tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56910941430584169742012-02-14T20:05:57.635-05:00Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.comBlogger6661100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-66859657708056264102012-02-14T07:30:00.000-05:002012-02-14T07:30:01.122-05:00

Happy Valentines Day Everyone!   The other day we were enjoying the warm weather (50 degrees in February!!!) and broke out the sidewalk chalk.  Z took a big piece of chalk and started writing away.  At first I couldn't quite make out what he was writing but then I realized...."Rachel".  He also started drawing hearts everywhere (see the heart after her name??).  My son is in love.  Apparently

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-50798904043574539642012-02-13T07:26:00.000-05:002012-02-13T07:26:00.777-05:00

Saturday night was our first Family Date Night!  It was a huge success and I hope this becomes a monthly tradition.  We started off at 4pm after Scott came home from work.  We surprised the kids with dinner at their favorite restaurant, The Olive Garden.  We could not believe the crowd, who eats that early??  Despite the wait we had a very nice dinner and then came home for a Pajama Party. 

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-9758972344975673082012-02-09T07:39:00.000-05:002012-02-09T07:39:00.629-05:00

Taking Dave Ramsey's Advice, we decided to teach our children the importance of money and saving.  We made 3 jars with Z for his money.  He now has a Spend jar, a Give jar and a Save jar.  All money that he earns/receives is to be split among these three jars (70% goes into spend, 20% into save and 10% goes into give).   A while back I posted about Z doing chores to earn money to donate to

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-67746685959324187872012-02-07T08:06:00.000-05:002012-02-07T08:06:00.171-05:00

Well this past weekend marked the start of our 10 Day Family Recharge and the best way to describe it was ROCKY.  The recharge has been great and Erin and all of her guest contributors are doing a wonderful job of inspiring us daily to be the best family unit that we can be.  I am hoping that the lessons I learned this weekend will help to make the rest of the recharge for positive.  When I

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-58051934415552957572012-02-06T07:41:00.000-05:002012-02-06T07:41:00.540-05:00

"Please Excuse our Messy House, The Kids are Making Memories....."  I love that saying above and I try to repeat it over and over when I look at my house after a day of my children creating :)   These photos are from our outdoor family scavenger hunt this past weekend (part of the 10 day Family Recharge).  I had to hide some unnatural versions of some of the nature objects because they

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-32368644373956914242012-02-01T07:20:00.000-05:002012-02-01T07:20:00.825-05:00

 I LOVE Yoga!  I love the practice of it, I love the way I feel after it, I love how it calms and centers me....I just love it.  The problem for me is I am so sporatic when it comes to doing it.  Some weeks I do it 3-5 times and others I don't get to it at all.  It was my physical therapists request that I join a yoga studio.  I have tried a few studios out but between my husband's busy

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-53745490304103410552012-01-31T07:51:00.000-05:002012-01-31T07:51:00.408-05:00

Once again we will be counting down the days of February until Valentines Day.  I have the envelopes filled with experiences and already hung in the playroom and the house is decorated with the few things we have (all of them homemade).  There will be no gifts again this year, just focusing on friendship and love. Here is what we will be doing each day as we countdown to Valentine's Day. 1.

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-23713158756733585972012-01-27T07:54:00.004-05:002012-01-27T07:54:01.057-05:00

I am so excited about Erin Goodman's 10-Day Family Re-Charge!  February can be a very tough month for our family as we long for the warmer days of spring.  I think that this is a wonderful way to revive us as a family unit, enjoy some quality time together and focus on what is really important. I can't wait for all of the fun that it is coming our way next month. "Celebrate, reconnect and love up

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-63791221092951837802012-01-26T12:59:00.000-05:002012-01-26T13:00:29.621-05:00

I woke up, rolled over in bed and checked the bedside clock to see what dreadful hour it was.  I read 6:04 and at first this time did not register.  I was terribly confused, where was I? What day was it?   Could it really be 6:04 AM?  The last time I had looked at the clock it read 10:44pm, did I really sleep for 7 hours straight???? I DID and it felt great.  Most nights I am woken up at least

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-27670897151896053792012-01-25T07:25:00.001-05:002012-01-25T07:25:00.207-05:00

We had a busy week last week and a lot of fun.  I even got brave and took out the paints.....a first at the easel with Lil' C.  They both loved it so I am going to have do to it more regularly.  We also went to the Children's Museum with my niece and nephew...their first trip with their new membership! Making snowflakes with Z baked glazed donuts (or monuts because they look like muffins ;))

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-67069698001302790032012-01-23T14:52:00.000-05:002012-01-23T14:52:00.050-05:00

I have been really struggling this month to find a groove.  I've been feeling unfocused, scatterbrained and a bit restless.  The holiday season was so busy and chaotic that the quiet of January has thrown me for a a loop.  I think Z is unaffected by my spaciness but Lil'C is definitely out of sorts.  When I read this article on Allison's blog, I knew it was time to revisit our daily schedule.

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-3450377111629557562012-01-20T08:06:00.002-05:002012-01-20T08:06:00.441-05:00

I have to imagine that the mother of a two year old girl and the mother of a 16 year old girl have more in common than they might think.  In both cases there is usually a great battle brewing.   Yes the subject of the battles are very different...the two year old is crying over not being allowed ice cream at 9am or having to nap instead of play and the 16 year old is crying because you won't let

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-66620834565340399772012-01-19T07:37:00.004-05:002012-01-19T07:56:50.299-05:00

My favorite kind of gift is that which includes an experience.  Research has been done that the average "thing" brings a person joy for an average of 9 months but the joy of an experience can make memories which can last a lifetime.  Even though you might not have the instant gratification when giving or receiving an experience gift, the waiting and anticipation can be half the fun. For

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-46089480348661373522012-01-17T08:04:00.001-05:002012-01-18T21:45:53.515-05:00

After two very lengthy budget meetings with my dear husband (where we actually laughed, smiled, sipped wine had a "good" time) we have finally made a plan.  A plan to become debt free and then save up 6 months of expenses (with my husband's volatile job...6 months is a must).  We have read Dave's book, planned out our goals and have even taken a few of our first baby steps.    Dave Ramsey often

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-63150933448529620482012-01-16T10:49:00.000-05:002012-01-16T10:49:24.531-05:00

The SINK is FIXED!!!!   It took 298 days but it is fixed!!!!   And it was a group effort, I got fed up and took my sisters advice and poured some draino down the sink (not very environmentally friendly but desperate times call for desperate measures). Then S did not want me to take lone credit on my blog for this feat so he took the sink apart yesterday and cleaned it out!!! It works, no

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-19860974482998793342012-01-13T08:05:00.001-05:002012-01-13T08:05:00.102-05:00

Last weekend our very good friends treated us to a trip to the Aquarium ( Z's birthday present).  It was so much fun to see them, "chase the shark" and get soaked in the touch tank together.  Thanks Sey, O and L for a great day!!! At the top are a few pictures of the snow play we did yesterday morning before it all turned to rain.  We had a great time and then came in and Z said, "Can we

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-32841967021325593162012-01-12T08:05:00.001-05:002012-01-12T08:05:00.867-05:00

This is what Z says every morning as he runs to the window.  As he looks outside his happy face falls into a frown and he says, "no snow today Mommy".  With no snow in the extended forecast last week, the local meteorologists were actually apologizing.  Today we have a wintry mix that will end in rain....no fun for the little guy at all.  It is an interesting turn of events for a state that had

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-44628654482988679852012-01-10T08:11:00.000-05:002012-01-10T08:11:00.628-05:00

Today is Primary day!  The day where the nation turns to NH to see who they think should be the republican front runner.  It is an exciting day, even for an independent like myself.  I love the energy that has been building and the fact that in NH we have the opportunity (and many of them) to get close and personal with each of the candidates.  I personally have not attended anything (hard to do

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-92050089979745173662012-01-09T07:41:00.001-05:002012-01-18T21:47:10.228-05:00

Dear Family and Friends, I am writing this letter to let you know that the Raising Z and Lil 'C family is going on a diet.  Yes the entire family will be dieting and working to be a healthier family.  Now before you get your shorts in a bunch and think, "children on a diet??" (yes they are joining us too), this diet is not centered around food but rather finances.  We are tightening up our

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-14491636059472817062012-01-06T07:37:00.022-05:002012-01-06T07:37:00.812-05:00

Happy 3 Kings Day, Epiphany, Driekoningen...what ever you may call today.  For me it is not only the day that is recognized as the day the three wiseman approached baby Jesus with their gifts, it is also a day of reflection.  Three years ago on this day, we said "good-bye" to one of my favorite people, my Noni.  And in honor of her and all of the angels I love up in heaven, I'd like to share with

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-78093581735715272722012-01-05T08:20:00.001-05:002012-01-05T10:07:11.722-05:00

Here are all the photo Christmas cards in this year's collage.  I LOVE it and it will hang until March in our kitchen.  As for the rest of the holiday cards, I sent them off to St. Jude's Ranch for Children for their Recycled Card Program.  This program has been in existence for over 30 years and teaches the children there how to run a business by attaching new backs to the cards and selling them

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-7408758270252687242012-01-04T07:23:00.014-05:002012-01-04T07:23:00.574-05:00

Okay so now that I have reflected...it is time to think ahead to 2012.  I am always pretty ambitious when it comes to goal setting and resolutions and then beat myself up hard when I don't accomplish them all.  So I plan to keep it simple and a bit general. I am happy to say that after a year my family notebook is still going strong (modified for my life) and I have made two additions to my

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-3381180291696257792012-01-02T07:39:00.023-05:002012-01-02T07:59:36.332-05:00

 our celebration....a toast and bubble wrap It is hard to believe that 2011 has already passed and that it is time to make resolutions for 2012.  I love this time of year because of the new beginning.  I am the kind of person who loves to turn over the fresh page of the calendar, I love a fresh journal,  love to start a new book, love when all of the laundry is clean and put away...I love clean

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-74081097185624597292011-12-31T10:08:00.000-05:002011-12-31T10:08:01.062-05:00

New Years has never been my favorite holiday.  I always feel like there is a big build and lots of expectations, which never become reality.  We've gone to crowded clubs in downtown Boston, took a disappointing Boston Harbor Cruise and I spent 1999 sick as a dog with a fever of 103 while people celebrated around me.  Don't get me wrong I have had some fun New Years Eves, I even spent one in

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-45798945698140087752011-12-30T12:14:00.020-05:002011-12-31T07:57:52.294-05:00

-Spending so much time with family and friends....so many laughs, stories and hugs -Hosting family at our home this year and not having to travel -The delicious food....oh the food....so much food -Seeing Z so excited about Creating and GIVING gifts -My children's excitement as they came downstairs to see what Santa had left -LEGOs....I love that Z is into them now and love that Auntie A

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-49829932690169282842011-12-29T17:13:00.000-05:002011-12-29T17:13:00.682-05:00

Here is a photo montage of our holiday!  Christmas Eve at Mom's Christmas Eve Morning Dance Party She loves that hat! Z's Kindermusik Glockenspiel! Legos for Lil C My nephew trying to throw everything away...including his presents Playing with one of his two big wishes...dinosaurs!!! My Niece in her new princess cape Daddy got Snow Shoes from Neene and Chi Chi New Toys!!

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-36955092783935844872011-12-28T19:43:00.000-05:002011-12-28T19:43:33.498-05:00

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday, I know we did.  Ours was filled with family, friends, laughs, good food, smiles, warm fires, hugs and very special gifts.  It was an unforgettable holiday but the moment I am about to describe is by far my favorite. Christmas Eve we had Mimi, Grandpa J, Auntie A and Uncle A sleeping over.  We pulled Z's mattress into our room to make room for our guests

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-39048962147031029702011-12-25T09:44:00.000-05:002011-12-25T09:44:00.097-05:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!!  I hope you have a magical day filled with love, laughter, family and smiles.  We are busy celebrating with our extended family but I wanted to share some highlights from the past month.  December 1st--Writing to Santa December 2nd--Our Tree December 3rd--Playing with the Nativity   December 4th--Making Christmas Tree Garland December 5th--Advent Wreath

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-6541575319434684022011-12-24T07:37:00.000-05:002011-12-24T07:37:00.703-05:00

Z came to me a few weeks ago and asked me to help him make a special gift for Daddy.  He wanted to use the sewing machine to make it and so I suggested a pillow :)  Z picked out some mussel fabric from my box of extras (I used this to make my god son's quilt) and we set to work.  He helped me cut it, pushed the pedal as we sewed it together, turned it right side out and then stuffed it until it

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-33281314525783107922011-12-23T07:24:00.000-05:002011-12-23T07:24:00.092-05:00

Last month on Pinterest I found this tutorial and knew it was something I wanted to do.  Sarah, from Clover Lane, took all of her Christmas card photos from over the years and made these keepsake ornaments to decorate her stairwell at Christmas.   I decided to do the same and took one of my favorite holiday pictures from the last three years and created my own ornaments for my stairwell.  Can

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-15922175913789300232011-12-22T07:44:00.000-05:002011-12-22T08:18:40.860-05:00

Our Elf Magic elves, Park and Molly, have been very busy since their arrival in the middle of the month.   Here are a few of the things they have done while we are asleep :) Playing a game of Candy Land with some stuffed friends The Elves made pancakes for themselves The Elve's had a marshmallow bath They decorated the dollhouse for Christmas They built this castle and hid

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-37064189936378727032011-12-21T06:45:00.002-05:002011-12-21T06:45:00.139-05:00

I am soooo excited about the present that S made for Lil' C.  He worked very hard on it, despite his very hectic schedule...the man works 24/7.  Z really enjoyed helping him and even I had a part in the project.  I think that is what I love most about it, we all had a hand in creating it for her :)  So here it is..... It is a handmade doll cradle and she is going to LOVE it.  S built it, Z helped

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-86871333408445606712011-12-20T07:04:00.000-05:002011-12-20T07:04:00.370-05:00

 One of my most favorite Christmas books is Night Tree by Eve Bunting.  It is the story of a family who has a real living Christmas tree in the woods that they visit each year to decorate for the wild animals.  S and I both love this story and decided that the kids were old enough for our own Night Tree. Our tree is in the corner of our backyard, which we love because it is easy to see from the

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-76077473698450712552011-12-19T07:18:00.018-05:002011-12-19T07:18:01.197-05:00

S and I moved into this house almost 6 years ago.  It was February, I was pregnant with Z and our favorite room was the family room with it's vaulted ceilings and floor to ceiling brick fireplace.  The one thing the room lacked was a mantle and I asked S the first month we moved in to please install one.  Other things took up our time (removing wallpaper, rotted master bedroom deck, the birth of

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-68797547400248930572011-12-17T07:14:00.000-05:002011-12-17T07:14:01.062-05:00

This was our 4th annual trip to the liquor store to see the trains!  It is one of our favorite outings and it is FREE (well visiting the trains is free, shopping for beer for daddy is not ;)).  Our elves, Park and Molly, joined us this time and we had such a good time.  The kids were so excited and then hit Friendly's for lunch :)  It was a very successful outing!

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-38536270117408158582011-12-16T07:05:00.000-05:002011-12-16T07:05:01.466-05:00

*Sitting all cozy in front of the fire before bedtime as we read our Advent Book of the night *The fact that Lil' C will not take off the Diego Santa Hat she found in the Dollar Store...what a treasure for her....she wears it all the time *Z's reactions to the elves daily antics *Lil C singing "Jinble Balls" all day long *Watching a different favorite holiday film each night *Egg Nog in my

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-54051842153313636842011-12-14T14:16:00.000-05:002011-12-14T14:16:48.639-05:00

Man have I been busy creating lately :)  I LOVE to be creative and this year (as always) I have taken on way too much and have very little chance of getting it all done.  But it wouldn't be Christmas without late nights elfing!! I am jumping with joy because I just finished Z's homemade gift.  Each year we make the kids one homemade gift from the heart.  S and Z are in charge of Lil' C's gift

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-66313283423395803522011-12-12T21:20:00.000-05:002011-12-12T21:20:32.971-05:00

During the month of November, Z's school asked each child to do chores around the house to earn money to go and buy canned goods for the food pantry.  Z took this job very seriously and worked hard to earn money and felt a lot of pride as he went to the grocery store to pick out the food to donate. This school project inspired me to continue it into December but this time I thought it might be

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-81783193463744890842011-12-09T07:25:00.000-05:002011-12-09T07:25:00.795-05:00

Yesterday we spent a morning with Santa at the Children's Museum where we are members.  They had a special activity (limited to only 15 children) where the kids got to really hang out with Santa while they decorated cookies, made ornaments, listened to a story and got to have their picture taken.  It was very cute and a big surprise for Z...he had no idea what the special adventure was! It took Z

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-4586478496783583102011-12-08T07:53:00.001-05:002011-12-08T07:53:00.458-05:00

I am a little late for this project but decided I'd catch up right here :)  I've been taking lots of photos this month so it wasn't too hard to catch up. December 1st--Writing to Santa December 2nd--Our Tree December 3rd--Playing with the Nativity   December 4th--Making Christmas Tree Garland December 5th--Advent Wreath December 6th--Skyping Christmas Carols  December 7th-

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-16866128505172629602011-12-07T07:54:00.003-05:002011-12-07T09:58:30.466-05:00

Since last fall, our Dining Room window has turned into the family mural.  We have created many landscapes (many of them have been shown on this website) and I'd like to share the latest with you now.  Z has been begging for awhile now to create the Australian Outback.  I had asked if we could wait until January and create a mural from a favorite holiday story but he insisted on the Outback.  So

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-63222782914493582192011-12-05T09:50:00.001-05:002011-12-05T09:54:27.992-05:00

The Land of Nod had this really cute Christmas Tree Garland on sale for $29.99 (it is now sold out). I thought that was a little steep in price and decided to take on the challenge of creating our own. Sunday Z and I sat down together with all of our felt scraps and created 14 very unique and colorful trees for our garland. We have a Jupiter Tree, a Saturn Tree, an Earth Tree, a Bubble Tree, an

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-39715079914085875432011-12-03T13:07:00.000-05:002011-12-03T13:07:22.346-05:00

Every birthday party Z has been to in the last few months ends the same way....TEARS!  He loves the playing part of the parties (bouncy houses, arcades etc.) but when it is time to stop playing and eat pizza, cake and ice cream....the kid goes to pieces.  He cries and cries and cries and no matter how much we role play with him or prep him for this moment of the party...it always ends the same. 

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-38336117697160537912011-12-02T07:19:00.000-05:002011-12-02T07:19:00.045-05:00

Z and C opened up their first advent book last night and it was so exciting!  I love that they have a fun gift to open each and every night and that there is so much excitement over a book that they already own (but haven't seen in a year).  That is the fun of books, they are truly magic and that is why I love this part of our Christmas Countdown.  This year I decided to extend the fun right

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-56291595245254831862011-12-01T10:19:00.000-05:002011-12-01T10:19:12.112-05:00

This morning I was awoken by my enthusiastic son Z wearing a Santa Hat :)  "Mommy, It's December!!!  Time to open the Advent Calendar.  But Mommy if it is December, where is the snow??"  I had to giggle at this energetic chatter so early in the morning, pulled him into bed and snuggled with my very own Christmas Elf :) The activity of the day for our advent calendar was to write our letters to

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-78081388162022019472011-11-28T17:45:00.001-05:002011-11-29T11:10:50.923-05:00

This past weekend was a weekend to remember....so wonderful!  We started off Wednesday with S working through his day off :(  Yes this is not ideal but having him home working is better than not having him home at all.  It was cozy listening to holiday music while he worked and Z and I set up the tree :)  Thursday brought snow to my mother's so we were blessed with a White Thanksgiving (this was

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-10368977720222258472011-11-21T06:43:00.000-05:002011-11-21T06:43:00.129-05:00

The gift of an almost 70 degree November day with an empty park.....PRICELESS!!! Ended with Apple Cider Donuts at the Farm :)

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-10090055541430694272011-11-18T06:52:00.001-05:002011-11-18T06:52:00.578-05:00

Yesterday S's Grandfather passed away.  Grandpa Lou was an amazing and hardworking man who always put family first.  He was 92 years old, married to his 90 year old wife for the past 71 years, ran his own company and has a big and wonderful Italian family.  Yesterday when I shared the news with Z, he ran to get out his instrument bucket.  When I asked him what he was doing, he told me he had

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-30998334349268339542011-11-16T06:52:00.008-05:002011-11-16T06:52:00.725-05:00

 Before we know it December 1st will be here and so for the last few days I have been focused on this year's countdown.  This is what I am planning for this year. Advent Calendar The advent calendar that I made last year with my best friend La will come out of the basement and I can't wait to hang it back up.  I am currently working on the experiences that will inhabit each box and can't wait

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-43738176638026508482011-11-14T06:58:00.000-05:002011-11-14T06:58:00.174-05:00

Over the past few years, S and I have worked hard to simplify our Christmas.  Each year the budget gets smaller and each year I try to be even more creative with how I use my allotted funds.   In doing this, I have found the true meaning of Christmas for myself.    To quote one of my favorite movies,  "It came without ribbons!... it came without tags!... it came without packages, boxes, or bags

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-1052748801281362022011-11-11T08:00:00.015-05:002011-11-11T08:00:15.002-05:00

-The Laundry Piles Up -The dishes don't get done -The kids watch WAY TOO MUCH TV -Z misses way to much school (although he was sick too) -Lil C runs the house and goes into the pantry for snacks whenever she wants -Toys are scattered through out the house -There are crumbs EVERYWHERE -Z takes over the camera and takes A LOT of pictures (the pictures in this post ;)). and Mommy is too sick to

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-79109896829930309102011-11-09T06:37:00.018-05:002011-11-09T07:57:40.006-05:00

In keeping with our theme of the month, Gratitude, I wanted to do something in addition to our Thankful Turkey to show Z (and hopefully C) how much we have in our lives to be thankful for.  Tsh over at Simple Mom mentioned doing a Tree of Thanks on FB and I loved the idea and decided to create one in our home.  I went outdoors, found a lovely branch from the big snowstorm, placed it in a pot of

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-44319843545259444792011-11-07T09:29:00.000-05:002011-11-07T09:29:27.844-05:00

This year has been an unusual fall.  The second week of October we had temperatures in the 80's and people were water skiing on Columbus Day weekend.  A few weeks later we were hit with a very large snowstorm where local areas got hit with up to 2 feet of snow and this week once again it is warming up and we will be close to 70 degrees!   Throughout this season I have been feeling a lot like a

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-21303453349191247352011-11-04T07:40:00.006-04:002011-11-04T07:40:00.178-04:00

Our Thankful Turkeys :) We are excited and thankful that we have already received a few feathers in the mail :)

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-53632808119906192502011-11-02T07:21:00.000-04:002011-11-02T07:21:00.197-04:00

We will pack away the Halloween decorations later today and I know this will really upset Z.  The month of November is a favorite for me (love Thanksgiving and the anticipation for December) and I wanted to give Z something fun to look forward to this month.  I was thinking of doing a Thankful Countdown or something like that until I found the perfect project on Pinterest. Are you on Pinterest??

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-44767601533578714812011-11-01T07:08:00.003-04:002011-11-01T07:08:00.680-04:00

Well we were hit hard with the October storm that hit the northeast.  We only had 8 inches of snow but lost power with only flakes falling.  The power went out at 4pm on Saturday evening and did not return until 8:30 pm on Monday.  We had bought a new generator to prepare for the event and were so excited to be able to rough it at home.  We had heat (the pellet stove), our laptops and ran the

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-70483170019704535552011-10-31T07:11:00.004-04:002011-10-31T07:11:00.774-04:00

My brother in-law and his buddy challenged their women to a carve-off.  The men went to the garage and got out the power tools as the women took a more traditional approach.  Here are the results (the boys pumpkin is on the left). Yup, that's an outhouse!  They built an outhouse for their pumpkin with extra wood they had laying around.  This outhouse is complete with a hole for the pumpkin feces,

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-84172533137065065982011-10-28T06:52:00.001-04:002011-10-28T06:52:00.402-04:00

Photo taken by Sarah Moore Photography  I simply love this time of year!  One of my favorite parts is the leaves.  I love the bright colors, I love catching them as they fall to the ground and I love raking a big pile to jump into.  Fall helps you to feel like a child again and you can't help but smile and giggle as you chase leaves or jump into them.  It is pure JOY!

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-62731169642074985802011-10-26T06:35:00.010-04:002011-10-26T06:35:00.669-04:00

I don't know if you have heard about the Pumpkin Fairy before but it is all new to me.  Now that Z finally gets Trick or Treating and has a real love for candy, I have been trying to come up with ideas on how to help him consume less of the sugar.  No I am not a crazy mother who won't let her child eat any of the loot, just want him to eat less.  I have a friend who's dentist actually pays his

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-42585822409966044732011-10-24T07:17:00.001-04:002011-10-24T07:26:43.559-04:00

Lil' C is now two and her birthday party Saturday was so much fun!  We created the party around her favorite books from Laura Numeroff (author of If you Give a Mouse a Cookie, If you Give a Pig a Pancake etc.) and she LOVED it. I wanted to do a brunch and so we dined on all of the 5 main character's favorite foods.  There were moose's muffins, mouse's chocolate chip cookies, pig's pancakes,

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-39523315207305303632011-10-22T08:47:00.000-04:002011-10-22T08:47:00.142-04:00

We are very busy getting ready to celebrate Lil' C's 2nd birthday so I will be brief.  Next week I will share all the details of her party :) I cannot believe that the little sassy light of my life is now two, it blows my mind.  I can't remember life without her yet it seems like just yesterday she was this small.  I love you baby girl, thanks for making me laugh, for giving me cuddles and for

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-43440042743921626642011-10-21T07:04:00.010-04:002011-10-21T07:04:00.825-04:00

We got all curled up in our jammies, and watched one of our favorite Halloween Flicks.  We love Charlie Brown in this house and after the movie Lil' C kept saying, "I got a Rock!"  Halloween is in the air.

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-18227122560078380692011-10-20T07:13:00.000-04:002011-10-20T07:13:00.752-04:00

So what are Z and Lil' C dressing up as this year???  That has been all the talk around here lately :)  Z asked to be Raphael from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for Halloween.  It is his latest obsession and though I would rather he be Franklin (a much more loveable turtle), he insisted on Raphael.  After investigating my costume options, I decided on the most difficult route....make my own. 

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-64734749251988937882011-10-17T22:47:00.001-04:002011-10-18T06:55:14.256-04:00

This past weekend we went with my BF and her family to a Discovery Farm.  This place was all about getting up close with the farm animals and in most cases, they encourage you to get right in the pens!  There were many species of cows, sheep, chickens, goats (oh so many goats), ponies, mules, llamas, geese, ducks, reptiles, stinky pigs and so much more.  There were playgrounds, a bouncy house,

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-42644499043919855572011-10-14T08:01:00.000-04:002011-10-14T08:01:00.552-04:00

Here are some pictures from our week.  Have a great weekend!!

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-82600459139330576162011-10-13T07:39:00.000-04:002011-10-13T07:39:39.828-04:00

Last night S surprised me and brought home a little firewood.  We lit the fire, enjoyed some Harvest Moon and said "Good-bye" to our fireplace.  Today is the day that our new pellet stove insert arrives and I can't wait.  This was a big decision for us (really difficult for S....they are pricey) but we felt it was a worthy expensive purchase.  Despite my excitement for the new pellet insert, it

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-37418002327287352172011-10-11T09:51:00.000-04:002011-10-11T09:51:24.674-04:00

The warm sun was shining, the weather unseasonably warm (people were waterskiing and swimming in October!), the foliage got brighter every day, family and friends gathered and a beautiful life was celebrated.  It was the perfect send off....a combination of personal stories and memories, Michael Jackson, Ave Maria, a performance from my father and ended with a slide show of pictures to Stayin

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-50271985214647713822011-10-07T08:21:00.000-04:002011-10-07T08:21:00.677-04:00

This weekend people will travel from all over this great country to celebrate the life of a very special lady.  My Tante (Aunt Nita) passed away almost a year ago but this weekend we will be able to pay tribute to her beloved soul.  I am so excited to read the reading I wrote for her (hope I can get through it without crying too much), see my Great Aunt and Uncle who are flying in from Florida,

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-84195498489273082082011-10-06T07:28:00.000-04:002011-10-06T07:28:00.915-04:00

While cleaning Z's room: Z:  Mom the coolest thing happened last night. Me:  Really, what? Z:  I peed in the shape of Africa! Me:  huh? Z:  Last night, I peed my bed in the shape of Africa, isn't that sooooo cool! Me:  Yes Z, so cool :) Later in the kitchen: Z:  Mom dad has adult knees inside of him Me:  Yes Z, Daddy has adult knees Z:  Yes he has adult knees inside his body and I have kidneys

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-54732009415991322692011-10-04T06:32:00.000-04:002011-10-04T06:32:00.595-04:00

This past weekend S and I were not only fortunate enough to have a date night (first in months) but we also enjoyed our own version of Oktoberfest.  For the last few weeks we collected 4 seasonal beers.  It was 5 but once we found out that Pumpkinhead was a malt beverage (no wonder it always tasted like soda to me), it got booted from the competition.  So the competitors we had were:  Sam

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-7725480025014756722011-10-03T06:03:00.003-04:002011-10-03T07:11:42.896-04:00

 This weekend Mimi and Grandpa J treated the four of us, for our birthdays, to see Gazillion Bubbles at the Providence Performing Arts Center.  What a show!  The kids (and adults) were completely mesmerized as Fan Yang created the most amazing bubbles.  The finale of the show (as well as the Intermission entertainment) were the favorites of the Raising Z household but the entire show was

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-43150914175784543962011-09-30T08:19:00.009-04:002011-09-30T08:19:00.337-04:00

I am shocked that it is already time to turn over the calendar.  This month was tough but it FLEW by.  It seems like just yesterday we were unpacking the car from our time at the lake....I can't believe it is already FALL and now October!  This month is another busy one for us.  We will be spending some time at the lake, my baby girl turns 2, a bunch of parties and then of course Halloween! 

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-26745572387043070512011-09-28T06:31:00.000-04:002011-09-28T06:31:00.427-04:00

We went apple picking over the weekend at the cutest little farm.  We had to drive a ways to get there but it was so worth it.  S and I are not one for big crowds and the apple orchards around us are always PACKED.  You end up fighting for good apple picking trees and the lines in the farm stand are always out of control.  We had this orchard pretty much to ourselves and it was so darn quaint. 

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-39488653142957578442011-09-26T06:28:00.032-04:002011-09-26T06:28:00.755-04:00

Today my baby boy turns 5.  He officially leaves the baby stage of life and heads into the young child stage.  This leaves me with such mixed emotions :(  I am so proud of the little boy he has become but I so miss the baby that I use to snuggle up with.  Today, while Z is at school, I will spend some time looking through his photo books and watching old videos.  I will most likely sob through

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-11835965621879567962011-09-23T06:06:00.001-04:002011-09-23T06:06:00.585-04:00

Da Gum!  Today is Z's big birthday party!  He and 10 friends (and 6 babies) will gather together for a Rootin' Tootin' Good Time...Tall Tale Mater Style.  We have organized a party that centers around that lovable Tow Truck and the DVD of Short Tall Tale Stories, Cars Toon, Mater's Tall Tales. We had a whole outdoor obstacle course planned where the children would have had to jump over cars,

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-61401112835309452062011-09-22T06:58:00.000-04:002011-09-22T06:58:00.547-04:00

Each year on their birthday and Christmas, I have each child pick one toy for each year they have been on this planet to donate to Goodwill.  This year Z had to donate 5 toys and Lil' C 2 (S and I are working on 34 items a piece....I am finished, he not so much ;)).  For Lil' C this year I picked out her 2 toys but Z picked out 9 toys!  This was the first year that he really understood the

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-76184600860251079312011-09-20T07:40:00.016-04:002011-09-20T07:40:00.641-04:00

This is my second year canning over here at Raising Z and Lil' C.  Last year I thought I would give it a whirl and canned 40 lbs of tomatoes.  I realized that the savings in doing this was minimal over buying organic canned tomatoes but the product was worth the trouble.  All winter long (until about March) we had one delicious tomato dish a week.  We used them to make soup, sauce and other

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-71323058951791202722011-09-16T06:09:00.000-04:002011-09-16T06:34:07.951-04:00

A Special Adventure while Daddy was away this week on business.  I love that we can still sneak in adventures, even with school :)  The museum had a special event to get ready for "Talk Like a Pirate Day", which is on Monday. Z is a bit big for that slide! Sailing Away Pirate story Walking the plank Making pirate hats Hunting for treasure

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-11100559582147461952011-09-14T09:20:00.000-04:002011-09-14T09:20:49.176-04:00

That is what we have done over the last week.  We have gone from the lazy days of August to the craziness that is September.  Between 4 days of school, getting the house back in order after being away, doctors appointments, canning tomatoes and salsa and a trip to our CSA......we were all EXHAUSTED.  It was a hard week and I am not sure who it was hardest on, the kids or me.  Based on the huge

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-51055459069195297172011-09-08T13:05:00.001-04:002011-09-08T13:12:24.513-04:00

Z had his first day of school yesterday and did GREAT!  He was very nervous about going but did not give me any trouble when it came time to get into the car (unlike the day before for Open House) and hopped right out when his teacher came to get him out of the car.  There were no tears, he kept busy and despite a "load of bees buzzing in his tummy all day" he did great!  I have a feeling his

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-59585048354069276222011-09-06T15:29:00.000-04:002011-09-06T15:29:48.522-04:00

We got back late last night from three CRAZY and WONDERFUL weeks at the lake.  It was three weeks of sun, swimming, four whiny vocal children under 5, boating, Tropical Storm IRENE (we came home for two nights for the storm to "batten down the hatches" and lost power at home while they kept it at the lake), Physical Therapy 2x per week for me (my back), sand castles, daily trips to the general

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-12045525560472315002011-09-02T07:26:00.000-04:002011-09-02T07:26:00.199-04:00

It's been a summer of museums for us :)  Having the memberships has been so much fun for us and we have definitely gotten our money's worth (3x our money's worth at least).  The kids and I love to go in during the afternoon and explore the museums when they are quiet.  S can often join us around the dinner hour and it is a wonderful mid-week family experience.  I hope to continue (at least once a

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-48376423961930882572011-09-01T06:40:00.034-04:002011-09-01T06:40:00.268-04:00

I cannot believe it is already September!!!  School will be starting soon and before we know it the leaves will be changing, apples picked and kids calling out "Trick or Treat".  We are in our last few days of summer before the formal routine begins.  With Z starting formal school this fall, I want to make sure that our goals help him to be successful.  He is very nervous about this transition

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-23842010970091366662011-08-31T06:39:00.000-04:002011-08-31T06:39:00.134-04:00

In the book The Happiness Project, Gretchen broke her year long "Happiness Project" into 11 focus areas (one each month) and used the last month as a "Bootcamp" to try out everything she had been working on.  I decided to follow the same set up for my own  "Happiness Project" but changed up the themes a bit to make them fit the things that I want to work on.  Here is my plan broken down by month

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-36949648616260659352011-08-29T18:41:00.000-04:002011-08-29T18:41:00.302-04:00

In our state, the cut off for Kindergarten is September 30th.  All children who turn 5 by that day, should be enrolled in Kindergarten.   Z was born on September 26th and when I was in labor with him, I knew that no matter what sex the baby was, my child would be starting Kindergarten at age 6.  I had seen lots of kids in my days of teaching who August and September babies and were far behind

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-14443608304027408942011-08-26T07:21:00.000-04:002011-08-26T07:21:00.454-04:00

Good Old Fashioned Summer Fun :) The end of summer always makes me sad, I use to hate when those Country Time Lemonade commercials would come on about the end of summer (I think I mention this every year ;)) or the millions of back to school ads.  I realize that most of the country is already back in school and even some New England Schools are going back super early this year....but I am not

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-89357427955586302582011-08-25T07:05:00.000-04:002011-08-25T07:05:00.663-04:00

 Back in May we started a Family Journal.  We fill it in a couple of times a week at lunchtime and Z loves to have me reread the past entries.  It is a great little memory keeper and I hope to one day go back and add photos to it. We had tried this last year and drew little pictures with each entry.  I could not keep up with the pictures so the journal fizzled after about three weeks.  This time

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-38895324063591730402011-08-22T07:30:00.000-04:002011-08-22T07:30:02.482-04:00

For my Happiness Project, I wanted to have my own set of Commandments to live by for the year.  Gretchen Rubin had 12 in her book but I felt 12 was too many for me :)  So 10 it is and here they are in no particular order: 1.  Keep it Simple 2.  Be ME 3.  Do it Now 4.  Just Say "NO" 5.  Let it Go! 6.  Act the Way I want to Feel 7.  Spread Joy 8.  Give Thanks 9.  Be Present 10.  Own Less,

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-21556170341479161552011-08-19T07:18:00.001-04:002011-08-19T07:18:01.033-04:00

Lazy Days of Summer!  Happy Weekend :)

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-60490353663462270742011-08-17T08:13:00.000-04:002011-08-17T08:13:01.800-04:00

See the one radish in there??   Oh well.  I really tried this year but between the animals (Chip and Chuck), the hot weather, my back going out and being a super novice.....I am lucky we got this :)  We have TONS of beans and cukes and some great lettuce.  I am hopeful for the mini pumpkins and carrots and would have had a great arugula and escarole crop had I not pulled my back out :(  Each year

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-34727953454777476552011-08-15T06:48:00.029-04:002011-08-15T06:48:00.283-04:00

As I said last week, one of the best parts of my back going out was the opportunity to READ :)  This book was one of the many I read (I have a problem with reading too many books at once) and the only book I finished.  I LOVED it and it has truly inspired me to start my own Happiness Project. I had heard about this book a long time ago but after reading reviews on Amazon I wasn't sure I wanted

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-2483333975814851042011-08-12T08:10:00.000-04:002011-08-12T08:10:04.285-04:00

Hot days call for desperate measures :)  I bought this pool for them back when it was Hazy, Hot and Humid.  I felt it was worth my $30 to have them have a little fun in the heat.  They LOVE it and it was definitely worth the money. Happy Weekend!!

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-89621338627478168612011-08-10T06:06:00.001-04:002011-08-10T06:06:00.290-04:00

Today is a big day :)  It is not only S's 34th birthday (yes he finally caught up to me) but it is my parents 37th  anniversary (I think) :)  We celebrated S's birthday last night because it worked better with his schedule.  Z and I planned a   fun filled Mexican Dino Fiesta.  He was showered in Margaritas, Chips, Brachiosaurus', Carrot Cake and Tacos :)  It was a lot of fun to plan and we all

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-46224922441891665752011-08-08T06:51:00.001-04:002011-08-08T06:51:00.782-04:00

I am happy to report that my back is feeling a lot better.  It has been almost two weeks since I pulled it out and almost 5 years since I first pulled it out after having Z.  After 5 years and 6 or 7 episodes, I finally went to the doctor.  They did back X-rays and found that I have mild arthritis.  I will start PT this week and hopefully that will help me.  I really miss working out, have gained

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-85559172276231359242011-08-05T20:10:00.000-04:002011-08-05T20:10:40.827-04:00

Wow, I have not been around at all this week!  Sorry about that.  Between my back, Caroline getting sick (fever again) and helping a friend.....we have been super busy.  The photos I am about to share are a few weeks old and I am sorry to be so delayed.  Happy weekend and "see" you next week!!!  And as long as I am sharing birthday photos, I need to give a shout out to my Aunt L.  I am so sorry

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-32390689419162324032011-07-29T07:52:00.000-04:002011-07-29T07:52:00.435-04:00

It is our anniversary tomorrow, 7 years.  We celebrated a week early with an overnight in Boston (complete with lavish dinner that S forgot to use the $100 giftcard we had) and so tomorrow there will be no gifts.  We love to refer to the Wedding Anniversary Chart when picking gifts and when we looked this year, this is what we found: 7th Anniversary Traditional US:  Wool, Copper     Modern US:

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-30193772296983409092011-07-28T11:20:00.000-04:002011-07-28T11:20:59.807-04:00

It is really funny to me how your body knows when it has had enough.  It is at these times when you usually get sick or injured.  For me it was the latter, my back went out.  This seems to happen once a year and by now you would think that I would be prepared for such times. It happened in the shower on Monday afternoon after working out.  I had been experiencing back pain for about of week but

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-8694378153753832252011-07-26T08:37:00.000-04:002011-07-26T08:37:00.439-04:00

Once again I hired a mother's helper for one morning a week for the summer.  It was my intention to use this time to garden, clean, mow the lawn....get stuff done.  Lil' C had other ideas in mind and would not stop crying for me if I was in or around the house.  For this reason, my plans had to shift. I have now been driven from my house for the 3 hours and forced to spend some time by myself,

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-61511069627788855392011-07-25T08:39:00.000-04:002011-07-25T08:39:53.753-04:00

The Raising Z and Lil' C house has just been crazy lately.  We took a mini vacation to Maine last weekend, celebrated my birthday last Tuesday and Wednesday, S and I spent a night in the city on Thursday to celebrate our anniversary this upcoming weekend and we held the first fundraising event for my sister in-law's non-profit organization this weekend.  CRAZY!  That combined with the heatwave (

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5691094143058416974.post-88993444833870724382011-07-20T06:37:00.000-04:002011-07-20T06:37:00.399-04:00

With a whole lot of luck :)  You see S may have grown up on a farm but when it comes to gardening, he claims he does not know what he is doing.  This is our third attempt year gardening and thus it had to be bigger and better than ever.  I read (well actually skimmed through) All New Square Foot Gardening by Mel Bartholomew and this did help us a great deal.  We didn't follow it as closely as

Raising Z and Lil Chttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17505706769927770546noreply@blogger.com4