Arms around each other

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.  ~Barbara Bush

The happiest sex offender

When you think of sex offenders you tend to think of?  The dirtiest of sum in nasty dark places where society has left them and rightly so.  People you don't like, don't want to be around, and probably judge pretty heavily.  When you think of sex offenders do you think of someone like him?



No, I don't either.  A well groomed, good looking very happy man.  This was the front page of our local newspaper.  This is what you saw in all the newspaper dispensers all over the area.  This is misleading.  I was so taken back by the happiest sex offender I opened it up wondering what?

I opened it up to find...



Our superior local paper lives up to it well deserved reputation.  Dumb Asses.

Ugh sometimes I HATE living in such small towns.

This is an article about this pictured police officer checking up on sex offenders and making sure they are doing what they should be.  He is not the sex offender.  But you would never know if you looked at the folded front page.  Can you imagine his mothers shook as she walked by a newsstand?!  Can you imagine the razzing he got from his fellow officers.  Can you believe the editor who did not look this layout over.  Wow.

Faith's eating me

That is what Smiley calls it when his sister gives him kisses. If you click the picture it will play you a few second video.

Gregory's first game

Last week was Gregory's first soccer game of the season.  It was much anticipated and we all went out to watch.



He is a good soccer player and it does not hurt he is fast.  This year he moved up teams.  He is still playing for his school but on the 2-3 team.  This means it is beginning to look like real soccer.  There are more players on the field and they have a goalie.



And he got to be the goalie.



He really enjoyed.  Gregory even stopped the ball a few times.  He did great kicking it but some pratice is still needed.



Faith and Dad watched questionably.



My Brother run and grab it!  Only you can use your hands.



Oh well he will learn and he is still my awesome brother.  I am so proud of him.




I wish I could have been on the other side for this photo.  To see his face.  To see; maybe hear what he was thinking when the little girl was coming at him like that.



I love watching there soccer.  Kids soccer games are the best.  But the best part is he had fun.

How did skating lessons go?

Good.  They really are not that bad.  And the teacher he was really helpful.  Lots of advice, pointers and safety bits.



This little guy my sweet Evan really shined.

Generally he is the shy one but he was all to happy to get up and try a ramp or two.


I was so proud of him.  He was all to willing.



He went down multiple runs.  I don't think he fell but he did trip off the board a few times.  But it did not stop him.  He would get back up top and go down again.





Awesome job Evan!



Gregory, who I thought would just stand out well...was just to busy.



Too busy yapping.  He was talking the teachers head off about anything and everything.  But he did get on his board.



He did try one ramp and fell off on another.  But different than usual and different than his brother he was not to thrilled about getting back up on it.  He still did good.  They both did.  They both had a good time.  My little skaters.

Fire Island Ziti

I got this recipe online so you might have seen something close to it before up since we like things spicy I kicked it up a bit.  It came out perfect, not to hot but a slight kick, we really enjoyed it.

Gather up all your ingredients.




2 pounds plum tomatoes, halved lengthwise
3 tablespoons extra virgin Olive Oil, divided
2 garlic cloves, minced or more, to your taste
1 teaspoon salt
8 ounces ziti or small tube pasta
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 pound Italian sausage links, cut into 1/2-inch slices
8 oz. diced ham
healthy sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1/3 cup grated Romano cheese

Go out to the garden and gather up the tomatoes.



Let your 8 year old wash and dice them.



Because you know that as you are trying to do this your 5 month old will inevitably...



need something.

Toss the tomatoes with 2 tablespoons oil, garlic and salt.  Once coated in the mixture place all on a baking sheet at 450 for 20 minutes.



This ruined my baking pan while cooking.  The watery oily parts bubbled back on the pan and the high temps seared it to the cookie sheet.  But it was such a nice flavor to the ziti I would not cut it out.




Cook ziti according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 4 minutes.  Drain.




Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook ham and sausage in remaining oil until no longer pink. Add pepper flakes and cayenne, cook 1 minute longer.



Combine all and mix well.  Heat through till you reach a nice warm eating temperature.



Sprinkle with cheese a little or a lot and enjoy!



And you might want to make more because leftover are great.  If they last in your house.

Sitting together

These two have such a close bond.  He only shows his jealousy when someone else is holding his baby.  And he reminds them "I want that!"

Am I the coolest mom or what?

Not according to my kids!  They look at me as a mom, there mom and only that.  They don't see me as the young, hip, still in her mid 20's ( and for at least the next 10 years this 30 something mom still will be) mom.  But I try and I do play with them.





We went out to our local park lately because they have a few paved off the road paths that the boys can play on with out the fear of cars.  To our great surprise the borough had but a few skate board stuff at the park now to.  TOTALLY AWESOME!!  (No my boys do not actually say that it is me channeling Bart Simpson)

What is ironic is, and LOVE my children's Montessori thinking, Gregory had watched a PBS show Fetch and after being inspired by it (it too was a skateboarding one) he wanted to build a skate park here.  So he started thinking up a design and how to raise funds for the land and the cost.

And then we go to the park and there are jumps, rails, and ramps.  My kids were SO VERY happy!

You might say jumping for joy.





Gregory my main skater thought this was cool.



He was so anxious to try the ramp.  He tried it over and over.  He ventured it with his brother's scooter too.





But he always reverted to the board.





Smiley thought it would be great to pull his red wagon over.

Determination set in.



Then he lined it up.



He ran to the ramp.



Went for the gold....



But realized a wagon does not quite do the same as a skateboard.



He so much wants to be like his big brothers.

Faith she was content just being cute.



Evan well he tried it on his scooter and could care less.



He is happy just riding his scooter around.  And happy on the monkey bars.



As far as me, cool , mom.  Well I took Gregory's board and tried it too.  I wanted to show him some tricks. Whatever.  I showed him (now you) how I can make a foo of myself.





I could do nothing.  I am not a skateboarder.  Nor do I have good insurance.  So I have got  a surprise.  A treat for my little BIG boys.  Since you like skateboarding, and we have ramps a stone throw from the house, and I apparently can't teach you...I have got you lessons.  Yes!!!



The big boys are starting skateboarding lessons this Sunday.  To learn safety and basic techniques. I have not told them and I can't wait!  They are going to love it.  And I will stick to what I do best taking pictures of it.