Few things...

Each year I do a series (via PPT) with my students called "INSPIRED". Each day for 4 weeks we watch/listen/read about something out of the ordinary that someone's accomplished. Afterward, students respond either orally or in writing to a prompt designed to help them dig a little deeper and enhance their writing ability.

Found this on one of the blogs I follow. Definitely plan to share this with them. Their athleticism and precision is amazing!

"Two dancers from Staatsballett Berlin are shown in slow motion at 1000 frames per second, to the song Radiohead's Everything in Its Right Place."

Josiah's such a big helper in the kitchen despite the frequent accidents.




Their new favorite play place...under our kitchen sink. They've made it like a fort and drag all sorts of things in there for hours on end...



Chicken & dumplings turned out well (I followed the suggestions of several reviews). I was concerned, however, that the biscuits were going to explode out of my crockpot.

Recipe can be found at AllRecipes.com "slow cooker chicken and dumplings"

Found another awesome blog, 71 Toes. The index is HERE. 

Biggie Camera

They asked for a picture of Noah. I was like. Umm, YES!

So, so big. 

Oh mom, I'm so shy. 

Noah Tyler

She's stunning. 

Didn't stage these...

She's got so much love to give!

See that red eye? Josiah's elbow might of had something to do with that...

If it looks like he's unhappy, that's because he's fearing for his life right about now. 

Cant Keep My Eyes Open When We Snuggle

When the twins were in the NICU, we spent hours sitting by them (when they were too fragile to be held) and snuggling with them as they got stronger. I remember the chairs being really uncomfortable. I think that was supposed to keep you awake, but we usually managed to fall asleep anyway. What is it about snuggling with babies that makes you so sleepy?

I've been both incredibly productive around the house and had a blast playing with the kids today. Mornings and early afternoons (up to naptime) are my favorite times of day with them. Well, that and bedtime. Not the actual chasing them naked around the house trying to put pjs on, but the "tell me about your day", read stories and  sing songs part. There's this period of time after naps and right before bedtime when they're usually pretty irritable and itchy. I'm not sure why. Sometimes I want to yell at them, "If I got to nap as long as I wanted every day I wouldn't be so grumpy!"

All "in process" laundry has been folded and put away. Dinner is in the crockpot (chicken & dumplings). Dishwasher is running, Josiah's dresser drawer was weeded and organized, everyone was bathed, twins are napping (check out littlest snoozing away on my lap as I write)

and other than THIS mess, the house is quite presentable. Yes, that's my crockpot sitting upside down. I'm not sure how they snatched it off the kitchen counter....

Morning nap amidst the chaos... 

I FINALLY captured Noah's smile on camera. I wish I had the big camera out, but it's terribly difficult to hold the big camera and act ridiculous enough for a newborn to laugh at you. We'll have to work on pictures this weekend.

Isn't he amazing??? He's the happiest baby I've ever known. We can't believe how effortlessly he fit into our little family. Steve and I frequently mention to each other how wonderful he is. Not just in temperament, but it's incredible to love someone you've only known for a few weeks so much. He's completely adored by all of us.

Chocolate or Poop

Love this scene from Baby Mama. I can't be the only one who has done this, right?

Baby Mama

While the kids were taking a bath, Noah was hanging out on the carpet. Could he get any cuter? I don't think it's possible.

A Day in the Life

Stuffing her shirt already....

  

Dressing for "work"!

Hanging out together

Two Hearts; One Dream

I've been too tired & strapped for time to write anything of significance lately, but we all really know that the pictures are the best part of a blog anyway. 

That girl loves her dress up :)

Nappy-Napster

It's a long story but yes, that's a miniature of my dad. The kids love to carry it around.

Hanging out together

Gorgeous weather here lately! On a walk!

We looove going to the park!

This song has been stuck in my head (though the music video is pretty lame) so I've been listening to it several times over the last few days. 

Just Another Day in Paradise 

Our Babies

A trip on the train

Today, Josiah and I took the NJ Transit Atlantic City train from Cherry Hill to Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.  We have taken the kids to the train station a few times to get to see the train but today was a special trip so we could take a ride.

The trip was simple – a 30 minute ride into Philadephia, an hour and 15 minute layover, then a 30 minute ride back.  Once we got there, we walked around (Josiah especially enjoyed the escalators) and went to see a few different trains coming and going at the Septa platforms.

We grabbed a bite to eat in the station, then did more walking around!  We got Ben & Jerry’s ice cream while we waited our last 20 minutes before our train left.  We sat out in the main concourse to eat our ice cream – it brought back memories of our early morning trip to Niagara Falls several years ago.

Josiah told me a few times that he wanted Mommy and Lilly to sit in the seat in front of us.  It’s great how important it is that Lilly be a part of whatever he is doing.

Two quick pictures:

It's quiet...for now

I know.

It's been forever since I've posted anything.

Things were going quite smoothly (pat myself on the back) until about Monday when all three kids came down with colds- the gross kind with lots of sneezing. Minimum sleep & patience for all of us.

I returned to the gym this week. I've only gone twice, couple hours each time, but it might as well have been 30 hours for what my body's telling me. I am out of shape in a bad way. Loved every minute of it, though. I'm grateful that my mother-in-law is available to watch the munchkins while I go. I think everyone needs mental and physical space from their kids in order to be better at parenting.

We're so excited for Steve's sister's wedding in May! Right around the corner! It's fun seeing the plans come together. Lilly can't wait to wear her pretty flower girl dress. She was mesmerized by all the dresses at the bridal salon. Can't wait, Tim & Michelle!