves makeup. Loves. Makeup. I find this odd because the closest I come to makeup is chap stick. We got her her own kid makeup for Christmas, and every day after school she rushes to put it on. She spends a good ten minutes applying and reapplying the same coat of lipstick and eyeshadow. She is not allowed to wear it out of the house, and it disturbs her to no end. What disturbs me? That my five year old has made herself up to look like a deranged clown. I do love her so.

A day I am proud to see.

2010-02-12T10:31:00.000-05:00

Lilly is teaching Allie how to read. I am so in awe of the caring, helpful person Lilly has blossomed into, and the trusting, in awe of her sisterness that Allie clearly has. This mothering thing is awesome.

Beading

2010-02-09T13:31:00.000-05:00

Maya and Ryleigh spent the morning beading. They chose their beads carefully, took time stringing them, and proudly wore them. I went to the kitchen to make lunch and came back to find most of the beads on the floor. They had decided to "stir" the beads because it was funny to them. Not to me. Beads are a pain in the butt to pick up off the floor, and I hate to vacuum them because then we have to buy more. I got them to pick up some, but there a many left. I wonder if I can bribe them with peanut butter cups to pick them up. I doubt it, it is a gigantic job. They did such a good job working on their necklaces, it is worth the mess. Well, almost.

Huh.

2010-02-05T14:10:00.000-05:00

I told Maya and Ryleigh that I would take them out to lunch, and then made the mistake of asking them where they wanted to go. They don't know resturants, unless it's the breakfast one with the couches or the one with all the stuff on the walls, or McDonalds. We go to resturants, but generally don't name them for whatever reason. So they wanted McDonalds and I wanted nothing less than that, so I convinced then to go to the bakery because it was healthier (they do have tons of healthy stuff even though they are a bakery, but I digress) when we got there, they ended up sharing a grilled cheese and bacon sandwich. So much for healthy.

If you need some time...

2010-02-04T11:26:00.000-05:00

If you need some time alone, I was hoping for twenty minutes or so, you must purchase the playdoh ice cream sundae making station. We bought this for the girls, and presented it to Maya and Ryleigh at approximately 8:45 this morning. It is now 11:23, and they are still working away. It is an awesome toy, needs very little adult assistance ( although it is really fun to play with. I got suckered in to fake eating fake icecream). I highly recommend it. The best 15 bucks ever spent. Oh the thnigs I could have gotten done had I known it would last this long!

My Favorite

2010-02-01T10:13:00.000-05:00

These are my favorite photos from our sledding trip a few weeks ago. Oddly enough they are not of anyone actually sledding. They are such fans of one another, and I love that they aren't looking at the camera. I think they were plotting the best route down the hill.

Oddities of a 3.5

2010-01-24T17:01:00.000-05:00

I took Maya grocery shopping and she wanted salami. Immediately she made a peep hole. Weirdo.

A snapshot in words

2010-01-22T12:53:00.000-05:00

I am cleaning the kitchen. (We still have a bunch of baby gates in our house for the dogs) Maya and Ryleigh are eating lunch in the living room. Lucky is circling the coffee table like a shark, looking for dropped morsels. She can be very annoying when the kids are eating, so I usually put her behind the gate in the kitchen. I didn't today. All of a sudden I see a piece of chicken fly into the kitchen, followed by the dog, and then Maya who quickly shuts the gate, trapping the dog in the kitchen. Without a word, she goes back to her lunch. I find the whole thing amusing. End.

The thief

2010-01-20T15:25:00.001-05:00

So I picked Allie up from school today and noticed that she had a really pretty sweater on under her coat. It was not a sweater I have ever seen before. She was certainly not wearing it when she left the house this morning. So I say to her, "Al, where did you get that sweater?" and she says, "lost and found, I thought it looked like mine.". (she has never owned a sweater that remotely resembles the sweater she now had on). So I asked her,"you thought it looked like yours, or you thought you would like it to be yours?". Allie says, "well, I really like it, could you get me one like it?". I told her that we would see but that she needed to return that one tomorrow. After we had the whole stealing talk. Little stinker. Oh, and the sleeves were rolled over about six times and it hung down to mid thigh. She is a girl who will do anything for fashion.