Spring

When I walk outside in the beautiful Spring

I love to hear the robins sing

and I love to hear the bell ring

Ding and Dong all day

So when you walk outside in the beautiful Spring

Just listen for the robin's sing

And for the bell's

Ring Ring Ring

Madeline wrote this poem last night and gave it to me.  As I am typing this, I am in fact listening to birds sing.  I have no idea if they are robins or not, but I'm inspired!

Paybacks

So, my brother (you too Jen -- you are so not off the hook sista!) and I have this back-and-forth battle where we dress our sons in funky threads.  Well, funky to us.

I thought we had somewhat of a truce going after I outfitted Max in this Winnie the Pooh concoction a few months back (notice the hair parted in the middle).

And took him to meet up with them at church.  Ha!

Apparently not.

We're at my parents on Memorial Day and the cousins were swimming in the kiddie pool.  Sam, being the loving, always-aiming-to-please brother that he is, offered to towel Gabe off and dress him.  Wasn't that sweet?  (read: sarcasm very thick)

Gabe shows back up in this get-up.  And yes, that would be Lightning McQueen from Pixar's film Cars blasted on the front of his demin overalls. The worst part:  Gabe couldn't have been more proud.  He kept walking around showing everyone and sticking his tummy out to make sure they didn't miss the obnoxiously big, red car on the front of his outfit.

You know what they say about Paybacks....

Throwback Friday

Ok, so I'm only Throwingback to last week. You caught me.

Madeline made her very first meatloaf and here she is putting it in the oven. She even cut fresh parsley from our parsley plant and added it to her recipe.

I have to admit, I made my first meatloaf when I was in my 2o's so I was pretty flippin' proud of her!

(and just for the record, this is not your regular 'ole mother's meatloaf. this is gourmet, melt-in -your-mouth-good meatloaf. just ask my friends!)

Oven Mitts - Usage #26

Mommy?

I came home from getting my hair did last night and GLAM was running around playing outside.  They stopped dead in their tracks when I got out of the car.  They weren't sure what to make of the blown-out-straight-style.

Abigial:  Mom, I loooooove it.  You should keep it straight for-ev-er!  (runs to get camera and snaps this picture)

Gabriel: Mommy?  

Lauren: (very, very quiet. an occasional glance, no words)

Madeline: Will it turn back to curly tomorrow, Mom?

Free Piano!

John (my bro) and Rachel saw a garage sale on Friday with a piano in the driveway....and a big sign that said, "FREE!"

It is now sitting in my dining room.  The girls are super excited and have been practicing all morning!

Thanks to John and Rach for spotting.....and a special thank you to the family who had the (brilliant!) foresight to purchase a new one for their children.

Throwback Friday

Summer 2006

(We were pregnant with Gabe....but didn't know it yet)

Creative Dining

Lauren kept complaining during dinner that her fingers were "burning" as she was eating her corn on the cob.

I knew we had those corn handle thingamajiggers but honestly, I was too hungry to stop and find them.   Danny would want her to solve this problem on her own.

Apparently, oven mitts have more than one use.

Need a Laugh?

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

The kids made box costumes on Saturday morning.  Here's the turtle who has obviously been frightened into her shell.   

It certainly wasn't due to the crazy person filming the footage.

Abby decided she was a quarterback.

(and no, you aren't tripping on acid....camera operator may be though)

Throwback Friday

Abby (3) and Lauren (1)  - Summer 2006

Hangin with Rock Stars

This past Saturday night our friends, Bets and Bill came into town to see their friend's band.

(and us, of course!)

These guys were amazing.  They invited us to hang with them on their tour bus, which was pretty sweet.  And yes, one of them did announce as I boarded that they had never had a pregnant chick on board. They kept telling me to "Sit down!" and "Drink more water!" -- I was convinced they were all good, Midwestern boys.  And further convinced when they said they don't drink or do drugs..."we just do Starbucks."  (Come on Moms, tell me you wouldn't be proud!)

Anyway, here's a clip of Troop (aka Storm Trooper) jammin on the violin as the band was in between sets.  Talk about some raw talent.

(scroll down and pause music before viewing)

Soccer Saturdays

Saturdays are all about soccer right now and I have to say.....its pretty amazing to watch the girls compete....and Ron coach.  They have a hustle like you wouldn't believe.  Gee, wonder where they got that from?  

(hint: Daddy's sports resume includes football, wrestling, baseball, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, rugby and much more)

I thought our Saturdays were already full of soccer but today I filled out registration for this Fall and realized we'll have 3 competing.  Go Lauren!

The nice part is the soccer fields are right across the street from the house so we literally jump on our bikes and go.  

(Ok, I made that sound waaaaaay too simple.  Its actually quite a production of 2 biking, one riding in the Kelty carrier, one in the stroller while Ron and I carry armloads of chairs, soccer balls, water bottles and numerous other paraphernalia.)

Nonetheless, its a blast.  Here's a few shots from today's games.

Abby kicking it in

She managed (yet another!) breakaway

And she scores!

I got this one guys! (I missed her goal a couple seconds later)

This almost looks like an illegal move!

Ready to head the ball

Throwback Friday

A Throwback from 2005.  

I found this message on the bathroom mirror after Ron had left for work one morning.