Hurricane Sandy

Eating popcorn and watching cartoons during Hurricane Sandy.

We came away from yesterday's hurricane with almost no damage (we lost some shingles on our roof). We were even lucky enough to keep from losing power. The biggest fear running through our house, even during the howling winds, was whether or not the storm would be gone in time to go trick-or-treating. It's a valid concern for a 5 year-old.

The destruction of the hurricane, especially in New York and New Jersey, was devastating. All of the images and videos and stories have had me glued to the computer. My heart goes out to all of those who lost so much. 

Isaac @ 5 1/2 Years Old

Hiking with the family last weekend.

• Nothing makes Isaac happier than Legos and Ninjas, so Ninjago Legos are a dream come true. Ryan thought it would be fun to show him the end clip of Karate Kid, so now Ike can often be found practicing his "crane move." Let's just say he has a ways to go before he gets to Daniel-Son's level. 

Everybody loves Saturdays, but Maddie in particular "because I get to be with Isaac all day!" I think he misses her while he's gone all day as well.

I was able to join Isaac on his first field trip. We went to a nearby apple orchard. It was really fun to see him interact with his teacher and peers. My favorite part was how excited he seemed to have his mama there with him--I felt like a superstar. My normally less-affectionate boy couldn't stop hugging me and holding my hand. It was really cute. 

Always a Ninja.

 Since starting school, Isaac's vocabulary is just exploding. He often attempts to use big words, though not always in the right context. It's pretty funny and pretty adorable.

Who is this girl making a move on my little boy? Just for the record, he was there first.

• Getting Isaac to pray often takes some convincing, but when I am successful, he says some pretty funny and often touching things. Just tonight he prayed the following: "...and please bless me to have a very happy Halloween  and that I will be able to share all the candy that I don't like with other people, and the toys I don't like, that I will share those, too. And please help me to remember Jesus on Halloween and remember the true meaning of Halloween so that I can feel the Holy Ghost that day..." I'd say there are plenty of teachable moments to choose from in that prayer. I might have my work cut out for me.

From the Mouth of My Babe

October is my favorite month of the year in CT. We see this tree every day as we walk Isaac to the bus stop.

Not too long ago the younger kids and I were running errands around town when a popular song came on the radio. I turned up the volume and we started jamming out. After about 30 seconds of me singing along with Ms. Underwood, Maddie suggested, "You know, Mom, you don't have to sing along with her. You can just listen so we can hear her better."

From the Mouth of My Babe

East Rock Park, Oct. 2012

Isaac and I were talking this afternoon about why his dad gets called into work sometimes. 

Me: "People have problems with their feet and Dad has to go to the hospital to take care of them."

Isaac: "Can I be a foot doctor when I grow up?"

Me: (a little bit surprised by his response) "Of course, if that is what you want to do."

Isaac: "I do. Then I will get to work with Daddy every day."

It's Autumn Time, It's Autumn Time!

It's much more fun to be a mother when your kids are getting along.

• Fall has definitely arrived here in CT. The leaves have started changing colors (so beautiful!), hoodies are a daily part of our wardrobe, and we even put our air conditioning units away until next summer. I love this time of year and am crossing my fingers that it lasts until Thanksgiving.
• Isaac and Maddie both seem to have fallen into the school routine quite well. I like the structure that it gives us during the week, and I think everyone in the family has a new-found love for Saturdays. It can often be heard on Saturday mornings, "Mom, can we stay in our pajamas all morning if we want to?" One of my favorite new habits that Isaac has adopted is that of raising his hand--he raises his hand almost nightly at dinner if he has a question or wants to say something. Makes me smile every time.

Having a pretend sleepover with big sis.

•  I am so so so excited about the announcement from General Conference regarding the age change for missionary work in The Church. What a difference this could make! My mission changed me in so many positive ways that I can only hope for it for all of my children. Not everyone needs a mission, but I can't imagine what my life would be like if I hadn't served. So many life lessons were learned. I still reap the blessings from that decision I made almost 13 years ago.
• Speaking of General Conference, there were so many great talks, weren't there? As is to be expected, Elder Holland's talk, "The First Great Commandment" on Sunday morning was one of my favorites---I love how he is using so many New Testament examples in his discourses these days. We are currently studying Jesus the Christ in Institute, so his examples are taking on more and more meaning as we study the life of Christ this semester. I also loved Elder Gay's talk, "What Shall a Man Give in Exchange for His Soul?",   Elder Oaks' talk, "Protect the Children", and President Uchtdorf's talk, "Of Regrets and Resolutions." 

Maddie at college football pre-game party for kids. She watched the kids 3x her age go down the slide before her and got too many daredevil ideas.

• I think the D-Man might have turned a corner in his toddlerhood. He has recently become easier to reason with, slower to anger, more likely to listen, and generally a happier child. He cracks us up on a daily basis and it is fun to finally be able to see his little personality come to light. He seems to shine best when we have guests that give him lots of love and attention. He really won over his grandparents last week.
• LEGOS are taking over our home. I am happy that both Isaac and Maddie are in love with these little plastic blocks, but they are seriously EVERYWHERE. Ryan has already put a ban on LEGOS for Christmas, insisting that we give them something else. I don't think it will last.
•  My dear friend, Kandis, is coming to visit us for Thanksgiving. I am so very excited. Ryan will be working that day so it will make the holiday much more fun to have her around. Plus, I can't wait to see her.We really have so much to look forward to.

Grandma and Grandpa in CT

After their jaunt in the northern New England states, Lynn and Mary-Ann made their way to CT to spend the final days of their vacation with us. 

Here we are all anxiously waiting for them to drive up in their rental car. 

They spent a lot of time reading books and playing with the kids. Grandpa especially loved getting them worked up right BEFORE bedtime.

And teaching them new things, like how to turn an apple into a water lily.

We explored Yale's campus one morning and ran smack dab into the Caseus Cheese truck. I'm pretty sure it was the best sandwich of the D-man's life.

Enjoying the view from East Rock Park.

Climbing on the rocks at Silver Sands Beach.

Checking out the sea creatures along the shore with Grandpa.

Our guests left Sunday morning and tears were shed (mine). We can't wait until they come back again next year. We had such a great time Christmas shopping for the kids, eating delicious seafood, cheese, and pastrami, spending the day at the beach (minus the crazy-aggressive seagulls), and playing with toys. I am so thankful for the loving families we have been blessed with. What good examples they are to us and our children.

Boston with the Inlaws

Ryan's parents have been vacationing in New England for the past couple of weeks. While they were in Boston a couple of weeks ago we met up them so we could spend the day together. 

We started out at our very favorite children's museum. If you are ever in Boston it is a must-visit with kids. 

One of the many qualities I admire about Mary-Ann is her ability to find teachable moments with the kids so often. It is a gift of hers. She is constantly taking opportunities to teach them new things. 

Maddie at the museum with a view of the Boston Harbor behind her.

Ike-a-Lisa at the museum.

Dunking the ball with a little bit of help from Gramps.

Building some muscle strength with Dad.

Like most two-year-olds, this boy has some pretty animated expressions.

After spending our morning at the museum, we headed to Faneuil Hall for some seafood lunch. It was a beautiful day and we were able to eat outside. The kids were then treated to a carousel ride by their grandpa.

We ran out of time and weren't able to visit the inside of the Boston Aquarium, but Dave still enjoyed coming face to face with the sea life outside. We did, however, make time for gelato and Italian pastries (you know how I love me a sweet lobster tail from Modern Bakery) in Little Italy. 

Mary-Ann kindly took care of the three little ones for the night while Ryan, Lynn, and I headed to Fenway Park for a ball game. Here they are on Yawkey Way. 

Seeing a Red Sox game at Fenway Park was at the top of Lynn's bucket list, so it was really fun to experience it with him, even for someone like me who isn't much of a sports fan. 

Proof that I was there. 

Thanks for a wonderful day and some great memories, Lynn and Mary-Ann!

From the Mouth of My Babe

Superheroes on their motorbike.

"Someone started a 'boys only club' at recess, but I didn't want to join it," Isaac exclaimed one day after school.
Out of curiosity, I asked him, "How come you decided not to join the 'boys only' club?"
"Because," he said, "next year, Maddie will be in kindergarten, and if she isn't allowed in it then I don't want to play in it either."