Saturday, January 31, 2009

Cupid



Cupid draw back your bow
And let your arrow go
Straight to my lover's heart for me...

Friday, January 30, 2009

25 Random Things about myself...

Now that I have been tagged on FB about 25 times, I decided to join in. Plus I have thouroughly enjoyed reading everyone else's lists!

1. I went to three different colleges, 1 semester at Marquette University, 3 semesters at the University of Kentucky then 6 semesters at Vanderbilt University...for reasons that I now know were entirely silly!

2. I like brussel sprouts, quite a bit, actually.

3. I adore, admire and cherish my friends more than they know. And I'm fiercely protective of them and their feelings.

4. I feel guilty about everything, and blame that on my Catholic education/upbringing.

5. My kids are the center of my universe...they rock my world, each in their own unique way. And I would do anything and everything to protect them. I still check on them and tuck them in, kiss them, and make sure that the boys go potty so they don't wet the bed and I have to change the sheets AGAIN, every night.

6. I admit to having an inner Martha Stewart...I love all things crafty.

7. I LOVE to bake, especially cookies and cupcakes/cakes.

8. I sometimes feel like I should be able to "do it all." But readily accept that it indeed takes a village to raise a child, and four villages to raise four children.

9. My mom is incredible and even though she works more than full time at the restaurant, she still comes to my house almost every single day to help me through the witching hour see her precious grand kids. Once when Ella Kate was a baby and every single one of us had the stomach bug she came over even though it was past midnight and slept on the floor in the playroom with the twins so that she could catch their throw up. And that's not the first time that she has come over in the middle of the night to rescue me.

10. My cousin is the sister that I never had. She claims that I was mean to her when we were young, I don't remember such things! I think she was still in college when we became close. We talk several times a day and she lives about 10 minutes away. And I'm incredibly proud of her for accomplishing her goals, even though I don't think I have ever said those exact words. She said she wanted to be a pharmacist when she was like 10 years old and she made it through some tough years in school to get to where she is now.

11. Wow, this is taking longer than I thought it would. I ♥ photography with a passion...I have the same passion for paper and design. One day I will do something that combines the two in a way that makes me happy.

12. I have a degree in Elementary Education and History. But if I could do it over again, I would study Graphic Design.

13. My brother and I have never been really close, when I started high school, he graduated, same with college. And when we were younger I remember kicking him in the stomach so hard that it knocked the wind out of him. But, he did ask "when is she going back" when I was born...and he used to pinch me all of the time when my mom wasn't looking.

14. I wasn't athletic growing up, but I wish I was. I ran cross country for like a day (my kindergartner ran cross country this past year like a champ)! In college I began to run for exercise and really liked it. I completed a marathon with my now husband, key word being completed, it took me 4 hours 35minutes. Haven't done one since, it wreaked havoc on my hips. So I'm training for a half marathon now, Country Music Marathon and Jake, my oldest, is doing the Kids Marathon.

15. If you can't tell, or if you don't already know, I talk, a lot!

16. I hated my first year at SCA, to the point of crying a lot. The rest my time there was quite special. And of course now looking back, I wouldn't have done it any other way. If I had gone to a bigger school, I wouldn't have been able to "shine" so to speak.

17. I miss my friends that I don't see/talk to on a regular basis. But I still love them and am just as protective of them and their feelings as my friends I see all of the time.

18. I took ice skating lessons in junior high and high school, one day I fell hard while trying to jump, dislocated my left shoulder, and never did get back on that horse. That's okay it really really hurt my ankles every time I laced up those boots, so I don't know why I stuck with it as long as I did.

19. I started taking piano lessons in the second grade from Mrs. Valentini, our music teacher at St. Edwards. I used to ride home with her after school. I quit when I was a sophomore in high school. Mom said I would always regret it, she's right. But after my most favorite piano teacher Mrs. Mangum passed away, it was never the same.

20. In sixth grade I was put in in school suspension with Becky Thompson (Teasley). Before that and after that I never so much as got sent to the office. The next year I changed schools. It still amazes me, because I was one of those incredibly obedient children. I still see that teacher now, in fact her husband paid my late fees at the library one day.

21. I still have nightmares about being in an exam and realizing that I never attended class, or forgetting that I have a term paper due or something equally disastrous. Oh, my favorite is walking to class and not knowing my schedule or where I am supposed to go. I don't know why, I was a good student, always went to class, always did my work. I think it means that I'm overwhelmed with my current responsibilities.

22. Even though my dad is Thai and my mom is Filipino, I don't speak either language, but I wish I did.

23. I hate doing laundry but I hate the way other people do my laundry, so it's a catch 22.

24. I shower at night because I know by now that it may never happen the next day until it's night again.

25. I wish that I had travelled abroad in college, lived somewhere different, experienced a new culture, learned a new language.

The things they say...

Jake to me yesterday...

Jake: Mama do you know what the temperature is on Pluto?
Me: Jake, I'm not sure about that one.
Jake: I'll ask papa, he knows almost everything.


From George tonight when tucking him in...(we were talking about good dreams and bad dreams)

"Mama, to be something you have to dream big, not bad!"

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Valentine's Day is sneaking up on us...♥

With all four of the little people in school, we have lots of treats to make. I designed these tags and started printing them out tonight...including Trish's 2 medium people and 1 little person, only 100 some odd tags left to print!

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Recipe: Mom's Famous Sandwich

Ingredients:
6 slices 100% whole grain wheat bread (for four little people)
peanut butter for each sandwich
assorted cookie cutter shapes

Directions:
Spread peanut butter on bread. Top with second slice of bread. Press cookie cutters to make adorable little sandwiches. [Note: these sandwiches aren't the finished product, these are for the little people, mom's part is to follow.]

Now here's the fun part...
Take the remnants and place on a napkin to shove in your mouth eat while standing up. And there you have "Mom's Famous Sandwich."

Enough to serve one mom

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

I Love Faces

A fun little photography blog with weekly contests. This week the theme is JOY...




The Writing on the Wall

If this weren't just so darn funny, I would have been really mad. But instead I took a picture to blog. And one day when he's much much older and running for class president or school president or hey President of the United States of America, we will have this to look back on:


"Vote For Jake Harris" on our wall in the kitchen by the pantry...

I think Ms. Vaughn would tell Jake that was an excellent sentence! You think someone has been paying attention to the election/inauguration?

Monday, January 26, 2009

Happy Chinese New Year: 2009 the year of the Ox

The Chinese Zodiac - Ox
Steady and solid, the Ox is at home carrying the weight of the world on its shoulders supporting almost everyone around them. You can depend on the reliable Ox. Don't be fooled by their patience and calm demeanor; however, they are achievers. Like the tortoise in the story, they are sure to finish the race and more often than not to come out as the winner. The flip side is their determination often becomes stubbornness, and when they do lose control, their behavior can become almost violent. They are at peace when they can be on their own and do their thing in a familiar environment in a traditional manner.

And the little people:
Jake
Horse

Independent and sporty, the horse is the male sign. The often flamboyant horse tends to be the life of the party and is great fun to be around. They tend to love sports and, or, outdoor activities and don't mind some rough and tumble action. They function best when they have lots of freedom. The downside is they function poorly when bridled, e.g., tied down by routine. The horse tends to be selfish and self absorbed, letting others fend for themselves, which is the horse's preferred mode of operation. In spite of the enthusiasm with which they begin things, they tend to lose it rather quickly. You have to work to keep their interest. Ah, but it's worth it!



George and Grace
Monkey
Versatile and playful, the Monkey brings a lot of joy into our lives. They are adept at a wide range of skills and can be successful in almost any occupation. Their innocent playfulness, coupled with sparkling charm, make them fun companions. As with the Rat, the Monkey spends a lot of time in their heads. They are often artistic, clever, and, or, intellectual. On the downside, they think and worry too much. When young, Monkeys tend to be overly naive, eventually getting burned. Some then become overly suspicious and unable to trust people. Although they are great at making the rest of us happy, they all too often have trouble making themselves happy.



Ella Kate
Dog
Loyal and protective, the Dog makes a great friend or family member and inspires the confidence of everyone around them. They have a strong sense of justice and duty. They aggressively defend their rights and are not afraid to speak up on behalf of others. The Dog is very protective of family and anything entrusted to their care. They're not that social but will sacrifice everything for family. The Dog is a natural pessimist and a worrier---many becoming quite cynical. They tend to be introverts who rarely show their feelings and usually hate crowds. Still, you want the honest, hard-working Dog on your team.


Ummmm and I must say that Trish, are you sure your sign is the dog?!?!?

I'm a rabbit, and it's pretty accurate... shared with Jenn Cash who so kindly reminded me that we were indeed born in the same year!
Rabbit
Pacifistic and refined, the Rabbit tends to have excellent taste, enjoys the finer things in life and loves to go first class. The Rabbit does its best to promote peace and harmony and to avoid conflict and unpleasantness whenever possible. They are discreet, easy-going and make for good company. On the downside, they can be snobbish and prone to gossip. Also, the Rabbit is the sign that finds it the hardest to pick itself up off the floor when knocked down by adversity. Although a social creature, the Rabbit enjoys the quiet life and tends to be conservative. Their comfort is very important to them, and they are likely to whine when it's disturbed.

And David:
Rooster
Particular and aggressive, the Rooster does things right and, like Will Smith, enjoys looking good while doing it. Sharp dressers, Roosters like to strut their stuff. They are diligent and watchful as either managers or workers and can be depended on to do a thorough, accurate job. Self confidence is not a problem for the Rooster. On the downside, they are often argumentative and nag frequently. At times they can be brutally frank. They are usually absorbed with their importance and are susceptible to flattery. So, do it. Put them on the stage as they are worthy performers

Happy New Year and enjoy some noodles (which symbolize a long life) just don't cut them, that's bad luck!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

These are days...

Now that we are into 2009 and I am wrapping up the application process for George and Grace to go to Pre-K at Jake's school, I get a little sad thinking about Ella Kate not having her 2, four year old sidekicks around next fall.

For the past two years Ella Kate, George and Grace have been on the same schedule. All of our outings to the Y, library, park, Harry's house, etc. have been together. They always say that three's a crowd, but these little monkeys get along so well. They will play together quietly for hours on end, until 1 o'clock rolls around and I say: "Ella Kate, time for beddy bye..." And her reply is always, "foo minutes, kay mommy?" To which I reply okay, just a few. She still cries when the few minutes are up, but then proceeds to sleep until 5 o'clock in the evening, sometimes I even have to wake her. Upon waking, her first question is, "Where is Joge and Gace?"

I know she will miss George and Grace terribly, and that makes me sad. But then she will get her chance to have lots of special mommy time. I suppose she has been very patient, waiting for over three years to have extra one on one time with mommy. Of course having never had the option, she doesn't know what she's missing out on anyway. For now, we just enjoy, and just maybe I'll even let her skip a nap or two and I'll suffer the consequences later.




These are days you'll remember...you'll know its true that you are blessed and lucky. It's true that you are touched by something that will grow and bloom in you. [Nathalie Merchant]

Saturday, January 24, 2009

B-ball, Kindergarten Style (for the g-parents)

Jake is lucky #13,(his choice)!

Creativity...

One of my favorite smells has always been a brand new box of Crayola Crayons. I absolutely loved to color, even pressing harder in certain areas with the crayon and using different stokes to create varying textures. Art class was my favorite part of the week in elementary school. I went to a high school that had a strong fine arts program and an incredible art teacher. I have always craved creativity, and I am inspired by everyday things, the way a tree looks, labels patterns. etc.

So it comes as no surprise that I try to nurture and cultivate the creative side of the little people. Jake used to ask me to draw something for him, I would say show me how you would draw it, the whining would ensue. Back then I did draw for him, modeling for him, and encouraging him to pick up the crayon and make it his own.

It's been a long while since he asked me to draw something for him. He asks for paper and markers or crayons and creates his own masterpieces. Often his drawings are about space, Star Wars, dinosaurs and his favorite: police cars and helicopters. It gives me so much satisfaction to see him enjoy creating. But on this cold morning he asked me to draw a police car and a helicopter since I had not in so long. And I did, and he made it his own. And I was a proud mom of my 6 year old boy.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Sanctity of Human Life

On the lawn of Jake's school this morning...



Also I started a [photo a day] project. I have already missed a few days, but I'm going to try to keep this up for the year.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Nothing but Net, or something like that...

Jake is playing basketball for the second year with the same boys from his class and with the same -God love them- patient coaches (they are two of the dads). But wow the boys have progressed so much! Jake is a lot little hesitant, but I think as with soccer, it will take a few seasons until he feels confident enough to actually handle the ball. In the meantime, he is really enjoying it and getting some good exercise in, and that's what counts.



Sleepover

Aside from the occasional vacation sleeping arrangement, George and Grace haven't slept in the same room, let alone the same bed since they were tiny babies. Grace turned into a good sleeper by the time she was three months old. George didn't sleep through the night until he was almost a year old.

So Grace went up to the beautiful nursery that was supposed to sleep both of them.


George never did make it up there. He went to his own room after nearly a year in the little sitting room off of our bedroom.

But this night, Jake was out at a Predators game and George wanted Grace to sleep in his bed. After hours of whispers and giggles, this is how I found them...


This is from the NICU, sharing an isolette:


And soon after they came home from the NICU:

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Two Faves

Our mornings wouldn't be complete without Sid the Science Kid (which I love as much as the kids do) or Martha Speaks. George even asked for alphabet soup for breakfast this morning. He wanted to feed it to his dog in hopes that the letters would travel to his brain and make him speak, just like Martha.




Sid and Jarell (or is it Jarold)


And the coat rack that makes me so happy because the little people love it so much that they WANT to hang up their coats...we'll see how long that lasts!

Saturday, January 10, 2009

George





Jake



Ella Kate

I didn't start blogging until the recent past...so I'm trying to get some stuff on here for posterity.





Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Come See The Show

The kids and I made a puppet theater today with Star Wars stick puppets to go with it. I borrowed the idea from here: http://flipflopsandapplesauce.blogspot.com/

How cute and how fun!



Monday, January 5, 2009

UFO Sighting...and What Not to Wear

George and Grace had homework over the break, and staying true to my school days, we started on Sunday. Not that I feel it's totally necessary to pass down my knack for procrastination. When they return to school on Wednesday, they are studying the letter "U" hence the UFO project. But Jake and Ella Kate, er, Yoda (she's got a thing for hats and shoes) didn't want to be left out.











Later the same day, Gracie went out with David to run some errands. I always tell her that when she's going out with him she can wear whatever she wants, he even agrees. I suppose her fur vest (don't worry it's fake) and socks do match. And the top and skirt match, soooooo...




And just a cute share...see I told you about the hats...



oh and she loves bananas and the stickers!

Saturday, January 3, 2009

Since We Are on the Cookie Subject, Let's Review








Many cookies were made, many were eaten. Some were even eaten before making it to the baking process... And some days the kids had cookies for breakfast lunch and dinner. But everyone had fun! Tis the season, right?