Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!




I had a better Halloween this year! (read last years lesson)

I was, of course, a Witch. I am a pretty good Witch. In fact, all I added was a hat. The wardrobe came right from my closet....my NORMAL clothes.

Jace and I went to the Kindergarten Parade and eveyone recognized me. That means I really am a Witch!
I spray painted my hair RED! I really like it. I like is so much that I want dye it RED! (yes Mom, I said RED)
I had a little too much fun in costume (or not) today.


Halloween looks good on me!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Have you ever done this....




I have so much to do today! One thing I have always hated is grocery shopping!
(Thank goodness I have a wonderful husband that enjoys it!)

We all know how Mondays can get. Well, my Monday needs me at HOME!

Laundry is washing....... and drying,........... and WAITING.
The kitchen garbage is beckoning me.
The poor refrigerator is STARVING!

I snapped this morning! I gave in. I went shopping!

I went grocery shopping in my pink robe and slippers!! Fresh out of the shower!!
I browsed the isles while singing Primary songs.I bought what I needed and NOTHING more.
Jace was in his underwear so I tried to make it quick.
I talked on the phone while checking out - NO eye contact needed!
Welcome to my life of online shopping!!!

Peapod.com delivers it to my door!!!!!!!
This brilliant service had to be invented by a mom! My Monday is a little better because of it!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

A Taste of Connecticut



I posted a bunch of pictures for my family on my other blog. If you like to look at pictures of trees, roads, barns, and walls you might enjoy my pics. Check it our here.

Super Hero



Dear Dad,

What have we created??


He's off.......

Attacking Storm-troopers.....

Flying....

Leaping.....

going to the rescue......


All in a days work of a Super Hero...

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Morning Bike Ride

Today, I was Tyrone and Jace was Pablo (Backyardigans). Our adventures took us on another bike ride.
I was so anxious to get out this morning I didn't realize I still had my house slippers on until I started peddling away. Too late to turn back! haha Here are some photos.


This is my favorite street in the Fall. I live off this street.


One of the many things I love about New England is the stone walls and beautiful trees.





Co-Pilot, Pablo

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Same Sex Marriage in Kindergarten?!!

I just watched a video that every Mother should see. This video brought it "home!"
It makes me sick to think about having the conversation of same sex marriage to my kindergartner, but I may be having it sooner than later!
Our kids aren't growing up in the same world we did. These valiant Spirits really need to be strong....these valiant Spirits really need good parents! Between our two generations we have already begun fighting the last War! Isn't it obvious?

Please listen to this clip- the video might not play but the audio will work.

Monday, October 13, 2008

Taken' a Hike!


This was such a fun day with the kids. We walked around a beautiful Lake and followed trails all morning. The weather is still holding out for us. Another Perfect day!










I wish you could see this!



I LOVE the Fall! It is so beautiful in Connecticut. I wish everyone could see what I see right now. God's creation, once again, has left me in awe.

Sneek Peek


Sunday was perfect!
We spent the afternoon at Waveny Park and enjoyed the warm sun and a "Sneek Peek" of Autumn. The leaves are begining to change but it's nothing compared to what awaits us.











Saturday, October 11, 2008

Tae Kwon Do Party



On the 7th try I finally got it right!

This is the way to do a birthday party:

I send out the invitations....

I bring the cake...

I WATCH"someone else" entertain 20 kids!...

I go home happy!

"Hobi Hobbit"


Friday the Hobi's had a little visitor.
At least, it must be little because it left "little" footprints all over the walls.
This visitor has named himself the "Hobi Hobbit" and has dropped in uninvited and unannounced for the past few years.
He (we assume it's a he) leaves rewards for my kids when they have shown good behavior. Along with the rewards he writes them a note that praises and encourages them.
He typicaly visits during the night. We wake up to a trail of footprints around the house that unfailingly lead us to a surprise.
He has entered our home from a window, attic and fireplace!! We think he might be related to Santa somehow!
This visit he left Halloween crafts for everyone. (Even Me!)
He entered through the dinning room window while I was at the bus stop. This guy is fast!
What a surprise to come home too!

Hobbit tracks

Jennica's Haunted house she built



Jace and his ghost craft

opened window...

Jarom has yet to build his "Terror Tower"

Friday, October 10, 2008

What's in a Name?




What Ember Means



You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.
You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.
At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated.
You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want.
You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way!

You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous.
You are bold and daring. You are willing to do some pretty outrageous things.
Your high energy sometimes gets you in trouble. You can have a pretty bad temper at times.

You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.
You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.
You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.



I'm not sure what to think about this. It's a little creepy! This nailed me right on the head about most things, (Not rocking the boat!) but I really don't think I am as intense and high energy as it portrays. Maybe I need to step it up?? I can do Crazy things?? Who me??
Yeah, ok I'm a little nutty at times.
I don't have a bad temper!!!!!!****@##$%!!
Do you think this is an accurate description on me?
WAIT a minuet!!! This isn't me.....this is my daughter Jennica!!! Can I say exhausting???

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Getting "miles" on the costume



Have you ever seen a cow ride a bike?
Would you laugh if you passed this little cow "Moo-ing" his way down the sidewalk?
Jace has always loved cows. I couldn't pass by a $9 dress-up at Costco! He wanted to wear it to the Library.. so I let him!
As I followed I laughed the whole way.
It was fun to see the smiles he generated.
"MOOOooo!"


Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Walk to School Day

Dear Dad, (sam)

I thought it would be fun to ride bikes to school for "Walk to School" day. Poor Jen didn't like that idea. You saw how she was at the bus stop. Before we even left Husted Lane she was already in tears. First it was because of her backpack, then the cross walk button, then the breaks , then somehow it all became MY fault. I think it took us 35 minuets to get to school. (A ride that shouldn't take but 15 min.)

If I rode behind her she would stop and refuse to get back on her bike. If I rode in front of her she would scream for me to stop.
At cross walks I would stop in the middle of the road to make sure she would make it across safely- but upon seeing me stop, she would stop short of the cross walk. There I was in the middle of the street coaxing a MUEL to cross!

The only solution I could see to the situation was to keep moving. I didn't even dare look back at her, I was afraid too!
I figured if I could hear her yelling at me she was still following.

She expended more energy on her fit than the whole bike trip itself. Once we got to the bike rack I was so feed up I was so angry that a "fun" activity turned out this way. This bike ride was for them- why was I the bad guy?

Jennica took off her helmet and ditched her bike and turned to me with her sweat plastered hair and asked longingly:
"Mom, will I see you at lunch?"
I really didn't like her at that moment but was amazed at her ability to get over this "tramatic" bike ride once she took off the helmet!
"I'll see you at eleven."
And away she went smoothing her hair and wiping her face of any evidence of the monster she just was.

As I left the school I passed a dad carrying his toddler on his sholders. The boy was thrashing about and yelling and crying about how stupid they were. The mother had the mortified look on her face as I appraoched her and I couldn't help but smile at her and say I've had a similar morning.
I felt a little better after seeing them. My life is normal....right?

I wish I could say it all ended there but it didn't. When we got home from school I asked her to pick up her room, but the second the words escaped my lips I decided that was a battle I didn't want today. She did just what I expected and I calmly responded by telling her never mind. It can wait another day.
She paused, considered my option then rejected it.
"Mom, but I don't want my room to be a mess!"
"You decide Jen. I don't mind what you pick."
"But I WANT to clean my room!"
"That's your choice."
"But I don't want to do it myself!"

I've learned the best thing for me to do now is VACUUM!
I love the vacuum. It softened the whine as she continued to follow me. The question of the day was which one would win?
I really wish our house were bigger. I pulled out the hose and climbed under the tables, under the rugs, doorways....
The Vacuum won!!
Then I drew a hot bubble bath.....for her!

It's a tough job being a kid!

Sorry you missed all the action. At bedtime she asked if you would give her a kiss when you got home.
Save some for ME!!

Love,

Mom


PS- She did clean her room all by herself. :)


Party Pooper

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Halloween redemption!

Some of you may have read about my last years Halloween mishap. (Read it here)
This year I have changed my ways!!
Fri. Oct. 3rd I made my comeback!
This year I am going to "Embrace" Halloween! While the kids were at school I decorated the house!
I hung a giant hairy spider in the Entry, baked Halloween cookies, blasted some spooky music and even dressed up! I totally freaked them out!
This year it's Halloween every Friday during Oct.!


Jace and his buddy Luke attacking the Spider we've named "Legs."

A Day in La La Land

Dear Dad, (Sam)

Fall is in the air! I love the crisp cool air. This morning I couldn't warm up. Yes, I was still wearing my sexy pink trenchcoat of a robe and my cozy slippers, but it didn't do the trick. After sending the kids off to school and kissing you good-bye I made Jace his oat"more" and drew myself a HOT bubble bath! Ahhhh
Jace found me after 2 seconds and thought it totaly absurd that Mommy was in the bath. I think that must mean I don't do it enough. It really shouldn't have been so silly to him.
I emerged from the bath red as a tomato and happy as ever. (There's something magical about taking a bath in a green tiled bathroom adorned with a frog certain shower!)
Jace and I then decided to go play in the Attic! I brought down all the winter clothes and Jace found Jarom's train set from Christmas. He was in Heaven!
Around 2pm Jace asked me if I wanted to be Dora and he would be Boots. At that moment I was staring at the hall filled with clothes and a kitchen that needed some TLC and I willingly accepted his invatation.
Playing Dora required that we "hop" on the bike and go to the "Spooky Forest."
So, I loaded him on the back of my bike and off we went. He informed me that when he sang a certain tune that meant I needed to pedal faster. There I was huffing and puffing away to Boots' demands down South Ave. toward our destination.

Once we got there we threw rocks in "Crocodile Lake." That was fun, then we were off to find Benny's Barn. I was relieved to hear the Barn was located next to our house, I had a school bus to met soon.
We made it home with time to spare so we played bike tag. Our boy can haul on his little Thomas bike!
Once that wore off Jace wandered and I found myself at the garden taking pictures of... "BOO."
Then I heard:
"Dora, give me a push!"
"Sure thing Boots!"
Jace had ploped himself inside his little red wagon and was waiting for another adventure at my expense.
We were off to the bus stop. I made it up the hill with him chanting faster, faster, faster!
What kind of Dora does he think I am??

Jarom didn't seem to even notice I was at the bus stop. He and Abe were already plotting their adventures.
Jennica, on the other hand, came and sat by me and immediatly pulled out her leftover snack and had a little picinic there on the curb!
I was feeling a little creative this afternoon. I followed Jarom and Abe around and took pictures. Shadows made the lighting difficult so I loaded them in the car and we went to Waveny. (good thing too, on the way I remembered to pick up your dry cleaning!! I would have spaced it otherwise!!)
Did I mention I got a little crazy? We didn't get home till 6pm. Once again I was freezing and the kids were HUNGRY!!
French Toast did the trick and lights out at 7:30pm. (with an extra trip into Jennica's room to take away the markers and coloring book she was hiding under her blankets.)
It's almost 9pm. I hope you will be home soon. I'm feeling a little chilly again. I wish you were here to share some hot cocoa with me. Perhaps I'll save you some! :) and maybe I'll turn on the furnace!!

Love,

Mom


Boots and his red wagon


Jennica's curb-side picnic and "BOO"


Jarom and Abe doing what they do best:

Sunday, October 5, 2008

B+ Mom

I live in a community FULL of A+ moms and find I do possess A+ potential but seldom live up to what other mothers are doing around here. I'm not running a Company over Seas. I'm just running up and down South Ave.
I don't have important deadlines, unless bedtime at 7:30pm counts. I go to the grocery store with my kids,(yes, all 3 are mine) and No I'm not the Nanny. I wore these clothes on purpose, and yes, that Honda Accord is mine!
I am a B+ Mom!

I am a mom that kisses my kids good-bye and hugs them when they return. (what do you do all day?)

I am a mom that agrees with the dad that we shouldn't have a TV in the house, and we haven't for 2 years! (child abuse!)

I am a mom that feels there is No one more capable to watch over/protect/teach my kid more than me. (No Nanny??)

I am a mom that volunteers at the school just so I can see them at lunch! ("There's your mom A G A I N")

I am a mom that replaced the toy shelf with BOOKS! (easy clean up!)

I am a mom that doesn't arrange "play dates" for my kids. (We are quite entertaining ourselves)

I am a mom that didn't sign my kids up for After School Fun.$$$ (Probably the only one who didn't)

I am a mom that thinks an empty schedule is a GOOD thing! (R.S.V.P. thanks, but No thanks)

I am a mom that has her walls covered with finger prints, her kitchen chairs plastered with oatmeal, and a garage littered with bikes, joggers, scooters, and booster chairs! (what?? Not a perfect CLEAN house???)

I am a mom that coaches the soccer teams because I love playing with kids. (aren't i selfish?)

I am a mom who believes we are living in a crazy world and my kids need a mom by their side.
A mom that does what she can in a day, and starts anew the following day. A mom that signed up for only ONE assignment at the school Open House, a mom that didn't plan a birthday party for her 5 year old because I didn't WANT to. A mom that didn't purchase school pictures because I am a photographer! A mom that didn't purchase 500 rolls of wraping paper for the school fundraiser just so my kids could get a "Funky Monkey!"
I am a mom that isn't perfect and enjoys the chaos of an unorganized life and I sometimes even go to bed without getting the dishes done! (gasp!)

If this make me a B+ mom...I'll take one for the team!


One of these things is not like the other (sesame street jingle)
One of these things just isn't the same....

I am the Darth Vador in the land of the Princesses!