Pay It Forward

The kindness of strangers always intrigues me. Take last weekend. I took the kids to the park. We had the entire park to ourselves for about 45 minutes before a woman came with her daughter. My boys were slightly more raucous than normal that day, and from my perception this woman was looking at my family in what I thought was a look of terror and horror. I felt a bit defensive, but I knew my boys were being loud and reckless, and honestly I had given up on much order and rule that day. I took them to the park for the purpose of letting them "get it all out." Twenty minutes and lots of wrestling, jumping around, screaming, and beating their chests later, this woman came over and asked me if they were all mine. I laughed and said yes. And here's the part where if I could have stuck my entire foot in my mouth I would have. This woman explained to me that she only had one child and she could only imagine the cost of buying them all clothes, amongst everything else. She then told me she just cleaned out her daughter's closet and was about to donate the clothes, but would love to give them to me if I had room to store them.
Jerk. I felt ashamed for jumping to conclusions, and annoyed at myself for judging someone. I speak to my children often about lessons like this. Do not judge a book by it's cover, and all that jazz, and here I was doing the complete opposite.
I learned my lesson well.
On the subject of passing along clothes, I need to make a point to say how lucky I have been. I am a stickler for saving the boys clothes, and have many boxes and bins and Nathan's aggravation to prove it. I love the memories some of these clothes hold. I have stored a few of my favorites away in the hopes that they will be worn by my grandchildren some day, and create all new memories, but I have passed on the rest. A very good friend of mine, (who has passed on some of her daughters things to Keira) said it perfectly, "you get what you give in life." I could not agree more.
I have been lucky to receive clothes from a few friends, and it is like Christmas when these exchanges occur. Not only do we save money, but we get to see these clothes carry on with someone we know will put them to good use.
After lots of saving of clothes, it is an absolutely freeing feeling to just simply pass them all on this time around.

Life

My family recently lost a very dear friend of the family. My "aunt", who was my grandmother's best friend, and a very important part of my family, passed away just a few days before Keira's birthday. She lived such a full, long life, and has beautiful children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. I believe they all reflect what a stunning and giving woman she was, as the matriarch of her family. Her joy and love lives on through them now.
I can only hope I get the great opportunity to see my family grow and flourish like this. What an awesome thing it must be to see your family grow in that way. I tell my children now I will be "stealing" my grandchildren every chance they let me.
Celebrating a life well lived is a magical thing. There is sadness, yes, but there is legacy. There are thousands of memories, moments to be celebrated. There were graduations, and ceremonies, weddings and births. There were school plays, sporting events, summer bbqs and holidays. There were quiet talks, phone calls, and heart to hearts. There was laughter, and sometimes tears. There was illness, and there was a mountain of hugs.
My aunt lived her life with every bit of her being. She soaked up her opportunities in life and never for one second did she think twice taking part in every member of her large family's life. She knew the value of these moments in time. She was present for her life, which is something to be modeled.
This week her family suffered a great tragedy, and lost my aunt's great grandson, who was just two years old, to an accidental drowning. my heart aches for the loss of a life so young. I think of all my aunt accomplished, and feel saddened for what that little boy didn't. Having a son who is two, it touches my heart all the more. I can not imagine the loss of a child and how I could ever move on from that. I hugged my children a little more today, and told them I loved them a few more times. Life is such a fragile thing, and no one plans for these life changing events. Yet these events happen to families every day, and all you can do is thank God that today it wasn't your family, it wasn't your child.
I know my aunt greeted her great grandson with her open arms and infectious laughter. I know she will watch over him and love him and I can only imagine she can somehow pass on the life he never had to him.

Beautiful

It was a gorgeous weekend. Despite being busy, I made a point to spend some unscheduled time with the kids so we could just enjoy each others company and regroup before they head back to school. I love the nice weather and am already excited for our first beach trip of the year, once it is warm enough. It has been a long week, but we survived another school vacation, and the kids are already talking about summer break, which is approaching faster than I can believe.Ty joining some of his team before the baseball parade
Nate watching opening ceremony
Brody enjoying a slush
Keira having fun in a log cabin
Ty and Nate working together on the glider

Day at the Zoo

Keira's First Job

Yesterday was a busy, long, but very exciting day. Keira and I booked our first job together for the box of the new doll Baby Alive by Hasbro. This doll is marketed towards baby girls around Keira's age. (Expect it in stores near Christmas time.) Keira was dressed in a combo of H & M, Carters and Ralph Lauren. I didn't get a chance to see what I was dressed in, but it was a pink v-neck tee and pale blue cardigan with a deep v-neck. (Not anything I would ever pick out to wear.) Keira sat in my lap in the makeup chair and she watched the women (I had two working on me) with so much intensity. Keira didn't need any makeup. We were brought over to a fake living room set and sat in a big armchair. Someone handed me the doll and I was taught the proper way to hold the doll, the position the doll needed to be in, and what "shot" they were looking for. While I was being told this I was listening to Tyra Banks scream in my head and tell me to make sure I was smeyezing. (I'm only partly joking here as I did make sure to bring nude underwear, just in case.) The next few minutes were a blur of people adjusting our clothes and touching up makeup and fixing hair and adjusting our fingers and switching out the brown haired doll for the blond haired doll, and this whole time Keira was giving the doll hugs and kisses and pointing out it's eyes and saying "love you baby." Fifteen minutes later and we took a break, so the photographer could look at her film and so Keira could have a break from the doll so she didn't get bored with it. We walked around a bit and talked to people, and then photographer came running up saying Keira nailed it. She said we didn't have to shoot anymore because they got the perfect shots they were looking for. The rep from Hasbro came and told us Keira was a rockstar and high fived her. Apparently Keira shot for only 15 minutes and got more than enough to choose from. Go Keira! We were done in less than an hour. When I was getting changed into my clothes I realized someone had put drop pearl earrings in my ears. Funny when you don't remember something like that.I am so glad Keira and I got to have this moment together. Thank you to Angela and everyone on set for being so kind to us and for making Keira feel so comfortable. I truly think it was your warmth that brought out the best in Keira and made it possible for her to be so happy.
I got out so early that I was able to pick up Nate and bring him to his job for a voiceover. I got Nate and then got stuck in two hours of traffic. Not fun. We made it, twenty minutes late, but we made in nonetheless. Now I have never done voiceover work, so this was new for me too. It was so cool. Everything about it was cool. Even the studio name was cool. There was a great kid friendly spread of bananas, juice boxes, water, animal crackers, etc. Keira and I hung out with one of the owners who is from Switzerland and has two little boys. Her husband took Nate to the studio where he recorded sports sounds like "Go" and "Homerun" and "Goal". They were not allowed to say what the actual job is for, but for the ten minutes he was in there, and the amount he got paid for those ten minutes, that is quite alright with me!
It thankfully only took an hour to get home, and traffic seemed to be a little bit kinder to us. It did not stop me though, while stuck in the tunnel to roll down all of the windows and air out Keira's screaming cries of get-me-out-of-this-car-now in hopes that people may pull aside and let us go though. It didn't work.
All in all it was a fun day. I am so grateful for the opportunities my kids were given, and am glad they had fun. Thanks for all of your support!

First Birthday Wish

I love first birthdays for so many reasons. It is celebrating the birth of a child, but that first birthday is also making it through that first year, and looking forward to the growth ahead. It is symbolic of your baby transitioning into a toddler. Since most babies won't grasp the make a wish concept, I ask others to make wishes for them. For each child I have done this a different way, and Keira's is my favorite.
I decided on her birthday wish project because I love looking at the boys' but they are kept tucked away, for them when they are older. People write the sweetest things, and I thought they should be more accessible.
I first decided to cut out card stock into circles and butterflies. My mom and I found this perfect gift box to keep the papers in at the party (see first photo.) I left the box out and asked people to write down their wishes.
I found this great frame with the mat already included. I used a photo from Keira's party, and placed the wishes around her photo. I am so happy the way it turned out! (I have a few more wishes to include... but it was too cute not to share.) I hope Keira enjoys seeing her wishes, and I hope it serves as a reminder of just how loved she is.
If you have a wish for Keira, please feel free to leave one so I can include it.



Here are a few of my favorite wishes

"I wish you always stop to smell the flowers"
"May you dream the dream and live the dream"
"Be very successful"
"... may you find joy in all you do..."
"I wish you a lifetime of happiness and health filled with love and laughter"

On another note I would like to wish a little boy who is very near and dear to my heart, a happy first birthday. Jack, you are such a handsome little boy and you are loved by so many. I wish for your journey in life to be filled with fun and joy.
And check out the new Victoria Dress on my Etsy Shop!

I'm Learning

Some things I have learned about myself this weekend are

• I love asparagus and could eat it every day, and am continuously finding new yummy ways to make it.
• I have no idea where these tulips that magically grow under my forsythia bush are coming from, but we keep transplanting them into my garden. I am shocked at the difference a year makes and at all the beautiful colors sprouting up in the garden.
• The hardest part about being a vegetarian is the smell of steak tips being grilled outside. It is honestly the only time I think twice about eating meat.
• Along with asparagus I could drink Orangina every day as well. It makes me happy. I have to seriously limit myself, but I look forward to that ration like no one's business!
• I am actually looking forward to school vacation week.
• I can become the cool mom at baseball practice just by bringing a basketball and playing with all the kids.
• I love playing basketball.
  

Pot of Gold

It's cold and rainy here in good ol' New England. My kids have been forgiving of the weather, and are actually behaving quite well being cooped up in the house. I am trying my best to resist the power of my couch and bed and the blankets that keep calling my name. I am making an effort to get housework done so I can relax (after baseball practice) and bake cookies (I promised the kids) later.
I know that New England deserves a great big rainbow after this wet season. A pot of gold would be nice too.
Last night we made our pizzas, and the boys did most of the work this time! We all got in our jammies and watched The Princess and the Frog, and guess what, I mean GUESS WHAT?! Keira alternated sitting on my lap and Nathan's and watched the movie. Maybe it was her exhaustion setting in, but I'd like to think it was her innate girl factor that recognized a Disney Princess movie.
My heart was happy, and I can't tell you how much I look forward to making pizzas with the family and snuggling up together to watch a movie on Friday night.
I want to wish a precious little girl, Lily a very happy first birthday today. Lily's mom and I walked forever trying to get her and Keira to make their way into the world. It has been so fun seeing them both grow this year. I wish for health and happiness on your first birthday, sweet little Lily!

First Animal Sounds

Here is Keira making a monkey sound and Lion sound. She has also mastered the dog sound and snake sound. I will try to capture those soon.

Fairy Garden Party

Keira's first birthday party was something I dreamed about for months before it occurred. This was my first party I have planned for a girl, and that was very exciting for me. I finally decided on a fairy garden party theme. I was inspired by Spring and and the flowers with a hint of shabby chic.Here's the amazing part of this whole thing. I pulled off this party spending around $50, including food. I lucked out with the whole Easter sale time frame. At Wal-Mart I found tablecloths, plates, cutlery, and napkins all marked down to 75 CENTS a package. They had great pink and green colors too, that went perfectly with my theme. I even splurged for one larger package of white plates with a beautiful pink flower in the corner for $1.50. I also picked up two packages of pastel colored Easter M & Ms, and made m & m cookies and put out a bowl of m & ms with the rest of the candy, and the bags were marked down to $1 each. Also in the Easter candy aisle were bags of pastel colored marshmallows, which I used to make colored rice crispy treats cut into butterfly shapes, again the bags were only $1.
I am a huge fan of The Dollar Store. Yes. I just admitted that. I love to stop in a browse. it's like the Target dollar aisle multiplied. The spring decoration were out, and I picked up some wonderful purple tissue paper flower garland and vases for flowers.At Jo-Ann Fabric I found some wonderful pink and green butterflies to string on my flower garland. The best part is that they were marked down 50% and I had an additional coupon to make them less than $4!I made my own cupcakes and cake for Keira, and had stocked up on cake mixes when they were on sale 2 or $1 at the grocery store. I made my own frosting. I kept things simple with snacks, and drinks.
I could not have pulled off the party without the help of some amazing people.
My dear friend Sarah at Abigail's Bake Shop created delicious, beautiful cookies, individually packaged which were given as favors to our guests. (Most of whom ate them before they left because they were just so good!) Sarah makes the most mouth watering baked goods and she has the ability to turn food into art.
I am lucky to have another friend who is artistically talented. Amiee makes beautiful birthday banners, among many other card crafts (and cute hair bows, and hats... just check out her ETSY site. She's FANTASTIC.) She worked with me and my requests to make this beautiful banner.
I have been inspired by what seems to be a trend of fairy themed parties, and one that I have admired was on The TomKat Studio. Thankfully Kim has an Etsy shop and sold the DIY printables which I used as cupcake toppers and to decorate the vases. (See photos above or below.)

Lastly, I was honored to have Stephanie of Stephanie Doyle Photography come to Keira's party.. Stephanie specializes in children and family photography and has an uncanny way of getting kids to warm up to her camera and capturing beautiful moments. Case in point, with all the cameras around Keira, somehow, Keira would look right at Stephanie and pose perfectly for her.Check out her website. Her photographs are beautiful. She has so graciously offered to take 10% off all print orders if they mention this blog. You can reach her through her website,
or call her
617-257-3502
or email her
stephylyn25@aol.com
Remember to mention Story Of Our Lives!
Here is some of her work.
Here are a few photographs she took from the party.
The FamilyThe cupcakes and cupcake toppers
Keira enjoying her cupcake
Keira and her Godmother, Victoria
And my personal favorite...

Growing Up

Keira had her one year check up today. She weighed in at 18lbs even (this was between the 5th and 10th percentile) and is 29" long (hanging around the 50th percentile.) Keira had three shots today and cried briefly, but stopped just as fast. She had an xray of her hips because her hips, knees and ankles click. It is because her ligaments are really soft still (from my hormones in utero.) Her doc wanted to make sure they weren't missing anything, which was the reason for the xray, but she checked out fine and they'll just keep an eye out in the future.
All in all Keira did great. My baby's growing up fast!

I Love Seeing This

I genuinely love making beautiful tutus for girls, and nothing makes me happier than seeing them all dressed up in one of my creations.
This is Sage. Doesn't she look adorable in the black and white petti-tutu and white with black polka dot flower hair band?

Thank You

I will be doing a detailed post about Keira's first birthday party soon, but for now I will say thank you.
Thank you Mother Nature for shining down on us and breaking the birthday-party-downpour-curse.
Thank you Sarah for sending delicious cookies to send everyone home with. They looked as amazing as they tasted.
Thank you Amiee for designing a gorgeous birthday banner that made me smile every time I looked at it.
Thank you Stephanie for coming to take photographs. I anxiously anticipate seeing the memories and moments you captured.
Thank you Victoria for the beautiful dress Keira wore. You are everything we could have asked for and more being Keira's Godmother. She is so lucky to have you as such an intricate part of her life.
And thank you to family and dear friends. You made this day special. You made it filled with love and smiles and laughter. Thank you for your generosity. Thank you for spending your afternoon with us. Thank you for making beautiful wishes for her. Thank you for celebrating the birth of my sweet Keira.

Dear Keira (On Your First Birthday)

Happy Birthday Keira!
I can not believe a year has passed so quickly. It feels like I've blinked, and now here you are one year old! My sweet baby girl, you are everything I could have asked for and more. You can light up the room with your smile. Your very being exudes so much warmth and love that I swear it is tangible when anyone is around you. Your hugs are amazing, I mean amazing. You have a way of snuggling yourself right into the crook of a neck and just resting there, long enough to transfer your affection. When you think you've successfully done this you lift your head and stare into the object of your affection's eyes as if to make sure they understood your love.
Your favorite game of the moment is peek-a-boo. If you so much as hear the word "boo" you giggle with excitement and put your hands over your eyes, ready to play. You are so funny.
You love to explore, and you pay so much attention to the detail of things. You even like to play cars and trains with Brody, and make the vroom vroom sound so well (much to your brother's delight.)
Keira you have brought so much joy into my world. You are a gift. There is no doubt in my mind you are on this Earth for a grand purpose. I believe the term old soul applies to you. You have this knowledge and understanding that is written in your eyes.
You have done just what I had hoped for, and given your brothers a soft edge. I love seeing them interact with you, so careful. Although your Daddy had pushed for your middle name to be Baby (so he could always call you his baby), he doesn't call you that as much as he calls you his angel. I think that name is fitting.
I am ready to experience life with you. For me, this will be a new adventure. I am skilled in the art of zombie tag and know all of Thomas the Train's friends names. I know more than the average girl about sports (okay that part wasn't necessarily from raising boys.) I know wrestlers names, and how to build cool Lego models, but I have yet to enter girl-world in it's glory. I am so excited for what this year holds for you. I know this time next year I will be talking to you, and will have you answering back. This year you will grow leaps and bounds. Although I would love to keep you my little peanut forever, you will always be my baby.
Keira, my birthday wish for you is happiness. I wish for happiness throughout your life, in whatever you choose to do. You have the world at your fingertips. Your journey is not yet mapped, and I am so excited to see where your path, where the story of your life will lead you.
You have made an footprint on the hearts of all those that know you, and I know you will continue to do this and touch people's lives throughout your life. Keira, always stay true to yourself and pure at heart. Your magnetism will take you far in life, and like I said I wish happiness through all of it.
I could not begin to put down in words my love for you. There are no words, for the feeling is too deep and vast and layered and great.
Happy Birth-Day my sweet Keira!


Congratulations to Sarah for winning the petti-tutu giveaway!

Looking back

As you may have noticed from some of my posts lately I have been looking back to last year (THAT is the reason I am so grateful for blogging, by the way) and I have been feeling very sentimental about Keira and pregnancy, and having an infant. I think this is one reason I have been throwing myself wholeheartedly into planning Keira's party. I want to celebrate the closing of the infancy stage, or baby stage of her life and welcome all the moments to come.
Here are some of my thoughts one year ago today, as I prepared for Keira's arrival.

"And as for my baby Keira... my little girl who I never in a million years thought I would have, to you I have to say I am still in fascination of your existence. I am going to ask your forgiveness now if I treat you like a doll and dress you up. Please understand for eight years I have not been able to do that for a girl and have only enviously glanced at "that" section of the clothing stores. Also, I apologize now it you do not like having your hair (please have SOME) played with, because if you don't, you have been cursed before birth with a mother who loves to experiment with hair. I love you so much already and despite you coming as quite a surprise, you are a beautiful, welcome surprise who will only increase the love in this family. You were always meant to be, and I believe that with all of my heart. I may not have always known that, but I believe it. You will have so many men, your father and brothers, who will always be around to protect and look after you, which I'm sure at times you may not appreciate, but I hope you know how lucky that makes you. You in turn will be able to teach your brothers so much about girls and add that soft edge that I'm sure they will need. Oh, and THANK YOU for being here so I am not the only female in this house. I look forward to being able to have someone to watch Disney Princess movies with. Your brothers have not enjoyed them when I have forced them to watch them with me in the past. I hope you know, even though I'm sure your father will be beyond over protective of you (he wanted your middle name to be Baby, so he had a reason to always call you his baby... your welcome for putting my foot down on that) that he is more excited than he can express about having a daughter. Even though I vetoed the middle name, you will truly always be his baby. Don't take advantage of that too much. I'm sure you will learn quickly to wrap him around your little finger, and I am also sure he will gladly let you do this. When we have dreamed of your arrival and your life with us, he has talked about how he looks forwards to taking you out on special dates. I love your father more for already developing a soft spot because of you. I can not wait to meet you! I can not wait to hold you, and see what you look like and who you look like. Nate says you will have his color hair, and his eyes. He also is hoping you are "special" like him and will have two different color eyes. Here it is, about 14 hours before I go into the hospital. If I can put a special request in, be easy on me. Please enjoy your last night in my body, but please be ready to check out in the morning. I am sending you good thoughts of a fast trip down the birth canal, so you hopefully won't have a conehead.. maybe Brody left some instructions somewhere in there about that, because despite how big he was, his head was perfectly round. It was pretty astonishing. Regardless, even if you decide to torture me and put my body through hell, I love you, and could not be happier."

Oh Mr Sun, Sun Mr Golden Sun...

Maybe I have seasonal depression disorder. Although I don't think I necessarily get depressed during the cold months, I am definitely significantly happier in the warm ones. I feel energized and renewed! I have the momentum to keep up with everything, sacrificing waking up early, or staying up later than usual to get housework and projects done just so I can soak up the sun and play with the kids during the day. Boy oh boy how quickly I forgot how much work it is to chase around a new mobile child, but on the flip side, it never ceases to fill my heart with more joy than seeing everything through a child's eyes. It is like Keira is experiencing things all over again at a new eye level. Yesterday, we spent a whole hour just blowing bubbles. Nothing else. My kids and I took turns blowing bubbles, sometimes chasing after them, sometimes, the cool bubbles that seemed to have tougher than possible skin, that wondered up in the sky, we would guess where they were going. Nate is convinced one bubble made it all the way to Mars. It was a rocket bubble.
It is the most wonderful thing to see the excitement in Brody's face when he first hears an airplane and it is just plain magical when he spots that plane and shrieks with delight and points it out to everyone.
I love watching the boys play together (does sunny weather really make them behave better too?) and listening to the games they come up with. Zombie tag is a big one right now.
Today I am looking forward to visiting the local "watering hole" and letting the kids get use out of their new sand buckets and shovels. It's April and we're building sandcastles, can you believe it?
Not to jinx anything just yet but have you seen the forecast for Sunday (Keira's party day?) Let's all say some prayers to Mother Nature (pretty please!)
I am going to head out for the day, but enjoy this post from last year!

Too Cute Petti-tutu ~*GIVEAWAY*~

In honor of Keira's birthday I am giving away one of these fabulous Pettiskirt Tutus (also known as a petti-tutu) to one lucky follower! You will have your choice of two colors, the "main" color, and what I like to refer to as the bottom fluff color. (In the photo Keira has a black skirt with baby pink "fluff".)
Please specify the size you'd like (0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-24 months, 3T, 4T, or 5T) and colors in your entry, and of course your email address so I can contact you.How to win? Well let's give you as many chances as possible! (Each is worth one entry)

1. Be a follower! You MUST be a follower of my blog to be entered. Leave me a comment letting me know you'd like to be entered.

2. Become a follower on Twitter, let me know you are!

3. Blog about this giveaway, let me know you did.
4. Post this giveaway to your Facebook/Twitter/Social network of choice, can you guess? Let me know about it!

Contest will close Thursday April 8th, winner will be chosen using random.org and will be announced on Keira's birthday, Friday April 9th.

Good luck and thanks for joining in the celebration of my sweet baby girl's FIRST BIRTHDAY!

Easter Sunshine

We had a wonderful Easter, and hope you all did too. We had a nice morning at our house before getting ready to head to my mom's house for an enormous egg hunt. The weather was picture perfect and we soaked up the day, enjoying every second of it.

Happy Easter!

I hope you all have a wonderful Easter! May the sunshine be plentiful, the eggs be well hidden, and the sugar rushes be worked off quickly!
A special Happy Birthday to my mom today as well!
(ALL exclamation points.)