Sunday, March 31, 2013

Happy Easter

From my family to yours....


Love Dominic, Logan and Charlie

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Saturday Top Five Laughs

dentistmelsbbutton Saturday Top Five Laughs  Come Join Our Blog Hop!


Linking up with Melissa for Saturday Top Five Laughs!  It has been awhile since I linked up, I keep forgetting to write down all the funny things my kids say and do.


5. Logan told Dominic to "Get a Life!" when he did not like what Dom told him to do. 

4. When Charlie does not want to do something you ask her to, she replies with "No, way!" 

3. Charlie runs around in circles until she gets dizzy. She stops, occasionally falls down and gets up to do it all over again. Giggling the whole time. 

2. We have a train table in our living room. Occasionally the kids will use it to play trains, cars etc. However, they are usually using it as a stage to sing and dance to music. Or if you are my friend Stef's daughter Lily, you use it to put a chair on...lounge and eat snacks.

1. Gary was hugging Charlie and he hugged her so hard that she tooted right on him. She grinned from ear to ear and laughed. That's my girl!


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Trendy Tot Tuesday

Linking up with Megan, Lindsey and Kelly for Trendy Tot Tuesday!


 




Dress: Gymboree
Shirt: Carters
Tights: Walmart
Hair Bow: Walmart



Shirt: Gymboree
Jeans: The Children's Place


Monday, March 25, 2013

Easter Egg Hunt & Party

Our close group of friends have holiday parties each and every year. It is a tradition that we look forward to! This year we included our Mommy group as well. (the groups over lap since half of us were already friends before twitter/blogging/facebook anyway)

This year we hosted the Easter gathering. We enjoy entertaining but with us both working full time and having 3 kids, it is a process. I start buying stuff 2 weeks in advance. We have to start 3 days before with cleaning, organizing and setting up. By the end of the party, we are beyond tired!

Stef, Amber and I started planning the party at the beginning of March. Stef got all of the supplies for the kids to dye eggs. Amber put together treat bags for everyone. I bought all of the kids baskets, made dessert (which the party was the day after my SIL's birthday so we celebrated this as well), prepared all of the salads and hosted. Each family brings 20 filled eggs that we have the husbands hide. We also have the families split the cost of pizza, bring drinks and snacks. We have our parties down to a science since we have been doing it for as long as I can remember.

The parties have grown in size! We are continually adding new children to the mix...including more babies that are due this year.

Even though it was still cold out, we had them hidden in our front yard. We did all of the activities in waves. Toddlers, younger school age and then tween/teens.

First up for the hunt, our toddler crew!










Next up, the older kids.






After the kids were done hunting their eggs, we ordered pizza and dyed eggs. (I wish that I had pics of the egg dying but I was in the kitchen helping the whole time)

The kids also played outside, trashed the bedrooms, played video games and had an all around good time. We ended our party with singing and cake. In the words of Charlie "Happy to eww!"





Another successful family/friend fun party in the books!





Sunday, March 24, 2013

Ramblings

*I am in the midst of planning our NYC trip with Dom. I am also planning our family vacation for this summer. We decided to only take a small trip and do day things. No beach this year. Logan is super excited to go to Cedar Point!

*I realized this week that Charlie is getting so much older looking. Her face has matured so much. Breaks my Mommy heart.

* We have hit a snag in the whole potty training thing with both kids. Logan is wearing pullups at night again after having a few accidents and getting the stomach flu. Charlie is not going on the potty anywhere but at home.

*I was very much wanting to go to Blogher 13 this year but it is just not in the cards for this year. That week at my work was already closed for requesting time off and to spend upwards of 1000.00 for myself to go on vacation is not in our budget. I am hoping for next year and I need to make sure to buy my ticket before the price doubles!

*Gary and I continue to make our marriage a priority. More frequent date nights and time alone has been great.

*Gary has decided to give me a night off a week and keep the kids in the family room or take them out. So far this has not really worked out since we have had way too many illness' etc happening. But I hope to get a free night very soon. I need it to keep my sanity. I work my butt off on a daily basis. I never really ask for help. It is necessary. We have also hired a cleaning lady to come once a month to help out. I have done triple duty for far too long.

*Some changes are in the works for us. I continue to pray that it everything works out the way that we need them to.

*Party planning for Charlie's second birthday is in full swing. I have the crafts. I have the favors. I have the decorations. I have Charlie's Snow White dress. Invites have been sent via Facebook and text messaging. (I know real invites are better but this saves time and money!) ZOMG my baby is going to be 2 in a month. Who let this happen so quickly?

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Toddler Talk

Toddlers talk in the most adorable ways. That is, when you can understand them! Here are a few of the things mine are currently saying.

Charlie:
No-nut (donuts)
Shush eww (bless you)
Bah-shap-ah (ketchup) Yeah, this one kills me!
Fah-wing (swing)
Ah Diss (this)
Chah-rhee (Charlie)
Bubbas (brothers)
Ah sigh (outside)
Yo yo (yogurt)
Anytime Charlie hears someone on the steps coming up from downstairs she shouts "Ah Daddy"
Mihm-me (Minnie)
Door-dah (Dora)
Ah sippa (sip of whatever you are drinking or wants a new sippy cup)
O E O E O (What she says when she wants to listen to Will I Am and Britney Spears-Scream and Shout song.

Logan:
One Erection (One Direction, the band)
Ah nards (what he says when something we say that he doesn't like)
I want some Pshhhhhh (What he says when he wants Redi Whip on his ice cream) I hope he NEVER stops saying this. It is the best.

And if anyone ever corrects some of these, I will hunt you down. Kids grow up so fast. I want to cherish their adorablenss for as long as possible.


Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Wordless(ish) Wednesday - What a difference a year makes

Early March 2012 - tiny Charlie and beautiful outside

Early March 2013 - So much bigger Charlie and 8 inches of snow

Early March 2012 - The boys at the zoo in 80 degree weather

Early March 2013 - The boys sled ridding in 30 degree weather

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Trendy Tot Tuesday



 Linking up with Lindsey for Trendy Tot Tuesday.

Spring is right around the corner but if you step outside then you would never think that. In spirit of trying to think warm, I am going to show you all some outfits that I am currently considering getting for the kids. (and honestly my camera is currently not working because I broke the flash and am pretty bummed. currently trying to decide whether or not to buy an external flash, send mine to be repaired or just get a new camera body)
 

For Charlie:
 
Ruffle Tee
Flower Button Chambray Short










Toddler Girl's Cherokee® Denise Ballet - Pink Quick Information                                                                                                                                                                                            
Shirt: Gymboree
Shorts: Gymboree
Shoes: Cherokee (Target)


For Logan:

2-in-1 Pique Polos for Baby
Denim Painter Shorts for Baby
Canvas Slip-Ons for Baby
Shirt: Old Navy
Shorts: Old Navy
Shoes: Old Navy


For Dominic:



Boys Premium Applique-Graphic Tees
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Boys Printed Bermudas            


Boys Faux-Leather Sandals                       

Shirt: Old Navy
Shorts: Old Navy
 Shoes: Old Navy


I do have most of their summer stuff already bought but am looking to expand their wardrobe a bit!

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Happy St. Patrick's Day

From my Irish family to yours....














Photo: Happy St Patricks Day!

(sorry for the cruddy picture, it was taken with the Ipad and Dominic was not having anything to do with a pic today!)

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Recovering

My husband got sick over 2 weeks ago with a "virus." Little did I know that this was the beginning of a horribly long sick period in this house.

Gary was not even better from his virus when Charlie was struck with the stomach bug. It appeared to be quick but her diapers were nasty for 4 days. Hers hit on Wednesday afternoon and by Friday am, Dominic and Gary had come down with it. Gary was in bed for something like 36 hours. Dominic upwards of 30. It was horrible.

Friday was the anniversary of my Dads death. I had to quickly come home from the cemetery as Dominic needed me. On the ride home, Logan got sick all over the car. Projectile, nasty! As I was cleaning the car, he got sick all over the laundry area. I felt defeated by this point. Praying that I was going to remain healthy as the last person standing.

Saturday was spent with lounging and doing laundry while everyone was still recovering. Sunday came and although muscle aches and pains were still an issue, everyone appeared to be on the mend. Then I got hit. It moved in quickly and painfully. After having nights of no sleep while taking care of others, I spent Sunday night up constantly taking care of myself. By Monday morning, most of the sick was gone and aches were left to haunt me all day. The kids all went to school and Gary to work, leaving me home alone to work in the quiet. Surprisingly, I made it through the day.

As I type this today, the taste buds are still not back but the pains are gone. I am more than ready for Spring as this cold and flu season has rocked so many of us.

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Trendy Tot Tuesday


 


I think this link up is adorable! I love little kids clothes, which is apparent when you look inside my kids closets. (They may have a bit too many clothes, maybe) I first saw this link up on Cari's blog a few weeks ago. Such a cute idea!


It is no secret that I big puffy heart Gymboree clothes for Charlie. Their little girl stuff is to die for! For my first link up, I will show some of my all time favorites for my kids.

Bathing suit: Gymboree
Hat: Gymboree
This is my all time favorite swim suit and hat. Their strawberry line has been on her since she was born and I continue to put outfits on her as she is approaching 2!


 Dress: Gymboree
Sweater: Gymboree
Tights: Gymboree (not shown) 
 Hair bows: Crazy 8

This denim dress is perfect in the winter with the sweater and tights but is also ready for spring and summer with the spaghetti straps. 
I am very much ready for spring and summer. Charlie has half a closet full of adorable dresses and tunics to wear. 

The boys are not as much fun to dress as Charlie is and Dominic is finally getting his own style and no longer allows me to pick out his outfits.  Logan is also one to pick his own clothes out now too.


 Shirt: Under Armor
Jeans: Old Navy


Shirt: Gymboree
Jeans: Gymboree



Friday, March 8, 2013

1095-13-8569038022

The numbers of days you have been gone.

The number of months you survived after a diagnosis of stage 4 liver and lung cancer.

The number of tears that have been shed.

March 8, 2010 was the hardest day of my life. I am forever changed by this day. A day that started out completely normal. I woke up, got Dominic ready for school, the baby ready, myself ready and I started working at 7 am. My phone rang shortly after. I wrote a quick email to my supervisor and logged off of work. My aunt came and picked me up and we headed to my Moms. My Dad had not been doing well over night. I came in, hugged my Mom. Hugged my sister and my brother. My Dads family started to arrive shortly after. The hospice nurse too. I called my husband to come home because he was not going to make it through the day.

I will not post what happened after for the privacy of my family. Just know that it is not something anyone would want to see their father or anyone else for that matter go through.

A part of myself was lost that day. Innocence? I am not sure. I have yet to figure it out.

This day is engraved in my brain and I can picture it like it just happened. The picture is so vivid. The memory is still painful. I cannot tell how long it will feel this way, forever? Maybe.

RIP Dad. You are forever missed and loved by all.

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Wordless Wednesday - Winter Wonderland in March


This better be the last snow fall of the season....although very pretty, I am over it!