Love Affair with Elephants

I finished a fabulous book last night, one of the best books I've ever read. First of all, I read it in one weekend. I have been known to start books and still be reading them several months later. Heck, I've started several books and never even got to the end of them. My free time is precious, and I don't want to waste it on something I don't enjoy. I don't like a huge challenge when I read. I hate reading and rereading to figure out what I just read. I hate when my mind wanders and I need to reread two pages because I've been on "auto-read" (like "auto-pilot": when you drive a few miles and then have no recollection of having gone from point A to point B, but somehow you have because here you are.) I don't like to feel frustrated when I read, to wonder why the author is taking me down this road. I don't like pages of boring detail.

The book Water for Elephants was a fabulous read. I was skeptical when I reserved it from my library. After all, it's about the circus and what could a book about the circus be about other than wacky sideshow characters and poor abused animals. This book was fabulous (have I already mentioned that?) It was one of those books that you don't want to end. You feel like you've made friends with the characters and now you'll never see them again. Several times throughout the day today I found myself looking forward to reading and then feeling let down that the book was over. So now I'm on the rebound from my love affair with Elephants and I'm moving on to Everyday Sacred. Hope it doesn't pale too badly in comparison.

Remember Today 4.14.08

{remember} Camden's obvious passion for the game of soccer as he charged the ball across the field during tonight's practice. His coach (and my dear friend) can't wait to torment Perry with the fact that his son is a soccer player!

Remember Today 4.13.08

{remember}snuggling with Logan on the couch as we watched Brother Bear (our second movie night this weekend--this one with Daddy).

Remember Today 4.12.08

{remember} watching Camden play in his first soccer game.

Remember Today 4.11.08

{remember} curling up in bed at 8:00 to begin reading a good book.

Remember Today 4.10.08

{remember} seeing a light at the end of the "busy season" tunnel while Perry afforded a day off to do yard work--it's a start and a sign that my life will soon be getting a bit easier (and our marriage a bit better!)

Signs of spring

Signs that spring has sprung today:

1. We shed our jackets after 2 minutes outside.
2. We drove with the car windows down.
3. I opened the windows and aired out the house (love that smell!)
4. We saw street sweepers cleaning the sand off the sides of the roads.
5. The kids unearthed a giant earth worm.
6. The boys played barefoot in the sandbox:

Bring on spring because I am more than ready!

Remember Today 4.9.08

{remember} realizing that the days of a daily nap for Maddox (and free time for me) are pretty near over as he sits downstairs watching Alvin and the Chipmunks with Perry as I type this post. Yeah, I know it's after 11:00 pm! Hope he sleeps in tomorrow. . .

What's cooking?

I've been cooking up some invitations today. I happened to see an adorable apron card idea on Split Coast today, and then received a phone call from my sister's friend asking me to create some invitations for her daughter's birthday party. The theme is cooking--love when these happy little coincidences occur! Here's my mock up:

Here's a close up of the recipe card that goes in the pocket with all the party details. I am happy to say that I came up with the words all by myself (which doesn't happen very often!):

Here's another invite I worked on today for my son's school's teacher appreciation lunch. Guess it's an orange and pink kind of day--happy colors!

Hi Dad

Just saying hi to my Dad who is reading my blog while on business in Taiwan. Have a safe trip home!

Remember Today 4.8.08

{remember} Logan sharing a portion of his own birthday money from Uncle Mark and Auntie Jenna to buy Camden a pack of Pokemon cards--it wasn't even a question for him, just totally natural, selfless, and 100% his idea.

Remember Today 4.7.08

{remember} wondering if this winter of illness will ever end when Logan got of the bus with an earache and headache (sure to be an ear infection--it always is)--no swim class today, and thankfully soccer was cancelled.

Remember Today 4.6.08

{remember} going to an ice hockey game with all the boys--fun memories and our team won!!

Remember Today 4.5.08

{remember} running into a good friend from high school at Target, coming home and reminiscing about the good 'ole days, and giving her a call to make a plan to get together the next time she's in town--can't wait!

Remember Today 4.4.08

{remember} getting a clear head in Pilates class so that I could do some much needed reflection on the week and have a better outlook for the coming days (hope it lasts until next Friday's Pilates!)

Remember Today 4.3.08

{remember} Camden reading several pages of Hop on Pop without any prior readings; enjoying gorgeous sunshine outside with the boys.

Remember Today 4.2.08

{remember} losing it with Camden then having a heart to heart with him and hoping for some change for the better (for both of us).

Remember Today 4.1.08

{remember} watching Alvin and the Chipmunks with my little chipmunks (and it isn't even Friday--but who can wait 3 more days to see this adorable movie?!)

Remember Today 3.31.08

{remember} how good it feels to be back to our afternoon routine after a week with Camden home sick.

Remember Today 3.30.08

{remember} how well behaved the three boys were sitting through over an hour of voice recital to hear Kate sing, and how she was the best one!

Remember Today 3.29.08

{remember} how even the best laid plans & jammed schedule can all be tossed out the window when the boys are sick.

Remember Today 3.28.08

{remember} how quickly a 6 1/2 year old can go from wanting McDonald's for dinner to feeling like he's going to be sick before we even get to the drive-thru.

Remember Today 3.27.08

{remember} listening to Logan read aloud the story he wrote about Easter to his class.

Remember Today 3.26.08

{remember} stepping on the scale and for a split second wondering how I have gained about 5 pounds this month and then remembering the six pounds of Jelly Belly's I have eaten.

Lions and Ellies and Crocs, oh my!

I've been working on invites for Camden's 5th birthday: a "Go, Diego, Go" theme, or more simply, an animal party. Here's my mock-up:

It's a diorama card (directions can be found here) reminiscent of those little shoebox projects we used to do in grade school. It's difficult to get a good picture of these cards because they're so dimensional. This one measures 4.5 "l x 4" h x2" d and folds flat to fit in a business-sized envelope. The card itself is pretty simple to make and put together; it's cutting all the animals and grass fringe that's so darn tedious. Needless to say, my fingers are cramped, my thumb has a dent in it from the scissors that may be permanent, and my contacts are dried out and stuck to my eyeballs. But I'm not complaining--I love every second of it. Plus, it keeps my hands busy while watching American Idol so I can't stuff my face with Baked Lay's and Jelly Belly's!

Remember Today 3.25.08

{remember} watching Logan and Maddox read together at bedtime; listening to Maddox ask questions about the book, and Logan answer him.

Remember Today 3.24.08

{remember} that Logan sleeps curled up on his right side, Camden sleeps on his back, and Maddox sleeps on his tummy. . .just in case I someday forget.

Easter Traditions

I am a big fan of traditions, and Easter has its share of annual things to do. Here's a few from this year:

1. Photo with the Easter Bunny:

I am admittedly disappointed with this year's photo. First of all, notice anyone missing? Yes, my youngest who vowed he would not cry when he saw the bunny and psyched himself up during our 30 minute wait in line with the mantra, "I like the Easter Bunny. He's nice. I like the Easter Bunny. He's nice. I like. . ." burst into tears when we rounded the corner to greet the bunny for our turn. Oh well, there's always next year!

2. Photo shoot on the decorated staircase:

I have a dozen or so photos of my boys sitting in this spot with all the happy spring flowers, but this is my favorite. After all, it's all about the chocolate, isn't it? Amazing how quickly those tears dried up at the sight of the chocolate.

3. Coloring eggs

This year I got smart and boiled 13 eggs, because inevitably 1 always cracks. Why do I worry over how many eggs survive the coloring process? I have no idea! I guess I just like all the little slots to be filled in the egg carton.

4. The pre egg hunt photo:

I know, I torture the poor little things. But someday they'll thank me for snapping all those pictures of the cousins together on Easter. Note the shorts and t-shirts my two insisted on wearing even though it was like 30 outside.

5. The egg hunt:

I hope they never get too old for this!

6. The family photo shoot

This is pretty much the only photo of us that gets taken during the year, and let me tell you this photo gets lots of use (ie. goes into school whenever a family picture is needed for a project). Since going digital, I love that I can put the camera up on the tripod, set it to timer mode, snap away, and then check out the photo to be sure we caught a good one (not an easy feat with a family of five!)

Remember Today 3.23.08

{remember} celebrating Easter with family, and enjoying myself because I actually didn't stress about all the "to do's"

The straight (and unwrinkled) truth

The iron is not my friend. I can count on 2 fingers how many times I iron in a year: one summer day and Easter (I would add Christmas, but luckily we wear sweaters). I have an aunt who has been known to iron her socks (she has no children). I have a mother who would throw the to-be-ironed articles into a round plastic laundry basket which would be tackled weekly (she has four kids); this is the same woman who would throw all of Dad's socks into one bottom drawer and entice us into a fun game of matching during Saturday morning cartoons (did I mention they were all brown, black, and navy?). I have a husband who, by the love of God, has all his button-downs cleaned and pressed at the dry cleaners. My idea of ironing is throwing it back in the dryer with a damp wash cloth and hoping for the best. I have bought clothing that I've worn once, washed into a wrinkled mess, and then hung on a hanger until it went out of style. Maybe by the time it comes back into style, gravity will have worked out all the wrinkles for me.

So here it is, Easter Eve, and the traditions of the day have been completed: the eggs are colored, the baskets put out for the bunny, and the boys' Easter shirts are pressed and hung.

Happy Easter !

Remember Today 3.22.08

{remember} being able to take time from holiday preparations to spend a bit of time outside playing with the boys--reminding myself that somehow the work still gets done.

Remember Today 3.21.08

{remember} how happy Logan and Camden were to have a friend over to share their Friday Night Pizza and a Movie.

Remember Today 3.20.08

{remember} sometimes a much needed 20 minute power nap at 3:00 is all you need to get you through the rest of the day; and sometimes giving myself permission to do this without any guilt makes all the difference.

I love God

Tonight while saying prayers, Maddox asks me, "Are we saying these prayers to God?" I reply yes, and he asks, "Mommy, does God scare you?" "No honey, God is kind and caring. God is great," I say. He ends the conversation, with the sincerity only a child has, by saying quite simply: "I love God."

Remember Today 3.19.08

{remember} curling up on the couch with Camden & Maddox to watch a movie on a rainy day and falling asleep with Maddox laying on me (also sleeping).

Remember Today 3.18.08

{remember} watching Maddox switch between piano and guitar while watching The Wiggles.

Remember Today 3.17.08

{remember} having some time while the boys had a blast (as always) at Grandma & Grandpa's house.

Remember Today 3.16.08

{remember} getting together with family after SO many years, and feeling totally comfortable.

Remember Today 3.15.08

{remember} holding Maddox in my arms as we danced around the kitchen to my blog music with the scent of baking cinnamon rolls in the air.

Remember Today 3.14.08

{remember} the expression on Camden's face after he watched a bunny high tail it from our garden, across the front yard, and to the safety of a bush across the street--wish I had my camera to capture that one!

An early visit from the Easter Bunny

This little guy has been visiting us outside our window for a few weeks now.

Remember Today 3.13.08

{remember} how happy Camden was that I was going into his classroom today, and how happy I was to be there.

Going Green

I heard the other night as I was half listening to the news that it takes something like 1,000 years for a plastic grocery bag to decompose, and burning them produces toxic gases. I try to opt for paper bags at checkout, but only remember when I'm not digging through my purse trying to find my credit card, keeping wandering fingers from touching (and opening) the candy bars, or supervising my little helpers who insist on putting the eggs and all glass jars on the register belt (so that's pretty much never). So today, I went green. I purchased those reusable green grocery bags. The "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" logo had me humming Jack Johnson through the store. And my weekly shopping, which averages about 17 plastic bags, fit into just 5 of these green babies. Five grocery bags meant only two trips from the car to the house rather than the usual 10. Who said it's not easy being green? Now I just have to remember to bring the bags into the store.

Conversation on the way to school:

C: Mommy when are you going to have another baby?
M: I think our family is just right the way it is, don't you?
C: No.
M: Why not, what's missing?
C: Shrek's missing because he died.

Shrek was his pet fish, he died nearly two years ago.

Remember Today 3.12.08

{remember} the expression on Maddox's face when he saw all the guitars at the guitar store.

Remember Today 3.11.08

{remember} Maddox saying "I like this song" to nearly every song that came on the car radio and then singing along with many of them.

Remember Today 3.10.08

{remember} Logan deciding to stick it out in a challenging swim class.

An afternoon of scrapping

Made three pages today--yippee!

Playing catch-up on Maddox's first year book. After all, he'll be 3 this summer!
Made these two pages with a new paper pack I bought on clearance at Target--man, I love that store. And I love using new products before they have a chance to collect dust (and before I forget I have them!).
A super quick page: one piece of patterned paper + one photo + some computer generated text=easy peasy lemon squeezy scrappin'!

Remember Today 3.9.08

{remember} getting some much needed time for myself and scrapping 3 whole pages!

Remember Today 3.8.08

{remember} how Logan stepped up to clean up the playroom despite not wanting to do it, but knew it would cheer me up--it worked!

Remember Today 3.7.08

{remember} how Maddox peeked around my book and out of the blue asked if we could put the pool outside--love these glimpses into how his mind works and love his adorable little face right in my face.

Remember Today 3.6.08

{remember} how Maddox quotes Rattatouille during dinner when I tell him to eat: "Sut up an' eatcha gahbage!"

The Neat Freak

Every year around this time the organization bug bites me (guess it's better than the cold bug, puke bug, or flu bug). I don't know if it's the always-too-long winter of being stuck inside staring at the same four walls, or a prelude to the spring that is right around the corner and the cleaning that will go along with it. But it's always the same. I have this urge to purge, to clean out, throw away, organize, change around. This week I have cleaned up and reorganized my "studio" (I always have to put that in quotes because it is not my term, but a dear friend's) and my overflow craft closet (no small feat). I have thrown out, recycled, and set aside a box to drop off at my LSS (they donate unwanted craft items to local Boys and Girls clubs, and schools--love that). As I write this I am thinking about the pantry, cleaning, linen, and toiletry closets that could all use an overhaul. I have a disease. I tell people that I need to be organized so that I can find things because I am just not smart enough to remember where I put things (I still manage to lose stuff, though not nearly as often as Perry). I tell myself that it's important for the toys to be in labeled bins on the shelves so that the boys can be self-sufficient in cleaning up their things (yet, somehow I am the one to clean up the playroom 97 times out of 100). So why then have I spent hours with Logan and Camden alphabetizing their Pokemon cards? Not so I can teach them how to put things in ABC order. No, because I am a freak. Why have I painstakingly separated tiny Legos by type into compartmentalized drawers. Because I am a freak. Why do some people get hand cramping from texting their friends, and I get it from using my label maker? Because I am a freak. This is feeling very therapeutic for me right now. I am feeling the beginnings of a breakthrough, a healing of sorts. Isn't admission the first of the 12 steps? Ah, this feels great. Now I am off to put my markers back into rainbow colored order.

Remember Today 3.5.08

{remember} how great it was to get outside with C & M today in the "almost spring" sunshine and warmth.

Remember Today 3.4.08

{remember} cozying down in my bed with my freshly showered boys to read books, and then falling fast asleep with them.

Remember Today 3.3.08

{remember} cherishing my two hours to myself while C's at school and M naps--these days are numbered as naps are becoming more rare.

Remember Today 3.2.08

{remember} time alone with Maddox while Perry took the older two out for a hockey game, and Maddox saying, "I no go to hockey, I stay home with you, Momma." So sweet!

Remember Today 3.1.08

{remember} having fun bowling with friends--love spur of the moment plans.

Remember Today 2.29.08

{remember} watching Logan and Camden play Gameboy and despite my despise for the toy, I love listening to and watching their interactions while playing--the cooperation, negotiation, congratulating, teaching, and conversation.

Remember Today 2.28.08

{remember} Logan's genuine happiness when Camden answered his math problems--he was amazed and proud of his little brother.

How does he know this stuff?

Here's a little conversation after dinner tonight:

Logan: Mommy, what's 60 + 70?
Camden: 60 + 70 equals 130
Me: [totally stunned} how do you know that?
C: easy, 60 + 60 is 120
L: [equally stunned with a big proud smile on his face] ok, here's a tricky one: what's 60 + 78?
C: [without hesitation] 138.

How does he know this stuff? The best part was Logan's priceless smile and sheer pride that his little brother knows this stuff.

Remember Today 2.27.08

{remember} buying 2 new fish at the pet store, and then finding the three boys just sitting in front of the tank silently watching them swim.

Remember Today 2.26.08

{remember} playing hide and seek with Camden and Maddox; glad I brought my latest CK to my hiding place in the bathtub--it took them awhile to find me, and I wasn't giving any hints!

For the love of the bean

I don't know who invented the jelly bean, but I am forever indebted to him or her, specifically the Jelly Belly jelly bean. There is no better candy on earth than the Jelly Belly bean. I have forgotten in the time since last spring just how scrumptiously fun these little beans are. I picked up 3 pounds of them yesterday and have tried to contain myself from sneaking handfuls of them at all hours of the day from 9:30 this morning--is that too early for candy? to 6:15 tonight while dinner was cooking (sshh, don't tell the boys). They were also a great snack, savored one at a time during the Oscars last night.

With 50 flavors (though mine only have 49, I wonder which one is missing, hmmm) how can you not find one you like? Some of my favorites: cappuccino, peach, wild blackberry, strawberry cheescake, strawberry jam, blueberry, and my all time fav, black licorice. Tonight after dinner the boys and I sat, each with a pile of beans in front of us, matching up our colors and popping the same ones into our mouths. We tried to identify the flavors and decided which ones we really liked. Logan's was, hands down, Vanilla Bean (no surprise here, it's also his favorite ice cream, yogurt, cake, and even Oreo). Camden liked Buttered Popcorn, but couldn't find any that he didn't like. And Maddox, well Maddox liked App-pear-cappu-cinna, lem-utti-rasp-blue-shmallow-punch (one fistful straight into the mouth)!
A picture of my beans because at this rate they won't be around much longer.

Remember Today 2.25.08

{remember} having a conversation with the boys (sans Perry) about having another baby. Maddox brought it up and they all unanimously agreed they want another baby in the house (not anytime soon, if ever!).

Remember Today 2.24.08

{remember} the boys trying calamari at the restaurant and Logan loving it--even the tentacles!

Remember Today 2.23.08

{remember} playing in the new fallen snow and having ice cream at Wendy's with the boys.

They're baaaack!

My Mom took Logan and Camden for a special overnight visit last night. It was so nice to have alone time with Maddox. We were able to play, dance, and roll around on the floor without someone mistaking it for a wrestling match and diving in for a tackle. I also came to an important realization: it's not me leaving the room that makes him cry, but rather that I have left him alone with his older brothers, and the possible terrorism that may ensue that triggers the cry response in him. He plugged in Big & Rich by himself and I actually went off to do a few things. When I returned from Target, um I mean from upstairs (ha!), he was contently watching the TV. No crying, no whining, no screaming, no shrieking. I probably could have ran those errands to the grocery store and Target--heck, he knows how to push play again when the DVD ends! He was so happy, and soaking up the peace and quiet as much as I was. But all good things must come to an end. And now, like the Poltergeist that terrorized little Carole Anne, "they're baaaack", and with them has come the bickering, yelling, running, and fighting.

But for all the quiet that the past 24 hours held, I can't imagine this house with anything less than these three boys filling each room with their craziness (and their toys!). And I know Maddox missed them because he asked for them exactly three times: at dinner, at bath, and at breakfast the next morning--"Where's Logan and Camden? They sleeping?" me: "No, they're at Grandma's." him: "No, I think they sleeping." me: "They're not sleeping, they're at Grandma's." him: "I think they hiding. They playing hide and seek." Guess he was in denial.

Remember Today 2.22.08

{remember} how the house sounds with three boys in it.

Remember Today 2.21.08

{Remember} how great one-on-one time with Maddox is--he doesn't cry every time I leave the room!

A work in progress

Doesn't look like much now, but I can't wait to see this finished. The journaling is all typed up (Monday through Wednesday anyway). The boys will pick their favorite photos from the days. Then it's just format the pics, print everything out and adhere it in. Oh, yeah, and a cover--still thinking about that.

Pieces of Me

A quick little project I started last night:

This is a small ringed binder I picked up at Target's Dollar Spot (can I ever walk into Target and walk by this little area?!). It was an ugly orange color (some of which you can still see on the inside cover--need to do a bit of touch-up) that I sanded and painted "baby pink" with acrylic. The torn out page from a recent Pottery Barn Kids catalog that I was using to cover up my workspace became the inspiration for the cover motif. You never know when a piece of trash will become the basis for your next creation! So I punched white circles, stamped a title ("pieces of me") and used one of the cutie owls from my Hambly rub-ons. Sometimes it takes a bit of effort to use something from my stash that I just love. I have to quiet that voice that asks, "Is this project worth that really cute owl? What if you need it for another project and you've wasted it here?" I have learned that there will always be something else for that next project. Use what you love now, because before too long you'll be loving something else. Disclaimer: I only feel this way about scrapbooking supplies! Anyway, back to the book. To ground the punched circles in my title I penned rings around the outside edges. Love this very easy and effective technique. The purpose of this book (another Ali inspired project): to house the little, well, "pieces of me". It contains indexed alphabet dividers. So far I have a photo of the boys that's been kicking around my workspace under 'B', and the Starbucks cup wrap under 'S'.

From Life Artist: "It's a simple, quick way to feel like you're doing something, recording something, documenting some part of your life as you experience it. It's a book that can grow and change right along with you. It's also a wonderful way to create in a continuous way, a way to go with the flow and record what's happening as it happens."p. 44 Love it. . .

Remember Today 2.20.08

{remember} Logan and Camden falling asleep together in our bed tonight.

When inspiration strikes

I have this mini album idea inspired by, who else, Ali Edwards. Are you surprised? Anyway, I have an old board book, well a few of them, recycled from my children's book shelves. It's been sitting on a closet shelf just waiting for the perfect project. I took it out the other day and counted the pages: 5 two page spreads, plus a front and back cover. I had seen in Ali's book (Life Artist) what appeared to be a child's board book altered with acrylic paint (turns out, when I reached the end of the book and found a materials list for every project in there, that it was actually a funky little chipboard album that she covered with paper). Anyway, my sister had tried this with some trouble and I thought, why not sand the shine off the pages and cover them with acrylic paint? Then inspiration hit me, right smack in the middle of the boys' February vacation, as to what I can use this little album for: a recording of their five days off from school. So, here I sit with emery board in hand and vacuum within reach as I sand the pages. I could go down to the basemement to get a larger piece of actual sandpaper that would make the job go faster, but frankly I am too lazy at the moment to get out of my chair. I'll let you know how it all turns out. . .

Remember Today 2.19.08

{remember} savoring a quiet moment watching the boys play outside after a busy morning--love how they can find happiness and busy-ness in the smallest thing: digging in the snow and last year's grass clippings, pulling up vines, and finding nuts the squirrels had buried.

Remember Today 2.18.08

{remember} how Logan, perhaps feeling guilty after hitting Maddox, sits down to play Magnetix with him.

Remember Today 2.17.08

{remember} soaking up inspiration from Ali, now I just need to put it to some good use!

Remember Today 2.16.08

{remember} how Maddox (feeling a bit better after a long nap), after looking through his baby scrapbook, grabbed his teddy bear, climbed into the rocking chair, and positioned his bear to sit just as the two of them had in his 4 month baby picture. So cute (and smart!).

Will winter ever end?

My littlest man is sick. The poor thing has barely spoken 10 words all day. His nose is a faucet. He has a fever, and a cough that sounds like it couldn't possibly come from someone so small. I put him in the rocking chair in the playroom snuggled up with his favorite blanky, teddy bear, and "puppy", and a sippie of water so I could take a quick shower. When I got out and checked him he was sound asleep. He has now been sleeping for nearly 3 hours (something I would never let him do typically), but I just can't wake the poor little guy.

Brotherly Love

Conversation while playing Gameboy:

L: Camden, we're going to Grandma and Grandpa's tomorrow
C: I know
L: And we're bringing the dessert
C: I know
L: It's Oreo cake
C: I know
L:I'm gonna have the biggest piece
C: No, you're not
L: At least bigger than yours

Ah, brothers. Is there anything else like the rivalry they share?!

A mother's work is never done

Well, I've done it. I have officially caught up on all the laundry. This only happens maybe three times a year, so I am taking a moment to bask in the glory. Usually, laundry is in various states in my house: dirty; dirty but sorted for the wash; clean but not dry; clean and dry but not sorted by person; clean, dry, and sorted but waiting to be folded; clean, dry sorted, folded but not put away. . . You get the idea. Well, today while the boys rotted their brains on Looney Toons and Gameboy, and my sweet Maddox tried to sleep his nasty cold away, I took a bit of time to tackle the laundry. There are a handful of things in the dirty basket, because let's face it, can laundry in a household of five ever truly be caught up?, but other than that everything is washed, dried, folded, and put away. Yippee!

Of course by Tuesday it will look like this again:

Remember Today 2.15.08

{remember} how a cup of tea smells, feels, and tastes so good in the afternoon--my little bit of "Calgon, take me away."

Remember Today 2.14.08

{remember} Perry coming home 'early' to celebrate Valentine's Day with us--he brought dinner from one of our favorite restaurants.

Valentine Creations

Some fun gifts for Valentine's Day:

Pop top can filled with Dove chocolate hearts: Use a safety can opener to cut off the bottom of the can. Remove contents and wash and dry can thoroughly. Cut strips of patterned paper to wrap around can (regular weight, not cardstock, works best). Cut or punch a circle approx 2" in diameter and snip off one edge approx 3/8" (this will fit under the pop tab). Adhere papers, tie ribbon on tab, and fill with goodies. Flip over and use four small beads of hot glue to fasten the bottom back on the can. Embellish as desired (here a heart).

$1.00 Target mailboxes: Gotta love the Target Dollar Spot. This is actually last year's design because in my rush to package this year's up, oh at about 6:30 this morning, I forgot to snap pictures. Thank goodness I saved a sample! Cover the body of the box with 12" patterned or stamped paper cut to just shy (like 1/16") of 4". The trickiest part: measure up 3" and cut a 1"slit. Then punch a square or circle at the end to allow for the flag. I didn't do this here and you can see a bit of the mess (probably why I saved this one as a sample). The rest is just trace and cover (the two ends), embellish (the flower, and words) and adhere. Don't forget a cute something on the flag. Again, filled with chocolates--is there anything better on Valentine's Day?!

Love Letters

In honor of Valentine's Day, Camden's preschool class is doing an adorable unit on letters. Every day for the past two weeks Camden has come home with a letter for someone. On Monday it was Maddox. The letter read, "Dear Maddox, I love you. I love you. I love you. Love, Camden" Tuesday's letters were for two friends from his class last year that are in his same classroom in the morning. These letters stayed at school for delivery. On Wednesday, Camden came bounding into the car asking, "When will Daddy be home tonight? I have a letter for him." After much pleading he called Perry and worked his sweetness to get Daddy to come home before bedtime (an amazing feat!). This letter read, "Dear Dad, I love you. Love, Camden" I volunteered in his classroom on Thursday. The letter he secretly wrote while I was there read, "Dear Mom, I love you. I love you. Thank you. Love, Camden" He later told me the "thank you" was for coming to his classroom. Monday brought another note for Daddy: "Daddy, I love you." On Tuesday, he carried two envelopes to the car. One for our neighbor, and if I had time to steam it open before it was delivered, I would have. The other for his big brother: "Dear Logan, I love you. I want to play with you when you get home from the bus. Love, Camden." How much sweetness and love can one little body hold?!

Remember Today 2.13.08

{remember} a snow day + hot chocolate + no where to be = a fabulous day!

Remember Today 2.12.08

{remember} how totally sweet and filled with love Camden is!

Remember Today 2.11.08

{remember} Logan coming off the bus with a bag of pops. He earned Star of the Week for good behavior on the bus. Two things he said: It was easy, all you have to do is sit. I want to share these with Camden & Maddox. That's my guy!

Remember Today 2.10.08

{remember} the fun we had at the MOS! Family time is the best time.

Who knew a ball of yarn could be so much fun?

"I did" came the reply from my 4 year old. And he did; all three of those boys did. From playing catch at karate the day before, to running in circles while holding two ends, a simple ball of yarn provided endless hours of fun. The boys found the ball given to them from my good friend Kayla (let's just say a knitting project gone awry) this morning and immediately set to work unravelling the entire 30 miles (just an estimate) while running from room to room, upstairs, downstairs, and everywhere in between. Was I freaking out with the web of yarn through every inch of the house? Heck, no: I was doing dishes, changing 4 beds worth of sheets, and throwing in a week's loads of laundry. And when the ball of yarn had been exhausted, I handed them each a pair of scissors and a ziploc bag and told them to snip and collect it. The clean up was just as fun as the play! Sorry, Kayla, that we could not salvage any of your yarn ball, but thank you for giving me a chance to get some Saturday morning chores done!

Remember Today 2.9.08

{remember} when the creative juices are flowing, pour yourself a mug full.

Remember Today 2.8.08

{remember} watching Logan and Camden's smiling expressions as they watched Curious George's silly antics.

Remember Today 2.7.08

{remember} how much fun a simple whoopie cushion can be for three young boys.

Their little world

My four year old started a conversation about death today during lunch. I'm not really sure how it all began. Perhaps it was in regard to my upcoming birthday and how old I am getting. He seems to be very interested in how old everyone is, and specifically how old he will be when others reach a certain age. He might have been talking about how old people are when they die. He retrieved a framed picture of his Nana (my grandmother) who was in her 80's when she died, and spoke about how old she was in the picture, and how old she was when she died. Then he stated quite definitively that "babies when they're first born can't die." I asked him why they can't and he matter-of-factly replied "it's not allowed." Oh, their little world of innocence and happiness, their world where only the old, after having lived a long and full life, are allowed to die. Then he asks me, "Is death forever?" me; "Yes, yes it is forever." him: "For always?" me: "Yes, for always. When you die, you don't ever come back." him: "Unless you have a magic wand, right?" It broke my heart to tell him that there is no magic wand. In real life, there is no magic wand.

Remember Today 2.6.08

{remember} some nights it feels good to just curl up in front of the tv (and this is OK).

Remember Today 2.5.08

{remember} Camden asking if the dinosaur he will see at the museum would be in a cage.

Remember Today 2.4.08

{remember} Walking into Maddox's bedroom and finding him and Camden snuggled in his bed with Camden reading him Green Eggs and Ham.

Remember Today 2.3.08

{remember} the Patriots lost the Super Bowl, and had their first loss of the season--heartbreaking (even for me, the non-football fan).

Remember Today 2.2.08

{remember} how great it feels to clean the whole house (well, most of it) in one sweep--thanks Mom & Dad!

Remember Today 2.1.08

{remember} despite knowing no one bu the birthday boy, Logan didn't think twice about me leaving him at a birthday party tonight.