Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We had a very nice Christmas Day. Just the six of us, at home, together. The kids were up late waiting for Santa...and were up early ready to open gifts.

Everyone got lots of toys and other goodies. Alex was excited to get this prehistoric sea monster kit that he asked for (can you tell?).

Later in the afternoon, Yiayia and Papouli arrived from Miami. Jimmy, Alex and Helen were able to pick out gifts for each family member from their school's Santa Shop. They had so much fun presenting everyone with gifts they picked out themselves. Note: Yiayia was much more excited to receive this "World's Greatest Grandma" mug from Jimmy.

For the homemade portion of our Christmas gifts the kids made these coasters. Using an idea from Becky Higgins blog, each child drew a picture on cardstock which I then glued onto a wood block. Then I spray painted the whole thing with a clear finish and put felt circles on the bottom.
Adorable grandparents gift.

This photo of Will sums up how we all felt at the end of the day. Happy, full and completely exhausted!

Here's to a great 2010!

Thanksgiving.

Jimmy, Alex and Uncle Pete.

So thankful to be able to spend Thanksgiving with my family. The six of us traveled to Miami to spend the holidays with Yiayia and Papouli. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and almost immediately the kids wanted to go swimming. The water was a little cold, but none of them seemed to mind.









After dinner Yiayia and Helen got started on the preparations for Thursday's meal. Here they are making the corn bread casserole.

Will just had to help so they gave him his own mixing cup to play with. Why do the kids love eating sour cream so much?

After a quick trip to Starbucks Thursday morning for Papouli, Jimmy and Alex we continued cooking for the big feast. Yiayia and Papouli worked together to get the stuffing just right. Aren't they cute? (By the way, their 41st wedding anniversary is on Sunday, the 29th) Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad!

Last year Papouli tried deep frying a turkey and thought it turned out so good he decided to do it again this year. In fact, he loved his fryer so much he kept rummaging in the fridge to see what else he could put in there. We ended up having fried shrimp, frog legs, spinach pies and leftover ham. There was some talk of deep fried ice cream, but we were able to dissuade him.

Yiayia made another turkey the "traditional" way. We also had mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes, yams with marshmallows, green beans, Grandma's squash casserole and cranberry sauce. Everything was delicious. Hard to believe, but we all still had room for dessert: pumpkin pie, apple pie, cookies and even ice-cream.

The best part of the meal was when Alex read some poems he wrote in school for the occasion.
My favorite one was titled "When Daddy Carves the Turkey."

When Daddy carves the turkey,

it is really quite a sight,

I know he tries his hardest,

but he never does it right.

He makes a fancy show of it

before he starts to carve,

and stabs in all directions

while we're certain that we'll starve.

He seems to take forever

as we sit and shake our heads,

by the time he's finished slicing

he's reduced the bird to shreds.

He yells as loud as thunder

just before he's finally through

for when Daddy carves the turkey,

Daddy carves his finger too.

-Alex Land

November 2009

Volcano.

Alex made this volcano in class. They put baking soda and vinegar in the middle and watched them "erupt." This is right up Alex's alley...he loves anything science. On Wednesdays after school he attends Mad Science class. This is his second year taking the class...he really enjoys it, especially all of the take home projects. This week they gave him a water bottle. Or as they called it a "hydration station."

Today the 4th grade was having an Awards Program. Of course I planned to attend...I even set my alarm clock earlier so I would be sure to get a parking spot. But then yesterday Will got sick. It started at the park when he wanted me to hold him and even said, "Want sleep." This kid never wants sleep. He slept at the park, woke up, fell asleep again after we got home, woke up, fell asleep after dinner and only woke up twice during the night to ask for juice. His temperature got up to 101.6.

So I made the call to let Will sleep in and not go to the Awards Program.

Poor Alex was crushed. I didn't think he would mind, but when I told him in the car on the way to school he put his head down and stuck out his bottom lip. Then he said, "Why is my day starting out so terrible?" Talk about heartbreak. I apologized and apologized. I will make it up to you, Alex. I promise.

So Thankful.

So Thankful that these two still get along and that all it takes to bring a smile to their faces is an afternoon at the park.

Awesome Alex.

Halloween.

We had a great time trick-or-treating this year. Yiayia and Papouli came up from Miami for a few days. Yiayia decided to dress as a french maid while Papouli decided to forgo a costume...he said his idea was too risque. Some of the neighbors thought Yiayia's outfit was a little risque!

Alex decided on a silver skeleton mask, last year's Grim Reaper outfit and the requisite bloody knife. Helen naturally chose to be a Princess. Depending on when you asked her, she was either Cinderella or Snow White. Originally, Will was going to wear last year's monkey outfit but it was so hot on Halloween we got him a glow-in-the-dark skeleton shirt instead.

Yiayia and I took the kids all around the neighborhood, while the men stayed home to hand out candy. Jimmy wanted to go off on his own this year, which we let him...for a little while. Eventually, we caught up with him. After about an hour and a half the kids came home to dump their loot and grab a drink. (I can't believe someone made these coffins filled with candy. Cute, but way too time consuming.)

Will and Helen were too tired to go back out so they stayed home and started digging into their stash. Alex and Jimmy decided to go out for another round. All in all it was a great night and we ended up with way too much candy. I guess we'll just have to help the kids eat it!

Loving Frank & Grandparents

My mom gave me this book by Nancy Horan about Frank Lloyd Wright and his mistress Mamah Borthwick. At first, I thought it was just a fictional novel about a woman's relationship with him . Then, I found out she really existed and the relationship really happened. Although it is a fictional account many of the events are true, including her and her two children's murders. What a shocking ending to say the least. Still, it was a very interesting story and very well written. I would definitely recommend it.

On a completely different note...a while ago my parents sent these adorable gift bags for the kids. (There were four, but Will dug into his right away.) They were filled with the usual assortment of Halloween goodies and plenty of candy, of course. My favorite were these foam picture frame kits the kids decorated. Aren't grandparents the greatest?

Random thought #3. Yesterday Jimmy had his Fall Dance at school. He was so cute. (Can you still say that about an eleven-year-old?) He went from not wanting to go to 'can we please hurry up so I'm not late'. The dance started at 3PM right after school, but he wanted to come home first and change/brush his teeth, etc. So grown up. He mostly hung out with his friends eating and playing pranks but from what we can gather there might have been a girl he wanted to dance with. Oh no! Maybe that's what all the teeth brushing was about. My Jimmy likes a girl! I'll be alright...someday.

there he goes.

My little Jimmy heading off to another day of middle school.

He's been doing great this year. He gets himself up in the mornings (what?) , comes to the breakfast table, gets ready and heads out the door...without being asked. Then, he comes home, gets started on his homework and has it done by dinnertime...without being asked. Hey, it only took 11 years.

My mom thinks maybe it's because he has more independence this year. The responsibility is on him to get to school, get home and get his homework done. That and also maybe he's growing up. Sniff.

Jimmy has a Fall Dance at school on the 21st. At first, he said he didn't want to go because he didn't know how to dance. We told him you don't have to dance if you don't want to, just go and hang out with your friends and have some pizza. Then he said he would go. Of course, we couldn't leave well enough alone and start asking if maybe there's a girl he likes and would like to take to the dance. Bad idea. Hopefully, we'll learn.

at the pool

Last week we took the kids to the community pool after school. It's so nice to have access to a resort-style pool. During the week it's not crowded (which I love) and we pretty much have the place to ourselves. We usually bring dinner with us. Last time we grabbed a couple of pizzas from Little Caesars, this time we brought our own subs. The kids just love swimming. Now Will is starting to get into it. At first he wouldn't even put his feet in and now he loves taking rides around the pool, especially with big brother Jimmy. Helen and Alex usually just go up and down the water slide.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeh!

She's Six.

This little girl is now a full-fledged six year old. Can it be that long ago I brought an adorable baby girl home from the hospital? Helen is such a wonderful daughter. So full of joy and energy. Embracing life head on. I just love it.

She decided to go to McDonald's for her birthday dinner. No home-cooked meals for this girl! Of course it had to be the one with playground, not the new one by the house. The kids ate their Happy Meals and played in the tubes.

Then we headed back home to open presents. This year Helen decorated with the Littlest Pet Shop. This was also the year of Barbie. She wanted everything Barbie. We got her the Barbie show horse, the Barbie vet and the Barbie carry case. We got a few other items but as you can see, Barbie was a hit.

Next came the cake. Or should I say cakes? We couldn't decide between coconut or chocolate...so we had both! I don't think Helen minded having to blow out candles on two cakes.

I hope you had a wonderful birthday. I love you, Helen!

Back to School

The kids started school a week ago today. Here they are all ready to go on their first day. We met each one's teachers and they all seem very nice. I think this will be a great year.

Helen starting 1st grade

Alex starting 4th grade

Jimmy starting 6th grade

the end of summer

(Alex at Amhurst Park- 8/09)

So much happening lately now that the summer has come to a close. After the boys came back from camping (they said it was really hot and they couldn't go in the springs near their camp) we headed off to the beach. We left Wednesday to meet Yiayia and Papouli in Vero Beach. So relaxing spending time together. On the way home we stopped by to visit with Aunt Doris and Uncle Randy who also live in Vero. The kids had a great time playing with their dog and swimming in the pool.

Sunday I turned 35. Not much different than 34, so far. Just a few more wrinkles and gray hairs.

Monday, Helen and I went back to school shopping. We went to Wal Mart and got all of her school supplies, a new backpack, lunch box, a few outfits and some shoes. Then we went out for lunch (she chose McDonald's). It was so great spending time together just the two of us. A very rare occurrence with four kids. Definitely something I will plan to do more of in the future with each child.

Tomorrow we will head off to the middle school for Jimmy's orientation. Then on Friday we go to the elementary school for Alex and Helen to meet their teachers. Only 5 more days until school starts!

Eleven.

Silly Jimmy (eating candy from the pinata)

Modeling the new shirt we got him.

Enjoying his birthday dinner.

My Jimmy turned eleven yesterday. Wow. Eleven. I still can't believe it. He's growing up so fast. He decided to have Chinese take out for his birthday dinner. His favorite is the chicken chow mien (mine too).

Jimmy said, "All is want for my birthday is a pack of playing cards and a little bit of cash." OK, check. He also said he wanted a pinata. Check. After dinner the kids each tried to crack open the pinata. After several turns Jimmy was the one who finally got it open.

Next, Jimmy opened his presents. Yiayia and Papouli sent a new shirt, some books and the always welcome, cash. Aunt Mary and Uncle Dave sent a card and a check. We gave him a new outfit (shown above), a journal, the new Harry Potter book, a Sudoku book, some camping gear, a motorized scooter and of course, a pack of playing cards.

Then we sang Happy Birthday and enjoyed a delicious chocolate cake.

Today Jimmy left to go camping with his father up near Wekiva Springs. They'll be gone until Wednesday. He left this morning and I miss him already.

Happy Birthday, Jimmy. I love you.

How you doing?

Lately I have been watching The Wendy Williams Show. I just love her...she's so funny and real. I'm a little embarrassed to admit to watching a daytime talk show, but it's my guilty pleasure.

Earlier this week she had Joan Rivers on, what a riot! Today she had actor Chris Kattan from Saturday Night Live. He kept trying to kiss Wendy and she was seriously freaking out. She also had Chris Isaak...he didn't perform but it was still good.

Love you Wendy!

The countdown to school: 18 days

Today you...

-woke up in our bed

-played soldiers with Alex and Helen in Alex's room

-ate MultiGrain Cheerios for breakfast

-tried to catch a lizard and saw two birds playing in the trees on the way to the mailbox

-watched Maisy on qubo

All before noon.

Yes, you're wearing underwear now. We've started the potty-training process. I'm not too crazy about it. I don't think you're ready. You have used your potty...and you've also had some accidents. For now we're alternating between diapers and underwear. I know you'll get the hang of it some day. As long as you don't walk down the aisle in diapers, right?

Last day of camp

Jimmy, Alex and Helen head off for their last day of camp on Friday. This year they attended the YMCA Summer Camp at Lake Nona. It was only for four weeks so they had plenty of time off in between to just hang out. Right now they have 28 days left until school starts. (I seem to be the only one excited about that. ) All in all though the summer has gone by pretty quickly. While it's nice to have the routine of the school day, it's also very nice not to have the morning rush of getting four little people up, fed, dressed and out the door by 8:00 am. For now we're all enjoying these last days of summer...together.

inspiration in the mail

I just got my latest issue of Scrapbooks Etc. I love this magazine! My favorite designers in it are Jamie Waters and Shannon Tidwell. As soon as my issue arrives I quickly scan it for any layouts by the two of them. I also receive Creating Keepsakes and Paper Crafts. I also used to subscribe to Simple Scrapbooks, but they stopped publishing it a few months ago. So sad.



I can't believe how much I love this hobby and how quickly it has grown. Back in 2000 I was looking for ideas for Christmas gifts and figured I'd make something. I've always enjoyed crafts and thought handmade gifts were generally less expensive than store bought gifts. Plus, with kids now I thought everyone would love something that had photos of my kids all over them. I headed over to Michael's, bought some mini albums and proceeded to make scrapbooks for the grandparents. I was hooked! Flash forward to 2009 and I subcribe to all of the scrapbook magazines I know about, I currently receive the monthly kit from Studio Calico and my entire desk is packed with scrapbook supplies (as well as the cabinet under the t.v.)

Scrapbooking is so great because it gives me a creative outlet plus helps me record all of these great stories for my children that I wouldn't have otherwise. Does it get any better than that?

A boy and his hat

Alex wearing the hat Yiayia and Papouli gave him for his 9th birthday. He has been a fan of Indiana Jones for quite a while and he had asked for an "Indiana" hat for his birthday. So far he has worn the hat everywhere (even inside). I have to admit he looks quite dashing in it. I wonder if he'll want to wear it to school.

A Good Read

Right now I'm reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. From the back of the book:



"The Glass Castle is a remarkable memoir of resilience and
redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply
dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. When sober, Jeannette's
brilliant and charismatic father captured his children's imagination,
teaching them physics, geology, and how to embrace life fearlessly.
But when he drank, he was dishonest and destructive. Her mother
was a free spirit who abhorred the idea of domesticity and didn't
want the responsibility of raising a family.
The Walls children learned to take care of themselves. They fed,
clothed, and protected one another, and eventually found their way
to New York. Their parents followed them, choosing to be homeless
even as their children prospered.
The Glass Castle is truly astonishing-a memoir permeated by the
intense love a peculiar, but loyal family. Jeannette Walls has a story
to tell, and tells it brilliantly, without an ounce of self-pity."


Such a great book. Sad and touching. I'm actually reading it for the second time. I can't wait to read her other books.

What I like

A few days ago Helen had me write down her list of favorite things.

What I Like by Helen

1. ponies and pony houses (She's into My Little Pony)
2. purses -little purses
3. ice cream
4. to draw in my journal
5. to read with my mommy
6. to slide at the park
7. to run at the park
8. to jump
9. to roll
10. to watch movies

And then she added one more. (And no, I did not tell her to say it.)

11. I love my mommy

She got me thinking about the things I like right now. So here are my top ten.

What I Like by Jennifer

1. my children (or should they be 1-4?)
2. a good book
3. anything scrapbook-related
4. doing laundry
5. receiving a card or letter in the mail
6. hot coffee
7. a rainy day (like today)
8. sleeping babies
9. taking pictures
10. shopping for school supplies (which I get to do next month!)

Fourth of July

We had a blast this Fourth of July. We ate hot dogs for dinner, of course. Then around 8:00 p.m. we left to go see the fireworks at Avalon Park.

We parked the car and got out the camping chairs. Some people in the area were setting off their own fireworks so we were able to get a little preview. Once the show started all the kids just stood looking up with their mouths open. It was spectacular! We were so close that bits of the exploded fireworks were raining down on us. Alex was the most excited. He kept shouting the whole time.

This was Will's first fireworks show and he was pretty much in awe. We weren't sure how he would handle the bright lights and loud noise, but he loved it. He kept saying, "Wow!" After the show we piled into the car for the long trek home (because of all the traffic it took 2 hours). Will was the only one to fall asleep. When we got home Jimmy, Alex and Helen wanted to light more fireworks. Since it was so late we told them we would do it tomorrow. They had a great time last night lighting sparklers and all our other fireworks.

My baby turns 2!

I can't believe how quickly the time goes by. My baby just turned 2 on Saturday. Will is my fourth, so I should be used to it but I'm not. So many changes happening so quickly. A couple of months ago we cut off his baby curls which instantly made him look older. On Mother's Day I received a big kid potty for him to use. And on Saturday we took apart his crib. Will seems to be taking everything in stride. I, however, am a wreck. I'm just trying to slow down and take each day as it comes. If only they would just stop growing up...at least for a little while.