Donuts ... and Graham Crackers

Skipping at Rosenblatt

2012-01-27T23:13:00.000-05:00

Meal Time with Family

2012-01-27T22:17:00.000-05:00

New Years Eve 2011

2012-01-07T22:50:00.000-05:00

I don't think I'd laughed that long and hard for QUITE awhile!

GINGERSNAPS

2012-01-06T22:40:00.000-05:00

When Gogurt goes wrong

2009-05-06T20:51:00.000-04:00

Rockin' the Goal

2009-05-06T20:48:00.000-04:00

Terran has done SUCH a great job in the goal the past few games!

Proud of him!

Pre Game Entertainment

2009-05-06T20:47:00.000-04:00

and during-the-game-entertainement ...

(In case you've been craving pics of the kids)

Bond

2009-04-23T17:56:00.003-04:00

When they love each other, it almost makes your heart skip a beat, and your breathing pauses for a bit.

Free Entertainment

2009-04-07T13:03:00.000-04:00

See the pink chair?

See that Mia is on the counter?

See that Mia has somehow managed to get ON the counter, by way of the pink chair ... AND has opened up the cupboard door?

Apparently, she felt the need to use sippy cups as her entertainment for the afternoon and took it upon herself to just make it happen.

What a little go-getter.

Play

2009-04-07T12:55:00.001-04:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the two littles these past few months.

Mia is really "coming into her own" as a blossoming little lady, and Tony is growing up as well (and exhibiting more patience towards the little princess).

While I don't really remember the details of my childhood concerning how often we siblings fought, or how often mom had to separate us, or the moments that we went off to play on our own, I do remember fondly that having 3 other siblings, we had choices on WHO to play with.

I have often wondered about the age spread of our kids, and whether they would ever feel they had playmates. I am pleased to report that the two littles are DEFINITELY enjoying the benefit of having just a couple of years between them.

They play often, play well, play hard and play creatively.

Of course, they fight often, fight hard and fight creatively as well - but that's another post entirely.

Artwork

2009-04-01T08:31:00.001-04:00

Mia has become obsessed with everything art. Don't be surprised if you soon receive some of her masterpieces in the mail, because goodness gracious, I can't possibly keep it all!

She wakes up and asks to color ... brings her markers in the car (what kind of brilliant mother lets her 2.5 year old bring markers in the car, you ask?) and totes around her craft bag everywhere we go.

Have crayons and paper, will travel.

I recently pulled out a notebook that I have been using for note taking for the move to India, and found all sorts of glorious colors and scribbles ... ALL over my important jots for memory recall.

Oh well. She is definitely expressing her creativity!

I give up

2009-03-27T14:03:00.000-04:00

(email to Todd, after a discussion about why the house is never clean)

Naomi to Todd : 1:09 PM (48 minutes ago)

this would be a good example of why the house is a mess ... or why i lose motivation to stay on it:

time spent folding laundry - one hour
time it took to destroy my piles of folded laundry - 5 minutes as Mia dumped it all off of the chair and said "i want to LAY DOWN RIGHT HERE"

time sweeping and mopping floors - 65 minutes
time it took to ruin that - 3 minutes as Jagels puked all over them

time spent clearing off the table of everything (receipts, visa applications, move quotes, vaccination records, school apps, etc.), finding a new home for it all so we can entertain tonight and have a clear table - 47 minutes
time it took for Tony to run smack into the pile(s) and knock it all, scattering it across the floor - 13 seconds

time spent steam cleaning Terran's room - 38 minutes
time of realization that i didn't have any cleaner in the stupid machine - 2 minutes

time spent washing windows (just the ones that were REALLY bad) - 29 minutes
time it took for Mia to run up to the door and say "Tony is HOME!!!", leaving new fingerprints everywhere

time it took to scour and scrub the kitchen sinks so they glisten and gleam again - 13 minutes
time it took to turn the beautiful sinks into purple globs of mess and the kids DUMPED their yogurt into the sinks - 3 minutes

I GIVE UP.

Delhi Bound

2009-03-24T20:50:00.000-04:00

Forgive me for the lack of posts here lately ... our family has been undergoing some major discussions, decisions and negotiations.

I've been a bit remiss in remembering to take photos of the kids in the first place, let alone get them posted here.

I realize that the majority of Donuts & Graham Crackers readers are close friends or family, so you already know of this news, but for those of you that I've met in the blogosphere, I am happy to let you in on the big news that we are relocating the family to India!

I'm blogging about it at a new blog, Delhi Bound and am hoping to first of all, keep everyone apprised of the goings on during this move.

I am writing from a very honest place ... and will be sharing my down moments and my moments of exhiliration ... my moments of panic and my moments of happiness.

I have been soo incredibly blessed and touched to have met so many amazing women in the recent months that have been in the same situation as I'm in and have gleaned great tips, wisdom and advice from them. It is only fair that I attempt to pay it back, and write about our experiences too ... even if it seems a bit overkill for some of you to read.

I hope that it will help at least ONE other mom through her overseas relocation!

Todd will be leaving the States on April 16th, the kids and I will stay here to finish out the school year. We'll be traveling during the month of June to both Nebraska and Georgia, with an anticipated departure to Delhi of July 16th.

I'll continue to post here mostly with photos of the kids and will concentrate my efforts on the Delhi Bound blog.

Namaste!

This is the face ...

2009-03-10T21:27:00.000-04:00

... of an 8th grader that is NOT thrilled about his Health class project! This little guy kept him up last night (seriously kept the boy awake!) when he woke up crying to be rocked every 90 minutes or so.

Chuckles from mama!

Proud Papa

2009-03-10T21:25:00.000-04:00

You can see who bore the brunt of THIS school project! The two littles spent the majority of the afternoon pushing Mr. Leonardo around in the stroller, baby-wearing and even pretend feeding!

Loving his daddy.

2009-03-10T21:23:00.000-04:00

Whoa.

2009-03-10T21:21:00.000-04:00

Do you SEE the look on Todd's face? Clearly, he is not used to Mia's lack of fear as she throws herself down the bounce house slide!

Bouncin' it out

2009-03-10T21:19:00.000-04:00

In concert

2009-03-10T21:17:00.000-04:00

Saturday, we took the kids to see Laurie Berkner ... so cute to watch them, nearly in the front row (thanks to Laurie Berkner's PR group giving us free tickets!).

Tony took about 3/4 of the concert before he warmed up enough to dance in the aisles. Precious to watch both of the kids dancing together!

The last snow?

2009-03-10T21:13:00.000-04:00

We're wondering ... will this be the last snow of the season?

Finding the random things

2009-03-02T19:35:00.001-05:00

I'm definitely learning this as I go, but when you are raising a teenager, sometimes you have to change the rules of the game - in mid-stream, just to get through the day.

When you are raising a teenager, you soon realize that they no longer want you to read them bedtime stories. You realize that they shy away from hugs and kisses, and definitely don't want to participate in the daily pre-dinner dance party.

You also start to realize - if you just take a breath and give yourself the room to take stock in the situation (without taking it all too personally, or getting upset) that there ARE things to do with your teenager .. things that you might not have realized would be so easy.

Take for example - conversation. See the picture above.

Who would have known that a coffee cup from McDonalds ... purchased while buying said teenager a shake for "lunch" since he had just endured two fillings at the dentist ... would elicit such a fun and random conversation!

We both looked down at the cup and said, almost at the same time ... "Caution, I'm Hot?"

We laughed incessantly about how funny that would be as a bumper sticker, or as a T-shirt. Laughed about how kids at his school think they're hot, or how commercials give teens the impression that if you're not "hot" you're nothing.

This silly little coffee cup lid paved the way for some good, fun and NORMAL conversation with the teenager today.

Good thing, because here lately, all it seems we do is fight ... fight about his nasty room, his homework, his rolling-of-the-eyes.

Today was a good reminder that with a little patience and creativity ... I can actually have a bit of fun while raising this teenager.

She likes it, she really likes it!

2009-02-23T18:26:00.000-05:00

For a belated Valentines' Day outing, Todd and I ate sushi.

I've never eaten sushi before and was a BIT reluctant, but was game to try something new!

I now have a new favorite ...

The eel, tuna and something else I can't remember was downright delicious. Mouth-watering amazing.

Shuhei in Cleveland has been rated/voted the "best of Cleveland" and I whole-heartedly agree.

The combination of great wine, great sushi (and some lobster!!), WONDERFUL and much needed conversations and then a private showing at the movie theatre ... made for a perfect evening!

Treats for Donut

2009-02-22T15:37:00.000-05:00

The other day, Tony was bored and looking for something to do, so we decided on making treats for Donut. What a fun afternoon of mixing, baking and feeding!

Of course, we altered the recipe a bit and just kind of threw the ingredients together (with what was in our pantry) and kept adding and stirring until the consistency felt right.

Peanut Butter Dog Biscuit Treats

1 1/2 cups water
1/2 cups safflower oil
2 medium eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter (sugar free if possible)*
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cups unbleached white flour
1/2 cups cornmeal
1/2 cups rolled oats

Additional flour for rolling

I N S T R U C T I O N S

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Combine all ingredients. Mix well. Roll out small sections of dough on a floured surface. Add more flour as needed to get a pliable dough. Roll out to 1/2 (ish) inch thickness and cut into shapes using small - medium shaped cookie cutters.

Place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake 400 F, 20-25 minutes, depending on thickness of biscuits . Leave in oven 20 minutes after turning oven off to crisp. Store in an airtight container.

Breading Porkchops

2009-02-20T18:06:00.000-05:00

Mia has really gotten into helping with dinner and it has become a nightly routine.

Tonight, she is sporting Tinkerbell (I think?) and doing her work to mix up the porkchop coating.

She's so proud of herself.

When it's cold and snowy outside ...

2009-02-20T18:04:00.000-05:00

You make s'mores INSIDE.

Tony brought home a snackpack from school today, that contained pretzels and marshmallows.

It was his precious idea to roast his mini marshmallows over the candle.

Cute!

Valentine's Day - Family Style

2009-02-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day means alot to us ... and not just because Hallmark says so.

Three years ago this past weekend, I was involved in "the" car accident, while pregnant with Mia and with Tony in his carseat. Thankfully, we were all ok, past the bruising and inconvenience.

We don't always celebrate Valentine's Day just a couple, Todd and I ... and this year was no different.

Instead of enlisting a babysitter and overstuffing ourselves - the two of us - at a packed restaurant, Todd instead suggested that we venture out as a family.

We chose a great Italian restaurant ... where they appropriately serve food "family style" and we enjoyed an outing together ... all 5 of us ... eating great food, talking about things and just enjoying each other's company.

We had started the day with me sleeping in (never heard of!) because Todd took kid duty and got them breakfast, and finished off the weekend by continuing to just spend time together, quietly and without fanfare.

Hope your Valentine's Day weekend was great as well!

My favorite place

2009-02-16T17:17:00.000-05:00

I jest.

This is NOT my favorite place, but one where I have found myself so often the past month or so.

The dentist's chair.

This morning I went to have two more root canals (although they were fairly painless, I must say!) and temporary crowns fitted.

There is something so wrong about spending a morning -- and all that goes along with that (i.e. babysitting arrangements and such) -- in the dentist's chair.

Today though, I made up my mind to go into it with a good attitude ... went for a run prior to and actually dressed up today. Boots, tights, a dress ... the whole works. I thought to myself 'if you have to go, why not go with a smile on your face and some attitude to go with it.' I put on a full set of jewelry and gasp ... even put on mascara!

Do you know that I had 7 people say to me "Well, don't YOU look nice!"

Makes me wonder what I look like the other 364 days a year!

The Snow Bath

2009-02-12T18:53:00.000-05:00

Mia loves the snow and could care less if her hands get wet and cold. Imagine her delight when she finally got to "take a snow bath" !!

The Snow Pile

2009-02-12T18:52:00.000-05:00

What you can't see in this picture is the driveway. The snow pile was about 4 feet high. Fun times in the snow globe!

A laid back day

2009-02-07T19:28:00.021-05:00

Today was a laid back day for our family ... one of the first I can remember in a long time.

Todd is not feeling well, so I canceled the plans we had and just "hung out."

The littles and I played "100 kisses" where we wrapped each other in big hugs and planted 100 kisses all over our bodies. Mia can't count to 100 (actually, Tony can't either) but we let her count in her toddler way and had fun cuddling.

The temperatures reached 45 (in February, my goodness!) and our snow is melting. The snowman we made while Kim and girls were here last week lost its head.

I went for a short run outside ... man, does it feel good to run outside instead of inside of a sweaty gym. I only ran 1.8 miles, but held a great pace, so I'm chalking that up as a fantastic run.

I enlisted the help of the littles to make Rosemary Skewered Chicken and everyone cleaned their plate!

Terran is away at a weekend snow camp with Fellowship Church ... a church he's begging us to all go to as a family. February 15th is marked as the target Sunday to go visit ... try it out. We talk about it too much and neglect to just GO.

A huge thank you to those that have contributed to Terran's efforts at fundraising for Fisher House. It means alot to him!

The Brave One ...

2009-01-30T04:23:00.000-05:00

So this post may bore you to tears ... just know that it's more for me than for you.

A couple of years ago, I went with Todd to a conference outing at the Animal Kingdom ... and a private showing of the Festival of the Lion King. I got selected halfway through the show to go up with the rest of the dancers and parade around ... shake some maracas ... be silly and just have fun.

It was a moment that neither of us will ever forget. I think Todd was tickled by my guts to get up in front of others and just "do it."

Fast forward to our recent Disney trip.

Todd and I both wanted to make sure the kids saw the Festival of the Lion King show. It is just so very well done, so amazing, so "feel the music in your bones."

We went to the Animal Kingdom specifically for the show, lined up and got great seats. Part way through the show, the "zebra girl" came looking for participants ... just like they had when Todd and I watched the show years ago.

I pointed out Terran and giggled. "Please pick THAT one right there" I thought it would be funny ... and give the littles something to smile about.

He rolled those eyes and said "Uh ... NO"

Bummer, I thought. That would have been a cool picture and some great memories for the littles.

All of a sudden, Mia said "I wanna go up."

Todd and I looked at each other. The other folks they were picking were older children ... even some adults.

But she insisted, and with her little pink dress, she paraded right up there and followed all of the zebra girl's directions.

Caught in the middle of all of the hoopla, all of the goings on, the loud music and the dancing, she was in her element. She loved the attention - loved being up close.

Timon even came up to specially greet her at the end of her "dance number."

She proudly swaggered back to us ... to rejoin us in our seats.

She looked at both of us and said "I did it!"

So proud of our little brave girl.

Go "ld" Fish

2009-01-30T04:00:00.000-05:00

We just wrapped up a great visit with Mimi and Papa! Mimi brought the kids' stocking gifts and one of the items was a Go Fish game.

Sometimes it is the simplest of things ...

Now mind you, Tony thinks the game is "GOLDfish" but it is still precious to watch the two littles play this card game. Fun to watch Tony help Mia through the process, AND really funny to watch Tony "cheat" by looking at Mia's cards ...

The last time ...

2009-01-29T08:40:00.000-05:00

Mia and I recently had a morning together that actually involved a PLAN. All too often as the third child, she ends up just tagging along on endless errands, to activities planned with Tony in mind, or sitting at sporting events for Terran.

This particular morning though, I had laid out a rather nice helping of "fun" for her plate.

First we visited a nature exhibit with some friends ... and had a ball.

While waiting for our friends to arrive, Mia and I spent about 20 minutes looking at an outdoor bird feeder. I was struck with an amazing realization that this was "it". This was the last time (or one of the last moments) that I would have a child this age who is stretching her wings and going through the process of leaving baby-hood behind, and approaching the "I'm 3" stage with gusto.

Later that morning, we went to Mia's first storytime.

What a cold blast of air that hit my face ... as I sat behind her while she sang "Higgity Piggity Bumblebee .... will you say your name for me", just as I'd heard both boys sing. This was the last time I'd attend my "first storytime" with a child.

While I wish I could freeze her right in this moment ... the moment of wearing pigtails and princess dresses daily ... but at the same time, I'm looking forward to many more moments where I realize "this is the last time" and am hopeful that I am able to fully recognize and appreciate them as they happen!

Snow Ice Cream

2009-01-28T10:22:00.000-05:00

1 gallon snow
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups milk (or eggnog for some extra flavor)

Mix it all up!

Workin' on a plan ...

2009-01-28T08:31:00.008-05:00

The boys are FINALLY getting their snow day! Adding to the already 2-ish feet we had on our lawn, we got 6 inches overnight. They're calling for another 6-8 for us through today.

Jenny is doing a fun photo project and while this is a stretch, I know ... it DOES count for today's theme ... something you're working on. I am presently working on coming up with an idea on how to clear the driveway w/o a snowblower (it's being serviced) and with Todd out of town ....

Hmmmm.....

We have been called to action!

2009-01-27T19:37:00.024-05:00

Terran and his fellow lacrosse teammates are participating in a Charity Showcase on April 25th. Their team will be 'competing' with area lacrosse teams, all in the name of raising awareness and funds for the Fisher House organization.

Fisher House provides a 'home away from home' for the families of our military personnel. I am proud to be chairing the efforts at raising money on behalf of our team, in the name of Kenston.

Not only am I proud to be affiliated with such a fine organization - as I believe strongly in our military - but am also so proud to see our boys ... these 14 year olds ... banding together for a higher purpose.

To these boys, playing 'the game' means much more when they can give back to their community and our country at the same time.

I know that money is tight ... and that budgets are being stretched,

but won't you consider helping out this cause?

You can make an ONLINE donation ... anonymously, in your name or name a loved one ... on Terran's behalf ... even $5.00 will help us reach our goal!

We are also hosting a dinner and silent auction here in March ... if you know of someone who might want to donate a gift certificate or product for our silent auction, we would sincerely appreciate the contribution!

If you are so inclined, you can watch this YouTube video, put out by Fisher House.

On behalf of myself, Terran, his teammates ... and our Armed Forces, thank you!

something from my town ...

2009-01-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

I'm participating in Jenny's "Through the Lens Photo Project" and today's theme is "something from your town."

Without the boring details, I have a computer issue, so I don't have access to any of my old photos, so I'm cheating a bit and using a photo from our last Rock-n-Tot photographer, Terry at Platinum Photography.

This photo is definitely representative of something from our town, but soon to become a distant memory for most.

Starting in March, Iam moving in a different direction with these events and I'm so excited for our next event in March.

I'm wrapping up the taxes, thrilled about the name I've chosen, ready to launch the new website, compiling the email distribution list and rounding up vendors.

Rock-n-Tot has been a great event in our town, but it's time to move on, move forward and grow this event - from the little small communities outward.

I read a little quote the other day from Jen Lemen that said "You can dare to take that unspoken dream seriously." It's going to be my mantra going forward with the new events ... I have alot of unspoken BIG dreams for where this event will go, the people it will reach and what it will do for our city. Today -- and the days to come -- I will dare to take my dreams seriously!

Happy 14th

2009-01-26T08:52:00.001-05:00

Terran ... my eldest born.

You are well on your way to being a teenager ... it actually feels like you've "been one" for much longer.

You are strong, mature, well-read and very kind and patient.

You are gentle with your siblings, respectful to us and other adults (which is so important to me) and know when to speak up and when to stay silent.

Your room is always a disaster and you hoard dirty cups and bowls on your shelf.

You love lacrosse and are proud of the bumps, welts and bruises.

You understand the importance of family and do a pretty good job of "hanging out" with us, without too much rolling of the eyes.

I wish for you that your life will continue to be abundant. That the remaining years of school (high school already? how does that happen?) are good to you and that you are able to get all you possibly can out of the teachers that have been put in front of you.

I hope that you are able to continue the amazing friendships that you have cultivated since moving here, and keep those relationships close to you with the people that don't happen to live in the same zip code.

Most of all, I want you to know -- just how much I love you. How proud I am of you ... and how grateful I am to have you as a part of my life!

~ Mom

Reflecting

2009-01-26T08:37:00.000-05:00

I really do love that Mia plays dress up! I love that she admires herself and love that she doesn't feel "completely dressed" until she has a dress of some sort on.

It makes me smile!

(So does realizing that my bathroom trashcan is full of pull-ups)

Ice Towers

2009-01-19T10:24:00.000-05:00

Originally found HERE, I loved these ice towers. Since we are experiencing frigid weather, we decided to make our very own ice towers.

Gather up some plastic containers ... the more varied, the better. Know that no plastic containers were harmed during the "project" so feel free to use up all of them from your cupboard!

Add different amounts of water to each container and let your kiddos go hog wild with the food coloring. Ok, maybe not HOG wild, but let them experiment a bit!

(Make sure you take off any clothes that you don't want rainbow colored on accident!)

Then place all containers outside to freeze! Ours took about 24 hours, give or take. Smaller containers obviously freeze faster, while the larger ones needed some extra time.

THEN

Once everything has reached a 100% frozen state, assemble your tower.

I have to admit that I did the assembling, outside -- as it was too cold outside for the littles and I just didn't have the heart to bring the mess inside.

Using a bit of salt, I stacked the various shapes on top of each other for a fun result!

Just a few photos ...

2009-01-18T12:54:00.000-05:00

Oh ... Baby it's COLD.

2009-01-15T17:03:00.000-05:00

Someone mentioned recently that they were frustrated because their lawn was dying, due to lack of rain.

Wow.

What a difference a couple of states makes!

We are currently in the middle a deep freeze, here in this snowglobe that we call home.

Today it is about 2 degrees, with a wind chill of I-don't-want-to-know-what.

I do not like winter, never have and probably never will.

That is, until I move somewhere where the sun always shines (or at least more days out of the year than it snows) and I start whining because I miss the snow at Christmas time.

I am such a whiner.

The sad thing is, no one in this house really likes the snow.

I made a tree on a big piece of paper. A tree that has 12 branches and each of those branches has the appropriate number of leaves on the branch to represent the days in each month.

The point of this fun little exercise is that we will color in each leaf, to represent what the day's weather brings us.

Green for the days it rains
Yellow for the days when there is no precipitation but there is sun
Blue for the days when there is no precipitation AND no sun
White for the days that ... well you can guess ... for those days that it snows

Little Tony looked at the tree, and listened to my explanation of the project and said:

"Mama? Aren't most of the leaves going to be white?"

I have another project to start on ... a project whereby I will paint a quote around the top of the kids' bathroom that says:

"Our hearts are happiest when there is sun."

It's true!

Because Aimee said so ...

2009-01-12T14:00:00.000-05:00

Aimee over at GreebleMonkey is a fellow City Editor for the national Savvy Source website. She has declared today, Delurking Day '09.

There are you regular commenters out there .... and I'm hoping that D&GC still gives you a good glimpse into our lives and a great way to keep up on the kids as they grow.

While I've tried to keep this blog somewhat private, I'd be curious to know who else (if anyone) has stumbled upon the Donuts & Graham Cracker happenings.

Leave a comment if you wouldn't mind? Or email me ...

If you're not already part of our family or friend circle, I'd love to "meet you" !!

Saturday's Quote

2009-01-10T07:48:00.001-05:00

Victory is won not in miles, but in inches. Win a little now, hold your ground, and later, win a little more.

— Louis L'Amour

To keep forever ...

2009-01-08T19:59:00.000-05:00

Two snippets of conversations tonight:

Terran: So is the lacrosse tournament in May for ALL middle school teams in Ohio?

Me: Well ... th ...

Tony: (interrupting) Wait, Terran is in MIDDLE school?

Terran: uh, YEA

Tony: So does that mean I'm in BOTTOM school?

[chuckles all around]

Me: Really, "middle" school has nothing to do with anything ... Terran will go next to High Sch...

Terran: (interrupting) Wait! I'm in MIDDLE school now and then go to HIGH school, so there IS something to it all!

Tony: (with a very depressed tone to his voice) so I AM in BOTTOM school then?

Me: No, dude - I think you're in LOW school.

* * * *

Mia: I am BOO-tiful (as she sits at the table eating her dinner in her Cinderalla dress)

Tony: You ARE boo-tiful, Mia

Mia: (looking to me) Mama? Tony not boo-tiful, right? Tony's cute?

Me: Boys can be beautiful too!

Tony: Yea. (pause) Especially when they put on dresses and those shoes that make you tall.

Coming soon.

2009-01-07T16:50:00.000-05:00

I've been slacking with photos. I've been TAKING them, but just lazy about getting them onto my computer.

Bear with me. Soon enough, you'll be flooded with images of the rugrats.

Today has been interesting. My mantra for the week is No Excuses. This applies to so many areas of my life and to the kids as well. No Excuses!

The house is full of noise - some screaming, some giggling, some of Terran's frustration while he attempts to finish homework, requests for more juice, lots of "Mrs. Hattaway" (playdate in progress) AND the cat and dog are fighting.

Amazingly though (I'm scratching my head) I am good with it. The noise just means that this is an active, healthy house. I'm glad to have that.

So coming soon with be more photos .... but for now, just know that we are one loud house, watching the snow fall and trying our best to have no excuses!

Mama .... MAMA.... MA ....MA.

2009-01-03T19:59:00.001-05:00

I love sleep.

I have long been adjusted to early mornings, or interrupted sleep, or fitful nights of hopeful zz's, because of the ages of our littles.

Here lately though, we're working our way towards a solid six hours of sleep. You read that right, SIX hours of uninterrupted sleep.

It's been nice!

No cold itty bitty feet, no slobbery thumbs that have previously been sucked on, no blankies twisting up in my pillows and none of that "pee smell" from pull-ups and overfull diapers.

I've been tracking my weight, measurements and daily food/water intake with some friends and it has felt sooo good to watch my entry for "hours of sleep" increase. It means a happier mama ... the more sleep I get!

This morning .... I got a kiss on my cheek.

Early.

I got a kiss VERY early this morning.

A pull from my slumber and an interruption of a really amazing dream.

My middlest little ....

says ...

"Mama? ... the sunset is BEE-YOO-TI-FUL. Can you come see it with me?"

After plodding down the stairs, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes and looking out at the "sunset", with his hand in mine ....

... there is no dream worth saving ... no minutes of sleep worth capturing ... that would make that moment worth missing.

Of course, little Tony meant the sunrise, but it was indeed ... bee-yoo-ti-ful.

One of these days, I'll look back on these days of lost sleep ... with wistfulness and wish I had these moments to hold again.

If I do accomplish no other goals this year .... no other resolutions, maybe I'll be able to better remember and cherish the bee-yoo-ti-ful.

Today.

2009-01-02T17:16:00.001-05:00

Today I :

~ took down the Christmas tree (actually Terran did it... it was punishment of sorts because he didn't come downstairs this morning until 11am - - feels good to have the living room back

~ called the Sheriff on the folks building the house across the street. They are parking on our property and didn't have the courtesy to even say "hey" or give us a heads up

~ did not have a cigarette

~ wrestled back and forth on whether to take Mia to the doctor. Her cough is not going away, and while it isn't getting worse, I just never know whether to take her in. I didn't take her, and am kicking myself

~ spent 30 minutes on the elliptical and realized that I need to take the time to break my workout music into three categories ... warm up, hard core and cool down. It just doesn't seem right to be on Level 10 (a/k/a "the really hard level") of the elliptical and listening to Enya

~ spent several hours with a friend who really gets me. We're kindred.

~ am going to make fettuccine cacciatore tonight based on the next 10 day menu plan

~ did something that made me feel proud. What have you done today to make you feel proud?

When your body doesn't work

2008-12-31T12:13:00.000-05:00

You all know that I took up running last May when I decided to quit smoking.

It was a brilliant replacement for the habit that I had ... that love affair with everything associated with nicotine. I strongly feel that there was a direct correlation between my ability to quit and my new love for running.

I hurt myself (left leg specifically) during the 1/2 marathon and after a couple of doctor visits and some physical therapy, determined (ah-HA!) that it was my IT band, shinsplints and a stress fracture.

All of that has healed and my IT band is under control.

But my body still isn't cooperating with me.

I am currently gimping around the house after a 2 mile run yesterday and am so beyond frustrated. When I say gimping, I literally mean that walking to and from my living room takes me a long time, requires alot of gentleness in how I step and sends shooting pain up my leg every time. We won't even talk about doing stairs.

I smoked during our Disney trip ... so as to "ward off the potential of nasty mama syndrome" while on vacation and thought to myself, I will get back into running when we get back and will nix this smoking addiction in the butt ... no big deal, right?

In fact, it is a huge deal. I feel once again, like I'm a slave to cigarettes and am having a hard time putting that habit to bed.

I am disgusted with myself because of the quickness that it has all come back, and mad that I can't just go out and run, without consequence.

I am jealous of people who can lace up their shoes and get in a 5 miler, come home, eat lunch and go on with their day.

I am frustrated because the process of getting better seems so complicated (referral for this, prescription for that, alternative medicine (like massages) are not covered by insurance, etc.)

I just want to run. I just want to be smoke-free.

Am I using my inability to run as an excuse to smoke? Am I being naive to link them together ... the effect of not running being that I am more likely to give in to smoking?

I'm just being honest here ... most of you aren't HERE with me and don't know when or if I smoke. So I'm being vulnerable in even writing this down. I know though, that I need to be frank and honest. It's what's going on with me right now and you should know.

When my body doesn't work ... when it doesn't cooperate, it makes it very hard for me to press on and hold fast to my resolve to make a better Naomi.

Getting it all put together

2008-12-29T14:54:00.000-05:00

This time of the year inevitably means new resolutions, new goals and a quest for a better life.

I am lucky to have some great friends who are committing with me in the coming year so that 2009 is all about being SOLID.

Solid with the friendships that we choose to cultivate
Solid with the efforts at becoming (and staying) healthy
Solid with being more financially responsible
Solid with our job as parents
Solid with our responsibilities towards our marriage

I'm an over-achiever. I get bored quickly with too little on my plate.

Solidifying my goals for the year are important to me .... but so is balance. I don't want to spend so much time working on my goals, that little things fall through the cracks.

The things floating around in my head:

I want to complete my 101 in 1001 list early that I started in June of last year.

I also want to be better at managing my budget (that Mimi helped me with). I've turned two of my friends loose with the same system.

I am registering for the full marathon here in Cleveland (in May) to run with local friends, as well as Mrs. L from Texas (woot!) and I need to be ruthless with my eating, training, and nursing my injury-afflicted left leg. I've started a Weekly Tracker with four friends and we are COMMITTED to keeping up with this accountability!

I'm getting a much better handle on the house ... the laundry ... the everyday nitty gritty that makes this world go 'round. I feel like now, more than ever, I'm prepared to make 2009 be about anchoring down my habits, nailing down a routine and schedule.

But then again, I think I've said that every year for the past five years -- around this same time of the year.

Sigh.

Is it better to just pick ONE main thing to work on as a resolution/goal?

Day #6 - A.M.

2008-12-24T08:23:00.000-05:00

Another character breakfast (truth be told, these are getting old by this point ... even for the kids I think!) with Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins (this chick gets around!), Tigger and Pooh.

* * *

Mia kept asking us today if she could "ho ho ho for timmin"

What?

Ho Ho Ho for timmin?

Todd and I were puzzled ... Terran couldn't figure it out. Finally Tony announces "Mama, she wants to go to the HOTEL to go SWIMMING"

* * *

Next stop the Animal Kingdom ... we wanted to swoop in just to see the Festival of the Lion King. You see, a couple of years back, we visited the Animal Kingdom (Todd and I) as part of a work conference. We got to eat a private dinner in the streets of Africa and then had a private showing of the Festival of the Lion King.

I was selected to go up "on stage" with the cast members to perform a dance and such. Fun times!

Enter Miss Mia and her bravery :)

I asked a cast member (the zebra) to select Terran for the on-stage dancing, but he politely refused (which for a teenage boy was full of lots of eye rolling, proclaiming M-AHHHHH-M and then trying to hide under his bench).

Mia said she would go up though ... and did she ever!

Days 4 & 5

2008-12-24T07:41:00.002-05:00

DAY #4

We made our way to Norway in Epcot's World Showcase for breakfast with the princesses.

Terran's favorite part of this meal was that at any time, he could ask for more food to be brought to the table (served family style) and our server promptly responded with "more meat? absolutely" - - it was a dream come true for him!

A surprise for us was when we received a complimentary photo package of these photos :

Breakfast with Belle

(click on "Breakfast")

They will be forever treasured!

* * *

Next up was Animal Kingdom. Expedition Everest was thoroughly enjoyed by EVERYONE and ridden several times over.

The Jammin' Jungle parade? Priceless.

I've always underestimated the power of a parade like that ... this trip though, we saw many parades and it was probably one of the highlights of the trip.

Terran was such a good sport the whole trip! I was a bit worried that he'd be bored as we had to make sure the littles were accommodated, but as long as we held food out in front of him, he seemed to be just fine!

We hit the Kiliminjaro Safari and were so lucky to have had a cool afternoon with many clouds. We got to see ALL of the animals, up close and personal!!

We wrapped up the day with more rides, our standard meal at Flame Tree BBQ, some afternoon swimming and then dinner at the Kona Cafe at the Polynesian. The kids were all passed out by 8:30.

That's MY kind of bedtime!

LESSON OF THE DAY : Lots of snacks, ice cream, hugs and patience are helpful for a family of 5 to endure eight days together with no arguing or fussing!

DAY #5

After eating breakfast together, Terran headed off to Hollywood Studios by himself and rest of us went to Magic Kingdom to watch the Stage Show, ride Buzz Lightyear (again!) and the Indy Speedway.

Storytime with Belle was darling to watch ... Mia brought her storybooks from Mimi (each princess has an individual storybook) and we used those for autographs. Belle was particularly thrilled to have something new to sign (instead of the normal blank autograph books).

It's a Small World was precious ... I'm not sure who had more fun - Daddy or the littles!

Back to Hollywood Studios for our traditional meal at the Sci-Fi Dine In Theatre (I'm embarassed to admit that we hardly touched our food .... the Deluxe Dining Plan about did Mama in!)

THEN .... came the Power Rangers.

Who would have known the absolute mayhem they would inspire!

They only had a limited time to meet 'n' greet and with five of them we realized quickly (in a panic) that we'd have to split up. I'm sure it was quite comical to watch our family run from line to line so that Tony would have pictures with each Power Ranger and get them to sign his book.

(I won't belabor the Power Ranger photos .... they're in the slideshow to the right if you want to see all 5 AND their magnificently ... well .... flexible poses!)

BACK to Magic Kingdom

(let me just say here that if we hadn't received a great deal on a rental car (THANKS D.S!) we would have been very limited in our ability to go back and forth to the various parks so frequently .... while the bus transportation between parks is great, it takes quite a bit of time!)

After squeezing lots of rides in, the SpectroMagic parade and the fireworks, everyone was just POOPED. I already mentioned this, but it was so neat to watch Terran just bond with the littles.

They just adore and look up to him so much ... was heartwarming to see him respond back with reciprocal admiration and love.

LESSON OF THE DAY : Even if you can't escape to Florida for vacation, create an environment where you can step back and watch your family interact together --- outside of the norm of your home life. Go to the zoo, or the park. Go sledding or to an indoor water park. Then just watch them. Don't interrupt or oversee anything, just watch.

On the 10th day of Christmas ...

2008-12-23T19:41:00.000-05:00

my true love gave to me .... [in Tony's words] :

A pot rich in the pantry.

This has made me giggle out loud all afternoon as he repeats this phrase OVER and OVER and OVER.

The trip ... in bits and blurbs

2008-12-22T19:44:00.001-05:00

You all keep asking for "more details" about the trip :)

You asked ... and you shall receive.

Do you mind bullet points?

We packed SO much into our day ... and I realize that unless you were there, you can't fully appreciate a boring replay of every little bit ... so I'll give you the highlights ...

DAY #1

~ 20 minutes after arriving at the hotel (straight from the airport and via the Magical Express bus with all of our luggage - while Daddy got the rental car) Mia announces "I need go home now"

~ While waiting for our luggage, we took the Disney bus transportation to Magic Kingdom so that the littles could see the castle, all lit up and in its night-time glory. We were SO excited to see Little Miss' face when she saw "THE castle" for the very first time. We just couldn't wait. I had my camera all ready and prepared.

~ Mia promptly fell asleep before we even GOT through the GATES and missed the castle.

~ Tony rode Buzz Lightyear (best ride of the century!), Terran got cotton candy.

~ Todd spent two hours at WalMart getting things that we must have desperately needed and I planned out Day #2 at Hollywood Studios

~ LESSON OF THE DAY: If Daddy needs more comfortable shoes (i.e. the original reason for the WalMart trip) PUT the shoes on the shopping list.

DAY #2

~ Daddy again in search for shoes ... everyone else went for a Polar Bear Challenge in the pool at 8:30 a.m. YES, I realize that a Polar Bear Challenge in Orlando doesn't have quite the same "challenge" as it would say ... here in Ohio, but it was early and the water was c-c-c-c-c-old!

~ Chose the rental car over the bus transportation (SMART move!)

~ Hollywood Studios for Tower of Terror (thank goodness for the FastPasses!) ... Beauty and the Beast on Stage (picture above ... Mia kept saying "Oh Mama, I see PRINCESSES!")

~ Lunch @ Hollywood & Vine with Leo and June from Little Einsteins and JoJo & Goliath.

~ Mama broke her camera. Yep - you read that right. This poor camera must once AGAIN be sent off to the Nikon Hospital for Dense Camera Owners

~ Later after an attempt at naps, we headed back to Hollywood Studios for Star Tours (Tony says this is his NEW favorite), Indiana Jones (Mia says she's "scared of all o' dat"), the Osborne Lights, ToyStory Mania (VERY cool new ride) and the Playhouse Disney Show (o TOODLES).

~ LESSON OF THE DAY : Be more careful with the camera. Nothing is worse than a crabby mama who might not be able to document the trip because of a busted expensive camera.

DAY #3

~ Epcot was the choice for today ... the big boys rode Mission : Space and Mama and Terran rode Test Track.

~ We kept a secret from daddy and played in the water while he was off riding with Terran. (Picture above) ... no one else would let their kids play in the water and Mia and Tony just thought they were SO special to get special *treatment*

~ For the first time, I rode Norway's Boat Ride ("I not scared" says Mia --- which is her code word for "that scared the poop outta me!")

~ For those of you who don't know, I am deathly afraid of birds. Enter the Fry Zone near the McDonalds where seagulls FLOCKED to get discarded french fries. "I not scared" says Mama.

~ Todd and I got a "Kids Night Out" babysitter and headed to California Grill at the Contemporary hotel. Got to catch the Magic Kingdom fireworks in the parking lot and had a DEL-IC-IOUS meal with an amazing wine. Great evening.

~ LESSON OF THE DAY : Always be prepared to do the unexpected. Don't try to overplan a trip with children. Just let it happen.

Days #4-5 coming up ...

In the meantime, click on the photos to the right to open up the slideshow of all of our photos ... don't mind the apparent repetition ... some moments are just meant to be captured in duplicate (so as not to miss a thing!).

feels like ...

2008-12-21T14:20:00.000-05:00

According to The Weather Channel :

Today in Orlando ... right now ... it feels like 80 degrees.

Today in Auburn ... right now ... it feels like 0 degrees.

Yick.

Dumbo and Mia's Castle

2008-12-21T13:02:00.000-05:00

No visit to Disney World is complete without a ride on Dumbo the Elephant ... and if you asked Mia, the only place that was worthy of the name "Disney World" was HER castle, at Magic Kingdom.

Anytime we were at any of the other parks, she wuold constantly say "I go see my castle at Disney World?"

The tram.

2008-12-21T12:59:00.000-05:00

Pure Joy

2008-12-21T12:54:00.000-05:00

This little girl has never laughed, giggled, smiled or clapped so much in her 30 months of life!

The look on her face during the entire trip (outside of her moments of sleeping) was that of PURE joy.

Brotherly Bonds

2008-12-21T12:52:00.000-05:00

If nothing else was accomplished during this trip, it was meant to strengthen the boys' bond with each other. Never before have I seen them share, play and just communicate as well as they did this past week.

Terran had incredible patience with Tony and Tony so much looked to Terran for guidance on "what was cool."

I'm excited to see what transpires between them from this point, as I'm sure it will just continue to get better and be a deeper relationship for the two of them!

Squeezing as tight as she can.

2008-12-21T12:43:00.000-05:00

Everytime Mia would meet a princess or character, she would just HUG them as tightly as she could.

Her eyes would close, she would smile a sweet little smile and just SQUEEZE.

Most times, we had to remind her that other children were waiting in line behind her ... she could have hugged all day long!

To infinity ...

2008-12-21T12:37:00.000-05:00

Where dreams come true.

2008-12-21T12:35:00.000-05:00

Not only do dreams come true at Disney World, but our family had an awesome time with very little fighting, virtually no crabbiness and lots of laughing!

We came up with a GREAT plan that we feel should be instituted by Disney.

When you first enter the parks, you are given 100 "life credits." Each time you are rude, inconsiderate or cut someone off (while walking to your next destination) you LOSE a life credit. Your lost life credit is noted by a high pitched "BLEEP" noise.

As you lose your last life, you are then transformed into a poof of smoke, and are immediately returned to your home.

Terran, Todd and I got such a kick out of BLEEPING people as we walked through the parks ... of course, they had no idea what we were doing, but it sure gave US a laugh! (Trust me, some people got an automatic POOF back home .... Disney is NO place to teach your children manners!)

Princess is as Princess does.

2008-12-21T12:29:00.000-05:00

We are home and while we thoroughly enjoyed our trip, it is good to be home (albeit it being 60 degrees colder here!).

We are all a couple of pounds heavier (thanks to the Deluxe Dining Plan), Mia is even more in love with being a princess, Tony won't let his Star Wars creation leave his side and LOVED the Star Wars ride and Terran loved being old enough this trip to be "let go" to ride roller coasters and roam the parks on his own.

I'll post more in the coming days and will share our thousands of photos with you via a web link soon!

Blast #8 ... The reason behind ...

2008-12-21T01:00:00.000-05:00

the name of this blog:

The "graham cracker" portion

Today marks Year #2.

I'm sad ... but I'm remembering.

To recall ... at a later date.

2008-12-20T20:27:00.001-05:00

From Disney:

"Whoa man, whoa man ... save some for mom!" (Cosmic Rays)

"Mama, you eat my fench fies?" (Cosmic Rays)

and

Tony meeting the Power Rangers ... realizing he had his blankie still in hand ... and quickly stuffing it in the stroller.

Blast #7 ... 101 in 1001

2008-12-20T01:00:00.000-05:00

Do you remember when I first published THIS?

The days are ever creeping closer!!!

January is going to be a busy month as I play catch up on making these list items "turn red" !!

Blast #6 ... The Garbage Truck

2008-12-19T01:02:00.000-05:00

Wise Words ... wise words indeed:

The garbage truck

Blast #5 ... It isn't all bad

2008-12-18T01:03:00.000-05:00

I still feel this way ... even today.

Even with months in between communication.

It isn't all bad.

Blast # 4 .. The Diva

2008-12-17T01:09:00.000-05:00

Just read ... recall ... and imagine the diva in Disney.

Drama!

Blast #3

2008-12-16T01:15:00.000-05:00

What constitutes NECESSITY for you?

Blast #2 ... Little Things

2008-12-15T01:13:00.001-05:00

What makes a difference to YOU?

Blast #1 ... Clarity

2008-12-14T01:11:00.000-05:00

Clarity.

I just need a wee little bit.

Temperatures in the high 70s ... swimsuits in the suitcases ... Breakfast with Mickey and dinner with fireworks and my husband.

It should help, right?

In a week's time ...

2008-12-13T05:00:00.000-05:00

we will be back ...

with amazing photos, fantastic memories to share ...

and if we're lucky - some great videos of the kids on their winter vacation in DisneyWorld!

See you ... in a week's time!

(in the meantime, I've scheduled "blasts from the past" ... my favorite posts from the last year.)

Smooches from Orlando!

Balancing Act

2008-12-09T16:39:00.000-05:00

This is how you decorate the MIDDLE of the tree when you're only four feet tall. You stand on the couch and reach, and lean ... j-u-s-t so.

Just after he hung that ornament, he looked at me and said "oh man, how am I going to get the ones hung all the way at the top?"

Doing it with style

2008-12-09T16:37:00.000-05:00

This is the way that everyone decorates the Christmas tree, right? With a princess crown (thanks to Aunt Sica) and a "Barbie Dress"

?

Admit it ... you too put on a princess dress and a crown when decorating your tree ... right?

Annoyed

2008-12-09T16:35:00.000-05:00

This is the look of an 8th grader being forced - against his will - to help decorate the Christmas Tree with his two younger siblings.

This look, makes me giggle :)

Oh the things he is forced to do.

(do you see the clenched jaw?)

A bit off kilter ...

2008-12-04T20:22:00.000-05:00

The three kids decorated the tree this year ... all by themselves.

I'll put together a slideshow / montage soon with all of the pictures ... but I wanted to share this one at least.

I think I already mentioned that only the bottom 2/3 of the tree is decorated? To the visitors in our home, it looks a bit off-kilter. I think that it's adorable and meaningful and just perfect - the way it is.

Christmas is hard ... I'm already starting to flood with memories of Grandpa ... and I know that Terran and I will soon start reminiscing and remembering.

This December 21st marks two years. Hard to believe that it's already been two years. Hard to believe that it hasn't been longer.

How do you adequately protect the memories of someone who so greatly impacted you?

How do you bring to light the cherished lessons learned ... how do you share those with your own children and do it all justice?

I'm a bit off kilter too.

Our tree is not decorated on the top third ... and it mirrors how I feel most days

... like I'm missing something ... I feel - just a bit off kilter.

Soft Glow

2008-12-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

They are just fascinated with the glow of lights ... they were almost more excited with the lights, unstrung - than with them on the tree.

We decided to pare down this year and the only thing that has been brought out is the christmas tree (with only the bottom 2/3 of the tree decorated!) and the mantel greenery.

Less to drag out ... less to put away.

Less is truly ... in this life of mine ... (it's becoming increasingly more apparent) ... more.

The best boots there ever were.

2008-12-02T11:59:00.001-05:00

Mia loves these boots. She wears them inside the house and she wears them outside the house. She seems to think that if she has her boots on her feet, she doesn't need a coat?

Maybe ... just maybe we've graduated from the princess dresses to this new getup. Pajamas and snowboots.

Cute, don't you think?

Thanksgiving Donuts

2008-12-01T19:51:00.001-05:00

UNbelievable

2008-12-01T17:55:00.000-05:00

There is no way to properly let you see all of the images ... and give you a glimpse into our memories from the recent visit!

I would be here forever if I tried to share with you all of the photos, so it'll to do to view them in the "pictures that didn't make the cut" over on the left.

I love this little bit of squeal and dimples and fat rolls.

Thanks Sica and Unca' J for coming to spend Thanskgiving with us!

Proud Cousin

2008-12-01T17:51:00.000-05:00

I kept wanting to refer to Terran as "Uncle Terran" because of the huge age gap!

She loves Terran and he was soo sooo very good with her!

Precious-ness

2008-12-01T17:46:00.000-05:00

She's HERE!

2008-11-29T10:48:00.000-05:00

She wasn't the happiest of campers in this photo, but she is HERE! Cadence is one of the cuddliest, most cuddle-buggliest, itty bitty koala bear babies EVER!

I'll update more later with posts and photos after they return home to NYC (complete with images of the christmas tree going up, Thanksgiving donuts, snuggle time with Uncle Jason and crown-making with Aunt Sica!)

Waiting for Tony's bus

2008-11-29T10:45:00.000-05:00

Rosy Cheeks

2008-11-29T10:40:00.000-05:00

Betcha didn't know ....

2008-11-26T17:01:00.000-05:00

that there is ANOTHER reason why one shouldn't wear WHITE after Labor Day!

~ ~

This is the transcript of a recorded call I received this morning on our home phone:

(Typed VERBATIM!)

This is the Geauga County Sherrif's office.

Deer gun hunting is open from Monday, December 1st through Sunday, December 7th ... and the weekend of the 20th and 21st.

Please use caution when going into wooded areas.

Wearing brightly colored blaze orange clothing that is visible from all directions is advised.

Avoid wearing white because white may be mistaken for a deer's tail

Please make sure that pets and children are dressed in highly visible brightly colored blaze orange clothing.

Pet stores carry brightly colored blaze orange collars and vests.

Have fun and stay safe.

(I dont even have it in me to comment on the fact that we got this recorded message ... goodness)

What happens ...

2008-11-24T07:42:00.000-05:00

when you marry music, art, food and a LOT of cool Cleveland people? Absolute perfection!

The event yesterday went off without a hitch (well, unless you count running out of goody bags!) and I couldn't be more pleased. 350+ people, lots of new faces and new friends ... lots of donations for area food banks (SO thrilled with this!) and a renewed sense of energy for what is to come.

MOCA was an amazing space, the staff was brilliant and the folks I had along for the ride with me were fantastic.

This venture is going to be heading in a new direction and I'd love your help. Do you have any suggestions for a new name?

More art, less club. More family, less age-defining. More culture, less "night out on the town."

We have several cooperatives and collaborations in the mix and things are exciting. The name needs to come fist and I need your brains!!

Comment away!

Borrowing ... from Grandma Ruth

2008-11-23T11:00:00.000-05:00

Brilliant.

This makes so much sense for me ...

No Vacancy

for those of you who would rather read the text here:

“Don’t let anyone live rent-free in your brain!”

It speaks to me. How many sleepless nights I could have avoided if I had embraced this philosophy earlier in life.

A friend, a foe, a colleague, a family member, a boss….through my life I have let each of these take over my head for a moment, a day, a week, two years!!!…fill it with doubt, or anger, insecurity, fantasy speeches that I believe will make them better people, make me feel better, make the world a better place....

I have spent time silently responding to these mind freeloaders that could be spent doing something useful…and now, thanks to Grandma Ruth, I am on the road to being done with that.

Others can visit my brain domain, inspire me, critique me, teach me, judge me…..and I will hear them. I will address what needs addressing, but then like any good visitor, they’ve got to go and I have to decide how I feel, how my behavior will be judged, how I want others to perceive me, what I can do and if the person in my head is unwilling or incapable of changing, to be at peace.

Life is short…and while I love sharing my heart with so many people, love sharing creative thoughts, ideas, jokes, philosophies, even fits of rage and sometimes, idle gossip….when I lay my head down at the end of the day….I only have space in my little brain for me and my dreams….

So thank you Grandma Ruth. I hope you are playing poker with Grandma Leona in the Brooklyn section of heaven, and to my Vuvs, what does “Don’t let anyone live rent free in your brain,” mean to you?

Snow for breakfast.

2008-11-22T14:15:00.000-05:00

Today's Accumulation

2008-11-21T20:50:00.000-05:00

This is what today looks like.

It's still coming down.

The kids are excited (Tony said "I'm so happy that winter is here") and I am just hoping their excitement about the snow lasts through at least December 1st.

I think they're too little to remember last year ... that living here means that it is quite possible that we will now see snow falling from the sky every day. Literally. Every. Day. until say .... May?

Sigh.

Borrowing ...

2008-11-21T07:37:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've borrowed ... but with so much on my plate, I thought I'd share.

How sweet is this?

The Mother Letter Project

Brilliant idea ... can't wait to see how it turns out!

It's good ...

2008-11-19T12:08:00.001-05:00

It may be frigid outside, but our hearts are warm!

Babybug-Cadybug (my itsy bitsy niece) is coming for Thanksgiving ... YES, I will take loads of pictures, I promise!
Terran continues to pull up his GPA ... he's such a great kid.
Daddy-O got a new-to-him car (truck for winter, car for nice days).
THIS news that I'm so excited about : Rock-n-Tot Blog
Tony had his very first Parent/Teacher conference and he got a HUGE thumbs up!
I have mastered the rotisserie chicken IN the crockpot, thanks to Steph!
Jen Lemen released her Trust Notes, that I just adore.
I'm meeting tons of great new people since starting to write for Savvy Source.
Miss Mia is learning her letters and is so smart!

Life is good, people ... life is good!

Giggles

2008-11-17T23:21:00.000-05:00

This pictures makes me giggle - OUT LOUD - everytime I see it.

A bit of background, if you will?

Mia is obsessed with all things girl ... which - if you truly know me - does not fall in line with who I am.

She has found my lip gloss ... the only thing besides good ole' Carmex that I'll put on my lips. Mia has become enamored with lip gloss ALL OVER her face. "Yips", cheeks, eyes ... the works. She wants "yipgoss" before we leave the house, her headband, purse and princess see-yipper shoes.

Enter Tony.

Tony has decided that he could MUCH better apply the lip gloss to Mia's face. "Here" ... he says .... "Mia - hold still. I'll fix you up but you gotta hold STILL."

What is the funniest thing though about this picture? Terran in the background ... with the faintest piece of a smile. He DOES love them. He really does. Even though he acts as though he's annoyed by them ... he really loves them.

Make the call ...

2008-11-17T23:16:00.000-05:00

Go ahead.

I know it was your first thought.

WHAT is that child doing outside IN THE SNOW without shoes on?

When perfect white snow is JUST outside your deck window ... and it is begging to be eaten ... one can HARDLY be bothered with a coat or shoes.

Call the authorities ... my guess is that they'll bring her back in short order after they realize that the child will only wear pajamas or her princess dress-up clothes.

First School Pictures

2008-11-17T09:15:00.000-05:00

Isn't he handsome? Grown up? Precious?

Kindness Day

2008-11-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

We're going to enact some kindness around here ... I've had it up to *here* (pointing to somewhere WAY above my head) with nastiness and bitterness. It's seeping into cracks and crevices where it doesn't belong and I'm done.

National Kindness Day is tomorrow ... November 13th ... and it's perfectly amazingly good timing.

The rest of this week, the kids and I are going to initiate some randomness ... and some kindness.

1. We're going to put Hope Notes in books at the library.
2. We're going to SPEAK kindly to others, and initiate conversation and SMILE.
3. We're going to buy some single stem flowers and take them our favorite people in our lives (so sorry to our favorite people who aren't in our zipcode!! We'd send you a single stem flower if we could!)

Care to share other suggestions for us?

Before Dinner Skirts and After Dinner Mints

2008-11-11T19:30:00.000-05:00

I woke up last Saturday morning and decided I wanted nothing to do with any current and ongoing projects.

Which means no work on Rock-n-Tot ... no energy spent on getting the kids' rooms back "up to par" since repainting the house ... no worries about Christmas or any upcoming travels ... and much to my husband's dismay, no attention to the laundry!

Instead ... I made a skirt for Mia. I've been wanting to make her a skirt since I read Soule Mama's fun post about "Before Dinner Skirts." Soule Mama calls them before dinner skirts because they take SO little time, you can whip some out before dinner!

My friend Mrs. L (in TX) has been on a roll making them for herself and her girls, and I wanted on that train!

The pattern is easy ... Lazy Day Skirt

I found remnants/quilting squares, ignored everything else in my life - for just some moments - and made a skirt!

Now, the child won't WEAR the skirt, but it sure is cute!

Some feathers ... some poster board ...

2008-11-11T17:13:00.000-05:00

... and some glue.

Daddy brought home craft supplies over the weekend and it was FUN!

Especially fun for me to just watch ...

Just watch, as Todd realized that the *finished product* that we often hand him at the end of his day ... when he walks in the door after a hard day at work ... was often the culmination of a VERY messy house just hours prior.

Feathers all over, glue on the walls, markered bodies and glitter on the dog ... all a part of craft time!

Gratitude ....

2008-11-11T09:19:00.000-05:00

From the bottom of my heart ... a big thank you to all servicemen and women from years past ... through current service.

I know that it is not easy to serve ... and I know that it requires separation from family and loved ones ... and often times means injuries and scars (both mental and physical).

I respect, admire and am in awe of those who serve.

Thank you - whether you are in the air, on the ground, or somewhere in between - for your dedication to this country and to all of us who reap the benefits.