Delightful Tales

We've Been Hit!

2009-11-14T08:12:00.008-05:00

I have not blogged in a couple of weeks because, well, I've been busy taking care of two endlessly sick kids.

And, I am exhausted.

It's no fun when one of them gets sick because the healthy child suffers from it, too. They can't go out to play because everyone must stay put and stay warm. And, it is certainly no fun for the parent-in-charge (a.k.a. "designated nurse") when both kids are sick at the same time. Tons of whining, tons of tears, tons of runny noses, tons of coughing, tons of constant clinging to mommy's leg.

Furthermore, it is certainly no fun when the kids are sick for THREE SOLID WEEKS, get a break for two weeks, and then both of them and your husband get hit by H1N1.

That has been our life the past month. And, I am tired, weary, worn out to say the least.

We thought were were "in the clear" the week of Halloween. The kids had just gotten over a variety of lovely, germy illnesses, such as: Fifths Disease, laryngitis, croup, and bronchitis. We rejoiced the first week of November when we were granted yet another sickness-free week.

And, then it started. The horrible week of H1N1 that flooded our house faster than I had time to prepare for it.

It began with Mia having severe joint pain last Saturday night. We thought she was having another JRA flare. She woke up through the night, crying and in pain. The next morning, she started to cough. Later on that evening, a fever and severe headache jumped on board the bandwagon. My poor daughter was miserable. I took her to the doctor the next day because all four symptoms had not gone away. They called me back as soon as I got home with the news - she had strep and H1N1. Good grief!!

So, I put on my "game face" and began to disinfect the house once again. I "Lysoled" every nook, every corner of the house. I wiped everything down with Clorox wipes. I bleached toys. I did numerous loads of laundry. But, I was not fast enough.

The next day, our son became ill with the same symptoms as his sister. Surprise, surprise.

So, my husband took him to the doctor's (who we've seen way too much in the last month) and he, too, tested positive for strep and the next day, H1N1. But, JJ's battle was a bit more challenging as he has had a high fever since Tuesday. At one point, it was so high (103.5) that he was shaking. And, my husband and I were both very concerned. We put him in a cool bath to bring the temp down and it did...to 102.5. I've never seen him so miserable.

Then Wednesday arrived. And, I realized we were not out of the woods yet when my husband, who NEVER GETS SICK, came downstairs complaining of a headache and a fever.

Great. Three down...and the cheese stands alone.

So, with a container of Lysol in-hand, I magically transformed into "Nurse Dana." The days began to blur together as I spent every free moment nursing my family back to health. Jay and Mia were the easy ones to care for. Jay just required tons of sleep and fluids. Mia required sleep, fluids, meals in bed (at her request) and loads of Christmas movies. Too exhausted and achy to get up and play, she pretty much stayed in bed.

JJ was a bit harder. You just can't quarantine a two-year-old boy to his room. It is impossible. And, you can't say "no" when your screaming, feverish son wants to be held. Thankfully, he slept most of the day, for extended periods of time, which allowed me more time to continue disinfecting the "war zone."

Amazingly, I have managed to steer clear of this rapid illness. Thank God!! But, last night the exhaustion finally set in with a sore throat to boot. Ugh.

So, where did we pick up H1N1, you might ask? I keep asking myself the same question. Granted, I do have a child in preschool, so it could have been from there. Or, it could have been from the little kiddie shopping cart at Trader Joes's that my daughter pushed around the store the day she came down with joint pain. Who knows. What I do know is it came on fast and hard.

Our kids were on the list to get vaccinated...but, the list is long and they had not been called yet. However, because of all of this, Mia got moved up on the list because she is considered "high risk" for swine flu because she has JRA. Her immune system is already at a weakened state, making her more susceptible to getting the flu....or getting it again. Yes, parents, swine flu CAN strike twice!

All this to say, "Parents, KEEP YOUR KIDS HOME IF THEY ARE SICK!!!" I don't care if websites say they are "okay" after 24 hours. Keep them HOME!! Ere on the side of caution! Be smart, people! Get vaccinated!!! There are too many people out there who are spreading this virus because they are not being responsible. They are taking their kids out to public places (I know because I have seen you at my grocery store and pharmacy with your coughing children!) and putting healthy people at risk.

That certainly won't be me or my family. We will stay put until this fight is over. I am hoping that will be soon.

Well, If Oprah Said It Then...

2009-10-29T22:13:00.003-04:00

Take Up Knitting (or, in my case, crocheting!)

"According to research at the Harvard-affiliated Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine, the repetitive motion and focus of needlework can elicit what's known as the relaxation response—a calming meditation-like state that slows heart rate and causes blood pressure to drop. In addition, a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society suggests that knitting is associated with a lower risk of dementia for those 65 and older."

I found this article here while surfing online.

Hooray Halloween!

2009-10-29T07:00:00.002-04:00

Mia's fall party is being held today at her school. So, I had to come up with something all the kids could enjoy, Mia included (GF, DF, EF). And since I love to bake, I offered to bring something in for the wee kiddies.

I am always in search of fast, easy, creative, fun, cute, kid-friendly recipes. Especially, when it involves baking for more than just my two kids. Well, this has to be the best fall recipe yet! They are Rice Krispie Pumpkin Treats and I found them on recipezaar.com. And the best part is, it is an ooey-gooey recipe the whole family can take part in making!

Pretty stinkin' cute, eh? My kids think so!

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Pug-o-ween!!

2009-10-28T19:42:00.003-04:00

Our First Baby...Irving
(a.k.a. "Ving," "Neenie," "Nernie," "Teenie")
**almost six years old**

Wordless Wednesday: Penny Pincher

2009-10-21T07:00:00.000-04:00

Handmade Holiday Planner

2009-10-19T11:18:00.004-04:00

The holidays are upon us (yes, they are for those of you who are in denial!). I know, I know...it is still October and H-ween is less than two weeks away, but I am determined to get organized this year and start shopping (or, in my case, creating) now.

In the past we usually wait until after Thanksgiving to start shopping. And, I hate the mall, at least at Christmastime. And, before you know it, it is the week of Christmas and we are still running around in search of the "perfect gift" for that loved one who has practically everything. It is exhausting. And, I find myself missing out on the entire month of December and all the delights and treats it has to offer because I was out late at night, fighting crowds and waiting in long lines for an expensive gift you thought they'd love that gets returned on December 26th. Phew!

But, not this year! Oh NO! For the last month or so, my brain has been buzzing with creativity. I have finally harnessed all of my unique ideas and have plans, fun and stress-free plans, this year for that long list of people to buy for. And, gosh darn-it, they are going to love it!! Because, as we all know, "a gift from the heart is one created with our hands and heart" (Di Russell-Horn).

With that said, I knew I needed to get organized...fast. So, I popped over to one of my favorite craft websites, Skip To My Lou, and happened upon their Handmade Holiday Planner. I thought I'd pass it along because I have several friends out there who, like myself, love to make handmade gifts for their loved ones.

So, get started now! Don't wait! Before you know it, Christmas Eve will be here and wouldn't you rather be at home, sitting around the tree with your loved ones, sipping hot cocoa instead of having a panic attack at 10:00 p.m. at the mall because someone just got the very last red, dancing polar bear, holiday sweater that your Great Aunt Ethel just HAD to have this year?

With that said...off to my sewing machine. :)

Happy Monday!

2009-10-12T08:21:00.001-04:00

Biddy Booties - Mary Janes and Buckaroos

2009-10-08T19:12:00.005-04:00

New to Gingersnaps Designs: Mary Janes and Buckaroos!

**BIDDY BOOTIES**
Mary Janes

Brown with Pink Sparkly Button

**BIDDY BOOTIES**
Buckaroos (Brown with Tan Button)

The Alexis Set

2009-09-28T07:28:00.003-04:00

Fall is here and the cold, chilly months are right around the corner! Yay! :)

In honor of the upcoming, wintry season, Gingersnaps Designs is now featuring The Alexis Set on Etsy. This crocheted set features one afghan, two stylish hats (one striped and one with a flower applique), and one set of Baby Mary Janes. Each of these items may also be purchased individually. Bundle up your little one this winter in style!

And don't forget! You can visit Gingersnaps Designs on Facebook, too. Click here to stay updated on new and exciting handmade items to come.

As always, you can purchase products directly from me or from my Etsy page at gingersnapsdesigns.etsy.com

Happy Shopping! :)

The Alexis Set

(one afghan, two stylish hats and

one pair of Baby Mary Janes)

The Alexis Hat with Flower Applique

The Alexis Hat - Striped

Baby Mary Janes

(can custom make to any color)

The Alexis Afghan

Thursday's Thoughts...

2009-09-17T14:57:00.006-04:00

"The morrow was a bright September morn;

The earth was beautiful as if newborn;
There was nameless splendor everywhere,
That wild exhilaration in the air,
Which makes the passers in the city street
Congratulate each other as they meet."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

La CucaLAcha!

2009-09-15T11:45:00.011-04:00

Mia has been going to preschool since she was two years old, but today felt like her very first day all over again because today was her first day of school at her new school! And, ohmygoodness, did I have the mommy jitters or what!

I was fine until last night when I was packing her bags and laying everything out. I think part of the jitters were "excitement jitters," but the "nervous jitters" were lurking about, as well. And, after the kids were in bed and tucked in for the night, the "newness" of it all suddenly hit me. New school, new faces, new moms to meet, new friends for Mia, new changes, new social events to attend (this new school as a TON of fun things planned and I am soooo on board with FUN events!), new rules, new routine, new people to educate about Mia's special diet, new, new, NEW!

Needless to say, I did not sleep very "deeply" last night and had crazy dreams as a result. Most of my dreams are usually absurd. Last night's dream was one of them. I had a dream my husband was running around the house dumping baby powder on everything and laughing hysterically about it. I sure as heck wasn't laughing about it in my dream, but it sure did give me something to laugh about when I woke up!!

And, when I woke up we were all off and running. My husband was not able to join us this time because "duty calls," so I was single-mommin' it. I did my best to get Mia pumped up about the day by talking about all the new friends she was going to make, her new teacher (a warm, caring, grandmother-like woman who reminds me of Mrs. Claus), and the new and exciting things she was going to learn. I even made up a crazy song for the three of us to sing together on the car ride over. Crazy songs are my thing! I think they are Mia's thing, too, because as soon as I start one she immediately joins right in. JJ is a bit more selective about joining in on a crazy song. He probably gets that from his daddy. :)

When we arrived at the school, both kids were super excited! Mia walked right in like she owned the place. Her cousin, Kaitlin, is in the same class, so that made things a bit easier. Her teacher greeted us and informed me that she had taken the time to purchase special treats for Mia to accommodate her gluten-free, dairy-free diet. I almost grabbed her and gave her a ginormous bear hug! At Mia's previous school, I always had to provide a snack for her while the school provided a snack for all of the other "normal" kids. I just assumed I'd be doing the same thing at this new school. So, this was like a breath of fresh air to know it was all taken care of. How very considerate of her!

So, after a few minutes in the class, Mia selected a tub of dominos to play with, sat down at the table next to Kaitlin and, just like that, turned to me and said, "BYE, MOM!!" I knew that was my cue to head on out.

And, that is when it all happened.

I told JJ, who was about to create something fantastic with markers, to say "goodbye" to his sister and the inevitable happened - my son had a major meltdown. I literally had to scrape him off of the floor. He thought he was staying with his sister and was very sad when he found out he wasn't. So, I did what most parents do in situations like that - I played the bribe card. And, lucky for me, it worked. When I got my screaming, tearful son back out to the car, I got those tears to dry up instantaneously by bribing him with his all-time fave treat - Munchkins. And, then I couldn't drive to Dunkin' Donuts fast enough because he went from screaming, "Nooooo!! Nooooo! I want Mia!" to "Munchkins now! MUNCHKINS NOW!!"

When we went back a few hours later to pick Mia up from school, she was waiting outside with her teacher, bag all packed (love that!), loaded with fun crafts she created (love that!), with a big smile on her face (LOVE THAT!). And, just like that, the mommy jitters were gone.

When we got in the car, I asked her, "So, what did you learn about today at school?" She replied by busting out her own wonderful, crazy song by singing, "La CucaLAAAAAAcha!! LaCucaLAAAAAcha, join with me and count to ten!" It made me laugh! Even JJ loved it and immediately joined in. I couldn't help myself either and sang along with my two kiddos. What an awesome end to an awesome day. This is going to be a great year!

Thumbs up to a great year!!

Siblings...and the best of friends!

Kaitlin and Mia having fun!

Mia and her wonderful teacher!

FFLF! Back to School

2009-08-28T07:00:00.004-04:00

It's Friday! We've made it through another amazing week! Woot!

Summer is almost over, but fall is right around the corner and d'you know what that means? The kiddos are heading BACK TO SCHOOL! Ahhh...the smell of books, old and new, colored pencils in cute little pencil boxes, paints, glue sticks, omg...I could go on and on!

Our daughter will be attending a new school this year and we are really excited!! So, in honor of her first day at her new school, and every other kid who is starting a new school or returning to their old school, here are a few faves to make your child's first day a big hit!

And here we go!

1. Start your child's first day off right with a good, healthy, fun, back-to-school, breakfast. Disney's Family Fun site has a great list of recipes that are fast and kid-friendly, like this recipe for Scrambled Egg Nests:

2. Help inspire your child's creativity with these super cute art smocks from Bumkins:

3. For those older kids who just CAN NOT get up in the morning, check out this hilarious Retro Style Blender Alarm Clock. If the annoying whirl of the tiny styrofoam beads don't wake them up, there are four very annoying tunes that accompany the whirling beads. It's sure way to get your young teen or college sleepyhead up and running. Literally. P.S. I highly recommend checking out the demonstration. Heh heh heh!

4. For totally cool gear (and organizational items to keep mom from going insane!), check out The Container Store's Back-to-School items. Love this store!!

5. Finally, need to dress up those ever-so-blah school uniforms? Check out some of the new Retro Headband Covers on my Etsy. They are a great way to add some pizazz to your child's very dull school uniform.

The Jolie Fille Collection - (set of four)

Happy Friday! Cheers!

The Creative Family

2009-08-27T10:04:00.007-04:00

I happened upon very creative, VERY fun, turn-off-the-tv-and-get-your-kids-thinking book that I totally love - The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule (a.k.a. Soule Mama). This book features all sorts of easy, creative and inexpensive projects, keepsakes and gifts you and your kids can make together, such as:

* Finger Knitting - yes, you can teach your children how to knit at a very young age! Amazing! If you've never heard of it, you can check out a tutorial here.

* Children with Cameras - This one is right up my alley. I love photography! Recently, my mom handed off her camera to my daughter and let her "have a go" at it. She loved it...and we loved admiring the photos she took. Stayed tuned for an upcoming post on what she captured.

* Bedtime Bags - I love this...and plan to make them for my children. These bags are so simple to make! The bags are very basic - there is just enough room for jammies and a pocket on the outside for a bedtime tale. You can hang them on their door or at the end of the bed. Perfect! No more jammie-hunting before bedtime...no more squabbling over which book to pick out. The bag does it all for you, making bedtime an easier process. And, it helps your children do more for themselves.

* Other topics include: Felting with Children, Fairy Houses, Garden Journal, Freezer-paper Stenciling, Embroidering with Children, Art-on-the-Go Bags, Sewing with Children, and Family Drawing Time.

If you like doing creative projects with your kids, you will love this book. From one creative family to another, I highly recommend it!

Thursday's Thoughts...

2009-08-20T10:41:00.006-04:00

"Mommy, when I get big like you one day, I am going to read the newspaper."

- Mia Grace, 3.5 years old.

Today only - FREE SHIPPING on all Retro Headband Covers

2009-08-19T09:09:00.003-04:00

Want the chic look of a scarf, but don't have time to fuss with keeping it in place? Then try these trendy, Retro Headband Covers! They provide the look you want plus the comfort of a hardly-feels-like-it's-even-there headband. Jackie O. would be so proud!!

These covers are designed to go over a narrow, inexpensive headband. Just insert your headband into the button-holed slot on the underside of the headband cover and, VOILA, you've got a tres chic, scarf-like, headband cover that will stay put. No muss, no fuss!

Retro Headband Covers can be custom-made to any color, style or pattern you desire.

Free shipping today only on all Retro Headband Covers.

Get yours today at Gingersnaps Designs!

Happy Shopping!

Today's Post is Brought To You By The Letter "T"

2009-08-17T13:43:00.009-04:00

Our son has discovered the letter "T." This recent fascination came out of nowhere...and he JUST CAN'T STOP! He adds this beloved letter to the end of almost every word!

For example:

Mia is now "Mia-t"
Momma is now "Momma-t"
Yes is now ""Ye-t""
Papa is now "Papa-t"
Cars are now "Cars-t"
Juice is now "Juice-t"

His vocab has really taken off in the last two weeks or so...and then I heard it a few days ago. The "t" sound at the end of almost every word! At first I was a bit concerned. Would he do this for the rest of his life? Would it turn into a lisp? Would kids make fun of him on the playground for saying "swings-t" or "slides-t." Nah...I think he just like how it sounds. It's a season...it will pass. At least, for his sake, I hope it does!

In the meantime, I can't help but chuckle every time he throws in his new favorite letter. He makes me laugh-t!

Thursday's Thoughts

2009-08-13T09:59:00.001-04:00

“There are always two choices. Two paths to take. One is easy. And its only reward is that it's easy."
- Unknown

Joie De Vivre

2009-08-10T13:38:00.011-04:00

For some of people, getting up each and every day is exciting! To know that you have another day to live and experience life is thrilling. To look around you and see all the friends who stand by your side and the family who constantly surrounds you with unconditional love, how can one not be grateful? To fully grasp how completely blessed you really are. That is me. That is every day for me. I am blessed beyond measure.

For some, life is not as exciting. Life is a struggle. But, that is not due to the circumstances that surround them. It is because they have made a choice to give up and give in. The have chosen to focus on the negative and have forsaken the good. They do not realize how blessed they truly are. They have let go of that which truly matters.

Having your own bit of "joie de vivre" is a choice. It is yours for the taking. But, you have to fight for it each and every day. Each and every moment. It is sitting there on your nightstand when you wake up in the morning, waiting for you to slip it into your pocket as you go about your day. You have to make a choice - take it with you or leave it and forget what matters most. It is up to you to make sure you grab hold of it and hold on as tightly as possible and never let go.

For me, I am never letting go. I am holding on tightly each and every day. Because the moment it is gone is the moment sadness, doubt and deceit creep in and take over and, due to my own choices, make me forget the things that are most important to me - my self-worth, my wonderful life with my husband and two kids, my wonderful family (near and far) and close friends (near and far) who care more for me than anyone else. These are the people who matter. These are the people who I know will stand by me no matter what and who will constantly surround me with their love on a daily basis. These are the people who will not give up on me - they will pull me up when I am drowning and not allow me to give up and give in.

I am blessed. I have my own bit of "joie de vivre" in my pocket...today, tomorrow and always. I am not letting go. Please don't let go, either. Ever.

FFLF!

2009-08-07T00:15:00.002-04:00

I've been starting a lot of new things lately. So, I figured, "Why not start a new subject post, as well?" So, here it is - Five Favorite Links Friday.

I have happened upon so many new and creative, crazy, crafty, funny, yummy links I absolutely love. They just need to be shared.

So, here we go!

1. For those who sew, I just love Skip To My Lou's Child Apron Tutorial. Totally stinkin' cute!!

2. For those who cook/bake (and love the combination of peanut butter and chocolate like I do!!), you will love Whisk Blog's Peanut Butter Bars.

3. For those who love coffee, but have very sensitive stomachs (like moi!), check out Puroast.com (thanks, Page C. for the awesome recommendation!!).

4. For those who are addicted to crocheting, like myself, and who are always interested in new and unique patterns, I happened upon the Embossed Roundels stitch over at Cute Crochet Chat. Love it!

5. And, FINALLY...for those who are looking for lovely, custom-made, inexpensive photo cards, visit MY NEW ETSY SHOP, Pen and Poppy. You can't go wrong there!

I've waited a while on this last one to finally announce it. I ran it by a few close friends and all off them gave me the "thumbs up." So, here it is! I will be posting more designs each week and am happy to take custom orders. If you see something you like online or have a few ideas that you want to combine into one amazing card, I can design it for you - easy peasy! Just email me at penandpoppy@gmail.com to place your order. Or, contact me on Etsy!

Cheers!

A Perfect Home for a Yarn Monster

2009-08-02T07:46:00.013-04:00

I know this is a totally random post, but I have several friends who, like myself, are obsessed with "yarning." And, I know they would totally appreciate these adorable Sweet Life Bags by Amy Butler for all their crochet/knitting/sewing needs. Her patterns are so modern and so amazing. And, these bags are fabulous.

I want one. I really, really want one.

I think I have visited the site at least 42 times in the last 24 hours. Organization thrills me! The thought of one bag with many pockets for projects excites me ! And, these bags are just so dang cute! One of these bad boys will keep all my yarn, hooks, tapestry needles, sewing needles, measuring tape, sewing scissors, and my large binder filled with 500+ projects in one lovely place. Right now, my yarn is all over the house. It is spilling out of our shared craft room/office. There is a ball o' yarn on my nightstand, several colorful balls on the living room couch and don't even ask about the kitchen table. I have a yarn monster in my house and he is growing larger by the second. This monster needs to be contained. So, why not put him in a fashionable yarning bag and give this little guy a home? What a brilliant idea!

Here are a few of my faves. They range from small to large, depending on your project needs. I am definitely going to need the Hampton. It shall by mine. Oh, yes! It shall be mine...

PEARL - SPRUCE/CELERY

SANIBEL - AQUA/SEAFOAM

HAMPTON - MOSS/OLIVE

Isn't this a lovely home for my yarn monster? I think so!

Happy "yarning" friends!

Retro Headband Covers

2009-07-30T09:06:00.026-04:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I busted out my sewing machine...again. I used to sew all the time when I was younger with my mom and later on when I was in high school. Well, I got the itch again. And, with a quick refresher course from my mom while she was in town visiting, I got creative, I got funky and I completed my first sewing project.

Creative Sewing Project #1: Retro Headband Covers
You know those cheap, thin headbands that everyone is wearing nowadays? Well, I decided to dress mine up a bit. I love the look of scarves, headbands and wraps - they are so 1950's-ish. Well, they are totally making a comeback. But, those dang head wraps and scarves can become quite annoying when they just won't stay PUT! And, you know those wonderful, super thick headbands that look tres chic and totally fabulous-o in one's hair? Yeah...within two minutes on my head they give me a splitting headache. I have made sacrifices for beauty in the past (i.e. shoes that are way too tight, but look so super cute on so I simply must wear them despite the pain I know I am going to be in later). But, I can't function when I have a migraine. The price of beauty just is not worth it.

And, that is when it occurred to me - combine the best of both worlds! Add comfort and beauty together and you get beautiful hair accessories minus the instant migraines!

So, I took these delightful patterns...

And made these delightful items...Retro Headband Covers!

(two for me and two for my daughter)

Black and White Damask
Retro Headband Cover

Funky Circles
Retro Headband Cover

Pink and Purple Flowers
Retro Headband Cover

And one for a friend!

Vintage Flowers
Retro Headband Cover

This little one is "sew" creative, too!

If you are handy with a sewing machine, these puppies were very easy to make!

If you are not handy with a sewing machine, I am selling them on my Etsy site.

Stop by today and pick up a few. Jackie O. would be so proud. :)

Thursday's Thoughts: honesty

2009-07-23T07:00:00.000-04:00

We must make the world honest before we can honestly say to our children that honesty is the best policy.
-George Bernard Shaw

Two

2009-07-22T12:26:00.008-04:00

Our wee lad is a BIG lad now! Today is his birthday. Today he is TWO! Two years ago on this day he came into our lives, very unexpectedly. But, as we were in no way prepared for his arrival, our hearts were prepared to love him forever and to welcome him into our family of three.

Each year on my children's birthdays, I purposely make time during the day to look back at pictures, mementos or reflect back on precious moments that remind me of the day they came into our lives. When JJ decided it was "time" we were no way ready. What a story that will be to tell him one day! I look back and laugh at how "out of control" I felt that day. Perhaps it was God's way of preparing me for how it would be to raise a son? Possibly. But, for whatever reason, I have learned a lot in the last two years about boys.

I was so nervous when I found out were were having a boy. I didn't know anything about boys! Princess parties, dress-up time, mani-pedis? Easy peasy! Toads, snails and puppy dog tails? Not so much. But, I am learning...everyday. I simply could not imagine our family without JJ. From his high-pitched scream (which I attribute to my mild hearing loss...yes, Jay, MILD!) to how he sucks on his two little fingers and insists on holding a "ginky" (blankie) wherever he goes, my son absolutely melts my heart.

So, here are a few pictures I happened upon today of our son over the last two years.

My first time holding JJ
(five days after he was born)

JJ's first day home from the hospital after his two-week stay.
Daddy is introducing Mia to JJ.
Mia (19 mos.) was just a baby here herself!

The first of many brother-sister kisses.

Rub-a-dub-dub. Cute baby in a tub!

My son...the model. :)

Happy Birthday, JJ Boy! We love you
with all of our hearts. You fill our lives with joy!

In the Summertime, When the Weather is Fine

2009-07-20T11:47:00.016-04:00

In the car yesterday morning during our short commute to work, I said to my husband, "I feel like summer just started. Before you know it, summer will be gone!" How sad! As I look back over the last month or so, I think most New Englanders spent the entire month of June indoors, sheltering themselves from the days-upon-days-upon-days of rain we received. It was so depressing! And now, summer is finally here...but, it came too late. While I am a huge fan of the fall season, I am definitely not ready for it yet.

With that said, I am determined to make the most of it before it is over and we starting saying to ourselves, "Well, it's time to put up the Christmas tree again" (even though the thought of dragging the tree up from downstairs REALLY excites me!).

So, here is my list of things we'd like to do during the last few, steamy weeks of summer:

beach days! We found a great beach not too far from our house. Several weeks ago during what was probably the only sunny Saturday in the month of June, we took the kids there and had so much fun. It wasn't crowded at all and the kids loved running up and down the beach, releasing all their stored up energy. We will definitely go back soon!
park days! We have several great parks near our house that we visit often with the kids.
late evening walks! I love to go for walks with the kids just as the sun is setting. Plus, it is the only time of the day where we can take our fatty pug, Irving, with us for a walk. Pugs don't last long in the heat. :)
boston adventures! We have plans to take the kids on "the big purple train" (the commuter rail/the "T") into Boston in the next week or so for some fun in the city. We love spending time in Boston, but these days we rarely go there to do fun things (usually it is for all of Mia's many doctors' appointments.) So, stay tuned for a post on our upcoming adventure in Beantown.
a do-nothing-around-the-house-because-I-can day! Because Jay and I both work, these days usually occur on Saturdays. I cherish our Saturdays. It is the only day out of the week where the four of us can all be together. It is the one day we can all stay in our jammies until noon, having a picnic lunch on the deck, watch the kids splash each other in the pool, watch movies when they are napping, head to the park in the evening, and just be together. There is nothing like it!
gardening days! I love being in my garden. I love planting...and now I love harvesting (I am growing several different types of herbs this year - organic sweet basil, lemongrass, mint).
quiet evening on the deck! I love to just sit on my deck...and do nothing. I love watching nature, but not getting too close to it (not a big fan of creep crawly creatures). I love bringing a book and my favorite beverage out on our deck to enjoy the refreshing evening air. Hello, sweet serenity! But, sometimes, this mini vaca only lasts a few moments because our kids love being on the deck, too...

Mia and JJ getting sprayed with the hose
by Daddy on a hot summer evening.

We hope everyone enjoys these last few weeks of summer before it is gone once again...

Hello. My Name is Dana. And, I Am A Coffee Addict.

2009-06-26T06:00:00.017-04:00

Pretty java, tasty java...

How I miss thee!

I miss how your fantastic scent would fill our house early in the morning, each and every day. I miss the warmth you provided. And, listening to Diana Krall just isn't the same without you. I miss the unmistakable "jolt" I would get as you would race through my bloodstream, causing me to feel like I could fly like Mary Poppins. What a grand time we had together. I miss you, old friend.

My love for you began at a young age when my father used to give me small creamer cups filled with your deliciousness. I drank you during my college years, especially on those late nights when I needed you the most in order to get that much needed "A" to pass a class. I drank you after college and during my early years of marriage. And, I drank you after my babies were born to keep me going throughout the day. You helped me to accomplish much, and for this I thank you.

I drank you when the weather was bad. I drank you when the weather was fair. But, suddenly, you have caused me to become ill. I adore your simple, bitter flavor, but you are a drug to me. So, I have to bid you adieu...for now at least.

Sweet Lord in Heaven,

Please help me to refrain from my addiction. Especially on the rainy days when it is missed the most! Like the past week where we have had rain almost every day!!! What I wouldn't give for a piping hot cup of java! I almost gave in today...almost. But, then I remembered what the doctor said. So, I will be good and do the right thing. I will try. Amen.

P.S. Is it bad to open up the canister several times a day just to partake of the delicious aroma? I swear I can hear that canister calling my name every time I enter the kitchen saying, "Makapot! Makapot! Makapot!" Or, that I'm thinking of filling each and every room of our house with a java-scented candle? OR, that I've considered making a necklace out of coffee beans? Kinda like a candy necklace, but I would only smell them and never nibble them. Scout's honor! I don't think my doc would object to that!!

(*sigh*)

I will miss you, dear friend. But, I hope to return to you again, one day...under happier conditions. But, for now...

Hello, green tea! :)