Sunday, December 26, 2010

The best day!








We like to say that the kids were in pure "SHOCK"!  It took a few minutes for the gifts to sink in to these two overjoyed kids.  We have had endless fun in our cardboard house and watching the Polar Express make rounds.  Both castles are a hit and these children now want for nothing.  Except Mary Kate, she was a little disappointed that she did not get a bell from Santa.  (it came with the train) Who would have thought that the Bell would be the favorite toy.  Nana and Papa are in Virginia for a few days.  We have so much to be joyous about and I thank God everyday for family!  Merry Christmas!

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

And he carved the roast beast...


Even the Grinch learned to be nice.  Not only did the Grinch's heart grow but my Charlie boy's heart is beginning to grow too.  He is currently earning back his toys one by one with days of self-control.  Nick and I were pleasantly surprised to learn that he is at least practicing self-control at school.  According to his teacher he is doing fine, just tends to be a little too loud, too fast and too close to his peers at times.  That would be my Charlie.  We also decided to give this little guy a challenge and put him with some kindergarten students on T/TH afternoons.
Always hoping that I make the right decisions when it comes to my children.  I guess a mother's job never ends.  But I wouldn't change it for the world.
Last day of school before the holidays.  Looking forward to the following...

Christmas morning
Christmas dinner with Mom and Greg
Discovery Museum's New Years at Noon
Organizing
Watching some movies
Snuggling with my babies in the mornings!

First Snow!!!

The lunar eclipse.  Taken by Nick at 3am.  Yes, he set the alarm!

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Dear all the people I have hurt,



Der Grndade, 
I am sore. I wil not hit.
love, charlie


Der Lily,
I AM SORE FOR PUSEN.
LOVE, CHARLIE


SANTA?  ARE YOU GETTING THIS?  HAS ANYONE REALLY GOTTEN A LUMP OF COAL?


CHARLIE SAID, "MOMMY, I WILL NOT BE BAD ANYMORE.  EVEN THE GRINCH TURNED NICE."


DID I EVER MENTION THAT BEING A MOM IS THE HARDEST JOB EVER!!!!!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

All I want for Christmas is....

to not look at Santa and get a candy cane.





















a polar express train that is big, with doors , it makes smoke, it has coal cars, it is  the biggest and the biggest bat castle for my batman!  And a candy cane too please!

At the rate he is going these days....there will be nothing under the tree.


Monday, December 6, 2010

ikea finds



My Aunt Debbie and I met at Ikea this weekend!  I just love this place.  I could live at Ikea, eat the Swedish meatballs and drink bubbly juice all day long.  Ikea makes clutter look presentable.  It simplifies home life and always adds a unique edge to their inexpensive goods.  So, I found great duvet covers for the kids for $7.99 and some great trays for our leather ottoman.  My dear Aunt so kindly purchased the other tray, when I was too cheap to buy two!  Hugs Debbie!
PS-Found the vintage circus curtain at the local thrift shop.  Had to brighten up this little room for my babes.  


Loving this new design site




Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Fa la la la la la la la la...


Tis' the season!  We dove into the Christmas decorations early this year.  This is going to be Charlie's most magical Christmas thus far and our traditions have begun to set in for years to come.  We have endless fun with the Nativity scene and once again, Baby Jesus is the center of attention.  However, the other day Mary Kate told me, "Mommy, Jesus is in jail".  Should I be concerned? ;)  She also told me, "Mary is mad at the sheep.  They ran away from the goat" (it was actually a camel).
Our 24 doors til' Christmas is stirring up excitement, while I try to find 48 little but cheap items to put in each door.  The stocking are hung at the end of each bed, and I hope that St. Nicholas won't wake the sleepy heads.
Charlie's wish list for Santa continues to grow.  Number one on his list is a real Polar Express Train that blows smoke.  The details included in his description make me believe that Santa has his work cut out for him.  He is also standing strong on the Batman Castle/Cave.  I think Santa can handle those, however, the train track in the backyard may be a little difficult.
Mary Kate so simply has asked for a baby doll.  I would just like Santa to grant her the ability to use the potty.
I hope that you are continuing traditions in your home.  It brings a feeling of comfort and joy!

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Keeper Crafts

The following crafts are certainly keepers.  Kathleen had the kids paint paper and recycled paper towel tubes.  She then traced their hands and cut them out, glued them on the front and back of a cut tube and added turkey parts.  Adorable, can be used at napkin ring holders, simple table decorations or even salt and pepper shaker covers.
My other favorite craft this season was a hit in my kindergarten and at home.  A simple recycled baby food jar, old flannels, some ribbon and a label, make a perfect little "Gratitude Jar".  The kids wrote all of the things they are thankful for or show gratitude toward on pieces of paper and folded them up into the jar.  Voila, a simple keepsake.  My children included all of our family members, friends, fruit, apples, strawberries and let's not forget Superman and Batman!


 Happy Thanksgiving to all readers and loved ones.  I am thankful for my warm home, beautiful trees that surround my house, understanding friends,  unconditional love from my family and husband and the spirit of each of my children.  

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Perpetual Mess and Clutter

This was my home...is my home just about everyday (that I am home) at around 5pm.

Monday, November 22, 2010

A Nana day!

Charlie woke up Friday morning and with one eye open he muttered, "Is this the Nana day?"  My mom came to visit for the weekend and the kids were drawn to her gracious gift giving and warm hugs.  We spent the morning at the Discovery Museum, enjoyed lunch in the sunshine on the walking mall and Nana offered free babysitting for N and me Saturday evening.  Thanks for a great weekend Nana!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

21st century living room with a touch of the 19th century

We have made a few updates to our cozy little home.  We welcomed a flat screen TV, what a space saver and not to mention an amazing picture.  We took an antique mantel saved and restored from an old mansion on top of the mountain.  Nick has fond memories of visiting the victorian home of family friends.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

3

My baby girl turned three this week.  She was born on a beautiful fall day November 2nd and each year the sunshines just like her!  I love her, I adore her, I could eat her up, I admire her and I could listen to her all day long (except the whining).  Her baby doll party was perfect.  It included paper dolls, baby doll bubble bath and diaper bag decorating!  Happy Birthday Mary Kate!

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Trick or Treat

Mary Kate: "Come on guys, let's go get more candy.  I love Halloween Mommy"
Charlie: " I got the lotest candy"











Monday, October 25, 2010