A Happy Heart Blog

2012-02-14T13:22:00.003-05:00

Hope everyone has a beautiful day full of candy, love, hugs, and kisses!

Love,

Michelle

2012-02-12T21:02:00.001-05:00

This is me after my first 2 mile run of 2012. I should premise this by saying that my running for 2011 - probably equaled that number, but I won't! I've been talking a lot about how I just can't find the time to run: too dark, too tired, too late etc... So many people around me have inspired me to get going, to make that one last effort to get out the door and run, baby, run. My goal this week is to run two miles at least five times this week. That would make my weekly mileage 10. This week it's all about starting a routine, not the distance. The distance will come later - this time, I'm sure of it!

Are you a runner?

When did you start running?

What was your original goal?

What is your goal now?

One Day in our Life.

2012-02-07T14:54:00.002-05:00

One Day in our Life chronicles these crazy and enjoyable times of our children's early childhood. Everyday is different, but there are certainly patterns and routines that won't always be the same; but, that I want to remember. Right now, my day starts around 7 in the morning. My first priority is to get the boys dressed and the girls ready for school. Make-up and hair, for me, come later, in the car before getting out to do an errand. My husband laughs at me, but, I 'm not for everyday a no-makeup day!

Some of it may be hard to read, click the photo and you'll get a closer look at it!

Love At Home Valentine Countdown.

2012-02-02T15:56:00.000-05:00

Love at Home Countdown "home"

There is beauty all around when there's love at home. This song is one of my absolute favorite church hymns. When sung, it creates such a feeling of love, it's hard to ignore it's message (link here). Inspired by Cristin @ Serendipity's "count your many blessings' house (link here), I put together this little house by converting a birdhouse into a representation of our home. I have a few more things to do to it, but I'm not sure I'll get there before next Valentine's Day! Eventually, I will have a hook at the top of the roof's peak where we can hang our Love At Home countdown.

Countdown felt envelopes.

Each day, a red felt envelope will be pulled out of our little Valentine mailbox. In each envelope are words to the song There is beauty all around, when there's love at home. I separated the three verse texts into phrases and put them on printable tags. The idea is that we'll read the tag and talk about it's message and why it's important to our family. I hope to make this a joyful experience for our family!

fireplace mantle "Love at Home"

I purposefully made only 10 tags and didn't number any of them. Sometimes life gets busy and I always hate getting to a countdown, two or three days late! This way there is room for error and no room for trying to catch-up! The printables will place easily into your Word document and fit easily on two pieces of paper. Click the image below, right click, and push save as. The file should be a high resolution jpg image. Let me know if you have trouble and I can send you the individual image. My email is shecalledme@gmail.com.

printable #2

Printable #1

Do you have a valentine countdown?

Have you heard There is beauty all around?

9 good things.

2012-01-26T13:58:00.000-05:00

A Spelling Bee good job cake!

There have been so many good things going on in our neck of the woods lately. My girls, Cici and Nini, took part in their first ever spelling bee contest this week! I am so so so proud of them (did I happen to mention how proud of them I am!?) This was one of those things they could choose to do or not at school, but at home, I felt that it was something they had to at least try to do. They didn't object, making our decision to have them try, a lot easier!

Saying goodbye to Bessie

We said goodbye last month to our dear beloved mini-van - lovingly named Bessie. We traveled over 125,000 miles in her, in two countries, and at least 15 states. She survived two accidents, two sets of twins, too many stops to McDonald's, and all the abuse a family of six could throw at her! Our new mini-van hasn't been named yet, we love her, but we need to wear her in a little more to give her a name.

Ice Cream cone balloons with party hats.

Dixie cup and pom pom yarn sundae's and envelope lanterns.

My calling as RS 2nd counselor has taken me through many activities. We don't quite have an activities leader yet, so I and the 1st counselor are charging-up the activities for now. January was something we named The Visiting Teaching Banana Split Event! I loved the Ice Cream Cone Party Hat Balloons and the Dixie Cup Yarn Sundae's as decorations! I don't have time to give all the details, but if you are interested in this idea for your ward, email me at shecalledme@gmail.com!

Hawk loving his Thomas PJ's

Christmas seems like ages ago! We had a lovely and relaxing Christmas with Mr. C staying home the entire week. We ate, wrapped and unwrapped presents, took drives, ate, watched movies and all that really good relaxing family time. Mr. T and Hawk got into the spirit of opening presents this year. Hawk's favorite were these Thomas Train Engine PJ's - he truly couldn't wait to put them on!

Nini's best hug!

This photo reminds of the great joy I am having at watching my little girls grow-up. They are so incredible!

Favorite Christmas Photo

Honestly, this photo is my absolute favorite! The look on Nini's face and anticipation at what her sister would think of the gift Nini bought Cici - is just beautiful! I love these girls :)

Smartie Pants teacher gifts.

You are "Mint" to be our teacher gifts.

I couldn't help myself this year! I had to put together some of those cute pinterest teacher appreciation gifts. I put a ton of smarties into a clear jar and put a little sign on the lid Thanks for turning ___________ into a smartie pants! The Junior Mint appreciation gift we gave to the girl's piano teacher!

Me and Loan!

Our sweet friend came from Virginia to see our family again! We love Loan and have enjoyed her sweetness in our lives since Craig met her on his mission in Washington DC (she was 5) and later I met her when she was 11. We are very grateful she still loves us after all these years!!!

Here's the big questions:

Do you name your cars?

Quiet Toddler Activity

2012-01-20T13:42:00.001-05:00

Match the shapes!

Pin It

Match cut shapes to shapes sewn on fabric.

So excited to tell you about this handmade embroidery hoop shapes activity for toddlers. I have been searching for a quiet activity I can do with my boys during our one hour and fifteen minute church service. While our church lasts longer than this, it's the time in which everyone gathers together and it's very quiet (except for my boys!) This particular activity I put together using my felt, material, and an embroidery hoop I already had at my home.

I cut the material and fastened in the hoop. I used pinking shears to cut the extra fabric. The rest was about cutting out the shapes and sewing one square, one circle, and one triangle onto the hoop. Posting more toddler activities next week!

What is your favorite activity with your toddler?

Ring...ing in the New Year.

2012-01-17T19:24:00.000-05:00

$15.00 total

The new year has been full of fun already! A lovely family friend has been in town keeping us very busy! We were lucky to hit several antique stores scoring these antique/costume jewelry rings for $3 dollars each. My friend is taking home the two on the left and the one on the far right! This is one more bonus to living in New England - there are vintage and antique stores everywhere! So, remember, when you come and visit - we'll hit as many as we can!

Mr. C has the 2, Nini has the 0, I have the 1, and Cici has the 2 =2012

We've been enjoying a new season with our girls. Suddenly, they have become very much like "little people" and "little friends". They love hanging out with us and the conversations we've had have been so enjoyable! We stayed up until midnight and took this cool photo right on a self-timer. We rang in the first second of the new year with a few harmless (but loud) fireworks! The boys were happily dreaming even with our crazy noise!

First second of 2012!

Happy 2012!

Romney Rally: Showing kids the importance of a Presidential Election.

2012-01-10T00:26:00.000-05:00

What's in this post:

How our family handled the Republican Primary election in NH,

photos, autograph from Mitt Romney, sample ballot

for our children so they can make their vote.

********************************************

Cici's "pretend" text while we wait for the rally to start.

Our girls have been very fascinated by all the election and Primary talk around our state. They’ve asked questions, and made bold statements about the candidates they like or don’t like. It has been a joy see both of them become opinionated and more curious. Last week, we had the opportunity to take them to a Mitt Romney rally. We felt that this would be a great way to put learning into real experience.

Don't look at me - not a good photo - check out those excited faces on Cici and Nini!

We talked all the way to the rally, letting there opinions fly. We enjoyed looking at all the TV vans and feeling the excitement of the whole event. The atmosphere inside the town hall was easy going, yet highly organized. We tried setting our sights on several locations to get our view of Romney, but were finally given a perfect view by a lovely gentlemen working at the rally.

The Papparazzi!

One of my favorite things to do was look at all the cameras and people working the news stations. It was really enjoyable to watch and alot of fun to watch the news later to see if we were on TV (we weren't!)

McCain came to endorse Mitt.

We weren't expecting anyone other than Mitt to speak, so it was a nice surprise to see McCain come on into the rally endorsing Mitt (we hadn't watched the news yet that day!) The girls took in, perhaps not what he said, but the whole event. They listened, looked around, and stood still (who new) for the entire time. We were all set to go home, when one of our favorite babysitters (who had come with her dad) asked if we could help take a photo for her with Romney. The crowds had already swarmed around Romney and we weren't sure if we could get up to the stage area before Mitt left. We made our way up and were thinking that we weren't going to get a chance to get the photo, when Romney turned and almost like Moses parting the red sea (or so it seemed!), put his hand through the crowd to shake the girl's hands! It was too awkward an angle to get a good photo...

Romney giving the girl's his autograph (they are at the bottom of the photo)

Romney handing his autograph to them!

Ms. C (fav babysitter) with Romney!

They weren't shy, answering yes,smiling, and being very well mannered. He smiled and handed back a card he had taken and signed for the girls. Right after, our favorite babysitter got her photo op (that's me behind the lens!) AND Nini and Cici (nini pictured below) got her autograph for the candidate she would vote for if she could.

Nini and Romney's autograph!

I've printed off a sample ballot I found by just googling "sample ballot January 10 NH" and will give it to the girls tomorrow so that they can place their vote for the candidate they want - it's only fair, they get a voice! I'm excited to see what they've decided!

Are you voting soon?

Are your children excited?

Have different opinions on the primary, than you?

Little Blue Truck Playset.

2012-01-07T15:25:00.000-05:00

Hawk with his Little Blue Truck set!

Our home has been brimming with sounds from Alice Schertle's children's book Little Blue Truck. Mr. T and Hawk are big fans! For Christmas, I took a large round decoupage shirt box and began painting it copying Jill McElmurry's gorgeous Illustrations. I didn't come close to her work - but at least at this age - it didn't really matter to the boys! Craig went about finding a blue truck and dump truck and animals to put in the box. We found all of the animals, unfortunately - I couldn't find them all for this photo!

I loved that everything that recreates this book is contained within the box. Around the outside of the box I painted the words from the first page Horn went beep. Engine purred. Friendliest sound you ever heard! It would be fun to see what other books we could put together.

I am hoping that this will be something the boys can keep and pass on to their children. Let's hope that it makes it that far!

Have you heard of this book?

What do you think of it?

What is your favorite animal children's book?

9 Little Clay Russian Dolls and a bird.

2012-01-02T00:40:00.000-05:00

This Christmas I discovered a wonderful medium in natural air drying clay. It's one of those products you wish you would have found earlier! These nine little Mytryoshka dolls were sculpted from stone clay and air dried. I made sure to put wire in the sculpted doll before it dried to hold the ribbon that would eventually allow it to hang on the Christmas tree. The paint I used went on perfectly with no issues and I finished the ornaments with modge podge. These ornaments were for a handmade ornament exchange I attended, so I can't wait to make some for me and the girls!

This bird was my first try at using the stone clay. I tried stamping the wet clay first, but it didn't dry the way I was hoping. I sanded, painted the bird when finished and found it a nice little home with a special friend.

Here's the clay I used...

do you work with clay?

Is there a better product available?

Tell me about your homemade ornaments!

Happy New Year!

Michelle :)

216 photos to one: a christmas card in the making.

2011-12-21T20:47:00.000-05:00

It took 216 photos, approximately 100 sneers, oopses, sit downs, stop movings, and stop making faces - to get the photo that we used on the front of our Christmas cards this year. Like last year, I was hoping on using our Happy Holidays signs, but we couldn't get the boys to even set it in their laps this year. So we improvised and took it with a varying of antique chairs we had in our home. My tripod was the photographer and my MIL held the photo button down. The rocking chair on the far right was my grandfather's - quite the treasure in our home!

The Making of our Christmas Card.

I used Cici to set up the shot. This one turned out beautifully!

The next step was to get all our kids in their chairs and Craig and I
would come behind them. By the time Craig and I came around, the
boys were already running away.

I thought that we would try these signs again this year. Cici and Nini
weren't cooperating (although cute) and the boys wouldn't have it.

We tried several times to take this shot of Craig and I behind us, but
Mr. T wasn't having it.

The girls and I wait for Craig to get Henry who had escaped.

We had everybody settled in their chairs, but just as we were taking a
few good shots, Henry came over to see Mommy!

I totally forgot about this. First this wasn't me - really! Hawk had just
done his business - We should have used this on the back our cards
for our annual photo outtake!

There are at least 10 photos of Mr. T honking Craig's nose!

Almost there!

This one made the cut!

How many photos did it take for your cover Christmas photo?!

Whoever has the highest number wins!

I hope you have a very wonderful holiday!

Merry Christmas

from Michelle

@ a happy heart blog :)

No caption needed!

2011-12-17T15:07:00.001-05:00

What do your children love to play with this time of year? Boxes? Wrapping Paper?!

3 things to share Monday.

2011-12-12T16:01:00.000-05:00

photoshoot props

We were busy a couple weeks ago taking our Christmas photos. Not an easy task, but out of about a 100 clicks - we did get one that will be on the front of our cards! Here's a sneak peak @ our photoshoot props!

Hawk, me, and Mr. T

Hawk and Mr. T both love to sit in my lap when I read them a book. They both assume that they get the prime spot right in the center of my lap. It's really cute to watch! And even cuter, that they don't fight about it. They both fit just perfectly - there favorite book right now is The Little Blue Truck.

Mr. T and Mr. C

Mr. T loves to help. Thats Mr. Ruff Ruff on his right and that's Mr. C (aka daddy) on the right. Mr. T was pivotal in helping get our Christmas Tree just right in it's stand. I love this photo!

What is your favorite book you reading with your kids now?

Have you sent your cards yet?

How many photos did you snap before you got the right one!?

Christmas Decorations.

2011-12-08T13:50:00.000-05:00

Dining room table red tree and candle sticks with ribbon around chandelier.

The great thing about photographs is that it doesn't show the mess outside of the photos. I am finally feeling better, with more energy; but while I was sick, not much cleaning went on in our home. I did manage to have my husband get out the Christmas boxes and I got to work setting up our decorations. As long as I didn't have to eat, or clean - I was OK!

Target Berry wreath over mantle (purchased last year)

New decoration: Simplify Christmas wood frame w/ stencil - love these colors!

Stocking were hung on a ladder this year!
This is more kid safe than hanging it from
our fireplace mantle. I think Santa can
still find them!

This is our living room with our Christmas tree, we waited to put the star on the tree, because Craig had to go out of
town and we didn't get time to put it up. He's back and tonight we'll finish decorating the tree!

Last year's card holder was left in our basement and well, ruined.
This one I repurposed from on old mirror and frame. I took
out the mirror and replaced with canvas and put cork contact paper
on it. Then a decoupaged fun Christmas paper around it and finished
it with some ribbon.

Our main mantle in living room.

A new decoration: I'm not sure I like this yet, but it was made
with shatterproof ornaments and glitter snowflakes. I got the idea from
pinterest (where else, of course!)

This is the girl's little Christmas Tree. This is my absolute favorite decoration
with their little presents made out of legos! So sweet. They had so much fun
putting this together.

Do your kids get along while playing with legos?

What is your favorite decoration in your home?
Have you found any new decor using Pinterest?

Have you ever cropped your photos so the "mess" doesn't show?!

Mickey Mouse Oreo Cupcakes.

2011-12-06T20:28:00.000-05:00

Oreo Mickey Mouse Cupcakes

Double stuffed oreos is the way to go when you make these Mickey Mouse Oreos inspired by a pin on pinterest here. I loved this idea and thought it would be simple enough for my two year old twins to enjoy, while not going over the top. It was a short simple birthday with two friends (thanks Shannon) and our family.

Cici drew some photos for the table and I put a few napkins and Mickey ears out, but no one wore them! After we sang happy birthday, we opened a room close to the kitchen where we stored their present - a Little People toy for their cars.

Here are the boys with their new toy!

Remember to use double stuffed oreos!

What have you made with an oreo?!

Tree lighting and Advent Calendar.

2011-12-05T15:26:00.001-05:00

Tree lighting

Life in New England right now is pleasant and on the warmer side. We had a huge winter storm right before Halloween, but you wouldn't know. All the snow is gone and we haven't seen much of any snow since (which I am more than OK with!) We headed down to our town's common area for our annual tree lighting ceremony. Apparently, the pine tree they planted long ago is now too big for the town funds to handle, so they are asking for donations! I'm not sure I'm telling you this, but it was just an interesting anecdote to add!

All-in-one advent Idea.

I have been searching and researching various advent calendars. There seems to be one for every theme: scripture advent, Christ advent, candy advent and so on. I decided that instead of using one of the advent calendars this year I would combine the ones I liked into one. I picked a scripture advent, service advent, and gift advent. We have a scripture we read and a service we perform almost daily. I say "almost" because the ages of my children don't always allow us to "enjoy" the advents contents. I am hoping someday, we will be more active on the service part of the advent, listen and discuss the scriptures, and enjoy the little presents inside. Someday, is more like some-days, but it's still fun to have choices.

I used a target shoe organizer for the advent. The red leaves were stenciled on randomly with fabric paint. I used magnets to secure the little number tags (one inside and one glued to the number tag). It was pretty simple, just time consuming! Would love to hear more about your advent ideas and let me know if you decide to use the all-in-one concept! Email me if you would like the word created tags at shecalledme@gmail.com.

What advent do you use?

What is your favorite advent memory?!

Family Update:

The boys are now two years old!
We just put up our Christmas Tree

and

Michelle just finished putting together

her last RS activity of the Year! whew!

Time to decorate the rest of our own home :)

Forget Me Not Photo Block.

2011-11-25T15:09:00.000-05:00

Black-painted 2x6 block with decoupaged photo.

I was called to be the counselor in our Ward Relief Society over the activities. It was a shock, since my little twin boys were still wreaking havoc in our RS meetings. I wasn't sure if they were serious or not about me being put in this calling! Thankfully, I work with a wonderful sister who is crafty and funny and is full of fun ideas...it makes the work, a whole lot more fun! As part of a winter activity, we put together a "Homemade Christmas" night. One of the crafts was this Forget Not Photo Block, inspired by Dieter Uchtdorf's talk in general conference called Forget Me Not.

The photo image can be found over at sweet Abby's blog called A Feathered Nest. We used a 2x6 cut into 8" each pieces, then sanded and painted them black, decoupaged the photo onto the block, and hot glued ribbon around the block. It sounds easy, because it was! This activity could work on a large or small scale.

Things we learned: The blocks were cut, sanded, and painted (using prime+paint black paint) BEFORE the activity. The decoupaging and hot gluing were completed during our two-hour activity. We printed our photos @ the Target fast print station. Make sure the photo is saved in a higher dpi setting so you can preserve the photos quality. I used Adobe up the dpi setting.

I just love how this activity came together with so many talented people. From Uchtdorf's talk, to Abby's photo, to my husband's sawing efforts, and Shannon, Aimee, and Becky's painting!

Leave your questions in the comment section if you have any!

First Piano Recital.

2011-11-21T13:30:00.000-05:00

Nini performed Star Wars

Cici performed Bunny Hop

Nini and Cici completed and accomplished their first piano recital earlier this month. I am so proud of them. They were nervous, but confident, and practiced as much as they could. I love them so much and thank my lucky stars everyday that I am their mom. Thanks girls for trying and accomplishing something very difficult! It's not easy getting up in front of a crowd and perform!

"FIRSTS" Memory Cork Board.

2011-11-16T14:01:00.000-05:00

Hand-written memory cards with each "FIRSTS" photo.

It frustrates me when a project is finished, but the results didn't equal what you expected. Take an old antique window I repurposed earlier this year (link here). I made it for my office, but because of the color, or the size - it just wasn't serving it's original purpose. Finally, after a moment of pure brilliance (insert laughing) I realized I could turn the frame and it would fit perfectly on my entryway wall. I am disappointed it took so long to figure this out - but every good thing takes time - right?!

"FIRSTS" cork board

I thought of putting random photos up, but this was what people saw first. It had to be something really special. So the first thing people see, are our family's "FIRSTS"; from kisses to first dates to first haircuts to first guitar solos to first trips and the list goes on. I'm really excited about this!

Penny Candy and the Vermont Country Store.

2011-11-13T00:00:00.001-05:00

Just past the Kissing Bridge you'll find this old Mill.

Last Weekend, we were excited to find that our Saturday wasn't filled with sports, or much to do around our farm. It had been awhile since we piled in our mini-van and took any excursion - so that's just what we did! We headed up into Rockingham,Vermont to the Vermont Country Store. This isn't the original, but it was just as fun. The drive was beautiful, with gorgeous blue skies and colorful leaves still on the trees. Most of the snow was melted too!

Remember these? Fisher Price TV - the boys loved it!

Never heard of this cute toy - "BillDing" cute!

The store is filled with fun, hard-to-find items; as well as, many replicated old toys like the ones above. We all had a good 30 minutes of fun looking at all the toys and reminiscing too. We then moved on to the grocery and cheese section where we were certain we didn't need to of eaten any lunch before we came. Locally made and grown products were available for sampling and there wasn't just a few items - it seemed like almost everything they sold in this section was available for testing - yes, including fudge!

penny candy section!

We knew that we only had a few minutes left before my little twins were going to call it a day. If Mr. C is with me, I we can go places without a stroller. If I were to of tried this on my own, it would have been a disaster....but, Mr. C was there and we were able to enjoy almost an hour in the store! Last we headed to the candy section picking out what we wanted to take with us. One of the best parts was this section above dedicated to candy at only 1 cent each - can you believe that? I haven't purchased anything for a penny since .....I can't remember! What a fun idea and fun area for kids!

The Vermont Country Store

We headed outside to enjoy our spoils and let the kids run around before headed over the Kissing Bridge and Mill. The boys enjoyed running, eating candy, and the girls followed close behind them - just in case they made a be-line for the parking lot!

Enjoying a few morsels of candy!

get that energy out!

Just being kids.

Next up was a fun little walk under the Kissing Bridge (couldn't get this photo to print). You can walk from the Vermont store to the Kissing Bridge and to the old mill in a couple minutes. It's a nice little walk, but will definitely not burn off the calories from all the tasting and candy you might eat while inside!

I am so grateful for last Saturday. It was so fun to "get away" from the norm and see the area we live in. I am so thankful for my children and my husband and the joy the bring into my life. Hope everyone is well! Stop in and say HI! Would love to hear from you.

Kids Photo Album Routine and printable cards.

2011-11-08T12:33:00.000-05:00

morning and evening photo album routine and printable cards.

Chaos, is the word I would describe many mornings and evenings in the Alley home. Four kids, two adults, and a MIL is not a recipe for calm. The girls are so helpful, yet still only 9; and following through can be more than difficult with two little brothers who are great at side-tracking their sisters. I have been researching tips and pointers at how to make both our morning and afternoon/evening routines flow more smoothly. I've added links to a couple helpful articles at the bottom of this post. The biggest and most helpful thing that came out of my research is the simple fact that I need to prepare more the night before and get up before everyone else in the morning. In other words: who needs sleep? This fun and simple way to manage the girl's routine was inspired by Amy Locurto. She's got a lot of great printables including this ideas about routine cards.

Print. Paste on manilla folders. cut. laminate.

Taking her inspiring idea, I set out in photoshop to make my own. I used free available clipart using google images search engine. While these cards are a great way to easily manage a routine, I was having trouble finding the best way to implement them.

I tried mini clipboards and then ran across this mini albums @ Michael's. The albums allow me to first; separate the morning from the evening cards and two; interchange cards are switch them around per the schedule that day.

So far, my girls have managed to use them successfully. My joy is not having to remind them constantly (I still remind them) but them is something tangible to give them as a reminder. I can say "What's next in your routine book?" The clear plastic cover is perfect, since they are carrying the album around as they do their routine protecting it from dirty hands and liquid.

I keep the albums the yellow for morning and the turquoise for evening up on our homework cabinet right in our kitchen and hallway area. I can't see this being full proof, and I am not going to be able to sit back put my feet up while they accomplish their routines without my mommy encouragement. But, it has been very helpful at taking away the pressure of knowing what is next, especially with my two little ones always needing something.

Click the photo below, save, and enjoy. Feel free to change them as you need or make your own!

Check these articles out:

Managing Morning Mayhem

http://www.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=11619
What I learned:
Get up before the kids - not when the kids get up. Be dressed and ready to manage their morning.

Organize your morning routine

http://family.go.com/parenting/pkg-back-to-school/article-747228-school-morning-routines-t/
What I learned:
Prepare the night before!

The best of October 2011.

2011-11-03T23:36:00.000-04:00

Cici was a Reese's, Nini an M&M, the boys-train conductors, and I
got into the spirit by being Thomas the Train!

Cici helping Hawk up to his first trick or treating night!

Nini pulling boys after the big storm.

Taken after the first snow of the season 2012.

Our barn after the first snow storm - love the white trees behind the barn.

Nini kickin back with Mr. T and Hawk.

Some treats from our favorite neighbors and home teachers from church.

How was your October?!

Teaching Piano: Myself vs. a teacher.

2011-10-26T14:38:00.003-04:00

I dreamt long ago that I would lovingly sit beside my daughters at my grand piano and teach them the joy of playing. The piano was always my first joy, so passing this to my children was really just a matter of timing. When they were young, they would crawl at my feet when I played and dance when I would play some upbeat piece. They enjoyed this, why not start teaching them?!

Their first lesson was when they were 7…their second lesson was when they were 8. I realize that some students are just not ready. When this second lesson ended in tears, I put this to the test. I hired a piano teacher that was willing to delve into our home during prime busy hours. She sat down with her quiet voice and calm manner and taught a whole month of lessons. She was a fantastic teacher, but they really just weren’t ready for the pressure of piano lessons and all the other stuff they were asked to do. Closer to nine years old, I tried once again to teach them. It went something like this:

“{Daughter} that was really wonderful! How about we go back to this note and play it with your
3rd finger instead of your 4th.”

{Daughter} plays note with her 2nd finger.

“Oh remember {Daughter} that our fingers are numbered your first finger is your thumb…

that’s right…now let’s count all our fingers.”

{Daughter} holds up fingers and counts 1, for her thumb all the way out to her 5th finger.

“OK, now place your 3rd finger on this note (pointing to the right key)”

{Daughter} puts thumb on note.

“You need your 3rd finger on this note…your third….your third…”

Insert a much more frustrate voice.

“That’s it! Now let’s start here and play it again.”

“No, start here…here…”

Insert perhaps the word Really? Or, Come on!

I realized shortly after many incidents like this, that teaching my daughters piano was just one more power struggle with them; one more situation where I was asking them to listen and follow my rules. Perhaps it was just me, however, either way - they weren't learning anything and they simply couldn’t handle mom telling them how to play the piano – who knew? Music is important in our home, I wasn't giving -up!

I hired the same in-home piano teacher at their now appropriate age. This allowed me to be the person they come to for pats on the backs – not, you have to play it this way and practice my way. I told the girls that it was completely up to them at how much they had to practice as long as they follow the teacher's times. Instead of teach them, I ask, “have you practiced yet today?” they say no or yes; sometimes they play and sometimes they don’t. I sincerely wished I could have been the one to teach them. Perhaps, my role in all of this was simply to put the idea in their heads and an expectation and to support them.

How were you taught?

Are you teaching your children?

Is it hard to find a balance?

Fall Foliage Photos 2011.

2011-10-25T12:54:00.000-04:00

Leaves between the trees.

I love fall, even when it is the precursor to winter. It's really the beginning of November when I start to dread the next four to five months of snow, cold, and WINTER! But, it's not November yet, and there are still beautiful fall leaves on the trees. So right now - I am still smiling,the leaves are enjoying my camera lense, and I am loving the beauty at my doorstep! Hope you enjoy :)

Down the colorful path.

Beauty, even when the sun isn't shining.

Golden Fall.

2011-10-20T20:59:00.000-04:00

Flash family photo October 11 2011
set-up the camera, push the 10 second timer, and see what you get!

Fall at the Alley Home is crazy. We've worked extra hard to finish some much needed repairs on our home, maintain the outside, and finish the cottage on our property. All the while, still trying to keep caught-up with everyday life, kids, fall fun, and church. That's really our home right now - in a nutshell! The leaves in New England are turning to beautiful golden yellows and oranges. It probably wasn't the best peeping season this year, but it's hard when it rains - all the time! But, still, our road and property and area are still just beautiful.

Mr. T -no need to pick, just eat off vine!

Mr. C has worked for the past months to complete many projects, as well as few, unexpected issues, and contractors stopping-in. Thank heavens for my handy-man! Here's an idea of what he's been up to:

Re-surface our drive with ground gravel to avoid problems during mud season and winter,
fix-up the back-section of our barn as a basketball area for Nini, including installing plywood floor.
Unexpected problems in upstairs shower, a leak forced us to cut through our bottom bathroom to dry-out the leak form the top-bathroom. It is now drying out and we are having a plumber and drywall people here soon.
Trim and cut-back property trees and shrubs for winter
Install kitchen cabinets in our kitchen and hopefully soon - paint it all a uniform color - it's very mismatched now.
Plus he has had a few business trips! Crazy :)

I performed in church a couple Sundays ago a piano piece called How lovely was the morning, it was an arrangement of one of our church hymns called Joseph Smith's first prayer. It was nice to be in performance mode, be prepared, and not mess up! The girl's are busy with soccer, karate, piano lessons, and Cici is still in Ballet. We switched school's because it was too difficult with the boys and too demanding on me. Her teacher has fewer students and less recitals. We talked a lot about it as I didn't want her to be completely crushed about the transition. She was up for a change and her new teacher is perfect for now and at this time in our lives.

Funny Self Portrait!

Thankfully, after a physical therapy appointment this week, they were able to tell me why I have been in so much pain. It started a couple months back with headaches and intense pain throughout the day. I pushed doctor's appointments off because I had other things on my mind - but finally decided it was time to see someone. It turns out that my C6 disk in my spine is bulging and causing me to have a pinched nerve. I am on Ibuprofen and exercises every hour. I am hopeful that it will improve in the next couple of weeks. This hasn't been any fun. I also had a mini-scare when I went in for my annual female check-up. He sent me in for an early mammogram, thankfully everything turned out to be normal. End result, they have a good baseline now for future mammograms.

How are you?

How are your fall colors?
Do you like to eat berries right off the vine?!

Yankee Candle and Pumpkin People.

2011-10-17T14:04:00.000-04:00

For all the Red Sox Fans :)
Pumpkin Patch

For Columbus Day, I met up with my blogging buddy and her sweet family, Amanda. I just love seeing them. It's such a treat to have met her through blogging - who knew?! Anyway, we met at Yankee Candle in South Deerfield, CT and spent a couple hours enjoying the smells and food and candy available at this yummy location. For a special treat, we both found ourselves at this awesome pumpkin farm just north . The special attraction wasn't just buying the pumpkins - but also, the pumpkin people!

Wizard of Oz

Posey, Cici, Rowan, and Everett @ a pumpkin people wedding!

Hermione and Dumbledore

Nini, me, and Cici (we're not pumpkin people!)

Have you ever seen pumpkin people?!

Home, at the Drive'in Theatre!

2011-10-12T21:27:00.000-04:00

Who says that when the drive'in theatres close, we can't have our own at home? We pulled the boy's play cars up in front of the TV, popped popcorn, and handed out little snacks - all for the sake of their own drive-in theatre experience. ..

Ms. Nini planned the entire at-home outing. She talked non-stop about it and how she was going to do it for days. Hawk and Mr. T sat in their cars the entire Phineas and Ferb show - and loved every minute of it!

Thanks Nini!

Chalkboard Mantle Sign.

2011-10-07T15:52:00.000-04:00

My Halloween Mantle!

Two days of pure fall, beautiful weather has inspired me to finish a few projects I started, but didn't finish. I needed a day of no rain so that I could paint - but honestly, there hadn't been any for a long time! This is my mantle right now, real time! I know every place I've purchased each of these items; from Utah to California to Montreal and now here in New England. It's really fun to remember each place we've lived and where we purchased these fun holiday decorations - it's a little like christmas ornaments!

The mantle sign I made with an old antique board and chalkboard spray paint. I didn't prime it, which was on purpose. I wanted the imperfections of the wood and grain to show through. I did spray paint over it several times to make sure I could write over the paint. Once dry, it was ready for whatever I wanted to write on it! I even hung it up myself :)

Here's the project in Pinterest fashion:

Do you find holiday decorations to bring as many memories as ornaments?
What is your favorite Halloween decoration? From where?

Are you having b-a-u-tiful fall weather?

Happy Birthday Nini and Cici!

2011-10-04T23:38:00.001-04:00

Waiting, to blow out their birthday candles while we sing to them!

I can't stop thinking about two fantastic little ladies that graced my life eight years and four months ago. They were the sweetest babes I had ever seen, they were Ninia and Cici. We had a pre-milestone birthday this year. That year that comes right before a child's age becomes a double digit. Thankfully, my 9-year old sweethearts still have one more year before the tenth birthday.

Their 9th birthday lasted the weekend! We had their friend party, a friend who had a birthday party, and our family party - all in three days. They had a wonderful time at each event and are enjoying their each one of their birthday gifts. Their favorites included the outfit that Cici has on -the scarf and headband! A friend gave this to her and she just loves - so much so, she won't let me borrow that scarf! Nini has been enjoying a couple lego kits she got and her very own cans of sliced olives!

We also purchased a the new credit card monoply game. Who has this? You'll never go back to the "old" way of dealing out the money and sorting it! I would have played monopoly a lot more if I had this version as a kid.

As some point during our family party, Cici opened one of those cards with a recorded song. It was of Ariel's, Part of your World song from Little Mermaid. Hawk was so entranced by the music (he and Mr. T watch this all the time - it's their favorite) that he just stood their - like the photo- with his little hand on Cici's shoulder staring at the card. It was a good five minute episode of pure cuteness!

Treat and trinkets bag for party.

The girl's friend party was at a local movie theatre where they and six of their friends got to see A Dolphin's Tail. They also had cupcakes and pizza in the theatres movie room afterwards. I personally, could not handle an at home party this year, and I am grateful for this option we had. As a parting gift, I put together these bags with some fun candy and trinkets in it.

Have you seen a Dophin's Tail?

Have you played the new monopoly?
Do you have like birthday parties away from home?

A Turquoise Hawk and twins.

2011-09-27T21:10:00.000-04:00

Nini and Hawk checking out his turquoise hands.

Once upon a time a little boy named Hawk couldn't quite reach high on the counters of his home. He would try and try but he never quite got his fingers on what his eyes could see. Day after day he would stand high on his tippy toes hoping to reach the toys, trinkets, and grown-up things.

One fall day, to his surprise, his tippy toes were just enough to allow him to reach something small and colorful on mom's kitchen counter. She was busy frosting cupcakes and didn't see his little fingers reach to the counter. He was curious about this little container filled with wonderful turquoise goo. Mom didn't catch him until he had ingested it and smeared all that dye all over his hands and mouth. He was very upset that this cool container wasn't a toy!

Hawk and his Turquoise tongue.

Now Hawk's mommy (me!) watches a little more closely at those cute piggy tippy toes!

As a mother of twins, I still try to take the time to cook and do these extra things when the boys are up. They are pretty good about running around me and I try to involve them a little. It's a short time-span, so I try to these things quickly. Whether it's letting them distroy the cupboard below me or showing them what I am doing. It's not easy managing this though! Many times I try, but it just gets too stressful. I cut corners with store-bought cake mixes or cooking several meals at a time -during naptime.

Any mischief at your house?

Do you cook with small children?

Or when they are sleeping?!

Chalk-board serving tray.

2011-09-21T14:01:00.000-04:00

Vintage Tray painted with chalkboard paint and used to announce your yummy goodie!

Originally, I used this tray painted on the flat oval part with chalkboard paint, as a wall decoration. It never quite found it's perfect place in our kitchen - until now! When the idea came to me - out of the turquoise blue - to use it for our annual library bake sale as a tray - I knew it had found it's purpose. Sometimes it's good to feel a little clever (even if somewhere out there on pinterest must be this idea!)

Do you love Turquoise?

Box or from Scratch Cupcakes?
Sprinkles or none?!

Dear Crepes...

2011-09-19T20:15:00.000-04:00

Brie and Pear Crepes with Strawberry/Blueberry Jam

Dear Crepes,

You are really good with butter and sugar, and delicious with melted brie and fresh pears. And with strawberry/blueberry jam - you are perfect! Yummy :)

Sincerely,

Michelle

Our Savior Collage.

2011-09-18T23:14:00.000-04:00

Our Savior Collage
by Montreal Ward Primary

While visiting our old ward (church) in Montreal, Quebec last week, I stumbled upon this very sweet collage of the Savior. It was sitting gently against the wall in the primary (children's) room and was beautifully put together with clipped magazines and photos with a final touch of glitter in between any gaps. I love it because of where I found it, that it was most likely made by the primary children, and because it depicts so many beautiful stories centered around Christ. I am hoping that someone from Montreal on facebook will tell me who came up with this fantastic idea and who created it. So beautiful!

The original is in full color, but I played with it a bit in photoshop and love the black and white. I am having this printed and framed. Good way to reuse all those old church magazines too!

Things that make me smile.

2011-09-16T14:05:00.000-04:00

Besides chocolate, being warm, Russell Crowe, murder mysteries, a good book, and a cheeseburger, this is what is making me smile now a days...

This candle has the most perfect smell I've ever smelled in a candle. I dislike candles that are too strong, or too fruity - but this is it - the best smelling candle! I purchased this from a local woman who definitely knows how to make something smell good!

I am in heaven with this photo. The girls were sitting down outside (we often sit outside after school and let the boys run around) playing their DS games. Mr. T was very interested. Instead looking from the side, he basically scooted them apart and sat down in between them. A perfect moment for me!

More things that make me smile - coming soon!

How are you?!

How are you dealing with your school routine?

Anything making you smile lately?

The perfect

A stroll in Portsmouth NH.

2011-09-12T13:08:00.000-04:00

On the streets of Portsmouth: the Hawk, Cici, Mr. T, and Nini.

We took a stroll through Portsmouth NH with four kids,

three adults,

two toy cars,

and a binkie.

Cool clock!

We looked around at all the sights, took in the sunny day,

and enjoyed a few peaks to window shop.

Love the Turqoise and growing ivy.

We admired the colors and beautiful buildings,

including this painted turquoise bakery.

Portsmouth side alley.

We walked through alleys and brick streets

looking in windows

and wishing for ice cream.

Mr. T grooving to a Hurdy Gurdy

And then, Mr. T and all the kidlets

wanted to sit and enjoy

something I had never heard

or seen before...

Enjoying the sounds of a Hurdy Gurdy.

...A man, as cozy as could be, took up a nice little section

of a Portsmouth Street and played sweet little tunes on the Hurdy Gurdy.

If you don't know what a Hurdy Gurdy is or want to know

all the facts check out this sweet little page that explains it all here.

This was our fun little stroll through

the streets of Portsmouth NH!

Thanks for coming along :)

Have you been to Portsmouth?

Favorite thing?

Have you heard the sounds of a Hurdy Gurdy?

Or, never heard of it like me?!

A Bear and Turtle Makeover.

2011-09-07T23:43:00.000-04:00

Emptied Animal Cracker Bear bin.

I just couldn't stand it any longer...I took the rest of the animal crackers from this bear container and did a bear make-over. While the animal crackers rest peacefully in our food pantry, this bear is now found life among the little red-headed boys that run amuck in our home - one shouting "This is a car" (seriously) over and over; and the other pointing profusely at the cars and then giggling.

Mr. T (r)and the Hawk using their new repurposed bear bin.

Here you can see Mr. T and the Hawk playing intently with Mr. Bear as he is protector of the cars in our home now. The little boy colors work perfectly in their room. It was all put together with decoupage and some hot glue. It did take longer then I expected thought - around an hour.

Four years ago I found those little turtles in a fabric store and swore I would do something with the fabric. I wanted to make a quilt out of the material, but I really haven't had time. Instead, I decided to upstyle these very inexpensive fleece jackets by cutting each turtle out individually and sewing them onto the jackets.

We got to wear them today since our New England weather seems to have declared winter over!

How is weather in your neck of the woods?
Do you like animal crackers?

What do you think of this new upstyling craze?

Window Shopping.

2011-09-03T00:52:00.000-04:00

Window Shopping

The summer hasn't officially ended for me yet, although the girls have now officially started fourth grade. As I type, I am sitting miles seaside at a hotel in Maine. We decided this summer that our vacation would be split up into several smaller ones; and nearer to home. The boys make it hard to really travel anywhere, so we've kept easier. We hit the beach earlier in June and now again in September. Despite my inability to do much with twin boys who do not take direction well -yet! We made our way to a few fun day adventures, like hitting this NH small town.

Outdoor Music

It wasn't glamorous, as we couldn't really get into any store because of the double stroller. The town is on a very steep incline (steep, at least, when you're pushing a stroller up it). If we were stroller-free and toddler free, it would have been a fun to hit the cute boutiques and have some lunch. In the end, it- it was fun to get out and about, but I will wait a few years to go back. We looked around, we came- we saw - we window shopped...

Time to go home!

Adventure was over and we were home for naptime. This was back in July~! Late blogging ;)

A sweet moment captured.

2011-08-30T14:32:00.000-04:00

Daddy and Mr. T

I can think of no other technology I like better than the digital camera. All of those moments that would have only of been memories, are now captured and printable moments. How many other times will this moment take place between Mr. T and his daddy? Hopefully many more, but this time - I had my digital camera right beside me. It's just oozing with sweetness :)

Wouldn't you agree?!

What is your favorite techno-gadget?

I spy...a basket purse?!

2011-08-26T00:25:00.000-04:00

Basket Purse - perfect :)

I hate diaper bags. I know this is a very negative way to start a post, but I am trying to be honest. I can never find anything in them, or when I do, it's usually some sort of food that has been hiding in it's depths. It was around Easter time 2011, the boys were almost 18 months old and I had had it with those big bags. I still needed something to put all the things I needed in my shopping excursions and trips to church. The answer, as uneventful as it may be, came after I muddled what to do with the girl's Easter baskets. I love to buy them, but how many more do we need? Before the the massive Easter clearance, I had a clearly brilliant moment - I can use this basket as an alternative to my diaper bag....I bought one more on clearance and have the one in the photo, white, and pink...I was hooked.

alternative to a diaper bag or purse

Perhaps it's the color, the size, or the cute handle - but this style basket has proven to be a perfect fit. It's not too big, not too small, it's a great color and it fits everything I need for my twins when I am shopping. I even had room for a half package of wipes that I forgot to put in these photos.

Here are my contents:

Here is what I took with me on my last shopping adventure:

Two sippy cups
1 banana with peel
lots of change at the bottom of the basket
My keys
A flower pen
A planner.
A wallet
2 baggies of grapes (sliced)
2 baggies of pretzels
2 fruit snacks
2 Keebler treat bags
2 bottles, just in case!

Hilariously, all items within this basket were consumed on one (1) forty minute Target trip! ReallY!

fits perfectly

The basket sits perfectly on the floor on my passenger seat and fits nicely in the shopping cart or underneath my double stroller. When the contents of the bags and packages are eaten, I use the basket as a temporary garbage and throw everything away on the way out. Leaving only what wasn't devoured behind! That usually means my money too! Surprisingly, I have received tons of great compliments - and that's even with my cute little red heads as a distraction :)

What do you think about diaper bags?

Do you hate or love them?

Would you do this?

Repurposing an Antique Window.

2011-08-24T14:01:00.000-04:00

Antique Window turned office Cork Board.

My internet is up and working after a massive hail and thunder/lightening storm last week. Both our cable and our internet failed during the storm at the same time - so we assume that it was the storm. Either way, we are have both! I am lucky to finally have finished my window repurposing project. I found this baby up in our barn's third floor with about 20 other windows. This was the coolest and the largest and the one I felt would allow for the most message and sticking pin space! It took a lot of scraping, sanding, priming, and painting, but I am happy with how it turned out. The before photo was taken in the office where it will hang. The old red and white wallpaper will come down in the next year and be replaced with a color similar to the color in the fabric I used on the material part of the cork board. All things in time!

before

after

What do you think?

Adoption: Bound by love.

2011-08-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

Bound by love.

I know that adoption will not heal all a child's wounds of being abandoned, it certainly didn't heal all of mine. Speaking from experience, it didn't heal my sorrow of not being able to conceive either. Adoption brought me face-to-face with a women, my adoptive mom, who wanted to love a child. In my case, she put her arms around me and my older brother. Bound by love is my depiction of adoption and how wanting to love and wanting to be loved allowed us to bond together. It is how I also see my relationship with my own daughters. I can't take away their sorrow and their desire to see their birth mother and to know her. I can stand together with them, and with love, help them through their years of confusion and pain. I came across this quote that seemed to say it perfectly:

It has been said that adoption is more like a marriage than a birth: two (or more) individuals, each with their own unique mix of needs, patterns, and genetic history, coming together with love, hope, and commitment for a joint future. You become a family not because you share the same genes, but because you share love for each other. Joan McNamara, Adoptive parent

Do we really need the stroller?

2011-08-16T21:12:00.000-04:00

As a mother of twins, a stroller is the one thing I never leave home without! Yet every time my husband I venture out together he always says, and I quote, "do we really need the stroller." This gets me every time since he's experienced the craziness that ensues when we've tried walking with them or using a wagon. There has only been a handful of times they've actually stayed seated in their wagon; and if we are holding their hands, they unavoidably don't want to go in the same direction we are going. I've stopped reacting to his question about the stroller (well most of the time) and honestly - I keep hearing it less and less.. Maybe he's getting the point! This video is really sweet as is just one of the cute examples why we never leave the stroller at home - well, I, never leave the stroller at home!

How about you?

Saturday Flea Market Finds.

2011-08-13T13:36:00.000-04:00

Treasures everywhere, if you went early! I love how people are drawn differently to treasures among a flea market or yard sale. Where I was oohing over linens, Craig was looking at books, and the girls were dawdling over the cupcakes at the bake sale tables, and the boys were playing with toys a very nice women ggenerously gave to them. It was a fun family outing and all of us had a fun experience! Here's what I found:

Compartment basket - $2

Old quilt cutting (4 of these squares ) $3

Sweet material $4 for 2.5 yards

Old print and frame LOVE this! $30

all told with one toy for the boys @ $3 I spent -

$42.00 in treasures just for me!

Did you know they call yard sales in New Englad - Tag Sales?!

New to me :)

Just a little Rosemary.

2011-08-12T23:52:00.000-04:00

Fresh Rosemary bundle.

These beautiful rosemary herbs were overtaking my carrots and tomatoes in our garden. This is only a quarter of what is still left. They now hang fragrantly in my kitchen. I took light blue polka dotted ribbon and wrapped it around the stems of the rosemary and hung by our kitchen table nook. If you live close to me and want some fresh Rosemary, let me know -please!

What is growing in your garden?

Wordless Craft.

2011-08-11T12:48:00.002-04:00

The comings and goings of Nini.

2011-08-07T21:06:00.000-04:00

Nini at skateboard camp.

I can just picture this photo being put into Nini's biography when she's a famous sport superstar! Look at the feisty, sweet girl among all those boys (and one other girl)! Her dad found this free, sponsored skateboard camp in a neighboring city. It was a 45 minute drive every morning for four days and worth every mile. The next week, she took on a neighboring town's basketball camp and came out loving every moment. This year she had three friends among her crowd. It is so neat to see my twins finding their own place in this world.

I love this girl!

Just Sayin :)

Window repurposing project.

2011-08-05T14:29:00.000-04:00

Old Window awaiting repurposing.

High amongst the bats and dust, on the third level of our New England barn lay 20 something old wooden windows. This one was like a lighthouse in a storm standing out among all the others. Now, it is being washed, scraped, sanded, and painted and awaiting finishing details; like, corkboard, and fabric. This old window is to become my office cork board and dream board. This was just peek -more to come!

Any projects in the works?

As cool as Cici.

2011-08-03T13:48:00.000-04:00

This girl is cool, articulate, and the cutest ballet dancer I've ever seen!

Just sayin :)

Wordless Craft.

2011-08-02T19:57:00.000-04:00

Jeans and things.

2011-07-31T22:29:00.000-04:00

Right now I am sitting in a cool office with my new desk, which still is to unorganized to take a photo to show yet. My girls are just now restlessing (not a word, I know!) down from their exciting day of Sunday and summer. Mr. T has been sick since mid-day on Saturday. He came down first with a fever, restless sleep last night for him, and then he woke-up with a rash on his hands and feet. Thankfully the Internet is on hand, as rashes are rare in our home. I looked it up and at this point it blanches when you pull the skin between my thumbs. I think it may be a reaction to the Tylenol I gave him for his fever. In the past, I think he's had more ibuprofen then Acetaminophen and me giving only Tylenol this time, may have brought on the rash.

I've been upset at myself for not loosing more weight over the past year after the boys were born. I had good intentions, honest mishaps, and the great kicker - not enough time. I keep asking myself how such a prominent goal can become so prominently pushed aside. I reason that I gained over 75lbs carrying twins - it's not going to come off easily. I was laid-up on bedrest for six months of it and suffered from gestational diabetes. I was a no muscle-tone blob when I walked out of that hospital. It took six months just to be able to stand up without help and an additional six months to heal from fascia of my feet. Quite literally, this was my excuse.

My favorite photo during my pregnancy - October 2009

I've been on a more positive binge of self -perspective lately. As I have to put this goal, which I felt I was failing at, in a more brighter perspective:

I have four healthy children and a healthy husband!
I can stand solely on my own - no help needed normally!
I no longer have diabetes, it was only gestational.
I've lost 65lbs since the boys were born!
I only have 15lbs more to meet my goal.
When once a lady using a walker with a gorilla on her back could run faster than me, I can now run 3 miles without heaving over and in a decent amount of time.
I can fit into my pre-pregnant, I was on lots of fertility drugs so I gained some weight jeans.
I am healthy, my husband is healthy, and I am still on track to meet my goal.
I can look at all my pregnancy photos and adore the belly I once had. When before I couldn't stand to see myself so huge! (My good friends Leanne and Jo told me to take as many photos as I could while I was pregnant, as I would regret it if I didn't. I took their advice to heart and have many huge pregnancy photos with me right now that I think are amazing - thanks guys!)

I can honestly say that loosing weight sucks! But, slowly, and ever so ungracefully - it's going to come off! It won't be the same. I'll have those trophy stretch marks where the boys kicked me on those sleepless nights, but I'm OK with that! I just have to remember how far I've come.

How did you do it?

Are you still doing it?

What was your best advice during your pregnancy or adoption? (we've been in both places!)

Beaded handrafted paper flower necklace.

2011-07-29T22:35:00.000-04:00

I have an afinity for paper. I love the paterns and colors available today and have been working at finding a way to use paper as jewelry. The pliability is good, but it's the durability that is the main problem when using paper as a wearable item. Probably nothing new to anyone! However, this hasn't stopped me from creating a way to use paper in making some handcrafted jewelry. The paper flowers were made using a simple chnique of cutting a circle out of paper and then cutting it into a spiral. You can twist the paper around the tip of a pencil to get it going and then wrap it around until you can continue wrapping by hand.

I used a glue stick or even a dab of hot glue to keep the flower from untwisting. To make the flowers sturdy enough to be worn by a woman with four kids- I used two coats of modge podge and waited until they dried to apply them to my necklace.

The paper necklaces I've made in the past wear easily unless being pulled or sucked on by little babes. Which is how my past necklaces have ended their wearing days. Try it out if you time! It was a lot of fun!

Do you like to dabble in making your own jewelry?

Living in an antique home: Painting, Fixing, and taking apart.

2011-07-27T13:05:00.000-04:00

Owning an antique home can be very daunting. From the floors to the ceilings, it seems that there is always something that needs to be fixed, taken apart, or just plain painted over. We moved in last March 2010 to only a 3 bedroom home, with the third bedroom really being only the size of a closet! We renovated the attic to create the girls room and we renovated a room off the kitchen which was being used as what is referred to as a "cold room". Basically, a room with no insulation used for keeping things cold. With all of the renovating, we were able to grow our home from a three bedroom home to a four, plus the room off the kitchen.

Right now, we have several projects going on. The biggest is the renovation of this cottage. Originally it was used as a storefront, housing the previous owners primitive crafts and art collection. We collected all the neccessary permits and began renovating it, to be used a guest house. Primarily the guest home of my mother-in-law - who is currently residing in the room off the kitchen. Using big CAT tractors, they dug up our front lawn for a new septic system and water pipes from our home to the cottage. Craig has been overseeing the contract workers and we've had plenty - electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Next up, is for Craig to insulate and install the walls.

During this time, the toilet in the Master Bath cracked at it's base. Apparently, it wasn't installed on level ground (who knew with this house!) And as of two days ago, our downstairs bathroom started showing signs of water damage on the ceiling. Again with the masterbath, the bath and shower unit's grout wasn't sealing the water and it was going in through small cracks to the bathroom below. Fortunately, the plumber working on the cottage, was flexible and helped us solve these issues. We have a new toilet and will get the grouting here this next week. The water damage in the bottom bathroom damaged some great stencil work - so we are still figuring out what to do.

Our kitchen is being repainted - by - me! Eventually! We can't redo the kitchen yet - with new cabinets, floor, countertops and paint. It's too expensive and way out of our budget right now. I am going to hit all the "win a kitchen makeover" sites I can! During the winter months, we painted this cabinet thinking we would get to it before the end of Spring. It's still there. Once these big projects are finished, we will resume the painting inside. All the paints are antique colors - we were thinking the bottom color to the left - what about yoU - any thoughts?

The boys slept in their floral covered walled room for 14 months, until I found enough minutes in a year to peel the wall paper and paint it. I love the color and are slowly putting things on the wall.

It feels good to get these projects completed and it feels great that we are upkeeping a home that could easily become a product of the past. It's walls must tell so many stories!

Do you own an old home?
What do you prefer - old or new?

What do you think of our projects?

First Haircuts.

2011-07-25T19:32:00.000-04:00

Hawk saying his peace about the whole thing!

There is a little barbershop right in the middle of our small town which Craig goes to every couple of weeks. This time, however, it was the boy's turn to get a haircut - there first haircut! I haven't snipped even a little off their cute red hair, so it was little painful for me. I knew it was time though. They were good boys about the whole thing. To make sure they knew just what they were getting into, we let daddy go first.

Mr. T waiting patiently

good bye to Hawk's curl.

They did not like the sheet being placed over them. They were anxious for the event to be over, but all-in-all were good little boys. Once they walked out of the barbershop, they were over it. They look like cute little men now!

Hawk and Mr. T ready to leave.

Do you have a local barber?

Do you cut your children's hair?

Do you loathe cutting those curls - even on your little men?!

We saved Hawks.

Missed Moments.

2011-07-21T13:34:00.000-04:00

My father, Nini, Cici, and Mr. C

There are a few missed moments that I really must blog about. The first is Father's Day. For the first time, perhaps since we moved from Portland in 1996, my father was at our home for Father's Day. We had fun getting presents and cake for both of the Daddy's in our lives!

The next missed moment was our 4th of July BBQ with friends and blogging buddy Amanda L. It was fantastic getting to know Mr. Amanda L. and seeing her kids again. I know my girls were ecstatic that they came.

Shannon, Kirsten, and Amanda L. -such cute moms!

All the kids getting wet and having fun!

I loved having so many kids running around the house. Everyone seemed to have someone to play with, which made it easier for the adults to sit and chat. When Posey, Amanda's daughter changed into her bathing suit, Cici and her realized that they had almost matching swimsuits. Quite the excitement!

Michael (Shannon's other half) and Terry (Amanda's other half) lighting the sparklers

We were supposed to get a permit from our town to do any major fireworks - and didn't. We did a few sparklers and a few other low-key fireworks. Craig is hoping for something bigger next year!

Of course, Amanda and I waited until it was dark to take our self-portrait for blogland. So it's inside, with a flash! Loved Amanda's bag and necklace - so chic! My family were all dressed in Boston Red Sox attire - in honor of Mr. C's excitement over living in an area with a major baseball team. He's becoming quite the fanatic!

lights at the baseball game

The last missed moment revolves around more baseball! Our area has a local baseball team that we have been lucky to help out by going to some of their games. Craig has taken the girls on a date once and now Craig and I took the girls and one of their friends to a game a couple of weeks ago. We are truly enjoying being a part of a community. Rather than all that moving!

The girl's watching the game with a friend.

Thanks so much for catching-up with my missed moments!

If you miss a moment, do you post it later or never?

Do you like baseball?

Do you have a local team?

How is your summer?

From the barn to our wall: An Antique Sign.

2011-07-19T00:25:00.000-04:00

Old Antique Bakery Sign found in barn.

Months ago, I climbed up a rickety ladder to the second floor of our 19th century built barn. It really is a cool place, but one I don't like to frequent - because of bats. I don't know how many have made their home up in the high ceiling and I don't plan on staying in it long enough to really find out! But, the barn is equipped with stacks of old wood and a few piles of this and that's that I wanted to look through. I found an old window I will be converting into a cork board and this old sign. It was in a wooden box and covered in years of dirt and grime. I love the lettering and and as far as I can tell it went, we think, to an old bakery. It was easy enough to wash and Mr. C got it ready to hang. It hangs over my Grandfather's organ desk!

What do you think it was from?

Really big messes.

2011-07-16T22:25:00.000-04:00

Part of my existence is to clean, soak, rinse, mop, scrub - you get the picture. Lately, perhaps with the onset of summer and four children at home, my messes are big. Here are a few examples:

The Kitchen:

no need to make this photo any larger.

Whenever any part of my life is demanded outside of the home, this is what can happen. In order to put together a church activity for the women in our church, I had to forgo some of the usual nightly clutter patrol for preparation. So although this:

Part of the Relief Society Garden Party

...was fun, I still had that darn kitchen to clean-up and all that stuff to put away! We are also reorganizing and putting up new furniture!!!! in our office. Which means the big messes are continuing upstairs too. Completely excited to show you the office soon - it's a work in progress.

Clothing:

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

This nice white polo shirt was worn by Mr. T today as we went to a local outdoor hamburger place to eat - the kitchen was too messy! After we sat and watched, both Hawk and Mr. T devour their hot dogs and watermelon - I came home and soaked this shirt with OxyClean. We go through one spray bottle of this a week it seems. I really need to remember to bring bibs! Nini and those boys are always the culprits!

Summer Fun:

Nini and Cici at work.

Nini really loved getting into this- the finished work is going in our new office!

Summer Fun, from swimming to art, always brings with it, lots of mess! One activity we are doing every week is Art on the Lawn. We go outside and do art on our lawn! This week was painting a canvas. Nini opted for a more Pollock approached, while Cici just couldn't keep one thing on the canvas and painted gum drops to lemon heads to pretzels! It is all fun, but not with the added clean-up factor. It's been fun finding the balance between when to let go and when to clean-up. Got to love Summer!

Can you relate?

Have you seen HP7?!!

Any big messes waiting for you?

Playing for sanity.

2011-07-12T20:21:00.001-04:00

Frank Churchill Arrives, from the movie Emma (Gwyneth- I believe)

I was and still am the type of girl who would prefer to keep my emotions in a nice little bottle and never let them go. Playing the piano allows me to release a lot of my frustration and can instantly put my feelings into perspective. It's something that worked when life got too rough for me growing up. I would retreat to my piano and play. It became the way I stayed sane and generally (not without a few scares) stayed out of trouble. Currently, playing the piano,means I usually have kids sitting on me, asking me questions, and generally reeking havoc!

Imagine Colin Firth riding his horse in the beginning scene of Pride and Prejudice!

I've devised a plan to create time to do this hobby that I love. I play right after they eat dinner, occasionally at nap time (I currently own a Clavinova digital piano and can turn down the volume). I play songs that I can finish in one ten minute session of practice. Ones that instantly inspire me! Or, I take one piece set it out on the piano and this is what I play until I can easily play it. If Craig is out of town, I will often spend the evening writing music or going over a few compositions and add to them or fine tune them.

The only time my piano isn't a mess with music is when guests come over. Somehow I feel obliged to organize them?! I am loving Chopin Nocturne's right now and music written for the various Jane Austen films. The piano brings me instant peace in my world that can be very crazy! I play because I love the piano, how it sounds, and the way the keys feel under my fingertips! Pure heaven.

Why do you play?

Do you have child that loves to play the piano or instrument?

Don't you just love their accomplishments!

A Blueberry 4th!

2011-07-10T21:25:00.000-04:00

Mr. C and Mr. T await the finished blueberry ice cream on the 4th!

This fourth of July was full of blueberries, friends, and fun! Here is Mr. T awaiting the finished-home made blueberry ice cream that Mr. C likes to make frequently during the summer. Mr. T, of course, had his hands in the ice cream container the moment we weren't looking - oops! We couldn't of planned the blueberry ice cream any better, as one of our guests surprised everyone with two homemade blueberry pies! I have lots of photos from our fun day with fellow blogging buddy Amanda L. and friends - but, this is all I have time for today!

How was your fourth?!

Antique Mantle Silhouette decoration.

2011-07-06T12:00:00.001-04:00

New to our fireplace! The family in silhouettes. Created using a profile photo of each of our family members and edited them in photoshop. I printed each one and decoupaged them onto an old antique painted board I found in our corn crib. I took out each of our names that were printed right below each silhouette for publishing.

Do you like silhouettes?

Beach Babes and Baby Bums: Summer Beach Vacation 2011

2011-07-03T21:18:00.000-04:00

With our cute beach babes and baby bums, we headed to the New England Beaches for a much anticipated summer vacation. I don't know about the rest of you - but we love to plan our big vacation right after school's end. It helps us jump into summer more quickly and lets everyone relax from the hard work of school, sports, and work.

There were many sights and sounds that I had missed being couped up all winter. I love the coziness of winter, but I, personally, can only handle so much. How about you? The sound of the ocean, kids splashing in the water, the brightness of the sun - just heaven. At the Zoo and Amusement Park at York Beach, Maine - this bird had it made. I love the folkie painting and thinking hard about where I can incorporate this style into my home.

The girls are slowly getting the idea that they can be friends, not just sisters. It is a joy for this twin mom to see them be so independent of each other, but so completely excited to be with each other. The start of our trip yielded this kind of togetherness as the above photo...the end of the trip - let's just say, they needed some space!

Transporting four kids and two adults in and out oft he beaches was a challenged. Craig found this grocery cart in our barn when he was cleaning it out and almost threw it away. I was certain that we could find some reason to keep it. As you can see we did use it, not only for transporting our blankets, umbrellas, and beach stuff - but for Mr. T too! Oh, and Hawkie was certain he was being helpful by pushing the cart for Mr. C!

Both boys found it great excitement to help us push the stroller. This was a common sight! When at other trips they would scream while in the stroller, they now, our relaxing when we push them. They look around and are getting the great idea that it is fun to not have to walk all the time. Thankfully!

Cici and Nini loved the water. While Cici was busy boogie boarding, Nini was attempting to boogie surf? She was certain that she could take a normal boogie board and surf on it. It didn't quite work out as what was in her creative mind. She also started perfecting skim surfing. It's where you throw a skim board in the water and jump on it and surf...there is much more to how to do it, but this is as far as she got!

The boys were amazing. They loved every minute of their beach experience; digging, running on the wet sand, chasing the seagulls, and forgetting that the ocean does have water and it's cold. Hawkie had this sweet look on his face every time the surf came in and his feet got wet. It wasn't quite sure about it, but loved to run, and run, and run - on the beach.

When we weren't on the beach we hit Old Orchard Park's rides. This is the boy's first, but themselves, amusement ride. Mr. T loved it and Hawkie wasn't up for it the second time around. I put him on the ride, he stood up and said "off". OK! I got him off and we just waved to Mr. T as he went around in circles on the cute little trucks.

Except for the absence of mom, this photo captures everything that we enjoyed about our summer vacation. It was such a great time, fantastic weather, being together, and all that summer sand. Now, on to enjoy the rest of our summer!

How are you finding your summer!?

Chair Ottomans: Chairs converted into Ottomans.

2011-06-27T21:26:00.000-04:00

Chair Ottoman finished work.

Convert an old chair into an ottoman! It took me less than two hours to change these old chairs we found in our barn into a perfect addition to our living room. Not only does it allow for extra seating, but you can put your feet up on it too!

Materials: Scissors, hammer, staple gun with foam
padding, material, felt, ribbon, and antique tacks.

I started with having Mr. C take off the the back of the chair. To keep the vintage appeal, I left the finish on both chairs - as is, but cleaned them up with a damp cloth. I used 1" thick foam that I purchased from Michael's and cut it slightly larger then the top. The material I cut almost 3 inches longer folding it under the bottom of the chair and stapling it with a staple gun. I repeated this all the way around and then covered the underneath with black felt, so no Little's would get hurt from any staples. I then used black ribbon around the outside of the now chair ottoman and hammered antique black short nails all around to secure the ribbon in place. This was my first time ever upholstering something like this, so there may be better ways of doing this!

An old fabric shower curtain for the material.

What is the craziest thing you've upholstered?

Would you do this?

8 and 18 years...

2011-06-26T22:58:00.000-04:00

Getting ready to be blessed. 2003

8 years ago today we walked through the Salt Lake City Temple and were sealed to our beautiful eight month old russian daughters,Cici and Nini. And...

Reception, Vancouver WA 1993

...18 years ago, Mr. C and I were married in the Portland, OR Temple...

Who knew we would have to wait 10 years to realize our dream of having children...

Mr. T and Hawk an hour old.

...and 7 years later, I would be giving birth in Montreal to Mr. T and Hawk and that our family would grow by two more!

Happy 8 and 18 year anniversary to my amazing family :)

The Magic of a Sprinkler.

2011-06-23T21:19:00.000-04:00

Despite, now, having seen only rain for the past two days. Our first day of summer was beautiful. Not only was it the girl's last day of school and my mom's birthday (which we were able to celebrate with her for the first time in years); but, it was warm and perfect for the sprinkler. Lil' Hawk loved it! I love that he is so entranced with it. After looking at the photos, it felt like his reactions were the essence of what we might have felt the first time you or I went through the sprinkler! The girl's were just as excited - if not more - as they had already had years of sprinkler practice!

Do you remember the first time you ran through the sprinklers?

Beach Babies: Coming Soon.

2011-06-20T23:52:00.000-04:00

These little suits will be Coming Soon to two little beach babies and their cute little bums! All for just $12 each :) The best part - they were sold out; but, I called the nearest Hanna Andersson Outlet and they just happened to have two available in the boy's size!

I'm thinking- The Hawk

...and Mr. T?!

You know they'll be photos coming soon!

L-O-V-E spells Daddy :)

2011-06-19T21:58:00.000-04:00

**********

SPELLS

Daddy!

This was a my father's day gift to Mr. C! A photo-gram to put in his office. He's been asking for an updated photo and this Father's Day - he got one! The letters were made out of black felt and glued (for a quick and speedy photo) onto inexpensive white shirts. That was the easy part! It was getting everyone together and in the photo, that inevitably was the hardest part. This was a lot of fun and something I hope to repeat for our Christmas card!

Out-take - one of many!

Caution Children!

2011-06-16T21:32:00.000-04:00

This sign I found on our property kills me! I loved it so much it now has a very prominent place on our newly cleaned-up front porch and entry-way. I spent most of yesterday cleaning, sweeping, and getting it all ready for summer.

***looking for your ideas on "take your shoes off"signs. Something clever! ****

A Ballerina and an artist.

2011-06-15T00:00:00.004-04:00

Cici on stage

It is such a beautiful sound to hear my children talk about "what they want to be when they grow up". It is bittersweet to see them grow up - there little faces maturing into little people, knowing each day they grow further past being called 'little'. However, there is so much joy seeing them turn into people. Seeing them reach and work for things they cherish, seeing them pray, and succeed. Cici just finished her dance recital weekend. It was a big, big event (bigger than I had anticipated) with a dance center that certainly can be called big. We only attend one class once a week and I was over-astonished at the amount of dancers this place produces. The show was almost three hours - heaven sakes!

My Cici took ballet in Montreal for three years and still wanted to take ballet when we moved back to the states. She had to take a break for six months because I just couldn't take her. She is in Ballet 1 (there are two classes behind her) and she has loved every minute of it. I recently asked her what she wanted to be when she grows up she said -and I quote A ballerina and an artist. Why not! Check out a few photos I snapped of my very sweet ballerina :)

Outside letting mom snap photos.

Minutes to curtain.

Cici in action.

Good job Cici! You were fantastic :)

Simple.

2011-06-14T12:21:00.000-04:00

“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” Confucius

Two blogs = complicated.

To make things simple, this is my first post. Since 2007 I have been posting about my family and it was time to put those post into the HH vault for me to print and journal for our family. There will be pages dedicated to any tutorial or craft and other special posts that are in the HH vault. If you have any requests, please speak now! I am making this blog open to the public and closing all other blogs.

One blog = Simple.

Welcome to a fresh start :)

Bits and Pieces of every kind!

2011-06-06T14:10:00.000-04:00

Theo is set for his Hydrocele surgery on Wednesday. This mom is freaking out - seriously. It's not supposed to be a difficult surgery, again, it's the anethesia that I don't like. Seeing him completely out of it will be hard. I would glady do this for him - but unfortunately - I just don't have the same bits as hiM!

Memorial Day

Veronika and Elise particpated in their school's Memorial Day concert again this year. This time we were honoured to hear both of them play Yankee Doodle on the recorder. They were both fantastic - especially in thier home made patriotic dresses from me! On the morning of memorial day they were able to sing a few songs from their school concert and participate in a parade.

Parents Vist

My parents came into town a few weeks ago. It's not an occassion that happens very often - so we took full advantage of it. We dedicated ourselves to spending some quality shopping time together! We had a lot of fun visiting all the consignment stores in our area- as you can see we all found something!

I really do not like this photo of me, but have long learned that photos aren't always about me! I love this photo of my dad and I together. We don't seem to have too many recorded photos, and am certain that this will be one I will cherish -at least when I get over myself!

Birthday

I had a wonderful 38th birthday! It was a lot of fun being taken out for dinner and being treated to a weekend away -when we can do it. I love this photo of the girl's giving me their cards. This is such a common scene at our home right now - everyone most important to me is right here!

Piano Time

I have been sitting down at the piano whenever I can and letting the boys join me. It will be a fantastic day when all four of my children can play a musical instrument. My girls still are not too interested in the piano - but I keep trying!

May photo fo the month.

Memorial Day Parade 2011

My own writer's block.

2011-05-17T22:32:00.000-04:00

I am in a writing block. I am certain it comes from having too much to say and not knowing what I should write about first! Here's everything I can think of that I've wanted to write about but haven't:

I am turning 38 on Thursday!
My parents come into town next week for a much anticipated visit. They haven't seen the boys since November - they've grown a bit since then!
Nika is signed up again this year for our local college's basketball camp. She's hoping she won't be the youngest this time.
Elise is signed up for Ballet camp and will be performing her first big stage performance in June. She is just a little bit excited!
Our home is under a mass regorganizing and orderizing process. We felt bogged by the way it's been organized, even the way the furniture has been laid out. With the boys a little older, it was time to really get things under control inside. It has been wonderful - it really makes a difference :)
We are almost done selling Acorn Cottage. We've been carrying two mortgages and are grateful to finally be able to have just one. We are going to miss it though. The sale of it, really is the last thing left from our time in Montreal. It was so wonderful to have it. I have some great posts from their.
I finally finished the boy's room. It's been over a year since we intended to get it finished, but with wallpaper and sanding and filling all the holes - it took a year...I am going to make a full post on it soon.
I've been doing some sewing and alterations to the clothes I have to refurbish them and try to make some of them more modest. I am loving upstyling and recycling right now.
I still feel great about going private. I do, however, wish my years of posts about crafting and other things I want to share with the public could be available. Other than reposting all of it - I think it's staying put.
We just got a new bishop in our ward. Our RS presidents husband! This means my calling as 2nd counselor may change and the boy's are now in Nursery! Can you believe it? They are now 18 months. Life is flying by.

I hope to come to your blogs soon- thanks everyone for your support :)

Here are some photos of what we've been up to:

Nika at our town's garden club sale hanging with the Llama!

The boys in my favorite PJ's helping Craig get their wagon built.

This is my modest dress project. It's an old navy dress cut below the bustline,
then sewn together with a shirt I had. I have more details on it here.

There it is!

Do you like to repurpose clothing?

Daddy-daughter dance.

2011-05-02T21:49:00.000-04:00

Last Friday, Elise and Veronika headed back to their school with their Daddy in tow to their school Daddy-Daughter Dance. Craig is less than an enthusiast when it comes to any forms of dancing, but for his girls he'll do anything! I found Elise dress at a consignment shop and they had that jacket their at the same time - talk about destiny! Veronika's dress is from Old Navy and this took a little more effort - mainly because she's my Nini!

I set up a little dessert table for when they returned, since there are not any restaurants close-by they could go to at 9 p.m. at night. They loved it - but, concluded to the TV room to watch the big Royal Wedding. They had fun and I had an hour and half to myself (although, I believe I was doing laundry too!)

Behind the Scenes: DC 2011 Trip

2011-04-23T15:00:00.000-04:00

A look at our family on the DC Mall.

Traveling with four kids isn't any easier then traveling with one. It's just a lot more packing and kid spotting. It was crazy chasing the boys everywhere - but it was either that or keep them screaming in their stroller. The key was to get them from the car to the stroller and keep them in the stroller for as long as we could. We would then let them out - and the girls and me and Craig would run them down if they escaped. I considered the leashes for kids - but I couldn't wrap my mind around having my kids on a leash!

A moment in the car.

I will admit that our mini-van is old - but it's all ours - no carpayments! However, the space inside the van is narrow and the back of the van can get very crowded. I took this photo on the 2nd day of our trip. Everyone seems nice and quiet, which they were, until the boys realized that this wasn't a short drive to the grocery store - and quickly made their disapproval known. Bubbles, cars, snacks, singing, clapping, and DVD movies helped get the boy's mind off sitting in their car seats for so long. They were in all honesty very good boys. Since we've been back home, they are not so keen on getting into our van though!

Nini and Cici on the ride at Chocolate World Factory in Hershey, PA

The girls were amazing, honestly. They fought frequently, but they were helpful, complained only a little, and never got upset at the boys for screaming during the car ride. This photo was taken at the Hershey World of Chocolate ride, in Hershey PA. The ride is very similar to a Disneyland ride - as you can see - they loved it!

Camera Women Extraordinaire

Cici was right alongside with me in taking photos. This is her camera and she was everywhere with this. She took her own purse and kept it inside with her wallet and notepad. She is my mini-me and just like me, we had to wait many times while she got that perfect photo.

Udvar Air and Space Museum - Family Shot.

Taking photos with the boys is pretty much a joke. Unless I catch them when they are not looking, they refuse to take a photo. They squirm and scream - and repeat. I hoping that we can get a fun photo in for Easter - only the day will tell.

We loved going back to DC. Here is the wonderful and and the very ugly of our DC trip:

The Wonderful

It was fantastic spending time together with my family. It was a wonderful time to be together with just the six of us! We loved visiting the museums. The weather was fantastic. The boys are fantastic night sleepers, so we never had a problem with getting a good night's sleep. My favorite part was visiting the National Gallery of Art with Cici. She was so excited about all the paintings and sculptures - is was really neat to experience. I loved seeing some old friends and eating some really great DC food.

It was also neat to reminisce about our time living in the area. We saw our old home and realized that although it was fun living their - we were happy with all our moves and our new home in New England.

The Very Ugly

The Spy Museum was the ugliest part of our trip. The boys needed a nap and were not falling asleep in their stroller - it was very crowded - who could blame them. We thought we could take them in with us and hold them and perhaps they would fall asleep in our arms. Dreaming, I know! We made it through the long line, and up into the movie. By now, they were screaming and all heads were glaring at us. We quickly decided that I would try to get them downstairs, back in their stroller, and see if I could get them to sleep. As I was taking them out, they just exploded into tantrums. I couldn't get them up in my arms. I finally pulled them in by both arms into the bathroom to change them.

Here I was able to get them changed without sticking their hands in the toilet, seriously not an easy task in these public bathrooms and back out the door. We made it down the elevator and into the coat room where I proceeded to put them in their high chair. This set them off again. I got them outside after much wrestling and gave them a bottle hoping they would calm down. It was an adventure in patience to say the least.

***************************

I've downloaded our photos to facebook, I hope everyone who wants to see them has been able to. Thanks for sticking with me through all of these years and keeping close to our family.

Michelle

Week-Ends and Book-Ends

2011-04-10T21:36:00.000-04:00

I get in the habit of only show the "best" photos on this blog. Why? Because I want too! Here is a look at what happens when four kids (mainly the two littles) just don't want to take a photo...

...won't sit still, screams, and refuses to let me take a photo...

...oh look, much of the same...

...and now it's time for the forward move. I gave up! Next time, Right?

I have been taking what I like to "Flash Family Photos" randomly every Sunday. Whatever we look like, whatever our moods, I randomly pick a moment, set up the tri-pod, and push the 10 second timer. Whatever we get - is what we get! It's fun and captures that moment on that Sunday!