No more snow please!

This has been one hell of a snowy Winter in the North East, with record totals for the month of January. I am beyond sick of it. Especially since I've yet to get my photo of the snow coming down. Just can't seem to capture it. Really ticks me off...

Anyway, this last storm that hit (18 inches here, on top of the few feet of snow already on the ground....) had brought me entire street closer together. I do not have neighbors who talk to each other unless it's to complain about noise or parked cars. Or children. Yesterday, not a car or foot print had even touched the snow at 9:45 am. Shocking, right? Then when the plow did come he got stuck. 10 or so of my neighbors were outside digging out cars. Sidewalks. Even the street. Hell, even the plow! Then for the first time in my life, I saw a plow driver get out and shovel! The neighbors and the plow dude came together, moving the snow that has taken over the cul-de-sac this past couple of weeks, and moving the cars that prevented the plow from doing it's job to the fullest. Unfortunately they didn't pay such close attention to the rest of the street and now my dead end, narrow road is one lane only. With no where to pull over. I'm waiting for a disaster here..

Anyway, like I said neighbors pulled together. Talking, laughing, and of course, bitching about the snow. People helped each other move cars and snow. I swear, nothing brings people closer than a big storm. I took a walk, with camera slung around my neck to the corner. A normally 5 minute walk took an 30 minutes. Yep, it took me an hour to get to the corner and back! I talked to so many people. People assumed because I had my telephoto lens, that I knew what I was doing. People, who are usually rude and bitchy, actually moved out of my way so I could get the shots I was aiming for. Wow. Even more shocking!

The coolest part of the whole day has to be the mountains of snow, some as high as street signs, some even higher. And then the sun came out and we saw blue skies! And, even more exciting about the giant piles of snow, it was perfect for making slides out of it, and sliding down. All without a sled. Oh yes, my boys loved this! And, lastly, this was the first snow that Bailey actually enjoyed, at least now that she finally figured out walking in her snowsuit.

Hosted by Cecily and Lolli

365 Week Three Recap!-Snapshot Saturday

365 Week One Recap!

I've mentioned starting a 365 Project, on my new blog, and so far I've stuck with it!
I thought I'd share with you all my first week of 365 photo's!

(Please Click to Enlarge!)

This, That, and the other blog?

Things have been a bit hectic lately around here with holidays, illnesses, money, a new blog....ya know, the usual parenting crap..

Holidays
We have not even begun to make a dent in our Christmas Shopping this year. I think we only have one small gift per child so far. Strangely, this does not bother me. We will get them a bit more of course but we are putting all the focus on family this year. My children will be getting more than enough from grandparents and my aunt. They will be taken care of. As the past 3 Christmas's I am a bit depressed this holiday season. It means it's the third Christmas with out Nana with us. And it also means the 3rd anniversary of her death is fast approaching. I still have trouble believing she is not with us. I miss her so much still. But, I will put on a brave face and cherish my children who are here with me.

Illnesses
Thomas is currently sick as a dog. On Friday morning, in the wee hours of the morning Thomas fell coming down his ladder and hit his head. Through out the day he complained of a head ache and we thought he had a concussion after puking in the car. It ended up being some wicked virus. He had a fever ranging from 102-104 all Friday night, Saturday, Sunday, & Monday. Tuesday I sent him to school as his fever was gone, but when he came home he looked like complete crap. Stuffy nose, teary eyes, sore throat. So he stayed home again today. Last night he slept 5-12 and 2:30-8:30, 13 hours. He is sleeping right now, been out for a couple hours, though has not had a fever all day.

Money
Tom is working. *Hears the cheers* We finally paid October and November's rent, December will be paid Thursday. (Tomorrow) Our landlord let us sign a 6 month lease, so we won't have to worry about trying to move in December which is always lay off season it seems. Also, he asked us to keep an eye out for 3 bedroom condo's and town houses that are up for sale or foreclosed. He is always looking to buy new property and would be willing to let us break our lease, rent to us, with option to buy. I don't think anything will come of it, but it still felt great to receive the offer. Damn me and my glass is half empty attitude.

New Blog?
With 2011 starting, I am going to try to do a 365 project. I've been wanting to do this for a couple of years now and keep forgetting. Oops. My buddy Trish is planning on doing it, so I got the reminder this year loud and clear. You can go on over to "The Unexpected 365 Project". Make sure you book mark it, or you can grab the button and link up as well!

http://theunexpected365.blogspot.com/

Not even winter and yet...

Already missing Summer...

Us parents need to hug our children more often. Tell them how much we love them, how much they mean to us, how grateful we are to have them in our lives more often. After this afternoon, I can no longer understand how some parents, myself included sometimes, can take their children for granted.

I experienced the most frightening 5 minutes ever this afternoon. Stuck feeling heartbroken, upset, angry with myself, and yet also so grateful it was just 5 minutes and even more so, so grateful other people, complete strangers, men, women, and children, were able to come to my aid.

This afternoon, I lost my son. As we were re-entering the Town Green, the group we were with including myself, and two younger children stopped at the Christmas tree as it was going to be lit soon. Thomas kept walking. As soon as we got the three strollers lined up, I did my usually counting of the children, coming up short by one. That one was Thomas.

I immediately asked if he went off with a few others to the obstacle course. No one knew. I ran over their and those people has not seen him. Pure panic set in. With out a care who heard, I began screaming, "Thomas" as loud as I could. Immediately, an older man asked me what he was wearing, what he looked like, and his age. More and more people asked as I searched the crowd, screaming for my son. Tears began streaming down my face, just as they are right now as these short 5 minutes replay in my mind again. Within moments many others were searching for my precious baby boy.

Just as soon as the panic set in, there he was. In a police officers arms. "Is this your son?" he started to ask, but before he could finish I had snatched Thomas out of the officers arms thanking him over and over again. I ran my hand down Thomas' cheek, I hugged him and kissed him, and told him how much I loved him. I told him how frightened I was and how glad I was to see him. Then he began crying, "I didn't know which way you went, Mommy!"

He told me he told some kids he lost his mommy, and needed a policeman, something we have gone over before. Just as one mother was going to the mic to make an announcement Thomas had told the policeman my name, his, and our address and phone number.

As Thomas and I walked back to the group we were with, who were watching Collin and Bailey, person after person came up to us, so happy Thomas and I found each other. Strangers hugged us. I thanked each person for helping me, and just held on to Thomas so very tightly. I did not want to let him go.

I hope this scare is enough to remind others, that a child getting separated from his or her parents in a crowd can happen to anyone. Even a so-called "helicopter parent" who is constantly keeping their children within an arms reach, the parent who is always telling their children to stay close.

Please, fellow parents, teach your child what to do if they ever get lost. Teach them to search for a peer or someone in uniform. Teach them their full names, your full names, address, and your cell phone number. Please.

Though he was only gone for 5 minutes, those 5 minutes were long enough for us to lose each other and anything could have happened in such a large crowd at dusk.

And please, keep your faith in people. Though it doesn't always seem it, most people are willing to help, offer a hand, scream out a child's name, and be just as happy as the parent in distress, when the lost child is found.

As for me, I am just so grateful for the help I received and to have my son here with me.

Don't ever take your children for granted, in a split second they can be gone, and many others are not found. Give those children extra hugs and cuddles. Let them have that sweet when they ask and it's still hours until dinner. Let them run with others. Let them have fun. And have fun with them. Before we all know it they will be too old to enjoy the kisses and hugs and I love yous. They will be too old to play with us. Enjoy those babies, I know I will.

Trick or Treat!

Or as Bailey says, "Eeh! Eeh! Eeh!"

Or Collin, "Wic Oh Eeh!"

Despite heading out later than usual, 

Bags and Buckets were filled to the top.

Despite having to stop early,

And as always Mommy hated to stop! 

Boys had a blast,

Bailey loved it too.

Mommy and Daddy had fun,

And got along too!

"Trick or Treat"

"Thank you & Happy Halloween"

Is what the big kids said ,

with each house we had seen.

Chocolates, Taffies,

Lollipops and gum.

If you don't want Mommy to get them,

Grab the Reese's & run.

More manners seen, 

than any Christmas season.

Something about free candy,

gives everyone reason.

Treats are all sorted,

Kids are in their beds.

Visions of candy

are dancing in their heads.

Now it's Mommy's turn,

And Daddy's turn too.

To go through the candy,

And pick a piece or a few.

  Happy Halloween!  

Dear Thomas,

Just over 7 weeks ago you began full day kindergarten. Mommy was dreading this. How can I be apart from you so long every day, every week, every month from September until June? At 180 days in a school year, that is 1080 hours, give or take, away from you. At first it was hard on Mommy. Constantly worried about how you were doing. Was the work to hard? Did you eat your lunch? Did you get to the bathroom okay? Were you alright getting off and on the bus? Are the teachers treating you with respect? Are the other children kind to you?  Have you found your voice amongst others? Are you speaking up when you need help or having a question? Are you having fun? Do you miss me? Do you even think about me while in school? For the 1st couple of weeks I actually counted down the hours and minutes until I had to be at the bus stop.

Seven plus weeks later, while I do still have most of my worries, I am finally okay with you being gone so much. Your little brother behaves so much better when you are not home and you are so much less whiny. That is not the reason I am okay with it though. You are learning so much without the distractions of your siblings getting in the way. I have been told by your wonderful teachers that you are the one child in your class always striving to do your best with every assignment. Though you are usually the last one to finish your work, it is not due to goofing around. You want to make sure everything is correct. Mommy is very proud of you sweet boy. Though we both get frustrated on homework days, I do understand you are tired. You worked very, very hard all day and just want to be a kid and play when you get home. We will work on something to make homework time less stressful. For both of us.

Thomas, this is the beginning of a long haul for you. I can't promise it won't be hard. I can't promise you will always have fun and enjoy it. Just please remember, as long as you follow your school's motto until the day you graduate things will be the best as they can be.

Remember Thomas:

Be Kind.

Be Courteous.

Always Do Your Best.

And Always Ask For Help.

These words you are reciting every morning are an excellent reminder to all, including me. Remember if you need to ask, talk to, or tell me anything at all, school related or not, I am here for you. I want you to always be kind and courteous. I want you to always do your best, not to be confused with the best. And please Thomas, always ask for help. 

You have always been so smart and your intelligence is just shining through this school year. Mommy and Daddy are so, so very proud of you and love you more than you will every know. Thomas, you are our light. Our life. Our everything and more. Your siblings and yourself are what matters most to us. You are taking in everything you see, even more so than your younger brother and sister, and because of that Daddy and Mommy are striving to follow those four quotes as well. And if we do fall off, do not hesitate to remind us these wonderful words. 

Thomas, I hope the rest of the year goes smoothly for you, and I look forward with great excitement to see you grow and learn. The next big milestone you will reach is reading and I look forward with awe at the prospect of you reading us bedtime stories. 

Again sunshine, Mommy loves you so very much. Have fun in school and don't work too hard, but always do your best. 

Kisses and Hugs;

Mommy.

Wordless Wednesday-Soccer!

Snapshot Saturday-My Family

Our attempt at an 'almost' family picture.

Today, One Year Ago-Take 3.

 

I am not too sure about one year ago today as September 2009 was such a busy month! Between Thomas starting preschool, me being in the home stretch of my pregnancy with Bailey, field trips, birthdays parties, and more, busy is an understatement!

I do remember Thomas having his very 1st field trip this week last year, and his family getting to join him.

We went to a local orchard with the school. Pumpkin picking, apple picking, a hay maze and hay ride. It was an amazing day I love to look back on.

Do you want to look back on our family's amazing day? Of course you do! 

Bookworms.

Like many other children, my boys love to "read" or be read to.
Their baby sister is just starting to show her love of books.

My sweet little lady flipped the pages of this book over and over again. Each time she got to a picture of a little boy who looks like her big brother (my middle child), she squealed with delight pointing with her little finger at his smiling face.

Of course, my two other little attention seekers children couldn't let the little girl of the house hog the spotlight.
They had to join in, forming their own little story time.

Hosted by Cecily and ???

Wordless Wednesday-Birthday Candle

Not so wordless...

Taken 9/6/10 on Thomas' 5th birthday.
Collin helps him out.

Random Tuesday Thoughts

Thomas had his second day of kindergarten today. Oh. Em. Gee. Did it go smoothly? Oh Hellz yea it did! 

Not only did he willingly get on the bus, but we were all up, fed, dressed, and at the bus stop in time! 

Thomas begged me to follow him to school, and I pretty much obliged. At least until the road his school is on. 

Reese's shavings, Choco frosting, Banana cream! Yum!

Dunkin Donuts is easier to get to if I kept going straight. Sorry Thomas, I couldn't turn.

Collin and I tried the new "Monkey See Monkey Donut". And I am thoroughly impressed. 

I will admit, the Reese's shaving on top of what looks to be a Boston Cream donut definitely lured me in.

Very bad cell quality.

Around 10-10:30 Collin disappeared while I cleaned the kitchen with Bailey beneath my feet. 

He was found sound asleep in his bed. Sneakers still on but no diaper in sight. He slept. Never being one to miss a truly great opportunity, I nursed Bailey to sleep. By 11 am, my home, for the 1st time in what seems like forever. (More like 11.5 months) was completely silent. I turned off my television, curled up on the couch, and went to sleep.  ....Well at least until the plumber came knocking at my door 45 minutes later waking me up.

Dreading bedtime I awoke Collin for lunch. 

A lunch we enjoyed sitting together in the quiet kitchen.

The quietness soon drifted away, with giggles filling in its place.

After lunch, Bailey woke up and had her lunch. We cleaned up the mornings toys and went to wait for Thomas at the bus stop. While there, Collin played with an ant hill, Bailey smacked me in the face a dozen plus three times, the hubs drove by waving, he began walking down the hill, and Thomas got off the bus. Just two minutes too early according to the hubs who was trying to get there in time to see his sweet boy climb down the big steps.

We walked up our long hill as a family. Letting Thomas tell us all about his day. He showed us one of the exercise moves he learned in gym. "You put your belly on the ground, your hands and feet just like this and push up and go back down and you keep doing that until the whistle blows, then you do a new one." Apparently the gym teacher wants to see if the class is in good shape. At least according to my 5 year old.

Coming upstairs, Thomas changed from his school clothes to play clothes, and we did some "school" work.

Thomas and I practiced the number "2" together and writing his last name. 

Whoever came up with the idea of having any last name longer than "Smith" obviously never tried teaching a child to write there name. I still hate printing my married name which happens to be twice as long as my maiden name.

After doing that Thomas asked me to tell him the alphabet slowly while he made me a "ah prize".

With each letter I spoke, he wrote the upper and lower case letter. I think he did pretty well considering we haven't been writing much lately. The kid did have problems remembering "W" is not the same as "M" and making he "S" the right way instead of backwards. Apparently he can only write the "S" right, when spelling "Thomas." Oh, and his "Z's" look just like a perfect "S". I am so proud of my little school boy.

Thomas, also wrote his numbers, 1-10, all on his own.

Now to work on decreasing the size of his writing. He will never be able to fit his 1st and last name on the top of a page with the way he writes. I hear that is normal though. 

We all ate dinner tonight at the same table! Most nights, Tom and I sit at the kitchen table, Bailey in her high chair, sort of next to me, and the boys are their little fisher price table, right next to the big table. Tonight, the boys sat and ate with Tom and I, and Bailey's high chair went between Collin and I at the corner of the table. 

And the best part! All three kids ate everything on their plate. No one screamed, "Ew" or said, " I don't like gibbly-goo." No one threw their food onto my freshly swept floor. Each child was treated a left over mini-"pup"cake and was sent to bed soon after.

Unfortunately, a long nap combined with a toddler who just won't sleep at bedtime and Collin is still up. While I typed the 1st bit of this, he sat upon my lap with his head on my shoulder.

While I typed another part, he laid on the floor between my feet.

He is now lying on the couch with one of Bailey's old receiving blankets and his pillow.

Fortunately, his eyes are getting heavier and he keeps rubbing them.

Hopefully he is asleep in a few minutes. Mommy must get up at 5 am since tomorrow is in fact, Wednesday-not Tuesday which I thought most of today..