Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Teaching them Early!

Car Wash Project Photo Update

My inspiration...

 The work begins...

The simplicity of sprinklers

I was so envious of my kids today. I watched them play with their cousins in the sprinklers. They looked as if it was the greatest moment of their lives. I wish I still had the eyes and mind of a child. Sometimes I do... like in my occasional food choices.. but, I wish I could find great joy in moments that are simple. Make more fun our of a seemlingly ordinary day. Ah, to be like a child...here are some pics of their innocent fun!

 Everyone yell." Sprinklers!"

 I love little feet... sorry

 Patiently waiting as I open the popsicles

 Superheros on the go

 Jake said he was on the look out for fire?

The jeep ran out of juice... superheros to the rescue!!

Air Show

This morning we took the boys to the McGuire Air Force Base air show. We have never been to an air show before and I think we were all excited. It was WAY more than we anticipated. It was awesome. The Air Force really went all out. There were airplanes, helicopters and vehicles of all kinds for the boys to explore and learn all about. A ton of other activities including rock climbing, pull up contests, moon bounces, trampolines as well as food, drinks and plenty of interesting booths. Not to mention the amazing air show that was going on in the sky! The boys couldn't get over the paratroopers dropping from the sky, bombs being dropped by fast moving aircraft and the unbelievable air tricks some of the planes performed. We had so much fun! Jon and I both agree that it is something we want to attend again and again. Beautiful weather and happy boys make for a great day! Thank you armed forces for all you do for this country! Truly amazing.

Strong Biggest Boy!

Strong Daddy!

Round Here... Pic Update

A happy moment in the car...

The boys love visiting Daddy at his office. Jake always has tons of work to do all involving a highlighter, stapler and a pen.

Jon and I had a date night last Sunday.

We went to see Jeremy Camp with another couple. It was awesome!

Morning Dance Party

Dancing with our Cuz, Sean

Granny Green

This past weekend, I lost my Granny. She was two weeks shy of ninety-nine years old. My dad's mother and my last living grandparent. My dad's parents were the only grandparents I ever had because my mom sadly lost both of her parents by her early twenties. Granda and Granny Green as we referred to them. Having your family live 3,000 miles away from you has it's perks and it's down falls. I've traveled to Europe many times in my life, I've had a strong awareness of how lucky I am to be an American from a young age, I've learned how to make friends into family, seen many walks of life and most importantly to me... I've had a close bond with my intermediate family because we had to depend on each other. However, I did not get to see my extended family very often. My grandparents would visit once a year when they were still young enough to and they would often stay for many weeks at a time. We would also travel sometimes twice a year and stay for a few weeks as well. It was wonderful. As we grew older, our lives began to develop here in the US and ticket prices continued to rise.... the trips for me have been fewer. My dad still goes back as often as he can to spend time with Granny most of all. He has even been known to go to Ireland for the weekend, just to see her.

I have many fond memories of my grandmother and our times together. To me she will always be the epitome of a lady. Everyone adored her. Here is a snip it into the Granny that I loved.

- I'll remember her: orange marmalade, knee highs, the way she whispered when she talked about cancer or someones profession, her broaches, her stories about my dad's childhood, the way she called me JoJo and how her tooth whistled when she did, endless white blouses wrapped in plastic, her change purse, her bright blue row house among the hundreds of dreary brown and brick ones...so many little things that made her my Granny...

- She was an amazing cook and was known for cooking for large parties.

- She was an incredible hostess and many people came to stay with my Gran. She had a room on the top floor where she allowed people to stay when they needed it. In this room, there was a dinner bell. She would feed whomever came to stay and they were notified by the cute little attic bell. We loved playing with it as kids.

- She was a baker like no other. Her coffee cake was to die for and I don't even like coffee cake! I remember whenever we visited she would have tins and tins of sweets she had made ahead of time for us to munch. Her little mini iced cakes were always my fav!

- She admired the queen to the fullest and aspired to dress like her as well. So cute.

I'll never forget her dish towels with the queen's face on them.

- She would ask me if I wanted tea sixteen times a day... every time she asked, I would remind her of how I don't drink tea. To a woman who drinks," a wee half cup,' ALL day long... that does not sink in... so she would just keep asking!

- There was a little convenient store on the end of her street. I have fond memories of her giving Mike, Nikki and I some change and loving the freedom of being able to walk up the street and get some amazing Cadbury chocolates. Flakes, Club bars and Tayto chips were my picks!

- She would always make us the most amazing potato pancakes for breakfast.

- Her strength was endless. She took care of my grandfather who suffered with Alzheimer's and never complained.

- My father is an only child and now that I am a mother... I really admire her for the way she dealt with his choice to leave the country and live in the US. It must have been so hard on her and she never gave my dad any grief. Just support.

- She did an amazing job raising my dad. She spoiled and adored him. She loved,"her Michael." My father is a smart, hard working, generous, emotional and kind man. Truly one of a kind... If I can raise my boys to have half of the qualities my dad does... I will be lucky!

- The moment she gave me her mother's ring. She explained so sweetly how she wanted me to have it.. It meant and means the world to me.

- My graduation gift for high school was a trip over and I brought my best friend, Nicole. By this point she had moved out of her house and I was visiting her in an assisted living apartment complex. I have so many memories from that trip, but my fondest if that I set a 2 liter on her cook top (shocker, soda I know) She has left it on when she made tea, but I didn't realize. Well, long story short... we had twenty some young firefighters in her tiny tiny apartment because they heard two blond American girls were upstairs... it was a riot!

- The memories of my last trip with her will forever be burned in my brain. She teared up as she always did when it was time for me to leave. That was the last time I saw her in person. I feel very lucky that Jon had a chance to meet her, but sorry that my boys did not. I loved how she refused to call Jon by his name... she always called him Sean. I feel like she wished he were Irish too or something. 

- I will miss her dearly and now feel that old familiar feeling of loss. I have been melancholy since I received my dads initial text messages. Mostly from the frustration and sadness of not being able to be with my dad as he goes through the ceremonies and tasks involved. I feel terrible that I couldn't be there for him. I also can't help but feel that the little family we have continuing to diminish... it's not true.... in reality it continues to expand with all these beautiful boys and that's what I keep trying to remember.... She would have loved to spoil and feed these boys!

My Granny has left a legacy that is for sure. She will be missed and loved forever by many! RIP Gran... until we meet again!

Three Little Monkeys

Today, was a monkey business kinda day. It was one of those days where my boys milk was switched with funky juice or something. Everyone was off. Our days are usually pretty predictable. Everyone's up by 6:30am. The babies nap twice. Usually nine o'clock and two o'clock. When he's not in school, Jake plays/hangs out then has quiet time during their second nap. Then, everyone goes to bed between 6:00 and 7:30, the latest. It varies if we are out and about, but on "home days," that's how we roll.  Well today... not so much. The babies fought their naps, then napped really short naps.... Jake was like a little energizer bunny and didn't seem to have an ounce of self control... Oy... Just one of those days where kids were being kids, but all at the same time. I am a tired Mama tonight. I'm also feeling the need to blog about  some of the positive, wonderful things my kids are doing and document some of their funny, quirky behaviors. Days like today make me feel like I want this time in my life to go a little quicker...when in reality I want it to slow down... of course I could do without short naps and grumpies. What mom couldn't? But, I love them being little. I love that they need me and want to be around me. I love that they are only exposed to what I expose them to. I know these things are short lived... So, I want to embrace it and remember why I have the best job in the world.

Jake:
- You are just so stinkin' cute and your growing up WAY too fast.
- You have developed a few new, "voices." Some are cute, but most remind me of my little brother's annoying "voices" and they make me realize you are ALL boy.
- You have started writing and I think pretty well for your age!
- You still love books and read in the car constantly. I love nothing more than seeing you reading in the rearview mirror.
- You still eat veggies and fruits and I'm so proud of the eater you have become.
- You call me out about my soda in take and I have now vowed to take a long break... it's killing me, but you are so right. It's gross!
- You have gained a little bit of a freshness which can drive me nutty... you still maintain your cuteness through it all and I sometimes have a hard time not laughing or kissing you while your being fresh!
- You are taking karate and I am really seeing your personality and learning style through it. You are tactile like me  and learn better by listening while moving and you learn quickly, but have restless legs like Daddy.
- You still talk to everyone, Daddy and I love it. You are such an extrovert and you love everything you try.
- You still struggle with leaving fun places some times, but we continue to try and help you transition.
- You tell me, you don't need anymore friends because if you had more.. you would get a belly ache. I so hope that changes. I think you should have as many friends as you want!
- Your excited for summer and want to move to the new house so you can paint your room orange... have to work with that one..
- You are independent, funny and full of life.

Will:
- I could just squeeze your cheeks all day long.
- You are continuing to be a big boy. You are in size 18 or 24 month clothing and have a size 6.5 wide shoe, maybe even 7 by now...
- You squeel when you are excited and it is music to my ears.
- You have quite the stubborn side. You let us know in a big way when things aren't going the way you want.
- You are talking a lot more and we all love it. New words are: Yes/Yeah, book, Will, bapple (apple), Nana (banana), bowl,  up and so many more.
- You are getting a little tough guy edge to you from having to deal with two brothers. I think it is a good thing. However, I want you to maintain your teddy bear personality!
- You hair is currently buzzed and the curls remain under the buzz! You look cute with your short hair and it is less fussing from Mama.
- You stand in the bath and throw your sippy cups/everything from the high chair and it drives me crazy
- You also love running into the street...
- You sing and dance all day. Often I will turn around and catch you dancing. Adorable.
- You can already kick a ball, stand on a scooter and do more things at your age than most from watching Jake constantly! You love him.
- Your a sweet, gentle and funny little guy.

Kevin:
-  You are sleeping through the night... and Mommy said: AMEN!
-  You take two sometimes three naps depending on how long they are
-  You are very tell. All the pants you wear are like capri pants on you...your typically wearing 6-9 or 9 month clothing
- You roll everywhere! Your not sitting up on your own yet, but will sit in between my legs while playing.
- You like the exercauser and bouncy for short periods of time, but would rather be on the floor with Jake and Will.
- So far you are a quiet baby, but you smile constantly and like when people talk to you.
- You are the squigglist, wiggliest baby ever. Changing your diaper is the hardest thing ever. It is like a mommy marathon by the time I am finished.
- Your brothers love you so much and Jake always wants to hold you and Will pets your head daily
- You drink four eight ounce bottles and eat three pureed food meals a day. You' ve liked every type of solid food I have given you and I'm so happy because you are in the tenth percentile for weight! My smallest baby by far.
-Stay sweet little one

Mommy loves all three of you more than I could've imagined my heart was capable. Prior to having all of you, I wondered how a mother could, "split or share," the love among all of her children. Now, I understand... there's just so much love to give... I never run out!