Sew Much Fun

2011-05-05T14:18:00.001-04:00

Wonderful and Wonder-Filled

2009-07-31T13:00:00.003-04:00

Ten years ago, I married my best friend and soul mate. We celebrated our day with fabulous family and friends. It was the perfect way to begin our wonderful and wonder-filled journey together.

Day trips and viruses

2009-07-18T23:56:00.001-04:00

We have been having a good summer vacation. The rain finally made room
for some sun, and we had great weather the week Lino was on vacation.
He was off the week after 4th of July, and the parade was a great way
to start it off.

We went to the zoo on the 5th. They were having a butterfly exhibit
and Lino got some amazing pictures. They also added an anteater to the
zoo. I have never seen one before..... What a bizarre looking animal.

We had fun at the library, we signed the girls up for a reading
program/contest. They pledged to read and report on 5 books by August
7th. Maggie and Cassie also got their very own library cards. They
were super excited about that.

Tuesday was a gray and rainy day, so we spent it at home.

Wednesday we went to the Providence Childrens Museum. It was our first
time going, and the kids (and us) had a blast! We will definitely be
going back. There was a water room with these gigantic (room sized)
tubs for the kids to do water experiments with. There was a music/art
room that had a huge light bright board, at least three feet tall. I
want one, LOL. There was a costruction zone, a blocks zone anatomy
zone and cultural history area. Lots of fun..

Thursday we went up to Storyland with our neighbors. It is in Glen,
NH. It is a theme park geared towards kids, very mild rides. Lino has
a roller coaster buddy now. Maggie loved the rides ( especially the
roller coaster and flume ) that let's me off the hook for roller
coasters. Cassie preferred the less fast rides. Both girls were
extremely excited to have their picture taken with Cinderella. We
asked Nate if he wanted his picture taken with the princess. He said
'No,princesses are for girls.' so instead we had him stand by some
suits of armor. We are already planning to go back next year, and we
will spend a night or two to really make the drive worth it.

Friday we visited my dad. I wound up napping there, so I don't really
know all that went on. :) we did go to a townie breakfast place that
morning and had the biggest breakfasts ever. We had to take the kids
and my leftovers home. Apparently the cook who was on that day likes
to feed people. Lino, Maggie and Nate had pancakes that were the size
of salad plates, Cassie's French toast was at least 2 - 2 1/2 inches
thick. My 3 egg omellette weighed at least a pound. Best $40 we have
spent in a while.

We finished the week at the Newport Kite Festival. Lino and I have
driven by it years ago, but this was our first time there. Simply
amazing. It was so near to see all the different kites, and they had
people come from all over to do tricks and shows. We even brought our
kites, and after flying them foe a bit, anchored them in the ground
and watched it all whole we picniced and enjoyed the day.

So, where are the pictures from all of this fun you ask? We did
remember the camera. I was able to get some of them uploaded to
Facebook. Sadly our computer got slammed with a really bizarre virus
and we are currently hunting for the best price to either fix it or
get our pictures and some other files off of it ( Best Buy wants $200
to remove the virus. The bargain hunter in me is in search of a better
deal)

Thank goodness I can still get online with my iPod. The only bummer is
that I can only read, not post on BabyCenter. :(

Wow, this turned out lengthy. Hi to any of my Babycenter workout
friends who read this ( do any of them read this?) ::waving::

Engaged!!

2009-07-05T07:52:00.001-04:00

Eleven years ago today ,Lino and I were in Disney World (Again. It is our favorite place to go). We went for a bike ride through some resorts and stopped for a rest in the rose garden at Magnolia Terrace, Dixie Landings. It was there that he asked me to marry him. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!

For those that don't know the story, that is where Maggie's name comes from. It was when we went back to Disney World for our honeymoon, we stayed at Magnolia Terrace. We had found out my mom was so sick and I had said that if we ever had a girl, I wanted to use my mom's name as a middle name. So then, because of our love of Disney World, we started talking about 'Disney' names. Minnie was out (my cat's name). Dixie was just a bit too southern for us. That left Magnolia. It worked. Magnolia Ann, Maggie for short. As it turned out, we had 2 girls so we have our Magnolia and we picked Cassandra Jeanne as the other name. Cassandra after the lillies at the hotel and Jeanne after me.

I feel so blessed to be able to share my life with my best friend and soul mate. I knew the very first day that I met Lino (nearly 20 years ago) that he was my 'meant to be'. I immediately felt comfortable and safe with him, as though I had known him my whole life.

Happy 4th of July

2009-07-04T20:11:00.004-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!!! We finally have a beautiful day after a month of rain. Our family shirts came out cute and the parade was lots of fun. Parade pics will come later.

Nate and Lino had boy faces; Maggie, Cassie and I had girls. (Insert Birdcage references here, lol. 'I have a girl....' ) Tough to tell from the pictures, but the 'U' in USA is in red.

Is it Summer yet?

2009-07-01T15:22:00.006-04:00

Well, June was a complete wash. The end of May got a bit busy, then I had a particularly craptacular week to finish May. We then started June off with a weird and pretty evil virus that lasted about 2 weeks. Maggie and Cassie were hit the hardest, they each had high fevers for nearly two weeks, and with 11 days of school to go, had their first absences of the year. And this past Monday, I woke up with pinkeye. Ugh. Knock wood, the kids and Lino don't have it and I hope they don't get it, either.

Luckily, they were well enough to attend school for the last 3 days, and one of those days was a little class performance. Lino wasn't able to get the day off so we went and got a little flip video camera, and as soon as I figure out how to get the video from the camera to the computer and blog, I will post it. Cassie was very, very nervous about the performance, she cried before going to school and when Nate and I got there the teacher told us she was having a tough time and didn't want to do her part (holding a prop) She did stand up with the resst of the class, though she turned around so she didn't see the audience for most of it. (Lino thinks it is because I was taping, but I don't know) Maggie and the other kids did a great job, it is neat to see how they have all grown since the first day of school.

So, school is out and we are just waiting for the sun to be out for more than one day at a time. It has rained for most of the past month or so, which is really starting to get old. I suppose that one nice thing about rain is that occasionaly you get to see a rainbow. Well, there was one evening Lino called us all outside, there was a full arc rainbow that we could see from the house. There was also a half of a rainbow above that and very faintly there was a third one right underneath the full one. The colors were so bright on the full one, it was really amazing. Unfortunately, the pictures I got didn't do it justice.

The left side of the full one was so vivid. Shame I don't have mad photography skills.

A bit of fun we did manage to eek out during June. My friend Lori runs a book club for her daughters and their friends. The book club has an adorable mascot named Penelope. Well, Penelope wanted to go on vacation so Lori has been sending her around to her computer friends. She came to visit us so we could show her RI and MA. Unfortunately the evil sickness hit us the day after Penelope's arrival, so we couldn't do nearly as much as I wanted to. I did drag the kids out to the Hasbro toy company headquarters in Pawtucket, RI.

A few years back there was an art project that involved designing giant Mr. Potato Head statues and they appeared all over the state. Naturally the company headquarters would have the original potato. I believe that the other statues were eventually sold on ebay for charity.

Del's Lemonade is a fun yummy summertime treat. It started in RI and has branched out to other states. Frozen lemonade---mmmm. Penelope was getting thirsty.

Hopefully if Penelope comes to visit us again we will be healthy and able to take her to more places.

That is it for now. I hope I don't let it go so long in between posts....

Wow. Must Not Bake It All.

2009-05-15T18:10:00.001-04:00

Wow. I found this site on a friend's blog. Yum pretty much sums it up. And if I ever visit Georgia, I need to go to the Cake Art store that she featured. Heaven.

Enjoy: www.bakerella.blogspot.com

Life Lessons in Kindergarten

2009-05-14T19:21:00.002-04:00

There is a program at the girls' school to try and encourage and reinforce positive behavior. When a teacher or staff member observes kids exhibiting good behavior, they can give the kids a yellow jaguar. Yellow jaguars are saved for prizes. The girls' teacher keeps a box of little prizes for the kids to pick from ( think pencils, pens, party favor type stuff)

Maggie and Cassie are always super excited when they bring home a prize. I am glad that they are being well behaved in school.

About 2 weeks ago they came home and said that if they got enough jaguars they would be able to go to the Science Magic Show. They needed at least 30 and every day when they came home they would give me the total that they had.

Now, I have some issues with this. The girls are only in school for 2 1/2 hours a day. Less than half the time of the older kids. No notice came home explaining any of the details of the show or how the kids get to attend.

All we did know, was that Maggie was in tears last night as she was telling us she wouldn't be able to go. (Now, I know she is my child, but she gets these yellow jaguars nearly everday and has even gotten certificates for outstanding behavior). So, to have her in tears and Cassie disappointed, I emailed the teacher last night. The show is tomorrow.

Well the teacher emailed back and told me she was going to ask the guidance counselor to see if an exception could be made for the kindy kids and not charge them as many jaguars.

Well, Maggie was overjoyed when she came home and said that she is going to me able to go. Whn I asked Cassie, she sadly shook her head no, she only had 13. I guess they lowered the number to 20.

I feel really badly for Cassie and the other kids who do their best everyday but didn't get noticed to get jaguars (There doesn't seem to be any consistent standard for passing out the jaguars)

I know that life isn't fair, however I am a grown up. These kindy kids are 5 & 6 years old. Right at the age where they need to have the good behavior praised. Cassie has never had a behavior report ( which is when the behavior is really bad, and there are some kids in the class who are always in trouble )

If Cassie hasn't been behaving then I want to know, and not 5 weeks before school ends. So since I haven't heard that she has been misbehaving I really think that she (and the other kids who don't have bad reports) should be allowed to attend. She had 13 jaguars and the show was announced 2 weeks ago. Cut the kids some slack.

I hate seeing Cassie try her best and end up disappointed.

Tuesday Training

2009-05-12T21:01:00.001-04:00

We had quite a day today. In our attempts to get Nate to go on the potty, I wound up keeping him diaperless for nearly the whole day. Nate added 3 more smiley faces to his potty chart! All were for pees, though we were really hoping for a poop. And the first one was just lucky. He was really excited each time, and tried his best. Tomorrow we will try again - I think that pantsless is the way to go though.

I am still doing my Shreds. Lino tried it with me yesterday-he thinks he should have started with a level 1, LOL. The past few days, my eating has been horrible. I think it may be PMS, but goodness...it has been hard to keep it in chuck.

Still have sewing to do, but that is a given. :)

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T07:20:00.004-04:00

I hope that all of my mom friends have a great day. I am spending the day with Lino and the kids. The sun is out, so we may head to the zoo, and then the garden center to check out some stones that would make a cute patio.

I am so very blessed to have 3 beautiful children. They are my heart. It is such a joy watching them grow from babies into the little people that they are becoming. They are smart, funny, kind, good kids, and I adore them.

I am also blessed to have a wonderful husband. Without him I would not be a mother, and I can't even imagine that! Thank you for being my best friend and for all of the support you give me on this amazing journey of parenthood.

As always, I miss my mom. I can only hope that I am as good a mom to my kids as she was to me.

Have a great day!

Friday Fun, Sun and Seedlings!

2009-05-08T12:22:00.007-04:00

After what seems like forever of days that have been gray and rainy and dreary, we finally have a gorgeous sunny day. The kids woke up happy and we weren't rushed going to the bus stop. Yay.

I was finally able to get outside to transplant our seedlings. I have no desire to garden, but thought it would be fun for the kids to try and grow our own flowers. Morning glories for Cassie, Convulvus for Maggie, Cynoglossum for Nate and Junior Sunflowers for me. I have been saving empty Playdoh cans, thinking that they would be useful for something, and we started our seeds in them (I drilled the drainage holes myself!)

Last week we got 12 bigger pots to put them in. We will need to get some more though, we had a lot of seeds sprout! We also bought a bigger bag of smelly dirt (I mentioned I don't like to garden? lol) And this is what the girls and I did today.

One of the first scoops of dirt that I took, this is what I found:

Now, I don't know a whole lot about growing plants, but I am pretty sure that old nails don't provide any nutritional benefit to plants!

The girls brought home some adorable mothers day things, a poem with their handprint (I need to try and scan that) and a flower in a tiny pot:

Nate went with Lino to get some tires put on Lino's car. They have been gone almost 2 hours. I hope they get back soon.

I had a great workout today. I never thought I would say that about exercising. I still don't love exercise in general, but todays was awesome. I am able to more of the advanced versions of the exercises, and when I was done today I was drenched. I weighed and measured before hand, I am down to only 7 lbs away from my goal, and lost some more inches from my waist/belly area, arms and chest. Lino thinks I am becoming a smidge obsessed about tracking my food (with a downloaded program), but I told him I am not. I am just trying to get a feel for what smaller calorie intake is supposed to be, I am still eating, so it isn't like when I was in high school and would go days without eating. (My mom had thought that I was anorexic in high school. I don't think so, but I was probably borderline)

Anyhow. Time to get off the computer and go back out to enjoy more of this sunshine!

Blogging from my iPod

2009-05-07T20:20:00.002-04:00

Well,if this works that will be fun! My dad got me an iTouch for my birthday. I was so surprised. He had asked for some ideas, so I gave him a list with about 8 different things in different price ranges. I was shocked when I opened it. Especially since he had told me he didn't like what was on my list so he picked . I love it! It is so much fun, and I have an app that I am using to track my workouts and food with.

I am doing a second round of the 30 Day Shred. I am on level 2, I love this level, I feel really worked at the end. And, other people are noticing. At the PTO meeting last night, 2 of the women asked if I was still working out, they said my jeans looked really loose (my size 8s!!!!). Yay!

The board vote went the way we had hoped, I am going to be the new VP. I am looking forward to being even more involved. I just hope that the mom I beat doesn't stop participating out of anger/spite. Although, it is her own fault; had she not tried to overthrow 2 of the other board members, they they never would have asked me to run. (and I wouldn't have run on my own-not this year anyway).

Wacky Wednesday

2009-05-06T14:07:00.005-04:00

My morning routine was all out of whack today. Cassie was mad about the color of her shirt and really stalled getting ready. Get back from the bus stop and Nate wanted to try and go potty. Yay, I am really glad he wanted to try. However, after nearly an hour of sitting and a full glass of water later, no results. That's okay, buddy, you can try again later. And, yes, about 10 minutes after he was back in a diaper, he peed.

Nate has a music class on Wednesday mornings, and because he was trying the potty, I didn't have time to do my workout before hand. I had to wait until after we got the girls off the bus. So, I feel off kilter today.

There is a big PTO meeting tonight. Voting for next year's board members will be held. There is a lot of drama involving the current VP trying to oust the existing baord so that she doesn't have to answer to anyone about spending the funds. I have been nominated for VP to try and prevent the ousting of a great board. Our PTO does some great things for the kids, it will be a shame if this mutiny happens.

The sun has been out for a bit today. I am hoping to finally get the seedlings transplanted. I will try to remember to take pics of that exciting project :) !

PS~~ Yay for Maine for passing a same sex marriage bill today. And, New Hampshire might pass one too. That leaves RI as the only state in New England to not have adjusted its laws to allow love to be equal. (I just wrote the Senate President to ask why nothing has passed yet. We'll see if she responds)

P is for Potty

2009-05-05T16:13:00.004-04:00

We had some minor success today. Nate peed in the potty for the very first time! He has been more than slighlty resistant to trying to go in the little potty. We wound up buying a padded seat that fits on top of the regular potty for him to sit on.

I missed an opportunity yesterday for him to poop on the potty, but today was determined to get something.

So, 30 minutes or so in the bathroom, singing silly songs, a cup of apple juice and the iPod playing games, and Yay! He peed. He was so, so excited to draw a smiley face on his potty chart. Then, we called Lino at work so Papa could say Great Job. For us, his first potty chart has 8 boxes on it. A pee gets one happy face, poop gets 2. Once he fills that chart, we will get him a small prize and do a chart with more boxes.

I have mentioned before, how I am not opposed to bribing my children in certain instances. This first potty occasion was one of them. When we were trying to talk Nate into even trying, we told him for his very first time we would take him (right away) to get an ice cream. Well, the other day one of the girls mentioned Chuck E Cheese, so....you guessed it-despite my efforts to talk him back into Friendly's, we wound up at Chuckies. The kids had fun though. The girls were super cute, when they got home Nate told them his news and they both gave him huge hugs and were just as excited for him as I was.

I know it is just a first step. About 20 minutes after he went, he pooped in his diaper while I was doing my workout. It is progress, though and I will take it.

My big plans for sewing today, didn't happen. (due to our unexpected field trip) I need to make a prototype book bag for a school program (due tomorrow night, so I will have to get that done) , I have the girls outfits, Nate's shirt and my skirt to finish. Those are all on the to do now list. Then, there is the list of things I would like to do: more things for Etsy (tote bags, crayon bags, crayon rolls, baby things, etc...endless actually), some stuffed bears to donate to a shelter that takes in victims of sexual/domestic abuse, and some other things that I have seen in my sewing magazines....a never ending list of want to do's.

Update

2009-05-04T23:07:00.003-04:00

Fortunately, Maggie is feeling much better. I still had her take the anti-inflammatory medicine, just to be sure that she keeps improving.

I hope (need) to do some sewing tomorrow. I have so many projects that need to get done. I am hoping that the kids play with each other better tomorrow than they did today.

I will try to take pics of my projects. And, if it isn't raining, I need to transplant the seedlings.

Sunday

2009-05-03T10:37:00.003-04:00

We didn't have too much planned for today, just some minor errands. I am currently waiting to see if the Motrin helps Maggie's neck. Apparently she was trying to do a handstand and Nate bumped her and when she got up she hurt her neck. (that was the best info I could get from her)

She is able to move all her parts, though she said it hurts to look all the way up to the ceiling and all the way left. If the Motrin doesn't make things better in an hour we will be heading to the Urgent Care place.

***

A cute kidism from last week. We were running errands on Lino's day off and had stopped at McD's for lunch. As we were leaving and backing out of the parking space, a girl backed out too, and the cars bumped. Lino was clear before he went, so we figure she didn't see us. (and not her first time, too, as evidenced by the other dents on her back bumper).

Anyhow, Lino called the police to file an accident report for the insurance companies. As we were waiting, Maggie says "I hope we don't get arrested" I laughed, and said "No, honey, we won't get arrested" She says. "Oh. Well I hope we aren't on TV"

Apparently we have had COPS on too many times.

Easter pictures.

2009-05-02T10:56:00.003-04:00

From Easter. I made the girls dresses. Unfortunately, it was freezing that day. They wouldn't hear of wearing something else, so we used the sweaters from their Father-Daughter dance dresses. Nate had his sleeves rolled up, just like Papa did.

Happy May

2009-05-01T10:06:00.003-04:00

Wow, April went by really quickly! Easter, Lino's birthday, school vacation and then my birthday, too. We have been busy.

I have also been keeping up with my workouts. I have done a workout every day. Some have been tougher than others, and I had a slight setback with my eating habits that was caused by Easter candy (I am completely unable to eat only 1 jellybean) But, I am back on track and seeing continued good results.

We went to Old Navy last week so I could try on some jeans. The last time I bought jeans was back in August/September and had to buy size 14's. Ugh. I was so mortified by that. Really was. Anyhow, I took some size 10's into the fitting room, and just to see how close I was, a pair of 8's.

I was thrilled that the 8's fit!!! I know it may be due to vanity sizing and the fact that no 2 pairs of jeans fit the same way, but Idon'tevencare!!!! I went back and scoured the shelves for every pair of 8's they had to try on! I found a few more that fit and picked the best pair. I only bought the one, because I am hoping that in a month I can get into some 6's!!!

I have even been able to fit into some shirts that I haven't been able to wear since before the girls were born! It is amazing what this has done for my self esteem. And, since I can fit into my own shirts now, Lino can have his back!

I still have a bunch of sewing to do, and pictures to post. The kids and I planted some seeds, and we are super excited that most of what we planted is growing! (I have absolutely no desire to garden, so this is a big deal for us! )

But for now, I need to catch up on chores. Yesterday was my birthday, so I didn't do everything that needed to be done. And, if I can keep busy, I may not eat too much leftover birthday cake :)

Progress

2009-04-21T17:59:00.003-04:00

Wow, April is going by quickly. It has been a good month so far (with the exception of all of us being sick over Spring Break)

I am so happy and excited, today is Day 30 of the 30 Day Shred for me. I stuck with it and have lost 12 lbs and 5 inches so far. I started Shred at 156, so I am at 144! I haven't been on that part of the scale since before I got pregnant with Nate! I still don't love to exercise, and need to learn to eat better, but I am very pleased with the results so far. Lino says he can notice a difference. My rings and watch are looser, my clothes are baggier. I have 3 pairs of jeans that I bought in September, they literally fall off of me now! (Seriously, when I walk, it is step, step, step, pull up my jeans!) And, another pair that are from before Nate was born, they are loose too! I can't wait to go try on some jeans to see what size I am in.

I am still in the middle of sewing all of that fabric. I thought I was being super organized; I cut everything first, figuring I could then just sew everything when I got a chance. Well, I am using a pattern that is new to me. I measured the girls, cut out their size. I finished one dress and tried it on Cassie, too short. Ugh. There was no way to save it as a dress, so I will just turn it into a top/shorts outfit. But, I had to go back to the fabric store to get more of that fabric. I am determined to make a dress out of it so I will just use a pattern that I already know and love. I also have to refigure another dress that I have already cut out, and don't have enough scraps....I know how I want to do it, but the store was out of the fabric, so now I have to come up with a new plan.

Lino is on board with a new family matching photo, though he will just be coordinated with us. He says that to make him a shirt that he will more than likely only wear once is a bit silly. Which, he is right, I would rather spend the money on other fabric, if that is the case!

Our car drama seems to be solved (knock on wood!!!) We wound up getting Lino a new to us used car. We just didn't want to sink a bunch of money into rebuilding the engine on his not knowing how long that would last. He is now driving a 98 Audi A4. It is pretty sweet. Manual transmission, which I need to brush up on. I haven't driven a stick in years.

I wish I could remember some of the funny stuff the kids have done/said. I can't believe I haven't blogged in this long....wow.

Shred, Sewing, and Seriously???

2009-03-30T09:49:00.003-04:00

Well, Day 8 of Shred, and it isn't as hard as the first few days. Yesterday we went shopping to get proper sneakers and hand weights. I haven't had real sneakers in years, just basic Keds, and that is like being barefoot to work out. Since I didn't have weights when I started, I was using 2 1 1/2 liter bottles filled with water, and those were about 2 1/2 pounds each. I got 3 pound weights, and that was definitely better.

I am excited that I am noticing a difference on the scale. This morning I was at 150. Yay. That is 16 pounds lost since December. Admittedly, 10 of that happened when Nate stopped nursing and I was sick for a month and didn't really eat. Weight loss is loss, though, so yay. I am shooting for 130-135, and if I can start eating better, it may happen.

***
Sewing: I have the patterns that I need all traced and cut out. I am going to start cutting all the fabric today, and hope to start sewing mid week. I am excited, the fabric is cheery and bright. I will try to remember to take pictures as I go.

***

Seriously??!? A couple of weeks ago, Lino's car died. It had been giving him problems, but the mechanic said it should be fine. He was on his way to work in the morning, and luckily not that far away when it died. He was able to make it home and we managed to get it back to the mechanic. The diagnosis: transmission shot. All of the possible scenarios to fix it are expensive. Replace gskets and hope the head isn't cracked, get a rebuilt trans. or a new one.

We are fortunate that he was able to use his mom's car while his was at the shop. And, his parents bought a new car, so we could use their old one until we figure out what we were going to do.

Lino was on his way home from work on Saturday, when all of the wheels locked up. Luckily, he wasn't on the highway (he said he probably would have been killed) and he was in front of a brake place. They look at it and say, it's done. Cracked head mounts. And because it is as old as it is (a 1990) it really isn't worth fixing.

Seriously?!? 2 cars in 2 weeks? Who put a hex on us? Can it please be lifted? And, the car is 30 miles away, and our AAA membership lapsed (I never got a renewal notice), so that means we can't upgrade our membership to get free towing..... I am going to try calling and plead with them, we have been members for 5 years.

It needs to get better....

More fabric, a fun idea and fear leaving the body...

2009-03-24T11:47:00.006-04:00

I went back to the fabric store last night to get more of what I needed so I can start the girls' things. I came across the most adorable little bundle of fat quarters. (A fat quarter is 1/4 yard of fabric, but instead of being cut straight across from the bolt, which would be 9" x the width of the fabric, it is cut in an 18"x22" rectangle. Quilters use them a lot.) Anyhow, I don't know why I had to have this little bundle, I am not a huge fan of cows or anything, and I have never tried quilting, but I just thought it was so adorable. Five fabrics, the one on the left is black with tiny white polka dots, the faded stripe, cow print, pink gingham and the cows. Isn't it cute?? Now I just need to figure out what to do with it. Maybe I will try a quilt, who knows. (I did have a coupon, so I got it for half off, that makes it better.)

I also decided on a color for another skirt for me. (the one on the left) I am going to do another of the floor length tiered skirts (after the other stuff is done). It is a gauzy fabric, with a silver sparkle thread running through it. Hopefully it will turn out fun. As I was adding that fabric to the other new fabric, I realized that it coordinates very nicely with some fabric I just bought for Maggie and Cassie. That is when inspiration hit me! There were other fabrics in the same shades of blue that would be more appropriate for Nate. I am going to get some and do shirts for Nate and Lino, so we can do an updated Von Trapp photo! Won't that be fun? A white shirt for my skirt, and the shirts and khaki shorts for Lino and Nate and the girls' dresses? I am excited, and luckily Lino is willing to humor me. I will definitely post updates to that. (wait until I tell him, unless he reads it here today at work!)

Here is the Von Trapp photo. Nate was about 9 months, so the girls were 3 1/2.

As for fear leaving the body, I am on Day 2 of Jillian Michael's 30 Day Shred video. (That is one of the things she tells you about the burning pain you feel when you are doing the exercises, that it is fear leaving the body...) I am sooo out of shape, however, today's was a smidge easier than Day 1. I am not a huge fan of exercise. I don't have the patience for it. If I do crunches, I want immediate results, and that doesn't happen. I am determined, though, to finally lose the baby weight (although, can it really be called that now that the girls are 6 and Nate is 3?)

I think it would be divine if I could get down to what I was when Lino and I got married (125) but I would be happy with 130-135. I checked today and I am ::gulp:: 156. Yikes. Although, I have lost 10 pounds since Nate stopped nursing, and I really want to do this. I am not happy with being 156, so I will force myself to do this, every day.

So, there it is. It is out there, giving me more inspiration to follow through. I don't want you all to see me fail. I don't think I am brave enough for before pictures, but I did take measurements. I just hope to start seeing results soon.

Fun fabric!

2009-03-23T10:07:00.002-04:00

I bought some new fabrics the other day. I didn't have a set plan for them, I just thought they would make cute things. I sat down with my patterns the other night to figure out what I will make....I need to get more of some of it. I can't wait to start sewing it all! I think I am going to do it all in stages: trace and cut all the patterns, cut all the fabric, then sew it all. It is going to be dresses and shirts and shorts for Maggie and Cassie. I am keeping my eyes out for cute shirt fabric for Nate. (He is too big for jon jons now :( .... I love jon jons on little boys! )

Party Pictures

2009-03-17T09:11:00.008-04:00

We always have cupcakes on the kids' actual birthday, and I do a bigger cake for their party. I finally got to try out my giant cupcake pan. It is so fun!

I just love how excited the girls get when we sing Happy Birthday. Their eyes just sparkle.

We got Maggie and Cassie scooters. They were very excited! They have had fun practicing zooming up and down the hallway. Maggie only slowed down for one picture.

Cassie happily posed for pictures.

I don't know where this pose came from, but I think we are in for it when the girls are teenagers...

Nate also had fun chasing the girls with his truck.

Cassie wanted a pink princess cake again, and Maggie wanted a dinosaur.

And the aftermath. We decided to color the cake mix this year, green for Maggie and pink for Cassie.

They had fun, which is good. Now we just need the weather to get a bit warmer so we can scooter outside.

Happy Birthday!

2009-03-12T09:14:00.004-04:00

Wow, time goes by in a blink! It seems as though just yesterday Maggie and Cassie were born, and today they are 6.

We are so very blessed, they are such good girls. It has been so much fun watching them grow and turn into little people.

Happy Birthday my beautiful girls!

Mostly pictures

2009-03-07T10:26:00.006-05:00

Things have been busy. I have been trying to get the house organized from being sick, the kids have all been sick (our first ear infections ever) and just stuff going on. Here are some pictures (I finally emptied the camera!) I need to get my sewing area organized, so that I can create....I haven't sewn since Christmas time :(

From Valentines Day. I copied Delphina's hairstyle. The girls loved it!

This is what happens when Maggie won't play dress up with Cassie. Luckily, Nate didn't mind too much. (Lino just shakes his head)

The tooth fairy has been to our house 4 times in about the last 2 1/2 weeks. Cassie lost one on the bottom, then the top front left tooth a couple of days later. About a week after that, one of Maggie's bottom teeth came out. Then two days later another on the bottom came out too! They are seeming like such big kids now... ::sniff:: Cassie, with her new smile:

Yesterday the kids all wanted some temporary tattoos put on. The girls thought that Nate looked 'like a grown up' with his. Lino had him do some "tough guy" poses.

Yeah, big tough guy.....

Lino had stopped at Whole Foods on his way home from work one night. He got two loaves of incredible bread. One was for sandwiches, the other was a garlic bread (so yummy). He made a sandwich, which he thought was a perfect one....

It was huge!

That is it for now. Gearing up for Maggie's and Cassie's birthday. Still trying to decide if I am brave enough to invite the class over for cake and icecream....Maybe towards the end of the month.

Random...

2009-02-20T08:36:00.002-05:00

I haven't blogged in a bit. Lots going on...blah...so here is my Facebook 25 Random things list....

1. I knew the very day I met Lino that we were meant to be together. He is my soul mate, and I am better becase of him.

2. I moved out of my parents house when I was 18. As a result, my dad and I did not speak for the next 10 years. I don't regret moving out, but I do regret the hurt feelings that happened.

3. I worked in retail for 12 years (management for 6) and liked it (mostly)

4. I used to be able to do the Rubiks Cube. I won a contest in elemenatary school, and even taught the gym teacher how to solve it.

5. I am left handed. I do lots of things the right handed way, though.

6. I love to sing, and sing often, just not very well.

7. I would love to learn how to play the guitar.

8. I peeled an orange for the very first time last month (I am almost 38)

9. I was not raised with a religion, and am fascinated by how people can 'believe' so whole heartedly in something. I think that is great.

10. I would like to try yogurt, it is healthy, but am afraid too.

11. I have met Joan Baez.

12. I have an amazing ability to fall UP stairs, and really hurt myself.

13. Despite #12, I have never (knock wood) broken a bone.

14. I am completely amazed by my children, and they make me laugh every day. I am blessed.

15. I love to laugh. I was pretty good at being able to make my mom laugh, too.

16. When I get a new magazine, I usually flip through it from back to front.

17. Math was never my thing, yet I find/make number patterns and such all the time.

18. I love to be barefoot, and normally am all the time (except this winter, I have been forced to wear socks...)

19. When I wear socks, the right one always twists around and it drives me insane!!

20. I love to sew. I have a never ending list of projects that I want to do.

21. My mom passed away 3 months after Lino and I got married. She was admitted to the hospital the day after the wedding and diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer. I miss her every day, and wish that my kids had known her. I do, however, like to believe that she is watching over them.

22. I am really good at stressing and worrying. I am trying really hard to stress less.

23. I don't normally remember dreams.

24. I got caught up in the whole 'beanie babies' craze. I managed a store that sold them, that is how it started-got totally sucked in. Thankfully, I was able to stop, and now they make great prizes for the kids....

25. I had a really hard time coming up with a list that wasn't completely about the kids....

Dance Fever

2009-02-09T09:34:00.004-05:00

Maggie, Cassie and Lino had a super time at the Father-Daughter Dance. (Nate was excited for the girls, but also didn't want them to go) Lino said the food was good and the girls actually ate. I had called the caterer to check if it would be safe for Cassie, and it was, except for the desserts. Additionally, one of the PTO board members gave Lino the labels that the caterer brought with him. It is so nice to know that other people get it, and help to look out for Cassie's safety.

Lino said that the dance floor was just filled with screaming girls. He said it was funny, how loud and rambunctious they all were. At one point the DJ told the girls to go get their dads for a dance and Lino said that all the girls went running for their dads. How sweet. Maggie and Cassie were extremely excited by the souvenier they received, a crystal rose. They are already talking about next years' dance.

They came home about a half hour early, Cassie wasn't feeling well and Maggie was getting tired. Maggie came down with a double ear infection last Sunday and is on the mend. We had been nearly 6 years without any ear infections, I think that is pretty good. I just feel bad for her, she doesn't like the ear drops, and the drops are making it hard for her to hear us.

Cassie was running a very high fever Friday night into Saturday, and woke up with a sore throat. I took her to the pediatrician and he said it wasn't strep throat. (phew) She spent the weekend just resting. I asked if there were special rates for being in the office 3 times in a week (Maggie on Monday, Nate on Thursday and then Cass on Saturday....). There aren't. The doctor thinks that they will build up a germ immunity by 2nd grade. Fabulous.

Thoughts from Thursday...

2009-01-30T11:52:00.006-05:00

We had an eventful day yesterday. There is a father-daughter dance next Friday, so we had to go shopping for that. We found some very pretty dresses for Maggie and Cassie. We looked at a few different stores, and I was happy that the store we found them at had them for half of the retail price at another store. I do love a bargain. I wanted to make them their dresses, but having been sick all that time put a damper on that. I probably could finish in time, but I don't want to get all stressed trying to do so. The dresses are like what I would have made, though. They are very pretty, one in purple, one in pink. (It pains me, though, I could have made both dresses for the price of one....) Lino found a sportcoat that coordinates nicely. We just need to find a shirt and maybe a tie, too.

We were at the mall checking out other stores for dresses and shoes and decided to go into the pet store. The kids like to see the puppies and birds and reptiles and things. Now, this particular pet store irritates me, because every time we go in, the employees never acknowledge that we are there. Ever. No hello, goodbye, anything. And they don't greet anyone else, either. Just horrible customer service.

While we were there, they let one of the boxer puppies out of its cage. The puppy was, of course, very excited to be out and was running around, jumping on everyone. Well, my kids aren't dog people. At All. The puppy started jumping on Cassie, who started to cry and scream (she was scared). She got scratched. Nate started crying, too and Maggie would have had the dog been there any longer. I kind of moved the dog away and an employee came to get it.

We got Cassie calmed down, explaining that the puppy was just excited to see kids and just wanted to play. Not one of the three employees who were standing near us offered her a reassuring word. Not even a simple "Are you okay?" to try and make her feel better.

It made me mad. At least acknowledge her. Yes, we went into the pet store, however, you don't go in thinking you are going to get jumped on by the animals.

After we left the mall, we headed to Joanns so I could run in for a quick thing. When I got out, Lino was parked and had the back of the van opened. Getting the spare tire. Fun times, flat tires. Not.

Of course, it wasn't as simple as just changing the tire. Our lug nut wrench thing was useless. Lino walked over to Lowes, they don't sell them. Great. He calls his Mom, to have her call his Dad. They come with more wrenches. They have one that fits, great! It breaks. The three of them drive off to Autozone. I am doing my best to entertain three hungry,tired, hungry, bored, hungry children. Did I mention they were hungry? Thank goodness for M&Ms. I found three little Halloween sized packs in the diaper bag. So they had M-ies while we played silly games.

Finally the tire situation is resolved and we continue on our day. Picked up the dresses and sport coat at the first (and much cheaper) store. Get the other pair of shoes. Go to the school to pick up a fundraiser thing we ordered. And eat.

We did discover a new yummy restaurant that has really nice sized kids portions. That alone will have us go back! The food was good, too.

So. Here is hoping for a less eventful weekend.....

Party pictures!

2009-01-27T08:20:00.006-05:00

After telling us for weeks that he wanted a Thomas the Train cake, Nate changed his mind when he saw the Stickers pan at the frosting store. I was fine with that, it was actually easier to do! The sheet cake is vanilla, the Stickers is chocolate. Buttercream frosting. I can make frosting, but with his party and the girls' party coming up, I bought it. In a 5 gallon bucket. Seriously, 28 pounds of yummy goodness....it tastes good and is so much less work.

Everyone was excited for cake and ice cream....

My dad. We couldn't find any party hats with Stickers. Nate was happy with the Ernie and Elmo ones.

I am pretty sure he is saying "Yes, way" in this picture. I don't know where he picked it up from, but it was pretty cute and he kept saying it all day.

My mother in law knit him a sweater and matching hat. I thought she used her knitting machine for it, but Lino said that he hasn't set that up yet, she did it by hand. I was amazed, the rows are all so neat and uniform. I would love to learn how to knit someday...

So, that is it. The kids had fun. Nate got some of the noisiest toys I have ever heard, which my dad thinks is funny.

I really hope this gets stopped, please read!

2009-01-21T12:18:00.004-05:00

There is a new law that is due to go into effect on February 9th of this year. If it does, then it will pretty much shut down home based business, small business,(think EBay and Etsy) and put unnecessary strain on companies that make products that are intended for use by children aged 12 and under.

The article below is from Forbes magazine , and while I probably shouldn't have copied the whole thing here, it is an important read. (though I don't make any money from this blog, I wish!)

Please read it. Write your congressmen. Sign the petition. Contact the comittee members.

Scrap The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
Walter Olson, 01.16.09, 04:21 PM EST
Self-congratulation makes for bad law.

If someone you know volunteers at a thrift store or crochets baby hats for the crafts site Etsy or favors handmade wooden toys as a baby shower gift, you've probably been hearing the alarms about the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA).

Hailed almost universally on its passage last year--it passed the Senate 89 to three and the House by 424 to one, with Ron Paul the lone dissenter--CPSIA is now shaping up as a calamity for businesses and an epic failure of regulation, threatening to wipe out tens of thousands of small makers of children's items from coast to coast, and taking a particular toll on the handcrafted and creative, the small-production-run and sideline at-home business, not to mention struggling retailers. How could this have happened?

Congress passed CPSIA in a frenzy of self-congratulation following last year's overblown panic over Chinese toys with lead paint. Washington's consumer and environmentalist lobbies used the occasion to tack on some other long-sought legislative goals, including a ban on phthalates used to soften plastic.

The law's provisions were billed as stringent, something applauded by high-minded commentators as a way to force the Mattels and Fisher-Prices of the world to keep more careful watch on the supply chains of their Chinese factories.

Barbed with penalties that include felony prison time and fines of $100,000, the law goes into effect in stages; one key deadline is Feb. 10, when it becomes unlawful to ship goods for sale that have not been tested. Eventually, new kids' goods will all have to be subjected to more stringent "third-party" testing, and it will be unlawful to give away untested inventory even for free.
The first thing to note is that we're not just talking about toys here. With few exceptions, the law covers all products intended primarily for children under 12. That includes clothing, fabric and textile goods of all kinds: hats, shoes, diapers, hair bands, sports pennants, Scouting patches, local school-logo gear and so on.

And paper goods: books, flash cards, board games, baseball cards, kits for home schoolers, party supplies and the like. And sporting equipment, outdoor gear, bikes, backpacks and telescopes. And furnishings for kids' rooms.

And videogame cartridges and audio books. And specialized assistive and therapeutic gear used by disabled and autistic kids.

Again with relatively few exceptions, makers of these goods can't rely only on materials known to be unproblematic (natural dyed yarn, local wood) or that come from reputable local suppliers, or even ones that are certified organic.

Instead they must put a sample item from each lot of goods through testing after complete assembly, and the testing must be applied to each component. For a given hand-knitted sweater, for example, one might have to pay not just, say, $150 for the first test, but added-on charges for each component beyond the first: a button or snap, yarn of a second color, a care label, maybe a ribbon or stitching--with each color of stitching thread having to be tested separately.
Suddenly the bill is more like $1,000--and that's just to test the one style and size. The same sweater in a larger size, or with a different button or clasp, would need a new round of tests--not just on the button or clasp, but on the whole garment. The maker of a kids' telescope (with no suspected problems) was quoted a $24,000 testing estimate, on a product with only $32,000 in annual sales.

Could it get worse? Yes, it could. Contrary to some reports, thrift and secondhand stores are not exempt from the law. Although (unlike creators of new goods) they aren't obliged to test the items they stock, they are exposed to liability and fines if any goods on their shelves (or a component button, bolt, binding, etc.) are found to test above the (very low) thresholds being phased in.

Nor does it get them off the hook to say an older product's noncompliance with the new standards wasn't something they knew or should have known about (let alone to say anyone was harmed; the whole controversy from start to finish has gone on with precious little showing of real-world harm to American kids from most of the goods being banned).

Thrift store managers, often volunteers themselves, have no way to guess whether every grommet or zipper on a kids' jacket or ink on an old jigsaw puzzle box or some plastic component of Mom's old roller skates would pass muster.

"The reality is that all this stuff will be dumped in the landfill," predicted Adele Meyer, executive director of the National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops. Among the biggest losers if that happens: poorer parents who might start having to buy kids' winter coats new at $30 rather than used at $5 or $10.

And even worse: Since the law does not exempt books, children's' sections at libraries and bookstores will, at minimum, face price hikes on newly acquired titles and, at worse, may have to rethink older holdings.

After all, no one has the slightest idea how many future violations lie hidden in the stacks and few want to play a guessing game about how seriously officialdom will view illegality. "Either they take all the children's books off the shelves," Associate Executive Director Emily Sheketoff of the American Library Association told the Boston Phoenix, "or they ban children from the library."

Antique dolls? Old model-car collections? Musical instruments? Vintage bicycles? Some will go underground in private collectors' clubs, others will be tossed on the bonfires of the new Cultural Revolution.

A traditional attraction on the heritage festival circuit is the kids' dance or performance troupe in ethnic, pioneer or frontier garb, often handcrafted with the sort of ornate detail (beads, pendants, lace inserts, etc.) that will not be practical to test.

The same goes for Native American kids' cherished moccasins, buckskins and powwow gear. Making matters worse, many foreign producers of craft and small-batch toys and clothes, chary of liability under the law, are planning to exit the American market entirely, a step already taken by three German toymakers.

In recent weeks, as thousands of crafters and retailers began to compare notes and realize that they would soon be left with stocks of unsalable merchandise, forced out of business or both, the protests have begun to mount: alarm-raising at hundreds of blogs and forums, a torrent of Twitter discussion, YouTube videos, endangered-products lists, Facebook groups and so forth.
A group called Handmade Toy Alliance is calling attention to the law's burdens in that area. Booksellers are mobilizing. Yet prominent consumer groups have continued to defend even the law's more extreme applications, and their spokespersons are dismissive of public outrage. "I haven't heard a single legitimate concern yet," Public Citizen's David Arkush wrote last month.
The consumer groups--and the congressional offices of key CPSIA backers Bobby Rush, D-Ill., and Henry Waxman, D-Calif.--have blamed opposition to the law on "misinformation" and "confusion."

Defenders of the law point out, for example, that item-by-item enforcement at thrift shops is unlikely to be an enforcement priority any time soon for the Consumer Product Safety Commission's 100 field investigators.

The thing is, few librarians, eBay (nasdaq: EBAY - news - people ) sellers or knitters want to be told that they're outlaws but at too small-fry a level to attract the authorities' attention. They want to be legal.

Besides, the law grants enforcement authority not only to the CPSC but to the 50 state attorneys general, which means anyone who ships nationally, small fry or not, is at the mercy of whomever turns out to be the least reasonable attorney general, a post for which there is always considerable competition.

As CPSIA opponents mobilize, the phrase "unintended consequences" is often heard. Part of the irony, after all, is that the Hasbros and Targets, with their standardization and economies of scale, can afford to adapt to such rules as part of their business plan, while the sorts of enterprises that initially looked to benefit most from the Chinese toy scare--local, organic and so forth--are also the ones who find it hardest to comply.

But the failure here runs deeper. This was not some enactment slipped through in the dead of night: It was one of the most highly publicized pieces of legislation to pass Congress last year.
And yet now it appears precious few lawmakers took the time to check what was in the bill, while precious few in the press (which ran countless let's-pass-a-law articles) cared to raise even the most basic questions about what the law was going to require.

Yes, something's being exposed as systematically defective here. But it's not the contents of our kids' toy chests. It's the way we make public policy.

Walter Olson is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and the author of The Rule of Lawyers and other books. He edits Overlawyered.com.

****

So, thanks for reading that article. Pass it on, spread the word. I understand the intent of the law is to keep kids safe, and I am all for that. I just think that 'they' rushed this one and didn't think it all the way through.

No more wild hair....

2009-01-20T14:51:00.005-05:00

I managed to get some pictures of Nate's hair after baths yesterday. Better than the 'bedhead' pictures from his birthday.

Certainly is different...I like this picture. He wanted to carry Yellow Bear and play at the same time...

Finally starting to feel better....there is hope!

2009-01-19T14:23:00.005-05:00

So after a month of being sick and in extreme pain and not being able to do anything, I am finally starting to feel better. After my trip to urgent care, it seemed as though the antibiotics worked for a few days, but halfway through didn't seem to be effective. Blah. I was able to find a regular doctor, and she seemed to think that I had a few different things happen at the same time: sinus infection, migraine and stiff neck (she had never heard of stiff neck being a symptom of sinus infection)

She gave me some anti-inflammatory meds, and after I asked, some medicine for the pain. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but the neck/head pain made it nearly impossible to sleep and was really affecting how I managed to get through the day....which was barely. I spent the better part of the past month just existing on the couch, not able to play with the kids or do much of anything. So, I needed something.

Luckily, Lino had 3 days off in a row, which allowed me to take pain meds and sleep to try and shake this. Finally this past Saturday, I woke up with my head seeming a lot better (the headache is still there, but mild in comparison) and the neck pain nearly gone. Finally. It feels as though I lost a whole month, there is so much I didn't get done! Did I mention that while all this was going on, the kids and Lino have each been sick with some fever/stomach thing? Yeah, it has been fantastic.

Nate's birthday was Sunday. Lino went shopping after work on Saturday since we hadn't had a chance to go together. We always spend the kids' birthday days as a family, no parties, and I like it that way. The party with my dad, sister and Lino's parents will be next week (that gives me a chance to get the house back in order!

Nate liked his presents. As he opened the cards and presents, he would get all excited, "Look, it's this!" He got a Mater Shake and Go car, a fire station to go with the train Santa brought, a Transformer Bumblebee and Wii Mario Kart. (we totally scored on the Mario Kart....) We will need to exchange Bumblebee, since he wasn't made nicely, but in all, Nate was excited. This year, Nate was very excited about blowing out the candles, and he actually let us sing Happy Birthday at cupcake time! (I will do a big cake for his party, he wants a Thomas cake)

In between opening presents and making cupcakes, they wanted party hats. So, we made hats.

At bedtime, Nate was convinced that when he woke up today he would be 4. Not quite, buddy. Slow down with the getting bigger....it goes too fast for Mama.

PS- Did you notice his hair? He had 'bedhead' for these pictures, but you get the idea. We were forced to go short when we tried to trim his bangs. We cut too short. But, he was pleased, now he has short hair like cousin Leo, which he has been asking for since we saw them at Thanksgiving! I do miss his wild curly hair, but, I think the short is cute too.

We interrupt this blog...

2009-01-05T14:17:00.002-05:00

I am tired of being sick and feeling like crap. I have had a stiff neck since Christmas eve. Really painful. I also had a migraine, and a fever/chills on Christmas. The migraine and stiff neck stuck around, and after more than a week of taking Excederin/Tylenol/Advil, Lino brought home some Bengay and Thermal wrap things to try. Those didn't really work either. Friday night I woke up to what felt like exploding sinuses. Fabulous.

On Saturday, I finally decided that more than a week of this was enough, so we brought the kids to my inlaws and went to Urgent Care. Apparently, I have the classic symptoms of a sinus infection. Stiff neck, jaw pain (which I have, it hurts to eat, but didn't realize was a symptom), teeth pain, eye pressure and sinus pressure are the classic indications of a sinus infection. They did x-rays, and prescribed some antibiotics and allergy meds.

So, I have been taking those and hoping they worked like magic and the pain would go away, but it hasn't. (And I have a pretty high pain tolerance) It wakes me up at night, I can't find a good postion to sleep in, it is making me extremely nauseated and it is affecting how I interact with the kids. I can't really play with them and help them with stuff because the pain is too much. And that sucks.

They have today off from school due to icy roads, and they have been wonderful, playing nicely while I rest on the couch, but I hate that I am in this much pain. If the pain doesn't start to subside I am going to see if the Urgent Care place can give me something. It is silly to keep taking Advil/Tylenol if it isn't working.

So. That is it. Thanks for reading my whine. Hopefully I will feel better soon.

End of the year...

2008-12-31T17:11:00.004-05:00

I have been really busy since that last post....and we have all been sick. I was sick on Christmas eve til the day after Christmas (I still have a migraine, actually). Cassie was sick Christmas eve, Lino was sick the weekend after Christmas, and Maggie has been sick since yesterday. Blah. I am ready for us to be healthy!

Despite all of that, the kids really enjoyed Christmas. Santa brought them lots of new things. Lots of Sleeping Beauty for Cassie, Tinkerbell and Diego for Maggie and Stickers (Lightning McQueen) for Nate. I have no idea where we are going to put it all. In fact, due to my migraine issues, most of it is still around the tree.

I sewed a total of 10 tote bags...1 for a friend, 3 for teachers/principal, and 6 for Lino's mom, aunt and cousins. I forgot to take pictures of the cousins bags. I broke plenty of sewing needles, found a new place to get twill tape and poked my fingers more times than I care to remember. (It is nearly impossible for me to sew with bandaids on, and I can't use thimbles....) I got a thank you note in the mail today from the principal, she really likes hers, and all of the cousins seemed to like theirs. Yay.

I was able to get the family jammies done, and am pleased with how they turned out. Eight yards of red flannel, 5 white tshirts, 5 yards of white fuzzy trim, elastic and drawstring. Easy peasy. I might even try doing some for Etsy next year. Nice simple design that I can do in some common sizes ahead of time.....we'll see.

Nate is doing great with no more Mama drinks. It went much easier than I thought. He still needs either me or Lino to lay down with him til he falls asleep, but we expected that. No tears at all about stopping nursing, so that made it a whole lot easier.

I hope everyone has a super safe New Year's Eve, and a very blessed 2009. I tend to not make resolutions, because it seems as though I never keep them, but I do hope to 'stress less' next year. Enjoy all of the little things, and not be so anxious. (I do worry a lot, and it isn't good.)

Merry New Year!

9 days left til Christmas!

2008-12-16T12:07:00.003-05:00

I still have 10 tote bags to make (the embroidery machine is going as I type!). I have the fabric cut out for some, will cut the rest later. I think if I prep as much as I can, it shouldn't be too stressful. Though, I need to have 3 of them finished by Thursday. I also cut the fabric for jammie pants for our hliday tradition. They go together fairly easily, so that shouldn't be too stressful.

We still have to figure out what to get my dad for Christmas. I just don't know. He is a Yankees fan, but that seems to be our last resort theme for birthdays/Christmas. Not enough time to do a photobook (which I wanted to do for his birthday, so I can make it really nice) He has a digital camera and nice printer, so a little portable photo printer is out. We've done a fun snack basket before. He doesn't do chocolate. He has a Playstation that we (my sister and us) got him a few years ago. I don't know how often he does that anymore. He is colorblind, so that lets out fun little games....it is stressful. I want to do something he will like, but just have no idea.

This Saturday is the last of our gift wrapping fundraising dates. At the first PTO meeting I attended, they talked about various fundraisers, and also mentioned that the library just needs help. There are books that are so old, pages fall out when they are opened. Numerous shelves are empty. Well, when I heard that, I started thinking. Childrens books are my 'thing'. I just love them. Books have always been a big part of my life, my mom was an elementary school librarian. So I feel very connected to libraries.

I came up with the idea of contacting Borders bookstore in our area to see about charity giftwrapping. The manager at the store closest to us gave me a complete brushoff. So, I called the store in a city about 10 minutes away. The coordinator at that store was super friendly, and set us up with 3 dates! Borders supplies the wrapping paper, table, tape, and scissors, we just need to bring bows, tags and donation buckets, and we keep anything we raise.

Our first date was the Saturday after Thanksgiving. It wasn't too busy, as far as wrapping goes, we did maybe 7 things. We still collected $170! Not bad for 5 hours of mostly people watching. We had our 2nd date last Saturday, and we were much busier wrapping, and collected $282! I think that is fantastic. One more day to go. I am hoping that we can do $300-350. Wouldn't that be great? This is free money for the library.....I am so excited.

The kids are super excited about Santa coming. Santa needs to have his elves start wrapping things. I am excited to see their reactions this year.

Nate is adjusting to 'no more drinks' happening soon. There have been some nights when he has fallen asleep on the couch, and doesn't do any. He is also sleeping through the night now with more regularity, and if he does wake, he usually will settle himself back to sleep. (Those first few nights of no more middle of the night drinks were hard....) He also talks about when he will need to stop altogether.

Yay, the first bag embroidery is done....9 to go!

Viruses and dents, oh my

2008-12-09T09:24:00.003-05:00

It has been busy. On Saturday we brought the kids to my dad's so they could help him put up his Christmas decorations. It also gave us the chance to run our big errands. About 9 hours later we picked up the kids, but I think we were very successful. More importantly, the kids didn't give my dad any trouble at all, he said they were great all day, which is a relief. They do have fun when they see him.

The rest of the weekend was spent battling computer viruses and malware ads. I have been going to Baby Center since the girls were little, and have made some friends on the March board. Well, the powers that be at Babycenter have bought another online community and have been working to switch over since spring.

About a month ago or so, the 'old boards' was apparently hijacked by pretty malicious viruses, and it was only after some members complained that they started to do anything about it. We got hit with Antivirus 2009. It is persistent...really hard to get rid of. Well, this weekend, I went to check the March board and Bargain board, and almost immediately after logging onto the bargain board, our computer was attacked. I get that it is the computer owner's responsibility to have virus protection software, however, this is a major company (Johnson and Johnson owns Babycenter), they should be able to prevent it from lurking on their site. But, they are closing the old boards in a week, so they apparently aren't focusing on it at all.

I ran our AVG scan no less than 4 times on Sunday, and again yesterday. It seemed to be better, except for some takeover ads. Lino ran adaware last night, there were 20 malware things....

No more old boards for me... :( . Maybe once we get the computer all set I can check in on the new boards. I really enjoy staying in touch with my March mom friends. We have a group on Facebook, and I hope that they all check in there, and there are blogs that I follow, so I won't lose touch completely. I just don't love the new Baby center boards, and if they are going to be a target for viruses, I can't go there.

As for the dent....on Sunday Lino was headed outside to return a movie (Wall E, which was super cute, by the way!) when the son of our across the street neighbor came to the door. Now, keep in mind, that in the 5 1/2 years that we have been living here, we haven't ever really spoken with him. He will maybe wave when he comes to visit, but his dad hasn't ever really talked with us. The grandmother lives there, and she will come over once in a while when we are outside, but she is only comfortable speaking Portuguese, so I can't really talk with her.

Anyhow, the son comes to the door. Apparently when he was backing his very large pickup truck out of his dad's driveway, he was too busy talking on his cell phone to notice that Lino's car was parked in front of our house. He told Lino that he hit it, and 'hopefully the scratch will buff out'.

It isn't a scratch...it is a major dent!! I guess he told Lino to get an estimate and that he would pay for it, but Lino is ticked. It isn't going to be a quick little fix, the dent needs to be popped back and then the whole rear quarter panel will need painting.....so the guy is going to need to get Lino a rental. Lino can't take time off from work, and with the girls in school, I can't not have the car, in case I need to go get them.

So, now Lino needs to spend part of his day off on Thursday at the mechanics. Hopefully the neighbor's son doesn't try to skip out of paying for the damage. Lino is willing to wait until after Christmas, we realize that money can be stretched at the holidays (he has a wife/girlfriend and a daughter). He needs to fix it though.

Sigh. Lots of sewing to do still, the tree needs to go up (which I wanted to do on Thursday, because we have school stuff Friday night and Saturday, and Lino works on Sundays).....

Weaning is going okay. Nate still does drinks at bedtime, but he has slept straight through the night for nearly a week now. That is good. He seems to be a little clingy some days, though, which is to be expected, I guess.

Anyhow. I think I need another chocolate milk.....

Cassie's New Look

2008-12-05T09:17:00.003-05:00

Doesn't she look adorable? She has been saying for a couple of months now that her eyes are 'kind of foggy' when she looks at things. At first, I wasn't sure if she meant it, because she didn't really act as though she was having trouble seeing. However, I called to make the appointment when I noticed she would stand right next to the tv to watch and still said her eyes were foggy when she tried to look at things.

We had the appointment yesterday. Lino went into the exam room with her. Apparently she has astigmatism in both eyes, and she is farsighted. She was very brave when the doctor put the drops in her eyes, and patient while we waited for them to work. The doctor told Lino that the prescription she gave her isn't full strength, I guess that if she gave her the full strength, it would be too much for her eyes. So we go back in three months to recheck.

We were all very excited that they had those pink frames. They are perfect for her. She wasn't sad at all about needing glasses, and picked that shirt today because it matched her frames!

Stuff

2008-12-02T09:39:00.003-05:00

Three weeks or so until Christmas. Lots to do. We still have to do some sort of Christmas card picture. Then, order and send cards. I would love to do Holiday Mail for Heroes. So I need to get some boxes of cards for that.

Family jammies. I have the fabric and shirts, now I just need to make them. Maybe by this weekend those will be done.

Set up the Christmas tree. In order to do that I have to take control of the chaos that seems to always control the house. Hopefully I can get the upstairs 'tree ready' by the end of the week, so we can assemble and decorate the tree Friday/Saturday.

Making Christmas gifties...I am thinking of doing those canvas tote bags. But what to embroider on them? I like the recycle earth design, but will the recipients? Would a monogram be better? the last name initial? Or some fun phrase, like: go green; reduce reuse recycle; big green bag (the canvas I have is natural and black) .....

I also want to make some stuffed bears to donate to an area shelter for victims of sexual assault. But, that can't be first on my sewing list, that will be if I have extra time...

There is just a bunch going on, my mind is always racing, and it gets me down...so trying to put on a cheerful face, too.

i miss my mom and my aunt......

Monday musings

2008-12-01T09:22:00.002-05:00

I think the cold/sickness that has been in the house for the past 3 weeks or so seems to be clearing up. Poor Nate was sick for the whole week before Thanksgiving and only on Friday started to feel better. We ate our Thanksgiving meal at Lino's parents house, and then went ot my dad's for dessert

On Saturday, we did the first of 3 PTO fundraising dates at Borders. We have the opportunity to man the gift wrapping table and have donation buckets. Our first shift went well. We wrapped maybe 7 things, but raised $170.38! Isn't that amazing? I found it very interesting, all the different people who would walk by and put money in the buckets that the kids were holding. There were also people who would double back to donate after hearing our cause, to put books on the empty shelves at our library. We have 2 more dates, the 13th and 20th of this month, and I am very hopeful that we will raise as much if not more each time!

After the fundraising, we met with some cousins who were up from New York. We went to go see the Christmas lights at LaSallette Shrine. I took a bunch of pictures using the night mode, but not that many turned out. I will have to post some in a bit. It was fun though, hanging out and we are excited to see them again at Christmas.

I have begun night weaning Nate. He is not happy at all about it, either. Poor little guy. I just figured that I need to start stopping the middle of the night drinks, so by the time Santa comes, stopping the falling asleep one shouldn't be as difficult. I feel so bad, when he is crying and screaming....but, I am sticking to it, I am mostly(98%) ready to be done, so it is time. :(

I need to start jotting down what I want to post about. I know I had other stuff to mention, I am drawing a blank right now, though.

Anyhow. Happy December.

Is Santa missing some reindeer?

2008-11-21T12:52:00.008-05:00

I think Santa may be missing some reindeer. We found them. Hiding Transformer style in our driveway.

Nate got a big kick out of the Reindeer Car costumes that Lino brought home yesterday. Lino had seen these a few Christmases ago, but only now found them in a store.

So, the Big Red Car has been renamed the Big Red Reindeer for the next month or so.

Nate has taken to hiding under his or the girls' beds when he is sad/mad etc. Yesterday we were getting ready to go shopping and Nate wasn't in the living room with Lino. He wasn't in the bedroom with Maggie and Cassie. So Maggie checked under the bunkbeds, no Nate. Lino checked under Nate's bed. He was there. Asleep.

I don't think he had been under there too long. I am glad he hadn't gotten undressed, though. The floor was cold! You can see Maggie in the background...she crawled under to try and wake him up.

Speaking of Christmas, I have added some Christmas songs to my blog. Lino made fun of me, he thinks most of the versions are terrible. (And he likes Christmas music. He is already listening to the 24 hour Christmas music radio station....)

I love Christmas music. Really love it. Even the really religious ones sound really pretty. I have different versions of songs up there, and am trying to find more. I really like the Little Drummer Boy. Not sure why. I also like the silly ones. I am still looking for Domenic the Christmas Donkey.

The one song you won't ever hear on my playlist though is "The Christmas Shoes" (I don't even know if that is the right title). I just know it is quite possibly the saddest/worst Christmas song ever. I heard it for the first time the year my mom passed away, I was crying my eyes out about a minute into it and made Lino change the station. I can appreciate the sentiment of the song, but I won't listen to it.

Some sewing!

2008-11-12T15:27:00.009-05:00

A few months ago I got a recyclable shopping bag from Target. It was free, a coupon I had filled out. For a free bag, it is pretty nice, canvas (with a big Target symbol embroidered on it), pretty sturdy. I try to remember to take it and another smaller bag with me when we go shopping. (I don't even worry about it being a Target bag at other stores)

Well, the first thing that we said when we got it was "I can make this". I have had the canvas for at least a month now, and finally cut the pieces and put them together. It was my first attempt, and I like it, although, there are a couple of things I would do differently. (I will definitely make more for us and maybe as gifts)

It is a pretty big bag. I don't know how it came out taller than the Target bag, I measured the Target one pretty well. As for the embroidery, I love how it came out, and think it is cute. I did the bag with french seams, which is when you sew the fabric so there aren't any raw edges showing. I did it so the seams would be on the inside. I think the next time, I will do it so they are on the outside. The Target bag has binding over the seams, on the outside, (which would have been faster, but I didn't have any and didn't want to wait to get some!) I don't know if I would use grommets. They seem to be just for looks, and not function.

Today I had the idea to make reusable baggies for the girls' snacks for school. I went to classroom observation on Monday, and while the parents were there, the kids ate snack. Well, if the kids can't open their stuff, the teacher and assistant have to do it, and if you have 20 little kids needing help, that doesn't allow a bunch of time to eat. So, I know now, to send snack in bags/containers the girls can do without help.

This morning, we did little ziplock bags. Both Maggie and Cassie told me they had trouble zipping them shut. And, that is when I thought of doing our own bags. Less work for the teacher, and good for the planet, too!

The purple one was my test one. Very easy to do and I did the french seams on the inside. It sewed up pretty quickly. Approximately 6 inches square. Velcro across the top to close it. The princess one I did for Cassie. That one is a bit bigger, maybe 7 inches square. Also with the french seams and velcro. The purple one is one long piece folded and sewn on 2 sides. Cassie wanted Sleeping Beauty on both sides, which is why it is bigger. Hers is sewn on 3 sides, as I had to cut the fabric differently.

I am definitely going to do more, I just ran out of velcro. I need to go to Joanns anyway, I broke 2 sewing needles doing the canvas bag. We also need to pick out fabric for our family Christmas jammies.

My migraines are good for me.....

2008-11-07T11:39:00.002-05:00

According to an article that I read yesterday, migraines are a good thing.

"We found that, overall, women who had a history of migraines had a 30 percent lower risk of breast cancer compared to women who did not have a history of such headaches," said Dr. Christopher Li of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, whose findings appear in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention.

I will have to remember the next time that it feels as though my head may explode due to the raging, blinding pain and accompanying nausea.

It is also thought that breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer.

Much of the research shows that the longer a woman breastfeeds the more protected she is against breast cancer. This information takes on special significance during October which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Early detection remains the best tool in the arsenal of breast cancer cure. Women today are also looking for preventive measures. Increasing the duration of breastfeeding an additional six months would prevent an estimated 25,000 breast cancers in Western populations where breast cancer is most prevalent.

Should I feel extra protected? I have been breastfeeding since March 2003 and have suffered migraines since the early 90's.

I know that nothing is ever a guarrantee, but if there is any truth to those studies, I guess I can live with the migraines.

Yes We Can

2008-11-05T11:19:00.003-05:00

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time - to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth - that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

From President-Elect Obama's speech on Election Night. I thought the whole speech was excellent, and if you click on the above you can get the transcript of the whole thing. I feel a sense of relief, that things will get better. Hopeful. I stayed up much too late last night, but am glad I did.

I thought that John McCain's speech was gracious. However, how else would he (could he) have conceeded? Of course he was going to be gracious. I just hope that his supporters will take his words to heart, as we all work together to better our country. I liked JohnMcCain back in the 2000 election, I voted for him then. However, this time, he just seemed really, really angry. I would like to see the 'old' McCain again, working in the Senate.

Election Day!

2008-11-04T18:20:00.002-05:00

School was closed today, so after the kids ate breakfast we got dressed and walked to our polling place. It was great weather for a walk, and the poll wasn't crowded at all when we got there.

We checked in and the kids picked a booth. I voted for the candidates I believe in, made decisions on local ballot questions and then we submitted my ballot. It was number 208, and that was around 9:10 am or so.

The lady at the scanning machine gave Maggie, Cassie, Nate and I our 'I Voted' stickers. The kids were excited. Then she gave Nate's yellow bear a sticker, too. Yellow Bear wasn't saying who he voted for, though. :)

Lino just called and he is done voting, he went straight from work. During elections, the parking lot right in front of the doors is usually full of candidates and supporters doing last minute campaigning.

At the primary, I felt pressured by a candidate who had a supporter approach me at the door speaking onlyPortuguese to me. Our neighborhood is primarily Portuguese, the polling place is at a church that has a large Portuguese congregation. However, don't assume that I don't speak English. Don't harass me as I walk in to vote.

I called the Secretary of State's office when I got home that day, and he told me by law, candidates, etc are required to be at least 50 feet away from the door. He said if not, report them to a poll worker next time.

Well, when Lino drove in, the main parking lot had supporters, etc. When he parked near the door, he was near a guy who was campaigning, less than 50 feet from the door. He tried to give Lino pamphlets, and when Lino declined, stating that he couldn't evn be that close, the guy was all "Says who?"

Lino stopped in his tracks and told him it was the law. He also told the guy that his candidate just lost a vote. When Lino left the building, he said the guys truck and signs were still parked, but the guy was in a chair far away from the door.

Good for him.

Now we wait for results. I am sure we will be flipping channels, but I like NBC, so we will watch that mostly.

Hope you all voted!

A Woman's Right to Vote

2008-11-03T09:03:00.005-05:00

WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE

This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago.
Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.

Some were abused horribly for trying to gain that right.

These women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking for the vote.

Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917, when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his guards to teach a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right to vote.

And by the end of the night, they were barely alive. Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of 'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'

They beat Lucy Burns ( pictured in prison above), chained her hands to the cell bars above her head and left her hanging! All through the night, bleeding and gasping for air.

They hurled Dora Lewis (above) into a dark cell, smashed her head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate, Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack. Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging, beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.

For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

When one of the leaders, Alice Paul (above), embarked on a hunger strike, they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks until word was smuggled out to the press.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/collections/suffrage/nwp/prisoners.pdf

So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because- -why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work? Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?

*******
The above was in an email that my sister sent me. Women have had the right to vote for less than 100 years! I can't imagine not being able to speak my opinion about something, or being told that I am not important becasue I am a woman. Sure, I have encountered the occasional chauvinist, but to endure that on a daily basis, wow. I am grateful that those women had the courage to stand for what they believed in.

A movie by HBO Films, Iron Jawed Jewels

A wiki entry on Women's Right to Vote

The Nineteenth ammendment to the Constitution of the United States of America:

The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.

Have you tuned in for the last 2 years? The election is tomorrow......Vote. We have the right, it would be such a waste to not use it.

Halloween fun

2008-11-02T09:02:00.006-05:00

The kids had so much fun on Halloween. It was great to see them so excited. I was able to finish the costumes and was very pleased with how they came out.

The dinosaur (in Maggie's favorite colors) is purple waffle fleece with a green poly blend belly and spines. The pattern instructions weren't terribly clear when it came to the feet, and I lost a lot of sewing time trying to figure them out. I moved on to other parts figuring that the next day maybe it would become clearer. (Lino was able to help me figure them out). If I ever do another dinosaur, I know things that I would do differently, but overall, I liked it and Maggie loved it, which was good.

Nate's tiger costume is a jersey (cotton) print with orange fleece belly and ribbed knit for the cuffs. His was from a pattern by Simplicity, Costumes for Dummies. Those instructions weren't terribly thorough, and if I were a complete beginner, I wouldn't have known how to do some of the steps (it just skipped some parts completely!) If I ever do that hat pattern again, I will do the ears differently. They wound up being hand sewn on (I really dislike handsewing! I am just not neat with it....) But, the hat is cute, and Nate loved it. (I am actually thinking of making him some animal jammies, using this pattern as a guide!

Side view.

Back view, tails and wings. Maggie's tail is quite heavy! it dragged on the ground. Lino tried to wire it, but the wire was kind of pokey, and we didn't want Maggie to get scraped. The tail held up well, though, from all the walking, it still looks good.

At the neighbors house. They looked so cute walking down the street! I guess there were a few people who asked if Maggie was Barney. (she wasn't, purple and green are her favorite colors). Lino was able to deflect it by telling Maggie that they must not know as much about dinosaurs as she does. She agreed with him.....

Lino and Nate took this one. It was kind of cool that night, and Maggie was plenty warm in her fleece, Nate was double layered, but Cassie was kind of chilly by the time they got home! (though when Lino asked her while they were out she was fine! ) We did add a long sleeve tshirt to Cassie's for warmth. I had offered to make her costume, once I saw what it looked like, but she fell in love with the store bought one. It is very thin though, and I will probably wind up reconstructing it at some point.

Nate was a bit disappointed that Maggie and Cassie were taking mini cupcakes to school for a party and the cupcakes wouldn't come home. When I went out to get Halloween candy I picked up some cupcakes so we could have some, too. He was extremely excited, he loves cupcakes!

Because of Cassie's allergy, the candy we pass out is completely peanut/tree nut free/safe. She likes to help pass out candy, too. We also buy candy just for the kids, to trade with them when they get home. I filled an entire gallon bag with unsafe candy! (I did eat 2 Reese's peanut butter cups after the kids went to bed....it has been a long time since I have had any...and felt really guilty for eating them....) I sent the 'bag of death' to work with Lino today, to leave on the break room table.

It was a good Halloween. Next year, if they want me to make costumes, I will start earlier than a week before!

New Vote PSA

2008-10-30T10:05:00.001-04:00

Happy Tuesday.

2008-10-28T08:16:00.004-04:00

Well, last week Maggie and Nate decided that they wanted to be a dinosaur and a tiger for Halloween. They saw some sewing patterns that I have, and made up their minds on the spot. Cassie has wanted to be Barbie Mariposa for about a year now, and was confident we could find one in the store.

After the girls got on the bus last Thursday, Nate, Lino and I headed to the fabric store. We found some great deals on fleece and striped fabric. (around $20 for all of it) Saturday we went looking for Cassie's costume. Lino discovered 2 different Mariposa's in the aisle, miraculously both in her size;and they were the only 2 left! Cassie fell in love with one of them, so that solves that.

Head to Target for sparkly pink shoes and then home. Cassie tries on her costume, as soon as she takes it off, it starts to rip. I am pretty confident that I can fix it, but I also offered to make her one, too, now that I know what Mariposa looks like. She wants no part of it. She adores the store bought one, so I will get it all fixed up for Halloween.

I had traced/cut out the patterns and started sewing the dinosaur on Sunday. Made some good progress. The feet had me a bit confused, but Monday I took some time to really figure it out. The instructions weren't super clear, so I was confused on some of the steps. Now that I figured it out, it makes perfect sense! Now I just have to decipher how they say to attach the feet to the legs!

Unfortunately, it took longer than I expected to do the feet, and I am a bit behind. No worries, though, I have 3 days to get them done!

I think when the dinosaur is finished it will look super cute. Maggie tried some of it on so I could measure cuffs, she loves it. She picked the colors, purple body and green spines. I just hope she isn't called Barney all night long!

***
Yay for the Patriots for holding on and winning! They are faring okay this season, despite all the injuries that have occured.

One word answers

2008-10-24T08:26:00.003-04:00

Lanny tagged me.

The rules are to answer the following questions in one word and then pass it on to seven others:

Where is your cell phone? N/A (I don't have one)
Where is your significant other? Work
Your hair color? Brown
Your mother? Heaven
Your father? Home
Your favorite thing? family (mine)
Your dream last night? N/A (don't remember)
Your dream/goal? author
The room you’re in? familyroom
Your hobby? Sewing
Your fear? death
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Disneyworld
Where were you last night? Home
What you’re not? Mean
One of your wish-list items? Serger
Where you grew up? Massachusetts
Last thing you did? busstop
What are you wearing? jeans/sweatshirt
Your TV? on
Your pet? cats
Your computer? Desktop
Your mood? okay
Missing someone? Always
Your car? Minivan
Something you’re not wearing? socks
Favorite store? Joanns
Your summer? Warm
Love someone? Yes
Your favorite color? Teal
When is the last time you laughed? 7:30
Last time you cried? Oct 14/15

Hmm...tagging 7 people.....Leia, Dawn,Lori, Melissa, Emily,Doreen, Katie. HOpefully they will play too!

Love and other things

2008-10-21T09:53:00.004-04:00

Super excited that the Pats could come back from their loss last week to a win over Denver this week. Not the smoothest game to watch, but the plays they got right were nice.

Lino's car needs an alternator. Friday he was on his way to work and only got about a half mile away when the car died at a stop light. Luckily he was able to get it started again to turn around and come home. It died close to our street, and he was able to coast down the hill to get the car home. The kids were surprised when we left for the bus that the 'Big Red Car' was gone and Papa's was home. So, called the tow truck today and off it goes to the mechanics....again.....

~~~

This is something that has been in the news for a while. Massachusetts approved gay marriage in 2004, California approved it over the summer. Connecticut recently approved it as well. I read this story last night, that Sarah Palin has broken from the McCain camp about her views on gay marriage.

I just don't understand why there are people who are so against allowing gay people to 'marry', why there are some who feel so threatened by it. I don't feel as though my marriage to Lino is diminished in any way by having my gay friends legally able to marry. In fact, I feel that the whole idea of love and marriage is strengthened, the more people that do marry.

Love is such a gift-such a blessing, that if two consenting adults find that, then they should be allowed to spend their lives married to each other.

I mean, wasn't there a time in our history when the very idea of interracial marriage caused people to react in the same way? Again, if two people are in love, color shouldn't matter. And it doesn't.

So why is gay marriage such a 'threat'? For those that do oppose, why is a civil union okay, but not marriage? (civil unions aren't the same thing, they don't offer the same protections that marriage does)

I really don't understand it. This past summer, when California legalized same sex marriage, one of the first couples to marry were two women who were in their 80's. They had been together for 55 years. 55 years! And only this summer allowed to marry. One of the women passed away shortly after that. I was so happy for them, though that at least she lived long enough to see her love be affirmed and be allowed to marry.

If loving someone for 55 years isn't a true testament to true love, I don't know what is. There are many hetero couples who marry and don't last nearly that long.

Anyhow. I read the news about Sarah Palin last night, and I sighed. Really. The Governor scares me much more than the idea of gay marriage.

School Pictures!

2008-10-17T12:05:00.003-04:00

Maggie and Cassie came home with school pictures today. I was super excited! The class picture wasn't included, I guess that will come after Retake day, so all the kids can be in it. I thought that was nice.

I am very pleased with how they came out. The pictures scanned a bit darker, you can see all the pigtails in the actual pictures.

♥♥♥ 65 ♥♥♥

2008-10-14T08:13:00.007-04:00

Today is my mom's birthday. She would have been 65. I don't know how old she was in that picture, I am guessing 3 or 4. I look at it and can see a bit of Maggie, a bit of Cassie and a bit of Nate, too. I am glad for that.

My mom was great. As a teenager, I probably would have rolled my eyes and been all, whatever, but she really was. I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to be friends with her as well as her daughter. Now that I am a mom, I look back at different things and think, Wow, she was just so good at being a mom.

She loved her family. She took such pride in us, if we had an achievement she would just beam. She was always our biggest cheerleaders, really rooting for us to succeed, and so proud when we did. She was also the first with a hug or comforting word if things didn't work out. And would get angry on our behalf at whatever made us mad/sad.

She loved books and reading, she worked in an elementary school library for at least 10 years. She was technically an aide, as she didn't have the college degree, but she ran that library better than anyone...knew where everything was, knew which books the kids would like, and loved doing story times.

She loved movies that were so bad they were funny. She loved Elvis. She had quite a collection of Elvis records, and even got to see him at one of his last shows. She bought my Aunt tickets, under the condition that she take my mom and that my Aunt drove into Providence. (My mom wasn't a fan of driving, especially on the highway. She could find back roads to anywhere.)

So the day of the Elvis concert, my mom was out running errands before the show. Well, Uncle Ralph was a police officer, and knew that my mom and Aunt Barbara had the concert that evening. So he sees her out driving, and to be funny, pulls her over. (I can only imagine how horrified my mom was to be stopped by a cop!) He gets out of the car with his sunglasses and hat on. Well, when she realized that it was my uncle, she got so mad she just drove away! (I wonder what people who saw thought!) "Oh that Ralph" she would say-all mad, when the story was retold.

She loved to laugh, and I was usually good at making her laugh. She would only ride on ferris wheels with me, apparently my shaking the cart to tease her helped ease her fears.

I miss her immensely. I think of her every single day. I wish I had her wisdom and patience. I wish she were here, giving me an 'atta girl' and loving my kids. I think she would have enjoyed them to bits. I hope so.

Happy Birthday, mom.

Quick assumptions

2008-10-08T08:49:00.003-04:00

We had a rough start to our morning today. Cassie stayed in bed a bit longer, which made breakfast take longer so we came down to the wire getting hair brushed and sneakers on for her.

Nate also slept later. He still gets up usually once between going to bed and the alarm clock. We are down to nursing at bedtime and I will nurse him when it is still 'sleep time'. If he doesn't fall back to sleep, then I have to let him know when it is almost time to stop. (Otherwise he could nurse for hours and be fine, but that doesn't work for getting ready for school)

Well, he came into bed with me to snuggy, so I could turn off the alarm when it went off. (Lino was leaving for work). Nate fussed a bit, but is getting used to no drinks/just snuggies. At one point he rolled over and cried that his neck hurt. Well, he finally went back to sleep, and I waited til the last minute to get him ready to go. I figured it was better to let him sleep.....

We are normally the first ones to the bus stop. There is another set of twins (1 st grade) and their dad who get there after us. I think he is a single dad, from observatons and things that he has said. No mention ever of a mom. There is another girl in Maggie and Cassie's class who has started getting the bus at our stop. The mom drives her and sometimes the grandmother walks up (she lives right near us).

So anyhow, we were running late and got there a few minutes before the bus. The other twins were running late and as the bus pulled up I could see them come running from around the corner. As the kids were running to the bus, with the dad walking behind, the little girls grandmother turns to me and says "That is the difference between a mom getting ready and a dad."

:::shakes head::::

I told her, I think he is a single dad..... "Oh" she says, "god bless him then." ?!?

Nate and I left shortly after that, the bus had pulled away and he isn't feeling well. In my head, I am like, 'Listen lady, how dare you judge! I was running late today, and I am the mom. Did you have a snappy comment for your daughter about us? I am sure you could hear Nate crying as we approached the bus stop. Sometimes Lino is able to get all 3 of the kids ready faster than I can. Sometimes not. You have been coming to this stop for what, 4 days, and you are judging a guy you don't know, because they are running a bit late today? '

Ticked me off. I mean, we all run late sometimes. And when you have more than one kid that you are trying to get ready, it can make it a bit tougher. The other twins are always on the bus, and always give their dad a big hug/kiss/ I love you Dad before they go. Don't make a snap comment about Dads not being capable........

And is she judging me on stuff? If she is, I hope she keeps quiet about it, at least to me.......

rrgg.

Flu shots, Bribes, and a PSA

2008-10-07T18:25:00.003-04:00

The kids got their flu shots today. I fully expected it to be loud, with tears and crying and screaming. When the girls had their 5 year old checkup, Cassie had the biggest tantrum I have ever seen when she was getting her shots. I was mortified. She was kicking and screaming, literally...I had to physically hold her down.

Well, today I let them know this morning that we had to go after school. They were not thrilled at all. Started to get whiney. When they got home from school Maggie and Cassie informed me that they didn't want to go. Nate told me he didn't have the flu. Sorry kiddos, you still need the shots. If I could get one today, I would too.

I will admit, I have been known to on occasion bribe my children to do what I need to do. Today was one of those days. I told them that if they did well at the doctors (no major meltdowns, etc) then they could have doughnut holes afterwards. Whoever didn't do well-no doughnuts.

They did a great job. Maggie went first. Rolled up her sleeve without hesitation. She started singing the song they learned in school as a distraction, and didn't even notice when she got the shot.

At this point, Nate was starting to cry and Cassie moved behind a chair. I convinced Cassie to go next, as I wasn't sure how long Nate would cry after his shot. Surprisingly, she went next without too much protest. She decided to sing, too, though she definitely noticed when she got the shot. But, no tears, and that was amazing.

Nate was still crying, so I picked him up and held him for his. He stopped crying by the time we left the exam room.

All in all, it went pretty well. And all three got doughnut holes!

~~~~~

A Public Service Announcement about Turn Signals.

I think that I was the only one on the road today to use my turn signals. I know that all the cars have them, it isn't an option. Come on people, use them! They are designed so you don't even have to look for them, or move your hands off the steering wheel! Don't expect my psychic powers to kick in when you decide you want to be in my spot of my lane!

(I know I just used a bunch of exclamation points, but I think they were necessary)

Okay, mini rant done....

Hysterical

2008-10-04T11:14:00.004-04:00

This set of pictures made Lino and I laugh out loud. Super funny stuff.

Register-or not....

2008-10-03T10:08:00.002-04:00

You can still register--some states only until tomorrow. This election is so, so important.

Loss of a Legend

2008-09-27T15:04:00.002-04:00

Very surprised to hear that Paul Newman has passed away. He was such a great actor. Best known in our house for voicing Doc Hudson, though I remember watching some of his movies growing up. My mom just loved him, thought he was so handsome (which he was, even as he grew older)

I can remember one Thanksgiving, my aunt and uncle used photographs as part of the nametags for the placesettings. My mom's was an up close picture of Paul Newman at one of the car races my uncle had been to. My mom was thrilled!

According to the wiki link, he reportedly had battled with lung cancer. :(

Cancer sucks.

Angry Chicken

2008-09-25T13:41:00.003-04:00

Maggie drew this a couple of weeks ago. It is an angry chicken. Apparently, the chicken is yelling at the farmer riding in the airplane. The chicken is hungry, that is why he is yelling.

I just love the kids' artwork and their process.....

If it is Sunday, it is Football Day

2008-09-21T16:54:00.002-04:00

I suppose that if the Patriots are going to lose a game this season, it is better that it is a game during regular season, and not one in the post season.

I can't believe how many times the Pats let the Dolphins score. I called my sister and asked her if this is how other teams fans feel all the time. But, it is just one game, and hopefully they will come back and be fired up next week.

I had a good computer day today. I finally figured out how to get a template on both my blog and my myspace. Yay. Considering I am not that computer code savvy, I think this is pretty good. I don't know that I love this template, but now that I know how to do it, it should be easy to switch.

Rrgh.

2008-09-16T13:38:00.007-04:00

I am allergic to my watch band. I haven't worn a watch since after the girls were born. That was when I first suspected I was allergic to it. Well, with school starting, I figured it was important to be on time for the bus, so I dug out my watch and got a new battery for it.

Within a day I had a rash. So, I tried gluing a piece of ribbon on the inside. It only helps a little. Weird, since I had absolutely no issues before with it. Although, maybe it is the way the leather was dyed. Who knows. I suppose if I remember, the next time we are out I will get a new watch band.

***

I like to think that I am pretty good about recycling. I faithfully put in plastic bottles, cans, glass jars, etc. I recycle newspapers, magazines, junk mail, etc. Well, Lino and I were watching some show the other day and we learned that the plastic caps on bottles aren't recyclable. And, that if there are caps on the bottles, the people at the recycling place will just throw the whole thing out! Apparently it is too much work to sort and uncap everything, so if it has a cap on, it gets tossed. I had no idea, and prior to that I would estimate thta 85-90% of the plastic bottles I recycled had caps. Ooops.

***

I was trying to change the template of my blog and use a cute one from CutestBlogontheBlock. I can't get it to work. In the process, I deleted the settings that I had. Hate it when that happens.

****
I loved this commercial when I first saw it. I am totally stealing the idea of posting it from Dawn.
I can't figure out how to get the video directly to my blog. Click the link though, it is worth it. I think I figured out the embedding, though maybe not...

Boom-de-ah-dah!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=at_f98qOGY0

Monday Monday

2008-09-15T14:48:00.003-04:00

WooHoo Patriots! It was a good game yesterday. They played the Jets (who have Brett Favre now) and without Tom Brady it did seem as though it was not going to be pretty.

Well, Matt Cassel did okay! It was his first start in a game since college...no pressure or anything....as Patriot Nation held its breath. The rest of the team did a great job. Favre got sacked more than once. Poor guy. Final score was 19-10, which brings the Pats to 2-0 for the season.

The girls came home from school today with homework! They have a homework folder and a chart that I need to sign off on. The teacher included a note explaining the grading system and expectations. I want the girls to get into a good routine with homework, so I let them unwind for aobut a half hour, then we shut the tv off and they did their work while I made lunch. The hardest part was keeping Nate from distracting them!

Friday...

2008-09-12T08:38:00.002-04:00

The kids seem to be mostly over the cold. I am almost over it and Lino has it now. UGH. I don't like being sick. Luckily Lino had the day off yesterday, when I was feeling awful, so I was able to rest. Lino has tomorrow off, so maybe he can get some rest, too.

On Wednesday, Nate went to his very first music and movement class. I thought it would be cute for him, give him something different to do while the girls are in school. He did really well, he wasn't shy at all. He is the youngest of the kids, but I don't think that will matter. The man who taught it reminded me of one of my uncles. So, that will occupy our Wednesday mornings for the next 2 months.

Tonight the PTO is hosting Family Movie Night at the school. We will be watching Camp Rock. I hope Lino feels well enough to attend. Maggie and Cassie are very excited about it. They watched the movie a couple of weeks ago at my aunts house and liked it.

Have you been watching America's Got Talent this season? Lino and I watch. There are some very talented acts this year. I am really impressed by Eli Mattson . To listen to him sing and play the piano, it is breathtaking. It is as though you can see his soul while he sings. Really, really good. If he doesn't win, I really hope he gets a record deal.

Nate is particularly taken with a little girl who made it to the finals. She is 4 and sings. It is so funny, he will stop whatever he is doing to watch her. The other night he fell asleep early and missed it, so I kept it on DVR so he could watch.

Fevers, voting and football

2008-09-09T10:21:00.006-04:00

Cassie is on the mend. Her temp has been pretty close to normal, she still has a cough though. She is back to her usual happy self, just with the cough. . Maggie never really got sick, just slightly elevated temp and that is it. I was fully expecting her to get the "spots" that she gets when a cold is in the house, but so far she is spot free. (The mysterious rash that the doctor always deems as just a "rash") Nate is currently in battling the fever stage. I think it peaked last night, though. He wasn't happy about getting medicine before bed. I hoped it would help him sleep better, but he was up around midnight wide awake.

I didn't sleep well as a result. But then woke up at 4:37 and woke Lino. I have no idea if the alarm did or didn't go off at 3:55.....I don't remember moving to shut it off (and I am still getting used to the buttons, so I really don't think it is my fault....) I feel bad, though. Lino hates getting up in a super rush for work.

No school for the kids today. It is primary day, so later on we will go for a walk to go vote. There are only 2 democrats running for mayor, so whoever wins today will be the mayor. They have run against each other before, each having won. I like some of the things the current mayor has done. Not a fan of some of his ideas for the future, though. The opponent was mayor before we moved here, though I am not sure what he has done.

Our across the street neighbor is running for town council. We might be inclined to vote for him if he would ever say hello. He occasionally will wave if we are outside, but he has never had a full on conversation with either Lino or I.

And football. I love football season! To quote one of the sports guys, the Patriots' 1 game losing streak is over. Yay. You probably could have heard the collective Patriot Nation stop breathing though, 7 minutes into the game......Brady is going to be out for the rest of the season. UGH. I hate watching knee injuries happen during games. They always look so painful.

I have faith, though, that the Patriots will be able to persevere and still go out and play the best football that they can, and win most of their games. The schedule seems to be an easy one, so we will see. (Although next week is Favre and the Jets) I think that Bill Belichek is a brilliant coach, and there is still an entire team consisting of some very, very good players. Wishing a good recovery for Brady.

Fighting a Fever

2008-09-06T22:51:00.004-04:00

It is official. We went 7 days before one of the girls got sick. It doesn't surprise me, as they weren't really ever exposed to many germs.

Cassie has been battling a high fever (up to 102. something) , a stuffy and sometimes runny nose, a barky cough, sleepiness and just general blahs. She gets upset when we make her take tylenol. We tried the chewable/dissolvable ones, she says they taste funny. It was either those, or I have to hold her down to get the infant dropper in her mouth twice.

Maggie had an elevated temp, but nothing over 100. Nate took a sip of Cassie's orange juice before we could stop him this morning, so I am just waiting for him to get sick.

I just hope that it all passes before Monday....that way no school is missed.

*** A bit of info for the next part:

Ours is a no hitting household. We don't do hits/kicks/real bites/pinches, etc. It isn't nice. The only time that hitting, etc is allowed is if you are in danger. All 3 of the kids seem to grasp that concept, which is good.

Okay, a fly had gotten into the house yesterday afternoon. I wasn't able to get it. This morning, it was really beginning to tick me off, following me around, almost mocking me when I would miss it.

Well, I was finally able to get it. Old school style with the dishtowel snap. I even yelled "gotcha". Nate then told Lino that "Mama hitted the fly. Hitting isn't nice". To which Lino responded, "No, hitting isn't nice at all"

Thanks. After a few minutes of Nate telling me hitting isn't nice, Lino explained that it was okay to get the fly.

***
Tropical storm Hanna hasn't really been an issue for us. It is steamy and rainy but nothing truly bad. Which is good. I am ok with not losing electricity and having flooding and all of that.

***
The Patriots have their first game of the season tomorrow. Go team!! Have to get the kids used to Mama having football on the big tv on game day! They can watch their stuff in the family room!

Kids are cute.

2008-09-05T11:58:00.003-04:00

After Nate and I returned from the bus stop this morning, he watched (for the 4th morning this week) Backyardigans Mighty Knights while I caught up on headlines.

At one point he came over to me and we were talking and this is how it ended:

Me: "Okay, buddy, Mama has to go do some chores and make my list"

Nate: (in a small whisper) "For Santa?"

He cracks me up. I wish it was a Santa list. Just a to do list. Then he was all "I just kidding Mama"

Maggie and Cassie had another good day at school. I had been wondering how long we would go before any sickie germs came home. We have been pretty lucky, they are 5 and very rarely get sick. (knock on wood) Well we are at the end of week 2, and Cassie has a very barky cough and a slightly elevated (for her) temp. I still had her go this morning (was that bad? I didn't think she was bad enough to not go.) It isn't a constant cough, but she coughed once in bed and once while getting ready. I am just glad that it is the weekend so she can rest up. I added another gallon of orange juice to my grocery list, though. Every little bit in the germ fight helps.

PTO and a Brave Moment

2008-09-04T15:23:00.007-04:00

I attended my very first PTO meeting last night. Lino stayed home with the kids, I wasn't sure how long the meeting would be and I didn't want the girls up too late on a school night. (I got home 1 1/2 hours after their bedtime!) He wants to be involved too, which is great. Next month we will all go (they have highschool kids earning service hours by watching the little kids) and if it runs late, one of us will leave early. The school is within walking distance from the house, so no problems.

I really enjoyed the meeting. The women that are on the board are very nice, very funny, and all about improving the school for the kids. There is a book fair coming up that I will help out with. (I can't wait....I love book fairs!) They are also looking for ways to raise money to get new books for the school library....apparently some of the books have pages that fall right out! I have such a passion for children's books. My mom was a book person....we were raised with books and a love of reading. I plan to be very involved with all things library/book related!

Lino had some great ideas that expanded on what one of the women thought of, so she is excited for his help too. He is such a great salesperson, and is able to see things from a business' perspective, so I think if they listen to his ideas (let him/us help organize it) I think we will be able to accomplish a lot!

One of the things that the PTO is doing at the school is family movie night. Through the boxtops program, they raised enough money to buy movie equipment and a license to show a movie once a month for the families at the school. Popcorn is included, bring our own beverages. When I asked about the oil that the popcorn will be made with, they had no issue at all with checking (they emailed me last night) and will even put a note on the flyer about food allergies for those who bring their own snacks. It is nice to not have to battle to have people understand.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On a different note: isn't it amazing how being a parent makes you brave? Before I had children, I would call Lino at work if I discovered a spider or a bug bigger than an ant. Seriously, they freak me out and I cannot stand bugs. At all.

However, not wanting to pass along my fear to the kids, if they are around when I find one, I only freak out on the inside. Last summer, I got a jar for Lino to put the cricket in (ick ick ick...it was in my house!) and we had a lesson about it. We learned from wikipedia that it was a girl, and depending on what culture it was either good luck or bad luck. (That day it was good luck!)

Today, Nate and I discovered a pretty big spider in a bucket in our breezeway. (EWWWW!) However, rather than have a freakout, I showed Nate and took pictures instead. Then quickly released it into the bushes in our front yard. (Near the street, not the house) Before kids I would have drowned the spider in whatever cleaning product I could reach and then put the whole bucket in the trash!

Alarm clocks.

2008-09-03T08:16:00.004-04:00

We recently bought a new alarm clock. It is a bit high tech, in that it has 2 alarm settings, each with their own off button. The snooze feature can be activated by pushing a button, or by merely putting your hand in front of the clock.

It makes me nervous.

Why would an alarm clock make anyone nervous? Well, the clock is kept on my nightstand. Apparently I have ninja like reflexes when it comes to shutting off alarm clocks So quick, that Lino doesn't even hear the alarm. Which is bad, since he is the one who gets up with it! With the old clock, after I hit snooze, I would just keep my hand right over the button while falling back to sleep, continuing to push snooze until Lino got up. There have been occasions where he has gotten up late due to my ninja like skills.

I can't keep my hand near the new clock, I am afraid it won't go off at all! The two alarms is a nice feature, though I haven't needed mine yet. Lino is up for work before the girls need to get up, so I don't really fall back to sleep.

We'll see how it goes.

Long weekend over, back to school

2008-09-02T09:19:00.004-04:00

Maggie and Cassie had a 3 day weekend. Back to school today. Cassie got upset that she couldn't bring her stuffed kitty with her. It was quite a process, actually trying to get her to stop crying. I hope that she is okay in class.

Lino went back to work today, so it was just me getting us all ready to go. We did fine. Made it to the bus stop early, but not too early. Maggie and Cassie were the only kids there today. We have seen some other kids, another set of twins (first grade) and an older girl (4th or 5th grade), but they haven't been there everyday, and when they do take the bus, they appear just as the bus is arriving.

Successful first week of school!

2008-08-29T08:39:00.005-04:00

Maggie and Cassie are having a very good time at school. The first day went well, I didn't cry like I thought I would (I didn't want to upset them, so held it in)

We told Nate that we would take him to the donut shop after we saw the girls get settled. He was totally fine. Donuts make everything better.

We drove to the bus stop the first day. Lino, Nate and I drove up to the school to see them settled in. I nearly lost it when they told me they aren't babies anymore. Sniff. They will always be my babies.

Getting on the bus:

Lockers for their stuff:

Coming home!!!!! I was so excited to see them. There was just a slight small glitch with drop off, but Lino called the bus company to clarify things and it is taken care of now.

So, we all did fine. Maggie had a bit of a sad the first day, but the teacher helped her through it. It is a huge adjustment for all of us, but a good one!

Biting my tongue...

2008-08-25T07:58:00.004-04:00

I can get pretty worked up over things that I feel strongly about. I am biting my tongue and not posting a reply to something I read on a forum I visit.

This is what was posted:

I'm starting my new job today! After three years of being a stay at home mom, I am so excited to be able to get out of the house and be me (Selfish, I know). At the same time, I haven't had a "real job" for three years, and that makes me nervous as all get out! I have no experience in this line of work, and I hope I'm not too overwhelmed. I heard today will be quite busy/stressful. Here I go! Wish me luck!

I do want to wish her well at her new job. However, being a stay at home mom is a real job! It bothers me when people say it isn't. It is work--hard work. All day and all night, 7 days a week. The rewards are superb, however, and I feel very fortunate and blessed that I have been home with my children.

So, rather than wish her well (and potentially type something that could be read wrong), I just didn't post anything. And am posting it here instead.

Tooth fairy and random stuff

2008-08-22T08:39:00.003-04:00

Maggie lost her 2nd tooth the other day. (On the bottom, center right) Her big girl tooth had popped up behind it, just like the first lost tooth. It was starting to get really wiggly and when I checked it on Wednesday, it pulled right out! She was so excited.

The tooth fairy leaves small prizes, instead of money. Isn't it amazing that the tooth fairy brought her new purple playdoh, just like she wanted? Such a smart tooth fairy.

******
The Kindergarten playdate went well. Maggie and Cassie had a great time playing with the other kids. Nate had fun climbing. Cassie was super excited to see the friend that we know there. They played really well together.

At one point, I was walking around the play structure to help Nate, and I hear a boy "He won't be my friend" The mom responds with, "Let go of him, he'll be your friend". The bigger boy had the other kid in a headlock! Mom didn't seem terribly concerned. I think he (bigger boy) is in the morning session with Maggie and Cassie. I certainly hope he calms down in school....

Maggie and a little boy played together quite a bit. When we got home, Maggie and Lino were walking down the hallway, and all of a sudden Lino says "WHAT??!" Apparently the little boy told Maggie that she was his girlfriend, and when they get bigger they have to be mean to each other. Oy.

My girls have no idea about boyfriends/girlfriends, so I just told her that yes, she was his friend and she is a girl.

Lino is ready to start a D.A.D.D's club. Dad's Against Daughter's Dating. He thinks that the dads' could register the boys, after they pass a regimen of tests and things, and then they would be allowed to date the daughters.

*******

I have been staying up way too late, trying to watch the Olympics. I had to read about the mens beach volleyball this morning. I just couldn't watch the end, I was so sleepy.

I was so excited for Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor. They looked awesome. They haven't lost a match in over a year! Can you imagine? How come at career day in High School, noone talked about Beach Volleyball? I would have loved that.

******
Football season starts soon. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any preseason games due to the Olympics.

::sarcasm ahead::

I love how the NFL seems to have forgotten and banished the Patriots from primetime opening weekend games. They went the entire season winning, and sure, they lost the Superbowl, but they still were amazing. I am pretty sure that the NFL saw some increased ratings as people tuned in to watch the Pats. They aren't in any of the Primtime slots. Really? Your wonder team suddenly isn't good enough? Come on.

****
So less than a week to go. Maggie and Cassie are very excited to start. I asked that they be in the same class. Between the allergy and never having been separated, I thought it would be better.

Kindergarten orientation

2008-08-19T14:36:00.002-04:00

Today was orientation day for Maggie and Cassie. Lino was able to switch his schedule for work so he had the morning off and attended also.

The teacher seems very nice. Maggie and Cassie each made a drawing for her, and she listened when they gave them to her, which is good. The classroom seems very fun, lots of bright colors and things to do. As it turns out, a friend of a friend is going to be in their class, so they already know someone!

As part of the welcome packet there was a brief mention of snacks needing to be peanut free, and the nurse touched on reading labels to know what is safe. I need to remind them that Cassie has a tree nut allergy, too, so some snacks (like the suggested granola) may not be safe.... I spoke with the nurse briefly afterwards, and she seemed to brush off my concern, but she also may have been in a hurry. I will have to see when I drop off Cassie's epipen and benedryl.

After the classroom part, the kids were lined up to walk to the bus, where they got a quick ride. Nate seemed very sad that they were going. He knows that they are going to school, but I don't think he understands exactly what that is. Lino mentioned that he thinks (and I agree) that Nate is going to have a hard time adjusting to his bestest buddies leaving every day!

While we were waiting for the bus to come back, we were chatting with the principal. She recognized the girls' names and remembered Cassie's allergy. As it turns out, the principal carries an epipen for a bee sting allergy. So she understands!! My migraine that I had last night/this morning may have been caused by my anxiety over the start of school and worry that Cassie's allergy won't be taken seriously. I felt better after my chat with the principal, though. She said that all the parents comply and are careful. It doesn't mean the worry is gone, but it helps.

There was paperwork to be filled out for volunteering, and as I checked off all of the things that I would be interested in helping with, Lino said to add his name to the paper, too; he wants to volunteer.. There were quite a few dads at orientation, which I thought was nice.

So next is a play date for the kindergarten kids, tomorrow night. Then, the following Wednesday is the big day!!! The principal said that we could put the kids on the bus and drive to school to see them off (so we will most definitely be part of the parade behind the bus!)

Playing catch up

2008-08-13T08:15:00.016-04:00

Wow, it is almost halfway through August. Where does the time go?

Lino was on vacation for the first week. We had plans to finish scraping/painting the house. It rained pretty much the whole week.

We did a bunch of errands, put up Nate's bedroom furniture, converted Maggie and Cassie's beds into bunk beds. I still have to get pictures of their rooms. Maybe later today.

We took the kids bowling. Very fun. Although, we did have to remind them that real bowling is different than Wii bowling. They did really well, though. It was cute. There were only a couple of balls that went the wrong direction. Maggie and Cassie tried really hard to roll the balls the right way. Nate would kind of drop/push his and then turn right around and run back to the seats to watch.

Unlike when we went mini-golfing, I brought the camera. I was playing with settings, though, so not all of the shots were fabulous.

Finding balls that they could pick up (6 lbs)

Maggie:

Cassie:

Nate:

Watching.

9 Years!! (and many more to come...)

2008-07-31T07:34:00.004-04:00

I knew from the very moment that I met Lino that we were meant to be together. I believe in soul mates, and I know that he is mine. I am so very blessed to have him to share my life with.

It was such a wonderful day! I don't have that many wedding pictures on the computer. (I should really scan some more one of these days!) The bottom picture is one of our 'self portraits'from our first day on our honeymoon at DisneyWorld. It is my favorite non wedding picture of us.

Happy Anniversary to us!

200 Have and Have Nots

2008-07-21T12:42:00.003-04:00

I have seen this on some other blogs I visit. The ones I have done are bolded.

200 Have and Have nots!

1. Touched an iceberg
2. Slept under the stars
3. Been a part of a hockey fight
4. Changed a baby’s diaper
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Swam with wild dolphins
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a tarantula (it was on a clipboard)
10. Said "I love you" and meant it
11. Bungee jumped (I wanted to)
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long and watched the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a professional sports game
17. Been to the top of the Sears Tower
18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope
20. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment (more than once...)
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Bet on a winning horse
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Taken an ice cold bath
28. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Ridden a roller coaster
31. Hit a home run
32. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking
33. Adopted an accent for fun
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Felt very happy about your life, even for just a moment
36. Loved your job 90% of the time (when I was at Learningsmith and now, of course)
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Watched wild whales
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Gone on a midnight walk on the beach
41. Gone sky diving
42. Visited Ireland
43. Ever bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited India
45. Bench-pressed your own weight
46. Milked a cow
47. Alphabetized your personal files
48. Ever worn a superhero costume
49. Sung karaoke
50. Lounged around in bed all day
51. Gone snorkling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Done something you should regret, but don’t
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business (my Etsy shop!)
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Sung on a CD
60. Gone without food for 3 days (I was pretty poor a long long time ago)
61. Made cookies from scratch
62. Won first prize in a costume contest
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Been in a combat zone
65. Spoken more than one language fluently
66. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
67. Bounced a check
68. Read and understood your credit report
69. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
70. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
71. Called or written your Congress person
72. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
73. Seen the Golden Gate Bridge
74. Helped an animal give birth
75. Been fired or laid off from a job (fired by registered letter after Maggie and Cassie were born!)
76. Won money
77. Broken a bone
78. Ridden a motorcycle
79. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100 mph (and got a ticket)
80. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
81. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
82. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
83. Eaten sushi
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read The Bible cover to cover (when I was a kid I found a childrens bible)
86. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
87. Gotten someone fired for their actions
88. Gone back to school
89. Changed your name (when I got married...)
90. Caught a fly in the air with your bare hands
91. Eaten fried green tomatoes
92. Read The Iliad
93. Taught yourself an art from scratch
94. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
95. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
96. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
97. Been elected to public office
98. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
99. Had to see someone you love in hospice care
100. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you (does my sewing count as artwork?)
101. Had a booth at a street fair
102. Dyed your hair
103. Been a DJ
104. Rocked a baby to sleep
105. Ever dropped a cat from a high place to see if it really lands on all fours
106. Raked your carpet
107. Brought out the best in people
108. Brought out the worst in people
109. Worn a mood ring
110. Ridden a horse
111. Carved an animal from a piece of wood or bar of soap (though you couldn’t tell what it was)
112. Cooked a dish where four people asked for the recipe
113. Buried a child (my WORST fear)
114. Gone to a Broadway play on Broadway
115. Been inside the pyramids
116. Shot a basketball into a basket
117. Danced at a disco
118. Played in a band
119. Shot a bird
120. Gone to an arboretum
121. Tutored someone
122. Ridden a train
123. Brought an old fad back into style
124. Eaten caviar
125. Let a salesman talk you into something you didn’t need
126. Ridden a giraffe or elephant
127. Published a book (someday)
128. Pieced a quilt (someday)
129. Lived in an historic place
130. Acted in a play or performed on a stage (1st grade I was Mrs. Claus....)
131. Asked for a raise (and got it!)
132. Made a hole-in-one (does miniature golf count? lol)
133. Gone deep sea fishing
134. Gone roller skating
135. Run a marathon
136. Learned to surf
137. Invented something
138. Flown first class
139. Spent the night in a 5-star luxury suite
140. Flown in a helicopter
141. Visited Africa
142. Sang a solo
143. Gone spelunking
144. Learned how to take a compliment
145. Written a love-story
146. Seen Michelangelo’s David
147. Had your portrait painted
148. Written a fan letter
149. Spent the night in something haunted
150. Owned a St. Bernard or Great Dane
151. Ran away
152. Learned to juggle
153. Been a boss
154. Sat on a jury (I love jury duty!)
155. Lied about your weight
156. Gone on a diet
157. Found an arrowhead or a gold nugget
158. Written a poem
159. Carried your lunch in a lunchbox
160. Gotten food poisoning
161. Gone on a service, humanitarian or religious mission
162. Hiked the Grand Canyon
163. Sat on a park bench and fed the ducks
164. Gone to the opera
165. Gotten a letter from someone famous
166. Worn knickers
167. Ridden in a limousine
168. Attended the Olympics
169. Can hula or waltz
170. Read a half dozen Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys books
171. Been stuck in an elevator
172. Had a revelatory dream
173. Thought you might crash in an airplane
174. Had a song dedicated to you on the radio or at a concert
175. Saved someone’s life
176. Eaten raw whale
177. Know how to sew
178. Laughed till your side hurt
179. Straddled the equator
180. Taken a photograph of something other than people that is worth framing
181. Gone to a Shakespeare Festival
182. Sent a message in a bottle
183. Spent the night in a hostel
184. Been a cashier
185. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
186. Joined a union
187. Donated blood or plasma
188. Built a campfire
189. Kept a blog
190. Had chicken pox (twice!)
191. Worn custom made shoes or boots
192. Made a PowerPoint presentation
193. Taken a Hunter’s Safety Course
194. Served at a soup kitchen
195. Conquered the Rubik’s cube (I was the school champ in the 4th grade)
196. Know CPR
197. Ridden in or owned a convertible
198. Found a long lost friend
199. Helped solve a crime
200. Received a professional massage

Conflicted

2008-07-15T10:11:00.004-04:00

I am feeling very conflicted about weaning Nate. Lino had mentioned that he thinks we should start. Nate's dentist thinks I need to. It was strongly suggested at my OB appointment I had recently.

I nursed Maggie and Cassie from the day they were born, March 2003, until Christmas Eve 2005. 33 months. When they had their last 'mama drinks', we were down to just the before bed nursing sessions, and it was just getting to be too much. It was 24 days before Nate was born. ( it really was painful for me to nurse while pregnant.)

It started to get really bad at around 5 or 6 months pregnant, I would be in tears sometimes, and that just isn't good. I had initially hoped to let the girls self wean, but I also wasn't going to nurse 3 kids at once! So, we told them that once Santa came, they were really big girls, and big girls didn't need to do mama drinks any more. (We tried not to put too much emphasis on Nate getting to do drinks, other than he was a baby and needed too, we didn't want them to resent him)

He has nursed like a champ. He is not ready at all to wean. He is 2 1/2 this month. I have tried to limit nursing. It is very rare that he nurses in public anymore. I have even tried to start cutting out the during the day times, which for the most part he doesn't notice, but there are times when he won't hear of it. He cries and I feel so badly about it.

After all, he is still so little. He is our last baby. It is still a huge source of comfort for him. For the most part, it is a source of comfort for me, too.

Yet, I do feel touched out- a lot. There are some days when I just want to say "Hands off: No touching!"

He doesn't sleep through the night. He is getting there, there are some nights when he will, though I still wake up and then worry that he isn't up. I haven't really had a consistent good nights sleep since the day before Maggie and Cassie were born!

At my OB appointment, the nurse practitioner person seemed to be pro breastfeeding, however suggested that I stop. One reason is so I can get a baseline mammogram done. The other reason is that I have struggled with anxiety/depression (since after the girls were born) and she is reluctant to (won't) prescribe anything while I am nursing.

Nate has some issues with his top front teeth. They are extremely soft, and he has some cavities that have worn down two of his teeth. His dentist thinks I should stop nursing. (So, I feel as though I am the reason his teeth are the way they are right now....guilt is fantastic)

I just don't know. I definitely feel as though we can use the same theory about when Santa comes, he is a big boy now and big boys don't do mama drinks. He will be about the same age as the girls were, I think he will comprehend it.

The other day I was sitting down and Nate wanted to get up on my lap (to do drinks), and I tried to keep him off, No drinks right now buddy. He cried and looked at me and said in such a sad little voice "I just want to snuggy Mama" I felt awful!!! Of course you can snuggy, buddy! Which soon turned into a nursing session.....

We just got him a twin bed, and will be moving him from his crib soon, so maybe that will help with the transition.

If not, Christmas isn't that far away, right?

To the Cape for Dad's 70th

2008-07-07T08:45:00.016-04:00

My aunt had a small family gathering at her house on Saturday. One of my cousins was here from Texas, so we took that opportunity to celebrate my dad's 70th birthday.

A couple of things about my dad. He watches tennis all. the. time. The Wimbledon women's finals were on Saturday. I was really worried that he would wind up not showing so he could watch tennis. He and my sister did finally get there....(I am just glad it wasn't the mens finals, as that wound up going for more than 5 hours!)

Dad is also kind of predictable. When my aunt called him into the dining room and we all started to say surprise, etc., he looked and said "It's not my birthday" (which, technically, it wasn't the 18th, but we are all here now)

He did seem to be pleased though. I think I saw a glimpse of a smile behind his beard. And he seemed to enjoy opening his gifts.

The monkey had an "Older Than Dirt" t-shirt on and played The Birthday song by the Beatles. Nate and Cassie and Emmilu had a great time dancing to it.

Nate in his jon-jon. I changed his clothes after he went swimming.

Maggie, Cassie and Cousin Caroline. We only see her once maybe twice a year, and she writes the girls back when they send her pictures.

After we had eaten lunch and before the cake and presents, Maggie and Cassie really wanted to go swimming, so Lino went with them. It was raining, but none of the kids seemed to mind.

4th of July fun

2008-07-06T10:11:00.006-04:00

We had a fun 4th of July weekend. We went to the Bristol Parade on Friday. It is the oldest in the country. It was a lot of fun, even though it looked like rain for most of the morning. Unfortunately, we forgot the camera, so no pictures.

There were quite a few marching bands from other states, they were all really good. There was even a band from Canada! (Am I the only one who finds it a bit odd that Canadians would march in a 4th of July parade?)

Marines, Navy, Army, Coast Guard, National Guard were all represented. Current as well as veterans from World War 2, Korea, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm and Iraq. (I don't remember Air Force, but I can't imagine that they weren't represented)

Lino and I clapped loudly for all of them. I fully appreciate those who have served and are serving our country. It isn't something that I could do, and I may not agree with the current administration, but the servicemen and women are doing their jobs to keep my family safe.

All of the state politicians: Governor, Lt. Governor, Senators and Representatives were there. Lino wouldn't let me yell out "We Need Renewable Energy!" to the Governor as he walked by. The current Mayor of Providence was there. He didn't get nearly the response as the former mayor Buddy Cianci did. We clapped politely for Cicilline, cheered super loud for Buddy. He did great things for the city of Providence.

The kids pictures were taken by a couple of parade people. It was a long parade, but they did great. They enjoyed seeing Cookie Monster, Elmo, Dora and Diego march.

Next year I plan to do family shirts and have us all decked out. Lino really loves the 4th and the parade is a fun tradition. I will be sure to pack the camera, too!

Saturday fun

2008-06-29T10:11:00.006-04:00

The butterflies have all emerged! Isn't it exciting? The first three had emerged yesterday morning, and then the last 2 this morning. Luckily the only surviving rose bush in our yard still had some blooms, so I went and snipped 3 to put in. (Of course, I had to shake them really well, there was a spider and another big bug on them....I wasn't going to willingly bring them inside!)

It is really hard to take pictures through the mesh and the plastic. In this one, one of the butterflies was checking out the flowers (which we sprinkled with sugar water). Did you know that butterflies taste with their feet? Now you do.

After watching the butterflies for a bit, we went to a graduation party for 2 of the younger cousins. (I still can't believe how big they are all getting....now we have the younger cousins!) The above shot is from a game of musical chairs (organized by the big kids- who all made sure to let the little ones play)

After we got home. I wanted a picture of me in the skirt I made (for the record, I love it. It is exactly how I wanted it to be. I am very pleased with how it turned out. ) You can also see some progress on the house painting project, the ballisters on the railings are done in the shutter color. I just have to do a final sanding on the shutters so they can get painted.

The best of the pictures of the three. The dresses look really cute on the Maggie and Cassie. They were still able to run and play at the party even though they were in a dress. I thought Nate looked cute in his Hawaiian shirt and it kind of went with what the girls were in.

New pictures

2008-06-27T09:40:00.007-04:00

It has been a while since I have taken any pictures of me with the kids. In the first one, Nate didn't want his picture taken. Maggie, me and Cassie.

Now Nate is ready.

Nurse Maggie and Nurse Cassie were giving doctor appointments.

Firefighter Nate:

It doesn't need to be Christmas to wear Christmas jammies, and it is always princesstime:

Funny...

2008-06-25T09:17:00.003-04:00

Caterpillars, chrysalids and a blimp

2008-06-23T07:36:00.012-04:00

Here are some more caterpillar pictures. It was hard to get really good pictures of them inside the little cup.

This picture sort of shows the caterpillars crawling up the sides. After a while, the side of the cup started to look pretty gross, with the frass that was stuck there. There was also webbing throughout the cup.

I put a paper towel behind the cup in hopes that you could see the chrysalids a bit better. In this picture 4 out of 5 of them were starting to form. Number 5 was finally at the top, but stretched out, not in position yet.

Here they are, all 5 after I transferred them to the habitat. The whole time I was doing that, Maggie and Cassie were watching me closely "Be careful Mama, be careful. Careful Mama....careful" "I am being careful girls" "Be careful.....mama, be careful" "Girls, that is making me more nervous, stop saying that" "Oh, okay." Silence for a half of a second. "Careful Mama...."

They are pinned nearer the bottom per the instructions. And now we wait for butterflies to emerge. (about 7 days or so)

On Saturday Lino and I were out prepping the shutters and porch railings to be painted. The kids and I had gone out back while the neighbor girl and her mom were over when Maggie started shouting to look up:

It was a Good Year blimp. It was moving kind of quickly, I wish I had put the zoom lens on though.

Caterpillar watch!

2008-06-22T08:57:00.001-04:00

Well 4 of the caterpillars have formed their chrysalids. The 5th one will probably have its made by end of day today. I have to get the pictures on to the computer. They aren't the greatest, I didn't want to disrupt the caterpillars.

I am completely fascinated by the whole thing though. Lino keeps making fun of me for it. I am just amazed that they knew they had to go to the top of the little cup and hang upside down and curl their little heads up.

The first one to do it seemed to be the leader, got right down to business from the beginning. The next 2 followed pretty quickly. Numbers 4 and 5 really had me worried. They would sort of go to the top and bug the others, then just hang out on the side of the cup. (at one point, I thought #5 wasn't going to make it, he had gone back to the bottom with all the yucky webbing and frass...)

Lino figured #5 is just a late bloomer. By last night 4 had already been hanging upside down for a while and I could see his outer shell (?) starting. By 11 o'clock or so 5 had finally gotten in position--phew. (It reminds me of the movie Multiplicity--copies of a copy....)

The next step will be to somehow transfer them from the cup to the habitat--I should be able to get some better pictures then.

Caterpillar watch

2008-06-19T10:04:00.005-04:00

The caterpillars have been pretty active. Yesterday they were moving up and down the sides of the cup. Very exciting.

Not the best pictures, but you can kind of see the webbing that they are making.

There are 5 caterpillars, and 3 hang out on one side and 2 hang out on the other.

The kids are anxiously waiting for them to make their chrysalids.

You've got mail!

2008-06-18T08:12:00.005-04:00

We got a small box in the mail yesterday, and the kids were very excited about it!

The box says live butterflies, but it had in it five Painted Lady caterpillars, and everything the caterpillars need to grow into butterflies.

It isn't the best picture, but those black things are the caterpillars. According to the little paper that came with them, they spin silk to move more easily and protect them. (I never knew that) Also according to the paper we will notice little green balls of frass starting to accumulate. What is frass you ask? Caterpillar poop.

So now we wait, approximately 7-10 days for them to start the change into chrysalids. The kids have been asking every hour if they are butterflies yet. That won't happen until about 7-10 days after they make their chrysalids.

Why are we raising caterpillars? Well, a few month ago the kids received a box in the mail from my cousin, and it had this in it. (We waited until it warmed up to send for them!) It is from Insect Lore

It should be neat. When Lino and I got married, we released butterflies after the service. We ordered 100 of them from Butterfly Celebration . They came to us already in the chrysalid stage and we had to put them in cute little boxes and wait for them to hatch. Which, conveniently enough happened 2 days before the wedding!

Going Green...

2008-06-14T11:22:00.008-04:00

It has been a very busy June so far. Lino has been on vacation this week, and it has been a working vacation. We always seem to pick the hottest days to do big projects, and this week it was not any different!

This is a picture of our house when we bought it, November 2002. We didn't move in until March 1, 2003, because we were renovating the inside (kitchen and bathroom) And by we, I mean Lino, as I was very pregnant and not able to help. It also took a while due to Lino's work schedule, retail at Christmas time doesn't allow for very much free time at all.

All but 2 of those plants in the picture were removed the Spring of 2003. We kept a rose bush (it was still flowering) and the green one on the far left. I have absolutely no desire to garden, and although the previous homeowner had fantastic things growing, it just didn't appeal to me at all to try and maintain all of that.

Unfortunately, we think that Lino pulled up 2 hydrangea bushes. We didn't realize at the time what they were, since they were just big green stick looking things, but I wish we had kept them. I just adore hydrangeas, and after our current project is done, we will be planting some on either side of the front stairs!

Back to our project of the week:

Painting! It was time, 5 years ago the paint looked okay, but it was really starting to look old. So, Lino started scraping and sanding (on the 2 days that were high 90s this week!) and we sat down and picked out some colors!

I just love to paint and was very excited to be able to help. When we bought the house and got around to the painting part, I was very pregnant, and wasn't allowed to help. Then, when we finished our basement to a family room, I was pregnant with Nate and not allowed to help again!

Lino was very glad that I could help this time, he HATES painting!

Here is the start of the front:

And our helpers. They were so excited to help, and were very glad when we reached their turn!

Yes, Nate is wearing his winter hat. He loves that hat and wears it all the time. He put it on when Lino asked for a hat as a result of his newly buzzed head getting really burned. Nate didn't want his head getting sunnyburned either. (Notice Cassie's hair isn't past her bum? She finally let me trim it, I cut about 4-5 inches off and it is just at her waist now.)

So, we finished up the second coat on the front and did the first coat of the side near the breezeway yesterday. We still need to do the shutters, but Lino wanted to take a break from painting today.

We will probably have the shutters done sometime next week, and Lino will start the scraping sanding on the left side of the house so we can get that done next.

Peek-a-boo!

2008-05-30T09:01:00.002-04:00

Dresses are done!

2008-05-23T14:24:00.005-04:00

Thanks to the epic migraine I had on Wednesday, I didn't get any sewing done. It was a doozy, but thankfully the kids played nicely and just let me rest until I felt human again.

As it turns out, I didn't already have the zippers. I needed to go to Joanns anyway, so I picked them up yesterday. I installed the zippers this morning, and completed the straps. I think sewing zippers is really easy. I have a zipper foot for my machine, which makes them really easy to do.

I am pleased with this dress pattern (Simplicity 3859), so I will definitely use it again. Can you guess which dress belongs to Maggie and which belongs to Cassie?

I love it when projects get completed. I think that the girls can wear these for Fathers Day pictures. We get Lino a picture tie, this will be nice and bright! An Nate has a cute hawaiian shirt that might match....

Arrgg..

2008-05-20T14:36:00.002-04:00

I am thisclose to finishing the dresses for Maggie and Cassie.

thisclose.

Why aren't they finished? Because I cannot for the life of me find the zippers. I am certain I bought the zippers when I bought the fabric. Can't find them.....

::sigh::

A lot of sewing!

2008-05-18T10:15:00.008-04:00

I haven't been feeling well this past week. As a result, I haven't spent a ton of time on the computer. Instead,I got a ton of sewing done!

I made a bunch of things for my Etsy store, and I made Nate a jon jon. Lino thinks that jon jons are completely ridiculous, but this is the last summer I can put them on Nate (I think next year he will be too big)

When I finished it yesterday, Nate wouldn't try it on. He ran away yelling, "I won't do it" when I asked him to wear it. Today he isn't feeling well, fever and congested. He asked to wear it when I was taking pictures of it! (must be the tylenol talking!)

I am thinking a white t-shirt underneath will look cute.

Maggie and Cassie said they wanted to take pictures, too. That is, until they stood there. This is the best one of all three. Maggie doesn't want her picture taken, and Cassie was watching tv.

Next on my personal sewing to do list is to cut the pattern for dresses for Maggie and Cassie. I don't love this step. I keep my patterns intact so I can use different sizes. Instead, I trace the patterns onto tissue or pattern paper and cut those. It takes a bit longer, but it means I can use the pattern more often.

(Nate just asked to get out of his outfit, lol. At least I know it fits!)

I still have things to make for etsy, but I need to get to the fabric store. That will probably happen later this week, since Nate isn't feeling well today.

Check your facts....

2008-05-15T08:28:00.003-04:00

I find it interesting that a major 'newspaper' wouldn't do a more thorough check before releasing a story that would have the impact that it did. The day before the Superbowl, the Boston Herald realeased a story about the Patriots and more spying on other teams.

The story isn't the reason the Patriots lost the superbowl. It did however cast a negative light on the team. Not that I think the Herald is a stand up organization to begin with, but they had to have known the effect it would have.

Here is a link to the story about the Boston Herald's apologizing for the mistake on MSNBC. ( I am not going to give the Herald any traffic to its website)

However, they have apologized now, and hopefully it will be put to rest so the Patriots can have a great season in the fall.

Pictures with Grampa

2008-05-10T10:15:00.009-04:00

After Maggie and Cassie were born, we tried to get my dad to have pictures done with them. Lino's parents had some done, and I wanted to get some with my dad. He wouldn't do it. I didn't push, because when my dad makes up his mind about something, there really isn't any way to change it.

One of the Christmas gifts I did was matching shirts for my dad and Nate. My dad is a younger brother with 2 older sisters, and he is always saying that I don't let Nate do stuff because he is a little brother, too. My dad is really tough to buy gifts for, and Lino and I thought that the shirts would be really cute.

Well, my dad brought up getting pictures in the shirts done, so we made an appointment. Unfortunately, Nate was a bit resistant (ok, he cried a lot) but before he started crying we got a couple of pictures that turned out okay. And, I also had my dad do a picture with Maggie and Cassie (finally)

Here is what we got:

It is allergies, folks...just allergies

2008-05-08T22:26:00.004-04:00

Apparently allergy season has started. Lino wasn't feeling well this afternoon. Is it a cold? Is it allergies? The Dayquil he took this morning didn't seem to help, so on our way home from pictures with Grampa we stopped at CVS and he ran in to get some allergy medicine.

It took him forever! He came back to the car and was telling me how he needed to get a ticket for the kind he wanted, wait in line for the clerk to get it, read and sign some things, show his license, have his license copied, all for a box of allergy medicine!

I understand that there are some 'people' out there who are addicted to drugs and stealing cold medicine to turn it into crystal meth. I understand that to help and prevent the theft of said medicines, stores are keeping them behind the counter. But, seriously, one box of cold pills puts us on a list somewhere?

I would much rather the government work that hard at keeping Level 3 Sex offenders behind bars, or maybe doing something about the price of gas and home heating oil...forcing oil companies to lock in a price that they can't raise for 4 years.

But, no, let's get the honest people who are stricken with fierce allergies, let's have them jump through hoops to get some relief.

To top it off: the clerk gave him the wrong kind! Luckily, I was looking at it in the car, so he went right back into the store. They couldn't just exchange it, so he had to return it and buy a new box....which meant showing his license again and all of that.

We are lucky that we weren't raided by the DEA tonight.

This will make you laugh for sure...

2008-05-07T10:04:00.001-04:00

This is very cute. I personally like Number 2 and Number 1 the best.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x3Rw_3ky-uo

New baby gifts

2008-04-26T08:03:00.009-04:00

One of Lino's coworkers is a brand new dad. Naturally that required a trip to Joanns so I could make some baby things! :)

Lino picked out the fabrics, and I put it all together!

I was really pleased with how they turned out. I did a taggie blanket, 2 bibs, 2 burp cloths and a larger blanket. Flannel and fleece, nice and cuddly for a new baby! The embroidery on the burp cloths is one that came with my machine. The name on the bibs, blanket and taggie is a font called "Boys r Gross". It stitches out so nicely, I love being able to use it.

The burp cloths are a solid green flannel with a flannel print. I edged them with some binding tape. I used to make them plain, but I think they look nicer this way. (I also got lucky, I cut the fabric before I embroidered the name...it just fit! whew)

The bibs have the flannel print on one side and the yellow side is fleece. I am getting better with zig zag stitches...I have tried using just a straight stitch, but I have trouble keeping it even, and making certain that I am not missing spots on the binding.

I needed a way to tie the green theme into the taggie and the blanket. So, I cut some of the pictures out of the print and stitched them (using zig zag) around the name. The taggie has topstitching to give it a finished look, and the blanket has an overcast stitch, so it has a raw edge feel, but it looks nice (I think).

Unfortunately, I took these pictures at night, so the lighting is not the best.

Mmm....cake

2008-04-16T10:01:00.005-04:00

I think the pictures speak for themselves. From Lino's birthday....

Future rock star:

Happy Birthday!

2008-04-14T17:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Lino!

Naps happen

2008-04-09T21:48:00.004-04:00

So, sometimes naps just happen when you least expect them to. Like when you are playing with your trains on the couch. And Mama is just so happy that you actually are napping, that instead of moving you to your bed, she just takes a picture to document a real nap.

The curls

2008-04-06T15:04:00.006-04:00

Can you understand why I can't bear to cut these off just yet???

And people get surprised that Nate's hair is long, I don't understand it since this is Lino a few years back:

When he finally cut his hair, he sent a 25 inch ponytail to Locks of Love. It is funny, because now he uses the clippers about every 3 weeks or so!

Sewing today!

2008-04-01T09:59:00.004-04:00

It feels like it has been a while since I sewed anything. I am going to see how much I can get done today. I cut a skirt pattern (for me!) and the fabric yesterday. I also cut some etsy stuff yesterday.

I would also like to cut the pattern and fabric for a dress for Maggie and Casssie and a jon jon for Nate.

We shall see!