Originally uploaded by archimom

Crazy ice sailboat racing at the beach. The ocean was at my back. It was amazing.

Originally uploaded by archimom

For a while, I thought this boy looked exactly like his brother. I think it's mostly because when he was born, he looked entirely different, and then he started to look more like his brother. But now I see that he really is his own little man. Don't get me wrong, you would guess they were brothers any day of the week, but it's a variant. I'm also seeing how my daughter looks similar - this wee one has a resemblance to both kids.

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Originally uploaded by archimom

Today we went to Friendly's for lunch. We were running late and we were all pretty hungry. Daddy doesn't like Friendly's, and when we eat with him, we don't eat much cheese, so it was a big treat. We all had cheese - grilled cheese and tomato for me, grilled cheese for the girl, and mac n cheese for the boy. The baby boy slept all through so me taking three kids during vacation week was pretty good. They were really well behaved and totally earned their sundaes. ;o)

Originally uploaded by archimom

My sous chef chopping garlic. She does really well with that little plastic knife. I love having her help me prepare things, not just cookies (but we do love that) but regular, healthy food too. She's a very adventurous eater, too, and I think having a hand in things helps.

en route

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Originally uploaded by archimom

Getting ready for a first client meeting this morning. I didn't even arrange this stuff but oh! how artsy I was, unwittingly.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Mom, on that sign above the sink, why are they washing their toes?

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Dark to set the atmosphere. Because it's valentine's day. We went to a new restaurant (to us) and it was the first non-funereal event without any kids. It was lovely and we ate too much because it was so delicious.

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The valentine's balloons at the grocery store. I am thinking of getting some for the kiddos. Who doesn't love balloons?

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Matching heads on the littlest and biggest.

Believe it or not, I'm going to give a real blog post here because I can't really torture anyone else with this stuff. You're welcome!

Our house has been on the market, on and off for the better part of 4 years. Pretty well the girly's entire life. So we take it off when the leaves fall off the trees, for a variety of reasons. About a month ago, a realtor wanted to show it (again, no leaves on trees, not at all in mode of selling). So we scrambled and house cleaned and it was good but we don't hold out hope anymore since no one has bought it yet. But they really liked it. And are coming back again Sunday.

The house is a disaster. It really is, but it's all relative. We've been really good at purging, making sure the kids clean up their rooms every (other?) day, not having crap around, so it isn't as far off as it has been. I just have to put all of the valentine craft stuff away, both the girly and I had colds so much tissue tossing, and then that extra "put the toaster in cabinet make the whole house sparkle and smell like bleach" step. I'm always glad to have it done so I'll keep thinking of how wonderful Sunday night will be.

I, however, did tell my husband that I have a theory that he and the realtor are in cahoots, and that whenever the house hits a certain untidiness level, they "schedule" a "showing". That also would explain why no one has bought it yet.

ranch

ranch
Originally uploaded by archimom

Someone was asking about dream houses recently. While this isn't my dream house per se, but this style is it, and this house is a good example of that. I really like it. They built another house basically in this one's backyard, so ignore that part.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Snow day pillow fort. M was reading the valentine poem she memorized at school:

I love you more than applesauce,
and peaches and a plum
and chocolate hearts and candy tarts
and berry bubble gum.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Took this because I was scrambling around last night and realized my hair looked just like I wanted it to (minus the bangs that are too long). I like when it's super smooth and a bit flippy. Of course, I can't reliably do it like that on purpose. Oh well.

Originally uploaded by archimom

He was a friendly dragon.

Originally uploaded by archimom

I have the intermediate pictures but I can't figure out how to get them to post in the right place.

Anyway, M drew a picture "of you momma!!" at Sunday school. What a riot. I love my smile.

Originally uploaded by archimom

I went out to get the mail and the baby was laying on the blanket and the big boy was in another chair. 90 seconds later I returned to the cutest cuddle ever.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Not the best picture, but this tree is almost as old as the house. There's a story about this tree and John Greenleaf Whitter, but I take that with about seventeen grains of salt. The blue sky was really pretty though. Very typical February weather here.

Originally uploaded by archimom

The funniest part is that he's sitting on daddy, who is taking a nap. I mean, hard at work. It is a Wednesday after all.

Rockin' Moose.

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Originally uploaded by archimom

I can't wait until babyboy is big enough to use this. It's the cutest thing ever.

Originally uploaded by archimom

The husband's grandmother had this prism at her house, and this last month it's been throwing wonderful rainbows all over the kitchen. We love to see it on all the various surfaces. I thought it was kind of funky on the colorful rug.

Originally uploaded by archimom

The big boy had written a book and was reading it and explaining it to Daddy. Daddy looked away because he realized I was taking a picture but I'm quick like that.

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Typical saturday morning. And this is why we need a larger bed.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Baby boy loves to watch the fire. He is sitting on my lap here, don't worry.

Originally uploaded by archimom

My girl and her best pal. When they play outside they come around the school and it's too cute to see them all. Ms. Judy, the teacher with them, said she was calling them The Slowskis because they were so lollygagging and singing and taking up the rear.

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I think I'd get along with this person.

"It's hard to convince people that you're killing them for their own good"
"Magic happens"
"If ignorance is bliss, why aren't more people happy?"
"If you can't operate the turn signal, what makes you think you can operate the rest of the car?"

Originally uploaded by archimom

Because he makes my heart go squee.

25/365

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My boy was chosen to lead stretches at karate today. He takes it very seriously.

Originally uploaded by archimom

It is almost Papa's birthday so he came over. We had lunch out but then came home and made a cake. I love this pic because of the look on the birthday boy's face.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Not the best picture but it was sort of constant motion. Family swim today at the gym. Old pool.

Oatmeal crispies

Oatmeal crispies
Originally uploaded by archimom

The girl loves to make things. And she can do it all if I make it really easy for her too. She can unwrap the shortening, and dump the rest in (we ran out of brown sugar so white plus molasses it is!). And she can turn the mixer on to a 2. And is pretty good at scooping out balls of dough (the imperfection is part of the charm!).

And me, I'm really good at eating them. It's a useful skill.

Here's the recipe if you want. They are delicious, sort of a combination oatmeal/sugar cookie. Not like an oatmeal-raisin cookie, but I bet they would be great with many things added to them. My niece (nut allergic) was there so we skipped the pecans.

Originally uploaded by archimom

He painted the Statue of LIberty. Not sure why but there it is.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Wednesday is dance class day.

19/365

19/365
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Nursing off the four month shots. He's getting nice and fat. 14 lb 13 oz already. No wonder that bucket is getting so uncomfortable.

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Snow day! I love the way the dog is looking at them here.

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The girl has decided her dolly Lila needs a quilt. So we're making one out of some leftovers we had around. I think I even have some batting somewhere, even though I'm not a real quilter. She was illustrating how we will make it, therefore blurry hands. It's an action shot. ;o)

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Last night the gym daycare lady made my baby smell of perfume. So morning tub it is! He's finally to the point where it's not utter torture, but I think it won't be "fun" until he's in the big tub with siblings.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Waiting at the bus stop in pajamas. We only go to the bus on Friday mornings, and usually the babygirl is still asleep. She gets plenty of beauty sleep. But today we all went. All but for daddy and baby who were still asleep when we returned.

gym

gym
Originally uploaded by archimom

Entering the gym yesterday. Not a great shot but it's been this beautiful sunny cold weather lately. Also, that back portion is the NEW POOL which may be open by March 1. I am not holding my breath because it was supposed to be open in August. At least all the dirt is out now and it really is just finish work. I just can't wait to go directly from the locker room to the pool - right now you walk through all of the weight area, including the judgmental body builders. And it's cold!

Originally uploaded by archimom

I took this yesterday and posted it and forgot to blog it. Anyway, I figured since I spend so much of my day, might as well include a photo of it. So here tis!

Originally uploaded by archimom

This is the property I fantasize about. It's perfect in so many ways, except for the $1.2 million price tag. Oh well. I'm a masochist who drives past it a few times a week so that when it gets ripped down and filled with mcmansions, I can cry.

Our fearless protector.

moon
Originally uploaded by archimom

Moments after this, she barked at the ups guy who threw our package up to the stoop. Good thing nothing's breakable.

Originally uploaded by archimom

A view from our typical Sunday seats. The sun was so lovely off the snow.

Nap kisses

Nap kisses
Originally uploaded by archimom

The big boy had to run over and kiss his brother while we were putting laundry away and things during naptime.

Seven year checkup

Seven year checkup
Originally uploaded by archimom

Is this not super stylish? He thought it was a riot. He's my healthy and strong boy. Also, his BMI is at the 90% which just goes to show how flawed that system is. He's fine and the doctor said that's a load of crap (although she's much more tactful anyway).

Dance class in January.

Originally uploaded by archimom

The boots, the hat, the gloves, the coat. The tutu.

Also, she is such a little bag lady. She always, always has to have a bag with some of her friends in it. Lately it's been a holiday gift bag.

Quiet time.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Each afternoon, when the girly is done with school and lunch, we go downstairs for some quiet time. Since she doesn't nap any more, she definitely needs down time before brother gets home and life gets more active. It usually involves turning on pbs and all of us piling into the one chair for an hour or so. We had just gotten off the floor from doing a puzzle.

Originally uploaded by archimom

We are partaking in some 90% off christmas candy. The cherry cordial ones are totally gross, by the way.

Taken by the girl

Taken by the girl
Originally uploaded by archimom

So yes, it's blurry. But the girl took this and I like it. The light off the snow is nice, I don't look horrible, and the smile is this really lovey smile. Directed at the photographer I'm sure.

By the fire after the bath

By the fire after the bath
Originally uploaded by archimom

The title says it all. He hates the bath, loves the naked, loves the fire, so it's a mixed bag. But he smells good now!

Originally uploaded by archimom

This morning, all 3 boys (look closely!) in my bed. Well technically *one* of the boys belongs there. But I'm powerless to the other two.

Originally uploaded by archimom

Oh gosh this didn't end up being the best picture. But he's taking it *so* seriously.

Project 365

In the interest of becoming a better blogger I'm starting up project 365. I honestly think the reason I've been such a slacker has to do with the love for the iPhone and the fact that I rarely use a real computer. So here we go!