.

2010-06-16T23:09:00.000-04:00

How does YOUR garden grow? :)

2010-02-26T10:55:00.000-05:00

Euro-Ball. Or as I like to call it, Reality Monkeyball.

2009-06-03T08:18:00.000-04:00

Beckett enjoying the botanical views.

2009-05-09T13:23:00.000-04:00

The boys each at 5 years of age.

2009-04-29T10:03:00.000-04:00

It takes a long time to dig to China, but you have to start somewhere...

2009-03-23T07:45:00.000-04:00

Snowflakes in the blue spring sky

2009-02-16T11:28:00.000-05:00

Putting a whole new meaning to the request to put the dishes in the sink. This looks like a Tommy signature.

2008-12-20T08:12:00.001-05:00

Christopher's school invention: The Clicker Caller
If we can page cordless phones when they are MIA, why can't we page the remote controls that are always MIA? Patent pending...!

2008-11-04T18:06:00.000-05:00

Even the boy scouts voted. Did you?

2008-10-20T18:12:00.001-04:00

2008-10-02T13:31:00.000-04:00

I noticed this passing by the refrigerator the other day. I don't know who or why.

2008-09-15T10:21:00.002-04:00

Future pro soccer player, learning some strategic foot work.

Little ants sitting on the sidelines. They're sponsor is a pest control company with a little ant in their logo.

Player number 0 in red is Joey.

2008-09-05T11:01:00.001-04:00

Another great use of a box. Or several.

2008-08-28T08:57:00.000-04:00

"Thanks for watching TV with me, Timber."

2008-08-16T19:23:00.001-04:00

Raising the bar.

2008-08-11T17:12:00.002-04:00

"It's a good thing that kid left his sneaker there, or else I wouldn't have been able to jump up here and make off with this pizza!"

"Yummy! Pizza! All for little ol' me!"

2008-08-10T15:03:00.000-04:00

2008-07-26T21:30:00.005-04:00

This is my class of first-graders to whom I taught religious education during the last two weeks. The 'big' kid was a high school aid and the kids just loved having him in the class!

It was happenstance that Sean wound up in the class I was teaching, which was Joey's 1st grade class. Sean's mom was teaching Christopher's 3rd grade class, where she also has a daughter his age.

Sean (on the left) and Joey were conceived around the same time back in October, 2001 and ironically, they were born on the same day in July of 2002 in different hospitals, only a couple of hours apart.

Want more irony? In the first picture, note the girl to the right of Sean in the front row. Sean's mom and I were at Olivia's mom's house back in October, and Olivia was born a few weeks later.

Who would have ever thought they'd all wind up in the same religious education class six years later? Not me!

2008-07-18T18:45:00.003-04:00

Having a pool is nice, but nothing compares to the sand and shores of the beach. You could almost lose your head!

2008-07-17T13:18:00.000-04:00

There's an elephant in the ~~room~~ yard.

2008-07-01T17:53:00.003-04:00

Nothing to do but play and swim. And make memories.

2008-06-28T19:24:00.006-04:00

This is what happens when lightning strikes a big ol' tree in your yard.

No, it's not our yard, but that of a friend, to whom I send this heartfelt message: I hope lightning doesn't strike twice!

2008-06-23T12:59:00.004-04:00

This photo shows Joey getting on the bus for his first day of Kindergarten. This photo shows him getting off on his last day. Next year he'll be getting the bus with his brothers...

...who are seen below getting on the bus on their first day, and getting off, along with neighbor, Billy, on their last day of school, which was today.

2008-06-12T20:21:00.002-04:00

Today I attended Joey's End of the Year Celebration at his school. He will be mingling with the big kids in the fall when he enters first grade. Hooray!

The PM Classes of the West Wing at Moose Hill School during the Pledge of Allegiance

Joey with his teachers

Joey with his best friend, Keith

2008-05-09T11:02:00.000-04:00

"Peep, peep. Can I come in? Please?"

2008-05-02T18:19:00.005-04:00

The first day of May found us enjoying a perfect day at the beach.

Cool rock design, no? And you should see all the rocks I got that will grace my stone walls!

2008-04-12T18:48:00.000-04:00

"I can snowboard and skateboard and in case you didn't know, climb high trees."

2008-04-05T18:41:00.006-04:00

An expectant crowd wait for the magician to start his show at Joey's Kindergarten spring event.

The kids loved all his plate tricks.

The contrasting colors were really fascinating.

His tricks with the red squishy balls were a real hit with the kids and his audience helper was superb!

The magician put three different flags in the cylinder, which he had the audience helper hold at both ends so they couldn't 'escape'.

He pulled two knots from other flags and had two audience members hold them. Here, he is preparing to give the knot to Jeffrey (of all kids -- mine is one who gets chosen to participate!) to hold until further instruction.

Back on stage, the magician instructed both knot holders to toss their knots to the boy holding the cylinder, who was to open one end and 'catch' the knots and trap them in the cylinder with the three separate flags already in there. Jeffrey is tossing his knot to them on the stage. When he eventually removes the flags from the cylinder, they are all knotted together. Remember, they were put initially put in separately.

Tommy (foreground) and Chris try to figure out how the tricks are done.

The magician balances several blocks on his chin.

Note: The name of the performer is purposely omitted since I don't have permission from him to post on this site. Although I suppose it would be a free plug for him for whenever his name is googled on the web!

2008-03-22T14:14:00.002-04:00

There may not be much color outside (can you see the snow that hasn't yet melted through the kitchen window ??), but there's plenty inside in various shades on 36 colorful eggs!

2008-03-12T09:38:00.000-04:00

"Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys...."

2008-03-03T20:44:00.002-05:00

Getting flowers from a good friend on your 40th birthday with too much snow outside? Priceless.

Having your boys sing 'Happy Birthday' to you and adding their own silly sentiments to the song? More priceless.

2008-02-21T08:12:00.000-05:00

"I'm going to sleep on the couch tonight. This is way more comfortable than any old bed."

2008-01-15T10:22:00.000-05:00

"Hey mom and dad, you didn't have to get us floor seats for Christmas. Laundry baskets work even better!"

2008-01-01T11:15:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! (It's only 8:00 PM, but the effect is still the same.)

Caps are filled with confetti, ready to go.

The confetti looks so much better airborne!

Counting confetti pieces. Not.

The poppers all got popped.

Bird's eye view of the fireworks display.

2007-12-23T20:56:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-22T16:15:00.000-05:00

The boys enjoyed some time sledding at Mack's this afternoon, even if some photos indicate otherwise. A great hill and a lot of snow equals a perfect sledding experience.

2007-12-21T19:54:00.000-05:00

Joey and some of his classmates decorate Christmas cookies during his party at Moose Hill School today.

Joey poses with his best buddy, Keith, during their Christmas party at Kindergarten.

Joey sits with his classmates watching Santa (not pictured).

Santa and some of the kids on his Nice List.

2007-12-16T16:14:00.000-05:00

I had Christopher's camera and it was on the wrong setting, hence the blurry photos. Luckily, they will get a visit from Santa next week so I can take advantage of retakes!

Yes, that's a microphone in Santa's hand. Joey and Jeffrey will be on our local programming channel when Santa airs now and 'til Christmas and again next season before he visits again. There wasn't a crowd, so they got a lengthy visit with him. If I knew how to get it onto the computer for you to enjoy, I would. But I don't. So you don't get to see Jeffrey fall into Santa's red sack that is beside him on the floor. The blurry pictures will have to suffice!

2007-12-03T15:23:00.000-05:00

Grammy and Lou arrived for a quick visit this weekend, right on the heels of our first snowstorm of the season.

2007-10-31T14:37:00.000-04:00

Who doesn't like tea? I was going to go as my twin sister Karen, but I didn't have enough kids! So I'm a teabag instead.

Masks weren't allowed, but Joey was still proud to show off his costume in the Moose Hill PM Kindergarten parade. He's between the princess and Raggedy Ann.

Christopher is behind this Spiderman mask. The students paraded around their school.

Except for the kids who were 'too cool' to parade, including Tommy, protesting having his photo taken.

The kids who opted not to show off their costumes sat on the curb and high-fived those who did.

Meow. Screech. Whatever.

2007-10-22T18:14:00.000-04:00

Joe-o-lanterns!

2007-10-11T10:12:00.000-04:00

First we picked apples...

...and then we picked pumpkins.

2007-09-04T19:41:00.000-04:00

We're cool. We know. You don't have to tell us.

2007-08-30T22:25:00.000-04:00

Zoom, zoom, zoom.

2007-08-17T15:36:00.000-04:00

As is obvious in this photo, Jeffrey just LOVED the log ride!

Riding the Commuter Rail into North Station in Boston.

En route to the Museum of Science, Christopher found his mountain on which to stand.

Not to be outdone, Jeffrey had to try it out too.

Jeffrey wasn't too impressed with this dinosaur print.

Riding the "T" to Faneuil Hall. (It was much more fun to stand.)

The boys threw coins in the mime's bag and he made them swords, sword belts, and dogs to show his thanks.

Christopher, me, Jeffrey, and Joey at the Marriott Long Wharf.

Tommy was invited to participate with the Breeze Team at Faneuil Hall.

Thursday

2007-08-17T15:19:00.000-04:00

Having 'fun' at Water Country

Joey standing in front of Moose Hill's activity, the Ring Toss, which I ran at Londonderry's Olde Home Days Kidz Nite.

There were two of these giant turtles on display at Kidz Nite.

Jeffrey would have surely asked why this bus was upside over. It stopped at Kidz Nite.

2007-08-06T22:54:00.000-04:00

Got zucchini?

2007-07-15T19:06:00.000-04:00

Every year, Monarch butterflies visit our garden. This one was particularly fond of the pink cone flower.

2007-07-02T15:52:00.000-04:00

Today is the last day I took this traditional picture, taken on the monthly and then yearly anniversary of his birthday. The chalkboard will go into his keepsake box. Happy Birthday, Joe Cool.

2007-06-24T20:37:00.000-04:00

There is no bouquet of flowers more beautiful than those that are picked by your son when he went for a walk with his dad on the trail.

2007-06-19T09:43:00.000-04:00

On one of Christopher's regular excursions to the nearby swamp to catch frogs, he came across this turtle. Not to worry, as it wasn't permanently displaced and was returned to its home after its visit at our house.

2007-05-30T10:11:00.000-04:00

Joey's Preschool End of the Year Celebration took place last Friday. He is officially registered with the Londonderry Public School system and will enter Moose Hill Kindergarten in the fall.

Here he is in the procession, giving us a grin.

Front and center, surrounded by his classmates.

Each child got to announce his or her name. Joey's friend Alex (to his right) announced his full name and not to be outdone, Joey gave his also, as "Joseph Stanley Brian".

Receiving his certificate

2007-05-16T13:36:00.000-04:00

Here is Tommy
Sitting in a tree
R-E-S-T-I-N-G
First climb up
Then sit down
Then enjoy watching the world go 'round

2007-05-07T10:18:00.000-04:00

Nothing less than clever improvision, wouldn't you say? And a prayer Joey doesn't crash because there are no brakes.

2007-04-27T09:25:00.000-04:00

Jeffrey's first visit to the dentist. His apprehension and fear is clear, although he did a great job and was rewarded with neat prizes in the end. Are those sunglasses cool or what?

2007-04-18T21:53:00.000-04:00

The day before his 7th birthday, Christopher lost his front tooth.

Amused with us singing. Although one can only guess what Joey is thinking...

2007-04-15T18:10:00.000-04:00

Spring snow in New Hampshire. These are photos from the pre-Easter storm, taken on 04/06/07.

2007-03-10T20:23:00.000-05:00

Enjoying a day at the beach.
Hampton Beach, New Hampshire

2007-03-03T19:17:00.000-05:00

His father's son...

2007-01-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

Winter has finally found us, and in its worst form.
Birch trees are very flexible, weighed down with icicles. Chris has a taste.
Joey smiling behind the ice web.
Joey and Jeffrey in a winter wonderland.

2006-12-26T18:18:00.000-05:00

This is my new Christmas puppy, Noelle. Isn't she just so cute?

2006-12-21T08:08:00.000-05:00

Balloon Kisses

2006-12-18T11:55:00.000-05:00

There they are. Four little boys whose names may or may not be on Santa's list. And one photo could be priceless, as we may never see the eldest boy sitting on Santa's lap again. His nervousness and embarrassment can be seen in the photo. Notice him pulling at his fingers. Classic sign. And as for the youngest one, the 2-year-old attitude comes through. They all couldn't be more different!

2006-12-06T08:22:00.000-05:00

This is how I found Joey when I came home from work last night. Occasionally, after being tucked into bed, he will get up and sneak back downstairs to sleep on the sofa, only unbeknownst to him, he will eventually be brought back up to bed to be tucked in again.

Christopher likes to bunk with Jeffrey on weekends.

2006-11-29T10:25:00.000-05:00

It is, by far, the (Joe) Coolest room in our house.

2006-11-09T18:13:00.000-05:00

Rye Beach , New Hampshire, in November.

Two little boys running free, chasing sea gulls.

A true gift.

2006-10-11T20:12:00.000-04:00

Happy boys in a happy homemade (with love!) loft bed.

2006-09-18T07:55:00.000-04:00

Brian Keith Stanley -- 7/16/60 ~ 9/17/06

2006-08-31T15:01:00.000-04:00

The boy on the left is excited and eager to start his first day of school in 1st grade, while the boy on the right wishes this was his last day of 3rd grade.

The boy on the left will surely have a great year. The boy on the right is doomed if he doesn't change his perspective on education and how much fun it is and how much his mom enjoys seeing him and his brother off!

2006-08-31T10:51:00.000-04:00

We're in the swim.

2006-08-18T20:39:00.000-04:00

Caruso Bros. Landscaping, you rock. Now all we need is the pool!

2006-08-16T21:45:00.000-04:00

The boys digging in the dirt.

2006-08-14T22:53:00.000-04:00

Purple Coneflower, meet Monarch Butterfly.

2006-08-07T20:39:00.000-04:00

"I feedin' Morgynne!"

2006-07-31T14:15:00.000-04:00

Multi-tasking (cleaning, dealing with 2-year-old, and rocking the baby all at once!)

Really, there is a baby in the Native American Carrier.

2006-07-24T15:04:00.000-04:00

"We believe there is no better way to experience science and nature than to do it hands-on. Watch us make fire from this kiddie magnifying glass and dried leaves and pine needles!"

2006-07-14T20:44:00.000-04:00

"Hmmm, if I didn't know better, I would say those are the two coolest surfer dudes on this beach."

2006-07-14T20:37:00.000-04:00

"Look, mom! I caught some sand fleas!"

2006-07-14T20:35:00.000-04:00

"I sfimmin'!"

2006-07-14T20:31:00.000-04:00

"Hey, daddy, did you catch a crab on that string?"

2006-07-14T20:26:00.000-04:00

"Joey, we are definitely the coolest surfer dudes on this beach!"

2006-07-14T20:23:00.000-04:00

"My castle keeps falling down..."

2006-07-14T20:19:00.000-04:00

The thorn between two roses. No, that's not right. In this case, it's the rose between two thorns. Okay, not thorns. How about the rose between two leaves?

2006-07-14T20:11:00.000-04:00

Cowboys in photo: NH, VA, NH, NH, NH, VA, VA.

Now boys and girls, is this a pattern?

2006-06-22T22:14:00.000-04:00

....I wonder what I can do tomorrow to make my mommy crazy and make me as tired as I am now that if the crib bars weren't here, I wouldn't care if I fell out?...

2006-06-20T20:30:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday, mom! May you forever be 19!! (Okay, 49. I won't tell.)

2006-06-19T16:08:00.000-04:00

"I'm still 3 and I can ride a 2-wheeler! Haha, Tommy!"

2006-06-14T20:39:00.000-04:00

One very proud 2006 Kindergarten graduate.

Eventually to be Valedictorian of the 2018 Class of Millennium Babies...

2006-05-31T21:09:00.000-04:00

"What? We are just, as you say, 'being boys'! It can't take THAT many years off our mom's life, can it?"

2006-05-29T20:39:00.000-04:00

"Hmm. I always wondered what a bubble tasted like."

2006-05-14T18:03:00.000-04:00

Amidst the endless rainfall here, this little sunshine has made her debute.

Meet Princess Morgan, born May 13, 2006.

2006-04-15T10:04:00.000-04:00

"I just need to see what's up here, OKAY?!"

2006-04-15T10:00:00.000-04:00

"I'll just have this for breakfast today, mommy"

2006-03-10T09:10:00.000-05:00

Duck, duck, duck, GOOSE!

2006-03-10T09:08:00.000-05:00

"I just can't understand why these shoes are so HARD to get on!"

2006-03-10T09:06:00.000-05:00

"Really, mommy, this margarine stick is even better than candy!"

2006-02-23T22:42:00.000-05:00

Karen and me as babies. (I'm the cute one on the right). And today (I'm on the right this time.).

2006-02-23T22:38:00.000-05:00

I dare you to try to sleep like me. I double dog dare you. Woof.

2006-02-21T18:52:00.000-05:00

Sitting pretty

2006-02-15T21:39:00.000-05:00

"I don't care what size they are, I'll only wear Bean Boots."

"Now, let me figure out how to tie these darn things."