Monday, December 7, 2009

It's Time!


Yep, it's time.
It's the holiday time.
It's time for Baby #3 to make his/her appearance.

Tomorrow I will go into the hospital at 7am, and be induced into labor to welcome our third miracle into our family. I feel ready in some respects and so not ready in others.
How will we handle being out numbered? How will Charlotte and Ian continue to feel special? How will we divide our time? How will I handle having three little ones and working and managing our home? How will Gordon and I be able to find time for ourselves?

These are all questions that I have, but deep in my heart I know that it will all be fine. Gordon and I have a very strong marriage, I've said that before. We can handle anything together. He is my rock, and I think I am his as well.
Charlotte and Ian are the best of friends right now, so I know they will handle the new baby in stride.

All these questions are my own fears. The fears of again becoming a new Mom, to a new little person. I think it helps to just get them out.

I know I can do it! I know I have the strength within myself and the strength of my amazing family and friends to help.

It is just the anticipation and the maybe unfounded fears.

Welcome little one! We are ready for you! It's time!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sometimes You Feel Like a Nut...

Ok, so I am sure you've all heard by now about our scary night in New Hampshire over Labor Day Weekend. (and no it wasn't just because with were with Mike, although he is alittle scary. hehe!)
Charlotte had an allergic reaction to what, we had no idea at the time. Swollen lip, turned into coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and hives everywhere. By the time we got her to the emergency room, she was having such a hard time breathing, it was so scary. But, my little girl was so brave. So strong. She did great. And the doctors and nurses at the Parkland Medical Center were the best. They really help to keep Charlotte calm, and me calm. I think keeping me calm is sometimes hard.
Anyway, long story short, we now know she is severely allergic to tree nuts. Yep, tree nuts. Not peanuts, but pretty much everything else. Now epipens, reading labels, and teaching a four year old to ask about nuts before eating anything is our life. I feel like a tree nut Nut!

Then at work, I am trying to do the job of two right now. We are short handed and I am attempting to pick up the pieces, see twice as many kids, and get back to every teacher that asks me. It is crazy. I am exhausted! I am hoping people at work understand, but I know that deep down, people don't care that I am short handed. Everyone has a job to do and everyone keeps track of their own. So, I am doing what I can and praying each day for the strength to get through. Even at work I am feeling nutty!!!!

Now finally, the H1N1 vaccine! Ugh! What to do? Pregnant women are at the top of the list to get this vaccine. Now it is scary. It has been rushed to market because of the flu scare. My OB/GYN tells me that if I get the swine flu, I could have some serious complications. But getting the vaccine, my baby and I definitely will get the vaccine, with all the added ingredients, that we don't know what the side effects on me or my baby will be. I am losing sleep over this debate. I feel like a nut!

It's been forever since I've posted. It's been forever since I've seen my best friends, and been able to talk to them. It's been forever since I've gotten a good night sleep. It's been forever since I have felt good about my job each day. Something has got to give. I need to crack these nuts. Now you all know why it has taken me forever to post...

Does anyone have a nut cracker?

Friday, August 28, 2009

The Push.


"You never know when one act, or one word
of encouragement can change a life forever."
~ Zig Ziglar

I have been so weepy lately. Maybe it's pregnancy hormones, maybe it's lack of sleep, maybe it's the fact that work starts next week and I am completely stressed already. Or maybe it is because my little girl is going to preschool this Fall. She actually starts next Tuesday. She'll go half days for four days a week. We bought her backpack (Princess of course), we got her a lunch box to bring her snack in each day (again Princess of course), and some other supplies for school.
SCHOOL! I really can't believe how fast time goes. I remember the day I found out I was pregnant with her. Just like it was yesterday. Then the day she was born, was such an amazing day. She truly was a miracle to us. All our children are, but there was something about Charlotte.
These days I find myself watching t.v. and back to school commercials come on and I start crying. Man, I am a sap. How do you give her the push she needs to go, when all you want to do is hold on?
My little girl, is not so little anymore. She wants to go to school. And I know she is ready, but I think I might need some kind of support group or something.

I recently got this link in an email and it got me thinking about school, my kids growing up, and how it can be hard to see, but wonderful at the same time. If you have a few minutes click the link and see what I mean. It is worth it. Or atleast I think so.
Click here to see the link.

So September 1st, think of my little Big girl heading to preschool...and send some support my way, I think I might need it.

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

John Hughes


John Hughes was born February 18, 1950. Died August 6th, 2009.
He is one of the most influential writers of teen angst from the 1980s and 90s. He wrote and directed some of my all time favorite movies of the 80s.
Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Some Kind of Wonderful,
Uncle Buck,


and Pretty In Pink; I'm sure there are more that I just can't remember at this moment. These movies I could watch over and over again and to this day they still can make me laugh right out loud. Plus they were movies that were about things teens are going through. Who wouldn't want the popular guy in school to like you, who doesn't want to just fit in, who doesn't want to take a whole day off and just have fun? All these movies did that.

He was only 59 years old, and had a heart attack. Life is so fragile.

Thank you John for all these movies that I grew up with and can quote even today.

Like "Does Barry Manilow know that you raid his wardrobe?" or "I'm thinking of trying out for a scholarship" or "Dear Mr. Vernon, we accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong. But we think you're crazy to make an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us... In the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain... ...and an athlete...
...and a basket case...
...a princess...
...and a criminal...
Does that answer your question?... Sincerely yours, the Breakfast Club". From the Breakfast Club

Or "Lake, Big Lake!", "You know, I'm getting input here that I'm reading as relatively hostile", "Oto-mo-biiile?" All from Sixteen Candles.

There are so many...no need to go on. But if you haven't seen these movies. Rent them!

They are worth it!

I also recently found this post from John Hughes' pen pal. Not only did we lose a gret writer/director, but a great man.


Saturday, August 8, 2009

Staying Cool

How does a pregnant Mom of two stay cool on a humid 90 degree summer day?

Head to the beach? Doubtful.

Stay in the AC and turn on the t.v.? Maybe.

Fill up the kiddie pool and have fun with her kids? Definitely!
We sure did have fun! They wanted to splash Mommy and pour water on my "toe-ies". Who am I to stop them?

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Wedding March?


So, I get this email today from my cousin, Tracy, and the subject was "Fun Video--with music". So of course I open it. It was a Youtube video that she said "thought you'd get a kick out of this".

Man, did I! It is great! Worth the watch. Click here to see what I mean. It's so funny.
About a five minute video, so be sure you have the time.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Big Sister, Little Brother.


About a little over a year or so ago, my sister-in-law wrote a post to Charlotte about being a big sister to a little brother. (if you get a chance to read it, it's worth it) And until recently I really didn't see the true interaction between them.
I decided to write this post after I heard this morning..."Ian, it's time to go in the car, we are going to the store" (which was of course the pretend car) Ian responded by saying "Ok, Char-It" and then she said "no call me Mommy". And he did. He said "Ok Mom".
Getting him to participate in her pretend sequences is just beginning. "Come on Ian" or "just sit here Ian" are regular phrases I hear these days.
Now don't get me wrong, there are definitely times that Ian refuses or says "no" (which happens to be his favorite word these days). But there are many times, where playing sleepover or house just happens under Charlotte's direction.
I love it.
It is so cute. I need to get Gordon to video tape some of these things.
It's going by so fast.
Charlotte is becoming more and more of a little girl and Ian is a little boy. Charlotte has all kinds of pretend play and Ian is talking in three word phrases.
When did this happen?
My little ones are growing so fast.
I wish it would slow down, while I love watching them grow.

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Friday, July 10, 2009

P.S.


After my scare this week, I think it is also important to have the strength to lean on those who are close to us. Not be afraid. It can be tough to admit we need help and the strength from others, but we do!

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Words that made me Think!

"Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle." ~Attributed to both T.H. Thompson and John Watson

I got this quote in an email from my Mom, just the other day. And oddly enough I had a similar conversation on the Fourth of July about this topic. I took it as a sign.
It makes me think.
Everyone struggles.
Everyone has a demon or something inside of themselves that they try to deal with.
Some are outside battles, like in relationships with people or their decisions that maybe we don't agree with or relationships with other things, like food, etc.
Some are internal battles, like being too sensitive, or not sensitive enough, struggles with self worth, or struggles with perfection.
Anyway you cut it, we all have something.
We all are dealing with something. And although some may seem small to others, to us they are huge. Battles, struggles, demons can be so strong. The difference is that we can be stronger.

We can lean on those close to us. Those who know our true selves. Those who would never pass judgment. Family, friends, even impartial outsiders can play major roles in our lives and how we fight these battles.

We need to only find the strength within our selves to fight.
And remember that we are all struggling with something.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Storm!

We sure had a storm! On Friday afternoon, Charlotte and I were in the garage putting out some recycling, when she spotted some dark black clouds in the distance. We talked about how it was probably raining at Grammie's house. We went inside and got Ian up. Literally five minutes later, I was running around the house closing windows.

I closed them most of the way, to still let some air in, but keep the rain out. Well, that was a mistake! I had to run around again. The rain was coming in like buckets, even through the small opening.

Then the wind! The hail! It was pretty crazy! We couldn't see out the windows. Sheets of water were coming from the sky, along with hail that was atleast marble size. It was so hard on the windows, I thought the windows would break.

Next the power went out! We got our flashlights and waited.

Finally after about fifteen minutes or so, it began to slow down. We could see out the windows.
Hail covered the garden.
A huge tree branch covered our shed, cracking the edge of the roof.
Another branch blocked the driveway.

But we were lucky.
Only blocks away...
The National Weather Service confirmed an EF 1 Tornado tore through Wethersfield on Friday afternoon. Crazy!

Luckily, my kids and Gordon and I are used to living without lights, through our camping trips and such. They each had their lanterns, we had flashlights and candles in the house.
Once everyone was fed and bathed and down for the night. Gordon and I sat in the dark and listened to the Red Sox play on the radio.

Not a bad night. A scary afternoon, but not a bad night.

Power came back on Saturday morning, although we had no t.v. so we didn't know the extent of this damage, until we took a "tour" of our town. It was indescribable. Trees uprooted, power lines down, homes destroyed. Clean up still continues today.

Definitely not something you see everyday. And hopefully we won't see again for a long time.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

No Cash Wallet

Recently I made these "No-Cash Wallets" for my Mom and Gordon's Mom for Mother's Day. I got the pattern from Amy Karol's Bend The Rules Sewing book. I think they are pretty cute.
I even put snaps on them to keep them closed.
There are two pockets, so in one of them I put a clear picture holder and filled each with pictures of kids and grandkids. So they became more of a brag book. I hope they liked them as much as I liked making them.
Now, what's the next project??

Friday, June 12, 2009

Dancing Queen

Charlotte had her first dance recital a few weekends ago and when I tell you it was so "stinkin' cute", it really was.

Not only was it my first experience at a dance recital where they did all kinds of dances, but seeing your child up on this huge stage, having a great time really warms your heart.

She did two dances. A ballet number called Angels in Training where they sang and danced. It brought tears to my eyes. No shock there, right. And the second dance was a tap number called Lollipop. These are the costumes that they wore for both. The only difference was that they wore wings too for the tap number. This is a photo of Charlotte and her friend Reagan. It was all so cute.

I just can't get over how big she is getting. How proud I am of her and the little girl she is becoming. Even though she didn't do all the steps exactly right, and may have seemed a little stage fright. She did great! And now she can't wait to get back on "the big stage".

She is my little girl, who is getting so big, and I couldn't be more proud! My little Dancing Queen!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Surprises

I always thought of myself as someone who liked surprises. Surprise parties, surprise visits, surprise gifts. Whether on the receiving end or the giving end of surprises they are always fun, don't you think?
Well, Gordon and I got the greatest of all surprises about three weeks ago.

We found out that we are having another baby! Yes, it's true! you read it right! Daigle party of FIVE!

As many of you know, we had a rough time having our first two blessings, with many procedures, shots, medications, tests, and doctor visits...and the doctors told us that having a baby on our own most likely was not possible for us. We resided to that fact, and moved on.
Well, I guess the "most likely" part of that is a grey area. This baby is coming without any shots, without any blood tests, without any major doctor visits. This baby is coming all on our own.
We are still in shock, although I am twelve weeks along. Shock because we have lived the last seven plus years thinking this was basically not possible.

We are so excited! Over the moon with happiness...I guess some things are just meant to be.

So SURPRISE everyone!
Another little blessing on his or her way in December.

Can you believe it???

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Ten!

Ten years ago I married the man of my dreams!
May 22, 1999, my life became so much more. I join my life with his, and it has been a wild ride ever since.
Gordon is such a special man. He makes me want to be a better wife, mother, friend, sister, daughter, and daughter-in-law. I don't know how he does it, but he seems to know what I need, sometimes even before I do. He can make me laugh so hard that I cry, and he can make my tears of sadness lessen a bit.
We have been through so much over these last ten years. Some of it happy times, and some of it trying or sad times. But through it all I think our marriage has only become stronger.

He is my best friend.

I can't believe how fast these ten years have gone.

I love you Gordon, thank you for making me the happiest I ever thought I could be.

Here's to many more years of special blessings, surprises, and adventures.

Monday, May 4, 2009

Big Sis.

Yes, another bag. I made this one for my big sis! I was with her for a whole long day about a month or so ago and she commented on a leather bag I had. So I knew for her birthday I wanted to make her something that would resemble that bag. But...I couldn't find a pattern that I liked. So, what did I do? Well, I measured the leather bag I have, and added some cool fabric, and alittle longer handles, and here's the result:
I bought home decor fabric to make it alittle more sturdy.
The inside it is just a bog open bag. She can carry books, magazines, even a bottle of water in it.
I think it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself. Working without a pattern, not easy, for sure. And as it turns out, she could even turn it inside out. It could be reversible. Pretty cool!

Happy Birthday, Char!!!

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Jewels

I've gotten jewelry in the past that I love. Like my engagement ring and wedding band of course, or some earrings that stand out in my mind, a Claddagh ring, and I'm sure there's more. Anyway I got this necklace for Christmas and I got a couple of compliments on it again today, that I just had to write a post about it. As you can see it is a simple chain with a couple of small squares hanging on it, along with a pearl. Those simple squares have my kids names. I just love this necklace. And it seems as if anyone who sees it, loves it too. The designer is Lisa Leonard. She has her own website. Which actually when I first got the necklace, about a week later, I broke the chain. I emailed the designer and she sent me a new chain with no extra charge. That just made me want to tell even more people about her. Check her out. Very cool things.

After the compliments I got today, and seem to get everyday that I wear this, I had to tell you all about this designer.
Thanks again Jenn!!
These two names really are my most prized jewels!

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

What were they thinking?


So who has heard of this "fly over" that happened over NYC on Monday, sending people into the streets, fleeing from their office buildings, basically causing panic?

What were "they" thinking? Now, who is the infamous "they"? The government? From what I've read, President Obama was "furious". Who authorized it? I find it all alittle strange that it was a photo op featuring a presidential jet, and the president didn't know about it. The mayor of NYC didn't know about it. It's all alittle weird to me, no?

Offices evacuated!
911 inundated!
People running in panic!

Why wasn't the public, or the people of NYC informed of this ahead of time? Seems as if there was some unnecessary panic. Or at the very least panic that could have been lessened had people been told ahead of time.

"the possibility of public concern regarding DOD (Department of Defense) aircraft flying at low altitudes" in an around New York City. But they demanded total secrecy from the NYPD, the Secret Service, the FBI and even the mayor's office and threatened federal sanctions if the secret got out."
WHAT?

And why fly over the financial district? Flashbacks of 9/11 would certainly come to mind. Have we forgotten what that day was like? I am sure the people of NYC have not. I know I have not. And most Americans have not.

"To say that it should not be made public knowing that it might scare people it's just confounding," Sen. Charles Schumer said. "It's what gives Washington and government a bad name. It's sheer stupidity."

I guess I just don't get it.

Thoughts?

Friday, April 24, 2009

So we meet again...


Tonight's the night.

Red Sox.

Yankees.

7:10pm.

Fenway Park.

Jon Lester.

Joba Chamberlain.

Should be a good game.

You gotta love a good rivalry.

(plus my boyfriend, Jon is not bad to look at).

Go Sox!!!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

45 Lessons

45 lessons life taught me
Written By Regina Brett, 50 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio .

Originally published in The Plain Dealer on Sunday,May 28, 2006

"T
o celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 50 this week, so here goes:

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. Love your parents because they will be gone before you know it.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry
13. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare and then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this really matter?
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's, we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."


I recently got this in an email.
Quite inspiring.

Click here to read recent columns by Regina Brett.

Monday, April 20, 2009

For my favorite 8 year old...

I took the In Town Bag pattern, by Amy Butler, that I have been cranking out purses from, and made a "little girl" version. I just took about an inch and a half off each side and here it is...I really need a camera that does these bags some justice.

I also used the extra fabric and made her a headband to match. I think she liked it. It didn't hurt that I gave her a jean jacket too. :)

Happy 8th Birthday, Angeline!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

It won't be like this.

I heard a song recently that I guess has been out for a little while now, but to me it was new. It is called "It Won't Be Like This for Long" by Darius Rucker.
Yep, the former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish. I used to say to Gordon, "what happened to Hootie" (I've always been a fan), and he would reply "he doesn't have anything else to say". I guess that wasn't true.
Darius went out on his own and jumped onto the country scene. As many of you know I have gone a little country myself.

Anyway, I digress.

If you have a daughter or even a child, no matter how old he or she is...this is a tear jerker for sure. (or atleast for saps like me) Or even if you are a family member to small children...

The offical video is on YouTube. Grab some tissues and click here.


I guess everyone knows that time flies. And everyone wishes it went a little slower.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Healthy and Yummy!

So, I have been really trying to watch my weight, eat healthier, and exercise more. For the most part I have been able to do it all. In my quest for new healthy recipes that will not only appeal to my wonderful hubby, but my two little ones, I came across a meal that is simply wonderful.

I was out at my good friend, Stacey's, house a few weeks ago and she made Lemon Horseradish Fish Cakes. I know, if doesn't necessarily sound good. But it was!!! I just loved them. I think I even told her that night that I couldn't wait to try them out on my family. So yummy! So easy! Two of my favorite things when it comes to a weeknight recipe: yummy and easy. Stacey made them with tilapia, but I made them with flounder. I think any white fish would do.
It was a hit. I just had to share. Try them, you won't be disappointed. Thanks Stacey!

Friday, April 10, 2009

My Friends and Family are the BEST!

I think I always knew that, but now that I have asked for help with a cause I truly believe in, everyone, and I mean everyone, seemed to step to the plate. People came out of the woodwork to donate to my March of Dimes Walk. I was so close to reaching my goal for about a week, and then sent out another email to all of my family and friends to "gently" remind them that I wanted to reach a goal. I can't believe who and how many of you responded! I wish there was a way to list all the wonderful people who opened their hearts and wallets to donate.

From some of my best friends, to co-workers who are also friends, to principals at schools where I work (who I didn't even know knew about this walk of mine), to strangers just reading my other post. It is crazy how generous people can be.

It really warms my heart to know that I have people out there that not only believe in me, but also believe in a cause that has touched my life in so many ways.

How do I say thank you? I have no idea, but I am hoping that this reaches all of you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!! You all mean so much to me!

Anyone who still wants to donate...the walk is April 26th, so there is still time, just click here.

Here are some small photos of those special little ones that I walk in honor of: Anthony, Christian, Margaret, Elizabeth, Jason, and Meghan!! Love you all!