project 365/270 Dog kisses

Sunday I arrived home in the early afternoon to wonderful kisses and I missed you mommies. That was a nice way to return home from a fun trip. There was much to do and I was tired out. Between many small to do's, (get MJ's pictures printed for school tomorrow, scrub out JD football pants, unpack my bag, throw away MJ's birthday cake from last weekend and watch 2 of my auction end with bidders) I got to take a little nap while JD and Hubby ran at the track. It was nearly bedtime before I realized that I had not taken a POD yet. Well between Ruby and the kids there is always a photo op! CJ was trying to give Ruby hugs and kisses but Ruby kept getting in the kisses. CJ was trying to avoid getting one of Ruby's sloppy kisses when I snapped this photo.

Dog kisses

Project 365/269 What a day

Saturday bright and early I left with my mom and 2 SIL's to the Leelanau Peninsula for a scavenger hunt! That left dear Hubby with all 4 kids and 2 sporting events for the older 2 to attend. JD and MJ had a CC meet at Delta in the morning and JD had a Blue and White Scrimmage in the evening. As far as the CC meet, JD got a cramp early in the 2 mile run and came in way behind where he wanted to be and MJ was surprised to find out she had to run 1 1/4 miles instead of 600 yards like usually for this race. JD enjoyed his Football game more this week, due to the fact that is was a scrimmage between themselves he got to play more often and he made a tackle that got announced on the loud speaker! They had a full day. Great job guys, I sorry I missed it.

What a day

Project 365/268 I love fall

Friday I got in the fall spirit. I hung the leaves that MJ and I made last year. I love the stained glass look they have when the sun shines on them. I love Fall!

I love fall

Project 365/267 Little tush

Thursday I was attempting to take a nap and get rid of this headache that I have had for the last two weeks but I just could not get my head to relax so I gave up. Syd's crib is the first thing I see when I leave my bedroom. Her little tush was sticking up and she was snoring softly. I got a little awe moment and had to grab the camera. She just looked so cozy and comfortable. Gotta love little baby tushies and piggies!

Little tush

Project 365/266 Flying high

Wednesday we had to pick up JD at the park. With the busy after school schedule that the older two have CJ and Syd get real tired of getting up from nap time and getting tossed in their car seats to sit and wait at the all pick and drop off place for CC, football and dance. So today we had a few minutes to spare before the next thing and I let the girls play while we waited. Syd just walked around in the grass but CJ bee-lined for the swing and never looked back. She loves to swing. She looked too cute in her pink leotard and skirt flying high. Such joy on her face.

Flying High

Project 365/265 Full of Metal

Tuesday MJ got her bottom braces on, now she has a mouth full of metal. I only hope that this visit does not throw her into a week of migraines like usually, I don't want her to miss days of school this early in the year. There is not a connection between getting her braces adjusted and the migraines, both the neurologist and the orthodontist agree . That being said every time she has gotten an adjustment she has gotten migraines on and off for the next week. Migraines are difficult to handle on their own but with an insensitive brother, 2 little sisters that don't understand the meaning of inside voices most of the time and 2 large dogs that bark at everything and nothing, having a migraine in our house is very hard. I really feel for her, I have gotten them in the past and know what she is going through. I have my fingers crossed for you MJ.

Full of Metal

project 365/264 Dance pick up

Monday is MJ's dance class. Every year her class gets smaller as the girls get older more and more drop out. Most of MJ's closest friends have opted to take this year off in favor of trying something new, soccer mostly. With just 11 in this class parking is bit better than past years:)

The most notable thing about this picture is she is drinking water! MJ claims to not like the taste of water most of the time, her choice drink being a glass of 1/2% milk instead.

Dance pick up

Project 365/263 Warm fuzzy Jammies

Sunday was cool enough for the warm fuzzy jammies for the little girls. Syd had a bit of trouble walking in them, she not as steady with her feet covered, CJ has shrank a bit since the last time we pulled these out and hers were a bit sloppy, Syd on the other had filled hers out to near bursting with no problem.

Warm Fuzzy Jammies

"Sticky post" Fall ebay listings

THIS POST WILL REMAIN ON TOP UNTIL TUESDAY THE 29TH
I just listed some items on Ebay- a couple Halloween outfits from the girls last year and some coats and cords from Hubby, too much of his wardrobe is too big for him since losing nearly 50 lbs. Also Just listed maternity items! I be glad to see them go!

Inspired Blueprints Sketch #30

This is my take on Inspired Blueprints Sketch #30

Fish Fry 2009
I raided my stash and used what I had so I can't tell you what where the papers are from.
The font is 2peas Scrumptious one of my favorites
The journaling strips read "together with family - laughing with friends - fireside chats" "fried fish - chocolate cake - pasta salad - hot dogs" "hide-n-seek - the walk - water balloons - dirty feet"

It came together very quickly. during the girl's nap!

Project 365/262 One busy day

Warning:it's a long one!
Saturday we had a full schedule: Hubby's long awaited Mud Creek Crawl 10K, MJ's birthday party and JD football game. The day was packed! I created a photo collage for the day plus a POD. The party went off without a hitch, we are thankful for the family we have. JD's team won by a touchdown, he is a sub and played very little but he is very happy with time he gets to play. We need to rethink taking the girls to the games, they are a bit restless for this type of activity.

I will let Hubby tell you about his race.
Here is the collage:

Mud Creek Crawl 10k
I've heard a couple old sayings often repeated throughout my lifetime - "every picture tells a story" and "a picture is worth 1000 words". I'm not sure if 1000 would be enough to tell the story of this picture but I'll do my best to tell it in even fewer words than that.
I committed to running the Mud Creek race last year around the Thanksgiving time frame. It was to be a "grudge match" that came about after a lively lunch discussion with a group of friends/co-workers. The challenge to run came from one of my much younger, much healthier co-workers. He was 25 and "fit as a fiddle", I had just turned 39 and was at least 30 pounds overweight. We were discussing brother Michael's top 10 finish at Mud Creek in '08 and my friend made the remark that "the running gene must have skipped me". He also made it clear in no uncertain terms that I had no chance to beat him in any race of any distance whatsoever. I tried to point out that his youthful exuberance was overlooking the facts that 1) the race was a handicapped race (with the handicaps of age and body composition being to my benefit), 2) although you couldn't tell by my current physical condition, I was probably more of a natural runner than he was, 3) I had many months to prepare, and 4) don't overlook my competitiveness. His youth and pride continued to lead him astray as he kept talking until the only resolution was for us to race. I don't know if its a result of being the "baby" of the family, growing up with the constant comparison to older siblings, or just simply deep seeded insecurities, but there are two things that don't go over well with me. Please don't tell me that I "can't do" something and you shouldn't tell me that you're better than me...at anything. That lights a competitive fire within me that is hard to put out.
Long story short, I joined the Biggest Loser in January of this past year to get in shape, won that competition (I can't compete and not want to win), discovered a love for running that I wish I'd found 25 years ago, and trained every day with this race in mind.
Between January and now, my friend moved to Florida for work. He couldn't make it back to race so I won our competition, but by forfeit. It was not as gratifying as a mano-a-mano race would have been.
In terms of the race itself, I ran my personal best on this course (52:12) with a 13th place actual finish. After the handicaps were figured in though, I was bumped from 13th to 18th so I missed getting a medal by 3 places. Once I receive the official times from the race coordinator, I'll have a better idea of what my target time needs to be next year to get a medal (because I can't race and not want to get a medal).
What the picture can't show you is that there are a lot of other people represented here, helping to push me along. Looking over the past year, there are a number of things I'm thankful for:

• the support of my family. My wife has been very patient with my training schedule and my obsessive competitiveness (both Biggest Loser and this race). My brother Michael has trained with me almost every Wednesday or Thursday for the last 3-4 months and his coaching and encouragement have been invaluable. My sister, "C", and another brother, "D" have kept up with my adventures and been very supportive. Even my Mom has chipped in with her own version of support, trying to let me down easy if I didn't win the Biggest Loser, saying "you can't win all the time, you have to expect other people win some of the time". I thanked her for the support but asked her to not to let that thought cross her mind again :)
  
• the support of my friends. During the Biggest Loser, I had a number of people who tracked w/ my progress and offered encouragement at every step of the way. And during my training this summer, I've got a good friend who has taken the time to train with me on a number of occasions.
• my health - the best overall benefit of this is that I've regained control of my health, hopefully for the longer term. I'm back in shape and intend to stay that way.

Mud Creek 10K

Project 365/261 Just hanging out

Friday night the little girls were off to bed and the older 2 were just hanging out in the kitchen. JD was on the phone with his buddy and they were talking about their wants from the CCS catalog. MJ was having a snack and reading a book. A typical night in our household. They are 13 and 11, wow how they grow, where has the time gone?

Just hanging out.

Project 365/260 Happy Birthday MJ

Wednesday was MJ's 11th Birthday day. I surprised her with a new bed and comforter that she has been wanting and planning how she was going to buy it. She left for school and I took her daybed apart and set up just a simple twin bed frame, new sheets and the comforter she wanted. The hardest part was waiting for her to come home from CC practice so I could see her face! I hid behind her bed and snapped her picture when she walked in, priceless

Happy Birthday, MJ

Her are the before and after shots.

Project 365/259 Budding Ballerina

Wednesday was CJ first dance class. She looked so cute in her tutu. She is the youngest in the class but not the most shy. As I figured, I had to stay in the class room with her, she was not letting me leave but she loved the dancing. She did okay until an older girl just started crying and screaming and then she was a bit scared and clung to my legs. She is just about 2 months shy of 2.5, which is the starting age for this class, I talked with the teacher and we decided we would try it see how she did. The class is students up to 4 years old, like I said before CJ is the youngest by at least a year and it shows in the attention and listening capabilities. We'll give it few more classes before I decide if we should try again next year.

Budding Ballerina

Project 365/258 The mess of colds

The thing I loathe more than having a cold myself is having a small child with a cold! Poor Syd, it started in the middle of the night. I could hear her stuffy nose whistling while she slept. She woke with a very slimy face that only a warm wash cloth could fix, which made her howl and squirm. Since waking she has sneezed about every 10 minutes and has needed to be cleaned up after each sneeze. She sneezes, quickly looks at me then runs the other direction, I grab a tissue and chase. We have finished the box of tissue and moved on to TP, the double roll now small enough fits in the pocket of my apron. We both had a little peace while she took her nap but we paid or it when she awoke, a repeat of the morning with warm wash cloth. On top of the cold, yesterday she had her 15 month well baby check and we discovered that the diaper rash that we have been battling for 3 weeks is not diaper rash at all, it is eczema. A tush covered with eczema is no picnic for her or the diaper changer.
Today has put my cold in perspective. I least I can medicate and medicate I do with multiple doses of Dayquil gel caps and at bedtime, Nyquil liquid (the green kind, yuck). My head still throbs when I bend over which seems to be this whole day. I hope this stuff passes quickly, so far Hubby has stayed healthy, he has a race this weekend and a cold would not be good for running up hills.

The mess of colds

Friday Sketch Challege from Scrap Sketch

Here is my take on the Friday sketch challenge from Scrap Sketch.


"13"
Journaling reads: It is hard to believe our oldest is 13 & our youngest is 13 months!!
patterned paper: Fancy Pants "Papa" line (2007) Font for title is Black Rose.

Project 365/257 Dual Athlete

Today JD had his first taste of what is going to be like for the next month and a half. Cross Country practice right after school until 4:45 and then football practice from 5-7 pm. The cross country was a surprise to us and the coach. Last Thursday he "missed" the shuttle bus after school, he called and asked if he could just stay at school and practice with the cross country team (he has ran CC since 4th grade). I asked why he wanted to do that and he told me that he wanted to join the team again. He runs so well, almost effortlessly, we were surprised that he joined football because it conflicted with CC. I hope he finds being a dual athlete not to overwhelming. On Saturdays he will race in the mornings and play football in the evenings, no extra running around for us as MJ is in CC as well and they have the same races.

Dual athlete

project 365/256 Little Lu is 6

Saturday we celebrated my little niece, Lu, turning 6. Happy belated birthday Lu! Looking at her today it is hard to believe she was born way too early and was so very small. I consider her our miracle child. I'm very thankful to have her in our lives. Lu we love you.

Little Lu is 6

project 365/255 1st "game"

Saturday JD had his first experience on the football field. They played a scrimmage of sorts against another school. We did well considering, the photo should say it all. Let me reminder you that these are 7th grade players, 13-14 year olds. Most of the other team seems to have been descendants of Paul Bunyan. JD was proud of the way he played and I think that is all that matters. (He is #28) This is why I was concerned about football.

1st "game"

Project 365/254 Ice cream Social

Friday MJ's school had an ice cream social. They do this every year mainly to let the kids show their parents around their class rooms and see the set up. MJ showed me her neat as a pin desk and her tidy little locker. She is looking forward to this year as a 5th grader!

Ice cream social

Project 365/253 Last trip of the year

Thursday we used the last $5.00 gift certificate from The Corner House that we earned. You can earn $5.00 off for every $50.00 you spend. I hate to admit how many we earn this summer, but in our defense we do spent nearly $11.00 every time we go and that can add up fast. That would buy a lot of ice cream from the store I know, too many picky eater in my house to decide on just one flavor. Earning these little certificates is one of the reasons I need to use my StairMaster, to stop the jiggles!

Last trip of the year.

Project 365/252 Mothering

Wednesday CJ was busy wrapping her baby up. In the last few months she has really taken to "caring" for her babies. It warms a mommy's heart.

Mothering

Project 365/251 Back to school morning

Tuesday was our first day of school like many of other Michigan schools. I did not get the usual shots of this event like I have in the past. Blame it on have 4 kids now, getting everyone out the door in a timely manner, the kids are older now and less inclined to want there pictures taken in front their peers (JD). I don't know, we were just rushed for time this morning, I should have gotten them up 1/2 hour earlier. So this is the only picture I got of them together. MJ eating scrambled eggs that she made herself and JD grabbing a fast bowl of cereal. MJ even put a small plate of eggs in the microwave for the girls when they have their breakfast later in the morning. (very thoughtful of her). All in all they both had a good first day. I did too, I even had a mini date with Hubby in the evening, thanks to his mom. It is great to have family so close.

Back to school morning

Project 365/250 What a sweet face

Monday I just could not resist taking a picture of little Miss Syd. All I did was talk to her and she turn on her 100 watt smile. It just make you feel special when she lets you see it and when she throws the nose wrinkle in too, oh that is just like the cherry on top. I hope she never stops smiling like that.

What a sweet face

Project 365/249 Running routes

Sunday my nephew, R3, spent the day with us. Hubby had his Fantasy Football Draft most of the afternoon but took the time to toss the ball for the boys. Hubby played QB while the boys ran routes. Their first game is next Saturday, R3 has played for the last 2 years so he is ready, JD is a little nervous, and so am I! Check out their little fans.

Running Routes

The fans!

Project 365/248 Fish Fry 2009

Saturday was my folks yearly fish fry. It is nice to get together with the relatives and have a good time. The kids just have a ball playing with their cousins. Looking forward to next year already.
I created a photo collage of some of my favorite photos as well picked one for POD. I hope everyone enjoys my picks.

I took more photos of Syd than anyone, image that. I really like the one of her cuddling with Aunt Heather

Fish fry 2009

Project 365/247 Yearly ritual

Friday MJ did the ritual of trying on her dance shoes to see if they still fit. Ballet shoes, yes. Tap and jazz, no. So we will need to make a stop at the dance store here in town and get them before the 14th. Lucky for me, CJ won't need shoes until January, yeah. Creative movement can be learned in their bare feet!

Yearly ritual

The DIY Show Off: Photo Wall Tutorial & a Show & Tell

The DIY Show Off: Photo Wall Tutorial & a Show & Tell

I have always wanted to do this, hang all my framed pictures in a group like this & the painted tree, WOW. Very inspiring!

Picture from:
Tricia @ Boutelle Family Zoo

It's a scaventer hunt, Blog style

DIY Show off is having a scavenger hunt.  

Grand prize is a Black & Decker 7.2V Project Kit with Bag

You know you want it so go play too!

project 365/246 Morning Tea

Thursday morning I was puttering in the kitchen and heard the girls having a tea party. It was such a cute site I had to share. Syd only got knocked down once when Ruby tried to share in the tea drinking and stole a cup from the table. (What would Ryan do?) It was nice to watch MJ interact with the little girls, she is so good with them. CJ was even pretending to drink from her cup! Too cute!
Tea anyone?

Morning tea

project 365/245 The girl loves to dance

Wednesday was a long day for us all. I seen three doctors today, my dentist, dermatologist and family practitioner. I was crowned in gold, burned with a laser and found out I have bursitis in my shoulder! The girls spent their second day of the week at daycare, their crying makes me feel so guilty for leaving them. I hauled the older two with me to my appointments and they were just thrilled about it, making me rethink daycare for them. And after all the doctor appointments I took Ruby to Ryan "the dog whisper" for our first class, we are the only one of the six students that are over 6 months old! While Ruby and I were learning how to walk on a leash, the proper way (I'm getting as much training as she is), Hubby had all the kids at home. MJ took the job of being today's photographer and took some shots of CJ dancing, more than likely to JD's Ipod music on the stereo. She just loves to dance around.

The girls loves to dance.

I just had to share my funny with you. When Ruby and I first got to class tonight I got her out of the car and on to the lawn or rather she took me to the lawn area. Other people were picking up their dogs from doggy daycare (really??) and a lady come out with her little Taco Bell dog (I don't remember what they are called). Ruby and I were far enough away that I thought I was safe to relax a bit (I didn't think I had to worry about being pulled across the lawn). I was putting my car keys into my pocket (of my brand new Capri pants) when the little dog barked at us and Ruby took off after it, yanking my hand that was in my pocket and ripping my pants. Though all the barking I heard the ripping sound and thought just great first class and I'm going to be wearing only half of my pants. I stopped Ruby after she pulled me only a few feet and the lady and I waved our good byes as she was scolding her little dog for being mouthy. I look down to the check the damage, not as bad as it sounded, where the pocket was sewn to the pants was ripped and not on seam. Thank goodness I was wear a long tank under my t-shirt. All through class I kept pulling it down just to make sure my underwear was not showing. My lesson: never use the hand that is holding the leash to do anything else with while holding said leash.

Update:The pants have been repaired and the repair has held up to the first washing. Yeah!

project 365/244 Big enough

Tuesday we went to the Corner House for our ice cream fix and I broke down and bought CJ her own bowl of ice cream. At 28 months she is fairly good with a spoon so I thought it was time. Also she has been eating too much of my ice cream. It is hard to give her bites with me in the front seat and her in her car seat, I would barely get a bite before she was asking for another bite for her self. So I declared her big enough for her own Corner House ice cream :)

Big enough

project 365/243 Tired out

Monday it was back to practice for JD, he looks tired out. It was very near the end of the 3 hours and they had to do a lap around the field. I'm proud of him for sticking to it, everyday it seems he has a new ache or pain and you should see his knees where the pads have rubbed them raw, oh, they look sore! He gets out there every practice and really seems to enjoy himself.

Tired out

project 365/242 CJ's Club house

Sunday CJ cleared out the toy cabinet. She and Syd love to climb in and close the doors. Today she wanted to be in there alone but she keep peeking out to see if we were watching her. Who needs toys, just boxes and cabinets would make them happy!

CJ's Club house

Project 365/241 The things we find in our travels

Saturday we had to make a run to Menard's for a thermostat for Hubby's mom. On our way back we drove through Clare and stopped at Mill End, they are the last one in Michigan, I believe, and they too are going out of business. Hubby ran in to see what was left and I stayed in the van with the kids. As I looked around this caught my eye. I have no idea why it was there but it made us laugh.

The things we find in out travels.