My Family Gossip...

first day photos 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:03:00 +0000

THE MOUNTAINS

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:58:00 +0000

No Internet. No Cable. No Cell Phone.
We survived and thrived.

Big Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Charlotte bailed out of the crib last week, head first. We decided it must be time for a change. **

So we moved her into a new Big Girl bed. She is a little pleased with herself.

** This is the first time in +8 years that we don’t have a crib up in our house. It is such a bittersweet milestone.

Sweet Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 11:30:00 +0000

Every night, before I collapse into bed, I go to the girls’ bedroom to reapply kicked off blankets, smooth crazy hair and kiss foreheads. Last night I risked the flash from my camera waking them up to capture this moment in time.

Dr.Charlie

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 15 Feb 2011 04:06:00 +0000

starting fresh

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 03:35:00 +0000

Every time I try and start a new post I become overwhelmed and go to bed. So instead of losing my mind, trying to go back and recreate all of the holidays and memories I have missed posting over the past few months, I am starting fresh.

Enjoy…

Charlie rose is two

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 03:35:00 +0000

a new year

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 20:56:00 +0000

I have a 2nd grader and a Kindergartener. They were both very happy to start this new year.

I have to admit, today I enjoyed the quiet that comes with only having one child at home.

Happy Family.

Swing

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 20:38:00 +0000

By next summer her cheeks and arms will be slim.

Her hair will be less fly-away.

And her stride will be a run instead of a toddle.

She will graduate from the bucket swing.

I’ll miss the baby but I love to watch her grow.

NYC Layers

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:45:00 +0000

I found NYC to be thick with layers. These are the pictures that I came home with. I only captured a fraction of the textures in the city. I could spend weeks walking around and examining the ribs, blocks, curls, points, slabs, squares, arcs and ripples.

Two Self Portraits and Bliss

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 00:36:00 +0000

City Self Portrait

Rockefeller Center Shadow

Magnolia Cupcake Bliss

The Big Apple

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:31:00 +0000

In three days I am leaving my three children for the first time ever. Yes, you heard me. I have never left all three of my kids for longer than a trip to the grocery store. Now that I think of it, the longest I have ever left my older girls was to go the hospital to deliver Charlotte and that was nearly two years ago. Ah yes, labor and delivery, a mini-vacation with a baby souvenir, I guess that is a post for another time.

What would make me pack up my bags after all this time? It is the BlogHer conference in NYC. I have watched blogging conferences unfold on Twitter for the past 2 years. I heard last summer that BlogHer 2010 was to be held in NYC, I started to quietly plan. When my friend Cristie, from The Traveling Circus, sent out the call asking if anyone was game, I jumped on board. She also rounded up Erin, from One-Sided Momma. We three ladies are going to live it up, blogger style. We have panels to attend and parties, with names like Sparklecorn and CheeseburgHer, to rock. I am thankful I will have a long train ride home on Sunday because I am going to need it to rest up before reentering the real world. I plan on surviving on cupcakes, coffee and cocktails for 4 days. Oh, and maybe some pizza and bagels, it is NYC.

And just in case leaving my children for four days and attending a blogging conference in NYC wasn't stepping enough outside my comfort zone, I signed up to run a 5K while I am there. At 6:45am on Friday morning I am slipping on a tutu and running through Central Park. A TUTU!?!? Yes, a tutu. I am running the BlogHer 5K Tutus for Tanner. See this post for more information on Tanner, a sweet little boy who has Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy and is going to get a big kick out of seeing a bunch of crazy ladies running around in tutus. If you can, click on the Run for Tanner box in my side bar and donate a little something, please and thank you.

I am hoping to come home with a little more inspiration to write, a few tips to improve my photography skills and a bigger appreciation of home sweet home. Wish me luck and if you want to follow along on the adventure just check out my twitter stream. I will try to keep you entertained.

Do you see what she sees?

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:53:00 +0000

Today Amelia and I were in the car on our way home from her 5 year well child check-up. The sky was blue and full of fluffy white clouds and she has a thing for clouds. She was ~~driving me crazy~~ bored so I told her to look out the window at the clouds.

Amelia: Mom! My clouds are better than the ones out your window. I have animals.
Me: Oh yeah, what do you see?
Amelia: I see a Tiger-Fish. I see a Ghost-Wolf. I see a Cat holding an Armadillo on a Horse.
Me: ?????

Madeline the Spy

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 14:27:00 +0000

Please note:

Gloves: "So I won't leave any fingerprints."

Sunglasses: "So you can't recognize me."

Hat: "So I can put my hair up to hide it. I need a wig."

Scarf: "So, I look spy-ish."

She has also asked for a trench coat for the fall.

Monday Smile

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 13:00:00 +0000


This is what a baby does when you say "Say Cheese."

Fine baby, just act like Popeye.

Party Plan

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 18:08:00 +0000

I love planning. I love list making, crossing things off and covering all the bases. When planning something like a vacation or birthday party, I work from 2-4 lists at a time. Clearly, Madeline has picked up on my list making talent. I found this in the playroom. It is for the "party" she is throwing for her American Girl "Amy." She is inviting her friend's doll (Mia) and Barbie to the party.

I hope I'm invited. I hear there will be cake. :)

Shhhh... we are sleeping.

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 03:29:00 +0000

Slumber Party Check List

1. S'mores - check

2. Popcorn - check

3. M&M's- check

4. Movies - check

5. Friends - check

6. Sleeping Bags - check

7. Stay up past Midnight! - check

8. Giggle with the lights out. - check

9. Eat pancakes in the morning. - check

10. Best night ever! - check

Peek A Boo - Charlotte Style

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 17:48:00 +0000

You can't see me behind this cup...

Peek-a-Boo!

And once again, I am totally hidden...

Ha! Here I am!!

OK, watch this...see, I am gone.

and I promise I do not need a nap...

Keeping Busy and Chilling Out

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 02:53:00 +0000

As we hit the mid-point of summer break we have hit a good stride. There is a good balance of brain stimulating activity and enough time to chill out and enjoy not doing a thing. Today started out on the edge of "I'm Bored," so we ran out and bought some arts and crafts.

Madeline is officially a little fish, swimming at any chance she gets. After two weeks of swimming lessons she decided to give up gymnastics and take swimming lessons through the Fall and Winter. Amelia has also decided to give the water a chance and has also given in to taking lessons this Fall. Charlotte didn't love the pool at first dip, but she didn't want to miss out. It didn't take her long to get over it.

We have also enjoyed the outdoors when the awful heat hasn't had us hiding inside in the air conditioning. Charlotte has giving up holding on to the swing for dear life and is relaxed enough to let out a few squeals of joy as she sways back and forth. Madeline climbs to the top of anything she can find. Maybe I should switch swimming lessons to rock climbing lessons. She isn't naturally a brave child, but she doesn't let her fear stop her. I think that is pretty awesome.

I hope you are keeping busy and chilling out. There is nothing like balance.

** Yes, the girls have purple and pink hair. I told them if they had a great year at school I would let them have "highlights" in their hair this summer. Madeline has purple hair and Amelia has pink hair. It is very temporary but they are loving it. Madeline asked if she looks more like a mermaid or a fairy. Love it.

Little Girl

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:26:00 +0000

I know I have said it a million times and probably even posted about it before, but my baby is growing up. Just look at these pictures from the past couple weeks.

She is picking up so much from her sisters. She can count into her teens and sings the ABCs with her own versions of the letters. Last week at lunch, Madeline taught her to bump fists. Now she yells "KNUCKLES" and expects us all to come running to bump fists with her. I think she was a little put off at the beginning of the summer. She liked all the one on one Mama time while the girls were in school. Now she runs around like she is as big as they are.

Slow down little girl, all this growing up is breaking your Mama's heart.

School's Out!

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 02:17:00 +0000

Here we are 6 days into summer break and I have already broken the rules. Oh, I had big plans to spend every morning at the park, library or just playing in the backyard and what did I do this morning? WORK. I set up a new schedule for the summer and decided I would only work in the afternoons. I would put the baby down for a nap and set the big girls up with books, movies or workbooks and I could knock everything out before dinner. Sigh. I'll do better after this deadline, no use in beating myself up.

OK... so what's happened since the last post...

The girls had Field Day at school. There was running, jumping, scooting, parachute puffing, and tug of war. The weather was perfect and it was a wonderful way to spend one of the last days of the school year.

Madeline got glasses. There was one afternoon of worry how her peers would react, but after a little cuddle time and a pep talk her confidence was back.

(The first day of glasses was also Red, White and Blue Spirit Day.)

Amelia graduated from preschool and had a little show, featuring all the songs and dances they learned this year. She is such a little ham.

(We hired a face painting clown to go to the graduation picnic.)

And last but not least the bathroom remodel is complete. Yahoooo for another home project checked off the list.

So, what do you have planned for this summer?

The post where I lose my kids...

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Fri, 21 May 2010 15:16:00 +0000

This past weekend I took Madeline and Amelia to New York City. It was my best friend from college's daughter's birthday celebration. The plan was to take them to the American Girl store and have a sleep over in a NYC hotel.

Friday after school, we drove to my friend Cristie's house in NJ and spent the night. In the morning we got up and took the train into the city. When we got to the train station the girls decided to chat up a crazy man who was waiting on our train. When he said "Wanna hear a joke?" I was praying it didn't end with anything scary or vulgar. Needless to say we made sure he was about 5 cars away from the one we hopped on.

It was about an hour on the train. The girls cuddled their dolls and giggled in anticipation. We finally arrived and rode the escalators (or up and down stairs, as Amelia calls them) up into the sunshine and skyscrapers. We decided to walk to the hotel instead of taking a cab. It was about one mile, but we would be walking through Time Square and by Rockefeller Center on the way and the girls were pretty excited. Amelia said "Mom, I have never seen people traffic before," which I thought was a pretty accurate description for a 5 year old.

After a quick lunch we headed to the American Girl Store. They were impossible to contain. Amelia squealed in delight, louder at each display. Madeline planned each purchase in her head and had to view the entire store before narrowing her choices. Ella and Faith (the other little girls on the adventure) were both in their own worlds of overwhelmed decision making. I was impressed with the historical doll displays and I think I'll pick up a few of the books for Madeline to read this summer.

My girls each decided on two new outfits, a pair of glasses and a pet dog for their dolls. Faith picked out a cowgirl outfit for her doll and a matching hat and vest for herself. And the birthday girl Ella spent all her gift-cards on a new wardrobe fit for any fashionista.

We headed back to the hotel for a little break and the girls played with their dolls while the moms had a glass of wine. We all chilled out and recharged. Then we headed out for dinner and then walked to Central Park. The girls climbed on rocks and ran in circles. I have no idea where they got the energy, but they were fun to watch.

On the way back to the hotel we grabbed some ice-cream and sat down on a fountain. The girls scooted closer and closer to the edge, while the water sprayed them. Somehow we managed to keep them from running through it "Friends" style.

The next morning we took cab back to the train station. The girls whispered and giggled while we were waiting in the cab line outside the hotel. Once inside the yellow cab, they belted out "Taxi, Taxi, riding in the back seat.." I am sure our driver was impressed. LOL

We arrived at Penn Station at the same time our train was pulling out so we had an hour wait until the next one. I went to the magazine stand and bought four preteen magazines and the girls sat on the floor and talked about hanging posters on their bedroom walls. The oldest little girl, Faith, called her magazine "lame," which won her a spot in my heart forever.

After the train ride and a l-o-n-g car ride, we were home. That night as I tucked the girls into their beds, Madeline started crying. When I asked why, genuinely heartbroken, she said "I want to go back." Since then both girls have talked about moving to NYC when they grow up. I think their introduction to NYC was a success. This is the post where I lose my girls to Big Apple dreams, but I am OK with that. Dream big my little girls.

Things I don't want to forget...

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:50:00 +0000

Charlotte - You babble more than any of your sisters ever did. On and on you will go, complete conversations, in a language only you understand. You really enjoy riding in the car. Every time we go up or down the slightest hill "Wheeeeeeeeeeeee" and "Yeaaaaa!!"

Madeline - You memorized every President of the United States in 7 evenings so you would have a "talent" for the Primary School Talent Show. You stood on that stage with the microphone in your hand like you had no fear. When the teacher introduced you, she said "I think you can do it," and you said "Yeah, I can." Then you took off and said every name, first, middle and last, without a slight hesitation.

Amelia - You now play soccer and I never imagined you would be as aggressive as you are. You run and run and never give up. And you look good out there.

Charlotte - You are obsessed with the telephone. If there is not a phone around for you to play with you will talk on your hand. Hello is one of your clearest words. And no one can leave the room with out a "bye bye" from you, just to make sure they hear you, you YELL it.

Madeline - You are brave. You want to take swimming lessons to show me you are not afraid anymore. You challenge yourself all the time. You walk right up to kids you don't know and make friends. You climb to the very top of the rope at gymnastics, higher than everyone else, just to say you did.

Amelia - You want to be brave. You still shake like a leaf when anyone picks up up off the floor, but you keep asking us to do it over and over and every time you shake a little less. You have even trained yourself to throw you arms out and throw your head back as long as you know what is going to happen and how high you are going to be lifted.

Charlotte - One week you learned how to say "mo" and the next week you were saying NO. Now you use that word like you own it and expect everyone to obey you. Today you spent the morning saying NO NO NO to absolutely no one, you must have bad imaginary friends.

Madeline - On your 7th birthday, in March, you said you wanted to read 30 chapter books before you turned 8. One month later you are on book 14 and 15. Yes, you are reading two chapter books at once. You are so much like your Dad. At this rate you will make your goal by June. That leaves 9 months of post goal reading before you are 8. I bet you read almost 200 books this year.

Amelia - You are a hugger. There isn't anyone you won't hug. Last week you hugged a girl in Madeline's class who you thought you knew. She wasn't who you thought she was. She had a VERY surprised look on her face. You didn't notice.

Charlotte - More cuddle. You say this multiple times a day. I cannot resist you.

Madeline - You can draw anything. You draw whole scenes. Never just a person. There are always full backdrops and lots of details to your work.

Amelia - For some reason you never pick white socks. Every time I tell you to go put on socks, you come out with fuzzy candy cane socks (you were wearing shorts and a pink shirt) or gray argyle socks (you were wearing your soccer uniform). In your sock drawer 95% of the socks are white, yet you never think to pick white.

Charlotte - I baby you. You cry, I cry. I am not sure what's wrong with me. I have always been pretty tough with my girls. You are making me soft.

Madeline - You have discovered your parents are not cool. You drop my hand when we enter the school grounds. You told me yesterday that glasses don't make your Dad look smart. Oh boy, how many years until you are a teenager?

Amelia - You give me a really hard time at home, I don't feel like you listen to me. But at school you are a completely different child. It is almost the end of the school year and you have never been in time out once and your teachers have never said they ever have to correct you. I think you are listening.

Madeline, Amelia and Charlotte, I love you.
~Mama

Makin' Dough with Amelia

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:00:00 +0000

Step 1: Have mom gather play dough ingredients.

Step 2: Dump salt and flour on a cookie sheet.

Step 3: Pour warm colored water (aka lava) on the pile of flour and salt.

Step 4: Mix well and cover your hands in goo.

Step 5: Really get your hands gooey.

Step 6: Convince mom that you need more red because you do not want pink dough.

Step 7: Create a meal.

Amelia's Love

noreply@blogger.com (Crystal D) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:31:00 +0000

As you may have noticed from my Twitter stream, Amelia got her hair cut last Friday. Her hair was so long I was having trouble even pulling it through a rubber band. I told her it was time for a trim and I figured we would take off a couple inches. My babysitter works at the salon we go to and she called Friday to said there was a cancellation, if I wanted I could bring Amelia in for her trim.

Amelia and I had briefly discussed possibly doing Locks of Love when she got it cut, but she had never decided if she was willing to cut off that much hair. Locks of Love requires 10" of hair for the donation. TEN inches of little girl hair is a lot of hair. She knew what giving up 10" of hair meant. A year and a half ago she watched her sister get her pony tail chopped off for Locks of Love and she was very vocal that she did NOT want her ponytail cut off.

I told Amelia that we would be going that afternoon to get her hair cut. I asked her what she thought about doing Locks of Love and donating her hair. We talked about what her hair would be used for and why some little kids don't have any hair. She asked how long her hair would be if she cut off 10" so I showed her. She asked if it would still touch her shoulders and I said it would be close. Then she said yes.

I have done Locks of Love twice. I feel like it's only hair and it will grow back. I can say it is only hair because I have hair and my children have hair. I can only imagine what it would be like to be a little girl (or the mother of a little girl) who has Alopecia or Cancer and not have hair. It is a cause that touches my heart.

On the way to the salon, we talked more about what she was about to do and why Locks of Love is needed. She asked for the name of the little girl who would get her hair. I told her I didn't know who would get it and she said "OK, I'll just make her a card with my name so she knows who's hair she has." Of course, I melted into a puddle of Mama sap right then and there.

I am so proud of her kind little heart. She is so full of love.

For more information on Locks of Love, please visit www.locksoflove.org and consider making a donation.