Allison Faith

To our sweet Allie on your 8th Birthday. We are so Lucky to have you in our family. Your blend of sweet, silly, smart,and loving is just what we need! We love you so. As much as we want you to stay little, and for chocolate muffins to always make you smile, we are also excited to see you grow and find your own adventures.

You are such a blessing and we are so proud to be your family.
xoxo

New Year ....Strong Love

I would like to say we have ambitious new years resolutions....but we don't. Loving and respecting each other continues to be our family theme. I think it's a good one. Throw in a good helping of laughter and we will call it a great year.

Today I read this quote and thought it would be awesome to keep in mind as we journey into 2012!

"The greatest beauty tip: For attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people. For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry. For beautiful hair, let a child run his / her hands through it once a day. For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone. People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed, never throw out anyone. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms. As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others. Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." --Audrey Hepburn ♥

Yoga Babies

Today the kids and I went to our first kids yoga session. There will be 4 sessions total over break. It was so fun. I really enjoyed seeing the kids maneuver their super flexible (!) bodies into the yoga poses. Many of the poses have an animal name and the instructer had us making the animal sounds to go with it. I think we all loved it. I know we all had fun. What a new and different way to spend our free time :)

Over the weekend I TRIED to take some pictures of the kids to use for our Christmas card. They were all dressed up for the piano recital (Which was awesome. Kevin and I are so proud!). But silly Mommy, kids just want to have fun.

Christmas "Break"

The kids have 17 days off this year. That is a long time. I have some activities planned and of course we have family Christmas celebrations which we all are looking forward to. We had a talk this morning after 3 fight breakups. Here is how it went:

We will NOT be yelling and fighting this whole break. That is unacceptable. We will treat each other with respect and kindness. Even when we are angry. We will do this or I will take away privileges. It would be a big bummer to loose some favorite things while you are on break. Do you understand.

Yes Mommy.

Cross your fingers for me!!

10 on Tuesday

1. I still want to be grateful and celebrate Thanksgiving first
2. I need help with a card idea for this year ....sweet not cheesy
   
3. The kids have made their lists, and aren't they lucky, they are all wants and no needs
   
4. I'm starting to think ahead to Christmas fun, trying not to feel overwhelmed and just feel the joy of the season.
5. Kevin and Hannah had a super time this weekend playing Laser Tag with her soccer team.
6. I was able to spend time with my sweet niece Jane on Sunday.
7. Hannah is going to donate her hair to kids who need wigs. I am proud of her.
8. Kevin and I are proud of the girls also for their GREAT report cards :)
9. Thomas had picture retakes and I hear that he smiled. YAY!!!
10. My yoga coupon is about to run out, but I think I want to continue that me time.
    

The way you wear your H.A.T

I am so thankful for my family. We sometimes scream and yell and get mad at each other. We tickle and hug and love each other too. My kids are silly, smart and crazy. My husband loves us all. We are a good blend of wonderfulness. I treasure every moment. Even the ones that make me want to go back to bed.

I AmThankful

"If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep ... you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace ... you are among the top 8% of the world's wealthy.
...
If you woke up this morning with more health than illness ... you are more blessed than the million who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the loneliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pangs of starvation... you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church or synagogue meeting without fear of harassment, arrest, torture, or death ... you are more blessed than three billion people in the world.

If your parents are still alive and still married ... you are very rare, even in the United States.

If you hold up your head with a smile on your face and are truly thankful ... you are blessed because the majority can, but most do not.

If you can hold someone's hand, hug them or even touch them on the shoulder ... you are blessed because you can offer a healing touch.

If you can read this message, you just received a double blessing in that someone was thinking of you, and furthermore, you are more blessed than over two billion people in the world that cannot read at all.

Ten on Tuesday

I have noticed a few other bloggers do this and I think it's fun. So here goes:
10 Things you have been wondering (or maybe not)about us this Tuesday

1. We had Uncle Greg over for pot roast on Monday so the house was clean :)
2. The kids were off of school for voting day
3. We went to the 5 Below store for them to spend their Halloween contest winnings. Hannah picked a webkin. Allison (who won $10) picked Shrinky Dinks, a word search book, and a stuffed animal key-chain. Thomas picked a small transformer and a key car.
4. Kevin and I had a short date night on Saturday (Thanks Dad J!) and we saw 50/50. I highly recommend it.
5. Thomas and the girls too, have been really enjoying playing with the Geo-Trax trains this week. They are all over the living room but I don't mind (mostly). I love to see the imaginations at play!
6. Thomas has been writing his name by himself. It is really cute.
7. Allison is really coming along with her reading. We went to the library yesterday and picked some new books to interest her.
8. Hannah made a little purse out of some fabric scraps and staples. It's pretty cute. I think she should take a sewing class this summer.
9. I feel pretty sore from Monday's yoga. But I feel really good about sticking with it and working on bettering myself. I also really enjoy the classes.
10. I am NOT ready for Christmas music or anything that goes with it. I really feel like Thanksgiving should be a bigger holiday than Halloween. I wish I new how to make it more important.

I think I will think about that at Yoga this week. How can we make Thanksgiving more important to us. I would like us to focus on being thankful this month. Christmas and all the family fun it brings will be here soon enough. :)

Naughty and Nice

While playing super mario with Thomas tonight his guy falls in a hole and this silliness ensues
T: Dammit
Me: Buddy you can't say that, it's a bad word
T: (totally innocent)Well can I say shit?
Me: (biting my cheek so as not to laugh)No bud, that is a bad word too
T: well what CAN I say?

After some conversation we decide on Drat. In the story "Big Pumpkin" the characters say Drat when they can't get the pumpkin off the vine. This is acceptable to him.

I love my son.

Late Night Cacophony

At around 2am, I am sound asleep in the very dark basement. Seemingly all of a sudden I hear:

"MOMMY I NEED YOU!" from Allison somewhere up the stairs.

I sit straight up and yell "Coming!" Then I start to crawl across the bed and over Kevin's legs. I am worried. What could be wrong? Stomach ache? Sore throat? I trip (is it still called tripping when you are crawling?) over Kevin and flip and fall off the bed hitting my leg on the metal frame and landing somewhat on the dog. I yelp. Lucy licks me as if to say "Are you ok?" and also "What the hell?" I then hop up and limp a few steps, partly from the fall and partly from the yoga I did earlier. I run up the stairs and find Allie in the kitchen waiting for me. I look her over and kneel down beside her. What kind of catastrophe awaits? I look up into her beautiful sleepy eyes and ask "What's wrong?" To which she replies: "I had-ed to go potty and wanted you to tuck me back in". She then pivots on her heel swishing those lovely curls around and walks to her room. I stand and straighten my back like an old women. I look at the heavens and let out a long breath (trying to apply some yoga?). Then I follow her to tuck her in and let her know she is loved and safe.

I am a Mom. This is my job.

Logic in the Love

Next week I will be starting a short class called "Love and Logic". Here is what I am hoping to get out of it. 1. A way to help the kids make good choices without us 2. A way to stop the constant arguing 3. I would like to try and stop the bad attitude funk that the kids sometimes get into 4. Consequences for the kids misbehavior that are consistent and appropriate for the behavior.

Maybe I am expecting a lot. I think my kids are smart, silly and lovely. But there are times when they dig their heels in and wont listen to me. I need to regain some control and help steer them to good choices.

I have read some of the book this series is based on. One example in letting them make choices is not to battle. Tell them it's cold outside and it would be a good choice to get a coat and hat on. But then don't chase them around or nag about the coat. When they don't put it on and are cold they will learn to listen to you next time. But how would this play out with a shower? Do you let your kids go stinky??? Even when they have sensitive skin??

I am hoping this will help me make better choices with them. Less Yelling. More hugging. I hope it helps me be a better parent.

Growing Up

This weekend we had a great time in the sand and sun with family. The kids played in the water all day Saturday and even though it was not sunny they were in all day Sunday too. It was so much fun to sit and share some music with Kevin and watch them have a blast. It was also fun to join them in the water and be silly. On Sunday I was getting up to help T come down from the loft when he said "I'm ok, I don't need you Mommy" and I felt my heart break a little.

The girls started school on Tuesday. They came home so excited after their first day. I love that. It's always a good feeling when it goes well. I have watched some of my friends deal with sad kids in the morning and I always feel for them. While telling me about her first day, Hannah told me about all the kids in her class. She mentioned one boy who was new last year and who she has a "crush on". I said "you do huh?" and she said "yep". WOW.

My kids are growing up too fast. I really miss the times when they were little and wanted to cuddle and read together. Yet, watching them now (even though it's a little sad) is pretty exciting too. They are learning so much. They are making new discoveries. I am so proud.

Thank you Thanksgiving

At this time of year people start to take stock. To think about all the things in their lives that make them lucky. I love this. But all year I like to think about what makes me thankful. The everyday things that bring a smile to my face and make me say a quick prayer of thanksgiving. Here are a few of those things:

1. Kevin: He is the most amazing husband, father and friend. I couldn't have been luckier than I was in meeting and marrying this wonderfully funny man. He makes me smile and makes me crazy everyday.

2. Hannah: She is super smart, artistic and crazy. She has the most beautiful lashes and cute freckles. She challenges me and makes me fell more pasion. Life would surely never be the same without her chocolate crazies.

3. Allison: Allie is smart, silly and thoughtful. She has the most lovely curls and I adore her nose spot. She makes me laugh and surprises me all the time with what she is thinking. She tries things. She is also a monkey, wiggly, silly funny girl.

4. Thomas: my T...my baby. Thomas is always cracking us up with his questions and mannerisms. He is a total boy and a wonderful change from the girls. I love his wink and his hand talking. I love that he is so into music (rock and roll!). I love his ideas and his absolutes.

5. Our home. Our home is messy and warm. Our home is wonderful and silly. Our home is busy and loud. There are toys everywhere. Our home is a work in progress. Our home isn't just a house.

6. My family and friends: For making me laugh and supporting and loving us no matter what crazy venture we encounter.

For these I am truly thankful. I feel so lucky everyday to be living this crazy wonderful life.

Matrix Anniversary

At the end of the first Matrix movie there is someone typing on a computer. The date they type is September 18, 1999. This is also the day I married my best friend and we pledged to share our lives together. What a wonderful time it has been. I can't wait to see what comes next!! I am truly excited about our future together.

School Days

Hannah Grace 4th Grade Allison Faith 1st Grade Thomas Kevin 3year
preschool

Classrooms Assigned....

Today is the day the postcards are coming. It's the time of year when the kids find out who will teach them this year. Also, if their friends are in the same class or if they have to meet on the playground at lunch. My little first grader was excited to find out that a few of her friends are in her class. But Hannah's friend Sophia is not in the same class. She seems trepidatious. I quell some fears by telling her how young and nice I hear her new teacher is. As I think about it more I share her concern. Last year stunk. She started out just fine, but it turned out her teacher was a dud and she was bullied in class. I want this year to be so much better for her. I am full of p's and t's with this situation. If you have some spare time send some of your own her way please do!

In the mean time I am thinking about how to get the girls off to a great start. Hmm.... Ideas to share???

coocoo

So I am crazy. I suggested to Kevin that we should try and make it on one car. Our lease was up and we were in a mad stress filled rush to find something else. Forget it! I said. Let's try going to just one car. Save some money and reevaluate in a few months. That way no rush and more money in the bank.

It made sense. But in truth I must have been out of my mind. I have 3 kids and they have activities and school coming up. Also I have 1 extra that I have been watching for the summer. But! I am committed....no not to the loony bin....I am committed to this plan. Today Hannah has piano at 4. The weatherman says rain. We are planning to ride our bikes. Maybe mother nature will wait a few before pouring down her wet goodness. Maybe we will get wet.

The other day I ventured out to meet with Allison's teacher and trade in books. We have been working on her reading this summer to get her ready for 1st grade. I took all 4 kids on a bike ride through construction up to the school and then over to the park for a picnic with friends. We did great. I was feeling pretty good. On the way home, Allison's bike chain fell off and her bike was broken. I did NOT panic (ok maybe a little internal freak out). I packed her and her bike into the bike trailer with T and rode home. Embarrassingly when we got to our street I had to get off my bike and walk it to our house. My legs were like Jello. I felt victorious once there though.

Maybe just maybe this is the answer to my prayer to loose some flubber around my middle....but I still think I may have "flown over the coo coo's nest and I am never ever coming back".

NY needs a check

You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country can't just be a flag; the symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest. Show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then, you can stand up and sing about the "land of the free".

A quote from An American President that I feel stands true today with all the drama in NY

Summer Time In The Air

I could smell the sun when I woke up today. I don't know how to explain the smell, but there is nothing else like it. It makes me wish for long summer days in the sun playing with friends. It makes me remember a silly game Sarah and I made up called Queeny Meany (mostly I was the queen and I would squirt her with the hose). I think of smores, bbq's, camping and swimming. I can't wait for the kids to be done with school and all the summer fun we will have. Wait did I just say that? I must be summer crazy :)

Poem By Hannah

Rain Forest
Tap Tap of the ants on the ground
Caw Caw noisy birds in sound
Ohh Ohh Ahh Ahh monkeys swing
A little bell goes Ding Ding Ding

Drip Drip, rain off the leaves

Butterflies come for a little tease
Growl Growl goes the cat, going up to catch a bat
SSSS SSSS goes the snake, slithering and not taking a break
Snap Snap go the parana snapping, but I don't think they will eat Lama
Stick Stick goes the lizard, going to find his brother Gizard
Hop Hop goes a frog, He can't see well because of the fog
Moon shining bright
Say to the animals good good night!