Creativity Outlet

Years ago, a friend of mine (Janelle) got me interested in card-making. When you figure that typically spend over $2 for a card at the store (typically Wally World), it can get expensive. Be sure to also figure in that you have to weed through trashy ones while constantly averting the eyes of the kids that you have in tow (since sometimes those cards are right at eye-level) OR read through ones with cheesy jokes that aren't in any way, shape or form funny. It's just not worth it any more. (Okay, with the exception of a few Hoops and Yoyo ones. But those can be pricey!)

Making cards simply takes the right tools, supplies and time. Since doing something creative is fun for me, I enjoy this type of craft, especially since it also saves my husband money...and I'm ALL about that. It's also the type of craft that you can drop at a moment's notice and then pick right up where you left off. This is perfect for me! My life is full of interruptions.

Over the years, I've accumulated some of the necessary tools & supplies (many thanks to people to feed my habit with crafty gifts, gift cards and birthday/Christmas money) so that I can sit down at any "free" moment and whip out some cards. Lately, I've not been doing a card, but sets of cards. The kind you would get in a box at the store. I make them in a type of assembly line. I do the base of the card and then tailor-make them to wish someone a happy birthday, congratulations, I love you, etc. What fun! It's a great outlet for me. Let me know if you ever need anything made. I would love to help.

Snow, Snow, Snow!

I love the snow. I love piles and piles of it. I love watching it come down. I love catching it on my tongue. I love getting snowed in. (You're probably saying I love it so much because I don't have to shovel it...Taigen does that.) Living in New England affords me plenty of opportunities to see the glorious white stuff. We hadn't had much snow late in 2010, but January has certainly made up for the lack thereof. We've gotten storm after storm and the snow is piling up. Here are some pics from our recent storms. It is just beautiful outside.

My Mini-Man

When going through our hand-me-down bins, we realized that Marshall was now big enough to fit into two suitcoats. We typically don't make Marshall wear suits to church on Sunday. That time will come. By then, the thrill of wearing suitcoats and ties will most likely have worn off. When Marshall saw the two sportcoats, he was SO excited to look "just like Daddy." Saturday night when we were laying out our Sunday clothes, Taigen and Marshall picked out slacks, a dress shirt and a tie to match the coat so that he would be all ready for getting dressed in the morning.

The door to Marshall's room was closed as he got dressed Sunday morning, but when he was done, he came out beaming! He said, "I look so grown up!" And he did. He is my handsome little man.

Thank you Rob & Dana for handing down the clothes and making my son's day!

Snow Much Fun!

Our winter so far has been relatively mild. There was a "blizzard" that blew through here at the tail end of December (which we watched from a very green and rainy Seattle). That still didn't leave us with the piles and piles of snow on the lawn and sides of the road that we are used to this time of year.

Finally this past Wednesday we got our snow. It started early in the morning at about 3am and continued on through the night. The snow totals varied, of course, from where you were, but Taigen guesses we got about ten inches! It was beautiful.

Now, some of you might be asking, "Do homeschoolers get snow days?" Well, since our commute is relatively short (out of the main part of the house, out into the garage and up fourteen stairs into the guest room) and never ices over or has drifting or accumulation issues (unless of course you count the accumulation of JUNK), we do school. I know, I know, I'm a "meanie" or a "slave-driver," but Marshall and Shaylen are not deprived nor dying. They still got plenty of time this last week for them to play to their hearts' content in the white stuff. They'll thank me come mid-May when Spring Fever has set on in full force and they're itching to play outside from sun up to sun down.

Thursday we had a blast in the snow! I piled the snow up high in the front yard. The kids patted it down. Then, I dug a wonderful little snow cave for them to climb in and out of. There's enough room in there for both of them to lay down. After we got done with the cave, the kids slid down some of the hills in the backyard. And when they got done sledding, we went tromping through the woods behind the house. We then went back to sledding, then back to the cave, and finally decided we were frozen enough to go inside and defrost. It was a glorious day full of great memories with my two favorite little people!

The Twins Have Their Ups and Downs...Literally

Since we came home the twins have throughly enjoyed their free time because it means that they can play with their new toys. They've never really had a chance to be bored before, but now they REALLY have no excuse.  

One of the things that I was thrilled that they got were some bouncy balls. This is something that will allow them to be physically active on days when the weather is frightful. The pictures that I got of them bouncing were hilarious! They can get so high. In fact, the goal is to get as high as you can. Many times they've gotten done playing with their bouncy balls and they are sweating both from the bouncing and the laughing.

I Almost Forgot! Seattle Vacation Part X

Remember me mentioning a ginormous puzzle that Grandma Rutledge had out? Well, Shaylen is definitely her Great Grandma's great-granddaughter because she worked on it diligently every time we were over at Grandma's house. I am happy to report that it got finished. I think we all chipped in a little, but I have to hand it to the Little Peanut for really working hard on such a difficult grown-up puzzle (1000 pieces).

The Final Song: Seattle Vacation Part IX

It seemed that there was music going all the time while we were in Washington. Some might differ with me though on whether or not it could have been called music. It's safe to say though that the kids thoroughly enjoyed playing on "real" pianos (Marshall especially...it seemed he was always at the piano).

Sherry actually needed to rehearse some for her church service on Sunday morning. Marshall was fascinated that Sherry could play stuff without any music. On our final night, Sherry sat down at the piano and started playing. Marshall started singing. Thankfully, while I was stuffing suitcases, Taigen thought to grab the camera and record this priceless video. It's so sweet, it almost makes me want to cry. You might need to turn up the volume to hear him, but his voice is sweet and clear.

The Beginning of the End: Seattle Vacation Part IIX

After we got back from the Space Needle we had to finish up with some laundry and start packing for the return trip. The difficulty in this is that we celebrated Christmas here. We had to find a way to get all the spoils home without having to pay an arm and a leg for shipping OR going over the weight limit in our suitcases. The nice thing is that the kids' suitcases are small enough to be carry-ons. Taigen and I each had brought a suitcase so we had the option of checking one or two more. Of course, we know that we have to pay per suitcase, but that would be cheaper than shipping at 40+ pound box clear across the country. We packed up a big box and taped it to death.

Grandma Rutledge took us all out for dinner at Applebee's. What a special treat! Of course, even though we were having a great time, we all knew what was coming: the goodbyes.

After dinner we headed back to Grandma's house for dessert and some final time together. We always snap up a four generation picture. It turned out great and will make its way into scrapbooks for sure. I loved getting some other priceless pics. What wonderful treasures that will remind us of this wonderful vacation.

The Space Needle: Seattle Vacation Part VII

Remember our Homeschool International Fair that our kids participated in at the end of last school year? It was a huge hit. Well, there are already plans for this next year. We'll be doing a State Fair. An email got sent out at the beginning of this school year letting us know what would be taking place. The coordinator wanted to give us time to plan and sign up, keeping in mind where we all might be vacationing. Well, by this time, we already had our Seattle plane tickets so we instantly signed up for Washington.

When you think of Seattle what comes to mind? Starbucks? (I know it comes to mind for me...) I asked my husband and he said, "Seahawks, Mariners, Mom." He also mentioned something that probably most people think of: The Space Needle. The kids knew that during this trip, if at all possible, we would need to go and visit the Space Needle. The last time I had been up into the needle was when I was dating Taigen. That's a very l-o-n-g time ago. At least 14 years ago, if not more.

Tuesday morning we were a little sad when we opened our blinds and saw that it was raining. Determined, we loaded up into the YELLOW Jeep and started heading toward downtown Seattle. Thankfully, the sky cleared and it ended up being a beautiful day! 

The kids loved going all the way to the top and looking down. We also got great pictures of the Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Museum/Music Hall of Fame building. (How's that for a name?)  It is literally at the "feet" of the Space Needle, and, I might add, quite hard to miss. It's a very, um, unique building. We didn't go in, but it made for some cool pictures both from above and on the ground.

Around the Seattle Center are some interactive areas for families. There are play areas, water fountains and snack shacks. Marshall and Shaylen were drawn to a bright orange maze that was painted on the asphalt. They enjoyed running around in it and burning some energy. I especially love the picture of Marshall that I posted below.

Thank you Sherry for the very special day way up high in the Seattle sky. We made some great memories as a family. Just look at that Seattle skyline. I took that from the observation deck. Isn't it a gorgeous view? Don't you want to go too?

The Recreation Center: Seattle Vacation Part VI

One of the things the kids requested to do while in Washington was head to the rec center in Grandma Rutledge's town. They were especially excited because now they knew how to swim and could venture out of the wading/shallow area.

This time, the center put out these floaty bridges that the kids could walk/run out on. They had a blast. I'm not sure who had more fun, Grandma Sherry or the kids. Regardless, the kids are still talking about it.

Merry Washington Christmas

We've looked forward to spending Christmas in Washington for months. In fact, we had booked the tickets way back at the end of March, so we had quite a while to think about it. Holidays are so special when you get to spend it with family. This Christmas with family was extra special because it was Marshall & Shaylen's first-ever Christmas in Washington.

The kids actually slept in a little Christmas morning and then waited patiently until Taigen came back from picking up Grandma Rutledge. The breakfast wasn't quite ready when they arrived, so we decided to have Taigen read the Biblical Christmas story while it finished baking.


We had a delicious breakfast. Sherry made something called "Pig On Pig." That's basically bacon wrapped sausage, speared with a toothpick, then doused in brown sugar and baked until it reaches absolute perfection. (Drooling yet? Yeah, it's that good.) My contribution to the meal was Cinnamon Sticky Buns. Something I've made for Christmas morning breakfast for years. They are ooey-gooey and delicious. In addition to this very low-cal, and healthy breakfast (snicker, snicker), the kids had a special treat from "St. Nicholas." Aunt Karen left a dish of North Pole Nilla for them to enjoy along with some really cute bowls. They knew Aunt Karen (not Santa) had left it for them because when you're at Aunt Karen's you always get ice cream for breakfast. Remember last year when this happened? The kids found it hilarious that Aunt Karen "emailed" St. Nick and made sure he delivered something into Grandma Rutledge's freezer just for them.

I'm not quite sure what time we actually got to the opening of stockings and Christmas gifts, but you know it got done. The kids' patience paid off to be sure. Let me just say that we all got spoiled rotten. Really rotten. Then, to top it all off, we had prime rib, creamy mashed potatoes and a whole host of other yummies for Christmas dinner. We sang the Doxology ("Praise God from whom all blessings flow...") before we prayed. We talk about this special Rutledge tradition all the time and here we were enjoying and participating in it.  I did fine until I heard a catch in Grandma Rutledge's voice. Then, I promptly lost it. We were so thankful to be here to spend with family. It was such a wonderful and relaxing day. One not to be quickly forgotten.

Time with Uncle Ralph; Seattle Vacation Part IV

Earlier this year, Taigen's cousins found work/promotions that moved them from WA to TX. We were not surprised then when Uncle Ralph & Aunt Karen told us this fall that they would be in TX for the Christmas holidays. Of course we were sad that we wouldn't see everyone (Ralph, Karen, Chris, Brett, Brett's wife Chelsea and baby Ellias) as we always have a blast with them, but we completely understood! After all, we were doing the same thing by coming to Seattle. 

When we got into town we learned that Uncle Ralph was going to be in town until Thursday! We were so excited! Wednesday night we all went out for Mexican food and enjoyed spending time with family. I got this great photo (below) before we had to say goodbye. I want to reassure you though that even though the Rutledges were out of sight, they were NOT out of our minds. Ralph and Karen graciously loaned us their YELLOW Jeep to use while there. Ralph told the kids that it wasn't just a yellow Jeep. It was a super bright, obnoxious yellow (he wasn't kidding either), so when you said "yellow" you had to say "YELLOW!" The kids obeyed him every time and we howled about it! I can honestly say that we thought of the Rutledge clan in TX during the whole vacation. (BTW, this picture above left isn't of their Jeep, but it's pretty similar and the YELLOW is just right.)

A Vacation from Health? Seattle Vacation Part III

On my way out to Seattle on Tuesday, I felt my head getting more and more stuffy. By the time I got off the plane in Seattle, I could tell that I had left my good health back in New England. I took my medicine like a good girl, but it didn't help a bit. Wednesday I was starting to go through the kleenex and that night at dinner my nose decided to bleed. (I never get bloody noses!) Thursday found me on the couch all day with watery eyes, sneezing, coughing and blowing my nose. I had two additional bloody noses this day to boot! My sweet mother in law kept me on the couch or in bed while she and Taigen worked, played with the kids and cleaned up after everything. I felt so badly, both because I was so sick and because I was on my duff the whole day. What a way to spend a vacation, eh? I'm thankful though that I had nothing to do and could take the time to rest and recouperate. I've become a huge fan of Theraflu (thanks Sherry!!!), hand sanitizer and Vicks-laden Puffs. They were my constant companions!

Here's a funny tidbit: On Friday morning I woke up and went downstairs with what I call "Demon Voice." It was the lowest that I could ever remember. I decided to see how low I could sing. I could hit the A not just below middle C, but the A an octave lower! Mama sang bass, eh?)

First Things First: Seattle Vacation Part II

It didn't take long for the kids to start in on their list of Things to Do in Washington. They brought along their piano music because they knew that Grandma Sherry would want to listen to them AND play with them. (Can I just say that I love the fact that Sherry plays the piano? It made it so much fun for the twins!) Sherry has a baby grand piano in her house and the resonation is awesome. It seemed like the kids were constantly playing it. Grandma Rutledge also has a real piano (real meaning not electric like ours) and the kids were on that one too. There was always music (or noise, depending on what was being played). I'm sure Grandma and Sherry are enjoying the peace and quiet now that we have returned to NH.

Marshall was also very excited to spend time with Grandma's dog, Cuddles. Cuddles can be somewhat of a pest when you first walk in the door, but that's because she loves you and wants to smother you in love and kisses. Once she settles down she is quite the good doggie. Marshall loves her and she is one of his best friends, almost up there with Cadillac (Dad and Cathy's schnauzer). (Note: Because I know that someone is going to make a snide comment, let me just say that Marshall is NOT choking Cuddles in this picture. That would not have gone over well, would it? The two were best buds while we were out in WA.)

Shaylen knew that she could bring games and convince Great Grandma Rutledge and Grandma Sherry to play with her. The competition started off with tic tac toe and progressed into a 1000 piece puzzle that Grandma Rutledge had set up (more on that puzzle later). Go Fish made an appearance too and Shaylen gave us all a run for our money.

Christmas 2010: Seattle Vacation Part I

Tuesday morning, bright and perky, we peeled the kids out of bed so that we could be at the airport by 4:30am. Our flight was leaving at 6am. I had originally scheduled it for a later time, but apparently the airlines changed things up a bit. There was a light snow falling (finally) in New Hampshire and Maine which made everything so beautiful. This was our first real snow!

Marshall and Shaylen always think it is so much fun to leave for a trip before the sun is even up. It certainly doesn't hurt that we were headed towards Great-Grandma Rutledge's and Grandma Sherry's. They'd been looking forward to it for months!

It was a long trip. Approximately 12 hours (Which includes a short layover in Chicago...and don't forget to include the time changes!). We had books, audiobooks, coloring books, special treats and games to entertain and help pass the time. Marshall wore his special pilot's hat that had been given to him last Christmas by my dad and step-mom. The pilots and flight attendants really loved it!

We had no delays and no weather related issues, so we were able to get in to Seattle on time. Plenty of day left for hugs, kisses and MAJOR spoiling.

Shaylen's Sixth

We had a fairly busy day on Monday. There were a few things we had to get done before packing up and flying out to Seattle for our Christmas vacation. One of those things was a six-month check-up at the dentist for the twins. They are doing really well with brushing their teeth. No cavities! The dental hygienist took one look inside Shaylen's mouth and said that the loose front tooth was ready to come out at any minute. She glanced at me and gave me a wide-eyed look that said, "And I mean ANY minute!" After checking and cleaning everything, the dentist came in. She had Shaylen open her mouth and after her first glance, looked at me and then told Shaylen that the loose tooth was ready to come out at any minute. She too shot me a knowing glance like, "Um...it's hanging on for dear life. It won't take much." She even offered to numb it and let Shaylen pull it out herself, right there, but Shaylen said kindly, "No, thank you. Mommy is going to pull it." I guess I couldn't delegate this one. I'm Shaylen's designated puller apparently.

We had prepped Shaylen that it was barely in her mouth and we were not going to have to deal with pulling a tooth out on vacation (like we had with Marshall up in Machiasport...ugh). It was going to come out TONIGHT.

So, just before bed, I led Shaylen into the bathroom and numbed the area. She shed a few tears and expressed her fear, but I calmly wrapped the floss around it (or maybe I should say around the tiny bit that was still hanging on) and tied a knot. There was no backing out now. She covered her eyes with both hands and I closed my eyes (yes, I did...I admit it) and pulled. In a split second I looked at the empty floss on my lap and thought, "Oh no! I didn't get it." But in that same split second I heard the tooth ricochet on the floor. Hooray! It was out and Shaylen squealed with joy. I heaved a huge sigh of relief. Another one was over with! Whew.

A Picture for Posterity's Sake

When the Pileggis come up from MA, we always try to get a picture of our children together. Both Marshall and Shaylen have pictures on their dresser or bookshelf of them with Enzo, way back before Julia was in the picture (literally). I love looking at their little hands and chubby cheeks. Well, Marshall and Shaylen have grown to be sure and the Pileggi clan has grown as well.  We now have Julia and Lily, and soon we'll have Pileggi Baby #4! We enjoyed our visit with our extended family and had fun sharing and early Christmas with them. (Special Note: Notice Lily's outfit? It was Shaylen's when she was her age.)

Maple Suites Ministry

Thursday night, the 16th we were able to go with our friends the Bergerons and Fisteres to an assisted living home in Dover to do our annual Christmas concert for them. This is our third year of doing this and I hope the tradition never ends. Similar to our church Christmas program, it is a nice variety of singing and instrumental pieces so the weight of a program doesn't fall on any one person or group. The Fistere's daughter and Marshall and Shaylen sang their children's choir pieces and Marshall and Shaylen were also able to do a piano duet for the first time.

The residents were so appreciative. One dear lady told me that of all the groups that come, this is the one that they look forward to the most. Another lady even remembered that the first year we came, I sang a duet with Shaylen.  What a blessing! It's so nice to be able to go in and sing/play these great old Christmas songs and even do a sing-along with the residents. Hopefully it brings them some Christmas cheer.

The Week Prior to Vacation

In the week leading up to our vacation, we were able to house the Pileggis so that Jason wouldn't have to deal with the hour and fifteen minute commute to Dover. It worked out well because our schedule was more free. Since Enzo is being homeschooled as well, it worked out that Joni and I schooled in the  morning and then the kids would play in the afternoon. Marshall and Shaylen blitzed through their schooling. Christmas vacation was in sight and they wanted to get everything accomplished by Friday.

Christmas Program: Worship CHRIST the newborn KING

With countless hours put into practice and preparation, our church did its Christmas program Sunday morning, December 12th. We had a great turnout with 32 visitors. (Thanks go out to our church folks who invited, invited and invited!) That was incredible. We had tons of people involved: the 2's & 3's Sunday School class, strings, flutes, readers, children's choir, ladies' ensemble, adult choir, brass, pianists and organists, a soloist, our talented sound room guy, ushers and a terrific choir leader/pastor. Because everyone helps share the load, it isn't a huge "burden" if you will, on any one person. The result is a beautiful program that focuses our attention on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ...in a (hopefully) stress-free manner.

Marshall and Shaylen did a great job with their children's choir. The group did two pieces alone and one with the adult choir. I had to get a snapshot of them from Sunday morning. We were unable to videotape it or snap up pictures because Taigen was leading the program and I was leading the children's choir. So sorry. You'll just have to trust me when I say they did a great job. I am so proud of them and their willingness to use their talents for ministry.