The Coles

Best trip ever!

2012-01-26T23:41:00.007-05:00

So many pics and I could post a ton more. Love you DR!!

my BOYS!

2011-02-23T18:07:00.007-05:00

These little guys are the cutest of friends. It took some time to get here. But they are such great buddies now and I love it. I was the last person in the world to imagine I would have 2 boys before a daughter but it is the best and now can't imagine it any other way.

Eli's TV poker face.

Costco smoothies, keeps them exceptionally good.

Mexico

2011-02-23T17:53:00.003-05:00

Such a great trip to Mexico last month. All my family was there, including my 2 new brother in-laws I was able to get to know. So much fun just all being together.

Fall in pictures

2010-12-07T22:14:00.013-05:00

I just found this in my drafts. I am sure I had more to add but it is now or never at this point...

Lake Powell.
Birthdays.
Halloween.

Idaho with the Coles

2010-10-03T21:52:00.005-04:00

In July we made the trek to Northern ID, by way of Seattle. And boy was it worth it. We got several days with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandpa and siblings we don't see nearly enough. Sandpoint ID, is breath taking and quite a cool little town too.

Hilly got MARRIED!

2010-10-03T21:01:00.008-04:00

Hilary and Stephen had such a beautiful wedding. Not only was is beautiful it was so much fun! We all had a blast. I love weddings because I am able to see so many people that I haven't seen for so long. All different phases of my family's life all in one night - at one great party. So many memories, I absolutely loved it!

Nice Samuel.

Maine

2010-10-03T20:49:00.003-04:00

A last minute trip to Maine and New Hampshire with friends over Labor Day weekend was so fun. We drove up in the Love Sac bus which made the time go by fast and made people think we were rock stars...until we piled out with a bunch of sticky crazy kids:) We ate some great lobster, of course! Hung out on the beach and enjoyed the quiant towns and light houses.

Wedding Dress

2010-09-01T13:45:00.003-04:00

If it was eight years ago when I was in the market for a wedding dress, this would have been it. Princess Victoria looks stunning in her custom gown by Swedish designer Par Engsheden. I am thinking it is my duty to convince my sister, Victoria,(it's fate) to have a dress similar. Not that she is getting married any time soon. So Victoria no matter how many years away, this is it!

Fiesta!

2010-05-20T23:15:00.012-04:00

I can't even tell you the amount of posts I start, or a least think of starting.

Well here I am hopefully this will get up:0

We had a fiesta last weekend. I am always craving really good Mexican food because it is really hard to come by out here in CT. So we make our own! It was lot's of fun. Only wish I could have had a chance to swing at the pinata.
With good food and good friends you can never go wrong.

We had a blend station for everyone to create their own frozen (virgin of course) drinks. Tacos are my favorite so it had to be. Can't do without homemade chips, salsa and guac these days. We left the Latin theme for dessert and headed down to the fire for a Smores bar. I have been on a smores kick so I had everyone tryout my homemade toasted coconut and vanilla marshmallows with several other combination's of course.

Oh yes, and Matt hung all the lights. Good job Love, they were perfect.

DR

2010-02-09T09:19:00.016-05:00

A last minute trip to the Dominican Republic kept us out of the cold the week after Christmas. It was our first time there and it was amazing. One of the best trips ever. We stayed in a place called Casa de Campo. I would definately recommend it and hope I get back again soon!

Loving Fall

2009-11-03T17:03:00.004-05:00

Just found this in my posts...

Adjusting

2009-10-26T12:53:00.003-04:00

It has been a little interesting, and scary at times, but Samuel is getting used to his "mini me" around.
At first Samuel would often be caught inching his little foot to Eli anticipating to push him away (such as off the bed) but was not successful. In trying to make Eli stop crying he would shove his binki in his face very hard. But over all we are finding balance and Samuel is learning to love his new best friend.

Little Buddies - sharing stickers

Some days are good

Some days are not

He does not like sharing his Nanna

Baby Eli

2009-10-10T18:54:00.005-04:00

I can't believe he is finally here! Our baby Elijah arrived October 5. It was such an amazing experience. I was so full of peace, love and gratitude after having him. I feel so blessed.

It is deja vu all the time. He reminds me so much of Samuel. Even though his hair is dark and Samuel has been blond since day one, they are so similar. They have the same look to them. They make the same faces and are very close in size. After Samuel being induced a week late I had no intentions of having Eli early, so when I went into labor 11 days before he was due I didn't take it too seriously at first. At 8lbs 15oz I am so glad he came when he did.

I am the last one who would have guessed I'd have two little boys, but I love it!

Cape Cod

2009-10-02T15:59:00.008-04:00

My first time to Cap Cod was a few weeks ago and it was wonderful. I can't wait to go back

.

My Baby turned 2!!

2009-10-02T15:29:00.004-04:00

My little angel, my first born, You have brought more joy in two years than we would have ever imagined.

Happy Birthday dear Samuel!

On the Blog again...

2009-07-16T22:14:00.007-04:00

So it has kind of been a while. Lot's of things have happened as in any family in the past 7 months, can't believe it has been that long. Sometimes I have thought, do I want to start the blog again or will I get distracted and stop. Or other times I think, where would I begin, do I go back an try to document the past -impossible. So here's where I'll start -today.

Do husbands think??

My recent hostess cupcakes

Tonight after another long pregnant day I was reading Matt questions from a gift we received called Table Topics, while he was watching his nightly TV. The last and FINAL question I read him said, "If you had the money which would you choose to hire, a housekeeper, a cook, a gardener, or a personal secretary?" Assuming he would of course say a housekeeper or personal secretary, (but thought he should say a gardener) with out and hesitation he spouted off "a cook". What...is he serious. I would some what understand if I didn't like to cook, or I rarely cooked, but that is quite the opposite. The Food Network is my TV of choice, I spend ample time combing through cook books, I receive cooking magazines in the mail, and YES I cook a lot.

No matter how much I think my culinary abilities are well received, there will never be any getting past that one and only love for his mom's pot roast and jello salad. How can I compare...

At least someone enjoyed them.

A great man passed away on December 1st 2008

2008-12-14T23:24:00.002-05:00

At my Granddad's house 10 days before he passed away

A great man passed away on December 1st. He touched my life in more ways then I can even begin to write. He was a kind, strong, and gentle man. Most of you knew him as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. I knew him not only as an apostle but I also as my Granddad. He lived life to the fullest enjoying every step of the journey along the way. He was witty, wise, humble and very funny. My Mom’s Dad Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, left behind a legacy of faith and example to the world of how to live your life. As far as I am concerned, he was a perfect father to my Mom, husband to my Grandma, and Grandfather to me.

My Granddad confirmed me after my baptism. He gave me the priesthood at age 12. At this time he invited me to sit up on the stage at General Priesthood session with him, I regret to admit I was a stupid 12 year old that was more worried about what his friends might think than what would be a life long cherished memory and probably the closest I’d ever get to be sitting on that stage. I declined the invitation. He set me apart for my mission to Sydney, Australia, and all the miracles the Lord promised through that blessing came to pass. He married Ashley and me in the Salt Lake Temple and gave us some very wise counsel. He also told Ashley and me that one chapter a day (of the B.O.M) will keep the adversary away, and also a couple who prays together stays together. This advise we have strived to live by.

There was two times as a missionary he helped change the course of my mission, with out even visiting my mission. The first time came in the form of a letter. When I was a missionary we received a lot of persecution. I remember when I was first out I wrote my Granddad, and told him about some of those experiences. I must have sounded like I was complaining and discouraged. He wrote me back, and said that a wise German Mission President once told me, "The toughest seas make the best captains." I found a picture of a boy captaining a ship with Jesus Christ by his side and hung it on my wall with that quote. It changed my mission and my life. I realized the Lord was molding me it to what he wanted me to be, not who I thought I should be!

At my Mission Farewel with my Mom and Grandparents

Another experience I had on my mission was when I was out six months, and I was discouraged. I wasn't having the success I wanted to have I didn't feel I was living up to my potential as a missionary. I also felt in sports all you had to do was work hard and you would see the results I found that the mission was different in so many ways. It wasn't until a gift came to me in the mail that help me fill in the missing pieces. This gift came in the form of a church magazine. Inside the magazine was a talk my grandfather had given called, “Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life.” This talk also made a huge impact on me. I followed the 5 steps he described and I became the missionary I knew the Lord wanted me to be. As I read the talk I could feel my Granddad speak to me, his voice seemed to jump off the page. In order to get the five steps I suggest you read the talk it could change your life as it changed mine:) http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=2614a1615ac0c010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1
After my mission he helped me make the most important decision in my life, prior to moving to New York City. I thought I was confused and didn’t know what to do. I was living my dream playing college football for the same crimson football team he played for. I loved Ashley so much, but I knew if we were going to get married I was going to have to move to be with her and give up my dream of playing for the University of Utah. I knew this in my heart already but sometimes it takes wise council to point out the obvious. He told me sometimes if in life we come to a cross roads he said, “You are at this point,” he asked, “Do you love her”? I said, “yes of coarse but can’t we wait to be married?” He said, “In this life there are windows of time for us to make the right decision, don’t let that window of time pass you by.” With out telling me what to do he told me, “marriage is more important than football and besides they have college football out east.”

Joseph B. "Speedy" Wirthlin playing football for the University of Utah.

I have never looked back and know realize how important that decision was that I made. Ashley and Samuel mean more to me then anything in the whole world, even more than Utah Football:) My Granddad loved Ashley he used to tell me what I already knew he would say, “You have the most wonderful wife, she is so beautiful, strong in the gospel, and down to earth.” We will all miss my Granddad but I am so happy he is with my Grandma. He will soon have a full head of hair again and his strong athletic build back, There might have even been signs that read, “welcome home Speedy Wirthlin.” I imagine the reunion with my Grandma was one of the sweetest in the history of heaven! As I live my life I hope to live in a way that would honor him and make him proud.

On my Grandparent's Wedding day, May 26th 1941.

ZPR aka Zion Ponderosa Resort

2008-10-18T11:12:00.019-04:00

In August Samuel and I, sadly Matt could not come along, ventured to my family ranch on the east rim of Zion National Park. This little piece of heaven is filled with so many memories for generations in my family. It is breathtaking. There is so much to do but I find myself just wanting to sit back with all my aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents and enjoy each other.

When I was growing up our many trips to the Ponderosa were spent staying in a large family cabin that was pieced together with all kinds of random scrap building material around an old camper (where my great grandma & grandpa Lewis slept) and big trees to stabilized the shifty structure. Little time was actually spent in the cabin as we were so busy chasing lizards and building forts during the days and sleeping under the stars at night. When I was a teenager a cabin to accommodate all the distant family coming together was built. This was luxury with bathrooms and running water, I never thought the ranch would have these amenities.

The ranch resort (http://www.zionponderosa.com/) was not part of the original plan when my great grandfather bought the 10,000 acres in 1961. It was a whole new wave of luxury at the ranch that started small about 15 years ago and has grown tremendously. I spent summers working in the kitchen, cleaning cabins and checking guests in at the front desk. It was a huge step with a swimming pool, electricity and a paved road all the way there.
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This most recent trip I felt a little out of sorts. Instead of catching blue belly lizards I was eating at the new 4 star restaurant the Blue Belly grill - divine. I toured all the multi million dollar mountain homes that have been built in the new home division. I had a massage at the spa and sipped pina colodas by the new endless pool with waterfalls and all. This was not how I was used to the ranch, but I definitely enjoyed every minute of it.

I was taking Samuel down to see all the animals and little kids were running up with news that a new colt was just born and none of the wranglers were around. My lucky little sis was playing with a few of her cousins near the horses when the horse was born. She said, "We saw a big white thing fall out of the horse so we ran to see what happen. The horse then ripped it with it's teeth and a baby came out of the white thing." We got there a few minutes later and it was amazing to see this little colt stumble around trying to stand. Then the little colt found his way to his mom's milk, it was so interesting.

Forever Strong - The movie & The real deal

2008-10-05T20:35:00.015-04:00

Highland High Rugby has always been very important to Matt. He was able to play for a coach that was more out to make boys into great men than winning, but in turn won almost every game. Matt created life long memories traveling to play teams from all over the world including going to Africa for the World Cup. Matt and I first started dating during our junior year of high school just in time for Nationals. I was smitten, even by the extra short shorts.
Matt loved Rugby and he was good at it. He played many different positions on the field and was a team capitan for two years.

When we heard there was going to be a movie filmed around the different true stories of the team through out the years we were really excited. Matt's younger brother Dave, who also played for Highland, made the cut and was on the Highland rugby team in the movie. He did a great job and got some serious face time in a major motion picture. Go Dave! The coach in the movie is playing the character of Matt's amazing life changing coach Larry Gelwix. The movie opened last week in select theaters nation wide. We attended a premier in New York to see it for the first time. I definately recommend it. So if you are in the mood for a good flick go see Forever Strong and look for Matt in the pictures at the end.

Matt with his coach Larry Gelwix

This band was actually really good at the after party

Lindsey and lead Sean Faris the "future Tom Cruise" he even rubbed her pregnant belly

Matt playing Rubgy

Check out that face

Zoo Birthday

2008-10-03T12:11:00.007-04:00

Samuel didn't get the fire thing, he kept trying to grap the flame

The Carousel was the perfect ending to a perfect day. He was obsessed and sang the entire time.

We went out for a birthday dinner afterwards and Matt was able to come. Samuel loved opening all his presents.

One last picture on your 1st Birthday

For Samuel's birthday we went to the Bronx Zoo. He was in heaven! Luckily there was no school so some of his favorite people (minus Daddy who was sick in bed) were able to come. I was happier than ever to have such a fun birthday, you would have thought it was my birthday. It made me realize how much fun I am going to have planning all the fun kiddie parties.

Dear Samuel, Happy Birthday!

2008-10-02T17:16:00.013-04:00

Little boy where has the time gone, I can't believe you are one. This has been the best year of our lives. We had no idea how happy you would make us. Every stage of the past year has been our favorite. I thought there would be nothing as great as you being a newborn, then 2 months was the best, no three....even now I still can't decide. We love your personality. You are a little tough guy sometimes, but such a softy. We giggle all day long, you love to laugh. Your favorite toys are anything with animals and books. You are so active I can bearly keep up. Your favorite thing to do is to sneak away from me and make it up the stairs before I catch you.
Happy Birthday little prince. We are so grateful for you and pray every day we can be the best mom and dad for you.

love,
Mom & Dad

The Life of the Party

2008-09-17T20:30:00.012-04:00

Great Grandma Roselle is 96 going on 60. She travels monthly, cooks daily, and is always the center of attention. Grandma doesn't plan trips she wants to go on but instead she is contantly booked with grandkids carting her on road trips or flying her all over the country to stay with them. By cooking I don't mean puts together a little dinner, there's full on candy making, donuts from scratch, chicken pies are always being wipped up, all served with coke of course. She even brings her delecacies frozen on her cross country trips for us.
Grandma Roselle decided last summer she wanted to go on a cruise with all her grandkids, so she took them. Thank heavens for the alloted time per person schedule to be with Grandma or I am sure I would have been gipped. She is so fun everyone wants to be around her and wants to be just like her.

Laughed all the way up the hill and cried all the way down.

Samuel got really into the "cruise" thing

Roughin' it

2008-09-08T09:51:00.009-04:00

In July we road tripped it to the Cole family camp out in the Grand Tetons. We are clearly not pro's at this sort of thing. First we rented a Hummer to pack all our luggage which probably used as much gas getting there as an RV. That was the first little issue with our "off roading" ride, second we were a sure target. Our first speeding ticket was from a narcotics officer who was looking for druggers not families going camping. His diligent partner stood his ground guarding the passenger side of the car incase Samuel and I took off running. The second ticket wasn't given by drug buster who was used to rebels, just a hall monitor out to catch anyone breaking the law, even just a little bit. When we finally arrived after gaining about 10 pounds on junk food in 7 hours,(it was supposed to take five) we jumped out of the car to get immediately ridiculed about our attire. I didn't know it was camping etiquette to put on your grubbiest clothes 300 miles away. I soon discovered they were right when I looked down and noticed my metallic ballet flats weren't so metallic anymore.
A few hiccups on the trek but once were were there we had such a great time. The the scenery was amazing, the food was delicious and there were no distractions to take away from spending time together.

Hiking...do you like my pack...ya the plastic grocery bag under my arm was what I used to carry our water and lunch, so prepared.

These animals were way too used to people this deer was just walking around us looking for food like we didn't even exist.

Jackson Hole for us while Matt and the babyless ones went down the Snake River

I love this pic of Matt and his Mom, too bad Samuel isn't participating

Yellow Stone

Catch Ya! every time I said, "Did you kick the dog?" he said, "NO"

Hilly's Home

2008-08-30T01:18:00.005-04:00

It has been a year and half but it seems no time has passed as we are making the most of our few short days with Hilary Rose. It is so weird to me that not only do I have a little sister that went on a mission, but now a little sis that is an RM. It is amazing how much I have learned from her in her hours back home. What a strength she is to me. Hearing her experiences from Costa Rica and her sweet testimony has prompted me to take an inventory of my own life and recommit to the simple truths of service and love.
I may be the oldest, but you are definitely an example to me.

Thank you sis, I love you.

On the Blog again!

2008-08-24T21:35:00.005-04:00

This has been such an amazing summer. I feel like a little kid because I am so bummed that it's over. I didn't anticipate going blog MIA but when the vacations got started I was just soaking it all in and decided to post pone recording. The two summers before this we weren't able to skip town very often as we were working so much trying to get our feet under us at work. We could barely take off and had to rush right back. Even though we were so busy we defiantly have had all wonderful summers since we have been married. Every summer stands out to me for it's own distinct simple memories.

6 Trying everything we wanted to do with a new baby, and it working perfectly! Spending so much time with distant family.
5 Barbecuing and eating outside always.
4 Taking long walks nightly, going to farmers markets and eating Pesto, home grown tomatoes, fresh Mozzarella and crusty bread -constantly.
3 Renovating our apartment in the city, always driving to Home Depot in either Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, NJ (it all depended on traffic)and finally when we were practically finished, Manhattan.
2 Road trips through Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts & Rhode Island - we got our first car this summer!
1 Walking up and down the Hudson River through Riverside Park, going to every free public event NY had to offer.

I will be posting about this summer into fall but there is so much I don't want to forget!

4th of July Drama

2008-07-05T21:35:00.007-04:00

Every year on the fourth of July we head to a park near by. The fireworks are awesome. There is plenty of room to sprawl out with blankets, picnics and games. You are almost directly under the show, the closet I have ever been to big fireworks. This year I was especially excited. I was really looking forward to being there with my little family and watching Samuel's reaction. He loves bright flashing lights.

My little brother tagged along in our car with us on the way over to the park. While Matt and I were gathering all the gear we looked over to see my little brother, all eighty-five pounds of him, running off with Samuel. We thought, he shouldn't have done that, but we will meet up in a few minutes.

Thirty-five minutes before the show was scheduled to start, due to rain, we started hearing the loud pops in the air. Everyone started running around trying to get situated for the show that wasn't anticpated to start for over a half hour. It then got dark very quickly and my brother with my baby was no where to be found. The fireworks, being so close, were much louder than I remember and I really began to worry Samuel would be terrified - and it would hurt his little ears. This show is the longest firework display I have ever seen, and this year it felt like an eternity. I was racing around trying to make out faces in the darkness and best I could looking for my baby. Among the thousands of people on the grass it was impossible. I was miserable. I wanted to be with my baby on this night, not my brother lost with him. I don't think I saw one firework I was so worried. When my little bro finally found us near the end of the show Samuel was screaming, histarically crying, completely terrified. He has never held onto me so tight. He borrowed his little face against me and would not let go.

Poor thing some nutty kid runs off with him, he gets lots in a crowd of thousands of people bustling to find a seat, enormous explosions take over the sky and Mommy is no where to be found. It was my first experience of being separated from my baby when I knew he really needed me. After the show someone gave him this glow neclace and it cheered him up. He was so wiped out from all the drama.

Luckily Matt and I went to the beach and saw fireworks the night before with some friends, it is one of my favorite holidays.

Earlier that day with Auntie Hannah.

Happy Birthday, My Love

2008-06-25T20:56:00.005-04:00

My Dear MC is the kindest, most loving, forgiving person I have ever known. He has taught me so much and continues to teach me through the way he treats me every day.

On Matt's birthday we went to the city to see the New York Philharmonic on the Great Lawn in Central Park. It was packed as usual, but that is part of the fun. We picked up some of our favorite food and had dinner while listening to the music. It is always great people watching at these events and you always make friends while you're there. These people near us set up a mini table fully set with flowers, candles, china, wine and every other comfort. I am just grateful I wasn't carrying all those provisions in and out of the park.

Messy Baby

2008-06-07T21:13:00.004-04:00

So much of my parenting experience go like this... What used to make no sense to me what so ever now seems like second nature. For example, I always used to wonder why parents let their babies make a total mess why they were eating. I couldn't figure out why on earth would someone condone such a disaster. My perspective has changed...I love watching Samuel have at his food. I think it is hilarious and he is so interested in the entire experience. It is so worth the mess.

Garden Girl

2008-06-02T10:30:00.005-04:00

I am so excited my long awaited vegetable garden is finally in. After much plotting and scheming on what I wanted and how to keep the many critters out I'm all ready to go. I set my sights upon a raised bed garden to get more vegetation in a smaller area, less weeds, less animal problems and easier to work on. Matt is so good to go along with all my many projects I become obsessed with randomly. This is probably the last thing he thought the city girl he married would be dying for. I said to him, as we were shoveling in the huge mound of organic soil I had delivered right on top of our front lawn Saturday, "I am turning into such a granola aren't I?" he replied, "no your just a poser (granola)" I guess through all my fashion and beauty desires I will never achieve true granola status with him, and that's OK by me.

Matt trying to multi task by talking on the phone at the same time

I bought the bed through this great place Natural Yards, so helpful & free shipping!

All the netting and arched tubing is to keep intruders out

Herbs are going in pots, closer to the kitchen door and they'll take less space.
I am going to add blueberry and strawberry plants in pots too.

Can't what for all the yummy fresh food.

be cool, go green

2008-05-24T22:00:00.001-04:00

Gone are the days people would often raise an eyebrow when referring to tree huggers, energy conservers and so on. It is so not granola these days but rather even chic to be socially responsible. I admit growing up I would often tune a deaf year to "saving the planet", ignorantly thinking, what can I do that will really matter. I am so ashamed, what can I not do that will really matter. It is impossible to ignore the devasting effects that are occuring by our out of control energy consumption when it hits the wallet. There is so much more to it than keeping lights off and using less water at home. Search out how much energy and water go into producing our everday products that we are too lazy to recycle. Anyway you look at it 99% of people are, or will soon be, affected by the price of oil. If it doesn't put a strain on your own budget you probably are at a company that it does. And if your business doesn't depend on oil enough to make a difference, your customers do, there is no getting around it.
Yes it's true my initial focus to go green was to cut my own costs. But the more I look into how I can save myself money I am devestated by how huge the problem is on a much higher level. EVERYONE has to do there part, ignore it and just keep watching those prices go up, that is one fact we can not ignore.

How are you going green?

My first real Mother's Day

2008-05-12T21:26:00.006-04:00

For the past four years Matt has given me gifts, flowers and all the Mother's Day treatment. Every year I would awkwardly become uncomfortable and say, "I am not a mom, don't get me anything." I don't know why I would ever shun special treatment, but for some reason I was not very appreciative. He would always continue despite my rudeness and say," You are the Mother of our future kids." To make me even more uneasy I would always stress on Fathers Day when he looked around all curious to see what I did for him...and it wasn't much. Last year I was a little more open to the idea, as I was pregnant, and this year I was all for the bells and whistles! I was loving every moment of it. I am very grateful to be a Mom. I kept kissing Samuel and telling him thank you for being my baby, I love being your Mommy. The father son duo didn't miss a beat from breakfast in bed, roses and mommy gifts. Any chance there was to do a diaper or clean a mess I didn't hesitate to mention, "It's Mother's Day!"
I better gear up because after five good Mother's Days, and only having a 7 month old, I better prepare one good Daddy Day this year that is well deserved.

UTAH

2008-05-03T12:07:00.009-04:00

Chillin' with the Brady and Jonah

Grandma Madeline after watching her at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast

Finally met my dear Cynthia's hubby Tom, they are adorable.

Samuel's Great Great Grandma Roselle was as vibrant as ever

Loves hangin' with the boys

Matt and Olivia were great dancers

Three of the Four quads with Samuel. Thankfully the other Stephan "Bindy" is home doing well.

Last week we went to Utah for Matt's sister Megan's wedding. We were so happy to be there for Megan, and her new hubby John's I do's. It was a great trip to be with family and friends. I took my first flight with the baby alone to go early to see my quad cousins that were in town. Unfortunately they were their because one of them, sweet Stephan "Bindy", was life-flighted to Salt Lake and was having surgery. Samuel had the time of his life with all his many cousins. Nothing makes him happier than being around other little kids. He gets very vocal and does everything he knows how to try to interact with them.
It is always bitter sweet going to Utah no matter what we never go home with out feelings of regret for not meeting up with someone or not spending enough time with some. It is like trying to put together a huge puzzle with everyones schedules trying to make the peices fit just right. It is a never ending battle.

Oh yes, I remember

2008-04-30T22:25:00.007-04:00

After being away for the past week(will post pics later) I was so pleasantly surprised when I came home. It was the perfect time to go and return to be able to see such a beautiful contrast of Spring forming. I have been in awe the last few days at how beautiful it is here and how grateful I am for it. Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side. But for now anyway, it is greener for me on my side. It was a little reassurance that everything felt right. To be in the right place, at the right time, just how it should be. After coming in half way cross-eyed after a red eye flight with a sick baby I was able to look outside to my back yard that seemed to completely transform while I was gone. It was a sigh of relief, oh yes I remember how much I love it here.

Como Vie!

2008-04-17T08:15:00.001-04:00

Last week we went to Brasil for a quick trip. It was amazing. I have traveled there several times before but I am in love with this new town we discovered called Laranjeiras. It was one of those trips that will always be very special. No matter what went wrong or right we all just loved being together and enjoyed every moment. The people in Brasil were so kind as always, the food was fabulous, and the scenery never ceases to amaze me.
I was a little concerned my baby boy would not be his charming self through all the traveling and activities. I was so very wrong, he was a dream. I know he was also having the time of his life because he was so happy. Which in turn made me and Matt so happy too. He was fascinated by all the new experiences. The top of his list had to be the sand. He couldn't contain himself and had to take a mouth full every time I turned my head. I didn't know we brought sand all the way home with us until I changed his diaper yesterday. Best of all he has been dressed in pants and long sleeves since he was born, I just loved seeing his chubby little arms and legs all week long.

Patati

2008-04-17T08:00:00.002-04:00

Patati is on the south east coast of Brasil. It is a charming historic colonial town. The stone streets and the bright colored building are very unique. There are no cars allowed in the main area of down. Most walk, some ride bikes, or use horse pulled carts. During certian times of the year when the tied comes in the water fills the streets from the high tide. It is beautiful when the water filled streets refelect the colorful buildings. For this reason all the stone streets decend down to the middle so the edges of the streets are above the water during the high tide. The town is surrounded by little islands off the coast. The islands have restaurants, beaches and places to stay. They are full of the thickest lush forest at the top and perfect sandy beaches at the bottom. A good family friend in Brasil always lends us his boat when we visit Patati to go amonst some of the islands. Eating on the islands is always the fish caught that day, nothing beats it.

6 Months

2008-04-07T22:20:00.003-04:00

For all of you who think I give Samuel too many naps, and put him to bed too early, it is work growing this big body...

At his 6 month appointment last week:
Weight 95%
Height 90%
Head circumference 90%

not much has changed since day one in these categories

Alligator Tears

2008-04-04T22:06:00.006-04:00

Now that he has learned to use them I am afraid he'll never go back.

This is what happens when Samuel is strapped in the car seat, stroller or grocery cart. He starts to wine, I start talking baby talk, making funny faces, singing songs (yes even in public) to get him to stop. He then gets a little louder, not quite a real cry. Then I look down and he has these alligator tears sitting perfectly on his face.

The first few times this happened I was totally shocked. "My poor baby," I thought, "he is so upset!" After I immediately unstrap him and pick him up his "crying" stops instantaneously and he becomes his chipper self, still with the alligator tears perfectly pooled on his face. He is a smart little one. Matt thinks he is faking it...and it's totally working. So lately anytime we go anywhere, Target, grocery shopping, on walks, the mall, he squeezes out Alligator tears and I end up holding him and pushing the cart or stroller at the same time. You may be saying don't give in so easily, but there is no choice when he starts with those tears. I get the scariest looks from anyone who sees his little cupid face so sad.

Let's just hope this is a phase, a very short one.

P R O M

2008-03-31T10:09:00.003-04:00

My cute little sis, well not so little anymore, had prom this weekend. Of course I pulled all the resources of every curling device, makeup color & tool, bronzing, shimmering, extra holding, slimming(just kidding her dress is a size 0), & lengthening products I could muster. The bathroom looked like an explosion went off in a salon. Beauty is pain, right? Her date was great too, this is her boyf. Chris. She is not allowed to break up with him, because we all love him too much. He must have taken a class on how to schmooze the family, and its working. A holiday has never passed where he didn't get the mom (and sometimes sisters too) a gift. He spends Friday nights playing cards with 8-12 year-olds happily. And best of all he is an amazing Italian cook and brings us leftovers from dinners he makes for her.

New Best Friends

2008-03-27T23:05:00.002-04:00

After being a little timid to get out the clorox, pine sole and 409 around baby Samuel I started looking for alternatives. I have always hated the way my hands smell after cleaning the house with these things. It also drives me nuts when I feel like I can't get the taste out of my mouth from spraying it. It just didn't seem good to have an infant around this stuff either. At first I was always scrubbing as soon as he went to sleep and then opening doors and windows to air out before he woke up. I soon came across the possibilities of cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing with what I already had in the house.(and it's so cheap) With white vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a little dish liquid soap I can do everything I did before and more! They are all great cleaners and by spraying vinegar and then hydrogen peroxide studies show it sanitizes better than bleach! So much safer to santize toys this way because he chews on everyone of them. Baking soda has been amazing at cleaning yucky pans. A half cup of vinegar in a spray bottle of water is great all purpose cleaner, for glass too. There are so many other uses of course, but these are the ones I use daily. I definitely recommend it.

The Aunties

2008-03-21T14:00:00.007-04:00

The Aunties are a dream come true. They are Samuel's fan club. I was worried this excitement of a nephew would wear off by now, but it is still going as strong as ever. They call him everyday to find out when he is coming to see them next. They still line up to hold him, fight to change his poopy diapers and love to make him smile. I have to say I use this to my advantage. They are always willing to get the diaper bag out of the car, search for a lost pacifier and check on him while he is sleeping. A few times when I have needed to get him in the bath, while at their house, the three youngest ones went tearing to there rooms and all came back with their swim suits on and a pile of toys to get in the big jacuzzi tub with him. Today they came over to visit and all made it in to be peering over his crib when he opened his eyes from his nap. He was a little confused at first but then realized his entertainers were here and was so happy. I call them his court jesters. The babysitting has been a dream. I don't know what I'll do when I have to pay for babysitting one day. They get so excited when I am leaving Samuel with them to babysitt. It should probably make me worried because it is so fun for them to take care of him with out me there. But I have trained them well, they are very careful and follow my very long list of "rules". These little Aunties (and uncle Seth too) have spoiled both Mommy and Baby.
There is still one auntie he is yet to meet but she loves him just as much as the rest. (my sis that is on a mission)

Yes it worked!

2008-03-16T20:57:00.006-04:00

Matt has been subtly, and not so subtly, been letting me know for years that every morning while growing up his mom would call down to his room and ask him what he wanted for breakfast. Taking full advantage he would call back, omelet, pancakes, waffles, french toast or what ever his heart desired on that particular day. Through all his hint dropping I always have just responded by saying, "really, I am not much of a breakfast person," "wow that was nice of her," "my mom made oatmeal." He clearly didn't think I understood what he was saying, because he just kept telling me.

We finally starting working out a system for taking care of Samuel at night that keeps both of us from turning into a total zombie. I get up in the night, and about 6:30am Matt takes Samuel for an hour while I sleep some more. My breakfast loving husband soon decided to kill two birds with one stone. He entertains Samuel in the Bumbo chair by showing him how to make a decadent breakfast. I have been totally shocked at his new found friend, Ina Garten, by scouring her Barefoot Contessa cook books each morning. The mess he creates in the kitchen usually gets taken care of too, but if not, he gets away with it by bringing me his delights in bed each morning.

Samuel gets fed, I get sleep, Matt gets breakfast, Daddy and baby get time together, and now I'm all into breakfast too!

Tumbler search

2008-03-13T13:01:00.003-04:00

I am desperately looking for these Fleur-De-Lys tumblers from Anthropologie. The online customer service can't even search store wide for them without a style number - so odd. They are the perfect gift for a special someone. If anyone happens to be in an Anthropologie shop anytime soon take a look and let me know if you spotted these...

Go Cowboy!

2008-03-10T20:28:00.006-04:00

This is my little cowboy. As you can see when we are stuck in the house dress ups is our favorite game. Last week this little cowboy came out lots as we were home bound quit a bit.

After my sweet sister came home from school early to baby-sit for me, for free, she was so careful not to hit one car but smashed directly into mine. Lucky her, from my angle in the house I didn't see the broken lights, busted bumper, or the 2x2ft piece that flew across the drive way. I told her to go and we will figure it out later. Soon after I towed all our gear and Samuel to the car and realized I couldn't drive until I cleaned up all the glass and pieces all around the car. After being in the shop a few days it looks as good as new outside and inside! I was so excited the auto body shop vacuumed and wiped down every nook and cranny. It lighten the blow that cleaning my car was now also off my list.

Later in the week the power on our street went out. I didn't think much of it at first. When I noticed cop cars, people walking around out side in the freezing cold with flash lights I began to wonder what was up. My cell phone was dead and we only have portable phones so there was not calling anyone. A while later when Matt finally came home he told me a huge tree had fallen right on top of a bunch of electrical wires. There were live wires all over the bottom of our street. The cops said he couldn't go home until the mess was cleaned up. Of course Matt was not into waiting around so he parked the car a few blocks away ran through different neighbors back yards, with groceries, to get home. I was so happy the next morning when soon after waking up in a frigid house the power came back on.

How does your garden grow?

2008-03-04T16:13:00.004-05:00

I have been craving the tomatoes I ate out of my mom's garden since early last fall. Every time I go to the store and buy tomatoes they never stack up. I loved cooking at my parents house last summer because I would gather all the fresh herbs and vegetables that were ripe and add them to the menu. Nothing tastes better than produce picked when it is perfectly ripe.
This year it is my turn to have my own garden. I am really excited, but a little intimidated. As long as I can figure out how to keep the critters out and get some vegetation I will be happy with my first year’s efforts.
I always looked forward to what was in season when we would visit grandma and grandpa's house growing up. Raspberries were my favorite, but I would pick (and eat) what ever there was, whether it was grapes, strawberries, corn, zucchini, tomatoes, pumpkins or squash. Hopefully I can carry on the family tradition. I can't see raspberries and not be reminded of gathering them from my Grandma Joan's garden and her making jam for us, and grandpa Lou would always send us with a bag of zucchini when they were in season. They both passed away this past year but as I am working in my own garden I will be thinking of them.

This week...

2008-02-29T13:07:00.005-05:00

We finally had new carpet installed. It has been one of the things that have bothered me the most since we have lived here. Out with the mauve floral and scratchy mutli-colored hues and in with the new. There are a million other things I would like to do to our house but unfortunately $$$ and time do not supply. I am determined to paint few rooms that are still real eye sores, hopefully next week.

My aunt Christine, who is an interior designer, came for a short visit and was very helpful with our decor. Lucky me she has been decorating some homes out here in CT lately so I get to steal her for a few hours when she comes to town and pick her brain.

My little guy is five months today, wow that went by fast. His little friends (they are actually years older than him) came to visit and he was constantly trying to get out of my arms and was getting so frustrated he couldn't run and play. He wants to be big so bad.
Getting to know Samuel at five months...
Favorite past time: bouncing up and down, flying through the air, spinning in circles, anything that makes mommy very tired.
Favorite outfit: This muscle shirt (Stripling Warriors)
Favorite sport: football, he has no choice
Teeth: 2
Hair color: was blond, then it all fell out (mom is bald too since he rips out handfuls of hair)
Favorite album: Hairspray, as long as we are dancing to it
Favorite time of day: 4am (unfortunately)
Favorite food: milk (no choices yet, but he is getting extremely interested)
Dislikes: being on the floor, therefore no rolling over or crawling in sight

Winter Wonderland

2008-02-22T19:55:00.008-05:00

Winters here in the North East are quite miserable not because of the snow, but because it's too cold to snow. So we get sleet, which turns to ice, and then to yucky slush. Today was a pleasant suprise it snowed beautiful, fluffy, white, Utah snow. It was such a fun day for me. Matt was home working so I got to go shopping and take an extra long shower. When I got back Matt had made me waffles, "I folded in the egg whites he added," just before I dug in. He is turning into quite the chef. They were the best I have ever had!
Isn't our house cute when it snows!

Baby Boy

2008-02-22T16:28:00.008-05:00

Hmmm... What do you think I am your little doll??? I'm a real live boy!!
I can't tell if he looks like a homeboy or homeless...
I have lost so much sleep watching this sight.
Samuel's preferred position, will not bend no matter what.

NOT Mr & Mrs Fix-it

2008-02-22T08:58:00.006-05:00

Last week while running the kitchen faucet the water stopped coming out. Strange, I thought, I can still hear the water on. I looked under the kitchen sink to see the broken supply line shooting water everywhere. Taking this in stride that night I headed to Home Depot to pick out a new faucet. I thriftily picked out a faucet with confidence. Although we worked very hard in renovating our apartment in the city, we should have learned by now we are just not handy around the house. Without much thought we turned off the water to the house (there was no shut off valve under the sink) cranked the supply lines off the pipes, and realized this was not going to work. To make a very long story short we not only broke the corroded pipes, did something to the water pressure gauge, the power went out and blew a fuse on the boiler, we were with out water for three days, three service men later, and much more than the cost of the faucet was our problem.

Hello Blogger's, we've arrived

2008-02-21T14:20:00.011-05:00

While the majority of my days are spent running around the house entertaining our Mini Me and balancing my many "projects", I take any chance I get to get caught up with my mom, sisters, beloved aunts, grandparents and dear friends. We are a very "tight knit bunch" and so hopefully this will help us keep everyone up to date in our memiors, obsessions and fiascos.

A brief catch up... Our dear Samuel, is now four and a half months old. It has been the most incredible time of our lives. We have been a little MIA at times during this entry into parenthood. We clealy were a little suprised our mothers of 8 (Madeline) and 9 (Vicki) children did this so gracefully. As good of examples as these renaissance mothers are, they have also been a little miss leading to us common folk that it actually takes a little work and adjusting.