Big Foot

A favorite monster truck came to visit Wibberly's (we missed the car crushing). Todd was able to finish work early today, so we met Nana and Jake over there.

Jakob was so amazed at the big truck.

The Boys~ June

Memorial Day

We walked into town this morning to see the parade. It was short, but nice. There were 3 marching bands, 3 Fire Departments, the Ambulance & Forestry Companies, Brownies & Scouts, to name a few. Todd and the baby headed back on East Main while Jake and I took the "long way back" (all of the side streets on North Main to get to East Main). On the way back, we saw fighter jets...they were really low!

Top of the monument in Fanning Park in memory of soldiers from our town.

Lets not forget the true meaning of Memorial Day! Remember a moment of silence at 3 o'clock to remember those who died while serving our country.

“ Last Monday in May”©
By
John T. Bird

We pause to remember those who died
With so much courage, so much pride

They’ll never come back, yet memories endure
To remind us of freedom: fragile, pure

We’re worthy of their sacrifice if we pause each day
Not just on the last Monday in May

Family Day: The Aquarium

We had a busy day today! After going to BJ's and the mall (Todd needed new lenses...he didn't understand why the anti-glare could have possibly come off after he keeps soaking his glasses in Oxy Clean...) and lunch at the Olive Garden (both kids were good...kept having to remind Todd and Jake to speak in their "quiet voices" while in the restaurant..heehee) we headed to the aquarium.

Aside from it being a tad bit hot out (over 90) it was a good visit. Jakob had so much fun this time around...asking questions and wanting to learn about everything. He thought it was cool when a cownose ray came up out of the water and he was able to touch it. I think after our membership expires in September we will not renew. For me, it is disappointing for the amount of money you spend. We had also stopped by to check out the "Birds of the Outback"- supposedly in a 1200 sq. ft. aviary (it was a screened area outside and it seemed no bigger than my entire downstairs)- we didn't go in the exhibit another $2 per person and the birds didn't look like anything special). It was Kaleb's first trip..he slept most of the time and I was a little worried with it being so hot. He woke up while we were inside and cried a bit because it was a little dark and he wasn't sure of his surroundings- after a bottle, he was good to go.

Relief?!

So my eye really hasn't improved much this week and is still whacked out...the pharmacy is not making me happy at this moment...so I will write about this another day. We will just say that I am calling my Opthamalagist (?) tomorrow for an appt.

Taken last weekend...

Aller...gieeees

I have had year round allergies all of my life. Causing other problems such as ear infections, tubes in my ears, nose bleeds, and asthma along with typical allergy symptoms. Since getting pregnant with Jakob, the allergies and asthma pretty much went away and I have only had to use my inhalers or take meds a handful of times in 5 years. UNTIL THIS YEAR! My word, it is really bad. Of course I had to go online to WebMD to find the names of the eye drops (Patanol) and meds (R-Tanna, because nothing else works for me) I prefer since it has been so long. I picked up some Claratin at Wallyworldand it worked for a day. Guess I need to call the DR tomorrow.

So this it what my right eye has looked like all day. I had to hold it closed on the ride into work because it was stinging so bad. If you look close enough you can see the zig-zag sutures from my cornea transplant.

Speaking of sneezes...Kaleb sneezed with a mouth full of food resulting in my second shower of the day.

Mother's Day

My Mother's Day Presents from Jakob

All I wanted today was quiet, maybe a quick nap, and a chance to read. My day is 3/4 of the way over and I might get a chance to read (haha).

I was up by 7 (Todd slept until 8:30), showered- almost burned my skin off...something was up with the hot water!, fed the boys, and took Jake grocery shopping. Little disappointed that the line at the coffee shop was a gazilion miles long so I left. I made lunch, did dishes, went for a walk with the kiddos (more on Jake's page), cleaned, and paid the bills. I still have to get dinner ready, Jake ready for school tomorrow, and give the kids a bath. Typical Mother's Day! Oh, forgot to mention Todd had a nap- I think having to feed Kaleb lunch and clean his messy poo while I was at the store wore him out. A plus, I discovered Reese's Peanut Butter topping at the store!!

But at the end of the day, the only thing that matters most is that my kids are happy and they love Todd and I.

Here is the cake Jake picked out for me...

Mother's Day Pages

Family Day: Eric Carle Museum

We started off a little late, but we made it to the museum around 3 p.m. Should've driven an extra 30 minutes nad we would've been in VT! Stopped by Friendly's and enjoyed lunch and some yummy ice cream.

I thought the museum would have been more geared for kids....only the library and art studio was. The museum is 40,000 sq and it really only had 2 small galleries and the center gallery (which had 4 murals), a library, gift store and art studio for kids. I think the rest of it was the auditorium. Maybe we can go back when Jakob and Kaleb will 1) be able to appreciate art 2) appreciate the art gallery setting (QUIET!). I do have to say Kaleb was excellent the entire day and Jake was pretty quiet while in the galleries.

East Gallery
Picture Stories: A Celebration of African American IllustratorsMarch 24 - June 17, 2007
Celebrating the art of twelve African-American illustrators, Picture Stories provides an engaging and informative overview of the African-American tapestry through visual narratives, which resound with authentic voices. The art, chosen to present a wide spectrum of scenes and events, includes folktales, traditions, cultural experiences, and individual contributions, all of which define the proud heritage of Black History.

West Gallery
The Art of Eric Carle: Eric Carle Picture WriterFebruary 9 - September 2, 2007
As one of the most acclaimed authors and illustrators of our time, Eric Carle’s work has world-wide appeal. Selections from Eric Carle Picture Writer explore the sources of some of Carle’s stories, his highly acclaimed collage technique, and a small glimpse at some of the preliminary stages involved in the creation of a book. This exhibition will also feature examples of Carle’s non-book art, as well as recent acquisitions from the Museum’s permanent collection.

Central Gallery
Birds of a Feather: The Art of Eric Carle and Leo LionniMay 11 - December 9, 2007
When Eric Carle returned to America in 1952, a meeting with Leo Lionni resulted in a friendship and a job lead. The rest, as they say, is history. Neither Eric Carle nor Leo Lionni ever imagined they later would create some of the most memorable picture books of our time. The similarities between these two artists are quite striking: their pictures are filled with animals and nature; they drew inspiration from their childhood experiences; and their early careers in graphic design can be seen in their bold simplicity and elegant sense of design.

I couldn't wait to get home because my allergies were really bothering me. Jake kept asking for a drink and told us to get off Exit 18...well exit 18...we had to drive a good 10 miles before we could find a place to stop....and the whole way we heard "Is this this exit for water..nope!". Aaaaahhhh!!!!

Spring Fever

It has been pretty warm this week, so I took Kaleb's 22 week picture outside yesterday.

Hoping to go to the Eric Carle Museum in the next couple of weeks: http://www.picturebookart.org/Home

Muffins with Mom

Today was "Muffins with Mom" for the preschoolers. I was able to take the morning off from work and enjoy time with Jakob. Every month a grade has "Muffins with Mom" on a Friday, where Mom's come in and enjoy muffins, fresh fruit, juice and coffee with their child (put on by the PTO). Jakob was so excited...he wasn't a fan of the muffins, but he was happy that I went.

Here is the flower that I was given before I left.

Family Day: Dinosaur Park

We knew it would be a beautiful day today so we headed out early. Destination: Dinosaur Park in Rocky Hill

We took the roundabout way to Rock Hill. Took these pics in East Hampton. Opening Day captured with the Comstock Bridge (built in 1873...spanning the Salmon River) in the background.

Travels bought us through South Glastonbury where we found the road to the ferry flooded (at the end of this road is where you are supposed to catch the ferry). This flooding was from the nor'easter we had this past Monday (we had heavy wind and rain).

Note the car submerged...

We walked through the main building at the Dinosaur State Park http://www.dinosaurstatepark.org/ (in an out in 10 minutes!), saw some Dino tracks, fossils, a few reptiles, and bought a book and puzzle at the gift shop.

I packed a lunch in our picnic basket and we ate in the park.

After lunch we followed 2 trails over the swamp board...both led to flooded paths, so we ended our day at the Dino Park.

On the way home we went through Haddam and saw this lovely gazebo underwater.

Took a detour and went to Devil's Hopyard for a bit (see pictures from July 2006) and enjoyed the nice weather (made it to 80!). Stopped for ice cream in Salem (FFIFF's)...yummy!

Happy Easter {Updated}

Will post on the week later along with pictures from today. We weren't planning on Easter dinner, but my Mom had no plans- we are going to have ham and strawberry cake for desert. Once Nana gets here, we are going color eggs.

Jake woke up and found the eggs the Easter bunny hid in the living room. He didn't bring much candy this year...but brought Charlotte's Web, a book, and hot wheels instead.

**Update: Lunch was good, and the raisin sauce Todd made was a hit (I passed). Jakob is wound up like you wouldn't believe. Waiting for Nana to get here to color eggs. We already had desert...yummy stuff.

So after waking up Monday morning with my eye half swollen shut, I went to see Dr. C. I had pink eye. He seems to think that it was from the sinus infection I had a few weeks before (same bacteria). So I am on 2 tablets of Augmenten (they are like 2 inches long!!) twice a day and 2 eye drops three times a day. *SIGH*. I feel better though. Good thing I didnt put it off..pink eye can be pretty bad for your eye if you let it go and the infection goes behind your eye. Also don't like toplay around with having surgery either.

Sunday Morning Cuddles

Busy, Busy

It has been non-stop since last weekend! Jakob had his first birthday party (Hannah) last Sunday and another today. Our week was pretty crazy too! On Tuesday we took Jake to Reading Night at school (will post more about this on his page). Thursday I was able to pick him up from school- he was so excited he told everyone I was coming =).

Just when I am starting to feel great again, my allergies start acting up (headaches, etc.) and they are causing my right eye to "run, itch, and get all gooped up" to the point my eye is stuck together. Well, I hope it is my allergies and not something to do with my sutures from the cornea transplant.




Last night, we had Nana over to celebrate my Mom's birthday (which is actually today)...I made penne vodka and we all watched "Happy Feet".




Today we went to Build a Bear for Gwyneth's birthday (more on Jake's page). Got some more work done today too. Hopefully tomorrow will be a day of relaxing!

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.....

Todd brought out the walkie talkies from like forever ago, so Jake and our nephew Sean got a kick out of them. Took them a bit to figure out that you have to let go of the button so you can hear the other person talk- it was funny! They are wearing Jake's beads (as well as the beads I got from our Mardis Gras celebration at work) saying "Where are you?! Over."

We have a lot going on this weekend..too much for us! Grammy headed to BJ's with us last night to get baby necessities and then we went to Target. Jake picked out a gift for both Hannah and Gwyneth- Hannah's birthday party is tomorrow and Gwyneth's is next Saturday.

Today was so beautiful out- 65+ in the sun. Kaleb only needed a sweatshirt. Nana visited for a bit and went to Walmart with us (not a fun shopping trip...Daddy!). (Picture is on top..blogger won't let me move it at the moment...).

So I went to hook up with the laptop I borrowed from work to get caught up...and they will be backing up from 5 pm tonight until 9 am tomorrow- so nothing is getting done today. *sigh*

Asleep at Dinner

Jake takes FOREVER to eat when he doesn't care for what we are having....

Here is a picture from dinner last night as promised.

How Quickly it Changes

Got to love New England...65 one day, snow and freezing rain the next. The drive home Friday was not fun for me. I left work and rather enjoyed driving on the packed snow (Danielson did not plow!)...then came 395. It was so horrible- snow, ice, slush, and IDIOT drivers. Even though I have 4 X 4 I still keep a slow speedand don't do 70 like some in inclimate weather. I was yelling and a few bad words escaped my mouth. I was trying to pass a car in the passing lane (passing was actually better than the travel...again, no plowing!) and its driving in the middle of the highway (hello..pullover!) and starts veering more over to the left and pushes me onto the rumble strip! I beep and yell *sigh*. I had to get off and take Rte. 12 the rest of the way home (roads weren't any better, but less people!!).

St. Pat's day was pretty good. Jake and I did some grocery shopping and then headed home to start making CORNED BEEF! This year we added some beer to it...boy was it yummy! He tried it an loved it...he passed on the cabbage. Yesterday Todd made chicken Poullan Paisee (spelling?)- basically a roaster chicken seasoned and boiled with onions, carrots, potatoes, and celery. Jake had some of that and like it for the most part. Because he had tried new foods this weekend and didn't give us too much of a hassle, he got a new train. Took the left over dinner from last night and made home made chicken soup with dumplings. Mmmm Mmmm. Jake wasn't too thrilled about it and ended up falling asleep at the table (will post picture tomorrow).

I am battling some kind of sinus infection. I have been sick for about 2 weeks now with on/off ear ache, stuffy/runny nose, all around junk! It kind of went away mid week last week and I was feeling so much better, could taste and smell...then it came back worse than before Friday night. I feel like my head is going to pop. Will see how long I can hold out before heading to the DR.

So, I am sick...work is getting to me already this week (it's only Monday!!)...and Todd has a Manhattan run tomorrow afternoon (yeah, he won't get home until 1 am Wednesday). Jake has a birthday party each weekend for the next 2 weekends (not counting my Mom's birthday on one of those days). Have a ton of clothes to put away. Busy, busy!


Well anyway...here are a few pictures to share. Enjoy!

A Touch of Spring

It was so beautiful today..read 65 on my way home! Here is a page from today.

Snow Dad

Jakob made this in school. It is Todd...note the moustache!!!

Celebrating Life~ AJ

Three years ago today.....

New Fun

I discovered Digital Scrap booking today. I am obsessed! I have downloaded a bunch of papers, embellishments, etc.- all for free! This is so much easier than pulling everything out to make pages.

Check out the family photo journal for the pages!

Celebrating Life~ My Grandmother

Two years ago today my Grama passed away. The day after Valentine's Day.

Day of Love

What a day! It actually wasn't that bad. Started off eh with "Storm Agatha" leaving snow/icy conditions for the travel in to work- wasn't so bad, made it in on time. A bunch of us had pizza delivered for lunch so we wouldn't have to go out. Todd called me this morning thinking that I would leave early due to the freezing rain, but I stuck it out. He stopped by an hour before I got our (on his way home) to clean the ICE off of the truck- I thought maybe he wanted me to cook dinner LOL! The ride home was crappy until I got half way home and the roads were just WET! I didn't really feel like cooking, so Todd went and got Chinese for dinner.

Jake was disappointed this morning with school being cancelled. We made Valentine's for all of the kids and teachers (there are 3) in his class last night. Today I set out cards and a heart tray of candy for Todd and Jake. My gift....a new laptop. Killer deal on this Gateway from Best Buy- we didn't want to go out Sunday, so we ordered on line and had it delivered yesterday. I love it!

So Todd offered a Snickers heart to Jake and he realized there was peanuts in it, so Jake says "I can't eat that! I am not a squirrel!".

Happy Valentine's Day

Celebrating Life~ Gramp

Gramp passed away 3 years ago today.

Back in the Swing

Sunday night while I am trying to prepare for my first day back to work and to get the boys ready for Monday, Todd decides he is going to "trim" his hair. As soon as he came into the living room I started laughing, and continued for about 20 minutes. He wouldn't let me take a picture, but I will post a pic of Jim Carey when he was in the movie "Dumb and Dumber"..note how his bangs go STRAIGHT ACROSS! Needless to say, I dropped what I was doing and got the hair clippers out..No. 3 attachment all the way around (I actually like it).

How was my first day/week back? Well, it was nothing special. See below:

• "Few" people missing (already new that), Michele is in MX on vacation, so it was kind of quiet. It was good to see the people I missed.


• I wasn't as emotional as I thought I was going to be (I did get a little when Patty and I were talking about Jake and how I was able to either take him to school or pick him up; and then when Jeff asked me how Kaleb was doing- he had known about the RSV and actually knew how dangerous it can be).


• Pumping went well (schedule worked out with another Mommy that also pumps)- I go (try) twice a day (morning and afternoon). Friday wasn't so good as I was a tad stressed (see below) and I only managed to go once..so, not much.


• When I returned, I learned that I was moving back to my old department. Wasn't so bad, but wasn't officially told, just found out and then my duties weren't as clear as I would have liked. So, most of the week was spent re-doing the schedule and reacquainting myself (I had been out of the loop for over 6 months).


• I learned that we no longer have "sick/personal time", we have to "earn" it like the employees on the floor. So, we cannot be late more than 6 minutes a week and we really cannot deviate from our work schedule unless it is approved, and we have to work 40 hrs. This is per quarter (3 months). If we can accomplish this, we "earn" 12 hours. I banked 12 hours for Oct-Dec, but will not get it these 3 months because I took a week of unpaid time on FMLA (maternity leave) (stupid).


• Short term/long term disability was cut to 50% pay instead of 100%- good thing I was out when I was...I got 100% pay for 6 weeks. AND, there is a 7 day "waite period" with no pay, rather than get paid after the 3rd day out. (gay).


• We will start punching the clock March 1st. (retarded).


• On Thursday they let 3 more people go. One leaving effects my job as the other scheduler and I now have more work (they felt they would keep the 2 stronger of the 3 and let the new Inventory Mgr coming on board cover the rest). (not too happy).


• Because of the above, my hours are changing to 7:30 - 4 (so I go in 30 minutes later) (don't know how I feel about that).


• And...my cubicle is moving (Amy is where Laureen was and I will be where Amy was). (eh)
  

How are things at home?

• Wednesday was horrible. Just wanted to relax after getting my daily things done, but my nephew was here until 7:30 pm (no further comment at this time).


• Todd started helping out 2 weeks before I went back to work- he slacked off a bit this week, which was frustrating for me. AND, he asked if he could go shoot pool on Friday night with a buddy from work (I would not answer him). No further comment at this time, but he did NOT go last night. We have had a few "conversations" about compromise and responsibilities around the house. My thought is when you only wash the laundry and take out the garbage, you have no room to say ANYTHING.


• Jake is still in his bed. He has come in twice this week before 5 am and we sent him back to bed. He goes to bed no later than 9:30 p.m. and is usually up by 7 a.m. for the day (he has been getting up around 5:30 a.m....).
  

So, that was my week in a nutshell. Don't feel like being creative or really have the time, so I did "bullets". Off to CVS to get the rest of Big K's PediaPred (my Dad dropped the bottle). Already did the Walmart thing today, so we are god for another week. Almost done with paying the bills for the next few weeks. Big K has already had his bath.

Joy, Joy.

Clocks Ticking

Got a lot accomplished Thursday. I was able to shower and cut Jake's hair (with little hassle) before he needed to go to school. It was off to my work to get my check and then to the bank to cash it. From there I brought the bugger to school. Before it was time to go pick him up I headed to Old Navy (got some really comfy pants/shirt for myself, shirt/wind pants for Todd, jammies/2 shirts for Jake, few out fits/shirts fo Kaleb that will fit him next winter...as low as $1.97 ea.!) and then had time to go to Walmart (with 10 minutes to spare until Jake was dismissed) and pick up formula that was on sale (Similac was offering 25.7 oz. can of Advance along with 1 qt. of the premade liquid for $21.87!! Plus they send me $5 off coupon/checks), then finally pick him up.

Matching Jammies I bought for the boys



I go back to work tomorrow. I have had a good almost 10 weeks at home and wouldn't have traded it for anything. Had a chance to spend quality time at home with my family and was able to participate with Jake going to school. I also will miss late night's watching CNN and HGTV, sleeping until 9 a.m. (hasn't append in a few weeks), taking Jake to school and/or picking him up, and watching Bringing Home Baby. *sigh*.

Work let one of my good friends go last week and another (schlep they shouldn't have hired anyway) on Friday. It's that time of the year when sales are down and they are looking at numbers- I have managed to stay on for 9 1/2 years. I hear they are conserving on the heat- to the point where people are wearing their winter coats and hats!. So, it ought to be interesting.


Spending the weekend getting the house in line. Cleaned and organized the living room yesterday while Todd and my Dad took Jake to Best Buy (Jake's favorite store)- they brought home Japanese *yummy* for dinner. We manage to have the bassinet and swing with room to move/play (once he has outgrown those, then it will be time for the Exersoucer). In the process of moving all of the kids books upstairs onto my book shelf and then I will transfer my books to another (less clutter). Dining area, kitchen, and downstairs bath are almost done. My bedroom- eh, some other day. Would like to get a nap in (was wide awake from 4 am to 6:15 am then went for a nap with the baby- should have no problem getting up tomorrow, but may get into an old habit of not sleeping on Sunday night because I know where I am going on Monday...and I won't be with my "babies" all day) and finish reading some magazines to add to the pile for Cathy.


Finished our taxes and have already received the state return back. Yippee...$ can go towards hospital co-pay for when Kaleb was born and other hospital related bills. Federal refund will be put into savings. Hoping my Dad will drop his off today, don't think I will have time to get to it during the week. On the taxes...why do people buy Turbo Tax when you can do it online at Turbo Tax.com for FREE and it costs the same to file electronically?? (We bought the program last year and could not use it this year because of Kaleb..we will see if we can use it to do my parents and brothers taxes).

Off to finish making "Fiesta Cabbage"- check out my page if you are interested in the recipe.