OUR MEMORIES IN PICTURES

Enchanted Unicorn Party

2012-01-14T19:11:00.001-05:00

It is already January and I have never gotten around to documenting Laney's 6th birthday bash, so here goes.

This past October we had a shared birthday bash for Laney and Natalie. We held it between both girls birthdays. The theme was unicorns. The girls loved it and had so much fun!

****Oh, Natalie, is Laney's closest friend from kindergarten. We have her over for many a fun playdate!

Back to the party...

I didn't take nearly enough pics of all the little details. The girls celebrated with good friends plus, unicorn tatoos, glitter painting wooden unicorns, and sidewalk chalk. I almost forgot we also had "Pretty" the pinata, which we filled with all manner of goodies: candy kisses, jelly rings and braceletts, unicorn candies, porcupine frogs, and gems!. We also had the big bouncer going. Heidi (Nat's mom) and I baked a rainbow cake together with food coloring.I found the idea on many a blog:) Jesse with his steady hands decorated the cake per my terrible little sketchings. The take home favors were Unicorn horns (white chocolate coated ice cream cones) with cherry, raspberry, and choclate dipped pretzels, plus fairytale finger puppets including of course unicorns! The kids all had a blast bouncing the afternoon away. It was all tons of Fairy tale fun!

Snow day

2012-01-03T21:42:00.000-05:00

Today was to be the first day back to school after Christmas break. A blizard blew in yesteday and we awoke to 3ft snow drifts. Needless to say it was a snow day. I was not ready to send the kids back to school and was very happy to have them home with me another day.

We spent a good long time outside today. Daniel and Laney helped me shovel the foot deep snow from the front walk and porch. Then we let the pups out and it was mayhem! They get so crazy zipping from here to there. We had a much needed fun time. I am a little sad thinking about sending the kids back to school tomorrow.

Uncle Rex

2012-01-01T14:09:00.002-05:00

Rex Tubaya
February 16, 1983- December 23, 2011

Rest in peace Uncle Rex.

Love,

Daniel, Laney

Charlotte, and Jesse

Count Up to Christmas

2011-12-01T23:02:00.005-05:00

The count up to Christmas has begun!

I love this time of year. The little joys, the anticipation, and the goodwill. I think I may even enjoy all the lights and decorations more than the kids enjoy them. I love driving into the neighborhood after dark and seeing all the lights and decorations neighbors have put up.

The days of Christmas with the kids have begun and their morning surprises. I don't know if it is more fun for me to put out these little treats or for the kids each morning to run down the stairs in anticiaption of what they will find. This morning they were greeted by this little guy/gal:

They were so happy when they saw her/him. They named the little elf Cutie-Magic and have come to the conclusion that since Cutie-Magic is magic afterall, that the little elf is both he and she, depending on the day. ----Only in the world of two six year olds!

I hope you too are enjoying all the joys and magic of the season:)

Birthday Girl

2011-11-16T21:57:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

What a fun day! Jesse and I joined Laney and Daniel's class today for afternoon snack time. The kids and I made green and pink froggy cupcakes. Her must have theme was, The Princess and the Frog. Jesse even joined the kids for recess. They had him playing Barbies! Laney's take home treats for her classmates were punch balloons, glow stick necklaces, and pink and purple princess yogurt pretzels.

A special birthday dinner? Of course! The birthday girl's choice---Burger King----ack!. For a week Laney had been looking forward to her Burger King birthday dinner, but after opening Aunt Michele's gift to her, she declared we were staying home so that she could paint her unicorn. Thank you Michele! We stayed home and enjoyed take out and a new Barbie movie, with Strawberry cake and chocolate chip cookies with milk for dessert. From beginning to end we had one very happy little birthday princess.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANEY!!!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

Off with their heads!

2011-11-02T09:01:00.000-04:00

We kept the book theme going again this year. Daniel and Laney have been so into Alice in wonderland this past year, seeing many movie and cartoon versions, as well as reading different book versions.

The kids had so much fun with these costumes. Laney all weekend long was shouting "Off with their heads!!!" Then she'd cup her mouth and giggle. Daniel thought this was pretty funny too, and kept laughing as he ran away from her.

We took them trick or treating at the mall on Saturday and in our neighborhood on Halloween. Amazingly the weather was even great for tricks and treats, not too windy, cold or raining. This just doesn't happen in Michigan at the end of October. Great weather not withstanding the kids ended up being more interested in visiting friends homes, and our old house in the neighborhood than in getting candy. After they had made these stops, and only a few others, they told Jesse, "Okay, Daddy we're ready to go home." I think the most fun they had was getting their faces and hair painted, and running around the yard in their costumes goofing around. Laney insisted that Jesse and I dress up, so we made costumes. We were cards from the Red Queens army. Laney loved this. She said, "This is great! Now I'm in charge and I get to tell you what to do."-----Not quite little squirt. Oh, how this child loves being in charge!

I Loved how the kids looked in their costumes! It was another super fun Halloween. Hope yours was too! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Back to school

2011-09-10T21:26:00.000-04:00

This week was back to school on Tuesday. Don't they look cute! They were both excited and nervous their first morning back. They had me walk them in and help them get settled in. I think I needed to do it as much as they did---a little ease in to the day without them. We were all nervous about their first full day. Last year they were half a day kindergarten. They did better than fine. They were all smiles and excitement at pick up time. They love d it! That's not to say though, that the evenings were easy. The crying and bickering was endless---ugh! I know it will get easier- I know it will get easier-I know it will get easier. I will just keep reminding myself of this until it does.

On a less crabby note they have each picked after school activities. We told them they didn't have to have any if they didn't want to, but they did. Laney will be learning the basics of soccer with kinderkickers at the Y and maybe playing on a team next time. She's really excited. She also wants to take up the violin, still looking into that... Daniel is taking a Hip Hop dance class. They both start this coming week. Looks like it is shaping up to be an interesting week for sure.

Tucson at last!

2011-08-05T00:43:00.003-04:00

Tucson was the initial reason for our road trip with destination Zeinab's Graduation. Laney came down with a nasty little virus, so she and Jesse missed Zee's graduation. But, we still packed a lot into only a few days there.

Wet hit the Desert Museum on one muy caliente Tucson day. We saw lizards and other creepy crawlers, a large pack of havelina, mountain lions and bobcats. And, let's see on another day Michele and the girls took the kids to a movie and Chuck E. Cheeses(of course). They love spoiling the kids. They had 2 huge baskets filled with all sorts of goody's for the kids. It kept them busy while we were there and also on the road during the rest of the road trip---yeah!

Michele arranged for someone to come over and braid Laney's hair. It came out beautifully! What a treat for Laney. And, yes me too--- made mornings sooo much easier:)

We also had lots of yummy mexican food and lots of wonderful family time.

All too soon it was time to hit the road again. This time for Cottonwood and Super Gramps and Super Gram!

Meteor Crater

2011-08-04T23:47:00.000-04:00

This was one of Daniel's favorite stops. The winds were over 75mph that day, and Daniel thought that was way cool. The kids thought it was fun going through the museum and learning about meteors and especially the one that caused this crater.

A couple hours later we were back on the road in the hopes of making Tucson by nightfall. So, it was bye-bye big giant hole and crazy winds, and hello highway!

Canyon de Chelly

2011-08-04T23:01:00.002-04:00

Canyon de Chelly was not even on our radar. Driving into Arizona late one night in search of a lodging, that was were we landed so to speak. What luck! It was so picturesque, and the locals wonderfully friendly.

Even the kids got into taking pics and exploring the local flora and fauna. Daniel was particularly interested in the wild yucca, and Laney LOVED that wild horses roamed the streets of the city! We had to the pull the car over a few times so that she could take pics of the wild horses.

I wish we had had more time but we had to hit the road for our next destination, Meteor Crater...

Road trip!

2011-08-04T22:44:00.002-04:00

The first stop on our road trip this past spring/summer was to Grammy's in Colorado. It was great seeing Sheila and Eddie,plus the kids got to see their cousins. They played outside in the backyard all day long. It was great seeing them all play and work together all day with not even one squabble. Actually it was amazing. When do kids play all day together without squabbling over something---anything!?

Sadly we were only able to stay the one day, but it was one great day! And next we were off for Arizona...

Last day of school

2011-06-19T13:46:00.000-04:00

We made it back from our family vacation just in time for the kids last day of school. Daniel and Laney were so happy to see all their friends and say goodbyes. Their class had a super cute presentation for all family and friends in attendance, that summarized a lot of what they had learned this past year, in movement and song. It was also great that both Jesse and I were able to be there.

It was an interesting school year with lots of learning, fun times and even bumps along the way. I think they both mostly enjoyed the year. But, I am happy to have them home all day again and look forward to a fun summer with them before they enter first grade and that all day school day. I think it will be harder for me than them. But I,m not going to brood over that. I am going to enjoy the heck out of having them with me each day this summer.

Now 6!

2011-03-29T19:51:00.001-04:00

Daniel's big day was March 17th. His morning began with a package from Grammy at our front door before even leaving for school! What fun!

Later that morning I was able to join his class for a Happy Birthday snack time.
Daniel and Mrs. Frusti. Look at him--- so cute!--- So sweet!

Race cars... of course. We all know I have no skills when it comes to preparing sweet confections, but these were a huge hit with the kiddos. YEAH! And, you don't want to know what a ridiculously long time these took me, but I'd do it again.

Now Daddy's sweet confection.
I actually baked this, which is supposed to be an, an oversized cookie, and Jesse decorated it. Came out pretty cute, and more importantly, Daniel loved it.

Birthday wishes.
I think they were both making wishes. I wonder what they were?

Happy Birthday little buddy! Life is so much sweeter with you and your little sis. Happy birthday to you! Happy Birthday to you!

sigh....he's now, six.

sing and move

2011-03-22T20:18:00.002-04:00

Last week Jesse and I went to one of Laney and Daniel's culminating events at school. We got to see what the kids do in music class and learn how each year of music builds on the next. It was really cute to see the kids singing, moving,and grooving. And, it was equally impressive to learn from their music teacher that the kids start writing their own music by fourth grade.

In addition to the culminating event Jesse also got to visit the class and give the kids a lesson on his job. He even made up a song to sing with the kids. Apparently it went over great, because every time Daniel and Laney's teacher sees me, she tells me how impressed she was and how captivated the kids were. Five year olds- they're a tough group! WTG! Jesse

I hope the kids have more events before the end of the year. When the kids come home they sometimes talk about recess and lunch, and Laney likes to share what they are learning in Spanish and sign language. It's nice to see what else and how they are learning.

It's Party Time!

2011-03-14T23:14:00.001-04:00

We had Daniel's party on Saturday. He was so excited that he was up by 6:30am. And, we all know Daniel is not a morning person. As, you can see he could hardly sit still, later that afternoon, waiting for his first guest to arrive.

The set up: The theme was Speed Racer. Ms. Kate from Kidz Art did a tee shirt project with the kids. It was loud, and crazy, and fun, and then amazingly super quiet as all the kids focused on their projects. I will have to remember to post pics of Daniel and Laney's tees.

One super cool Speed Racer cake for one super cool almost six year old.

Let him eat cake. Yum yum!

Daniel was so cute in his hat and helmet!

One super fun 6th birthday celebration goes down with "a million thumbs up!" from the birthday boy.

2011-03-14T22:53:00.001-04:00

Sledding into 2011

2011-01-09T02:36:00.001-05:00

It's been a long time! Jesse, the kids, and I, so enjoyed the holiday season and break. During the break we visited a new and now favorite sledding hill, that the kids now excitingly refer to as, "BIG HILL!" Daniel and Laney now ask everyday if it's a big hill day. We went today and plan to go again tomorrow. The kids have such a blast! I have to admit, I, myself, have not ventured down the hill. I'm having fun watching and taking tons of pics. We are all looking forward to a lot more sledding days to finish out this winter with.

A little evening fun with the kids. We cutout snowflakes and taped them up all over the back door and the stone surrounding the fireplace. Daniel sat today and made a whole pile more, which I need to get taped up.

And, oh my gosh I can hardly believe that it is the New Year already. Resolutions? Yeah of course. OK, so I admit I didn't do so hot with last years. The plan this year is to recycle, recycle,recycle those of last year. Sure it's only barely been over a week, but so far so good!

Happy New Year! Here's to lots of joy, love, and health in 2011!

2010-11-07T00:30:00.001-04:00

Celebrating Laney

2010-11-06T23:05:00.010-04:00

We had an early birthday party for Laney today, out at Cobblestone Pony Ranch. She, Daniel and all her little guests had so much fun!

Laney wanted a cake with horses, the sky, pink and purple polka dots, and flowers. not your typical cake scene, but what the heck you only turn five once! I thought it came out so cute. They do such great work at Potter's bakery

Giddy UP!

We had snow flurries off and on all day yesterday and it was seriously COLD! But, today the sun was shining and the temperature was not too bad. The kids had a lot of fun riding the ponies. We had cake first and then started a craft where the kids painted and decorated their own picture frames, with gems, stickers and such. Clare and Kelley ran the craft---THANK YOU SO MUCH! The frames all came out super cute. While the craft was going two kids at a time rode the ponies. It worked out great, keeping the kids busy, so that they were not just standing around waiting for their pony rides. I took a photo of each child riding, which took entirely too long. That was my only and big regret of the party. I missed the craft project. After the craft the kids were going to play a game of herding cattle. We had two large bags filled with balloons Jesse had blown up. One with red the other with blue. The kids were to get into two lines. You had to sweep your balloons (the cattle) with a broom (the horse) down the line keeping them all together and sweep them all back. It is not as easy at it sounds when you are five years old. But it's a lot of fun. As soon as Jesse dumped the balloons out the kids swooped in and started playing. They were having such a blast they never got around to the game! The kids that wanted a second pony ride did so during this time. Then the kids got in a circle and one at a time gave Laney their gift for her. The Thank you/party favor boxes were passed out earlier, so the kids were playing with those as well. It was a great party, and nice for Laney to be able to celebrate with friends before we leave for DC. Lucky Laney, we will celebrate again on her actual birthday while we are in DC! I am really looking forward to just focusing on Laney and Daniel. Don't get me wrong the party was super fun!!!! I'm wondering what Laney will choose to do on her special day?

I'll post a few more party pics tomorrow or maybe a slide show :)

Not so spooky

2010-10-31T19:46:00.002-04:00

But oh so cute!

Happy Halloween! Loved these costumes. They loved them too. They had tons of fun and got lots of loot. Hope you too had a wonderful and safe Halloween.

And they are back!

2010-09-07T13:09:00.003-04:00

(taken when I picked them up this afternoon)

They are going 5 half days, so I pick them up at 12:25 each afternoon.

I asked them both what was their favorite thing about school today.

Laney: "The dances. We did the hokey pokey and the color dance!"

Daniel: "Coming home."

Laney was very talkie upon me picking them up and the ride home, and Daniel, well he was already busy playing with his cars. He did pause briefly though to give the morning's experience a smile and the thumbs up sign. Then he was back to his cars.

sigh.....what a big day.

And They Are Off!

2010-09-07T09:53:00.005-04:00

The word of the day is EXCITEMENT!! Daniel and Laney were so excited this morning about starting kindergarten. They did great getting up and getting ready. And, that is saying a lot! They were also so excited about their new backpacks, lunch boxes, teacher and new friends to meet. I was definitely having a much harder time this morning. I didn't get teary eyed until I was walking them into school. At that point Laney turns to me and says, with much more attitude than any four year old should have, "You're not staying are you?" Then Daniel chimes in, "Yeah! Your leaving right Ma?" ------No separation anxiety. Well at least not from the kids.

Ahh! I can hardly wait to pick them up and hear every detail they are willing to share.

Cherry bake or bust

2010-07-06T20:50:00.006-04:00

For the past two years I've been trying to do the cherry bake at festival with the kids. We are always too late. We set out early today. It was a scorcher and we had to park far! I pulled the kids in their wagon all the way down there. We were all so hot. We waited in line and as usual the last hats for the bake were given right before us. GRRRR!!!!! We trecked back to the car and home again. Tried to do some raspberry picking with Melissa and Jack, but our favorite U-Pick raspberry place was closed for the day. BUST!BUST BUST!

One last try for some fun for the kids today. We went to the library and chose about 30 new books. Laney and Jack were going nuts and driving everyone else in the library crazy with all their noisy antics, so we took the kids outside. They really were not behaving badly they just couldn't keep the volume down. Finally outside, Daniel, Laney, and Jack all seemed like they were on sugar highs running all over the place and getting wild. Thank goodness for the Children's garden at the library. They were finally able to get their wiggles out!

taken in the children's garden at the library

taken in the children's garden at the library

Tomorrow morning we are heading back down to festival to meet Clare and kids and Melissa and Jack, for rides and games. Maybe we will try to do the cherry bake again, but I sure am not in the mood at this point. We will see what tomorrow brings...

Berry season cherry seaon

2010-06-27T02:49:00.011-04:00

Last year we missed strawberry season. We were enjoying the sights of Niagara Falls instead. This year we just barley caught it. We went twice this week and this is the last week for fresh strawberries. Daniel and Laney had so much fun running up and down the the rows of strawberries munching as they filled their baskets. This was the first time we have taken them strawberry picking. I am already looking forward to next year :)

Strawberry patch beauties

Now for the cherries. Cherry season began this week and apparently this is the earliest season for cherries in many decades. The result of all this wacky weather I guess. It was a fun and interesting afternoon at the cherry orchard today. See below for details. HA! I wonder what the rest of our cherry orchard visits will be like this season. It is always fun and never dull with Laney and Daniel. They definitely keep us smiling and laughing.

LITTLE SILLIES:
Daniel insisted he couldn't go cherry picking unless he wore the hood to Laney's raincoat. Laney was more interested in pretending each cherry tree was a magical fort for her and Daniel than she was in picking cherries. She did however break now and again for a sweet juicy treat :)

This weeks favorite pics

2010-06-27T02:25:00.007-04:00

Thought I'd take a quick break and share my fave pics from this week.

Taken at Urka's strawberry patch

Taken in our frontyard

Fluffs lazing in his favorite spot between the boxwoods

New wheels 2 wheels

2010-06-27T02:09:00.007-04:00

Laney graduated to a bigger bike this week. Her old one had a hole in the tire so, I suggested we get her a new one. One more appropriately sized for her. She grew a ton this past year and really was a little long for the old one. She had fun picking out just the right new one. One with the perfect accessories: bell, basket, and water bottle. Jesse and I joked about how the right bike was all about the trimmings, well as far as Laney was concerned.

Doesn't she look cute on her new wheels.

Later I had the idea that we should get a new tire for the old bike, so that if the kids wanted to they could practice riding without training wheels, on a much shorter bike. They were totally up for it! Jesse came into the house two days ago and said to me "Grab your camera! You've got to see this!" They each took turns riding while I snapped away. They were so giddy with excitement. Ahh! They are just so darn cute!

Look at 'em go.

They are still a bit wobbly, and there have been some skinned knees and elbows, but they keep smiling and getting back on. I'm so proud of them. Not so much for riding with two wheels, but for getting back on the bike and enthusiastically trying after each fall. Oh the lessons I can learn from them.

Sails, bubbles, and waterfalls

2010-06-26T14:21:00.012-04:00

To the utter glee of Daniel and Laney, and all of us really, Zeinab arrived late Saturday night, on June 5th. We got her settled in for a good nights sleep and took her to Boardman Lake for some sailing the next afternoon. Having just come from the desert though, she wasn't up for sailing on such a cool Michigan summer day. She had fun though playing with the kids while Jesse and I took turns with Daniel and Laney going out for a quick sail on the lake.

A couple days later we all set out for the U.P. We stayed at The Mac Cleod House bed and breakfast. I highly recommend it if you are ever in the Newberry area. The rooms were very quaint, the beds comfy, and the food excellent. We went to see Taquamenon Falls our first evening in. The falls were really nice. It's always fun to get out and enjoy nature with the kids. Everything is such an exciting adventure for them. The next morning we made an unplanned stop at a bear rescue/ranch on our way to Munising. For five bucks you could have a quick photo op with a couple of the cubs. We did it of course, but later in the back of my head, was a running real of my thoughts of those stupid people who do the photo ops with dangerous animals like tigers. Had we just become like those stupid people? Hmmmmm? Just kidding. It felt very safe otherwise we wouldn't have done it, plus the cubs were very cute.---- That's probably just what the stupid tiger people said afterwards too.

Later that day we took in the pictured rocks boat tour on Lake Superior. The rocks were beautiful and my pics certainly don't do them justice. Again if you are in the area it's a must do, must see! My best advice though, is that if you have a tendency toward motion sickness take something. It is a 3 hour boat tour and everyone one of us got sick, except Laney. Lucky Laney!

After plenty of time to get over the queezies and with several recommendations for the Dog patch restaurant, we ended the evening with some really bad food from there. And, yes the food was worse than the name. Can you imagine? I should blog sometime about all the crazy/bad places we have eaten at while vacationing and touring about.

The city of Munising is surrounded by many lovely waterfalls, so with plenty of time left before nightfall, we were able to take in a few. If you enjoy walking, hiking, or photography you would enjoy the many natural beauties that The U.P. has to offer. I only wish we had had more time to take more in.

The next morning we awoke to a gray dismal looking day with thunderstorms in the the forecast. JUST GREAT! We had on the agenda a shipwreck boat tour. Sure enough it started raining as we boarded the boat. The ride to each shipwreck sighting was not so bad. Thank you Dramamine! The only problem was when the boat stopped over each shipwreck, it swayed mercilessly, sickeningly and scarily back and forth back and forth. Really made an already morbid tour quite a bit eerie! Safely back on dry ground the storm added a bit of excitement to the memory. No more boat tours!---for awhile anyway.

We had tons of fun with Zeinab and the kids in the UP. We made it home that same night and Stephanie arrived the following night from Tucson. Gosh it was great to see her. Both her and Zeinab have grown and changed so much since this time last year. It's not the physical growth of youthful childhood, but the maturity of near adulthood. They have grown into two very different and very beautiful people. It was impossible for Jesse and I not to reminisce over how they were at Daniel and Laney's ages and how the years have so quickly passed. Stephanie just graduated from high school and received a full scholarship to Parson's in Manhattan, for photography. She is so talented. I'm so thrilled for her. And, Zeinab will be starting her last year of high school in the fall. Exciting times indeed.

Back to the visit. The stormy weather followed us home from the UP. It rained most of the next week. We weren't able to do nearly as much, plus Jesse had to work all week. It was still great having the girls with us though. Les, Amanda, and boys arrived at this time too. It was great seeing everyone. Aiden and LJ had of course grown like wildflowers. Always makes me feel like I am missing out on so much with them, but makes me appreciate more the times we are able to get together. They are such great kids! So fun!!!

The weather though was not the worst of the week. Sunday after Stephanie's arrival Daniel was not feeling well, a little lethargic and feverish. By the wee hours of Monday morning I was driving him to the ER with a 105 temp, headache, and delirium. On the ride to the ER he was talking about not wanting to sleep at the top of the big tree that I had just planted, weddings that were non existent and seeing cars blow off the road. Talk about being one scared mama driving her young child to the ER. Daniel had a chest x-ray, head CT, and the worst of it a lumbar puncture. They sedated him for that. I couldn't have been more thankful. Sometimes I think the hardest part of parenthood is not being able to shield your children from the physical and emotional hurts. It was such a physically and emotionally draining day for Daniel. He kept crying and asking for it all to be over and for me to take him home. It was breaking my heart. I held his little hand the whole time and when I was able to held him in my arms. We were there so long we took a little nap together on his ER room cot. Later two volunteers came and visited him. They brought him a little plush moose and a little car. What a sweet thing to do. They really cheered him up. A bit of sunshine on a yucky day. This was one more thing for me to be thankful for and believe you me, I WAS. The cherry on top was that they were both female and Daniel loves the ladies!:) He was diagnosed with pneumonia and given a two week prescrip. for antibiotics. Later my good friend Melissa called and asked me if I had mentioned that we had just been up to the UP, because they have a high rate of Lyme Disease. Terrified I called the pediatricians office. They changed the 2 weeks of antibiotics to 3. We were well within the time frame to effectively treat for it, just in case. Getting the fever down was a struggle the remainder of the week, and to make matters worse Daniel was not reacting well to the lumbar puncture. He had much difficulty standing up erect or even walking. Much of the time both being impossible. It was one scary long week. Finally Friday Morning Daniel awoke minus the back pain and able to walk!!! The best news we had all week. He remained weak and with headache, but our worst fears were past. It's now the end of the following week and Daniel is a strong picture of perfect health. Oh the gratitude I feel!

All was not lost though with Daniel being sick. He was still able to spend time with his cousins. In the evenings we got the bubble juice out and made massive bubbles that the kids chased around. Everyone took in Sleeping Bear Dunes and shopping downtown while I stayed home with Daniel. Les and Amanda took in some wineries, and took the girls out to brunch. Les made us all the most wonderful meal of grouper, rice pilaf, and green beans with almonds. The best meal I have had in a long time! Zeinab and Stephanie made super yummy grape leaves one night and I made the humus. And, as tradition was started last summer we had pie from the Traverse City Pie Co. YUM! We listened to lots of music, talked a ton and laughed, and stayed up way too late watching movies.

It was great seeing everyone. I only wish I had taken more pics. I always wish I had taken more pics.

****slideshow below****

2010-06-26T14:15:00.001-04:00

Cute Lil' Gardeners

2010-06-24T21:19:00.006-04:00

It was about 90 degrees out the afternoon we decided to plant our little garden. Laney and Daniel were such good sports. They were excited even. We planted radishes, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, green beans, zinnia and Daniel's favorite, peas. That was May 30, and I must admit we haven't tended to it much. Tomorrow would probably be a good day for a look see and some weed pulling. I'll let you know if anything is growing.

Last days of preschool

2010-06-24T20:29:00.008-04:00

The kids really enjoyed their last days of preschool. It's hard to wrap my brain around both of them going into kindergarten in the fall.

They got such a great start at Holy Angels with team Brenda.

I am so glad that I got this shot of Daniel with Mrs. Brenda on the last day. He loves her tons! :)

Daniel and Helen. After a while Daniel began to come home each day speaking of Helen. They have such a fondness for each other. It's so cute. Their last field trip was to Moomers. This was my favorite shot of the day.

Laney was child of the day on her last day. She was so excited. What a great way to end her first and likely last year of preschool.

Daniel sporting his top hat for the end of the year picnic. I just love the accessory choices of a five year old. Who else could pull off wearing a foam top hat to a park picnic? And he does it so well!

Laney at her end of the year picnic. Again, I was thrilled to get this photo of Laney with Mrs. Brenda, Mrs. Avery, and Mrs. Pax.

Now for a fun filled summer and kindergarten in the fall.

Daniel's Raceway

2010-06-24T00:08:00.002-04:00

March's Birthday Boy

2010-06-23T22:57:00.005-04:00

The jubilant anticipation!

Checking things out.

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you!

Daniel wanted a race car birthday and so we created "Daniel's Raceway." The kids played a round of musical cars, had a photo op at winner's alley, and visited Daniel's raceway tattoos. Jesse came up with some fun race games for the kids, which we put together in the basement. The kids all had so much fun, especially Daniel. In addition to all the race car games the ball pit was of course a HUGE hit! Per Daniel's request the menu was pizza and lots of fresh fruit, with of course birthday cake and cupcakes. It all sounds so, simple and yet, Jesse and I were hopping from start to finish. Our only regrets were not being able to focus more on and spend more time with Daniel. The very same goes for Laney at her party. That being said, it was nice to see Daniel just as excited to talk about his party afterward as he was excited prior to.

I'm seriously considering simplifying for their next birthdays, not because it takes so much work and preparation, but because I want to enjoy more of the celebration with them.

TEST

2010-05-28T19:49:00.002-04:00

Laney's Teddy Bear Tea

2010-04-08T18:45:00.008-04:00

Laney's tea was back in January. Oh, what fun! There was a lot of prep on my part and a lot of anticipation from Laney and Daniel. They had fun decorating the gift bags and collecting bears. Sheryl baked and decorated Laney's cake, a huge cupcake. It came out so cute!

When everyone arrived the girls were given beads, pink satiny gloves, Boas, and tea hats for themselves and their bears. The boys were given top hats for themselves and their bears and plain white gloves. Each little guest brought over a favorite bear. They had fun showing and telling everyone about their furry friend. I set up a teddy bear picnic for the bears with a pretty blanket and a few play tea sets. It was really cute. All the kids thought it was super fun letting their bears have their own picnic. There was a lot of laughing and silliness at this time :).

Next, the kids had fun decorating hats for themselves and their bears, with flowers, gems, feathers and bands. Afterward, to get the wiggles out we had a fun game of musical chairs. And then it was craft time once more. The kids painted over sized cups and saucers. We set those on the windowsill to dry.

And it was Tea Time!
The menu:
Party punchy and apple juice served from tea pots
Tea sandwiches- Teddy bear pb & j, cheese, mint radish, curry chicken, turkey apricot, and cucumber
A lot of fresh fruits, veggies and dips
Sweets- pink, lavender, and mint iced petit fours and tea cookies, mini lemon, apple and pumpkin bars, and pecan and lemon tarts.

We sang Happy Birthday to Laney and she blew out her candles. It was such a joyous moment to see her beaming from ear to ear as everyone sang to her. We actually served the other sweet with the birthday cake and not with lunch

The kids were ready to cut loose after that and everyone went down stairs for play and mayhem. Laney opened gifts. The kids played and the was that----one super cute and super fun mayhem filled teddy bear tea in Laney's honor.

2010-04-08T18:43:00.001-04:00

Child of the day

2010-01-11T22:05:00.013-05:00

Daniel was child of the day last Wednesday. He was so excited. His last turn was snowed out. When you are child of the day you get to be the line leader for the day, ring the clean up bell, and bring a snack for the class. Daniel chose mini lemmon poppy seed muffins and fresh fruit salad. Being child of the day makes little ones feel like the big kid in the classroom for a day. It was really cute watching Daniel be so proud and having lots of fun in his role for the day.

Some scenes from Daniel's class.

And some recent pics to share:
Our always cute, usually stinky, Mr. Fluffs

Scruffy: "Enough with the pics. Get away from me with your stupid camera!"

A couple of pics of the kids being their cute selves.

Tea time

2010-01-11T21:31:00.006-05:00

It's two months late, but I am finally putting together Laney's 4th birthday celebration. Sadly there was no way we could do it in November when we had just moved. Things are a bit back to normal, and seriously--better late than never. She's super excited! She's having a teddy bear tea party.

I kept the invites simple but cute. The photo says it all.

Can you believe with all the tea I drink I didn't have a tea kettle, or tea pot. Laney and I went and scoured the local thrift stores and picked these up. They will be perfect. There was no way I was using my good china. The fact that the tea cups are all different I think will add to the fun. I'll be sure to take pics when I set everything up the day/night before. I hope Laney feels special and has lots of fun.

I just couldn't resist this little lovely. I had no idea it was from a liqueur. If Laney has fun with her teddy bear tea I thought maybe we could keep the tea theme going and maybe try a mad hatter tea next. This would be cute to bring out then. I'd just cover the "Bailey's" name with some of my scrap goodies.

More details to come on Laney's teddy bear tea in the coming days/weeks :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010-01-01T16:16:00.005-05:00

Here's to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2010, to all of you we know and love! And for those of you crafty souls out there I am wishing you lots of creativity and scrappy time!

Resolutions? Not this year.
I did ask the kids though about their wish for the new year.
Daniel wishes for a car. Ha! No surprise there.
Laney says "I wish for everything!"
What are you looking forward to this year?

Back to scrapbooking

2009-12-28T22:18:00.016-05:00

well a little. My scrap space is still the only 'room' in the house that hasn't been properly unpacked since we moved. And to be perfectly honest, it's a disaster! I haven't yet motivated myself to unpack and organize it all. There are a million other things I'd rather be doing----obviously.

This was just so much more fun!

I tell ya' when I saw Laney and Daniel's school pics I could hardly wait to scrap them. They came out so cute.

Now if I can just get all my scrap goodies unpacked and organized.

messing around with my new toy

2009-12-28T22:18:00.011-05:00

Last night I read one of the little books that came with my Rebel. This one was on using a macro lens. I almost never used the macro lens with my Olympus. I shot today only with the macro. IT WAS FUN! I surely need more practice, but everyone has got to start somewhere.

Now to start reading the main manual.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-27T01:04:00.011-05:00

Capturing those magical first few moments on Christmas morning :)

Santa delivers!

It's hard to tell which Daniel was more excited about between the bell and the car.

Laney and Daniel were making toast all morning and afternoon!

Christmas morning cuties!

Little Miss Laney taking a breather after a fun filled morning of presents and play.

We all finally got out for some snow play. Jesse pulled the kids on the new 'floaty' sled, as they like to call it. We all built two of the ugliest faceless snow people you have ever seen. The kids also played on the playset out back. We stayed out well past dark and came in and played games. We tried out the wii and played don't break the ice about a hundred times! The kids stayed up way past their bedtime. It was a very merry Christmas :)

Visiting Santa

2009-12-27T00:16:00.006-05:00

I can not believe I forgot to blog about the kids visiting Santa! I don't even remember which day this past month it was. This Santa was WONDERFUL! He spent a good amount of time separately with Laney and Daniel before the photo was taken. Daniel told Santa he wanted a car with buttons and also a bell from Santa's sleigh. Daniel takes "The Polar Express" very seriously. That was really cute. Laney asked for a toaster. We could tell Santa was a little surprised by that one.

If you have little ones and you took them to visit Santa I hope the visit was really great too!

And on the twenty fifth day...

2009-12-25T02:52:00.001-05:00

Santa came!

On the twenty fourth day of Christmas

2009-12-25T02:23:00.011-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us snow block molds in the morning.

This was saved for today so that the kids could go out with Jesse and have fun in the snow while one busy elf Wrapped gifts!
The kids had no idea what they were. Laney said Daniel, "Look there is letters. If we read it we can know what it is."
L: "Daniel I can't read it. Did you figure what it is."
D: "Waney I read it. It's for building in the snow and the sand!Mama, can we go play in the snow right now?!"

Getting ready for an afternoon of snow play. They had tons of fun with Jesse building and sledding!

Laney watching Rudolph with her new Tianna doll from Uncle Les and Aunt Amanda.

Cookie taste testing. Just making sure everything is perfect for Santa.

On the twenty third day of Christmas

2009-12-24T01:24:00.006-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us water hoop toys and windup Santas in the morning.

One water hoop toy is a snowman the other a Christmas tree. The tiny windup santas in planes do flips. Fabulous dollar finds at Michael's! And, tons of amusement on this 23rd day of Christmas!

Tonight Laney gave everyone her pj picks for this years Christmas. We did this a day early as Jesse is working tomorrow night:( Everyone loved her pick and all though you can't see it Jesse's pj bottoms DO sport penguins too :)---will have to figure a way to get those bottoms in a shot on Christmas-LOL!

On the twenty second day of Christmas

2009-12-24T00:46:00.007-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us books in the morning.

One was "A Cars Christmas" the other was "Toy Story 2 Best Friends forever." I can not tell you how many times we have read these two books in the past two days! They love em!

Later That morning Laney had her Christmas program at preschool and then Daniel's was later that afternoon. They sang quite a few songs and it was pretty darn cute! I asked them each what was their favorite part of the program. I was surprised that it was not the singing, the crafts, or even the visit from two of Santa's elves...

It was the cookies!

On the twenty first day of Christmas

2009-12-24T00:35:00.004-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us balck felt coloring puzzles.

On the twentieth day of Christmas

2009-12-24T00:29:00.003-05:00

Daddy and mommy left for us lots of toe socks in the morning.

The joy was back! Toe sock magic!

On the nineteenth day of Christmas

2009-12-24T00:18:00.004-05:00

Daddy and mommy left for us holiday cups in the morning.

OK, NOT a big hit.
D: "Oh, Ma, this is boring."
L: "Yeah Ma, borrrrring."
Jesse thought maybe these 25 days of Christmas were not such a great idea after all. I thought, no, this is OK. It's a teaching and learning opportunity.
And, of course Laney and Daniel wanted to use their little cups with each meal and snack.
sigh.....they can't all be home runs.

On the eighteenth day of Christmas

2009-12-18T22:55:00.004-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us bouncing glitter balls in the morning.

One was a snowman the other a reindeer. I knew they would have a blast with these.

Daniel and Laney had a play date this morning with Julia and Toby. They had lots of fun playing and they even made ornaments and exchanged Christmas gifts. Daniel and Laney got cameras! They took pictures for the rest of the day! I hope Julia and Toby enjoy their gifts as much.

We took the kids to spend their santa bucks and drop off their picks at a Toys For Tots drop off location.
Laney chose a tea set, doll stroller, bucket of play food, play iron and board, shopping cart loaded with food, and a vacuum cleaner (all things she has or would love to have).
Daniel chose, a big rig loaded with little cars, 2 medium sized cars with buttons, a few matchbox sets and about a million single little cars (all things he either has or would love to have).

Can you believe Christmas is next week! I only started making our Christmas cards last night :O

On the seventeenth day of Christmas

2009-12-18T22:51:00.004-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us books in the morning.

One was, The Little Drummer Boy the other was, Silent Night. They really enjoyed listening the the music and hearing the stories again and again.

On the sixteenth day of Christmas

2009-12-18T22:48:00.002-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us twinkling snowflake necklaces in the morning.

On the fifteenth day of Christmas

2009-12-15T21:41:00.005-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us holiday toe socks in the morning.

I know I already did socks, but when I saw these I couldn't resist! I thought they are either going to love these or hate them. Lucky me, they loved em. I overheard them talking together saying they hoped they got more. I wonder if I will be able to find some more?

On the fourteenth day of Christmas

2009-12-15T21:35:00.004-05:00

Daddy and Mommy left for us holiday cookie cutters and sprinkles in the morning.

As soon as they saw these they both screamed "Project!. We're doing a project!"
Project is a favorite word around here. Some how we didn't get to it yesterday. Soon! Very Soon!

Candy houses

2009-12-13T21:12:00.009-05:00

This is one of my all time favorite holiday activities with the kids. It's always fun. Plus I look forward to seeing what their little hands will create in the end.

I love the focused concentration from our very cute and busy four year old. This is truly a rare sighting;)

The proud artist!

Choices, choices, choices

Full proof way to clear a room- let everyone know it's time to clean up!

I bet you can't tell which ones are done by the adults.

We took the kids this evening to see "The Princess and the Frog" Jesse and I both liked it. The kids did too, but I wouldn't take them again. If you have little ones I don't suggest taking them. It's just too scary.

That was the end of our weekend. All in all it was a good one. Hope yours was too.

Santa came early!!!!!!!

2009-12-13T14:07:00.002-05:00

On the thirteenth day of Christmas

2009-12-13T13:54:00.005-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to us yo-yos in the morning.

On the twelfth day of Christmas...

2009-12-12T17:41:00.005-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to us snowball makers in the morning.

The kids thought they were clappers. They were having a blast clapping away. Jesse told them what they were for and opened the slider so they could very quickly try them out in their pjs. They couldn't wait to get dressed and go outside!

Clare invited me to go see a musical production of "A Christmas Carol" out at Interlochen with her today. IT WAS SOOOO GOOD!!!! I haven't done anything like that in ages. What a treat! Jesse and the kids played in the snow, had, some lunch, did naps and crafts and that was our day.

On the eleventh day of Christmas

2009-12-11T22:52:00.008-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to us snow shovels in the morning.

I know your thinking--- snow shovels? These were a huge hit! Laney and Daniel could hardly wait to get outside. Daniel was in his snowsuit and boots before I had the breakfast dishes rinsed and put into the dishwasher. Daniel doesn't get ready that fast for anything! When it comes to getting ready for anything he is the biggest lolly gagger you will ever meet.

I promise there is a story behind the shovels. I was out with the kids on the first snow day. I was shoveling the front walk when Daniel asked me if I had a shovel for him. I didn't, but I did find a dust pan. When Laney saw Daniel with his "shobel" she had to have one. I found another. They had so much fun digging in the snow!

*** funny moment of the day***
I asked the kids to please put on their snowsuits so that we could all go out. Daniel insisted he had to have this hat and scarf, so out we went. I was left wondering why not the Santa hat?

On the tenth day of Christmas

2009-12-10T21:21:00.001-05:00

there were painting books.

First snow day

2009-12-09T22:10:00.008-05:00

Today was the first snow day and the kids kept pretty busy. They baked cookies and shared the yummy treat.

Daniel of course got crafty and created for himself another Christmas tree garland

Laney proudly showed me her mad laundry folding skills. She said to me, "Mommy you should get the camera for this. Watch me please. Are you ready? OK! Take my picture. I'm really good at this. I will help you fold clothes today."

Late this evening we finally got out for some snow play :) And that was the first snow day of the season.

On the ninth day of Christmas

2009-12-09T22:06:00.004-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to us santa hats in the morning.

On the eighth day of Christmas

2009-12-08T22:15:00.006-05:00

there were chocolate trees again.

Laney and Daniel's conversation upon seeing the chocolates:
L: "Daniel! Look! Chocwats again! Just like a super long time ago."
D: "Waney, it's not like a super long time ago. These chocwats aren't wrapped and don't have a candy cane. It's not a super long time ago Waney. It was yesterday"
L: "Daniel I can say it was a super long time ago if I want to. It was a super long time ago."
D: Waney it was not a super long time ago. It was yesterday."
Next wrappers are torn open and only the sound of two four year olds munching is heard. For a few minutes anyway.

*** Note to self- Don't forget the little touches. They will notice.

This was Daniel after we dropped Laney off at preschool this morning. He told me he was making twinkle stars.

On the Seventh day of Christmas...

2009-12-07T21:40:00.005-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to me bendaroos.

I can't believe how busy these kept Daniel and Laney today. We had one appointment after another and these kept them joyfully content in their car seats, while driving from here to there.

The other day when we were out Daniel asked if we could pick up some things for" the other children" for Christmas. He didn't even ask for anything for himself. And tonight during dinner, Laney said, her favorite part of Christmas is picking presents for the other children. They are still doing extra chores each day earning their Santa bucks. We haven't taken them shopping yet with any of their santa bucks, but I'm so happy that are into the giving spirit of the season.

On the sixth day of Christmas...

2009-12-06T20:32:00.009-05:00

there were books. Daniel's was UP and Laney's was The Princess and the frog. And, yes those are candy canes in the morning. I figure I can bend on the rules during the holiday season;) ;)

Right after breakfast they wanted to snuggle on the sofa with me and read their new stories:)

Santa at Suttons Bay:
Today the kids and I drove out to Suttons Bay with Melissa and Jack. It was such a fun afternoon. The kids got to visit with Santa, see live reindeer, and do some fun crafts.

Ha! Look at Daniel. He looks bored out of his mind. It's so funny he couldn't wait to see Santa and give him the card he had made, and tell him that he wanted a car with buttons. After that, he sat unengaged making silly faces. Laney on the other hand was talking up a storm to Santa. We will surely see Santa again before Christmas. The kids always see him more than once each season. That all started with Daniel's first Christmas, but that's another story, a very funny story, for another time. Anywho, when the kids see Santa again I think they will sit with him separately. Maybe it will work out differently?

Laney was so enchanted with the reindeer. Like with most new experiences she was not scared a bit.

Daniel was like, "Once you've seen one you've seen 'em all. Lets go slide in the ice!"

On the Fifth Day of Christmas...

2009-12-05T20:52:00.004-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to us whistling Snowman and Santa cups.

The kids woke up this morning while I was in the bath. I missed seeing them get their treats :( Plus by the time I got out they had already lost the santa cup. We still haven't found it.

A pic from yesterday morning. Told ya'--- our kiddos love silly socks :)

On the fourth day of Christmas...

2009-12-04T13:39:00.007-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to meeeee 4 pairs of silly socks, 3 sheets of stickers, 2 chocolate trees, and a snow globe in the mornin'.

I know, your thinking---socks? That's like giving underwear!
Not so with Daniel and Laney. Last year one of their 25 days of Christmas treats was a couple of pairs of silly Christmas socks from the dollar lane at Target. That was one of their favorite treats. They wanted to wear them everyday! This year the socks were a huge hit too :)

*** Laney was so giddy over her silly socks she even made a silly dance to go with them. That's her groovin' in the pic above.

*** Notice the clip on tie? The little dude's got STYLE!

On the third day of Christmas...

2009-12-03T09:48:00.005-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to meeeee 3 sheets of stickers, 2 chocolate trees, and a snow globe in the mornin'.

Laney couldn't wait to adorn her shirt with a few of her stickers this morning before preschool.

Daniel got busy creating a star to take to preschool for later today, which he adorned with a few of his stickers. Today is star day for his class. He is such a creative little artist. I love how he cut each arm of his star separately and then attached them to create his star.

**** Well I obviously haven't planned the 25 days of Christmas for the kids with great detail. Most of their treats are singles, so the numbers won't continue to coincide with the date number. Plus there will be repeats!-----Typical me fashion of doing things.

On the second day of Christmas...

2009-12-02T20:38:00.006-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to meeeee two chocolate trees and a snow globe in the mornin'.

Oh how I love my camera--- "@#$!%^!!!!!!! @#$%$#!!!!!!!!!"
Blurry or not, their delight is such a joy to revisit.

*** And Daniel and Laney are both doing great earning their Santa bucks :)

I love you all the way to the stars!

2009-12-02T20:09:00.006-05:00

This morning Laney was down stairs watching the Ice Age dinosaur movie for the millionth time and Daniel was making snowman garland to decorate his room. I was cleaning the kitchen. I am always cleaning the kitchen! Daniel said to me, "Mama, I love you all the way to the stars and then it bounces back."-----melt my heart

On the first day of Christmas...

2009-12-01T22:02:00.006-05:00

Daddy and Mommy gave to meeeee a snow globe in the mornin'.

Yes, I know the quality of the pics are terrible, but look at the joy captured :)----LOVE IT!

25 Days of Christmas

2009-11-30T23:26:00.003-05:00

Last year I started doing the 25 Days of Christmas with the kids. Each morning they awake to a treat of some sort. It may be a toy, or items for a project to be done later in the day, or even a sweet little treat. They mark the day on the calendar and they do an extra chore to earn stars for their santa bucks. With their Santa bucks they get to go to the store and pick gifts for other children to receive for Christmas. They get to be Santa's little helpers, because everyone even Santa needs a little help from time to time. This was a lot of fun last year. This new "tradition" has fast become a favorite. What is one of your new, old, or favorite holiday traditions?

Pipe cleaner, markers and bells

2009-11-30T23:14:00.004-05:00

That's all it took and Daniel and Laney were busy for over an hour. They were making garland for their little Christmas tree. Then they broke out into making ornaments. Those were some of the prettiest little pipe cleaner ornaments-EVER! I don't know about at your house, but around here "project" is a favorite word. It was great for me, I got to OOH! and AHH! over each new creations while also getting the dishes washed, counters cleaned, floor swept, and dinner prepped. Not bad for a little over an hour. You just never know what will keep little hands busy.

My new favorite spot

2009-11-30T22:56:00.005-05:00

You know that one spot in your house that is your favorite. The one where you can get things done, steal a few moments for yourself, relax, whatever your thing is, well this is mine. My new favorite spot :) We went three and a half weeks without a dinning table. Family meals are important to me, and Jesse too. Without a table Jesse and I would hunch over the island on either side of the kids, while they were of course seated in their stools. Not a fun way to try and enjoy a meal. A few times we even had dinner down stairs on the craft table---- NOT KIDDING! The table finally arrived the day after Thanksgiving. I'm not complaining though (OK, so I did- and BIG TIME) but I am not anymore. I'm just thrilled that it's here and there is no more hunching over the island to get that family meal in. The other thing I love about this spot is that I can actually sit here and read a book, or whatever, and watch the kids play out back. It's awesome!!!

Weekend activities

2009-11-22T23:36:00.008-05:00

The weather was amazing for the middle of November, sunny and not too cold. Our colds did not even keep us inside. We all spent most of the time outdoors.

Better late than never! The kids finally got to get their hands on the pumpkin, something they have both been wanting to do for weeks. With the move and everything we just haven't had the time. Don't they look cute! They had the fun job of getting goopey and pulling the seeds out. I washed and baked them. Every year I try something different. This year I sprinkled them with a little sea salt and Parmesan (not the good stuff in a block, the Kraft variety). It was a big hit, maybe the new fave. Our little picky eater, you know who I'm talking about, ate more than anyone else. He even asked me to make more! That's a huge compliment coming from Daniel.

Typical scene this weekend ride on toys abandoned for the next big adventure... Hey! do yo see the lights in the background? If you look really hard I promise they are there. I gave myself the project of lining the driveway, well one side of it, with Christmas lights.

Jesse joined in the festive fun and put out a few yard decorations and even strung lights around a few trees in candy cane fashion. I know you're probably thinking, whoa people it's not even Thanksgiving yet!!! Let me digest my turkey before you move on to Christmas. Seriously though with weather like this and the first snow coming who knows when, you better get decorating while you still can, comfortably, without freezing your tootsies off.

And these Daniel donned the "kingdom lights" as soon as he saw them. Ahh! Colds or no, it was still a fun weekend. I wonder how many more nice days we'll have before the frigid weather sets in?

Today's Birthday Girl

2009-11-16T21:38:00.005-05:00

Our sweet crazy little Laney turned four today! She came home to us just last year a chubby little two and a half year old, and it is so hard to believe she is already four. She has such a hard time with being the "little sister", that she couldn't get enough of the fact that she and Daniel are both four years old, at least for the next four months anyway.

We celebrated with a Disney princess/Frog princess theme, all of Laney's choosing. She also chose dinner at Agave, which actually surprised me. I thought for sure she would have me make one of her favorites. It was a really fun day. Next month we will have a little party for her with friends- once we are a little more settled into the house and out of boxes. Lucky Laney she gets to stretch her birthday celebrating into next month :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LANEY!!!! We love you, Daniel, Daddy, and Mommy

Klackle's Orchard 2009

2009-10-17T16:44:00.005-04:00

Last Sunday we met the La Mores at Klackes in Greenville. It was a super fun day! The kids rode the ponies, held bunnies, petted llamas, ran around being silly, and had a great time. We all picked apples, ventured through the corn maze. Laney and Jesse even took a little ride on Laura the elephant. Daniel didn't want to so we watched and took pics. We all went out for Mexican food afterward. It was great to take a day off from packing, choosing paint, fixtures, etc, and generally getting ready to move. This weekend we are back to work!

Renters No More!

2009-10-01T22:02:00.004-04:00

We closed on this house today. I think it is only now as I type, beginning to sink in that we are home owners once more!

How did this happen? I know we have the two properties and our house plan that we spent hours perfecting to the minutest detail, and lets admit dreaming over. Then one evening, one walk with just Jesse and the kids, we did what we do---we threw that out the window--- we really did. Crazy I know, but better.

Jesse came in from the walk so excited about a house for sale on the very street where we live right now. When he told me which house, I sadly burst his bubble of excitement. I was like "Sorry dear, but no way can we have such and such people for neighbors." I know that is horrible sounding, but the thought foremost in my mind was our sweet kids. Fast forward to the very next day. Jesse is at work and I think to myself one house in this neighborhood that would be awesome would be such and such. The next thing you know I'm thinking what the heck why not just drive by and see, sure the odds are slim that it is for sale...

"Daniel, Laney, lets go for a quick drive..."

Fast forward later that evening-- "Jesse, lets go for a drive!"
shortly there after-- all of us in car parked in front of such and such house calling realtor for viewing. We walked through the house July 27 and today it is officially ours. We start moving boxes in Wednesday and the movers come October 24. We are having some work done before we move in so I will post some before and after pics when all is done. It feels so good to know that soon will will be renters no more!

Child of the Day

2009-10-01T21:19:00.005-04:00

Daniel and Laney are off to a great start with preschool. Daniel was the child of the day yesterday in his preschool 4's class, and Laney was today in preschool 3's. They were so, excited that it was each of their days. They got to be the line leader for the day, give the class weather report, put the month day number on the class calendar, ring the clean up bell, have mommy and sibling visit during the whole class period, and bring snack for the whole class.

This year class snack is so hard! There are so many food allergies- so, no nuts, dairy, apples, and I am sure there are other things I am forgetting. Last year I had it down with a snack rotation- crackers with cheese and fresh fruit, or smoothies and yogurt. Now the cheese, smoothies, and yogurt are out. I couldn't even do fresh fruit these past two days. It's been plague of the fruit flies for weeks. Any preschool class healthy snack Ideas out there?

Oh, yes, so back to child of the day. Daniel is doing so amazingly well :) Last year he was so shy and wouldn't answer his teacher. This year he is so comfortable and he very animatedly gave the weather report and answered all his teachers questions. It was so wonderful to see him blossoming like this and so early in the school year.

And Laney too loved being the child of the day. She marched right up to the front of the line this morning and relished all the extra attention all morning long. She cracked up her teachers when she was asked to introduce Daniel and I to the class. She very loudly, as is typical of Laney, said "That is my mommy over there, and this is my brother Daniel. Oh! And, I have a daddy too! He's at work right now!"

Below Daniel, Julia, and Laney. They all got in trouble more than once for cutting up during circle time. They are so used to all being together during playdates. I am so glad they are all so close. I was fun seeing the three of them together at preschool. They all pretty much did everything together.

preschool roundup!

2009-09-27T23:47:00.007-04:00

Daniel went back on September 14. He had a great 1st day and is really enjoying preschool. He is so funny when I pick him up and ask him about his day, he tells me it's a secret, and he can't tell me until we get home. Then it won't be a secret anymore. Within less than 30 seconds he is telling me the "big news" of the day, which is almost always about somebody crying about something. As far as what he did at preschool, mums the word! I am a nosy curious mom and I wish he would tell me!

Laney also started preschool for the first time September 15. She is loving it! She is a ball of excitement and immediately, after getting in the car starts telling me about her day and all the things she did. She also starts pulling everything out of her bag and starts trying to show me from the back seat. I've got to remember to put her school bag upfront with me. One of these days I am going to miss an important note from her teacher.

It's so good seeing them both enjoying preschool so much. I hope it continues as such for the rest of the school year. The hardest part though (for me) is the realization that they are in fact old enough for preschool already and spending part of their day away from home. I don't even want to think about what it is going to be like when they have full days at school. For now though, I will enjoy the one on one time I have with each of them on alternate mornings and the times I have them both together.

Haircut

2009-08-10T10:51:00.003-04:00

Jesse took Daniel to get his hair cut this weekend. It looked so cute! I didn't get a picture. The above is a result of what happens when I am on the computer uploading los to my gallery and not minding my kids!!!! UGH!!!! I guess it's time to step away from the computer for the day. Hope your day is off to a better start!

Red raspberry afternoon

2009-07-20T01:01:00.024-04:00

What a lazy Sunday. I tell you we needed one. I had, and still do have, mountains of laundry to fold and put away. But when do I not have mountains of laundry to fold and put away. It could wait. We went raspberry picking on the peninsula, instead. We wound up going to 2 places, because the guy at the first place was really uptight about the kids not picking the under ripe ones. He had really good raspberries though, so we picked fast and went to a different place. One we'd been to before where the kids could pick whatever they wanted and eat as many as they wanted without a brooding watchful eye over them and us. YIKES! It was fun, even if we came home with a ridiculous amount of berries.

PHOTO TALK
I used todays outing to practice with my camera. I only focused on the "correct" settings in manual mode for a bright and sunny day. The photos have a lot of shadowing that I don't care for, but I'm not doing portraiture I'm trying to capture the moment. I let the kids do their thing and worked with the lighting and shadows as they were. I need to do a lot more reading on this, and macro photography which I haven't yet read a thing about.

**** All this photo talk reminds me- THANKS Melissa, for all the great tips from the photos I took with the kids the other day! I didn't know the trick with the white piece of cardboard/paper. I will surely try that when I am doing more posed shots with the kids. I admit I don't know what catch lights are so I will be looking that up. It was so great of you to take the time to help me :) Whenever you have the time please keep those tips coming!!!!!

I like this close up of the berries even though I focused on Jesse's hand by accident

Jesse really likes this one, but it looks flat to me.

D: "Ma! Look, I found a super, super, super, super, super..... real big one! Did you see it?"

Working with those shadows. It ain't easy!

More funky shadows, but I like this one.

I know this is all out of focus, but I still like it a lot. I like the mood of it.

D: "Did you guys know that raspberries make you toot? Not all the time. Sometimes they do. Sometimes they don't. Right now they don't, so I like them. Sometimes I don't like them. Can we go cherry picking now?"

Laney was too busy eating to talk. Each time we have gone picking raspberries her bucket remains pretty empty unless we help her fill it. This is one of the only times she doesn't talk constantly. She's too busy filling her cheeks with berries.

Jesse's favorite of Laney today

Practice will make perfect?

2009-07-19T14:31:00.015-04:00

I have been taking a lot of really bad photos lately, so I decided it was time to get my 2 favorite photography books out and and do a little review. Friday was an overcast day. PERFECT! It's the easiest condition to take photos in for natural light without a flash. My goal was to stay in manual mode and not use the flash. The flash went off a few times, you can easily tell those photos apart from the rest. Anyhow below are 3 slideshows of what I got. I also pulled my favorites and posted those individually in no particular order. I'm really not looking for perfection- It's all relative anyhow. Right?

Today is sunny and Jesse wants to go pick raspberries again. Now to try my hand behind the camera on a bright day. We're off, so wish me luck!

2009-07-19T14:30:00.001-04:00

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Weekend with the La Mores

2009-07-19T11:14:00.003-04:00

It's so far been a busy and fun summer. Les and Amanda left Friday night and the La Mores came Saturday. The weather continued to be perfect! The kids played outside a lot. We went down to the cherry festival again and saw a parade. It was Laney's first and she loved it, so excited with each new appearance. We also got in more cherry picking and even raspberries. Saturday night we all headed down to the beach for the cherry festival finale fireworks show over the lake. It was beautiful. We had a great time with the La Mores as we always do. We've made plans to get together in the fall at Klackles Orchard- something fun to look forward to. Looking forward to seeing you then La Mores!

*** The slideshow below contains only pictures of the La More family from behind- They don't usually post photos online so,I wanted to respect that.

2009-07-19T11:06:00.001-04:00

Family Fun time!

2009-07-19T02:54:00.003-04:00

We arrived home from Laney's Citizenship appointment in Detroit after midnight Monday night. The following day Les, Amanda, and the boys arrived for a visit while Zeinab was still here. It was so nice having everyone together. It was loud and crazy and fun. The house got messier, and messier with nine people underfoot. The kids played, and played, and played, and surprisingly between four kids there was hardly ever an argument. It is crazy to think how much fun stuff we crammed into a few short days. Lets see, we roasted marshmallows, went down to the cherry festival, ate ridiculous amounts of pie, went cherry picking, went out to eat a few times, made homemade Lebanese cuisine (grape leaves and lime hummus), had a wonderful meal made by Les (bacon wrapped stuffed shrimp and chicken Kabobs, Les's famous mashed potatoes,and the yummiest fresh tomatoes and feta in chipotle vinaigrette--YUMMY!), Chatted up a storm, went to the Old Mission point Lighthouse, took all the kids out for some fun while Les and Amanda visited a few wineries, went to Moomers of course, and took hundreds of pictures! That being said the three following slideshows are made up primarily of Amanda's photos. She took the best ones, so I used mostly hers, and not as many of my own. Some of the ones that are mine I plan to add to my photo a day whenever I get back to doing that. ~ Thanks Amanda for all the great pics!

I am sure that I am forgetting tons of stuff. The days flew by and we all had so much fun.

2009-07-19T02:53:00.001-04:00

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2009-07-19T02:50:00.001-04:00

CITIZENSHIP!

2009-07-18T22:04:00.003-04:00

Laney's big day! July 6, 2009

Today we had an appointment with Officer Dupuis, at the Immigration and HomeLand Security building in Detroit. We took Laney that morning to have her hair braided. It took 3 hours to do and she did great. She even fell asleep for about an hour of it. Everything went well and we should be getting notification in the coming weeks of her US Citizenship. It's such a big thing. I wish there was a ceremony or something, but there isn't.

Congratulations sweetpea!
Love,
Mommy and Daddy, and Daniel

Detroit

2009-07-18T21:26:00.014-04:00

In the eight years we have lived in Michigan I never went Detroit until Laney's citizenship appointment. Jesse commented while we were there, how it felt like time had stopped there in the 1970's. You do strongly get that sense as you drive around. With the exception of few of the high rise buildings from the auto industry and others, the architecture looks like it hasn't progressed since the 70's. Many of the old buildings are are now dilapidated, vandalized, and vacant, but you still get such a feeling of how nice Detroit was in it's heyday. A lot of the buildings have quite lovely architectural detailing.

It was something else spending time in Detroit. A way of life I am just not accustomed to. It made me feel like I've always taken for granted the way things are in the many places I've lived. We had made an appointment to have Laney's hair braided for her citizen ship appointment. In the hair salon we were in lock down for 3 hours while her hair was braided. Why? Because that's how they operate there. Their means of safety from robbery at gun point. I can't even imagine living like that day in and day out. Whenever we drove the streets, drivers made their own rules and no one flinched, no one yelled out their car window, or shot the offending car the bird. It was like no rule was rule and you didn't mess with the anarchy of it all. I couldn't help, but reflect how good one real strong industry can bless and prosper peoples lives, and shatter them too, when that industry sends those jobs away for lower wages and bigger profits for the few. And, yeah I know it's not all the auto industry. I know that Detroit was devastated more than once due to rioting, and it's never recovered. I don't relish seeing the poverty and pain of it all. I just wish we here in Michigan would learn the importance of employment diversity, for now and for the future, and get over the 100 unhealthy years of dependancy on the auto industry. I think we are finally starting to get it with some of the farming industries, wineries, tourism, and renewable energy industries. I hope so anyhow. The visit to Detroit makes me curious about the long term effect the auto industry has had on saginaw and Flint. Another road trip for another day...

2009-07-18T21:25:00.001-04:00

Niagara Falls Canada and Ubly windmills

2009-07-18T13:39:00.004-04:00

ROAD TRIP #2- Destination Niagara Falls!

On our way to Niagara Falls we detoured through Ubly Michigan. They have a 46 windmill operation. Daniel has been into windmills for the past 2 years, so we thought he would really enjoy the detour. We made it there just before dark. I admit it was pretty cool. Daniel found them kinda scary. they are huge up close. I'm glad we did that for him, and Laney enjoyed it too.

Niagara Falls was super fun! We thought it would be something like visiting the Grand Canyon, which is super cool also. It was a completely different experience. Niagara Falls has a Las Vegas carnival atmosphere that we didn't anticipate. That aside the falls were magnificent! It was fun just walking around taking in the sights and beauty, but you really don't get the magnitude of it all until you get up close. We took the white water walk which ended up being a lot shorter than we had thought it would be. It was cool though to learn about the rapids and see them up close. Next we rode the Maid of the Mist. A 1/2 hour boat ride that takes you up close to the falls. It was by far the most fun thing we experienced there, and kinda scary too! You get plashed from the fall of the water and the boat rocks scarily back and forth with everyone on board uncontrollably swaying into each other. We all laughed and laughed including the kids. You get the feeling that the boat is way too close to the falls. We enjoyed fireworks over the falls both Friday and Saturday night. Friday night we watched from our hotel balcony. We had a great view. On Saturday night we went to Queen Victoria Park to get a closer view of the fireworks. It was July Fourth and although we were staying in Canada we knew the fireworks would be amazing, and they were! Our last adventure was the journey behind the falls. We did that at night. It was quite creepy! You go in these underground tunnels to get up close to the falls. you can see the sheer force of the falls only about 20 feet away. Scary! Another fun road trip!

2009-07-18T13:37:00.001-04:00

Mackinac Island

2009-07-17T21:36:00.004-04:00

ROAD TRIP #1- destination Mackinac Island!

We knew we wanted to take Zeinab some places while she was here visiting, and why not, there are so many cool places relatively close by. We just had not decided where, by the time she had arrived. I was thinking Chicago. There is just so much to do and see there. Zeinab reminded me that Jesse and I had taken her and Stephanie when they were ten and eleven. Why I hadn't remembered that I don't know, but I sure do now. Well Jesse came home one evening from work with the idea we should all go to Mackinac Island for the weekend.

Great Idea! Zeinab and I took over from there and stayed up late a couple of nights planning the trip. Only problem was we were planning last minute for Father's day weekend, and on top of that there was a huge Yacht race for the same weekend. It was nearly impossible to find lodging. Zee and I wanted all of us to stay at the Lilac Tree Inn. Next time for sure. We stayed at the Inn at Mackinac Island. It was super cute, clean, and the beds were comfortable. Plus they give you yummy fresh baked cookies upon your arrival and fresh baked muffins upon your departure.

So, our time on the island. First it must be known that there are no motor vehicles allowed on the island. We rented bikes right away and a trailer for the kids. We biked all the way around the island the first day. It's only an 8 mile bike ride around the island, but sadly it kicked my butt! It was so much fun!!! We took our time stopping for the kids to, yes, pick weeds, and for the rest of us to take lots and lots of pictures. Before heading out we picked up some lunch for the kids to munch on the way. Not surprisingly Daniel didn't finish his. He wanted me to save his fries for him in my bike basket. "Sure little buddy." (wink-wink) I was sure they would be gross by the end of the bike ride. Problem solved! We stopped at a little stand some ways up the trail to take in the sights and a snack. We weren't the only ones with snacking on our minds. Before we knew it, it was like something out of the movie "The Birds". A swarm of seagulls came out of nowhere and went nuts fighting each other for those fries. It was total mayhem for about five minutes. We continued on our bike ride seeing more cool sights. This was our second time on the island and I must say riding bikes makes a huge difference. You experience the island in such a different and more personal way.

On the second day we rode our bikes some more and took the historical carriage ride up to one of the butterfly exhibits. The kids loved that. We walked around downtown, shopped and ate and of course bought some famous Mackinac fudge. We all agreed that Ryba's fudge was the best, so that's what we got. That was a full day and weekend. We took the ferry back and that was that!

2009-07-17T21:33:00.001-04:00

Zeinab comes to visit

2009-07-17T21:10:00.005-04:00

Zeinab came to visit for a whole month! It was great having her here. We all did tons of stuff! We went to the beach, the movies, out for Moomers ice cream (more than once!), out to eat A LOT, Cherry festival, lots of shopping and photo taking, two road trips, and a fun family get together with Les and his gang. Jesse and I are so used to little ones and we have such fond memories of taking care of Zeinab and Stephanie when they were little. Now that Zee is growing up it was fun too, having her as a teen in the house. Daniel and Laney though, lamented Snephanie (Stephanie)not coming too. To her credit she is doing a photography internship this summer. We missed her but are glad for the opportunity she has with that.

The details of Zeinab's visit to come in future posts!