Memorial Day

Visiting Grandpa, Steve, Tina & Megans graves.
My dad's mom- Nana!

Sophie, Kate, Lauren & Parker.

May Catch Up!

Most free moments in May were spent in the backyard. Last summer we had a rock wall put in and this summer it has been time to weed, plant and landscape the backyard. Many thanks to Cousin Elle for her great ideas- and thanks Dan for taking time out of the crazy basement schedule to work on the backyard. Putting the swing-set back together was a great learning moment for me as a mom. Honestly, it wasn't on my list (there are so so many other things to do) But it was on the kids list. They had been asking for a long time- so I re-stained it and Dan put it together one night after work. He didn't finish until after 8 and it was getting dark and cold. But the kids went running out in their pajamas, exclaiming that it was the greatest day of their lives. It made me wish I had put it on MY list sooner.

Mom & Annie taking it easy in the hammock.

Daredevil Meg! This is the other reason I haven't been doing a lot of blogging lately! Meg is very mobile and she has decided that her favorite seat in the house is the top stair! You can see the gate in the background but I have a hard time getting it to fit tight enough that it doesn't move when she pushes on it.

kate and meg posing at the top of the stairs

Annie was in a darling little performance at school about being happy being you! She did a little dragonfly dance and had a little speaking part! Way to go Annie!

Happy Birthday Kate!

Kate recently celebrated a birthday- and already she is talking about the next one!
Great birthday moments:
Kate's explanation of getting older : "papa- on your birfday you get another number"
Kate wondering about her future career "mom- do vets have birthdays?"
When Kate opened a barbie and horse set- she exclaimed OH! I have been dreaming about this for a long long time!

Kate is always so busy and really her spirit is much bigger than her little body- which has prompted me to often say that I love my kids most while they are sleeping. I realized this after checking on Kate one night and she looked so peaceful. I love the slow rhythmic breathing of a sleeping child. She was smiling in her sleep and she wasn't moving (which is a huge feat if you know Kate- most of the pictures I take of her are blurry because she can't hold still) But even though she was holding still and was quiet, the spirit about her was stronger than I have ever felt before or since. It gave me a feeling of awe and wonder. So, Yes! I love her when she is sleeping because I feel like that great big spirit of hers can communicate with me on a very different level!

Mom: "Kate I love you to pieces"

Kate: "Mom, I love you in THREE pieces"

Mexico!!

aaaahhhhh! Mexico! what a wonderful, much needed vacation! Funny how we leave our kids and then spend a good portion of our time talking about them- sharing the funny things they say or mentioning how they too would enjoy the waterslide at the pool. Although after watching mom's drag all of the "gear" to the pool, put sunscreen on everyone and then haul it all away again less then an hour later in the middle of someone's meltdown just made me smile and nod, muttering to myself- that's why i left them home!!

The perfect vacation for me includes a body of water, the sun, a good book, a cute cabana boy and pina coladas (virgin of course)!!

We didn't do much besides eat, sit by the pool, read and sleep! So yes it was perfect!

Happy Mother's Day

First, a few quick comments about what I love about my really cool wife;

1) She lives passionately
She's energetic and ambitious in just about everything she does such as planning to remodel the basement and completely landscape the backyard at the same time! But when she gets an idea in her head whether big or small she goes after it. This makes life both a deathdefying and thrilling ride, just remember to hold on tight! At the same time her passion for life makes all those little moments all the more exciting like making the perfect batch of cookies, finding a good parking space, the smell of kids after a bath, deadheading flowers, or being her kid's favorite.

2)She has a fantastic memory
This is a trait I greatly envy. Not only does she remember holidays and birthdays, she remembers to get people a card or present. She can keep in constant memory all the clothes in the kids closets, what goes with what, clean stuff, dirty stuff, what fits and what doesn't, and she always knows where to find that lost pair of tights or the missing shoe without even looking. Combine her memory with her organizational skills and she runs a pretty smooth operation around here.

3) To use the words of a good friend, "She a Fox"
After 9 1/2 years she's still got it. I am frequently guilty of checking out my wife. The hair, the smile, the figure, it's just a great combination.

4)She's concerned about others
There is a good number of people who have been the recipient of meals she just happened to "make too much of." She's aware of what is going on in other people's lives and tries to find ways to help out, whether babysitting, phone calls, meals, or inviting them to go shopping, she does a lot of nice things for a lot of people.

5)She's loves her family
I am far and away the greatest recipient of her thoughtfulness and it's not hard to realize if she stopped, my life would fall apart. Her love for me is a great motivating force in my life and her passion is contagious. In other words, "I got me a keeper."

Finally, a theory to help make Mother's Day enjoyable for Mom

"The Breakfast in Bed Theory"

Adrianne's mom once said that breakfast in bed, although an incredibly thoughtful gesture, wasn't all it's cracked up to be simply because you end up eating alone. This got me thinking and here's what I came up with. Evidently, the mom doesn't want to be isolated in her room she wants to be where the action is, and despite the fact that all moms get annoyed and/or frustrated with their husband and kids, they don't want the boot. They just want a little payback. They want us to do for them all those things they do for us, even if it's just for a day. In fact, they would probably prefer just one day otherwise we would strew up the rhythm, balance, and order they've so perfectly created. So here's a few tips to keep your mom happy.
First and most important, I can't stress this enough LET HER SLEEP. Really, husbands get out of bed, you can be distracting (especially on a morning you don't have to be anywhere). Sequester the children to a remote location to ensure perfect sleeping conditions. This is quite possibly the most difficult item so think it through, if you don't make it work you may as well stop right here.
Second, SHE REALLY DOES LIKE SURPRISES, really she does, simply because it means you were thinking of her without being prompted. If she can't remember asking for something, or rather, you hearing she wanted something, and you surprise her, there will always be a smile.
Third, GIVE HER A BREAK. This is where breakfast in bed works so well, it is both surprising and something she won't have to do when she gets up. This works exponentially better if you add some pampering to go with it. Assure her everything is taken care of and insist she doesn't need to help. This is difficult for some moms so be confidently considerate and insist.
Finally, and if this is forgotten you've screwed up royally. PICK UP YOUR CRAP. If mom has to get up just to end up cleaning up her own breakfast in bed the whole thing will fail miserably. So keep the place clean. Picking up after other people is one of mom's least favorite things, so stay on your toes and if there is anything suspiciously out of place address it immediately.
GIVE HER JUST ONE JOB. This may sound odd, but if you don't give her something to do she might get confused. So have her get the baby dressed after you give him/her a bath. That way mom enjoys a clean moment with the kid and doesn't feel isolated.
S. in short, simply apply the golden rule and do for you mother all those things she's been doing for you. And tell her you love her.

Eight Things You Might Not Know About Dan

1. I suck on the phone.
For some reason when I put a phone to my ear my brain goes fuzzy and I lose the ability to sustain prolonged conversations. This was particularly problematic in my younger years (especially when I spoke with a charming young lady) and I had to write a script of question and things to talk about. I can’t say this worked all that well because I finally quit talking on the phone and would go out of my way to talk face to face. I still, at times, find myself in need of a script especially when I’m supposed to get or relay information such as new born baby stats or dinner plans. Currently my only way to overcome this weakness is to use a “Roadrunner Approach.” I get in and out of the conversation as quick as possible, “beep, beep.” This is most noticeable when I leave a message because I tend to talk three times my normal speed and need constant reminders to slow down. So if I have ever left you an unintelligible message or cut you off in the middle of a conversation I’m sorry and I’m working on it.

2. My memory is not so great…
unless it is useless information. Have you ever walked into a room and forgotten why you walked in there? I tend to do that a lot. Have you ever been asked to get something and forget by the time you’ve crossed the room? I tend to do that a lot. Better yet, I usually end up getting something completely unrelated. How many tries does it take you to leave the house in the morning? At least two. Adrianne has gotten used to my mid-morning stop by the house because I forgot something. But hey, if you need a partner for trivia pursuit I’m your guy.

3. I’ve got some seriously messed up toes.
For real, I’ll never know if I have kingly feet because my second toe (on both feet) bends at a 45 degree angle away from my big toe and my pinkie toes lay on their sides with the toenails out. No, I wasn’t the sad victim of some cruel foot binding ritual, I’ve just got messed up toes. I'll spare you a picture.

4. I’m from Boston and I’m a twin
Oddly enough, most people don’t know. These are the two bits of information people are usually most surprised about. I figured this would have gotten out, but I suppose my diluted accent doesn’t show off my heritage as it once did. You want another one? I have a Master’s degree in Religious studies and I work as a general contractor, how’s that for surprising?

5. I always kissed before the first date
I can’t say I intended it that way, it’s just the way it worked out

6. I tend to theorize
I have a habit of developing theories on a vast range of subjects from social and relationship issues to weather, sports, or conspiracies. My more referenced theories include the “5 steps to a perfect breakdown,” “Equal attraction theory,” “Cornflake theory,” and “Duck Theory.” I figure my theorizing is a by product, or perhaps survival instinct, developed as a result of being the younger sibling to three older brothers. Each had talents and skills beyond mine and in order to get by I had to find new and creative means to look at the world in different ways, thereby attempting to…wait, here I go again.

7. I really am funny
I tend to be very reserved, therefore I come off as shy or disinterested. But this isn’t quite the case. First, I have somewhat of a dry sense of humor and people don’t always know if I’m joking or serious. This confusion is actually a great source of laughs for me. Second, I’ve just put my foot in my mouth so many times I tend to hold back until I feel comfortable around people before I joke around. Plus, I tend to find when people try too hard to be funny they come off as annoying or dumb. So be patient, I just might say something funny.

8. This is my first (and perhaps last) blog.
I just don’t spend much time on the computer and after reading this back wonder if it’s possible to blog without making yourself look lame or awkward. Besides, how do you all find the time? I will admit, however, I’ve felt better connected to some old friends since I’ve learned to blog stalk.

7 things you don't know about me!!

1. I don't watch The Office

I don't get it! I honestly have tried to jump on the bandwagon, but I don't even think its funny! There I said it! (hopefully we can all still be friends) To be honest I don't watch many popular shows like Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey's, Scrubs, Dancing with the Stars etc!

2. I am a Syrup snob! I prefer homemade Syrup! ("poor man's Syrup" as my sister in- law calls it)

This actually puts a huge damper on going out for breakfast because I can never order anything that requires syrup. So I am limited to omelets- which I enjoy but would like to branch out occasionally! I blame this on my dad- I grew up with my Dad being in charge of breakfast and he used to make us yummy things with homemade syrup!

One Sunday morning Dan decided to surprise me by making French Toast! We were just about out of the homemade syrup (that he has no clue how to make) so he poured some store bought- Aunt Jemima garbage into the bottle! I was not fooled, and although I grumbled about it the whole time I still ate it. Dan remembers my response being similar to the SNL when Chris Farley goes postal over his coffee being switched- sorry but the video I tried to upload had wacko music (which I couldn't hear at home because my speakers are broken- sorry!!)

3. I order the same thing every time!

If I go to one of my favorite places to eat- I order the same thing every time! Sometimes I wish I could venture out but I hate to be disappointed and not like it! Cafe Rio- Salad; Red Butte- French Onion Soup and house pasta; Dodo- Turkey & Swiss; Carl Jr- #1 . . . you get the idea!

4. I hate to clean!

I like clean things and I love a clean house- but as for me and the actual cleaning- ugh! The love to clean gene was not passed down to me from my mother who loves to Sargent Steam! I have to work really hard every day to keep my house clean and sometimes I can't keep up. There is actually a lot of guilt involved because I feel like I should be a person who likes to keep a clean and tidy house. That said, out of guilt I clean for my mom and I clean when I know people are coming over so as to give the impression that I am cleaner, tidier person. I can't wait for the day when I can hire a cleaning lady- won't that be great! Sorry mom and Gretel I hate to disappoint you!

5. I don't really like Chocolate!

What? How can anyone not like chocolate? Well honestly despite my famous Chocolate Cake making - I could count on one hand the times I have actually eaten it. Not to say that I will never eat chocolate or that I hate it. I just not a woman whose favorite foods are CHOCOLATE!!CHOCOLATE! CHOCOLATE!! I like chewy and fruity candy- startbursts, sweedish fish, skittles. And for dessert I would pick creme brule, cheesecake, apple crisp, even angel food cake with fruit and strawberries. And my favorite way to eat ice cream- vanilla with caramel, bananas and nuts!

6. I am so 5 years ago!

This is actually a sad confession, but it is very true that I am usually 5 years behind the curve. I am never up with the latest and greatest. This is in stark contrast to my posh sisters! I don't have an i -phone or an i-pod for that matter. I didn't have a cell phone until after we were married. We don't have cable or dish- so there's no Tivo or DVR. I am way behind on new music and new bands which I am sure is a huge embarrassment to my brother-in-laws. I just barely caught on to blogging- and there is no music, maps, voting polls or uploaded video of cute things my kids do. And then there's the clothes- when I find a good thing it is hard to let go. I would still wear jeans and flannel shirts if my family would let me.

Here's the hard part- it's not that I don't want to be cool-rather it doesn't come easily for me like it does for other people. I don't have any cute shoes, purses or belts. I guess function trumps fashion and hence why I wear jeans and a t-shirt almost every day. And those aren't designer jeans I wearing but something from TJ Maxx . Most days for hanging out with the kids it works but I wish I had cuter more stylish clothes for when I have somewhere to go. (I would love to go shopping with a few of you to show me how! )

7. I have a Tattoo!

As many of you remember I went on a cruise two summers ago with my grandparents. Dan and I thought it would be fun to get temporary tattoos (like the henna ones) that would last for the cruise but would eventually wear off! Well, you pregnant gals know that eventually is all relative because it has been awhile and it still hasn't worn off yet! I guess there really was a language barrier! No not really, but I have always wanted one- and even after revealing my secrets- I feel kinda boring so I thought I would spice it up a little bit!! ha ha!

And thats a wrap! I tag Ashley, Dan, Lauren Pew, Ashlee (it will help pass the time) and Julie & anyone else who is feeling self- revealing!