PROJECT 365 - Day 181 - See you on LBI!

PROJECT 365 - Day 181 - See you on LBI!

When My Wonderful Husband and I were in college, we were resident assistants.  Our friend here was our boss.  He actually hired my husband and takes a small amount of the credit for getting us together ;-)  He lived on campus with our other friend, his wife and we all became friends and have stayed friends for the 16 years since my husband and I graduated college.  After graduating from college, my parents got the house on LBI and we discovered that our friends also vacationed here and so we started getting together when they were here.  In the past 16 years, we have met for beach days, ice cream, coffee, dinner, or just hanging out.  We have been expectant mothers and waiting to be mothers.  We have had infants, toddlers, and little ones.  We have gotten together with the kids or when they were sleeping and staying with grandparents.  I think it is safe to say that a lot has happened in the past 16 years.  Between the four of us we now have 5 children who are almost 15, 12, 8, and 6.  Today the guys went golfing and the girls and kids had dinner.  We all met up for dessert and had a great time.  I wish we could see them more often - they are great people and wonderful friends.  But I am happy to say "See you on LBI!"

PROJECT 365 - Day 180 - My Surfer

PROJECT 365 - Day 180 - My Surfer

My Wonderful Husband has been surfing since his college days at UCF.  He took a brief hiatus after the kids were born when it was just too hard to get out there after nights up with twins and days spent entertaining munchkins on the beach.  He has been back to surfing again for several years and as some of you know, he even surfs in the winter at the Jersey shore.  So in all of that time....17 years together, 14 years married, and the past several years back to surfing again, I have never gotten a picture of him actually surfing!  That is due in part to the fact that he wakes at the crack of dawn to surf before any of us are awake so he can be back when we are all awake.  It is also due in part to the fact that with three small children on the beach it has not always been easy for him to escape and go surf while we are on the beach.  But, we have come a long way....  The kids are getting bigger and no longer need our constant entertainment (a fact that is still amazing to me).  So today he went back to the house, grabbed his board, and headed out to surf.  Finally a photo op!!!  So there he is - my surfer!! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 179 - Pretty cool!

PROJECT 365- Day 179 - Pretty cool!
The kids thought that the new beach mats that Poppy got for them were pretty cool.  Especially slung over there shoulders for our walk to the beach.

 

PROJECT 365 - Day 178 - You have got to be kidding me!

PROJECT 365 - Day 178 - You have got to be kidding me!

After I got home from the hospital last night, my stomach started hurting.  I chalked it up to not eating well the past few days in and out of the hospital and being nervous and worried for my dad.  I was not able to sleep all night because my stomach hurt so much and for a while there My Wonderful Husband thought I was going to be joining my dad in the hospital.  By this morning, I felt awful and we thought it might have been food poisoning from something I ate when I got home last night.  I was so upset because as the day progressed and I realized that I couldn't even get up off of the couch, I knew I wasn't going to be able to go to the hospital and pick up my dad when he was released today.  Even though I knew that My Wonderful Husband could get him and everything would be ok, it was making me feel even worse.  As, I sit here now, drinking my Gatorade and quickly trying to do this blog before trying to get some sleep tonight, I can't help but think You have got to be kidding me!!!! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 177 - Pink Laptop

PROJECT 365 - Day 177 - Pink Laptop

While I was getting ready to head back to the hospital, My Wonderful Husband was teaching a surf lesson and the kids were waiting for him to get back and take them to the beach.  In the meantime, the boys got some extra Wii time and The Princess got some time on Mommy's computer.  She was so happy to get to play Bazinga on my pink laptop. 

PROJECT 365 - Day 176 - Saturday morning cartoons in bed

PROJECT 365  - Day 176 - Saturday morning cartoons in bed

This was the scene this morning.  I was up early, showering and getting ready to head back to the hospital.  After the kids had breakfast and before I had a chance to put the pull out bed back together, they made themselves comfy for some Saturday morning cartoons.  It made me think of that Bruno Mars song....  Today I don't feel like doing anything, I just wanna lay in my bed! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 175 - Back in the hospital

PROJECT 365 - Day 175 - Back in the hospital

My dad is back in the hospital.  I'm glad that we are here and it was easy for me to grab my keys and go.....  Now to figure out what is going on and get him better.....

PROJECT 365 - Day 174 - Best Friends!

PROJECT 365 - Day 174 - Best Friends!

They may argue.  They may disagree.  There might be some bossing and even a bit of name calling if we are being honest here.....  But these kids love each other - unconditionally.  They have each others' backs.  They have fun together and they really are best friends.  I hope they always are.  

PROJECT 365 - Day 173 - Red Flag!

PROJECT 365 - Day 173 - Red Flag!

After some bike riding this afternoon, we were on our way up to the beach for some late afternoon swimming.  On the way, someone told us that the lifeguards closed the beach for thunder and lightening.  It looked like clear skies to us and we figured we would check it out anyway.  When we got past the dunes we saw the red flag, the empty beach, and the storm rolling in from the north.  :-(  Bummer!  Beach closed - no swimming today!

PROJECT 365 - Day 172 - Reading

PROJECT 365 - Day 172 -  Reading

When I came home from my run this morning, I found My Wonderful Husband sitting outside doing some work and The Bear and The Princess reading.  :-)

PROJECT 365 - Day 171 - Out from behind the camera

PROJECT 365 - Day 171 - Out from behind the camera

My Wonderful Husband took the kids up to the beach for an afternoon swim while I stayed behind to make dinner and do laundry.  I took advantage of my alone time and also did a little reading and decided that a self portrait was in order since I, somehow, rarely make it into Project 365.  So here I am - out from behind the camera today. ;-)  Don't get used to it.... haha

PROJECT 365 - Day 170 - Happy Father's Day!

PROJECT 365 - Day 170 - Happy Father's Day!

 Happy Father's Day to my Daddy and my kids' Daddy!  I am very lucky to have you both!

PROJECT 365 - Day 169 - Sit and Relax

PROJECT 365 - Day 169 - Sit and Relax

The deck is stained, shutters are painted, chairs are painted and all that is left to do is sit and relax..... (until the next project I guess ;-))

PROJECT 365 - Day 168 - The Best Game Ever!

PROJECT 365 - Day 168 - The Best Game Ever!

After dinner tonight the kids pulled out Rummikub.  They were about to play on their own when a certain 6 year old, who will remain nameless, started crying.  Now my usual response to that would be something along the lines of knock it off....you can't cry every time you play a game.....  But then he said (albeit with a whine in his voice) "This game is confusing me!"  I was so happy that he didn't just get mad but expressed what was making him mad, so I told him that I would help him out.  So I was the Rummikub coach for whoever needed help.  I tried to impart all of my Rummikub wisdom teaching them strategy....  We ended up playing several rounds and The Boy ended up declaring it the best game he ever played by the time we were done! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 167 - Boards

PROJECT 365 - Day 167 - Boards

We spent the afternoon at the beach today.  The kids went boogie boarding with a new friend and The Bear had his second surf lesson of the summer with his Daddy.  He did awesome!  I love watching them play on the beach and in the ocean.  I love that they love the beach as much as me and their Daddy.

PROJECT 365 - Day 166 - Toes in the sand

PROJECT 365 - Day 166 - Toes in the sand

As I sat today with my toes in the sand, watching the water and the children, I thought about this poem that we have hanging in the beach house and how very true it is. 


If Once You Have Slept on an Island

If once you have slept on an island
You'll never be quite the same,
You may look as you looked the day before
And go by the same old name.

You may hustle about in street and shop;
You may sit at home and sew.
But you'll see blue water and wheeling gulls
Wherever your feet may go.

You may chat with your neighbors of this and that
And close to your fire keep
But you'll hear ship's whistle & lighthouse bell
And tides beat through your sleep.

O you won't know why & you can't say how
Such changes upon you came
But once you have slept on an island
You'll never be quite the same.

- R. Field

PROJECT 365 - Day 165 - A Family Run

PROJECT 365 - Day 165 - A Family Run

As I was getting ready for a run this morning, The Princess asked if she could go along with me. I told her she could which then prompted The Boy to ask if he could go too.  So I decided to ask The Bear if he wanted to go along as well.  In the end, we all went on a family run!  Our neighbors jokingly said..."The family that runs together, stays together...." :-)  The kids ran a mile of my run with me and then headed back with Daddy while I finished up.  I enjoyed the company and love that they are interested in running!  

PROJECT 365 - Day 164 - Summer, Here We Come!

Project 365 - Day 164 - Summer, Here We Come!


Two packed cars. Three excited kids.  Two happy parents.  One doggie who still hasn't gotten the hang of traveling after 14 years....but I digress.  We are ready....off we go!  Summer, here we come!!!

PROJECT 365 - Day 163 - Acting out

PROJECT 365 - Day 163 - Acting Out

We recently got the kids Wii (finally) and the other day we got them a Mario and Luigi game.  So, in true Bear, Princess, and Boy style....they turned off the game this morning and "dressed up" as the characters (Mario, Luigi, and Peach) and acted out the games.... I love that about them - I love their imagination - I love that they invent games and amuse themselves (especially since I was cleaning and packing all day).  I love that they turn off video games to play together and be silly.

PROJECT 365 - Day 162 - Summer Bling!

PROJECT 365 - Day 162 - Summer Bling!

Today was the first day of summer vacation and we went all out!!!  The girls celebrated the start of summer with a "bling party" - we all got some sparkly tinsel in our hair!  One can never go wrong with sparkles!!!!  Add to that margaritas, some munchies, and a bunch of girls and you have a party!!!  The perfect way to start summer.  The boys escaped during the sparkle fest and went miniature golfing with Daddy and friends.  We ended the day with a family game night.  I love summer!
 

PROJECT 365 - Day 161 - These feet are ready for summer...

PROJECT 365 - Day 161 - These feet are ready for summer.....

Today was the last day of school!!!  To celebrate, The Princess and I went and got manicures and pedicures and The Bear and The Boy went with Daddy to get a new Wii game and some new sneakers. They made their Daddy very happy and picked out Vans (just like his).  So with pretty painted toes and cool Vans.....these feet are ready for summer!!!

PROJECT 365 - Day 160 - The Last School Night

PROJECT 365 - Day 160 - The Last School Night

Today was field day - it was hot, but fun.  The Boy was so excited because it was his first field day.  The fun continued playing after school with our neighbors and friends.  We ended the day with long relaxing baths for the kids, dinner, and dessert.  Then I realized it....tonight was THE LAST SCHOOL NIGHT OF THE YEAR!!!!!!  So off to bed they went after the last night of packing lunches and picking out clothes.  Yeah for summer!  Yeah for lazy days and later bedtimes!  Yeah for the end of the school year! Yeah for a great year in kindergarten and second grade! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 159 - A Surpirse for a Wonderful Teacher

PROJECT 365 - Day 159 - A Surprise for a Wonderful Teacher

The Boy had the same kindergarten teacher this year that The Princess had two years ago.  It turned out that she will be retiring at the end of this year.  I am so happy that we were able to have her as a teacher.  Not only is she a great teacher, she is a wonderful person.  As a class we planned a surprise party for her today.  I think she was truly surprised and I like to think it will be a moment she will remember and take with her.  We gave her a book that I put together of advice from the children for what to do when she is retired.  Another mom made a beautiful quilt with pictures the children drew to represent their favorite Kindergarten memories.  We also gave her a spa gift card.  Another mom made her an awesome cake that looked like a desk!  It was wonderful to see so many parents from the class contribute their ideas, time, and creativity to make this party a success.   
 This is the poem that was at the beginning of the book of advice from the children.  I think it says it all. :-)
With a special gift for teaching
And with a heart that deeply cares,
You add a lot of love
To everything you share,
And even though you mean a lot,
You'll never know how much,
For you helped to change the world
Through every life you touched. 
You sparked the creativity
In the students whom you taught,
And helped them strive for goals
That never could be bought.
You are such a special teacher
That no words can truly tell
How very much you're valued
For the work you did so well.
These gifts come with a great big thank you
that is from us one and all.
You've made Kindergarten special
Your contribution was not small.
Although we will miss you
we know you deserve a rest.
Have a happy and healthy retirement.
We wish you all the best!

PROJECT 365 - Day 158 - Concert

PROJECT 365 - Day 158 - Concert

Tonight was The Bear and The Princess' 2nd grade concert at school.  They sang - The Bear played the drum - The Princess played the maracas.  They rocked that auditorium! On a side note - somehow, although they got dressed separately and with no help or guidance from me they ended up matching.  :-)  I'm not gonna lie - I LOVE that!  My twins sort of looked like twins! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 157 - Celebration!

PROJECT 365 - Day 157 -Celebration!

Tonight we had the two soccer teams, that My Wonderful Husband coaches, over for an "end of season ice cream party celebration".  Scotland United and Scotland Cosmos each had a great spring season!! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 156 - She jumped!

PROJECT 365 - Day 156 - She jumped!

We had a fun afternoon BBQ at our friends' house.  The parents got to hang and chat.  The kids all went swimming together and had tons of fun.  My 6 year old dare devil, succeeded in making me cringe on numerous occasions....I tried to start averting my eyes....  When he discovered the added fun of jumping off of a diving board, he was thrilled!  "This is what I like" I believe were his words.  My friend thought he was going to say "This is what I'm talking about!"....close enough. :-)  So The Boy did not hesitate to climb up on the diving board and jump off.  As I told my friend, I am pretty sure that if she had told him that at their house it was the custom to jump off of the roof into the pool, he would have been game.  I know, I think I am in trouble....  The Bear also loved the diving board and was performing tricks by the end of the day - jumping off and catching a ball at the same time.  But this was not the case with The Princess.  She "looks before she leaps" so to speak....  She deliberates.  She contemplates.  She gets on the diving board and gets off.  A few times.  She wanted to do it, but was understandably nervous about taking the plunge for the first time.  We cheered her on but she needed to get there on her own.  Finally, my friend suggested that it be the picture of the day and that seemed to motivate The Princess to overcome her fear....for the good of Project 365! haha :-) So I grabbed my camera and she jumped!  Just in time too - because The Boy was tired of waiting for his turn!

PROJECT 365 - Day 155 - Frozen Treats

PROJECT 365 - Day 155 - Frozen Treats

After a morning spent at the park playing the last soccer games of the season, the kids were a bit wiped out.  We spent the rest of the day at home chillin' and playing. I shared a favorite treat of mine with the kids - frozen Capri Suns!  Yum!! 

PROJECT 365 - Day 154 - Yard Sale Goodies....

PROJECT 365 - Day 154 - Yard Sale Goodies...

Today was our annual community yard sale.  Now, officially, the purpose of organizing the yard sale is to get rid of things we are no longer using, make room for new things, and make a little money.  The unofficial purpose of organizing the yard sale is to find some goodies!!!!  This year's haul takes the cake - a bike for The Princess, two shelves for me, a pretty little Christmas tree (b/c one can never have too many Christmas decorations....), a cool new game for family game night, some doll clothes that are not pictured, (not to mention some clothes that our neighbor gave to The Princess and a cool soccer jersey our other neighbor gave to The Bear, and yes, that is a Wii!!!!!  We pretty much broke even this year, but it was totally worth it!  We found some awesome yard sale goodies. :-)

PROJECT 365 - Day 153 - Kickball

PROJECT 365 - Day 153 - Kickball

The kids went outside after dinner to play kickball or their version of kickball.....  In a stellar move, The Boy avoids an out by slipping past his brother and running for home.  The Princess was safe on second and clearly worried about The Boy making it home. The Boy, on the other hand, was as cool as a cucumber....  The Bear attempted a "Hail Mary" type throw to get The Boy out, but just missed him.  It was some riveting kickball......

PROJECT 365- Day 152 - Buzzing....

PROJECT 365- Day 152  - Buzzing.....

The Bear earned this big stuffed bee from library today.  He was buzzing with excitement and pride!!  (couldn't resist...heeheehee...)