Thursday, January 31, 2008

Six Degress of Zoe....

It wasn't until last year that I ever heard the statement- six degrees of Kevin Bacon. You may ask what this idea reflects. I certainly needed explanation the first time I heard it. Further examples and an explanation can be found here. It is based on the theory that Kevin Bacon is the epicenter of the entertainment hub and that any actress or actor can be linked back to him within 6 connections (degrees)! This concept was created by a group of students at Albright College in Reading Pennsylvania. Additonally others belive that in general any person in the world can be linked by only six or 7 degrees of seperation.

Though blogging is relatively new to me. I have recently concluded that my fellow blogger, Zoe typifies this notion. She was the first person ever (excluding my sis) to comment on my blog. I often think if it wasn't for her, it would just be me and both of my sisters blogging to each other. How freakin lame would that be? As some other bloggers have affectionately used this term "gag me with a spoon" recently. Oh goodness, I am dating myself. If it wasn't for hearing this expression recently, I would have thought it was dead in the grave of proverbial slang! Reincarnated I suppose, it is!

Getting back to Zoe, I find that she has been the center of blog world. I have traveled the blog roads pretty intensely over the last few months. Whenever I think I have taken a sharp turn, perhaps getting lost in my travels, Zoe is there. Without a doubt, she has a lot to share.

Again, I thank her. She has expanded my blog lines tremendously! It would be a frightening blog world if it were just Lisa, Mary, and me!

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Let's go play!

Matt wakes up every Wednesday and asks, "does Abby have lessons today?" Per the usual, he said this today. Charlie, Matt, and Abby have preschool on Wednesday. After school, Abby goes to dance class (Matt calls it lessons) and Charlie comes to our house for lunch. Then the boys play.

Today, they quickly finished their lunch and Matt said, "come on Charlie. Let's go play!" I can't tell you how much I love hearing these words. I wish life was so simple. Of course, it is life is not this way. However, for a little while the day to day "stuff" can be forgotten, at least temporaily when, I listen them play!

And another!

Just when I thought things couldn't get better (NO I didn't win the lottery!!!) girlymom awarded me with the excellent award also. Thanks girlygirl!!! I love reading her blog as it gives me a peek into life in a girly house - as a mother of boys I love it! She also has a fun challenge going on so you may want to check it out. It just may cause you to laugh and smile!

Thank you!!!!

Drum roll please..... Just kidding!!! Wow today has just been a very amazing day as I have been have been the recipient of the Excellent award! Who would have thought? I haven't been this honored since highschool (I'll stop there!!!) lol I graciously accept the honors!


This award was from Maria - I love her blog and we have something very much in common - both of us have 7 year-old boys named John! I enjoy hearing about the goings on in her household. Thank you Maria. Kimmy also bestowed this award upon me. She makes me laugh! She says it just like it is, and I like that! She also has two boys and I can relate to that. Thanks, Kimmy!

According to the rules, the recipient must pass this award on to 10 fellow bloggers. Well in keeping with the spirit of this award, I am passing it on to some very deserving indivduals. I happily award this honor to: Jessica, Michelle, Jenny, Lisa, Mary ,Leslie , Denise, Zoe, Leanne, and Heather.

Enjoy and Happy Blogging!

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

On a quest......





T = Trouble....

or Thomas! No not really. He is a cutie!

Monday, January 28, 2008

Basket Ball Star...

at least he is in my book. John scored is very first basket in his game on Saturday. He reminds me that it was the very first basket that he as ever scored in an actual game. He was so delighted. I wish so much that I had brought my camera to capture the proud grin he sported afterwards. It was awesome. Then again, if I had been looking through my camera's lens, I probably would have missed the whole thing. This reminds me that some moments are better captured in the heart and mind. This was surely one of those moments.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Rock Star....



You might call it hiccups....

or maybe just awful reception! Yesterday Matt asked John (big) to come into the t.v. room as the t.v. wasn't working right, or so Matt thought. From the kitchen, John asked him what it was doing. Matt explained the cord in the back must be coming out, because the screen had all little squares in it. I assume he was talking about pixels, as our Comcast service does this quite frequently. In any event, John finished his lunch and went to evaluate the situation. When he got to the t.v. room, Matt explained it was all fixed. "I think Sponge-Bob just had a bad case of hiccups, and that's why there were squares."

I wouldn't be surprised if Comcast uses this excuse sometime, as their service is lousy. Just blame it on Sponge Bob! Though most of the time I can't even get a real person on the phone. I wait for about ten minutes or so, then a get a recording saying I am being transferred. Finally, I get the disconnection sound. They hang up on me!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

A couple favorites ....

from our walk today!

He fought it...

the nap that is. Yes for the last three day Thomas has been unwilling to fall asleep in his crib for nap-time. I let him cry it out and to no avail, his stubbornness and unyielding will persisted. Well when plan A is defeated, one must try plan B. In this case, plan B is baby crack, as Mary affectionately calls Thomas' Baby Einstein DVD. I put him in the corral with Baby Einstein playing and this was him, just moments later? I am amazed by the power of Baby Einstein. Why don't I have this magical way? I should note that I do not know how the magic marker got into the corral. Additionally, the red marks on his face are not marker they are my lipstick.


One of his feet is actually perched up on the side of the corral!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Heavy Heart....

It is with a heavy heart that I preface my post by saying a former class-mate of John's (little) passed away due to Cancer. It tears me up to thing such a young child could be taken from his parents way to soon. Though I never really knew him, I just feel so terribly for his family. He was in kindergarten with John, but left school last year when he became ill.

While I had heard this news after bringing John to school, he was still unaware. When he arrived home this afternoon, he stumbled in to tell me he had one of the worst days of his life. Of course, I asked him why. I was predicting he would tell me about the boy, as I was prepared to talk to him regarding this. He started out by telling me he got picked for kickball by "Kenny" at recess. He went on to say this wasn't good because Kenny's team didn't win. After that, told me how he lost his milk money and while looking for his milk money, he lost his gloves. Following this, he showed me how he cut his hand on the metal part of a tape dispenser. Finally he matter of factly told me the boy had died.

I was uncertain of how much her really understood with respect to dying, though we have talked about how everyone will die and go to heaven with Jesus someday. Fortunately for him, he has not experienced death closely. I told him this was very sad, but the boy is now in heaven and no longer sick. I said he was probably very happy and would be a guardian angel to his family.

Matt and Charlie were present when we were talking about this. Matt said he's in heaven with Babe Ruth (Matt's icon and for now that's the only one Matt talks about being in heaven, other than Jesus. For Matt everything is about baseball!) Charlie looked at John and asked, "when is he coming back?" John exclaimed, "He's not coming back. You don't come back when you die." While I had to keep from falling apart at this moment. John looked at the other two boys and said, "so are we going out to play now or what?"

Though I am happy that my boys in part know about death, I still have sense of peace knowing that youth protects them from hurt right now. Wouldn't you just like to say, "let's go out and play!" every time you felt the least bit sad?

Reading Buddies....

I made an announcement during dinner last night. I proclaimed it there would be no television for the boys. It would be a night to simply read. Though John generally reads his book in bed every night, and we read to Matt, they usually watch t.v. for a little while after dinner. Every so often the t.v. needs a rest, as I am have reached my saturation point for Zack and Cody and Hannah Montana!

Well after dinner the boys went up to their room to get their pajamas on. A few minutes later I went upstairs to check on things and to go read a book to Matthew. To my surprise both boys were on the top bunk, and John was reading aloud to Matt. It really was a special moment. When I entered the room, I expected to see Matt playing on the floor with his action figures, but this was much better.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Her's is all set.....

It was one of those days. It was a Monday, of course. It was cold and rainy. I was heading to my sister Lisa's to pick up Matt. She asked me to stop at Dunkin Donuts to get her a coffee. Sure no problem I thought to myself. That's easy. So I thought, that is. I ordered the coffee and as I approached the counter, I had a revelation or should I say realization. I didn't have any money on me. Darn!

While waiting for my order, I rifled through the change holder in my truck. Figures no change in there. Then I quickly shuffled through my neatly organized purse (do you hear my sarcasm?). I was making progress as I was up to about 75 cents. Hey when did the price of a medium coffee sail above two dollars anyway? Then to my surprise, one of the girls at the window said to the other girl, "her order is all set. The car behind her is paying!" Wow! I guess it was my lucky day. Who was behind me in line? Someone that knows me, of course. Then I said to the woman thanks and proceeded to give her my 75 cents as a tip. She replied, "oh sorry we were talking about the next order! "

Thankfully, at that time Matt saw a dollar under the seat. Well I guess it really is my lucky day now! I thought. However, I was already sweating with embarrassment by the thought of having no money to pay for my sister's coffee! Thanks for small miracles, though.

Note to myself...... reload my truck's spare change container. You never know when you'll need it. Additional note to myself..... I don't have a sugar daddy so why on earth would someone be paying for my coffee????

Monday, January 21, 2008

One time at band camp.....

Tonight will we were eating dinner Matt told a story to John (little) about some girl they met this summer while we were camping. It was some frivolous story, but yet Matt included every detail like it happened 15 minutes ago. He knew where they were (on our camp-site, of course because he couldn't go any further than that without us!), what she was wearing, what he was wearing, what flavor popsicle he was eating at the time, etc. etc. About five minutes after he told the story to John, he repeated it once again to his father (big John). John (little) was just rolling is eyes in sarcasm as if to say.... "duh didn't we all just here this?" but we just listened as he retold the story, while not losing one detail of the previous telling. My husband could hardly contain himself, as Matt told the story with so much animation. While being goofy as he sometimes is, my husband under his breath (or not so under his breath) chimed, "one time at band camp....." (silly line from the movie, American Pie) He was obviously goofing on the fact that Matt was going on and on with his details. Having said that, Matt unknowingly replied, "Dad that girl wasn't at band camp, she was camping where we were!!!"

Well we definitely got a hoot out of this one. Though neither of the boys have ever seen the movie, for obvious reasons. John with his more than 7 year old sense of humor appreciated his father's comments too! As I have said before, it's like he just gets it. Sometimes I forget that he's only 7! As for Matt.... well he's a whole other story!

Embarrassing moments.....

Cialis, Viagra, Levitra...... you would have to be living in the on a deserted island without power to not know what these three things are! Just in case someone has had there head under a rock for the last couple of years or maybe just hasn't seen any glimpses of television (if this is the case, you are lucky!), they are all prescription medications to combat erectile dysfunction. Oh I said it!

Perhaps they all do good things. I am sure many people benefit from their "powerful" effects. My gripe, however is why we have to be inundated with their commercials while watching football games??? Seriously, your sitting in a room watching the game, sometimes with three generations, and you are guaranteed to see one of these if not all of these brands' advertisements. It gets even better, not only do they paint the picture of why one would need these meds, they than go on to explain the side-effects..... erections lasting for 3 or more hours.... seek emergency care. Do you think???

Isn't their a better way?

Sunday, January 20, 2008

Love = 2 candycanes?

This morning the boys and I attended our church service. At our church, the children attend the service for the first fifteen or so minutes while the pastor preaches a message specifically to them. He calls them all up to the alter and they sit on the steps as he talks to them. It is really cute, and the messages are always tailored to children. Though the adults can learn quite a bit too. This week our pastor used an analogy of a candy cane and a staff to give his lesson. While trying to explain the significance of a shepperd's crook or staff, in biblical times, he used the candy cane as a prop (because it is shaped like a staff), and he gave each child a candy cane. His message went on to explain how shepperds used their crooks to gather their herds and Jesus was a shepperd and we are his herd etc. etc. At the end of this part of the service, the children go to their respective Sunday School classes.

After the service and Sunday School, we gather for a fellowship hour. At this time, parishioners mingle while they enjoy refreshments. The pastors generally make their rounds and speak to everyone. Today the boys were eating cupcakes with their cousins when the pastor came by to say hello. To my surprise Matt was very friendly without any prodding from me. Without hesitation he told the minister that he forgot something when he was speaking up there. The pastor inquisitively asked, "I did?" Matt replied, "yes!" Matt went on to say that he (the pastor) should have said that two candy canes put together make a heart which is God's love for us. He told him that he new that because he took Abby's candy cane and put it together with his during Sunday School. Honestly I do not know where Matt came up with this. He never ceases to amaze me. While sometimes I think he's never listens, I guess he does. For certain, he is always thinking!

Friday, January 18, 2008


I was tagged by my sis, Mary at Happenings Today to think about something in a different way. Here goes.....

In my case, I sometimes "think" way too much especially with respect to decorating. While I have been in the house more than usual due to the cold weather, I discontent with my decor. Not the staples such as furniture and curtains etc, rather the fine details. We did major renovations to our house almost four years ago by adding on a second floor addition. It was a pretty overwhelming process, and I feel like I never finished the final touches on things. Rather I am bored with my "lack" of things that make a house a home. I have so many family pictures and prints to hang on my linen colored wall, yet I perseverate with respect to hanging them. I worry that I will make a mistake or I won't like the arrangement etc. I would like to repaint a couple of rooms but instead of actually doing it, I think about it. Maybe it's just procrastination.

Since Mary's tag, I resolve to "think" less and perhaps take a more whimsical approach to decorating. I have so many photos that should be displayed, perhaps I'll buy some paint and get out the brushes too. If I don't like the results, I can always change it again. I just can't "think" too much about it!

I am tagging:
Leslie - Collins Family Ramblings

Heather - Everyday Life

kim-d - lifeafter

Love song.....

Though this song does not pertain to me (maybe 15 or so years ago it did. That is for sure! Of course that was b.j. before John!) I think everyone HAD someone at some time that surely didn't deserve a love song! In any event, I like the catchy beat of this song. The melody is contagious.



You can also see her video here.... Love Song

Thursday, January 17, 2008

American Idol verse the Presidential Election?

It's been a while since I've posted a thought for Thursday. In any event, last night I watched the 11:00 o'clock news. I sat watching in disbelief with respect to the two main stories. The first being about Britney Spears. I don't even want to go there, except to ask why does the media even dignify this as news worthy. It's not. I say, just leave it alone.

The second story really pricked my side. It compared American Idol to the Presidential Race. How insulting! They polled people to see what topic carried more weight in their lives- the Presidential Election or American Idol. Sadly many of those interviewed chose American Idol. What does that say about society? I would like to think this is just main-stream media's distortion tactics - find some ignorant people and paint them as the "norm". My guess is that those people who chose American Idol are just a tiny minority and do not represent the majority. That is my hope, at least. It's a pretty sad day, when media outlets are making ridulous attempts to down play our intelligence. Their thought is if they say it, some how it will become the truth.

to be continued... I am sure I will think of more about this subject!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Can you all just be quiet!!!

Though he can't actually say it. I think that's what Thomas was thinking. We had a fun but lively and noisy afternoon with ALL of the cousins today. At this point, Thomas was all set!



A thing about spelling, again...

Matthew was just pounding on my calculator like it was a cash register. I told him to stop. Like I sometimes do, I told him it was old and that I've had it since high school (NOT a lie!). Anyway, he proceeded to ask me, "oh did you love Dad since high school too?" I didn't answer him yet, but I asked, "why? He said, "cause mom it says right here I (heart) .... " Well it didn't say "I (heart) John", for sure. Oh gosh I didn't even know John in high school. In fact he was graduating high school when I was in the sixth grade. I then told Matt I have always loved Dad!

I can't believe that under that little plastic flap on the calculator was something that I had written more than fifteen years ago!

Once again, I am confronted with a preschooler's raw ability to read or in most cases decipher text. Seriously, I need a new code. That way, no one could figure out. Then again, I wouldn't be able to remember it either, these days!!!

Randomness

I do not know why this thought just popped in to my mind, but it did. I was nine months pregnant with John and at my second to last appointment before I delivered him. The doctor asked me if I had any questions or concerns. I said , "no." Then John blurted out aren't you going to ask him? I hesitated. Then he said it again. I didn't say anything. He then proceeded to tell the doctor that I had accidentally started brushing my teeth that morning with a tube of Retin A instead of toothpaste!!! "You didn't swallow it," he said. "Of course not," I replied. Then you're all set. Thanks for opening your mouth, John.

Okay, maybe the reason I remembered this was because I just ran foam hand-soap through my hair instead of my foam hair stuff! I seriously need to move stuff around so this doesn't happen again. Could it be I am starting my day all wrong- once again!!!

Here's to turning the day around and finding a little bit of sun-shine!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Update ..... from previous post

I should have mentioned before. At the very least, please humor me!!! =)

Beauty Secrets?

Though I am sure no one needs to be reminded, it's the winter. The holidays are over (yes I came to that dismal realization last week, finally!!!) The days are short and cold. There's definitely not enough sun-light shining through those windows (my pictures reflect that!). That being said, I am sure everyone could use some pick-me-ups! Maybe we could all share our beauty secrets. Beauty comes from within but, most of us need a little help so I dare you to share a few tips. Send them along. I am open to suggestions from products, life-style changes, to inspiration. I'll start....

Aveda Lipsticks - I love them. I don't go to the mall often but sometimes I will make that special trip just for one of these. They rock and are a sure pick-me-up!

Pedicures - But you might say, "it's the winter!" Who cares? Still there's nothing better, well maybe not exactly but they are damn good!

Maybelline Great Lash - Nothing fancy needed. This does the trick. If there was only one thing I would wear (for makeup that is) it would be this. In fact, I would feel naked without it.

Benefits - I have only used this product line for about a year, I love it. I use some kind of gorgeous and big beautiful eyes. They are both awesome!

Exercise - This is definitely an mood enhancer. I have to have it!

Well these are just a few things that work for me.... well at least they make me feel good. I love to hear new ideas. If you have any, please share them.

On a more positive note, we are half way through January. Thank goodness!

Always thinking....

seriously, he is. The other day I was talking to a friend of mine while waiting for the kids to get out of school. Her daughter is in John's class. Every so often she'll have a funny story to tell me and it is usually something her daughter has told her happened or was said at school. It seems as though girls, in general, relay these stories. While boys don't seem to tell you anything. Once again, I think this is all do in part to chemistry. That's just the way it is.

Well getting back to the story..... Apparently the teacher had read a story last week in class about a "Christmas" miracle. In any event, it was a sad story so the teacher had some tears in her eyes. Well according to my friend's daughter, John turned to her and said, "my conscience tells me I should be crying now, but I can't do that with you all of you looking at me." He is such a deep thinker. Sometimes this is good and sometimes it's not. In this case, I love it!

I hope I am just lucky to always here some of these stories!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Can you spell "smart"?

Matt has been quite interested in learning lately. This morning, he came in the kitchen and told me he new how to spell sink. I asked how? I was rather suprised, but he really did spell it. Then a little while later, he told me he knew how to spell smart. I don't know how he learned this but to my surprise he spelled it out.... S..M..A..R..T. Then he told me that if I want to tell him he's a smart boy, could I please spell it to him!!! Well I guess pretty soon I will no longer be able to spell things secretly as both my boys will know what I am really saying!

A little hiatus...

from blogging is what I have had. It seems as though I just haven't had the time lately. I miss it.

Here's a bit of catching up. Sorry if I am a bit boring!

Last weekend I took a two day photography class which I really enjoyed. Though I really missed my boys, it was nice to spend a little time away. Since I am rarely away, I think it was nice for these guys to miss me too.

This week I tried to get my house in order. Yes. I am still catching up from Christmas. In fact, I didn't take my tree down until Monday!

This time of year generally puts me in a temporary slump. The good thing is that I know it always happens, and it doesn't last too long.

I am trying to get back into a good eating routine, as well as trying to step up my work out routine. So far so good. I hope I can stick to it.

Hope I catch a little inspiration with respect to blogging.

Since I have been spending more time taking pictures and editing them, here's a couple of new ones.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Hey Lisa....

now what were you trying to compare to this festive wine bottle carrier?!?!? Yes that's Lisa at Happy Days!!!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Cristmas Eve, Pish Posh, and Stupid

On Christmas Eve morning, me and the boys did our usual; we went to the mall to see Santa. Why on Christmas Eve, you might ask? This tradition started about four years ago. That year, the boys had been sick for almost the entire month of December. In the previous years, I had always taken John to see Santa in the days or weeks before Christmas. That year, however due to illness, we never made it. On the night before Christmas Eve of that year, I just couldn't sleep. I kept thinking of how I didn't have a picture of the boys with Santa for that year. Needless to say, I awoke early the next morning, got everyone ready and headed to the mall by 7:00. Crazy or what? Maybe a bit crazy for going on Christmas Eve, but definitely smart for beating the rush with all those last minute shoppers. By 7:30 am, the boys had taken a picture with Santa and we were off for a breakfast of Cinnabuns!!! We have kept with the tradition each year since. I have really come to look forward to this yearly trek. It is rather fun to be at the mall on Christmas Eve morning with nothing else to do but see Santa. I love to people watch so while I sip my coffee and the boys eat their messy cinnabuns, I watch everyone scurrying to finish their shopping. We generally peruse a few of the small stores just in case some last minute things catch my eye!!! It's all fun. Like clockwork, we are making our way home around 9:30.

While getting into the truck after our Christmas Eve adventure, I dropped my keys in a puddle. Of course I exclaimed, "oh damn". I guess things just snowballed from there. The boys both said, "mom you just said a bad word!" I must have been on a Christmas "high" or something, because I told the boys they could say any word they wanted while in the car. I refrained but was curious to hear what they would say. I warned them it could only last while in the car!!! Are you ready for what they said???? Matt word was " oh pish posh" and John's was "stupid". While I know why John chose stupid (we don't let them say it at all!!!), I do not know where Matt got his word. Then again, I don't know where Matt gets a lot of things!!! That was it. I guess I know it would be pretty simple or else I wouldn't have suggested it. Any how, although super silly, it was fun while it lasted.

On a quick note, next time someone takes your parking spot or you step on your glasses, try saying "pish posh". I am sure you'll laugh!

john and matt aka pish & posh!!!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

William/Patriots Party

Loved this one of Abby with Charlie all decked out in Patriots attire for the game at Williams first birthday!

Wishing you.....



happiness this new year!!!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008