I have SO much to share today. I didn’t realize it until I began going through all the recent photos.

I have 3 Smileboxes to share!  I know, its alot ot take in for one post. But I know many of you follow my family, and enjoy what I share. The funny thing is our family time is NOT perfect, and I think anyone with kids will laugh at some of what I am sharing. I know I laugh, AFTER its over.

I LOVE making these Smileboxes because they take NO TIME, and I don’t even need to resize my photos. I also like that I am preserving memories without having to scrapbook! LOL! Sorry that is just not my thing. Plus I think its more interesting to view photos this way. You can send these via email too. Great for long distance family. I know my own mother keeps up on my CRAZY life by reading my blog-so you usually know as much about me as my family! LOL!

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Alexa turns 9!

 As promised I have the Smilebox of Alexa’s Bowling party from last weekend. Many of you sent her cards and whatnot! Thank you!! She felt very special.
We all had a blast at Alexa’s party. I spent the day taking photos.

Some fun details:

Alexa’s friends would hand her each ball, when it was her turn. She likes being “waited” on. Her very first ball she got 9 down! I thought that was really cool since it was her 9th b-day!! I did get a photo of it, but you can’t see it, so I was bummed. She even won the very last game! YEAH!

Noah was a bowling pro and may do his party at the bowling alley.

Amber cracks me us because this girl can do anything, and still twirl her ponytails in the process. Im mean she is running and playing soccer, kicking the ball down the field, and twirling her hair at the same time. Hilarious.

I didn’t include too many photos of her friends, kept it mainly our family. I think you will see how much fun she had. I also didn’t include her home gift opening. Its sort of the same thing. The faces she makes when she opens gifts always makes me laugh. She always has a look of “OH THAT IS THE BEST GIFT I EVER GOT!” and totally surprised. Too funny.

Now I have one of my most favorite things to do with the kids-apple picking. I think I look forward to it more than they do! Each year gets better and we all have so much fun. Some of my favorite photos every year come from this time, as you will see why.

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This day was for Amber’s class field trip. I kept Noah & Alexa out of school to got with all of them! SHH! Don’t tell! LOL!

Now we have a Smilebox of our time at the Deerfield Fair, and Canobie Lake. Lets just say we were tortured at both! LOL!

At the fair-it was cold and rainy, which we tried to smile through. Noah complained about the “smell” of the animals and would NOT go in any of the barns! Well, given it was a FAIR, and aside from rides (which hello it was pouring) that was the only thing to do. It is usually a favorite, but not for Noah this year.

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Now as for Canobie Lake Park, that is a park of rides. Once the kids found the “kiddie” rides they only wanted to go on them. I know its selfish but Jay and I were BORED out of our skulls We did go on some big rides but Alexa was not happy about that!

Her and I were on the Rooster ride, when she began freakin out and telling me she was scared. OK nothing I can do about that right now. Then she says “Im going to pee my pants!” I screamed!! LOL! I was lie you better not pee on me! I will not be happy. Thankfully she didn’t, but after the Tilt a whirl it was time to go. They had enough. Oh well, we tried.

OK that is it for today.

I am going to share Amber’s birthday Smilebox later today or tomorrow. Lots of photos to go through for her. She had a amazing time, as did her friends!

Thanks for reading, and I hope you are enjoying the day!

Well its Monday. The weekend FLEW by!

You may have noticed I didn’t post yesterday. I took the time I needed for the family, and between my anniversary and all that, I was busy. I needed a little break anyway. I want to thank you all for the amazing well wishes! We had a great day.

I got my hair done-cut/dyed and highlighted. So that was FUN! It did take 3 hours! Because it is long and all I had done, but it made me feel good about myself. Then we went to dinner at the Common Man. It was really nice. We are HUGE losers because here we have a sitter, but could not figure out anything else to do! We tried to go see BatMan but it would be hours before the next movie, not wanting to shop (totally not my idea), we just rented a movie and were home by 8! LOL! We did get to watch the movie in peace so that was great. It was just nice to relax and enjoy each-other’s company.

I made it through a weekend of temptation, avoiding the crash and burn or ruining my new “healthier” eatting. I haven’t had coffee in 5 days now!!! THAT was not planned. I just haven’t even felt I needed it. “I” am as shocked as YOU are right now!!

School starts in 2 sleeps! So we will see what happens then.

So the Wedding was Sunday, we actually left the house ON TIME, and arrived when planned, another miracle. I didn’t take nearly as many photos as I should have. That always happens. I had the video camera for my Aunt and Uncle, so wasn’t thinking about the camera. I was with the kids before the wedding, so I should have taken more photos. Oh well.

They did a FABULOUS job. We had NO rehearsal since we live so far away, so they just winged it. It was si funny, as the kids walked down the aisle, Each step they would stop, and Noah would say “Now!” then Amber would drop the petals! She wouldn’t drop them until he gave his OK each step. He always has to be the “boss”. It was really cute. Then he got bored, and was loudly saying “How many more minutes till this is over?” really loudly. Then came the pout, and he squatting down till it was done. OH BOY!

A fun part was the table center pieces. It was a live plant with a Beta Fish. Everyone got a ticket, and the winners would be called out. Noah REALLY wanted to win the fish (We did NOT want to wiun the fish! LOL!) But he WON!! He was jumping up and down, and so excited. It was so cute.

Here is a Smilebox of the wedding. For anyone interested.

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Now onto the card for today. I have not had much time to create lately! (GASP!) Well I have but they are release stuff.

I did get this done for you though-A Fairytale Ending

You know I LOVE my Elzybells!!

When I saw the entire Fairytale collection I went nuts!! Having 2 girls who LOVE princess stuff, these are perfect. (OK even if I didn’t have girls I would need them! LOL!)

Now these are the original designs from the UK, so they are larger than the A Muse one’s if you are wondering. Elisabeth has a blog-check it out HERE (if you didn’t already know!).

I wanted to use uncommon colors, so I went with this patterned paper I got at Target. It is sweet blush, poppy red, olive, and soft sky. Perfect! I will give this to Jay at some point for one of those “for no reason” times.

I stamped the castle in the bottom corner, then the sentiment over it. I like this card a lot. Its just so cute. The main layer was cut with my nestabilities so it has a embossed edge. No layer needed.

Well that is all for me this morning. I have much to do to prepare for back to school!!!

Hope you have a great week. I know I am looking forward to some MYTIME

Thanks for reading.

Later!

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I am exhausted! Who would think having 5 kids at the Farm would be so tiring. I had my three and watched 2 others. I have to say they behaved so well.

I had a couple of teary moments. Just thankful for my kids and all I have. Sometimes little things they do get me all choked up. Like the unsolicited I love yous or a kiss. Sometimes just a look. I see them, and know this time will pass so fast. It has already. I want to LIVE in each moment, each day and absorb these faces, hugs, kisses and memories forever. Memories are made of the moments we live today.

I figured you may like to see it. It was VERY windy and cold. I thought it was going to rain but it held off.

I am happy to report Alexa cleaned out last night, and it was ALL brown! YEAH! She had a fabulous day and looks great! It was a huge deal that she was able to walk through the entire park! In know that is normal to so many of you, but for us, Alexa normally can’t walk that much. We are a week past chemo and I did see a big difference in her endurance and energy levels. Plus for her to not complain of pain is a big deal too. Her chemo made her bones just ache. I never realized how much she complained/ached till it stopped. She was running and just so happy. I got my “normal” family day afterall!! Thankfully we don’t get many “pity” looks anymore since she walks better and her hair is getting fuller.  Let me just tell you if you see a kid with cancer or any other problem, PLEASE don’t give that LOOK or STARE!! We see it, we just usually try to ignore it,  and we know what you are thinking. I’m not saying that to be rude, just be aware if you do it. No one wants the “LOOK”. You may only get what I mean if YOU have gotten the “LOOK”. Just look at us, or them like anyone else. I hope that makes sense.

We came home and everyone took a nap-for about 3 hours!! All except Alexa, who stayed up to play Groovy Girls!

Thank you so very much for the prayers and support! I so believe it worked!  I did use lot’s of bribery to get her to drink that stuff, and tomorrow I need to go buy the doll she saw in the store that talks and moves.

I do have creations to share but as you know I am drained! LOL! They have not been photographed at all. Hopefully tomorrow. Rest is necessary first! My hubby pointed out my spelling in my Alexa post for “Houston” we have take off, was spelled Huston. OH well! Im sorry but I was too stressed to be doing a great spell check!

Jason has tomorrow & Monday off! Vanilla Bean Chiller (with TGIFridays Mudslide mixer) here I come! Its well deserved this week!

Again thank you! If I could reach through the screen and give you all a BIG HUG, I so would.

Enjoy the night!

Manic Monday! That’s going to be my new way to greet them! LOL!

MYTIME MAIL is posted below-don’t miss the chance!

Well I decided to put the kids room’s into a Smilebox-since there were a decent number of photos.

Just click it to view. Its a fun, and interactive way to share/view photos. AND, since I don’t scrapbook-its PERFECT and fast. I LOVE fast!

Now like I said-its NO Pottery Barn catalog-but the kid friendly version of a room :D If it was TOO gorgeous they wouldn’t be allowed to play in there! LOL!

It also went from “little kid” to sort of “bigger kid”

Noah even said to me “Mom I’m not a baby anymore. You need to get rid of my baby pictures and Noah’s ark stuff. That is ridiculous!”

WHAT?!!! I was in shock! So now all his “baby” photos and his “unapproved back in his room items” and stuff is in his closet :C. Only big boy stuff was allowed. I did get a TINY Noah Ark theme in ONE little corner-YEAH!

The kids helped with everything! They washed baseboards, window’s, dusted, moved toys from their room, chose where stuff was going. ALL of it. Except the painting.

It was great to get them involved. I didn’t think they would care to help, but they loved it! Plus having them involved allowed me to spend more time getting it done. Every person who comes over now has to go see it.

The other day UPS came to deliver a package, and Noah was like “Hey-you want to come see my room?”

Ugh-Noah-we don’t invite stranger’s into the house-remember? GEESH!

Anyway-

They feel proud that they picked where things are and helped with the process.

We have not yet re-sanded/re-finished the real hardwood floors yet, or gotten our new area rugs for each room. The girls still need their headboards as well.

You will see 2 princess picture’s. My friend Erin (the one I made the baby bouquet for) made them for the girls!!! Its all fabric pieced! She did a “Car’s” movie themed one for Noah, but Disney has strict “rules” so I dont want to get her in trouble. She said I wasn’t allowed to post that one-but let me tell you it ROCKS!!!

I told her she needs to start an Etsy Store. People would love to buy them. She’s quite crafty.

There are few other items I want/need to add, but didn’t yet. Gotta sneak in those purchases in slowly, so Jason’s blood pressure doesn’t go to Holy Crap!! over OH MY GOSH!!! (get it? instead of saying like 168/100).

BUT since you asked, and it will probably be at least another month till the floors/carpet are done-and I complete the little extra touches-so figured I’d share now.

My girls room is pretty big so it took a lot for me to do.

Keep in mind I did it ALL by myself.

That is moving every item of furniture OUT of the room, painting, decorating, and all that fun stuff.

Jay did help with the closets (each room has a huge walk in closet-the length of their room), and it was to the point that if someone broke into our house-we would not fit in there to hide! LOL!

My house is pretty clean-but my closets are always a disaster! I have no idea WHY I have closet HATE. But I do! I just hate dealing with them.

OK that was alot more babble than I planned-SHOCKING I know.

Here it is.

Thanks for looking.

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Lauren

 Watching the snowplow

OK more dog stories!

You don’t have to read it-but I’m sharing them anyway I have now convinced several neighbors (including, but not limited to the Fed-Ex guy,and the mailman)that they really NEED a Cockapoo! Or should I say Daisy has! LOL!

She is the best, happiest, sweetest thing on 4 paws. The best Christmas gift I ALMOST never got!  I will have to get some photos of her and the cats. She is so good with them. They are in shock still, I think.

I made a Smilebox of Daisy, and what she does in the snow. Its just so funny. She even chases the shovel. Loves watching the plow. She is fearless. She is also very dis-tractable.

She literally DIVES in the snow, head first, and makes a path! She then gets full of “snowballs” on her fur, which she then eats when she gets in the house. I try to towel dry her, but I think she likes that process.

She loves the snow! Right now its WAY over her head!

Someone asked about our Christmas tree-and Daisy’s behavior. I learned there will be NO presents under our tree this year, as that is her top secret hiding place to go potty :C

I had removed the lower ornaments, but there is nothing I can do about that other stuff. Who can blame her right? Would you want to stick your hiney in a snowbank?

Who can resist that face? She is just a bundle of fur baby love!

You have to see it

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Thanks for looking

One more photo!!

My sweet friend Bonnie, sent Daisy a few treats!! Look at that candy cane. raw hide bone! It is bigger than she is. She has to DRAG it across the floor to move it. She loves it, and sits there for hours-gnawing away!

Thanks Bonnie She loves the 3 rope chew toys to. The kids play tug of war with her (which I do discourage), but she loves it.

Till tomorrow

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Well here is Amber’s Smilebox of her Dance Recital.

She looked SO CUTE!!! She had on a Santa apron, and a matching hair clip.

She did a great job. I was SO SO PROUD! I thought it was the most adorable thing I had ever seen. All the little girls dancing for everyone. The residents seemed to really enjoy it as well.

She is shy, so seeing her dance for everyone was adorable. She got distracted seeing us, and got a little behind, but she kept going. Now I cannot wait for the big one at the end of the year.

Did I say I was so proud? LOL!

I am SERIOUSLY bummed that I cannot get the video to load :C I have no idea why its still not working, when it has in the past.

I really hope to find a way to share it-cause it really is a must see.

OK my bragging mommy moment is over. But seriously-how adorable is she?

Hope you can view the Smilebox ok.

I have lots to do today, so I’m off and running. I did get some cool stuff done yesterday! So stay tuned.

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So here it is! The Smilebox with photos from the kids meeting with Santa Claus. It was such an awesome time. I included photos below, that I still wanted to share, but didn’t have the room, and I wanted to use this particular creation, as I am sure you will agree, its perfect.

I hope you have time to view it-grab the kids! I think they will be in awe of Santa. If they are on the border of believing this will reinforce it I think.

I’m totally bummed that the Smilebox will not let me load videos :C This feature has not worked for a while now-no matter how short it is. I SOOOOO hope I can find a way to share the video. Really cool.

So here it was 7pm, a knock at the door.

In walked Santa and Mrs Claus. They had their red toy sack, with lots of goodies.

Alexa was in shock, but she promptly introduced herself then invited them in to see our Christmas tree. Now that is shocking in itself.

He gave the kids each a special Christmas stocking, candy canes, covered lollipops, and reindeer antler’s, that were so cute.

Alexa also got a Magic Bell from Rudolph’s harness (since they change them yearly :D), a magic pen, so you can write letter’s to Santa, and they dont need to be sent in the mail, and the book Twas the Night Before Christmas, which was signed by the Author, and then Santa and the Mrs. Claus

He then delivered the children their most asked for toy! Who else would know what they wanted besides Santa himself?!

Click photos for larger view

Alexa got her Baby Alive doll-she wiggles, coo’s and drinks-then you know what-pee’s! YEAH! Another non-potty trained thing in the house right now! LOL!

Noah and Santa-love this photo. He is the first of my kids to willingly ever sit and chat with Santa

 He was quick to tell Santa that he was a good big brother and only belonged on the “NICE” list. He also tried to sell Alexa down the river by tattling on her, and saying she deserved “black rocks” for Christmas for being naughty, and that she never cleans up her room. Nice Noah!! I was  a little embarrassed, but you can’t deny he had a point! LOL! However, given Alexa’s treatments, she certainly deserves to be on the “nice” list :D, clean room or not.

Here we have Amber-she was not in love with Santa, but played along. She loved that he gave her a Dora candy cane-that matched her Hello Kitty jammies-kids!

Oh and Jason-My biggest kid

 He looks cute, even with goofy antlers.

Then there was the goodbye. Alexa LOVED Mrs. Claus, and had no problem hugging her, but for Santa, she preferred a Hi-5

 Check out her expression! Too funny.

It was a wicked nice thing for Make a Wish to set up for our family. Especially for Santa who VOLUNTEER’S this time of year to go out house to house like this.

 They really do go above and beyond the “wish” that your child is granted, which is totally unnecessary, but what an amazing thing to do. They set up all these little things that make Alexa’s day’s that much more special. Times that we hope will over shadow the memories of long hospitalizations and scary procedure’s. It gives her reason’s to look forward to things, and do well during the tough things.

I want her to say “Hey remember when we got to do this!”, instead of “Oh I hated going to the hospital and having X done. I truly believe these will be the memories that stick out.

I have always supported MAW, and am so thankful to be able to share this stuff with you.

Thanks for reading and let me share more of my family with you

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Oh what a day! Or should I say weekend.

Jason had been on a dog kick for a few months. Lots of online hours. After MUCH research we found a cockapoo (cross between a cockerspaniel and poodle) would better suit our family, wants and needs for a dog.

I didn’t want a big dog, too high maintenance, and it had to be good with other animals and of course KIDS. Also easy to train. That equals a cockapoo. We did meet other breeds of dogs as well, but the meeting confirmed our wish.

So I told you how Saturday we spent the day at the puppy place looking for dogs. I didn’t really care, till I met this one. Its so true what they say “The dog picks YOU.”

 I fell in LOVE with this one, I named Daisy, while on our visit.

NOT A GOOD THING TO NAME A DOG IF YOU AREN’T SURE YOU CAN HAVE IT.

From the second I saw her she was adorable, but more so, SWEET. She instantly sat in my lap, and nuzzled my neck. She got on her back for me to rub her belly. Im mean seriously turned me into a mushy gushy moron I was in love.

Then, to only to have Jason say ‘No, I don’t know if I want a dog”. After 2 1/2 hours of debating-we left without her. I thought I would cry.

What he REALLY meant was he didn’t want to spend $1,000 for a dog.

I was so upset we left without her. I thought I’d get over it, but totally could not. I was really upset. Even more so when we made several appointments today to see some other dogs (same breed), but a little cheaper. He said IF I didn’t like the others, he would consider calling to get “Daisy”.

I was already worried, as another couple was considering her while we were there. PLUS I didn’t want to settle. What is the point?

I had my heart set, and mind made up. Why even look at another dog, if this was the ONE I needed?

So, while on the phone with my mom, she told me she would help me get the dog How could Jason say No right?

I was over the moon happy! Jason was also happy cause he could actually get me the dog without really stressing. (Which WHY look at an expensive breed if you don’t plan on BUYING it?)

MEN!

So I called the breeder, and there was a family there looking at her. She asked if I would DEFINITELY be buying her, and if so I had to come within 45 min. Good thing they are 10 min. away.

Now imagine if I waited? That other family MIGHT have bought MY dog!

So thank you so much MOM! You are the best! Also, thanks Jay for finally caving. Next time don’t bring a family to meet dogs, if you aren’t ready to pay up! SERIOUSLY!!

So I would love you all to see my Christmas gift! I decided to get her instead of a fancy camera, photo editing software, and a graphic program. Well worth it I think

I named her Daisy-cause she is so sweet,  soft,  gentle, and loving.

Jason wanted to name her COSTALOT-get it “cost a lot”. I did laugh  at that one!!

For the record, Noah tried his best to sway daddy by saying “Daddy I think you need to buy mommy that doggie. She is really sad. She might cry. I think you are being mean”

For Amber to say “Mommy daddy can’t buy you the dog. Its thousands of dollars. Do you have thousands of dollars. No one has thousands of dollars, so you can’t have it”

And she is THREE. A girl after her dad’s heart! LOL!

Thanks for reading my non-stamping related post. Also for the support.

Now I hope to get some eye candy done for ya!

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Ok I know I promised a Smilebox of my kids at Thanksgiving. So here are the photos, and the pictures they drew for what they are Thankful for!

You REALLY have to view Alexa’s drawing of each of us! Its too cute! She even made us in our favorite colors. That the kind of stuff you save FOREVER!! I cried when I read her whole book. Especially when she said she was most thankful for Mrs. Darling! That is her teacher aid. HELLO ! Alexa what about MOMMY?!

Amber had a laminated place mat-on the back were photos of the family , and what she is thankful for. Like pocketbooks, and Dora stuff! LOL!

Noah’s class didn’t do anything except color Turkey’s! Um, unsure WHY! No Harvest Feast-nothing! Good thing is sent in cupcakes anyway

He said he loves and and XBOX! SHOCKER!!!

Thanks for looking

I cannot believe my baby is 5 today!

Where did the time go? Anyone know? Seems like just yesterday I was in labor with him.

He has grown so much. You would never know he is only 5. He is a whole head taller than Alexa who is 3 years older than he. He is also the “caretaker” for the girls. He protects them, bosses them around, repremands them, and watches over them like a BIG brother would. He is my OCD child-which means not only is he a fabulous cleaner (*wink*) he knows where it all goes. Yes I am proud of that! Some woamn will LOVE him someday. Plus he loves ART! So should he marry a stamper-she will be in heaven.

He is also very sensitive and caring towards others. The teacher says he’s a joy to have in class and very likable amongst his peers. He is especially friendly/patient of other kids with behavior/other issue’s. THAT is what really makes me proud. Especially having a child with Special needs. As THAT parent you always hope for the kind and sweet caring child to befriend yours. I do expect that Noah should inhert that, having a sister like Alexa. When they are out of your home though, you just never know.

So I’m happy Noah is “that” person for his peers. It’s people like that, that make this world a good place.

I am including 2 Smileboxes for today. At Noah’s request. He LOVES seeing himself on the computer. He did professional modeling for a while at Model Inc in Boston Ma till he was about 18 months. He then began to NOT like it, so we stopped. He definitely “works” the camera!

The first one, is a postcard style, easily send-able, with a photo of him every year since birth.

I LOVE doing those. It shows a quick view of how much he has grown and changed. I still see my “baby” in there though.

Hope you like it.

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This next Smilebox is a re-cap of Noah’s party at the space center.

We had 11 kids, and they all seemed to have a blast.

They were able to play in a huge tunnel/slide playhouse, then got tokens to play all the games.

It was a great day for high energy kids. Noah felt so special and had so much fun with his friends. He didn’t want to leave :C

We had pizza, cake and ice cream. Best part, I only had to show up with the kids! They provided decorations, paper goods, cake and everything! Given our family issue’s that week (sick kids, ER visits and tooth pulling) it was a saviour to me.

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Thanks for looking!