Sunday, Sunny, & Soccer

With respect to the weather, days don't get much better than today. Today is absolutely gorgeous. It's sunny, a little breezy and about 70 degrees. All of these together created a superb setting for John's soccer game.

Images of fall

Well seeing that its we had a few days of temps in the 80's and 90's this week, with a lot of humidity, it didn't really seem to much like fall. I love this season. The colors and smells are what I like most. We haven't had the opportunity to go apple picking yet, but hopefully we will make it to the orchard this year. If not, I definitley want to pick our own pumpkins. Both place are awesome settings for good pictures. Here are just a few fall pictures. Hopefully I will have some new ones real soon.

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Friday's Favorites

Was just moving some of my older images to my new computer. This one is old but definitely one of my favorites!

Friday's Favorites

Some of my favorites include:

the beach, salt air, cool breezes, a/c, pedicures, smell of babies, sound of laughter, and of course,

my boys!!!



This is one of my favorite pictures of them taken in the summer of 2006.

Friday's Favorites

Thought this might be a fun theme for Fridays. Not sure if its been done before, but thought I would give it a whirl here. Send me your Favorites for Fridays, meaning anything that's a favorite for you. I'll post links to your blog from here, if you send them along. I have some favorites to share in a little bit. Enjoy your day : )

So far....
Mary
Zoe
Kasey
Beth

Thoughts for Thursdays

Well I guess I'll blog to this. Please don't think I am so lame that I would bring up the following notion. Here goes.....

I have always thought of myself as a pretty good recycler. Of course I recycle all my newspapers, magazines, boxes, etc. With respect to paper and metal, I recycle almost every item that can possible be recycled. That is almost everything. The two issues I have are:

1. peanut butter jars
2. little tomato paste cans

Now, it's not that I don't want to recycle these containers. It's just that it is very time consuming to wash these out. However, the big sticking point I have with these is the amount of water needed to clean them out. I sometimes wonder if it's a wash (no pun intended), once I am finished cleaning them. Additionally, I end up using paper towels to clean them too. John doesn't see this the same as me. He thinks it's no big deal.

You might be reading this and thinking this idea is ridiculous, please let me hear your thoughts. I am totally open to seeing this idea differently. Thanks.

Any ideas?

Just thought I would solicite your opinions as for what I should do with my winnings. I want to hear your ideas. It's only $50, but I am sure you have some thoughts so send them to me. This could get interesting.....

Update ..... from previous post

Though I haven't won the lottery yet today (it's still early), luck did take my hand. John bought be a scratch ticket this afternoon, and I won 50 bucks!!! Hey do you think there was any correlation to my winning and the cigarette butt through the window???

Smoke????

Alright I just had a pretty insane, random experience..... I was sitting in my truck at a redlight with Matt, Charlie (nephew), and Thomas (nephew). My windows were all down because its 90 degrees today and my a/c isn't working. Einstein (he can fix almost anything. He's is a true asset to have in our family!) said he would fix it one of these days, but I really didn't think it was necessary right now, as I thought we would be through with the really intense heat. Anyway, that wasn't the issue but was needed to explain why my windows were down (I generally have the a/c on as I don't like the heat). Well I was sitting in my truck at a redlight when something hit me in the back of the neck. My immediate thought was it must be a bug of some sort. I felt around and right on my neck, underneath my shirt was a still warm cigarette butt!!! I almost lost my mind. Someone going in the opposite direction tossed out a cigarette butt that came through my window and landed on my neck. Now what are the odds of that happening? Maybe tonight will be my lucky night if I play the lottery?

Chocolate Chips....

Well I have lost five pounds in the last month. I am sooo happy about that, though I still have a little ways to go before I reach my goal. Yesterday I was talking about this with my sister, Mary. I have been changing up my workout routines. I am still running, but have added strength training to my routine. It is still early to say, but I think its helping me a lot. Additionally, I think that walking John to school everyday is helping too. It is only about 1/2 mile each way but two trips back and forth is two more miles of exercise a day for me.

I have also modified my diet a bit too. I have added protein and tried to cut out as much junk as I can. I kept asking myself how I could have gained 5 pounds this summer when I was running about 20 miles a week. I was eating fairly good (not as good as now) and I still gained. Well when I was talking to Mary it all became clear to me. I feel like now is a good time for the drum roll........ I was probably ingesting about one bag of chocolate chips a week. Oh my goodness. That sounds awful but terribly true. Throughout the day I would take a handful every now and again. I am sure this added up, literally.

I have always had a weakness for chocolate morsels. My mom tells a story about how when she was nine months pregnant with my sister and I was about two, she was feeling terrible. It was a 95 degree day and all she wanted to do was lie down. Well apparently I was not cooperating. She then gave me a handful of chocolate chips, and so began my terrible addiction! Well now that I have recognized the problem I must move on. No more chocolate chips for me!!!

History????

John was having a heart to heart conversation with my husband yesterday regarding history. At 7, he is very passionate about history. He soaks it all in like a sponge. He's always asking me questions to which he knows the answers, but I do not. History, by no means, was my strong point. Right now he is particularly interested in any fact pertaining to the Civil War. During the summer he became a big fan of the show, "If walls could talk" because of the historical elements which they covered.

Getting back to yesterday's conversation with his dad..... he couldn't believe that no other kids in his class were interested in history. He said how just didn't understand why no one wanted to talk about history with him. What do you tell a kid like this? My husband just explained that not all kids like every subject and some kids may get more interested when they are a little older. Meanwhile, I am having dreadful flashbacks of 9th grade civics. Scary!!!

Talking to myself.....

Today while I was grocery shopping with Thomas (and apparently having a conversation with myself), a woman said, "Oh I thought you were talking to yourself. I didn't see your baby." I just smiled and continued shopping. I probably was talking to myself because I don't think he could respond to me when I was asking, "are we out of milk or do we need Popsicles?" So what if I WAS talking to myself. Am I the only one who ever does it? Last time I checked it wasn't a crime. Why do people always have to make dumb comments?

One other time I was shopping when a woman commented on how much food I had in my carriage. wtf!!! Can't people just think things without blurting everything out? Even if I made that observation, I would never think to say something.

Oh well that's enough for now. I figure its Monday, and I should purge myself of negativity now or else it will be with me all week long. Have a good day!

A few more....

Here's just a few more images from today.

It was a beautiful day...

except the fact that I ran at a snail's pace for the 10K. I was so bummed, because I was actually doing fairly well with respect to running prior to the last couple of weeks. I guess I'll just chalk it up to a few minor setbacks. My husband dashed in the first mile, and I never saw him again until the end. Kind of nervy, eh? lol We'll just say I did this on purpose to give him a major confidence boost (fell behind, that it is). Oh I hope he doesn't read this! I have two weeks to get back into my groove, as I have another special 10K on October 8th. Next week I am also running in one, but I am going to consider that a training run because I think its too soon to make a good time. Who knows? Maybe I will surprise myself.

The highlight of the morning was the childrens' "Fun Run" which preceded the 10K. My boys had a blast. Matt my youngest decided yesterday he was definitely running. Without a doubt, he said he was winning. John, my oldest son wanted no part in the run until last night. He decided he would run. This morning, Matt was all bent out of shape. He told John it just wasn't fair, because he decided to run first, and therefore he was going to win. I explained to them that they could both run and win, as they were competing against there own respective ages.

Well they both ran. Neither one won, although if you ask them how they did, they would say GREAT! They both cheered each other on and in their little hearts I think they really thought they won. Hey, they were both winners for me. I was so proud of them.

Please excuse.....

the fact that this blog is driving me crazy tonight. I have been playing with the fonts and colors and nothing is really doing it for me. I think I am going to let it go for the night. I have a 10K to run in the morning so I should probably go to bed early. I think I am going to need a prayer for this run, as I haven't run much in the last couple of weeks. I started a new "boot camp" exercise class this past week, though I probably should have waited. The other night's class targeted our legs and frankly I used muscles that I didn't even know I had. However, I am bummin for my run tomorrow. My legs feel like rubber. Pray for me!

Just thought I would leave you with a funny little story from today.... the boys were playing out front with my husband this afternoon. I came to the front door laughing hysterically about something (that's a story for another day). Well as soon as I got to the front door, I remembered that my dinner was starting to burn on the stove. I quickly jetted to the kitchen. At the same time, I heard my son, John, call "mom". I turned off the stove and went back to front door. John (he's 7) was coming toward the door and said, "mom were you just laughing of crying." I told him I was laughing. He then said, "oh good because I don't like to see you cry." This just made me melt. He's just a love.

Just like brothers......

Thought this story about Matt was so cute. Last night I was getting Matt ready for bed (he's 4 and a half), when he said, "Mom I wish God never made weeks." I asked him what he meant by this. He replied, "if he never made weeks then he wouldn't have made weekends and we don't get to see Thomas on weekends. I REALLY miss him when he's not here." Thomas is my nephew who we care for while when my sister, Mary, works. He is 1o months old and just heavenly. My boys adore him. They get out of the bed in the morning and come downstairs to unlock the door for my sister every morning. If for some reason, my sister doesn't go to work on a particular day, Matt will cry because he wants to play with Thomas. John (little) is very good with Thomas too. He helps me so much with him ,and he even reads to him. I love him like he's one of my children (I love all three of my nephews and my niece like they were mine). Although I like the weekends so I can sleep a bit later (7 ish), I miss him too. Before he was born, and I had already told my sister I would mind her baby, I had mixed emotions. I was VERY excited have a baby around the house again, but I was nervous too. For me, any change is a little scary. This was a huge change for us. However, it was a change that I could never imagine not having. Things may seem a little bit hectic here, but we all LOVE having Thomas. He brings so much happiness to our family. My boys love him like a brother; John and I love him like he's our son. Though God did make weeks and weekends, he also made Mondays; we all look forward for Mondays when Thomas arrives.

Song of the Week

Though I added this song the other day, Stay by Allison Kraus, it has become another one of my favorites. If you haven't listened try it out.

Thank God.....

First and foremost I want to thank God for my family. I am SO lucky to have everyone. Secondly, I am so grateful for this gorgeous day. It is beautiful out. I threw out my back a couple of days ago but having the sun out today sure lessens the pain.

I definitely have to take a couple of pictures today. I have really been slacking in that area. With the sun shining of course, I should be able to get in a few nice shots. Hope everyone has a good day : )

So Happy.....

that I finally figured out how to add music to my blog. I can call it a night. The song Bubbly is my favorite song of the week. I really like this song and have been hearing it on the radio, but I didn't know who sang it. Yesterday, I remembered only a few words of the song after I heard it. I then googled them and found the song and artist. I was so psyched to figure out how to upload it to my blog (this was probably not the best use of my time but oh well!!!) Now I can add more music. Enjoy!

Cousins or Friends?....... Both

Well yesterday we had lunch at Lisa's. The kids quickly (or not so quickly) ate their lunch. Then Lisa and I had some good conversation while Charlie, Matt, and, Abby played outside. All was good until it was time for us to go. Matt declined Lisa's invitation to stay and play for the afternoon. I think he was eagerly awaiting his brother John's dismissal from school. Matt can't wait to see John every afternoon. Of course he loves playing with Abby and Charlie, but he waits all day to be able to see his brother. Well Charlie and Abby weren't too happy about this. They love playing with Matt Kelly, as they call him. Yesterday when Matt said that he just wanted to go home and see his brother, Charlie said "Matt you don't always have to play with John. You can play with us too!" Then Abby was saying, "Please stay and play with us." Before you I knew it everyone was crying all because Matt was leaving. Charlie and Abby were crying, because they wanted him to stay. Matt was crying, because he didn't think they like him anymore for leaving them. Oh it was quite a scene. I wish I could have captured the image of the Codners with their arms folded and their mad faces. It was hysterical. They just love him because he is their cousin and their friend. He loves them too!

Thoughts of summer....

Oh how I wish we were still in the middle of summer. I love everything about the summer. I can even tolerate the heat now that I have central a/c (I know I am spoiled!) Its another rather dismal day here with temps in the 60's, very foggy, and wet out. I know we DO need the rain for the grass, shrubs, and flowers (anyone who knows we knows how I obsess about watering everything and then panic when I get the water bill!!), but I wish it were sunny out, nonetheless. John and I are going to attempt a run today. Other things have prevented us from getting in our regular miles. I don't want to do it, but the longer I don't, the lazier I get. Anyhow, we are going. Once I get over the transition of summer to fall, I'll probably be a little happier, but I really don't like this "in between" time. Well I'll leave you with a few pics from the summer. I know its but a memory now, but it was truly wonderful. Here goes.....

Maine......

This summer, we had a lot of fun. These guys couldn't wait to go fishing when we went to Maine. Maine now means John G.'s parents house. Maine and their house are synonymous, in fact, for these guys. It is kind of funny because I used do the very same thing. When I was young, Maine meant my grandfathers house in Maine. If we were going to Maine, that is where we went. They just loved our week there. I really do think we had the best week, of the whole summer with respect to the weather. We had so much fun, swimming and swimming, and swimming!!! We also did a lot of other fun things such as sailing, tubing, mini-golf, and fishing. Fishing was a HUGE thing for the boys. They all had their rocket fishing rods (all three of them!) John and Matt started a competition to see who would catch the first fish. Matt won. J.D. did, however eventually catch a fish. Each time Matt caught one, he would be all done fishing for the day. It seemed like no big deal. J.D. however, was psyched to catch his first fish. It's a rather dismal day today, and oh how I wish we were in Maine. Yes, Maine meaning John G's parents' house.




Matt with his first fish.


Matt with his second fish and a much bigger one!

John with his first fish, a small mouth bass!

First day of school....

Matt with his favorite Hawaiin shirt.



















John with his Tony Hawk shirt. John with his new Red Sox back-pack.

My other guy.....

Here is Thomas. He is my nephew and also one of the very important men in my life. He is with us during the day on Monday through Friday while his mom (my sister) goes to work. Though he is not officially a Kelly, he's pretty darn close. If he could talk, I think he would have a lot to say about his days with the Kellys. I hope it would all be good! It's Sunday and Matthew has already asked, "is Thomas coming today?" Yes these guys love having him around, and I do too.

My guys....

J.P. (or P.J. - LONG story!), J.D. and Matt. These are the guys in my life and the best part of my life. They make me smile every day.