The Lily Pad

A few more Valentine's Decorations

2012-02-12T23:02:00.003-05:00

I added a few more Valentine touches around the house and now we are all set for Tuesday...
I Arranged alphabet blocks to spell "love" on top of some favorite dessert cookbooks. I hung some wooden hearts that I covered in pink and green fabric from a thick pink ribbon, which I draped along white wall.

This little face

2012-02-10T17:40:00.004-05:00

Oh, this face just lights up my world. It is so nice having you, little one all to myself on Fridays while your brothers and sisters are at school. You are such a love, I just want to eat you up! You hold my hand, and keep glancing up to me as we walk across the field to the playground and nod your head in agreement as we sit in Starbucks and chat like little old ladies. You are my pal and I think maybe I'm not the only one that relishes the three hours we have to ourselves once a week!

Cute and Clever Valentine's Cards

2012-02-10T14:56:00.009-05:00

We've been busy crafting for the big day, trying to come up with some clever and unique Valentine's for classmates, family and friends. Luckily the girls preschool class is small, but of course they had to each make their own and I had to address double the cards! The boys have had a little more free rein, but Cam still needs a little supervision, making sure every one gets addressed properly.

Cute as a Button

These were easy enough to make. I had the girls glue on all the buttons onto a styrofoam heart, then I attached the ribbon at the top.

You're Sweet

The twins had fun with stickers and doilies then we glued on the dot candies cut in a heart shape, a few conversation hearts, and finally stuck a lollipop through the doily and finished it off with a bow.

You're a Hoot & Owl Be Your Valentine

Cameron and I transformed paper lunch bags into these adorable owls. We rounded out the owls head by cutting off the corners, and used these for the ears. We added googly eyes, a triangle nose, some arms, and a heart.

You're Just "Write" Valentine

We punched holes around the perimeter of the heart then wove some ribbon around the edge, to deck out these Valentines. Also using the hole punch, we attached a Valentine pencil. A perfect gift approved by parents and teachers alike.

Conversation Piece

2012-02-09T21:13:00.004-05:00

We've been busy decorating for Valentine's Day and this "Conversation Piece" makes a beautiful centerpiece on the kitchen table. I placed the tulips in a cup inside the vase then filled the space between with a large assortment of conversation sweetheart candies. This bright cheery arrangement feels like spring and reminds us that love is in the air!

Easy Gift Tags

2012-02-08T22:14:00.003-05:00

When heading to a kids party and pressed for time, I found that a page taken from a coloring book makes the perfect gift tag. The recipient gets to color it in, and you or child just needs to write "To" and "From"!

Super Superbowl

2012-02-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

We threw a last minute Superbowl party yesterday. On Saturday I made a few phone calls and we invited some family and friends over to watch the big game, then off I headed to stock up on groceries and game day necessities. My most exciting purchase was a new crock pot! I can't believe I've made it this long with out one, but after my pulled pork was such a success (and so easy) I can't wait to try many more recipes. I cooked two pork tenderloins in the crockpot with a can of root beer and topped with barbecue sauce. After 6-8 hours the pork practically shredded itself! I had fresh rolls to make sandwiches and served it with coleslaw and a delicious corn salad with bacon dish that my cousin Libby brought. For apps, I served these delicious buffalo chicken egg rolls:

Source: canyoustayfordinner.com via Amanda on Pinterest

. I used Texas Pete's Buffalo sauce instead of hot sauce and I think it took the edge off. It was hot enough to have some good flavor but not too hot that the kids couldn't enjoy them. I also made this yummy fruit salsa but served it with Stacey's All Natural Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips (instead of homemade)

Source: the-girl-who-ate-everything.com via Amanda on Pinterest

. I had a dutch oven full of sweet and sour meatballs cooked in pineapple juice and red currant jelly. Of course it wouldn't be a football game without salsa and chips so we had some set out with some guacomole my sister-in-law brought. I also made these baked Zucchini sticks with a french onion dip:

Source: kingarthurflour.com via Amanda on Pinterest

. And then I served our household favorite, Savannah Sin which is always a hit. For this delicious and hearty dip served in a bread bowl, mix together a small carton of sour cream, an 8oz stick of cream cheese, a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, a small jar of chopped green chills, a small ham steak (cubed), a dash of Tabasco sauce and a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce. Place in bread bowl, wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 350 for about 45 minutes or until heated through. For desserts I made cupcakes topped with green frosting made to look like grass, then I placed a toy football on each. I made football shaped whoopee pies and piped white laces onto each football. I also made brownies shaped into footballs with a cookie cutter. Finally I made a stadium pound cake using a mold purchased many football seasons ago at William Sonoma. The kids and I added flags we made out of construction paper and toothpicks. We decorated the house with red and blue streamers and balloons for our favorite team who sadly did not deliver, but it was a fun party nonetheless!

Cute as a button...

2012-02-03T14:30:00.004-05:00

I used the left over fabric from yesterday's tree project to make these "Cute as a Button" Valentine's. We glued on the fabric, a couple of pink buttons and using a hole punch wove some ribbon through the cards for a decorative touch.

I heart Trees!

2012-02-02T22:19:00.004-05:00

We made this sweet Valentine tree to fill the empty spot on our kitchen table where one of our Christmas card trees stood not long ago. We have gotten in the habit of making a tree centerpiece for each holiday season. For our Valentine's tree, we found a branch in the yard and stuck it in some oasis which we placed in a small tin bucket. We painted the top of the oasis white and then glued a soft pink ribbon around the pot. We cut out cardboard hearts, then glued fabric onto both sides and finally using a hot glue gun, I attached the ribbon hanger.

How fitting...

2012-02-01T21:49:00.006-05:00

The boys have a new nick-name for Addison; The Master of Disaster. She's cute alright, affectionate and super- lovable, but she's also quick, clever, curious and fearless. I think their new nick-name is quite fitting for this 21 month-old wrecking ball. She can scale a counter top in 5 seconds flat, empty a drawer in the blink of an eye, squeeze out the toothpaste tube when I turn my back for less than a second and dump out every bin of toys in the playroom before I finish uttering her name. I can't wait 'til she masters clean-up!!!!

Things I'd like to remember (and some I'd wish to forget)

2012-01-30T13:56:00.016-05:00

From the last full week in January of 2012...

I would like to remember all the free time I had to relax, cook, play with the kids during the time that would usually be spent doing laundry while our machine was broken for 4 days.

I would like to forget all the loads of laundry I have been doing playing catch-up since our machine was repaired and all the baskets still waiting to get cleaned- calling my name from the depths of the basement steps.

I would like to remember a great morning spent as a family at the zoo, and how the girls ran and skipped from one exhibit to the next teaming with excitement, and how Cameron, our official map holder, read interesting tidbits along the way and how Jameson captured the whole day on Camera.

I would like to forget Addie's fear of the gorillas and the shrieks she let out whenever we passed near their exhibit and how she still trembles when we mention the big monkeys.

I would like to remember this wonderful picture Avery made of a "ballerina wearing a crown"

and this one Ella drew

and this one Addie colored:

I would like to remember the kids all dancing to Annie's It's a Hard Knock Life and how all the kids now know all the words to that song.

I would like to forget the few late nights helping the boys complete some school projects due to some serious procrastination on both our parts.

I would like to remember how Avery and Ella manage to incorporate the words "probably" and "actually" into every sentence.

I would like to forget how the girls whine and cry when I won't give them what they want, and how the secretly go and ask their brothers who always give into them.

I would like to remember how Addison says "go mama" for here you go mama whenever she hands me something, and how she always wants to tag along with her brothers and sisters saying "come?"

I would like to remember how great Cam played in his last indoor soccer game of the season, running up and down the field and taking many shots on goal.

I would like to forget how he got left at a sports clinic over the weekend, and the phone call I received from a concerned parent who noticed him upset and alone after the coaches had left. In truth, he wasn't really forgotten about, Jim just dropped him off, ran to the store and thought it went a half hour longer than it did- but try explaining that to a distraught 8 year!

I would love to remember Ella and Addie running off to hide at bedtime and finding a giant lump under our covers and Addie pulling back the blankets as Jim and I walked in the room saying "We're hidin in hea!" then pulled the covers back over her head.

I would like to forget Addie constantly rearranging all the furniture in the kitchen, moving chairs to climb on counters, pulling things off the refrigerator, and reach cabinets. I am going to have to bolt everything down!

More Fun with Crayons...

2012-01-27T14:31:00.008-05:00

Thanks to our wonderful babysitter for introducing us to the wonderful union that exists between a crayon and a hair dryer! The possibilities are as endless as the mirage of melting wax. Simply glue the crayons onto a canvas with super glue (we used Instant Krazy Craft Glue). Once the glue is dry and the crayons are held securely in place, prop the canvas up with the crayons at the top and place some newspapers under your work surface. Hold a hairdryer 4-6 inches away from your crayons and let the melting begin. The heat and gravity will do the work for you...

(Here's our picture perfect floral arrangement-just glue on artificial buds)

(A for Avery-the artist behind thus work)

(Bleeding hearts in time for Valentine's Day)

Connect One

2012-01-26T23:20:00.004-05:00

Turns out Connect Four isn't just for the big kids! Putting the checkers in the slots takes some determination but was a great activity to work on hand and eye coordination with the toddler set. The three year old crowd thought is was fun too and I bought myself some more time by having them work on making color patters before they moved the switch and got to watch all the pieces fall out the bottom .

Twin Toilets

2012-01-24T14:32:00.007-05:00

As a follow up to yesterdays post, there is one area where my twins are identical through and through, and that is as far as their internal plumbing is concerned. Since they were newborns they have shared the rare ability to synchronize their bowel movements. I remember every time I finished changing one twin and got cleaned up, with in minutes the other one would have soiled her diaper too. It is like they have shared an unspoken pact about when they have to go, from the get go! This has been a source of stress more than a convenience. Many times as babies they both had massive blowouts at the same moment, as toddlers they would both dirty their diapers during nap then encourage one another to remove the soiled diapers in their cribs, and now they fight for first rights on the toilet. The other day when they both had to go at the same time Avery ran for the downstairs bathroom and Ella settled for upstairs. As I helped Avery finish up, Ella decided to take matters into her own hands. She over looked the toilet paper and instead settled on Clorox Wipes found under the sink. Glad I walked in when I did...

Identical?

2012-01-23T16:43:00.007-05:00

Avery (L) Ella (R)

It sometimes blows my mind to think I have two very different little girls with the exact same DNA. They started from the same egg in the same womb and have shared nearly all the same experiences yet their personalities and abilities are so different at times. Ella is clearly the boss, the domineering of the two and Avery, while stubborn at times, is usually happy to oblige with her sister's wishes. Ella, the first born, is a real leader, always wants to be first and the star of the show, and Avery in her own little way manages to find just the right part to play in that show. Avery has a natural grace about her and seems to pick up things rather quickly and if something does not come naturally she will work at it until she has mastered it. She does not give up or get discouraged easily. Ella, confident and assured expects that new skills will come with ease and when they don't she can get frustrated or will leave it and move on to something else altogether. For an extrovert, she has a difficult time in new situations and likes to stay by her mom's side and ease into a crowd. Avery doesn't have the same reserve and will usually enter a class or a party with less hesitation. Ella is usually the first to answer or speak up, although Avery has her own opinions she will wait until her sister has spoken and will then contribute. And their voices and delivery are so different as well. I can decipher the difference in tone and pitch with out hesitation. It really is interesting to see these distinctions emerge. When someone asks me how how to possibly tell the difference between my two identical girls, I should just say watch and listen...and you will see for youself!

Makes My Monday

2012-01-23T14:34:00.010-05:00

First sled of the season with my girls Makes My Monday. They were ever so appropriately dressed for both the weather and the paparazzi! Snowsuits? Check. Boots? Check. Gloves? Check. Hats? Check. Tutus? Check.

Nothing like a dance show in the snow!

And some yummy cocoa for intermission!

I Got a Fibber On My hands...

2012-01-21T14:37:00.006-05:00

I have been know to exaggerate a time or two, all for the point of emphasis, but I try and tell the truth and set an example for my children to do the same. I try to instill good moral values. We never miss a Sunday at church. So how did I end up with a 20 month old who has no problem fibbing to my face?

Me: Addison, did you try some of Mommy's coffee?

Addison: Nope, Nope (shaking her head side-to-side with abandonment)!

(Notice the coffee stained shirt, and dribble on her chin)

A while later,

Me: Uh-Oh, who made a big mess?

Addison: (with out hesitation) Ella!

(Ella had been gone all morning with the rest of her siblings)

Me: I don't think so, Ella's not here. What silly girl dumped out all the blocks?

Addison: (again without pause) Daydee (Daisy- the dog)!

I guess I have some work to do with this one...

Things I'd like to remember (and some I'd wish to forget)

2012-01-19T14:35:00.002-05:00

Some day when my kids are grown I hope I will look back fondly on these times. I hope I'll forget all the chaos and remember the cuddles. I'm sure this week will blend in with the next and the weeks will blend in with years, but if I can recall this 3rd week in January of 2012, I hope I remember these certain details and hope the others vanish over time. From this past week:

* I would like to remember this lovely card Cameron made me for no reason at all. (bonus: he drew it with smelly markers, Yum)!

-I would like to forget the tantrum he threw every afternoon this week when it was time to come in, settle down and do his homework.

* I would love to remember overhearing the twins talking to each other in their cribs across the room the other morning who's conversation went something like this:

Avery: "Ella, we friends?"

Ella: "Yes Avie, we friends, you my twins!"

Avie: "What we have today?"

Ella: "We not have school today, we have ballet today!"

Avie: "You like ballet? I like ballet!"

Ella: "I like ballet...I make mumma so happy!"

-I would like to forget their screeching battles and tantrums and grabbing fights over who has what baby doll, which reached an all time high this week and the temper tantrum I threw when I had had enough and grabbed every last doll and threw them in a heap on the closet floor for a time-out.

*I would like to remember Playing Connect 4 with my boys this afternoon while we all enjoyed tea and a fruit and peanut-butter concoction Cameron made for us.

-I would like to forget the mess that I have since been cleaning from Cameron's peanut butter concoction, the mashed bananas he incorporated and the connect 4 pieces which the girls got a hold of and deposited all over the house.

*I would love to remember all the adorable new things Addie has come out this week like:

"Oooo its daak in hea" when we drove through a tunnel in town,

"Oooo, hepy" A she carried a heavy purse that was half as big as she is.

"Mama no go bye-bye" As she rushed to put on her boots, not wanting to get left behind.

-I would like to forget how this week, she learned to unzip her PJs and take off her diaper and how she subsequently peed twice and pooped once in her crib and the laundry I am still doing from these shenanigans.

*I would like to remember how last night all three girls still fit so nicely on my lap at the same time and how I can wrap my arms around all three while still managing to hold a book in front for all to see.

-I would like to forget how they attempted to push each other out of the way, each vying for a more prominent spot on my lap, saying "No, my mommy!"

*I would like to remember all the nice outings we took this week, we went to the playspace, the gym, packed a picnic, went to gymnastics and ballet and had a most enjoyable time at each place.

-I would like to forget our outing to Target and the scene I caused pushing a cart with a toddler fully turned around in the front, wiggling out of her buckle attempting to somersault into the main basket as the other two dangled legs out the side while singing into plastic toy megaphones they picked up in the dollar bin at the front of the store, and how I only managed to purchase one of the items on my list, a white button down shirt for Jameson's uniform which was covered with applesauce by the time we made it to check out and how I found some chapsticks in Avery possession when we got home which were somehow smuggled out of the store.

*I would like to remember cheering Jameson on as he ran up and down the court at his basketball game on Tuesday night and how he really came alive in 4th quarter.

-I would like to forget how he pulled his hand away from mine ever so slightly as we neared the gym.

*I would like to remember how Addie's chin felt on my shoulder, her warm chapped cheek against mine, her chubby arms around my neck when I got her out of her crib this morning.

-I would like to forget the neighbors voice that came through the breezeway asking us if we knew Addie had walked outside by herself through the door, still ajar, on Sunday and the accusatory glares that flew back and forth between Jim and me.

*I would like to remember how sweet each child looked when I checked on them each night this week, curled up with their "Bitties" and "Ditty" and Red Sox Blankets.

-I would like to forget how they protested going to sleep, claiming they weren't tired and begged for another story, a glass of water anything to postpone my peace.

But if I remember it all, well I guess that's fine too!

Science 101

2012-01-18T21:48:00.000-05:00

This simple experiment never gets old! Just combine vinegar and baking soda and watch it fizz! The chemical reaction that takes place when the acidic vinegar combines with the base baking soda causes carbon dioxide to escape in the form of lots of tiny bubbles. We turned a paper cup upside down on a paper plate to look like a volcano. We then combined vinegar with a few drops of orange and red food coloring to look like molten lava. We filled the top of the cup with flour, then the kids took turns adding the vinegar with a medicine dropper. The volcano eruption always elicits wide eyes!

Weekend Wrap-Up

2012-01-17T22:54:00.000-05:00

Night out with my boys

My girls

Addie checking out this morning's snow

Avery hamming it up

We had a great long weekend here at the Lily Pad. We only had half as many sports practices and games because of the holiday weekend so that freed up time for other fun stuff. We all got out on the backyard ice-rink for the first time. The mild winter has left us with a swimming pool for weeks, but finally the temperatures dropped and the ice froze over, so we suited everyone up and a mere 45 minutes later were ready to step out onto the rink, and I was relieved that we and didn't hear a crack! Avery and Ella were very excited to try out their new skates. One quick fall led to a little whining from Ella, but as long either Jim or I was holding a hand (or more like a limp body) then both girls were all game and had a blast. The boys also loved it and spent much of the day skating with neighbors. Jameson had a great hockey game (not in our yard) yesterday morning with his team and managed to score the only goal, and although he was playing defense was awarded the first "Puck of the Game" - a new honor the coach has just begun bestowing upon the player who tries the hardest. It made getting up and out of the house at 6 am, all worthwhile (for Jim that is, I stayed home in bed for another hour). Jim and I had a date night on Saturday so we got all dressed up and headed into the city. As luck would have it, the restaurant were we had our reservation was closed when we pulled up due to a power outage, but we managed to find an open table at a near by trendy new restaurant and lucky for Jim there were large Tv's in view so we could follow the football game. It was a great night out and we both enjoyed catching up and unwinding! We also had a sitter Sunday night so we could take the boys out for a special night all their own. The four of us went to the movies and saw "We bought a Zoo" then went out for Mexican food. It is so great having the big kids all to ourselves and what an easy and fun dinner outing without the little ones in tow! The boys really appreciated it as well. Cam must have thanked me 20 times and told me he loved me, twice that nuch. When he's sweet- he is So sweet! Monday, Jim was off of work and the boys were home from school so we all went to watch the girls ballet class and they loved performing for their daddy and brothers who I think were all impressed. Addie joined in the class and tried to keep up with the big kids. She was suprising good at following the teachers instruction. Aunt Tammy and Papa came as well and then we all went out to lunch. After that it was time to get set for the week ahead, so we washed and put away 5 loads of laundry and got groceries in while the girls took a most well deserved three and half hour nap! We had a nice pot roast for dinner and got everyone to bed a reasonable hour then it was time for me to collapse on he couch with The Bachelor!

First Skate from amanda on Vimeo.

Butterflies

2012-01-15T14:21:00.000-05:00

When the girls woke up from their nap yesterday, I asked what they wanted to do for a project to which Avery replied, "Make butterflies!" So we decided to spread our wings and see if we could metamorphose some plain white paper into something much more beautiful!

I spread some old/wrinkled/un-used Christmas wrapping paper (reverse side up) over the table to help minimize the mess. I then cut butterflies out of white cardstock and then the girls got busy with our Dot Art, stamping multi-colored polka dots onto the wings.

While the wings dried they painted the bodies with pink and yellow finger paints.

They then then turned their attention back to the wings and attached colorful sequins using a glue stick. We then stuck the bodies on top and attached some pipe-cleaner antennas. Ella told me she planned to give her butterfly to her Papa and Avery said she made hers especially for me. That really made my heart flutter!

Gross things I dealt with this week...

2012-01-14T18:30:00.000-05:00

This could be an on going weekly column in my glamorous life...

1) Cleaned the bathroom after a certain three year old decided to wipe herself but couldn't find the flushable wipes and resorted to using the terrycloth shower curtain among other things found in close range.
2) Fished a pacifier out of the toilet.
3) Moments later fished said pacifier out of a child's mouth.
4) Cleaned out washing machine after a diaper made it into the wash, concealed in a pair of tights. Those diapers can absorb a large volume of water but ultimately reach a point (probably in the spin cycle) where they explode into a billion tiny crystals of unknown chemical make-up which mange to disperse through the entire machine and adhere to every article of clothing attempting to get cleaned.
5) Removed a car-seat from mini-van's third row (the Way Back) only to discover a year's worth of congealing Happy Meal bi-products and fermented Pirates Booty.

Pizza-Picnic

2012-01-13T22:16:00.000-05:00

We changed up Friday night Pizza night by turning it into a picnic dinner. The wind was howling and sleet falling intermittently outside, so we spread a big quilt on the family room floor, and spread out our feast for all to enjoy. We sat and watched the Smurfs (although Addie never actually sat for more than 3 seconds) then had warm chocolate chip cookies for dessert. It was a nice way to kick off the weekend...

Crayon Magic

2012-01-13T21:24:00.000-05:00

I just cleaned out our crayon box so I decided to do a project with the kids re-purposing all of our old and broken crayons. The girls peeled the paper off the crayons then the boys helped them break them into smaller pieces.

The kids then arranged the small pieces into silicone muffin tins.

Silicone candy molds in any shape also work well. I then positioned the muffin tins in the stove and baked at 350 for about 10 minutes. We kept the oven light on so the kids could watch the wax melt before their eyes. After about 15 minutes of cooling time we inverted the silicone cups and out popped some brand new crayons!

They look good enough to eat! And with Addie on the loose they will most definately get eaten!

World's Fastest Chicken Soup

2012-01-12T15:55:00.000-05:00

The weeknights are pretty busy around here, between homework, sports practices, tubs and early bedtimes, fitting in time to make a healthy dinner is always a challenge. I do try and make one meal everyone can enjoy each night but look forward to Pizza night on Friday (and takeout for Jim on I on Saturday). I modify my meals for Cameron, my pickiest eater, but refuse to become a short order cook! I have found that the only way I can get dinner made is if I start early when the girls are still napping so that when they wake up, it is on the stove or in the oven, ready to go before they are all begging for snacks. On nights like last, when I hadn't taken advantage of nap time and have to get everyone fed, and get Jameson out the door to hockey I fall back on my ten minute chicken soup. I remove leftover cooked meat from a rotisserie chicken, put it in a large pot with two cartons of trader Joe's Organic Chicken stock, add some chopped raw carrots and celery, and peeled diced apple (gives it a little sweetness). While it simmers I quickly microwave a bag of long grain minute rice, and pop some crescent rolls in the oven. When veggies are tender I add the rice, a dash of seasonings and viola- Chicken soup with rolls for dinner in under 15 minutes. This one needs no modification- everyone licks there bowl clean!

Monday Funday

2012-01-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

Avery had a follow-up appoinment this morning with a sugeon about her back, and while she was hysterical walking into the hospital, the appoinment itself was uneventful and she managed to calm down by the time it was over. This girl hates doctors- I think it was all the ear infections and ear checks the first two years that really turned her off. The doctor today was reassured at how things looked and just suggested that her primary Doctor follow it from here on, so that was great news. Although it was 10:00 in the morning when we finished up, I had promised her ice-cream, so we stopped for a little date at the only "ice cream parlor" open at thar hour of the morning- Mc. Donald's!

It struck me today how well Addie is talking all of a sudden. She is putting two and three words together, and it is so fun listening to her.

When she got herself stranded on the kitchen counter today, she called out "Help, me!"

When she heard the train in the distance this evening she perked up and yelled out, "Daddy choo-choo," then ran to the door waiting for him to walk in.

She is talking up a storm, although I am not always thrilled with what she has to say, "NO bed, NO nite-nite!" or "NO car!" or "NO! MINE!" I somehow ended up with yet another strong willed toddler and she is giving her sisters a run for their money.

Avery and Ella had there first ballet class since the vacation. They are getting more independent in class and are better about following directions. I think they really enjoy it! Here's a clip from earlier today: