Milestones

Miss Sassy had a therapudic horse riding lesson today.  Her younger sister was watching the lesson.  Sassy groomed the horse, rode around obstacles, clapped, waved, lifted her hands in the air, rode backwards, passed toys back and forth with her side-walkers and trotted.  When we were leaving, Sassy's little sister said, "Mom, when she trotted, I smiled.  I don't usually smile when my sisters do things.  But she trotted on the horse.  I couldn't do that, Mom.  And she could!  She did all those things on a horse, Mom.  She's really learned a lot!"

That really made me pause.  Our youngest started passing Miss Sassy's milestones before she was a year old.  Now Miss Sassy has achieved a milestone ahead of her sister.  I'm bursting-my-buttons proud!  I'm in awe of Sassy's achievements.  And I'm touched that youngest kiddo has the insight to notice and celebrate her sister's new skills.

(Miss Sassy is sitting in the hay loft with her instructor in the photo above.)

Have a happy day!

summer fun

Sassy girl had a ball game the other day.  Our local minor league team mascot visited this special group of kiddos for a photo session.  Miss Sassy LOVES Ribby!  She got a little distracted by her favorite giant bat and failed to play any baseball at all, instead choosing to follow Ribby around squealing excitedly.  But for the photo shoot... this was a close as she would get to her great, furry hero.

Oldest kiddo went out to apply for a job yesterday.  I am so proud of her!  She's got a lot on her plate right now with Little Man here, but she is determined to take on as much responsibility as possible.  Senior year, college applications, an incredible GPA to maintain, a sweet, sweet baby she's doing a marvelous job nurturing... and now a part-time job again, as well.  (She worked part-time through much of the pregnancy.)  Did I mention I'm one PROUD mamma?

 

Meanwhile... gadget girl tried her hand at babysitting!

Notice the ears... Gadget girl was given a much-appreciated gift at one of the baby showers!

Here is youngest kiddo modeling the latest in hot summer fashion.  Mmmmhmmm... an apron and a bikini.  Guess she won't be getting any spaghettii sauce on her belly... 

Youngest kiddo is growing up on us.  Apparently, she has had a crush on a boy for about six months now.  And forgot to mention that to us.  (Sheeesh!)  She's been hanging out at the town pool a lot this summer.  It didn't take too long for big sisters to figure out her infatuation.  Especially since the boy likes her, too!  Big sisters have been alternating light-hearted teasing with earnest comraderie and an endless string of advice.  What fun to suddenly have a giggly bunch of teens running around the house figuring out what youngest should wear to the pool or some other trivial detail!  It is bittersweet to have her growing up, but the comraderie and excitement is contagious.  Sigh!  My baby has a boyfriend.

             

And some Little Man photos!  Youngest kiddo snatches him up every chance she gets.  Ummmm... so does G'amma....

                                                

  Have a happy day!

Oooops!

I've had a few people mention that they read the blog and look forward to new postings.  Perhaps pointedly mention that they look forward to new postings...  Yup.  I'm behind again...

Our summer is busy as always.  The girls are working, swimming, hanging out with friends.  I seem to be continually waiting for Miss Sassy's summer school bus or picking up Gadget Girl from her job.  And feeding and cleaning up after a houseful of kids. 

I don't have much writing time.  But I suspect a few followers are currently "reading" the blog for more photos of the little star of the family.  The little man is beautiful and growing fast.  He started his life journey at 7 lb. 9 oz. and at three weeks old, he is 9 lb.  His main hobbies are eating, sleeping, and filling his diaper.  Once in a while he takes a break from that busy schedule to open his eyes and observe the world around him.  Including his hands.  Sometimes he manages to pull his hair, bat at a toy, or pop them into his mouth.  He does get mad at that baby who pulls his hair, though... 

Little Man sometimes lacks attention around here.

  There may have been a few minutes last week that noone was holding, cuddling or talking to him.

Other news... hubby and I spent the day in Maine a couple of weeks ago to celebrate his birthday.  We had a wonderful time walking the beaches, eating out, driving around and talking.  The quiet was a bit of a shock, though.  We're not used to it...

Gadget girl has a new haircut.  She wanted me to cut it for her.  I originally refused (due to complications associated with 20th anniversary dinners, etc.), but she promised not to cry.  Ta da!  I can cut a mohawk!  And she loves it!  What a free-spirited kid!  I really admire her spunk.  Or, perhaps more accurately, her punk.

Gadget Girl has joined one of the goofy town bands with me!  Mostly because she likes to drive us to practices & might as well bring the trombone and play.  But she has found herself enjoying the band in spite of herself.  There are a bunch of goofy and interesting teens in the band, a fantastic & very friendly conductor, and a fun trombone section.  (Ok... when is a trombone section ever NOT fun?)

 Speaking of fun trombone sections...  Trombone nights are a blast!  Sometimes we even play the instruments for a while.

 Sometimes playing doesn't involve instruments.  Gadget Girl was shot in the glasses with a nerf dart.

 The perp wasn't even contrite.  Maybe because we were celebrating his birthday.

 Little guy played with the trombones again.  He stuck to tooting the back end this time (repeatedly) and let Gadget Girl try the little trombone.  We also discovered that Gadget Girl is a phenomenal euphonium player!  Her first time playing the instrument, she kept up beautifully with the bunch of us!  (Not that we are difficult to keep up with;  mostly lots of giggling and banter between players.)  Might have to keep our eyes open for a euphonium now.  Gadget Girl loved it.  Oiy!

Original Oddball almost got a chance to play, but Little Man woke up and had other ideas.  Like tooting repeatedly....

Miss Sassy loves the new little guy!  She kisses him and holds him every chance she gets!  If he cries, she goes running to him.  Youngest kiddo loves him, too.  She can be found rocking him and cuddling him several times a day.

Well... that's it for now!  A few happy thoughts for today!  Have a wonderful day!

Concert!

Miss Sassy and youngest kiddo had a concert tonight.

Sassy Girl started playing the drum-pad this year.  As of concert time, she has advanced to first-chair-desk-drummer!

Ok... techno-nerd at the keyboard.  I couldn't figure out how to turn the video, so she's drumming sideways.  But I cried happy tears right-side-up!  I'm so proud of her!  When she was tiny, we didn't know if she would learn to walk.  Now she's keeping up a steady rythm with her band.  And lighting up the place with that 1000 kilowatt smile!  (Youngest kiddo plays the flute and both kiddos sang with the chorus, as well!)

Oldest kiddo is faring well with the pregnancy.  Grandbaby-bump is due two weeks from today.  Gulp!  I'm hoping grand-bump stays put a few days past the scheduled arrival time since my school year goes a bit past the 21st...

My crazy family had a shower for oldest kiddo last weekend.  I use the word "crazy" in the nicest way possible.  Over 60 people gathered to wish the kiddos and wee one well.  Three days of camping, bonfires, swimming, wagon rides, and general chaos ensued!  It was wonderful.

Here's a little taste of the goofiness.  Gadget girl greeted guests with, "ballet parking."  That's hospitality, our big, goofy family-style!
And the cake!  Our skinny little neighbor bakes like she should be twice my size!  White cake with raspberry filling and lemon frosting.  I shouldn't even try to describe the cake.  The description falls far short of the taste!

Well... other news... it's hot, we have just over two weeks left to school, the little guys in our class have had a guest teacher and guest aide in their class for the last three months of school.  Oh yeah!  We are feeling the end of the year wiggles!  Today's little escapade was a humdinger....  Rest time involves little nap-mats and quiet activities with the lights low and music playing.  It would be very relaxing if it didn't involve 12 squirmy kidlets.  We've offered to switch places with the kids.  Someday they can tuck us in, rub our backs and make sure we don't chat with each other for a half an hour or so....

But I digress...  One wee one had rubber stamps and was working industriously on a picture.  But apparently the stamp pads were not quite wet enough.  So while I was passing out snack, she went over to the sink and wet the stamp pads.  Did I say wet?  I meant saturated....  Small child then walked across the room with her ink pads, dripping across the floor, a book, a snack, and one of her classmates.  And since four pads were a little too much for her hands, she just tucked one against her tummy.  When the trail of purple dots was discovered and traced to the blotch on the belly, we also discovered that the ink pads are permanent dye ink.  Diluted with water, but, nevertheless, permanent.  Oiy!  My apologies for sending home stained children tonight...

Well... I hope something in this post has brought a smile to your day!  Have a happy day!

    

Foolin' around

I spent April Fool's Day with my sister.  Did I mention that we fell off the same branch of the family tree?  (Our family tree is full of funky branches...)

On the first day of my visit to California, I sat innocently reading a book when my sister pulled out costumes and asked if I was going to be a fairy or a pirate for the day.  Apparently, she thinks that I have no inhibitions about making a fool of myself.  And the giant bunny costume I sported a couple of years ago did nothing to dispel the myth.  So she thought I would enjoy a jaunt around San Francisco in a tutu, wings and a crown.  Or maybe she was just getting back at me for previous pranks.  Gaurgh!  (At least MY kitchen isn't infested with gummy worms...)     

 We had a blast!  We climbed Telegraph Hill and toured Coit Tower.  Then we sought out fellow fools at a St. Stupid's Day parade through San Francisco's business district.  Parade "Moronitors" kept the unruly crowd of 300 or so headed in sort of the same direction.  I even got trombone lessons from Superman.  And more lessons from someone playing half a trombone.  Now I can impress my NH buddies with big city trombone methods!     

Day #2 was quieter.  Just a little 8-mile hike to Alamere Falls in Port Reyes...  Oh!  And a cliff-drive back.  It was gorgeous and I would show you photos if I had sucked up my fear of heights, unclenched my fingers, unsquinched my eyes and stopped screaming....  My sister has aclimated to California driving and considers 60 mph a reasonable speed for cliff-hugging roads.  I am still from New England.  Cliffs???

 Since I lived through days #1 & 2, dying neither of embarassment nor cliff diving, my younger sister slowed down a little.  We went for a lovely 3 mile walk through the Marin Headlands, visited the Japanese Tea Gardens in Golden Gate Park and ate Thai food.  It was a fantastic visit!

Well... other news!  I finally caught up with my coffee buddy and snagged a photo!  She claims I stalked her, hunted her down and gave her no choice...

Miss Sassy found the goofy trombone hands and LOVED them!  She giggled and giggled while she posed for a photo with Gadget Girl.

 Hubby had a playdate with our neighbor.  These two like to blow things up on playdates.  Last time they knocked down a shed (I believe they called it remodeling).  This time they splintered wood.  I think I will keep my car away from them.... 

 And grandbaby bump continues to GROW!  Original Oddball is healthy and happy even if a bit apprehensive about the coming summer.

Sooooo... those are the happy thoughts for today!

I'll be spending the rest of my spring playing in kindergarten (long-term sub position), but I'll keep updating!

Have a happy day!

A little bit of ordinary...

Miss Sassy loves her Nana!  This is one of those ordinary moments that I seldom catch on film;  the everyday cuddles of our third child and her grandmother...

Here is Miss Sassy playing the drum pad in the school band!  For a couple of years, we asked to have Miss Sassy join the band.  Finally, last year, we didn't ask.  We simply said we were signing her up!  Her smile says it all!

And Miss Sassy's riding lessons!  I love the ramp and raised platforms that allow her to get into the saddle so that she can ride again!

Original Oddball (left) and Aunt Gadget Girl (right) were comparing bellies yesterday.  I'm thinking Oddball won the bump contest... 

And the goofball section.  Yes, this is "ordinary" for us.  Actually, I was really tired last night and mentioned to oldest kiddo when we left that I hoped I didn't seem too wierd.  She said, "ummm... Mom, wierd IS normal for you.  If anything you were a little quieter than usual."  Hmmmm....

Have a happy day!  Celebrate the ordinary today!

random stuff

Miss Sassy has discovered her girly-girl side.  She loves sparkly necklaces and asks to wear one each morning.  She even holds still for a pretty barrette.  And this kiddo has NEVER before held still for anything hair-related...

Oldest kiddo has popped...  I guess a week of vacation, extra rest and good food will do that :o)  I'd better be careful.  I had a week of vacation, too....

And the goofball section of a local band.  (A.K.A. the trombone section.)  I'm in the front.  Ummm... the short one in the front.  (Just in case you were wondering.)  I love these guys!  We laugh and joke all through band practice.  And hang around gabbing after practice until our conductor starts audibly jangling his keys.  Sometimes we keep talking in the parking lot.  Recently we started getting together to play outside of band.  Which quickly turned into dinner and playing.  Then theming the dinners.  Dinner, talking and laughter are starting to obliterate the playing time.  Um hmmm... typical trombone section.  I love it!

Oh!  And I LOVED Karen M's response to our collection of trombones in Vacation Shenanigans  She said to, "tell the husband to just be glad you aren't tuba players!"  Yeah... they run a little more expensive!  I can only imagine trying to get three tubas (and the respective players) into the car for a gig.  And if we had a bunch of tubas in the house, we might need to convert a few cases into tables or chairs or something...  For more band stories (and gardening and art and bunnies), check out rabbits eat quilts :o)

Well... that's the happy thoughts for today!  Have an awesome day!    

Best Shake Ever!

Gotta love a green smoothie smile!  Miss Sassy still thinks smoothies are about the best treat around!

Actually, we've started feeding these smoothies to visiting kiddos.  Ummmm... without disclosing the secret ingredients.  Y'know... all the green stuff.  I felt a twinge of guilt the other day.  Until an extra kiddo declared her smoothie the, "Best Shake Ever!"

Guess the spinach didn't hurt her...

 Here's the current favorite...

Two frozen bananas

An orange

About 1" chunk of ginger, peeled and sliced

Big, big handful of spinach

A cup or so of water

Have a great day!

Vacation Shenanigans!

New Englanders are perhaps a bit more prone to cabin fever than their southern counterparts....  So our family has a tradition to combat that dull and lifeless time of year.  All day sledding parties!  We go from 10-10 and invite everyone we can think of!  Crazy gatherings with herds of kids, goofy games, and some kind of entertainment.  Like duck tape.

Soooooo... what do a bunch of crazy teens do with several roles of duck tape?  And why do we call these parties SLEDDING parties?  The kids go sledding for a few minutes, then spend the rest of the day snacking, throwing marshmellows, playing games, whipping a ping-pong ball back & forth, and gabbing!  Oh... and decorating cars with duck tape.  Or taping each other into chairs.  Or to each other.  Or to walls....

I would sooooo love to share pictures, but I don't like to post other people's kids here unless I know its ok.  We did count, though... 23 kids in one photo!  Plus a few brave adults.  And the kids kept showing up throughout the day... I just forgot to dig the camera out again.  Too busy trying to keep snacks on the table, I guess! 

The day really was a wonderful start to vacation week!  Miss Sassy spent the day at Camp Nana & Boppa.  She even had her little friend, Bus Buddy, visit with her!  The other girls each had a herd of friends over.  The herds tended to hang out together and stampeded the kitchen only when foraging for food.  Or when their clothes were wet from sledding.  Or someone had a boo boo.  Or they needed more duck tape....  Oh, yeah!  I stayed busy....  lining up the crock pots, cutting fruits and veggies, getting out more games, scraping marshmellows off the floor, throwing more clothes through the wash.  And I wouldn't change a minute of the day!  (Especially since after the last remnants of food were served, I got to escape to the loft and join the ping-pong play offs!)

Another photo of what's been keeping me busy during vacation!  The girls brought their trombones home, so we have five (yes FIVE) trombones to use as doorstops....  My husband doesn't quite understand why we need so many trombones.  Oldest two kiddos play, so that accounts for two.  I play, so make that three accounted for.  Oh... except that I LOVE to play!  And recently invested in a second trombone.  Really a sensible investment for a trombone player.  Really... one large bore, one small bore.  Completely different sounds.  Ok... he's still not getting it and thinks I have become a very expensive wife....  Oh!  And the 5th trombone is the "fleet spare" for when we are all playing together and the kids forget to bring theirs home from school.  Sensible.  REALLY.

Oh!  A couple buddies and I just started a weekly trombone jam session.  Just in case two bands, a quartet, and playing in church didn't allow enough play time!  These guys are THE BEST!  We played, talked, and laughed half the night.  Sometimes we laughed at the playing... sight reading does produce some interesting chords!  Especially when we don't look at the lables on the music and start out with the most difficult piece...

And Miss Sassy!  Miss Sassy has trouble walking in all this white stuff.  So my friend, Awesome Neighbor, and I took her downtown for a walk on plowed sidewalks.  Miss Sassy goes for walks around town with her special class at school, so she is familiar with many of the businesses.  She lights up when she enters some buildings.  Like Murrays.  Hmmmm... I think she has been sneaking out for lunches!  She seems to know the menu.  She pointed to sweet potato fries when asked what she wanted to eat.  I thought I would get to share the fries, but no such luck.  I scored ONE fry....  She cleaned up the fries, ate her half of the burger and most of our salad!  Next time, I'm ordering my OWN fries!

And a bit of sewing!  Any guesses?  Yup... a baby quilt!  Oldest kiddo helped choose the pattern and fabrics.  She loves bright colors and chose a multi-sized star pattern... white for the stars and mostly bright yellows, greens & oranges for the background.  Honestly, I wasn't sold on the colors... but as the first blocks took shape, I LOVE IT!!!!  This promises to be a fun quilt!

Well... there's still a bit of vacation left!  And we have new white stuff still falling!  Time to go play in it!  Have a happy day!