Shoe Laces

Never buy a kid shoes with laces until they can tie their own shoes. It should be a law.

It does crack me up though, when Tyler's shoe is untied he screams "Uh-Oh!" and then proceeds to carry the laces to me. Can you just picture him hobbling across the park?!

Corn Crazy

One of our favorite farms had the ingenious idea to fill a shed with corn kernels. The kids love it and you can't help but laugh as corn falls out of pockets and diapers all day long.


Because he is a little crazy, Tyler always takes things to the next level. He was belly-flopping into the corn coming up with mouthfuls of the dusty kernels and then spitting them out. Next, he got his hands on the bucket and dumped bucketful after bucketful over his head. What fun!

My boys

Do I need words in this post?
They stood like this for what seemed like forever and I have about 20 shots, each cuter than the last.

Blood

No, this is not a post about the absolutely fantastic Twilight series. Its about the fall blood drive that my company runs each year. Something that I never thought was really important until my little munchkin was in need of it.

I remember the doctor telling us that Ella needed a blood transfusion. I remember thinking about all the opportunities that I passed up at work to give blood. I remember the terrible feeling I had just thinking of all those emails that I had erased without even giving it a second thought. I thought I was just too busy.

Well, I have changed since then. I now save the blood drive notification email. I put the date and time into my schedule. Yesterday, my reminder popped up on my screen. I smiled as I took the elevator downstairs, thinking of that little ball of fire at home, probably running and screaming through the backyard with her blond curls bouncing around, and I hoped that a little of bit of my blood may help give to some other family what was given to us.

-Dad

Unsung Hero

He is the biggest, strongest, fastest dad in the whole world. They light up when he gets home from work and they can't wait for the "s" days when he is home all day. He gives the best hugs, teaches them sports and cheers them on as they peddle their bikes. He marches up the stairs every time they call for another drink or one more hug.

He is everything a dad should be and more.

Go Win!

Go to this site and try to win a photo book...because don't you just love them?!

Say Yes to Hoboken

The Apple's Shadow

There it is, just past the fire hydrant and across the river.
Most of the time it comes into view as we drive to our friends houses or the store. The kids point out New York City and recognize the Empire State building. They don't yet recognize all of the amazing opportunities we have by living close to this amazing city, but already I can see the influence on them. Their ease with crossing busy streets, their interest in different museums and their exposure to so many different cultures.
Sometimes living so close we take it for granted, citing the hassles of the city as excuses. But every once in a while I take a breath and look over at the skyline and remember how lucky we are.

Days to Remember

My parents swooped in for a visit last week. It's been awhile since they were in our house, which feels suddenly more like a home once they arrive. Perhaps it doesn't matter how old you grow or how many children of your own you have, being someones child is a comforting feeling. I just feel better when they are near.

They took the big kids to a zoo, marking Ella and Drew's first time in a car other than our own. My emotions as they pulled out of the driveway caught me off guard. It wasn't about safety it was more about growing up and becoming independent. Despite my teary send off, all of them came back full of smiles and stories and laughter. My mother can't help to point out, several times actually, how much fun they have with the kids when Im not there. Uhm...thanks?!

The following day we went to the Statue of Liberty. We marveled at the spectacular weather and soaked in the NYC skyline. Once you turn 60 it is acceptable to indulge in the Audio Tour without looking like a total nerd and surprisingly Ella enjoyed it as well. Im waiting to hear her blurt out some fascinating Statue statistic while slurping her Cheerios.


The rest of their visit was low key, just being together. It was fabulous.

The Real Story

I love this blog for a bunch of reasons. I love the time to reflect everyday, keeping family connected to our lives, and preserving memories that would otherwise be lost. I hope that one day the kids can look back at the stories and laugh and maybe find inspiration. Maybe once they have kids they can look on to see what they were like at their babies age.

Writing everyday affords me the opportunity to share some things and leave others out.

For example, with this photo I could write about how much Ella and Tyler love each other, because they do. I could tell you all about the fun day we had and how cute the kids are together.

Or I could tell you about how in between shots I was yelling at Ella and Tyler to stop hugging and kissing because it was getting too rough. Or how about 15 seconds after I took this picture they fell back and Tyler hit his head on the windowsill.

Either way the moment is preserved and I have reflected on a great day and great kids.

The Itch

Maybe it is back to school time, or the new crisp in the air.

Maybe because it was just my birthday.

Maybe it is just because Im me.

But, I have an itch.

An itch to do something. To plan something. To start something.

I wouldn't trade my life as a mom for anything. I absolutely adore being with my kids all day and I cringe at the thought of leaving them. But...there is an itch. I want to become involved in something or someone outside of my kids. I want to use other parts of my brain. The perfect opportunity is out there, I know it is. A need that can be filled in evenings and on occasional weekends. A family, or a child, or an agency that is waiting for a do-gooder such as myself.

Nearly 10 years ago (yes, I am apparently old enough to make that statement), I shared an office with the director of Casa in Montana. I assisted at a few trainings and fell in love with the agency. An information session last night confirmed that one day I will be a part of Casa. Just not right now. I wouldn't be able to give it the time it deserves. But maybe YOU could!

Im the meantime Ill keep looking. This itch is relentless!!

And then there was...

One.


I have to admit, sometimes I look longingly at a mother and her one child at the park or out to lunch. I think of how civilized they look. How they must have conversations. How she can focus on that one little face for the whole day.

But, 3 hours with just Tyler and we don't know what to do with each other. As this is only our first day, Im sure we will figure it out. Poor Tyler was so bored and confused by my lavishing attention on him that he fell asleep. I guess I need to work on my one-on-one skills!

BFF

Hers is curly, his straight.

She likes to climb, he likes the slides.

She's up all night, he is fast asleep.

But still...

"Hey Drew, want to be my best friend?"

"Oh, of course Ella!!"

We hear a version of this daily, and it melts me every time.

Picture Day

Day 2 of Pre-school: All smiles, yeah!
Don't you just love how Tyler thinks he is going to? He ran into the classroom and yelled, "Yo!!" his little version of hello. The other 2 monkeys did just great. Im a proud and relieved mama.


Uhm, which animal should we go see next?
(click on this one to get a good view of their expressions!)

Born model.

Fox: Real
Gorilla: Fake
Girl: Crazy!

Gifts

Happy

Birthday

To

Me!

Back to School Feast/Fiasco

I read about Nie Nie's back to school feast and I had to try my own.

The vision: quiet dinner of their favorite foods, beautifully decorated crowns, a game or two, encouraging talk about school.

The reality: A mess.

Looking back I realize I tried to do a little too much that day.(Did I really need the tissue paper flowers?) And of course the kids were exhausted and by the end of the feast they were all injured. But all in all, I think they had fun and I hope they felt special. That was the goal.

At least I have plenty to improve on for next year!!

First Day of School

I think we were all nervous. It felt as though the day would never arrive. But, today Ella and Drew went to Pre-school.

For an hour.

Seems harmless, yes, but I was up all night. Would they stop crying? Would they be miserable? Why are we doing this anyway?

There was some anxiety this morning as we got dressed and ate breakfast, but by the time we were walking to school they were chattering away.

As I left them in the room, Drew clutched onto my clothes and screamed. The teacher was tearing him away. Tears spilled from my eyes, I turned my head and walked out as quickly as I could. It was one of the hardest moments I have faced as a parent, so far. I reached the end of the hall and turned the corner. Stopping to listen, I didn't hear a thing. No crying, no screaming. As parents passed me they reported that both Ella and Drew were sitting and playing play-doh.

I was afraid to leave the building, nervous to leave the block - expecting to be called back to rescue my screaming child. But I wasn't. At the end of the hour I peeked into the classroom window and there they were singing along with the class. Ella was the line leader, Drew made me a picture and played with trains.


They did it. I did it. We are fine.

More than fine, they were happy.

Although someone was a little lonely!

Stepped Out

We are off enjoying the last week of summer...

See you after Labor Day!