P365 - 2012 - Day 31 - Spring in Winter!

P365 - 2012 - Day 31 - Spring in Winter!

Last year at this time, I was incessantly complaining about the cold weather and the constant sickness in the house.  So I feel like I need to spend some time talking about what a mild winter we are having this year and how thankful I am that our house has remained remarkably healthy. (knock on wood!)  Today was not only a mild winter day - it was practically a spring day!  It was a gorgeous 60 degrees and sunny and when the kids came home they were able to go outside and play without jackets!  I realize that there is always the chance that Mother Nature will have a change of heart and send some real winter weather our way, but in the mean time we are enjoying Spring in Winter!  Thank you Mother Nature!!! 

P365 - 2012 - Day 30 - Numero Uno!

P365 -2012 - Day 30 - Numero Uno


I played Uno with the boys tonight after dinner and it seems that my secret competitiveness is out of the bag.....  I can not help it.  I play to win.  And sometimes I am a "sore winner" - it's a life lesson for my children. ;-)  I am numero uno!

P365 - 2012 - Day 29 - It's a Party!

P365 - 2012 - Day 29 - It's a Party

We had a movie party today for The Bear and The Princess' 9th birthday - complete with tons of popcorn, candy, drinks, and even "popcorn" cupcakes. 

P365 - 2012 - Day 28 - A Sneaky Peaky....

P365 - 2012 - Day 28 - A Sneaky Peaky....

In a unintentional effort to allow birthdays to last an entire month, we will be having The Bear and The Princess' 9th birthday party tomorrow.   We went back and forth about whether to have a party, what kind of party, one or two parties... yada yada yada.  We did this until this past Tuesday - yes.  This past Tuesday.  Four days ago.  On Tuesday the kids finally decided that they wanted a party and I finally started planning.  We decided on a movie theme birthday and  I sent out panicked emails to the parents of the children they wanted to invite.  Thankfully, those parents excepted my apologetic pleas and said that their children would love to come.  Once I knew we had kids coming, I got around to the details.  If we are having a movie themed party, you need popcorn right?  So off I went to Target to hopefully find the really cool popcorn containers that I saw there ages ago.....  Thankfully, they still had them.  One piece of the puzzle done....  Next I needed a cool cake or cupcake for the party.  Because yes, I am just that crazy - or  - as my friend told me today when I asked her how I get myself into these things - I am an overachiever.  Fair enough....that might have been code for crazy, but I will take it.  :-)  I found the coolest recipe for "popcorn" cupcakes and decided to take on the challenge.  Well, let me just say that when I was cutting an "x" in each. individual. mini marshmallow to make them look like pieces of popcorn, I did question my sanity more than usual.  My Wonderful Husband even went so far as to confirm my suspicion that I am nuts.  But in the end, it was well worth the effort because the finished product turned out SO COOL!  Here is a sneaky peaky of my popcorn cupcakes for tomorrow's birthday party....

P365 - 2012 - Day 27 - Totally cute!

P365 - 2012 - Day 27 - Totally cute!

I took the kids for haircuts today after school.  The Princess had asked if she could get hair tinsel like we had in the summer and I had agreed because a) I can not resist sparkly things, b) it reminds me of summer and c) I figured that then I could get some without her being upset:-).  Then we saw these totally cute feathery extensions and the 9 year old and the ummm "not 9 year old" decided that these were a must have!  The Princess picked out the blue - I go for my hair on Thursday so I have until then to decide between pink or purple because I am totally getting one of these too! ;-) 

P365 - 2012 - Day 26 - Makes my heart happy....

P365 - 2012 - Day 26 - Makes my heart happy.....

When I walked upstairs and saw this trio playing together and laughing, I grabbed my camera.  It truly makes my heart happy that they are not merely two brothers and a sister, but three friends. 

P365 - 2012 - Day 25 - A much bigger honor

P365 - 2012 - Day 25 - A much bigger honor

You can keep your Emmy's, Tony's, and Academy Awards, thank you very much.  I consider this a much bigger honor. 

P365 - 2012 - Day 24 - New library book

P365 - 2012 - Day 24 - New library book

After his shower  tonight, The Boy hurried back downstairs to grab some dessert and get back to his new library book.

P365 - 2012 - Day 23 - Do not enter - working on Legos

P365 - 2012 - Day 23 - Do Not Enter - working on Legos

The kids ended up with a snow day today due to icy roads.  What better time to work on legos?  When I walked past The Bear's door, this note was on the floor - it said "Do Not Enter - Working on Legos.  If it is an emergency please let me know."  He cracks me up sometimes....  Luckily there were no emergencies and he was able to finish this very cool Lego set.  It's Hagrid's hut from Harry Potter.  :-)

P365 - 2012 - Day 22 - Snow Princess

P365 - 2012 - Day 22 - Snow Princess

When this snow princess was tired of playing outside, she came in for some hot chocolate before building herself a castle in the playroom.  :-)

P365 - 2012 - Day 21 - Snow

P365 - 2012 - Day 21 - Snow

Aside from a freak Halloween snow storm, today was the first measurable snow that the kids could play in.  They were chomping at the bit to get outside this morning and spent the better part of the day out there.  I, on the other hand, kept an eye out from inside my warm, dry house where I spent my quiet snow day with my nose in a book. 

P365 - 2012 - Day 20 - Friday nights

P365 - 2012 - Day 20 - Friday nights

Last week, was a glimpse into Friday afternoons - here is a peak at Friday nights.  Comfy chairs and snuggles, The Disney channel on TV, and everyone hanging out together in the family room.   I love Friday nights.

P365 - 2012 - Day 19 - Put their heads together

P365 - 2012 - Day 19 - Put their heads together

The Bear got a new lego set for his birthday and was so excited to get started on it today.  The Princess and The Boy decided to help him out, so they put their heads together to get it started tonight.  

P365 - 2012 - Day 18 - Happy 9th Birthday!

P365 - 2012 - Day 18 - Happy 9th Birthday!

Nine years ago, two quite little, but very feisty people entered our lives.  They caught us a bit by surprise by arriving six weeks early and have continued to amaze us every day since.  The Bear is smart, funny, enthusiastic, artistic, determined, silly, caring, friendly, and handsome.  He is a great brother and son and a joy to be around.  The Princess is smart, beautiful, artistic, caring, motivated, friendly, creative, and sweet.  She is a great sister and daughter and also a joy to be around.  I can not believe that we are entering the last single digit year.  Happy 9th Birthday my beautiful twin babies!  We love you!!!!

P365 - 2012 - Day 17 - A two hour delay

P365 - 2012 - Day 17 - A two hour delay

A two hour delay gave the kids some extra time this morning to play games.  The Princess made some beautiful designs on the Lite Bright and The Bear and The Boy played Connect 4!.  A two hour delay gave me some time to rest my injured hip before the marathon cupcake and rice krispie treat making that lay ahead later in the day. There's a double birthday coming up tomorrow..... :-)

P365 - 2012 - Day 16 - Ugh!

P365 - 2012 - Day 16 - Ugh!

Icy Hot, Motrin, a heating pad, an ice pack.....ugh!!!!  I wish I knew what I did.  Please let this feel better tomorrow!  

P365 - 2012 -Day 15 - The Maiden Voyage

P365 - 2012 - Day 15 - The Maiden Voyage 

Zoom Zoom made it's maiden voyage to NJ today.  We headed up to the beach to begin the birthday week celebrations.  We went out to dinner with Poppy to celebrate The Bear and The Princess' 9th birthday that is coming up this Wednesday.  (Our furry cast away was a very good girl in the back for the ride - we will miss her on the trip back home tomorrow and we will certainly miss her staying with us - but Poppy is feeling better and she has gone back to her home with him.)  It was a lovely drive,  a nice day and a great way to begin the birthday week!

P365 - 2012 - Day 14 - Well Rounded ;-)

P365 - 2012 - Day 14 -Well Rounded ;-)

Soccer super stars by day.  DS wizards by night.  That's well rounded right? ;-)

P365 - 2012 - Day 13 - Friday Afternoons!

P365 - 2012 - Day 13 - Friday Afternoons!

I love Friday afternoons.  There is no homework, I don't need to make lunches for the next day, and we can just relax and unwind after the week.  The kids love it too - they don't have to rush around getting things done because it's a school night, they can play their video games (because I hold to no video games during the week), and they can just relax and unwind.  Today when they came home, the kids were happy to find their daddy home from surfing.  It was a bit blustery and cold to play outside and the boys had been waiting to resume their Play Station soccer tournament, so they all headed downstairs to play.  The Princess created "Fluffy World" in the playroom by laying every blanket she could find over the floor and tables - there were beanbag chairs and pillows and eventually an assortment of stuffed animals joined the party too.  I really do just love Friday afternoons. 

P365 - 2012 - Day 12 - The Most Important Meal of the Day

P365 - 2012 - Day 12 - The Most Important Meal of the Day

After having quite a bit for breakfast already, The Bear asked if he could have a banana also.  Certainly not wanting to "starve" the child, but curious if he was indeed really still hungry, I asked, "Are you sure you haven't had enough?  I don't want you to go to school with a stomach ache."  He thought about it and said, "I need to fill up.  Lunch isn't until 1 o'clock and You know, Mom, breakfast is the most important meal of the day."  Touche' - Beat me with my own words. 

P365 - 2012 - Day 11 - Beyond this door....

 P365 - 2012 - Day 11 - Beyond this door....


Beyond this door is the playroom.  At any given time while the kids are home the sounds coming from down there could be laughing or yelling, playing nicely together or arguing, cheering at their video games or playing pretend.  You can hear shouts or whispers, giggles or tears, negotiations or disagreements.  There are moments when I think a sound proof door would have been a wise option....what happens in the playroom, stays in the playroom.....  But those sounds that come drifting up the stairs are the sounds of their childhood - no matter how loud those sounds get, I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world... but I am glad that there is a door;-)  

P365 - 2012 - Day 10 - Mugs

P365 - 2012 - Day 10 - Mugs

I don't know which they like more - the hot chocolate or getting to pick from Mommy and Daddy's extensive mug collection.  Their willingness to "mug" with their empty mugs does lead me to a conclusion.... But hot chocolate and cookies do make a yummy dessert:-).

P365 - 2012 - Day 9 - The Phone

P365 - 2012 - Day 9  - The Phone

Lately, when the phone in the house rings, it is more likely to be for The Princess than it is for me.  (Ahh....the passing of the torch...)  So today when the phone rang and it was for The Princess, she headed up to her room to talk to her friend.  When I passed her room a few minutes later, I had a flashback to myself sitting on that same bed talking on the phone (except my phone had a cord and probably a rotary dial).  Then, I stopped and thought about how big she is getting, chatting with friends on the phone -  My goodness - we are a bit more than a week until she and her twin brother turn 9 and we seem to be hurtling forward at a rapid pace!!!   Then tonight, I remembered this picture from 2005 - The Princess was talking with her GiGi on the phone - and I suddenly came to a realization.... she has been in training for years!! 

P365 - 2012 - Day 8 - Win or Lose

P365 - 2012 - Day 8 - Win or Lose

I think I have mentioned before that I generally don't care much about sports, unless my kids are playing. (then all bets are off ;-))  But these two guys (and their Daddy) do love sports and they love their teams.  I know enough from living with them that today was a big day for football. (soccer too  - Manchester United won)  It was a big game for the Steelers and by the sounds of the cheering, shouting, and grunting that was coming from the family room, I figure it was an exciting game, even if their team didn't win.  Win or lose, they wore their jerseys with pride today, cheered for their team, and took the loss graciously. 

P365 - 2012 - Day 7 - Indoor Shut Outs!

P365 - 2012 - Day 7 - Indoor Shut Outs!

Today was the first day of indoor soccer for The Boy, The Bear, and The Princess.  Both of their teams did an outstanding job - they worked together, made beautiful passes, controlled the ball, scored... a lot and shut out both teams they played!  (sorry there is that competitiveness rearing it's head again... ;-))  So proud of  my three awesome soccer players,  their teammates, and their fantastic coach (who I happen to be married to). :-)

P365 - 2012 - Day 6 - A Secret

 P365 - 2012 - Day 6 - A Secret

Dear Children,

I have a secret to tell you.  When you go to bed, Daddy reclaims the Play Station.  

Love,
Mommy xo

P365 - 2012 - Day 5 - Reading

P365 - 2012 - Day 5 - Reading

We are reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone together.  Tonight My Wonderful Husband read and I got to sit with the kids and just listen.  I love this book, and the whole series for that matter, and I am thrilled to be sharing it with our children. 

P365 - 2012 - Day 4 - Zoom Zoom

P365 - 2012 - Day 4 - Zoom Zoom

Even though we had the van for 9 years - we bought it when I was VERY pregnant with The Bear and The Princess..... Even though I can be very sentimental about these type of things... I never really loved that van and I am SO EXCITED to have a new car!!!  The kids and I have named it "Zoom Zoom". ;-)

P365 - 2012 - Day 3 - Endings, Beginnings, and Firsts

P365 - 2012 - Day 3 - Endings, Beginnings, and Firsts

So, today was a day that began with an ending.  As I mentioned several days ago, The Puppy was not well and last night she really took a turn for the worse.  Unfortunately, this morning we had to say goodbye to a faithful companion who has been by our sides since the beginning of our life together.  Even though we knew this was coming, we were all heart broken.  As The Boy put it tonight, " I just thought again that she is gone and it just makes me so sad." 
The day progressed as days do, in spite of the fact that it began on such an awful note.  My Wonderful Husband and I have been in discussions with the Mazda dealer about our new car and today was unfortunately the last day of the dealer incentives and we had to make a decision or lose the car.  So that brings me to the beginnings part of the day - a new car - although it required another ending - saying goodbye to another part of our lives - it was a happy new beginning on a day that began with a sad ending.  That brings me at last to the first - On a day chock full of emotional goodbyes and bitter sweet new arrivals - The Boy got in to the car at pick up this afternoon and flashed us this toothless grin.  He lost his first tooth at school today!!!!  He was over the moon excited! - "I am a toothless wonder!" he said.  I am thankful for the beginnings and firsts from today that softened the blow of the ending.  

*Sandy Shores*

August 24, 1997 - January 3, 2012

We love you Good Girl!

P365 - 2012 - Day 2 - Tacos!

P365 - 2012 - Day 2 - Tacos!

The kids have been begging for tacos for quite a while now.  I am not a big fan of tacos so it's not something that I usually make.  But I have a funny feeling that we will need to work this in to our menu once in a while....the kids loved them! 

P365 - 2012 - Day 1 - Welcome 2012!

P365 - 2012 - Day 1 -  Welcome 2012!

We spent the day beginning the "undecorating" process - taking down the tree and outside lights. The kids played and then got in jammies well before dinner - completely on their own - although they won't admit it, they were exhausted after their attempts to stay up last night.  But even if they were in jammies - we had dinner in the dining room to start a new year.  Welcome 2012!