So...if I look out the window to my left I can see endless rows of chairs, a stage, video screens and other AV equipment. All this was set-up in preparation for the commencement exercises taking place on the Harbor Campus tomorrow. I was invited to attend the ceremonies since I will be completing my MBA in just three months time.
I will be attending the ceremony tomorrow. Sarah & I have been discussing whether to take the girls or not, however. It will be crazy here tomorrow. And crowded. There will be the main ceremony followed by multiple separate ceremonies for each college. Parking will be a challenge. Navigating the crowds will be a challenge. Navigating the campus with the mass of people will be even more challenging (for Sarah and Sheila). PLUS the girls have school tomorrow - this means time will be tight.
I didn't attend my undergraduate graduation ceremony. Many years ago. On this same campus.
Grad school, although not quite over yet, has been a challenge for EVERYONE. More work for Sarah at home. More work for Sheila. LONG days (and nights) for me.
We should celebrate as a family. Right?
The girls will only be five once. Maybe they will remember this day when they get older...maybe they will some day understand the sacrifices their mommy & daddy make for them. For the family.
I am taking three classes in the first (of two) summer sessions. They are Advanced Corporate Finance, Strategic Management, and Intermediate Accounting. I bought the Intermediate Accounting book today - BIGGEST BOOK EVAH! Over 1,500 pages...ya, we will not be covering everything in that book!
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Take-out Tuesday.
As it goes, Sarah & I get take-out for dinner once a week, on average. Some weeks no take-out...others maybe more than once. Just Sarah & I - not for the girls, as they generally eat at a normal dinner time. Sarah & I usually eat at about 7:30 - 8:00.
So... if you eliminate local pizza joints or restaurants and keep the list to typical "chain-type" restaurants, I came up with a Top Ten take-out list. The list is based on how often we get take-out from the establishment and I used three factors:
(1) Service (did they get the order right and was it ready when they said it would be?)
(2) Quality of food and menu selection.
(3) Convenience - where are they located in proximity to our house?
10. Cracker Barrel - very predictable service and food quality. A bit of a drive from our house, however.
9. Olive Garden - great food but poor location for us.
8. Outback - we have found that for take-out purposes, quality, quantity and accuracy are lacking.
7. 99 Restaurant - not a great menu and they have a "service charge" for take-out.
6. Five Guys Burgers - great burgers and fries, but location and selection not as good.
5. Friday's - convenient to us, but difficult for Sarah & me to find something on the menu we crave. Also, I always have to wait for our order (it seems).
4. Longhorn - another convenient take-out spot. I like their seven-pepper steak salad and they also have a chicken sandwich Sarah & I like.
3. Bertucci's - good overall take-out service (and selection). A bit pricey, though.
2. Applebee's - the proximity to us keeps them from the very top of the list.
1. Chili's - most consistent all-around, by far.
So... if you eliminate local pizza joints or restaurants and keep the list to typical "chain-type" restaurants, I came up with a Top Ten take-out list. The list is based on how often we get take-out from the establishment and I used three factors:
(1) Service (did they get the order right and was it ready when they said it would be?)
(2) Quality of food and menu selection.
(3) Convenience - where are they located in proximity to our house?
10. Cracker Barrel - very predictable service and food quality. A bit of a drive from our house, however.
9. Olive Garden - great food but poor location for us.
8. Outback - we have found that for take-out purposes, quality, quantity and accuracy are lacking.
7. 99 Restaurant - not a great menu and they have a "service charge" for take-out.
6. Five Guys Burgers - great burgers and fries, but location and selection not as good.
5. Friday's - convenient to us, but difficult for Sarah & me to find something on the menu we crave. Also, I always have to wait for our order (it seems).
4. Longhorn - another convenient take-out spot. I like their seven-pepper steak salad and they also have a chicken sandwich Sarah & I like.
3. Bertucci's - good overall take-out service (and selection). A bit pricey, though.
2. Applebee's - the proximity to us keeps them from the very top of the list.
1. Chili's - most consistent all-around, by far.
Monday, May 28, 2012
Memorial Day 2012
A day to remember all those who have served our great country, especially those who have given their lives.
THANK YOU.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
A Nickel, Dime and a Penny
I just wanted to first say that if you like to see the girls in action via videos posted here, they will continue (at some point). I am fairly certain my FLIP video camera is dead. This is somewhat of a bummer because shooting, editing and posting FLIP video clips is simple and fast. Especially in comparison to my back-up DVD recorder. I have been shooting videos of the girls but because they are on my Hitachi, which records to mini-DVD discs, the edit and post process is more time consuming.
Well, I am glad there are still two days left to this weekend. The girls' shots they received on Thursday are still showing their affect with Emily missing out on a birthday party today because she spent the morning vomiting. Huge bummer. Everyone in the family was bummed because she couldn't return with her sisters to the "bouncy" place for a birthday party.
Sarah stayed home to care for Emily and I took Allie & Anna to the party.
The party was fairly uneventful. I was telling Sarah, however, that it was interesting how Allie & Anna didn't jump right into the action at the start of the party. The highlight (for me anyway) was going down the "big" slide with Anna. TWICE. Hey - she insisted. I just had to.
I texted Sarah while at the party and she informed me Em was doing better. That was news Sarah & I both needed.
Let's hope for good sleep tonight. Last night was much better than the previous one.
Running log: Ran my normal @3.2 mile route today in extremely humid conditions. Despite the heat and humidity, I felt strong and my time reflected that. Oh...I found another 16 cents on my run. Sarah & I hope to do a 5K next weekend.
Well, I am glad there are still two days left to this weekend. The girls' shots they received on Thursday are still showing their affect with Emily missing out on a birthday party today because she spent the morning vomiting. Huge bummer. Everyone in the family was bummed because she couldn't return with her sisters to the "bouncy" place for a birthday party.
Sarah stayed home to care for Emily and I took Allie & Anna to the party.
The party was fairly uneventful. I was telling Sarah, however, that it was interesting how Allie & Anna didn't jump right into the action at the start of the party. The highlight (for me anyway) was going down the "big" slide with Anna. TWICE. Hey - she insisted. I just had to.
I texted Sarah while at the party and she informed me Em was doing better. That was news Sarah & I both needed.
Let's hope for good sleep tonight. Last night was much better than the previous one.
Running log: Ran my normal @3.2 mile route today in extremely humid conditions. Despite the heat and humidity, I felt strong and my time reflected that. Oh...I found another 16 cents on my run. Sarah & I hope to do a 5K next weekend.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Serenity Now
God Grant Me The Serenity
To Accept The Things I Cannot Change
Courage To Change The Things I Can
And Wisdom To Know The Difference
I have gotten away from the Serenity Prayer. I haven't said it in a long time and that is not good.
Today was a day in which I should have utilized the Serenity Prayer. Today was a very difficult day for Sarah & I. For lack of a better word, Anna had a few "fits" today.
The ironic part about Anna's behavior today is that I discussed Anna with the girls' pediatrician at their 5 year wellness check-up yesterday. The pedi made a few points. Two things he said were:
#1..Anna's fits today (trust me, they were fits!) had a very bad affect on her sisters and her mommy and daddy. It was ugly.
The key line of the Serenity Prayer, of course is Wisdom To Know The Difference.
I need to pray for direction.
To Accept The Things I Cannot Change
Courage To Change The Things I Can
And Wisdom To Know The Difference
I have gotten away from the Serenity Prayer. I haven't said it in a long time and that is not good.
Today was a day in which I should have utilized the Serenity Prayer. Today was a very difficult day for Sarah & I. For lack of a better word, Anna had a few "fits" today.
The ironic part about Anna's behavior today is that I discussed Anna with the girls' pediatrician at their 5 year wellness check-up yesterday. The pedi made a few points. Two things he said were:
- Is her behavior affecting relationships in the home? (He gave an example of a couple who were facing a split because of a child's behavior.)
- What is going on when she acts like this? Is she hungry? Tired?
#1..Anna's fits today (trust me, they were fits!) had a very bad affect on her sisters and her mommy and daddy. It was ugly.
The key line of the Serenity Prayer, of course is Wisdom To Know The Difference.
I need to pray for direction.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Smarter Than a Pre-Schooler
Sarah nor I have ever doubted that our girls are actually learning something at preschool. It's not just playtime, snacktime and making friends for them.
Case in point. Emily today as we were getting ready to leave for school:
"Daddy, did you pack me apple juice for snack today at school?"
No, Emily, you have lemonade in your backpack.
"Oh shucks. I wanted to have apple juice so it would be a pattern. Lemonade then apple juice, then lemonade. A pattern."
That's right, Emily! A pattern!
I am impressed.
Case in point. Emily today as we were getting ready to leave for school:
"Daddy, did you pack me apple juice for snack today at school?"
No, Emily, you have lemonade in your backpack.
"Oh shucks. I wanted to have apple juice so it would be a pattern. Lemonade then apple juice, then lemonade. A pattern."
That's right, Emily! A pattern!
I am impressed.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Giggly Emily
Today's video is follow-up to yesterday's post on giggly Emily. I found this clip today - it pretty much proves my point.
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Monday, May 21, 2012
Eenie Meenie Minee Moe
My daughter Emily's version:
Eenie meenie minee moe
Catch the tiger to the toe
Eenie
Meenie
Minee
Moe
Emily has been using this rhyme as a decision-making tool lately. A LOT.
Will it be Dora, Spongebob or Sparkle toothpaste?
Which cookie will she choose?
And....I will say....that no matter how tired or short on patience I am while I await her decision, I smile.
I smile because Emily smiles. She cracks herself up. She walks on her toes or skips around the house. A LOT.
Emily giggles. Her teacher nick-named her Giggly Emily.
She loves telling funny stories. I couldn't keep track of the number of times today that Emily started a sentence today with: "Daddy, it was so funny at school when...." or "Do you remember that time...that was soooo silly....!"
Emily can say eenie meenie minee moe all day. As long as she continues to giggle and SMILE.
Eenie meenie minee moe
Catch the tiger to the toe
Eenie
Meenie
Minee
Moe
Emily has been using this rhyme as a decision-making tool lately. A LOT.
Will it be Dora, Spongebob or Sparkle toothpaste?
Which cookie will she choose?
And....I will say....that no matter how tired or short on patience I am while I await her decision, I smile.
I smile because Emily smiles. She cracks herself up. She walks on her toes or skips around the house. A LOT.
Emily giggles. Her teacher nick-named her Giggly Emily.
She loves telling funny stories. I couldn't keep track of the number of times today that Emily started a sentence today with: "Daddy, it was so funny at school when...." or "Do you remember that time...that was soooo silly....!"
Emily can say eenie meenie minee moe all day. As long as she continues to giggle and SMILE.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Somebody's Watching Me
The end of a busy but nice weekend is here. The weather was fantastic both days, which always helps spirits too!
I spent most of Saturday with my brothers for a post-wedding bachelor party (of sorts). We played golf at Wayland Country Club in the morning and then met later for dinner at an Italian restaurant similar to Vinny Testa's. We had two foursomes for golf (six of my brothers)and fourteen guys for dinner. I was hoping everyone would have a good time, especially my brother Chris, and I think a good time was had by all. Plenty of laughs is always a good indication of a good day. A lot of laughs, for sure.
The girls had two birthday parties to attend so Sarah had Allie, Anna Emily for the day. Based on what Sarah told me, after she got through the gift purchasing part of the day in the morning (Anna was being Anna), it sounds like the girls had a good time at the parties.
Today we went as a family to participate in a local Great Strides Walk. Great Strides are walks to find a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF). My niece passed away from complications from cystic fibrosis in 2002. She was only 13. Money raised by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) from these walks go directly to treatment of CF patients and toward finding a cure. It was nice to be with my sister, her daughter, and some other members of my family to remember my niece and raise money for CFF.
I spent most of Saturday with my brothers for a post-wedding bachelor party (of sorts). We played golf at Wayland Country Club in the morning and then met later for dinner at an Italian restaurant similar to Vinny Testa's. We had two foursomes for golf (six of my brothers)and fourteen guys for dinner. I was hoping everyone would have a good time, especially my brother Chris, and I think a good time was had by all. Plenty of laughs is always a good indication of a good day. A lot of laughs, for sure.
The girls had two birthday parties to attend so Sarah had Allie, Anna Emily for the day. Based on what Sarah told me, after she got through the gift purchasing part of the day in the morning (Anna was being Anna), it sounds like the girls had a good time at the parties.
Today we went as a family to participate in a local Great Strides Walk. Great Strides are walks to find a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF). My niece passed away from complications from cystic fibrosis in 2002. She was only 13. Money raised by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) from these walks go directly to treatment of CF patients and toward finding a cure. It was nice to be with my sister, her daughter, and some other members of my family to remember my niece and raise money for CFF.
Today's Video
This is a clip of Allie, Anna & Emily dancing to Rockwell's Somebody's Watching Me. Sarah's mom pulled a CD out of somewhere with a couple of 80's hits and the girls have been repeatedly requesting to have it played. Allie is especially sassy in this one!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Massage Envy
Today went as planned for the girls with a picnic lunch and playground fun after school with Grandma G (my mother). It was Grandma G's idea to have the picnic lunch at a park near her house that has, among other things, a playground and views of the Prudential and John Hancock towers.
Before I picked the girls up from school, I cashed in my birthday gift and got a one hour massage. My first massage in YEARS was great. I used to get a massage regularly before the girls were born. And, before that, I got massages MUCH more frequently. I was a Certified Massage Therapist back in the day. While in school, I would sometimes get treatments 3-4 times in a week. Simply awesome. Anyway...it was nice to have an hour of pure relaxation this morning.
I had a lunch packed for everyone when I picked them up from school so we headed straight to Grandma's. Upon arrival, I cathed Anna while Emily & Allie hung out in Grandma's backyard swing seat.
The weather was great - mid to high 70's.
I had been to this park in the past but hadn't taken notice of the playground areas. They were perfect for the girls. With the exception of a sliding pole and monkey bars, the girls could play on everything without adult help.
We hadn't been there long before Anna took the role of care-taker to a 22 month-old girl. The girls were at one point battling over who would hold the little girl's hand! When Anna got too close to another younger girl however, that girls was not as receptive and made it clear she wanted to play alone!
It was a good day, overall. Allie, Anna & Emily provided a lot of laughs for Grandma. I had meant to bring my video camera, but forgot. That was the only bummer.
Before I picked the girls up from school, I cashed in my birthday gift and got a one hour massage. My first massage in YEARS was great. I used to get a massage regularly before the girls were born. And, before that, I got massages MUCH more frequently. I was a Certified Massage Therapist back in the day. While in school, I would sometimes get treatments 3-4 times in a week. Simply awesome. Anyway...it was nice to have an hour of pure relaxation this morning.
I had a lunch packed for everyone when I picked them up from school so we headed straight to Grandma's. Upon arrival, I cathed Anna while Emily & Allie hung out in Grandma's backyard swing seat.
The weather was great - mid to high 70's.
I had been to this park in the past but hadn't taken notice of the playground areas. They were perfect for the girls. With the exception of a sliding pole and monkey bars, the girls could play on everything without adult help.
We hadn't been there long before Anna took the role of care-taker to a 22 month-old girl. The girls were at one point battling over who would hold the little girl's hand! When Anna got too close to another younger girl however, that girls was not as receptive and made it clear she wanted to play alone!
It was a good day, overall. Allie, Anna & Emily provided a lot of laughs for Grandma. I had meant to bring my video camera, but forgot. That was the only bummer.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Roger Williams Zoo
As parents to triplets our concerns when visiting a zoo are probably no different than those of any other parent (of multiples, singleton, etc.), especially since our girls are more independent now.
The factors Sarah & I consider when we plan a trip to a zoo are location (how long will it take us to get there), cost, weather, crowds and time of day.
We visited the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence a couple of weeks ago for the third time (I believe) and this was by far the best visit we have had.
In terms of cost, this visit was free thanks to the family membership that we purchased last year for about $80. For us, the family membership pretty much pays for itself the first visit and this was our second visit under this annual membership thank you very much.
Weather was great too with overcast skies but warm temperatures - @70 degrees.
Our Saturday morning arrival was perfect timing too. We saw most of the zoo and were home before 2:00 (if I remember correctly). As we were leaving, swarms of people were entering the zoo.
Although I would not call us zoo experts by any means, both Sarah & I agree Roger Williams Zoo is a good, all-around zoo. There are a fair number of animals including all the "must-sees" such as giraffes and elephants. The one exception is lions. No lions. The food is...well, it is zoo food and priced accordingly. We don't go there for the food, nor do we expect to get a good value on our lunches there. I consider it a way for the zoo to supplement their revenue and I am fine with that.
Sarah, as always, has some good pics from our trip to Roger Williams Zoo. Check them out here if you haven't already. Oh....the pictures Sarah took of the girls on the statue of the dog...it looks like I am posing but I am not! I thought I was just there to ensure the girls didn't fall off the statue - I didn't think I was going to be in the pictures. I look ridiculous!
Here's some video footage from our visit:
.
The factors Sarah & I consider when we plan a trip to a zoo are location (how long will it take us to get there), cost, weather, crowds and time of day.
We visited the Roger Williams Zoo in Providence a couple of weeks ago for the third time (I believe) and this was by far the best visit we have had.
In terms of cost, this visit was free thanks to the family membership that we purchased last year for about $80. For us, the family membership pretty much pays for itself the first visit and this was our second visit under this annual membership thank you very much.
Weather was great too with overcast skies but warm temperatures - @70 degrees.
Our Saturday morning arrival was perfect timing too. We saw most of the zoo and were home before 2:00 (if I remember correctly). As we were leaving, swarms of people were entering the zoo.
Although I would not call us zoo experts by any means, both Sarah & I agree Roger Williams Zoo is a good, all-around zoo. There are a fair number of animals including all the "must-sees" such as giraffes and elephants. The one exception is lions. No lions. The food is...well, it is zoo food and priced accordingly. We don't go there for the food, nor do we expect to get a good value on our lunches there. I consider it a way for the zoo to supplement their revenue and I am fine with that.
Sarah, as always, has some good pics from our trip to Roger Williams Zoo. Check them out here if you haven't already. Oh....the pictures Sarah took of the girls on the statue of the dog...it looks like I am posing but I am not! I thought I was just there to ensure the girls didn't fall off the statue - I didn't think I was going to be in the pictures. I look ridiculous!
Here's some video footage from our visit:
.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Brand New Day
What a difference a decent night of sleep can make in our house. Today was so much better than yesterday and I can guarantee it is because ALL three of the girls slept in their own beds ALL night without getting up (at all)!
It was a great night for sleeping with rain falling right at bedtime and there was no wind. I swear our street acts as a wind tunnel and our house (because we are at the end of a cul de sac) gets the brunt of it! Anyway...Sarah & I slept soundly also. It all added up to a better day than yesterday and that is all I wanted.
And Anna? She was in such a better mood! All day. Thank you God. Yes, I still had to pour just the right amount of milk for her, but overall she was in much better spirits. Anna & I even started to implement the "sit on the potty" routine - she was obviously proud.
This was week #1 of a two week break from school for me before I start summer session(s). My goal is to savor these days - I may never have another two weeks like this again.
In the interest of restful sleep, I am cutting this post short. Before I do that, take a peak at this picture from last week. The girls all made a Kiss Box in preschool for Sarah. It was so sweet watching their proud faces when each of them handed theirs to Sarah (they couldn't wait 'til Mother's Day)!
It was a great night for sleeping with rain falling right at bedtime and there was no wind. I swear our street acts as a wind tunnel and our house (because we are at the end of a cul de sac) gets the brunt of it! Anyway...Sarah & I slept soundly also. It all added up to a better day than yesterday and that is all I wanted.
And Anna? She was in such a better mood! All day. Thank you God. Yes, I still had to pour just the right amount of milk for her, but overall she was in much better spirits. Anna & I even started to implement the "sit on the potty" routine - she was obviously proud.
This was week #1 of a two week break from school for me before I start summer session(s). My goal is to savor these days - I may never have another two weeks like this again.
In the interest of restful sleep, I am cutting this post short. Before I do that, take a peak at this picture from last week. The girls all made a Kiss Box in preschool for Sarah. It was so sweet watching their proud faces when each of them handed theirs to Sarah (they couldn't wait 'til Mother's Day)!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Anna Banana
Today was a day in which I wished I could have crawled into my daughter Anna's body so that I could know what she was thinking.
Anna had a tough day today. Sarah & I had a tough day with Anna today.
Not the whole day. Not all day. There were moments of pure frustration, though.
I just came down from Anna's bedroom where she is sleeping soundly. She is exhausted, this I know. Sarah & I are exhausted. Last night's wake-up calls from Anna and Allie were killers.
You see...Anna met another doctor today. Anna is 5. True, there are plenty of children who have many, many more challenges than her.
I think Anna is not happy with being "different" right now. And having to miss dance class with her sisters to sit in waiting rooms and listen to yet another doctor ask questions, check her tummy, and look at her spine added up to one very unhappy girl today.
Sarah and I decided that she would take Emily and Allie to dance class and I would take Anna to the doctor. In the past, we had sometimes ALL taken the trek into Boston for Anna's appointments. It made more sense for just Anna & I to go today, however.
It was a very quiet ride. I do not have a problem with. At all. In hindsight, however, I wonder what Anna was thinking as we drove in.
So... the short story of the doctor visit is that we scheduled a consult with this GI doctor after so-so results from a different GI doctor previously. Today's initial consult was productive.
Anna didn't say a word to the nurse, the doctor or the medical student who sat in on the consult. Strictly head nods of "yes" and "no" from Anna.
At one point the doctor asked me how many times a day Anna goes #2. I didn't know how to respond. She just goes. She has no control. He recommended we put her on the potty twice a day after meals to see if she can go.
The other big thing discussed was periodic enemas and a MACE procedure sometime in the future. The MACE procedure is the direction we are heading. Theoretically, the procedure would get Anna closer to a "normal" day with fewer (if not zero) accidents.
How much of this conversation I had with the doctor today did Anna take in? How much did she understand?
Sarah and I think Anna knows exactly what is going on. We just want her to talk to us rather than flip out over the fact that Daddy poured her milk rather than Mommy, for example.
Anna, we love you and just want you to be happy. Please work with us.
Anna had a tough day today. Sarah & I had a tough day with Anna today.
Not the whole day. Not all day. There were moments of pure frustration, though.
I just came down from Anna's bedroom where she is sleeping soundly. She is exhausted, this I know. Sarah & I are exhausted. Last night's wake-up calls from Anna and Allie were killers.
You see...Anna met another doctor today. Anna is 5. True, there are plenty of children who have many, many more challenges than her.
I think Anna is not happy with being "different" right now. And having to miss dance class with her sisters to sit in waiting rooms and listen to yet another doctor ask questions, check her tummy, and look at her spine added up to one very unhappy girl today.
Sarah and I decided that she would take Emily and Allie to dance class and I would take Anna to the doctor. In the past, we had sometimes ALL taken the trek into Boston for Anna's appointments. It made more sense for just Anna & I to go today, however.
It was a very quiet ride. I do not have a problem with. At all. In hindsight, however, I wonder what Anna was thinking as we drove in.
So... the short story of the doctor visit is that we scheduled a consult with this GI doctor after so-so results from a different GI doctor previously. Today's initial consult was productive.
Anna didn't say a word to the nurse, the doctor or the medical student who sat in on the consult. Strictly head nods of "yes" and "no" from Anna.
At one point the doctor asked me how many times a day Anna goes #2. I didn't know how to respond. She just goes. She has no control. He recommended we put her on the potty twice a day after meals to see if she can go.
The other big thing discussed was periodic enemas and a MACE procedure sometime in the future. The MACE procedure is the direction we are heading. Theoretically, the procedure would get Anna closer to a "normal" day with fewer (if not zero) accidents.
How much of this conversation I had with the doctor today did Anna take in? How much did she understand?
Sarah and I think Anna knows exactly what is going on. We just want her to talk to us rather than flip out over the fact that Daddy poured her milk rather than Mommy, for example.
Anna, we love you and just want you to be happy. Please work with us.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Random Thoughts
We attended a First Communion of Sarah's friend's daughter over the weekend. Both the mass and the celebration at a a local restaurant afterward were nice.
I told Sarah after the mass that it is sad that our 5 year-old daughters showed better manners than many of the "adults" during the church services. Apparently chewing gum at church is not a big deal. A loud belch from a twenty-something year-old is funny. And ya let's let our preteen daughter wear daisy dukes to church. Oh sure the butterfly tattoo on your shoulder blade is cool but couldn't you find a nice shawl or sweater to wear over the backless dress (at least during mass)?
I think my FLIP video camera may have seen its last days. Bummer. I've been using the back-up DVD camera until I come up with a solution. So...video posts may not be as frequent...temporarily anyway.
Watching The Big Chill as I write this...a classic - how 'bout that cast, eh?
I am so blessed to have Sarah as the mother of my children. Happy Mother's Day, hon!
The respect and love I have for my mother has grown exponentially since my daughters were born. Happy Mother's Day, Ma.
The food shopping billl was a tad high today - $182.55! Included in the total was Sarah's Mother's Day gift and $20 for Pull-Ups, however. I also bought a few freezer stock-up items too. So..not THAT bad. Plus, I SAVED $43.52!
Summer session I for grad school starts in just over two weeks - just when I would have de-compressed from the spring semester classes!
I am toast today - time to hit the rack.
Good night world.
I told Sarah after the mass that it is sad that our 5 year-old daughters showed better manners than many of the "adults" during the church services. Apparently chewing gum at church is not a big deal. A loud belch from a twenty-something year-old is funny. And ya let's let our preteen daughter wear daisy dukes to church. Oh sure the butterfly tattoo on your shoulder blade is cool but couldn't you find a nice shawl or sweater to wear over the backless dress (at least during mass)?
I think my FLIP video camera may have seen its last days. Bummer. I've been using the back-up DVD camera until I come up with a solution. So...video posts may not be as frequent...temporarily anyway.
Watching The Big Chill as I write this...a classic - how 'bout that cast, eh?
I am so blessed to have Sarah as the mother of my children. Happy Mother's Day, hon!
The respect and love I have for my mother has grown exponentially since my daughters were born. Happy Mother's Day, Ma.
The food shopping billl was a tad high today - $182.55! Included in the total was Sarah's Mother's Day gift and $20 for Pull-Ups, however. I also bought a few freezer stock-up items too. So..not THAT bad. Plus, I SAVED $43.52!
Summer session I for grad school starts in just over two weeks - just when I would have de-compressed from the spring semester classes!
I am toast today - time to hit the rack.
Good night world.
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Craft Time
Today's Video
As a parent to a toddler or young child, you quickly learn the difference between good quality products and poor products for children. We have found, for example, that just because something has the Disney name on it does not mean it is good quality. We have been happy with Melissa & Doug products though. Especially their crayons.
Allie, Anna & Emily each received a Melissa & Doug decorate-your-own-mirror set for their birthdays. I like this video because it captures each of them focused (and behaved!).
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Happy Birthday Daddy
My daughters gave me the best birthday gift ever today. They showed me love.
There was nothing especially different about today. But I guess I was a bit more sensitive.
It was a somewhat regular Thursday. Hung out at the house in the morning before having lunch and taking the girls to gymnastics.
I think the girls were enjoying my company today, though. At one point I dropped onto the couch to rest my feet and the girls decided to cover me with their luvies!. It was pretty funny (Allie even volunteered to get the camera and take a picture).
All the girls made me a birthday card. And, as a parent, there is not much that tops a card made by your child. This is the card Allie made for me. She drew her hand on the left and then a picture of herself, Anna and Emily:
There was nothing especially different about today. But I guess I was a bit more sensitive.
It was a somewhat regular Thursday. Hung out at the house in the morning before having lunch and taking the girls to gymnastics.
I think the girls were enjoying my company today, though. At one point I dropped onto the couch to rest my feet and the girls decided to cover me with their luvies!. It was pretty funny (Allie even volunteered to get the camera and take a picture).
All the girls made me a birthday card. And, as a parent, there is not much that tops a card made by your child. This is the card Allie made for me. She drew her hand on the left and then a picture of herself, Anna and Emily:
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
A Five Year Old's Version of Jeopardy
Allie's, Emily's and Anna's imaginations have been very active as of late. They continue to invent new games and act out everything from going to the dentist to school to "can you guess what I am thinking of?". This is a clip of Emily playing the role of Alex Trebek. Her lovie, Little Lion, is the contestant:
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
45 before 46 List.
With another birthday fast approaching and the end of my MBA in sight, I decided to put in writing some of the places I've been as well as some things I've done. As it goes, this is in no particular order:
- Climbed Ayers Rock (in Australia).
- Got my picture taken with Larry Bird
- Ran the bases of Fenway Park (at night when the park was closed)
- Camped in the White Mountains
- Took a gondola ride through the canals of Venice
- Completed the Boston Marathon
- Married a beautiful woman
- Watched our beautiful daughter Abigail grow in Sarah's tummy
- Became the dad of a beautiful girl named Alicenne.
- Became the dad of a beautiful girl named Anna
- Became the dad of a beautiful girl named Emily
- Ran the Falmouth Road Race (many times)
- Ran a 5K road race in 21 minutes.
- Toured Australia with my younger brother Don
- Got drunk in King's Cross in Australia
- Received a BS with a concentration in Accounting.
- Got to watch my mother father dance...many times
- Became a godfather to one of my nephews
- Became a godfather to one my nieces.
- Completed the Disney Marathon
- Visited the Tower of Pisa.
- Got a sunburn while touring the ruins of Pompeii.
- Paid my way through undergraduate school.
- Visited many of the beaches of Cape Cod.
- Sat in the (old) Boston Garden and watched Larry Bird play basketball.
- Went to see the J. Giels Band play at the same Boston Garden.
- Saw Whitney Houston perform at the Berklee Performance Center (years before the movie Bodyguard).
- Snorkeled The Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
- Went to Augusta and watched The Masters.
- Lived in a one-bathroom house with my 9 brothers and 3 sisters.
- Honeymooned in Hawaii.
- Lied on the beaches of Aruba.
- Have never been admitted to a hospital overnight.
- Jumped out of an airplane.
- Witnessed my daughter Anna take her first steps
- Received many many squeeze hugs from my daughter Emily
- Told my father I loved him (even if it was over the phone!)
- Completed the Marine Corps Marathon (with humidity levels close to 80%)
- Came extremely close to shaking President Clinton's hand.
- Grew up in a two parent home.
- Visited Yellowstone National Park
- Took my daughters to Disney World
- Watched the sun set over Key West
- Became a Certified Massage Therapist
- Gambled in Vegas
Monday, May 7, 2012
Pershey's (Hershey's) Kisses
Sarah and I will be the first to admit that our girls are not great eaters. They do not eat avocado on a regular basis nor do they eat vegetables with every meal. We are aware, however, that there are plenty of 5 year-olds who eat "better" than Allie, Anna and Emily and plenty that do NOT.
We work on it. Some days we are successful. Some days we are not.
One positive is that the girls are not candy junkies (yet). They look forward to getting candy on Halloween and Easter but they end up spending more time telling each other what they got and asking Sarah & me "what is this?" and "what does this taste like?" rather than chowing on the candy.
Sarah beat me the punch in her post yesterday regarding the way the girls pronounce "Hershey". What comes out of their mouth sounds more like "Perci"! Cute! Here is a clip of the girls at Easter counting their candy & coins:
We work on it. Some days we are successful. Some days we are not.
One positive is that the girls are not candy junkies (yet). They look forward to getting candy on Halloween and Easter but they end up spending more time telling each other what they got and asking Sarah & me "what is this?" and "what does this taste like?" rather than chowing on the candy.
Sarah beat me the punch in her post yesterday regarding the way the girls pronounce "Hershey". What comes out of their mouth sounds more like "Perci"! Cute! Here is a clip of the girls at Easter counting their candy & coins:
Saturday, May 5, 2012
All Things China
All I can say is that I am glad my group project for my International Accounting class was completed on Wednesday. We submitted our paper and presented (as did all groups) during class on Wednesday as well. Just like the old Rolaids commercial - How do you spell RELIEF? Done. Over. Finished.
Sitting through six group presentations on accounting practices in various countries was tough. We did ours on China. Even after all the reading and discussion on Chinese Accounting I did, I "got nothin".
I was telling Sarah, however, that it amazes me that some of my fellow students are in graduate level classes. Stop staring at the screen when you are presenting! Stop reading from a script! Look at your audience!
Kind of related news:
I took the girls with me to an "unfinished" wood product store the other day. It's called Mill Stores. I was shopping for bookcases for Anna and Emily so I told the girls there may be something there for them to pick-out that they could paint. After going back-and-forth on a couple of things they settled on butterfly nets!
Even before they had the long-handled nets in their hands, most eyes were on them as we shopped. The sight of Allie, Em and Anna walking out to the van carrying the butterfly nets was classic though. I cannot wait for the butterflies to appear in our yard and the girls start their chase - THAT will be a sight.
Oh, the nets were made guess where ______? CHINA. Yes. MADE IN CHINA.
Sitting through six group presentations on accounting practices in various countries was tough. We did ours on China. Even after all the reading and discussion on Chinese Accounting I did, I "got nothin".
I was telling Sarah, however, that it amazes me that some of my fellow students are in graduate level classes. Stop staring at the screen when you are presenting! Stop reading from a script! Look at your audience!
Kind of related news:
I took the girls with me to an "unfinished" wood product store the other day. It's called Mill Stores. I was shopping for bookcases for Anna and Emily so I told the girls there may be something there for them to pick-out that they could paint. After going back-and-forth on a couple of things they settled on butterfly nets!
Even before they had the long-handled nets in their hands, most eyes were on them as we shopped. The sight of Allie, Em and Anna walking out to the van carrying the butterfly nets was classic though. I cannot wait for the butterflies to appear in our yard and the girls start their chase - THAT will be a sight.
Oh, the nets were made guess where ______? CHINA. Yes. MADE IN CHINA.
Friday, May 4, 2012
I Wish There Were Four
We had a perfect storm today. It started last night with Allie, Anna and Emily all waking up and pulling some stunt with Sarah like "sleep with me Mommy" or "I'm scared". Last night's "events" took a toll on both of us. But Sarah was especially tired and on edge today from lack of sleep. And the girls were ALL in form today. All I can say is that thankfully the day is over. I knew a guy who used to say that if you are having a bad day, make it a short day - go to bed early. Well, Sarah & I may not be able to get to bed early but Allie, Anna & Emily were in bed before 7:00 pm tonight and I think they were asleep by 7:15.
The day started out great. As Sarah & I have done the past few weeks, we dropped the girls at preschool, went to breakfast and then came home. We each did our own things under the roof of an extremely peaceful roof. It was nice.
But...with the exception of a few peaceful stretches, pretty much from the time we picked the girls up from preschool (11:00ish) until bedtime (7:00), it was one thing after another. Anna was especially out of control. Both Sarah & I lost it more than once today. It was not pretty. It was every little thing. We got everything from "I'm not eating that!" to "Anna took my _____!" to several flat-out responses of "NO!" from the girls when we told them to do something.
Like I said, I am just glad the day is over. Hope for better sleep tonight and better behavior from the girls tomorrow.
We need to remember that today was not the norm. It was The Perfect Storm of bad behavior. I understand some kids act this way every day. We are lucky.
Allie said something today which puts things in perspective for us:
Allie & Emily had had enough of being outside late this afternoon and said they wanted to go in the house. Anna wanted to stay out and play. Anna made her point clear by crying and stomping her feet (like she had been doing most of the day). Allie said to me:
"I wish there were four of us so two could stay out and play and two of us could go in the house. I wish Abbey hadn't died. There would be four of us. Two could play outside while the other two could go in the house."
I know Allie. We wish Abbey hadn't died either.
The day started out great. As Sarah & I have done the past few weeks, we dropped the girls at preschool, went to breakfast and then came home. We each did our own things under the roof of an extremely peaceful roof. It was nice.
But...with the exception of a few peaceful stretches, pretty much from the time we picked the girls up from preschool (11:00ish) until bedtime (7:00), it was one thing after another. Anna was especially out of control. Both Sarah & I lost it more than once today. It was not pretty. It was every little thing. We got everything from "I'm not eating that!" to "Anna took my _____!" to several flat-out responses of "NO!" from the girls when we told them to do something.
Like I said, I am just glad the day is over. Hope for better sleep tonight and better behavior from the girls tomorrow.
We need to remember that today was not the norm. It was The Perfect Storm of bad behavior. I understand some kids act this way every day. We are lucky.
Allie said something today which puts things in perspective for us:
Allie & Emily had had enough of being outside late this afternoon and said they wanted to go in the house. Anna wanted to stay out and play. Anna made her point clear by crying and stomping her feet (like she had been doing most of the day). Allie said to me:
"I wish there were four of us so two could stay out and play and two of us could go in the house. I wish Abbey hadn't died. There would be four of us. Two could play outside while the other two could go in the house."
I know Allie. We wish Abbey hadn't died either.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Scooters, a hand-block and birds flying south
Remember I am a stay-at-home dad now part-time so I am entitled to post about "stay-at-home" topics. ha!
As mentioned in my post a few days ago, I cannot seem to do grocery shopping without spending $100. So...today I took the girls with me to S&S to pick up some groceries after their gymnastics class. A bit unusual to do shopping before the weekend, but given the not so great weather today I thought it would be good to get it out of the way.
The total was $120.53 net, after a savings of $20.80. And included in the total was @$20 for a large pack of Pull-Ups. Not too shabby overall.
I love this video clip because it illustrates Anna's hand-block technique (yes Sarah, I get it too!). And be sure to watch the entire video because I caught Emily doing the cutest thing - check it out:
As mentioned in my post a few days ago, I cannot seem to do grocery shopping without spending $100. So...today I took the girls with me to S&S to pick up some groceries after their gymnastics class. A bit unusual to do shopping before the weekend, but given the not so great weather today I thought it would be good to get it out of the way.
The total was $120.53 net, after a savings of $20.80. And included in the total was @$20 for a large pack of Pull-Ups. Not too shabby overall.
Today's Video Clip
I was going through some video clips from several weeks ago and came across a few clips of the girls playing outside with the scooters they got for Christmas. They had been begging to use them. We couldn't say no.I love this video clip because it illustrates Anna's hand-block technique (yes Sarah, I get it too!). And be sure to watch the entire video because I caught Emily doing the cutest thing - check it out:
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
How do you tell them apart?
The girls spent some considerable time going through pictures we had in our basement office over the weekend and asking questions (of course). Who is this Daddy? Is that me Daddy? Mommy, look at this picture!? Isn't that cute, Mommy? And on some pictures they would do the descriptive, such as (when looking at a picture of the CASES of formula we had in house): This is a picture of the milk Mommy & Daddy had because we used to drink so much milk when we were babies.
Since they discovered the pictures over the weekend, Anna has been bringing pictures up to me and repeatedly asking me who is in the picture - Allie, Anna or Emily? And I will admit that, in most cases, unless Anna's shunt was noticeable, I cannot tell them apart in many of the older pictures. Crazy. It's funny because we still sometimes get the question from people: How do you tell them apart? Well, uh because we are their parents! And we are with them every day (for part of the day anyway) for over 5 years! Hello!
So..in the spirit of pictures of the girls when they were younger - this is a picture taken by Sarah's mom (I think). I believe it was taken late summer or early fall 2008. Identifying them in this picture is easier because Anna has her head turned and her shunt is noticeable. They are also in birth order, which helps.
Since they discovered the pictures over the weekend, Anna has been bringing pictures up to me and repeatedly asking me who is in the picture - Allie, Anna or Emily? And I will admit that, in most cases, unless Anna's shunt was noticeable, I cannot tell them apart in many of the older pictures. Crazy. It's funny because we still sometimes get the question from people: How do you tell them apart? Well, uh because we are their parents! And we are with them every day (for part of the day anyway) for over 5 years! Hello!
So..in the spirit of pictures of the girls when they were younger - this is a picture taken by Sarah's mom (I think). I believe it was taken late summer or early fall 2008. Identifying them in this picture is easier because Anna has her head turned and her shunt is noticeable. They are also in birth order, which helps.
Save a few bucks category: ....Sarah is addicted to Diet Pepsi Cherry (flavored) and being value-minded folk like we are, we only purchase a 12 pack of the stuff when it is on sale. Yes we are a bit cheap, but hey $4.99 a 12-pack versus $4.00 a 12 pack is...well...a $1 dollar savings. PER 12-pack.
Sarah goes thru at least two 12-packs a week so it adds up! I saw that Stop & Shop had the Wild Cherry Diet Pepsi on sale at (3) 12-packs for $9. I bought six 12-packs (must buy 3 to get sale price) yesterday. Total savings $14.74. Thank you very much.
Having time to shop for sale items makes a difference, of course. We usually don't have the luxury of time to be going store to store for bargains.
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