Lonegan Family

Halloween

2011-12-25T17:17:00.000-05:00

I am a fool and deleted all the pictures of Halloween thinking I had blogged them. Oh the kids were so good this year. I'll have to figure out how to get the pictures off of facebook to put them on here. Ugh I am so mad at myself. BTW the kids and dog were Ang, Katara, and Appa from The Last Airbender cartoon. I am proud to say that I semi-homemade their costumes too.

Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T17:07:00.000-05:00

This year was a fun one,
We revolted and decided not to travel(you know me being 6 mo preg and Ed gone I just wanted to stay home for once)
Here are the pictures of what we have done since Fri (the night before Christmas eve)

Christmas pizzas for pizza movie night

Their faces as they walked in to see the presents Christmas morning.

Kevin and Santa(Mr. Bill) at the MOMS club Christmas party

All the loot

They made out like bandits, again this year

Even Annie got in on the action

Sugar cereal for breakfast.

The aftermath

Ready for church, sorry it's sideways

How we spent a lot of the day. Kevin had a rough breathing day so he had treatment every 3.5-4 hrs and Anya played leapster games, watched movies and played with all the toys.

Thank you to all our friends and family who made the Christmas so spectacular, and seriously low key!

We wish you a merry Christmas

2011-12-11T15:34:00.000-05:00

The kids and I were singing Christmas carols while we, actually I, decorated for Christmas. We started singing "We Wish you a Merry Christmas" and Anya decided to change the words for Papa.

We miss you this very Christmas!

It summed up how we feel completely. We have started the coming home countdown though. After Christmas the links will go up and we can count down for real!!!

Oh wow is me....

2011-12-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

Pardon me while I wallow in my misery for a minute...........

I am ready for Ed to come home. I am tired, I have not cooked in 4 months and am quite sick of crappy food, or eggs, every night for dinner. I am done with yelling, fighting children, oh and I am done being pregnant. Not really I still have a while to go. I am tired and cranky and just want someone else to put my kids to bed without having to pay them. Ok that is all. I will back update with pictures etc. soon. Thanks!

12 weeks

2011-10-04T10:22:00.000-04:00

The good thing about having Ed gone for this pregnancy is I am going to be good at documenting it!!
Please don't mind the mess behind me, this is the mirror in the playroom. Yes this is how we really live. I am starting to feel better but keeping the playroom clean all the time is just something I do not have energy for.

Anya's birthday party

2011-10-04T10:19:00.000-04:00

She is 7 now. I can't believe how fast my girl is growing. Her almost sleepover was an amazing success. It was just me and the girls so I don't have a ton of pictures. But we made pizzas, which most of the girls had never done. We also decorated pillow cases, had a dance party and watched Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Rodrick rules. It was really a great time.

decorating pillow cases

Eating our delicious pizza

Mmmm! Cupcakes

Chocolaty picture of everyone!

Dancing the night away

1st day of 1st grade and back to school night

2011-10-04T10:10:00.000-04:00

Waiting for the bus

Her writing journal at school, it says" It is the first day of school. I feel skard.(scared) Her teacher always writes little comments on her work.

Anya's desk

Another journal entry," It is back to school night i wnat my parents to know that I am god. (good)
This one was awesome, what self confidence to think she is God!! Haha

Allison's garden/Landscaping at Granpop's by Anya

2011-10-04T10:06:00.000-04:00

CT

2011-10-04T10:03:00.000-04:00

Anya was finally old enough/could swim well enough to join the 10:00 swim club. So while Kevin slept Anya got to swim, it was all very hush, hush and she was so excited for this milestone in her life.

The kids LOVE Grandpop's house in CT. It really is the perfect place for kids(as long as they can be outside). Can't wait until next summer.

Even superheroes need to rest

2011-10-04T09:58:00.000-04:00

On the way to the park after his birthday party, to fly his new kite. He just couldn't quite make the 10 min drive

Kevin is 4

2011-10-04T09:55:00.000-04:00

Pirate cupcakes. Thanks to Jess who stayed until midnight the night before the party helping me make and decorate them.

Food

Taken from the trampoline.

Blowing out the candle

Balloon sword fight on the trampoline

Kevin has never really had a birthday. We have always been traveling. I guess that is what happens when you have a middle of July birthday. This year was his 1st friend birthday. We had all his friends and all of the Lonegan family come for the party. It was a pirate party complete with a sword fight, telescopes, eye patches and bandanas and a real treasure hunt and treasure chest at the end. Everyone had a great time, especially little man. Oh and he got some spectacular gifts!!

Summer at a glance

2011-10-04T09:47:00.000-04:00

We decided to build a deck on the other side of the screened in porch. Got it all dug out, the sidewalk ripped out and changed our minds. Oh well. It was really good exercise.

Dress I made for a friend's daughter

Summer was exhausting for little man

Anya and Annie

The village Anya made, I think we might need more tracks.

So much to catch up with...

2011-09-05T18:28:00.000-04:00

But not today. I am still not quite feeling up to it. Getting there.
school starts this week so I have 5 weeks of house cleaning to catch up on and then I can update the blog. Although I will probably do it sooner. I can do it while we are Skyping Ed.

So for now, off to make a semi-wholesome dinner(mac and cheese from a box anyone?) and to pack a backpack and lunchbox for the 1st day of all day school. She is not excited, "what about my family" she says. "When will I snuggle you?" I told her, "when you get home". I on the other hand am THRILLED!!! 8:30-4 you will be a blessed break from the one I butt heads with most of the time. I will miss waking up to clean-ish dishes.

No further delay

2011-08-17T13:51:00.001-04:00

This summer has been really fun for us. I will update you all in another post but for now announcing:

LONEGAN BABY #3
Should be debuting at the end of March. Right now I am sort of glued to the couch trying to keep as much food down as I can. I will update soon, hopefully!

Random thoughts

2011-07-24T21:22:00.002-04:00

Lately I have been thinking a lot about my job. I have always wanted to be a Mom. Sometimes I think that is why I never finished college. You don't actually need a degree to be one :) I love my job. I do miss the "real" world sometimes but then I think of coming home each night to rude, rowdy kids who just want to be all over me and I am so glad I get to do that all day.

This weekend has been a really great one. We spent the weekend in CT with Ed's parents. The only down side is we are all in one room. I have to sit in the room with the kids until they fall asleep so I have time to surf the net and catch up on all my blogs! Last night I was reading Megan's blog I am and I was so moved. Earlier in the blog list she had a 10 day motherhood challenge. One day was to list 5 things you love about being a mother. Here are mine:

1. Newborn baby smell( I LOVE IT, almost to an unhealthy amount)

2. The fact that I can pinch a cute bottom and not get arrested!

3. Reading for sometimes an obscenely long time to the kids.

4. The hysterical things that my children say(there are waaaay too many to list)

5. Getting reminded that I didn't get my luvins today and having 2 sweet children crawl into my lap for hugs and kisses.

There are so many other reasons but I just love being a Mom. Honestly it is my dream job. I would do it forever if I could. I have loved each stage so far( Anya is only 6.5). I can't wait for the rest, to see where it brings us and the fun and adventures we have.

Hello from here

2011-07-03T19:05:00.001-04:00

This summer we'll be here. Feel free to drop by!

handkerchief dress

2011-07-03T19:00:00.005-04:00

I made my first real dress for a grown up. It was an easy one. I bought this fabric during the memorial day sale at Joann's for a steal. I wanted to make a different dress, but I realized the pattern on the dress wouldn't work. So I made a handkerchief dress.
It is bulkier than I thought because I had to line it all. But I do feel like a greek goddess in it!

Sorry for the super messy office/sewing room. I have been up to a lot of projects lately. I do have a stack of books to catch up on so maybe I'll slow down a little.

Shower curtain

2011-07-03T18:55:00.003-04:00

My neighbor Marianne from the house we used to rent got this fabulous Waverly toile from a yard sale for $1.00! It is an amazing texture and it's black and white and was 5 yards!!
She has been wanting a new shower curtain for her 2nd bathroom for a while. She asked me to make a panel out of the toile, but of course I added a ruffle. I think mainly because Ed would never allow a ruffle in our bathroom, and any man who would allow toile would allow a ruffle. It is the project I am most proud of so far. I love it!

By the way. This is the kids bathroom, that is why it is so narrow and has a turquoise curtain on the side.

Inspiration came from Ashley at Make It and Love it. I did alter it a bit for my purposes and fabric amount and size.

A few thoughts

2011-07-03T18:51:00.003-04:00

On this holiday weekend, almost 4th of July, I am here thinking......

1. I am so glad Ed is home, he was called out to fix a plane with 2 hrs notice. Luckily he was gone only a little over 24 hrs, location was drivable. However he has only slept a few hours.

2. I am so grateful for all the people in our history and present and future that serve our country in any way. I could not have all of the wonderful things I have if I didn't live here.

3. My family is really fantastic..... my house is completely trashed because for the past 3 days we have all been playing and having fun together.

All in all, I guess today I am just feeling very thankful for the things that I have in my life. Life is not always easy but it is an adventure all the same!

Daisy Maisy dress

2011-06-22T18:43:00.004-04:00

When Kelly posted her Daisy Maisy, Shabby Apple knock off I knew I HAD to make it. My friend has a daughter who we all call Maisy. So I took a stab. Not as hard as it looks, the waistband is the worst part.
Then I made it in a 12 mo. for a customer. She bought the fabric I put it all together.

It took me a few hours. A lot of adjusting. It really is a great dress, it would be perfect for a wedding or whatnot.

ruffle tank

2011-06-22T18:39:00.003-04:00

Sorry these pictures are horrible. This is the softest, most comfy shirt I own and I made it in about 10 min. Love it. Another Boden knock off. Tutorial here

produce bags

2011-06-22T18:33:00.002-04:00

Those of you who know me know that I am a little environmentally friendly. I almost never get plastic bags at stores. I always have my reusable ones in the car or hanging on the garage door. If you know me well enough to come through my garage they have probably beaten you up at some point.
Anyway, I hate that I have to use plastic bags to get my produce. So I was super excited when Delia did her rainbow series and made these. These 3 are my version. Love them. They gray is huge and we use it for beach toys, it was Ed's old t-shirt. They green is mine and super light. The small one is one of Anya's old t-shirts that was gymboree and super cute and stained beyond repair, so I made into the cutest produce bag ever!!

Warning: they are not good for green beans, or cherries. That is all I have found so far.

Mini Boden knock off

2011-06-22T18:27:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine asked a few months ago if I had ever heard of Mini Boden. No, so I promptly got on the internet checked it out and requested their catalogs. Oh my cuteness. It is a tad out of my current price range so I decided to make a knock off for my friend's daughter. She wanted a 4th of July skirt that looked like theirs. She didn't want to pay quite that much, so I came up with my version. I used Dana's exposed waist circle skirt and diaper cover tutorials. Merged them and came up with this little number. Super cute. I can't wait until they get home from vacation so I can see it on her.

Play date

2011-06-22T18:23:00.002-04:00

Kevin has a few friends that he does weekly play dates with. Kevin and F came up to me and said that they were playing knights and we didn't have any shields, so can we go to the store right now? Ummm, let me think for a minute, No.
So we did the next best thing. We made them. They were made out of the largest flat rate box the US Post Office offers. Thanks! I cut them out sewed about 5 inches of elastic on the back and told the boys to decorate them. 10 minutes later, they were knights for 2 hrs. Priceless!!

Day in the life

2011-06-22T18:17:00.006-04:00

Occasionally Anya asks to play Angy Birds on my IPOD and I sometimes let her. Lately it has been much less because every time I get it back I have about 300 pictures saved in there. Here are a few of the best. Photo credit: Anya Lonegan 6.5 years old

Tiny Dancer

2011-06-22T18:14:00.003-04:00

Actually it's gymnastics but doesn't she look like a dancer?

She did great in her recital, especially since she didn't start until Feb. She stuck it out and decided gymnastics is not her thing.

quotes

2011-05-26T08:07:00.002-04:00

We were in the car the other day and a radio announcer said something about Philadelphia.
Anya: Where is Philadelphia?
Me: In Pennsylvania, you know where IKEA is, we usually call it Philly.
Anya: It's in another country?
Me: Do you me state?
Anya: Oh yeah state.
Kevin: Pennsylvania....THAT'S WHERE KANGAROOS ARE!!!!!
Me: Buddy, you mean Australia.
Then we all started laughing.

The next day, we are watching the finale week of Oprah and Nicole Kidman comes on.
Anya: She sounds like she has an accent like Sis. S.( a lady we know from England)
Me: Almost she is from Australia.
Kevin: THAT'S WHERE KANGAROOS ARE! in Transylvania.
Me: Yup buddy good job, in Australia.
Kevin: Oh yeah Australia!
We all laughed again.

a little bit of this

2011-05-22T20:29:00.003-04:00

I just wanted to show how funny my kids are..........
This really isn't even the half of it but I just thought these captured their personalities pretty well.
She wanted to be a farmer, she is wearing Ed's jeans with his belt as suspenders and my boots!
We went on a hike and he had to wear a headband and a backpack. Isn't he just too stinkin' cute?!

He did it!

2011-05-22T20:24:00.003-04:00

It took him 3 1/2 years but he finally got rid of pappy! Goodbye pappy we will miss you!!! It was rough for a few weeks, he got up before dawn, but he is doing very well now. Kevin got a sticker chart and when the chart was full he got to go to Target and pick out whatever toy he wanted. Here is the chart and what he picked!
It is an iron man helmet that talks and lights up. I think the 30 was well spent, he'll still need braces but that is ok. Now if we could just get his sister to give up her thumb. We tried the chart but she gave up and said maybe when I'm 16. I want them to do it on their own. So when she is ready we'll try again.

house warming

2011-05-22T20:21:00.002-04:00

My step-sister just bought and built her first house. I wanted to send something that was small and light and easy to tell her congratulations! Here are some quick throw pillows I whipped up in a few minutes(literally) for her kids. I hope they match the colors.

kindergarten field trip

2011-05-22T20:10:00.007-04:00

Anya had her Kindergarten field trip to the Aquarium, I got to chaperon. It was very quick and chaotic and crowded but lots of fun!! We touched rays, sharks, and got to see lots of cool stuff.

Finally done

2011-04-30T16:24:00.007-04:00

I am so excited about this project. It has been in the works since winter.

I love to thrift shop, I ~~blame~~ thank my Mother.

I found the perfect dress at Goodwill. It was dark purple, white small polka dots, fit me like a glove and had pockets! Really does it get any better.

(Insert before picture here) Oh yeah forgot to take that one!!

Let me use my awesome writing skills to describe it for you. You know the secretary/business dresses of the 80's like this one.....

Sorry this picture is so huge

Picture the buttons all the way down the front and a straight neckline, oh it was a hottie stage!!

I knew the neckline, shoulder pads and sleeves had to be revamped. So I worked on them.
As I said before the neckline was straight across, so I made it a small v-neck, and the sleeves came to the elbow, with amazing shoulder pads.

Here are the pictures, sorry again, 6 yr old took them.

I paired it with a thick black belt that I got with a sweater dress this winter and a pair of ridiculously high heels- thrifted also.

I have learned that you should not trip over things with a pencil dress with buttons. The buttons pop off if you do, creating more work for yourself!! Lesson learned.

Baby gift

2011-04-30T16:21:00.003-04:00

This little number is for one of my best friends new baby. Her 3rd she got a girl so of course she needs an outfit and since they live in FL she needs something nice and cool.

front view
back view

And what is an outfit for a little girl without butt ruffles. Rock them while you can little Stella. Hope you like it!

Easter 2011

2011-04-30T16:18:00.004-04:00

Our MOMS club went to the local Senior Center for Easter this year. There was an egg hunt, snack, visiting with some of the residents, and of course the Easter bunny.

Oh and because I am a total slacker these are the ONLY pictures I have of Easter, yep I pretty much suck.

Heidy Ho Neighbor

2011-04-30T16:14:00.004-04:00

We have neighbors on either side of us with kids the same age as ours. It is really great, and really annoying. This is how Anya and M. communicate when they are both outside.

Oh yes that is our 6 foot fence she is standing on.

It reminds me of Home Improvement, when Tim would talk to Wilson. My family used to love that show. Now it's in my backyard!

Graduation

2011-04-30T16:08:00.004-04:00

Why is it that there is a trophy and graduation for everything now?

Anyway Kevin "graduated" his Moms Morning Out program this year.

Here are the pictures. Ed took them, while we were both juggling Anya and G. So they are not awesome.
Can you tell he's into pirates right now?
Here is the 3 of them, I really should have brought candy!

Oh well, congratulations Kevin! Now you can go to preschool next year!!

MiO update

2011-04-01T09:59:00.001-04:00

I spoke too soon on the colors. After last night Anya is no longer allowed to have that flavor. Crystal light Pure, we are coming back. Sorry MiO. I will have to see if there is another flavor with out the red dye, that we like.

MiO review

2011-03-31T11:46:00.004-04:00

photo credit: MiO facebook page

Have you heard of MiO?
It is a liquid water enhancer.

In our family we don't drink water. We never do, juice, milk and soda are drinks of choice in our house.
I decided I wanted to kick my soda habit but knew I would need something yummy to take it's place.
I was perusing the grocery store and found these little liquid water enhancers. We have tried fruit punch.

The up side:
Delicious, tastes like juice, love it
Very easy to transport
No mess, just squeeze in how much you want.
It is adjustable, in the powder packets you can only fill a certain amount. I can fill a giant water bottle and adjust the taste for the kids water bottles and add less.

Down side:
Lots of red dye
Artificial sugar-sucralose actually

Human manufactured artificial sweeteners usually give me migraines, so far I have not been affected. Also Anya is pretty sensitive to colors, especially red. So far no ill side effects from that either.

So to report, I really like this product, so far, and am looking forward to trying new flavors.
I do wish they made one without an artificial sugar option.

MiO did not pay me or give me a sample to try of this product. I spent my own money and this is my own opinion

Welcome spring

2011-03-19T19:15:00.002-04:00

Goodbye
Hello
photo credit

Cheater, Cheater, pumpkin eater

2011-03-19T19:02:00.004-04:00

No one in my family likes pumpkin, except me. I love it.
I don't really believe in sneaking in veggies, unless they know they don't like them.

This dish is a great way to sneak in pumpkin. Also I call it cheater, cheater because I normally never use pre-made food, but I hate making Alfredo, so I just bought some!
Ingredients:Tortellini- enough to feed your family. We like leftovers so I made about 1/3 of the Costco size bag.
Alfredo sauce- to be authentic and processed free make it yourself, or go buy your favorite kind. I bought the store brand.
Pumpkin puree - Maybe about 1 c. I froze my own last year from our jack o lanterns and I used about 1/4 of the jar.
Nutmeg - maybe 1T.
Sausage - about 1 lb. not pictured, due to the fact that we got it from the butcher and I took pictures after I made dinner. I used loose italian sausage but you could use any kind really.
Shaky Shaky cheese - again you could use real Parmesan but I didn't have any and I like it a little more cheesy than not.

Cook your tortellini according to package directions. Drain and set aside
Cook sausage in same pot that you made tortellini in.
Add pumpkin and cook a few minutes. Until warm through
Add Alfredo sauce and stir until combined.
Add a few shakes of nutmeg and Parmesan cheese.
Warm through and serve immediately over tortellini.

It would also be tasty with some frozen peas mixed into it.

Serve with a mixed green saladIt is not the most appetizing colorful dish in the world but it is quick and savory and tasty.

The verdict:
Anya - preferred not to eat it, but tried one bite.
Kevin- threw it up, but I think that is due to his coughing.(hopefully)
Me - liked it but not my favorite dish, a little heavy for me.
Ed - loved it, was excited to bring it to work and have everyone be jealous.

Season pusher

2011-03-19T19:00:00.002-04:00

Last week we had a few days of warm weather and I found this little guy next to our empty wood pile.

All the other daffodils are still just a short group of leaves just poking out of the ground.
Of course it is now picked and dying on our kitchen table, because when you have children, flowers don't grow in the ground for very long.

Sweet quick baby gift

2011-03-19T18:55:00.003-04:00

When I good friend has #4, what do you give them? Seriously 3 other siblings all close in age... I had no idea, so I whipped up this quick little blanket for little Owen.

It is a thermal knit with a truck, stoplight pattern. And a silky binding to keep it all together. Perfect for wrapping and rubbing.

Best part I whipped this baby up in about 1 hr, while Kevin was having one of his weekly play dates and Anya was at school.
It also cost under $5.00 to make.

Victorian or clown

2011-03-19T18:51:00.003-04:00

This is a project that I made this winter from Ruffles and Stuff I didn't do it right, at least I am not wearing it right. But it was so different and fun, and I used up the fabric that I bought but didn't use for Anya's Halloween costume. I think if I ever figure out how to wear it I will rock it.
Also don't mind the awkward I can't take a picture of myself.

Main street

2011-03-06T15:32:00.002-05:00

Just had to share this little gem.

We live in a cute town with a main street.

I was talking to Ed about Main street for some reason.
Kevin: Do Monsters live on Main street?
Me: What?
Kevin: Repeat of past question.
Me: Why would monsters live on Main street?
Kevin: Well they are mean and they should live on Mean street!!

Haha! I just thought it was too cute. Now Main street is Mean street where all the bad guys and mean people live.

food update

2011-03-05T12:51:00.002-05:00

Asparagus
Is HATED by Anya.
Kevin thinks it will turn him into the Hulk, so he took one bite, completely covered in chicken and pasta.

The grown ups love asparagus.

Now any time the bathroom is not smelling perfectly fresh(you know what I mean), the kids ask if we have been eating asparagus now!

Winter blahs

2011-03-05T12:47:00.004-05:00

Ed works every other weekend. Today is a work weekend. It is just the kids and I.

I should be cleaning like a crazy woman
Instead, we got up at 8:30, watched a movie.
Ate pancakes for breakfast at 11:00
and then I invited people for play dates this week, and spent some time on the computer.
We will play and then I will probably clean like a mad woman for a little while just because I can't take it anymore.
I can't wait for winter to end and we can go outside and play. It is warm-ish today but not enough for me.
So if you stop by we are all in pajamas, lazily playing and having fun.

Sorry for the huge mess. It'll be clean by Tues.

Food Goals

2011-02-22T14:03:00.003-05:00

We made a family goal for the year to try more vegetables.

Me, being me is trying to keep them as in season as possible, very hard with grocery stores they
way they are.

So far we have tried...
collard greens - this is one of my favorites. Everyone else hated them
artichokes - I thought they just tasted like butter. We seemed to like them
beets - not my favorite, not horrible. Everyone else spit them out.
sugar snap peas - who doesn't love these? Oh Kevin, and Anya only liked the interior peas.
zucchini - we eat this all the time but in muffins, it was nice to have it in fries. I know this is not in season, I was getting sick of the same old.

I look forward to continuing our experiment. I want to make my kids as open to different foods as possible.

We also ALWAYS have dessert on new veggi day. They don't get it if they don't have at least one bite. I also try to pair it with a dinner I know they like.

The children also get to pick the veggi that week. We walk through the grocery store and they pick one. I have final say but they feel like they chose it.
I think so far this experiment has been a success.

Just so you don't think I am hibernating

2011-02-13T14:27:00.003-05:00

We haven't been doing much, I have winter problems, all I want to do is hibernate and get fat. I am always cold and tired.
That said, I hate it when people complain about the winter and they live in a place that gets cold. Seriously, if you can't hack it, MOVE!

Ok so we have been doing a lot of homework, t.v. watching, sleeping and eating.

Today is 42 degrees out and my kids are outside trying to shovel the ice from the yard so they can play. Tomorrow a balmy 50, look out jackets you might not go on tomorrow.

That is all, we are alive and well, I am just a little slow in the winter.

More cheap projects

2011-01-27T14:13:00.005-05:00

You know how I love a good Old Navy sale............

40% off clearance plus damage rack creates some cheap fabric, or in this case clothes!!Can you see it? .07 !!!! That is right 7 cents for a t shirt

I forgot to take a before picture, but it had a few holes in the front of it.

I get those all the time, mostly when I am at the playground with the kids. Leaning over something and your shirt snags, bummer there goes that shirt. Not anymore.

Plus I figured if it didn't work I had some scrap material to make things out of.

I took my scissors and cut a ton of little holes, I didn't want it to be too symmetrical but I wanted sort of a pattern so this is what I did. Front and back.
Wash your shirt, this will cause your holes to look fabulous!!

I took some fabric that I pilfered from my Mom's stash when she moved( I believe I had leggings of this purple fabric when I was a kid.)

I cut, pinned, and sewed it behind the holes.
There may have been a time that I left it bare, but lets face it two kids later, no one wants to see my muffin top hanging out of my shirt.

I also wear a size small and the shirt is a medium so I took some of the fabric folded it in half and sewed it under the neckline, making it not quite so plunging.

For .07 and about 45 min of work I would say fantastic overall.

Sorry for the bad picture, no hair done or makeup on snow days, therefore no face, that is challenging when you are the one taking the picture.

Snow day

2011-01-27T14:04:00.004-05:00

Today was a snow day. Our last big snow we were out of town, we got stuck in Atlanta to prove it. The first picture is the back yard, the bottom is the front yard. The pine trees are across the street in front of the neighbors house. They haven't plowed and I took the picture around noon.

Today we were home, the kids were disappointed we had to cancel our play dates, but we made up for it by playing pirates, all possible thanks to my need to mop the kitchen floor!

Kevin and Anya fighting on the plankApparently Kevin lost and had to walk the plank.

We also blew bubbles, made bread, and traced our bodies and colored them. Yes people it's only 2:00 p.m.
The kids are headed to watch a movie while I do some more sewing. I love Snow days, when they are far apart.
Jammies all day, warm food, and warm home. Maybe later we'll play in the snow. I don't actually like to go out in it so maybe tomorrow when Papa has off!

Anya's Christmas gift

2011-01-18T13:34:00.002-05:00

BeforeAfter

It is huge, and needs to painted but she loves it!!
I don't have a picture of it totally done but once I do I'll add it. This picture is missing the ladder and the side rails on top.

Thanks to my handy husband and some guy who posted this plan on the internet.

Amazing

2011-01-18T13:28:00.003-05:00

I LOVE bread, we all do, in our house we are carb junkies.

I love homemade bread and have been trying out different recipes to see which I love best I have found it. Here is the link.

Here is my first attempt.
I need to work on my rolling technique but otherwise perfect. SO great for sandwiches, toast, etc. Nice a soft but not so soft that you can't spread on it.

Note: Do not preheat your oven to 450 and put it in, my 1st attempt( ok so this is my 2nd) cooked into a ball in the oven. Just put it in the oven with the light on.

We ran out yesterday, Anya asked if we could go to the store to get more, I told her I made it, she didn't believe me. That is how good it is.

Thanks Delia for sharing your awesome recipe.

Gag reel

2011-01-18T13:22:00.005-05:00

Ed was smitten with Lydia, they spent as much time together as they possibly could.

Wendell, taking pictures.I wish I weren't making a funny face, this could be an awesome picture.

Mal and Taffy

My kids got Just Dance Kids, for Wii, of course the adults HAD to try it! Pat was by far the funniest!! I felt like I was watching a Nintendo commercial that day.

Christmas morning

2011-01-18T13:08:00.009-05:00

Grandma and the kids, except Heidi who was napping! (It is very hard to get that many little kids to cooperate for a picture)

We were all together and it was lovely. Kevin got his Santa gift and all other gifts besides ones from Grandma and Cousins, were waiting at home. Santa came while we were gone. Anya's gift is another post.

Here is Christmas morning. Note: The only rule of Christmas morning is you must brush your teeth, other than that come as you are..... (sorry family)
Grandma came in full force this year! Thanks Fed Ex and Grandma!!Hans and Heidi- Pat's brother was our honorary family member for the week. (he is our Maria)

The only gift Lydia opened - it was all just too much!

Taffy opening her first gift on her first Christmas.A whole box of Anya's favorite food! Annie's macaroni and cheese!
Nolan and MarleneKevin asked Santa for one thing, a big Buzz! He was so excited that all his Christmas dreams came true! (and Santa only had to fork out $30.00)

After presents we taught Hans the fine art of cleaning and eating a lobster, had sugar cereal, scones and eggstrata, all the normal fare, then played Wii and hung out the rest of the day! It really was quite heavenly!!

Christmas in CO

2011-01-18T12:52:00.011-05:00

We went to Colorado over Christmas vacation to visit my sister Ashley and the rest of the Webster family. It is the first time ever, we have all been together, children, husbands, and Mom. It was A LOT of fun.

Lots of bonding, fight control, bro-in-law ski/snowboarding trip, and lots of laughter.

And I have realized I do not miss having a baby in my house!!!

MalMarlene
(she is doing TONS better than the last time I saw her! For full updates see websterlife.com)

Me

I don't have any of Ash, sorry!
Mallory took on the daring task of building a gingerbread house. The kids all volunteered to help and Mal so graciously accepted. I am amazed how well she wrangled them all with all that candy. The babies were all sleeping.
Christmas Eve we Skyped the CT crew! It was so nice to see everyone!! This is the 1st year I haven't been there.
Christmas Eve is not complete in the Florian family without lobsters, we eat them for brunch on Christmas morning. We found them in CO and they were unbelievably expensive so we got 2 to share with everyone. Side note: Mal is TERRIFIED of lobsters. Tegan was quite curious, I think it took everything Mal had to let her touch it. We all got a good laugh.

It was a balmy 45-50 degrees out the whole time we were there. With a house crowded with 10 adults and 6 children, the backyard was a nice escape. Lydia and Anya were fast friends, Kevin, ummm, not so much.

3rd birthday gift for Miss A

2011-01-18T12:43:00.004-05:00

I hate that I can't take pictures of it on a model, it would be SOOO much cuter.

I drop it off tonight, I hope it meets expectations. This was a request from Mom for birthday pictures.

I didn't make the can can skirt. I have not attempted projects that take quite that amount of time yet.

The shirt is an applique of pink fabric with white polka dots surrounded by lots of tulle!!

The best winter recipe

2010-12-13T14:13:00.003-05:00

Just wanted you all to have this Chicken soup recipe.

It really is the best, and freezes fantastic!!

The modifications I make are just to add a few more veggs. and color.

I add Kale instead of spinach and carrots. That is it. SUPER DELICIOUS!! A $5 chicken can get us at least 4 meals with this soup.

My family gives it 4 stars and that is the highest we go in our family.

One more reason I could not live in UT

2010-12-13T14:06:00.005-05:00

Introducing my new addiction.

If you haven't had them, don't. They are just too good. Imagine a thin mint without the fudge. OH SO GOOD!

Utah doesn't have Trader Joe's - which has the BEST junk food.

Hello, Christmas 15!

Big Girl

2010-12-13T14:01:00.003-05:00

Anya has finally lost her first tooth. The adult tooth has already come in.

The story:
We were playing Wii on Sat morning. She went to loosen the strap from her wrist and her tooth popped out! She is officially a 21st century child.

oh and just so I remember.... we lost it within hours, so Mama just told the tooth fairy!
Luckily I got a picture before we lost it. It is tiny!!

Christmas pageant

2010-12-13T13:53:00.004-05:00

The kids got to take part in the Primary Christmas pageant at the ward party this year.
Kevin is not officially a sunbeam until Jan, but because our Primary is so small he has already given a talk and has gotten to be a shepherd!
How do I flip pictures

When I was pregnant with Anya and people would ask what I was having I would joke and say, "Hopefully not a dog!"
Anya has just recently discovered she is human. She was a dog for 3 years and the animals change by the minute. She was THRILLED when she got to be a donkey for the show!
The children did great!! It was a fun night had by all!

My new skirt

2010-12-02T10:22:00.005-05:00

I wear A LOT of black
I don't even really like the color that much it is just so easy to wear.

So I made something just a touch different.
A houndstooth pencil skirt...

Here are a few of the looks I will be rocking this winter....

Casual cool with black flats

More of a dressy look with black pump

I call this one biker meets prep-school

I will probably wear this one the most. I should have worn black tights because that is how I roll in the winter.(and it hides my ugly knees)

1.00 can go further than I thought

2010-12-01T14:03:00.006-05:00

I wanted to title the post
Even homeless kids need cool hats but I just couldn't and I am even thinking what a horrible person I am for writing this.

Ok, Anya's daisy troop is stuffing stocking for kids on Fri and you had to get 3-5 fun things and gloves or a hat. She was assigned hat for a boy.

Great! Boy stuff just is not that cool. I went looking today at Target. I found some fun hats, hello $14.00 winter hat!! NO THANK YOU!!

So I bought one for $1.00 and decided this would have to work. A bit boring but when it's cold who care? Right? Decided it was too boring and.....
I looked through a bag of Ed's old clothes that I have to bring to Goodwill. And found this little beauty!
And for $1.00 and 5 minutes of cutting and sewing I came up with this....

Please ignore the expression on the model and my messy office/sewing room!

Safety Kids

2010-11-21T19:58:00.004-05:00

Do you remember the Safety Kids? We listened to their tapes when we were kids, I don't know anyone else who has ever heard of them.

Mom where did you find them?

They were a club of kids who taught safety through song.

I often think in song, someone says something to me and I get a song stuck in my head until someone else says something and I think of a new song, in my head I live in a musical of all crazy mixed up music.

Usually days that are tough I get a safety kids song from my childhood. It is a song that talks about what to do if someone tries to steal you.....

"Sometimes, you just gotta yell and scream
sometimes it's the only thing to do
noisy as a firetruck you just have to open up and get the crowds attention turned to you. "

After each line is a Wooo wooo, fire truck sound.

Sometimes I just feel like that, I am sure you all do too. I never really knew this motherhood thing would have SO many challenging days. I am also proud to say my kids know this song by heart because I sing it to them every time they throw a fit.

Tomorrow I will have to write about great things, so I don't dwell on the negative.

#?

2010-11-21T15:58:00.003-05:00

I am a slacker, a total slacker, I don't really believe in excuses so I have none, just that I am a slacker.

Today I am grateful for cool, crisp, fall days when my kiddos hop the fence and go play at the neighbors house and I can take 30 seconds to tell you all what a slacker I am.

I don't have any pictures of me being a slacker, because honestly who takes pictures of themselves
cleaning their house and reading all day?!

How to have a .47 cardigan

2010-11-14T17:00:00.005-05:00

1. Go to Old Navy when they are having 50% off clearance event.

2. Check the damaged clothes area.

3. Find a fantastic gray cardigan with a hole in the back where the tag is.

5. Look at the price tag and see if it is worth the price to fix it.
Notice that it has a clearance tag so it's 50% off and a 75% off for a hole. Totally worth .47 and you remember you live a state where they don't tax clothing. So SCORE!

6. Take it home, set it on a shelf for a month or so and totally forget about it.

7. Be blog browsing find This blog and think, wow that is great, I wish I had a sweater I could do that to with coordinating fabric.

8. Practically break your ankle on leftover gray satin from your sons Halloween costume and have a moment of enlightenment as you remember the gray sweater you bought with a hole in it.

9. Cut up the satin, follow the tutorial, bug your husband while he is watching football seeing if you got the pleats "perfect"

10. Pin for about 1 hr.

11. Sew for about 5 min. Not including making the tubes.

12. Feel amazing satisfaction on all the compliments you receive on it.

13. Vow NEVER to pass a knit on the repair rack because you think you can't "fix" it.

#14

2010-11-14T16:53:00.003-05:00

This is the little girl that I babysat for 6 months. I will use "G" as her name to provide anonymity. I love her like she's mine.

I got G when she was 6 weeks old and I no longer watch her. Her Mom ended her contract at work for now. I had her from 6 weeks until 9 months. Pretty much 5 days a week 11 hours a day. I loved almost every minute of it. She was like having a 3rd child without the healing, nursing and sleep deprivation. Oh and I had weekends off. I would take a baby this was ANY time.

She is so sweet, we called her "G the menace", just because she was the most curious baby I have ever met. She has HUGE eyes and they were ALWAYS open taking in everything around her. Once she got mobile there was not a corner of my house unexplored.

She was also a great companion for Kevin once Anya went to school. I think it helped with the transition. I never heard," is Anya coming home soon?" until we stopped watching her.

We miss you G and love you and can't wait for you Mom to get another job!!

#13

2010-11-14T16:43:00.004-05:00

My baby is 3.5! Can you believe it I still can't.

Kevin is a monster. I never knew what it was like to have a little boy. I am amazed at the raw, violent, energy that comes out of this little man.

Kevin loves swords, I think he would love guns too, but they are not allowed at our house. He pretends with the top of the vacuum though, until he gets caught. He saves up his allowance to buy swords. He stocked up after Halloween.

Kevin loves to help me cook. He loves to mix and pour and "taste the sugar" If I need help with dinner Kevin is the one I call.

The little girl I used to baby sit LOVES him. This L-O-V-E is really an understatement. She got super excited and would scream every time she would see him. Actually she still does, like when she wakes up in the middle of church and realizes we are in front of her.

Kevin loves his Moms Morning Out program. He is the opposite of Anya and tells me every single detail of the day. Recapping the 2 hr program takes about 20. I love picking him up from MMO and having ALL the details.

Kevin loves to work. He loves to rake leaves and stack firewood and cut down trees. He loves to mow and feed the dog. He does not enjoy indoor chores as much. But honestly neither do I.

I always ask, "Who is my sweet boy?" He would answer, "meeeeee!"
One day he asked me, "Who is my sweet boy?" I laughed and said,"meeeee!" I am a little sad it has switched to "sweet mama" Actually come to think of it he hasn't said it in a while. Oh no is he growing up.. Sigh....

Stay my sweet boy forever Kevin. I love you tons.

#12

2010-11-12T20:36:00.001-05:00

Moments that remind me that my children are small and I am the center of their universe.

I won't be for long so I need to treasure every minute of it.

#11

2010-11-11T15:57:00.004-05:00

Anya

I haven't done my kids because there is so much to say and how can I keep it a quick 5 min post. I don't know if I can but I will try.
First off, what happened to the little girl in the tupperware cabinet??
And who is the Sassy, spunky and fun little girl??

Anya is unbelievably social, she is super empathetic and loves to help. Yesterday when her Papa sprained his ankle she was so helpful that we had to send her to do something else(she kept hurting him worse)

Anya loves clothes and fashion, she likes to pick out her own clothes now which scares me a little. But somehow they always seem to work. I think Tim Gunn would like it. Her style is self proclaimed " mixed up" She mixes all the patterns a colors yet, it always looks decent.

Anya is a great big sister, when she gets off the bus the first thing she says when she walks in the door is, "Kevin I'm home!" She is ready to play with the poor child who has been bored to death for the past 3.5 hours.

Anya has a major sweet tooth, she loves candy, and Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwiches and fruit any and all kinds. She is also a meatatiarian. She loves bacon, ham, steak, and shrimp. She'll eat chicken as long as it is not grilled.

Anya loves pink in anything and everything. Make it pink and she will love it.

Anya loves to read and watch t.v. Right now we are reading Prince Caspian of the Chronicles of Narnia series. She loves it. And her favorite shows are Rescue Heroes and Crashbox.

While all her friends want to be doctors and moms and teachers when they grow up Anya wants to be a Musketeer, so does Kevin, so maybe they'll work together.

While all the other girls want to play princesses and dance and sing, Anya likes to pretend to be horses and frogs and other animals. But she is not one to ruin the fun she'll just say, " you be the princess and I'll be the alligator, but don't worry I won't eat you!"

She also loves music, Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, and any trendy club tune or classic rock are her favorites. Beastie Boys win the award for all time favorite so far.

Anya I love the girl you are turning into and your sweet disposition. I love that you are good with people and gravitate toward good people. I am grateful to be your Mom and can't wait to see what kind of a grownup you will be. I love you so much.

#10

2010-11-11T15:42:00.004-05:00

My Sisters

I have 3 sisters
I am the oldest
We are very different
We are very close

This was not always the case. We have learned that it is a great thing to live in different houses scattered all over the country! I talk to each of them(I try anyway) at least once a week, and we all skype our Sista's book club once a month.

To my sister's

You guys are great, and I love you. Thanks for being my family.

My sisters

http://aprilfphotography.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/bfcollageww.jpg

The link is the only recent picture I could think of for us.

and an April shout out, if you are in Utah she is fantastic. We are sad she left us.

#9

2010-11-11T15:37:00.004-05:00

I am 3 days behind I know, but I will catch up.

Today is my crockpot, or slow cooker. I LOVE it. I got is as a shower present from a friend of mine named Amy. It is HUGE, I can cook a whole chicken no problem. I have and continue use it at least once a week for the past 8 years and it is still going strong. Thanks Amy for a great gift that makes my life so much easier.

Here is is today cooking lasagna (or what we call anya-bisanga) while I blog about it.

ps. don't mind my ugly kitchen, that is in the works to change in the next few years.

#8

2010-11-07T20:40:00.003-05:00

My best friends

Who else would I complain to, laugh to, pawn my kids off on, watch cheesy movies with, in the old days stalk ex boyfriends, and stay up late with. Thanks ladies for keeping me sane everyday. I think you know who you are!!

edited on the 11th
Who could I call with a moments notice to come watch my kids while I go to the ER?!

#7

2010-11-07T20:38:00.002-05:00

My public library
I don't know what I would do if I had to buy books, it would cost me a fortune, I read WAY too much.
Also super fun childrens programs
This month, sign language class for Anya
Cooking class for Anya and Kevin
Family movie night- that we need to skip because I forgot about Relief Society meeting(oops)
And we don't even do the weekly story times.

So fun!!!

#6

2010-11-06T20:43:00.002-04:00

Pandora.com

Seriously my life would be so different without it!!

#5

2010-11-06T12:37:00.001-04:00

UGGGHHH! I ran out of time and didn't post yesterday.

So there will be 2 today.

Yesterday I was thankful for my talents.

When I was younger I didn't think I had any, my talents were not tangible. My sisters all played instruments and sang beautifully and I was good with people. That is not really a talent you can bring to a talent show.

Now as I get older my talents are expanding and I am working hard on developing them. I am still good with people and children. But now I can sew, a talent that I am working on and love.

I'll post the latest project in another blog entry. It will be soon.

#4

2010-11-04T14:14:00.002-04:00

This guy right here

10 years ago in August we met. Our best friends were getting married and Nick was turning 19 so I came to the pary, Jess wanted me to meet her friends. I had a boyfriend. Little did I know that her" friends" was Ed.

Fast forward to a hockey game with all his friends. I think we pretty much knew it would be us forever.

Fast forward, we broke up. I went back to my ex.

Fast forward, he called and we got back together.

We got married 1.5 later and it has been great ever since.

He keeps me level headed and makes sure my head is in the clouds once in a while. I don't think I laugh without him, I am not sure but one of my friends says that she only hears me "really" laugh when I talk to him.
He helps me around the house and never complains when I ask him to keep the kids so I can go out with my girlfriends. He is perfect for me and I am so Thankful that we found each other. We will forever be grateful to Nick and Jess.

#3

2010-11-03T19:30:00.001-04:00

The moments before Anya gets off the bus and we all wait in anticipation. Of course I am waiting for the wailing and fighting to begin and they are waiting for someone to play with and a snack!

halloween recap

2010-11-03T14:03:00.008-04:00

Trixie and Racer X from the movie/cartoon Speed Racer, no one knew who they were but they didn't care!!
Parade at school(it was FREEZING)Evan's birthday party.
Town Halloween Parade, we luckily have good friends who own a store on Main street so we were able to be on their front steps out of the chaos a little!
Somewhere near us a man was smoking a cigar, this was Anya's reaction!

It was a fun and exhausting weekend and I am glad I was able to make the costumes that they wanted!!

#2

2010-11-03T14:01:00.002-04:00

CT is prettier, we don't have as many varieties of trees, but after living down south I am glad for the view I have from my office.

Challenge

2010-11-02T08:53:00.003-04:00

30 days of being Thankful

#1

My fireplace... It's getting chilly and I am always cold, boy would I be cold without it. I am also waiting to see how long I can go without turning on the heat.

The BEST prayer ever

2010-10-19T20:59:00.002-04:00

Last night I asked Kevin to say the prayer for dinner.

Wait.... back up..... I always have my Pandora radio on while I make dinner, etc.

Kevin starts praying and a louder more fun song comes on my computer, it was Rascal Flatts, Summer Nights.

He says, "Thank thee.......... for this rockin' music!" Then starts to do a little dance while in the middle of the prayer.

We were all controlling our laughter as much as we could. He ended it there. We were all laughing too hard.

One moment at a time

2010-10-18T12:28:00.003-04:00

After a morning of fighting with Anya that her outfit was not acceptable.
After a morning of a very cranky Kevin.
I released them to play outside
I came in to check my email and then went out to sweep the trampoline... full of acorns and oak leaves... remember to not put it under a tree.....

I accepted the invitation to jump with them... my legs hurt, we fell, we laughed and all the crazy morning was forgotten.

Sometimes I just need to take it one moment at a time and realize that I am living the dream baby!!

my new look

2010-10-15T09:42:00.005-04:00

Fall is a season for change....

I decided to change the way I look

Before

note to self: you have almost no pictures of yourself

After
sorry it's sideways, Anya took it this morning. Not bad for a 6 yr old. Oh and don't mind the messy fridge!!

For those who want to know I went Auburn, the picture just doesn't do the color justice, and chopped it WAY short into an angled bob. When Anya saw it she said,"you got the same haircut as me!" I guess I did!

1st day of school - a few months later

2010-10-15T09:39:00.001-04:00

Anya was so excited for her 1st day of Kindergarten. We made her an outfit out of one of my old shirts and it was an adorable tunic type shirt.

She is doing great a loves school.

Ed's religious views (according to me)

2010-09-18T21:08:00.005-04:00

My husband is a gearhead, gasoline runs in his veins, he loves the smell of diesel in the morning.
Every time I hear this I think of him.

He is trying to convert his kids, and so far he is doing a wonderful job. Good thing I like them in the garage!

Everyone loves a real cowboy/girl

2010-09-17T13:19:00.008-04:00

Getting dressed and ready to go....

Howdy ya'll

So excited, he loves horses

I however am terrified, but they made me ride, oh and I think I look fat so don't say anything about this picture. ;p
I love the serenity in this picture, I also think it is amazingly awesome that Michelle and the horse have the same color hair!
Oh and are you wondering what happened to L in all this....... oh she wouldn't go near them!

My favorite place

2010-09-17T13:03:00.011-04:00

Is right here. " Little cabin in the woods....." (Can you hear it?)
It is my Grandmother's family's cabin, confusing I know.
It is peaceful, and quiet and blissful.

I have to admit I was a little disappointed you can get cell phone service there now.

This is the favorite part of the cabin, at least from all the kids.
The twin bed that swings on chains. I used to think it was the best, we used to BEG to sleep there at night. Now it makes me a little sick, I ended up on the couch. It was fun to see that my kids love it as much as I used to.

The following pictures are all from the neighbors yard, they have been there since I was a kid and are still safe, I don't know how they do it?! A little preface on the first 2 pictures. Kevin was SO EXITED to go on the zip line, I was ok with him doing it until I got up on the platform. I couldn't let him go. I almost cried, I was letting my baby go. But maybe now that I got it out of my system Kindergarten will be easier. And besides look at the joy on his face!
I love that Mal got this picture!

Don't worry there is no baby in that carrier!

Drumroll please for my favorite picture of that day....................

It still makes me laugh out loud!!

"Cousins are cool.........

2010-09-17T12:58:00.005-04:00

even if they are only babies." - Kevin Lonegan

Couldn't you just eat those cheeks, and that hair just too much!

The happiest baby alive!! For real. one night she slept 14 hrs and woke up smiling and laughing and waited another 1/2 hr to eat without fussing once. I would have a million if they all had her disposition.

Anya and L. So cute, they did so much together you'll see in more pictures.

Quiet moments

2010-09-17T12:57:00.003-04:00

Sometimes it's nice to just relax and take in some t.v.

The grotto

2010-09-17T12:52:00.007-04:00

One thing about NJ is our hikes here, well frankly, suck! They are gravel paths!! So it was nice to go on an easy hike in UT with Randy, Mom, and Natalie to "the grotto"

It all felt a little playboy but more family appropriate, and I am assuming cold!

Utah

2010-09-17T12:49:00.002-04:00

Our flight to Utah went well, I usually get very airsick and am proud to say I did great. I think an afternoon flight helped a ton. So did DVD player and push pops!

Why I love fall

2010-09-17T12:37:00.003-04:00

You can use this without being eaten alive and sweating your rump off. However you do have to wear a helmet to protect yourself from the missiles, we call acorns falling from above.

Since you've been gone

2010-09-03T23:00:00.012-04:00

Played some soccer

Had a storm blow over a tree, took some crazy naps

Did crafts Papa would never allow

Visited Grandma and her family in DC
Graduated Transitional Kindergarten

And did some crafting.

Sorry some of the pictures are sideways. More to come...............

Confessions

2010-08-23T22:28:00.002-04:00

So I have been thinking that my kids watch WAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY too much t.v.
At least the national average sometimes more.
I want to cut down on this, but they will be BOOORRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDD.
Is there anyone out there whose kids only watch about 1 hr a day or less and what do you do with them, especially for a quiet time?

I promise

2010-08-10T21:43:00.001-04:00

I will update our summer soon, we have been so busy playing and now it has flown by.

Tomorrow we go get Papa so maybe I will have some time to blog while he makes up some much missed bedtimes!

For posterity and because it's branded in my brain

2010-05-24T10:51:00.003-04:00

See this dog

She is sweet and innocent and 6 yrs old.
Her name is Annie she is our German Shorthaired Pointer and she is the GREATEST dog in the whole world. Even people who hate dogs like her. Sometimes I call her Nanna, like to dog in Peter Pan because she freaks out if the kids are not with her. She only barks if she wants to come in from being outside or something is wrong. She has a very calming effect on other dogs, including puppies. Because of that we like to take her to playdates sometimes to play with friends dogs, while the kids play together.

On Fri. we went to Wielond's house. He is Anya's equvilent in a male form. Imaginations run WILD when they are together. They are very good friends. A few months ago they got a new puppy so we brought Annie over to play, I completely forgot that around the same time they had gotten chickens. Oh did I mention she is a bird dog.

Sarah assured me that she couldn't ge t into the coop. I felt ok with that, she mostly ran around the coop all excited. Then Sarah said,"OH NO!" I turned and Annie was in the coop. I ran as fast as I could. She had gotten into a little door that is used to change out their food. I couldn't get her out of a door that small. The chickens are running around trying to get away from her. She managed to get 2 while I was trying to get her out. I finally found a door that lets the chickens out. 1 chicken saw the door open and RAN for it. Annie poked her head out after it and I grabbed the scruff of her neck(she lost her collar in the other attepts I had made to get her out). I yanked her out and laid her on the ground and put all my body weight on her. Have I mentioned she is a 75 lb. dog? Thanks you Cesar Milan, dog whisperer!
After her brain calmed for a second I dragged her through the house and threw her into the car.

That is not the traumatic part of the story. The traumatic part is the fact that there were 5 children watching. The 2 older ones were crying hysterically. That was really the only noise there was, I thought that was interesting. She ended up killing 2 chickens and hurting one. The hurt one made it and only one got away unscathed.

After the chicken massacre Anya and Wielond were crying as we escorted all the kids into the house.
By the way, realized Kevin was not in the house with the other kids and went out to find him, and the lucky chicken. He was standing at the sand table, playing.
Me: What are you doing?
Kevin: Building a road.
Me: (Not sure if he even noticed what just happened) Can you do me a favor?
Kevin: Do you need me to find the chicken that Annie didn't kill?
Guess he is not oblivious just callus!

Here is the conversation Weilond and Anya had as we were escorting the kids inside:
Wielond: Why did you have to bring your dog?
Anya: Why did you have to get chickens, didn't you know she is a hunting dog?
Sarah and I laughed at that bit. It was traumatizing for all but I think an important lesson about life was learned, do not mix a hunting dog and chickens!
I am glad we are still friends and we are totally forgiven, and new chickens were bought over the weekend.

Sorry for the long post, but I had to record for posterity so we will never forget the New Jersey chicken massacre of 2010.
p.s. just wanted to mention there was no blood, yeah for that!

Funny girl

2010-05-24T10:48:00.003-04:00

Today I was changing Kevin's diaper,
I said," Boy, you stink to high heaven!"
Anya then says," Does that make Jesus sad?"
Me,"What?"
Anya,"Does it make Jesus sad that he can smell Kevin?"

I had a good chuckle and I think it may be time to explain expressions to my little girl.

The spring is almost over

2010-05-21T08:13:00.002-04:00

The past 6 weeks have FLOWN by.............

We have been so busy, too busy.

I have come to the realization that my kids don't need lots of activities, they need time to play at home, with each other, or with friends. I need to slow down. I am hoping that summer will let us do that. Maybe I'll be more patient if I am not hurrying them everywhere?

On the agenda..........This weekend: Strawberry picking. Let the beginning of canning season begin. Yeah fresh fruit and veggis!!!

On a side note:

Have you ever tried to run numerous errands with 3 kids, nearly impossible. We miss you Papa. I miss your great chauffeur abilities, and the fact that I could run into a store without being a negligent parent.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-10T16:14:00.002-04:00

Watch this little clip!
So funny!
Almost makes me want to get a minivan!

My Mother's Day consisted of screaming fights, spanking and child or two, 6:oo pm bedtime, painting, and dinner made by Bill. Love steak, cheesy potatoes, and feta salad. Thanks Bill for making my day, when my hubby couldn't!

Frustrations of a "single" Mom

2010-04-21T16:42:00.002-04:00

1. The fact that my kids know that 1/2 my bed is empty and view that as an open invitation every night at 1 am.

2. I am not man enough to start my lawnmower and feel so silly asking some to come start my lawn mower!

3. The fact that I now have to pay a sitter to watch my kids while I give blood and get my hair done, and do yoga class. (not at the same time)

4. 7 hr time difference happens to be right as I am making dinner every night.

5. I really miss food that my kids don't like.

6. I secretly miss watching Top Gear

7. My bed is cold at night(until the kids get in) and I can't sneak a nap anymore!

I hope this goes be quickly.