A Baby No More :(

Tomorrow my baby turns 5. This time has passed way to quickly. Tonight looking back I wish I had savored those nursing moments, rocking chair moments and night time cuddles just a little more.

For an unexpected child this one sure has brought us all so much joy! I guess you never know what you are missing until you have it. Logan sure has been our "Missing Piece".

She is funny, demanding, loving and stubborn all rolled into one firey little redhead. I couldn't ask for more!

From day one she has been her brothers baby, he now gets annoyed when she is all over him but he still tries to take it in stride. Heck he's 14 what can I expect.

We have sometimes struggled with the 2 girls but lately Brynn has taken to reading Logan to sleep at night and man what a difference in their relationship! Logan cannot wait for the next chapter!

As for Joe and I , well for us, this was "older" parenting and boy is it different. When we had the other 2 we were in our 20's and still kids ourselves. Carving out the time to "play" has been more difficult but she is pretty adaptable and willing to play our types of games- most of the time!

She definitely has completed our little family and I will continue to relish her little kid days and hope they are a sweet as her baby days were.

Happy Fathers Day

Today is a day to celebrate Dads.
While I will be heading to Brynn's play, Joe will take my other 2 and my sisiter up to the cottage. He should have a wonderful Fathers Day since the cottage is so refreshing!
I will also be missing my Daddy today, Its been 13 years and the wound is still fresh.....
I wonder alot of times if he is pleased with the way things are going down here.
My mom is traveling which was his greatest wish and my son, who he called Miracle Baby, is growing into a fine young man.
Brynny and Logan never got to meet my father, although I know he is with us each and everyday- so he sees them!
I was 3 months pregnant with Brynn when he passed, she is the spitting image of him. Looks, laugh and sense of humor. She has been Little Ernie since the day she was born.
Logan has unexplainably quieted at times when she was an infant. She was a screamer and nothing could calm her. There were a few times however when she would be screaming her little head off and all of a sudden stop, and be laughing at nothing but the ceiling. It makes you wonder!
So just because we can't see them doesn't mean they aren't around, Happy Fathers Day to my incredible Father and amazing Husband.....

Girlie Day!

The Girls and I headed to Spider Web Gardens in Tuftonboro to get our plants. We were a little too late for seed planting this year so I had to buy plants, harder on the wallet but if I get a good yield it will be worth it!

The garden all planted...

The section without plants has seeds in it. We planted spinach,cucumbers and zucchini seeds.

They did not have any plants for those, so we are hoping the come in quickly!

My lettuce wound up in the flower beds because the garden is full sun and lettuce likes the shade!

It was a lovely day with my girls and to see how much Logan enjoyed picking out and planting I can't wait to do it again with her!

Building my garden! Finally!!!

Momma's Little Helper!

Computer Blahs

Well I have been trying for 3 days now to upload some pics and post a new post. My computer is not behaving and refuses to upload them. :(
I will write without photos for now!
We had a lovely Memorial Day cookout with friends on Monday! It was so nice to unwind after working all weekend long!
Good food , great conversation and enjoying the laughter of kids!

On Tuesday we headed up to The Cottage. What a gratifying job to clean it out and prep it for use! We raked and trimmed place that haven't been done for years! The girls and I cleaned the inside and Brynn was the most amazing helper!
We cut back the paths between "The Colony" and our cottage so that when our summer family arrives we can scoot back and forth with ease!

In the midst of these summer activities my DH made me a raised garden and I am off today to get plants!!! Cannot wait for fresh from the garden veggies!!!

Yesterday was a productive day! Logan and I had tons of school done before the kids graced us with their presence and then we cleaned while they did school! I took them to the library and we checked out bunches of books! I love books and found out the dangers of bringing a bag to the library- too many (is that possible) books!!! I even got myself a few books- Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon , the Biography of Ezra Jack Keats and the biaography of Edgar Allen Poe.
I have already finished the Jan Karon books so its on to Ezra Jack Keats!!

If anyone has book suggestions I will gladly take them!!!

BEAR!!!

Oh how I wish I had a picture!
Joe and I stepped out on the porch tonight and heard a noise, we turned and saw a trash bag and some rustling noises. I ran to get the flashlight and Lo and behold standing there was our Bear! I got the camera but in my nervousness and excitement I couldn't get it on the nighttime setting fast enough. He stood there staring at us and then slowly lumbered away, looking back at his meal which he had to leave behind.
We left the bag- neither one of us wanted to get off the porch and clean it up!!!
I am actually hoping for another opportunity to photograph this beast! My camera is set on the nighttime setting, by the backdoor witht he flashlight.
Wow what an amazing sight. Its nerve wracking though, he was not one bit afraid of us!
We knew that he may possibly live in the caves toward the back of our property but the track he took into the woods confirmed this. No nature walks for us!!! Gotta keep the kids out of the woods!!!
Lets hope I can get a shot of him if he comes back!

The BLT's have got the allergies :(
My husband actually called out sick today and took amny naps during the day , poor guy!
I worked my second shift at Crepes today, it is so much fun and I ran into an old friend of ours! It was so nice to see Derek and know that I will be seeing more of him. We had so much fun with them when we lived here before!
T and B joined some feloow homeschoolers at a dance tonight. They had an OK time. Stinks when you have an idea how things will go in your mind then they don't. Life Lessons!!!!
L and I did flashcards and played "roll it" with her new green ball. She is such a smarty pants!!
I came home from work to a clean kitchen thanks to my son!! I love when they do things like that!!
B spent her day cleaning her disaster of a bedroom- closet and under the bed too!!
My DH went through a bunch of junk that was in the dining room and went to the dump! Nice that he felt well enough to do those things I never seem to get to!
I am enjoying the feeling of earning money again! I would not want to do it full time, I miss my kids and my freedom, but this part time summer job is perfect!!!
Tomorrow we are off to celebrate my BF's little sisters graduation- I cannot wait! So proud of Manda Panda and I get to see my "sisters"!
Off to bed I am a bit sleepy tonight!!! Enjoy your weekend everyone!!

Mothers Day Musings

What a bittersweet day.
1 year ago today a staple of our community, a mother , a friend, a true light in this world was extinguished -way too soon.
This day of celebration has become a day of remembrance as well.
I started my morning with around 90 other Mothers, Fathers and children of all ages walking in a brisk wind with our Pink and Green balloons held high. Through tears and warm memories we celebrated Staceys short life.
Though I wish she were here, the walk was an amazing way to start my Mothers Day. It caused immense reflection and pause and a truer understanding of the love that shines on this day.
I thank God for my Mother and my children and of course my wonderful husband. I also thank God for the wonderful Mothers I know...
Enjoy this day, hug your children tight and do not take for granted that every day is a gift.
Happy Mothers Day!
to quote my new favorite book "Philippians 4:13 .... for Pete's Sake!!" (Jan Karon , At Home in Mitford)

R.I.P Stacey, we will not forget and will never stop demanding answers....

FULL.....

I am full of love tonight. I have amazing family and friends around me.
My children never cease to amaze me and I am so completely grateful for them.

This morning I woke up and went to fed the cat, I took a moment to take in the quiet (the kids were still sleeping) fresh air and the birds. Well that lastest all of 2 seconds.... I saw a trail of garbage bags headed toward the woods. Apparently the noise in the woods last night was NOT a racoon.
Mr. Bear broke into our trash bin and made off with the goods, not before pooping in the yard!!!! I guess that answers the age old question- he does not poop in the woods he poops in YARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!
The neighbor came and looked at the paw prints and stuff and said it is probably a 200-300 lb bear!!! YIKES- no more nature walks for us!!!!

Logan had Sporty Shorties this morning- what a blast!!! She played Red Light Green Light, Duck Duck Goose, Hopscotch, soccer and Hippity Hoppity! She is looking forward to spending an evening with her BFF Boo tomorrow. I love that she gets so excited about her friends!

Tristan did a whole lot of nothing today!!!! I think he may have needed a down day , he has been quite busy lately. He helped me clean up and get dinner ready though, gotta love him for that!!!

Brynn spent some time doing schoolwork and then went to her friends to work sheep. Man does she love animals, I am glad she has such a passion!!
I need to get some curricula to foster that!

I myself did the bare minimum today, I have had a long few weeks and its not getting lighter by the looks of things!! I don't really mind being busy keeps me going!!!

Tomorrow we are off to a friends for dinner and to drop Brynn off she is going to a bog with another homeschool family. I have to remember to get her Grampa's Binoculars and a notebook.

What an amazing life we lead!! I couldn't ask for more!!

Time.........

I am just not sure where the time has gone...... As my 14 year old was out last night , again(!!), Joe and I were cleaning and organizing and we looked at our photo albums. My little peanut, my Bug, my miracle is 14 years old and no longer needs his Mom for everything.
What a sad realization. I know this is a good thing , but man I miss my guy-my attached at the hip,smiling, funny and confident little man.
I cannot believe how quickly they grow!
He's turned into quite the young man, caring and kind yet capable of anger when necessary. (and sometimes when not!)
His Mom embarrasses him sometimes(okay a lot!) that is new territory for me!! I have always been a goof , dorky and a cuddler. I guess when your 14 those things are a bit embarrassing, when he was 4 he thought I was the greatest!!!!
New territory for me learning how not to be a geek in front of his friends!!!
Well enough lamenting , I will revel in the fact that I did a good job and raised a fine young man..... I wish the scanner was working so I could post that 4 year old!!!

Adventures in Shopping

Okay so in an attempt to eat better on a smaller budget I am learning (slowly) from a friend of mine how to use coupons and sales to maximize my dollars.
So todays lessons are as follows:
1) 10 for 10 specials are Fridays , not Thursday nights LOL
2) remember that coupons only double under $1.00
3) do not try to gather coupons the day your shopping!!

Todays Positives:
1) My total bill was $60.15 but I only paid $37.63
2) I bought some new foods to try at a fantastic price!!!

So I am going to continue to learn from my wonderful friend and will be surfing coupon sites and buying the Sunday paper !
Wish me luck and if you have tips to share feel free!!!

I Guess I Called It Right!!!

Well in my last post I talked about the crazy March we had on deck and boy oh boy did it live up to that!
Not only did we have all those celebrations but I lost my computer due to a charger port issue, hopefully it will be fixed soon. It stinks to share a computer with Joe since he needs it for college ALL THE TIME!!!

I am way behind in my photos of the week because I lost my computer and my camera won't load to Joe's. I will upload a bunch of them when I get my computer back.

The kids have been enjoying their March immensely! When skiing ended they were bummed but now we are skating for the next few Mondays so they are pleased with that.

Brynn is one of the little thieves in Oliver and Tristan will be working backstage on props. Its been a blast for Brynn - she loves drama!!! (LOL)

Tristan and Joe were disappointed with the syrup making this year, it got too warm too fast - which makes the sap not run :( There's always next year, right?

It is Holy Week here- a reverent , pensive time. We will have a busy week of Church- but I love Easter. The sacrifices made for us by Jesus always astound me and bring me to tears.
I love watching my children serve the Church in each of their capacities and when Logan is able to say the "Our Father" and "Hail Mary" on her own at just 4 years old I know their faith is strong!

We have ended Co-op for the year and while it lightens my load for school I am always sad that I will not see my lovely friends til next year. Yes I will see some at Church and various other home school events but it is not the same! By the mid-July I will be ready to start again and will have to practice my patience!

I am off to bed Its been a busy weekend and I realize my post is probably disjointed and long so if your still reading Thank you and goodnight!!!

Crazy Dayz!

So this month has started out crazy - March sure is coming in like a lion here!
We are getting all the sugaring stuff prepped and ready and will boil this Tuesday. The Sap finally broke loose yesterday!
We celebrated Brynn's 12th birthday and our 17th Anniversary on the 4th.
Next up this month we have Joe's Birthday and an unexpected wedding , I guess his brother decided to get married a little earlier than planned! Thanks for the 2 week notice!
I had planned on taking my husband away for the weekend but I guess we'll go to a wedding instead!
I have photo's to choose from for Pic of the Week- I just have to upload them LOL
The kids are off to play practice in a few then it will be very quiet around here!
I am very interested to see which parts they get , the are doing Oliver! it should be a lot of fun!
Okay I think I am rambling a bit so its time to post this and fade back to my chores!!!

Sugarin' in the Little Wood!!!

Week 8: Sugarin' Begins!

SOOOO Far behind!!!

I am terribly far behind in posting my pics of the week!!!

I am going to post 2 in this one post !!

Week 6: Reading like the big kids!

Week 7 : Sisters and Window Crayons!!!

Week 5: Happy Birthday Gram!

We celebrated my Moms birthday yesterday! No one would ever guess her age!
It is such a joy to share in these special days with her! My kids were so excited to buy Grammie a cake! Logan gave me specific instructions that it should be balloons and the bonus was it came in green which is Logan's favorite color!!!
Yay!!!!

Week 4: Bob Book Mastery!

Logan has mastered her first Bob Book- Mat!
She is so very proud of herself as am I !!!

I am late with my Picture of the Week. To be honest its sitting right on my camera I just need to upload it but I am procrastinating!!!
We have gotten a lot of school work done this week and its been surprisingly painless. Some weeks its painful!
I had been slacking on Science with them. They do a lot of exploration and life sciences so I was not very concerned but I found a few books I bought a while ago so thought I would introduce them. They were interested!!!
I also grabbed a few books with in home experiments from the library. I think even little Logan will have some fun with them!
I need to get an email out to a few friends about a "Cooking Club" for the kids. We want to do dinner once a month- they cook it at home and everyone meets up to share. I think it will be a way to get our group of friends cooking and together on a social level- not just a schooling environment!
We used to do a "Game Night" but the kids would rather hang out and chat as would the adults. I thought cooking and eating was a great way to do this!
Okay I am off to get my camera and figure out which pic of the series I took I want to use..... separate post for Pic of the Week coming up shortly!

Well today was Co-op day but we didn't make it. :( I had 2 sick kids and was afraid I was getting it as well. I really look forward to Co-op, I get to get together with my Catholic girlfriends and teach our kids the wonderful faith we have!
The kids really enjoy it and we bummed to miss out on cooking and Catechism today!

We are spending a quiet morning here. Tristan is done with schoolwork for the week so he did a little Rocket Research on the Nasa Kids website. What a great resource!
Brynn is up doing her schoolwork in her room and my little one is playing Mario Cart with my sister, she's in Illinois and we are here in NH!!!
I have made some calls today WOO HOO for me LOL!
I broke my ankle in December of 2008 and it still hasn't completely healed. My Docotr wants me to see a specialist but the specialist is out of network so I have to jump thru hoops to get it approved. Argghhhhh Military insurance stinks if you live away from a base!

I have a few to do things today and last time I listed them here I managed to get them done so I am going to list them again!

Laundry: was, dry, put away
Kitchen: counters
Dining room: table & floor
Bathroom: toilets and mirrors

I'll comment what I accomplish!!!

Project 52 Week 3: Let it Snow!

Well my Project 52 is a bit late this week but Better late than never!

We were expecting 2-5 inches of snow and wound up with at leat 11 inches. The news reported that our town "hit the jackpot" for the State! GREAT LOL more to shovel!!!!

The girls were thrilled, Tristan was bummed there's no fun in snow when your in a cast!

So without further typing here's my pic of the week!

Oh tonight is a good night in our house. The premiere if 24!!!
I have been waiting for Jack since last year! This year we have a new TV, when our old TV died we were gifted one from a neighbor and while it was very much appreciated the picture was so dark we had trouble watching our favorite shows!
Santa brought us a brand new TV for Christmas and now I will finally be able to SEE the picture!!!!
YAY!
Signing off for my 2 hours of 24!!! Have a great night all!!

Organization

Ugh Organization should be a four-letter word :(

Try as I might I always seem to fall short. One Step Forward Eighty Steps Back!

I am determined to get things done this year though.

Today I am posting my to do list for the day and hoping I get to most of it!

Maybe if I put it out there I will be accountable to it!

so here goes :

Laundry- wash, dry, fold, put away!

Dishes -wash, dry, put away

Kitchen- counters and floors

Living room- general clean-up and vaccum!

Get kids school work organized - correct last week and schedule next week!

I think thats enough! If I list too much I will fall short then feel like a loser!!

Now I am going to add a picture just because!

maybe if I get my list done I will treat myself tonight!!!

Tonight Haiti is weighing heavy on my mind. I am so saddened for the losses suffered and for those who are stll missing. I am sad for the people here who are left wondering about loved ones. I am grateful that the missionaries I know, who frequently are in Haiti, were not. They are scheduled to go February 4th and all are praying it will be allowed. They need to get to their Haitian families and offer comfort, prayer and aid.
I will continue to pray and hope that the death toll is not as high as feared. I am praying for the missing and hoping they are found alive and well.
If you are so inclined please pray with me!

I absolutely loved this set of pictures , just had to share them

Conversations With a Cat

Week 2 of My 52!
Logan loves to write on the Dry Erase Board! It makes getting her to do some schoolwork and learning much easier for me!
Logan sounded out, read and wrote each word after I did. Similar sounds are the easy way to learn!
This was a lot of fun to do, we will be doing a lot of this to improve reading and writing skills!

Project 52

I am "borrowing" this idea! My friend over at http://www.scrappingthemagic.com/

suggested it last year and I really didn't have (or didn't THINK I had) the time to do it.
This year using her alternate suggestion I am going to do a Photo Project.
1 Photo each week for a year. (She was trying 1 photo each day and that is too much for me!)

So this weeks photo is of what happens when you don't have all the right equipment to snowboard. If your children or husband or you or anyone you know snowboards- please tell them to invest in some wrist guards!

My son got a brandy new Snowboard for Christmas and was so excited- he had been wanting ot snowboard for 2 years ! So this year Santa pulled it out and got him a whole set up and we went snowboarding & skiing Monday for the first time. 3 hours later we were on the way to the ER with a broken wrist, the most common injury in snowboarding! He's done for the season! If he had been wearing wrist guards this wouldn't have happened!