The Mulvey Family

Our New Puppy Bella

2009-07-04T05:58:00.000-07:00

So, I have a lot of posts to catch up on and lots of pictures to add....but I will start with our new puppy Bella that came to our home 10 days ago from Indiana. She is the most loveable, awesome, adorable little puppy and so great with the kids.

Meghan and her little Bella...she loves to snuggle.

Getting some lovin'

Riley and "his dream come true" as he calls it....although he is having soe minor jealousy issues...we are working thru them.

So, we are headed to the Gonsalves house for the day for a nice July 4th party and I will try and upload lots of pictures later. I have Meghans dance recital, Rileys baseball awards, school awards and parties.....Happy 4th!

Our New Puppy!

2009-06-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Our new baby puppy comes tomorrow from Indiana......Cant wait!

Facebook!

2009-06-04T14:26:00.001-07:00

I have become addicted to facebook......I will post some of Meghans recital pictures and her Spring concert on here within the next few day!

Board Meeting!

2009-05-12T18:56:00.000-07:00

Meghan was chosen by her teacher to participate in the School Board meeting, which is televised. The group of students picked got to review the reading plan that had taken place over the past year. Here is Meghan warming up for the camera!

all smiles.....

Meghan and one of her best friends Brin (who was nationally recognized for poetry at the board meeting)! Poor girls had to leave soccer early, change in the car, and were all sweaty...but still managed their smiles....

Now Meghan is upstairs (supposed to be sleeping) but I know she is sneaking in the Celtics game....she is a FAN!

Mothers Day!

2009-05-12T18:54:00.000-07:00

Mothers Day for me was awesome. It started off with breakfast cooked by Keith, then a day full of the kids sports (which I love) and then some take out to cap the evening off with the kids.....Was a great day.
Keith picked up flowers before Rileys game and had all the kids on his team hand out a flower to their moms...so sweet! Here is Riley handing me my flower!

2009-05-12T18:50:00.000-07:00

My little goalie man.....He has been playing a quarter in goalie. Riley is so aggressive and loves the position!

Emily and Andrew delivering flowers to their mom!

Meghan and lil Hannah! Meghan plays with Hannah during Rileys soccer games so her mom actually gets to watch the game! They spent an hour in the park picking flowers and swinging...too cute!

Have great week!

Spring sports....

2009-05-03T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Meghan's travel team had their first outdoor game of the Spring season.

Meghan (last in line) warming up. She took a nasty push during the game yesterday and we thought she broke her wrist. Luckily she was ok and got up in time to take the penalty kick and score a goal!

Action shot! Riley also had his first baseball game of the season...

My little man in the outfield.....

Baseball Parade

2009-04-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Today was opening day for baseball and they kicked the season off with the baseball parade. The kids marched from the High School to the Middle School, and then had the ceremony. Keith walked the route with Riley and his team and Meghan and I took pictures. Figured that the safest bet considering last time Keith took pics....Here is Riley throwing me some sign.

My handsome boy....

Riley on the far left listening intently.

and Meghan just wishing the parade was over. Now we are off to Mass to visit Auntie Laura and the kids.

Reading Award!

2009-04-18T12:05:00.000-07:00

The kids got reading awards at school the other day for all the books they read. Keith was in charge of the camera, so, all the pics of Meg were blurry and this was the only good one of Riley.
Today was such a bummer...productive, but a bummer. I took a vacation day from work to watch Meghans soccer game, and then the other team no-showed....so Meghans team scrimmaged themselves, with a little help from Riley (they were short a player to make even sides)! This kid can run.....and certaintly held his own. On a positive note, Keith got a ton of yard work done and I got caught up on some inside cleaning......
Tomorrow is the baseball parade and pics, and the weather looks to be holding up, so I am happy about that...
Have great weekend!

Happy Easter Continued

2009-04-13T07:18:00.000-07:00

We spent the afternoon down at Grammy Terry's house w/ Auntie Laura and the kids. Cousins Derek and Nate along with Meg and Riley.

Giving some love. 4 of her grandkids!

My girl is getting big!

Yeah, we are not so crafty in this house. The kids decorated this on their own and ended up eating more of the candy than what made it on the house......It was fun for them which is all that mattered.

Happy Easter and Happy Birthday Dad!

2009-04-12T07:19:00.000-07:00

So today is Easter and also my fathers birthday. It has been a couple years since he passed, but it certaintly does not make it easier.....sure wish he was here and could see the kids grow. There is so much I would like to tell him. Happy birthday Dad!
So, here is Meghans Easter basket. It took the kids FOREVER to fall asleep last night, so that meant that it took me forever to set everything up. Hiding all those eggs took A LONG TIME!

and here is Riley's!

2009-04-12T07:17:00.000-07:00

Meghan going through her Easter basket.

Yeah, some Celtics pajamas....

Riley holding up his basket...not quite sure why he has a pout on his face...

He LOVES stuffed animals....

2009-04-12T07:11:00.000-07:00

Most kids would have posters of Hannah Montana or the Jonas Brothers on their walls, but not my daughter. She is sporting her two favs, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett. She got her KG poster in her Easter basket today and could not wait to put it on her wall.

Riley outside in the frigid air to shoot his water rocket. Finally the rain has stopped, but now it is like 30 degrees out! They are forecasting the seventies by next weekend. Love this New England weather.....

Riley sporting his new hoodie from his soccer team. This kid is all about the hoodies....wants to wear nothing but sweats and hoodies.

Riley showing us his eggs from the Easter egg hunt. Absolutely his fav part....

We are headed to Grammy Terry's for the day for another egg hunt and some dinner. Happy Easter!

Water Resort!

2009-02-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

So CoCo Key was open after all....thanks to some serious checking by Auntie Laura. They showed that they were closed on their website, but when you clicked to purchase tickets, they were actually open! Needless to say,we went (and it was not packed at all :) )

Meghan and Riley in the basketball pool

Waiting for a slide!

2009-02-26T13:52:00.000-08:00

Meghan coming down one of the slides...

Here comes Riley!

Taking a break to grab some food. Love his smile. He melts my heart.

Yeah!! The lazy river finally opened. They had it closed most of the day due to staffing and both my kids were itching to get in there.

Meghan just chilling! Kids were exhausted when we left there after 6 hours in the water almost non stop. Next stop was Grammy's house where they were spending the night. I dropped off two tired kids to Grammy Terry, that is for sure.

Meghans Tude

2009-02-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

I videotaped a couple of Meghans new sayings because she cracks us up with them constantly! It is much better in person, but you will get the point. I am only dowloading one now cause they take so stinken long.

I have been on a lil blogger break. Didnt have much to really post and I was spending some free time on facebook. I took my camera last week to Meghans basketball game because they were playing at the 1/2 time of the high school game, and sure enough, my batteries were dead :(

Anyways, kids are on school vacation this week and we are doing day trips. Tonight we are headed to Chunkys to see Mall Cop and tomorrow I am off from work and will spend the day with the kids. I was hoping to head to CoCo Key water resort, but just learned they are closed on Tuesdays. What a bummer!

Guess where we are headed tonight.......

2009-02-12T10:11:00.001-08:00

Yup, it is that time again! Tubing at Nashoba, cant wait....after Meghans basketball game (1st one with the travel team), we are headed tubing. Will be a LATE night and luckily I am off tomorrow so kids can sleep in (and I can sleep in)! This is by far, one of the best times....kids look forwarded to it every year(and we do to)!

Air Hockey Table

2009-02-08T14:17:00.000-08:00

Riley was PUMPED today when my girlfriend brought over a NEW air hockey table for Riley. Her son got duplicates for Christmas and she gave one to Riley (how nice is that)! He has always wanted the table so he was so excited. It has more than just air hockey, but that is his favorite. First thing he did after soccer was hit the table :)

Riley's 7th Birthday Party

2009-02-07T15:14:00.000-08:00

Today we had Riley's birthday party at the Boys and Girls Club. Cousin Derek getting a nice shot of water.

Callie and Meghan palling around.

The Birthday Boy himself, Riley!

2009-02-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Patrick and Riley.....note Riley is wearing his spongebob shirt

Auntie Kara and Riley playing some pool....

2009-02-07T15:09:00.000-08:00

Riley opening his presents with Meghan helping. She was helping him read the cards.

The theme of his party this year, SPONGEBOB!

Cousin Natey!

Kids had a great time. Everything goes so smoothly when the party is not at your house. I love the fact that I can leave and not worry about cleaning up. The kids swam for an hour and then had the game room for an hour, so it is perfect...Now Riley is home putting together all his lego sets that he got with Meghan (that will take AWHILE)!

Happy Birthday Riley!

2009-01-31T16:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Riley! Today Riley turned 7...hard to believe our baby boy is 7 already. Time sure does fly.

We did a small cake tonight because he big party is not until next Saturday.

Riley playing his new wii game, Mario Kart.

All excited with his new toys, which included Spongebob Legos, Star Wars action figures, new wii games, and some Geo Trax trains...

Brotherly Sisterly Love

2009-01-27T15:02:00.000-08:00

How precious is this? The kids just started a reading incentive program at school, so they have been doing more reading at home. Meghan is BIG into the program and Riley, ah, not so much, but she tries to encourage him. Here she is reading 2 stories to him so he gets 2 credits on his program. I snuck out and took this picture of them because Riley was so adorable with his head on her shoulder listening to her.
The kids are down to my mothers tonight due to yet ANOTHER snow storm and both Keith and I have to work tomorrow, so I took a chance that school will be canceled~and sent them to Gramma's house, which they eagerly agreed to.
I have had it with the snow already. Our tubing trip tomorrow had to be cancelled :( and I am sick of snow everywhere. My forearms are still killing me from rook raking after the last storm, and we are running out of places to put it....

Meg's Christmas Chorus

2009-01-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

I finally figured out how to upload the video from Meghan's Christmas Chorus....so here it is. I missed her solo, but got her doing a little singing (she is in the blue dress which you can see when I zoom in)!

Celtics vs Mavricks

2009-01-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

Today is the big day for Meghan and dad. They are headed to Boston for the Celtics vs Mavricks game. Meghan is so pumped. She is sporting all her Celtics gear from head to toe. Note the scarf my mother in law made for her. It is super cute.

Her fav player: Kevin Garnett.....Even her pony is Celtics.

Riley wishing he could go, but he is having a friend over from school today, so that will make up for it. Makes life easier for me too....love those play dates.

Meghan and dad....

Even with her big game today, she is still hoping she makes it back in time for her soccer skills and drills. This girl just doesnt stop! On another note, she had her final try out for basketball travel last night, so we are just awaiting the decision..

Ceramics and Painting

2009-01-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

Today was a fun day for the kids (and me). There was no school today so we went sleddig in the morning and to a ceramics place in the afternoon. I wanted the kids to pick something out for their dad (his birthday is tomorrow) and paint it. They had so much fun.

Meghan with her penguin dish.

Nate came to and decided to make a piggie bank (frog) for himself. The kids got to pick from so many different colors of paint. It was so cute to watch them design their own project.

Riley hard at work.

2009-01-20T14:58:00.000-08:00

Here are all three finished masterpieces. Nathan holding up his frog.

Meghan with her penguin dish for dad.

and Riley's frog piggie bank! The kids said they had a blast. I am a little bummed that we have to wait a week to get them back, but oh well!

Sleepover

2009-01-20T14:55:00.000-08:00

Last night we had cousin Nathan spend the night. His mom had to work on Tuesday, so he was going to spend the night/day with us. Here is Natey and Riley all smiles getting ready for a night of the wii..

This cracks me up. All three of them pull out their Nintendo Ds's to do something where they link them together. The boys were still up last night until midnight. I had them shut everything down at 10:00 and I intended on laying on the couch until they were quiet/asleep....well, I fell asleep on the couch, and woke up at midnight to find them both still playing their Ds's! When I walked into Riley's room they were both like deers in headlights, because I told them to put them away at 10:00. Needless to say, two tired boys today!

All about Riley

2009-01-18T14:51:00.000-08:00

When Riley gets into a project, he gets into it. It doesnt happen that often that Riley will entertain himself...but last night, he did! He found a puzzle that he had won at Chuck E Cheese a long time ago, and decided to put it together. It was challenging because it formed a ball...but he did it....and it took him a LONG time. Speaking of Chuck E Cheese, my kids love that place. Even Meghan who is 9 still loves it. Riley saves his tickets and always gets the big prize...Considering he is only 6, I am quite impressed that he has always saved his tickets. Most kids want the instant gratification.

Riley holding up his completed Pirates of the Caribbean puzzle.

Now check out this disaster of a room. This is Rileys room after a day of play with him and Meghan. A source of frustration for me. This room takes hours to clean and minutes to mess up. Legos all over the place and now a Geo Trax train set that the kids set up going under his bed. Of course since the tracks have been set up, now he does not want them to be put away. UGH!

Riley and his trains. I will give it another day and then it will be cleaning time. Meghan is at her girlfriends tonight and Felicia is coming over to watch Riley, so I will let the mess go on one more day. Keith and I are going out to dinner tonight now that yet ANOTHER snow storm is over. We all have off tomorrow and plan on painting our bedroom....cousin Natey is staying over tomorrow as well....so should be fun! Have great week!

Meghans Christmas Concert.

2009-01-15T13:52:00.000-08:00

Last night we had Meghan's Christmas concert. We were supposed to have this concert in December, but considering the ice storm that we had, everything was delayed. Left to right Emily, Meghan and Callie (three best friends since 1st grade).

Riley sitting patiently with grammy Lee watching his sister sing (well not so patiently) but he sat there none the less. I knew I should have packed more animal crackers.

Close up of the girls.

Meghan had a solo during the concert. She tried out and got a solo singing part in Rudolph.....she did so good. I give her props to get up in front of everyone and sing. She makes me proud.

Sunday.....

2009-01-11T15:18:00.000-08:00

So we got Riley a tv/cable in his room. Keith finally m0unted our tv on our wall (love it) in our bedroom and we gave Riley our old tv. I LOVE watching tv in bed and I can finally get Keith in there because we have a sweet tv and a high def box! 24 is on tonight and I am sooo excited. Anyways, Riley now has a tv.....but do you think it keeps him in his room, NOPE!

Today we had yet another snow stom. Riley is such an amazing helper. He helped Keith shovel the walkway and stayed out there till it was done. I hope this keeps up! Anyways, I took a vacation day from work and was very happy that the sports were not cancelled. Meghan had a hoops game, and Riley had two soccer games, then Meghan had soccer skill and drills, so it was well worth the day off.

Riley showing Meghan and I his big find!

Meghan at her hoops game.

What a busy day it was.....kids are exhausted. I need a seperate planner to just keep track of their activities....I cant complain though, because it sure beats them sitting on the couch and they both love playing sports. Hopefully all their running means early to bed and we can watch 24 in peace (doubtful considering Riley always catches that 2nd wind)!

Sledding!

2009-01-06T14:55:00.000-08:00

The other day we took the kids over to the High School to do some sledding. As you can see, the hill didnt have that much snow left on it....not to worry though, kids still had a blast. Riley riding the double tube alone.

Meghan and Riley trying to add a jump to the beginning of the hill.

Meghan making her way up the hill. Worst part is walking up! More snow is forecast for tomorrow, along with some ice. Good thing is, no work for me tomorrow AND we have our generator all gassed up and wired into the house :) We are good to go!

Playdate with Cameron

2009-01-02T11:04:00.000-08:00

One week later, and lil man is still addicted to the Wii. He has NEVER been a big video game kid and would really only play his DS in the car and his V Smile maybe once a month, but he has taken to the Wii something fierce. I like the fact that he works up such a sweat playing it. He gives it everything he has.....and it sure beats sitting on the couch.

These pajama pants say it all. His Grammy Lee got these for him for Christmas and he has practically lived in them as well.

We had a visit yesterday from cousin Cam. He came to play for the morning. Meghan hugging Cam!

My baby girl just chilling.

We have had a nice relaxing week getting some stuff done around the house and the kids playing with all their new presents.....but back to the grind this weekend with sports starting back up and the schedule getting hectic again!

Off to do some sledding before the temperature dips into the single digits for tomorrow~

Christmas Morning

2008-12-31T14:18:00.000-08:00

Well, I am about a week behind on my blog because I had a MAJOR computer issue. I couldnt get any more pictures added to my computer and had to do a major clean out...but, I am back, with TONS of pictures of Christmas morning and Christmas Eve. Kids woke up about 7:30 (cant complain about that) considering my sisters kids were up last year at 4:00am...So, we got a jump start on presents.

Riley holding up one of his gifts. He always wants Meghan to open all of hers first, so he can wait and do his last.

Meghan and her cd player that is compatible with her ipod. We have re-done her room to a big girl room and we got rid of all her princess stuff (which included her princess cd player and alarm clock)...so she got a new one, and can now play her ipod at night.

This picture was supposed to be in Christmas Eve (UGH). Still learning this camera and how the pictures are set up. Uncle Brian holding cousin Anthony!

2008-12-31T14:16:00.000-08:00

Riley opening up some of his gifts.

Riley wanted two things this year (besides the Wii), a remote controlled Walle and his metal detector. Here he is with his Walle!

Do you think he is happy :) Riley's big gift this year, a metal detector. He was begging for one of those for a long time.....Too bad he cant use it right now considering the ground is snow covered, but he got it.

Meghan and her Celtics toothbrush. She has a Celtics theme in her stocking this year (considering she is a huge basketball fan) and watches every game she can.

Celtics slippers in her stocking as well. I hunted high and low for those slippers. They were completely sold out at every store and then a week before Christmas I was able to get the ones on display at Olympia sports (talk about pressure)!

2008-12-31T14:13:00.000-08:00

The kids big gift of the year, the Wii (from mom and dad) and Santa brought the games.

Meghans gift from Mom and Dad, Celtics tickets. That was her number 1 dream gift and she got it.

opening up some crafts.

Auntie Kara and Meghan

2008-12-31T14:08:00.000-08:00

Meghan posing (with another Celtics shirt) and all her new stuff.

Grampy Jim helping Riley put together his light saber.

Auntie Kara and Grammy Lee (notice the Dunkins in the back). We found the only Dunkin Donuts open in town and loaded up :)

Meghan playing the Wii.....

Christmas was GREAT! I love that we now stay home on Christmas and it is so relaxing to not have to worry about traveling. Gives the kids plenty of time to play with their toys. Wii has been a hit. The kids played it for close to 12 hours on Christmas Day. Power flickered on and off Christmas morning at around 2:00 am and I was scared that we were going to be powerless on Christmas, but luckily it came back on!

Happy Holidays!

Christmas Eve at Grammy Terry's

2008-12-31T14:02:00.000-08:00

Every Christmas Eve we spend down at my mothers house where all the cousins come to visit. There are normally quite a few people that come and visit, and some cousins we only get to see a couple times a year. It is a great time for the kids and they play, play, and play! We always exchange gifts with Grammy Terry on Christmas Eve...

Riley with his keyboard. He was pumped (can you tell)!

Playing some tunes for everyone.

Cousin Jakey and meghan

Cousin Zach trying to wake up!

2008-12-31T14:01:00.000-08:00

Nathan brought over his Pokemon cards for all the kids to play with.

Auntie Laura

2008-12-31T13:59:00.000-08:00

Cousin Derek

Meghan and Dad

All dressed up!

Nathan and Riley

Riley and Dad

2008-12-31T13:55:00.000-08:00

Meghan and Grammy Terry getting dinner ready

Meghan, Nathan, Riley, and Derek

left to right, Riley, Meghan, Grammy Terry, cousin Nathan, and cousin Derek in the front.

Meghan opening up her gift. It was the girls game of Life (which I actually have a blast playing with her)...it just takes 30 minutes to play one game :)

Could it be, a Celtics shirt (look at her smile)...........

Christmas Party w/ Santa

2008-12-22T15:57:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was our kids Christmas party that is put on by our work. It is held at the Rec Center and Santa comes and gives out gifts. It is a great time for the kids....Unfortuntely, we had a MAJOR snow storm, so we could only stay for a little bit. Roads were just a disaster. Here is Riley getting his gift from Santa (click to enlarge).Meghan getting her gift as well.

Spongebob vs Riley at a mean game of air hockey......

Think Spongebob snuck one in.

Jim, Reilly, and Colleen....Jim is a Sgt on the Department and came on the same time as I did.....

2008-12-22T15:54:00.000-08:00

The kids loved the Rec Center. Riley ran around from game to game checking them all out.

Shooting some hoops.

Playing pool

hey Santa!

My old partner, Johnnie V....We came on the Department together almost 13 years ago and worked the same sector for a long time.

2008-12-22T15:51:00.000-08:00

Now we are talking. Barney gave Riley a bag of CANDY!

Meghan says, "are you kidding me," but she posed with Barney.....That is why there are 10 more pictures of Riley because Meghan was not really having any part of the characters.

But when Santa arrived, Meghan hopped in that picture pretty quickly. Look at her smile :)

Meghan and Santa!

This is the last picture she says!

2008-12-22T15:45:00.000-08:00

Riley and Sponegbob

not another picture.

Yeah, I'll give you a high five....but dont you have any candy?

Number one at the Air Hockey table...

My pretty girl sitting and eating lunch......

Soccer and Pizza

2008-12-20T15:36:00.001-08:00

I could just eat this kid up. He needed a candy necklace for energy for his soccer game. The stuff this kid comes up with. He pulls all the angles.

Coach dad on the field before Riley's game.

My little man taking a shot!

2008-12-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

This afternoon we had a game against our friend Rob's team. We tied 4-4! It was a GREAT game......check out how red Meghans face is. These girls RAN! Here is Meghan and Ellen posing after the game.

Ginny, Robbie, and Sara watching the soccer game.

After the game, we joined the Jones family for some pizza (and yes it is still snowing). Meghan still all red faced.

Riley

Riley and Robbie!

What a great day and tomorrow will be even better. The kids are going to my work party where they will see Santa and get a gift.

My Birthday Present

2008-12-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

My birthday gift from Keith and the kids. I have wanted one of these for A LONG time. It is actually one bracelet and has each of their names and their birth stones. Came today!
I love it!

Christmas Tree

2008-12-20T06:41:00.000-08:00

Last night we finally put up our tree. The kids get so excited to decorate it and we were way over due.

Meghan holding up her baby ornament (when she was 3 mos)....Cant believe how time flies.

Riley digging thru the ornament box.

Trying to get a Christmas card picture done. VERY difficult when you have one that does not want to cooperate....but I got it done. Again, nothing like waiting to the last minute, but this storm thru us for a loop. Cards will go out Monday just in time for Christmas.

Snow is still coming down, but both kids games are still on, so we are going to brave the snow (maybe do some sledding later) and head out to the games. We are having dinner tonight with Rob and his family. Meghans team has another re-match with Rob's daughters team (Ellen). Their team is the only one that Megs team has lost to this season, so we will see what happens tonight. I am going to take lots of pictures testing out my new camera :)

Oh yeah, almost forgot, Riley EXHAUSTED, and sound asleep last night on the couch. He was beat from helping dad shovel and just plain running around. Notice the new stuffed animal of the week, elephant...we have moved on to yet another one.

New Camera and New Snow

2008-12-19T13:15:00.000-08:00

Well, our house is officially up and running just in time for the next snow storm. The kids had an early dismissal today and came home in time to enjoy some snow. Meghan is helping shovel and Riley is hitting the hill with his snowboard.

Yesterday was my birthday and my sister Laura got me a camera....As you can tell, I am still in the process of figuring out how to zoom and take clear pics.....This was of Riley shooting some pose.

Riley and Meghan in the snow.

Time to put the tree up....since we are WAY late doing that. I will work on taking some clearer pictures.

Yeah, We have POWER!

2008-12-17T11:50:00.000-08:00

Keith called me from his lunch break yesterday to tell me that there were crews working on our road. When I came home from work, about 3:00ish, I saw that our line to our house had been connected (YIPPIE) and there were 6 trucks on the road connecting the street. The crew told me that they were not leaving until all power on our road had been restored. I was soooo relieved and the kids, not so much. They still wanted to spend the night at Grammy Terry's house......so my mother came and picked them up, while I went to my appointment. When I got done, and drove down the street, I saw ALL our outside Christmas lights were on and we had power....Finally FIVE days later, we are on! Keith had cleaned the house, powered up the furnace, and put my lights on :)
We still do not have cable, telephone, or internet....but they say later today or tomorrow. All this just in time for 10 inches of snow on Friday! We are still having our generator box put in either tonight (if the package arrives) or tomorrow night. NEVER again will be do this. Keiths mother delivered a tree to our house yesterday, so we can decorate it this weekend!
I love the Christmas season too and we have just not been able to enjoy it much! Santa is coming to a party we are attending on Sunday, so the kids are excited. Meghan chose to miss her basketball game on Sunday to see Santa (which I am still curious if she really believes), so that should be fun.
Have a good week and I will post pics as soon as my internet is up!

And still NO POWER

2008-12-15T17:41:00.000-08:00

Well, today is day 4 with no power. Kids have school tomorrow, but we still have no power. Apparently since the majority of people have power, there is school. GREAT! We are both back at work tomorrow too, so this will be interesting. I keep calling National Grid for a status and cant seem to get any sort of answer. It is so frustrating. We are making headway on our own though. We have a generator (of our own) being shipped in, as well as some converter box and cable (from Amazon) and an electrician scheduled for Thursday....so on a good note, our house will be all wired for power hopefully on Thursday. We are still running our sisters generator when we are home (using space heaters), but this one will do our WHOLE house. It should get us back into our house because I dont see our power back on for another week. It looks like a warzone where we live. Apparently since we live near a lake.....it is more difficult to hook us back up (weird), but whatever. You would think we live in nowhere land, but we are in a pretty big city! Oh yeah, and more snow scheduled for this week. Then again, I will take snow any day over ICE! I still have Christmas shopping to do, kids presents to wrap, and NO TREE! We have to put our tree up considering Christmas is next week! :( This week last year we were in Disney....
Well, I am hogging my mothers computer and Prison Break is coming on, so I gotta go!
Kids are in bed and Keith and I are going to watch some tube....

Update from Mass....

2008-12-13T13:36:00.001-08:00

So we are still in Mass as we are without power and probably will be until sometime next week. I am assuming the kids wont have school until the power is back on, as much of NH is without, especially our town (we were creamed w/ downed trees). My cell phone service is out. Yeah Nextel, gotta love it...and Keith cant get service until we get on the highway and head South.
We are actually going out tonight into Boston (my mom has the kids) for Keiths Christmas Party....so yeah for a little bit of a break. It has been brutal on the kids all the trips back home to fire up the generator and run space heaters (only to raise the temp 8 degrees)! We are in a bigger city, so you would think we would have more up and running, but NOPE! Kids dont feel all that well, and I am getting over not feeling well. They are very happy we are spending the night at Grammy Terry's though.....Well off to get ready for out night out.

New England Weather

2008-12-12T09:58:00.000-08:00

Oh gotta love this New England weather. NO POWER yet again and who knows when it will be back on. 4 poles were taken down (snapped in 1/2) on our road and we were trapped at our house until 10:00 today. Not to mention the power line snapped at our house as well, which will take an eternity to fix......AND I dont feel well. I have been sick for a couple of days w/ stomach bug and now Meghan has a sinus infection (I think). We are in Mass for the weekend anyways and Keith will have to make frequent trips to the house to power up Auntie Laura's generator, that she was so generous to let us borrow! Need to keep some heat in the house so the pipes dont freeze and we cant run any water to the pipes, because we are on well water. I have not seen this extensive damage in our neighborhood since we have been there. Luckily our house was not hit with any trees, like some of our neighbors, what a disaster.
Have a good weekend. We are trying to keep our chins up~ and a smiley face on so the kids dont get upset. Riley was sooo scared last night he was shaking and thought he was going to die due to all the trees crashing down in the woods. Poor little man was so scared he was shaking in our bed. Needless to say, we are one tired, sick, family :(

Gingerbread house

2008-12-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

Today while I was doing some of my Christmas shopping I picked up a Gingerbread house. The kids have been itching to do one, so they were so excited when they got off the bus and it was sitting in the front seat.

They itch took a side of the house..

I think more candy is getting in their tummies than actually on the house.

Their finished project! Luckily it kept them entertained for awhile because it is FREEZING outside!

Megs 1st Game w/ the Heat

2008-12-07T13:44:00.000-08:00

Today was Meghan's first basketball game of the season with her team, the Heat. She was on fire scoring 7 baskets and so confident compared to last year. This is her 2nd year playing and she has really discovered the game and is so much more aware than last year. She went all season last year without a basket (although she didnt get discouraged). We did a camp over the summer and some practice and now she has a really good foundation. She is so impressive. Great passes, good defense, and a good team player~I LOVE watching my kids play. Nothing is better!

Well, our first snow. A disappointing dusting for Riley. The kids tried to sled, but clearly there was not enough snow to go anywhere. I worked 1/2 day this morning and Keith took Riley to find boots, but there was nothing really out there. Luckily I was able to land the last pair of his size at Target because you cant keep this kid inside and we only have one pair of sneakers (unfortunately the crocs are away for the winter).

Have good week!

PS: Auntie Kara I know you are LOVING our snowman......This poor thing takes a beating when I am not looking....Looks a little drunk if you ask me (the snowman that is)!

Better Day!

2008-12-06T17:26:00.000-08:00

Well today turned out to be a MUCH better day. Plumber came back over and had us hooked up 1st thing this morning. Water has all been cleaned out. So other than a nice plumber bill, we are good to go. Today at Meghans soccer game we ran into Uncle Rob and his daughter Ellen. Ellen played in the game before Meghan and she actually shares a birthday with Riley.....Rob was the best man in our wedding and we have not seen them for awhile. Here he is with his daughter Ellen and Riley......they hung out and watched Meg play.

Meghan after her game. The girl worked it. Scored 3 goals and hustled. They were short on subs tonight, so these girls ran.

UGH...I forgot to rotate the picture before I put it in....but I am too lazy to fix it now. What better way to re-energize yourself than with some Chinese food. We took the kids out to dinner....on another note, Meghan was livid when she got into our car after the game. She packed herself an outfit and the jeans she packed, were MINE. Accidentally they got in her drawer and she didnt realize it and obviously they didnt fit. She had to wear her game shorts...along with Keith who was also in shorts (coaching her game)......people must have thought we were retarded considering it is 30 degrees out. Got a few stares, but oh well.....Had to make due..

Riley and dad. My little man loaded up on the cherries and shirley temples.

Well, off to watch a movie! First snow is supposed to fall tomorrow. Kids are pumped....I am pumped. Love sledding, tubing, and everything that goes with it. We have to hit the store asap though and grab some boots because the kids will be out at the first flake falling!

What a CRAPPY Night!

2008-12-05T18:22:00.000-08:00

Today started off as a great day. Good day at work, Meghan went to dancing, Keith and I took Riley shopping. He got a cool pair of light up reindeer slippers (that he will probably wear only once). I go downstairs to get some water and notice a BIG flood of water in our furnace room......Keith had just left to pick Meghan up from dance and the water was squirting in EVERY direction and I could not stop it. No bucket could do the trick. I switched the valve to shut the water off, but it took about 30 minutes (due to the pressure from the well) for all the water to empty out. I called FREAKING out for Keith to get home...Luckily the furnace room is in our garage and LUCKILY I caught it before it damaged the furnace ( I hope)!!!! We called our plumber, who didnt have the right parts, so we are without water for a night (things could be worse). I spent A LONG time cleaning the water out of the furnace room and I keep my fingers crossed that we caught it before it damaged the furance...although I did notice the furnace is leaking oil, so that is ANOTHER call and bill that we will have. I was supposed to work a nice over time tonight 12-8 (but had to cancel) due to this complete nightmare that took place at home. It seems like something ALWAYS breaks on the weekend. ALWAYS! Never a convenient time :(
Things could be worse and enough of the feeling bad for myself. I am exhausted. Have been cleaning/worrying for too long, I am going to bed. Long day tomorrow. Keith is coaching Rileys soccer game. Meghan has a girfriend coming for the day. Riley has a birthday party and then Meghan has a game tomorrow night. Oh, and I forgot....we have the electrician coming at 7:30 tomorrow (should I say another bill) to do more work to more broken things around this house AND lets hope the plumber gets out here early with his parts cause I am gonna need a shower!
As you can see from the picture above, Riley is just chilling as this whole turmoil is unfolding....watching Drake and Josh, no cares in the world. Meghan is off in another room watching the Celtics.....How nice to be a kid!

Riley in his new slippers....soo stinken cute!
Have good weekend!

Megs New Hair-do

2008-12-03T13:17:00.001-08:00

Today we went to my hairdresser Leslie, who is also becoming Meghan's hair dresser as well. Meghan LOVES going there getting her hair washed and styled. It had been getting long (which I love) and Meg wanted it cut short and angled in, so we went and got it cut today! It is just much harder for me to pull it back in a pony for dance, soccer, basketball, and all the other things she does. Short hair makes it practically impossible....and the hair code for her dance class is crazy( in a bun, no loose hair)....Anyways, we will make it do..and here is her new style (click pic to enlarge it)!
We will have to hit Claires for some big head bands and make due with that for soccer and basketball!

Darth Riley

2008-12-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

We have sooo many broken things in our house right now I want to scream.....The laptop is crapping the bed (hence I am downstairs on the other computer)....my camera is HORRIBLE (hence no flash)....UGH!!!!! The kids of course follow me to whatever room I am in....so here is Riley in full Darth Vador gear waving his light saber all over the place just itching to brake something else in the house. This kid is complete destructo....
I was off from work today (kids were in school) so I decided to clean their rooms. Meghan's room was already pretty squared away, but Riley's was a DISASTER. He had picked it up the other night and completely STUFFED everything under his bed. I pulled things out from under there that he had been missing forever. A skull sweatshirt jacket from Old Navy that he completely loves (checked lost and found at school about 10 times)...under his bed.....5 pairs of his socks (was wondering if our washer was eating them)....his baseball clock that disappeared off his wall (and he had no idea where it possible could have gone)....all of his nerf guns that again he had no idea where they could have gone! Next time he cleans his room, I am checking under the bed OR if he looses something, I will be directing him to under his bed. Good thing there were not any live animals under there. I am sure that will be next!
On to Meghan news, she is getting SO grown up. I see it with her Christmas list. There are barely any toys on there and more things like gift certificates (mani/pedi's), oh she kills me, celtics tickets.....crafts! She is SOOO into the Celtics right now and watches almost every single game that she can.
Well, enough for now. Kids need showers and then off to bed, well at least they are off to bed, Keith and I have NCIS (love that show)~

Town Parade

2008-11-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

Today was the town parade so we braved the cold weather, and the sleet to check it out. We go every year (Meg danced/rode float for years past), but last year we got to watch as well as this year. Callie and her family joined us as well. Above is Meghan and Callie (luckily sleet didnt hit until 1/2 way thru the parade)! I do have to say this is the LONGEST stinken parade going. It NEVER ends...Good for kids, not so much for parents. Even more not so much for Keith and Callie's dad who were itching to watch football.

This kid is the LUCKIEST kid ever. He found this dog on a leash on the ground (we think it dropped off the vendors cart)!

Meghan and Callie.....

After the parade, Natey and Derek came over to play while Auntie Laura did some Christmas shopping....Meghan and Nate checking on the DS!

Thanksgiving Dinner

2008-11-27T16:39:00.000-08:00

Today we headed to Grammy Lee's and Grampy Jim's house for Thanksgiving dinner. This is the best you get with Riley, a Nike sweatsuit. I will save my battle for Christmas (when he will be in a sweater)!

Meghan on the other hand loves to get dolled up. Painted nails to match her sweater.....

When we got to Grammy Lee's, the kids went straight for the craft bucket, which was apparently replenished as the kids were not happy last time they looked in the bucket and it was empty.

They were preoccupied for a little while making some Thanksgiving crafts...

The Chef, Grammy Lee!

2008-11-27T16:34:00.000-08:00

Look at that smile! Could it be, Riley just won $20.00 from Grampy Jim for placing the golf ball on the tee inside this globe. EVERYONE has been trying for years to put the ball on the tee and Riley grabbed it and had the ball on there within minutes.....Grammie Lee up'd the jackpot to $20.00 and now we were talking! Riley succeeded and was PUMPED!

The ball sitting on the tee!

Meghan helping get the table ready...All business!

The stuffed animal of the week. Riley is a COLLECTOR of everything stuffed. He has so many stuffed animals it drives me CRAZY! Not to mention he changes his favorite stuffed animal every week and then when he cannot find the one that he LOVES for that week, he flips. This week it is monster.

2008-11-27T16:31:00.000-08:00

Grammy Lee and Dad posing for a quick pic.

Grammy Lee, Meghan, and Riley

Meghan helping Grammy Lee getting dinner ready and Riley, well not quite sure what Riley is doing...

Auntie Kara getting the turkey ready!

Meghan LOVES to help.....

2008-11-27T16:21:00.000-08:00

The kids played down by the water for quite a bit....luckily I brought a change of clothes, because Meghan eventually got wet.

I was debating whether to go outside and get the kids (because they were playing sooo quietly), but when the chocolate fountain was ready, in they came. Riley was COVERED in chocolate by the time it was over.

Riley and Mom!
Today was a great day. The kids got to see Auntie Kara and Rick (her boyfriend who is in from San Francisco)....Grammy Terry joined us and we had a great dinner and LOTS of sweets. The kids BOTH fell asleep in the car on the way home (which was shocking considering their sugar intake)...Anyways, we are off to watch Survivor and then hopefully BED..

Happy Thanksgiving!

Meghan's Thanksgiving Play at School

2008-11-26T08:19:00.000-08:00

Today was Meghans Thanksgiving play at school. She was actually in 2 plays. Here are some pictures from the first play where she played a little girl named Remember. You definately have to click on these pictures to enlarge them to see her. In this pic, Meg is 2nd from left holding the basket.

Now she is in the middle! So stinken cute. She knew her lines PERFECTLY and CLEARLY does not have stage fright.

Still seated in the middle!

The next pictures are from the second play where she plays the mother....

2008-11-26T08:17:00.000-08:00

Here is Meghan at the end of the plays introducing herself and stating what parts she played.

Oh how embarassing...but she finally came over for her photo op with me! Meghan did soooo good in the plays. She had a TON of lines and did not miss a beat. It was so cute to watch. Now I have a couple of hours before the kids get dismissed for Riley's dentist (poor planning to make his appt the day before Thanksgiving)....anyways, Happy Thanksgiving~

Happy Thanksgiving.

Muldoon Park

2008-11-22T12:57:00.001-08:00

Today we headed over to Muldoon park to hit the nature trails. We had a huge break between Riley's soccer game and Meghan's, so we decided to bundle up and brave the cold 30 degree temperatures! We had not been to Muldoon in quite awhile, so the kids had a blast picking the different trails to walk down and would get so excited every time we hit a different bridge or something along the way (the simple things).....

Meghan and Riley heading down a little hill to check out the water...

So excited that they found another platform.

Umm...think we are lost (which we were temporarily), but dad found our way out. Brrrrr was it COLD! It sure feels good to get outside though, and the trees helped sheild some of the wind.

Now were are headed to Megs game and then the kids get to spend the night at Auntie Lauras...I have a suprise 30th birthday party for one of my friends at work, so we are headed out for the night.

Have Good Weekend!

Early Christmas

2008-11-21T13:06:00.001-08:00

Today I was off from work and up in the attic putting my Halloween stuff away (kids were in school) and I came across my box of old toys. Meghan has repeatedly told me she HATES Strawberry Shortcake dolls and has no use for them, so I decided to list them on ebay....They are now considered vintage, so we will see how I do. As I am going through the old box, I came across my old Matchbox car set (to which Meghan was dumbfounded that I would have played with cars). I was a tom-boy thru and thru...anyways, the carry case was full of cars (which Riley loves), so it was like an early Christmas for him. He was PUMPED and as I am typing, he is still up playing with the new cars (which are 28 somewhat years old)....so Meghan now decides (after I list all my old dolls on ebay) that she would have actually liked the OLD Strawberry Shortcake dolls, she just does not like the NEW ones. Anyways, I found some old figurines of Strawberry Shortcake that I gave her (pictured above) that she will play with for probably all of 5 minutes, and then be "so over it," as she would say. A final note on Meghan, she scored a solo in the Christmas chorus at school. Try outs were a couple of weeks ago, and she found out today! YEAH MEGS!

Here is Riley all smiles with his new box of old cars.

and all my dolls that I am selling. I cant believe what great shape they are in! Gotta fly for now. Meghan has dance and then we are all going to family swim night at the Boys and Girls Club! Cant beat 5.00 to swim for 2 hours....plus it tires them out and hopefully they will be in bed early so we can watch a movie (in peace)!

Fun Filled Tuesday

2008-11-13T05:41:00.000-08:00

Tuesday the kids had no school. Meghan went to the Childrens Museum with Grammy Lee, Auntie Kara, and cousin Cam...and Keith took the day off from work and spent it with Riley for some boy bonding time. The above is Meghan and her cousin climbing thru some netting thingie...

Cam and Meghan

Some more cousin time waiting for lunch.....

Meghan had a great time at the Museum and Riley had an awesome time with dad ( no pictures because Keith does not use the camera), but the boys went to the park and then bowling. Riley had a kite that he had been itching to fly...so they actually went to the park twice because the wind was perfect to get the kite up...and then Riley beat dad twice at bowling, so he was PUMPED. It is nice when each of the kids have their alone time. Riley is usually clung to me CONSTANTLY, and when I came home from work, he was all about dad. They had such a great day!

Poor Megs.....

2008-11-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was not a good day for Meghan. We ended the late afternoon with a stick going into Meghans left eye (during a very intense game of wall ball). She started crying loudly (which she really never does) and the eye turned RED! I called the on call doctor and was told to wait until the morning (eye was not blurry) and she could see fine.....so we had to head up to the 24 hour pharmacy for some antibiotic drops (quick sundae on the way too). So amazing how you can go from a perfectly normal day to complete chaos so quickly. I was really nervous, especially when you are talking the eyes.
So today we started the morning with TWO doctors appointments. One for her rash (which was completely misdiagnosed) and the eye doctor. Luckily Meghans eye was just scratched, and the medicine will help any infection. She does not need a follow up....and her rash, is NOT ringworm, which we were told by her nurse practioner ( I never thought it was ringworm, however, I do not have any medical degrees)..the dermatologist told me that it was Pityriasis Rosea (virus) and not contagious....Thanks to the practioner for the 70 loads of laundry I did making sure the RINGWORM never spread! I swear the doctors office just rushes you in and out like a number at the deli counter....I suppose to her defense, the dermatologist told me that it resembles ringworm...so, whatever, I dont trust doctors....
Meghan is off to enjoy the rest of the day of school (which she loves) ....... and then we will have just Riley tonight as Meghan is spending the night with Grammy Lee!

Bracelets, football, and some cleaning....

2008-11-09T11:02:00.000-08:00

So today was a stay at home day, which RARELY happens. We are ALWAYS on the go, so when we finally have a day to do nothing, the kids complain about how BORED they are. Tough! They are going to have to occupy themselves for the day and maybe play with one of the five thousand toys that they have.....Meghan and I went to Michaels craft store last night and bought some more of her thread for her bracelets that she is making. Meghan and her girlfriends have been selling their bracelets for .10 cents (trying to raise money for the Manatees)...her best friend Callie loves manatees and wants to become a marine biologist to study them! Anyways, the kids are having a blast with this bracelet thing, so that is what is most important...

Here are some of Megs bracelets....apparently she had orders that she needed to fill over the weekend.

and her is my little man helping me vacuum and wash the floors. Not only is he a GREAT helper outdoors, but as well indoors....He asked a million times when he could clean (like it was a candy bar he was getting)!

Sooooo, while Riley is cleaning.....

Meghan and dad are watching the Pats (SHOCK)!

Since it is too nice of a day out, I think Riley and I are going to take a bike ride...have a great Sunday!

Kidz Playground

2008-11-08T14:49:00.000-08:00

Today we headed to the Kidz Playground for some tube and tunnel fun. Weather was warm, but drizzly, so we decided to play indoors. Meghan and Riley in the car....

Meghan at the top of the tree house. Too bad adults are not allowed in it...or I would be there too.

Riley on the tractor scooping balls. The other tractor was broken, so the line for this one was insane...Note: He has NO front teeth. He finally lost the other front one, so the poor kid is all gums. That is what happens when you do not loose teeth until 6 1/2, they all come out!

Meghan is pooped and sweating!

Meghan and Riley.

2008-11-08T14:46:00.000-08:00

Meghan peeping thru all the netting on one of the levels of tunnels.

Meghan and Riley at the top dome! Now they can race down the twirly slide. Kids had a great day today. We had not been to this play place in probably a year, so it was like it was all new. They had added a couple of jumpie house/mazes to the rock climbing room, so the kids had a blast with that. Tomorrow we have absolutely NOTHING to do, which happens almost never. Keith will be watching FOOTBALL probably with Meghan and hopefully I can get some house cleaning done. Off to the gym for a nice run before movie night (Keiths cooking nachos>yummie)!

Report Cards and Voting!

2008-11-04T06:35:00.001-08:00

So today there is no school where we live because of voting/teacher conferences. Yesterday the kids got report cards and I am PROUD to say that Megs got straight A's and all the highest marks for behavior, listening, etc. How much better can it get than that. More importantly, she still LOVES school. Riley also did well, although we are working with him settling down in class. He is just SOO active.
This morning was parent/teacher conferences. Riley's was at 7:30am, and the line for voting was already around the building. Oh what the people standing in line must have thought as parents were cutting the line to get to conferences. Riley's teacher said he is a very happy child and is friends with everyone in class. She said that she is seeing some improvement with his reading, which is awesome, and that he is strong in math. She said that he does sometimes rush his work, but she is working on that. Overall, he got a good report.
I had to leave and come back for Megs conference, which did not start until 9:00. Luckily we are 5 minutes from the school. Meghans conference took all of about 5 minutes. She got straight A's and the teacher said she is a delight. Always happy, listens, and just a GREAT kid. There were no issues, which I knew. I felt bad, but I didnt have any questions or problems. She still loves to go to school, loves people, does homework, and is always happy! Oh yeah, and she got awesome author for the school as well.......
Next, since I was at the school, I got in line to vote. Not too long, got to the check in, and they had my name spelled wrong. Well, now I have to get out of line, and go stand in a NEW line. Once I stood in the name change line, I had to get back in the original line (how aggravating)! I voted! and overall it only took about 20 minutes.
Next on the agenda is Meghan's 9 year physical and then a trip to see Grammy Terry!

Auntie Laura's Birthday Dinner

2008-11-03T07:04:00.001-08:00

We started off the day yesterday with Riley doing a little yard work. Meghan was having no part of playing with him (she was shooting hoops with Keith getting ready for basketball try-outs)...So little man got to work on his own, running the leaf blower. He kept at it for close to an hour. Then we had a quick basketball game, Meg and Dad vs Mom and Riley. Riley will do OK once he realizes that basketball is not exactly like football, in that you cannot TACKLE the ball away from your sister to score. We got some work to do on that one......

After all the sporting events were over, we met Auntie Laura for dinner for her birthday. Riley and Meghan waiting on the Wilkinson gang.

Derek and Meghan....cute!

My little girl.

Riley and Natey...

2008-11-03T06:46:00.000-08:00

Riley and cousin Nathan showing us how to cook. They got such a kick out of the chef and all his tricks.

Cousin Derek and Meghan with their umbrellas.

The birthday girl and her hubby........

Riley and Natey hugging...a brief moment they were in bliss until the fighting started over umbrellas, sticks, fruit (you name it)!

The dinner was GREAT. We love Japenese food. Meghan cant get enough of the shrimp and Riley loves the fried rice. The Chef let Riley touch the fire, and he was pumped. They sang Happy Birthday to Laura too, which the kids loved. You cant beat fried ice cream. It is nice now that all the kids are getting older and we can actually sit down to dinner and not worry about rushing....hoping there is not a tauntrum. We were there for close to 2 hours, with only one small incident (between Riley and Nate) and that was it. Overall, kids were VERY well behaved. Such a nice change from when Riley was a baby and refused to sit in the high chair (arching his back and screaming)....UGH! When Megs was little, she was ok, as long as you had constant food in front of her. ENough for now...I am going to hit the gym and work that BIG dinner off. Happy MOnday!

Cousins Trick or Treat

2008-11-03T06:44:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple more Halloween pics from the other night. Here is cousin Derek in his HULK costume. I think this costume looks amazing. So cute!

Cousins Derek and Nathan........

Trick Or Treat!

2008-10-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

The kids were ready to rock and roll right at 6:00pm. Riley was a clone (or something like that) and Meghan was a devil. I kept telling her how pretty she was and she said "I am not supposed to be pretty, I am a devil." She was really annoyed by that!

Look at my pretty devil!

Meghan!

Riley ready for some action.

2008-10-31T18:37:00.000-07:00

This picture cracks me up. All you can really see is Riley's light saber glowing. He did really good this year and basically carried his bag almost the whole way and actually wore his mask this year. Weather was PERFECT! In the 60's and such an awesome fall night. Neighborhood was PACKED with kids everywhere. The kids ran into so many kids from school and had a BLAST> They came home with bags filled to the top. Meghan was not too happy with the Halloween bags that I got because she thought the handles were going to break (which in fact, happened). My nine year old knows better than me regarding the bags.
Anyways, off to bed. Got games tomorrow and we have a busy day!

Halloween Parade and School Parties

2008-10-31T12:04:00.000-07:00

Riley and Meghan posing in their Halloween outfits for school. They looked so cute. I have today off and will be heading into the school for all the festivities later on.

2008-10-31T11:59:00.000-07:00

Today was the Halloween parade around the kids school and then the parties after. I stopped by Riley's 1st grade class to get him get ready. Here is Riley with his spider shirt and William in the back....

Riley in his full costume....Yeah, I know, it looks like he has to pee...but he is just posing.

Riley's class making the rounds around the school for their annual parade.

Meghan still not too cool to acknowledge me. She is a lil devil this year!

Meghan, Brianna, and Callie all stopping for a quick photo op. Cant wait to Trick/Treat tonight. We will be hitting the neighborhood for a full 2 hours. It is sooo awesome and there are SOOOO many kids. We always have a blast. Will post more pics tomorrow.

Happy Halloween!

High School Musical 3

2008-10-28T16:19:00.000-07:00

What better way to spend a rainy, windy, and cold fall afternoon but at the movies. We went to see High School Musical 3 today and picked a perfect day. There were only 2 other people in the whole cinema! I told the kids that we were going when they got off the bus and Meghan screamed with excitement. Riley could have really cared less, he was in it for the snacks. Movie was ok.....WAY longer than they said! Could not have picked a better day and now we do not have to deal with any weekend crowds. Speaking of weekends, we have another PACKED one coming up. Friday we have trick/treating in which we do the full 2 hours (and I LOVE every minute of it, cant say Keith does but he is a trooper). Saturday we have 2 indoor soccer games and Sunday we have Meghans basketball tryouts, Rileys last outdoor game, and Auntie Lauras birthday dinner. Cant wait!

The Wii

2008-10-28T05:52:00.000-07:00

Well, I broke down and got the Wii for the kids for Christmas. I had been searching prices for awhile and got a great deal yesterday at Toys r Us. Even better, I got the last one. Apparently they had advertised it in the Toy Book and when I went into the store, there was a line. I stood third in line and got the last one. YIPPIE! Got a great deal too. There were a bunch of people behind me that left empty handed.

I was kind of debating whether to get one just because the kids barely use their Nintendo Ds unless in the car.....but they really, really wanted one....so they will be PUMPED come Christmas morning. Plus, Keith and I will enjoy it too...Now I am on the hunt for a bunch of games!

On another note, I am sooo glad that the things the kids are asking for do not require that much assembly. I sooo do not miss the Christmas mornings that involve hours upon hours of assembly....and as the kids get older, the toys they want get smaller. We kind of have our house back...

Have a great Tuesday!

Mani/Pedi Time!

2008-10-27T12:56:00.000-07:00

Now that sports practices are over during the week (temporarily, but a nice break), we had Callie over today for a play date. The girls were so cute getting off the bus saying that they had the best thing to do, mani/pedi's. So Meghan breaks out her mani book, they get all their goods they need, and let the mani's begin!

Callie giving Megs a little file....

and my lil man is doing his boy thing, raking! If you know Riley, you know he LOVES yard work, and more importantly, hates a messy yard. Keith got 3/4 way thru blowing yesterday but had to leave for soccer....so Riley figured he would help out. On to other things, my lil guy had his first bee bite yesterday right before soccer. The bee went down his shirt and stung him, and Riley was NOT happy!
Once Riley gets in a funk, it is VERY hard to get him out of it....finally after some medicine on the bite, and lots of kisses, he played a good game! At least we know he is not allergic..

Happy Monday!

Meghan and Riley's Toll Booth

2008-10-26T08:37:00.001-07:00

It was hysterical this morning as I am going down the hallway, the kids have made a sign and stuck it outside Riley's room. 2 cents to pass by THEIR toll. Every time one of us passes by Riley's room, the kids try to collect a TOLL.... A couple of weeks ago when we were headed up to Megs tourney, they got a kick out of the tolls on rt 93. They could not get over the fact that we had to pay to drive down the highway....so what better way to collect, other than their own toll.

How cute! How could you not pay.....note the mess in Riley's room I had just spent an hour cleaning. I send the kids outside with Keith so I can clean the house before we leave for the day. They did great, went outside, played building forts, I was pumped...cleaned...and then the human destruction machines are back in the house to completely MESS everything up I just cleaned. Keith says, "let them clean their own rooms," which I do, only to find Riley's idea of cleaning is sticking everything underneath either a bureau or his bed...

Well, enough for now, off to two soccer games (last of the outdoor season) and then off to Grammy Lee's for some cousin playing...........

Farewell to Fin Fin

2008-10-22T12:27:00.001-07:00

Well, last night was a sad night in the Mulvey household. Rileys fish finfin headed to the fish graveyard in the sky...Boy did he cry! He has had that fish forever. If I only had known that the tears would be to the extent they were, I would have replaced it before he noticed. This fish has hung on for sooo long, swimming upside down, and playing dead 10 times over. I cant tell you how many times we thought the fish was dead, but Keith would nudge it and it would swim...but not last night.
Riley went downstairs and got my camera (with tears in his eyes) and took a picture of his fish. So sad!
We are off to Chuck E Cheese...hopefully that will bring some happiness. No sports tonight, and it is raining, so what better than Chuck E Cheese!

Spooky World!

2008-10-20T13:43:00.000-07:00

Last night we went to SPOOKY WORLD at Canobie Lake Park. It was cool because not only did they have all the haunted attractions, they had a TON of rides open as well, including all the roller coasters. The kids had a blast. Neither of my kids have ever been afraid of monsters and they are both lil dare devils. I was the only one who screamed when walking thru the haunted houses...Meghan didnt even move when they jumped out to scare her which completely amazes me and Riley just told them to back off.
The kids posing with Frankenstein. They had a lot of monsters walking all over the park. This was one of Rileys favorites. He was originally going to be Frankenstein for halloween, but then switched last minute.
Another pose with some dead bride and groom....
Riley striking a scarey face before going into the Crypt....Overall it was very fun and very COLD night. The only flaw was the train broke down on our scarey train ride and we had to walk back to the other end of the park....I had to work at midnight (overtime) and then all day long so I am one tired momma....off to soccer practice for Riley and then bed. Thankfully I am going into 2 days off! :)

Cousin Nathan's 8th Birthday Party!

2008-10-18T13:44:00.000-07:00

Today we had cousin Nathans 8th Birthday party. Here is quick picture of Meghan holding cousin Zachary....
The birthday boy, NATE! Playing with his buddies in his room.

This picture was actually done last year by Nate and won best show for the school. It was on display for awhile, but was given back to him this year, all framed. My sister has it on their playroom wall! Good Job Nate!

2008-10-18T13:40:00.000-07:00

Cousin Derek playing the Wii....The men had to take a quick break in college football as the tv was overpowered by the little guys playing the wii!
My sister, Laura!
CAKE time. Happy 8th birthday NATEY!
My boys! Riley and dad watching some college football.

2008-10-18T13:34:00.000-07:00

Cousin Derek and Riley playing swords and light sabers...shockingly about 5 minutes later a light saber was stuck in a tree outside!
Nathan opening presents...and Riley looking saying "enough with the pictures."
Meghan catching a few minutes peace from the party.
Meghan and Riley setting up one of Nates presents.
We had a fun time at Nates birthday party. Kids ran around for a couple of hours and are hopefully tired for Grammy Lee tonight.....Mom and Dad are going out for a special dinner for our Anniversary!

oh yeah, and this is a picture of Riley from this morning.....He was helping dad clear out the leaves. This kid LOVES yard work. He always has! I wonder if it will stay this way (probably not)! He is a big helper. He cracks me up because he always comments if the yard is messy...I was driving him to the bus stop the other morning, and he said, "this yard is disgusting with these leaves everywhere....What a disaster." Then he comes home and tells Keith to clean it up. Nothing wrong with wanting a nice looking yard. On another note, you can see Canobie Lake clear as day now that all the leaves are disappearing...

Happy Saturday!

Our 10th Anniversary....

2008-10-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

Today is our 10 year ANNIVERSARY.....I know, no pictures of us, I am working on scanning them in...so in the meantime....here is a picture of Meghan wearing one of the shirts that Keith and his friend Jeff did for the Concord Tourney. The front shows the logo (you have to click on the picture to blow it up, my camera is crapping the bed).....
and the back has the players name and their number....They did really great and the shirt were a hit!
On to our Anniversary...TEN YEARS....but we have been together since February of 1993 when we met at where we worked....Cant believe how fast time has gone by! I will try and post pictures when I get them scanned in.
Busy next few days with our Anniversary dinner, Spooky World, Nates Party, and some soccer games!
Have a gooD Thursday, I know we will :)

Team Pic..

2008-10-12T15:10:00.000-07:00

So the second day of the Tourney went much better. There was NO traffic and the girls played great. They won both their games, which puts them at 3 wins and one tie for the Tourney. The girls are all such good friends and play great together it is awesome to watch. It is cool to see them develop as a team and run plays on the field.....Go Strikers!
PS: Meghan is in the front holding the pink ball :)
Gotta love the war paint under their eyes, they thought it was the coolest...

Rt. 93 TRAFFIC, UGH!

2008-10-11T14:14:00.000-07:00

Let me just tell you, the traffic on 93North this morning was RIDICULOUS. What should have been a quick 35 minute ride up to Concord for the tourney took us an hour 1/2. Apparently there were a lot of leaf peepers heading up to the mountains!!! UGH! Luckily we made it in time and most of the team arrived before the game. Strikers won the first game and tied the second. Meghan did awesome...scoring in both games and having some awesome passes. The girls did soo good...
Hopefully traffic tomorrow will be a little bit easier....and maybe people will get a clue that the left lane is for PASSING and not to sit in and do 50 mph....

Girls Night and Morning!

2008-10-11T06:26:00.000-07:00

So last night was girls night for Meg and I. She had dancing (Callie and Meg before going in) then we headed out to Japanese food....
Meghan with her shirley temple. She likes the shirley temples and I like picking her cherries out. For some reason she does not like the cherries (I think the best part). We had a nice shrimp dinner and Megs uses her chop sticks for everything (rice, salad, shrimp)....I cant do it. I dont have the patience..and by the time we got there, I was so hungry, I enhaled my food.
This morning Meghan didnt know what to do without her little brother saying, "Meghan play with me." He says it over and over again until she gives in. He wants her to play with him from the second she lifts her head off her pillow until she puts her head back down on her pillow. We took our morning trip to Dunkins (my fav place in the world). Coffee is my only vice....need one in the morning and one at night. The kids laugh about it because we stop so often. This morning I let Meg get a tea.....She never had one, and I said why not. She will be playing 3 hours of soccer later at her Tourney.
My mother is taking Riley to the dentist for me so lets hope for no cavities. He is a pest when it comes to brushing his teeth and it is a daily arguement....
Gonna go cook so eggs and bacon with Meghan and off to Concord we go!
Happy Saturday!

Red Sox Pride at School!

2008-10-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

Today was Boston Red Sox support day at the kids school. They had to dress it up in support of our team, GO SOX!
Meghan sporting some loving of our home team...

Riley is spending the night tonight with Grammy Terry. Meghan has a HUGE soccer tourney in Concord this whole weekend, so Grammy Terry is doing something special with Riley tomorrow so he does not have to spend the entire weekend there. He is very excited. Meghan and I are sneaking out to dinner tonight (dad is working late) for some Japenese food (our favorite)...shrimp and rice..YUMMY! It will be nice to spend some alone time just Megs and I. Speaking of Meghan, she landed two parts in the school Thanksgiving play (both she wanted), so she is very excited. Time to head outside and enjoy the gorgeous weather that is upon us....Happy Friday!

Riley's BOP!

2008-10-08T17:48:00.000-07:00

So Grammy Lee gave this cd to Riley when she came to his school for Grandparents Day. Instead of Kidz BOP, she labeled it Riley's BOP and created a cd cover (front and back) with his picture. She downloaded all his songs that he likes and put them on the cd. He LOVES to fall asleep to music whereas Meghan has to fall asleep to either the tv (much like her mom and dad) or the story books on her player. I thought the cd was adorable! Here is the back of the cd with Riley striking a pose! This picture was taken last December in Disney....we had Japenese food (my absolute fav) and Riley stole my birthday hat. I think he had about 20 cherries that night.
LONG day, time to call it a night. Worked late, my mother took all of us to dinner, and now I am settling into FOUR days off.

Ringling Brothers Circus at Verizon Ctr!

2008-10-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Last night we headed to the circus to see the Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey show. We went for the pre-show so the kids could get involved in the activities.
The clown pulled Riley from the audience to do some tricks with him.
Here is my little man doing his thing!
"Yeah Riley!"

2008-10-06T13:41:00.000-07:00

Meghan checking out her seat.
During the pre-show, Meghan got to try out one of the moveable balls that the clowns were on.
Here she is!
Meghan and Grammy Terry! The circus was A TON of fun. Riley had never been before, so he was amazed. I love the VERIZON center so much better than travelling into Boston. Parking was free and right around the corner from the center. It is so super convenient. After the circus, I drove the kids to the house that Keith and I rented before we got married. I miss living in Manchester :( If it was not so far to commute for work, we would still be there.

Grandparents Day at School!

2008-10-05T07:19:00.000-07:00

I just received these pictures from Grammy Lee. It was grandparents day at Meghan and Riley's school on Friday so Grampie Jim and Gram Lee went into the school for an hour or so in each room.
What a nice picture of Meghan and her Grampie Jim!
on to Riley's class...
showing off some of his art work...
last but not least...the missing tooth! He has sooo many more ready to go the poor kid will be toothless in another couple of weeks.