Simple Things

Last week or so I was catching up on a friends blog and she had written a post about her goals for the year. She really inspired me.  I really love making goals, and actually achieving them (like running a half-marathon), but it can be incredibly discouraging when you feel like you are starting the same goal over and over again.  I am always looking for inspiration and of my friends goals was managing her time better.  I feel like I do great with this on some days and really terrible on others.  One of my biggest distractions is the computer (isn't that a distraction for most of us)?  She put a sticky note on her computer that reminded her of things that were more important than surfing the net, and I couldn't help but steal her idea.  I personalized it a little and it has been a very good reminder for me to put things in order.

It's amazing how a simple daily reminder can help you to keep things in perspective.  Life gets busy, hectic and overwhelming.  I am always picking up stuff around my house, doing dishes, wiping noses (and bums).  I love LOVE reminders.  My phone is chock full of them.  My life runs on reminders.  I think it's easy (so easy) to forget things, whether its my schedule or life lessons.  I experience a trial and work through it, I feel like each time I do this I become stronger.  The Lord refines me and teaches me a lesson, and then 6 months later (sometimes sooner) I need to be taught the same lesson again.  A little 'reminder' from the Lord to help me remember where I'm at and where I should be.  I am grateful for those little reminders. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father to teaches me patience, who teaches me faith and obedience.   If I didn't have those reminders I don't think I'd learn anything.  I would be more pessimistic about life and challenges...but truth is, I know I'll come through it and I'll be better off in the end.  Much like my sticky note, if I can heed these simple reminders I will be happier and more productive.

(Now I should probably just add instagram to that list and I'd be set)! ha.

Pictures of the Week

Well you know, per usual, a couple weeks have passed and I'm playing catch up.  Sitting here watching the oscars as I blog (I don't always watch awards shows).  I honestly haven't seen half the movies that have been nominated, but I have to give props to those actors.  I could NOT do their job.  If you know me, you know this is true.  Once I took a drama class in Jr. High school.  We were doing impromptu one day and given a topic, mine was X-ray.  We had to come up with something to describe it, even if it wasn't true.  I don't remember what I did, but I remember it was awful.  I knew at that moment I didn't have a future (not that I wanted one) in show business. 

Now that you have the schpill (is that even a word?) on my Sunday evening, onto the pictures! 

A little prep for Noah's preschool class on Valentines day.  I know I could have been a lot more creative than this, but I figured the valentine is only as good as the candy, so I kept things simple. 

Took an impromptu trip to Ikea and the kids loved it.  Little did I know (until I was at checkout) that kids eat lunch free on Tuesdays.  That was just icing on the cake! 

Girls night.  We did an auction and I made these little girl hair bows to auction off.  Cute right?  sigh.  The auction was genius.  Your 'money' was all point based.  Before the auction began we filled out a questionnaire and received a certain number of points depending on how we answered each question.  For example, Earn 50pts if you worked out today or Earn 50pts if you showered today etc.  It was great.  

Unfortunately I came home empty handed from the auction.  There were several things I had my eye on, but was out bid each time.  Boo!  But my dear friend gave me her little headband that she wore so I deemed the night a success after all ;)

I had a dear friend come to town (I didn't get a picture with her, lame I know) that I hadn't seen in about 7 years.  It was great to see her, and she came with gifts in tow for the kids.  Clare got some Doc McStuffins toys (which you can see, she loves) and Noah was given a gift card, which he bought a Drs. kit and cars with.  So so nice, thanks Ro. 

We had Andy's brother Corey and his family come to town for the long President's day weekend.  We decided to hit up a very popular Boston breakfast (lunch and dinner) spot called The Paramount.  Definitely a place we will take visitors when they come, very delicious!  How could you not love it!  They make the food right in front of you, and the fresh squeezed OJ - Awesome! 

Later that day......ha. 

Noah, Clare and their cousin Brooklyn watching something on my phone.  Cuties! 

Clare's crazy hair, it's really starting to have a mind of it's own! 

A little Sunday night get-together with some friends, The girls had a lot of fun! 

After rolling the ball around, they all created a band.  It was noisy, but adorable! 

Found this disgusting diaper sitting on a box in the mail room.  I was so grossed out, but couldn't bring myself to move it.  Yuck! 

Another girls night, made this necklace and I love it.  

Clare got stuck and I couldn't help but snap a picture.  The first time it was traumatic but now it's a game and she does it all the time.  

One afternoon while Clare was napping, Noah and I decided to play with play dough.  Noah is in a huge shark phase at the moment.  He loves all things boy, but sharks are his passion (for now).  I knew that my 'creations' wouldn't last long so I had to snap a picture of them.   Each picture has the toy shark and then my creation.  Noah even made a shark for himself, a goblin shark.  If you have never seen a goblin shark you can see them here.  They are disgusting, so beware! 

Lastly, Clare in one of her dramatic moments.  I was doing my make up and didn't realize that she had gotten a hold of an old mascara and began to put it on.  At one point I attempted to pry the mascara from her little fingers and naturally she protested (hence the tears).  I ended up giving it back to her, figuring it didn't hurt to let her enjoy it for the moment.  I am seeing flashes into my future.....

Give A Little Love

I was just going through a friends blog and saw this video she posted back in December.  I love it and had to share.  Doesn't it make you want to go serve someone?  Enjoy.

Pictures of the Week and Simple Things

It has been just about FOREVER since I have done a simple things post.  My pictures of the week have unintentionally taken over!  I've decided to bring back Simple Things, because I want to be sure I'm taking time to remember them.  That and I truly believe that the simple things in life are often the most important things!

I'll start with pictures...

Finally!  A little barrette that will stay in Clare's hair.

Two things Clare loves, being outside and eating apples. 

Cinnamon Sugar Pull-apart bread I made as a thank you for a friend.  Find the recipe HERE. 

I like to call this one 'Hugs in the Hallway' - I love these moments! 

Sweet Noah.  Birthday boy! 

Clare just being her silly self.  Sweet and silly, that's her. 

Reading scriptures with Daddy, money and a birthday badge from Gummer and birthday balloons! 

View from our kitchen window during Nemo. 

I have a lot to be grateful for.  Some of the thing's I'm especially grateful for this week are my warm comfortable home, natures beauty and my little family.    During this past weekend's snow storm I couldn't help but think about those who didn't have shelter or a warm place to stay.  It made me especially grateful for how blessed I've been and helped me to remember not to take the little things for grated.  Sometimes the simplest of blessings are our greatest ones, and having a roof over my head is one of my greatest blessings.  

I'm also grateful for the beauty of nature.  I have to say that watching the snow fall is one of the prettiest sights!  I also love the seasons, and as much as I've loved having the cooler weather, I wouldn't mind if spring arrived early this year. 

Lastly, my little family.  I am always grateful for them, but there are moments when my heart sort of 'swells' with gratitude.  Does that sound cheesy or what?  Lately, Noah has been saying the funniest things and I just needed to share a few of them...

We arrived to church early yesterday and were sitting by the kitchen eating a snack before it started.  There were some kids who were being a little rambunctious and running around.  As they passed us one of them sort of yelled out to another, to which Noah said, " Hey, hey, hey!  We don't scream in the church.   We don't scream in church, huh mommy?"  

"Nope, we need to be reverent." I said.  

"We have to scream really quiet, right?  Like this -"  he then proceeds to make a screaming facial expression without any sound.  Haha, silly kid. 

After church we came home and as soon as we opened our door Noah says, "It is much too hot in here!"  ha I really have no idea where he gets some of this! 

Noah is in love with sharks as of late.  Yesterday him and Andy were drawing sharks and cutting them out.  As Andy began to cut out one of the sharks Noah said, "Oh oh oh, be very carful daddy.  Don't cut that shark, that shark is very special!"  

Noah is in one of my favorite stages.  Even though he can be a little grumpy and stubborn at times, he is also so comical and random.  I love the age where they start saying things that just make you laugh, as they try to figure out the world around them.  Their innocence reminds me of what's important, and I love that. 

I hope you can find some simple things to be grateful for this week!  

Blizzard 2013

I am sure by the end of this last week you were all tired of hearing about the northeast blizzard that would be known as Nemo (or Stormageddon).  We have already had quite the experience here in Boston.  First it was Sandy and then it was Nemo.  Thankfully we survived both!   I am also very happy to report that our power never went out, which was a huge blessing!

The worst part of the blizzard was Friday afternoon/evening through Saturday afternoon.  Some areas got up to 30 inches of snow, but our area (close to downtown Boston) was right at about 24 inches.  The governor even called a ban on driving from 4pm Friday until 4pm Saturday with fines up to $500 and even potential jail time (of course there were exceptions).  Craziness!  I haven't been in a blizzard in a really long time.  It's so much different then just falling snow.  We had wind gusts up to 50mph which causes crazy drifts and literally takes your breath away.  I always appreciate an excuse to sit at home and hang out.  There is something about sitting inside your cozy home while the weather goes on outside that warms my heart and makes you especially grateful to even have a warm home to go to.

On Saturday morning Noah was excited to see snow on our balcony.  Ours wasn't bad compared to some of our friends, who had snow covering over half of their sliding doors!  Thankfully our doors face a small courtyard and our balcony is covered.  Even still, Noah thought he had better go check it out!

Surprisingly the gym we go to on campus was open and a friend of mine and I decided to make the trek over and get a little workout in!  The walk was treacherous, but we made it.  

The wind was freezing and there were moments where we walked around backwards just to keep from walking into the wind.  I love Melinda's personality in the picture above! 

 After the worst of the storm was over I decided to take the kids out for a bit while Andy did some studying.  It took us a good 20 minutes or more just to get us all ready and after only about 15-20 minutes outside we decided to go back in.  The wind was still strong and Noah was complaining of the cold, which I didn't argue with! 

Noah wore Andy's old snowboarding goggles.  He loved them, and I loved how they plugged his nose just enough to make his voice sound funny.  

Clare pretty much stood in one spot the entire time.  At one point I set her on top of a snow pile, to which she protested, so I took her down.  You can see above how excited she was about the snow.  

I had originally hoped to walk around campus and snap some pictures, but I knew the kids wouldn't be up for it, so I took the kids inside and went on a walk a little later in the afternoon by myself.  I loved walking around campus and seeing all the snow.  There were also MANY people hard at work to clear sidewalks and roads.  That's one of the wonderful things about being on campus,  we didn't have to shovel our own walk.  I was very grateful to the guys who worked all night to keep up on the shoveling.  They did a fantastic job (and I sincerely hope they got paid extra)!

Here are some of the pictures I caught after the sun came out. 

Beautiful right?  I knew I had to go and get pictures before the snow turned all ugly and brown (which has already started).  I can't imagine anyone NOT wanting to come visit Boston after seeing these.  But really, if it's this beautiful under two feet (or more) of snow, just imagine it in the warmer months.  Sigh.

I'm ready for spring!

A to Z of Me

Stole this idea from my cousins blog because I loved it so much (and yes, two posts in less than 24 hours.  This is what happens when we are in the middle of Snowstorm Nemo).

A. Age:  31 years old
B. Bed size:  Queen
C. Chore that you hate: Mopping the floor, kitchen or bathroom. 
D. Dogs: Had them growing up, loved them, but will probably never own one as an adult. 

E. Essential start to your day:  Brush my teeth and breakfast. 
F. Favorite Color: Green or a mustard yellow
G. Gold or Silver: I wear both, usually at the same time.  Why not?
H. Height:   5'4" ish

I. Instruments you play: I can read music and play the piano if the song is basic.  
J. Job Title: Mother and Wife. Hardest job, but my most rewarding! 
K. Kids:  Noah, my stubborn and intelligent 4 year old.  Clare, my sweet and curious almost 2 year old.
L. Live:  Boston, MA aka Bean town

M. Mothers Name:  Colette
N. Nicknames: My most common nickname is Meliss, although I have several friends that call me Liss.  NEVER Missy though.
O. Overnight hospital stays:  When each of my children were born.
P. Pet peeves: people who never follow through (flakiness), a dirty bathroom, chewing with mouth open

Q. Quote from a movie:  I am awful at movie quotes!  Just ask Andy.
R. Right or Left handed:  Right
S. Siblings: Two brothers and a sister.  I am second oldest.
T. Travel: (My cousin missed T so I made this one up) If I could take my kids anywhere right now it would be Disneyland.  If Andy and I could go on a trip alone I'd choose Europe.

U. Underwear: I always wear them.
V. Vegetable you hate: I can't think of one I really hate, although radishes would probably be one I dislike.
W. What makes you run late: Getting my kids ready or trying to find something to wear.
X. X-rays you've had:  Wrist, chest and teeth.  Could be more but I can't think back that far.
Y. Yummy food that you make:  I feel pretty comfortable in the kitchen but I always get rave reviews when I make someone my cinnamon rolls.
Z. Zoo animal: Anything except the reptiles!

Noah's 4th Birthday!

It's really hard for me to believe (and accept) that Noah is now four years old.  I feel like each year goes by more quickly!  My kids are growing so fast.

We didn't have a ton planned for the big day, but I wanted to make is special.  On Wednesday I made cupcakes and took them to Noah's Preschool class.  After I dropped them off and was walking out of the door he yelled to me, "Thanks for the cupcakes Mommy!  Thanks for bringing the cupcakes!"  It made my day!

That night I stuck out and grabbed some balloons and a few things to surprise Noah with on the morning of his actual birthday.

After opening a few gifts from Andy and I (most of his gifts were still in the mail), Noah opened the quilt my mom made for him.  She did such a fantastic job and Noah was excited to sleep with it last night on his bed.  Although I know he doesn't fully appreciate it right now, I am grateful to have something like this for Noah to hold on to for a very long time.  Better than toys any day!!

Noah is a typical boy and he is into all things boy!  Right now his crazy obsession is sharks, or hammerhead sharks to be exact.  I found this awesome shark piggy bank at Target and just had to get it.    Now he just needs to fill it with all his cash! 

As part of his gift we took Noah to the toy store and let him pick out anything he wanted. He got a new scooter and helmet and some toy motorcycles.  After the toy store we went out to eat and called it a night.  When we got home we had some ice cream and sang happy birthday!  He had a great day!  

If you remember last year, I did a little birthday questionnaire with Noah and wanted to continue the tradition each year.  Here is a link to last year's answers and below you can see this year's!  Crazy how much they grow in such a short amount of time!

20 Questions with Noah: Age 4

1. What is your favorite color?  Grey

2. What is your favorite toy?  Sharks

3. What is your favorite fruit? Grapes and Blueberries

4. What is your favorite TV show? How to Train Your Dragon

5. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Carrots and Chips

6. What is your favorite outfit?   Pants, socks, shoes and my shirt

7. What is your favorite game?  Shark Game (on the iPad)

8. What is your favorite snack?  Fruit Snacks

9. What is your favorite animal? Shark and a Whale

10. What is your favorite song?  The Lion Sleeps Tonight

11. What is your favorite book?   PJ Funny Bunny

12. Who is your best friend?  Jackson and Baby Clare

13. What is your favorite cereal?  Fruity Cheerios

14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?   Go to the park

15. What is your favorite drink?  Orange Juice

16. What is your favorite holiday?  Christmas

17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night?  (Stuffed) Doggie and Blanket (and sometimes toys too!)

18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?  Pancakes with syrup

19. Where’s your favorite place to visit?  Cole, Jack and Case's house

20. What do you want to be when you grow up? "Piano player" or a Musician

Noah loves music, so #20 doesn't surprise me.  He kept telling me that when he got big he would play the big piano.  He loves to dance and have fun.  He has an incredible memory and he loves to learn (but hates to write).  He loves instruments -he has a drum, guitar, piano and now a toy trumpet as well.  Today he informed me he also needed cymbals! haha I love his excitement for life.  He loves to play with friends and loves to be outside.  He also loves to watch movies.  He is so sweet and so opinionated all at the same time.  Noah is such a special part of our family and we feel so blessed to have him.  

Happy birthday buddy! We sure love you! xo