November 27, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {Thanksgiving}

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It was our first Thanksgiving here, in our new place. And it was a good one. My sister, her husband and their four kiddos made the drive for the long weekend. Which made for a crew of 18 people. We adults were way outnumbered. The dinner turned out as well as I could have hoped. Especially considering we were cooking for a small army. Thankfully, nothing was undercooked - or worse. And we all rolled away from the dinner table with very full bellies. After dinner, we decided to head outside. And decided a few pictures were … [Read more...]

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Posted Under: family, Sunday Snapshot, Victoria, Zach
September 5, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {Labor Day}

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Wah. My sister and her family just left. It had been over a year since we last saw each other. Which is about a year too long. The kids always play great together. Which gives us a chance to catch up. During their stay this time, we stuck pretty close to home. With plenty of chow... plenty of things to do... and plenty of room to run... it made for some happy kids. And happy kids make for happy adults. Then, add some dreamy weather. And game of SPUD. And well, let's just say.... we had a … [Read more...]

11 Comments
Posted Under: big o' family, celebrations, family, kids, Sunday Snapshot
August 22, 2011

uh oh

I've spent the day trying to get even remotely caught up on all that will be happening this week. Like the kids first day of school on Thursday. So I called the transportation department to make sure they know to come by and get my kiddos on Thursday. You know, the 'gang' of kids waiting at the end of the driveway? Yeah. Them. And the very kind lady helps me out and confirms that yes, the bus driver will be there. And she proceeds to tell me what time the kiddos need to be at the curb. All 5 of 'em, waiting and ready to go. At 6:31, y'all. That … [Read more...]

73 Comments
Posted Under: family
August 7, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {home}

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I've got to make this quick. But I wanted to let y'all know. After a shuttle ride, train ride, taxi ride and two plane rides... we are, at last, home. The trip was manageable. It had it's moments. Definitely could have been worse. But 28 hours? With at 22 month old? Well... it's over. And that's all I wanna say 'bout that. The highlight of the trip was the outstanding welcoming committee at the airport. I'm so glad I had my camera handy. Seeing those smiling faces filled this mama's heart to … [Read more...]

87 Comments
Posted Under: family, Poppy, Poppy China Trip, Sunday Snapshot, Zach
June 5, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {the kite}

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I didn't even have to work at this one. At church this morning, Jude received a kite as a "prize". Between the time this kite was placed into Jude's sweaty little hands and the time we arrived home, this kite was brought up in conversation no less than 2,489 times. So, after lunch we went outside to give this kite a whirl. Honestly, I had my doubts as to its ability to even get airborne. But the kids were ridiculously excited. I simply could not refuse to give it a try. And so I ventured out. Somewhat … [Read more...]

19 Comments
Posted Under: family, Isabelle, Jude, Shepherd, Sophie, Sunday Snapshot, Vivienne
April 3, 2011

Sunday Snapshot: {Uncle Bob}

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My sister Andrea, her husband Bob and their kiddos live outside of Atlanta.And we live about 19 hours north. Straight up the east coast.So, our families don't get together as nearly as often as we'd like.Last summer, when my sister and her kids came up for a few weeks, Bob had to stay back and hold down the fort. And, well... work.I hate when that happens.But yesterday Uncle Bob had some business in the area. And he was able to come by for the day. Although we haven't seen Uncle Bob in almost 2 years, all our kiddos (save Vivienne) know Uncle Bob well. Our entire clan … [Read more...]

22 Comments
Posted Under: family, Sunday Snapshot
February 11, 2011

breathe in. breathe out.

Lately, I've had to remind myself to do that. So, so much going on. So much I'd love to share. And I will, promise. First, I thought it was about time to spill on the two *things* I shared with y'all. If anyone can remember that far back. We finally found a vehicle to fit our crew. And, more importantly, we can actually afford it. We hope to pick up our "new-to-us" Sprinter next week. Some of y'all might remember me posting about wanting one about a year and a half ago. And God, in His perfect timing, has lead us to one that actually meets … [Read more...]

31 Comments
Posted Under: family, what works for us
January 21, 2011

round 2.

snowday2-1001

Another day.Another snow day.Evidently, the weather is no respecter of my unbridled efforts to keep my driveway cleared. It has snowed, daily, since then. And between last night and this morning?We got another 12".Pure insanity to this southern girl.So, in an effort to entertain themselves while waiting for the snow to slow down, they got creative.Between an empty diaper box,And a longing to play in the snow...Some sort of A sled was born.Vivi-sized.At least it works in the kitchen.Hope y'all are enjoying your day, no matter what craziness surrounds you.Off to hang out … [Read more...]

15 Comments
Posted Under: family, real life, Vivienne
January 13, 2011

the day after.

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All said and done, we got about 20" of snow.And the kids were pretty confident that they'd have another snow day today.They're clearly not used to living this far north. The storm was over. The roads were plowed. Back to a typical New England winter, 20" of snow later.Needless to say, the kiddos were pretty bummed. They'd have certainly preferred to be gearing up to go out and play in the snow.Not wait on the bus.And how did I take the news that there would, in fact, be school today?Let's just say, I am managing my grief pretty well.It was a positively glorious … [Read more...]

16 Comments
Posted Under: family
January 12, 2011

a big day.

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Vivienne's favorite show (what did we do before DVR?) is Frosty the Snowman.She loves it so much, she even knows how to sing the song. Or at least her own version of the song.So when the snow finally came in a big way this morning, she watched from the window ...anxiously.Just itching for her chance to get out in it."Wanna p-aay snow, Mama!""Wanna make F-osty Snowman, Mama!"Unfortunately, it didn't quite turn out that way.There was sooo much snow, I'm afraid my sweet girl was in way over her head.But the other kids? Thought that over a foot of new snow was a-okay.The … [Read more...]

33 Comments
Posted Under: family, Vivienne