jazz hands

I have studied the diagrams and determined that we are dealing with a “jazz hands” situation in our bed.  She likes to touch both of us at the same time to make sure that we don’t go anywhere, I guess.  No matter how many times we put her in her own bed, she quietly slips back to our room and sleeps between me and Brian.   I don’t blame her.  I’m 34 and I don’t like to sleep alone.  Why should a 3 year old? I don’t mind….most of the time.   I love her soft, sweet little body close to mine.   Her little fingers stroking my hair, caressing my cheek and my neck all night long?  Not quite as much, but I’m in love.  Madly, deeply in love with this girl.
And “jazz hands” is a small price to pay. 

(https://www.facebook.com/statuses247)

my supergirl

Why I read to my kids

When I was pregnant with Gracie, I remember a sweet lady (Mrs. Nutt) telling me how great it was to have three kids close together; she loved reading books to them all together. 
I love reading.  It’s one of my preferred entertainment and relaxation activities.   There are so many good reasons to read to kids;  many good quotes about reading;  more books that I’ll ever have time to read.  Right?  Right.
But the real reason why I read to my kids everyday…..is so that there’s only one voice  (my voice) to listen to.   It’s the best way to give my ears a rest from the chatter of a full house.  When it gets too crazy in the house, I yell for everyone to go pick a book out and meet at the couch.   





It’s not always comfortable, depending on who’s tugging at my clothes or jumping over my head to get the best couch position. 
But it’s quiet (er).
Yes, Mrs. Nutt.  I too love reading to my three kids.

oh christmas tree

 

For whatever reason, I was in a HORRID mood the day we decorated the tree.   (I can’t remember the reasons, but they were probably the typical ones…the house is trashed, no one listens to me, I can’t have any nice things until the kids move out, I ate 10 Christmas cookies until I felt sick) 

Regardless, I pulled out the ornament box, plopped my butt in a chair and let the kids have at it.  I didn’t put any ornaments on and I didn’t say a single word.  Brian turned on some holiday tunes and grabbed his camera. The kids  pulled out dozens of home made ornaments we’ve made over the years. only breaking one or two.  only arguing once or twice.   It was the calmest part of the day.

Now that the day has passed, I look at these gorgeous pictures,  gorgeous kids, favorite ornaments and realize that I was present, but not REALLY.   Maybe some days are just like that.   Maybe the kids will remember how they got to decorate the tree ALL BY THEMSELVES. 

Joshua finished decorating, then grabbed a book to read under the lights of the tree.   I love that boy.

Tea party with Grammy

My cousin and I took our 4 little girls to my mom’s house after Thanksgiving.  They are the same age and get along so well that we barely saw them at all for 2 days.  It. Was. Awesome.

The TV wasn’t turned on even once, nor did they notice or ask.  They were too busy coloring, dancing and pretend playing to be bothered with a show.   I love that!

 

Little Gracie all dressed up with her earrings, scarf and hat.  What a little lady.

Olivia, 5

Oh wow!  Hot chocolate!

Belle, 3 dressed to impress.

Joshua didn’t want to miss the hot chocolate and little treats, even if he was the only boy!

Kaylee and Grammy checking out how the duck tea pot works.  

I can remember using real tea cups for special occasions, so I love that my girls have now had the same experience.  

Candy houses were carefully constructed to withstand the weight of every variety of candy from the Wegmans bulk section carries.

Most of the houses went through some reconstruction.  Check out the candy cane support beam and the absurd amount of frosting on the roof!

me and Grace

It was a beautiful autumn day.  

We had the camera out to capture the kids playing on the new swing set.

And then Grace walked in front of Joshua’s swing and got knocked over.

The tears flowed and flowed.  Brian’s camera continued to capture the moment as I held my baby close, kissed away her tears and told her a story.

“Once upon a time there was a family with a mommy, a daddy and two kids.  They were happy, but it seemed like they were missing someone.  One day, the mommy brought home a baby and called her GRACE!   Now the family was very happy because they were all together!”

 

Admittedly, a totally lame story, but it took her mind off the fall and got her laughing.   I guess everyone likes to hear stories about how wonderfully loved they are.

I didn’t realize that Brian caught this tender moment on his camera, but I’m glad he did!   I spend a lot of time comforting these little hurts…it’s a big part of the job description for a mama. 

We were able to capture her blotchy, smiling face a few moments later with the gorgeous maple tree in the backyard. 

Costumes

People keep asking me if the kids are all set for Halloween costumes…um yeah.   They are all set.  I don’t do any fancy- pancy special costumes each year, but instead stock our costume department year round. Our costume selection has grown exponentially through garage sale finds and Once Upon a Child buys. 

The sisterhood of dora underpants

“Hey Grace!”  I yelled.  “You got something in the mail today!”

I threw her the package of brand new Dora underpants, intended to encourage her potty training goal.  She grabbed them and went to find Kaylee.   Together they pulled them out one by one and exclaimed over the different designs.

Another reason why I’m so glad to have two girls….

Painting with kids

I love projects.

I love my kids.

I keep on trying to mix the two.

I bought a $20 pine shelf from Craig's List for the new playroom.   The girls wanted to help me and it’s for them, so I said “sure”.  (with a big sigh)  They put on junky clothes and I gave them the smallest paintbrushes I could find.

They had a great time and worked well together.

All those drips and swirls were a little scary to see, but the girls lost interest after twenty minutes or so and I was able to do some “touch-up” work.

I’m hoping they will feel proud that they helped take an ugly $20 shelf into something they play with every day.  Because I sure do!

Here’s a sneak peak where it ended up:

Sledding at RIT

It was a cold, sunny day.    
Gorgeous blue sky and puffy clouds.
20 degrees and no wind.


The perfect day for a family adventure with the Christmas sleds.


I thought and thought about the perfect place to go with a 6yr old, 4 yr old, 2 yr old.
someplace close to home....
someplace with bathrooms...
someplace not crowded.  

Hello, R.I.T.!!!

(When I graduated college, I was awarded "Person most likely to never leave RIT".   If those people saw me taking my kids sledding outside the dorms.....LOL.  It's true...I really like RIT)

It was so much more fun than I expected.   I whooped and hollered every. single. time. The kids had a blast.   Kaylee said it was "Wicked Fast".   (where did she pick that up?)

We stayed for an hour, and by the time we walked back to the car, all three kids were crying.

Joshua because he was hungry.

Kaylee because she was cold.

Grace because she didn't want to leave.

Brian and I just grinned and held hands while we drove 1.5 miles back home.   Family memories were made....and the tears will be forgotten.

oh christmas tree, oh paper tree

I made a few Christmas decorations, but this was my favorite.   I still havn't put it away, actually.  


Rolled up scrapbook paper,  random jewels, pearls and buttons glued on like ornaments.

"So that's where our pizza pan is?  I was looking for that the other day!!!"  Brian said to me.  
"Oh, sorry...."  I replied.  But I was thinking, "Dude, I spray painted that thing a couple years ago for some other project, and you're missing it now?"

I love that pizza pan as a back drop/ frame thing.  I'll keep my eye open for more of them at thrift stores....and maybe, just maybe I'll put one back in cupboard for Brian to use for pizza.   :)