P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 305 - Bringing back the 70's and 80's
This year for Halloween, the kids were bringing back the 70's and 80's. The Bear was channeling an 80's rocker..part Slash, part every hair band you can think of - I could not be more proud. ;-) The Princess was channeling her inner hippie - and for my environmentally conscious girl, this was the perfect fit. The Boy was an homage to the Beastie Boys - combined with some Flava Flav and of course a little Run DMC - he and his adidas were most definitely illin' tonight. ;-)
As an aside, I thought that their Halloween choices could not have been more perfect with the current uniform arguments that have been waged around here lately... every generation has had their style choices, have used clothes to express themselves, and in many cases adults have disagreed with those choices. In my most humble opinion, I think that if kids want to show some personality through their clothes and hair they should be able to. Kids have been doing it for generations. Happy Halloween from the rocker, the hippie, and the rapper!
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 304 - A very sad day
It was a very sad day today as we watched the news on tv and online, waited to hear from family and friends, and followed the ongoing reports of the damage to New Jersey from Hurricane Sandy. We sat here feeling helpless and frustrated as we saw more and more devastation to many areas of NJ, but especially to the Jersey Shore and more specifically to LBI - which we truly consider home even if we don't live there all year. The Jersey Shore is more than a just a
vacation spot, a place to party, or a reality tv show. For those of us
who grew up in NJ, it is a place full of memories. For many, it is home.
My heart is broken to see the devastation to a place that I love and
consider more my home than anywhere I have ever lived.. But mostly my
heart breaks for friends and family that have lost so much in this awful
storm. We will be there to help in any way we can. My ♥ - as always - is in NJ.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 303 - When life hands you a hurricane...... you make jack o lanterns?
Last year, a freak snow storm blew through the area and we had to thaw our pumpkins before we were able to carve them. This year Hurricane Sandy has arrived and when life hands you a hurricane...... you make jack o lanterns? I guess so.
While a storm roared outside tonight, we carved pumpkins and watched on TV and online as a hurricane slammed into NJ leaving LBI and many of our friends and family under water, without power, and enduring ferocious winds. We continue to hold our breath and hope that Hurricane Sandy shows some mercy on all of us.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 302 - Here we go again
Here we go again. Another hurricane is headed straight for the Jersey shore. My Wonderful Husband managed to get to the island this time before the mandatory evacuations so he could get the house ready - as ready as one can be when a storm is headed straight for you. This time, we will also feel the effects here in PA and schools (and pretty much everything else) are already closed for tomorrow and Tuesday. I am trying very hard to not panic - I learned my lesson with Irene and I have tried to steer clear of The Weather Channel - but this model is hard to miss as it is everywhere you look. So here we sit, waiting for Hurricane Sandy - hopefully she will lose some strength and spare us all.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 301 - Star Player
Today
was The Boy's last soccer game of the fall season. He played an
awesome game - and as always I am so proud of my star player! Love him!
We
finished the season and the day with a party at the house with all
three teams. It was a fantastic season with some great kids. :-)
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 300 - I am a dog person
Here's the thing...I am a dog person. I have been trying to tell myself otherwise since we lost Sandy and then Molly... but I am a dog person and the house hasn't felt quite right without one. Now don't get me wrong, I am glad that I waited, because I just wasn't ready for another dog for quite some time. But I think I am ready now and this is where I spent many hours today..searching online for the perfect dog for our family. More than 15 years ago when My Wonderful Husband adopted Sandy, I said "I want a dog.", I looked in the paper, found an ad for puppies, drove to Wilmington, DE and bought Sandy. That was it. Today, I searched multiple internet sites, many of which listed dogs in places I haven't even heard of, sent out tons of emails, filled out countless online forms, and here I sit... Doesn't the universe know that when I make up my mind, I need things to start happening? I found the perfect dog tonight... I hope she is still available. I hope they get my application... I hope we have a new family member soon... :-)
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 299 - "I am so proud of myself!"
The Princess came running to tell me that she could finally do a back bend all by herself. "I am so proud of myself!" she said. Love that kid.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 298 - Pizza outside
It was a beautiful night and the kids had some free pizza coupons that they had earned from summer reading. So after My Wonderful Husband left to teach, the kids and I headed over for some pizza at an outside table. I could totally get used to summer weather all year.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 297 - time to pick a color
Thanks to a doctor that sent me for a sinus x-ray and all of the good medicine that followed a diagnosis of a double sinus infection, I am finally feeling better. I can not be clear enough about this. I am FINALLY feeling better...and I realize just how bad I have felt for the past 6 months! I was just getting so used to being in a constant state of stuffiness, that I forgot what it felt like to breathe clearly. I also didn't realize how much it was affecting me - I just haven't been completely myself - almost like I was walking around in a fog - a stuffy fog. But - ahhh - cue the dramatic music - I am feeling so much better and the proof was in the cleaning and organizing rampage that I embarked on starting last night clear through today. During said rampage, I came across the paint swatches for the playroom that I have had for many many months. I am certain that My Wonderful Husband is thankful that I am finally feeling better but he may not be as happy about this discovery. I never actually forgot that I wanted to paint the playroom, it was just one of those things that was lost in the stuffy fog. But, now that my head is clear, it is time to pick a color and get painting. (well....get supervising ;-))
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 296 - Some days you just need that
Yesterday was a fun day - but all that fun comes with a price. Especially when everyone in this house was pretty worn out before the fun filled day. The Princess had a headache and wasn't feeling too hot tonight and the boys and I were just plain old tired. It seemed that an early shower, jammie, movie night and early to bed was in order. So that is just what we did and for the first time in quite a while all three kids were in bed by 8:00. Some days you just need that.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 295 - The Sweetest Place on Earth
We spent a fun filled, roller coaster full day in the sweetest place on earth. The kids have been anxiously awaiting this trip knowing that they had all grown a good bit and were all tall enough for most if not all of the rides. The Bear, who as you can see from this picture is almost as tall as me now, was a "Jolly Rancher", The Princess was now a "Twizzler" and The Boy was finally a "Hershey bar". They were ready for today and we were all excited to meet our friends there and share the coaster fun with them. It was non stop rides today and as always a fun time with Stacey and Dale.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 294 - SUPER STARS!
Today was the last game of the fall season for The Bear and The Princess. (The Boy had a buy, so next week will be his last game.) They played a great game and had a great season and they really are SUPER STARS! Love them!
P365(+1) - 2012 - Day 293 -
These two second grade buddies had on "matching" shirts from their different family line up perspectives. As the youngest, The Boy has a built in scape goat in his big brother - but his buddy's shirt gave him a reminder of the flip side. Little brother or big brother, these are a cool pair and they were rocking some funny shirts today.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 292 - Magical Moments
The kids decided to complete a drawing for the Reflections program this year. Here are their masterpieces and the magical moments that they represent. Scoring a first goal, catching a first wave, and waking up on Christmas morning.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 291 - What am I not allergic to?
It
has been a long time coming - and to be honest I probably should have
gone a long time ago... but today I finally went to the asthma and
allergy doctor. Since my battle with bronchitis last March and April, I
have been struggling with congestion that will not go away and
breathing issues. I finally broke down and went to the doctor to see
what was going on and how we could make it stop. They tested me for
allergies - and if you have never had this done before, let me just say
that it is not fun. It itches. A lot and you can't scratch it. As I
sat there for the required 15 minutes, I watched as the little spots got
more and more swollen. Hmm...this doesn't look too good I thought.
When the doctor walked in he said to me "Oh..you are very allergic."
Awesome. So the question really is, what am I not allergic to? Not
much. Did I mention awesome? I have all new medicine to try and I will
be back to the doctor in a few weeks to see if the congestion and
breathing gets any better. Wish me luck!
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 290 - These three faces
Some days are just down right frustrating. Sometimes, it's like an uphill battle with no relief in sight. When I have those days, these three faces are what I remember. These three faces are the reason for everything that I do. Hopefully in the end, I can know that I did right by these three faces.
P365 (+1) - 20 12 - Day 289 - Have zebra, will study (guest blogger - The Princess)
(Today's guest blogger is The Princess.)
Today was a study day. I had to study for my social studies test. It wasn't easy but I did it, and did
well. Mommy would ask the definition and I would answer. Daddy and mommy would help me a little bit. If you're looking at my zebra print binder and asking how I did that, I didn't do it. Mommy did it with duct tape. I think she did a great job. I loved studying ( especially with my beautiful zebra print binder.)
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 288 -Our pumpkins
We started going to Reynold's Pumpkin Farm in 2006 when The Bear and The Princess were 3 years old and The Boy was just 1 year old. That first year, we missed the measuring stick but in all the years since, we have had the kids stand by that measuring stick for the annual pumpkin farm picture. They look forward to seeing their growth on that big pumpkin measuring stick each year. Today was no different when we made our annual trip to the pumpkin farm - we started with our favorite picture spot. Our pumpkins are growing so big.....
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 287 - Another hat trick
The Bear and The Princess' team played a hard fought game today but unfortunately lost. They played awesome, went after it, played with heart, and lost with grace. I believe that you always play to win - who the heck plays to lose? - but it's just as important to know how to lose and not let it rattle your game and your confidence as it is to know how to win. So that being said, while it's kind of new for United to suffer a loss, they all still rock and I am, as always, proud of my two" Leonard twins"!
The Boy's team won today - they played awesome as well. The Boy scored another hat trick, making it 4 straight games with hat tricks and a season total of 12 goals so far. He was pretty happy about that and we are all pretty proud of "the littlest Leonard".
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 286 - lunch with our 4th graders
My Wonderful Husband and I got to go in and have lunch with our 4th graders today. It was a nice way to end the week. :-)
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 285 - a thousand words
The Bear and The Princess scrimmaged another school's team tonight at practice. It was a good game and the kids all played really well. After the game, The Bear ran laps with his dad/coach and I tried to get a good picture of them...but the setting sun , their movement, and my little camera were not cooperating... But regardless of the quality of the picture, I used it because this is a picture and a moment that speaks a thousand words to me. I will try to sum it up in less than that however. After a full day of work, My Wonderful Husband coaches two practices on Thursday nights and gives them both his all. He does it because he enjoys soccer, he enjoys coaching, and he loves his kids. After the game, he gave the kids a choice to run. They run laps after every practice but they had just ran a hour long game with no subs and he gave them the option tonight. Everyone was exhausted - The Princess was limping from a kick to the leg - and he gave them the pass because they earned it. But The Bear said he wanted to run. Mostly because he was still a bit stoked from a good game and his near end of game winning goal but also, I think, because he likes that time with his Dad. No matter that My Wonderful Husband had just had two practices and ran with the kids in the scrimmage as a ref, he also ran those laps with The Bear. I wish this picture was clearer, but the image in my mind is crystal clear. He may be My Wonderful Husband but he is also one heck of a coach and an awesome Dad too. xo
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 284 - Second grade lunch date
My Wonderful Husband and I had a very special lunch date today... a second grade lunch date with The Boy. It's school lunch week and today we got to go in and eat lunch with The Boy. He was thrilled that we could both be there and we were happy to get to hang with him for a little while.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 283 - Boo-ed!
When the kids woke up this morning they found out that we had been Boo-ed. A secret "ghostie" left a basket of Halloween goodies on our doorstep. Time to pay the Boo forward. :-)
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 282 - Brothers
Moments after I took this picture, because the boys were having fun playing a game that they made up together, I walked downstairs and heard an argument brewing. Because, yes ladies and gentlemen, that is just how fast an argument can begin in this house. The spark can happen in an instant...feelings get mortally wounded....ultimatums are issued...finally decrees laid out - you get the picture. It's all very dramatic and theatrical around here. Never a dull moment. Long story short, The Bear said something The Boy took offense to (although to be fair - he takes offense easily these days...and to be fair it's hard to be the younger sibling), The Boy then committed some offense which The Bear felt was worthy of ending the game and making him leave his room. You get the picture...they were arguing...no one was really in the right...blah blah blah. In my infinite Mommy wisdom, I went upstairs to see what was going on, got two sides of a three sided story shouted at me all at once and promptly told them to work it out. But not without reminding them that they are brothers. For life. Here's a moment for one of those life lessons - listen to each other, try to see things from the other ones point of view once in awhile. Be nice. And remember that you love each other and you are lucky to have each other. I don't know if they heard me or I was just a buzzing in the room, but they did work it out and played together without any more arguments.. (for tonight).
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 281 - Smells like Fall
The weather took a turn for the chilly today. Fall is in the air and it certainly smells like fall in the house tonight since I made a batch of these yummy pumpkin cookies.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 280 - It's pretty good
A friend of mine loaned my this book months ago and I never got around to reading it. The other day I finally started it but put it down. So today after a chilly day of soccer games, I came home, flipped on the fireplace and started reading. I will make this short so I can get back to reading - because it turns out, it's pretty good. :-)
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 279 - My Hero!
I do not like bugs. Especially bugs that have infiltrated my house and show up in places that you are completely not expecting to see a bug. Of all bugs, the worst offender is the stink bug. I don't know if this is just a central PA thing, but I never encountered one of these prehistoric looking bugs until living here. I loath them. But I don't like having to kill bugs - not because I want to transport them back outside so they can live..just because they gross me out. So tonight when The Princess screamed from the upstairs bathroom, I completely understood her horror as there was a stink bug on the shower curtain. I tried to be a good Mommy and remove the offensive stink bug before it ended up in the shower with my daughter, but all I did was succeed in making the darn thing move...ewww and eekk. I am very much a "girl" when it comes to these matters and I make no apologies for that. Normally I would have yelled for My Wonderful Husband but he was at soccer practice with The Boy, so instead I yelled for The Bear. He walked in calmly grabbed the tissue, got the stink bug, flushed it and walked out. Done. My Hero! xo
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 278 - Bring on Halloween
I honestly love Halloween. I get to flex my creative muscles a bit which is always fun for me. I have sucked the kids into my crazy Halloween world as well so the discussions begin early and they are serious discussions... I usually give the kids a deadline so that I have time to start formulating ideas, gathering materials, or making whatever needs to be made. That being said, The Bear never abides by said deadline. He usually changes his mind no less that a dozen times and then hems and haws for weeks leading up to a final decision. I know, he is my child. The other night I told him to "draft me a proposal" and stick with it. He came back with some good ideas but ones I was afraid I wouldn't be able to follow through with. But clearly my worries were unfounded. Because - and I am going to risk sounding vain here... I rock. I went on a bit of a hunt today for all three costumes and I found pretty much everything that was needed to put together three awesome costumes. Bring on Halloween - The Leonard kids are ready.
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 277 - Once The Princess, always The Princess
Okay, so I might be feeling a bit nostalgic lately, but seriously, where has the time gone? It seems like just yesterday there were three little people living in this house. But I blinked and those little people have gotten pretty big.... Instead of wearing shiny, sparkly princess nightgowns and "band aid jewelry", The Princess now wears an old t-shirt of mine circa 1985 and favors real jewelry . After a shower and some dessert, she still likes to curl up on the couch and watch some TV before bed - but the shows are no longer on Nick Jr.. Instead they are on Nick at Night. Time has flown and many things have changed, but I still catch glimpses of that little girl in the first picture. Something tells me, no matter how much time passes and no matter how many things change, I always will. Once The Princess, always The Princess. xo
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 276 - Lil' stinker
Tonight, when The Boy went upstairs to take his shower, he was mad. I know, he looks so charming and smiley right? But don't that fool you, he can be crabby and grouchy and that was what I told him - "You are are kind of being a stinky grouch, my love." His response was to grab his brother's deodorant. Ever the clever little funny guy...he can't stay mad for too long and he is fairly easy to distract with sillyness. He posed for the deodorant picture and it got me thinking of another time when he struck a pose in the bathroom...many moons ago. Can it really be that long ago that he was this chubby, smooshy, little peanut? He may be bigger but he is still my lil' stinker. xo
P365 (+1) - 2012 - Day 275 - that time of year again
It's that time of year again..October is here...one of my favorite holidays is on the horizon.... It's time to start planning those Halloween costumes. I have given the kids ample time to change their minds multiple times and I think 2 out of 3 are all set. The Bear will change his mind no less than half a dozen more times before the 31st... But The Princess and The Boy are set and the planning has begun. This clock that has hung in their playroom since they were babies may be playing an important role this year........
