Monday, November 30, 2009

S's story

Last night S was telling me a story and it went something like this.

Once upon a time, in a land far away, called Restaurant there was a great big, teeny, tiny castle [she held up her fists closed and together]. There was a thief that stole all the jewels in the the castle and the whole world. He left one diamond and it opened up into a note.

Then some of the jewels turned into princesses. The most beautiful of all was Princess M, and then there were [she turns to M and asks, "Who are your friends, mom? I don't know their names." To which I replied Kelly, Kristin, Kathy, Vickie, Lindsay . . . I said about 20 or 30 of you fabulous folks. She continued] There was Princess Kelly, Princess Kristin, Princess Kathy, Princess Vickie. . . [It took awhile to get through all the princesses]. They gathered together and took all the jewels back and saved the day.

It was really a much longer and drawn out story but I started to fall asleep and then got really hungry so we had to take a story break so I could eat some food. . . I condensed it at the last part. Sorry.

Friday, November 20, 2009

Private Blog

We are going to make this blog private. I love to have all of you reading. If you'd still like to read, please leave your email address and I'll add you to the happy-to-have-you-read list.

I really appreciate your comments. :) Thanks!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Halloween




Halloween is a special time of the year. The kids look forward to it all year long (they literally ask me about it almost every day). This year the anticipation was at an all time high. S was Belle. T was Winnie the Pooh. R was the black hole (as you can see in the family photo). He was so clever to think of being a black hole. Oddly enough we got a few confused looks.

At this juncture I have no pictures of the kids in their Halloween outfits except what you have seen. I think W has some on his phone so I'll see what I can do about adding more later.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Fancy Nancy




A goal of mine has been to spend individual time with each of my kids. I took R out for lunch from school and I took S out for pizza and to a Fancy Nancy book signing. We both dressed up. We looked sooooo glamorous. Turns out I was about the only mom there dressed up. Oh well, at least I looked fabulous. See--I have a flower in my hair--it's proof.

Note to self: Do not take 4-year-old to book signing when it is freezing outside.
Take more snacks/water. Bring a camera with flash. Bring a friend.

S was freezing for the 2 hours we waited to get in to see the people. About 1/3 of the time outside I was holding her in my arms, sticking her legs in my coat and wrapping her in my shawl (I had a jacket and a coat on as well). The ladies were nice and complimentary. The owner of the shop was upset I had only bought one book and then brought my own books. Pretty much it was a learning experience. Oh yeah, I've got a few signed "Fancy Nancy" books too.

Halloween Play by 2 First grade classes.

R is on the back row, third one from the left.

Ahoy Matey! Avast ye! Arrrr!
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Friday, November 6, 2009

Brooklyn Botanic Gardens














Fall is beautiful. It is no wonder that poems galore are written about the fall. Poetry seems to speak to our souls as we contemplate the cycles of the earth and wonder in awe.

R and S found an awesome place for performing plays. We did several renditions and variations on "Jack and the Beanstalk." Who knew they could come up with so many ideas. We were there for nearly a half hour (very long in little kid time).

It was interesting to see T. Somehow to a 21-month-old the world is seen as a giant jungle gym. Rocks to be climbed; mothers to hide from; ants to inspect; water to test; etc. Life is a mystery waiting to be solved. We chased T a couple of times and in my heart I heard "AHHHHHH, where is my baby?!?" Of course after that there were several hundred second-long-prayers praying for the safety of my cutie pie.

S still believes that when she opens her mouth she must be smiling. We had a fabulous time having leaf wars. I love that!

Irish Drinking Movie

First off, I want all to read this to know I do not in any shape or form support the drinking of alcoholic beverages. It smells rank and makes people lose their ability to think rationally. That said I still like taking pictures of movie-making going on in my neighborhood.

The guy on the right in the photo above kept calling me his biggest fan because I was taking pictures. The lady above is the star of the show. I actually didn't ask names, but they said it was okay I put their pictures on my blog. Thanks folks! I could watch for hours.
Look at them. I think they are thinking, "Someday I am going to be a big, famous person and this picture you are randomly taking will be worth millions and millions of dollars." I would think that too.
S was really hungry and sleepy when I took this picture.
These ladies look so friendly. I love making people feel important by taking their picture while filming. They just beam because they are so happy to have a picture taken of them by me. :) I am super humble if you haven't noticed.

Look at that contraption. The guy around it said it was a bouncer because it catches sunlight and bounces into the windows creating more light in the room. Ingenious.

Look at this!!! Awesome car! Can you imagine picking up your prom date in this?

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Kelly and Sisterhood


Last night I met with a bunch of my favorite people, my dear church sisters. We were mourning the departure (she's moving) of our dear friend, Kelly. What better way to commiserate than to eat ice cream, together!

Aren't we beautiful!?! I love us.

Kelly, we'll miss you so much! You are such a dear friend and sister. Thank you for all you do! Thank you for being a wonderful example! Your children are so sweet and we are glad to have you!

M

P.S. Thanks Lindsay for the photo. The order is: Martha M., Emily J., Kelly R., June L., Ashley J., Lindsay A., and me.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

And there was much rejoicing.

Right now, outside our house is a chorus of pan banging, horns honking, cheering, screams of happiness, fireworks, etc. and why?!?

The Yankees won the world series.
Modell's will be open until 1 a.m. because they won. Which I kinda don't get. But that's okay. Maybe they expect something like this to happen, "Hey, honey. The Yankees won!! Whoo Hoo! Modell's is open. To celebrate I am going to go buy a new basketball.

Yeah, we're not too into baseball. But it is fun to hear such happiness in their success. They will rest well tonight--whenever they rest. We'll have a bit more difficulty with their tumultuous noises.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Grandma and Grandpas






In Grandma Ott.'s house she has two plaques that read:

I like to walk with Grandpa,
his steps are short like mine.
He never says "now hurry up"
he always takes his time.
Other people always rush,
they never stop to see.
I'm glad that God made Grandpa
unrushed and "young" like me.
XOXOX


Grandma, hold me a little longer-
rock me a little more.
Tell me another story,
(you've only told me four!)
Let me sleep upon your shoulder-
I love your happy smile.
I'll always love you Grandma,
so stay a little while.
XOXOX

We love and miss you wonderful Grandparents. :) You are an inspiration!