5 Layouts - Photo of the Day

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Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 26 & 27

Photo of the Day - Jan 26

Getty Up Daddy. Before going to bed Daddy usually comes and plays with us while we get our PJ's on. Tonight he did push ups with all three on his back.








Photo of the Day - Jan 27

Can I avoid a mess? Why is it that every night their play room looks like a hurricane came. I'm so tempted to throw every single one of their toys in the trash as I'm tired of picking them up every night.

Cleaning your house while your kids are still growing is like shoveling the walk before it stops snowing. ~Phyllis Diller, Phyllis Diller's Housekeeping Hints, 1966

Clutter - Photo of the Day 24

Man I can't seem to get away from it? What am I talking about? Clutter. These toys. Not only are they all over my house but now they are in my car too! I cleaned out the car last month and again the car is cluttered with stuff!

clut·ter

1.	to fill or litter with things in a disorderly manner

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 23

Like Father Like Son. My son has my husband's feet. What? It's the one thing that annoys me about my husband. I hate when he doesn't clip his toe nails. He'll let it grow and grow. It just grosses me out. And Look what happens to the socks! It starts out being just one little hole. Then it becomes one big hole throughout the day eventually making all the toes stick out. Bet you thought it was a cast on his foot, no? It certainly looks like one in this photo. You can't imagine how many socks I throw out because of holes.

Or for those of you who were born in the 80's doesn't it remind you of leg warmers? Remember those leg warmers. I think I had them in like every color and, of course, I had to have those like hot pink and bright yellow ones too.

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 22

Diamonds found a new use for my DVD "The Best of Adobe Photoshop Elements Techniques". She's using it as a pillow to sleep on. I haven't even opened the DVD up yet. I got it during the holidays. She normally sleeps behind my computer when I'm using it during the day. I think she likes the heat from my EHD that is behind her.

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 20

Here I am posting my photo of the day at 11:19 pm. I had to think of a photo to take before the next day. The other day someone else who is doing the photo of the day took a photo of some knick knacks that they had so I figured why not take a photo of my cat statue.

This ceramic cat was made by my mom a couple years ago. She is not a creative person. Mom doesn't like to do arts and crafts. One day she went with a friend to a ceramic class. She knew that I love cats so she made this for me. It reminds me of Rocky. Rocky was not that color but he did have the furriness like the statue. This cat sits in my dining room.

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 19

Naomi forgave her brother for smashing her finger in the door. Here they are hugging. Unfortunately, I was too close to get the photo but did manage to get this one.

Forgiveness is a funny thing. It warms the heart and cools the sting. ~William Arthur Ward

5 Layouts - Photo of the Day

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Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 15

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 15

Stockpiling grocery items in the laundry room. Yesterday I went shopping at Shoprite. They are having their annual can-can sale. I did some stocking up on some items such as canned vegetables and skippy peanut butter. Luckily I had some coupons so not only did I get the peanut butter on sale but I also got additional cost off using a coupon. This should last us a while

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 14

I decided to carry my Sony Cyber-shot around in my purse. It's the camera that is broken. Well, it still takes photos but I have to use the ISO feature because my flash broke.

Today we went to the gym. After the gym I took them to CVS (long story here) to get some sale items to earn cash back rewards and then we went to Shoprite to pick up stuff from the can-can sale. I guess it was a bit too much for them because as I shopping they all fell asleep. On our way out of the store I picked up donuts and remembered I had my camera in my purse and I got this shot of Victoria sleeping.

Obsession / Project 365

What have I been up to? Well, I went to the gym 3 times this week. I took 2 kick boxing classes and today the class would have been belly dancing but it was canceled at the last minute. In place of the belly dancing class they had salsa dancing so I took that. Tomorrow I have an appointment with a personal trainer to go over the equipment.

Anxiety is kicking in. Why? Well, I found this website about coupons. It's called Hot Coupon World. I have been obsessed with the sight. I've been reading so much. I wound up purchasing coupons at ebay for things that I normally shop for and today I purchased 3 newspapers from the deli to get coupons for the week. I've been memorizing the flyers from all the stores. I am going to cancel my newspaper delivery service. Why? Because I have found that I have not been getting my coupons and not reading the paper so I'm trying to get rid of the clutter. I have called 2 times to complain. Now, I will have to try to remember on Sundays to go to the deli to get my coupons. I have also set up 2 playgroups for the MOMS Club for coupon exchanges for Feb. I just cannot afford to spend $800 a month on groceries any more. I sure hope to cut it down drastically with coupons. I always shopped with coupons but I never had more than one coupon so we'll see how this goes.

Finally, Project 365 of 2008 - Day 13

Is this comfortable? Since Rocky passed away this past October my cat Diamonds has been very needy and has to be in the same room as me. She normally sits behind my computer but today I had my Canon Rebel there in her spot. So I look up and there she is sitting on top of my file box behind my adding machine. Not much space was there so she couldn't possible be comfortable. It never seems to amaze me where I will find her sleeping or sitting. Oh, see that mess next to my computer I finally took 15 minutes and decluttered that. Most of it was expired coupons. The things I did keep was my camera manual, coupons for some restaurants near us and some household companies like floor cleaning companies that I found coupons for. Our rug so needs to be cleaned. The kids really ruined it with all their bottles and sippy cups.

Moments 2007

Fri Blog Prompt 1/11

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Describe some of your moments from this past year.

January 07
The children were getting speech help from a speech therapist until the state of NJ wanted to bill us $350 more a month for the service which we could not afford. We discontinued service. Jan 29th was the last day of speech where she did a revaluation. Victoria passed. Justin and Naomi were still behind. The therapist said they weren't very behind just slightly behind and she said they should catch up with the other kids their age by the time they go to preschool. Praying she is right.

February 07
I participated in the Regional MOMS Club luncheon committee. It was a lot of work. I had to catch up on all the scrapbooking since no one was doing it prior. I also had to help design the tri-fold for our table display.

I also turned 37. I celebrated at a MOMS Night out at a spa where I got a full body massage and manicure. I so deserved the pampering.

March 07
Regional Luncheon for MOMs Club was a lot of fun. There were only about 6 of us who went. Stacy won a gift in the raffle. The raffles were amazing. There were tons of raffle prizes way over $200. There were prizes for both children and adults.

Evan turns 37. We take him out to dinner to celebrate.

The children enjoyed their first egg hunt at the park. They had so much fun putting eggs in their baskets.

April 07
We took the kids to see Sesame Street Live. This was also on my father's birthday so we went out to dinner after the show. The kids loved the show. We went with a group from the MOMS Club.

I had my first Mammogram. They sent me at age 37 because I have a history of breast cancer in my family. The test was quick but uncomfortable. When you are small and they squash you it doesn't feel too great. Luckily the test came back fine.

May 07
We went to the Philadelphia zoo with the MOMS Club. My mom also came with us.

For Mother's Day we all went out to a restaurant near my parents house. It was nice to eat as a big family. Hopefully they will do something again next year.

June 07
We went to the sprayground water fun park. Luckily my mom came along since Justin was deathly afraid of the water so she took Justin to the playground while I watched the girls.

July 07
We went to the annual triplet picnic at Veterans Park 2 times. The first time we arrived and it poured like cats and dogs so it was canceled for the day. The 2nd time the kids had a blast going through all the stuff that was being given away such as books, clothes, puzzles, toys. We took home some much needed clothing and some preschool activity books.

August 07
The kids turned 3. We had a party at our house. Miss Amy came to entertain the kids and the theme was the mouse from the movie Ratatouille

We went to Sesame Place with my SIL and BIL. No, my husband did not attend. He never goes to any events. Luckily my SIL helped with the kids. The children were deathly afraid of the characters and cried and screamed. They did love the water. Naomi was the brave one and went on the water tube herself. Hopefully next year they won't be so afraid.

September 07
The kids start preschool 2 1/2 days a week. I return to work doing accounting while the kids are in school. Making not even enough to pay for their schooling but it helps towards their fee.

I taught a Stampin' Up class for Cori in exchange for hosting a jewelry party. Unfortunately, not much was made during this class. Not one person ordered that night. She did get 2 or 3 orders after the party but that still didn't equal enough for a party so I wound up ordering more myself so she could get benefits. I really don't know why I even bother.

I joined another MOPS this year. My friend Jenn from the MOMS Club is the leader of this one. The kids enjoy playing while I go to the meetings. I don't think I will be able to attend MOPS next year since the kids will be going to preschool M,W and F.

We decorated with fruit at Mindi's to celebrate the Festival of the Harvest - Sukkot. We tied fruit and veggies to strings and hung it on her tent like covering over her patio.

The girls started dance. They are taking ballet and tap once a week. They are so cute wearing their little dresses.

October 07
The kids went apple picking at Lees Turkey Farm. Cousin Amanda also came with us.

2 hayrides. One was with my husband. It is the only event that he does attend each year. It is something I started with him way before the kids were born. I look forward to it every year since he attends too. This year Cousin Alexa also came with us.

The day before Halloween we went trick or treating at my sister's house. We all dressed like pirates. We decided to sleep over. At 11 pm that night I received a phone call from my husband saying my cat wasn't moving. He was on the landing of my stairs with his eyes open and not responding to anything. My husband turned him over and found a pretzel bag wedged in his throat. It was too late. He was gone. It was a tragic death. On Halloween day my husband had him cremated. I never got to say goodbye. I explained to the kids that he went to the rainbow bridge. Halloween will never be the same.

November 07
We hosted Thanksgiving at our house. Unfortunately, my SIL did not attend nor did my grandfather. My sister and BIL, grandma and my parents and in-laws were here. Everyone brought something and I did cook a couple side dishes and desserts. My parents gave us the turkey.

December 07
Hanukkah was so early this year. Luckily our holiday was done way before Christmas so the kids got all their gifts early. They each got their own computer and desks plus other toys.

I go to my doctor for my yearly check up and tell her how I have been feeling and she feels that I maybe suffering from anxiety and depression. She prescribed me some medication for my anxiety but says that I can't use it when I need to drive somewhere. So I haven't taken it because every day I have something to do. Don't want to be out of commission. I will have to work it out myself. She also suggested I exercise. So I joined a gym that will open in January.

Two days before Christmas my mom offers to take the kids to give me some time alone. I wind up cooking for Christmas. Christmas day we go to pick up the kids to go to my sisters and they are sick. So sick that they didn't even great us at the door. They were lethargic and all had fevers. We went to my sisters with Naomi only while my mom watched the other two and we had to leave early so my mom could have dinner and we got the kids home. We took them to the doctor when Naomi wound up with a 104 fever. All had double ear infections.

Finally Project 365 in 2008 - Day 11
This is my scrapbook room. This is what you see when you open up the door. I'm a bit embarrassed as it is so messy. There is stuff all over the counter tops and floors. It so needs a decluttering! If only I had the time to clean it up. So maybe 2008 will be the time when I get this room straightened up so I can use the room again. I haven't gone in my room for a while since I now do most of my stuff digitally.

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 6

At my yearly physical my doctor suggested I exercise to relieve some stress in my life. So I joined the gym along with many of my friends in the MOMS Club. Today is the first day. It's supposed to be less stressful but boy this morning was chaotic. First I had to get all 3 kids dressed and ready to go plus feed them breakfast. Then I had to pack the gym bag. Notice the purple bag. That's my gym bag. What to pack? Shirt, pants, underwear, socks, hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, brushes, soap, towel etc. It's like I'm going away for the night. So what am I going to be doing at the gym? I'm actually going to take a class. I enjoy classes more than I do just walking on a treadmill. Today is kick boxing!

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 5

Do you have toddlers? Do you have mini chairs around your house? At any given time in my house you will see these little chairs all over my kitchen, bathroom, living room and play area. Why are they around the house? The kids use them to reach things such as items on the counter or to turn on the lights. They also use them to play train. They must have done that prior to my photo because you still see 3 chairs lined up around my kitchen island. This time I caught Naomi standing on one trying to get the remote for the tv. These little chairs get in the way especially when trying to cook. I am constantly moving them back to their mini table only find them again back in my kitchen later on. It's an endless battle that I probably will not win.

Meals & Project 365

Fri Blog Prompt 1/4 - Is there a new food you want to try this year? Or a new recipe you want to make?

Since I suffer from the nagging question, "What's for dinner?" every day I have started to accumulate a ton of recipes that I want to try. New Years Eve I actually sorted them by category. I get a lot of recipes from All Recipes and Food Network. Recently I joined Menus for Moms. They send a weekly menu that helps most days. Of course, my family is very picky and I can't make everything from that sight but it does help for days when I just don't know what to make.

Recently a friend of mine sent me some new websites for recipes but I haven't yet been able to check them out. I will share them with you.
www.epicurious.com
www.mealtime.org
www.recipeland.com
www.recipezaar.com

Oh by the way the recipe I made yesterday in my crock pot (see yesterdays post for recipe) was a keeper. It made a very good gravy even without the mushrooms. It tasted really good on the egg noodles. I will make it again using fresher meat next time.

Now for the photo of the day! Project 365 for 2008 - photo 4

Have you ever had a gift certificate that you just could not use because you can't get to the mall with 3 toddlers? It is an impossible task. I had gotten a gift certificate for Macy's from my in-laws for my birthday which was almost a year ago (February 2007). I finally sat down and did on line shopping at Macy's website. I got this black shirt, a pair of jeans and a new pair of sneakers. When the box arrived my husband was surprised that I shopped for clothing on line. He said, "Aren't you taking a chance by ordering clothes on line?" I said, "I know." What he meant was how did I know the correct size? Well, I am back to my original weight before pregnancy. However, my body is not back to prepregnancy size. I seem to have gained in my hips, my stomach and in my rear! So I went from a size 5 prepregnancy to a size 9 today. Luckily everything I ordered did fit. I was very lucky that I didn't have to return anything.

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 3

Photo of the Day 3. What's for dinner? This is my crock pot. Today is a busy day. The kids return to school and I return to work. Then we have a play date in the afternoon. So I decided to take out the crock pot for our dinner. I don't like using the crock pot because most of the time the meals come out horrible. I have found only one recipe that I can repeat. I am trying a new recipe today. It is called Crockpot Beef Casserole. Now, I don't know how it's going to come out since my husband hates mushrooms so I left the extra mushrooms out and the meat I had in the freezer was dated May 2007. It's now 2:30 pm and the house smells really good but I'm afraid the meal will be awful. So while I'm writing this I'm boiling water for pasta. I had extra Ricotta cheese in my fridge left over from the Christmas cookies I made so I am making Baked Ziti as a fall back on meal just in case the crock pot meal is a disaster.

Thur 1/3 Blog Prompt

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New Year, New You #3

Is there something that you used to do and enjoy that you would like to start doing again? Tell us about it.

I would love to be able to have some time to read a book. I used to read books when I was traveling to work via train from NJ to NY but now that I'm home I haven't read a book in a long time. When I was reading I would read books by author. I would also collect many books from the same authors. My favorites were Danielle Steele, LaVyrle Spencer, Nora Roberts, VC Andrews and John Grisham.

Another thing I used to do was quilting. I'd like to make quilts for my children but again the time factor. There just isn't enough time in a day to complete everything I'd like to do.

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day 2

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo 2
I am thankful for a lawn that needs mowing, windows that need cleaning and gutters that need fixing because it means I have a home.... I am thankful for the piles of laundry and ironing because it means my loved ones are nearby. ~Nancie J. Carmody

We have 3 floors in our house. The laundry room is located on the first floor. Our bedrooms are on the 2nd. The 3rd floor is our basement. There aren't many jobs that my husband has around the house. His one job is to carry the laundry down and back up when it is washed and folded. How high will the pile get before he realizes it needs to be taken down to be washed? That's the question of the day. I try to keep up with the kids cloths since their laundry basket is located on the same floor as the laundry room. So every day their clothes get washed.

Project 365 in 2008 - Photo of the Day

Credits
Tue 1/1 Blog Prompt: What is some new activity/hobby that you want to try this year?

A Photo a Day. Now that I got my new camera I am going to try to take photos every day and learn more about the different features it has. There is a Project 365 going on around the internet where you take a photo a day. I will try to do this but we'll see how it goes since it took me about 1/2 hour just to download my photos from today because my computer was acting up. I think one of my USB ports is not working.

Okay, now back to my photo. This is a photo of my youngest, Naomi. She looks so sad in this photo. That is because yes, she was sad. I asked her to pick up her blue dress from the floor. She said, "Will I get a lolly pop for doing that?" I told her, "No because we are going to bed very shortly." Then she sat on the floor and started to whine and cry. I told her to stop crying or I was going to grab the camera. She did not stop so I got many shots of her crying. This one I liked the best as it shows the sadness in her eyes and yes she does still have a cold so her nose is running. Finally, she stopped her crying and told me that she was sorry. Not getting what you want can be very disappointing for a three year old.

Did I also mention that I joined the gym? I plan to take some classes. I don't really need to lose weight. I'm just going to get some relief from stress or should I say to get some time away from the kids and do something for me. I want to try some yoga, kick boxing maybe even try belly dancing. I've been checking the website for the class schedules but it hasn't been posted yet. They mentioned that there will be 30 classes so I'm sure I will find something on my days off from work to attend.