Better Late Than Never - Giveaway

Goodness - It's Thursday and Shannon over at Rocks in my Dryer is closing her giveaway carnival. Click either on the Pink button or the link to see the whole list.

For anyone who wonders where my posts have been this week - it's because I've been over there entering way too many giveaways. I can't help myself when I'm shown over 600 (now more than 800) free giveaways, and a chance to see new blogs.

I had a really hard time coming up with something to give away - but I finally found it.

We bought this for a Christmas present that we never gave away. The chocolate is still good (the expiration date is Oct 31, 2008), and I don't need to eat it. I opened the box purely to take a picture of the chocolates for you.

Of course Lent starts Wednesday Feb 6th with Ash Wednesday. So I'm curious...if you celebrate the season of Lent before Easter what do you give up? Leave that in the comment too. If you usually give up chocolate I'll add a little surprize (not chocolate) to your package, since you'll receive it after Lent starts. UPDATE: if you don't celebrate Lent, don't worry, just leave any old comment - I'll add a surprize to the package anyway.

Leave me a comment by Monday -Feb 4th at Noon, and I'll pick a winner, by a random number generator - even if that generator is my husband.


Thanks and good luck with all the giveaways.

Baby in a Box

Of course - he's not looking like that much of a baby anymore.

Random Clare Things

Here's Clare in her Strawberry Rose Colored Glasses.

She's all done up with sparkly earrings. The blue dress you see is a real dress she wears in public. She loves it and calls it her Snow White dress. On top of it she's wearing a Belle costume.

It was an interesting day for the princess - here is one of our discussions:

I was telling the story of the finding of Jesus in the Temple, and thought I was finished
Clare: Keep going with the story. What happened?
Me: Jesus went home with his mommy and daddy and was obedient to them
Clare: And then?
Me: He listened to them and he grew up in grace and wisdom
Clare: Keep telling the story when he got to be a shepherd
Me: That's right Jesus is our Shepherd isn't he?
Clare: And he brings buckets of water to his sheep
Me: Buckets of Water? He takes care of his sheep...
Clare: Yes he does, but he doesn't bring straws to his sheep in the buckets
Me: Straws? What?
Clare: Because he would get upset if the sheep blew bubbles in the bucket
Me: Clare what are you talking about? Are you making up a story
Clare: Yes I making it up, Mommy. (giggles here...she had kept a straight face until this point.)

Clare's a trip. She really loves Catechesis of the Good Shepherd - which our parish offers. I think it's great that she's getting the images of Jesus - especially the good shepherd, but I don't know where she gets this stuff.

Tagged Again

Colleen tagged me and I'll do a meme whenever one crosses my blog.

1. WERE YOU NAMED FOR ANYONE? No - at least not my first name. I think my middle name is after my Aunt Anne - who I believe is also my godmother, but I really have no idea whatsoever.


2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED? On Tuesday reading a post on Jen's blog. I tear up reading lots of blog posts.


3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? Yes both in print and cursive. I'm somewhat prideful about it, which is a bad thing.


4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? I am a pepperoni addict - the big slices you get at the deli.


5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS? Yes. 2 and hopefully more.


6. WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so, but then again, I've never been around me.


7. DO YOU USE SARCASM ALOT? It depends - I tend to use it alot when I'm really tired and it's just John and I.


8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? No.


9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Maybe, not really sure. I've never really considered it.


10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? I don't like cereal unless it's been made into a sweet - such as Rice Crispy Treats or Fruit Loop Candy.


11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? Never.


12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? Generally - in the sense of strong personality - not necessarily physically.


13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM? Edy's Mint Chocolate Chip and Ben and Jerry's Oatmeal Cookie Chunk


14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE? Face


15. RED OR PINK? Pink for Clare


16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF? How I second guess myself in just about everything, and wonder if I should redo things.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My husband who seems to be at the law school more and more each semester instead of less and less as promised. ;) And Gregory who's taking a nap - whenever my kids aren't around I really miss them even if I'm trying to get away

18. WHAT COLOR PANTS AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Blue Jeans no shoes

19. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE? Sliced Red Pepper and before that A Bagel Pizza

20. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Clare's sweet voice telling me her lunch fell on the floor and the white noise track playing for Gregory's nap

21. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? Sunny Yellow or a Brown

22. FAVORITE SMELLS? Cinnamon and sugar cooking, the kids after a bath, fresh roses.

23. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? Maria - who was telling me all about her new baby - Jane Frances. So wonderful!!!

24. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH? If I have to watch sports on TV - football with John, otherwise - the kids wrestling.

25. HAIR COLOR? Brown.

26. EYE COLOR? Hazel

27. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS? No

28. FAVORITE FOOD? I like pretty much everything and can't think of anything at the moment.

29. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? Only happy endings - I'm with Colleen.

30. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED? 3:10 to Yuma

31. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING? Gray and White.

32. SUMMER OR WINTER? Fall.

33. HUGS OR KISSES? Both - especially of the chocolate kind.

34. FAVORITE DESSERT? Swedish Apple Pie, Cheesecake, Sugar Cookies

35. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? Sadly, at the moment the only thing I'm reading is my 4th grade Religious Ed Teacher's Manual

36. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD? I don't even have a mouse

37. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT? American Idol -I'll admit it.

38. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Sleeping Children, Happy Children, Church Bells, And my phone ringing with the ringtones that means my family or friends are calling.

39. BEATLES OR ROLLING STONES? Beatles

40. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME? Krakow, Poland.

41. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT? I am good at organizing groups - which is funny because I am not an organized person and does knitting count?

42. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Ft. Belvoir, VA

I'm going to tag Muddy Mama - to welcome her back to blogdom in February - I think this is the first time I actually get to tag her for something, and I've missed her blogging.

And if you would like to be tagged, let me know and I'll fix that right up for you.

Weapon of Mass Destruction

The other day Gregory did a pretty amazing feat -

He broke my cell phone. Now it still works - as in I can check my voice-mail, get calls, and text, but nobody can hear anything I say on the phone. So it pretty much destroys the phone's effectiveness.

Then he broke a key off of John's keyboard - he does this pretty frequently - he's quite adept at computer havoc. Only this time after spending 2-3 hours trying to fix the key I ended up breaking it permanently.

Gregory has a gift for computers - if he gets anywhere near mine I find my Cap Lock on - literally, if he even brushes my computer Cap Lock comes on. And his random poundings on the keys usually cause some kind of coding change that I couldn't come up with even with much effort.

So when he comes near - down goes the laptop screen - better safe than sorry. And when I get my new phone in early Feb he won't get that either.

Like Father Like Son

If Gregory's legs were a little longer, he'd be in the exact same position as Daddy. But otherwise almost identical posture.

Gregory's new do

While Clare has been playing with curls - Gregory has been trying out a new look too.

He's been thinking about going punk and pretty hard core - with a neon pink and purple mohawk.

I hate to tell him that it looks a little fake, and that the yarn makes a nicer scarf than hair piece.

Kiss and Make Up

Last night, Clare kicked Gregory in the bathtub.

I had her apologize and give him a kiss.

Gregory then gave her a kiss. He hadn't been hurt - I think he thought it was a game.

Then Clare insisted on giving him another kiss.

And Gregory had to kiss Clare again.

And Clare tried to kiss Gregory again - but he tried to pull her hair.

I'm not sure if he was luring Clare in just so he could get a better angle at which to attack, or if he was just finished with the kissing game.

Accidents

I don't know what to do.

Clare has been accident free for months. Potty-trained during the day without accidents since Gregory was born.

Accident free at night for several months - we gave away all of her training pants before Christmas because she had been refusing to wear them for over 2 weeks.

This week - suddenly we've had 3 accidents in 5 days. 2 at night, and the latest one during the day.

Any advice? I don't think we're going through a stressful time, I don't think she's sick either. Or is this just the normal progression of parenting? You think you've mastered a step and several months later it comes up again.

Snow Fall

Is it snowing where you are too? It seems like it's snowing in most of the country today. The children and I went out to play.

Gregory did not like it very much. Much too cold for his tastes. Of course, when I took him inside and let Clare stay right outside, he was unhappy not to be with Clare too.

Curl Envy

Yesterday I had Clare's hair up in little buns. When we took it down - it was curly.

Realizing that she could have curls, she asked that I put her hair up last night after her bath, so it would be curly today.

This morning she was so excited to see her curls and wear them all day long. They are slowly falling out but she is still thrilled. I can see curlers and hair products in her future.

Proof of a Good Dinner

Christ our Light

Clare learned a while back in Catechesis of the Good Shepherd that Christ is our light. This fact now impacts my life in ways I never imagined.

Today: Gregory flipped on her night light and Clare didn't realize it at first.

The next line I hear from Clare is: Oh, what's that? I think God is behind my door.

One day at Church I was trying to get Clare to pay attention to the Consecration.

Me: Clare look that's Jesus becoming present - Body and Blood on the Altar.

Clare: Jesus is there Mommy, and there and there, and all over the place there. (She was pointing to the candles around the Church and the last part was the alcove with the devotional candles in front of a statue of Our Lady.)

King of The Castle

Gregory likes to think he's the king of the castle - sitting on the throne, watching football and throwing back a cold bottle of his favorite beverage.

Tea for 2

Clare loves tea time.

She's always begging us to play tea with her. As a special treat she got to have a real tea party with Daddy(well actually it was Coke - Clare's drink of choice if she can get it).

We decided to go all out and set it up with all of the frills. On the educational side, she was expected to use all of the manners of a princess.

She loved it and we're thinking about turning this into a monthly event - as a reward for good behavior.

Feast of the Baptism of Jesus

Today is the feast of the Baptism of Jesus. I love this feast. Last year this was the feast that Gregory was baptised on.

It amazes me that Jesus would not only take on our humanity, but also our sins upon himself. He was pure and sinless, and yet he comes to be baptised. He does not need to be cleansed but we do, and so in solidarity with our fallen nature he asks to be baptized by John.

I love John's humility and awe at the situation.

Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him.John tried to prevent him, saying,“I need to be baptized by you,and yet you are coming to me?”Jesus said to him in reply,“Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Mt 3: 13-15

Of course John fulfills the Lord's request. May we always be willing to do what the Lord asks of us, even if we feel unworthy. And in doing His Will may we one day hear the Lord say to us:

“This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Mt 3:17

Baby Kisses

Gregory has just figured out how to give kisses.

It makes my heart melt when little ones give me kisses. Clare used to be very affectionate and give tons of kisses. For a while she would grab your face with both hands and bring her mouth up quickly to kiss you. That was a bit alarming if you didn't know what she was doing.

Gregory isn't that emotive. Usually he just brings his mouth to your face and stops right before he touches you.

Yesterday was different - Clare was down for an unexpected nap. The boy and I were spending some rare time playing with just the 2 of us. He tottered over to me and started kissing my cheek. He gave me about 7 or 8 kisses (getting wetter and sloppier with each one) and then just went on with our play. It was so sweet, and I hope I cherish it as long as I live.

To Homeschool?

On Thursday we all took a tour of the local Catholic school. We had dropped off an application for Clare in January and wanted to take a look at everything.

The school was very nice. I loved seeing the little children and hearing about the Pre-K program and even the elementary school. By the upper grades I was feeling a bit overwhelmed by all of the extras they set up for the kids - languages, sports teams, electives, smart boards, the lot. (Not that these things are bad - but I'm only at the place of thinking about my 3 year old)

Several times the nice admissions lady told us that they had a very large applicant pool for Pre-K, and Clare's application came very close to the end (Note: I tried to get in touch with the school in the fall but through a series of mistakes on their end and mine it didn't work out). Basically, I think she was telling us that it is unlikely that Clare will get in.

Here's the somewhat odd thing - the tour of the school made me feel much more comfortable with the idea of homeschooling. I think after seeing the Pre-K program, I felt more confident in my teaching abilities.

So the way I see it - it's in God's hands. If she's gets in - that's where she's supposed to be, and if not - then I was meant to homeschool anyway. It's exciting either way, and I don't feel like I have to be the one to make the decision.

For want of Stairs

Over Christmas Gregory discovered stairs - it was a crazy couple of days while he tried to figure them out.

We don't have any stairs in our condo - the closest thing we have to stairs is a stool with 2 steps. Gregory has pushed that stool around, pulled it over on him (at least 5 times), and now is trying to climb it every chance he gets.

To make things a bit safer for him I have moved the stool onto the carpet and against the couch -so at least he won't hit the kitchen floor or appliances. Usually Clare uses the stool to help cook, do dishes or play with her magnetic dolls on the fridge.

The only problem with the stool is that when Gregory reaches the top, he doesn't know what to do with himself, and the moment you help him off - up he goes again.

Modern Art

Can you guess who made these beautiful works of art?

Yes it was Clare!

This project is so easy and has such stunning results.

All you need is tempera paints, construction paper, a pan per child and marbles.

The child dips the marble in the paint and then puts it on the paper in the pan. They then tilt the pan from side to side and/or back and forth, and you get these awesome results. It can get a bit messy - but Crayola tempera paints are easily washable.

This was an easy way to spice up our day yesterday and a great project for our homeschooling group today. You can paint with so many different things. Clare loves feather painting too.

A Boy and A Sock

This is a tale of a boy and his socks.

He will not wear his socks - but he will play with them for long stretches of time - doing exactly what he is doing in this little video. And he came up with this game all by himself (I'm not sure if I should be proud or concerned).

Best Candidate's Smile

We've been watching the primaries in New Hampshire on Fox News. It's interesting, and I have no clue who's going to be President, but I've been wondering who you think has the best smile.

So if you're visiting - please vote on the candidates.

Who's got the best smile?

Don't worry about party - I'm not.

My vote is Obama - I love watching him flash that smile. His wive's smile is pretty nice too.

Gregory and Pets

I'm not sure Gregory is afraid of anything. Whenever I've seen him get hurt instead of being afraid of the thing that hurts him he attacks the thing with a vehemence.

This fearlessness shows itself especially amidst animals. John's folks have a beautiful (and blessedly gentle) English Black Lab. Gregory loves crawling up to Layla and pounding on her. At one point during the weekend he was trying to pull her under a chair to be closer to him.

Layla is so patient. Whenever the kids get to be too much, she simply moves. She actually likes them being around - they definitely give her alot more to eat by dropping and throwing things.

My brother and sister-in-law's birds were no different for Gregory. He wanted to grab, squeeze and taste both of them. I think the high point of the weekend was when their newest bird landed about 1 1/2 feet in front of him. His eyes lit up, and he took off in his effort to secure this new toy.

If it hadn't been for a attentive bird owner and a quick mom I think that bird have had an unpleasant experience.

Simple Cleaning

Sometimes I feel like Paris Hilton. And I don't mean in the gorgeous model sense, or being infamous for any tape.

More in the ditsy blond - I don't how to work a vacuum - sense.

I've been doing some deep cleaning of our condo. While John took the kids to the park I tackled our bathtub for an intense scrub. Mid-frustrating scrub, I thought to myself that a little brush with soft bristles would be great for grout and mildew in the edges. What if I was to invent one? This thought continued for about 2 minutes until I glanced up and saw the toothbrushes on the counter.

I felt really silly. Especially when I recalled that my mother always had an old toothbrush or two in her cleaning supplies.

But I have to tell you - that toothbrush made my scrubbing so much easier, the grout cleaned up in an instant. I can't believe I haven't remembered that before. It's only been 5 years of cleaning bathtubs without one.

Static

After our walk today, Gregory's hair found some serious static. I wanted to share because I thought it was funny, even though I'm not sure anyone else will think so.

Gergory kept trying to put the hat back on which helped him get quite a bit of static.
Side Profile
Big Smile for the camera - I'm a little ham.
Lastly, I doctored the colors on this photo so the extent would be clearer. I wish the pictures could convey the complete puff-ball his hair became.

Blue Jeans Bribe

I actually got Clare to wear jeans today. She hates wearing anything other than a dress - seriously even skirts get serious flack in the mornings.

Did I have to bribe her? Yes, I'll admit it, she wore the outfit without any fussing and got some ice cream.

Would I do it again? Probably, we think she is super cute in jeans, and they make her look older.

I know, I know, one day I will probably long to see her in a cute little dress, but I'm a little tired of girly dresses - maybe just because I have to fight so hard for anything else.

I'll have to post her favorite dresses sometime. The more frills and lace and girliness the better.

Baby it's cold outside

It's cold here in Charlottesville. It's been chilly but hasn't been so bad this year until now.

Of course today is also the day that Clare wants to walk down to the mailboxes in the condo association to see if a package has come. I can't really argue, a walk would be good for us, and it seemed silly to drive down and back. So I bundled up the kids and out we went for a walk.

Everyone got cute and rosy - Gregory got a little squirmy at the end, he was cold and he wasn't walking.

Isn't that hat just too much ?

(I know it's much colder elsewhere in our beautiful country, but it's cold to us.)