tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-308518252012-01-02T21:51:12.660-05:00Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.comBlogger6141100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-18165259378882575522012-01-02T18:35:00.001-05:002012-01-02T18:35:26.659-05:00

Last January (and February) was the winter the wouldn't end.  Feet of snow covered the yard - so much we were running out of places to shovel it. February was the month we had been waiting for when the Big Kid would finally be finished school.  It came and went.  And he wasn't. March finally brought a thaw and the snow receded.  April the girl's earned their Religious awards for Girl Scouts.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-58749308522938811672011-12-25T08:31:00.001-05:002011-12-25T08:31:27.373-05:00

Happy 10th birthday to my geeky, science loving, tree climbing, race running, soccer playing, fun loving, quirky Einey!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-78916540075758743062011-12-25T07:44:00.002-05:002011-12-25T07:44:39.685-05:00

Christmas Card 2011 Christmas Eve Wishing everyone the best this holiday season!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-18793008708130479462011-12-20T13:05:00.003-05:002011-12-20T17:00:20.826-05:00

Since the girls were little, we have always sent out Christmas Cards to all our families and friends. Here's looking back through the years.2002I have no recollection on what we sent out as a card, so it was probably some generic card. Here is the photo that accompanied the card.photo courtesy of the one and only time we visited Picture People2003Same with 2002. These years with 2 babies have

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-74937871291299042602011-12-13T12:38:00.003-05:002011-12-13T12:53:20.454-05:00

It took me awhile, but I finally have our Christmas cards ordered. This year was a weird one. I always look forward to taking our annual Christmas card picture in early November. But with the weather unseasonably warm this year - the kids were still running around in short sleeve shirts until the beginning of December and the kids not cooperating, I almost gave up. The picture we used ended

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-11891545197252395852011-11-26T11:44:00.003-05:002011-11-26T12:03:26.493-05:00

Since celebrating Thanksgiving on Wednesday, we have had turkey 2 meals a day. Just plain turkey get's old real fast! And since Moe won't eat it this year - she says it tastes funny and she doesn't like it (which I think may be because we normally get a local farm raised bird and this year we got a frozen Butterball turkey) it means some of us are eating more turkey then others.Here a re a few

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-5012432744768243192011-11-24T10:37:00.002-05:002011-11-24T10:48:46.209-05:00

We actually celebrated Thanksgiving yesterday, since the Big Kid has to work today. So while everyone is cooking and celebrating today, we are looking forward to spending a day in our pj's, eating leftovers and watching movies (currently, the girls are awaiting the appearance of Santa at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on TV).Earlier this week, the Big Kid and I volunteered at the local food

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-57625837982188395592011-11-11T12:04:00.002-05:002011-11-11T12:52:12.099-05:00

It seems like I no longer visit this place as often as I'd like. The past few months have been crazy and fun. Jammed packed yet the flew by. I'm going to do a quick summery of what's been happening the last few months to catch-up.June - School ended and we had all intentions of doing a science project a day. Impulsive and impatient kids left me with a red stained floor and quickly ended that

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-69737423617945288482011-11-10T17:01:00.002-05:002011-11-10T17:04:04.073-05:00

Today officially marks the end of a long two years. The Big Kid finally got word that he has successfully passed a very grueling test and is thus now has the license he has been working hard to earn the last two years.I'd like to say that we got the good news because I released all sorts of bad energy and let the good energy flow into our lives this morning at yoga but well, who'd believe that.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-9324486982001175282011-10-29T15:26:00.003-04:002011-10-29T15:32:56.080-04:00

Moe today: "I like the snow, except not when I have FLIP FLOPS on". Well um, your the one who chose those shoes to wear today. Her reply? "Well I didn't think it was going to start snowing already."Einey today (as she watched some kids trick or treating down Main Street): "Don't go in the liqueur store, they might give you tequila!" Well in that case kids, get out, we're going trick or

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-41043274275149605522011-10-23T18:42:00.019-04:002011-10-25T17:11:18.863-04:00

I can hardly believe it is the end of October already. This year has passed so quickly. Last thing I knew, it was June and we were having a blast. Between all the things that happened since summer and now, I feel like I lost so much time! The weather lately has been uncharacteristically warm. It's the end of October and we are still wearing tee shirts. We need jackets in the morning, but by

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-16702521579534467572011-06-23T12:52:00.004-04:002011-06-23T14:32:28.902-04:00

Today was gong well, I was even going to take them out to do arts and crafts at our local Micheal's. However, when I assumed they were starting to make their lunches (as asked) they were in fact, doing more science projects. And since their was no adult supervision, they were also fooling around. Which is why my kitchen floor is now stained a nice shade of red.So instead of summer of science,

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-47040448345635723242011-06-22T21:17:00.003-04:002011-06-23T14:30:23.006-04:00

The girls finished school yesterday. I am now the proud parent of a 5th, 3rd and 2nd grader. I was going to write a big post about day one of our summer of science (the girls want to do a science project a day), but I'm a little too annoyed right now. Instead, I'll give you three quick numbers.Summer vacation day # - 1Bee stings - 1Broken windows - 1'nuff said.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-7479873926559904582011-05-31T10:12:00.004-04:002011-06-01T09:08:41.816-04:00

Just like there are two sides to every story, there are also two side's to Moe. There is the blue-eyed, freckle faced little girl who loves to snuggle and then there is the green-eyed torrent who is a match for no-one. I won't lie and say life with Moe has been easy, but for the most part it has been fun. But this summer (and the future) scare me. I don't know if I can control her (nor do I

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-5095378084980004542011-03-11T08:57:00.001-05:002011-03-12T09:01:27.673-05:00

I reorganized the mud room again. I had tossed some things in here from the van when I cleaned it out and clearly it wasn't working. So I took the travel chairs and put them in the basement along with the bag I keep in the van (with blankets, extra letterboxing supplies and snacks - it will go back in the van real soon) and the snow cleaner-off thing and snow boots. I put the kid's shoes back

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-80812413993604495282011-03-10T08:42:00.001-05:002011-03-12T08:44:04.898-05:00

Today was a quick day- I went through the magazine racks and other locations they were stacked and ended up tossing most out to be recycled, keeping just the National Geographic and LEGO magazines. It did clean up quite bit though!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-3058002034061927992011-03-09T08:37:00.002-05:002011-03-12T08:42:32.402-05:00

Today I tackled the master bed room. It was a haven for messiness. I swept the floors, put all the clothes stacked on the cedar chest away and organized the closet. I cleaned off the book shelf and the top of the Big Kid's dresser. I cleaned out the closet - getting rid of clothes that I haven't worn in years. I need to get the Big Kid to do the same as there are clothes in there he hasn't

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-39287555211177148422011-03-07T08:34:00.000-05:002011-03-12T08:37:35.258-05:00

Today I cleaned the upstairs bathroom. I organized the kids toys, and cleaned out under the sink - restocking as needed. I went through the medicine cabinet organizing and tossing old items. I cleaned out the cabinet drawers and rearranged things on the shelves. I then cleaned off the sink and put everything stacked on the counter back where it went. Then I washed down everything.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-70884430939365631452011-03-06T14:49:00.001-05:002011-03-07T14:52:00.037-05:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, I had 129 cases of girl scout cookies arriving. Sunday morning, we woke up early and celebrated Girl Scout Sunday with our church. We had a great turnout - 32 girl and boy scouts (up from 12 last year). After that, I went to pick up my cases of cookies and then spent time sorting through them for the troop. I had lunch and then it was off to our first

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-84954806603685064872011-03-05T14:44:00.002-05:002011-03-07T14:49:41.087-05:00

Today I needed to clean out the van. After a long, cold winter, and the major occupants being under 10 - it was a disaster. lacking a garage, basically anything that got brought out to the van for any reason, got left in it. I needed the van to pick up the 129 cases of girl scout cookies my Brownie troop sold. At first, I was just going to remove the big things (bags and totes and chairs)

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-29565862112404294162011-03-04T14:41:00.002-05:002011-03-07T14:44:51.471-05:00

Day three I cleaned out Moe's clothes. As the youngest of three, she gets many, many hand-me-downs. And as a result, never has any room for her clothes. She has also recently went through a growth spurt. With her help, I told her to help me bag up what doesn't fit anymore AND what she doesn't like. No use in me keeping things she'll never wear. This did end up with me telling her she cannot

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-53357361200111926292011-03-03T16:56:00.005-05:002011-03-03T17:33:44.248-05:00

The messI know technically that I should be on day 3. I have a perfectly good excuse for missing yesterday. The Big Kid had surgery yesterday morning, which meant we had to wake up waaaay before the sun to leave for the hour long drive to the hospital. Once there, we were admitted, he was worked on and we headed home. After having lunch, I slept for a good 3 hours, in which it was time to

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-86880953430061573802011-03-02T06:41:00.000-05:002011-03-02T06:41:00.070-05:00

The other day, The Big Kid asked me if I knew that Meenie was locking the door when she used the bathroom. I replied that I did know and also thought the Moe was doing the same."How the heck can Moe lock the door?" came his reply. *"I'm not sure, but I've heard her do it" I told him.Evidence: The lock. See it waaaay up at the top?See Moe.See Moe reach the lock? Yeah, that's how.It seems like

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-59875045021226182062011-03-01T18:31:00.004-05:002011-03-01T18:42:45.046-05:00

Today is the first day of March. Spring is just around the corner and there are many, many little things around the house that need to be done. Things that have been ignored and forgotten all winter long. Debris that has grown into piles shoved in corners and closets.Today is day 1 that I am attempting to tackle and organize.Here is what I accomplished in a very short amount of time. The area

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-79819518466899970272011-02-24T16:46:00.003-05:002011-02-24T17:31:58.672-05:00

You know those games your kids play? The one's that get repeated over and over and over and over again? Well, mommy is a party pooper.*1) The Quiet Game: Has been banned from Mommy's presence. Well it seems like a great game to play - because hey, everyone is QUIET. It quickly degrades into some one kicking, cheating, or poking and three kids arguing. no fun there.2) Cheese Touch: While

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-9405190141813349142011-01-27T12:21:00.002-05:002011-01-27T12:23:48.661-05:00

*it was replaced by this:

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-71770508877032592782010-12-24T10:55:00.000-05:002010-12-24T10:55:00.495-05:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-9839866834238918562010-12-22T10:53:00.004-05:002010-12-22T10:55:29.495-05:00

I took the girls out shopping the other day to get a few last minute things for The Big Kid- and I stop to look at some emergency rain poncho's - they look at me and say - no, no, no - we already brought those with Daddy the other day. We don't need them.Sadly, this isn't the first time they've told me what he's brought....

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-8579654352879882242010-12-18T09:34:00.002-05:002010-12-18T09:38:48.677-05:00

The beginning of December brought with it the close of the first tri-mester at school.Einey earned two awards - the Christian Spirit Award and made the Principal's List - for having a GPA of 95+ for the first term.Way to go girl!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-63627726945917418742010-11-24T13:21:00.003-05:002010-11-24T13:24:18.471-05:00

We would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for my family and friends. For good health and the Big Kid's job (because for as much as I complain, at least he has a job). I am thankful for my kids and the laughter and love they bring to my life. What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?I will leave you with How to Cook a TurkeyBy MoeFirst GradeAge 6.Do you know how to

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-15127458214933257222010-11-04T08:44:00.002-04:002010-11-04T08:48:14.983-04:00

RED means STOP.GREEN means GO.For the color challenged, RED is the light on TOP, Green is the light on the BOTTOM.STOP means your vehicle is not moving. GO means you vehicle is in motion.Just because you drive a big SUV, does not mean you are allowed to disregard the above rules.Crossing in front of traffic that is already moving forward because they have a GREEN light (and you have a RED light)

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-36993700410796882512010-11-03T20:35:00.003-04:002010-11-03T20:42:53.629-04:00

Today was a busy day*. A full day of school. The first cheer leading practice of the season until 4:30 for Meenie and Moe. The last soccer practice of the season from 5-6 for Meenie and Moe. And then to the theater at 6 for auditions for the Christmas Cabaret for Meenie and Moe. So it was no wonder when Moe's name was called around 7pm, that she walked across the theater to me from her seat

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-37657370650478442862010-11-02T11:00:00.001-04:002010-12-14T16:54:19.131-05:00

One of my favorite things about the holidays is the sending and receiving of Christmas cards. I love the whole aspect of taking the girls somewhere and taking numerous pictures. I love picking out the perfect picture. And I love designing the perfect card. To continue reading, click here

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-37495283019834714432010-11-02T10:23:00.003-04:002010-11-02T10:46:32.241-04:00

I love my daughters. I love being an active and involved part of their lives. I support them at school - volunteering in the classrooms or for activities. I participate in fundraisers and send The Big Kid on field trips. I am a girls scout leader and help them with their fundraisers. I pay their dues. I go to all their cheer leading games and competitions. I pay for them to play. I bring

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-48882147473599630772010-11-01T11:54:00.003-04:002010-11-01T11:58:09.208-04:00

Okay - so Night of the Living Dead is over, and while I don't have any pictures to share of The Big Kid getting killed by zombies (because his work schedule had him drop the play). I do have one of my Zombie Girls.I should have had them stand near The Big Kid's tombstone. But didn't think of that ahead of time.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-911304398765455612010-11-01T10:06:00.002-04:002010-11-01T10:09:16.419-04:00

You know how you have a clock which is set a little fast to give you more time? Our is our alarm clock. or was. It has been set about 20 minutes fast forever. Well a certain nine year old has now admitted to resetting it to the "right" time for us.Guess who was 20 minutes late for school today*?* I also blame the fact that one child had homework to finish this morning (because they never have

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-38900382150511222772010-10-29T09:23:00.001-04:002010-10-29T09:27:26.787-04:00

This morning, I crawled into Moe's bed to wake her up. I like to lay next to the girls and snuggle and talk to them. Usually I wake them by whispering "good morning pumpkin pie (or some other sweet name)". As I lay next to Moe this morning, I couldn't help but yawn and stretch. I was, after all, still waking up myself.Mommy, are you still tired? she asked.Yes Sweetie, I replied.Well why

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-85086725728496396352010-10-28T10:34:00.005-04:002010-10-28T11:00:52.717-04:00

We survived a quick weekend getaway north with the girls. Destination - Portsmouth, NH. And the hardest part of the whole trip? Finding a hotel that sleeps 5 in a room!The girls had been anticipation the trip for weeks - asking about it everyday - "how much longer?". And talking about it constantly.We picked them up from school Friday after kenneling the dogs, went home so they could change

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-12459522868623233212010-10-20T10:23:00.002-04:002010-10-20T10:27:49.100-04:00

Thanks for allowing me to rant the other day.Things are looking up a little. No, he still cannot take his vacations. But he can carry over 2 for next year so he'll only lose one. And his book is almost completed. And with the schedule - he should be able to finish his hours before the end of the year.In other news - we are taking the kids on their first ever mini-vacation (with the exception

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-91390458964373629772010-10-14T12:46:00.003-04:002010-10-14T13:04:40.042-04:00

Have you ever had something happen that is beyond your control but that effects your everyday living but you can't do a damn thing about it? And you can't really bitch about it because the wrong person might hear and who knows if it would make things better or worse? Something that makes you want to scream. Or cry. Or eat a whole box of pumpkin donuts. Or grab your dog and just run/walk

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-29380785709259189312010-10-06T11:33:00.003-04:002010-10-06T11:52:49.237-04:00

Fall is my favorite season. I love the sights, the smells, the aroma of autumn. I got married under a golden hued autumn canopy. I love hiking when the leaves crunch under my feet. I love driving through the hills and seeing the patchwork trees in the distance.Cooking in the fall takes a new turn. I don't mind baking. Or letting stews and soups simmer in the crock pot, ready to be eaten around

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-40014585770162263222010-09-10T19:34:00.002-04:002010-09-10T19:43:57.881-04:00

Our local theater is doing a production of Night of the Living Dead. Naturally, the girls wanted to be zombies. Naturally, dad, aka The Big Kid wanted to be in it. His coveted role was Johnny - aka the guy who gets killed in the opening scene. He got the part. The other day was the first rehearsal. The girls did not need to be at theater for a few more weeks, however, I had to bring one kid

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-15928442328346979132010-08-22T12:42:00.002-04:002010-08-22T12:48:06.072-04:00

Fishy Fishy is an old Gymboree receiving blanket we lovingly purchased for Einey 9 years ago. Our girls never really got attached to lovies, until now. Moe has been carting Fishy Fishy around for months now. It goes in the car and accompanied her to theater for weeks on end. Like any old lovie, Fishy Fishy has picked up some little stains along the way.Husband picked it up today and remarked

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-50881886931363615282010-08-17T05:40:00.004-04:002010-08-17T05:40:00.221-04:00

Because silly bandz* were not bad enough, there's these:Ring Bandz!!!!!!!!!!!! Get them while you can!::eyerolls::** Silly bandz, rubber shaped bracelets, Bandit-Os - whatever you call them.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-15608962772783775822010-08-16T11:27:00.005-04:002010-08-16T11:50:32.526-04:00

Having a single serve coffee brewer is great. Having one that works (we went through 2 in just under 2 months before the wonderful people at Keurig sent my my third system, their customer service is awesome!) is even greater. Having your own personal coffee barista is beyond awesome.Sometime over the summer, a new shop moved into town my kitchen. It's called Juju-Bean's Coffee Shop. And

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-16591415524272731252010-08-07T17:39:00.005-04:002010-08-07T17:55:49.305-04:00

Pre-raceAs parents, one our most important job is to nurture our children and help them grow. We always encourage our children to try new things and encourage them to do their best. In June, 8-year-old Einey came home and said she wanted to run in the school's annual 5K summer road race. We're not runners, but this is something she wanted to do. So we signed her up, found her a race partner

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-64070394591552014972010-08-04T19:05:00.003-04:002010-08-04T19:23:14.171-04:00

Whew, it's August already. One month and the girls go back to school. One year and Husband is finished with school (hopefully)!We've been enjoying the overly hot summer so far. Hiking. Loving. Laughing. Except when we're busy getting stung by bees. On different occasions. Last week, husband and I BOTH stepped on the same underground nest, three hours apart. He suffered 15 stings. I took

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-78017983088964999042010-07-14T15:22:00.002-04:002010-07-14T15:32:17.296-04:00

This past weekend, Husband surprised me with a surprise 30th birthday party. Or tried to surprise me. I am very happy with all the effort he put into it and spending a wonderful day with some of my best friends. Thanks so much!That being said, it wasn't a surprise but I played along...Ingredients for a great surprise party (or any party):Invite your best friendsHave everyone bring their

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-26059669882329309232010-07-14T15:13:00.003-04:002010-07-14T15:22:23.144-04:00

We've spent alot of time this summer stream wading and as such, we've observed mud puppies, salamanders, newts, frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish and crayfish (along with an assortment of bugs). We even had a tank full of tadpoles to observe and then release. Imagine our surprise when we found out our tadpoles were in fact - tree frogs by catching them climbing out of the tank.Closer viewIt was also

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-35991011195404450472010-06-30T16:31:00.004-04:002010-06-30T16:34:25.809-04:00

The following words/phrases are currently banned from our home.Duh. (which is amusing to see how many words they can come up with which have the word "duh" in them)She did it.She started it.It's no fair.Can you buy me (fill in the blank)?

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-90357796305778867362010-06-27T21:14:00.004-04:002010-06-29T21:07:03.805-04:00

Seven is... happyconsideratecaringlovingzanyboisterousgoofyovercoming fearstrying new thingslaughter Seven is love. Happy birthday sweet, Meenie!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-68841819250745031692010-06-21T09:48:00.006-04:002010-06-27T21:14:21.581-04:00

One week into summer vacation and I finally got the girls to sit down and compile a list of things hey want to do this summer.click to see largerI think we also need to work on penmanship and spelling :) Looks like we will be busy!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-10393876266922120882010-06-20T10:50:00.005-04:002010-06-20T10:52:53.098-04:00

Click to view largerHappy Father's Day to the best father (and husband) ever.Thanks for always being there for us.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-52232277064300362822010-06-17T10:01:00.006-04:002010-06-17T10:56:13.107-04:00

At some point last summer, after we attended our first letterboxing gathering, we knew we wanted to host our own. We enlisted the help of a few friends and started planning. By December, we nailed down a location and set the official wheels in motion. We planned, we carved, we asked for other carvers, and we waited. Finally, the first week of June arrived and we set out to plant. The husband

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-6527910876329552092010-06-17T09:52:00.004-04:002010-06-17T10:00:19.937-04:00

It occurred to me that not only have I been neglecting this here space, but many, many things have happened recently, so I will try to catch up on some of the important highlights.Unlike in the past, where Moe would routinely chop of her hair, she actually let it grow. And grow. And grow.And on May 22nd, Moe and Meenie each cut off 12 inches of hair which they donated to Wigs for

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-68388905690340015362010-06-17T09:39:00.004-04:002010-06-17T09:51:15.821-04:00

First day of schoolJune 4th (yes that long ago), my baby did it, she graduated kindergarten. We had some bumps along the way and going into kindergarten, we knew it was a big possibility that she may have had to repeat it. Mid-year, she was still struggling a bit. Come March, when it was make it or break it time, her name was still in the retention pile. Her teacher , bless her, kept putting

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-28433591585747073242010-05-22T05:49:00.000-04:002010-05-22T05:49:00.319-04:00

Einey has turned into a budding artist. She's always loved to draw, and this year has won two awards!This was from the local Lodge of Elks annual Drug Awareness poster contest. She placed first in our area and 5th in the state.The other was from the local GS. They had a design a patch contest and she (and her sister who copied her) won.The patchThe designSo proud of my big girl!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-86543586847700368452010-05-21T06:38:00.000-04:002010-05-21T06:38:00.198-04:00

This came home with Moe today. Please tell me I'm not the only one who gets note's like this (I got one a few months ago that said "I will not throw blocks in school any more". Her explanation on WHY she was climbing on the sink? Because she wanted to see if her new big girl tooth was getting bigger yet.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-8828733915635714182010-05-20T13:16:00.003-04:002010-05-20T13:22:59.260-04:00

I've written about Moe's coffee addiction several times in the past. The other day, I was at an event for our local moms group and came across a picture I hadn't seen in a long, long time that was taken by a friend. It was taken in May 2007 and Moe was 2.5 years. Apparently I wasn't paying attention and Moe helped herself, as she often did.I was also suddenly overcome with a sense of lost time

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-25057153820545987102010-04-29T16:32:00.004-04:002010-04-29T17:00:53.400-04:00

Picking up where we left off two months ago.....I haven't meant to neglect this space, but life continues to spin and time marches on. It seems like every year, spring arrives and brings with it the hustle and bustle but fails to bring more hours in a day. Oh sure, we get more daylight, but what we could really use is more actual hours.Cinderella is done and over. The girls did great on their

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-20426190986621849522010-03-04T10:55:00.004-05:002010-03-04T12:26:14.735-05:00

Karma is complaining about blogging about excess of beads and then having said cherubs pull out the box labeled 10,000 beads. That box, pretty much covered the whole playroom floor. I have never been so happy to pull out the vacuum before (and before you comment on the waste, next time, you're more then welcome to come over and puck them up). We are now approximately 9,000 beads shorter in

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-66552703782959044542010-02-26T14:11:00.001-05:002010-02-26T14:11:00.481-05:00

I walked away from this scrabble game to let the puppy out.And came back to this:Moe replicated my game on paper. Either that, or Clink hired her to cheat.....

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-38224338301111999982010-02-25T14:06:00.005-05:002010-02-25T14:13:04.611-05:00

Click on picture for full effectIf another bead set makes its way to my home, I will take said beads and dump them all over your floors. Seriously, enough is enough. This photo, does not include the beads that are living in the cracks, corners and crevices of every. single. floor. Or the sets upstairs in Einey's room.WTF, is there a special on beads? Or do you all hate me?No. More.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-24355900305244863052010-02-21T07:17:00.003-05:002010-02-21T07:44:43.585-05:00

As parents, we cannot wait for our infants to sleep through the night. I remember clearly one day, when Moe was around 11 months old, Moe slept through the night for the first night ever. I awoke with a start and ran to her room, just to check on her. It was an oddity for her not to wake up hungry. In the weeks that followed, I remember felling like I awoke fro a fog. I was clear headed and

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-50516222319767141852010-01-21T09:44:00.003-05:002010-01-21T10:38:43.431-05:00

This week has continued to ebb and flow, mixing good and bad.Tuesday, it seemed like I was cleaning up pee puddles and poop piles off the floor everytime I turned around. I know, what did I expect, getting a new puppy and all? But she's been sooo good! Not only that, I was cranky and suffered from a headache all day (I blame it on the muffin I ate after donating blood, since it had been 2.5

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-77991142400970051322010-01-04T17:09:00.002-05:002010-01-04T17:10:08.206-05:00

Roxie CarolinaGotcha Day 1/4/2010

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-30673008997900937382010-01-03T12:53:00.001-05:002010-01-03T13:02:57.328-05:00

We don't typically make New Year's Resolutions, but this year I put forth the question to the family. What do you want to accomplish this year?Me: I want to reconnect face to face with some old friends who I haven't had the time to see in awhile sans kids. For starters, I've already made tentative plans for coffee with an old friend this week while our kids are in school. I also want to try

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-10747675372759110652009-12-29T12:52:00.004-05:002009-12-29T13:01:29.946-05:00

For real this time. I am so confident and sure this time that I spilled the beans and told the girls. We went shopping today and picked out a little bed, some toys and her own food dishes. We'll pick up her food soon when we go to the co-op across town.Saturday morning, December 26th, I answered the phone. It was my sister calling from down south. She and her husband were out and found two

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-52840073105042608052009-12-25T10:18:00.004-05:002009-12-25T10:28:00.559-05:00

8 Years ago, Einey gave me the very best Christmas gift ever, the gift of motherhood.It doesn't seem possible that it was 8 years ago that I held my eldest, as a swaddled newborn in my arms. Now she's a beautiful, smart little girl. We are truly blessed to have her in our lives.Thank you, Einey for the gift of motherhood.Happy Birthday to you. May your love continue to shine!Other birthday

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-30778446394457761532009-12-22T10:55:00.004-05:002009-12-22T10:58:31.808-05:00

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!Thanks S. again for your help with our Christmas cards!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-77146538603542477172009-12-15T16:01:00.002-05:002009-12-15T16:10:11.448-05:00

Having six eight year olds over for a sleepover was so nice and refreshing. So why is it, that with double the amount of kids running around playing hide and seek, it was quieter then having just my three home? OMG, the bickering lately!Just how many bubbles are in a years supply of bubble bath?Why doesn't it feel like Christmas this year?Why are frisbees being thrown in my house?Does anyone

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-47640613375954285042009-12-12T15:43:00.003-05:002009-12-12T15:47:16.020-05:00

Husband asked Meenie if she could go down into the basement to ge thim a can of soda. Then has asked Moe to go with her (knowing that they all hate going into the basement themselves).Moe turned to husband and said "babies need some one to go with them. Meenie IS NOT a baby."Man, between the eye rolling, the shrugs and the "duh's", "whatevers" and "sooooo" that come from her.... I'd swear she

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-63303471936714064352009-12-10T11:54:00.006-05:002009-12-10T12:54:51.317-05:00

6:00 am Wake up and find out there's no school. Checked online, which they switched this year and was a pain to navigate. Cable is out.6:20 am Kids wake up6:50 am Kids ask if we can go outside7:00 am - 9:30 am Lounged around, watched DVD's ate poptarts. I shoveled the driveway so the mechanic could come get the van for service (nothing like waiting until the snow falls to replace the brakes!).9

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-70411680405305647252009-12-05T15:53:00.002-05:002009-12-05T15:56:32.551-05:00

The number one reason Einey should not be allowed to sell GS cookies...."Mom, we got to try the new GS cookie and it tastes like barf".Um, you might not want to tell your customers that."I know. Mrs. C said we should say it's an adult taste".

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-16348674148808178702009-11-30T10:31:00.003-05:002009-12-01T10:42:31.830-05:00

Everyday for the month (starting on 11/9), my FB status reflected what I am thankful for.Today I am thankful for......my husband. He is truly wonderful.Today I am thankful for Einey - the child who made me a mother. She paved the way for who I am today. She is smart and beautiful and a wonderful child.Today I am thankful for all of the men and women who have served our country. Thank you for

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-58066724860402794832009-11-23T09:00:00.002-05:002009-11-23T09:20:13.000-05:00

Friday afternoon, the girls auditioned for their first ever play at our local community center - Cinderella. They were very excited and nervous. We've never done anything like this. We arrived for the audition, filled out their paperwork stating who they were and what they were auditioning for and they took each child in one at a time and asked them to sing their favorite songs. My husband

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-34490817613978767342009-11-22T19:34:00.003-05:002009-11-22T19:45:06.403-05:00

Husband taught the girls how to play 20 questions. So now when we're in the car, they deviate from their normal ABC game and Simon Says to play 20 questions.Taking a 15 minute ride down the road today illicited this game.Me: I'm thinking of something...Husband: Is it Alive?Me: YesMeenie: Is it an animal?Me: NoEiney: Is it a plant.Me: No.Husband interjecting - how can that be?Me: It's a

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-32200767950034089702009-11-19T18:41:00.004-05:002009-11-19T18:53:06.824-05:00

In my world,Time has no value. Standing in my dining room at 1:20 pm, if you look around, it's either 11:20 or 4:15. Always 4:15. The clocks work. They tick. They tock. But it's always 4:15. Just ask our friends.Girls can play soccer in skirts.Dinosaurs wear dresses and fairy wings.Skirts get worn layered with jeans and pink cowboy boots. Worn with a tee shirt and accented by a blue spider man

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-68323058447814944372009-11-17T16:40:00.003-05:002009-11-17T16:48:03.832-05:00

This year, Meenie happily announced that she would like and American Girl Doll for Christmas. And since she asked for it last year and Santa didn't bring it, that he HAS to bring it this year. She is happy in her belief that she is, in fact getting this overpriced doll. Moe decided that Meenie's getting a American Girl, then she wants one too. Today, Einey , who has never played with dools,

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-47123853012121660272009-11-13T08:55:00.003-05:002009-11-13T09:00:19.981-05:00

Alas, the puppy we so wanted, that I fell in love with at first sight, that my daughter's dreamed of holding and sleeping by and dressing up and loving, is not to be ours. A puppy we all fell in love with over a picture on the screen. Never meeting her, yet still, she occupied a space in our hearts.It's a long and complicated story, one that I'm not quite sure I understand. There seemed to be

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-73446286183934093212009-11-12T09:41:00.001-05:002009-11-12T09:46:07.362-05:00

We're getting a PUPPY! Or at least, I am 99% certain we're getting her. Friday I found the cutest little puppy on pet finder. Tuesday I sent my application in. Yesterday, after some back and forth follow up emails, I received this one:Hi Whirlwind! I have approved your application and forwarded it to foster mom (puppy's rescuer) Let me know if you don't hear anything back from her within

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-14229027158380730242009-11-09T16:16:00.002-05:002009-11-09T16:19:27.323-05:00

Any requests while I'm at the grocery store today?Moe: Some whipped cream.Einey: Or some cream and a whip... if they don't have any whipped cream. We can make our own that way.Thank God she wasn't a bit older making that first request, I might have to wonder...

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-26247622276635837112009-11-08T15:19:00.003-05:002009-11-08T15:37:27.470-05:00

Ahh, autumn in New England. Beautiful hues of orange, yellow and red. Millions of people flock to the mountains during peak season to ooh and aww over the ever changing leaves, a patchwork of beauty across the countryside. Once the beauty is gone though, homeowners of New England are stuck behind, raking the sea of crunchy brown foliage that blankets their yards.It's so much fun to rake and

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-9576097456866815212009-11-07T06:50:00.002-05:002009-11-07T06:50:00.302-05:00

The girls wrote their Christmas Lists last night. So grandma, no worries, here's what they want. Of course, you need mad deciphering skillz to figure it out, but you can't ask for everything :)Here's Moe's list:Meenie's list:She also added SolpesesGog to the bottom.Einey's list:Also added: Donute fakteryGood luck!

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-81548579615581013502009-11-06T15:39:00.005-05:002009-11-06T15:49:10.401-05:00

Step 1. Give each kid a slab of pizza dough.Step 2. Roll it out.Step 3. Put a spoonful of sauce on each and tell them to spread it.See the puppy face?Step 4. Hand over the cheese.Step 5. Allow them to have any toppings they want with the instructions that they need to eat it later.Step 6. Put it into the oven for 15- 20 minutes at 425 degrees.

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-76476231169931340942009-11-05T08:56:00.003-05:002009-11-05T09:35:34.642-05:00

So far, we've managed to escape all things flu-ish in these parts. Knock on wood, throw a pinch of salt over our shoulders, PA-TOOUEY, spin in a circle three times while clapping our hands on one foot and run through the full moon. The flu, on Influenza-like illness (ILI - as it's now being called since they are no longer really testing for the flu) has been waiting outside our door for the

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-67607416561856748242009-11-01T07:55:00.002-05:002009-11-01T08:20:51.123-05:00

It's 8 am and I've already had one child stomp upstairs in an angry huff. The morning arrived early - I was up at 5 before the sun rose for the day. I woke on my own accord, to switch vehicles with my Husband. We arrived in later than him last night due from our frightfully fun festivities. And neither of us had the desire to switch them last night. This morning, unlike most, I had no desire

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-67001037826984930812009-10-27T09:28:00.004-04:002009-10-27T09:33:08.538-04:00

Click for larger viewAww, I really wanted to go to the moon!Seriously, this is just another reason why I love our kids school.Lunar rover mentioned aboveOh and the weather mentioned above- was a forecast of snow and sleet. Which it did for a bit, no accumulation (actually, I laughed when I read the weather statement on the weather station that mentioned record snow was recorded at BDL as a trace

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-49466132955686539012009-10-22T07:00:00.001-04:002009-10-22T07:00:02.434-04:00

I love that my girls play soccer. I love that they seem to enjoy it. I love that we were lucky and Einey and Meenie were on the same team this year. I love that we only have practice twice a week (as opposed to four times this time last year). But there are many things I don't like this year. Most of them due to the older girls game times.U8 games at 2:00 pm. Every other age group plays in

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-51859075284189429022009-10-21T09:47:00.002-04:002009-10-21T09:56:59.041-04:00

Ever have that feeling that someone is out to get you?Yesterday was a rare morning where Husband had the day off. Even rarer was the fact that he helped make lunches while I was combing hair, helping with belts, ties, shoes and packing snacks. I made Meenie's sandwich while Husband made Einey and Moe chicken ceasar salad as per their request. He added the pasta, the chopped celery, the chopped

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-84367926691721844972009-10-16T16:28:00.004-04:002009-10-16T16:42:10.889-04:00

Yesterday we were joking around and the kids asked why we were being mean to each other. I came out with yeah, your dad is soooo mean, he even hit me earlier. No way the girls replied. Yeah he did, and he left a bruise. Oh, can we see they asked? I showed them the two inch round bruise that is purpling on my thigh. Ouch,they remarked. Then Husband was like you shouldn't have told them that

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-72566114234434990942009-10-14T13:23:00.001-04:002009-10-14T13:25:25.201-04:00

Now I am officially irked. I have spent the whole day washing, drying, folding, sorting, purging and putting away my children's clothes. With the exception of the clothes on their backs and what they wore yesterday, they are all accounted for and put away. Items still missing? FIVE long sleeve dress shirts for school. WTF!!!!Note to Husband, I may wash, dry and fold, but your clothes are not

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-76209081788131189082009-10-14T08:58:00.002-04:002009-10-14T09:35:16.323-04:00

alternately titled: I need to buy a freakin' alarm clock because my kids are broken.I have never needed an alarm clock because I can always count on my kids waking up at the ass crack of dawn, otherwise known as 6:15. For the last week and a half, they've been broken. First it was 6:45, then 7:15 until this week, it's reached 8:00 am that we've been rousing from slumber. School, for the

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-42853897021299239712009-10-06T11:58:00.003-04:002009-10-06T13:07:54.321-04:00

Today is school picture day.Last night I was at book club and we were talking about school pictures. One mom mentioned taking her boys for haircuts. Baths were mentioned. New clothes. Putting the kids to bed early.I sat back, listened and thought "SHIT".My girls haven't had a fresh haircut (done by someone other then them self) in awhile. Baths were doe the night before, so didn't even think

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-6430739150183013782009-10-05T11:41:00.000-04:002009-10-06T11:58:34.093-04:00

We took the girls to a local corn maze on a sunny, autumn afternoon. We arrived, paid our fee and was given a map (to use if lost) and a list of blank spaces in which to answer questions relating to, of course, turkeys and Thanksgiving. Thinking we were pretty smart, we headed into the maze, map in pocket. Before long we, came to the first question. Okay, not to bad, we can do this. A little

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-67365157257837101312009-09-23T09:06:00.004-04:002009-09-23T09:18:01.675-04:00

Today, my baby girl turns five. FIVE!No longer is she a whirling mass of instability. There is thought behind her chaos now (heh).She's a thinker, a climber, a coffee drinker.She loves owls. And friends.She's considerate and caring. She's independent. A super puzzle solver.She a kindergartner now. A soccer player. A scout.No longer my little blue eyed baby.Happy birthday, babycakes, you'll

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-36336668584036765752009-09-18T09:10:00.003-04:002009-09-18T09:22:33.214-04:00

Maine was a blast! We had so much fun and it was so relaxing. We almost didn't come home. The spa we stayed at was overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. We kept the window cracked and night and listened to the waves crashing on the rocks below. The weather was perfect. The food was wonderful. And the people were super friendly. We ate. We hiked. We talked. We ate some more. We walked on the

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-8951364502177233572009-09-09T09:48:00.002-04:002009-09-09T09:54:03.433-04:00

Our first weekend alone in the almost 8 years since our oldest daughter was born and who should come knocking on the door a week early? WTF did I do to deserve this? Come on karma, didn't I let the people with less stuff go in line in front of me at Target last week? Sure, you rewarded me with finding 20 bucks, but this? This is just unfair.I once told my husband I wanted a voluntary

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-17830268574101470162009-09-02T11:34:00.000-04:002009-09-02T11:37:25.093-04:00

but I miss my kids. There are no cartoons blaring in the background. No bickering over toys. No demands for food even though we just ate. No fighting. No messes. My house is clean, I;ve been working room by room since school started and amazingly, it's not destroyed 5 seconds later. The floor is not longer sticky. The toilets are flushed. The silence is deafening. More so then any of the

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30851825.post-66392480828124250772009-08-31T11:13:00.003-04:002009-08-31T11:22:02.770-04:00

Today I woke up early and refreshed.Today I had to drag my four year old out of bed.Today she missed breakfast because she was dawdling.Today she threw her backpack on the ground, stomped her feet and crossed her arms, like only a teenager should do.Today she declared "I don't want to go to school today. School is bor-ring. All we do is play".Today I had to carry her bag to the car.Today I had

Whirlwindnoreply@blogger.com1