PROJECT 365- Day 151 - Jokes!

PROJECT 365- Day 151 - Jokes!

I love that the kids love to read...... even if it is a Spongebob joke book.  The Boy was so excited to read to me from his new book!  Just what this self proclaimed comedian needs - more material!  Tour Dates to be announced. ;-) 

PROJECT 365- Day 150 - Beach Rules

PROJECT 365 - Day 150 - Beach Rules

We have a sign in the beach house that reads: Beach Rules... Relax, Relax, Relax.  That was the goal this Memorial Day weekend even more so than usual.  While it is a bit hard for Poppy to relax by sitting and doing nothing.... he did get some much needed R&R this weekend.  It was a beautiful weekend to kick off the start of summer and we are all the more thankful that we were able to spend it together observing the Beach Rules! :-)

PROJECT 365- Day 149 - A Nice Afternoon

PROJECT 365- Day 149- A Nice Afternoon

We spent a nice afternoon at my cousin's house celebrating Memorial Day.  It was nice to see everyone and nice for Poppy to get to sit, relax, and chat outside of the hospital.  The kids got to swim in the pool which made them super happy!  The Bear had fun swimming in the deep end.  The Princess had fun swimming and floating.  The Boy was thrilled to be able to swim, without swimmies,  going under water and flipping on and off the floating chairs even if he was scaring the heck out of his mommy.

PROJECT 365 - Day 148 - Sunshine

PROJECT 365- Day 148 - Sunshine

After a rough week in the hospital, a weekend of sunshine, beautiful temperatures, and salt air is the perfect prescription!

"Keep your face always towards the sunshine - and shadows will fall behind you."
          - Walt Whitman

PROJECT 365 - Day 147 - One Tough Cookie

PROJECT 365 - Day 147 - One Tough Cookie

Poppy was released from the hospital today and he was thrilled!  He has some recovery ahead of him - but he is doing much better.  He was very lucky on Monday and we are more than glad that he is still here with us.  He jokingly refers to himself as the "bionic man" after his various surgeries, back implants, stents, etc.... This bionic man is clearly one tough cookie!!

PROJECT 365- Day 146 - Get Well Soon Poppy!!!

PROJECT 365 -  Day 146 - Get Well Soon Poppy!

The kids made a banner to hang in Poppy's hospital room.  GET WELL SOON POPPY!!!

PROJECT 365 - Day 145 - Guardian Angels come in many forms

PROJECT 365- Day 145 -  Guardian Angels come in many forms

I have been at the hospital with my dad since last night.  He was moved from intensive care to a regular room and we are remaining positive that they will find the cause to all of this.  While sitting with my dad at the hospital for the past two days, I was reminded of some things.  First, my dad is a stubborn man.  But he is also a lucky and blessed man too.  Second, I believe that there are guardian angels that come in many forms.   I think that my mom, along with a group of guardian angels were watching over my dad while he was home and too stubborn to admit how sick he was and call 911.  I think that Guardian Angels came in the form of neighbors and family who called and went to his house and realized how bad  he sounded and looked and did call 911.  Guardian Angels were the family that went right to the hospital to be with him which means so much to me because I was too far to be there right away.  Guardian Angels came in the form of my husband's employers who postponed his course and sent him home to take care of his family.  Guardian Angels came in the form of my friends and neighbors and family members who reached out with kind words, offers of help, prayers, and encouragement.  And lastly Guardian Angels came in the form of the doctors and (especially) the nurses at the hospital who cared for my dad and watched over him.  He is not out of the woods or the hospital yet, but I am remaining positive for his full recovery and thankful for all of the angels I have witnessed in the past few days. 

PROJECT 365- Day 144 - Worried

PROJECT 365 - Day 144 - Worried

Poppy was rushed to the hospital and we were all worried.  I drove up to NJ to get to the hospital and checked in on his dog, Molly, to let her out and feed her.  She was worried too.  

PROJECT 365- Day 143 - Baby Birds

PROJECT 365- Day 143 -  Baby Birds

There is a bird's nest in the tree outside our front door.  The babies have now hatched and they chirp and they chirp and they chirp... did I mention they chirp?  The Mommy in me gets as stressed as the Mommy bird - these are some hungry babies.  When we look out the front door we can see the Mommy and Daddy bird frantically flying from tree to tree to our porch, chirping back and forth to each other.  It looks very similar to human parents dealing with newborns.  By the way - I took my life in my hands to get this picture.  The Mommy and Daddy bird were not thrilled with the paparazzi. 

PROJECT 365 - Day 142 - Go Play!

PROJECT 365- Day 142 - Go Play!

While playing outside today, it started drizzling and the kids stayed outside.   Perhaps my request for the kids to "go play" while I was cleaning, doing laundry, and getting ready for our upcoming yard sale finally sunk in.  But the more likely answer is that it was only drizzling and this gave them a good opportunity to play with umbrellas (which they love to do) and not really get wet.  Also, they could use the umbrellas to build a fort of sorts..... what is not fun about that? 

PROJECT 365- Day 141 - I might be biased, but....

PROJECT 365 - Day 141 - I might be biased, but....

The Bear played a good soccer game today. (as did The Princess and The Boy)   The Bear's goal for the season was to shoot 8 goals.  Today he made 2, bringing his season total to 9 and he still has one game left.   He was pretty worn out after the game today.  It was hot out and he played hard.  But some water poured over his head and a slushi helped to bring him back to life!  :-)  I might be biased, but I think he is one heck of a soccer player (as are The Princess and The Boy and their Daddy for that matter...)  I might be biased, but I think he is one handsome, cool kid too!

PROJECT 365- Day 140 - I almost forgot.....

PROJECT 365- Day 140 - I almost forgot......

After what has seemed like 40 days and 40 nights of rain, the sun finally came out and seems to want to stick around for a while.  After dinner, the kids headed outside to play.  There was some soccer practice, chalk art, jump roping, and skateboarding.  They ran and played and laughed and got good and worn out.  All in all it was a good Friday night.  I almost forgot what spring evenings could be like with all of the rain we have been having....  Welcome back Spring - we have missed you!

PROJECT 365- Day 139 - Have a seat.....

PROJECT 365 - Day 139 -  Have a seat....

It is amazing the things that thrill me these days.  Today's example: new toilet seats in all three bathrooms!!!  I have been wanting to replace the toilet seats since we no longer needed "potty seats" - the said potty seats chipped the underside of the toilet seats and have been driving me nuts ever since.  It has taken us awhile, but we finally replaced all three seats today and I am strangely thrilled about them..... :-) 

PROJECT 365 - Day 138 - Hanging

PROJECT 365- Day 138 - Hanging

I am looking forward to the coming summer days when these jackets and backpacks remain hanging on these hooks......

PROJECT 365 - Day 137 - Counting down.....

PROJECT 365- Day 137 - Counting down....

Just a quick picture of the kids before they left for school this morning. I can't believe that we are almost at the end of another school year finishing up second grade and kindergarten!  Counting down the days until summer vacation.  17 days left....... :-)

PROJECT 365- Day 136 - Battle with "The Basket"

PROJECT 365 - Day 136 - Battle with "The Basket"

I'm not sure how it happened.  But the darn basket is full again.  I swear I just washed towels, socks, and underwear.  I swear I just folded them and put them away.  But somehow, the hamper was full again today and I needed to wash another load.  I make a conscious effort to wash, dry, fold clothes and put them away in a prompt manner..... I usually do that.  But for some reason, the towels, socks, and underwear are my nemesis.  I wash, dry, and pull it all out of the dryer straight into the laundry basket..... then it sits there mocking me.   I don't mind laundry in general.  Although I do wonder if the children and My Wonderful Husband are plotting against me and wearing things for 30 seconds then dropping them in the hamper only to wear something else....  Seriously it seems that the hampers are full before I finish washing what was already in there.  It's a mystery to me.  But "the basket" of towels, underwear and especially socks...UGH!!!  I really hate the socks.  They all look the same, but they are not the same.  So you have to pick through and figure out which belongs to who.. This is not a job that I enjoy.  The kids do help with this frequently.  Especially if "the basket" sits for a couple of days and they realize that if they want socks and underwear they will need to help go through this pile.   I know that you are thinking that this might be motive after all..... perhaps.... but in this battle with the basket, I need all the help that I can get.

PROJECT 365- 135 - Guys and Wings

PROJECT 365- Day 135 -Guys and Wings

The Bear loves whatever his Daddy loves.  The newest addition to this list, that he recently discovered he loves, is wings.  My Wonderful Husband loves hot wings.  The last time he had them, the kids all tasted them.  The boy thought they were ok, but not enough to order them  The Princess wasn't much of a fan.   But, The Bear decided that the next time we went out and Daddy got them, he was going to get them too.  Today he ordered 6 mild wings and went to town.  He LOVED them.  This was a momentous occasion that had My Wonderful Husband looking forward to the day when he could enjoy wing night with his son.  There is just something about guys and wings. 

PROJECT 365- Day 134 - Monkey Business

*

PROJECT 365- Day 134 - Monkey Business

It was a "love-fest" day for The Princess and The Boy.  I'm not complaining....just waiting for the other shoe to drop....or the anvil.... But I digress.  While in the car they proved that you really don't need much to play.....just two monkeys, some imagination, and perhaps, just perhaps, too much television.   These monkeys were part of several infomercials acted out by these two very silly children.  You too could have these handy dandy monkeys for a bargain price of $29.99....act now.... these monkeys are not food.... these monkeys might be too scary for younger children....it's a monkey bracelet...it's a monkey headband....can not be used as a necklace (it's a choking hazard).  Call now and get one of your very own! 

PROJECT 365- Day 133 - Call me!

PROJECT 365- Day 133 - Call me!

The Boy is comic relief.  I had a super,duper, head splitting, I can barely keep my eyes open head ache today.  The Boy kept asking me if my head felt any better.  He suggested that I use an ice pack.  He sat with me and cuddled a bit.  When I was saying goodnight, he took my face in his hands, kissed me on both cheeks, and then put his hand to his ear (like a phone) and said "call me!".  Headache or no headache....that made me laugh!!!  Always the showman, he reenacted for me to get a picture..... Muwah, Muwah, Call me! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 132 - Watching the clock.....

PROJECT 365- Day 132 - Watching the clock.....

It was just one of those days.... everyone seemed tired, short tempered, grouchy, and done!  Me included.  I was watching the clock and counting down the minutes until bedtime.  When it arrived and all three kids were in bed at 8:09, I wasn't going to be very far behind. 

PROJECT 365- Day 131 - Buds!!

PROJECT 365 - Day 131 - Buds!!

The Bear has been waiting for a day that he could get together with his friend and today was the day!  They played outside and even got some time to play Lego Batman.  These buds had a great time!!

PROJECT 365- Day 130 - It takes a village

PROJECT 365- Day 130 - It takes a village

After school today, The Boy went outside to play.  The Bear went downstairs to do his own thing and The Princess was still doing homework.  There was no whining about wanting someone else to go out with him.  He just went outside to play.  I was preoccupied with second grade math homework when the phone rang.  It was my neighbor and I immediately looked out the window to be sure that The Boy was ok since I was admittedly not really watching what he was up to.  But he was fine... in fact my neighbor had called to tell me that if I didn't have a picture of the day yet, then I should get my camera.  The Boy was playing a full soccer game all by himself, including cheering for himself.  He was taking corner shots and throw ins and going for goals and pumping his fists when he made the shot.   I love that the kids play together, but I love when they find something to do on their own too.  Eventually The Bear went outside too and they played together and had fun.  But this moment (that I might have missed if I didn't get a heads up phone call..:-)) was a special one....he is growing up - That seems to be the theme this week with my baby turning 6 (a "two hands birthday" to steal from a friend whose son also just turned 6).  He is growing up and can go outside by himself and find something to do and have fun.  
That all being said, I think it's cool that Project 365 has now reached beyond the members of this household. I have mentioned before how both the kids and My Wonderful Husband make suggestions for pictures.  Now, with suggestions coming from friends/neighbors I realize that the adage that says "It takes a village" can also apply to Project 365. :-) So thanks to my fellow "villager" I got a really cool pic and didn't miss this moment. 
 

PROJECT 365 - Day 129 - From my view....

PROJECT 365 - Day 129 - From my view.....

This is my view at the dinner table.  I remember when there were high chairs and booster seats.  I remember eating with one hand and feeding a baby with another.  I remember food on the floor and high chair trays covered in a mess.  I remember excited babies learning to feed themselves and getting more in their hair than in their mouth.  I remember bottles being traded for cups......  From my view at this table, I have seen my babies grow into these three cool kids at the table tonight.  Now there is dinner conversation instead of crying hungry babies waiting to be fed.  They talk about their day and even ask about ours..... From my view at this table, I am happy.

PROJECT 365 - Day 128 - Mother's Day Baby

PROJECT 365 - Day 128 - Mother's Day Baby

My Mother's Day baby is really not a baby anymore.....  Today he turned 6 years old.  I'm not sure where the time is going.  It seems like just yesterday, on that Mother's Day 6 years ago, The Boy made his entrance into the world and completed our family.  Happy Birthday to my spunky, funny, dramatic, silly, smart, and lovable 6 year old boy! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 127 - The Inhabitant of the Third Room

PROJECT 365- Day 127 -  The Inhabitant of the Third Room

Tonight, as I said goodnight to the kids and walked out of the third room, I was struck by a thought.  Six years ago, we said goodnight to two kids...  It was the day before Mother's day just like today and My Wonderful Husband had been at graduation just like today.  I was a million months pregnant.  (I had had my twins at 34 weeks....when the realization hit in my second pregnancy that I had an additional 6 weeks to go I was somewhat bummed...)  It had been a long day 6 years ago.  As I said I was a million months pregnant and had 2 year old twins and My Wonderful Husband had been gone all day at graduation.  I remember talking to a friend that day and whining about how awful I felt.  She jokingly said that she hoped I didn't go into labor while my husband was gone.  To be honest, I was worried about that already.  So I trudged through the day, not the picture of a pleasant pregnant lady but a somewhat grouchy tired pregnant lady.  When My Wonderful Husband came home, I was exhausted.  I am sure that we had dinner, gave the kids baths and all of that typical stuff  before kissing them goodnight and tucking them into bed but that is mostly a blur 6 years later.  What I do remember is waking up at midnight when my water broke.  Well at least he waited for his Daddy to be home.  This was going to be an interesting Mother's Day..... So 6 years ago tonight was the last time that we tucked two children into bed and kissed two children goodnight.  On Mother's Day May 8, 2005, the inhabitant of the third room arrived and we have been kissing three children goodnight ever since.....

PROJECT 365- Day 126 - Captain Underpants has arrived!

PROJECT 365 - Day 126 - Captain Underpants has arrived!

We had a visitor this morning.... my brother in law, Uncle Jim, stopped by for coffee and breakfast on his way to pick up our nephew from college.  Uncle Jim came bearing all of the goodies that my sister in law, Aunt Susie, sent for the kids....tons of clothes and a treasure trove of books!  (Thanks Aunt Susie!)  The kids were so excited when they saw the piles of books...they picked their favs and started reading tonight.  The Bear was BESIDE himself excited that Aunt Susie sent copies of Captain Underpants.  Seriously, she has hero status at this point.  When The Bear realized that there were drawing instructions in the book as well - he was even more excited and set to work.  In the coming days, I am sure we will all be learning everything there is to know about Captain Underpants.......  ;-)

PROJECT 365- Day 125 - Kickin' it old school

PROJECT 365 - Day 125 - Kickin' it old school

In a continued effort to introduce the kids to music from his youth, My Wonderful Husband played them Rappers Delight by the Sugarhill Gang.... You know I said the hip hop the hippie the hippie to the hip hip hop you don't stop the rock it to the bang bang boogie say up jumped the boogie to the rhythm of the boogie, the beat.  Needless to say, The Bear and The Boy LOVED it (The Princess is not as much of a fan..) When he played it tonight there was even some break dancing involved...sort of.... That might have to be a lesson for another day.  The boys had a blast kickin' it old school with their completely silly Daddy. 

PROJECT 365- Day 124 - Love That Smile!!!!

PROJECT 365- Day 124 - Love That Smile!!!!

It's back - that smile that I love!  The Princess had her teeth fixed today.  She did an awesome job - she was brave and didn't bat an eye.  She asked the dentist questions about what they were going to do.  While the dentist worked on her teeth, she listened to her iPod and held her doll, Bonjour. (which ironically her Daddy brought home from Montreal on the day of her accident)  It was over in no time and her teeth are as good as new!  She has been smiling ever since.... Love That Smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PROJECT 365- Day 123 - Two of a kind

PROJECT 365- Day 123 - Two of a Kind

These two are cut from the same mold.  Whether it is soccer, surfing, skateboarding, watching sports or just being silly and hanging out together - they are two of a kind.  So when The Bear decided to skateboard today after school, My Wonderful Husband couldn't pass up the opportunity to do the same.  He even swapped boards with The Bear and let him ride his long board.  They skated and laughed and had fun together. 

PROJECT 365- Day 122 - Kindergarten Celebrity

PROJECT 365 - Day 122 - Kindergarten Celebrity

Tonight was the Kindergarten/Third grade concert at our elementary school.  The Boy has been singing and humming his songs for months and was thrilled to be singing in front of an audience tonight.  Last week at dinner he asked "Will you all be going to support me?".  Not kidding - those were his words.  His brother and sister and Daddy left soccer practice early to make sure they got there in time so that we could all show our support and see our kindergarten celebrity belt out the tunes on stage!

PROJECT 365- Day 121 - Everything is green again...

PROJECT 365- Day 121 - Everything is green again...

It was a rainy, overcast day....  Not the best way to kick off the month of May.  But when I looked out in the backyard, I saw green.  Now, I know it has been green for a while now.  But for some reason today it really looked green.  The grass, the trees, the bushes....it just made me happy.  So even though it was rainy and not as warm as I would have liked, everything is green again and the world just looks prettier that way! :-)