The White Hall Craigs

Bethany Beach 2011

2011-07-14T16:33:00.005-04:00

What a week! The girls had such a fun time with their cousins. They learned to dive waves and Doug boogy boarded and skimboarded to his hearts content! I read 3 books and relaxed. I love that my girls love the beach like we do.

Naps on the beach!

Fun with Daddy!

Being silly!

Superstars!

Family!

First Beach Weekend of 2011

2011-06-27T12:22:00.003-04:00

The girls and I had an opportunity to spend the weekend in OC, NJ with some of our favorite friends. We had a blast!! My girls are water babies with no fear of the waves. They were body surfing and boogy boarding for 2 straight days (when they didn't take small breaks to dig for sand crabs). The weather couldn't have been better.

Boardwalk!

Love them!

Molly in position waiting to ride a wave!

SMILES!

Nice ride!

End of Kindergarten

2011-06-23T08:55:00.005-04:00

I cried on the last day as much as I cried on the first! But we had some big stuff happen the last week of school. Aubrey performed in the Kindergarten show (C, C, Clicking Camera, cah, cah, cah), she had her investiture ceremony for Daisy's and she found out who her First Grade teacher will be. Photographic evidence that I can't stop time, no matter how hard I try:

Overheard

2011-06-22T09:51:00.002-04:00

Snuggled up with Aubrey I whisper in her ear, "you will never know how much I love you", she looks up at me and smiles and says, "all the way to heaven and back?"
I say, "More than that"
She says, "All the way to Pluto even though it isn't a planet and back?"
I say, "more than that"
We do this back and forth 5 or 6 times until, exasperated, she says: "FINE, do you love me more than your boobs?"
I say, "Yup, and I have the scars to prove it!"
----------------------------------------
In the car driving to gymanstics, I have both girls with me:
Aubrey: "Mommy, what number do you die"
Molly pipes up, "It isn't a number, it is when you go 16 weeks without food or water or some taking care of you then you die"
I say, "Hey, want to listen to Lady Gaga?"
Subject officially changed

----------------------------------------
In the car on the way home, just Aubrey with me:
Aubrey: "Mommy how do babies come out of your tummy"
I say: "God makes sure there is a hole big enough"
Aubrey says: "But where"
I say, "Hey, want to listen to Lady Gaga?"
Subject officially changed

Graduation Celebration

2011-06-01T11:13:00.005-04:00

Memorial Day weekend was spent with family celebraing my nephew's graduation from high school. Kids had a blast!

So happy to be surrounded by people that let her boss them around :)

Ole!

Cheese!

Cousins!

Family Adventure to Watermans Crabhouse!

Mother's Day

2011-05-10T06:59:00.004-04:00

Girls Planting Flowers

with Daddy!

Poser

Bubble Popper

Crazy Girl

Good Morning GTaw!

2011-04-11T09:20:00.003-04:00

Good Morning GTaw!

Look at our Daffodils about to bloom!

Cape May

2011-03-28T21:03:00.004-04:00

The girls and I were invited on a trip with another mom and her 2 year old daughter. We all packed into the minivan on a Friday afternoon and headed to Cape May, NJ. Took about 4 hours and was an easy drive.

We stayed at the Grand Hotel and the reason - INDOOR POOL! We hit the Cape May Zoo (awesome), we swam, we hit a Chinese all you can eat buffet (Aubrey may have put them out of business), and we swam. Aubrey, Molly, and I hit the pool on Saturday afternoon for 3 hours. My girls are part fish.

My phone died and I was completely disconnected for the weekend. The girls had my full attention and we all needed it.

They crack me up!

Awesome Zoo!

Goat Tongue

Black Swan

Disney Prep and Small Details

2011-03-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

OK, so probably not "tricks"... but things I think helped us out.

1) I purchased on sale t-shirts from Disneystore.com for the girls and I, this helped tell them where we were going, and we wore them on our first day there.

2) I also picked up autograph books (for cheaper than they sell in the parks, for the same book).

3) And Princess PJ's... all on sale and free shipping

4) And I handed these out over the course of the trip, so the kids got stuff and I didn't go poor.

5) I packed individual packs of goldfish, pretzels, and nutragrain bars knowing we may have to wait or be out and about when one of the girls (or I) was run down.

6) I also brought Tinkerbell Tupperware cups with lids that I kept stocked with water for the girls.

We did splurge on Princess dresses and accessories at the park. Lots of folks had mentioned packing your Disney dresses to take with you - ours were all beat up and in fact none fit Aubrey anymore so getting news for dinner with Cinderella make it that much more magical. The girls really took their time and looked at everything in the store over and over and over again.

We all want to go back and it really was amazing how well run the parks and resorts are.

Disney - Our Last Day!

2011-03-06T04:18:00.000-05:00

Edge of the seat aren't ya. We packed up, went to the Grand Floridian, had breakfast at 1900 Park Fair with Mary Poppins, Alice, Mad Hatter, Pooh, and Tigger. We then headed to Hollywood Studios. We hit up Toy Story - AWESOME! (it was raining, we had a 5pm flight, and we were there a bit later than we hoped, we were running to get to Fast Pass at Toy Story. I asked a lady in a suit with a name tag if we were going the right way, she asked why the hurry, I explained, she handed us 4 fast passes for 9am hour!!!). We were able to hit Tower of Terror - which Aubrey and I will never forgive Doug for making us do. Walked around the different sets, saw a parade, saw a street show - which the girls loved, and then headed out!

Disney Day 4 - POOL Day!

2011-03-05T04:03:00.001-05:00

After all the excitement of the past few days, we laid low at the pool on Saturday. We swam, played in sand, relaxed, napped, and then headed to Mickey's Back Yard Bar B Que - one of the highlights of the trip. The girls loved dancing with Mickey, Minnie, and other characters and we loved that they served beer!

Disney Day 3

2011-03-04T15:02:00.000-05:00

Are you exhausted yet? I am! But up early we headed to Epcot for the Princess Breakfast in Norway! The girls loved it. And wow, tons of food! One of the best values we found there. After that we did Soarin' and can't say enough good things about this ride. Girls loved it too. We walked around all of Epcot, had lunch at the Japanese Steak House, did Test Track, met Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, Daisey and Donald! Then, home for a nap... a much much needed nap! We got gussied up and headed to the Very Merry Christmas Party and Parade! We met Repunzel and Flynn Rider, we road Splash Mountain 3 more times (or they did, it was too cold for me), Thunder Mountain, Fireworks, SNOW!, and a fabulous parade.

During the parade Aubrey was called out to by SANTA! Woody, and other various characters. It was so cool!

Disney Day 2

2011-03-03T05:29:00.000-05:00

We started early with the Magic Kingdom "magic hours" for guests staying on property. We went right to It's A Small World and rode it twice with no wait. We got fancy Mouse Ears, went on the Snow White ride, enjoyed walking through the castle, and then headed over to Splash Mountain.

It was 40 degrees and cold, and we road Splash Mountain twice, without having to get out of the boat... did I mention it was cold? We also road Thunder Mountain and the girls will tell you that is their favorite favorite!

We road Pirates, Jungle Cruise, met Pirate Goofy, hit up the fancy dress store and the girls picked up Disney Dresses for our very exciting and super fantastic Royal Ballroom Dinner! It was amazing. We loved it. Can't say enough about the service and magicalness of that dinner!

Disney Day 1

2011-03-02T05:04:00.000-05:00

3 months ago we went on our first family trip to Disney. (side note: how has it been 3 months?, how is it march? and how is my daughter 51 inches?) We had an amazing time! We stayed at the Polynesian, took advantage of the on property hours for the parks, and since I booked it like a year in advance, I was able to make our "big" dinner/character meals an our own terms (by literally booking on the first day it was available to do so, six months out). I used Small World Vacations, which made things go very smoothly!

Day 1: Fly in at 8:30 am, using Disney's Magical Express, we were taken to our hotel, didn't have to worry about luggage, our room was ready and we headed off to the Magic Kingdom. Lunch at Tony's, walked out to a PARADE! saw the castle, hit It's A Small World, saw Mary Poppins and got our first autograph! From there we headed back to the Polynesian for the Aloha dinner. Molly fell asleep while we waited to be seated.

When I Grow Up

2011-03-01T09:25:00.002-05:00

... I want to be like Aubrey - kind, inquisitive, loving, tenacious, and when she wants something or wants to do something, she will do it over and over and over again, no thought to how many times she failed, but excited for every time she does it better.
...I want to be like Molly - bold, smart, snuggly, where nothing is boring or easy but instead exciting and challenging - even breakfast. Someone who wants to be seen for who she is, flaws and all.

Overheard this Morning

2011-02-09T07:34:00.001-05:00

Mommy: "Molly, what do you think you will do at school today".

Molly: "Mommy, am I at school right now"

Mommy: "no, you are at home"

Molly: "Then how am I supposed to know what I will be doing at school".

-----------------------

Aubrey: "When one "e" goes walking, the other does the talking."

Molly: "When one dog goes running the duck jumps in the pond"

Birthday Weekend Round Up

2011-02-07T09:14:00.005-05:00

Aside from too much wine, lots of family and friend time, lots of sitting back and enjoying watching people do work for me... we did the following:

Family over dinner Friday night, I didn't lift a finger, and had too much wine! Thank you Fazzini's and my husband :)

Saturday - breakfast in bed, gymnastics, out to Brewer's Art with friends (and too much wine).

Sunday - Making Valentine's for Aubrey's school, getting ready for Super Bowl Party (and a very strong margarita)!

I contributed:

Mexican Chicken Dip

4 Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed

8 oz sour ceram

1 can cream of chicken or mushroom soup

small can (4oz) chopped green chilies

small onion chopped

2 cups Colby shredded

2 cups Monterey Jack shredded

Bake at 350 for 45 minutes, serve with tortilla chips.

Loaded Baked Potato Dip

And I made Sea Glass Candy - very fun and easy!

Max

2011-02-03T05:42:00.000-05:00

Last Week's Snow

2011-02-02T07:53:00.003-05:00

Sisters Sledding!

Unsuccessful attempt at group picture

Why Daddy is More Fun Reason 312

New Year!

2011-02-01T14:12:00.002-05:00

The White Hall Craigs have determined that our 2011 starts today, Feb 1. With the wonderful, marvelous, magical trip to Disney, putting in notice at one job, accepting another job, starting new job on Dec 22, Christmas, New Years, Aubrey's Tonsils out, Max diagnosed with cancer, and other miscellaneous general life events, we had no footing in January.

But, things have settled a little bit... a very little bit, but enough to take a deep breath and enjoy our healthy kids and each other.

I want to share some of our pics from Disney some recipes we have really enjoyed recently. And I need to figure out how to do that on my iPad :)

Annual Tree Getting

2010-11-27T10:00:00.003-05:00

Our annual trek down the road to the Christmas Tree farm!

My girls!

Looking cute

Aubrey was deemed old enough to help saw.

Here she is finishing it off.

Tales From The Bus Part 1

2010-11-16T07:37:00.002-05:00

I am thinking this might be a new series. Aubrey rides the bus to school in the morning. Kindergarteners have to sit in the first 2 rows. Somehow Aubrey has made friends with "older" girls... girls that might be in 3rd or 4th or even 5th grade.

Aubrey came home on Friday and told me that she learned a "Mommy Secret" from her friend Mae Mae. Mae Mae is her nickname and we have to call her that because there is a different Megan who is even older so she can be Megan and the little Megan can only be Mae Mae.

Apparently, Mae Mae told Aubrey that Mommy's know when their children are lying because when the child tells a lie, the child's face turns their favorite color (the childs). I acted SHOCKED that someone would give away such a powerful secret. Molly comes by and is doing something that I ask her about, and she lies and her face happens to be pink from exertion.

Aubrey's eyes get HUGE, she looks at me and says, "I must am going to be a mommy, 'cause I SAW that!"

I think I hurt an internal organ by holding in that laughter and walking away.

Just for you Dad!

2010-11-07T14:34:00.003-05:00

GOAL!

Butterflies

Mermaid 1

Mermaid 2

Mermaids Together

Somehow

2010-09-24T17:11:00.003-04:00

We went from this:

To This:

No one told me that this would happen and I never even remember blinking.

No one told me how much it would hurt or how proud I would be or how wonderful it is to watch.

Or how much I would need a slow motion button.

Daily Life

2010-09-08T15:15:00.004-04:00

Today I made up a batch of Pomodoro Sauce - love that! I also made some Cheese and Sausage biscuits with leftover sausage from the weekend, they are in the freezer for quick breakfasts in the morning.

This very short week had us:

1) At our first Back to School Night! Exciting.

2) Practicing new routines with the bus and daycare

3) cleaning out junk drawers, garage, tupperware drawer, etc

4) Laundry - how is it possible to do 2 loads of laundry a day? I WISH I KNEW!

5) Trying to put together a plan of attack for the kids with a boys weekend coming up and a new job starting.

Boring, but our life.

This is Aubrey last Friday, LOVE this picture, don't know why!

Foggy River

2010-09-04T03:22:00.000-04:00

On our way back from dropping Molly off at school, I asked Doug to stop so I could grab shots of the river near our house. I love the FOG!

The Bus

2010-09-03T09:51:00.001-04:00

Aubrey road the bus for her first full day of Kindergarten. Is it wrong that I want to call the school and make sure she got there? With her lunch box? And her smile still in tact?

Headed down the driveway.

The girls!

I love that Aubrey turned back here - since she didn't once she got on the bus!

The bus driver told Aubrey to turn so I could take a picture :)

I cried.

Maryland State Fair 2010 Edition

2010-09-01T16:57:00.003-04:00

Different visit this year as the girls were older, we went with friends, we went later in the evening than past years. We didn't hit the Cow Palace, see the horses, see the Scales, or any other building. We did see the petting area, and eat in the Maryland area (my favorite). And we rode rides. And we made our kids cry because the games people would pretend to hand the kids a beanbag or dart and then pull it away when we wouldn't hand over our life savings.

And of course the ice cream. ICE CREAM that is so good, so good you can't describe. From milk, from cows, that we SAW get milked (or so I like to believe).

Notable fact, first year at the fair WITHOUT A STROLLER!

Pics from my phone cause I left my camera in the car...

Molly and Aubrey

The crew.

Molly and Sarah

Aubrey and Sydney

Sydney and Aubrey

First Day - Kind Of

2010-08-30T17:10:00.003-04:00

Aubrey and I went to kindergarten today. In our district we have gradual entry - so today 1/2 the kids and their parents came to school to get supplies sorted, cubbies set up, see the classroom, do activities, etc. Tomorrow, no school, half days Wed and Thurs and THEN on Friday, I am apparently supposed to put my child on a bus - without a car seat or adult - and let her go off on a 45 minute bus ride, WITHOUT ME, to school. Where she will apparently find her way to her class and have a full day of school.

I am pretty sure THAT is when I will loose it.

Also, SERIOUSLY? Haven't I spent the last 5+ years making sure my daughter doesn't

go into the street
talk to strangers much less GET IN A MOVING VEHICLE with one and
go anywhere without her carseat, a helmet, MY HAND?

OK, I need to take a deep breath and go lay down. Ok, back. Sorry about that.

In her classroom.

Right before we left.

I told her not to do her fake smile and this is the face she gave me.

We met Daddy for lunch.

And then we got her nails and toes done.

Hot Shrimp Dip Recipe

2010-08-29T08:58:00.002-04:00

I was looking for a shrimp dip to take to a party yesterday - but didn't want to have to go buy any ingredients.

Here is what I put together:

1 bag of frozen shrimp, defrosted, tails removed, chopped up

1 green pepper, diced

1 onion, diced

some minced garlic

some old bay

Toss all of that in a pan on the stove to soften the pepper/onion

1 cup of softened cream cheese

1/2 cup of sour cream

a bunch more old bay

Mix together in large bowl

Once the mix on the stove looks softened, use a slatted spoon to move it into the bowl with the cream cheese mixture (I tried to leave out as much of the "water" as possible).

Toss in a handful of grated cheese (I used cheddar, mont/jack would have been good as well).

Mix.

Place into pie dish or 8X8 baking dish. Sprinkle top with more cheese and old bay on top of that.

Place in 350 oven for 30 minutes.

I served with Sea Salt Bagel Chips --> Tostitos worked too!

Working Mom Again

2010-08-24T17:51:00.003-04:00

After a fabulous summer I will be heading back to work. We had a once in a lifetime summer! Now, back to reality - a brand new reality for all of us. Aubrey in kindergarten. Molly in "school" without her sister. Mommy in a new job. Daddy juggling the schedules.

In trying to get organized for the school year I put together a multi-week meal plan, a big list of to do's and worked to get well "baby" check ups scheduled, dentist appointments scheduled, everyone signed up for the appropriate activities, etc. I was shocked to see the county school schedule and realize how many days Aubrey has off between the first day of school and Christmas (10 for those counting). (NOTE: I took the school year county from the website, copied it into Excel, posted it on Google Documents and shared with my husband).

Tonight for dinner we had Chicken Strips, Maryland Corn, and Edamame. I made a 1/2 batch at lunch and wouldn't share with the girls, so at dinner they asked me to make some for them to try and they DEVOURED what I made. Aubrey even asked if she would be lucky enough to get something like that in her lunch box. Um, SURE!

We had a friend over for a few hours today, I gotta say, FOUR YEAR OLDS ARE HARD WORK -well worth all the fun, but HARD WORK!

WOW, how boring is this post?

Back in the Swing

2010-08-23T20:32:00.004-04:00

Aubrey had her first soccer practice tonight. We needed a quick turnaround dinner to get there by 6 so I made Bow Tie Lasagna and to celebrate we had Sprinkle Cookies after practice.

Yeah, I don't know this is either.

And Molly has to pose too.

The Blue Turtles (the kids picked the name)

Aubrey was "so very sweaty" so she took off her team shirt :)

And We're Back

2010-08-20T08:16:00.003-04:00

This week I:

unpacked from being away for a month
grocery shopped
back to school list shopping - 16 glue sticks? REALLY?!?!
Suit shopping - with girls in tow
3 phone interviews
2 in person interviews
2 trips to Severna Park (for babysitters)
full day with girls friends at the house
pool
collected all the girls clothes (summer and fall), plus the clothes packed for our trip, loaded into the guest room, sorted, folded and put away
collected 6 bags of toys hidden away and the kids haven't noticed.
went to a chiropractor
stressed about and dreamed about providing healthy lunches, daily, for Aubrey

This week I did NOT:

Bake
Cook
Read
Take pictures
blog
exercise (see above chiropractor - back pain!)
sew
craft
deal with medical forms for kindergarten

See how this is totally not as blog worthy as Maine?

Our Last Day

2010-08-14T13:58:00.000-04:00

We packed a lot into our last day in Maine.

We kayaked.

The boys fished and then napped.

Girls were turned into Sea Turtles.

There was tubing.

A family portrait, a lovely dinner, presents, dance party, and lots of beach!

A full day, to end a full month.

Funtown USA

2010-08-13T07:08:00.003-04:00

Things We Learned at Funtown

Aubrey is tall enough for all but 2 things at FunTown - including Excaliber.
Molly will do any ride she is tall enough for and a couple she isn't. Including riding the Tilt A Whirl 3 times in a row without getting off.
Aubrey can apparently drive the bumper cars and bumper boats, and do well.
Funtown is fun
Cousins = more energy, more fun, more noise, more jumping, and the need, the need for speed.
My kids are fearless, and that scares me.
Doug learned that he should never ride a Tilt A Whirl 2 times in a row or with Caleb.
Royal learned to never awkwardly turn the steering wheel on bumper cars near your little girl cousins or you hurt your shoulder.
Grandy learned the whole family can have such fun together and that her grandkids are VERY courageous.
Granddad learned why he has such good memories of the trips he took as kids seeing these kids play.
Anna learned that my new favorite ride is Excaliber.
Aubrey learned to stay close and hands (she already knew that but that is how she answered the question).
Uncle Mark learned that dragon's descent rocks
Caleb learned that his favorite rides are Excaliber and Astrophere!
Aunt Stacie learned that she gets sick riding the Tilt a Whirl 3 times in one night.

Guess Who's Riding a Two-Wheeler

2010-08-11T11:04:00.001-04:00

8 Days Past Her 4th Birthday!

Glimpse of Future and Fairy House

2010-08-10T20:51:00.001-04:00

The picture below? Scares me as I see this as a glimpse into 10 years from now, when as teenagers, they sit and talk about boys, school, their futures (which don't include being kitty cat princesses anymore). Do you see it?

Aubrey 5 and 5/6. Anna 8.

Fairy House

Still working on the fairy house!

Museum and Ferry Beach

2010-08-09T20:49:00.004-04:00

Today we went to the Children's Museum, Ferry Beach, made soft pretzels, red sauce, and I just want a nap.

Dressing up and singing

Running the diner.

Major low tide at Ferry Beach.

Live Clams!

Off to chase the birds.

family

Molly and Royal

Great Beach Day, 132nd Edition

2010-08-08T20:40:00.001-04:00

Kids on a boat ride!

Cousins!

Mud Pies

Boating - and FISH! 2 days in a row.

We were on the beach from 10am until 6pm. The kids left around 4 with the Fishermen. The women stayed with a bottle of Pinot Noir and some cheese and crackers.

Home to grill up fresh fish with a lobster dill cream sauce!

I MAY have reached the point where I am tooooo tan.

Beach to Beacon

2010-08-08T18:01:00.000-04:00

And so it was the morning of the 13th Annual Beach to Beacon Race. We all gathered at the end of the road instead of the Finish Line. We were about 1.4 miles into the race.

We saw Smurfs!

Royal - best family time

Sarah

Uncle Alan

The kids then decided to put together a Lemonade Stand. Then we went to the beach.

Annual Lobster Dinner! The Craig Family.

Zombies.

Beach to Beacon 2010 Kids Race

2010-08-08T05:50:00.006-04:00

Kids with their free ice cream getting ready for the Kids Race Friday Night!

Aubrey getting lined up.

Aubrey running, such a happy kid.

Molly running - "all by mys self".

Molly getting her medal.

Days 19, 20

2010-08-06T07:09:00.003-04:00

Craft time,

lazy time,

movie time,

sewing time,

beach walking time,

foggy, rainy day time,

playground time,

registering for kids's race time,

cooking time,

cleaning time,

house ready for 13 people time.

Molly is 4

2010-08-04T19:24:00.002-04:00

Build a Bear, Pizza party, Presents, Movie, all with cousins.

Monday At The Island

2010-08-04T07:21:00.002-04:00

Hiking on the Island

View of SandDollar beach on our hike

Circus Smirkus! Awesome, awesome, awesome

8 Hours On The Beach

2010-08-01T18:42:00.002-04:00

Molly was swimming and swimming today.

Aubrey fished with Daddy

Daddy fished!

Seaglass, Bean, and Beach

2010-07-31T18:36:00.000-04:00

Aubrey Catches a Fish

2010-07-31T07:07:00.004-04:00

Fishing Friday

2010-07-30T20:54:00.001-04:00

The girls went fishing with daddy and Granddad this morning. Doug has video which I will try to get uploaded soon - it is awesome! We all went out for Ken's Fried Clams, a walk on Pine Point beach, ice cream, and then Daddy is handling bed time!

Captain's Log Day 13

2010-07-29T20:44:00.003-04:00

Girls and I went to the grocery store. Aubrey and Molly no longer fit comfortably in the "car" carts. This was upsetting to me, another reminder that they are growing too fast.

We made Rainbow Sprinkle cookies. After the girls dipped the mix into the sprinkles to put on sheet for baking I realized this was not the best recipe to be doing one day after new granite counter tops are installed or the day that I washed and vacuumed floors.

I made Pasta with Pancetta and Leeks for dinner, it rocked.

Grandy, the girls and I tried to go to the pool for our last swim (closes tomorrow for cleaning), but pool was closed due to unexplained power outage (per the sign posted). Grandy filled buckets in the back yard for them to play in.

Headed to the beach from 3:30 - 6:30 and it was wonderful. The neighbor, my new friend, brought me down a Corona and we visited for the last hour of our beach time. Granddad rough housed with the girls and tried to dump Molly in the ocean but ended up getting wetter than she did. Then I had to explain what a cigar was. (my explanation? yucky thing for granddads. grandy's explanation? granddad's pacifier).

Doug should be flying in to surprise the girls tonight - but due to storms BWI has some massive delays for departures so who knows what will happen.

Evening at the Beach

2010-07-28T20:24:00.003-04:00

Today Grandy and Granddad had new countertops installed. We laid low in the morning and then headed to the beach around 11:30. We stayed until 6pm. We had a blast.

Last night after dinner we were treated to ice cream and a trip to Bug Light Park - so this picture is from that.

Seals

2010-07-27T14:58:00.003-04:00

Today we went on the big boat around the island. We saw SEALS! It was wonderful. The girls also got a turn captaining a boat - we went in circles for a while :)

This guys was checking us out making sure we didn't come too close to the babies.

Amazing, right?

The babies

Aubrey was very serious.

Sunday the 25th

2010-07-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

Sunday morning we got up and the girls and I went to the beach. We made new friends with a family visiting from Canada, we practiced our running for the race coming up, ate 7 snacks in 2 hours and collected tons of beach glass. We also modeled our new bathing suits.

Sunday afternoon involved naps for EVERYONE! Then we had a dinner party and Grandy made scallops, fried haddock (so good), and a blueberry pie. We had a blast and maybe too much wine (well that part was me).

The Second Saturday

2010-07-24T18:57:00.002-04:00

Today I woke up at 6 and went for a 3.3 mile run, I came back and did laundry, had breakfast, sewed a skirt, meal planned, created grocery list, showered, went to an art fair, the grocery store, had lunch, worked on another skirt, hit a consignment shop... and enjoyed not hearing "MOMMY" every 5 seconds.

In the afternoon I headed out to pick up my girls - who I missed! Aubrey asked me if I was happy sleeping in, and I said yes. She said, "well that hurts my feelings a little bit". I asked if she was happy to be away from me - and she said yes but that she missed me and I told her I felt the same way!

Things They Did With Cousins (in their words):

1) Peed in the grass... well Caleb does it that way.

2) Lunch was apparently peanut butter and chocolate

3) Played in the pool

4) Showered outside

5) Molly says she and Anna cried because they didn't want to go to the surf place.

6) Went to a surf place and body surfed - and no one helped them.

7) But Molly said she needed help but Aunt Stacie was busy taking pictures and riding the horses (which I am positive is not true).

8) Had the best time ever and want to live there forever or at least let it be known that the next time they have a sleep over one night is not enough, and probably 2 won't be either.

Day 7

2010-07-23T18:09:00.000-04:00

This kind of sums up most of our morning. Up very early, played, then Molly and Aubrey crashed on the family room floor at 10am for a couple hours.

We then drove down to New Hampshire to see COUSINS! Had dinner there, the girls are having a sleepover!

Thursday

2010-07-22T14:20:00.001-04:00

I am posting now, because I am committed to doing NOTHING the rest of today. Except maybe make popcorn and put on a movie or two with the girls. We have been GO GO GO and this mama is tired.

Grandy drew out a hop scotch and Molly put an M in each square.

Aubrey drew a sail boat with a little girl catching a fish.

Got Molly to cheese for a picture.

Molly and I made a Fairy House on the beach this morning!

Botanical Gardens

2010-07-21T20:49:00.005-04:00

Today we went to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. We had a blast and I can't recommend enough going and spending as much time as you can with the Fairy Houses - I regret not staying longer in that area with the girls.

I took 250 pictures... I only forced 2 people to look at them all :)

Molly loved the whale rocks.

Hey look, a picture of ME!

One of the fairy houses.

I can't describe how gorgeous these were, bigger than my head and just lines of them!

Cottage Garden - notice the kitty cat fence :) Inside they colored pictures.

Theoretically here is a link to more pictures from our day - but not all of them, just some of them :)

http://picasaweb.google.com/krajnikcraig/BotanicalGardens

Day 4 - So Tired

2010-07-20T20:20:00.002-04:00

Day 4

It seems weird that it is only day 4. We have done enough stuff that it should be a week we have been here!

Today:

After a sleepless night I dropped Doug at the airport at 5am. So sad.

Made Eggs In a Hole

Grandy did the girls nails and toes in very shimmery polish.

Grandy took the girls to the cove to look for rocks.

I went to the grocery store and did the meal planning for the week.

Gave girls showers - never take them to beach without bathing suits. Ever.

Lunch. They ate big lunches.

Good, much needed naps for girls.

I did a 4 mile walk/run while girls napped. Only way to make it through the day.

Talked to Daddy on video conference.

Pool - Aubrey DOVE off of a spring board. Molly jumped off the spring board! It was high and freaked me out that they were going off of it.

Went to the playground.

Made an amazing dinner!

Went to the beach - gorgeous night.

Am going to bed, right now.

Who Is This Child?

2010-07-20T05:11:00.000-04:00

Best Monday Ever, It's Monday, Right?

2010-07-19T20:37:00.003-04:00

(*you may skip to the pictures, I was in the mood to be verbose)

I got up at 5 and did 50 minutes across Crescent Beach and through a path along the water and back through some woods, ending back on the beach. The sun was coming up and the water was PINK, the sky was pink, it was lovely.

Molly was up as I sat down with my glass of water. We played, vacuumed, laundry, packed for the beach. Aubrey was up very soon after Molly and snuggled with me.

Daddy took the girls fishing! They each caught 3-4 Pollack.

The girls and I played at the beach and daddy went fishing alone. Molly decided to cover my legs in mud - I let her. Aubrey and Molly built drip castles on my legs. At the end I had an inch or two of mud covering me from toe to mid-thigh. We all went in the very cold ocean to rinse to me off. I feel very ex foliated.

After the last few LONG days, we headed home for lunch and naps. I sat on the deck and read a magazine, napped with my hubby on the couch.

Aubrey and I played Go Fish.

We all headed to Portland Headlight to see Grandy working - and she had surprises for the girls!

Then Bugaboo Creek for dinner. On the way to dinner we instituted a family policy that if you toot 3 times in a row quickly you are only required to say "excuse me" once. If you toot a number of times FAR APART from each other then each requires its own "excuse me".

After dinner Doug took the girls for ice cream. I played with my new phone... oh did I mention my hubby took my phone to the sprint store 'cause it was broken (no GPS, spotty service) and I got a brand new super fancy phone?

All of this rounded off with a dancing and singing show from the girls and a lightening show from mother nature.

Fisherpersons

Day 2 - Cousins at Richmond Island

2010-07-18T20:19:00.005-04:00

Today We:

Had pancakes

Hung the laundry to dry on the line

Took a boat ride to the island with our cousins

Went on an adventure and discovered that Indians MUST have lived on the island.

Rode waves

Inter-tubing!

Burgers and dogs on the deck

Cupcakes

Did I mention cousins?

Tubing

Cousins

Riding the waves

Cape Elizabeth Day 1 of 30

2010-07-17T16:43:00.003-04:00

Today we:

Walked on the Beach

Took a Boat Ride

Found Sea Glass

Took Naps

Unpacked

Played Barbies

Wine (for mommy)

Saw a sick Loon up close

Lobsters for dinner

Ice Cream Stand

Back to the Beginning

2010-07-11T12:32:00.002-04:00

I created this blog 3 years ago to record a 6 week trip to Maine that we were taking - and share pictures and stories of that amazing time. I actually used this blog to make a book of that trip, which turned out great.

Well, the girls and I are headed to Maine for a month starting next Saturday! Doug will be down the last 10 days or so with us and the first 3 days (helping us drive up and then flying back).

My plan is to once again record that trip and our adventures.

We just got back from 9 days in Bethany Beach - an amazing time with lots of family, food, alcohol... and beach time! My parents, sister and her hubby and Doug and I had dinner one night at Bluecoast, it was our second time there with that group - and as usual the food was great. The stand out though was the Dreamcicle Martini. I emailed the restaurant and they gave me the recipe! I can't wait to try it out. Here it is:

Equal parts svedka clementine vodka, pinnacle whipped cream vodka and triple sec. Splash buttershots and pineapple .

At the Beach

2010-06-27T21:03:00.000-04:00

No Laptop and Other Rambling Ramblings

2010-06-23T14:20:00.003-04:00

I turned in my work laptop in on Monday. Typing on a mini isn't as much fun as I thought it would be.
Google Docs is awesome! Currently using their powerpoint and excel equivalents and am impressed.
Aubrey is feeling MUCH better! No fever since Sunday afternoon, energy and appetites are growing. I do believe her energy level and my enjoyment of being a SAHM may be inversely proportional - will let you know!
I sewed up a knit skirt to wear at the beach; it isn't perfect but is my first attempt with knits and I did well.
I also put the Spring Shells together and froze before baking to take the beach, it looks awesome!
Speaking of the beach... postings will be slim :p

Daddy's Day

2010-06-20T09:17:00.004-04:00

I asked the girls what they love most about their daddy.

Aubrey:

he makes good pizza
he catches fishies
and he fixes things for us
that I love him snuggling me.

Molly

I love about him that we gave him presents
I care for him
I love him so much
play monkey tag
I love about him, he makes bagels

And I just couldn't ask for a more involved, fully engaged partner on this trip with these amazing girls.

Happy Father's Day to the greatest men I know!

What A Week!

2010-06-19T11:18:00.004-04:00

So this week hasn't been the best week ever, but putting it in perspective it actually isn't the end of the world either.

Monday morning I got notified that the company I worked for was closing and not to show up for work.

..... my husband has a very steady job and we can make this work until I find something else.

Monday at lunch I noticed Aubrey had a golf ball sized lymph-node on her neck, headed to the doctor, lots of blood tests later and Tuesday we find out she has mono.

..... since I don't have a job and was keeping the girls home with me, no stress about what to do with a sick kid for 10-14 days of fever, weakness, and tiredness.

I drop my phone in the car and the touch screen splinters, doesn't work.

... since my husband recently purchased a new phone, his "old" phone was the same as my broken one and it is all switched over.

My house is kind of a mess which is driving my husband crazy.

.....BUT the freezer is stocked, projects that have not moved forward are now moving forward and I have cuddled my girls for HOURS AND HOURS.

Family, friends, co-workers, former clients have all reached out and over whelmed me with their comments and support. And to answer the questions:

1) I am fine, thank you.

2) NO I am not going crazy, I am enjoying my girls (although the reduced activity levels may be helping that out, will let you know).

3) I don't know what I am going to do.

4) I am still working on updating my resume, thanks.

5) What I didn't expect as a SAHM? How many hours I spend on my feet!

6) Molly is doing great, she doesn't realize we are "stuck" home with Aubrey. She is just soaking up the cuddles.

Cooking

2010-06-18T15:55:00.004-04:00

What? I do not have a problem. No, really, I don't!

This morning I made Sausage and Cheese Muffins! I will be freezing these and taking them to the beach this summer as an easy breakfast or mid-morning snack. Yum!

FYI, I can't remember where I found this - I had copied it into notepad and don't see it saved on Delicious!

Sausage & Cheese Biscuits

3 c. flour

1 T. + 1 t. baking powder

1/2 t. salt

1/2 c. butter, cut into small pieces

1 lb. bulk pork sausage, crumbled and fully cooked, cooled

1 1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

3/4 – 1 1/4 c. milk (I ended up using 1 Cup)

1. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder and salt. Cut in the butter until crumbly.

2. Stir in the cooled sausage and cheddar cheese. Add milk just until the dough comes together without being sticky. Be careful not to add too much.

3. I used the shape-by-hand method and made 15 biscuits put on baking sheets (didn't need to spray them).

4. Bake at 400 degrees for 12- 18 minutes, until lightly golden brown on top (I actually ended up baking for 21 minutes)

I also made The Pioneer Woman's Chicken Spaghetti, I put it in 2 8x8 Pyrex dishes, froze one, one in fridge for tomorrow's dinner.

Other notables this week include:

Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Best Chicken Fingers EVER! (I served these on top of big salads)

See, no problem at all, just make sure you are exercising daily!

Morning Muffins

2010-06-17T07:44:00.002-04:00

This morning I put together the following:

1 1/3 cup flour

3/4 cup oatmeal

1/3 cup sugar

2 tsps baking powder

1 beaten egg

3/4 cup milk

1/4 cup applesauce

1 cup chocolate chips

Put dry ingredients, in bowl, mix

Make well

Add wet ingredients

Mix until just moist

Toss in some chocolate chips 'cause it is Thursday.

Add paper muffin things to your muffin pan (or squares of parchment paper would give it a classier feel).

Pre-heat oven to 400

Cook for 20 minutes.

I advise you DOUBLE this... I wish I had (for freezing).

Note: Mine made 15, for the 2nd pan, fill the unused tins with water when you bake so you don't mess up your pan! I also just threw both pans in at one time.

Rainy Mornings are for Painting

2010-06-16T09:39:00.002-04:00

We pulled a table and chairs out onto the front porch and did some paintings

Aubrey with Water Colors

Molly with Finger Paints

Fun With the Hose

2010-06-15T20:07:00.000-04:00

**Pictures taken prior to the doctor saying no "exertion".**

The Duck Whisperer

2010-06-15T08:03:00.003-04:00

So while Aubrey was trying and trying and trying to get the ducks closer to her... Molly apparently is the Duck Whisperer.

Aubrey and the Ducks

2010-06-14T07:21:00.003-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend, we met these 10 ducklings at Nanny and Gtaws Pool. They don't have a mommy or daddy.

A couple weeks later, and they are all accounted for and VERY brave! Aubrey REALLY wanted to pet the ducks. And the ducks were taking food from her hand.

So she reached.

And she reached.

And that dark duck thought her pony tail was food, and grabbed it. And still she reached.

And then she pet the duck!

I loved this little series!

What's Cooking Today

2010-06-13T08:49:00.002-04:00

Heading to the pool with my parents today, Doug is working for the 3rd weekend in a row.

Yesterday I made up a batch of Peach Sangria (Southern Living Magazine)

1 bottle rose wine (do not use white zin)

3/4 cup peach vodka

6 TBSP thawed frozen lemonade concentrate (I used pink lemonade concentrate)

2 TBSP sugar

1 lb ripe peaches peeled and sliced

1 6oz pack of fresh raspberries

2 cups chilled club soda (added before serving)

Combine first 5 ingredients in a pitcher, stir until sugar is dissolved. Stir in peaches and raspberries, cover and chill for 8 hours - I did over night.

Stir in chilled club soda just before serving.

Sesame Slaw - made this last night, we love this!

6 cups of shredded cabbage

1 cup of cilantro

Dressing:

1/4 c OJ

2 TBSP oil

2 TBSP vinegar

1 TBSP honey

2 tsp sesame seeds

Also, this week I am going to be making this Roasted Red Pepper Pasta, so while grilling steaks last night I threw the peppers on, sweated them and peeled, so those are ready when I am.

Tonight I am also making Garlic Scapes to eat Monday or Tuesday with grilled chicken.

What new recipes are you trying?

What the Kids Have To Say

2010-06-12T05:27:00.000-04:00

"Girls, on Monday instead of school you are going to start staying home with mommy, OK. Do you have any questions"?

Molly: That's not fair, Ms. Lori has better Barbies, I want to go to SCHOOL!

Aubrey: Mommy, I have been waiting my whole life for you to say that to me.

My Summer as a SAHM

2010-06-10T14:36:00.003-04:00

Could it be? Will it be? I think so!

Starting Monday I will be home with the kids! Of course we still have vacation bible school in 10 days, trip to the beach, trip to Maine, Camp Putok for Aubrey and the summer reading program at the library... and the pool so the "home" part isn't really working for the SAHM thing, right?

But hey, putting together a list of all those projects in the house and yard I haven't had time for. Should we take odds on how much of that list we get done?

Should we talk about the spreadsheet I already put together that breaks up the days of the week and highlights activities in each of the following areas we should accomplish each day (they include exploring, playing, learning, cooking, Mommy's Chores)?

Or should we just do an over/under on when I am checked into the looney bin?

Theoretically I will have more time to blog about this little adventure!

So Happy It's Summer

2010-06-01T03:53:00.003-04:00

We joined a new pool this year and after one trip there, I am REALLY excited about it! We already have a date for Friday night with a family that has the same aged girls - we will be grilling at the pool and making margaritas!

Tons and tons of kids the girls ages and we had a fun time.

BUT, we started the weekend off with a trip to my parents pool - which there is just NOTHING that beats a pool on the water! It was a gorgeous day filled with family, swimming, and DUCKS!

Nope, no one had fun here!

Ducks AND Cousins!

DUCKS!

Cousins (Aubrey has cherry on her face)

Catfish, her name is Sparkles.

My Garden Makes Me Smile

2010-05-28T14:08:00.000-04:00

Aubrey's Recital

2010-05-03T11:54:00.002-04:00

Aubrey coming in to the recital venue, a nice cake congratulating all the kids.

Some o the family that came out to support her!

Aubrey doing a perfect Scooby Doo!

Aubrey with Ms. Elly.

My Hooch is Starting to Smell

2010-04-30T09:30:00.004-04:00

... and this is a good thing! I wish this blog had smell-o-vision! My sourdough starter has a nice sour smell and has developed the frothy bubbly layer. I am going to leave it out today and then move it to the refrigerator tonight!

I am also doing some container gardening this year - the idea of a big in ground garden is overwhelming! So why not do seeds in small pots on the deck??

My mixed lettuce salad container:

My cilantro, lavender, basil!

Sourdough Starter

2010-04-28T07:50:00.003-04:00

In the past 16 months or so I have been on a mission to make bread, bagels, soft pretzels, etc from scratch - no machine.

I have been successful so far. And now the "final frontier" dun dun dun. SOURDOUGH! For some reason it has seemed like such a big thing to tackle. You have to make a starter, you have to think about it weeks in advance. And then I actually started reading up on it. I read my Betty Crocker cookbook, web sites etc. All say the same thing. One cup of flour and one cup of water to make your "pet"... then just feed it, care for it, let it grow. Well, 2 lovely children prove I can do that, right?

So 48 hours in, here is what I have:

Apparently Baby Barbie and duckie wanted to swim at the "pool".

By Mother's Day I hope to provide the sourdough rolls or bread for brunch with the family, will keep you posted!

PSA

2010-04-20T07:43:00.002-04:00

This is a Public Service Announcement.

If your 5 year old and your 3 year old are racing to see who can get their PJ's on fastest, and the 5 year old wins and rubs it in your 3 year olds face AND the 3 year old is over tired from a very busy weekend, the result will be a FULL ON melt down.

Melt Down will include high pitched screaming which you and your husband will immediately think means someone is mortally injured and you will both jump and SPRINT to the stairs.

At that point your heart will be racing and you will be winded from the scare. You will want to grab your 3 year old and hug her to you - even though she is screaming - just because she didn't crash down the stairs.

But the screaming - the intense, unbelievable, wracking sobs, screaming - will be so involved that your child will loose her ability to hold in her urine. This will soak both you and the screaming child in said urine.

You will drop your child on the floor and walk away. Calmly walk away. Your husband can handle bedtime. You must cancel any plans you had, change your clothes, get into your own bed, knit and veg in front of the TV.

Please be sure to communicate this to all those that could be affected.

Good Luck and God Speed.

Rock Star Soft Pretzels

2010-04-18T18:07:00.002-04:00

Today the girls and I made these:

1 1/2 tsp. active dry yeast
1/2 tsp. brown sugar
1 dash salt
1 1/2 cups 110 degree water

Combine 4 ingredients above, let sit for at least 5 minutes.

4 cups bread flour

Stir flour into above mixture and KNEAD for 5 minutes!

Place dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and allow to rise in a warm place for 1 hour

Divide dough into 8-12 equal-size pieces; roll each piece into a rope; shape each rope into whatever you want!

1 Tbls. baking soda
1/4 cup warm water

In a shallow dish, stir baking soda into warm water; dip shapes into mixture; lay coated pretzel onto a lightly greased cookie sheet.

Bake in a 550 degree oven for 8 minutes, or until golden brown.

When pretzels come out of the oven you have lots of choices!

Today, we mixed a melted 1/2 stick butter with some honey, and for half of our pretzels we brushed the honey butter on the pretzels and then sprinkled cinnamon sugar.

For the other half, we used 1/2 stick of butter melted, and then kosher salt.

Enjoy :)

I usually freeze half of what we bake, then when we are in the mood pop one into the microwave for 30-45 seconds and they are perfect!

Easter Egg Hunt 2010

2010-04-06T07:31:00.002-04:00

At Grandy and Grandad's

Trying my hand at ruffles

2010-02-14T14:54:00.000-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

One spoiled dog.

2010-02-12T10:27:00.000-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

In Flight

2010-02-11T08:46:00.001-05:00

My Drive In

2010-02-08T09:34:00.002-05:00

Last minute I grabbed my camera as I left the house this morning, and at the end of our road, I took these:

I made heart garland for the girls!

2010-02-07T15:57:00.001-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Bread!

2010-02-07T11:14:00.001-05:00

We got the girls initials, hearts to freeze for Valentines Day, C and S for Super Bowl!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

35

2010-02-06T07:08:00.002-05:00

How I spent my 35th birthday:

Took a personal day from work
Kept the girls home
Put a TO DIE FOR pot roast in the crock pot
Made a Cinnamon Coffee Cake
Put the craft table cloth on, pulled out paper, scissors, glue sticks, stickers, foam shapes, play dough...
Let the girls go to town with no regard to what it would take to clean up.
Snuggled and watched Playhouse Disney
Answered a few work emails and calls
The girls did my hair - 4 big flower clips
The girls did my make-up (eye shadow on the forehead is SEXAY), and THEIRS... not sure Molly's face will be the same after all the lipstick she put on
Hubby came home, I curled up with my Kindle and read a book
Hubby put dinner and dessert together and cleaned up
Hubby put the girls to bed.
Watched Inglorious Basterds.... 1st half anyway. Too long, snow was putting me to sleep
Went to bed!

And got TONS of lovely facebook wishes!

Such a great day.

Make Up

2010-02-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

The girls did my make up and hair and theirs!

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Pot roast!

2010-02-05T07:54:00.001-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Snow Plan

2010-02-04T12:41:00.006-05:00

I am kind of excited to be snowed in for a few days!

I have the following planned:

To Die for Pot Roast ok, did this, but used 1/2 c red wine vinegar in lieu of water, and added onions, red potatoes, carrotts -UNBELIEVABLE!
Cajun Chicken Pasta -
Rice Krispie Treats - with added M&M's cut into hearts and put on lollipop sticks
make and freeze some smoothie snacks (did these, but added handful of spinach (can't taste), and no honey.
Bacon and Cheese Muffins - to freeze
Bathtup Paints
Cookie Dough! - M&M cookies and Oatmeal Crispies (freezing some, cooking some)
On top of all that we have a feast of super bowl CRAP food ready to go! Wings, Nachos, Sausage Dip, Spinach Dip...

I am also considering introducing the girls to The Princess Bride... nothing scarier than Scooby Doo has, right?

What are you doing?

Such a pretty snow!

2010-02-03T07:10:00.000-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Meal Plan Week 3

2010-01-31T12:00:00.003-05:00

Apparently I am having issues emailing to blogger, and just noticed that, oops.

So this week's plan:
Monday - Crock Pot Meat Sauce (going to brown beef and onion together, throw it in crockpot with jar of sauce and red wine).
Tuesday - 20-40 Garlic Clove Crock Pot Chicken
Wednesday - Pizza Night
Thursday - Lasagna (I have one in the freezer, if we have enough stuff for leftovers, won't take it out)
Friday - Out with the family
Saturday - Steaks and Smashers or Date Night
Sunday - Lots of junk food for super bowl! Nachos, Dips, Wings!

Crazy weather!

2010-01-25T07:25:00.001-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Meal Plan

2010-01-24T18:05:00.002-05:00

Well, don't currently have one, whoops. So let's go with this:

Tonight - Chicken, Smashers, salad
Mon- Leftovers
Tues - Spaghetti and Salad
Wed - Pizza
Thurs - Soup and Sandwiches
Fri - Steak and Wilted Spinach
Sat - I need a night out!

Met my mom and sister to see a movie today, "It's Complicated"... was so fun!!

Otherwise, fairly lazy weekend for me.

Window being moved 4 inches to the left.

2010-01-23T10:57:00.001-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Snowflake!

2010-01-22T10:02:00.000-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre

Pretty princesses

2010-01-21T10:01:00.000-05:00

-- Sent from my Palm Pre