20 Angel Toes

1.28.12

2012-01-28T22:00:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELLIE!!!

On this special day for you

We wish you fun the whole day through!

And this year we hope you will be

Very happy being three!!!

So much to say about the big day,

but the pictures will have to do the talking for now!

A surprise guest! We miss you Aunt Samantha!

2012-01-15T12:31:00.000-05:00

Look Nona!

I'm going to finish this year up...

I just finished updating May.

I'm rolling now!

xoxox

12.30.11

2012-01-14T14:33:00.005-05:00

I'm not ready for 2012, the huge gaps in my updates in the year that was 2011 are still nagging me!

While I went into an early fall hibernation, Blogger changed everything making it even harder to post updates...especially the oh so important pictures...so I am considering a 'move' to a new site - maybe even one with some password protection. I still want to be able to post updates for our FAMILY and FRIENDS however it is clear that, now more than ever, strangers from all over the world are accessing my little blog regularly, so privacy has been on my mind even more than before. Don't worry, FAMILY and FRIENDS, if it comes to that, you will get the password, this stuff's not gold after all, and I recognize total control is not a likely outcome;-) In the end, ease of use for all is going to win, one way or another (or the same way) so I can get back to posting quick updates and keep Nona & Co. happy.

In the meantime, we got a few of these as a gift from a 'follower' of all things 20AngelToes...they are made of paper and quite intricate, any idea what they are called so I can write a non-bumbling thank you note?

I'll be back!

9.24.11

2011-09-24T20:04:00.002-04:00

This is so Sam.

This however, is not.

9.18.11

2011-09-18T19:59:00.003-04:00

Who says it's too cool outside to play in the water?

"Just a widdle bit mora"

9.17.11

2011-09-17T19:50:00.006-04:00

Off to gymnastics!

"Ready Momma?"

"I do big jumpin"

Ellie's first school art work!
She is so proud & I LOVE it!

Counting her piggies with Pops

Making Pops play with the Baby!
The BEST!

9.14.11

2011-09-14T19:35:00.022-04:00

Ellie's FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Well technically it's only preschool.

Junior Pre-school.

And it's only two days a week.

For 3 hours a day.

But it still feels like a really big deal! Next thing I know I'll be sending her off to college. (I'm so not ready for that!! ) In fact it seems pretty much impossible, because I'm pretty sure we only brought her home from Korea something like 8 days ago. Ok, fine, it was more like 700 days, but she still seems like she’s a baby, not someone who carries a school bag down the big hill….All. By. Herself.

To say she loved it would be a giant understatement. She was so ready, happy and excited to go she could barely sit still for pictures. Of course, she was completely into her shoes (Samantha!), the BAG, and getting her hair ‘dooo-ed’. My girl may be a tough cookie, but loves her accessories!

She has been so clearly excited about school, for weeks she has been making up and singing ‘school songs’, then Monday’s Open House and orientation added fuel to her fire. When she found out Sam was going to school yesterday and not her, there was a full blown tantrum…”NO! Eh-eee go to school too!...Right now!!!”

Of course, I missed out on all the key events of her day, but I managed to get the pictures on the step, thanks to a neighbor. Kevin did the drop off, took a few pictures and reported that after he walked her in, she didn’t even care that he was there, in fact said ‘goodbye daddy’ within seconds of arrival…so he did what any sane parent would do, he high-tailed it home!

When she was picked up by another fabulously generous friend (I mean really, who is lucky enough to have two people willing to take your kids to school, pick them up and keep them until after work? Me, that’s who! I am indeed LUCKY.) The reports were good…apparently she was amazing, did great and acted like she had been there all along, certainly not like a first timer. Thanks to her teacher, who I just adore, I even have pictures of her painting, playing, lining up, and sitting in her cubby for dismissal. It’s too bad she’s only going two afternoons a week, I know without a doubt, she would be thrilled to go every day.

YIKES! I have 2 kids in school now. They are just growing up so fast, maybe we need a 3^rd?

(now we’ll see how long it is before Kevin reads this! Bah, ha, ha, ha)

9.13.11

2011-09-13T17:53:00.015-04:00

FIRST DAY OF KINDERGARTEN!!!

I know everybody says it…how they can’t believe their baby (insert momentous occasion or event here)…but seriously, here I am stating for the record, “I can’t believe Sammy started Kindergarten today!” Sadly, since his school delayed their opening and my school had Back to School Night this evening, I missed most of it. I did get to have breakfast with him, pack his lunch & backpack and wave goodbye to him from the driveway, with just a few tears in my eyes and definitely a bit of a lump in my throat as I watched him ride off down the street just minutes from crossing over into a major undertaking, which is to say, officially starting his formal education…insert big sigh here.

As all my teacher friends know, as well as all those in my “It Takes a Village” circle of friends who have already passed this milestone, Kindergarten has become so much more than the hippy trippy, arts and crafts, song singing, snack time venture we experienced so long ago. (Yes, Pops & Nona, it’s hard to believe, it was a looooooong time ago since you got to sit in the teeny chairs at The Little School). These days Kindergarten is a big time for learning and I’ve been fretting about him being up to the task, but I’m also looking forward to of all the new things we will be able to do together like reading books, writing letters and spelling words! I’m excited for all the new adventures in store for him and he is in the best hands, so really, my worries are small.

As for Sam, though? No trepidation at all. When I finally had the chance to ask him about it, I got the usual one word answers, just like last year…for Sam, what happens in Kindergarten, apparently stays in Kindergarten, it’s like Vegas, baby! Hopefully someday my kid will share some little nugget, just one small detail, about his life away at school and maybe a hint that he misses us, just a tiny bit.

So, until then, I’ll have to pull up my big girl pants (not too high though, no ‘Mom jeans’ here), back off and wait. Sam does everything in his own time, he likes to mentally retreat after a big day, or when he tries something new, transitions have never been his strong suit. As much as we want to celebrate with a special dinner or a trip to get ice cream, he does better and finds peace in keeping to the routine. In a couple weeks though, he’ll throw me a bone, and if I act cool and not too excited and eager, I just might find out about his first day of kindergarten.

awwwww...his first 'work'

9.12.11

2011-09-12T14:45:00.008-04:00

1 Day to Go!!!
Kindergarten Open House!

9.11.11

2011-09-11T14:36:00.003-04:00

Sammy and I went to brunch today to celebrate the start of Kindergarten this week...can you believe it???

Only 2 more days to go!

9.10.11

2011-09-10T14:12:00.009-04:00

Ellie's First Gymnastics Class! - or as Ellie says, "Eh-eee's nastics"!
Mail from The Nona is the BEST!

9.9.11

2011-09-09T12:33:00.006-04:00

It has rained so much this week that there was major flooding, lots of trees down, and closed schools! (Add that to the earthquake, hurricane and all the dead cicadas we keep finding on our front stoop, we're pretty sure the end of the world is near)
We couldn't spend another day trapped inside, so with the absence of thunder, lightning and wind, we played outside...finally! We had the best time, rinsing & reusing all the recycling!

9.6.11

2011-09-06T13:33:00.000-04:00

The Mom's first day of school!
Ellie has been loving daycare since The Mom returned to work last week, I guess she was getting bored with my 'stay at home mom' skills.
Sammy's school isn't starting for another week due to some construction delays, so one of my girlfriends offered to take him in, thank goodness for my "village" or we would be sending SOS signals to the Nona.

9.5.11

2011-09-05T13:48:00.001-04:00

Sammy disappeared with a roll of tape, 2 bowls, and some chopsticks, about forty five minutes later, he reappeared with this awesome spaceship, complete with a handy ribbon for flying and LEGO pilots inside to steer the ship!

Meanwhile, Ellie dug into the cupcakes Uncle Tom brought over last night.
She was a happy girl!

9.4.11

2011-09-04T16:49:00.000-04:00

9.3.11

2011-09-03T19:34:00.004-04:00

Our Rockin' Labor Day Weekend.
(Although we did get out once - dinner at the neighbors was FANTASTIC!!!)

8.9.11

2011-08-09T12:07:00.015-04:00

Kevin, AKA: The Pied Piper of Children

Dance Party!

8.8.11

2011-08-08T11:42:00.005-04:00

Diva Alert!awwww...if only Sam would be so sweet!

What are these two up to?

8.7.11

2011-08-07T11:19:00.010-04:00

OBX

Part II

8.6.11

2011-08-06T19:02:00.007-04:00

The Dad and I spent the day packing and loading the car for an early departure to the beach tomorrow morning. We were thrilled to have a great excuse to miss the Saturday changeover traffic and go celebrate Hannah and Mike's big day!

Isn't she the prettiest bride you've ever seen?

8.5.11

2011-08-05T18:55:00.004-04:00

I can't help it....I want to keep her bottom covered in ruffles...

f.o.r.e.v.e.r!

8.4.11

2011-08-04T13:50:00.002-04:00

What's Cookin'?
Strawberry Banana Muffins...homemade...from scratch!

The real question is - Why isn't The Nona doing this?

8.3.11

2011-08-03T18:57:00.009-04:00

The Nona is here!
The Nona is here!

How Sam sees it...
(not including the 100+ photos of his toys, shows,books & body parts)

His (and our) most favoritest babysitter!

7.31.11

2011-07-31T17:33:00.013-04:00

The Dad, is only moderately handy at best (good thing he doesn't read this), but Ellie enjoys a good show!

"making it rain" with wet leaves, probably not the best idea given the electric fan, but they were having so much fun, and were heavily supervised of course.

Back to check on The Dad's progress, or lack there-of.

7.30.11

2011-07-30T16:57:00.006-04:00

Another day at the Water Mine!

Once with a buddy...

Once with a little push...

The rest "by mysef!"

Ellie's future BFF, Miss S. takes a turn!

7.29.11

2011-07-29T20:58:00.008-04:00

Sammy finished up his week of Sports Camp at Vacation Bible School with an, umm, performance? His level of participation was very Sam...but at least he got up on the stage.

Ellie and Miss M. were captivated.

Oh, wait a minute...might be be joining in...

...or stretching?

Ellie gets on her feet and into the routine!

Yea!

7.28.11

2011-07-28T16:42:00.002-04:00

We spent ALL DAY yesterday at our local water park, the kids LOVED it, I LOVED it, everyone LOVED it. I was confident 5 hours of water play, swimming and no naps would bring an abundance of sleep to all last night, go ahead, now would be a good time to laugh.

Ellie went to bed late, got up early with a few squeaks in between, Sam slept even less and got up for the day at 5:30. The Mom is wiped out from the sleep stealing tag team and really needs to learn to lower her expectations.

Ellie, catching up on her zzzzzzz's.

I am so jealous.

Sam missed out on the "cake part" of his best buddy's birthday yesterday, so we borrowed C. and his little sister M. and threw a small little party tonight. Ellie was overjoyed to be singing "Happy Birthday", and proceeded to throw her arms in the air and yell "Happy Bir-day, Ev-ee-bud-ee!". Sam was all about the present (he told me several times he was just going to tell C. what it was so he didn't have to wait to unwrap it).

LOVE the missing teeth!

Diving in, frosting first!
mmmmmmmm

Give two girls a box and they can play for hours!
This may not look like much, but this is Ellie - at 10:00pm - standing on her rocking horse. The horse is not stabilized, so it rocks and we get the adrenaline rush right along with her - she balances herself with the greatest of ease then jumps on the couch for a fantastic dismount!
Ringling Brothers, here I come!!!

7.25.11

2011-07-25T20:24:00.007-04:00

Soooooo, yes, it's been quite a while and yes, I have A LOT of excuses and reasons and explanations, but those of you with kids know them all and for the rest of you...I hope you are enjoying your sleep. Anyway, I've been very hung up on in my, um, compulsive (?) ways and felt like I couldn't move forward until I hunkered down and got this thing up to date. However, reality has sunk in, more like sucker punched me in the gut, and I am discovering that this is not the summer of schedule-less, hippy-trippy, go with the flow, hugs and love, catch-up-ed-ness, I thought it would be. Apparently my kids prefer to be scheduled and busy, very busy, down time is their enemy and therefore mine. There is no time to document our little life the way I want to and I am finally giving in and admitting, I am never going to catch up, on the blog, or on my sleep, so I'm just going to start...today.
.
(but I still REALLY, REALLY want to go back and post the last couple months)

A bunch of these, big and small, have moved into our yard. I regularly find them on my front stoop and scrambling up the front of the house when we open the door...Kevin and the kids love it, I could live without them.

With Sam squared away at camp for the morning, Ellie and I went to see Mr. Knick Knack.

She wasn't as impressed, or excited, as I thought she would be.

The fountain, apparently, was much more entertaining.

Except for the annoying picture taking...that, she could do without.

Tired girl! Me too!

BEFORE
Nona, you may want to avert your eyes.

AFTER

7.23.11

2011-07-23T15:18:00.003-04:00

Are you kidding me?
Mac & Cheese!

mmmmmmm!

7.22.11

2011-07-22T15:11:00.003-04:00

Soooooo, it's a tad too hot for my beans to go out...

We've been taking it easy with refreshing snacks and drinks, which are occasionally one in the same.

...and lots of indoor games, like hide and seek...
clearly we need to explain the concept of 'hide' to the peanut.

6.10.11

2011-06-10T17:08:00.000-04:00

I forgot that there still might be some

Artsy Fartsy Friday

pieces from daycare.

What happens around here after Sam goes to bed...

The Princess rules take effect!

6.5.11

2011-06-05T17:01:00.000-04:00

Growing like a weed!

That bear is never far!

6.4.11

2011-06-04T14:37:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Sammy!

6.3.11

2011-06-03T14:37:00.000-04:00

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!

for Sam anyway

His one wish - to wear the same shirt as yesterday.

Could he be any happier?

The last of Artsy Fartsy Friday for a while.

Look who put herself in time out...

...she needed it...

6.2.11

2011-06-02T12:36:00.000-04:00

Sam got to start his birthday celebrations early...

...at school...

...and at home...

thanks to Aunt Samantha and Uncle Billy!

5.30.11

2011-05-30T12:28:00.000-04:00

The Many Faces of Sam

5.29.11

2011-05-29T12:18:00.000-04:00

From the "What was he thinking?" file...

The Dad had some challenges figuring out the difference

between the front and back of Ellie's swimsuit.

It won't be so funny when she's older!

5.27.11

2011-05-27T11:47:00.000-04:00

Sam's End of School

SING ALONG!

Note: Missing Hat
Apparently he's too cool for that.

But he is participating!
He's come a long way baby!

Is that cubby getting smaller?

5.25.11

2011-05-25T01:11:00.000-04:00

CLOWNS!

5.22.11

2011-05-22T01:00:00.000-04:00

T.R.O.U.B.L.E.

It never looked so cute...

5.21.11

2011-05-21T00:40:00.000-04:00

5.20.11

2011-05-20T00:34:00.000-04:00

Dinner & The Arts

(-sy Fartsy Friday, that is)

Life in the Pond

5.18.11

2011-05-18T00:15:00.000-04:00

OFF

5.16.11

2011-05-16T00:10:00.000-04:00

I don't mind that I get to spend more time

with our night owl each evening,

I do, however, mind the mess.

5.15.11

2011-05-15T00:09:00.000-04:00

My room with a view

I love spring in my backyard.

5.14.11

2011-05-14T23:57:00.000-04:00

5.13.11

2011-05-13T23:50:00.000-04:00

Artsy Fartsy Friday!

A Trip Around the World

Japan

Mexico

5.12.11

2011-05-12T23:45:00.000-04:00

5.11.11

2011-05-11T23:30:00.000-04:00

They make me laugh

even when we're doing the most routine things.

5.10.11

2011-05-10T23:06:00.000-04:00

Our Morning Visitor

Gracie alerted us bright an early to an intruder in our dining room.

How this little bird managed to get stuck between the two windows, we're still not sure. Our little family, as well as the bird's family who were chirping and fretting in the tree nearby, kept a close watch on the action while we figured out how to release it without opening the window and having it come into the house...wouldn't that have made Gracie happy?!

5.9.11

2011-05-09T23:01:00.000-04:00

"Baw-ble" and "Bunny Bag"

Must have accessories for every 2 year old!

5.8.11

2011-05-08T18:15:00.000-04:00

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Finally got around to celebrating The Dad's Birthday.

What could it be?
You guessed it...a shirt and BUBBLES!
Did you notice the fancy wrapping?

We embraced our inner red-neck this year!

Then The Mom got a turn...
An Artsy Fartsy Extravaganza, just for me!

A little more gardening!

Acting like he loves her,

I wish Mother's Day was every day!

Tick-Tock!

A must do before bed!

5.8.11

2011-05-08T01:21:00.000-04:00

The Language of Ellie

a few favorites

Sawm = Sam

yie-you =yellow

ong=orange

backkk= black

boo=blue

poo poo = purple

feesh=fish

sweeping=sleeping

yucky poo poo? = poo poo

just pp? = pee pee

5.7.11

2011-05-07T21:47:00.000-04:00

Blastball ~ Game #2

Warming up.

Ready...set...

SWING!

Is that a game face under there?

boys (always with the hands near, in, on their pants)

Happy to watch - just keep those snacks coming!

Look who had to muscle her way into the action...

My favorite!

Happy because it was fun, or just happy it's over?

5.6.11

2011-05-06T17:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday Kevin!

For your birthday you get....to work!

and, as a bonus, we'll take care of the gardening.

Ellie wants to help.

Obviously sharing is one of his better skills.

But Ellie can outwit him...if only she had a couple more inches on her side.

And not to be forgotten...

Artsty Fartsy Friday

(admittedly this is only one of about a million things that came home)

5.5.11

2011-05-05T15:46:00.000-04:00

Guess what Sammy and I did today?

Although we haven't quite decided where he will go to Kindergarten this fall, we headed off to orientation at our neighborhood public school...aka: Mommy's school.

I was worried that I would have trouble being on the 'other side', sitting in the audience instead of standing up front with the teachers...but Sammy managed to put me in my place when he took it all in stride and I found myself choking back a tear, or two or three, as he quite willingly, left my side and walked off with the group of kids for story time.

One of his best buddies taking him on a tour of the classroom.We also took a ride on a real school bus. Sam was very concerned about the lack of seat belts and had A LOT of "what if" questions...

"What if they go too fast and you fall off your seat?"

"What if they drive over a bump and you hit your head?"...

"What if the best picture of your kid,

is also THE most unflattering picture of yourself?"

(answer: you suck it up and post it)

It was a very exciting day!

5.1.11

2011-05-01T15:40:00.000-04:00

Secret Mission

and I was worried I wasn't going to get a smile

beautiful smile, beautiful girl!

Ice Cream Social at Sammy's school!

Mrs. Maguire - we all love her!!!

4.30.11

2011-04-30T22:20:00.001-04:00

Sammy's First Blastball Game!!!

#2!

4.29.11

2011-04-29T22:20:00.007-04:00

Sam's 1st Blastball practice
+
Artsy Fartsy Friday

4.26.11

2011-04-26T20:55:00.006-04:00

mmmmmmmmmm

First corn on the cob of the season!

4.24.11

2011-04-24T20:38:00.049-04:00

Happy Easter!!!

On our way to start the hunt... ...a quick check of the trap reveals...
a dollie for Ellie and an Ironman costume for Sam and...

...a carrot.
I suspect Ellie forgot we put it there to lure the bunny into the trap and thinks the bunny left it for HER!
Ellie ignores the bunny's nibbles and gives it a taste.
He looks helpful...
...but...

...in this case...

...slow and steady does not win the race!

Better luck next year Ellie!

Take note of this chocolate bunny - you will 'see' it again soon.LEGOS!!!

Pops is so silly!

mmmmmm!

Ready for church!

"tick tock"

Remember that bunny? So much for "Snap & Share".

We left him alone for ONE MINUTE...clearly that's all the time it takes to eat an ENTIRE chocolate bunny.

The best way to relax...snacks & TV in Nona and Pops bed!

Perfect way to end the day!