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Pipe Dreams

1 Jan

A few months ago, there was a conversation between the boys on what they wanted to be when they grew up. M wanted to be a policeman and help people. B wanted to be Batman. Hopefully they would make a good team.

Tonite on the drive home they had a similar conversation except M said he wanted to work for the city and paint all the houses in town so they would look nice. B followed up by saying that when he grew up, he wanted to be a snowman.

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This is my first blog post published entirely from my iPhone!

Christmas Poem of Gratitude

18 Dec

2011 was not just another year,

for us it was full of new experiences, change, and cheer

M started kindergarten at St. M’s so proud,

and B was a new preschooler (there he is never as loud)

The boys started sharing a bedroom & we play more games since getting rid of cable

and CJ earned a newly decorated bedroom and a chair at the dining room table

CJ started walking, then dancing, talking, and singing…

And we’ve explored fishing, tae kwon do, bike rides, drawings, cooking, Wii & swimming

The fun never ends until the fighting, whining, or bedtime arrives.

(And then it starts again when the boys’ alarm starts to beep – at 6:45)

In the mean time mom and dad appreciate fine wine and a good night’s sleep

But we wanted more, so after 13 years at the same jobs we took big leaps

J now has independence to be with the kids more while working from home,

family clearly comes first

even though I am often (working) on Facebook, blogging or my iphone.

N is making career changes too, for he has been driving many miles for so long

Starting in mid-December working in Technology for our communities schools –

Staying local, can’t go wrong.

We welcomed new babies with open arms from our families so dear:

Brooklyn, Thomas, and Nolan (a nephew! and another niece or nephew near!)

Treasuring each day, and the people in it.

For that’s what this short life is all about.

So Merry Christmas to you and yours

and Cheers to an even better 2012!

20 Things I would Do if I was a Kid Again

28 Sep

“Mom, when you were a kid, was I a grown-up?”

This is a question I have heard both my boys ask Neil and I several times, over the last few months.  This is an interesting question to ponder:

Picturing Neil and I as kids again, and my kids as the mature adults. Do they think, they were our parents at some time? I can imagine being young kids (6 and 3) they don’t have a lot of memory of their lives so far, but do they think they just “forgot” a time when they were the grown-ups? Or are they making up a fantasy of them as the parents, doing whatever they want?  With us, mom and dad, as the “kids” that (in their head) they get to “boss” around… Like all the parent/child swap movies. I must admit, it would be fun to think being the grown-up for a kid.   It is also fun for me to think about being a kid again.

So, I am going to pretend, that instead of getting old, I am going to be a kid again, when my kids are grown-ups.  Now, with all this experience of being a real kid, a real grown-up, and a parent 3 times over, I think I have some pretty good experience, or hind sight, that is.

Here would be my to-do list for Being a Kid, Take #2:

  1. Turn off the TV.
  2. Stay away from the tanning booth. Put sunblock on.
  3. Listen to your girlfriends.  But listen to your mom first.
  4. Never EVER tease other kids. Even the mean ones.
  5. Learn to play an instrument. You will need to practice and listen to your Dad.
  6. Read more. Not just magazines.
  7. When a boy asks you to roller skate, and you really want to say yes, SAY YES.
  8. Tell your parents you love them more.
  9. Don’t wait until your an adult to become friends with your brother.
  10. Write in your diary more often.
  11. Play more sports. Again this takes practice. Don’t give up.
  12. Make more sandcastles. Swim more. Catch more fish.
  13. Beg parents to have more sleep overs. Even if it is not your birthday.
  14. Spend more time with my mom in the kitchen.
  15. Visit with my grandma more.
  16. Color more pictures.  Give yourself time to be artistic.
  17. Give lots of hugs. Smile more.
  18. Be genuinely thankful. Be present. (how fun is play?!)
  19. Study harder.
  20. Invest in Apple Computer (Assuming this adventure would mean I am going back in time and would have a couple hundred bucks to spare).

I am ready for the parent/child swap! What would you add to your list?

5 realizations of a not-so-new Momma

29 Aug

It still feels like yesterday, when I was a new mom, for the first, second and third time. Now, my kids are 6, 3 1/2 , and nearly 2. There are some lessons that I have learned, and have re-learned along the way.  But here are 5 realizations that stick:

  1. It doesn’t get less busy. Before I had kids I thought I was so busy, and I was. But then it got busier (and it became a different busy) and hasn’t let up, and I don’t think it will for a long, long time. With my new job, the type of busy has changed a little bit because I am not busy to rush out of the house in the morning or to feed the kids dinner the instant I get home so they don’t gnaw off my leg. If I do have any extra time, it still usually goes to my kids (which was my intention). But filling my days with the right kind of busy, and being present is they key.
  2. What didn’t work last year, last month, yesterday or 5 minutes ago, could work this time.  Each kid is so different, every moment is different. Just during a long road trip with 2 temporarily upset little ones, I was reminded of this, as I offered different items to make them happy. I was asked by B  to turn the movie off, then back on 5 minutes later. A book didn’t work at first, but when offered the third time, it made CJ happy. Then there is my M, just in the back, patient as can be the whole time.
  3.  Little hand prints and toys all over is OK. At my house, toys and food are probably in places they are  not supposed to be, and this is OK with me. I would rather enjoy some extra time with my kids, than spend my spare time cleaning or worrying what other people think. Don’t get me wrong, I love a clean house, and like things to have their spot. But life and fun come first for me.
  4. Don’t wait for the special occasion. Kids grow up in a blink, and waiting for the special occasion to put on that pretty dress or neck tie, take pictures or have a special treat may pass by before you know it. Every day is something to celebrate.
  5. There are never too many hug & kisses, I love you’s, smiles or giggles. Sometimes I think I hug and kiss my kids too much.  But it makes me feel good and (usually) makes them feel good too. Giggles are great, and let’s face it, grown-ups should laugh more openly at  fart jokes and lighten up a bit.

My kids have taught me a lot. And to think I thought I knew it all, before I had kids!

What have your kids taught you?

Reflections of the Past 12 Weeks

11 Dec

The past 12 weeks has been amazing, and it is sad that it is coming to an end, but really this is just the beginning. I thought I would write about some of the best parts of my weeks at home, starting with of course, the obvious, baby CJ. I am head over heals in love with this beautiful little girl and am still awe-struck with the idea of having a daughter. It is so different, and I know will bring so many new challenges and opportunities. I am ready. I know Neil feels the same, as he just said to me tonite, “I sure love that girl… you got some competition.”

I remember, expecting to get “so much done” while I was on my first maternity leave with Mav. I adjusted my expectations with my second leave so I would not set myself up but still found myself all wrapped up in the stress of a newborn. This time around was actually the easiest. Priority #1, #2, and #3 is to spend quality time with my kids. This time, I actually feel like I got a good balance of everything. Probably, in large part, because she is such a good baby. The boys have been a help to some extent, but on the other hand, they seem to try to razz each other, when they new I was occupied with the baby.

Only about a month old here...


In the past twelve weeks:
-I went thru one of the most horrendous evenings of sickness of my life, followed by one of the most amazing days of my life, when my daughter was born.
-We celebrated ten years of marriage! I could not be a luckier woman to have a man I can call my best friend to spend my life with.
-Witnessed Ben and Stef finally tie the knot, and my handsome hubby and son in dressed to kill. Oh and Mav making faces and waving to me and B from the front of the church. I saw him wave, so did EVERYONE else. It was cute. Neil made the wine for the wedding, and it was delicious, especially the Pinot.
-The Halloween season in general. The boys are all into the spooky stuff and every year this gets better. My Batman and Robin duo had fun trick or treating, although Brody was pretty exhausted to start with, with no nap.
-Thanksgiving – 3 of them. Each were fun in their own way, because we got to see fam that we haven’t seen in a while, and there seems to be more and more kids, so our kids have more fun playing too.
-Monster Jam- I did not go, but Neil and Mav did with uncles and their crews. This event has been talked about for almost a year, and I am glad to see it actually happen.

Fun moments playing together... CJ now 3 months old


Some everyday things that I will forever remember and cherish:
-Seeing Mav get on the big yellow school bus in the morning (I missed the first time, since I was in the hospital, the day after CJ was born, but Dad was there).
-Going outiside to play with Brody, waiting for Mav to get dropped off after school.
-Seeing Mav really get into writing letters and numbers…. all of a sudden, it just sparked in him and he shows a want to write! This is such an eye-opener that he is becoming a big boy and learning important things.
-Brody making progress on the potty, especially with the dreaded #2′s! Now we just need to keep practicing!
-Charlotte’s first smiles, and then the boys learning that they can create them! Mav has this tickle tickle thing he does on her knee, that seems to get her everytime.
-Cuddling on the couch in the morning, PBS cartoons, hot coffee, everyone cuddled together and relaxing in PJ’s. Perfect.
-Brodzilla and his wild ways. From high jumps to kitchen cleaning and his oddities with food, he always kept me hopping and appreciating quiet time.
-Brody’s answer to everything – for a while “Yeah baby” at the present moment though, it is “No, no, no”. Let’s go back to the “yeah baby” please!
-Grandparents and how they rock. Spending time with the kids here and there during the day, Tues. nights, even a Friday night here and there… so that mom and dad can stay sane. Thank you.
-Making food with Mav- muffins, cookies, anything. He loves helping me measure and mix but is mostly in it to lick the beater at the end. He is his mama’s son.
-Bringing all 3 kids to open play at the school. Mav was so proud to show his brother his school classroom, and it was fun to introduce CJ to school too. When it was circle time at the end, the kids would even include Charlotte in their “goodbye” song.
- Brody’s “Hey baby” to Charlotte with his arms open wide… Mav comforting her when she is crying and I am busy. Such great brothers to their little sister. Now I just wish they would get along better with each other, without fighting over every toy and tackling each other at every opportunity.
-Sleeping next to a warm baby. Squeaks and all, I don’t mind a bit to share some cuddle time with her.
-CJ’s bath time- She absoloutely LOVES baths and gets excited with just the sound of running water. She could easily take a 20-30 minute bath and be perfectly content.
-Feeding CJ and having the best excuse in the world to relax and do nothing but cherish the moment.


Other awesome things accomplished:

My handsome guys ready to rip it up at Ben & Stef's wedding.

-The shed got built! Neil gets credit for 95% of this, but this is huge for both of us, because we can now park in the garage, and organize all our outdoor stuff. Plus it is an extension to our house that I really see us using a lot in the future for fun projects and to be outside more.
-Kids bathroom got a new look. Bright yellow walls and funky fish all over. It turned out perfect.
-Old blog got moved over. A task that has been haunting me since this time last year… Now done.
-We got a new laptop. No we do not have to go sit in the basement to work on Quicken or whatever. And no more fighting over MY mac :)

What a fantastic 12 weeks. Now life just has to be altered a little bit to accommodate for the work-thing. We can do it. A great 2009. An even better 2010. I am loving life.

Anticipation: Now and Ten Years Ago….

16 Sep

Ten years ago, I was busy planning a wedding. Today I am busy planning for the third addition to our family. It is amazing how time flies, life teaches you so much, and it repeats itself in mysterious ways.

Now just two weeks away from the baby’s expected due date, the reality of this life-changing event is beginning to make itself known. For the past nine months, I have been thinking, waiting, for this “date” to come… wondering how I would feel, if I would be ready, if it would be what I expected. Coincidentally, it was the same amount of time that we were engaged. Neil proposed to me on Christmas morning 1998, and we “took the leap” (as our invitation described with cute little frogs jumping in the water) on October 2, 1999.

jackie neil On many anniversaries prior to this, we had talked about taking a romantic trip to some distance place for our 10th anniversary. Our love for travel started with our honeymoon to Jamaica, and the talk of anniversary trips began when we visited Niagara Falls (and discovered the awesomeness of Canadian wine) on our 5 year anniversary. Never did I picture myself having a third baby around the ten year mark. But that is what makes life interesting.

As my cousin Ben and his awesome fiance’ Stef plan their wedding day for this October 10 (just ten years and a week after ours) I can’t help but reflect. The stress, the relief, and then total excitement for what life holds next. And most importantly, the commitment that two people are making – to love unconditionally. Wow.

So here I am, together with my husband, making the same commitment, in a new way. Except now it is to each other and as a family, with a new little person that we don’t quite know yet. Life unfolds again.

Favorite Moments of the Moment

3 Sep

-Brody is starting to appreciate books more. At bedtime, when we are done with one, he will get down, pick up another one, and bring it back to the chair.
-B has this cute new way of asking you to sit/lay by him. He pats on the seat next to him, and says, “mama” or “dada” – like “come sit next to me”. I thought it was really cute when did this the other night at bedtime, in his crib. Signaling that he wanted me to come lay next to him in his crib. He also tried to “pull” you towards things that he wants you for (i.e. towards the kitchen for a treat, to get his blanket, etc.)
-One of my favorite things lately is weekday mornings with Mav. When his alarm goes off, I am mostly all ready for the day. So I spend 20 minutes or so cuddling with him on the couch before breakfast. Relaxing.
-Another favorite moment – is watching rain storms from the front deck. We sit on the swing, protected from the rain, and just watch the storm. Again so relaxing. I just wish we would have had more rainstorms this year!
-Prego status – I really love being pregnant and will miss it! Well I am now 36 1/2 weeks pregnant, so by next week it could be a [safe] go. My dr is going to be out of the country for 2 weeks before my due date :( so we will see what happens. She delivered both boys and I wish she would be there for #3, but it doesn’t look good. It is only about 26 days left until my actual due date. I am excited but not ready yet, and most concerned about how B will handle not being the baby in the house anymore.
-The boys helped me make dinner tonite. Actually made it to dinner time without any breakdowns before hand. We made tomato soup and tuna sandwhiches. Mav said the sandwhiches were delicious, and I wonder how much of that was because he helped!
-Not a fave moment but – I cant wait until B is done with the running onto the street phase. How do you stop a kid from running on to the street, when he realizes you are trying to stop him, he just runs faster?
-And another fave moment, waking up in the morning, half asleep, and seeing that my husband has already made coffee. Heaven. Coffee with french vanilla cream while putting make-up on … just a little thing that means SO MUCH.

Photos, Kisses, Vegetables, Nightmare, PJ’s, Green Grass

23 Feb

-Brody is giving these sweet “kisses”. He presses his mouth against your cheek and just holds it there.

-Maverick has taken a new interest in taking pictures. All the pictures in this post are photos that Maverick took.

Check out Broderick's cool hair. It is so long in the front now it is actually starting to hang in his eyes!

Check out Broderick's cool hair. It is so long in the front now it is actually starting to hang in his eyes!


-After Maverick declaring that he loved brussel sprouts after we had them last week, I made them again with cheese sauce (as Grandma Kathy gets him to eat every vegetable if it has cheese on it). He then declared that he does NOT like brussel sprouts with cheese.

-Maverick woke up last night at 3 am as scared as I have ever seen him. I could not get it out of him last night, but this morning he told me that he had a dream that there was a big bear by his door.

-Going through some old pictures tonite (from the past year- not really old) made me reflect on how far we have come. It was only 4-5 months ago when Brody had just two teeth on the top, and two on the bottom! Now he doesn’t even eat baby food or use a bottle any more!

Wow! A picture of Neil and I on Valentine's Day.. Now we have our own photographer in the house!

Wow! A picture of Neil and I on Valentine's Day.. Now we have our own photographer in the house!


-Maverick is starting to say “I love you” more. For the longest time, we would say it to him, but he would not say it back. I think he knows what the words mean and it almost made him shy and embarrassed. He would jokingly say “no mom I don’t love you..” then admit, “yeah I do…” with a little smirk on his face.

-Maverick has pajama day coming up at preschool and he feels a little weird about it. He thinks it is silly to wear PJ’s to school but I assured him the other kids would be to.

-Brody eats like there is no tomorrow, then he eats some more. Mav was the same way when he was Brod’s age. Mav is becoming a more selective eater now which I am trying to change, as veggies and a healthy diet are so important!

-Brody is so into everything Maverick is…. and usually Maverick really isn’t willing to share.

And of course, these are a few of Maverick's cars and trucks. A real photographer captures the essence of the object like this.

And of course, these are a few of Maverick's cars and trucks. A real photographer captures the essence of the object like this.


-Broderick is doing a lot of cruising around the house on the furniture, but is just not into walking by himself yet. Like Mav at his age, crawling just seems a whole lot faster when you have some place to go.

-Both kids seem to be getting a whole lot louder..

-I am so ready to be outside in the grass and sun. This winter is getting long and I want more choices of things to do with my kids. Only about a month longer until spring!

Mornings need a kick start

30 Dec

American Innovation Talking Alarm Clock- Can it help my morning woes?

American Innovation Talking Alarm Clock- Can it help my morning woes?

I got Maverick a really cool alarm clock for Christmas. It is designed for kids and also is suppose to teach them how to tell time. Also lights up when it is OK for them to wake up (we could have used that about 9 months ago). I splurged on it and spent $40 on Amazon. I looked everywhere and really found nothing that compared.

Almost every morning I have to go and wake up that bear. He can be so crabby in the morning, and man he is pokey! I am sure that it is my own childhood coming back to haunt me, but come on! So that point of the fancy new alarm clock, is to get him going earlier, waking up on his own, and ready on time. Do you think it can happen? He is also starting preschool next week, so that is another incentive. We really don’t have to get up an earlier to goto preschool but thought that may be a good time to start a new responsibility. We will see.

Time of year for reflection & goal-setting

30 Dec

I am a big believer in goal setting, and think that it helps tremendously to stay on track and achieve the things that you want to make happen throughout the year. Really I think it is as simple as writing it down. I remember reading somewhere that just by writing a goal down you are [enter % here] more likely to make it happen. I believe in it. Even though about half of my 2008 goals were actually met, I think I made big strides towards them… and that is a good feeling in itself. Plus my #1 goal is to put my family first and enjoy each minute with them. So all the other “tasks” in life, seem pretty unimportant compared to that.

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