"It's okay"

This morning at breakfast we told Owen that Paw Paw died yesterday and that he is heaven with Jesus. Owen took the news really well and didn't say much. Later today I told him we were going to grandma's house tomorrow (this is where Paw Paw lived too). First he got excited and then turned to Mason and said very seriously but joyfully, "tomorrow we are going to grandma's house, but Paw Paw won't be there. But it's okay because he is with Jesus in Heaven, and we'll see him when we get there."
Lord, may my family be encouraged by such simple and sweet words.

Missing Paw Paw

My grandfather passed away yesterday at the age of 93.

We will miss him very much! He blessed our lives with his sense of humor, huge smile, enormous appetite and gentle spirit. He loved my boys so much and I am thankful for the time they had together. I probably saw my grandparents way more than the normal grand kid. I am grateful for all the memories this allowed me. His memorial service will be held on Saturday.

2007 with Mason

2005

2004 with Owen

1980

Some of my fondest memories with Paw Paw were in his garden. Together we picked beans, tomatoes and my favorite was digging for potatoes. When I was much younger their home was a grand kid's dream come true. They had a huge yard, pool, multiple gardens, a lake within walking distance and a porch for sleepovers and fresh blueberry pancakes!

We love you!

Puzzled?!?!

Why can't we get some snow? We had our t-shirts on and everything. All we got was freezing rain. so SAD!
The boys playing together, nicely! Just had to capture it, to remind myself it does happen. Mason discovered puzzles this afternoon while trying to help Owen with one, so I found a more age appropriate one for him. He loved it. Probably because it has dogs on it :)

Is it SPRING yet? I've got cabin fever and two energetic boys!

Kisses

No matter what Mason is doing in the morning as soon as he sees EJ gathering his coat and briefcase, he puckers up and starts making kissing sounds. And they continue until EJ kisses him goodbye. What a send off!

Chauffeur

Mason is now big enough to "drive" a car grocery cart. Ugh, how does this happen? Where does the time go? His first time was a few weeks back when EJ had both boys. Before then it never occurred to him that he could ride just like Owen. I thought it would be a fight from then on but it wasn't until today that he jumped in one. He really enjoyed himself and made car noises almost the whole time. The only problem was he didn't like stopping. Obviously I have to make some stops. Hopefully he'll catch on. I guess I don't have my little buddy staring at me anymore. SAD!

Craigs List score!

I have wanted a buffet or server for our dining room for a long time. I occasionally checked Craigs List but wasn't' very hopeful. It seemed like the same style buffet was always on there. But right before Christmas this one caught my eye. The price was great and it was in good condition.

Before
After

I love how it turned out. Some friends let us borrow a paint sprayer. We struggled quite a bit with the sprayer. (There is a reason it says in the manual not to use in temperatures below 50 degrees, we learned the hard way.) Sadly we don't have pics with us and our masks.

We brought it up from the garage this weekend and EJ and Owen put on the new hardware. It's a little bigger than I expected. You can't really visualize furniture until its actually in the room. Well, at least I have plenty of storage.

Getting started

Okay, I am officially ready to start the New Year. Never mind that its already Jan. 23rd. I just finally got my new day planner. I have been lost without it. I have been using the same planner for at least 5 years now and I am a bit addicted. Despite it's dorky cover, it really is useful! I usually receive one for Christmas. It seems if you wait until after Jan 1, everyone sells out of all planners. I checked the usual stores and my husband even tried to convince me to switch to the calendar in my phone. what?!?! that is way too technical for me. I like the paper and pencil please! Out of desperation I ordered it online (today it is on sale, darn!). Well, now its here and I can't wait to make that first entry! I am trying not to think about my disorganized start to the New Year, at least it is still January:)

Hitting 40's

I forget how good 40 degrees feels when its been in the 20s or below for so long. Yesterday and today we've been outside. The boys are so excited it doesn't seem to matter what we do, just as long as they are out there. Today they were "playing" t-ball together. Or at least sharing the same bat without agruing, which in my book is playing together ;)

Just sun bathing!

He begged me to post this! He has been wearing his Buzz Light Year wings nonstop since yesterday when he watched the movie. Lucky for him it was Show and Tell today at school so he didn't have to leave them at home :) Phew!

Bumps be Gone

So, it appears Mason is allergic to Amoxicillin. He had been taking it for an ear infection. On day 9, a strange rash showed up. I didn't put two and two together until the next day, which was the last day of the medicine anyway. It didn't seem to bother him or itch which was one of the reasons for my delayed reaction. He looks much better today! I talked to the nurse at the Dr. office she sweetly said, "I'll just put an allergy sticker in his chart." That's it! If only it could always be that easy :)

Color me crazy

Owen has been a coloring fool the past few days. Don't get me wrong, I love this activity. It's quiet, clean and I am well qualified. (see Dad, the art degree is paying off) He has finished off at least 3 coloring books and we only have one left. The fridge is covered and one wall in his room is filling up too. My mission this weekend is to make a "clothesline" of sorts in his room so we aren't constantly using tape.

Not in the mood for a photo. But you get the picture (see fridge).

He even colored his pillowcase. Don't worry he was suppose to. It turned out pretty well. Aunt Lissa and Uncle Alex gave it to him for Christmas.

Curtain idea

Michelle asked me to take a picture of the curtains in Mason's room b/c she hopes to do something similar in her nursery. This is a fun and simple way to make curtains a little more custom without the $$. 1. Buy plain colored curtains
2. Buy fun ribbon
3. Determine placement of ribbon. (along the bottom would be cute too)
4. Pin ribbon to curtains (measure from top or bottom of curtain, whichever is closer)
5. Sew across ribbon with coordinating thread. (I'd recommend sewing along top and bottom of ribbon so it lays flat. I ran out of time and energy and only did it once. It looks fine b/c its at the top and harder to see.
(Michelle, I don't know how you'll do this without a sewing machine, although that iron-on tape might work. just not sure how it can be washed) Good luck!

Not worth it

The candy bar wasn't even good. I don't recommend the new Reese's Whipps. EJ and I split one and both agreed it wasn't worth the free factor! I can't believe I am saying that :)

Totally free

If you buy 2 candy bars for $1.00 and you have a coupon for $1.00 off two candy bars. Does that make them calorie and fat free too?

History in the making

I remember as a kid having two specific thoughts when wondering how the future will look different from the past. First, will I "fly" a car rather than drive one? Second, I sure hope they have a new baby birthing method when its my time to be a mommy (yes, I really was hoping). Neither have obviously occurred. But did I ever stop and think, when will be the first African American President? I'd like to think I did, but I can't recall specifically. My children won't have to ask themselves that question because yesterday it happened. A day that will change the history books forever. I will remember where I was and what I was doing. As we watched President Obama be sworn in, I couldn't help but tear up at the sight of all the people in D.C. witnessing this amazing day. I tried to explain my reaction to Owen, but he can't fully understand. (He was more concerned for the "needs" of the spectators. He overheard EJ mention that no one could bring backpacks, water, strollers etc. This really worried him.)

I do not envy the task that lays ahead for President Obama. I can't imagine living up to the expectations that millions of people already have for him. The whole world is watching.

My prayers are with him and his family.

Nothing like attending 10 balls in several hours to get them started! Will he ever sleep again? How can he possibly? Even if he has time, would his brain stop working long enough? And I thought I had a lot on my mind.

I felt the need to save these newspapers. But, knowing my track record I'd never do anything with them, so I figured if I snapped a pic and posted it, that would be better than nothing.

"Baby"

No, I am not pregnant! Mason has started calling his favorite blanket with a bunny head, "baby." Unless he is saying blankie really poorly.

Crying over spilled juice

You know you have to go to the grocery store when the fridge is so bare you decide to clean the inside of the fridge before going. (Plus I had to scoop a spoonful of milk from Owen's cereal bowl for my coffee)
I took Owen to school and set to the task. Mason played really well while I worked. I had to take occasional breaks to help him with toy stuff. Well, just as I was putting all the food back into the beautifully clean fridge, Mason decided to join me. While I wasn't looking, he grabbed the FULL pitcher of newly made Apple juice and dumped it all over the bottom of the clean fridge (drawers included) and kitchen floor.

What's worse than cleaning a fridge? Cleaning a fridge twice! Not to mention mopping the floor 3x to get the stickiness gone.

Back to Life

I forgot to mention. Owen would not leave my side this morning. We went to Wellspring Bible Study as usual only instead of going to his class he stayed with me. Instead of playing with his friends, he chose to sit and be quiet for 2 hours. Crazy boy! You think someone missed me? I didn't press the issue, he was quite good.

Staying Warm

My parents and Ej had the task of keeping 2 boys warm and happy during an unusually cold 3 day weekend. But by the looks of their photos, they did a great job.

Evidently Owen kept his snow pants on for much of his visit. Not because there was snow on the ground, but b/c there wasn't snow on the ground. Yes, he would like some.

On Monday, EJ took them to the Children's Museum. A very brave endeavor on a day when public schools are closed.

Aren't they so cute together!

My trip

My trip to Austin, Texas was fantastic. I was grateful for the extended time we had together. Possibly are longest reunion ever! Sadly, one baby got sick hours before their flight, so Mary was not able to join us. We missed her tremendously! Words can not describe the friendships we share and the conversations we have when we are together. Little did we know in college what a foundation we were building. In the last 10 years, we have each had our good times and bad times, challenges and blessings. We each bring different life stages and personalities to the mix. We make each other laugh and we finish each others sentences. We challenge each other to think bigger, deeper and differently. We certainly know that its unique and special and we consider ourselves very blessed. If only we could do it more than once a year!

On Sunday we enjoyed, beautiful weather. Those of us from the East coast soaked in as much as we could and would have loved to bring the 70's back with us.

We walked around "Town Lake" which is a huge attraction to runners, walkers, boaters, fishermen and dog lovers. Below is the leash free area. I have never seen so many dogs in one place. This pic barely captures a 1oth of the dogs.

The whole gang. From left to right, me, Christy, Courtney, Michelle, Becca, Kathy and Kate.

We had a baby shower for Michelle who is due March 22nd.

We each decorated a onesie for her baby.
We had several craft projects for the weekend. Including adding fabric and trim to a lampshade. It was a fun and quick project. I think I will try it for my own bedroom lamps.

Courtney and Michelle worked on some art for the nursery walls.

Packing

How many T.V shows does it take to get one mom ready for a trip? Apparently too many to mention. But I did space them out, so that helps, right? And I did have to pack 2 boys for grandma's house.

Ej's on his way home! Hooray!

Texas or Bust

I am busting out of this frigid state and headed for warmth and sunshine. Three months and 100 e-mails later, I am leaving tonight to spend 4 days with 7 precious friends from college. Otherwise known as the Barnhouse girls! My junior year of college at JMU, I had the awesome and crazy privilege of living with 7 other girls off-campus in the "Barnhouse." 10 years later we are still good friends and get together almost every year. Four from the East coast will fly to meet up with 4 Texans in Austin. Michelle is hosting all 8 of us, plus 4 babies. This could possibly be the craziest reunion yet. (Although one year, Kathy had her baby a month early while we were visiting! That might top them all!) Michelle who is 30 weeks pregnant better not get any ideas. On Sat. night we are throwing her a baby shower and the rest of the reunion is unplanned.

My gracious husband and parents will take turns watching the boys. Mason is feeling a little better and Owen's nose is starting to run. It might not be a very fun weekend. I am certainly glad for these fun plans that I have looked forward to this whole yucky week. As much as I'll miss them, it will feel good to get away. I think this will be our longest time apart. I can't wait to see their faces on Monday! I am hoping to get a picture at the airport:)

Weak and weary

"He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God." Ps. 40:3

I am full of complaints today and it feels yucky. I need a new song. I read this today, can't say I that my song has changed much, but I am grateful it comes from Him and not me. B/c I got nothing!

Doh Doh

Call me crazy, but I let Mason play with Playdoh for the first time. It actually went pretty well and he didn't eat any.

I don't think he even liked it.This is more his style. No Playdoh, just all the accessories.

On the mend

I think Mason is finally starting to turn a corner. He has not been himself for almost a week. Some viral thing. This weekend he spent a majority of his time being held. Including multiply times in the night! And he decided that mommy does it so much better than daddy. hmm. lucky EJ. We are hoping for a complete night of sleep soon. Last night at bedtime he went through 3 pairs of pjs in 30 minutes. You would think we'd learn and leave him naked. His congestion was so bad he was throwing it up. Lovely! His feet picked up the pace today and my arms have been free to do all that needs to be done. Hopefully the worst is over. I love the winter!

Wise Words...

of an almost 5 year old. "Daddy, she doesn't need directions, she has a GPS."

Well, of course why didn't we think of that. Mim left yesterday after almost a week. She came bearing love and gifts and in return went home with a cold. How lovely are we?

Mim, we enjoyed you and are thankful for you, whether it showed or not. Sometimes I can't believe what comes out of my child's mouth and yet why should I be surprised. He is a sinner after all. Just like me. What's my excuse, I know and accept the Love of Christ.

Matthew 12:34 "You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

Sounds harsh doesn't it. Of course I'd rather not think my child's heart is that ugly, after all he is just 4. But ignoring it doesn't change anything. I need to be praying boldly that his heart is changed. Not that his words are pleasing to us, but pleasing to his Father in Heaven.

Flying High

The Eagles and my husband that is.

Watch out Arizona, here we come!

Mim's Treat

I can't think of a better way to end the week, but a night free from cooking.

Mason has been under the weather most of the week. I finally took him to the dr. today only for them to tell me its a viral thing. So there isn't anything we can do. I was a little apprehensive about taking him to a restaurantin his sad state, but he perked up as soon as we pulled in the parking lot. Amazing! I am not sure if he actually ate much, but I did get lots of water in him. Restaurant cups are so much cooler even if it is just water :)

Entertaining Mim

Mason's first smore! He didn't really like it. The marshmallow was too sticky. He'd prefer to just it the chocolate. I could do without the marshmallow and Graham cracker too :)

These trucks have been the biggest hit. Thanks Mimi and DadDad.

Of course she must see a Live performance from the Fogarty bros.

Not a great one of Owen, but check out Mason's moves!

Little village

Do you think we have enough Little People? We made a "village" today. I secretly love these little guys, but I think we ought to stop now. A wonderland of china plastics! Talk about tripping over toys.

More presents

Santa, I mean Mim has arrived. EJ's mom came to town yesterday and she came bearing lots of gifts. Gifts not only from her, but from the great-grandparents and Aunt Jill. It took a lot of patience to wait for daddy to get home so we could open all the gifts.


Each of the boys got these head lights. Doesn't Mason's hair look hysterical? Maybe he should play professional tennis someday. At least he has the hair for it.

Who needs to go to the bowling alley now?

Both got these AWESOME trucks with bulldozers in the back.

No post is complete without Owen on a musical instrument.

One of toys that I didn't capture on camera was a big wheeled remote control thing. Its not really a truck or car, but Owen was very excited. This morning out of the blue, with a very calm voice Owen said to me, "that mote control car rocks"

My Helper

Usually if Owen comes with me to the grocery store he helps put away the groceries. I guess Mason has watched enough times b/c today he was my helper. After he emptied everything onto the floor, he actually handed items to me while I put them in the refrigerator.

Blog Header Designs

I am now offering blog header designs. Before children, I was a graphic designer. I have continued to dabble in print design, but have decided to put my skills to work on the web.

My price will very depending on your needs.

If you have an image (photo) and title already in mind than the price is $35.
If you would like me to create the actual art and/or blog's tag line the price is $60 (If you do not currently have a blog, I would be happy to help you get started).

In the end, you installation will be very easy. You'll simply insert my gif. image into the header box in your layout template.

I'll need:
1. The name of your blogger template to determine header size (or the pixel width of the header, if not blogger).
2. Any design ideas you may have for your blog.

3. The name or tag line you’d like for your blog.

4. Color suggestions, at least one.

5. Any designs or artwork you’ve seen that you like. (blog or website links are fine)
6. Photo or photos you'd like me to use. Please keep in mind the header space is very narrow and the photos will most likely be tightly cropped. I would prefer original jpeg files from your camera. I'd be happy to change them to B&W or sepia or color correct if desired.

We will most likely exchange several emails to determine the design direction. After the initial design is made you will have an opportunity to ask for minor adjustments such as font changes or color changes.

Once payment is made via PayPal I will send the final version for installation.

Please keep in mind, I am a stay-at-home mom, my first priority is my family. This allows me to keep my rates low, but I would appreciate your patience and understanding while I work over the toys and noise. If you are interested in my services, contact me at alifogarty@gmail.com