Welcome to the Jungle!

Concert

2012-01-31T08:43:00.006-05:00

Last week the twins had their annual concert at school. We had a full house...Papa, Gigi, Grandma Nana and Aunt Lynn came out to support their twinlets:)

I took some video with my phone but its not very close.

In this video, Stella is in the front on the right. She is with Jimmie and she has "pajamas" and he has "pajaaaamas":)

You have to watch Thomas' moves in these videos!!

All I Want For Christmas...

2012-01-26T19:54:00.000-05:00

2012-01-21T21:27:00.001-05:00

Canisters

2012-01-17T21:14:00.001-05:00

The kiddos and I spent Monday with Gigi celebrating her birthday a couple days early. We filled the day with thrifting, shopping, nails/toes and cooking. It was the perfect way to celebrate:) I found these retro canisters for my pantry. Love!

Legoland

2012-01-08T18:10:00.008-05:00

We received day passes to Legoland from Grandma Nana and we decided to go this past weekend. Tony and I told the kids that we were going to "Camp Add Um Up"....all math, all day long. To say they were underwhelmed was an understatement!!!

There ~may~ have been some tears shed about Camp Add Um Up but when they saw the Legoland sign, all was right:) I love that I caught Thomas' 'face' that he makes when he is super happy!!! :)

Really, Thomas could not have been happier. He just loved it. We learned how Lego's were made.

If I had one complaint, it would have been a larger Lego Star Wars area. Thomas is OBSESSED with Star Wars right now, and there was just a small area.

James loves the Duplex area....it had a great playground and very cute rides:)

I was worried how Stella would like the park, but she loved it! She is not into Lego's that much but it didn't matter. She loved the rides!

In the center of the park, there is a Lego City....it is AMAZING. All these cities made of Lego's. I could have really looked at this for awhile. However, a certain two year old did not understand that you could not climb the fence and play with the city.

James was able to get his 'Jr Driver License'. He had to drive the Lego car by himself all the way around the track at least one time to get it....no problem;)

The last thing we did was check out the old Cypress Garden section. We used to take the twins to Cypress Gardens when it was still open and it was cool to see the beautiful gardens. I'm glad they left a part of that.

The park was only opened until 5, so we were home for dinner. Great family day!!

Mobile Command Center

2012-01-05T18:39:00.004-05:00

I think the beginning of the year is a good time to get organized. I am on a constant quest for organization and decluttering. I was searching Pinterest for organizational idea and I can across a 'mobile command center'. I completely ~borrowed~ the idea from this post at A Bowl Full of Lemons.

After a quick trip to Target, I was all set up. I love the way it turned out. I will have to let you know how it works reducing our paper/mail clutter.

First thing I needed was a central place for our pens and pencils.

I needed one central location where all the paper in our house goes. Someone gets the mail, it goes here. The kids have papers for me to look at, they go here. So instead of small piles of papers on the kitchen table, on the island and on the coffee table, all the paper goes in one spot.

I used these tabs:
1. Incoming mail
2. Outgoing mail
3. To File
4. Needs Review
5. To Pay
6. Sign and return (kids stuff mostly)
7. Tony
8. Amy
9. Stella
10. Thomas
11. James
12. Grocery list & coupons

The paper gets sorted from the central location to the file folders.....keeping the counters CLEAR and papers where I can find them!!!

One organizational project complete!

Stella-ism

2012-01-04T14:14:00.001-05:00

Stella: We have a substitute teacher all week.

Me: Oh yeah? Why is your teacher out?

Stella: I don't know mom. Maybe she's just out....living her life.

Besties

2012-01-03T19:06:00.004-05:00

Over the break, one of my dearest friends came to visit with her sweet daughter. Our kiddos just pick up right where they left off....playing with each other like they see each other every day. While they were here, we walked over to feed the fish and turtles. Angela snapped some adorable pictures of the kiddos.

2011 Review

2012-01-02T18:20:00.004-05:00

I did this for 2010 here. But my 2011 year was much different!!

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
I reupholstered a chair. Six of them actually.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
In 2012 I will try to laugh more and worry less.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
No...that is what 2012 is for!!!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No...we had our fair share of losses in 2010.

5. What countries did you visit?
None.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
I am always trying to carve out 'me' time.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
July 4th 2011...we were in New York, with my grandparents, in my hometown watching fireworks. It was an amazing trip.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Being very present with my children. I tried to take excellent care of them.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Letting some things in the past still bother me.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Not really….a cold here or there. Nothing major.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Hmmm, nothing stands out. I didn't make any large purchases.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Gabrielle Giffords inspired me.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Jerry Sandusky really stands out.

14. Where did most of your money go?
House, groceries, nanny, etc.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Traveling....up to New York and back again for a girls weekend.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Adele - Someone like you

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter?
c) richer or poorer?
a) happier
b) thinner
c) Richer

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Walking

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
worrying

20. How did you spend Christmas?
At home with Tony, the kiddos, my MIL, my parents, Aunt Lynn and her family.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011?
Yes all over again. It is safe to say that 2010 was a valley in my marriage and 2011 was a peak.

22. What was your favorite TV program?
Real Housewives...I still love my trashy TV

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I do not hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read?
So many great reads.....The Help, Water for Elephant, The Paris Wife, Room, etc.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Pandora

26. What did you want and get?
a beautiful ring from Tony

27. What did you want and not get?
Nothing...I have everything I could ever want.

28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I loved The Help, Bridesmaids, Larry Crowne.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 38! Wow! I spent it with my family:)

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Nothing....it was a stellar year.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Fashion concept? Hahahahahahahahaha….I usually go for clean clothes. Clean.

32. What kept you sane?
My husband, my friends

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Kate Middleton

34. What political issue stirred you the most?
Ugh....Rick Perry's political ad....

35. Who did you miss?
My sisters. I miss them so much and we always have such a good time. They are amazing aunts to my children and I can’t wait to see them soon!!!!

36. Who was the best new person you met?
New person? I can’t think of anyone.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Do not invest in people who do not invest in you. Only look forward.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Its not a song lyric but I just saw this on Pinterest....

"I choose to be happy because it is good for my health."

2011-12-30T21:07:00.001-05:00

The Tradition Continues

2011-12-25T19:59:00.004-05:00

Each year, Grandma Stella gets the kiddos matching Christmas pj's. It never gets old seeing them in matching clothes: So cute!

2009:

2010:

2011:

2011-12-25T16:40:00.001-05:00

Christmas Table

2011-12-24T19:10:00.003-05:00

We finished up some last minute things around the house today. Really, it was such a low key day. Perfect to just be with each other and get into the Christmas spirit. The twinkle stars that the twins made were dry and hung on some branches for our centerpiece for our big Christmas dinner tomorrow.

I am not sure if the kiddos will ever settle down to sleep tonight...they are giddy with excitement!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas! Enjoy tomorrow:)

Crazy Christmas Lights

2011-12-24T10:41:00.003-05:00

Last night, we went to see the crazy Christmas lights we see each year. There were sooooo many people there, it was nuts! They even had someone directing traffic!

My Latest Project

2011-12-22T22:00:00.005-05:00

My parents bought us some furniture for Christmas this year. I love the dining room set but I knew I wanted to change it just a bit. Well, the kiddos have been at my parents for a couple days and I had a ton of things to do (finish up Christmas shopping, stocking stuffers, Christmas menus, laundry, etc). In the back of my head, I thought I wanted to try and reupholster those chairs.

My Christmas shopping brought me to IKEA with two friends, I am decided to look at the fabric. The price was right and I knew I wanted to try.

I think my husband was apprehensive watching me unscrew the seat, cut the fabric and begin stapling. But once he saw the first chair, he even joined in;)

Now we have pretty(er) chairs. I still can't believe we managed to finish it before Christmas!

So here is what I needed for 6 chairs:

1. 3 yards of fabric.....that was plenty of fabric. I have some leftover and was thinking about making a table runner.
2. stable gun
3. staples
4. scissors
5. screws
6. screwdriver

Now my chairs were older, so once I unscrewed the screw removing the seat, I realized that I needed new screws in new spots. This is where my husband came in. He was in charge of attaching the seat once it was covered.

I think the project took about 2 hours. And....now I am the owner of a staple gun.....what's next!!?!?!?!?!?

Light Up UCF

2011-12-20T16:53:00.004-05:00

We did our second annual trip to Light Up UCF the other night.

James had his sights set on the train!! (Of course)

We took a nice ride on the ferris wheel! What a view;)

And the twins were all about the ice slide and ice skating.

Here is a little video of James on the train...not sure what he is saying but he makes me laugh;)

Pinterest Body Scrub

2011-12-19T19:55:00.005-05:00

I was on Pinterest and I found this recipe for homemade body scrub. I knew I wanted to make some for our Christmas dinner guests and for the twins teachers.

The above picture is from this website and I basically used the same recipe she did.

For the white:
3 cups raw sugar
1 cup almond oil
1/4 tsp peppermint extract
I added 1/4 tsp of vitamin E drops

For the brown:
3 cups light brown sugar
1 cup almond oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp of vitamin E drops

Stella and I did this together and it was super easy. Our finished product:

Stella and I have been using the leftover in the shower and it is soooo nice;) I love the peppermint the best.

Snow!

2011-12-17T21:05:00.004-05:00

Every year we have a handful of traditions we do as a family. Tonight we went to see SNOW!

Stella and Thomas love it!! They both made snow angels;)

James....well, he didn't love it at first. Once he warmed up to the idea, he played for a bit.

Such a pretty night. We had dinner and even rode a train (to James' delight!!!).

Friday Night

2011-12-16T19:24:00.004-05:00

We have Christmas music playing, only the lights from the tree on and I am able to browse Pinterest for my Christmas menu. I love soaking in the Christmas season!!!

Here are the appetizers:

(Source)

(Source)

(Source)

Have I mentioned how addicting Pinterest is??

Christmas Card Display

2011-12-14T20:05:00.002-05:00

Thanks again to Pinterest, I saw this cute way to display Christmas cards (from Martha Stewart!!).

My inspiration:

Tony and Thomas went out and found some branches for me.

Bring on the Christmas cards!

And The Crafting Continues...

2011-12-13T18:51:00.003-05:00

Tonight we are making twinkle stars. The above picture is from The Muffin Tin Mom and the step by step is found here. Soooo easy peasy.

I collected paper toilet rolls and paper towel rolls from friends and co workers and now the twins are hard at work gluing them together.

So much fun!

I'll post some pictures when they are finished;)

Enjoy the Season

2011-12-11T18:34:00.005-05:00

This weekend every year is a busy one for us. We have birthday parties to attend, last minute shopping for parties at work and school, Secret Santa and oh yeah, regular life.

But this year, this season is so much sweeter....just as busy but so sweet. The news of a baby has graced our lives. Not directly in our family, but close enough. The kiddos call her Aunt Lynn and she has wanted a baby for years. Just when she thought the door was closed, it suddenly opens and there is a baby. The kids are overjoyed!!

I try to remember to stop and enjoy this. Enjoy this hustle and bustle. Enjoy the craziness.

Enjoy the season.

Here are some pictures from our weekend of birthday parties!

Look Ma, real soda!

Pinterest Projects

2011-12-06T21:28:00.004-05:00

I have always had the urge to be crafty but most projects I came across seemed above my ability level.

Enter Pinterest.

Oh how I love thee. I love finding project that make me say....I really can do that! Here are some of my most recent.

I loved this repurposed globe. There are so many cute repurposing ideas here. Tony picked up a small champagne glass and we painted it black. He cut an old broken globe in half and viola! I need to fill with pine cones.

I am soooo looking forward to Christmas dinner at my house this year. I have multiple Christmas projects. I saw this and knew they would be our place card holders.

Mine drying....just add ribbon.

More on my super crafty skills to come....

Sweet

2011-12-04T16:53:00.002-05:00

Tony/Stella 2007

Tony/James 2011

2011-11-30T08:43:00.001-05:00

2011-11-27T09:36:00.001-05:00

Brothers!

2011-11-21T19:35:00.001-05:00

Reindeer Romp

2011-11-18T23:08:00.004-05:00

I am trying not to think about Christmas until we first enjoy Thanksgiving. But, when a friend asked us to go to this Reindeer Romp, we had to go!

James is on Tony's shoulders in the background!

Thomas and Stella seem a little 'skeptical' about Santa this year. I know kids at school have begun to talk. They both aren't asking too many questions and are still willing to play along for James' sake;)

I love how James is keeping his eye on Santa.

The first place tree!

Hello Kitty!

2011-11-14T23:01:00.001-05:00

Sleep?

2011-11-13T08:17:00.005-05:00

I am still a bit lost with what to do with James' sleeping habits. It seems as though it falls into a toddler anxiety category. He also appears to be having nightmares or at least some real fears at night. So for now, what works best for our family is to have James sleep in our bed.

It is not perfect. But, I am not as frustrated with him when I was trying to get him in his crib. He falls asleep and then if he wakes, it takes a minute to soothe him, as compared to a lot longer if he was in his crib. I really did not like feeling so 'at odds' with James every. single. night.

I have decided to change my perspective on the whole situation. At night, James holds my finger when he sleeps. He rolls on his side and rubs my arm. I hear "I yub you mama" multiple times each night.

It's not the best solution, and it certainly takes it toll on us sometimes. But for now, James is in our bed, sleeping with his mama. And that makes him very happy.

Writing Sample

2011-11-11T20:48:00.003-05:00

A couple weeks ago, I had parent/teacher conferences for the twins. Second grade has been so smooth and uneventfully, I knew the conference would be pretty easy. Both teachers has great things to say about Thomas and Stella. Stella's teacher really 'gets' her and she had a piece of her writing she wanted to share with me.

I love how the servant is going to do her homework!?

Is does not surprise me at all that she begin to campaign for more wishes....

Queen??

And bam....she brings it home:

~sniff, sniff~

She gets it.

2011-11-08T18:03:00.001-05:00

Buddies

2011-11-06T11:22:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:36:00.004-04:00

2005:

bumblebees

2006:

princess

fireman

2007:

Dorothy

motorcycle

2008:

super twins!

2009:

a ninja, butterfly and a horse

2010:

a werewolf, mermaid and a cow

2011:

a vampiress, an egg and a Jawa

Well, it would not be Halloween unless one of the kiddos was sick. This year it was James. I wasn't sure if our little egg would rally, but he did:)

His egg costume was such a hit! Isn't it cute. For months now, James has been saying he wanted to be an "egg". Huh?? Ok! Well, a quick search on etsy.com and I found Lisa's site. She was able to put James' idea into a cute costume!! She has so many cute clothes listed too...check her out;)

Aunt Lynn came with us for trick or treating and then took the big kids back out so Jojo could rest.

Aunt Lynn with her bebes:)

Green Meadows Petting Farm

2011-10-29T17:56:00.007-04:00

We went to the farm with the kiddos...such a nice time of year to go. We have been there before and the kids LOVE it.

Stella is so at home on a farm. She buddies up with the tour guide and is not afraid of anything! She was so happy!

I wasn't sure how James would do since he can be timid. He loved the baby chicks and ducklings the most. He held the baby chick, looked up at Tony and said, "I bring it home?"

See how much the kiddos have grown!

2009:

2011:

2008:

2011:

2008:

2011:

2008:

2011:

Pumpkins

2011-10-28T18:49:00.004-04:00

Carving:

Finished products:

Jump!

2011-10-24T11:06:00.001-04:00

My Boys!

2011-10-22T13:20:00.001-04:00

Smile

2011-10-21T21:20:00.004-04:00

My grandam Audrey embroidered a sweatshirt for both Thomas and Stella when they were born. I was so excited for the two of them to grow into the sweatshirts:) Well, now they have worn them and my gram has passed on.

It made me so happy to put this sweatshirt on James this morning. I thought of my gram and smiled.

Ballet

2011-10-19T22:08:00.004-04:00

The twins went to the ballet today! Their entire second grade class was able to go. The information sent home asked for the kiddos to dress up a bit so this is what my Bunny wore. Thomas managed to get long pants on and a button down so he looked very handsome too. Both Thomas and Stella gave the ballet two thumbs up. Stella did say that there was so giggling because they kissed (gasp!) in the story and the men had tights on!

2011-10-18T18:27:00.000-04:00

Fall Family Fun

2011-10-17T17:10:00.003-04:00

I love, love, love this time of year. I love the cooler weather (well upper 80's..ha!), the pumpkin spice coffee, the holidays. And I love the traditions we have as a family. Here are some pictures from our weekend:

2011-10-16T08:10:00.002-04:00

2004:

2005:

2006:

2007:

2008:

2009:

2010:

2011:

2011-10-14T08:43:00.001-04:00

Lizards!

2011-10-10T11:50:00.000-04:00

Sudden Sleep Issues

2011-10-09T21:38:00.004-04:00

About six weeks ago, we tried to start James in a preschool program. He was not having it.

He screamed.

I cried.

We pulled him out.

Since then, he has had MAJOR separation issues. He has had one nanny, 'Dan-Dan', who he loooooves. He began to cry and cling to me when I would go to work?? He has had times when he would do that, but it would be over in a minute. This was the real deal. Crying, screaming, clinging, clutching. It broke. my. heart. Dan-Dan pulled out all the stops. She knows exactly what will make him happy:)

As the 'freaking when mama leaves' got better, his nighttime routine began to unravel. James has always been VERY easy at naptime and bedtime. He loves his crib and loves to sleep. I would rock him for a minute, lay him down wide awake and he would go to sleep. Easy.

Now he is screaming. He wants to me stay with him. He wakes in the middle of the night and wants to me to sleep in his room. He is no longer easy:( The past three nights he has slept in our bed. I know I need to make a plan and get this under control.

I don't have a plan. I am not sure what to do.

2011-10-06T09:56:00.000-04:00

2011-10-02T13:49:00.001-04:00

2011-09-30T16:53:00.001-04:00

Girls Weekend 2011

2011-09-26T21:49:00.004-04:00

So this weekend, I was able to meet up with two of my girls friends and have some "me" time. We stayed at The Mansion. It resembled my day-to-day life so much...

I woke leisurely to a delicious breakfast spread.

Ate a leisurely breakfast while sipping on coffee and reading the mornings headlines.

Spent time on me....toes, make up, hair....even put on faux lashes!!

Ha! That is soooo far from my day to day life that is it laughable! Ha!

We have gone on a girls getaway every year since 2005 (minus 2009 when two of us had more bebes). I can not explain what this getaway does for me. I come back filled up, refueled....like I have my groove back. Any mama knows how draining the day to day care of little ones can be and this makes me ready to tackle it all!

We shopped, had spa treatments, happy hour every day, napped, dinner reservations at 9 pm(!!), and of course if you are in Buffalo you have to partake in the local fare....

I am already counting down the days until Nashville 2012!!!

My Girls!

2011-09-25T22:27:00.005-04:00

Every year we have more fun.

I return home filled up and ready to rock the momma life again:)

Love my girls!

2011-09-12T08:58:00.001-04:00

2011-09-11T22:07:00.003-04:00

There is a wall in the Festival Bay Mall that we always snap a picture of the kiddos in front of...look at the difference!

Sparkly Shoes!

2011-09-08T21:24:00.003-04:00

My latest thrift store find!! Shoes for Stella....$.99 and the tags were still on! Love when I find stuff like that;)

Oh yeah, the shoes are being modeled by James who is quite comfortable in his manhood thankyouverymuch.

2011-09-07T15:04:00.002-04:00

2011-09-04T22:23:00.002-04:00

Focus Face

2011-08-31T21:39:00.001-04:00

Each of my children make a certain 'focus face' when they are paying attention to something. Today we were sitting around the table doing homework and I caught both Stella and Thomas' focus face on video. Stella purses her lips like a little bunny and Thomas juts his jaw out and slides it to the side. So cute!

Hold Me Mama

2011-08-30T22:00:00.006-04:00

Tony took this picture on his phone this morning. James has been having a tough week. That picture pretty much sums it up.

Hold me Mama.

Rock me.

Stay here Mama.

Hold me Mama.

See how his head is in that nook of my neck? Yeah, if he could stay there all day long, we would be all set.

Ugh.

School

2011-08-25T21:14:00.005-04:00

He was all smiles! He wanted to carry his 'hunch' in all by himself.

He went straight to the craft table and started to play. Mama will be back to get you after lunch. Ok Mama.

Then, a phone call. He won't stop crying.

We tried it again and he cried. A lot.

I know we should keep trying. Stick it out. He will be ok. He will adjust to school. But...

I can't. He is my baby and I can not stand to see him cry and be upset. He can stay home another year and we will try again.

Neither of us were ready.

All I Want for Christmas....

2011-08-25T20:47:00.002-04:00

Once upon a time, a brother and sister sat calmly and quietly watching a movie together.

About 2.2 seconds later, they began to wrestle and the baby brother drop kicked the sisters front tooth out.

For a couple weeks now, I had been teasing Stella that I hoped her other front tooth would come out by the holidays so she could sing, "All I Want for Christmas...". Well....

Today at school the other top tooth came out! A little early for the Christmas song;)

2011-08-22T08:39:00.002-04:00

2007 (Preschool):

2008 (VPK):

2009 (Kindergarten):

2010 (1st Grade):

2011 (2nd Grade):

Second Grade!

2011-08-22T08:29:00.004-04:00

And they are off....

Stella is beginning 2nd grade with a tooth that James knocked out. Thomas is beginning 2nd grade with a black eye from his younger brother. Who will James beat up with the twins at school??

2011-08-20T18:30:00.001-04:00

Meet the Teacher

2011-08-19T14:13:00.004-04:00

2007:

2008:

2009:

One was excited and one was not. Ha!

2010:
Write down 'get batteries' in my planner....check!
Forget to get batteries...check!
Send Tony to go get batteries...check!
Forget to take a single picture....yep, check!

2011:

We had 'Meet the Teacher' for James as well as the twins. He will be starting at the same preschool that the twins went to. When we went to James' classroom, the twins' old teacher came up and gave each of them a big hug. As I watched Thomas and Stella wrap their arms around her waist, I flash backed to the 2 year old version of Thomas and Stella wrapping their arms around her knees. How are the twins going into second grade?? And my baby going to school two mornings a week?? It all goes by too quickly.

2011-08-15T11:50:00.002-04:00

Grandma Stella is back from Alaska....hence the cute shirts:) (and lots of other goodies too!!) We are so glad you are back safe and sound!

Lunches

2011-08-14T21:02:00.004-04:00

Is anyone else as excited to begin packing lunches again? I may be exaggerating a bit but I am trying to get motivated again. Here is what I am loving now:

This recipe for mini lasagnas:

I am loving the mini's! I could look at her blog for hours;)I also pulled out my recipes for my mini granola cups.

On Thursdays and Fridays, I will have to pack three lunches (James is going to school!) and I think he will love the mini stuff.

I have always been asked about the boxes I use for the twins. I bought mine at Laptop Lunches and I love, love, love mine. If you go to their website, check out their current newsletter because there is a very familiar blog featured!!!

Back to School Thrifting

2011-08-14T16:44:00.004-04:00

The twins are pretty much set with back to school clothes but I did want to run over to my favorite thrift store and just see if I could find anything since it is tax free shopping all weekend. It turned out to be such a good clothing day!

I did find this serving platter. I needed something this size.

I found some cool retro T-shirts for Thomas, some pj's for James and such pretty items for Stella. This is a Forever 21 dress. It come to her calves and has these little sleeves that sit off the shoulder. So pretty....and $1.49!

Stella picked out this tunic....love the ruffles at the bottom.

This dress is perfect for Stella. It is chocolate brown, soft and flowy. She loves it!

But the deal of the day was this little sweater I found for Stella. I thought she could wear it over the brown dress when it gets a bit cooler. Tags still on and it was only $1.49! Score!!!

Now to finish up on that mile long school supply list!

Thomas' Moves

2011-08-11T23:06:00.002-04:00

Anyone who knows the twins, knows that Stella is the performer out of the two. However, this summer, the kiddos have put on "talent shows" at summer camp and Thomas participated in both. Take a look at my little man's moves:

2011-08-02T19:07:00.001-04:00

Resemblance?

2011-07-31T23:28:00.002-04:00

Resort Fun!

2011-07-31T23:09:00.005-04:00

One of the many perks of living in Orlando is when people come to visit, they usually stay at one of the many fun resorts.....and then we can crash! One of my dear friends, Angela, is visiting with her daughter and her father and we went over for some fun in the pool.

I don't have many pictures of the twins because they were not still long enough for me to get one;)

Progress

2011-07-29T21:45:00.002-04:00

I was trying to catch up on some organizational stuff in the kids rooms and I found one of Thomas' writing journals. I loved looking at the progress he made during one school year. I also thought it was funny because the content was the same...family and the beach;)

My family has 9 (?) people. I have a baby brother. I got a sister. I love my family. I got a mom and dad. I like to go to the beach.

I am going to New York for the summer. I am going to New York because I am visiting my aunts. There is ice skating at the lake. It snows there. I am going to build a snowman and an igloo. I am so excited to go to New York. I'm going to the beach on Sunday. I am going to build a sand castle in the sand. I am going with my mom, Amy, my dad, Tony, my sister, Stella and my my baby brother, James. At the end of the day, we are going to watch the sun set.

Baby Mango Lips

2011-07-28T23:31:00.002-04:00

Parfait Dishes

2011-07-22T22:41:00.003-04:00

I have been plugging along at my organizing. I have moved upstairs to the kiddos rooms...Out with the 'too small' clothes and taking inventory for what we need for school. I have been popping into two of my favorite thrift stores. I have a couple of items I am looking for but instead I stumbled on these:

Eight pretty parfait dishes. I love, love, love them. I also scored a set of Pier 1 Christmas plates. I can't wait to use those. I really am going to take some organization 'after' shots...

To be continued...

2011-07-18T12:23:00.002-04:00

You Make Me Smile Like The Sun

2011-07-13T21:17:00.007-04:00

My amazing sister Megan makes the most amazing videos. She made one of the aunts last trip down to Orlando and now she made one for our recent trip up to Buffalo. Did I mention it is amazing??

You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler than the flip side
Of my pillow, that's right

Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where
You send me, lets me know that it's okay
Yeah, it's okay
And the moments where my good times start to fade

You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night

You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile

She also made these side by side pictures....which I love.

Even when you're gone,
Somehow you come along just like
A flower pokin' through the sidewalk crack
And just like that
You steal away the rain, and just like that

Don't know how I lived without you
'Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile

Thank you Aunt Meg for the AMAZING video:)

2011-07-10T23:27:00.001-04:00

2011-07-10T12:01:00.001-04:00

B-Lo

2011-07-08T21:53:00.005-04:00

We recently went up to Buffalo to visit my family. The kiddos were sooo excited to see their aunts!!

Twinsies: Aunt Meg and Stella

Aunt "Rin" and James

James could not stay away from the piano. He loved the 'music'.

I was able to see my good friend, Tina. She invited another person we used to work with and we had a reunion;) We cooked out and chatted while the kids played in her pool.

For the 4th of July, we had a huge picnic at my Grandparents house on the Niagara River. Below is a picture of most of the cousins.

By far, the best part of the trip was just seeing my family. 'Cappy' was adored by his grandchildren and the feeling was very mutual:)

The boys with my Grandfather.

Kevin Francis, James Francis and Grandpa Francis:

Stella with her Great Grandmother Marion:

The kiddos with Great Grandma Mary. She had her pockets filled with lollipops which was a big hit:) James was calling her 'Grandma Mama'.

The weather was perfect, I felt relaxed (gasp!) and I was surrounded by family. Such a good vacation!!

2011-07-02T10:08:00.001-04:00

Thomas

2011-06-28T23:22:00.004-04:00

I was looking at some more of these fuzzy old pictures. This is my Grandfather. He died when I was very young. His name was Thomas, just like my son's.

I love these pictures because my grandpa looks so comfortable with me. He seems so natural holding me. I have heard so many stories from my mom about him and how he just adored me; these pictures reinforce that for me.

My mom still tells me stories and answers all the questions I have about him. He can feel like such a mystery to me. I am so happy to have these memories captured in pictures.

Organization Update

2011-06-24T22:47:00.005-04:00

I have been sticking to my organization schedule. I have finished our family room and almost done with the kitchen. I can not believe that I did not take any 'before' picture but here are some 'after' shots.

These shelves were messy and cluttered. I only wanted to have things that I loved on those shelves: pictures, kids art, etc.

The kitchen was a much bigger project. I wanted to reorganize all the cupboards so I came up with a plan.

The island was so cluttered....now nice and clean;)

This is the 'before' picture I really wish I had. You could not even see this counter...it was just filled with junk. Now.....ahhhhh, nice and clean;)

To be continued....

Reminisce

2011-06-24T18:28:00.003-04:00

This past week marks the one year anniversary of my grandmothers passing.

I mentioned the date to Tony and we spent some time remembering my Gram Audrey. When the twins were born, my mom and my gram both came and stayed with us. We lived in an itty bitty house and there was a bed in the nursery (with two cribs!). Tony and I would stay up and do the late night feedings and my mom and gram would wake and do the early morning feedings. My dad drove down from New York a week after the twins were born and he remarked we all looked like walking zombies! All of us were so sleep deprived. When I think back to that time, I remember how much the twins were loved! Someone always had a baby, rocking, feeding, snuggling, changing a diaper. I can picture my gram sitting on my front porch rocking her namesake, Stella Audrey, looking at the tree tops and the early morning sunshine. My mom and gram cooked, cleaned and basically allowed Tony and I to try to figure out how to manage TWO babies (yeah, not sure if we have that figured out now;).

I miss my gram so much some days.

I miss our shopping trip with me and my mom, my cousin Jen and Aunt Terry and Gram. The five of us would shop, go to lunch and take trips. I have so many memories of the five of us having fun together. My gram’s last couple of years drove a wedge between her two daughters. Time has passed and life goes on and all of a sudden I am watching my children with their grandmother. I am so grateful for that time with my gram and I hope I can live an equally full life filled with grandbabies to rock and memories to be made.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T21:00:00.001-04:00

Ten Weeks to an Organized Home

2011-06-15T21:38:00.001-04:00

I have seriously neglected my house for some time now. Really, it has probably been over a year since I have de-cluttered and organized. Well I am putting an end to the disorganization and I am beginning a new summer program: Ten Weeks to an Organized Home.

You see, there are ten weeks until the kids go back to school. By that time, I want my home to be functional, organized and de-cluttered.

I have identified ten spots in my home:
1. Family room
2. Kitchen
3. Dining room/Living room
4. James’ room
5. Thomas’ room
6. Stella’s room
7. Master bedroom
8. All closets: two linen closets and the pantry
9. Garage
10. Backyard

I am in the middle of week one. I have rearranged all the furniture in the living room, taken THREE garbage bags of junk toys out and sorted the remaining toys in to two small bins. All of the items associated with the Wii are in one bin and the large dinosaurs are in the other. All of the movies have been matched up and every movie has a home. I only have things (pictures, plates, etc) that I love. I even found a cute bin to hold all the remotes. We have two end tables and the drawers have been emptied and sorted. The room is so functional and organized!! I plan on taking some before and after pictures for each week.

Thrift Finds

2011-06-14T22:44:00.005-04:00

Here are two of my recent thift finds:

This will serve to hold the remotes in my living room. I am on a massive organizational kick at my house and everything WILL have a place.

And this dish...just love it. I have some blue and white pieces from my grandma Audrey. This dish reminds me so much of her;)

Nook

2011-06-14T14:29:00.007-04:00

James has been loving my Nook Color lately. After his bath, he loves to sit and use the drawing app or the animal app. So cute:)

2011-06-11T15:21:00.001-04:00

2011-06-10T21:37:00.002-04:00

Notes from my Bunny

2011-06-06T15:36:00.009-04:00

My bunny has always loved to write.

When she was a toddler, I would find her attempts of notes and lists.

(L) Tony's list for Publix (R) Stella's "list"

As her writing has improved so have her notes. Sometimes I will get notes like the one below, asking me to join her for lunch at school.

We get to read the writing she does at school.

Stella loves to write to her friends. Gabrielle is her BFF and she ~really~ wants to be in the same second grade class with her.

Sometimes, I get notes on my pillow. Sweet;) My bunny:)

Sometimes I get informative notes left on the top of the stairs. I am so glad she points out "I will not be in my bed". I can envision a note like this when she is sneaking out of the house at 16. :)

And some notes...well, some notes I just can not explain.

Beach

2011-06-01T21:37:00.002-04:00

2011-05-26T23:28:00.002-04:00

The twinlets are at the beach with Tony and his mom. This is the picture that was sent to me. ~Sigh~ Miss them already!!

7 Going on 17

2011-05-25T22:38:00.001-04:00

Summer Haircuts

2011-05-23T20:42:00.003-04:00

We took the kiddos to get summer haircuts. The boys both wanted a buzz:

I thought Stella was just going to get a little trim. She has been growing her hair long. Nope, she wanted it short.

Before:

After:

Love it!!

Big Time Rush at Universal

2011-05-15T21:28:00.009-04:00

Part of the twins birthday present from The Mulcahys were tickets to see Big Time Rush at Universal. We surprised them last night with that!! We also know James would love to go since he has a toddler crush on Barney.

Mission complete!

I swear I have a video of Thomas at this age doing the same thing:

Mother's Day

2011-05-08T22:23:00.003-04:00

Coffee in bed, homemade breakfast, beautiful gifts, butterfly encounter with the family, a nap...Does not get any better than this.

Let the Spoiling Begin!

2011-05-07T14:20:00.000-04:00

Fun at the Park

2011-05-03T23:03:00.002-04:00

S'mores

2011-04-30T22:49:00.006-04:00

We were able to spend some time at Grandma house with Tony's cousins. So much fun:)

The kids had s'mores:

Stella wanted hers ~very~ well done!

James waving to mama:

For some reason, I do not have any pictures of Thomas...but you can see a cute s'mores video of Thomas here.

Egg Hunt

2011-04-20T14:12:00.002-04:00

Our neighborhood had an Easter egg hunt this past Sunday...James was ready to go!

The twins had their picture taken with the worst Easter Bunny ever!

And when James go back in the car, he promptly dumped all of his eggs on his head;) Ha!