Brittons in the Bronx

We're moving!!!!

2010-11-15T21:00:00.000-05:00

Well, not us..... Just our blog!

I figure that technically we're not "Brittons in the Bronx" anymore.
So our new location is ....

PinsAndNeedlesAndAllThatJazz.blogspot.com

I hope you'll join us there! I know it's a bit long, but I like it!!

Friday Adventures

2010-11-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

Friday the boys had no school, so we had planned a trip over to the Nuclear Power Plant over in Limerick, PA. We'd been wanting to go for awhile... I guess ever since we first moved here. Ben and I had been out here looking for housing and came around a turn, and saw these huge things looming up in the middle of nowhere. Crazy! They're huge!

Unfortunately, this is as close as we were able to get. We were hoping for a cool tour, or something! I guess we're just not cool enough to be let in!

So we headed back toward home taking a different route and ended up at a playground for awhile, and then somehow ended up at Dunkin' Donuts.....(can't imagine how that happened!)

It ended up being a great day!

This is the view of the towers from our street.

We shopped at "ICEA" (different from IKEA) and got a bike for Gary on the way home, and we'd already gotten a bike for Hunter that we had hidden in the attic waiting for Christmas. So Christmas came a little early since it was such a gorgeous day!

All the boys had a great time with their bikes and their tools. It's great to look out and see bikes upside down in the driveway.... brings back good memories!

Snap, Crackle, Crunch!!

2010-11-12T17:33:00.000-05:00

Over the last few days it's been great weather for fun in the leaves! Putting them on the trampoline was one I wouldn't have thought of, but it was a big hit!

A snapshot at 6:25pm

2010-11-09T19:33:00.000-05:00

putting pins in my pin cushion

playing with a sponge, a scrub brush and a penny....!

reading a guiness world record book

practicing

getting our family christmas musical number ready.... Pachelbel's Canon for Baritone, piano, sax, and violin...with abilities ranging from beginner to professional! Should be fun!

Happy November!!

2010-11-05T14:54:00.000-04:00

We are so blessed. I love taking time each November to remember what it is we are thankful for!
This particular turkey ranges from "the gospel" all the way to our "silverware"!
It's so fun to see what the kids come up with!

The seed bin is done!!!

2010-11-04T17:48:00.000-04:00

Here is before..... kind of! It originally had rolltop lids on each one, but they were all broken so we removed them. The veneer on the front panel was all broken and warped so that was removed also.

this was my first time using spray paint! How fun!!

each of the 4 big kids has their own bin to keep school backpacks, boots hats and mittens, shoes, etc!

Having this out in the garage for so long, and then working on it outside -- I didn't quite realize what a massive piece of furniture it was until we got it inside!! I love it!

It serves as a divider in our mud/laundry/entry room. Have I mentioned that I love it?!

I just had to take a picture of this. This is what it looks like just inside the back door! Got Music?

And this is Zepherin sound asleep in hishigh chair! So cute!

Halloween Fun!

2010-11-01T22:08:00.000-04:00

Zepherin stays entertained for a bit longer now while I do the dishes!

This past Friday we had a "trunk or treat" at church. The kids all dressed up and after a
delicious chilli dinner they all went out and "trick or treated" from the trunks of all our
cars in the parking lot! Here's Hunter as a magician in the parade beforehand. You can
see a bit of Spiderman-Gary in there and Felicity the duck!

And here's Nathan as Posiedon. He's certainly our little "Greek God Guru".
He loves anything Greek! It's so much fun!

Another shot of Hunter.

All the kids in costume

I'm feeling more than a tad sorry that I can't eat chocolate right now...!

There's so much of it in our house!!

Carving pumpkins and a few acorn squash on Halloween at Grandy and Papa's house.

Gary and Ben

His little shirt says "I'm a little corny". So cute!

Nana-lee really enjoyed passing out the candy!

Wedding, Baptism and Blessing!

2010-10-27T20:48:00.000-04:00

Felicity all ready for church

Hunter asked for a red and black cape for his birthday...
I had a great time making it!

He's thrilled! Ben actually borrowed it just last night to wear
to a gig! All the musicians dressed in costumes!

We had a great weekend in upstate NY with both of our families!
We had a great sealing/wedding reception, baptism, and baby blessing!

All the seats are filled! The kids did great in the car. Nathan and Hunter
took turns reading out loud to each other from "The Sea of Monsters" and they
all played with toys. We really enjoyed the fall colors as we drove.

Me, Hunter & Ben

Zepherin Benjamin Britton was blessed. This was the first photo, and to be sure he didn't close
his eyes again we got the picture below!

Lol!!

Hunter and Zepherin's special day!

3 yr old cousins

Nana and Grandpa and Zepherin

The only 2 girl cousins!

Rebecca was quite the little Mommy!

Zepherin's cute little outfit was given to him by his Nana-dear and Great Grandpa.
It was really special because that is the same Great Grandpa that he's named after!

Hunter's Surprise Spy Birthday Party!!

2010-10-18T14:41:00.000-04:00

surprised boys.... we had kept it a secret from Nate, too.

So I had the idea to to a spy themed birthday party, and when I mention it to Ben, he just took off with it and we had the best time planning it! Here Ben is acting as the CIA director. Each boy had received an invitation with a code name .. Agent Brown, (or another one of 8 colors) and a passphrase. The passphrase was in code that they had to figure out. Oh, and they had to wear the color of their name when they arrived at headquarters. I wish I had taken a picture of the invitations, but I didn't!

The boys traveled to different "countries" (rooms labled) in the house, and got clues to follow the trail of double agent. Here the boys had gone to Hong Kong, and someone at a restaurant had recorded two men having a conversation in Russian. Nathan has my phone with the recording on it (thanks, Papa!) and he's going to have it translated. Ben had made several web pages that would seem like translations, etc. He had to pick the language and then play the recording into the microphone. Then the translation popped up!

The attic was Italy, and the hit a dead-end there as the agent that was supposed to have the "ring" was dead. We did a duct tape outline on the floor for that.

Happy Birthday!

making a wish

eating cake!

waiting for parents to arrive

Here's the sandbox that we put in a few weeks back. It's also the site of the "rings" that the boys finally had all the clues to find. We hid 8 ring pops burried in it for them to dig up.

Here's the notes they took as they got each clue.

This was the first thing they found. It was a travel bag packed with clothes and such that the double agent had left in a secret hideout. The boys searched it and found a note in his wallet in the pants pocket, from Russia to him saying to go to Germany for further instructions with the ring, and for him to drop the control panel off at Brazil with another agent.

Here's the "safety deposit" box that held the control panel. It was found at a bank in Sweden. They overheard the rogue agent say the combination as he made the deposit.

Another shot of our dead agent.

He was so excited about the presents the boys gave him!

Each boy had their own color passport. They did a self portrait, and then in each country a stamp was hidden that they had to find, and then stamp it in their passport. At the end, they realized that the stamps spelled out where the ring was hidden.... S.A.N.D.B.O.X.

We love you, Hunter!

Growing Crystals was one of his gifts. He was thrilled!

We got helium balloons for each boy in their color, and of course got an extra pink one for Felicity! Check out those dimples! I love it!

My birthday and more!

2010-10-17T22:25:00.000-04:00

I heard Felicity calling me one day and found her in the shower with
her clothes on and freezing cold water running!

Here's Ben and Nathan practicing together. Ben taught him a bass part to Happy Birthday that they played for me on my birthday. They made me breakfast and sang, and played!! It was so great!

Here's Ben.... he made my delicious birthday cake which is cooling on the back of the stove, and he's preparing to make an amazing chicken parmesean. Yummy!!

Gary and Felicity playing!

Nathan and Hunter playing!

Too much partying! She fell asleep right in her high chair!

Happy Birthday to me!

Hunter picked our a beautiful fingernail polish for me!

New shirt. (Hunter was really enjoying taking pictures!)

We finally got Zepherin's crib set up. Until now he's only been sleeping in the cradle that my Dad made for him. He's starting to need a bit more room, so we took the doors off one of the closets in our room, and made him his own little "nook"!

Here's the other side of our room. The master bath is in between the two dressers!

One more adventure...

2010-10-04T22:48:00.000-04:00

Later in the day on Saturday, we drove out to Ben's Uncle's horse ranch. I got to ride a horse for the first time! A bit scary, but overall fun! Gary and Felicity rode also. Felicity rode with Uncle Steve on his horse, and he led a smaller horse by the reins which Gary was riding. They both just loved it! Unfortunately, I don't have those pictues on my camera... so we'll have to wait to see them!

However, there was also a zip line out over the lake! We all borrowed swim-wear, and had a blast!!

So much fun, and the water was wonderful!

A Memory House

2010-10-04T22:19:00.000-04:00

I've always heard stories of Nana-lee's house. Ben has so many fun memories of being there, and playing there. I was excited to finally get to be there, and see for myself all the places and things I'd heard about. He was right! Her house is so fun!!

Papa and Gary playing together.

Part of the backyard

Everything seems to have stayed with the fashion of the years when her children were younger. So here's her bedroom.

Each room in the house is equipped with an intercom system.

Chrissy, Ben's sister, had fun exploring closets, and came across some old wigs that Nana wore when she was younger!

Stairs...and if you see the white wrought iron (spelling?!) that goes on the 2nd floor ... One of Ben's memories of this house is climbing out along that the whole way across when he was little. I'm so glad that Nathan and Hunter didn't think of trying that!

The old radio built into the kitchen.

Anyone who likes "vintage", will love this old oven!
I can't even describe the way the door opens. It's really cool!

Another part of the back yard. This thing the boys is on is so awesome! It's like a swing, that goes left to right as they push on it. Really really neat!

Another part of the back.

Playing hide and seek in this house was amazingly fun! So many doors and rooms and closets.... the options were limitless!

The second (and 2nd!) (on the 2nd!!) birthday party of the weekend!!

2010-10-04T21:47:00.000-04:00

Again, the pictures are not in order, but we also celebrated Felicity's 2nd birthday on Sat. She loves anything and everything that is pink!! So of course we had pink cake with pink frosting and pink ice cream and pink candles!

Opening her tea set from Grandy & Papa!

Lots of helpers!

Dressed in her finery.... a tutu made by Nathan, and wand made by me, and Hunter made some hair bows to match, however (as you'll see below) she wasn't as keen on the hair bows.

4 of 5!

Eating cake and ice cream on her new tea set!

Gary really liked all her presents, too!!

Dancing in her tutu! Nathan did such a great job making it!!

Our first tea party!

Auntie Annie was more than happy to wear Hunter's hair bows!!

Suprise 80th Birthday Party!

2010-10-04T21:25:00.000-04:00

Ben's Nana turned 80 this past Friday and we were able to attend her surprise party down in TX with a whole bunch of family! These pictures aren't in order, but you'll hopefully get an idea of what a wonderful time we all had.

Gary waiting for food on the boat. It was a dinner cruise party!

Gary using the camera.

Lots of family and close family friends.

Musical entertainment was live.... Here's Ben, his Dad and his sister performing

Felicity fell asleep after awhile, and she slept under a table behind Ben as they performed. She never woke up, even with all that music right next to her!

Here's all of us as we waited at the hotel for Nana-lee to arrive.

Nana arrived by horse and carriage! Cowboys seem to run in this TX family (!!) so one of her sons is driving the team, and another is helping her out of the carriage. One daughter is with the horses, and a son in law is behind the carriage!

Here she is greeting us all; escorted by her oldest son. When the carriage picked her up she also recieved 100 pink roses, and a tiara and royal robe to wear. She was so surprised, and loved it so much! It was really fun to see her so happy!

Hunter with the horses...

Everyone getting onto the boat.

So much fun! Happy Birthday, Nana-lee!

A quick project!

2010-09-30T15:34:00.000-04:00

Hello, hallway! Straight in front is the kids bathroom the door to the immediate right is a closet, and then the kids rooms are set back a little down at the end of the hallway on the right.

Gary and Felicity played for so long, so nicely in Zepherin's cradle. They came up with the idea all on their own... the mattress served as a little table, and they had quite the feast with all their play food! It was so cute!

Here's my latest project! I bought the fabric yesterday and finished it today!

Zepherin, today while I quilted!

Here's my latest sewing area. I love the pull out area for my mat and ruler. I know it's meant for a computer keyboard, but this just works great for my cutting!

Here's a couple more house pictures. I love that there's room for my hope chest to be out in a more viewable area!

Zepherin enjoying his cradle!

I love when babies are still little enought that their feet and legs just curl right up against them.... they look like little froggie legs!

From this view where I'm standing, Ben and my room is directly behind me and the hallway shown earlier goes off to my right. The door on the left that you see a bit of is a linen closet and there's one more door just between me and the hopechest, that leads up to the full attic. I LOVE our home!

A snapshot

2010-09-16T12:43:00.000-04:00

Felicity and Gary helping do dishes

Soapy hair

Gary needed to have soapy hair, too.

Another view of the kitchen.... pizza rolls for dinner! Yummy!

He's grown so much already!

Halloween costume for one of the boys.
They're not sure which one will actually wear it yet!

Since I just took a picture of Gary, Felicity felt that I now "HAD"
to take a picture of her, too!

A few house pictures!

2010-09-06T20:32:00.000-04:00

Chocolate Pudding Fun

Kitchen

Hunter's Bed

Playing in the big boys' room

First french braids!!

Riding his trike in the driveway. It extends another 50 feet or so behind where I'm standing, too.
They all love riding in the driveway!
Oh, and I think I'm in love with my clothesline! I use it all the time!

Here's the backyard. Complete with climbing tree and trampoline!
(the neighbors behind us were paving their driveway, and all the kids loved
watching the tractors and steamrollers do their work.)

If you found Elderberries in the back yard..... wouldn't you think to "paint"
your hands and feet, too?!

This is the 4 season room which we call the play room.
The huge tub of legos is always out.

Another view of the kitchen/dining area. You are looking through the doorway into
the music/library room, and through there you can see into the living room.

He's Here!!

2010-08-23T17:02:00.003-04:00

Zepherin Benjamin Britton was born yesterday! Aug 22, 2010 at 2:12am. He weighed 9bs 4 oz, and was 19" long! We are all doing great. The other children just adore him, and are very excited for us to be coming home this evening!

Speaking of home.... it's moved from the Bronx, to Pottstown, PA! So, we may have to change our blog a bit to accomodate our new location! We successfully moved in this past Thursday! We all just love our new home. It's so airy, and big, and light. All the windows are incredible. The backyard is perfect for the trampoline, and play area. We're right inbetween church and Ben's college. It's a huge blessing in our lives.

Summer Fun / Summer Home-School

2010-07-28T11:45:00.004-04:00

Ben did an awesome FHE on the Putting on the Armor of God.

We rotate kitchen jobs each week now... This is one of the best things ever!!!

We've tried to focus a lot on the importance of work and education this summer. It's been great so far, and we're all having fun!

Earning points for doing things the first time when asked. Their reward was to go to the theater and see "Avatar: The Last Airbender".

Each day of the week we do a different subject. School time lasts form 1-2 hrs. the boys have been loving it! Fun ways to learn, and keep things interesting. I'll post some of their writing work soon!

He's coming.....!!!!

2010-07-01T21:10:00.001-04:00

As of today... JULY 1st, 2010, we can officially say....
"NEXT MONTH WE HAVE OUR LITTLE ZEPHERIN!"
How exciting is that!!!!

A few more CO pictures

2010-06-21T22:31:00.002-04:00

Here's the ranch. I love the huge dormers upstairs! There's a double bed built into each of them, and they're my favorite place to sleep while here!

Lots of Aunts and Uncles and cousins all exploring the ranch land

And still more!

A couple more pictures..

2010-06-18T20:34:00.002-04:00

These are from the day we did the dinosaur museum, and National Park hike. Felicity just adores her "PopPop" as she calls him, and they had a great time together.
He had told her to hold onto his ears, and she dutifully did that the entire time! It was adorable!

just look at the view! it was incredible! I love this picture of Papa and Felicity. A true treasure!

Some CO vacation pictures!

2010-06-16T20:24:00.002-04:00

We thoroughly enjoyed our trip out to CO this past week. We had a huge family reunion on Papa Brittons side, and it was wonderful to meet so many new fmaily members! We have got to get together more often. Here's just a couple pictures of our fun.
Hunter exploring...

Here's Gary on the first day... we flew in that morning. We all hiked out to the copper mine, and he's just coming back up out of it. Nathan and Hunter are in the background -- they made it all the way back with Ben.

Felicity and Grandy

Here's Ben going into one of the old mining shacks. Notice the copper-dust on his rear... they all slid down the hill to get down faster! I wish I had a picture of all of their backsides!

Nathan is inside the mining cabin. He had such a great time!

Hunter here, in the same cabin.

Getting ready to start a fire in the fire pit. Roasting marshmallows for S'mores, and hot dogs. So delicious!

My lungs could only take blowing up one layer of this pool. (Out of 3) But it made it just right for the kids to be able to get in and out by themselves.

Other highlights...

On Monday, Nathan, Ben and some other adults went on a big 6 hr hike down the Gunnison. Nathan did really great! He was so glad that he went. While they were gone, Hunter, Gary, Felicity and I got the pool filled. We played in that for a little while, then we packed a picnic, and drove out to the alabaster mine. We explored the cabins there, and had a picnic lunch. Hunter and Gary both got to help drive back!

One day, Ben and I took all the boys fishing at the lake. We took turns going out in the boat. Nathan was lucky enough to catch a trout! He was very pleased. Ben helped him clean it, and I cooked it, and we all ate it! Yummy!!

We went up to Grand Junction one day and spent some time at a dinosaur museum. It had a lot of really neat things to see, and to interact with. The boys had a blast! Then we went to McD's for ice cream cones, and some play time, then we drove through the National Park there, and did a little hiking.

One of the days, Nathan, Ben and Hunter left with a bunch of others, and went white water rafting in Telluride. It was an 8 mile ride, and Ben said they did really great until about the last 15 min.... at that point they were too cold to have much more fun. They had a great time telling me all about it when they got home, though. They loved it!

Hunter, Ben, Grandy and I took a couple mile hike out to the gold mine! I'd never been out to it before, and it was incredible! The rocks around it and getting up to it were just beautiful! There were so many that I wanted to take home -- all different colors and kinds. Ben picked out a few huge ones to decorate our living room with someday! The scenery was amazing. You have to be there to believe it. On that hike Ben and Hunter went off exploring while Grandy and I rested, and came back quicker than expected... turns out they had come across some deer pelt. Ben figured it had been killed by a mountain lion, and decided that was our cue to head back to the ranch! It turns out he was right about it being killed by a mountain lion, but it was killed back in the winter. (we talked to the ranch caretaker about it)

Everyone had such a great time, and we were sooooo not ready to leave. Ben says next time we're going to have to stay for a month! All the kids did a great job on the plane both to and from. Everything went very smoothly and we can't wait to do it again!

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words....

2010-06-14T13:30:00.001-04:00

Nesquik + confectioners sugar = pure happiness! (and just over 1 hr of clean up for Mom and Dad!)

Gary's early birthday party!

2010-06-03T14:06:00.004-04:00

We have been on the look our for a kitchen set for awhile, and I finally found one that will work! So this morning Gary got lots of "kitchen-ey" type things! He loves the cash register....
He is very careful to always use his pot-holder when cooking with his pots and pans... And he LOVES all his new food!! So do Nathan and Hunter! It was very hard for them to leave it all and go to school this morning! We've got lots more fun to look forward to when they get home from school!

Love it!!

2010-06-02T10:34:00.000-04:00

2010-06-02T10:30:00.001-04:00

2010-06-02T10:24:00.003-04:00

2010-05-29T20:11:00.002-04:00

Here is what I had for breakfast this morning! Since we didn't have a chance to celebrate Mother's Day -- (don't ask!) We celebrated it today! It was sooo great!
Waffles, with blueberries and peaches and cream.

Awkward picture of everyone, but you can't beat breakfast on the deck! For the rest of the day we hiked in VanCortlandt Park, ate at a fabulous Italian restaurant, shopped at Target, and worked in the yard together. Plus, I got a nice little nap, and we ate ice cream Sundaes! It was a great day!

This picture was the other night, and Felicity was having the best time setting the table! She started out playing with the clean dishes in the dishwasher. Then she took out a blue plate and said "Daddy" and placed it on the table, then another saying "Mommy" and placed that on the table.... until she had all 6 places set! It was adorable!

Ben and Nathan had walked over to the car place to pick up our car that was finished, and so Hunter helped make risotto, fish and vegies for dinner! He had a blast!

While Hunter helped me in the kitchen, Gary sat for at least an hour and played with this game! Placing the marbles in and out, and turning the board over and doing it again! It was wonderful!

Poseidon!!!!

2010-05-23T14:04:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow Nathan's 3rd grade class is having a Greek Party. Each child is to come dressed as a Greek God or Goddess. So Nathan chose Poseidon! We had a great time making his costume together! He has a crown also, but that got taken to school already, so it wasn't here for the pictures.

I also thought I'd document me with 3 months left to go! We're officially due Aug 21st, but we all know how due dates can be! We'll just have to wait and see!

Happy Earth Day!!

2010-04-22T20:08:00.003-04:00

What a great evening we had! We had the whole family out working in the front yard. We planted impatiens, and mulched, and put some top soil over the grass seed, and watered, and just enjoyed working together! Sigh..... heaven...!!

I love how even Felicity is helping!

Here's what it looked like when we finished. The center dark part will hopefully be grass.... I've never planted grass seed, so we'll see! And there'll be lots more flowers that will fill in and show up over the next few months, too. I can't wait!

2010-04-22T13:15:00.002-04:00

Sometimes when you go to the 2nd hand store you find something that you just HAVE to have! Even though you didn't know you needed it when you first went in! Today was 25% off day, too! So for less than $3.00 this came home with us!

It needs some love, but I'm excited!!

Spring has Sprung in NYC

2010-04-08T11:57:00.004-04:00

Spring has come and it's been 80 - 90 degrees! Heavenly!!!! Here's the latest update in no particular order.....

I brought back some tiger lilies from Easter break at my parents house, and got those transplanted into our side yard this morning. I LOVE digging in the dirt! The daffodils and tulips and grape hyacinths etc toward the right were bulbs we planted on my birthday this past fall. (Thanks Chris and Karen!) They're beautiful!

This would be the mess that Gary made the other day with a huge container of Nesquik! It sure made the house smell nice, though! You can't really tell from the picture, but that pile is really high... it had been nearly full. It was all over Felicity and Gary.

This is at Dizzy's Club Coca-Cola down in Columbus circle. One of the ensembles that Ben is in -- the Afro-Cuban Ensemble, performed there this past week. It was great!

On one of the last days of Easter break, I took the kids down to see The Little Red Lighthouse. It's right under the manhattan side of the George Washington Bridge. They loved it!

Gary was there, too, but he didn't want to be in the picture. He preferred to watch the camera.

Coloring eggs at Nana and Grandpa's house...

Ben and his brother John playing at Eastman School of Music for John's senior recital!

Pardon the mess behind it, but here's our egg filled lamp for Easter.

The boys had a day off of school and we moved the couched to clean under and behind them -- well, that was perfect for a blanket fort! 18 blankets when all was said and done.

Gary lined up all his cars and insisted that we take a picture!

We've been having lots of fun lately....

Warm Weather

2010-03-20T23:43:00.002-04:00

We've had such wonderful weather lately. In the 70s! Friday after school we had ice cream cones in the front yard. Gary enjoyed his!
Felicity enjoyed hers, too!

Nathan certainly enjoyed his!

Look how much happier she is with an ice cream cone in each hand! Gary got tired of his, and somehow, Felicity ended up with it. (I'm still not quite sure how that happened!)

Hunter and I enjoyed ours too, don't worry!

Happy St. Patricks Day!!

2010-03-17T19:31:00.003-04:00

Nathan's haircut.......finally!!
This is our St. Patrick's Day cake we made. The boys had a blast decorating it! We gave it to some neighbors who are from Ireland. They loved it!

Hunter visited the 4th grader's Native American studies exhibit and was thoroughly inspired by the bow and arrows. You can guess what he made as soon as he got home!

First Pig Tails of the Season!!

2010-03-16T11:19:00.000-04:00

Easter outfits!

2010-03-11T12:15:00.002-05:00

Here's what I've been working on lately. An easter dress for Felicity, a vest for Gary, and ties for all the big boys. So far this is what I've gotten done! Now I just have a tie for one of the big boys and Ben left to do! Of course, I'll be making myself a skirt out of the same blue.... but I'm not sure how big I'll be then, so I'm waiting for the last minute to do that.

Winter vacation

2010-02-24T21:46:00.002-05:00

The kids and I drove up to Nana & Grandpa's house for winter break! So much fun with snow, cousins, sisters, parents, etc.

I sure love him!

Here's Nathan on his actual birthday. He isn't a fan of cake, so we did an ice cream cake! SO delicious!!!

The snow was perfect! Hours and hours were spent outside, sliding, and making tracks, and playing, etc. It was wonderful to watch. I'm so glad that even though we live in the city right now, that my boys aren't "city boys".

All three of them out in the far back just enjoying it all.

If you look really closely you'll see Hunter at the tippy tippy top of this pine tree. He was so pleased at how high he got! He's been climbing trees with Nathan since he was 2 so, thankfully, I wasn't nervous in the least! I've gotten used to it!

The 5 of us!

Some indoor playing with cousin time. This happens to be a boat, in case you were wondering. Hunter just fell out. It was great to see them using every bit of their imaginations together!

Nathan's early birthday

2010-02-24T21:34:00.002-05:00

We recently celebrated Nathan's birthday. A little early, since we weren't going to be all together as a family on his real birthday. He requested that we go to VanCortlandt Park and sled, so we did!
The first hill.... with Gary waiting at the top for his turn.

This was actually on the way back to the car... Ben was pulling all three little ones on the sled. Tired out kids!! (Great Dad!!)

This was the 2nd hill, and the better one. They started up a little further back from where they are now, and crossed the path where I'm standing to take the picture. Then the go down through some turns and cross the lower path also. It was a great run!

Back to the first hill again, for Gary's turn. I love his face! Such good brothers!

This one is when we were first starting out. The two big boys and Ben had a snowball fight.

Snow Day!!

2010-02-11T10:51:00.004-05:00

10 inches fell yesterday. It was declared by the mayor to be a snow day before it even started snowing!

The three boys had a wonderful time in it! Snowballs, trampoline, forts, sliding, etc!

Here's Gary on the trampoline. With all the snow on it the effect wasn't quite the same!

Felicity was content to be inside with me!

Mud, Mud, Mud !

2010-02-08T21:25:00.002-05:00

So a couple weeks ago we had an uncharacteristically warm day. My sister was here visiting with her children, too. So after the boys got home from school, we had a mud day! We got the boys dressed in their old clothes, and we shared some with Rebecca! They had an amazing time!
This hole in the back yard is the boys allready.... all through the year they work at it. Digging, filling it in again, digging it deeper, etc. It's completely their own. It had rained, and thus -- the mud.

Of course it didn't stay in the hole! It soon moved to the trampoline! Have you ever jumped with mud?

It can't get much better than this! This is a pure WALLOW in the mud.

Now, I must say... We had them strip down at the back door, and then go straight into the showers! We hosed off their clothes on the back deck, along with the trampoline, and then put all the dirty things right into the washer!

The mess was bigger than we had anticipated, but it was a great mud day!

away...

2010-02-05T21:14:00.004-05:00

Well, my excuse is that I've had a camera which hasn't been working, and I've had morning sickness! Both of which are now just fine! My camera is working again (quite mysteriously) and my morning sickness seems to have passed!

Here's a taste of the new green color in the dining room! It's so pretty!
Here's the giant dragon on the wall. The boys had the best time coloring it, and drawing little people everywhere! It took about 2 hrs from start to finish. It was so great!

Here's the new brown fireplace. It used to be a non-descript gray. Yuck! I love it now! It really fits the room, and makes itself a real piece of furniture in the room now!

Here's a little pad for the back of the bench. Now it wont leave black marks all over the wall when it gets pushed against it! Yay!

And here's my beautiful 100% girl! Dressed in all her finery!

2009-12-28T12:20:00.002-05:00

I know its been a super long time since I've posted anything....!
So here is the Christmas dress I made for my little girl! I love it! There's little green ribbons with flowers in here hair that match! I love love love how it turned out! I can't wait to do another!

Here's the boys at the Washington DC Temple. We went there last night to see the lights and the Christmas tree display and nativity display in the visitors center.

Aside from Nathan ...... he he he! Even with Nathan it's a great picture!

I love this picture!!!

And this is all of us who went!

coconuts and cookies!

2009-12-13T21:36:00.002-05:00

Last weekend while grocery shopping with me, Hunter was thrilled and excited to find a real live coconut! Of course we had to buy it, and this past Saturday morning we broke out our hammers and nails!

In the cup is some of the coconut milk -- which I think tastes really bad! No one liked it, and we were all very glad that we weren't stranded on a desert island!

That evening was our ward Christmas Party, so I baked up a storm, and we had a great time! The kids were a part of the Nativity Scene, and Ben performed with the Young Men a jazzed up arrangement of Oh Come All Ye Faithful!

I had to take this shot this past week of my three boys - with imaginations going wild - all playing legos together!

And this is me! Gary wanted to take a picture on the camera and this is what came out of it! Not too bad!

Wonderful weekend!

2009-12-08T13:28:00.002-05:00

New Christmas outfits.

Ready to put up the tree! Someday when we have Christmas at our own house, we'll get a real tree, but until then... we'll save some money and use this one! It really is beautiful.

Ben and Papa working hard together.

Everyone helping.

Ready!!!! I love sitting at night by the lighted tree with a good book! The other night I had Christmas music playing, and children were in bed, and I read the new Ensign magazine that had come. All by the light of the tree. It was heavenly!

St. Nicholas Night!!!

2009-12-07T12:47:00.002-05:00

Here's our boots out on the doorstep ready and waiting!
The boys were very excited! They took turns helping each other check on the boots through the front window. Yes... we all still believe around here! It's great!

Finally he came!!! Gary got little wooden cars and trucks and such with some reeses pb cups.

Felicity received a little doll and a Christmas headband.

The big boys got a hat and glove set, chapstick and a little lego set. They were so amazed at how well St Nick did. And kept praising him all night for how he just knows everything! (Thanks, boys!)

Oh, and each one of them got an ornament for the tree. St. Nick gives them an ornament every year.

P.S. This was the very first year that "I've" been St. Nick. It was really fun!

Thanksgiving Vacation in MA

2009-12-02T10:20:00.002-05:00

We helped fill the newly built woodshed with wood for the winter.

The boys each got turns driving the tractor. With the bucket full of kids and full of wood!

Cousins enjoying the woodstove. Later we roasted marshmallows and had smores!

My four playing happily!

Haircuts!

2009-12-02T10:14:00.002-05:00

Before....

After!

He's had these crazy sideburns for a couple months now, and just loves them! So we keep them, because it's a simple way to make him happy. I must admit, though, that shortly after Thanksgiving they were cut off, and I was happy to see them go! (So was he!)

My favorite things....

2009-12-02T10:09:00.002-05:00

One of my very favorite things to do is rearrange my furniture! So with the anticipation of a Christmas Tree.... of course I had to do some rearranging! We'll pick out our tree on Friday after school. I can't wait!

I love our stockings! This will be the first year we use them. From left to right we each have our own color.

live writer

2009-11-23T23:10:00.001-05:00

can I do this?

my model

2009-11-23T20:19:00.003-05:00

She was laughing so hard here and having so much fun with Hunter!

Isn't she just beautiful!?!!!!!!

new front table thingy

2009-11-18T21:56:00.000-05:00

I change it every day to something new! It's so much fun!

My newest creation!

2009-11-18T21:35:00.002-05:00

This afternoon while Gary was napping Felicity and I had a sewing date! I sewed and she just played and played and played! It was so lovely!

Ben had a pair of pants that just couldn't be mended anymore. I'd done it so many times already. So I repurposed it into a cute little jumper for Felicity!

Cute flower that was soooo much fun to make! I've got to do some more! I think she'll need a hair bow to go along with this!

And here's a picture of the back. Just a simple bow to tie it closed!

My latest find

2009-11-12T20:11:00.002-05:00

Sometime next spring -- when it gets warm enough to work outside, this is what I'll be working on! It's an antique seed bin I got for free on craigslist!
I have big plans for it! Yes, it may end up back on craigslist if it gets the better of me, but for now -- I have big plans!

It's so incredibly heavy! I don't know what kind of wood it's made out of but it's a massive piece of furniture! I want to sand it down and re-varnish it. Repair the roll-top doors, and use it! It may have to wait until we're out of this house before it's used, but I'm okay with that! It's got so much character!

Primary Project

2009-11-10T15:11:00.003-05:00

This past Sunday was our Ward's Primary Sacrament Meeting Program. It was wonderful! Afterwards we let the Primary teachers go to Priesthood/Relief Society, and we kept all the kids with us. We rotated them through stations of playing a Family Game, Making cards to give to the Veterans, and making a family tree. I was doing the Family Tree station,and look what it turned into!

I love how it turned out! This is just the top. I still need to put a backing, and such, (and iron) but I'm so excited to show the kids!

Each tree has a leaf for the individuals in each family. Nathan's happens to be in the bottom left corner here. Dad, Mom, Nathan, Hunter, Gary, Felicity!

20 minute project

2009-11-05T11:14:00.003-05:00

This was a shirt that a friend gave Felicity, however I didn't like the front. I've kept it around thinking that I'd change it or cut it or do something to it, and today was finally the day! I should have taken a before picture, but I didn't. So this is the shirt inside out where you can see the swirly part that was there before along with some writing that said something like ... Stop Games Girls Only Keep my Secret -- or something to that effect (super wierd, therefore Felicity wasn't going to wear it!)
So now it looks like this! I love it, and it only took me 20 minutes!

Think twice (or more) before getting rid of things!!

Pumpkin Party

2009-11-01T22:08:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!!

2009-10-31T19:39:00.003-04:00

James Bond

A Pink Fairy

Thomas the Train

A Spy Agent

India

Darth Vadar

We had a great time Trick-or-Treating this evening. We caught up to our neighbors and had a great time going around the neighborhood. A few stomach aches, but lots of fun! (Hunter's pose in his picture was completely his own, by the way!) I borrowed an India outfit from Annie ..... it was so comfortable! I loved it. I even had anklets and you can maybe just see the jewel on my forehead. It was super fun to wear!

Fall decorations

2009-10-27T12:13:00.002-04:00

I have never been a fan of the gory/scary side of Halloween, but I do enjoy the "fall/harvest" side of things! The boys, however, are huge fans of everything scary! So I compromised and put up my first ever Halloween decoration! I just used white yarn and Nathan helped me cut spiders out of cardstock. The girl spiders have bows on top of their heads, and each spider is labeled with a name! It was fun, and the boys have been appeased.

Here are a few of my other fall decorations inside the house this year.

oh, and here's my awesome IKEA lamp that I got in the as is section! I am so ecvited to change whatever is inside to match the seasons!

Bread Bowls

2 1/2 cups warm water

2 Tbs yeast

Combine and let sit until bubbly

Then add....

2 tsp salt

2 Tbs oil

4 cups flour

Mix well then add 3 more cups flour 1/2 cup at a time stirring well after each.

Knead and let rise until doubled.

Punch down and divide into 8 sections

shape into nice little balls and place on greased and lightly cornmealed cookie sheet.

Let rise until doubled

Brush with 3 egg whites + 2 Tbs water

Bake at 400 for 15 minutes.

Brush again with remaining egg white mixture and let finish baking for another 10-15 minutes.

Let cool then cut off 1/2 " and scoop out bread. leave about 1/2" - 3/4" thick.

We LOVED them! And they look really impressive and fancy!

ENJOY!

Thank you, Nana!!

2009-10-26T15:08:00.002-04:00

Felicity looks so beautiful in her new birthday sweater! I love love love the yarn, and I love love love the pattern!

I love this picture above!

And these are the gorgeous bread bowls I made for company the other night! A-MA-ZING!!!! So easy, and so delicous! I filled them with "Chunky Cheese Soup". So delicious!

I believe!

2009-10-24T13:39:00.003-04:00

So today we were sitting around the table eating lunch and Ben commented that he'd like a new "not so formal" coat to wear. We were talking for a second about that and then Nathan chimed in. Nathan suggested that Ben just put it on his Christmas list, because then he wont have to spend any money on it! I thought that was so cute! 8 yrs old and he still believes! I can't imagine we'll go the whole season without him figuring out a thing or two!

Fat quarter give away!

2009-10-23T21:29:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately I haven't learned yet how to do a really cool link -- but this works, too!
Pumpkin Patch Primatives is doing a fat quarter give away of some Pumpkins and Spice fabrics! I'd love to use them! So here's the link! Go check it out!

http://pumpkinpatchprimitivequiltshoppe.blogspot.com/2009/10/its-happy-halloween-giveaway.html

ps, if someone wants to give a link tutorial.....feel free!

2009-10-21T14:04:00.002-04:00

Where has the month gone! I've been busy!

This "helmet" was the best $0.69 I ever spent! He singled it out at the thrift store, and now takes it everywhere with him. Schools, stores, playing, he even sleeps with it! So cute!

My "finished" work space! Shelves are up, and my mats are hanging! I'm nearly complete one of three quilt tops for Christmas gifts!

Catching up.....

2009-10-07T12:53:00.003-04:00

For dinner this past sunday we made macaroni & squid! The boys loved it!

I caught a picture of Nathan reading to Gary. It was the cutest thing! They didn't know I was there.

We love broccoli quiche! I now have to make 2 becuase 1 just simply isn't enough!

I made some cute little halloween cards. The tops is pieced and then I put cardstock on the back and wrote a little Happy Halloween Note! Into the mail they go!

A wonderful neighbor of ours gave the boys some new trucks! They played so well in the front yard yesterday with them! It was great!

My happy man!

2009-10-02T21:28:00.004-04:00

Announcing all 1081 CDs! The Britton Brothers Band!!

Felicity's 1st Birthday!!!

2009-10-02T20:54:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday Dear Felicity,
Happy Birthday to you!!

Felicity had a great time helping me decorate. Tape in her hair and crepe paper in her mouth! What gets better than that!

All dressed and ready for her party guests to arrive! She had a great time playing with the balloons.

Here are some of the guests. Neighbors and friends... I love them all! I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful they all are. What fun we have together. What fun all our children have together. Such blessings.

My little girl and her birthday cake! So cute, so happy, so mine.

Such a twinkle in her eye!

Animals & School & Random

2009-09-30T10:00:00.004-04:00

Here's a domino creation that Nathan "insisted" I take a picture of! He's so great!

I visited Nathan's class at school this morning. He was anxious to show me exactly "how things were done". Right now they are in 2 groups. One is working in the hallway on some math games, and Nathan's group is inside reviewing some math for a worksheet later this afternoon. His teacher is wonderful! If you look behind the whiteboard that they're working on you'll see that she has painted the entire wall behind her with chalkboard paint! It's awesome!

Despite what you all may think..... we did see other things besides Hugh Jackman at the farm! The kids loved seeing all the animals! Deer, Goats, Sheep, Emu, Horses, Peacocks, Llamas, Donkeys, and even more that we didn't see!

Nathan was keeping an eye on this little goat who eventually pushed her way right out through that little fence! I turned her right around and got her back in quickly, but all the kids around thought it was quite the emergency!

Even Gary was able to feed the goats!

Gary really loved meeting Thomas the Train!

As for Felicity, she just sat as happily and prettily as could be! I just love the bows!

We rode the tractor up into the orchard to pick apples.

Nathan, as always, found a bug! This one (which is now in our freezer with the others) was a great looking stick bug! How in the world does he find these things!!

Hugh Jackman!!!

2009-09-28T19:28:00.003-04:00

Okay, so today a bunch of us Moms took our kids to CT to go apple picking. Guess who else was there...... HUGH JACKMAN!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://celebritybabyscoop.com/node/27992?fid=25830 Here's the link, and I was standing about 10 ft from him at this point. You can see Hunter in the background of the one I posted.

Then later on we ended up right next to him in the orchard picking apples! I talked to him for a minute and we laughed, then my 2 yr old actually touched his leg to get past him! I don't think I'll ever bathe him again! Such excitement!!!!!!

Castles and Kings

2009-09-26T22:05:00.002-04:00

What a great project we did today! The boys were entertained for literally hours this morning working together!
Cardboard boxes I've been saving from random places (no I don't buy "citrus punch")!!

Gary loved being near us all, and insisted on sitting IN one of the boxes as he colored!

Big plans!

We have over 2 dozen random partial gallons of paint in the basement that came with hte house. Nathan did a great job picking the colors we needed.

Gary had to be right in the thick of it all! Helping as best as he could!

drying on the grass in the backyard. The plywood you see in the background will be the base. The boys each made 2 castles each, and then they'll go on the plywood that they've painted with moats and grass etc!

I love my boys!

Happy Days!

2009-09-25T22:07:00.002-04:00

Here are some happy days we've had lately!

Boys taking a break from jumping to have a freezer popsicle! They play so much on that trampoline it's incredible! Everyday afterschool!

Last night we had such a great time at Ben's concert. The band played ONE song and ONE song only, and it lasted the entire concert -- 1 hour 15 minutes! Sounds awkward, but it was seriously amazing! Seriously!! Ben played really well! It gave me a chance to dress up, and the boys were so well behaved! Nathan especially really enjoyed it, and after the concert he went right up to a musician and told him what a great job he did, and how he was his favorite soloist of the night. Then he talked to the director for awhile too, and told him things he liked about it. I was so proud of him!! We had a great time together.

Tonight we had two neighborhood families over to watch a movie. SO much fun!! The two little kids were in bed already, but we still had 7 kids watching "Bedtime Stories" together. Fun, spontaeous, bonding, wonderful.

oh, and in case you're wondering-- yes, I rearranged the tv room. I LOVE IT!

And my very happy day was going to CT and what you see above you is actually 3 quilts! Yay!!!!!

Really cool idea!!

2009-09-21T12:56:00.001-04:00

Okay, if you look carefully at the bottom picture then you'll see that the "bookshelf" chair-rail is actually a raingutter! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I wish I had a room that I could do this in! Someone please use this idea!!!

I love dirt!

2009-09-19T13:59:00.002-04:00

This morning I transplanted 9 Hostas. I've been waiting for a good day to do it, and today was just right! So out of the full sun and into the shade they went!
I love having my hands in the dirt! There's no better feeling than working with the earth!

Every family needs a little red wagon to help with all their yard work!

Love it!

I can't wait to plant impatiens around the tree in the spring.

Lego Love!

2009-09-19T13:48:00.003-04:00

So about 2 months ago the boys got a postcard in the mail from the Lego company. It said that a master Lego builder needed their help to build an 8 foot lego Yoda. Well, the boys were thrilled! There was no need to mention that I'm sure every other boy in the area who receives the Lego magazine probably got one, too! To them it was their help that was needed!
So yesterday afterschool we headed off to NJ to help out! There were instructions at each table as to what they needed to make, and then they would give their completed part to the lego master! If you look right behind Ben's shoulder you'll see the 2 foot model of Yoda, which is sitting on the bottom part of the 8 foot model.

Dan the lego master! After they gave him their completed blocks he gave them a voucher to redeem at the Lego store for a certificate. They were thrilled!

Indiana Jones the lego man with my happy boys!

2009-09-17T22:04:00.003-04:00

First, I have to show you the cutest little kitchen helper ever! Isn't he sweet! Gary loves bringing a chair over to where I'm working to "help". So last night we were having spaghetti & meatballs, Hunter made us each beautiful individual salads, so I started rolls to go with it all. Well, the boys had a "catasrophe" and when I turned back it was just in time to see Gary dump a whole glass measuring cup full of water in. Yes, we went with the frozen-ready-made-garlic bread instead.
And here's my latest project! I've been working on it for a couple of days. Someone had given the boys one of those magentic calendars with dates, and then you put on whatever activity magnet that applies to that day; like "soccer practice" or "school field trip", etc. Needless to say, most of the activities didn't even apply to us, and it was never used properly anyway. Well, I've hung on to it for over a year now -- now that I've found modpodge I know why! I seriously have always wanted a set of these, and we've had so much fun since I've put them up! (Annie had a friend over this evening and I even caught her friend playing with them!)

I just cut 1" squares and rounded their edges, then wrote random words! I customized a few

like "celestial kingdom" and our names. It was really fun!

I did 2 coats of MP, and had planned on doing a 3rd, but I was so excited

to put them up that I just couldn't wait any longer!

Come on over and play!

Hunter put this up! So cute!

Oh my stars....

2009-09-14T13:15:00.006-04:00

School has begun, so I haven't posted in awhile, but I have been busy! I promise!! First I want to update everyone on my craft table. I posted a picture awhile ago of the "new" tables I got on craigslist. Well, here's what they look like right now! Doesn't it just say...... "come and sit here and be busy!" ??!!

Just full of projects and ideas and possibilities!

If you look carefully on the front right corner of the table you'll see my lastest project... Stars!!

I drew a star on cardboard, and then cut some more pieces to make it 3-D. I used clear packing tape to put them all together.

Pretty neat, huh?!

Then I mod-podged random fabric scraps from Felicity's quilt that I had made her! This was my first ever mod-podge project. It was pretty fun. Super easy, and I can't wait to do something else with it!
I made three of different sizes. 12", 9", and 6 ". Once I'm finished, I'm going to hang them on the wall above her bed with some ribbon!

Christmas on my mind.....

2009-09-10T10:22:00.003-04:00

A friend of mine asked me to show her some pictures of the Christmas Stockings I made for our family.
Well, here they are! Each one is different. I just cut out the stocking shape that I wanted, and then did a "flip and sew" method of random pieces. Super easy, super fun! I put some white fleece at the tops, and I'm going to add a ribbon to each one before it comes time to hang them.

This project took me a long time to do. Not because it was difficult, just because life seemed to get in the way! I finally finished them in time for last Christmas. We were spending it with my parents, and what do you know -- the one thing I forgot to take with us was "the stockings!!" So, they'll finally be debuted on our mantle this year!!

Good Friends & Neighbors

2009-09-04T10:44:00.003-04:00

We have been having such a great time with our friends these past couple of days! Between the 3 families we have 10 kids all 8 and under. Here we are at the playground up the street with Alex and Caitlin.

Each park in NYC has a water feature. It's so nice for the summer time! Just enough to get plenty wet!

This is our dead-end street! We block it off with cones and parents, and let all the kids ride bikes!

These next few pics are taken of the kids in the big magnolia tree in our front yard.

They have a blast climbing together!

Sean, Aiden, Hunter & Nathan

Sean! It just happens to be his 6th birthday today! Happy Birthday!!!

Hunter and Aiden

My monkey-boy, Nathan!!

The dragon's lair..

2009-09-03T12:30:00.004-04:00

Yesterday the three boys and I went to the library up the street. We each got library cards and had a great time picking out books! They were most excited about a book by Ralph Masiello: "Dragon Drawing Book". It's a book that we've gotten before from our library in Rochester so they were delighted to find it here as well! We spent the afternoon with them choosing a dragon, me drawing it, then them coloring! What a blast! In fact , it earned me the title "Best Mom Ever!!" from Hunter! What more could I ask for! Love my boys!

A place of my own!!!

2009-09-02T12:49:00.003-04:00

I've been looking around lately for a table. To me, it's been very exciting! With no more crib in our bedroom it leaves a little corner just for me! So my plan was to find a desk or table or something that I could set my things up on not necessarily have to take them down! It'll save some mess downstairs, and just plain make me happy each time I see it! So this morning Nathan & Gary traveled down to the West Village in Manhattan and picked up not one, but TWO tables! I found them on craigslist (my favorite!) I'm very excited! They're set up in our bedroom just waiting to be covered in fabric, paper, patterns, etc. I can't wait!

Maybe a design wall behind the table...... !?

Now I just need to find a chair!! Happy quilting everyone!!

Felicity's Quilt!

2009-08-31T21:36:00.003-04:00

Somehow I only got 5 hours of sleep last night. Ahhhhh! However, I had an amazingly productive day! My house looks great! The incentive...... I wanted to quilt this evening, and I just couldn't justify doing that if I didn't do "house" things during the day! So I finally put the backing on Felicity's quilt! It matches the curtains I made for her room, and I love it! I'm all about making a beautifully pieced quilt, however, I've also wanted to do one like this for quite some time. It's all stripes! The fabrics were all fat quarters that I had bought at the best little quilt store called "The Whole Nine Yards." The were all bundled together in a bakers dozen. So beautiful! I love that without all the fancy piecing, it really becomes all about the great fabrics! I used a really pretty pinky minky for the backing -- and no batting at all. This is the 2nd baby quilt I've done this way and I really like it! It turns out so soft, and cozy -- just right for Felicity to sleep with each night! I'm sure it won't be long before the two of us are having tea parties on it, too!

Here's the finished product. Right now I quilted 1/4 inch in from the brown around the entire quilt. I couldn't decide how to do any other quilting on it. I thought about an over all random design, quilting each stripe in a different design, just outlining each stripe, etc ..... I think that in the end I've decided that I don't want a lot of quilting on it. There's no batting that needs to be held together or anything! So I'm going to come up with one simple design -- probably like a big flower, and quilt that on it! I'll post a picture when I'm done -- it won't be tonight since I really need to stop and sleep! Happy quilting everyone!

I love to make quilts!!!!!!!!!!!

Quilting around the top edge.

This is all trimmed, and ready for the pinky minky to be folded around to the front for the binding

Another view before the binding.

The next food network star.....

2009-08-30T22:46:00.005-04:00

Today on the way home from church Ben decided to bake some cookies to take with him to his home teaching appointments. Instead of just chocolate-chip cookies, he was going to make chocolate-chocolate-chip cookies by adding nestle's quik powder. I tried to explain a little about the difference between Nesquik and cocoa powder.....! Needless to say, while I took a nap, he spent that time reading about cookies and is now an official expert on what each ingredient does. He can now tell you exactly what the egg will do, and how the baking soda will react with the alkali in the nesquik powder; what ratio of white sugar to brown sugar will produce the softest cookies and just how to get the perfect combination of chewy inside with the crispy outside. Incredible! He had a great time baking and we certainly had a good time eating! They were pretty amazing! He still wants to try a few variations, so I'll be making a trip to the store for some more chocolate chips tomorrow! (got coupons, Mindy?!)

I want ANOTHER cookie!!!!!!

Gary and I

Boys and their cookies.

Yummy, yummy!

Fun in MA!

2009-08-29T09:19:00.004-04:00

We had another great vacation in MA this past weekend! Thanks everyone! We stayed with my brothers, and visited my aunt's house as well. More family came out to visit, and we had a great time being together.

Gary found a tractor! He even slept with those ear muff things!

If you look carefully in the tree right in the center you'll see two boys up in the tree. My brothers built a house for their families together on 45 acres. It's a boy's dream yard! Quite different from our yard in NYC...

Felicity and Nana!

Ben and Gary in the pool!

SOOOOO happy on the tractor! My brothers were at work, so he didn't get an actual ride.... but he was content as long as he had his ear protection on!!

More fun in the pool. All the girls were out at this point, and we commented on how physical boys are! The were throwing each other and splashing, and chasing, and racing, etc. The girls talked about how if it were just us girls in there, we'd be floating, and talking, and being calm. Such a difference!!

Hours later, Gary is still sitting on the tractor!

Popsicle break....
Gary, Eli, Ethan, Nathan, Hunter

Swimming stuff....

Back today and leave tomorrow!!

2009-08-25T20:40:00.006-04:00

There's nothing like summer vacations! We just spent a fabulous time in Maryland with family for the long weekend. We leave tomorrow for MA for more family fun! But, back to MD -- we went to Six Flags on Saturday... it was a blast! The boys were perfect for going in the kiddie-land, yet adventurous enough to ride some bigger rides also! Nathan had no fear, and rode a big roller coaster for the first time! He rode in the back the first time, and when it was over he rode again -- this time in the front! Ben and I took the boys on one ride that we got completely SOAKED on ! It was really fun! Gary just happens to be 36 inches tall, so he was able to go on so many rides! He had a great time! The tea-cups nearly did him in, but Nathan was there to save the day... bumper cars, logs flumes, giant swings, etc!
We also did tons of lego playing, eating, baking, gardening, laughing, and loving!
I hope you enjoy all the pictures!

Gary was so excited to ride "the tractor!" Ben mowed his parents whole yard which took an hour and 15 minutes, and Gary stayed on it the whole entire time!

Ben and the boys rode this ride, and were completely soaked! I rode the first time with Ben and the big boys, then all the boys went a 2nd time with Gary. It was short, but tons of fun.

So tired! This was at lunch after lots of rides. Then they woke up and did some more! I sure do love my double stroller!

It's hard to see, but Grandy, Papa, Ben and Nathan are in the last two rows here! Nathan rode it 2 times! He's determined never to ride in the back again -- only the front.

Here are the three boys ... I don't remember what the ride is called, but it lifts them up and drops them down. It's very tame.... Ben indulged me, and the 2 big boys rode it once first, then after I saw what it was like, they rode again with Gary.

Here are those tea cups I mentioned! Hunter really liked to spin, and of course they're all going up and down, and around at the same time that they're spinning, so Gary's head was lolling back and forth. It was so funny to watch! We had Nathan put his arm around him, and after that Gary just rested his head on his arm and was fine.

This is the classic pirate ship that swings you back and forth. If you look closely you'll see Grandy, Ben, Gary and Nathan two rows to the left of the center mast. Nathan has his arms up in the air loving it! Nathan and Ben rode it twice, but the rest of us were perfectly content to watch!

A happy train ride!

boys and planes....

We went on lots of other rides besides these, and had such a fun day! It was hot, but overcast, so no unbearable sun beating on us. Plus, there were little to no lines at all! It was a fabulous time!

Christmas in ....August?

2009-08-19T20:39:00.004-04:00

Yes, I admit, we've started making Christmas presents here already! The boys make their Christmas presents to each other every year, and this year Hunter is getting a headstart. I wont tell what he's making..... but it involves the sewing machine! I have seriously been amazed at how well he's doing! He's been using the rotary cutter, and sewing every seam, he's doing great! He's only 6!! .... oh, and he's loving it, too! Just take a look at those seams! I thought Felicity was going to be my sewing budy, but it looks like that might change!! He He He! (literally)

Through the years...

2009-08-15T20:53:00.004-04:00

We had a fabulous day today with all of us being together again. It was really, really nice. We hung a new swing in the backyard, jumped on the trampoline, played inside, rode scooters to the water park, explored in the woods, played games, played legos, and so much more! Here are a few pictures of the boys when they were so much littler! After having not seen them for 6 1/2 weeks they seem huge to me right now! Enjoy!!

The boys are back in town!!

2009-08-15T09:51:00.002-04:00

We picked up Nathan and Hunter from the airport last night! Yay!!! Although I must admit that they look a little different than I remember!!

Check my husband out! (no, not like that!!)

2009-08-14T10:18:00.001-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFu26nQXoOc

Summer Quilting

2009-08-13T12:35:00.001-04:00

Summer Project!

2009-08-10T08:42:00.000-04:00

What a whirlwind!!

2009-08-04T12:44:00.000-04:00

This summer has been the most crazy I think I've ever had! June 30th we put the boys on a plane by themselves to TX to visit their Texas family for the summer. They were super excited and are having a wonderful time down there. We had a day and a half off and then we were camping in the Catskills with Ben's family. From there I went with Gary & Felicity to Albion to spend time with my parents for a week. We had a great time picking berries, shopping, and playing. It was really great. We filled up each of our days completely! After that week was done, I left and went back to the Bronx, bringing my sister, her husband and their two children. We spent the week painting and totally redocorating Felicity's room. We did so much each day it was incredible! We crossed off so many things that had been on my to-do list for forever! After that it's just been guest after guest here at our house. A trip to Minerva, NY for big family reunion on my Dad's side, and more company here in the Bronx! What a whirlwind! I'll post some pictures soon!

Digging to China....

2009-06-30T01:53:00.001-04:00

Actually they just wanted to dig far enough to reach water -- they did it! Mud, Mud, and More Mud. We hosed them off for dinner (which we ate outside) and then hosed them off again when it was finally time to come in for FHE. Baths, great FHE, family nintendo 64 tournaments, and beds. Great last day together before they leave for TX. In the morning we went to central park and found a great splash playground, and did the zoo there! Such fun!

Don't you love that Hunter is doing this in a pair of khakis! Ahhh!

Messy, Messy, Messy!!

2009-06-27T20:49:00.000-04:00

I'm sure Mom and Dad will be happy to know how much Felicity takes after me! Messy, messy, messy!! I made crepes for breakfast this morning, and with her on my hip, got a little too close to the bowl of batter! She pulled it right off the counter!! (can I really blame this on her, though, or do I have to chalk it up to another of my own messes!?)

I sang "The Wedding Song" at a wedding this evening, and it went so well! Ben accompanied me, and a friend sang an alto part that we came up with. It was great! Last night we had a cookout (or actually a cook-in) at our house with a bunch of friends. There were over 20 people here, and half of them were children 8 and under! Ben cooked hot dogs and hamburgers, and everyone brought something to share! So much fun! Everyone had a great time visiting and the kids played legos and hide-n-go-seek. We're definitely going to have to do it again soon!

Adding to the fun, this evening after 3 of 4 were in bed..... Ben gave Nathan his first little saxophone lesson! Nathan was still dressed up from being at the wedding, and he looks so cute with that big sax around his neck! He has decided that he wants to have a lesson every Thursday, except this next week when his lesson will be on Monday; when he turns 13, however, he'll switch instruments to the oboe!

--and for anyone who may have been worried..... the mohawks came off this afternoon! Everyone is decent for church!

How to make an 8 yr old happy....

2009-06-24T20:19:00.000-04:00

Give him a mohawk, of course!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T20:33:00.001-04:00

I am so thankful for my Dad. He is one of the very best of men. I was talking to my sister on the phone the other day and I heard my Dad's voice in the background, and this warm, wonderful feeling came over me just knowing that that was my Dad. I don't even know what he was saying, I just heard his voice.

"I love you, Dad"

I'm also very thankful for my father-in-law. He is so kind and generous with everyone. He does so many good things, and I'm especially thankful for the way that he raised his son!

"I love you, Papa"

My husband is one of the best Dad's ever! He does so many good, fun things with our children. They love it! He is such a good spiritual leader and example in our home and I'm so very grateful for him.

"I love you, Sweetheart!"

We got him a book for Father's Day this year and the boys wrote a little note inside which they came up with all on their own. It said ...

"Dad, you are the best.

We all love you.

You are so strong, nice,

faithful, and loving."

Love,

Nathan, Hunter, Gary, Felicity & Robin

I'm so very grateful for all the father's in my life! I love you all!

A Time To Learn

2009-06-15T21:02:00.000-04:00

Things I've learned today.....

1. Don't ever try to paint a room with 4 children "helping you"!

I'm attempting to paint Gary's room, and Nathan and Hunter are so ready and eager to help! So I put Gary in his crib, Felicity in her bouncer, and the big boys and I in painting clothes! It was pretty intense!! No major catastrophies -- though I don't recommend tempting fate....

2. I learned (again) how wonderful my neighbors are!

We needed our car to be in two places at once, so I called on one of my neighbors to pick up the boys from their half day of school. She has a son at the same school, so she was more than happy to help. On top of that she brought over a big bag of clothes that her children had outgrown. Felicity and Gary are going to be very well dressed for the next 2 years!

3. If there are only 2 minutes left on the timer for the cookies in the oven, don't leave the house!!

Yes, I put someone in charge of taking them out, however......!! I know how I get when I'm on the phone with my sister, so lets just say that the same is true for Ben being on the phone with his brother! We had "chocolate" cookies!

4. No matter how hard I try, Ben will still beat me at "Dr. Mario"!

After the kitchen was clean this evening the boys, Ben and I had a "Dr. Mario" tournament on the N64. It was great! Best of three with teams. I think that in all the games we played they each beat me at least once! And Ben can come from behind like you wouldn't believe! So much fun!!!

5. Don't leave an 8 yr old unsupervised to put his own marshmallow fluff on his crackers!

I seriously couldn't believe it! You could barely see the cracker itself, and the fluff was about 2 inches high! Ahhhhh! I must say he was very good about letting me "help him" spread it out!

6. Apparently there's an unwritten rule that says once you turn 2 yrs old you automatically know how to climb out of your play pen!

Enough said.....!!

Happy Birthday Gary!! (yesterday)

2009-06-13T12:47:00.001-04:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GARY !!!!

6/12/09

Yesterday was a great day! Who doesn't love having a birthday party! Gary is officially 2 yrs old, and he's wonderful! When we ask him how old he is, he says "TWO", and holds up all 5 fingers! He loved all his gifts! "Thank you everyone!" He recieved a "meow-meow" from Hunter, a tent from Nathan, a rocket from Grandy & Papa, a push toy from Mom and Dad, a puppet from Nana-lee, and puzzles from Nana & Grandpa!

The family that caves together....

2009-06-10T19:42:00.000-04:00

Our latest adventure was up in Clarksville, NY where we spent 3 hrs in a cave! It was the boys first time, and I hadn't been since college. It was wonderful! We all had a great time. It was a wet cave so there were times where we were up to just above my knees in 40 degree water, but it was exciting! Nathan and Hunter didn't want to go too much deeper than that, so we turned back at that point and chose some different routes. I'm looking forward to going again! We found the "bathtub room", and want to go through that to see the waterfall!

Cave Canoodling
Hunter
NathanDeep in the depths!

We're here!

2009-06-10T19:30:00.000-04:00

Well, after reading so many other peoples blogs, I figure I'd try my hand at it. There are so many things that happen throughout our daily lives that should be recorded! Currently I've got Hunter, Gary and Felicity in bed, and Ben and Nathan are at scouts, so here I am. It's a quiet, sane moment. It's wonderful! It was just 2 short hours ago while I was trying to make dinner that Ben was banging away on the piano, (I mean practicing!), Felicity was fussing, Gary was trying to take a toy from Hunter - who was whining about that, and Nathan was loudly trying to decide whether he should do his homework or not! I love my family, and though there are times when we're all a little kooky -- it's okay!