Family Life

My little fish

2010-07-29T23:34:00.003-04:00

Charlie and Izzy had a great year on the neighborhood swim team. They practiced every morning for over a month and had 2 swim meets a week for 3 weeks, plus one championship meet. Izzy swam 5 events in every meet and got her personal best time on 3 strokes this year. She improved greatly and was a competitive swimmer. This was Charlie's first year swimming, but he learned so much. He also got the coaches' award at our swim team banquet. Lila is ready to swim next year!

2010-06-21T07:05:00.004-04:00

The last week of school Izzy had an economic fair. Each child in her class came up with a product, made the product and marketed it with a commercial. Then they invited the parents to school to purchase their products. She has some very talented children in her class! There were photographs, bookmarks, stationary and many other items for sale. Izzy's product was fudge. Yum!!

Lila "graduated" from preschool at the end of May. In reality, she only graduated with her class because most of them are going to K next year. She still has another year of preschool left because of the way her birthday falls. She still had a great time learning the songs and poems for the ceremony.

Indiana

2010-06-18T06:54:00.008-04:00

The first week of summer vacation, we packed up the car and drove 10 hours to Indiana to see Scott's dad and extended family. Izzy had not been since she was 2 and Charlie and Lila had never taken the trip. We had a wonderful, relaxing time.
They loved visiting a working corn grist/watermill where they grind corn. It had recently been rebuilt, but in the past, Abraham Lincoln's dad ground his grains at this mill.

The kids really enjoyed spending time with their Grandpa Biggs too. They met a lot of second cousins and had a fun cookout with them.
We went to a farm team baseball game at the stadium where the movie A League of Their Own was filmed. It was the kid's first baseball game. They were more impressed by the giant sized ice pops than they were by the game. I loved the old signs they had in the outfield that were left over from the movie, but they were hard to get clear pictures of through the netting.

East Coast BMX Nationals/NC state qualifier race

2010-06-16T07:17:00.007-04:00

Working backwards on my pictures of the past few months. Last weekend was the East Coast ABA BMX Nationals. Charlie raced 3 days in a row. Came in 4th. We got to see a lot of pros and learned more about big races. When we race our weekly races, there are about 18 or 19 motos on a good night (motos are like heats or divisions, charlie is in 6 intermediate moto). At these races, there were about 115 motos. big difference! Some pics are from the NC State Qualifier race. Charlie placed 3rd. He was the most excited that his Uncle came to watch!

2010-06-13T06:24:00.001-04:00

Haven't forgotten about blogging! Life has just been to busy. Now that school is out (and swim team is in), hopefully I can post some more. Pics and stories to come, very soon. Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer so far. Hope to see some of you this summer! As for my family, we will either be at the pool or BMX track, with a week at the beach.

Great Wolf

2010-02-07T21:18:00.010-05:00

For Izzy's 10th birthday, we promised to go to Great Wolf Lodge. We were supposed to go a week ago, but we had to reschedule because of the snow. This week, the kids had a 1/2 day Thursday and a full day off on Friday, so at lunch time Thursday, we left for our mini vacation. The Lodge is only about 15 minutes away. It just opened last year and this was our first time going. What a great place! We just stayed one night, but that was really all we needed. The room was really neat. It was a regular hotel room, but it had a mini log cabin inside for the kids. In the log cabin there was a set of bunk beds and a single bed. The kids loved it because they had their own tv!
The best part was the water park. We let Izzy take her best friend and they had so much fun. They have great slides, a huge wave pool, another pool and a 12 level water playground. All of this is inside! They keep the air at a constant 84 degrees, so even though it was cold and rainy outside, it was nice and warm in the water park. Izzy and her friend loved all of the slides, even the scariest ones. Charlie and I stuck to some of the tamer slides, but still loved it. Lila wasn't old enough to go down any of the slides yet, so she just hung out at the pools. We will definitely be going back this summer.

Snow!!

2010-02-04T06:50:00.013-05:00

We all had a great time playing in the snow this year. I took Izzy and Charlie on a night walk the first night it snowed. They love doing this for two reasons. First, it is magical to walk through the neighborhood under a full moon when it is snowing. Second, it keeps them up way past their bed time! I love it just as much as they do.
For the next 2 days, we spent hours up at the pool where we have a huge sledding hill. All of the neighborhood kids congregate there too.What you can't see in the picture is that the hill goes straight down into a creek and then back up again. Now that the kids are older, they really enjoy sledding more. We also celebrated Izzy's 10th bday. She was a little dissapointed at first because her friends couldn't come over, but we invited a neighborhood friend over to eat cake with us and they spent the day outside. My parents even risked the icy road and came over to sled too!

Morning visitors

2010-01-23T15:35:00.003-05:00

or playmates for the dogs. This is what we woke up to this morning. The kids and dogs were captivated by them. So cute from a distance, but up close, yuck!

2010-01-07T21:13:00.002-05:00

Life has gotten way to busy again! I am working 2 jobs. I started teaching a 2 year old preschool class this week. Lots of fun and only 3 days a week. I am also working for an internet assessing company about 15 hours a week. The great thing about this job is that I can do it all from home. And since it has been so cold lately, I can sit in front of my computer in my pjs and slippers and work. The only down side is that I have no time left for fun computer stuff, like reading blogs and updating mine. So Christmas pictures will have to wait till I have a little more time. Everyone is doing great though and adjusting to being back at school. We are all going a little stir crazy and are hoping for snow. That might make this cold weather a little more bearable!

2009-12-23T07:38:00.007-05:00

A few pictures from the last couple of months...
Izzy's piano recital, Lila's birthday, Izzy post surgery, swim meet, BMX race

checking in

2009-12-08T14:51:00.004-05:00

It has been way to long since I have written on this blog. Thanksgiving has come and gone. So has little Miss Lila's 4th birthday! Charlie and Izzy taught Lila how to ride her bike without training wheels a few days before her birthday!! And... (drumrolll please) Lila has a loose tooth! Because my mind went directly to the fact that she turned 4 last week, I called the dentist. He assured me that while it is very young it is not unheard of. Whew! I felt much better after that phone call!

Lila had a very uneventful birthday. She celebrated with lunch at Chick-Fil-A with 2 of her preschool friends. Our whole family went out to dinner at her favorite Asian restaurant a few days later.

Izzy had surgery on her arm the week before Thanksgiving. We thought it would be a short 10-15 minute thing, but it took almost an hour and a half. The Dr. told us that she really had to dig in her bone to get the rods out. I saw the Xrays last week and there is a big hole in her bone. Kind of creepy! She recovered well and is now begging to do gymnastics, but we are making her wait a few more weeks. Her bones are weak now that the rods have been taken out, so she has to take it easy for a little while longer.

I am working part time right now. I usually work on Thursday nights and all day Saturday. Also, I am doing some work from home for this same company. It is a big warehouse full of clothes and bedding. They sell wholesale during the week and open up to the public usually every 6 weeks. They are having sales every weekend in December, so it is a good chance to make a little extra money.

I am actually looking for a full time job. I have applied to several school in CMS, but have heard nothing yet. One job I applied to has over 600 other applicants. The other jobs all have at least 150 applicants, so I will be extremely lucky if I even make it to the interview process. Who knows?

Halloween

2009-11-08T13:13:00.005-05:00

On Halloween day, a friend invited us to Trick or Treat at her grandmother's nursing home. Which of course meant a costume change for the girls. Lila was a queen-don't call her a princess or she will correct you. Izzy was a very cute witch who wore lipstick. She seems to equate Halloween with make up.
After that, we ran home to get ready for our annual Halloween get together. We always make a big pot of chili and have my aunt and uncle over along with my parents. My dad's parents also came this year. The only downside of htis was that when Lila woke up from a rare afternoon nap, she had a 102 degree fever. She spent most of the night on my mom's lap. She did insist on going ToTing for a little bit. We pulled her in the wagon and Charlie went up and got her candy. Izzy went to a Halloween party at a neighbor's house, so we missed her a lot. Lila and Charlie dressed up as motocross kids for Halloween. Charlie insisted on fake blood and bandaids to go with his costume. And my dad dressed at the Gorton's Fisherman. :)

Halloween parties

2009-10-31T14:19:00.005-04:00

We have been to several Halloween functions so far. My rule for Halloween is this: I will help create/sew/borrow a costume and maybe buy an accessory, like make up or a wig. The kids have gotten really good at this over the years. For our first Halloween party, Trunk or Treat, Izzy was Cruella DeVille (a costume I sewed for myself a few years ago), Charlie was Yoda (my neighbor sewed this costume for her son a few years ago), and Lila was a kitty fairy princess (a hand me down costume from Izzy, snazzed up with a few things from the dress up bag).

2nd Halloween party: Lila was a dirt bike/motocross girl. Izzy stuck with the Cruella Deville. Charlie wore his dirt bike/BMX clothes since he had to leave early for a race.

Lila was a queen today and Izzy was a witch. We made a quick ToT visit to a nursing home.

I went to Halloween Bunco this past week and dressed up as Mrs. Piggy. I knew saving all of those old bridesmaid dresses would come in handy one day!

Charlie's 6th birthday

2009-10-31T14:15:00.002-04:00

Charlie turned 6 on October 14th. We celebrated by having a few of his friends over after school to play. We all had pizza and cake before they left. It was a very low key birthday. Charlie asked for me to bake him a dirt bike cake, so I tried. A few hours before I picked the boys up from school, my dog ate part of the cake. I qickly baked a new one and Izzy helped me decorate it at the last minute.

Soccer game

2009-10-29T08:42:00.004-04:00

Charlie and Lila played on a 4 week soccer team that they do every fall and spring. Charlie loved it, like always. Lila actually got into playing this year and did a great job! Izzy was very supportive and got up early every Saturday to go watch their games.

Apple picking

2009-10-23T15:06:00.008-04:00

Forgive the sideways picture. No matter how many times I turn it, it still posts like this.

Several weeks ago (yes, I am way behind on posting), the kids had a Monday off of school. I decided at the last minute that we needed to go somewhere instead of sit around the house. I wanted to do something that we hadn't done before... so we found an apple orchard, packed some snacks, and drove to the beautiful foothills of North Carolina. I wasn't sure if the kids would actually enjoy the apple picking, but they really did. They wanted to keep picking, but I decided that a bushel of apples was all we needed. Their favorite part by far: the apple cider donuts. Mine too!

10th anniversary

2009-10-19T10:30:00.004-04:00

Scott and I celebrated our 10th anniversary on October 2nd. For years we had planned on going somewhere tropical, but with the economy and just starting a new business, we knew that wasn't a possibility right now. Instead, we decided to have dinner at the Pewter Rose in Charlotte, where we had our first date. We had a great dinner with a lovely bottle of champagne. Afterwards, we went to hear my brother DJ at a new club near by. It made us feel really old and out of "the scene" or whatever they call it now. We did enjoy seeing Adam in his element though. The nest part of the night was that we didn't have to hurry home. My parents kept the kids for the night, so we stayed out until the ungodly hour of.... 11:00. I know, that does make us old! We left before most people had even gotten to the club. That is what 10 years of marriage and 3 kids will do to you!

Let me try this again

2009-10-12T07:03:00.010-04:00

Now that I am almost over this sickness that has wiped our house out, let me try to post something new. Novel concept, I know.
I am up and running, with only a sore throat, but now Charlie and Izzy have this virus/strep/flu thing. Not sure what to call it. Charlie and I waited almost 2 hours yesterday for a strep test at a so called "CVS Minute Clinic". I guess CVS almost 2 hour clinic doesn't have the same ring. Anyway, strep test was negative, didn't test for flu, so we don't know what we have. I am calling it a virus from this point on.
Whatever it is, it isn't fun. Charlie and Izzy are just wiped out from the fever and have alternated watching tv and sleeping. When they don't even ask to get out of my bed all day, I know they are sick.

OK, on to updating. Posting pics of the NC State Championship BMX finals 09. Charlie had a great time, 3 great races, and came home with 3rd inthe state. Almost got 2nd!. We had so much fun with all of our extended family out there too. My dad's cousin's kids are BMX racers too. One got 2nd in his age group and the other got 3rd. Racing must run in the family. It was really nice to share that day with so much family. Usually we only see such extended family at the beach in the summer, so it was good to get to know them a little more. (charlie is in the green in the racing pics)

2nd note to self...

2009-10-10T22:06:00.001-04:00

Don't try to update blog when sick and tired. Sorry for the repeat pics. More to come tomorrow.

2009-10-10T17:36:00.002-04:00

Quick update since I am short on time and energy....

Last month we went to a Revolutionary War Reenactment at Latta Plantation. We really enjoyed everything except for the loud guns and cannons. It was a little to loud for the kids, so they spent most of the time with their fingers in their ears. Note to self: next time, bring earplugs.

Izzy had Pirate Day at school too. It tied up a section of study they did on pirates, which in turn tied in with NC history. The best part of the unit was when they made plaster pirate masks and got to parade around the school dressed like pirates. 4th grade is so fun!

2009-09-18T21:18:00.008-04:00

School started about a month ago and I thought I would have so much more free time. Instead I have less. Charlie and Izzy LOVE school. Izzy has a new teacher and he is absolutely amazing! He brings out the best in her. The enthusiasm I see in her is inspiring. She is reading a book a day and loving every minute of school. They studied pirates for the past few weeks and the whole 4th grade had "Pirate Day" today. She got to dress like a pirate and parade through the school. They also made plaster pirate masks. She also has a new best friend, who she talks about constantly. Loving this year so far! Izzy has started piano lessons again and will start swimming next week.
Charlie's K experience is just as good. He absolutely loves school. He quotes his teacher constantly. He has also found a new love for art. He has never been my artistic or creative child, so I love seeing this side of him come out. He also has a new friend and they have already had 2 playdates in the past week. Charlie is still racing BMX bikes, but is usually so tired after school, we have made this a weekend only activity,
Lila started preschool last week. She goes 3 days a week in the young 4s class. As always, she is so independent. Every day she has a new best friend. I am also really enjoying spending some time alone with her while the other kids are in school.

A few weekends ago, I took the kids to a Revolutionary War reenactment. Why not? Here are some pics from that.

hope to be posting more soon when I find the time.

2009-08-13T21:34:00.002-04:00

My friend Candy and I took our kids on our 2nd annual camping trip last week. Despite the 73 degree temp, we managed to tube down the New River in Boone for about 3 hours. After that, we drove to our campsite and proceeded to eat mostly s'mores for dinner. Had a great time, minus the chilly air. My kids are already talking about next year!

Do you know how hard it is to get 5 people to smile at the same time?

2009-07-28T21:41:00.002-04:00

eyelashes

2009-07-28T21:35:00.003-04:00

no words... (except why can't mine look like this?)

Just a peek...

2009-07-28T21:25:00.005-04:00

I took approximately 394 pictures of our week long beach trip, so needless to say, I won't post them all. My friend gave me a quick camera tutorial right before I left and I got some great tips. Forgot some already, but I definitely used a few. Thanks Candy!

So, here are a few...

A side note on this one... Charlie lost his first tooth the night before. Scott pulled it out on the beach right at sunset. He was so excited when it happened. Told me it was the best day of his life. Sweet boy!

2009-07-16T08:46:00.001-04:00

Swim team banquet with our team mascot, the Shark

Here is what I do to kids who don't behave on sleepovers

2009-07-16T08:45:00.002-04:00

2009-07-15T15:10:00.008-04:00

Charlie and Izzy are having friends over tonight for a swim/sleepover. In the meantime, I have about 2 seconds to post some recent pics. Here they are!

Yes, I am still alive

2009-07-13T21:30:00.002-04:00

But just barely...

House has been on the market almost 30 days and we have already had 17 showings! This along is keeping me crazy busy. The house has to be perfect and picked up most of the time. We can get a showing with only an hours notice, so I am really trying to keep things picked up and scrubbed down.

Kids are out of school and we are at the pool most days. Izzy finished swim team this past weekend, so no more morning practices every day and 4 hour meets twice a week. She had a great time this year and really improved. It was great rehab for her arm.

Charlie has taken up BMX bike riding. He has gotten some great bikes from some of my relatives and has been racing twice a week and practicing some other days. He has come in 2nd or 3rd most races. His age group is small. There are not to many 5 and under BMX riders!

School will start before I know it, so I am mentally beginning to prep myself. Kids are next, but we are going to enjoy the final weeks of summer first.

Pics will be posted soon (meaning, when I get enough time and energy).

We are leaving for Ocean Isle Beach this Saturday for a week. This is our annual summer trip and family reunion. We are all very excited to go. I think we could all use some time away from the stress of a house on the market!

lot of oictures

2009-06-14T15:44:00.016-04:00

The first week school was out, we took a trip to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia with some friends. My camera batteries died during the trip, but I managed to get a few pics first. The kids loved the hands on Ocean exhibit and the pre-historic times stuff too.

Also, the girls got into my makeup and this was the result.

Here are some pics of our garden today and some other flowers in the yard.

2009-06-14T15:27:00.002-04:00

Life has gotten in the way of posting more lately. School ended for Izzy the last day of May. She already got her cast off (1 week 4 days after surgery). It was perfect timing because our neighborhood swim team had just started and Izzy was so excited to start swimming. It has been great therapy for her arm. Hopefully she will be brace free at the end of June.
We finally got new carpet in our whole upstairs last week. That was an experience I don't care to repeat. It involved taking everything down stairs... furniture, toys, clothes, everything. I finally got tired of making the trips downstairs and threw everything I could into the bathtubs. Carpet was installed and house is back together now. The day it was installed, we put it on the market. Only one showing so far, but we are crossing our fingers and hoping it sells quickly.
Our lives have been consumed by daily swim team practices, getting the house "show ready", and spending hours at the pool, just swimming. I love summer!!!

We picked our first veggies from the garden this week. When I unearth my camera I will get some pictures. Already have enjoyed homemade pesto sauce, cukes, squash and zucchini

Summer begins

2009-05-30T06:57:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was Izzy's last day of 3rd grade. All of the kids are out of school and we are SO ready for summer time. 3 trips to the pool already this week. Izzy's arm is healing quickly. She already got her cast off (1 week, 4 days after surgery!) and is in a brace for at least 5 more weeks.
Charlie graduated preschool last week! He is super excited to be going to Kindergarten soon. Keeping him back a year because of his age was the best thing we could have done.
Our house is going on the market next week, so this week is a mad push to get all kinds of work done. We have already moved boxes to a storage unit. New carpet this coming week, have painted upstairs, and now the cleaning begins. Wish us luck on that. It is amazing how much STUFF you accumulate so quickly. I am trying to convince the kids they don't need most of the stuff they have, but that is a work in progress!

prayers for Izzy

2009-05-13T10:36:00.003-04:00

Please say prayers for Izzy tomorrow (thursday). She is going to have surgery to have steel rods put in her arm. Her bones have moved and are basically broken again. It is outpatient surgery and should only last about 1 hour. She is very nervous. Thanks for the support!!

Busier and busier

2009-05-11T12:40:00.012-04:00

Less words, more pics. Seems easier right now.

Strawberry picking last week. Lila ate strawberries the entire time, Charlie picked one gallon, and Izzy was a very selective picker. I also learned that boiling water takes strawberry stains right out, just like magic. Scott thinks it is pretty sad that I am so excited over stain removal!

Izzy ran her first 5k on Saturday. She is part of a wonderful program called Girls on the Run. She was upset because I wouldn't let her run (broken arm), but we walked the race with some friends. We got our hair sprayed different colors before the race. GOTR is such a wonderful program and is a wonderful self esteem builder for preteen girls.

Mother's Day was relaxing, as it should be. We went to lunch at mom's.

Buys week. Preparing for my cousin's wedding this weekend. Mom and I are catering, I am helping to direct it and Charlie is the ring bearer. Should be fun!

Our weekend in pictures

2009-04-26T20:09:00.014-04:00

Weekend update in very few words because I am tired:
Friday: broken arm
Saturday: Soccer (camera ran out of batteries before I got pics of Charlie playing), Art and Soul festival (friend chicken and henna tattos), cookout with friends at our house

Sunday: Church, fountain with friends, played outside all day

Planted our garden (lots of tomatoes, cukes, squash, zucchini, green peppers and jalapeno peppers) on Thursday and also took some pics of all the blooming flowers in our yard. We are loving all of the roses.

Izzy's accident

2009-04-26T19:52:00.004-04:00

Friday was a beautiful day and Izzy went to a friend's house after school for a play date. Halfway through I got a call from her friend's mom saying that Izzy had fallen and her arm had a "funny bend" in it. I rushed over and drove her to the hospital. Izzy was terrified but never cried. Thank goodness the emergency room was not busy yet (5:00 on a Friday afternoon). They got us in after a 5 minute wait and settled us in a room. We were at the hospital for about 5 hours and Izzy was so brave. After a few hours, we found out that she broke her ulna and her radius bone. She is in a soft splint for now, because after they sedated her and set the bone, her arm started swelling. We have to wait about a week to go to the ortho dr to get a regular cast. She is handling it pretty well, but she is a little upset it happened the day before swim team sign ups. She is hoping the cast will be off before swim season is over. Here is a pic of her right after she woke up from the sedation. She was pretty loopy and saying some crazy stuff. Say a prayer that this mends soon. The ortho surgeon was very positive and says that this is a common break and there is a 100% heal rate!

Spring Break

2009-04-13T09:08:00.023-04:00

Last week was spring break at Izzy's school and at Charlie and Lila's preschool, so we had an entire week of freedom. Didn't get much done, but we did go to the mountains for 3 days. The kids played in the river most of the time, even though it was only about 65 degrees. We took a hike to the beaver dam that had been destroyed by dynamite. We were surprised to see a beaver there, trying to rebuild the dam. Duffy loved the water, even though it was freezing cold.

We also had our neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt.
Uncle had a birthday cookout at his house that we all really enjoyed.

Izzy's play

2009-04-02T13:08:00.009-04:00

This morning we got to see Izzy's last 3rd grade play. Each one gets better and better. They had a few kids who were sick today and even with last minute substitutions, they did great! The play was called "CCS Live" and was a Regis and Kelly talk show about famous authors. Will post videos soon.

Park pictures

2009-03-30T15:29:00.005-04:00

Spent 3 hours at the park today with some of Charlie's friends and Duffy Obama. Spring is definitely here!

Leprechaun day

2009-03-16T21:12:00.009-04:00

Leprechaun Day is tomorrow!! The kids are so excited/scared. St. Patty's Day was never a big deal when I was growing up, but now it seems like every holiday has more and more built up around it. I am just happy there is nothing to buy for this one!
The kids have always made leprechaun traps out of old boxes. Izzy used to make very elaborate ones, but scaled back this year. She hasn't outgrown it yet, but I can tell that she will soon. Her box has a door cut into it with a gemstone pathway leading to a cage. There are jewels glued on the wall that the leprechaun will reach for and then will step on the coffee filter and fall into her trap.
Charlie's is similar. Glue, glitter, a cage, a ladder and choc. chips leading to the cage. Once he falls in, he can't get back out.
Lila is terrified of the leprechauns. I had to leave a note in her room reading "Leprechauns, please don't come into this room". The leprechauns usually come after the kids are asleep and play tricks. They pee green in the toilet, put underwear on their stuffed animals, turn things upside down...

Puppy life is going great so far. He slept all night in his crate without whining and has had only 1 accident when we first brought him home last night. Is there something wrong with this dog?
We finally came up with a name. I had some great ones, mostly Twilight related, but they didn't go for those. Scott and I really liked the name "otis" too, but kids vetoed that. His full name is Duffy Buddy Dude. Justs rolls right off the tongue! Duff means dark in Scottish.
Leprechauns are a'comin.... better get to bed!

dogs

2009-03-16T01:56:00.005-04:00

What a weekend. Lila and I were sick with a cold and it has been raining all weekend, so we pretty much just stuck around the house. Took the kids to a matinee movie this morning, "Race to witch Mountain". The older kids liked it, Lila, not so much. She left with her dad towards the end. I thought it had way to much violence.

We also made the tough decision of finding our little dog, Milo, a new home. We had been debating this issue for a while. He has bitten both me and Scott and all of the kids at one time or another. He is also very agressive towards other dogs. Not to mention the peeing.... He marks everything in my house, even the kids beds. So... we found him a great home. Single lady, big house on the lake, no kids or dogs, works from home so she can spend a lot of time with him. Izzy took him there and she even agreed that he was very happy. I feel terribly guilty still, but I know it was the right thing for us and for Milo.

Scott found a dog he he thought he might like, so he drove to see it with Izzy. I knew he wouldn't come home empty handed and he didn't. He brought us this great dog, very calm. Has slept all night in his crate without even whimpering. No name yet, but will have one soon.

Snow day!

2009-03-10T19:28:00.007-04:00

Here are the pics of the day after the snow.

Snow night!

2009-03-10T19:24:00.009-04:00

I am a little behind on posting because the weather has been so beautiful around here lately. Snow one week and a week later it is 80 degrees!
Here are some pics of the big snow we had. I took Charlie and Izzy out to play in it the night it started. We also lost part of our tree in our front yard that night. Kids got a day home from school. Glad it is warm again though!

mmmmm

2009-03-01T16:14:00.004-05:00

Another rainy day today. I have been loving this cold and rainy weekend because we have an excuse to stay inside and do nothing. Izzy had a friend sleep over Friday night and she stayed with us most of Saturday. The kids played out in the rain Saturday morning.
Today we tried a recipe that I have been really wanting to make: soft pretzels from Smitten Kitchen.
A little time consuming but definitely worth it. I added some whole wheat flour to make it a little more nutritious. The kids loved rolling the dough out and shaping it into "pretzels". The boiling part is what made it take more time, but it also made all the difference. Charlie said they tasted exactly like the ones at the Panther game!

Now we are on WINTER STORM WATCH! We are hoping it snows some tonight!

2009-02-24T10:35:00.005-05:00

Taking a tip from an old friend (thanks Amanda!), I have started taking pictures of my kid's artwork. Really, I can't save it all. I have my favorite stuff in a box, but I throw most of it away after I have displayed it (on the playroom wall or a bulletin board). I am debating whether or not I should install a picture ledge in the hallway and use it to display artwork and photos. But... in the meantime, here is some of the kid's work from this week.

Charlie loves to paint and painted several pictures yesterday. He called them "Day", "Night" and "fishing". We worked on one together.

Lila worked on a painting yesterday too. She is also into cutting and gluing and is working on letters, especially Ls.

Izzy has always been very creative and into art. I think it stems from when she was younger, about 2 1/2, and she was an only child. We got rid of our tv for a year and had to rely on other forms of entertainment. She could keep herself occupied for hours with art supplies. She still loves to create, but does more in school right now. They study many artists in their school, from K on up. She has studied Picasso, Van Gogh, Kadinsky, Mary Cassat and many other artists. Her school ties in the artist with other areas, so they write, draw, and do math. Right now she is doing Norman Rockwell. A few weeks ago they were studying abstract art and she did this painting called (if I get this right) "Monkeys eating spiders in the water".

Daredevils

2009-02-13T12:26:00.002-05:00

As I sat outside on my deck this morning and read a book, I watched the kids play out of the corner of my eye. Charlie and Lila were riding their bikes/tricycles down the big hill in our back yard. Watching them play outside the past couple of days has really made me notice how different all of my children are.

Isabel has never been a big risk taker at all. She is happy following other's leads. She is not really shy, but she does play it safe. She never liked to climb high on the playground and usually just stuck to the slides. She is a determined and stubborn child, but not one to take big risks. When she was in Kindergarten, she was determined to learn how to do the monkey bars. Every day for weeks, she came home with blisters on her hands. She learned quickly and was soon doing them backwards and sideways too! Her K teacher was the best and told me we could turn her stubbornness into determination.

Charlie has been more of a risk taker, but is still on the cautious side. Even before he took the training wheels of of his bike, he was popping wheelies. He learned to ride his bike without training wheels around 4 years old and now at the ripe old age of 5, is practicing riding with one hand and constructing jumps and ramps for his bike.He wants to jump his bike as high as possible. He loves to ride his dirt bike too, but he is very safety conscious. He doesn't like riding his bike near the road or his dirt bike around other people who aren't being safe.

Lila Reese has turned out to be the daredevil of the family. When she was 2, she made us ride her around on the dirt bike and we never went fast enough for her. At the playground, she goes to the highest slide and climbs all the ladders. Yesterday, we were at a playground and she fell off of a ladder about 6 feet tall onto the mulch. She cried for about 30 seconds, got up off my lap, and proceeded straight to the ladder she had fallen off and climbed right back up without hesitation. Today, when Charlie was riding his bike down the steep hill in the yard she wanted to join him on her tricycle. The first time, she fell halfway down and the trike landed on top of her. I expected screaming and crying, but she got up, dusted her self off and went back down again. The second time down, she landed in an azalea bush and her face is all scratched up.

No matter how different the kids are, what they do and how they do it is part of who they are. Their differences become more apparent the older they get. No matter what though, I love them all very much!

2009-02-09T14:00:00.008-05:00

We are alive again! Last week was a long one. Scott and Izzy got sick on Tuesday with a nasty stomach bug that Lila had last week. I got it the next day. Charlie was the only one to escape (lucky him!). We all spent the week in the house, except the day that it snowed. I was stuck in bed, but the kids really enjoyed the little bit of snow that we got.l The only downside of being stuck in bed all day was that I missed seeing them play in the snow, so no snow pictures.

This weekend was beautiful! The weather was warm so we spent most of the weekend outside. Saturday was the soup kitchen fundraiser that I had been planning for a few months. We had 3 local chefs prepare soup and sold it at the soup kitchen. Since this was the first time we did it, we had no idea how many people to expect. I was worried that not enough people would show up. We actually ended up running out of soup though! The chefs made a few more gallons, but eventually we had to refund money to some people. I felt terrible that we ran out of food, but the fundraiser was definitely a success and a lot of fun too.

On Sunday it was 74 degrees! Got to love winter in NC!! Snow boots and flip flops in a span of just a few days. Izzy had some friends over and they spent the day climbing trees, jumping on the trampoline, and sledding. Yes, my kids love to sled down the hill that is covered in mulch in our back yard. And no, they didn't sled during the snow. Not sure why. Besides the 2 plastic sleds we also have a large fiberglass tube that my dad salvaged from an Autobell water tank he was building. The kids use it to roll around on the lawn. Yesterday they decided to roll down the hill in it and it actually worked suprisingly well. They also hung up a rope hammock swing that we got in Costa Rica a few years ago in a tree in our front yard. Our yard is beginning to look like a junkyard with all of the kid stuff in it. I am sure we will get our yearly letter from the HOA soon. we get these letters regularly, which is why when we can afford it, will be living on a large piece of land with no home owner rules.
Lila spent most of the day whining because of the cold she has. Sick kids are so much fun!

2009-02-02T11:14:00.009-05:00

Sunday, we went to a dirt bike race in Taylorsville, NC. This was Charlie's 2nd race and the first time that the whole family got to see it. I wasn't sure what to expect, but it turned out to be a lot of fun. The track was out in the middle of nowhere and there were riders of all skill levels. Charlie's dirt biking makes me nervous, so one of the requirements that Scott and I have (besides tons of safety equipment) is that he does not ride on a track with anyone riding a bigger bike. He rode in 2 races yesterday and was the youngest in both. He got a trophy for 1st (he was the only one in that racee) and 2nd (he was one of 2 in that race). He was just so excited about doing it! Izzy wants to ride in the race next weekend, but we will see if she still wants to do it then. The girls had fun. We took Milo and lots of snacks and hung out near the trailer watching the races. Definitely an experience that I have never had. As long as the kids enjoy doing it, we will go again. I am ready for the warmer weather though. In the spring and summer, we can go camping when we go, so there will be more to do.

2009-02-02T11:04:00.009-05:00

Happy 9th Birthday Isabel!!
We celebrated her birthday just how she wanted. She had 2 friends come home from school with her and then we went to dinner at Kobe Hero with my parents and brother. Izzy loves going there every year for her bday. Charlie and Lila were a little scared, but we all had so much fun. Izzy's friends came back over to our house for a sleepover while Charlie and Lila went to my mom's house.
Lila and I made Izzy a brownie ice cream cake for her bday. The next morning, Izzy got her annual bday breakfast treat: Monkey Bread. It goes against everything I stand for nutritionally, but it is SO good.

Birthday parties are much easier now that Izzy is older. They just talked and giggled all night. Happy birthday Izzy!!!

2009-01-29T19:25:00.002-05:00

I have a huge extended family. My grandfather on my mom's side was one of 7. My paternal grandmother was an only child, but had 4 children of her own (one being my dad). On my mom's side, both of her mom and dad had 7 and 8 siblings each. So, I have tons of second and third cousins, cousins twice removed and even more great aunts and uncles. My great uncle Jamie (or Jim) passed away suddenly this past week. I went to the memorial service today and got to see a lot of family that I don't see often. I just wish I had seen them under different circumstances. Here is the obituary that ran in the Charlotte Observer yesterday. Keep the Huffstetler family in your prayers.

James Phillip Huffstetler
Jim Huffstetler, 76, of Charlotte NC, passed away on January 25, 2009 from complications related to a heart attack.
He was born in Charlotte on February 1, 1932, the fifth of eight children of the late Charles H. and Lula G. Huffstetler. Jim graduated from Central High School in Charlotte, attended Charlotte College (where he played on the basketball team) and Oakridge Military Institute. After proudly serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for two years, Jim went back to college and graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.
Jim began his business career in insurance with The Travelers Insurance Company in Charlotte. His career with The Travelers took Jim to Hartford, CT, St. Louis, MO, and Houston, TX, where he met his wife Mary Hale Lauhon. Together they moved to Oklahoma City, OK, where they started their family. Jim and his family returned to Charlotte in 1970 to take a position with the James J. Harris Insurance Company. In 1979, Jim participated in the creation of the Cameron M. Harris & Co. insurance agency, where he remained until retirement.
He had fond memories of friendships and life-guarding days at Myrtle Beach. He was an original member of the 'Society of Shaggers' (SOS) and attended their reunions at Ocean Drive, SC. Jim had served as a deacon and usher at Myers Park Presbyterian Church.
He is survived by Mary Lauhon Huffstetler, his wife of 47 years; his son, James P. Huffstetler Jr. and wife Patricia O'Reilly of Litchfield, CT; son, David L. Huffstetler and wife Laura Willer of Raleigh NC; and daughter, Heidi Harney and husband John M. Harney of Charlotte NC. He was blessed with five grandchildren, Dave and Edward Huffstetler, Mathews and Mary Cason Harney, and Buckley Huffstetler.
Jim is also survived by his sister Joyce Helms, his brother Charles Huffstetler, and wife Freda Huffstetler, brother Robert Huffstetler, sister Joan Ross, sister Anne Harrelson and husband Dr. Henry Harrelson, brother Daniel Huffstetler and wife Charlene Huffstetler, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his sister Helen Campbell and husband Dick Campbell, brother-in-law Rev. Jack Ross, brother-in-law Leland Helms, and sister-in-law Kitty Huffstetler.
A memorial service will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207 on Thursday, January 29, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. The family will be receiving friends in the church's Providence Hall after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church - Community Outreach.
Harry and Bryant Company is serving the family.

a year like Jesus

2009-01-24T09:02:00.002-05:00

Something else to debate... This man (who suffers from ALS) spent a year living like Jesus. Eating, drinking, stuyding, giving strangers rides, preaching... just like Jesus.

From the Charlotte Observer:
The year of living as Jesus lived
Ed Dobson tries to eat, pray, talk, act and even vote as Jesus would.
By Charles Honey
Religion News Service
Posted: Saturday, Jan. 24, 2009

Retired pastor Ed Dobson has spent the past year praying daily, eating kosher food and not working on Saturdays. An architect of the religious right, he voted for Barack Obama.

To purchase this photo | Browse our storeGRAND RAPIDS, Mich. The Rev. Ed Dobson has spent most of his life following Jesus. But only now does he realize how hard it is to live like him.

The retired megachurch pastor and architect of the religious right has spent the last year trying to eat, pray, talk and even vote as Jesus would.

His revelation: Being Jesus is tough.

“I've concluded that I am a follower, but I'm not a very good one,” Dobson said. “If you get serious about the Bible, it will really mess you up.”

But a year of living like Jesus has affected Dobson in deeply spiritual and unexpected ways.

He has witnessed for Jesus in bars, picked up strangers needing rides and voted for a Democrat who he believes best reflects Christ's teachings.

During Christmas celebrations, Dobson appreciated more than ever the man who preached love, only to die on a cross. “Everybody loves a baby,” mused Dobson, 58. “But when you start reading the teachings of this baby, and about the sufferings of this baby, you begin to understand better who he is.”

Dobson has known suffering. He was diagnosed in 2001 with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease).

Cornerstone University President Joseph Stowell, who hired Dobson as vice president for spiritual formation last spring, said he admires Dobson's commitment, but is not surprised by it.

“God often uses suffering to drive us deeper,” Stowell said. “Ed's disease has put a heart-and-head focus on a deeper walk with God through the person of Jesus.”

Dobson never knew how demanding that walk could be until he resolved to take it – and found it took him in unexpected directions. He decided to devote a year to living like Jesus after reading “The Year of Living Biblically,” A.J. Jacobs' best-selling account of obeying Bible commands as literally as possible. If a nonreligious Jew could do it, Dobson decided, so could a practicing Christian.

No chicken-cheese burritos

That meant following Old Testament laws about eating, clothing and behavior, since Jesus was a Jew whose followers created Christianity. Observing kosher dietary requirements to not mix meat and dairy, Dobson gave up his beloved chicken-and-cheese burritos.

The normally teetotaling Dobson also allowed himself an occasional drink, noting Jesus was accused by critics of being a “glutton and a drunkard” who partied with pagans.

Dobson celebrated Jewish holidays such as Yom Kippur and Passover and often prayed at a synagogue. He refrained from work and travel as much as possible on Saturday, but made an exception to watch his grandchildren's soccer games.

He took to heart Jesus' commands to help the poor and visit the imprisoned. He also heeded his warning that only those who do God's work will enter heaven.

“Jesus is a very troubling individual,” Dobson said.

Jesus' troubling teachings influenced him to vote for Barack Obama – his first vote for a Democrat for president. Though disagreeing with Obama on abortion, he said, “I felt, as an individual, he was closer to the spirit of Jesus' teachings than anyone else. (Obama) was a community organizer, so he was into the poor, the marginalized, the oppressed, which Jesus is very much into.”

Relying on God's goodness

He prayed daily, repeatedly reciting “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me” – the plea of a blind man Jesus healed.

He doesn't pray to be healed of ALS but relies on God's goodness to help him through the slowly debilitating disease. His frame grows thinner and his hands weaker by the day. Focusing on Jesus helps. “I'm getting up every day not worried about what doesn't work; I'm getting up concerned about how do I live out this Jesus stuff.”

2009-01-21T19:38:00.001-05:00

Something to think about...

each day we go about our business,
walking past each other, catching each other's eyes or not,
about to speak or speaking.

all about us is noise.
all about us is noise and bramble, thorn and din,
each one of our ancestors on our tongues.

someone is stitching up a hem,
darning a hole in a uniform, patching a tire,
repairing the things in need of repair.

someone is trying to make music somewhere,
with a pair of wooden spoons on an oil drum,
with cello, boom box, harmonica, voice.

a woman and her son wait for the bus.
a farmer considers the changing sky.
a teacher says, take out your pencils. begin.

we encounter each other in words,
words spiny or smooth, whispered or declaimed,
words to consider, reconsider.

we cross dirt roads and highways that mark
the will of some one and then others,
who said i need to see what's on the other side.

i know there's something better down the road.
we need to find a place where we are safe.
we walk into that which we cannot yet see.

say it plain: that many have died for this day.
sing the names of the dead who brought us here,
who laid the train tracks, raised the bridges,

picked the cotton and the lettuce,
built brick by brick the glittering edifices
they would then keep clean and work inside of.

praise song for struggle, praise song for the day.
praise song for every hand-lettered sign,
the figuring-it-out at kitchen tables.

some live by love thy neighbor as thyself,
others by first do no harm or take no more than you need.
what if the mightiest word is love?

love beyond marital, filial, national,
love that casts a widening pool of light,
love with no need to pre-empt grievance.

in today's sharp sparkle, this winter air,
any thing can be made, any sentence begun.
on the brink, on the brim, on the cusp,

praise song for walking forward in that light.

by elizabeth alexander, read at the inauguration of president obama

Keep one eye open

2009-01-15T16:53:00.008-05:00

I hit up the 1/2 off clothing sale the other day at the local Salvation Army and got several old wool sweaters. I felted them in the washing machine to make them denser and then made some cute mittens for Izzy from the sleeves of one of the sweaters. Took less than 10 minutes total to make the mittens.

Charlie has always slept with his eyes partially open, but last night, his one eye was open even more than usual. It is really creepy and he doesn't believe that he does it, so I took pics last night. He keeps telling me that he doesn't see anything at night, so he must be blind. It is quite unsettling when I go in to turn off his lights at night and he is looking at me but not seeing. One day he is going to kill me for sharing these pictures of him.

a

Weekends

2009-01-11T16:48:00.008-05:00

With Scott being jobless, we have had so much more free days and quality family time. I never thought I would say this, but I kind of like this unemployment thing. It has made us spend a lot more time together, and most of the time, that is a good thing!
This weekend, Izzy had a sleepover at a friend's house and my parents kept Charlie and Lila again, so Scott and I got yet another date night. I have always said that date nights are very important once you have kids. Not to sound to corny, but it makes you remember what your relationship was like before you had kids. Plus, you get a chance to have an actual conversation without being interrupted! We went to the local wine bar and had a drink and then ordered take out to eat at home. Scott wanted to be home to see the Panthers play. I was very happy, because that meant uniterrupted reading time for me!
Today we spent time outside, since it wasn't to cold. Scott patched up the trampoline (with duct tape) and we roasted marshmallows in the fire pit. The other day we made birdseed ornaments and put them on our old Christmas tree which has been relocated to the deck. The kids have enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels eat them.
Izzy has been training the dogs and now they walk on our treadmill. They actually get on when they want now. For some strange reason, they enjoy it! Speaking of the dogs, they also climb on the trampoline with the kids. Got a picture today!

2009-01-11T14:52:00.001-05:00

A copy of an article in the newpaper today with my dad in it....

Injured bicyclist gets a wheelchair ramp
Fellow Rocky River Road Club members built it for him.
Posted: Sunday, Jan. 11, 2009

Wes Medeiros kicked the game-winning field goal Jan. 4 at the Youth All-American Bowl. GAYLE SHOMER – gshomer@charlotteobserver.com

To purchase this photo | Browse our store
More Information
Bicycle safety tips for motorists
U.S. champion cyclist David Zabriskie offers these and other tips on his Web site, http://yieldtolife.org:

Treat cyclists as you would any slow-moving vehicle.

Show patience: Wait until it's safe to pass, and don't tailgate. Give cyclists the right of way when the situation calls for it, and allow time for cyclists to proceed through intersections.

Watch for cyclists when turning right. A bicyclist may be to your right and planning to go straight at the same intersection.

Also look for cyclists when turning left. Cyclists crossing straight through the same intersection in the opposite direction may be going faster than you realize.

Show respect. “Cyclists have a rightful spot on the road,” Zabriskie says. “Cyclists also positively impact the environment with each revolution of their wheels by opting to ride rather than drive. Do not resent cyclists. Replace frustration with a smile every time you see a cyclist.”

joe0111.ART0.01112009._InfoBox
Young kicker shines nationally

Wes Medeiros, the local eighth-grader I wrote about Dec. 21 who kicks NFL-length field goals, kicked the game-winning 25-yard field goal at the first Football University Youth All-American Bowl Jan. 4 in San Antonio, Texas.

The bowl honors the nation's top seventh- and eighth-grade players. Wes lives in Mooresville and attends St. Mark Catholic School in Huntersville.

The New York Times profiled Wes last Sunday, and ESPN2 featured him on its “First Take” program Thursday.

Wes had 10 points in last week's bowl game, including a point-after and two other field goals, of 30 and 32 yards. His East team won 16-14.
Ten Lake Norman area bicyclists gave up their regular long-distance practice rides Jan. 3, even though their annual Polar Bear Ride was a week away.

They had something more important at hand: building a 50-foot-long wheelchair ramp in Bill Wiseman's Concord garage.

Wiseman belongs to their Davidson-based cycling organization, the Rocky River Road Club. He was seriously injured in late November when a motorist turning left struck his oncoming bicycle in the Rowan County town of Cleveland.

The motorist said he never saw the bike, club member Rick McCall of Huntersville told me.

“I tend to believe him,” McCall said, since Wiseman was riding alone and bicyclists are more visible in packs.

Wiseman's left leg was broken both above and below his knee. He broke several fingers and suffered extensive damage to his hip and pelvis. “He's lucky to be alive,” McCall said.

Wiseman was released last week from a Carolinas Medical Center rehabilitation center. Club members worked for seven hours Jan. 3 to make sure he'd have a ramp leading from his garage into his home. Members Chuck Huffstetler and Patrick Ahern led the design and building.

It will take Wiseman three months to walk again, club members said.

“Bill's a good guy,” said McCall, who helped design the ramp. “It was for a good cause.”

Iredell County resident Anna Rice contacted me about the ramp building effort so the community might learn of the deed.

“This is another example of the goodness of humanity,” Rice wrote in an e-mail. “And we are sorely in need of those stories to remind us all is not lost in a world filled with news of the failing economy, warring factions in the Gaza Strip and the endless struggles in Iraq.”

Several years ago, Rice said, the club helped her husband, Tom Soos, when he was hit by an SUV while riding his bicycle on Davidson-Concord Road in Davidson.

Club members built a ramp for him, too, Rice said. Soos, also a Rocky River Road Club member, suffered a broken hip and broken shoulder and needed a wheelchair for six months, she said.

While bicycling has become more popular here, Rice said, some motorists still aren't particularly friendly to their two-wheel cousins. She just hopes they stay more aware.

I do, too. Bicycles have rights to the road in all 50 states, and I've yet to see one with an exhaust pipe.

Joe Marusak: jmarusak@charlotteobserver.com

quick thoughts

2009-01-06T19:59:00.005-05:00

Izzy and I have kept busy so far this week sewing more headbands for friends. I am trying to perfect this technique before I move on to other things. I tend to flit from one thing to another, so I am really working on staying focused on one thing at a time. Izzy made a dog collar for Milo today out of some scrap fabric. He doesn't really like it so far, but he is suffering through it.
I spent my morning cooking at the soup kitchen. I am organizing a fundraiser for next month and am going to have a lot to do in the meantime.
Got to see the movie "Twilight" again last night. One more time in the theaters would be great.
Charlie told me a few minutes ago, while we were sewing, that he loves me so much he just can't stop thinking about me. "Mommy, you are so nice. (pause) But sometimes you are a meany" True enough my sweet boy.
Lila's teachers told me that she made them laugh today because when they asked her what she got for Christmas, she kept saying nothing. She insisted all day that no one got her anything for Christmas. poor baby! If only it was true!

more projects

2009-01-03T20:44:00.002-05:00

Busy day with the sewing machine...
I found a scrap of fleece for 25 cents at the fabric store and made Charlie a scarf.
I made 2 more headbands, trying to perfect the technique. (I need more practice)
Isabel sewed her own fleece blanket and I appliqued a heart (doggie pirnt fabric) on it. I also appliqued a heart on a shirt for Lila with some cute fabric (flannel cupcakes) I found a while ago. Need some more practice on that, but for my first day, not to bad. Tomorrow I am going to attempt some matching pants. Will definitely post pics soon!

2009-01-02T16:48:00.002-05:00

(lila was eating when I took this picture)
Izzy and I got a new sewing machine from my parents for Christmas. Since I finally got my house clean (for me), I decided to get it out. I knew once I opened the box, I wouldn't want to stop. I had some fabric scraps sitting around, so the first thing I made was a reversabile headband for Lila. Izzy didn't want a headband, so I made her a bandana that ties on, more like a head scarf, modeled out of one she had. I am making a trip to the fabric store tomorrow to pick up some patterns, fabric and elastic. I have a feeling that the rest of this break I will be cooking and sewing. I feel so domestic!

2009-01-01T07:37:00.003-05:00

2008 ended pretty calmly around here. My mom took me and the girls to lunch at the Tea House in Cornelius yesterday. What a fun time! The girls got to drink lemonade served out of a teapot with real cups and saucers. Very proper and so much fun! The only iffy moment was when Lila asked my mom (in a really loud voice) this:
"You used to ride a bicycle Baa" (She did used to ride a tandem with my dad
"Yes Lila"
"When you rode, why were you a boy? Baa (very loud now), tell me about when you were a boy!"

Besides that strange moment, the girls used great manners and had so much fun!

For New Years, we decided to stay at home and had our regular NYE dinner of assorted appetizers: guacamole, bean dip, meatballs, grilled chicken, cheese and crackers, carrots...

The kids were determined to stay up to see the ball drop. Lila fell asleep around 9:00. Charlie crawled into our bed and slept around 10:30 and Izzy made it till about 11:30. She wanted to set her alarm to get back up, but that didn't end up happening.

I am spending my New Years day with Lila while Scott takes the kids dirt bike riding in SC. We are going to remove all of the Christmas stuff and spend our day cleaning (wow, so much fun!).

Happy New Years!! May your year be filled with all that you want it to be!

2008-12-30T17:16:00.003-05:00

I have always been an advocate of healthy eating, especially for my kids. It was how I was raised and it is how I want my kids to eat. I sneak veggies in a lot of food and try to get them to eat new things. I did the best job with Izzy, an ok job with Charlie, and Lila? well, she eats what she wants (meaning, not much). Isabel used to love sushi and thai food. She still loves thai food, but no more sushi. My kids do eat some things that are a little different: edamame, pomegranate, mangos... But they have all become pickier and pickier. So I have eased up a bit on my food nazi thing. I think I have gotten to slack, so this week I asked them all what fruit and veggies they liked. Lila of course said none. Charlie told me: clementines, strawberries, melons, bananas with pb and apples and broccoli. Isabel will eat most fruits and veggies with a little prodding.
Yesterday when we went to supertarget to do some shopping, I made them go into the veggie aisle with me to pick out some things. I kept asking if they liked this or that and Charlie finally got fed up and yelled "none of those things are on my list!). All I heard was snickers from the shoppers around me. Why me?

Christmas morning

2008-12-25T12:10:00.009-05:00

Christmas morning started like it always does at our house: before the sun comes up. We slept in till 6:15, so it wasn't to bad! Santa brought the kids one gift each and a game to share.
We opened the rest of the gifts after the kids saw their Santa things. They were so excited! Charlie got some new dirt bike clothes, Izzy got oil pastels and some earrings, and Lila got some Little Pet shop toys. They were all very happy! Isabel and I are really excited about the sewing machine we got from my parents last night. I can't wait to get started. Izzy has taken a few sewing classes, so she is going to help me!
Even Milo and Daisy, our dogs, got new chew bones for Christmas!

Only one more stop before the day is over. Lunch/dinner at my grandma's house in Charlotte!

Christmas eve

2008-12-25T11:59:00.005-05:00

Santa dad:

Mom and Izzy, Christmas eve:

Family picture on Christmas eve:

Kids with uncle Adam on Christmas eve:

Christmas eve was peaceful, as it should be. We went to the early kid's service at church and then went to my parent's house for a casual dinner and some presents. The kids loved every minute of it! Except for the visit from Santa. Charlie ran when he saw Santa, but Izzy saw my dad's sandals and realized who it was. What other Santa wears sandals (with socks) and has bike clothes hanging out of his suit?

2008-12-21T18:33:00.002-05:00

Busy weekend again! Scott and I went out to dinner on Friday night to a great new restaurant, T1 Tapas, while my parents kept the kids. We got a great deal on a gift certificate for the place( $25 gc for $2) so we enjoyed it even more!
On Saturday, the kids went dirt bike riding and Izzy even went. She hadn't ridden since the first time she tried, over a year ago. She crashed into a mailbox that time so she has been a little scared. She went and tried out the new racing bike and loved it. She even did some jumps! We are so proud of her for trying and are happy to get her involved. That night, we had the annual Huffstetler family Christmas party in Charlotte. We all had a great time visiting with family.
Today, we had the Christmas party for my mom's side of the family and had a huge lunch at her house. The kids got chia pets, so everyone is happy!
I am on a small organizing and getting rid of clutter kick, so I am going to work on that tomorrow. I am looking forward to a peaceful week with family!

Preschool programs

2008-12-18T09:38:00.005-05:00

Christmas time in the preschool world means... HOLIDAY PROGRAMS! Tuesday, we spent our morning at the school, first watching Lila's "One Night in the Stable" performance and then Charlie's. The teachers did such a great job with 3 classes of 3 year old combined for a modified nativity scene. Lila was a sheep and did wonderfully. I am not sure if they sang "Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way. Tell the world that Jesus was born on this Christmas day. Hey!" at the manger, but it was adorable. Also, I think they left out the rendition of the army chant "I don't know what I've been told, These 3 kings bring gifts of gold. Sound off" in the original version.

Charlie's performance was cute and simple. Several Christmas songs or versions of them. We took the kids out to lunch afterwards with their grandparents and they enjoyed that the most!

2008-12-14T16:38:00.002-05:00

What a wonderful weekend! Saturday was a very low key day. We spent the morning cleaning up and the rest of the day just hanging around the house. The kids went to their grandma and grandpa's house last night for a sleepover and to go to Christmas in Huntersville. Scott and I went to some friend's house for a Christmas party. It was so much fun to get dressed up and talk to other adults! I love meeting new people and getting to know people better. I really enjoyed the conversations, drinks and food.
We got an early start this morning because we were scheduled to join the church we have been going to and Lila was getting baptized. We had a lot of family join us at church, aunts, cousins, both sets of my grandparents, and my parents. It was wonderful to have everyone show up to support us. We all went out to brunch afterwards (17 of us!) and had a great time visiting. I love the fact that my family lives around us so that they can be a daily part of our life. I think it is a blessing to have my children grow up around so many people that love them.
This afternoon, Charlie and Scott went out to test a new racing dirtbike while the girls and I went to the library. They were having a book sale, so I got about 15 books for $5! And one interesting free book for my dad's bday tomorrow.
This is Isabel's last week of school and I am looking forward to her having some time off. I have all kind of crafts, cooking and playdates for all of us.
I am done with my Christmas shopping because we aren't giving gifts to anyone but the kids. With Scott not working, it just doesn't make sense to go waste money on things no one needs. I bought the kids a few things off of Ebay and one or two new things, and that is it. I love simple Christmases! 2 years ago, when we went to Costa Rica for Christmas, I realized that I didn't miss anything about being away for Christmas. Our holiday was very simple there. No tree or decorations, a simple Christmas meal, and only a few gifts for the kids. We have kept up that tradition (we do have a tree this year), but keep that experience close at heart. Family is what matters now and any other time of year.

Charlie's first dirt bike race

2008-12-08T10:57:00.002-05:00

Charlie rode in his first dirt bike race yesterday. He got to do a few practice rounds and then had 2 races. Charlie was so proud of himself! He got a big trophy and now won't leave the house because he doesn't want to leave his trophy. He got 4th place (out of 4), but we are just proud of him for doing it. He can't wait for his next race in 2 weeks!

2008-12-05T16:27:00.004-05:00

Spent the morning at a newer Trader Joe's, then came home and had to cook. I always get inspired when I go to the grocery store. I made some gingerbread cookies with the kids then let them decorate them.
On another note, I really loved being in Charlotte today. I always forget how much I like the city (or at least parts of it). There is so much more going on than here in the suburbs.
Here is our Christmas tree, after I let the kids decorate it. I love the way it looks. All of the ornaments are homemade or have been given to us. Perfect!

Tree farm

2008-12-01T21:13:00.003-05:00

When we were in Boone, we stopped at a choose and cut Christmas tree farm. Hayrides, hot cocoa, the whole thing. It was really beautiful and also interesting to hear all about tree farming. I was freezing the whole time but it was a lot of fun. We started doing this last year and the kids really look forward to it now.

Mountain trip

2008-11-30T14:23:00.010-05:00

The day after Thanksgiving, we went to the mountains for a short trip. My aunt was not using her mountain house and let us go up instead. We try to go several times a year because we always have such a great time. My mom and dad went with us so the kids liked it even better.

The first day we got there was pretty warm, so we hiked to a beaver dam and spent some time outdoors. The kids really enjoyed crossing the river on a fallen log and seeing all of the trees the beavers knocked over. Izzy has a hidden talent for walking on slippery logs.

Milo (our little dog) always likes to go with us and even went swimming in the really cold river. Charlie got to ride his dirt bike as much as he wanted.
The next day we went into Boone and got our Christmas tree. Kids had a great time, but everyone is tired today. Scott got to watch football and catch up on sleep. Lila celebrated her birthday a little early with a birthday cake. She will be 3 tomorrow, Dec. 1st.

Beaver dam

Beaver teeth marks

Relaxing on the deck, listening to the river

Thanksgiving

2008-11-30T13:32:00.003-05:00

We had a wonderful, relaxing Thanksgiving holiday with dinner at Grandma Freda's house (my dad's mother). Here is most of my dad's side of the family. Way to much food as always, but everything was wonderful!

Play

2008-11-26T18:42:00.005-05:00

One thing I love about Izzy's school is that each class performs 4 plays a year. They have been doing this since K so they are pros now in 3rd grade. Her fall play was about the history of Charlotte. Best one yet! They performed in the black box theater in the middle school. The kids said their lines so clearly and even did costume changes. Izzy also signed a song with a few other children. They had a drum circle and danced and even played hand chimes. What a wonderful performance!

We are getting ready for Thanksgiving and spending the day with family. Going to the mountains for two days after. Can't wait for some relaxing time. Plus, it will give me time to finish the last book in the Twilight series! We are also going to go cut down our own Christmas tree and let Charlie ride his dirt bike. I will post pics when we get back!

My stylish brother

2008-11-20T13:28:00.003-05:00

Way to go Adam.... Here is the article Adam was quoted in today in the Observer.

It's a revolution, for sure, but a quiet one. It's playing out in the flat-front khakis and careful questioning about mixing patterned shirts and ties.

Perhaps emboldened by chic-but-masculine publications like GQ, Details and even Men's Health, more men are unapologetically taking an interest in their appearance.

Charlottean Michael Husted, 25, says he takes care getting dressed each day. “I'm constantly meeting with clients and it's important to me to dress to impress,” says Husted, who works in real estate law. “I do shop on a regular basis and always like to add new items to my wardrobe.”

Husted is among those who are making purposeful decisions about building a wardrobe consistent with their lifestyle.

“Thanks to men like Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney, I think more guys are beginning to realize it's important to look good and to be dressed appropriately,” says Richard Pattison of upscale men's clothier Taylor, Richards and Conger in Phillips Place. “(Clooney, DiCaprio) always seem to be in control of their look, regardless of the situation.”

By purchasing wisely – investing in items like a dark suit, a pair of great-fitting dark denim jeans, a nice sweater and a few pairs of shoes for different occasions, you can build a versatile wardrobe.

“You'll get a wardrobe that functions, instead of just having four outfits,” says Pattison. Regardless of the garment, proper fit is paramount.

“Two of the most important things a woman will notice about you are your shoes and the fit of your clothing,” he says, “especially the fit of the seat of your pants.”

The suit

A suit is not only almost a requirement for every man to own, but it can actually work as one of your most versatile wardrobe items.

Wear the suit as purchased with a button-up shirt, tie and cuff links for work or a special event. Try breaking it up: skip the jacket, add a sweater to the dress shirt and wear with just the pants for an easy but stylish business-casual look.

Pair the suit jacket with jeans for a date, to dinner or for drinks with friends. That's three different looks right there.

The shoes

“You can tell a lot about a man by the shoes he wears,” Husted says. For work he favors brown Gordon Rush slip-ons and black To Boot New York oxfords. More casual favorites include Rainbow flip-flops and New Balance athletic shoes.

“I don't wear loafers and I love sneakers, but I still don't think that means I should only have one pair of shoes,” says Huffstetler. “It's important to match your shoes to the rest of your outfit.”

You need at least one quality pair each of black and brown shoes, along with matching belts. With dress clothing like suits and slacks, wear a lace-up style. Slip-on shoes and those with rubber soles are typically thought of as more casual.

“Unless you're wearing a black suit, wear your brown shoes with everything else,” says Pattison.

Underneath it all

Undergarments are as big a priority for men as women. Doubtful? Check this advice from the “Details: Men's Style Manual.”

“Throw your undershirts, underpants and socks out as soon as they start showing serious wear,” the book advises. “That hole won't go away, and one day, it's going to cause you some embarrassment.”

You don't have to spend a lot of money. Start with the simplest of white T-shirts (V-neck or crew) and plain boxers and dress socks (which should match the color of the shoe).

“I like to get basics from stores like Old Navy and American Apparel,” suggests Huffstetler. “They always have a good selection of short-sleeve, long-sleeve and flannels in many different colors. You can wear these under your shirts and suits for work or under shirts and sweaters for a casual look.”

Nice denim

“Most guys have a pair of jeans,” says Adam Huffstetler, 27, a buyer for Niche, a boutique in South End. “But it's important to invest in a nice pair of straight-leg denim.

“You can wear them with a nice-looking blazer or a pea coat when you go out, and look pulled together and not look like every other guy you see around town. I like Rag & Bone denim. They have a great fit, a good wash in color.”

Again, Huffstetler says, watch the fit and style.

“Pants don't have to be skin-tight, but you don't want baggy either,” he says. “I also don't think any man under the age of 50 should wear pleated khakis.”

Sweaters

Consider materials carefully – find the label inside that details what materials make up the sweater.

The pinnacle of style and elegance is cashmere. It's also typically the most expensive.

A crew-neck or V-neck cashmere sweater in a neutral color can go far – dress it up with shirt and tie underneath. Put a T-shirt underneath and pair with jeans for the weekend.

If your budget won't allow for 100 percent cashmere right now, consider a cashmere blend or cotton. Knits tend to pill and show wear more as the price decreases.

Careful laundering or dry-cleaning will extend the life of your knits.

Caring Bridge

2008-11-15T14:20:00.000-05:00

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/priscillabeckcloniger

words

2008-11-14T19:50:00.004-05:00

When you hear people say the phrase "words can't express..." it sounds so cliche. But tonight, I know exactly what they mean. A wonderful, beautiful, giving, gracious, and kind person left this world tonight. Those words do her no justice. Priscilla Cloniger (or Mrs. Cilla as my kids say) was diagnosed with ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease in 2006. I have known her since I was in the 5th grade. I spent a wonderful portion of my childhood at her house. Priscilla's daughter, Catherine, was my best friend from the beginning of my 5th grade year (and still is one of my closest friends).
The Cloniger's house was magic. We slept in tents in the back yard, ate Priscilla's wonderful food, and got free reign of her kitchen. She was always so loving and kind to me, even when I wasn't a loving and kind person. Years after junior and high school, she welcomed me back in her house. It was like coming home. Same feeling, same furniture, same smell, same love. We visited and dyed Easter Eggs and talked. She was a wonderful cook (even had her own cable cooking show!) so we compared recipes. Catherine and her mom loved my children so much! When I first had Izzy I lived right down the road from them and would visit. Priscilla has always been an important person in my life, just like the rest of her family.
I know she is at peace and her body is not full of pain. Catherine's voice was lighter tonight, knowing that the wait was over. Still, nothing can prepare you for saying a final goodbye. I said mine tonight, outside, watching the last leaves fall from a tree. My thought and prayers are with her family tonight and in the following few weeks. I miss you Cilla and will always love you. Thinking of all of you tonight...

Old Fat Naked ladies for peace

2008-11-06T18:45:00.002-05:00

I have my mother to thank for this inspiring and yet at the same time hilarious video... My mother is a true inspiration to me but this makes me laugh and cry all at the same time. My mom recruited me, so who else wants to join this group?

I've been tagged!!

2008-11-03T14:49:00.002-05:00

Thanks Cheryl!!

OK, here are my strange or random facts....

1. I absolutely love the New Kids on the Block. Always have been a fan, still am a fan. Used to love Jordan, now Donnie is my favorite. I am obsessed even more now that I saw them in concert. A girl has to have something fun in her life, right?

2. I have always wanted to be an archaeologist. I dug holes in my parents yard when I was a kid looking for dinosaur bones. Would still be an archaeologist if I felt like going back to school.

3. I love to read. All the time. I go through at least 4 or 5 books every week. Mysteries, crime novels, and brit chick lit are my favorite, but I will read anything. I even read instruction manuals and junk mail if I have read all of my books.

4. My love of reading has something to do with this one. I pay the library a ridiculous amount of late fees every year. My card has $50 on it now and $75 last month. I have now starting using my kids cards to avoid paying the fines on my card. I go to the library about every week and I hate paying, so I am making a big effort to fix this.

5. I hate cleaning just about as much as I like reading. I read to avoid cleaning. I waste time on the internet to avoid cleaning. My house is a mess most of the time because of this, but when people come over, I hide it behind doors, in closets and on top of the washer.

6. I used to have purple hair. And green, and pink, and then no hair. Don't ask. It wasn't a pretty time in my life!

7. In 5th grade, I won the spelling bee for my elementary school and got to go on to the Char Meck spelling bee. I lost on the word "millionaire" which is now a word I will never forget how to spell.

I am tagging no one in particular cause I have no idea who reads this...
Except Amanda, because you blog regularly
And Candy, but I don't know if you will because your blog is about pictures.
So.... whoever wants to do this can! Just let me know so I can read your answers. Thanks Cheryl, that was fun!

NKOTB part 2

2008-11-02T18:35:00.002-05:00

While I am posting pics, here is one of me and Candy leaving for the concert last week. Scott took the picture, so it is kind of fuzzy...

Halloween pics

2008-11-02T18:29:00.006-05:00

This Halloween week has exhausted me. The combination of to much candy, staying up late, and about 29 parties is to much. So... here are the pics. I will let them speak for themselves:
Charlie was Yoda
Lila was an indian (in my aunt's costume from when she was 5. She is 62 now)
Isabel was a witch for Halloween and Moaning Myrtle from Harry Potter for everything else.

I heart NKOTB

2008-10-31T13:47:00.003-04:00

So I have an abnormal obsession for a grown woman, but I don't really feel like a grown woman, more of a older girl, so I guess it is OK.I love the New Kids on the Block. When I first heard them in 5th or 6th grade, I fell in love. I knew all of the words to their songs, made up very silly dances (remember Catherine?), and knew their every moves on their videos. I read their books, studied their magazines, even wrote letters inviting them to imaginary parties in my friend's backyard. When I was a little older and got my own apartment I had a big wooden NKOTB clock. I still have it if you were wondering. I had party invitations, posters, t shirts, hats, pins, tapes, and VHS tapes. Moving over the years has thinned out my collection, but I still have the clock and a shirt left.
Last night, I got to go to the reunion concert with a good friend. I remember my first NKOTB concert vividly: I wore a salmon pink colored Esprit mini skirt with black stars on it. I also tripped down the stairs in the balcony and was mortified. Those wonderful awkward years....
Last night, I really wasn't sure what to expect. We had great tickets, 14 rows back on the floor. We could see their faces! I had so much fun. I have never screamed for 2 1/2 hours straight till last night. We danced, screamed, and acted like little kids again. We sang along to every song and loved every minute of it. The only critique I have for NKOTB is to start your shows earlier than 8:00. Do you think your fans are still teenagers?

Halloween

2008-10-24T22:51:00.002-04:00

The Halloween count down has begun in our house. While Charlie and Lila have had their costumes for about a month, Izzy is still changing her mind. She does this every year, but I really can't blame her. I do it to. There are just so many things to choose from! Last year she couldn't decide, so she wanted to be a vampire waitress witch. She ended up just being a witch. The year before, we found her the PERFECT costume: a kitty fairy princess. This year she went from a witch, to Hermione (fromHarry Potter) to another Harry Potter character, Moaning Myrtle. She loves this series so it is a great costume for her.
Busy weekend. 3 (ughh...) different parties to go to.
Fun night though, got to spend some creative time at my most creative friend's house. We made leaf bowls. Pics will be added when they arrive.

On a funny note... check out the blog I added on the side. Read the post about the broccoli faces. Good laugh!

bananas

2008-10-22T16:30:00.002-04:00

When Izzy got home from school today, we decided to walk to the neighborhood park. It is a beautiful fall day, so why not? The kids like our neighborhood park because there is a big empty parking lot for them to ride their bikes and skateboards. They were playing with a bouncy ball and chasing it when it got lost in the bushes. After a minute or two Charlie found it and also announced that he found a banana. I didn't pay any attention to that remark until he said that it was a white banana. By this time, the kids were all huddled around the "banana" investigating why it was white. So I had to go over. I discovered an unwrapped tampon under the bush (who knows why it would be there. Trashcans people). Izzy even commented on how strange the white banana looked. How do you explain that?

Pets

2008-10-21T21:21:00.003-04:00

As of this afternoon, we are officially down 3 pets. The Betta Fish (Fringey, I think) that Izzy got when school started this year died sometime in the past few days. Turthfully, I don't check on those fish every single day, so I am not sure when it happened. Izzy wasn't that sad, she just didn't want to hear the noise of the toilet flushing. This afternoon, I took the 2 turtles and donated them to a class in Izzy's school. I really did like the turtles(whose names changed weekly), but I had several problems with them. The main one being that they can make the kids really sick with samonella. Not wanting to chance that, I had to clean the cage every week and do everything else that had to do with the turtles. Plus, the smelled horrible. Charlie's room (where they lived) was beginning to always stink, not of a sweaty little boy, but a sulfury smell from the turtles. The kids weren't to upset. Charlie cried a little at bedtime, but I promised him that we could visit the turtles whenever we wanted (the teacher is a friend of mine). He made the point that we couldn't see them at night, very true. But overall, I don't think I traumatized my kids to much... They might tell you differently. We still have a fish and 2 dogs. That is enough for me right now!

Free toast for everybody!!!!

2008-10-19T20:09:00.006-04:00

We had a pretty fun weekend around our house. Friday started with one of Izzy's good friends coming over for a playdate after school. She stayed till around dinner time and then Izzy went to a sleepover at her house. The 2 younger kids got a movie night, so the house was pretty quiet. I cooked all day Friday: Spaghetti sauce, roasted chicken, chicken salad and banana muffins.
On Saturday, Scott took the kids out for the morning so I could get the house cleaned for the party that night. Then around 4:00, I took Lila to a Halloween party. It was her first "big girl" party that she was invited to. Since she is the 3rd kid, she always gets dragged along to the older kids things, but rarely has stuff of her own to do. It was a costume party, so she dressed up as a cowgirl. So cute!
Before we left for the party, I tried a great new recipe, pumpkin brownies. They were not very good, so I threw together another batch of the best brownies in the world. They have 2 cups of sugar and a stick of butter and LOTS of chocolate, so they have to be great!
We had people over around 6:30 (see pics) to celebrate Charlie and mom's bdays. Lots of family and family friends. Charlie's favorite present was a toaster from my mom and dad. When he opened it he yelled "Free toast for everybody!!". Who knew a 5 year old would be so excited by a toaster, but he really wanted one!
Today we just hung out around the house, went to church, and let the kids play with our neighbor. I love family weekends like this one! Back to school and everything else tomorrow....

2008-10-16T21:00:00.002-04:00

When I picked Lila up from preschool today, her teacher informed me that Lila had been wrestling in class today. What??? Her teachers were both laughing, so I took that as a good sign. They said that my sweet little 2 year old (who was wearing a dress for picture day) tackled the biggest boy in the class. They then wrestled on the rug and the teachers had to pull Lila off of him. Then, Lila sat on him. They said both kids were having fun throughout the whole thing. I explained to Lila that we do not wrestle at school, but she just told me she was playing. I guess that is what comes from being the youngest of 3. I am really glad her teachers have a sense of humor!

Happy 5th birthday Charlie!

2008-10-14T21:21:00.003-04:00

Charlie turned 5 today!! We had a pretty uneventful day. He had school this morning and was so excited because he got to be the line leader and wear a birthday hat all day. We got him a scooter for his birthday. Notice the terrible look on Izzy's face in the picture? She was jealous because his scooter is now nicer than hers. She told me that her face just wouldn't smile.
Lila has been making me laugh a lot lately with her version of the "Pledge of Allegiance" that she has been learning in school. Tonight she told us "I really have to go potty, to the republic". Between that and her prayers (I wish, I wish, I wish God) she cracks me up. I think she is confusing prayer and Dragon Tails.

On a non-kids note, I spent most of my morning at the soup kitchen working on a new direction for publicity and I ran into someone who knew me as a child. She kept looking at me and I finally introduced myself. She said "I knew that was Emily, but I barely recognized you without purple hair". Oh, I am so glad to live in a town where people saw me go through that lovely stage. We ended up talking for awhile and it made me laugh so much. Things sure do change!

Finger cookies

2008-10-13T16:23:00.003-04:00

Charlie wanted to take something to preschool, excuse me.. Pre K, tomorrow for his birthday. I LOVE sweets, but the idea of 15 kids eating frosting covered cupcakes made with who knows what for mid-morning snack.... well, I don't love that. So Charlie picked these finger cookies in honor of Halloween from this great website. www.johnnycupcakes.com
Notice the brain pudding... But alas, no brain mold in my cluttered cabinets.
Check out our version. Charlie didn't want jelly for the "blood", so we substituted a little icing and food coloring. Not quite as blood like, but I think the kids will like them better.
So they aren't exactly content for www.smittenkitchen.com (another great site) but I thought they were a great birthday treat. Cake will be on Saturday!

2008-10-12T12:43:00.002-04:00

Pics of the soccer game as promised...

2008-10-12T11:15:00.003-04:00

Not much to update.... We have been enjoying the fall weather. Trying to stay in to save money. Went to a drum circle at a festival on Saturday. The kids really got into it. Going to a breakdance festival outdoors tonight. My brother is supposedly judging with a guy from the show "So You Think You Can Dance". Scott and I love that show, so we wanted to go. Plus, the kids are really into it, so it should be fun. Charlie had his last soccer game this Saturday. Will post pics later. Fun week coming up. Charlie's birthday (5!) is on Tuesday and we are having a party for him and mom on Saturday. Spending the rest of the weekend outside. Beautiful weather, more later...

music

2008-10-06T20:23:00.002-04:00

Lately my kids have been listening to more music. I always thought I would have kids who listened to a broad variety of different things, but now I realize that they listen to what they like, not what I like. All 3 have always liked Billy Jonas' "What Kind of Cat are You?" CD. He is one of the few children's artist that I like. We have been to see him quite a few times and always have a great time.
Isabel got an Ipod for Christmas last year (used of course) and she is really into buying music on iTunes. I was looking at her play list the other day and commented to my mom how funny it was because she had mostly Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, and the Jonas Brothers. But now she is branching out and has songs from the Beatles' White Album, Jimmy Buffet, Sheryl Crow and the Beastie Boys.
Charlie loves the Beastie Boys because he can dance to them and his newest favorite song is "So What" by Pink. I had to buy it off of iTunes so they could listen to it more. Lila and Charlie both like the fact that it says "I'm a rockstar". What is it about rockstars that they like so much? Charlie has asked for an ipod for his birthday next week and my dad gave me one, but I am not sure how I feel about a 5 year old having one. Does he really need it? Verdict is still out on that one.

Maize Maze

2008-10-05T12:45:00.008-04:00

Friday after school we got the chance to do something amazing (haha). I took my kids and met 3 other parents with their kids at the local Maize Maze. This is an annual event where they carve a very complicated maze out of, well, maize. I think they said it was 7 acres. This year's theme was The Constitution and James Madison, our 4th president, if I remember correctly. The maze had a scroll, a quill, and the words "we the peple" written into it. At least that is what they told us. We divided into 2 groups. My group consisted of my good friend Candy who constantly took pictures (I actually took one of her too, see above). She is a wonderful photographer. We had her 2 kids and my 2 youngest. The other group had the older kids: a 5th grader, 4th grader, 3rd grader and 1st grader and 2 adults who actually read the map and tried to figure out the puzzle. You have to collect 12 puzzle pieces to win Bojangles coupons, so the older group was dead set on finding them all. Candy and I made the mistake of wandering aimlessly through the corn field with no plan and letting the kids make the decisions. The results? After only finding 2 of the 12 puzzle pieces, we joined on to the other group and found them all. Lots of fun, lots of walking, and tons of corn. We all had a great time, but I learned the lesson that kids definitely don't need to be in charge when you are lost in a corn field.

dress up

2008-09-30T21:32:00.005-04:00

The kids were out of school today for a teacher workday, so we had a big day planned. I took my kids and their friends to an indoor bouncy place and then we all went out for pizza. This is the first time we have been out in a while since I am trying not to drive to save gas! When we got home, they all decided to play dress up. They took all our dress up clothes out, but in the end decided on clothes they found in their closets. Izzy was a fashion model, Lila wanted to be a cowgirl (after she was a caterpillar), and Charlie was a rockstar/breakdancer (he was a dalmation first).
We also decorated for Halloween. Pics of that once we are done... The kids are definitely in Halloween mode, even though it is a full month away. I guess they learn from me. I love it!

cardboard... the greatest toy EVER

2008-09-26T14:21:00.003-04:00

Last night was one of those nights of not so great parenting that actually turned out ok. Doesn't happen much so I had to share....
Scott has a cold that is being passed around the family and he is still on crutches, so he was stuck in bed being miserable. I had pulled my back out changing the turtle cage and could not bend or twist. If I stood perfectly still and straight, I was semi ok. So I told the kids they could amuse theirselves for a while after dinner. I gave them an old box that our neighbor had given us that was past it's clubhouse prime. I even showed the kids that they could use it as a ramp to roll balls down. After a few minutes, they discovered a game they liked much better. Sliding down the stairs on the cardboard into a nest of pillows. From the screams that were coming from down the hall, they really enjoyed themselves (and no one got hurt!). Here are the results... (lila is in the pillows somewhere)

2008-09-21T14:53:00.002-04:00

Scott and I got the chance to spend the weekend at the beach without our kids! We left Friday after lunch and got back today (sunday). It was so relaxing! We went for our friend's wedding, which was absolutely beautiful. Didn't do much, other than visit with friends. It was a little to cold on the beach for swimming, but I did get the chance for an early morning beach walk and bike ride. I found 3 beautiful conch shells, one for each kids. I love the beach at this time of year. So peaceful and quiet. Scott spent most of the weekend sleeping and resting, but with a broken leg, you can't do to much!! It was fun being an adult for the weekend and not a parent! It really helps to recharge that part of your life once in awhile!

2008-09-16T18:15:00.002-04:00

I love to cook. If you know me, you probably know that. But time, kids, and just being tired sometimes get in the way of that. With every change of season, I always go on a big cooking kick. When summer started and my veggies were growing in my garden, I made a lot of cold things like pasta salad and bruschetta. My very favorite season is fall, partly because I love the things that I associate with fall: pumpkins (my favorite by far), cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice, soup, muffins, bread....
Today was a cool and rainy day, my favorite kind of day! So in an attempt to kick off the fall season and avoid cleaning my house, I spent the afternoon in my kitchen with my kids. First we made gingersnap cookies. While that dough was sitting in the fridge for an hour, we mixed up a batch of our favorite pumpkin muffins (recipe follows). I changed up the recipe a little, cutting down on the oil and sugar and added flax seed. We make this recipe almost as much as our favorite banana bread one, but the pumpkin really reminds me of the fall. After that, I threw together some easy veggie soup and corn muffins for dinner. I have already been going through my recipe books, trying to decide what to make next! Comfort food time! And then to top it off, I had a Blue Moon Pumpkin beer. Might have to make a stop for a Pumpkin Latte at Starbucks tomorrow after carpool! I love fall!

Pumpkin muffin recipe:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole-wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups granulated sugar (I use a little more than a cup)
1 can (15 oz.)Pumpkin
1 cup vegetable oil (If you use flax seed, you can cut this down to about 1/2 cup)
2 cups (12-oz. pkg.) NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels (I use less)

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease thirty-six 2 1/2-inch muffin cups or line with paper bake cups.

COMBINE all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in medium bowl. Combine eggs and sugar in large bowl. Add pumpkin and oil; mix well. Stir in flour mixture until moistened. Stir in morsels. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups.

BAKE for 20 to 25 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Cool in pans on wire racks for 5 minutes; remove from pans.

2008-09-12T10:40:00.005-04:00

This morning, I made my first attempt at sewing a skirt. I can sew curtains but I have never tried to sew clothes. So... I couldn't find a pattern I liked and was easy enough, so I finally just decided to wing it. This is probably the easiest way in the world to sew a skirt. It only took me about 20 minutes and that was with rethreading the machine. Next time I want to use panels, but for the first time, it worked. I even used elastic for the waist band! Here is Lila modeling her new skirt... Basically it was just a long rectangular strip that I hemmed on the top and bottom, made a casing for the elastic, inserted elastic, sewed elastic together, and sewed right sides of skirt together. All done!

2008-09-10T21:29:00.002-04:00

Do you ever have days where nothing annoys you and everything is good. When you have 3 young kids in the house, those days are sometimes few and far between. But the stars aligned and today was an all around happy day here in our house. After carpool we took our every other week library trip. I actually didn't have to pay any overdue fines today AND they had a lot of good books. I got the newest Jane Green book, The Beach House. Her books are easy reads, brit chick lit kind of thing. Her newer books take place in the US, but are still fun to read. And it rained all day! Love rainy reading days. Oh, and sheet washing day. This is my life... I am happy with clean sheets, good books, and rainy days! The kids got along all day and the two younger ones even made some brownies from scratch this morning. Not the best thing for you, but those 2 sticks of butter sure did make them yummy! We even managed to clean the playroom in between books. Doesn't take much to make me happy anymore! I have a stack of about 10 books waiting on me and soft sheets waiting on me... perfect ending to the day!

Lessons from dad

2008-09-09T19:00:00.004-04:00

Charlie has been begging his dad to teach him how to shave. You know, since 4 year olds have so many whiskers. So tonight at bath time, Scott had the chance to tutor Charlie on this manly skill. Lila joined in on the action too.....

2008-09-07T14:21:00.002-04:00

Finally convinced Scott to go to the emergency room this morning because he still couldn't bend his leg. 3 hours later we find out he has a broken tibia. So he walked around for a day on a broken leg. Brilliant. He is in pain now, but I think the prospect of a few days in bed watching ESPN is making him a little happier.

told you so...

2008-09-06T22:39:00.002-04:00

Almost every Saturday, my husband takes the kids dirtbiking. Sometimes they all go, usually just Charlie. They packed up today to go, knowing that they had to be back so I could leave for a meeting. Right when I was ready to leave, they pulled in and Scott was limping. Here is what happened: Charlie (let me remind you, he is 4) asked his dad to do a wheelie on his new dirt bike. Scott (who will be 39) in 2 months, listened to his son and popped a wheelie. He might have been able to do this when he was 20, butnow that he is a little older, the bike flew out from under him, flipped and on the ground. Thankfully it didn't land on him. So Scott hurt his knee, or right above it. He has spent the rest of day in bed and on the couch watching tv(not so bad for him, right). He refused to go to the hospital, but I think he will go in the A.M. His leg is about 4 times the size it should be. This was the whole reason I was opposed to the dirt bikes, but he really enjoys it, so I just have to "let go" I guess. But I can still say "I told you so".

First day of preschool

2008-09-02T10:49:00.003-04:00

Charlie and Lila started preschool today. Charlie is in Pre K 3 days and week and Lila will be going 2 days a week. They were so excited this morning, they wanted to leave as soon as we got up.

So what am I supposed to do with 3 free hours??? I took a long walk with Milo first. Then I paid some bills, read a few blogs, emailed some friends, and now.... I get to clean a bathroom. Who said the life of a stay at home mom isn't exciting?