THANKSgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Relaxed, warm, and everything a Thanksgiving should be.

Thanksgiving always reminds me of my Grandpa Sid. He was larger than life in so many ways, but on Thanksgiving he was even bigger. I can see him now poised over the turkey, sweat beaded on his brow, and an enormous knife pointed at whoever he was speaking to. One thing for sure, Grandpa Sid was passionate about his turkey. And rightly so, it was exceptional.

I want to take a lesson from my Grandpa this holiday season. Instead of taking for granted, I want to be passionate about the blessings I have - from simple great food to my amazing family and friends.

Happy Holidays Grandpa Sid!



ps. this photo is of my Uncle Jimmy doing his best impression of his dad, my Grandpa Sid. I know that a photo of Grandpa Sid carving his turkey is out there somewhere - Ill find it!

In their Words...

The poster board on the door to the preschool classroom read:

What I am Thankful for:
Danny: Goldfish

Declan: my police car

Briel: Princesses

Matthew: Thomas the Train

Alyssa: My mommy

Ella: Nonnie

Drew: Nonnie and Caca

I may have let a tear slip...

More Thanks

Im Thankful that my arms and my life are this full of love and joy.

ps. Ill be taking a break next week as we travel home to be with family. Enjoy your Thanksgiving!

Thankful

Having pre-schoolers makes almost everything more fun, but especially holidays. They are so excited to celebrate. What a great lesson -shouldn't we all be?!

So, we have been talking lots about Thanksgiving and what it is all about. Im appreciating a holiday that has such a simple explanation. A message that I try to live and teach every day....be thankful.

This year we are so thankful for our neighbors. On either side we have wonderful families who are so caring, so open, and so loving towards our family, especially our kids. Our 9 year old neighbor would rather play with us then play football! He has taken residence in the third row of our car and is a welcome edition on our field trips.

I love that we are a little community. Passing around new recipes, sharing dinners, and always ready for an afternoon chat. It has made my days as a stay at home mom a little more sane and a little more fun. The kids are in heaven. One family even has a snack basket just for Ella, Drew and Tyler. Our neighbors make them feel loved. They feel special. Is there a better gift?

And for that we are so Thankful.

Almost

How do you know he is almost 2?

He refuses to sit in the high chair.

His most used expression is "No, Momma!"

He thinks he can do anything and everything - climb a chain link fence - no problem!!

He is the funniest little thing on 2 legs.

I love 2.

My Girl.....

I had the pleasure of spending that morning just me and my little girl. Much like the air that day, it was spectacular. Actually better than that. Our special time together started out at Daddy's favorite bagel place. Ella's New Jersey roots come out when some fried taylor ham is served. But mainly she was excited to pick out her own juice from the refrigerator. She drank a bit while we ate and saved some for later. "Dad -- I think I need a sip of juice now, can I? " She said periodically throughout the morning. I replied with my usual "Of course you can". One of the things I love is when I ask her a question and she replies to me…."Dad, of course you can!"

Then we went to one of our favorite parks. Ella loves to be the leader and she likes to talk (hhmm….does this sound like someone else we know?? hahaha). So she led me around the park, around the big pond, she told me about the ducks and the moss on the trees. She told me stories of her playing in this particular park. She jumped off the benches, swung on the swings, and we played lots of hide n go seek….one of her favorites. She seemed so happy which is basically all I need.

As always when we separate….we both looked forward to meeting back up with Mommy and the boys. We got home first. Ella quickly ran to the kitchen to hide her apple juice in the back of the refrigerator so that Drew and Ty would not drink it on her. Then we sat on the porch and waited……

-Dad

My Boys

We borrowed a car this weekend and as a result had an opportunity to split up the kids. I know my kids better than I know myself sometimes, but when I spend time with one or even two at a time, I experience them in such different ways. This is true especially when Ella and Drew go their separate ways. They have a chance to tell their own stories, finish sentences, and pick just what they want to do.
I had the boys on Sunday morning and they wanted to do something with trains. So, we rode the train at the zoo, bought train whistles, and then went to a train museum and climbed inside a real caboose. They were in heaven and so was I.

Seriously

Ella spent Sunday afternoon at a little girls birthday party...AT A NAIL SALON!! She was so excited and loved every single minute of it. I've never described her as a girlie girl - passing up dress up clothes and dance class. You would never know it if you saw her at the salon!

Im still slightly shocked. Isn't she my baby? How can she have polish on her nails, never mind applied by a professional!

Ella is smitten. She is in absolute love with her own fingernails.


This is her standard position for showing them off. And she does so as often as possible.

A nail salon...seriously!!

Happy Birthday Nana!

Oh how we wish we were there to sing in person!! We would charge into your little apartment bringing hugs, kisses, and joyful noise. We would soak in your smile and shine in the twinkle of your eyes. There is nothing like a grandma to warm the heart.

We love you Nana and wish you the best day!!

xoxo

The Bestest

Ella doesn't miss a beat. She has been on her toes looking for opportunities to score some praise. Drew not cleaning up, "But Im really good at cleaning up." Tyler mastered jumping off a step, there's Ella, "But, mom I think I am a really good jumper. Watch me!" Uhmm, where did that come from?

The story goes that whenever one of my brothers got himself into trouble, I would interrupt the scolding by asking my parents, "But, am I the bestest?" My pestering for validation was not limited to my brothers' weak moments. Oh no. I also competed for the spotlight during their athletic achievements, board game victories, and when they completed a chore.

Thank goodness I have grown out of that! Or, have I...

I've certainly grown up. I have the driver's license, the marriage license and the degrees to prove it. I've lived far away from home for over 10 years. Heck, I have three children of my own.

But still, I long for their approval. I want to be the best parent, the best friend, the...well, the bestest at everything. It may be because I hold them in such high regard that their opinion trumps all. It may be that I have a deep seeded competitive spirit.

Whatever it was or is, doesn't matter. Because they always made me feel the bestest and that has made all the difference.

And now I know what to do when Ella Bells asks the question, exactly what they did.

Walk Softly...

..and carry a big stick.

Unless you see this terror with a big stick, then the only option is to RUN!!

In Your Eyes

In your eyes, you have the two best grandmas a kid could ask for. Quick with the fruit snacks and hugs, they wrap their arms around you, smile at your tricks, and love all your stories. They don't mind when you are loud, crying, or being fresh - in fact that is when they love you the most. You literally grow taller when they are near.

In your eyes, your daddy is a superhero. He is the biggest, the fastest, and the strongest. He laughs at all your jokes, finds all the best tv shows, and will do one more of anything. He never gets mad or frustrated, rather he will go to the ends of the earth to make you happy. You shine when Daddy is home.

In your eyes, Caca is a stuffed animal that has come to life. You climb on him like a jungle gym, mess up his hair, and take off his shoes. He introduced you to donuts and has kept a steady stream of them coming ever since. You crave his stories, listening with eyes wide, happily perched on his belly. You are happier kids when you are with Caca.

ps. All photos taken by Ella and Drew

Too Cool

Ella and Drew are way too cool for school in this photo.

Actually they are pretty cool most of the time. Drew does this little half smile/smirk face when he is trying not to smile. Because you know when you are telling a joke or trying to be funny? It is way cooler to not smile.

Ella picked out her own boots at Marshalls. She likes them because she can put them on herself and because "they go with everything."

This morning as Ella sat down to watch Sesame Street, Drew reminded her that she doesn't like that show. Ella responded, "Drew, a girl can change her mind."

Too cool for school, I tell ya!

Who's that guy?!

Leaving them safe in the playful gaze of Nonnie, we will talk, walk, laugh and despite our best efforts miss these little buggers like crazy.

ps. isn't it funny how Ella looks pregnant in this picture?

Adventure Wednesday

This week our little crew traveled to Bear Mountain. The name elicited much excitement and a little trepidation....

Although a little chillier than expected, being outside all day was wonderful. The crisp air, the crunchy leaves and little running, skipping, climbing, galloping, dancing feet.

Drew amazed me by wanting to climb higher and further and faster than the rest of us. A little leader and adventurer today. Loving how nature can inspire a little boy.


Although there was dancing in the trail today, there was also a moment of rest. As Ella discovered sometimes resting gives you the best view.

Happy trails to you!

School Photos

Another right of passage...school pictures.

I didn't see a woman with a black comb, but I did try to smooth Drew's cowlick with a little old fashioned lick of the palm! They suggested I wait in the other room with the parents. Yes, I do realize that I am THAT mother that tries to sneak behind the photographer to elicit a good smile while all the other mothers wait calmly in the other room. Im working on it!

Anyway, we didn't have to pay for anything in advance, so no pressure.

And just to pat myself on the back...Im unsure the guy with Barney in his pocket will be able to beat these little practice shots!

One Shot

I must admit hearing the ultrasound technician say "twins" was scary. And discovering I was pregnant again when those twins were 16 months old was even scarier. 3 kids in 2 years, how would I do it? Would we survive?

But now I love that they are so close in age(well, most of the time). Tyler is old enough to participate in just about everything, and Ella and Drew are young enough to do the stuff he likes. They love playing the same things, going to the same places - heck they even love taking baths together!! It is so fun to be together and enjoy it. No one is bored. No one is left out.

Would I do it the same way again?

A million times, Yes!!

What you talking about

Willis?!

As soon as we drop the big kids off at school, Tyler loads up (sometimes literally) on all of Ella and Drew's prized possessions. In this case Pasta Necklaces.

For Halloween pictures check out my facebook profile...not on facebook? Time to get with it!