2014 favorites

January:

Lunch in Baltimore with my high school bestie

The National Aquarium!

February:

Pinewood Derby - drum set and the Popemobile

March:

Tubing with Dad

 April:

A new bike for William!

May:

Speaking at a retreat

June:

Hersheypark

Washington DC bikeride

July:

Fourth of July water gun battle

Art camp


August:

Water Lilies by Monet


September:

bike rides

19th anniversary!

October:

Halloween

November:

Thanksgiving roadtrip!


December:

Hoho tree!

Mommy's lipstick

Many blessings to you and your family in 2015.   See you next year! (grade school humor)

It's beginning to look at lot like......

Christmas!    We are all decorated here.  Remember how fun it was to come home from school to a decorated house?  How magical.  Even though it is such a busy time of year for moms, I love it.  I try very hard to see the Christmas season through my children's eyes and they don't see the work.  They see the lights, the manger, the Advent calendar, their favorite ornaments, the treats and the extra time with family.  How exciting!

Hail Mary, full of grace.....

In the past few months, I have really come to love praying the rosary.  I'll admit that I use to just not get it- the repetition was enough to send my self-diagnosed ADD into overdrive.  Also, the end prayer was intimidating.  Throw in a little Catholic guilt (shouldn't everyone who has donned a plaid skirt love the rosary?) and I tended to avoid picking it up.  But then I went on a retreat and then Bart went on the same retreat for men- and he came back loving the rosary.  We decided that we wanted our family to start praying the rosary together.    Since Bart leaves for work at 6:30 am and bedtimes vary based on homework, we knew 6:00 am was our time.  Selling it to our kids was not easy, especially one boy in particular who loves his sleep.  But after just a few weeks of greeting the dawn on Friday  mornings, something changed in us.  What started as passive obligation has become active participation.  We each lead a decade ( toddler still sleeping- another good reason for a 6:00 start!).   I am so struck everytime I  hear one  of my children praying outloud.  It takes my breath away.  Due to schedules, it is the only weekday morning that we all connect and it is the start of our weekend.  Three months in and we are still going strong.  Now everyone has favorite rosaries and says on Thursday nights "tomorrow is rosary day!"  We are saying our rosary in the car during our Thanksgiving trip and I have just learned to make cord rosaries for the next retreat.

This year, I am thankful for many many things, but the gift of the rosary has been an unexpected blessing.  I know that like Mary, the Lord is with me.

Christmas organized

I've made a vow to be totally organized going into the holidays.   Those who know me know that I am never really unorganized but this year, I'm taking it up a notch.   Every year when we hang our Christmas wreaths, I think that I should have cleaned the windows beforehand.  So, this weekend's project was cleaning the windows.  Exhibit A:

A clean window - screen removed and ready for a Christmas wreath.  It just makes me happy.

Today's project, my little crafting area.  This area has become less for creating and more for storing things lately,  a trend that I'm not loving.  So, in the interest of full disclosure, here are the before pictures:

My goal- to turn this space into a happy, cozy, Christmas space to giftwrap and create.    Stay tuned!

The Family Table

I am reading the best book.  Its a cookbook.  Crazy for me, the mom who only cooks so that my children can survive!  But lately, I've discovered the comfort, the tradition, the memories that meals create for my children.  Dinnertime is my favorite part of each day.  The other day, one of them mentioned it was time to get out our candy corn mugs for hot cider and then they talked about how we will make our "first snow" homemade hot chocolate.  They will remember that even though spaghetti Mondays became a necessity because we are always rushing to go to PSR, it is now something we all look forward to.  What would Christmas Eve be without chili and a birthday cake for Jesus?  Or Valentine Day's without our all red food dinner?

And that is why I love and identify with this book-

It is half biography, half cookbook.  It is full of simple, kid friendly, memory building recipes.  I'm a huge fan of the Romneys and the lovely family that they have raised.   Even if you're not in their political arena, you will love this book.   Ann is a funny story teller.  While writing about "pancake mornings", she says:

"Mitt took to the griddle with the same enthusiasm that my dad had.  I guess men think they're cooking or something- they take such pride in how many cakes they can fit on the hot surface, whether they are just the right shade of golden brown.  Somehow these small satisfactions seem to give them a disproportionate measure of self-esteem."

I laughed out loud.  Seriously, pancakes are a man's business.   She also outs her family's love of Fluff, which I think is hilarious since we always use fluff in the above mentioned hot chocolate.

Gather around your family table and start making those memories!

Day of kindness

I had my annual last-week-of-summer panic.  While we had a busy and full summer, I always seem to worry about what we didn't do, what we ran out of time for.    One of the things on that list was an act of kindness day.   When I realized it, we only had ONE day that was not spoken for so I booked a sitter for Finn and the three big kids and I started planning.

Caroline baked and baked and baked - the old classic chocolate chip cookies.  We delivered them to the pediatrician's office, the fire station by our house, our parish office and the physical therapy place where Caroline and I have been going this summer (long story.)   Who doesn't love a good chocolate chip cookie.

Second, we hand painted rocks and left them to be discovered all around the outdoor courtyard at our closest hospital.  Next time, we'll just paint hearts on black river stones - so much easier.

The kids made cards that we delivered to the closest nursing home.  The activities director walked around with us so we got to meet and talk to each person who received one of the cards.  One man even spent 10 minutes talking to the kids about how they should marry for life and never see divorce as an option.   And luckily, my two boys with ants-in-their-pants actually stood still and listened to every word.  Its an act of kindness miracle!!!

Next up, we paid for a person's order behind us in the drive-thru.  We were at Sonic so we were still sitting waiting for our own order when our act of kindness recipient pulled around us  She was soooo excited.  It was awesome!

We ended our day by putting $1 bills around the dollar store for people to find.

All very easy things to do, but by far, one of my favorite days of summer!

We spin you round and round......

 There's a new sound at our house and its the sound of tunes on vinyl.    Miss Caroline, who has always been old-school,  asked for a record player for her birthday and this gift has ended up being a treat for the whole family.   Vinyl (don't call them records!) is back and Urban Outfitters sells the coolest Crosley record players in fun bubble gum colors.Her requested albums were Imagine Dragons and Mumford and Sons.    Bart's contribution was Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.     All of that was good and fine, but then she was invited to dive into the collection of Bart's uncle.  And home came the Age of Aquarius, the Sound of Music, Frank Sinatra and Sonny and Cher.  And now we hang out and all dance in her room.  Not only is the music a glimpse into the times of no iTunes and no cell phones, but music on vinyl just sounds better - not quality of sound better, but quality of life better.  I can't wait until school starts and I can sew during naptime to the tunes of the Glenn Miller Orchestra.  I leave you with this,  a snippet of a song that my Dad used to sing to me:

Keep on spinning those tunes Caroline.  You're one cool cat!

Resting comfortably

I love lazy, summer afternoons.  A toddler is sleeping, lunch is cleaned up, the washing machine is on for background noise.  Older children are in and out and in and out and in and out.  Close the door!   I love accomplishing little projects that have a big impact.  Like animal hospital.

Our patient today is Dale, one half of the usually-never-apart duo Chip and Dale.  If you are a longtime reader, you know of William's love of chipmunks and these friends were must have Disney souvenirs.  Actually the originals were casualties of the fire but were so loved that they were on the "must replace immediately" list.  And thanks to my Aunt Dottie, a fun happy Disney employee, they quickly arrived in the mail.

Dale was admitted to the hospital today for emergency surgery to repair a tear to his chest and a hole in his foot:

The curved needle really is a little creepy looking, but it is definitely the right tool for the job when it comes to stuffie friend repairs.  As you can see, Dale was happy through the entire procedure.  He has resumed his spot next to Chip and "lived" to tell of his hospital adventure.

Next patient!

624 miles (but who's counting)

I am a sad mom this week.   I have one child gone for a week at scout camp.   Not just scout camp, but scout camp that is TEN HOURS away.   What?!    Why does it seem worse because he is farther away?   Here is where I should say something politically correct like "he will grow so much", "he's having so much fun" (which I don't know for sure) and "How fun that they saw a bear in their campsite!"    But I can't.  I miss him terribly and so does our entire family.  I can't apologize that we are close.  I am glad that he will grow, but I can not wait until he comes home.   And since Finn is singing Owen's name whenever he wakes up, I think I'm not the only one.  

In order to prepare for this week of loneliness week of adventure, I was pretty neurotic about his packing (to prove my love for him).    Each day's clothes in its own bag and extra bags for pjs and extra socks.   My unbridled support of Ziploc may have paid off- they've had rain and luggage was wet.   Ziploc and neurotic mom to the rescue!

A few months ago, Owen and I were out and saw the cutest Peanuts camping fabric.  I told him I'd make a camping pillow case and he requested a soft, minky border.    A little bit of comfort in the woods.  When I go to sleep every night in my comfy bed, I picture him laying his head down on the home-away-from-home pillow case, and it makes me happy.

Counting the days, sweet Owen!

Vacation truths

Here are some truths about vacations through the eyes of a child:

1.  Getting ice for the ice bucket is the most sought after job and must be done immediately.

2.  Every closet in a hotel room can be used as an "office"- the size is not important

3.  You must fight to the death for possession of the key card.  Take every sibling down if you have to.

4.  The hotel pool will be the best pool ever, regardless of any pool you have ever been to or are a member of.  Talk about it constantly.

5.  If there is no waffle maker at the free breakfast, don't stay there.  Sheets and towels are optional, but not the waffle maker.

Maybe sooner or later, we'll actually leave the hotel and go to Hersheypark, but then again, Hershey bars are sold right in the lobby.  We'll just ride some luggage carts and call it the best vacation ever.  Happy summer travels everyone!

I am a Bunny

Finn has a favorite book, I am a Bunny by Ole Risom and illustrated by Richard Scarry.   Its old school, written in 1963, so of course I love it.    The tall board book is the tale of Nicholas the bunny and his life through the seasons of the year.   We read this book before every naptime, every nighttime and many times in between.  It's quick and simple and the drawings are darling.

Finn's favorite page, the one he turns to first and talks to, is the one where Nicholas is keeping dry under a toadstool.    I really love the picture and wanted to use it somewhere.    

Yesterday, I bought a travel stroller for Finn.  His regular stroller does not fold small enough to fit in our car with the boatload of stuff we take on trips.    I searched on-line for the toadstool drawing, typed my cell number, got out my laminator and minutes later.....the perfect little luggage tag to personalize the stroller.  Finn has been talking to it all afternoon.

I love projects like this- sweet and simple.  And the chance to use my laminator - a bonus!

Capture your child's favorite book and put it in an unexpected place.   Their reaction is worth the effort!

Summer tunes

Only a few more days of school  and that means its time to create our 6th annual summer playlist.   What started as just a way to monitor what music the kids listen to in the car has become a time capsule of sorts as I look back at all of the previous years' playlists.

With two middle schoolers, a grade schooler and a toddler,  the 2014 playlist could be the quirkiest yet.  Over the past few days, music has been submitted for consideration via the kitchen chalkboard.  Bart and I listen to songs to approve content (no potty mouth, positive messages only) and then the playlist is created.

What I love most about the playlist is that because we play it so much, it starts to trigger memories that we create over the summer.    Whenever I hear the highly annoying Hamster Dance, I remember  William requesting it EVERY TIME we drove to swim practice a few years ago.  It was so annoying it became endearing.

This year's list is definitely more "big kid",  but I'm all in.  I am growing with my big kids, embracing the young adults they are becoming and letting their opinions and discoveries shine.  Welcome Summer 2014!   Your soundtrack is ready.

Tiny bunny

On Wednesday, I bought compost and a bunny.   The landscaper came to add compost to the flower beds that he made last fall and he noticed the gravestone of Doodles the bunny.   Conversation started, I found out he breeds bunnies, of course its the kind of bunny we are looking for, he brings bunny in a pet carrier the next day and for $15, I buy the bunny.   I know this is the bunnymoon phase, but this bunny is perfect.  First of all, he's 10 ounces.   And he'll only grow to be 2 pounds.   Best of all, he LOVES to be held.   My perfect pet.   After two days of family debate over the following names:   George, Leo, Oliver, Tiger, Timothy, Flip Flop and Mr. Nubbins, a name was finally agreed upon.  As Owen said "send up the white smoke, the conclave is over!" (Catholic joke)

Introducing, in a video production by William (who has a popsicle mustache), our tiny bunny, Scout.

Spring break funk

You know what you get when you stay home for Spring Break?   A giant case of Spring Break funk.  It has spread to my entire family (except Finn, who is thrilled to have everyone home).  Its like a summer teaser, but not a good tease.  "Hey, you're off but its cold.  The pool is not open and you still have to wear a coat.  Happy staycation!"  The lack of schedule has been nice but I am craving the beaches that everyone is posting on Facebook.  By the way, while its socially acceptable to post beach pics during the summer when everyone is enjoying warm weather, it comes off as rude when you post your sand shots any other time of the year.  Especially when its accompanied with one-liners like "paradise" or "my view from the hotel."  Okay, I'm done whining.

Reading always help my family recover from a funk so we made a trip to "paradise", the public library.  I am so excited about my diverse stack:

1.  A spiritual read- A Big Heart Open to God, an interview with Pope Francis.  So far - fabulous.  This is a good man.
2.  Light read - Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan.  I loved her first book, The Middle Place
3.  Historical read- Pat and Dick by Will Swift - story of the marriage of the Nixons - very strange, yet fascinating relationship.
4.  A self-help/how to read- Family Whispering by Melinda Blau and Tracy Hogg

I LOVE having books to read.  It has made all of the difference in my Spring Break funk. The kids needed the library plus the toy store.  I'm okay with that.

Flowers from Trader Joe's also helps:

And retail therapy, especially bargains, really helps.

One of these jars was purchased at Anthropologie last year and two were purchased at Michaels this week.  Can you tell the difference?   They look and feel exactly the same.    The red and blue ones were Michaels, on sale for $4 and $3.   LOVE!

I leave you with a picture of Finn at the toy store.  Yes, I know we need to trash the nuk.     He absolutely fell in love with this stroller and pushed it all around the store, ignoring every other toy around him.   He was not happy when we left without it (but we did buy one of the babies).  I think I know what to get him for his birthday!

Happy Spring Break everyone!

V is for Valentine's Day

Just when winter is cold and dreary and your winter funk is in full swing, (wow I need to wipe down that door),

along comes Valentine's Day to keep you going for a few more weeks.   Every year, I make homemade gifts for my children.    When my oldest three were Finn's age, I made them each an alphabet book so I wanted to do the same for Finn.   Being an old mother, the last time I made one was in the dark ages.  I had to have pictures printed (gasp!), tape them to card stock, buy sticker letters (tacky) and laminate them at Kinkos (I know its called Fed Ex now but it will always be Kinkos to me).   Surely, there is something out there now for the mod mom with the bonus baby.

Ta da!    There is!    Finn's alphabet flash cards from Pinhole Press have arrived and they are bEEautiful

and because Finn stares out the window and barks at our neighbor's dog every day, Bridger had to be the star of the letter D.  Am I crazy, or is he smiling?!

even the backs of these sturdy flashcards are super cute

I can not wait to sit down with Finn and talk about all of his favorite things.    You can make your own at Pinhole Press

Happy Valentine's Day sweet baby!