Easy Earrings

Beading is really quite simple, much easier than people think. These earrings came in kits, everything included, just put the beads in order on the pins, turn the top into a loop and before closing completely attach the bottom loop of the earring hook. Yes, I do use wire cutters and a set of needle nose pliers, but when I was little a new pair of nail clippers would not only cut the metal but also could hold it so you could turn it.

What are your holiday traditions?

What do you do for the holidays that you consider a tradition over and over? What is a big deal to you for the holidays to create, and relive, memories?

Growing up we used to go to certain parts of "town" and look at houses all lit up. One night a week I have to be out and about so this year I drive around looking for houses lit up so the kids can see. I hope to keep this up with the boys in the future, we all seem to enjoy it.

A couple years ago we started opening one present Christmas Eve night, always pajamas, so we have nice, new pjs for Christmas morning pictures.

The kids have always gotten a new ornament each year. My tree is more than a little full now, which is fine by me, we will keep on adding. I missed my mom's theme trees she began doing once I was older, so we have a smaller tree that is color-themed. I have decided that is our "Giving Tree" and the presents under it are for someone we feel needs a little more cheer.

On that note of our smaller tree, we give each year. We don't do "charity" because that denotes feeling sorry for someone. We give because we care for someone, be it someone we know or strangers. I was raised with parents who always did for others, I want my kids to grow up with the same core values.

Last year we started reading "The Night Before Christmas" before going to bed, waiting for Santa. This is something I also hope to continue in years to come. We have quite a collection of other Christmas books and movies that I keep adding to. I feel it helps build the spirit as Christmas gets closer.

We have been baking. I am sticking to easy things that little hands can help me with and we will graduate to more complex things as they get older. This I actually did with a friend's mom growing up, each and every year.

I haven't put my mom's Nativity out the past couple of years, or the gingerbread village my mom bought me when I was pregnant with JJ. Little hands make it harder. I can't wait to start putting those out again. They mean a lot to me.

I also loved making ornaments. I remember the foam ornaments covered in silky threads that were perfect for beads poked through on pins. I haven't seen them in stores in years. Now JJ makes Melty beads ornaments and I have plans for a couple others to do with him and I have already posted a couple here that I have done myself.

I'm interested in what others do because some of what we do are not things I grew up with, but things that I felt would fit our family. Please share!

Digi-Scrap page done with shadows

I just wanted to share what I did with the shadow profiles, mainly because I loved the quote so much.

Stationery card - for JJ's teachers

Wrapped In Stripes Christmas Card

Don't send boring Christmas cards , personalize them at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

My wish list

Dear Santa ~
Honestly, my husband spoils me, so I am not going to send you a list of material things to bring me. And honestly, what he would miss would not be a hardship. Really, I need nothing!
But, what I do ask for is a tall order and I understand if you have trouble checking off my items, no matter how good I (might) have been.

Bring our soldiers home safe for the holidays and watch over those that are having to be away from their families. Please send them my gratitude!
Help this be a better year for my friends! There has been SO much loss that those I care for have had to endure, it seems unnaturally high!
Direct my oldest to his future path, be it college or the military. This is such an exciting year for him and we are happy to share it with him.
Point us in the location that bests suits our family. This is another exciting thing for our upcoming year!
Bless those families struggling financially in our economy. I hope you can stop at as many childrens' houses as possible in a couple weeks!
I'm sure there are those that would say we have enough, but one more child for our family would be a blessing, though we are eternally gratefully for those we have.

There are so many things I wish I could put into words, but the saying "Peace on Earth, goodwill to all men" would encompass just about everything. But if I had to sum it up, please help to make things easier on our "brothers" this coming year.

Thank you! Don't over-work yourself!

Sincerely,
Kat

Old Fashioned profile shadow

I have seen instructions on doing this with taping paper to a wall and tracing your child's shadow, but I took the easy way - I took JJ's profile picture against a white wall (any plain color wall would do) and opened in my photo editing software. I layered plain black beneath it and then using my wand took and highlighted the white, applying to all layers, then hit delete. I did have to do some erasing, with my eraser tool in the program. But I'm happy with the final product. I think I will print after I do JT's and find a cute frame. I'm just in the air if I will leave the background white, or do I leave the shadow black, or maybe add just a mat in red for a pop of color.

A Letter to our son - JJ's 6th birthday

Dear JJ -
These letters get harder and harder to write! You are growing up too quickly, it isn't fair! You are such an awesome kid, so smart, stubborn, and sarcastic. Not much different than us, so we can't hold the "bad" stuff against you.
Your favorite things are still superheros, Spongebob, and Scooby-Doo. You also still like Bakugan, but your new favorite things are Legos and Kreo Transformers. If you can build it or put it together, you are in heaven, and you will shut yourself in your room for hours doing it yourself. It's kind of like how you were with puzzles when you were three, putting together, taking apart, but with these you will follow the directions the first time but after that you like to think of new things you can make, mixing and matching your kits.
Your favorite color is now pink, but you won't wear it, you say it is for girls. You don't have a best friend, but you have made a lot of new friends at school, which you say you hate school because it is boring. You are ahead and you pick up quickly, so that isn't surprising, but you are so good there! Your teacher has no complaints, not once! She said you are always calm and quiet, you stay on task, and you have more patience than her to help the other kids. You are really reading and spelling like a champ and when we sit down at night to read it is nice to have you sometimes read to us!
Nothing has changed, you are still a great kid and we are blessed to have you in our lives! We look forward to each moment with you, sharing in your life!
Can't wait to see what this year will bring!
Love~
Mom and Dad

Snow Ornament

This I actually like more than others I have done because I think it it will really show up on the green background of the tree. It is only silver glitter and packaged fluffy snow. I had to make a paper funnel for the snow then use a craft stick to push through. I already had the red stickers to match the newly purchased candy cane inspired thin ribbon. JJ now wants to me more for 2 certain people, but I really want one for myself but now sure what "name" to put on it.

The last week of November Thursday thankfuls

18 - I'm thankful for pictures. It's no secret I like taking then, but having history from before I was born is priceless too! - And another day with a 2nd thankful - I'm thankful for the writers cramp for addressing envelopes to you all. I'm blessed with wonderful people in my life!

19 - I'm thankful for the possibility to have more children than just biologically - Happy National Adoption Day!!!

20 - I'm thankful that through the kindness of others my family will have an awesome day today at M&T Stadium and the aquarium! Why B-less when you can B-more!

21 - I'm thankful for my husband. I know it was my first thankful post, but he really is awesome!

22 - I'm thankful for the opportunity to volunteer in JJ's classroom.

23 - I'm thankful for JJ's reasoning. He just told me that 100 years ago there were dinosaurs but the museum people killed them, took of their skin, and propped up their bones. LOL.

24 - Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I'm thankful for everything, the good and the bad! Enjoy your day!

Glass pendants

These are actually made from the round glass pieces that many people put in fish tanks. Patterned paper is glued to the flat side then the whole thing is glued to a round pendant holder. I use regular superglue and also once the glue sets I add more glue around the edges just to make slightly stronger. Match up the glass to the pendant holder first since not all glass pieces are round. The glass really shows the papers off!

A Painted Ornament

I saw this on Pinterest, and ironically it was a post about a Pinterest challenge. I tried it myself and did not get the original results, but more like those of the poster. It's ok. Not something I would do again unless as a lesson in colors and mixing for my kids, or to reuse the same colors to make a "globe of the world." One hint, most acrylic paints that you buy at an everyday store are thick in consistency, I had a clear medium for glass and ceramics that I added with each 2 drops of different colors. Otherwise the shaking and tapping would have been horrible! Good way to build muscles I guess.
Idea site: http://ayellowbicycle.blogspot.com/2011/11/pinterest-challenge-painted-ornaments.html

Half baked? Don't have all your marbles? Here's a craft for you.....

Have you ever wondered what happens to marbles when you bake them and put them in ice water? Neither did I. But I ran across this craft and loved the cracks that happen ONLY on the inside of the marbles. Clearly the lighter color is better and I will look for some others in different shades, these are the only two I could find (with Rhea's help) last week. Basically, bake in the over at 350 degrees for 20 minutes then immediately put in ice water. Make sure the baking dish and the bowl holding the water are metal. I glued on end caps to hold an "o ring" and add to any chain or ribbon of your choice. If you have an older child (you know your child's capabilities on being around hot things) it might be a good science lesson at the same time. I read you can also use the glass "stones" you find for aquariums, but that I have not yet tried.

WIN!!! Thanks to Michael Oher!

I won two Ravens football tickets today, from one of my favorite football players and life icons, Michael Oher! I'm so tickled! My husband seriously deserves the break the game will offer and our teen will have a blast at his first professional football game, a gift from someone who has been where he is!

I'm just so happy that someone gave me the opportunity to give this to my guys!

And, on another plus, thanks to our family social worker we have a year family membership to the national aquariums as a gift at our adoption day, and I will be going with the younger boys!

Our family has been blessed with opportunities thanks to the kindness of others!

Thursday Thankful - my week of thanks posts

#11 - I am thankful for those that put their lives on the line to protect not only us here, but our brothers in other countries as well!!!!

#12 - I'm thankful for a husband who will kiss me "goodbye" before going for a run around our small neighborhood.

#13 - I'm thankful for a peaceful Sunday with my guys out to lunch then to see Santa.

#14 - I'm thankful to have grown up seeing my mom and grandmom always making things, showing me creativity is joyful!

#15 - I'm thankful for the opportunities to do things for others.

#16 - I'm thankful for my mom teaching me to pinch pennies when shopping - saved myself & Rhea money today!

#17 - I'm thankful to be provided for, we have a roof over our heads, good food in our bellies, and clothes on our backs. We are better off than 90% of the world, and we are further blessed to have extras and do special things.

Mop & Glo ornaments with glitter

A couple friend's made these last year. Instructions were simple - put in Mop & Glo in glass ornaments, swish around and dump out extra. Put in glitter, swish around and dump out extra. Place cap back on, add ribbon & sticker (or paint on letter.) But, I found some online complaints about the glitter not sticking past the holidays, so I added a LITTLE school glue to the Mop & Glo. We will see how well it holds.

Scrabble Tile Charms

I managed to get hooks into the wood of the Scrabble tiles without splitting the soft wood, but I'm still going to look for other ways to attach to necklaces. I'm on the lookout for some papers too ;)

Letter collage - last name

I saw this on Pinterest as well and fell in complete lust for it. I have sat and done half a dozen of these already, bought my frames today, and now I only have to get the others printed. Hope everyone else is as excited about them as I am haha.

Scrabble Ornament

This is for JJ's teacher. Just superglue the tiles top/bottom and glue ribbon on the back to hold on tree then glue on a bow. Add any other Christmas novelties you can find. Another Pinterest find.

Wedding invite ornament

This was so simple, cut the wedding invitation into strips then curl around scissors and place in a glass ornament, tie on a ribbon, and viola, quick & easy keepsake for the happy couple commemorating their happy day!

A Pinterest Fail

This WAS going to be the basis of our Christmas card, but the younger boys are too small to see :( And here I thought I was being so cutesy. Oh, well, I have salvaged it to do another way. It was a good idea, but I guess I have too many people and not a big enough frame.

Thursday Thankful - my week of thanks posts

1. I'm thankful for my hubby! He's awesome to me and the boys!

2. I'm thankful for my boys who make my days complete and bring me so much joy!!

3. I'm thankful for my family, which has provided many laughs, constant support, and a strong sense of self and rules to live by. It doesn't "run" in my family, it practically gallops ;)

4. I'm thankful for my friend's, near and far, past and present, for the support, laughs, advice, commiseration, reasons to get out of the house, etc. You are all dear to me!!

5. I'm thankful that I have 2 sides to accommodate the 2 little ones who both want to be next to me.

6. I'm thankful for technology that allows me to keep in touch with friends & family scattered everywhere and which allows me to be creative.

7. I'm thankful that cleaning is so much less a pain to do (in my mind) than it used to be bc heaven knows I have more of it to do!

8. I'm thankful for my health. I woke up this morning with a raging sinus headache, feeling hungover. But if that is my only complaint I am doing good!!

9. I'm thankful for a longer afternoon "break" between picking up the middle child & the oldest.

10. I'm thankful for coffee products, cappuccino and lattes, yummy. Gonna make one now ;)

Adoption is not a trend

This shirt has bugged me for awhile. Adoption cannot be compared to such slogans as "pink is the new black." these are lives, not what you choose to put on in the morning. Yes, adoption is more heard of, and yes I believe some gained way too much media attention, but it isn't a bad thing, it has brought it to the front of attention. I always wanted to adopt, I remember asking my mom why she didn't. It was just something that seemed a natural progression to me, even though I've noticed older generations frowned upon it, saying you never know what 'problems' you might encounter, to me, same with biological children. I've even had people tell me not to tell my second son about his adoption, but it isn't a bad thing, I refuse to hide it! My generation looked forward to receiving adoption papers for our Cabbage Patch Kids, our parents fought for them to give to us, my grandmother made them for me when my mom couldn't get me one before they sold out. Maybe we were just inadvertently programmed at an early age how wonderful adoption is, and yes, it is. A shirt like this mocks how special it is!

Filipino Time

JJ is on "Filipino Time" - Trick-or-treating was torture with him last night, he was so SSLLOOWW..... I don't know what it is about these Mendoza boys dragging! But, they were cute ;)

"Scrapping"

JJ comes to me just about every night after I put JT to bed to ask to scrapbook. If I have pictures to do, I will get my bags and boxes out and sit with him with "his" bag of my left over supplies. Sometimes he will do pages of pictures I give him (I inevitably print more of my favorite pictures than I need) but a lot of times he will just do what he wants. We have many creations in odd places around the house - of course he draws pictures, but his creations run the gambit from 3D paper houses, flat houses with frames for windows and doors, paper transformers, the solar system, and lately he had me teach him how to make his own envelopes so we all have been receiving letters, cards, and invitations. He's definitely a crafter and he is pretty artistic to boot! My only "tic" on his endeavor - he runs through tape and glue sticks like candy! I think maybe Santa could put some of these in his Christmas stocking!

Charlie Brown

I REALLY wish I had done this as a family shot like the guy suggested! But my little two guys are cute enough I guess ;)

Beautiful

What a gorgeous welcome to the day!

"What funny?"

Sometimes I just need a pick me up. If it's not bad, I read the blogs I follow on here, but if I really need a boost I go to www.damnyouautocorrect.com - I end up laughing until my stomach hurts, tears in my eyes, snorting (yes, I'm a proud snorter, I get it from my daddy.)

Last night JJ kept coming up to me, asking me to read to him what was so funny. Those things are not family friendly to read most of the time. Today is was JT jumping on me, asking 'what funny.'

I get just as much a kick out of their reactions to me than I do what I'm actually reading. Might just be I try to quell my responses, making it worse.

John thinks I'm ridiculous reading the posts. He doesn't find them nearly as inspiring as I do. Oh, well ;)

Wordless Wednesday - brothers

Trying to be fair

I called today to find out if Jammers had newborn pictures taken at the hospital. I have sat on the company's contact info, waiting. But, no luck, they were never taken or there was a problem. I'm really disappointed because I would like to see what he looked like (adorable, I know) because I missed out on 3 months of his life, but mainly I wanted them because I want him to have as much the same as JJ as possible. I never want him to say we didn't care as much. I did email The White House today for a letter like we got for JJ from the previous administration welcoming him to our family. I am waiting for next week to name his star after him on his second birthday, like we did JJ, which I have been sitting on since the winter!

Homecoming 2011

We are so blessed to share Day's senior year with him! This suit was bought with more than just tonight in mind - interviews, meetings, classes, and a big family trip this summer to celebrate graduations and John & my decade anniversary.

Finally ours in every sense!

Almost 21 months later Jammers is officially ours. Seems like forever, feels like only a day. There are no words to express my joy, there is no gratitude I can put into words for everyone who had a hand in this : our social workers who went above and beyond their job, our friend's and family who supported us and treat all of our boys equally special, and my husband for being more than just open to fostering (I know not many men will raise a strangers child.) I'm eternally grateful for everything. I say it a lot, and it needs to never be forgotten, I am blessed!

Pajamas

I feel guilty the days that I put on a sweatsuit to drop JJ off at school to walk him to his class. I see the moms with their pjs on and envy them. I have a thing for cutesy & funky pajamas, why can't I bring myself to wear them out? I know there has been a big stink about this in some schools, principals even banning parents from wearing them. My take, so what? The parents aren't there for a conference or to sit in the class! They aren't showing up looking like a Victoria Secret mannequin. The kids aren't wearing them, so they are seeing by example that situations require different attire. I just can't bring myself to do it. I will continue to get myself ready along with making sure 3 kids are ready to get out the door. But I still envy those moms ;)

Sesame Street

I went today with a friend and her son to see Sesame Street Live with Jammers. His reactions were priceless! He stopped dancing when the voice of Big Bird started talking, hitting my arm for attention. When Elmo came out you would think he got a roomful of gold! The whole time he was dancing, clapping, and hitting my arm to make sure I saw what he saw. Those are the moments I live for. Will he remember it, no, but I will, and I fully believe it will leave a stamp on his subconscious of our special time together!

Add your own creative twist

Sometimes I see things out cheaper than I could make. Right now the crystal bracelets are trending. I couldn't buy the beads as cheap as I found the bracelets for at Boscovs. I picked 3 up today in all different colors (and matching earrings.)

I plan to add a key charm to each, and done. My own personal touch, quick and easy for even the person who swears they have no creativity (which I don't believe in, it's just an under-estimation of abilities!) I will leave the tags on them, I still don't feel right because people will assume I did it all myself, but that's a personal decision.

One set each with go to our different social workers to symbolize their part in our family, the part within our home.

I will post once I make the origami boxes to gift them in.

We have a date....

It has been 20 months since Jammers came into our home. Months on trying not to get attached, futile attempts, as anyone could imagine. Guilt for wanting him because it meant someone else lost him. Fear when he was sick or fell. Love when he calls my name. Pride at the little things he has done. It's cumulated to this, tears when proof-reading the petition because of what it meant. More gratitude than I can express from the simple call from our lawyer with a date. I have a box of tissues set aside, waiting, because I know I will be a mess!

A lot going on

Things have been a little hectic this week, dealing with teen angst of two boys, each different in their own way, the eager anticipation of Jammer's adoption (and I'm not a patient person) and we have been trying our best to help out a neighbor who is going through a lot medically and emotionally. I am VERY relieved that we found a home for his dog, I was so worried what it would do to him to take her to the pound!
It has taken a lot out of me, I feel drained. Not that I would regret doing anything in any aspect, each person has value to me and I would do whatever I could for them, I just didn't realize how much energy it was taking until yesterday. I was a little relieved when a social worker called me back and said they didn't need us to take in a two-month old baby. I could never say no, and yes, I do sorta want another baby to care for, but right now it would have really stretched me.
I'm definitely going to need some time to decompress.

Craft Lift - zipper bracelet

This was SO easy and quick to make. First cut off any material around the zipper. I've seen others burn the remaining off, but I left mine, and I'm glad I did. Not only does it add character (and color depending on what zipper you use) but it also was what I used to attach the clasp. Next cut it to the desired length you want, keeping in mind the zipper pull itself will be part of the length. At the end you cut carefully remove some of the teeth, exposing some of the material. I used super glue to then make the material all one "clump" which then goes in the attachment end of the lobster clasp, and I glued that for extra measure. The lobster clasp attaches to the zipper pull to close the bracelet. Add charms, and viola - a funky bracelet ;) *If you get the perfect length zipper and do not need to cut you can try drilling a small hole in the bottom part of the zipper to attach the clasp to*

Nightmares - the wolf

I often have nightmares associated with something happening and I am not with my boys. The feelings linger for days afterward. I've had alien invasion dreams where I am with John but across town, trying to figure how to be with my boys. I have had natural disaster dreams where once again, I was desperately trying to get to them. It is always before court. I know it reflects the helplessness I feel in regards to Day & Jammers. And yes, a few days ago I was served a summons for court for Day coming up. And we are waiting for a court date for Jammers. So I really shouldn't be surprised of my dream last night.
My dad was driving a large SUV down the road we lived on growing up, my mom sitting front passenger, I was behind her and behind my dad was supposed to be Jammers, I knew I saw him in his car seat next to me then he was gone. We drove up to our old house looking for him and there was a pack of beagles barking, which is comfort to me because my dad bred beagles. I was about to get out of the truck when a LARGE (I'm talking as large as the SUV) gray & white wolf comes up to the door. My mom had been about to get out as well and "Prissy" jumped out. Not her Prissy, but my dad's current white dog who he also calls Prissy. I am opening and closing my door so my mom can get the dog and close her door, because the wolf seems fixated on me. I woke up not long after.
I looked it up and the wolf would "reflect an uncontrollable situation or an all-consuming force in your life." I can put that on my mom's death, my dad's life so far away, and of course Jammers. Losing a child signifies feeling overwhelmed. Well, that's a given with teen angst, sick little ones, being sick myself, upcoming dates, etc.
I couldn't believe how well it fit.

Christmas

Yes, I know, it is more than 3 months away, and I'm a slacker and haven't started shopping. I'll get to it, not too worried. There's a lot going on and I don't want to shop absent-minded. Instead, I will do a double-fold purpose and craft. There are some that we don't exchange with, instead we do White Elephant, which if you haven't done before, it really is a lot of fun with a group - pulling numbers on who gets to pick a present out of the pile that everyone brought (which buying is half the challenge because you have a spending limit and you have to get something others want.) You get to "steal" anything someone else picked before you, the first person gets to do that last if they want.

While we enjoy this, I still don't like not doing something for family and crafting is the perfect solution. No one can get on me for spending $, I get to do something with my idle hands, and I get the joy in seeing someone I love (hopefully) enjoy what I made.

So far, I have started on the symbols of Christmas in an ornament. Looks good so far ;)I will post once they are complete. I will be keeping one for our own tree!

Design lift - large initial

I won't call this a craft because all I did was paint the "M" but I've been coveting the idea all the same. Now I see John is right, no place for one of those black iron work clocks. At least there.....

JJ loves Tuesdays

A boy after my own heart, when JJ asked what special class he had at school today, I told him he was Art. I think people outside the truck could hear his excitement. It's in his blood, his pop-pop's family is full of artists; painters, sculptors, builders, crafters, etc. His mom-mom was awesome with a sewing machine and her landscaping was always a masterpiece!
JJ loves to sit down with me whenever I am making jewelry or scrap-booking. The crayon box is out every day, never fails.
Looks like all the craft projects we are always picking up has made a mark on him.

Craft-lifting - Deconstructed Pull Tee Scarf

This is actually the second one of these I made. Pick a tee shirt you no longer want, but is still in good shape. Cut a straight line from below one arm to the other. You can go lower if the tee has a design you do not want on the scarf. On the side you cut begin cutting straight up to what would have been the hem. A good width is the width of your pinkie-nail. Cut 2-4" to the hemmed side. Do this on both sides, all the way across. Do not worry if you mess up and cut uneven, resulting in some strings coming off. Once complete pull the strings that you have cut. I prefer to do this together, less chance of pulling any ones off that you cut too thin. Voila!

Remebering 9/11

A lot of people have memories of 9/11, and yes, I will always remember watching the news, seeing the planes hit, and watching the buildings collapse, thinking to myself that I just watched thousands die.

But the memory that stinks with me brighter, is later in the week when I drove to pick Brandon up above Baltimore. Seeing all the flowers and flags hung from over-passes. Looking at all the people lined up holding candles.

And I think that is fitting that while I will never forget the horror of the day, the memory of our patriotism at the atrocity stands out more.

I just wish we all still felt as strongly and didn't need an anniversary date to show our spirit!

Craft-lifting - Scrabble family

I have coveted the different Scrabble tiles names and words, some people even incorporating pictures into their creations. I decided to just do words along with our name, out of necessity since my game box only had one "J." The tiles are glued to the outside of the glass so the paper inside the frame can be changed out as desired, though the frame would have fit them inside if I needed to do it that way. The frame is just a plain wooden frame spray-painted, which is also so easy to change colors at will.

Too long

I have been horribly remiss in posting. So much has been going on. I also know I have missed a great many posts by friends. Day continued to do great in school, 3.5s the last 2 semesters, putting him on the Principal's Roll, the highest honor roll. He started his senior year a few weeks ago, while JJ started kindergarten. They've been such a blessing to share with! I will post more later, for now I will just update myself on everyone else's posts!

What makes it worth it?

Day got a 3.4 this semester! YIPPEEE! We took him out to dinner Monday night, report cards aren't even out yet and we are so proud of him, happy for him, we couldn't wait! I will still give him some money too because my parents did for me.

So, this means, he has the grades to get his driving permit!

Got a letter in the mail today, they finally received his birth certificate from NYC and he will be taken in a couple weeks to the MVA.

When I went in his room to tell him I made a big to-do about it, he screamed "yes, finally" and said he had to run around for this, he ran around our living room & kitchen yelling.

These are the days that I love for. To see him succeed, to share in his joy, there is nothing better!

How important are routines?

We've all heard, or at least read in parenting books, how important routines are for kids. I think my kids are more flexible than I am! Wednesday I had to go the opposite way, an extra 40 minutes in the morning and another at night, to take J to a friend's because his daycare was closed. Last night I had to take Day to classes back in Salisbury after getting off work, meaning we didn't get home until 8pm. This morning I have a meeting at 8am. I am completely spent. The kids are all fine, but me, I can't wait to get home tonight.

Wow, LATE!

This was on JJ's birthday. My little man is growing up! I'm having trouble with him being 5. It's such a big age to me. And with him starting to read, spell, add, etc - it's all the more proof that my little guy is growing up on me. The "stay little" spell didn't work! I'm so glad we have other kids in the house and the promise of more in the future because otherwise this would be SO much harder on me! Now I know why my oldest sister cried when he "baby" went to kindergarten. It's goes so quickly, that same "baby" is about to make me a great-aunt again!