thank you, thank you!

I LOVE them Amy! Amy took these for me today. There are a bunch more that I love but I haven't had a chance to really go through them. These are pictures I will treasure forever. I don't have anything like them for the other kids. I am so glad we were able to do it before Amy leaves.

Rachael's girls

why I have to learn to knit!

This adorable hat was what started the obsessive behavior to learn how to knit. Hillary made this hat isn't it TDF!

Who is the Easter Bunny?

A was talking about the Easter Bunny tonight here is what Justin wrote in his journal about it. "A was my home teaching companion tonight. We shared a quick lesson on Easter and the Resurrection. I asked the kids at the house what two weeks from today is, and reminded them that it will be Easter. One of the girls said that the Easter Bunny is not real, to which Areplied, "Yes he is. He is a guy." I didn't know what he meant, so just now, when we were all snuggling before family prayer, I asked him what or who the Easter Bunny is. He said, "He is some random guy who walks around in a bunny suit. He hides all the eggs we put out so we have to find them. He also gives each kid a toy." I am not sure where all that comes from, but it sure is cute. "

The part that cracked me up was the "random guy" part. I had to hide behind L to keep from laughing hysterically as I am trying not to look at Justin because it was all he could do to keep a serious face when A was looking at him while telling him all about it. Seriously where does he come up with this stuff. Oh he also insists that the Easter Bunny is bringing him a Gameboy. Well that will be a sad disappointment because this Easter Bunny only does candy and maybe a small toy. ( A defines small as a Gameboy but I know if we get talking about expense I will have the same conversation that happened about Santa...."It doesn't matter how expensive it is, Mom, you don't have to buy it, Santa will bring it to me.")

B-A-N-A-N-A-S

Sung in my best Gwen Stefani voice. It's official L loves bananas. It took a few days to be convinced that he would like them, today he attacked the spoon and was sad when there wasn't more. Then I gave him rice cereal and he thought that wasn't a good chaser to the bananas. L is filling out a little more so I can't wait for his appointment to find out how much he weighs. Hopefully we will be back in the percentile the Doctor's want. I am so not used to having a baby that isn't topping the charts.

M just said to me "Mom do you know that going to church saves the world!" A and M are pretending they are going to church today. I wonder what they teach at their church that "saves the world". Kids are cute! What a profound thought...going to church saves the world.

I am finally learning to knit! I invaded Hillary's friday night and she taught me some basics. I stayed up way to late casting on, knitting and purling. My hands hurt a little today. We looked at many of her crafting projects she has in the works on right now. Another Martha Stewart...Hillary comes up with the best stuff. Now my wheels are turning and I MUST go to a few stores today. I wish that I could have gone to New York with her today.

a little behind

okay so maybe 'little' is a bit optimistic. Luckily it is starting to warm up so the kids are outside getting all their energy out before bed time. M came to the door a few minutes ago with two preteen girls to get her gloves because her hands were cold. The girls were fussing over her and thought she was the cutest thing ever and then they fussed over L for a little bit. When M had switched her boots and put on gloves they left and she was holding their hands. Cute!

L is imitating sounds now. Today he way sitting in his swing while I was trying to chip away a few of the things I need to do on my "To Do" list, he said "hi!" He was so pleased that he got my attention that he did it several times. Then I was saying "hi" back to him and then said "I love you." I got a really cute mimick of my intonation back. What fun! I know he doesn't know what he is saying but he sure knows that it will get our attention. Tonight at dinner he kept doing things to get Dads attention and then when Dad would look at him he would grin ear to ear! That makes all the fussiness that has been going on in our house melt away. L also has decided today that he does actually like his rice cereal. He would open his mouth wide and attack the spoon. Yippie! Now if I could get him to take a bottle again we would be in business (and I could get a little break now and then.) Well it is getting dark and my kids haven't shown up yet so I must go round them up so we can start the bedtime routine (why does it always take at least an hour? hopefully it won't take as long tonight because they have been out playing.)

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!

I don't know if you were able to catch a leprechaun this morning but we did. Well Dad actually! He dove for him in our bedroom but the leprechaun hid under our bed. Then it was quite a battle in the kitchen, we could hear the ruckus from upstairs. Dad managed to catch him just long enough to squeeze out a little green so we could have leprechaun pancakes today. Who knows what other mischief the leprechauns will get into today? We shall see!

too much snow...

I was really not prepared for this blizzard!!! It hasn't stopped. I picked up the kids from school and we headed directly to the scrapbook store for the paper I needed to send off with the package. I was so grateful when the owner told me that their post office was just around the corner. And I did pick up some new Basic Grey paper that I am hoping will help me to complete my trip to India scrapbook I have wanted to do before I even left on the trip. Driving was difficult as my windshield wipers would ice over and not wipe the snow and water off so I could see where I was going. Whenever I stopped at a stop light I would bang the ice off but for most of the time I was bending down staring through my stirring wheel or trying to get over in the passenger side to use the little tiny part of the windshield that the wiper was actually cleaning off. I did manage to go grocery shopping with all the kids as well. I went to the more expensive store because they had a kid watch in the store, well of course it was closed today but I was intent on getting the stuff we needed. So I am happy to say St Patty's day will be properly celebrated! We will have our cornbeef and cabbage tomorrow.

M has me a little concerned. She announced the other day that princesses don't eat, trying to act calm and rational on the outside while inside my mind hit the autobahn at top speed, I proceeded to ask her why she thought they don't eat. She said she didn't know they just don't. Then I asked about Belle and the feast at the castle? she said yep she eats. What about princess tea parties? yep they eat. Trying to not over analyze this but then she made the comment today as we were waiting for some people to cross the road "Wow she is fat!" Okay this women was on the bigger side but why on earth would my almost 4 year old even remark on that?!!!!!!! It is not something we do or say around the house. ugh... it complicates things a little bit when her teacher who left school on medical leave just before I had L in October might be coming back. I am sure the kids don't know why she was on leave but she had been hospitalized for a long term eating disorder, she has been in and out of rehab over the past few years. I really hope I am just over analyzing but I will keep my eyes open.

A is now dictating to me from the couch. He wants me to type about his version of jingle bells

Jingle Bells, Batman smells

Robin laid and egg

Mr. Freeze cut the trees in 1981, none

What happened to the rhyming? Anyway that is what he and his friend do at school.

clueless

I really should watch the news or at least consistantly check the weather online. A insisted that they were going to have a snow day today. In my mind I am thinking just a little bit colder but surely not snow. As I took the kids to school I was listening to the radio and most of the schools in Mass were going to be closed. I didn't have my cell phone with me so I couldn't call the school. Well we were all loaded up so I thought we would finish the drive. Their school is in session but will probably have early release. I had a phone call shortly after arriving home saying our town buses would be picking the kids up at 11:45am but that their school district wasn't closing as of yet. So A gets an early release day because I get to pick him up when I pick M up from preschool. He is going to be so excited. UGH! for me I had a ton of things to do. I can't find part of my project I need to send off and I want to do the post office with only one kid not all three. Then I also have to go grocery shopping because we hardly have any food. We have gone without milk all week. I know bad mom! I have attempted several times but I always get thrown off by L. Yesterday I was at the gas station because I was on empty and pretty much driving on fumes after picking up M. Well while I am filling up he is screaming his head off, there is no way I can take both kids in the convience mart and get the milk which they have for $1.99 a gallon because how would I carry it? Infant carseat....flight of the bumblebees almost 4 year old. (Last time I have M carry a gallon it was dropped and exploded everywhere, she was trying so hard but it is just a little to heavy for her)

I just can't bring myself up to wanting to haul in groceries with an infant, now I have to do that plus in the snow instead of the nice almost 70 degree weather we have been having. And having to fight all the other crazies who will be clearing out the shelves at the grocery store so they don't have to go out for a month because of the snow. Can you tell I really really don't want to do this? St. Patty's day tradition can not be broken though I still haven't picked up the cornbeef! mmm cornbeef and cabbage, irish soda bread, that will warm our insides.

Well we will make the most of the snow. Hopefully I will be able to get more pictures of the kids in the snow.

today

When I picked up M today from preschool she said "I had a green green day, mommy!" This is the question that is always asked of her older brother. In first grade they rate behavior with colors, green- good, yellow-warning, red- 5 minutes off recess, blue- 15 minutes off recess and a call home. The great thing is everyone at lunch is moved back to green so they get a clean slate for the afternoons. I love this so they don't feel the whole day is shot. On good days A will bound off the bus and the first thing he says is "green-green." On the not so good days he doesn't volunteer the information as easily. I guess yesterday M wasn't wanting to share and so didn't have what she thought a great day but she chose today to share and so she rated herself green-green today. I had given her some Disney Princess cut outs and that is what she wanted to "pass around" (share) at circle time. She said to me today "Mom I passed around my paperclip princesses." Where on earth did she come up with paperclip? I love it!

L is cracking me up. He is so interested in food, he watches intently as food goes from my plate onto my utensil and into my mouth. I have been giving him rice cereal with a spoon and he likes it. His choice of favorite toys is interesting too. This morning at breakfast the kids were eating yogurt, A gave him the lid to his yogurt. L was so excited he was slobbering all over that thing. When it would drop he would freak out until it was in view again. So when we were having dinner tonight he was fussing and didn't want his regular toys, I said to Justin watch this.... I gave L a lid. He immediately stopped crying when it was in view and his legs starting kicking and he was salivating and then attacked the lid with vigor. It has been the source of our amusement tonight. I know we have such exciting lives don't we?!

mmm Justin just popped popcorn. I wonder if he will be so kind to share??? I doubt it but I can probably sneak a few kernels before I get my hand smacked :).

bumbo to the rescue

Well we finally broke down and bought it. Thanks to Papa for sending money to get this ingenious thing. Seriously this is the most amazing seat. I think my two favorite baby things are The Ultimate Baby Wrap and now the Bumbo. Handsfree! So great for fussy baby who wants to be where the action is going on.
I could hardly get him to look at the camera. I had him on my kitchen table looking out at the patio. He was mesmerized by whats outside. It makes me excited for Summer. Spring finally feels like it has arrived. More daylight, 50+ degrees...ahhh. I am excited to take this little seat on a tour this summer. Mainly the beach where I can confine him in a fun way :).

5 months old

Time is flying by. I finally got this to post. I have been struggling with it for a few days. I can't believe how much L has grown. He is getting over croup and ear infections, that has been a miserable experience. Now if the house/mom can recoup we be in good shape. L is still on the fussy side but doing better. I can hear him in his bed right now stirring. I am hoping he will take a nap.
My dear friend Amy is moving. I think I have been in denial but things are progressing so quickly for them moving it is crazy. I hope that everything contiues to go well. I am really excited for them and even more grateful for the internet and cheap long distance. How did anyone manage to stay close when there were so many miles between them before?
Well hopefully I can get more in later. L isn't going for the nap thing.

long ago

There once was a little cherubic baby, who has now turned into a lanky kid. Check A out! This was even taken before we had our first digital camera. It was a film point and shoot. I don't remember him being so chubby! I LOVE IT. I was cleaning out stuff and found some old pictures. This was taken when he was 5-6 months. L doesn't look that much like him. I love how they can be siblings and still have such a different look to them. They do have one thing in common though, cuteness! I wish I could eat those cheeks in the picture. I guess I will just have to settle for chomping on L's today.

I LOVE IKEA

I went down to IKEA today with a bunch of friends and lots of kids. I bought more baskets. I love baskets and storage containers. They are so much fun. Another bonus was they had "day old" cinnamon rolls. She said they were made the night before so they weren't even officially 24 hours old. They were the biggest, fluffiest rolls and super yummy! I enjoyed every bite. I must get control over my house, scrapbooking yesterday, IKEA today. I think tomorrow must be a cleaning day. I will see what I can get done tonight. All the kids are asleep and Justin is out studying for his big test that is on Saturday. FREEDOM!

what a mess

My table is totally covered with scrapbook stuff. I completed 6 pages today. My husband came home and said "Yeap you are on speed." He accused me of being on something because I do things in spurts. I get on a roll and just keep going until I feel I am done. Then I move onto the next project. I would define it more as obsessive and compulsive.

It is hard to believe little L is almost 5 months. I remember the relief of not having to be in labor and to hear him crying when this picture was taken.

new perspective

A builds the coolest things out of legos. He doesn't need directions, he creates it all on his own. This was his creation from today. I wanted to document it. Well the first photo was the one that I took. It was a flying ship, he used some pieces off of his lego knights and made it so the wheels could flip down and become a driving vehicle. Ingenious! He wanted it documented both ways. Well my hands were a little full when he had converted it, so I said why don't you take a picture of it. I am so glad that I did. It is a better composed picture by far, mine is flat his has depth. I think I need to make this more of my practice, especially when trying to capture what he sees.

Last night I was able to go out with friends that I haven't seen in a while. We had a girl's night! We went to Panera's, yummy! We wanted to go somewhere that wouldn't kick us out for occupying a table for a long time. We ended up staying until they were closing up around us. Then we took the party elsewhere. It was much needed laughter and talked about every subject under the sun. I think we all made our "word" quota for the week. I think our husbands will be appreciative :). I didn't get home until after 1am. If it weren't for my very physical reminder I have a baby, we would have talked the night away. I was so grateful to get home to my pump. I hope we can do it more often. I feel so rejuvenated. Even though I went to bed late and the kids were up earlier than I would have liked. I found myself patient and eager to hear what they had to say. It is a nice place to be in.

scrapping mojo has returned

At least for a short little bit. I have made a pact with myself to order prints and then scrapbook them. My kids both saw this book and they then wanted one for them. I guess it doesn't quite count if it is for someone else. If I had more of these little books I could be on a roll. They are the chipboard books from Bo Bunny. Must order more!!!

M wants a sister

Do you think? Poor L he just wanted to hang out in his swing and play with his toys and look what happens. This isn't the first time he has been decked out. The other was around Christmas and M made him a princess with a Cinderella crown, complete with Cinderella dress up shoes. Let's just hope he takes after his brother and sticks with the binky and not the fingers. A little girly dress up clothes isn't a big deal. In fact if he was born in India until he is five, he could be dressed either way until he has a preference. Hey that would save on closet space, just use whatever was available. I know some Moms that might secretly enjoy getting to buy some girl clothes.

M has been quoting movies recently in pretty funny context too. I love that my kids have a sense of humor. Yesterday she wore a shirt that said "sweet" on it. A said "sweeeeeeeet" nodding his head up and down, doing his best Dude Crush voice (Finding Nemo). M replies "because I am Sweet, sweet Petunia" said in her very best Larry the cucumber voice (Veggie Tales: Duke and the Great Pie War).