Post Christmas Letter to Santa

True Love

Clash Writing a Letter to Santa

He didn't include what he wants for Christmas this year, but if you ask him he will tell you a tiger and fake meat.

Click the pics to watch the video or copy and paste this link

http://gallery.me.com/amyalberts/100132

Clash's First School Recital

{'Tis the Season of Magic}

When Clash was born four (and a half he would like you to know) years ago a family relative got in touch with me whom I hadn't seen since I was roughly four years old. Honestly, I did not remember much about him. He was in family photos so I could never tell if I remembered him holding me at my grandparents' pool or if it was the pictures. He was a wonderful friend to my parents and was married to my Aunt and they were my godparents.

I was so happy to hear from him and sad I had not tried to get in touch with him sooner, but I had moved around the country most of my life and never lived near him except for a brief stint in high school where we may or may not have unknowingly run into each other at a restaurant.


He was so loving and had fun stories to tell me about hanging out with my parents when they were basically kids. Not only that, I was surprised to find out, he was one of my mother in law's best friends in high school and they both remembered the silly song they made up and used to sing. Small world. He was just easy to talk to. You know the friend you meet at a park and you feel like you have known them your entire life? Quality over quantity; and this guy had it. I knew instantly why my parents chose him to be my godfather.


I was so fortunate that I finally had a chance to "meet" him again last summer when I took a trip with the family to New Hampshire. It was one of our typical trips to NH where we land and run from door to door trying to squeeze in visits with both our families. If there is a second left over we try to see some friends. Jimmy came over one morning to my parents' house for some coffee and met and held my kids. We sat on the porch, chatted and looked at some old photos my brother dug up in my grandparents' barn. Even though the visit was brief it was perfect. My family expanded.


Now every year around this time My godfather Jimmy sends my family in LA a fresh Christmas wreath from Maine and it's our first sign to kick off this magical season and it's fitting it comes from someone who reminded me what this season is all about; reconnecting with the ones who fill your heart and remembering quality over quantity. A chat over coffee with a loved one is better than anything you can wrap. No?

Just Add Cape and Bomber Hat

A Gentleman's Agreement

My mom and brother Josh were cleaning out the attic and found this document Josh and I made when we were kids...

Happy Thanksgiving!

The story of Thanksgiving as told by Clash, age 4

The pilgrims rode a boat to America and the indians helped them get food because there were no cars or restaurants.

The end!

DIY Snowglobes

Craft day with Clash!

1 spaghetti sauce jar

2 toys

white glitter

epoxy glue

water with a few drops of glycerin and voila... magic in a jar.

Once Clash is done playing with his squirrel and parrot I will post a pic of his globe.

My Little Super Hero

So Clash's preschool has finally convinced me to send Mighty for a trial run. The school is AMAZING, it's a small community, the families get together every month for picnics at the park or beach and it is run by the most amazingly loving woman on the planet. All signs point to putting her in the school, it's one day a week for 3 hours, Mighty's physical therapists and occupational therapists are recommending this to help further her progress and stimulation.

The only hold up is me, I am not ready! She still hasn't mastered walking and talking and she is a peanut. Clash on the other hand is more than ready. I told him I was nervous about sending her and he said, "Mom, don't worry. Remember, I am going to do the best I can. I am going to protect her." And then I look at this picture and he tells me about his dreams where all his friends turn into super heroes including Mighty, whose super powers are growing into a big girl, biting and pulling bad guys hair and stomping on their nuts (yes he said that, and yes I am going to pretend he picked it up from school). So I am sure that together they can do this and so I will pretend that I can too...

Pink Owl

On Monday I was the parent teacher in Clash's pre-k classroom. The kids were learning about how nocturnal animals hunt at night and how their coloring reflects that. She asked,

"What color do you think owls are?"

A kid answered, "pink."

teacher - "What kind of animal could a pink owl sneak up on?"

kid- "A pig."

I wish I could spend every day sitting in that room listening to these little people figure life out.

Also, major kudos to the teacher for not cracking up all day long. I on the other hand spit my coffee out.

DJ Mix Master Mighty on the Mic

Do you like babies? Do you like beatboxing? Do you like babies who beatbox?

If yes, click below!

Underwood Farm 2011

We have been going to this farm since Clash was one. I just looked at some of the old pics and he is wearing the same hat- http://clashbuswell.blogspot.com/2008/10/pumpkin-patch.html

Some People Feel the Water. Others Just Get Wet.

Quinceañera

Clash was the nino de honore in Karen's (Bertha's daughter) quinceanara on Saturday. There are way too many pics to post on the blog, so if you (mom) want more click here.

When Clash saw Karen in her dress he said, "You look like a mountain."

Just the thing every 15-year old girl wants to hear.

Chances Are

if there are any beautiful photos on this blog gabby has taken them.

if there is vodka coming out of my nose gabby has just said something.

if there are empty diet coke cans sprinkled around my house gabby is in town.

if my my house is filled with people trying to explain the meaning of irony gabs is here.

the only thing wrong with gabby is that she HATES to have her photo taken so this picture of her holding my new niece is a rare gem!

love you lady!

So Cute I want to Puke. Congrats again Aaron and Erinn!

p.s. Thanks Gabs for the pics!!

Happy 5th Birthday Abbi!

Project Day

Painted some chairs for the kiddos that our neighbor was tossing.

Before

After {with Clash's narration}

Dearest Sadie James,

Welcome to this world and into our hearts!

You are getting two of the most loving parents on this planet, who will have your back covered from this day on.

You are getting two of the most adorable big brothers, who will never let anyone pull your hair (except maybe them once or twice).

They will teach you how to ride the 4-wheelers at Gamma and Bop Bop's house and where Gamma Cindy hides the popsicles and treats from Bop Bop.

When you come out west you have an aunty and uncle who already love you with all of their hearts and two cousins who cannot wait to show you their toys.

Clash will teach you everything there is to know about dinosaurs and meteorites and Mighty will teach you the joys of eating ice cream with your hands.

Sending all of our love from the West Coast! We cannot wait to meet you!

xxoxx

Mighty's Birthday

Happy Birthday Sunshine!

Project Teacher Thank You!

Clash made hand trees with paint and glued leaves out of fabric on them for all of his amazing teachers. He told me what to write on each of them. These are the only two I remember, "I like you because you made dinosaur mountains." The other was, "Do you want to come over and see Mighty"? From the mouths of babes.

Mother's Beach with the Mighty Ribortones

I don't know how my friend takes the most amazing pics, all without a preview window too. Love you and miss you Gabs!