Four the Girls

Teach your children well

2011-06-29T21:16:00.002-04:00

This year Anna's birthday just happened to fall on the last day of school.

Cue Lesson #1- I was extremely concerned that being the middle child she would feel like the last day activities/field day would steal her thunder. Anna's view-"I can't believe my birthday is on field day! How cool is that?! I get to turn 8 on a day that is big for everyone!"

We enjoyed the last day of school but I was anxious...very anxious. I hadn't requested a teacher even though I knew one of them might not be the best fit for Anna. My reasoning was that it went against everything I have always taught my girls. You're not going to hit it off with everyone you meet in life. But as we stood in the hallway of the school and the parents and children swarmed as the roster was posted...I questioned myself. My heart sank as i saw she had said teacher and the majority of the girls she gelled with were in the other class.

Cue Lesson #2-Anna was a little disappointed that the majority of her friends were in the other class but the teacher wasn't an issue. In Anna's words "She's picky about mean kids and you know me moma, I'll be OK because I am SO sweet".

Cue Lesson #3- We picked Julia up from school and as soon as she got in the car she was so excited to see A&J's report cards. When she saw Anna's teacher she looked at me, saw the tension in my face and very calmly said "That is great Anna! I want you to know that if you need ANYTHING at all next year I am here for you. I can't believe you are going to be a big 3rd grader!" When we got home and Anna was safely out of earshot Julia approached me. "Moma, I think you underestimate Anna. You have always taught us that it is better to have the tools you need in life to deal with difficult situations than to run away from them."

Teach your children well so that when the going gets tough...you can learn from them.

Legs

2011-05-19T23:47:00.004-04:00

Growing up I hated my "short stocky" legs. They were the furthest thing from feminine and that REALLY bothered me. As a result I tried to eat very little and stretch them out in the hopes that they would magically get thinner and longer.

My poor legs were supporting me but unfortunately I wasn't in the frame of mind to support them.

It didn't matter how hard I tried to change them...my legs were my legs. I thought they sucked. How depressing.

Fast forward 25 years.

Last week I snuck in a quick ride after Scott got home. I was all alone. The sun was positioned just so that I could perfectly see my own shadow. My heart was pounding. I caught a glimpse of my shadow and thought...

Who's legs are those?! Could they possibly be mine? I loved them, but wait...

They weren't skinny, they werent long. They were better than that! They were strong.

The very legs that I had written off years ago were stepping up to the plate.

I didn't care what they looked like or how other people saw them. They were mine. There for me. For a minute I felt foolish.

All along they were just waiting for me to embrace them.

Dear legs,

I finally get it. Thank you.

I promise if any of my daughters inherit you I will make sure that they appreciate you well before I did.

XO,

happy birthday to our big little girl

2010-11-19T21:23:00.000-05:00

There is this little girl...

Ok, so maybe now she is a young lady...but she always has been and always will be our little girl.

She is one fantastic person.

Her parents have always been in awe of her.

She is smart.

She is humble.

She is kind.

She has her father's sense of humor and her mother's tenacity.

Her parents have always wondered how they could be blessed with such a fantastic child.

People stop them on the street to ask them if they know how wonderful their daughter is.

They know.

This little girl...their daughter... enriches their lives every day.

Today Julia turns *deep breath* fourteen. She is just as fantastic today as the day we first laid eyes on her.

Half of what I say is meaningless

But I say it just to reach you Julia

Julia, Julia ocean child, calls me

So I sing the song of love, Julia

Julia, seashell eyes, windy smile, calls me

So I sing the song of love, Julia

Her hair of floating sky is shimmering, glimmering

In the sun

When I cannot sing my heart

I can only speak my mind, Julia

So, I sing the song of love, Julia

(A few fitting lyrics from the song that inspired her name.)

It's funny, I think that a lot of children are shaped by their parents. When Julia came into our lives we were young. Don't get me wrong, ready for her...but young. We had no idea what love and sacrifice really was.

With her free spirit and zest for life, she shaped us.

I can only hope that we have taught Julia as much as she has taught us.

Happy Birthday to our big little girl.

Sometimes (Always) it's hard as parents to let go a little.

But when we do (Never)...

I hope that you know we will always be there for you

And...

That we can't wait to watch you soar.

rise and shine

2010-11-12T21:17:00.001-05:00

Here are a few things I can count on every morning.

Anna "Wow! Look at me, I don't know how I do it!" will wake up with bed head regardless of the hair product I put in it the night before.

It doesn't matter what is for breakfast. She will find a way to get it all over her face (and everywhere else for that matter).

This little face with her messy hair, food plastered everywhere will look up at me with her big eyes and instantly make my day.

welcome to wonderland

2010-11-01T20:18:00.000-04:00

Halloween was a blast this year! We are always psyched when it lands on a weekend so we're not rushing to cram everything in and get out the door.

We started with a little outdoor pumpkin carving.

I have always wanted the girls to dress in a theme. We got close last year with the witches but not exactly what I had in mind. I spit out everything I can think of but it never fails that at least one of the girls has a mind of their won...The nerve! This year it worked! Everyone was on board. We had so much fun pulling their costumes together!

The Mad Hatter

The Red Queen

Alice

Happy Halloween!

Can you guess the the book character pumpkin?

2010-10-24T21:15:00.001-04:00

*Hint* This character followed a nervous rabbit and eventually found herself at a very interesting tea party.

Can you guess the the book character pumpkin?

Happy Halloween!

Chicago you're my home...if I didn't live in Boston.

2010-10-16T10:02:00.006-04:00

I am not a super sensitive girl.

Loving?

Yes.

Nurturing?

Gimme that seed and I promise you it WILL grow.

Protective?

Maybe too much.

Strong?

I'd like to think so and not only in the brute force kind of way.

Sensitive?

Ehhh, not so much. Suck it up.

The people that truly know me know that sensitivity is not an attribute that I am known for. It's not a trait that comes naturally to me. So, when I tell you I had to take a deep breath before I wrote this post so that my emotions didn't take over.....

You'll know that what you're reading is all the notes I jotted down on and am now wearing on my sleeve. There is no possible way I can capture this experience in a blog post. But I'm going to try!

Saturday morning we left for Chicago. My mum flew out 2 days before and would be there waiting for us. The girls were so excited! Anna & Jane had never been on a plane and Julia's only experience was before she could remember. I woke up with a sore throat and chalked it up to nerves.

We were headed to the Windy City!

Once we got on the plane I really started stressing. My throat was KILLING me. I couldn't swallow water so I decided to chew gum. Chew, chew, chew, pop! All of a sudden there was a tooth where it shouldn't be. I reached in and grabbed the bubble gum covered crown out of my mouth. Now I'm REALLY freaking. Sore throat. Lost tooth. Still trying to stay positive for the race but obviously in the back of my mind I am aware this may not end up being the race I was hoping for. It's all good.

Moments like this reminded me that the trip was about so much more than just some race.

Catching some Z's

We touched down in Chicago, grabbed our rental, plugged in the GPS and headed to my brother's house. We were cruising down the highway when Anna rolled down the window and stuck her little face out. "Whoa, I know why they call it the windy city". Scott and I cracked up.

We do not get to spend nearly enough time with my brother and his family so when I tell you we couldn't wait to arrive...I'm putting it mildly. The girls were talking for months about visiting their Aunt, Uncle and Cousin Sammy. I was SO happy that this trip was not only about a race but bringing our family together.

I can't even explain the joy this little guy brought us while we were there. Do you like to dance? Think you're pretty good at it?

Meet Samuel. He's better. :)

After we settled in we went to a local fall festival where the kids had a great time jumping in bouncy houses and running through fountains. It was HOT. The grounds were amazing and it was really nice to see the kids let loose and have fun together.

Saturday night when we were all getting ready for bed I picked up my phone and called my new friend Lori.

Before Chicago Lori and I met once at a race in Boston. We were introduced by my fabulous friend Jess. Jess is beyond description. That is how fabulous she is. I have to stay focused on what this post is about or else I will go on a tangent about how Jess has breathed new life into our school.

So,

Lori and I stayed in loose contact leading up to the race and hoped we would be able to find each other. After all we were in similar situations. Realistically I'm pretty sure we both thought it was a long shot. Through email we discovered that we were flying out on different days, staying in unfamiliar territory and then there is the whole crowd thing.

So when I called the night before the race my expectations weren't very high. I was beside myself when I got through to Lori and she was receptive to finding a meeting place. "Ask her if she knows The Bean. We can meet her there at 6:45" my brother said after having zero knowledge that I wanted to meet anyone at all but obviously seeing the relief in my face that I wouldn't have to walk to the start line alone. "I know The Bean! I'll see you there." Feeling at this point? Pure joy!

Winding down with Grandma

Meet Henry. Anna's new best friend.

Ahh, Sunday. Scott and I woke up at 4:15am Sunday morning to get ready for the race. My brother was already up with coffee brewing. There was some talk about who would go and who would stay. My brother offered to take me in to the city so that the girls could sleep after just having flown in the day before. Honestly, I stayed out of it because at that point I was already in awe of the support I was receiving that I didn't have a preference. I wanted it to work for them. After much deliberation Scott decided that we would wake the girls early ("We're good at this!") because with 40,000 runners it would difficult to get in to the city (if at all) any later. We would follow my brother in to the city, he would get us situated and head home to our mum and his family.

It was the perfect morning. We were up and out the door on time, my brother got us into and parked in the city like it was his job. I don't even want to add that I was still chewing gum just to swallow my own spit because at the time it wasn't even on my radar. Race morning was pure bliss! Friends and family were only allowed to a certain point and the crowds were getting thick. The girls were were falling behind. We decided that Scott would stay with the girls...Chris would walk with me until it was clear that it was runner's only.

Looking back, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I was lucky enough to have the time with Scott and the girls that I did. But It was beyond words to have my big brother see me off.

Anna's view from the car of the city race morning

Julia, Uncle Chris, Anna & Jane under The Bean

Meeting Lori. Nerves setting in!

I just started running races a few years ago. I live in a small town. I have never in my life experienced an event of this size. Lori and I ended up splitting up (thank god I had her to the point I did!) so I decided to seek out my pace group. I bobbed and weaved and pardoned myself for awhile until I realized I wasn't even remotely close to any making gains and most likely just expending precious energy. I decided to just let it go.
Right off the bat I knew that this wasn't going to be the race I was planning on. But standing in a crowd of forty thousand people will make you do crazy things. I knew I was sick (as much as I tried to deny it). I also knew that I could finish sick or not. Even if that meant finishing far beyond my expectations. I looked up at the big clock as I crossed the starting line and it read 75 degrees, much warmer than I was used to. At mile 17 I would look up again and see 91 degrees. By mile 20 there were so many people walking in front of me that running was almost impossible. The cheering had gone from "GO! You can do it" to race volunteers on bull horns screaming "We're on a code red walk if you need to!" I'm sure a lot of people PR'd that day. I am not using the weather or my health as an excuse. Because (see above) I'm a suck it up type girl. I am a firm believer that the best racers pull it out when they are faced with adversity. On that day, I can honestly say I gave it all I had even though I knew it wasn't all I was capable of.

Again, I'm a small town girl and use to having my family's arms to crumble into when I cross the finish line. This time...not so much. I have never crossed a finish line needing my family so much and then being told that I needed to walk 2 blocks to find them at the "meeting tent". Do I understand their strategy? Yes. It was such a big race that they had to keep the flow of runners moving through the gate and obviously couldn't handle family/spectators where the runners where finishing.

*Deep breath*

I crossed the finish line WELL beyond my goal. I was JUNK. At mile 25 I was already shaking and holding back tears. Imagine what I was like when I crossed the finish line...I needed my family.

This part of the experience is so hard to describe. I couldn't talk. I wanted my family. If I tried to talk, I could only cry.

The "meeting tent" was set up 2 blocks away. I staggered through the crowds of runners asking each and every volunteer where I could find my family while trying not to burst into tears. "Go straight, take a left, blah, blah , blah" was all I heard. "Where did they just tell me to go?" I decided to just follow the crowds and hope that Scott would find me. I circled the Buckingham fountain. Families were coming together everywhere. My legs were barely moving. At one point a golf cart passed me carrying another runner. I swear to god if my voice was working I would have asked for a ride. I bumped into another volunteer and asked again through tears where I might find my family. Finally I got it. I knew where I was supposed to go. "See that white tent in the distance? It is the tent just beyond that." I tried to rally knowing that I would meet my family there. I headed on dead legs to the tent beyond the tent. I walked a few feet and that's when I saw him.

I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that when I saw Scott I thought he was a mirage. I tried to call his name twice before I was able to make my voice actually work. When it did and he hugged me...I lost it. When I finally pulled myself together and looked around I saw my beautiful girls and my brother who has decided to stay for the entire race. I can't even tell you how happy I was.

Anna's picture of the Sears tower which we were informed is now the "What chu talkin' bout Willis tower" We all agreed it doesn't have the same ring.

The girls taking in the city with Daddy & Uncle Chris

Jane in the lobby of my brothers building. Scott and Chris did an unbelievable job of entertaining the kids for 4+ hours.

Me and Scott's thumb at mile 24. At this point I think we were both exhausted. :)

With the race over it was time to relax and have some fun. A fantastic meal was made that night complete with a cake that read "Run Melissa Run. Congrats!" We spent the rest of the trip visiting the zoo, jumping on the neighbor's trampoline and just soaking in our time together. The piano was a huge hit. Aunt Miyu taught the girls to play Heart and Soul with Uncle Chris while Sammy danced and danced.

Jane's drawing of me running past the Sears Tower.

Chicago is a beautiful city! I know I can speak for all of us when I say we can't wait to go back. We love you Chicago with all of our "Heart and Soul"!

pulling strength

2010-10-02T22:30:00.000-04:00

I will be running my first marathon next week. The hay is in the barn. Right now I am just trying to get ready mentally and pull strength from my unbelievable resources.

Lucky for me I have 3 beautiful aces and 1 handsome rock in my pocket that I will be pulling strength from.

It's never easy to try something new. But boy does it feel good when you do!

the first leaf

2010-09-30T21:33:00.000-04:00

Our favorite time of year captured perfectly by Anna.

Cool mornings, jammies, bare feet.

Welcome fall.

the lucky ones

2010-09-25T19:25:00.000-04:00

But don't think for one minute that we ever take it for granted.

Life isn't always easy but together...we'll keep on keepin' on. One day at a time feels like leaps and bounds when you have each other.

trying to move on

2010-09-19T21:43:00.002-04:00

Second 20 not as good as the first.

Right now I am just trying to not let it mess with my head. You know, look on the bright side.

Thank god it wasn't race day because I would have totally blown it.

Thank god I get another go (even if that go is race day).

Thank god I have a coach who will bring me back to earth and remind me of the realistic goal that was initially set for me.

Thank god said coach was able to talk me off the "ledge" I was on today without even knowing it (or maybe she was fully aware that I was on the verge of tears.)

My first 20 mile run was 2:53. No pausing, no stopping, no fudging numbers. Today... barely under 3 hours. I went out too fast and found myself unable to hold on to the pace I set for myself. When I finally hit the "wall" as much as I tried to rally mentally I just couldn't do it.

Are my expectations too high?

Am I being completely unrealistic?

I don't know.

All I know is that I spent countless hours away from an extremely supportive family for 1 Day.

They get it more than I do. They will be content to see me just cross the finish line of my first marathon.

Me?

I still need some work.

Anna E., Toothless Wonder

2010-09-08T15:59:00.003-04:00

20 in the bank

2010-09-05T19:37:00.009-04:00

*Once again, a training based post. More for me to reflect on than others to enjoy. Proceed with caution.*

5 weeks out.

I had my first of two 20 mile training runs this morning. I felt good after feeling terrible on even my shortest runs this week.

When I first decided to do this marathon I had zero expectations.

ZERO

I just wanted to complete a marathon. It was a going to be a check off of my bucket list.

As my training has progressed I started pulling down some good runs and thought maybe just maybe if I worked hard enough I could be looking at a Boston qualifying time.

Then the roller coaster set in...I had a lot of awful runs where I questioned whether I was even physically capable of completing 26.2 at all. I found myself barely able to keep up with my friends and dreading my next run.

Now I'm on the upswing. I'm figuring out my pace and actually surprising myself, running training runs that I never thought my body was capable of.

Here is the problem...

When I think that I am incapable I pull out my best times, because I don't care and just run.

When I do just let go and run, I see numbers that I am comfortably able to pull down and then question whether I am running to my potential. When I face that capability and "try"...

I choke.

Catch 22

With all of the preparation I have done for this marathon (including preparing to fly my entire family to Chicago) I honestly have no idea how it will all play out.

In a perfect world I will surprise myself and qualify for Boston. Not likely to happen but also not completely unrealistic. Ironically the only way that it could possibly happen would be for me to completely push that thought out of my mind and just run.

I should probably just be happy with completing my first marathon.

Thank goodness my family loves me or else they would commit me!

it's a wash

2010-08-29T20:09:00.000-04:00

As much as I worry about relinquishing my camera to the girls, shots like these make all worry go out the window.

crazy like a fox

2010-08-23T21:46:00.000-04:00

I have to admit when my coach switched up my training plan and wanted me to do a 7 mile fairly hilly race the day before my scheduled 19 mile long run I thought she was crazy.

Up until today my long runs have been kind of all over the place. I've had different running buddies (thank god for them) but have felt like I was either running a little to hard or a little too easy.

What is my pace?

What would happen if I ran on my own just going with how I felt?

What am I going to be able to do come October when I don't have a buddy?

So for the first time today I headed out for my long run solo.

My longest distance to date.

On tired legs.

When you talk to other runners you often hear of "defining runs". Runs that are ingrained in their mind. For the first time in my running career (and I use the word career VERY loosely) I had a defining run.

I felt strong.

I felt like I couldn't take another step.

I felt fantastic!

I wondered what the hell I was doing out running 19 miles when I could be home snuggled down with my girls.

I sang out loud when my favorite songs came on my ipod.

More than once I really just wanted a greasy cheeseburger.

At mile 17 I cried. I knew I was going to make it and thoughts of Scott & My Girls brought me to tears.

I will never forget you 19.

My first defining run.

Reality Check

2010-08-12T21:58:00.001-04:00

The Gloucester triathlon came and went. I think I did OK considering it was my second triathlon (first open water). The experience on a whole was great but made me realize that I definitely have swimming "issues".

I trained really hard and ended up in the middle of the field. Honestly, the biggest benefit I got out of the whole experience was appreciation of my family and friends.

My family knows I won't be on the podium yet wakes up at 5 am with me and stays till the bitter end. I don't know what I would have done without my great friend/training buddy Mary. She is an unbelievable yet unassuming athlete. Still trying to figure out what she doing hanging out with me. I would tell you to watch out for her but I get way to much enjoyment watching her "surprise" everyone.

The girls did the Essex Youth Tri the day before and they were A-MAZ-ING. (post on that to come!) Watching my girls have so much fun not worrying about transition times or splits and just doing what kids love to do naturally really puts it all into perspective.

Scott and I talk a lot. He supports me 100% but also keeps me grounded. When I get all worked up before a race all I have to do is look him in the eye and say, "It's not like this is going to feed our family". He LOVES this line (he told me so) because as much as he knows I love training/racing/pushing myself...I know my priorities.

So, this morning I woke up early to get my run out of the way. I spent the rest of the day with 3 fantastic young ladies. When their father got home we headed to Castle Hill where we listened to big band music, danced and enjoyed just being together.

I am one lucky girl and my numero uno priority is to never forget that.

The Statue of David has nothing the Whitten girls.

birthday buddies

2010-07-23T19:50:00.005-04:00

On July 21st and 22nd Scott and Jane turned 39 and 6 respectively.

I will never forget being pregnant with Jane. Finding out that there would be another member of our family when Anna was just 4 months old was both surprising and exciting. The majority of my pregnancy I carted around a very young Anna atop my belly who would periodically reach down to rub her little sister.

Jane's first name came easy. Scott picked it and the second it left his mouth I knew that I was carrying a "Sweet Jane".

Her middle name was a little more difficult. There were two paternal great grandmothers names' that I knew my daughter would be honored to carry but how do you choose? If I combined them it sounded as though I was naming my daughter after a well known cocktail made with tequila.

It came to me when I was having a VERY emotional day.

Julia was a very energetic 7 year old dealing with going from 1 to 2 to soon to be 3. Anna was a little firecracker, just learning to crawl like a little speed demon. I was pregnant...VERY pregnant...HUGE pregnant. I called Scott at work in tears,

"How could I possibly do this?!"

"How am I going to be able to give everyone what they need?!"

When I look back Scott had just as much on his plate that day I called him. We had just bought our first home, I was now only working part time and he had to figure out how he was going to support his rapidly growing family...but you wouldn't have ever known that. I won't bore you with all the details of our conversation that day but let's just say when it was over I felt stronger than ever.

We were a team. WE would get through it. WE would give everyone what they needed.

Together.

I knew it the minute I hung up that phone.

I wanted the little girl I was carrying to be named after someone I loved SO much...someone strong, loving, smart and humble.

And so Jane Scott was named when she entered this world the day after her daddy's birthday.

I don't know who is more thrilled to share the same name, Scott or Jane. Scott is instantly melted by "the other Scott" and it is so cute seeing Jane get a kick out of her middle name. She embraces the fact that it is different, knowing it's her father's. She was so proud when she was able to learn to write it this year in kindergarten. And I really love the fact that she looks like me and carries the name of the person I love most in this world.

i'm banking on twos

2010-07-18T21:03:00.000-04:00

I would like to meet the person who decided that misfortune comes in threes.

We're ready to prove 'em wrong.

happy birthday to our beautiful anna!

2010-06-22T21:45:00.000-04:00

7 years ago today anna eleanor graced our family with her presence.

she arrived when we least expected her but needed her most.

scott and I like to think that each of our daughters' names has a story.

anna's was chosen at a time when emotions were high and in memory of two wonderfully strong women that had recently passed before her.

today we can say without hesitation that these women are looking down on anna and they are so proud of the young lady she is and will continue to be.

plus they would think she's a hoot!

happy birthday to our beautiful anna (banana...I'm sorry I can't help myself).

happy birthday wishes

*I started a post last month on our fantastic "banana" in honor of her birthday. some things have come up that have required our attention as a family. but don't be surprised if you see a "super banana" post in the near future.

prayers please

2010-06-18T11:21:00.002-04:00

if you pray to a higher power could you say a little prayer for my mum?

thanks.

shake your bells

2010-06-16T20:04:00.000-04:00

How lucky are we?

The Essex County Velo time trial series route runs right past our home.

Every other Wednesday night we break out our Christmas jingle bells and cheer on the riders. As they speed past the girls shout "Allez!" or "Go, Go, Go!"

We've taught them well.

Julia is stationed as lookout on her scooter at the corner and shouts "Shake your bells!" to us when she sees someone coming around the bend, "Shake your bells!" like Paul Revere (you know, only on a scooter).

Lucky for us Daddy likes to ride his bike really, really fast. So when he decides to do the time trial our bell shaking skills are put to the test. But we're good. We can pick him out of the crowd. When we do...

We shake like we've never shaked before.

Daddy going really, really fast.

the poor mom's ice bath

2010-06-12T19:36:00.000-04:00

*Warning*: This is a training based post.

Unless you are curious about what goes on in the life of a mom/struggling wannabe athlete this post may not be for you.

Trust me, my family is my life and so training will always come second.

As I type this all I can hear is the giggles of 3 little girls being lifted up by their daddy so that they can touch the ceiling (the 13 yr old little girl included). That being said, I am realizing that as an individual, as a person I have found something that keeps me healthy and makes me happy and in return not only sets an example for my girls but makes me a better mom.

I have a hard time blogging about my training because as passionate as I am about it I can't fathom how anyone other than myself or my (very immediate) family could find any interest in it at all.

Then there is the part of me that fears that if I do post about said training it will come across as boastful which would actually take the joy out of it for me.

When I have a morning like I did today...running 13.3 miles with 2 friends that made me laugh and push to my potential how do I not share? We pulled down a time that just last year I could never thought possible and it was fun. Our run ended alongside the Essex River and we enjoyed what I like to call "The Poor Man's Ice Bath." We cast our shoes aside and plunged into the icy waters where we were relentlessly attacked by midgie bugs. As brutal as the little buggers were we toughed it out wanting the benefit of the cold water on our tired limbs.

In 2 weeks and 1 day I will be taking on 13.1 Boston. It is an inaugural half marathon that starts and finishes at the historic Prowse Farm where the Suffolk Resolves were drafted for the first continental congress in 1774. The course is described as rolling (you can't fool me...just say hilly). The course runs through the Blues Hills Reservation which includes Great Blue Hill (please stop saying hill). I am hoping to use this race to gauge where I'm at this point in my training for Chicago and hopefully secure a spot in a corral .

I have to say I'm feeling ready. At 6:45 when I left this morning I went room to room to say good morning/good bye to my girls. One of my little birds in their sleepy slumber wrapped her arms around my neck and said "I hope you do good Momma". I know what she meant on an obvious level but the fact that she cared enough to give me love and support, even half asleep made me realize that I have done good...and it has nothing to do with training.

Here are a few "official" photos from the tri.

just in case there was ever any confusion...

2010-06-11T16:22:00.004-04:00

Jane's middle name may be Scott but she is all me...only better!

She can do all 3 at once.

red bud

2010-06-10T09:25:00.003-04:00

When Scott and I bought our home from the previous owner she had one request.

"Take care of that red bud."

At 80 years old her children grown and her husband passing before her she was finally ready to move on from the home she lived in since the age of 17.

At the closing she told us how her husband had planted the tree when it was only knee high. Red buds are not really zoned for this area so it can be hit or miss on whether or not they will thrive. If they do it is still very rare to see one grow as large as "ours".

Every spring when the tree blooms the emails from friends that have driven by roll in, people passing by on foot and bike shout out how pretty the tree is and we have more than one stranger knock on our door to tell us how much they love the red bud.

As a family we really look forward to seeing it's beautiful purple flowers pop and it is a great reminder to Scott and I of how grateful and excited we were the day we took over the reins of this old beauty.

View from the girls' reading nook.

strawberry fields and camera bag

2010-06-05T19:41:00.007-04:00

Life, it's funny.

Sometimes you find a friend or a friend finds you.

Ironically it tends to happen at a time that neither of you are in the "market" for a new friend.

It typically starts with you connecting on an obvious level (in this case the love of sport) and are pleasantly surprised when you realize not only do you have in common more than you thought but your kids get along too.

Then you think...

Our spouses will never get along. I mean c'mon, that would be too good to be true. We're not old friends tolerant of each other's ways biased by history and loyalty.

But guess what? Sometimes it happens. You meet a good friend, with great kids that have fun and spouses that can genuinely have fun hanging out together and roll their eyes at the lot of you.

I guess to put it simply, I spent the day strawberry picking with a great new friend and our kids had a lot of fun and I know that our spouses would have loved it too if they didn't have to punch the clock on a Saturday.

I have always loved photography. One day I hope to have the time to give it the energy I feel that it deserves. While I don't think that software can compensate for the real deal...I am loving Camera Bag (I know you are saying "duh, there is a huge watermark on every picture"). It is giving me the effects of the multiple cameras that I would love to own.

Can't decide.

Worth it?

Or go old school?

The many faces of Grady

2010-06-01T20:54:00.005-04:00

Is he naughty?

Yes.

And...

No.

When you come to our house he will indeed maul you relentlessly.

But out of love.

God forbid you bring a lil one.

He loves lil ones and for reasons unbeknownst to me lil one's ears. He is so persistent. So much so that it comes to the point that there is nothing left to do but to retire Grady to his kennel.

I find myself defending him...

"He really is a good boy!"

"It's only when people come over!"

"He really likes baby ears but honestly, who doesn't?! You're telling me that you don't want to nibble them too?!"

But it's true. He scares lil ones (and sometimes big ones) regardless of where his heart may be.

It's tough though because for me when the children are at school and Scott is at work, I have a fantastic little friend that nonchalantly follows me around...mellow as mellow can be.

I'm going to keep working on it Grady. We'll find a way to contain some of that energy so you can be seen as the good boy you are. Not just to me.

stay focused!

2010-06-01T17:14:00.005-04:00

This weekend we hopped in the car and headed to Route 1 where there a ton of furniture stores. A & J's birthdays are quickly approaching and the plan is to finally tackle their atrocious bedroom...starting with the addition of a bunk bed which would free up some much needed space in their shared abode.

It started as a joke. "Oooo Boston Interiors, I've never been! They are always dissing "us" in their commercials. Let's stop!"

When I walked in the first thing I saw was this...

with THESE...

Arrrgh! I'm obsessed! I can't stop thinking about how wonderful these would look in my home! I have a gross 8 year old Pottery Barn couch that it definitely on it's last leg. Between 3 kids, 1 vengeful cat (he used it as a litter box when he decided that he was not happy being left behind on vacation) and a wild man of a dog...let's just say there will be a big bonfire at our house the day we purchase a new couch. Unfortunately, Boston Interiors lies! They were actually pretty pricey compared to The Barn but we don't have anything that I love nearly as much as these.

*Sigh*

I'm sorry did somebody say bunk beds?

Summer Sundays

2010-05-30T22:10:00.003-04:00

This morning's breakfast consisted of lobster omelettes and boston creme pie.

It was a gorgeous New England morning.

We sat outside and enjoyed fantastic food over hot coffee and the local rag.

It was so fantastic that it almost made up for having to leave my family shortly after to spend the bulk of this beautiful day in the windowless basement of Pottery Barn lugging furniture twice my size out to cars that barely fit the people driving them let alone a coffee table.*

Almost.

* Just a heads up people...let's make this a good experience for both of us. There is no possible way that I am going to fit a couch in the back of your Geo so just leave that bad larry at home and rent a uhaul. XO, M

funk

2010-05-26T20:48:00.001-04:00

I did my first triathlon. It was SO fun!

The woman that gave birth and means the world to me just turned 75.

Yet, I haven't blogged. I just spent hours trying to do so to no avail.

I create really good blog posts in my mind but haven't had the patience to actually execute them. If only you could blog through osmosis or mental telepathy! (You may want to get on that Steve Jobs. iblog?)

I am not seeing the desire coming back anytime soon. Only time will tell.

Here is my lame attempt at sharing what has actually been an amazing month with you.

...........................................................................................................................................................................

Happy Birthday Mom.

God only knows where I would be without you.

Why do they call it a rest day?

2010-04-28T20:41:00.006-04:00

I am loving training. I mean come on,

Mon-you run,

Tues-you run harder

Wed-you swim

Thurs-you bike

Fri-you swim

Sat-you run longer

Sun- you bike and run

Montuethurfrisatunday -you do housework.

I have to admit when "rest days" come around I feel like I should be able to put my feet up and do nothing. Then I remember how lucky I am to have to a family sacrificing all week long for me to be able to do such luxuries. For example, this does not float in my house... "Waah, I had to go for a bike ride." "Waah, I had to run faster than I usually do."

I am by NO means an exceptional athlete. To be honest I am not so sure that I am even worthy of the title of "athlete" at all. I have never connected myself to that word...until I met my husband. He obviously sees so much more in me than I could possibly see in myself. (Either that or he is OUT OF HIS MIND.)

Young Scott would guide Young Melissa on mountain bikes through road and trail. At 20 & 22 years old it was never what our bikes were designed to do but what we wanted to do with our bikes. Never competitive but the drive was always there. I will never forget when I first started running after Anna & Jane were born. I came home after a run and told Scott how difficult it felt but that I couldn't stop.

S- "I knew it! "You have it!"

M- "Gasp. Heave. Gasp. Have what?!?"

S- "The Stupid Gene!"

Awesome.

My husband thinks I'm stupid AAAND it's genetic.

When I was finally able to catch my breath, Scott explained what he likes to call "the stupid gene". Our natural reaction as human beings is to stop what we are doing the minute we feel discomfort (cough*spoiled*cough). Stupid Gene=Pushing through the Pain. Not super scientific but valid none the less.

Neither of us were fantastic athletes in school but watch out. Not only do we have the support of each other. We have the "Stupid Gene".

Is it wrong that on my rest day I took pictures rather than clean it up?

This isn't even the worst of it. Thank God my family is rolling with it. I am truly blessed.

damn hippies

2010-04-26T20:33:00.002-04:00

How did you put up with us?

We were young.

We were far from perfect.

We were kids raising you to the best of our ability.

We grew together but you kept growing beyond our wildest dreams.

You are already so much more than we were at your age.

We stare at each other after you are in bed and wonder what we could have possibly done to deserve you.

You don't have to have children. That is your choice. But we really hope you do because your child will be fantastic!

If you do..

Maybe,

just maybe...

you will be able to fathom our love for you.

Julia at a Strangefolk festival

opening day

2010-04-24T21:25:00.002-04:00

We are not big baseball fans.

Scott and I are Boston born and raised and could care less about what is going on with The Sox.* Opening day for us is when the local ice cream shops open.

Down River just opened last year and their ice cream is to die for. They grow many of the ingredients on site in an organic garden that you can visit whilst you enjoy one of the many cool tasty treats that they have to offer. When we saw the "Open" flag hanging today let's just say the children weren't the only ones excited.

What is that you say? Down River is open for business? Let me grab a sweater!

Ice cream and tutus. Does it get any better?

*Disclosure: We are Tour de France freaks. Come July not only will we most likely not answer our phone but we may randomly scream "Allez!" at inappropriate times.

question

2010-04-18T20:19:00.001-04:00

Chef?

or Plumber?

You decide.

easter sunday

2010-04-07T18:28:00.019-04:00

When I was a little girl Easter Sunday was my favorite day of the year.

For me Easter Sunday represents everything that I have been longing for after hibernating for a long cold winter.

I don't know what it is about this particular day, but every year when it comes around I notice how much my daughters have grown and realize that they will continue to do so. I've always thought that I would want to keep them "little girls" forever and in many instances they still are. However, watching them grow and flourish is so much more gratifying than I ever could have imagined. On this day I am reminded that they are a gift given not to keep for myself, but to love and nurture and to share with the world.

I think this is my favorite.

Chocolate kisses!

Who dyes super easter eggs? Why Super Woman of course!

reality sets in

2010-04-04T20:57:00.001-04:00

I ordered a "trisuit" in the mail. It came the other day.

Less than 6 weeks out.

*Sigh*

Am I ready? I don't know, I've never done it.

I do know how I was raised and I'm hoping that is where my edge comes in.

Nature vs. Nurture

1 parent, 6 children, no money.

I can remember fighting for the last of the hot water. Who gets to shower today?

I don't want this post to be woe is me so I will leave it at that...I am a lucky woman.

Back to my point. The date is approaching. Am I scared? Hells ya! But when I put it all into perspective it ain't living off of powered milk.

To answer my own question...

Am I ready?

Ready as I'll ever be.

how much do i love this?!

2010-03-29T11:28:00.003-04:00

I think I may have just found Scott's birthday present early this year!

via A Cup of Jo

Too bad Valentine's has already gone by, it would have been the perfect gift for the occasion!

have a great weekend!

2010-03-27T08:37:00.004-04:00

welcome spring!

2010-03-23T15:48:00.012-04:00

The people of New England are by nature patient and forbearing, but there are some things which they will not stand. Every year they kill a lot of poets for writing about "Beautiful Spring." These are generally casual visitors, who bring their notions of spring from somewhere else, and cannot, of course, know how the natives feel about spring. And so the first thing they know the opportunity to inquire how they feel has permanently gone by. - Mark Twain

The first day of spring here in New England was sunny and 70 degrees.

Maybe we could have spared a few poets.

catch up

2010-03-19T08:34:00.002-04:00

I think the best way for me to get my "blog groove" back is to play a little catch up. That way I will feel like I can post freely without wondering if the 3 people that read my blog know what I'm talking about (i love you guys)! Plus, I am a sucker for consistency!

Scott is a huge fan of all things two wheeled. For years he has wanted to get me on a road bike but I've always been a 2 feet on the ground kind of girl so I've stuck with my running. This past summer I ended up with shin splints SO bad that I had to take a good deal of time off.

Friends encouraged me to cross train.

To make a looong boring story short. Scott bought me a bike for Christmas. I had never learned to swim growing up, other than what I like to call "survival swimming", so I signed up for a class at the local Y. I've been meeting with an unbelievable group of women on Sunday mornings to track our healthy (or lack of) eating habits. As of January 3rd I am down 15 lbs. and 5.8 % body fat and I will be doing my first triathlon in May (thanks to my inspiring daughters). I have never felt so healthy in my life!

On my mental Bucket List, #1 has always been to run a marathon. So, I'm now working with a coach that will help me reach that goal. On 10/10/10 I will be headed to Chicago to run my first marathon and spend some time with my brother and his beautiful family. I can't wait!

Let's get to the good part!

Once a week I allow myself one day of indulgence. Scott and I made this unbelievable lobster pizza....

1 whole wheat pizza shell

2 tbsp. balsamic onion jam or marmalade

1 lobster

3 or 4 asparagus stalks

3 tbsp. gorgonzola cheese

sprinkle with shredded artisan cheese

Enjoy!

It's good to be back!

I think I'm back?

2010-03-14T22:52:00.003-04:00

I'm so sorry.

I've been avoiding you.

My life has taken a little bit of a different turn.

It's been so long, can we get our groove back?

Does that mean I have to catch you up on every little thing?

Can't I just start fresh?

What's that you say?

You are my blog? Here for me?

I know the picture is random but I love it and it's been so long it that is still new to you blog!

See you soon!

hooray for progress!

2009-12-30T20:55:00.003-05:00

Remember what the kitchen looked like from these posts here and here?

Well, Scott is on vacation this week so we are back at it and I couldn't be more thrilled! Our absolute favorite part of home renovation is the details because that is what really makes a house your home. We have been conspiring for quite awhile on what our vision for this room is so it felt really good to execute one significant part of our master plan today.

We plan on color matching the cabinetry paint so that it looks like one piece. Scott totally flew by the seat of his pants with this one and I think it came out fantastic!

before

after

We have an idea for the unfinished space in between the 2 crowns but you'll just have to wait and see!

we wish you a merry christmas!

2009-12-25T08:52:00.000-05:00

twinkle

2009-12-05T19:45:00.009-05:00

There was a ruckus in the living room the other day.

It was over a picture that we have had displayed in our living room for years. It went something like this...

Anna: Look, there's me in Momma's belly!

Julia: Yup and there's me. I remember it like it was yesterday! I was 6.5 years old

Jane: And there I am!

Anna & Julia: Ahhhhh, no. You weren't born yet. Sorry Jane.

Jane: Yes, I'm there...Daddy told me so.

*pause for effect*

Julia: Prove it.

Anna: Where?!

Jane: There I am, right THERE (pointing at Scott's eye and very adamant). See that twinkle? That's me, Daddy told me so.

thanksgiving

2009-11-30T09:11:00.016-05:00

Our thanksgiving started off with a new tradition that we have only just begun the last 2 years, The Thanksgiving Hunt. We meet with friends, enjoy hot cocoa and take in the scenery. It is quickly becoming one of our favorite family traditions!

watching for the riders

Once the riders are off we head out to another spot where we set up camp and wait for them to come through again. The girls love to see who can spot the hounds first.

cocoa refill station

We were even lucky enough to visit with some very sweet Icelandic ponies. They are known for their unusual gait called tolting. In a perfect world our home would be filled with alpacas and ponies!

What a great time.

Wait, what?! I still have to cook dinner? Back home to get dinner going and wait for our guests!

Jane on green beans

Last year we warmed up a precooked supermarket turkey at a friends house so this year Scott and I were extremely thankful to have a kitchen to cook dinner for our family in. I think a year and a half of cooking on a hot plate in our dining room was exactly what we needed to appreciate the little things. That being said, coming to thanksgiving dinner at our house is kind of like a crapshoot. Scott and I have had years where the turkey is perfect and other years where is it is so bad I've offered peanut butter sandwiches. We put it in the oven, close the door and cross our fingers. This year we were in luck!

Thank you Ina Garten!

After an eventful day and a great meal there was no better way for it to end than with cuddles from the ones you love!

oh christmas tree...

2009-11-28T19:48:00.012-05:00

Let the holiday traditions commence!

We headed down to the local tree farm to pick out our tree today. For now it bears our name...next weekend we will go back where it will be cut down, the rings will be counted and it will be placed in a special spot in our home for the holiday season.

I hope everyone had a wonderful thanksgiving. We will be sharing more of our holiday traditions soon!

what are you thankful for?

2009-11-25T14:49:00.006-05:00

I am thankful for the honor of having these beauties in my life...

and this over my head... just to name a few.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Grosgrain

2009-11-23T12:38:00.003-05:00

Dear Santa,

I would like a sewing machine for Christmas...and some sewing skills.

I came across this fantastic blog today called Grosgrain you need to check it out. Kathleen sews gorgeous frocks and I am swooning over this dress that she is giving away! I could see both Anna and Jane getting tons of use out of it.

Since you asked so politely...

2009-11-23T12:14:00.003-05:00

How can I resist?

Happy Birthday Julia

2009-11-19T10:34:00.012-05:00

Julia was born on November 19th at approximately 3:00 am.

At 4:00 this morning I was awakened by the sound of Julia's voice, "Momma, Momma?" When I opened my eyes her sweet little face with her new pixie like haircut was right in mine. "Yes Julia?" "Congratulations Momma." "For what honey?" (in my defense it was 4am) "Because 13 years ago you just had your first child." "Oh, thank you sweetheart, Happy Birthday." And off to bed she went.

Later in the morning when everyone was off to school I sat down at the computer with my coffee to check my calender for the day. There it was, Julia's Birthday!!!!!!! she had added to the calender...like I could forget, I thought. But when I clicked on it I got a special surprise. "Thank you for 13 great years Momma and Daddy!!!" That sums up Julia. Always giving, always caring and thinking of others...even on her special day.

So, thank you Julia. Thank you for gracing us with your love, laughter and spirit for the last 13 years. For the honor of watching you grow and the opportunity to teach as well as learn from you.

Happy Birthday Julia, You truly are a gift to us all.

locks of love

2009-11-18T20:00:00.005-05:00

Julia has been growing her hair with the intention of donating it by her 13th birthday. Tomorrow she turns 13. Tonight I was very proud.

"It's like my own little tribute to Eva."

It's here!

2009-11-02T10:04:00.002-05:00

Check out the beautiful canvas I won made by the talented Dee over at Red Letter Words!

I can't begin to tell you how much I love it!

Right now it is living on "Anna's homework desk" in our front living room. It looks fantastic in so many spots it was difficult to choose a home. Finally it settled here where the message seemed appropriate. Sail on Anna, Sail on...

witchypoo

2009-10-31T17:49:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Can you guess the book character pumpkin?

2009-10-30T11:56:00.001-04:00

Hint: She really likes bread and jam!

It's Frances!

morning walk

2009-10-28T17:25:00.004-04:00

"What makes a river so restful to people is that it doesn't have any doubt - it is sure to get where it is going, and it doesn't want to go anywhere else."

Clamfest 2009

2009-10-25T17:29:00.004-04:00

A perfect day for...

a walk to Clamfest!

for contributing to your community...

by doing a little face painting.

for seeing friends...

Thumbs up for Shuckie the Clam!

and tasting some chowder.

for jumping on horseback in your corduroy suit...

and digging for clams.

A perfect day...
for a stroll back home.

A perfect day to spend time as a family.

Can you see the resemblance?

2009-10-24T12:47:00.008-04:00

From the day Anna was born all I have ever heard is how much she looks like Scott.

Now don't get me wrong, I love my husband and I love the fact that she does have a lot of his features but c'mon give me a little credit...I've got to be in there somewhere!

Well the jokes on all of you naysayers because last night while I was at work Scott and Julia got Anna all gussied up for her Girl Scout party and when I got home Scott showed me this...

Spitting image! She even has my eyebrows *sniff*

Thank you ladybugs!

2009-10-22T15:46:00.004-04:00

Layla & Kevin over at The Lettered Cottage, one of my most favorite blogs to visit for inspiration were having a giveaway of a fabulous canvas made by Dee at Red Letter Words.

And I won!

Isn't she a beauty?!

Ok ladybugs you can stay a little longer...

under the weather

2009-10-20T15:24:00.003-04:00

Anna has been home with strep the past 2 days...

nothing soothes a sore throat quite like tea & honey made with love by your big sister.

In other news, we are being completely taken over by ladybugs. All of those little black dots are ladybugs. If you click to enlarge the picture you can really see the little buggers. I keep telling myself it's good luck. Lord knows we could use some....

Check out what our bathroom looked like this weekend and this is after Scott repaired the water line he cut while I was at work. With a little luck it's only up from here!

Fashion Freedom

2009-10-17T18:27:00.006-04:00

Jane has been enjoying putting together her own wardrobe lately. Today she came up with this

snappy little number.

Looking good Jane, looking good!

Swim Bike Run

2009-10-11T15:42:00.013-04:00

Here are some photos from the girls' first youth triathlon. Everyday my daughters make me proud in so many ways big and small. Today was a big day. They worked so hard and showed amazing support for each other.

Scott volunteered and arrived at 6am to set up the route, attend to parking and finally helping the 7-10 year olds in their transition area.

We arrived at 7:30. Check in and get marked.

Sometimes the waiting is the hardest part.

Team Whitten

Anna coming out of the pool to the transition area. What a trooper...it was chilly!

Coming into the homestretch! The run ended uphill, not easy but Anna pushed through it!

Sweet Success!

Julia (far lane) was pretty nervous about the swim. She stayed focused and had fun with it! I was beaming!

I made it outside just in time to see her take off on the bike. Go Julia!

Digging deep at the finish line! She ended so strong!

All of her hard work paid off. She ended up finishing 3rd (girls) in her age group!

"Is this thing real?"

A huge thank you to all that pulled this event together for our children, The Essex Board of Health, Hilltop Training, Manchester Athletic Club, the volunteers the list goes on and on. What a turn out! Almost 140 budding triathletes participated. Our children are all better people having had the experience.

Guess who has Tri fever now? I think Jane is in for next year!

Who's ready to Tri?

2009-10-10T14:53:00.007-04:00

Anna and Julia will be participating in the town's first annual youth triathlon tomorrow!

Go Team Whitten!

Question of the Day

2009-10-06T18:00:00.007-04:00

"Mama?"

"Yes, Jane?"

"It's almost Halloween."

"Yes, you're right it is almost Halloween."

"You know what that means?"

"No, what does that mean Jane?"

"Well after Halloween is Christmas so really it's almost Christmas."

"Oh?"

"Yep, and do you know what I would like for Christmas?"

"No, what would you like Jane?"

"An Alpaca."

"An Alpaca?!"

"Yep, Grandma's friend has them and they really like me."

Jane & Beau

*Sigh* She has a point.

It is officially the weekend at our house

2009-10-03T15:30:00.002-04:00

And you know what that means...

tap. tap. tap.

Rock and...

Roll!

Motivation

2009-10-03T09:39:00.003-04:00

My house is a mess and I have zero motivation to clean it. Did you know that homes built in the 1850's have very little storage? Oh, you did? Well, guess what? I DIDN'T! When Scott and I first looked at this home I was in such a frenzy that I didn't open ONE closet.

Complain, complain, complain...

aaand pictures...

So I came across these pictures of our kitchen just about 2 years ago this morning while trying to do anything possible to avoid the inevitable.

I can't say I miss storing the china in garage storage cabinets. Did we really stand in Home Depot and rationalize, "Well, at least it kind of looks like stainless steel?"

Ahhh, the old stove that died the day after our first Thanksgiving here. Thanks for giving it one last go!

Who doesn't like having their washer and dryer in the kitchen? I can't count the number of PB&J's I made atop that dryer. *see above...stove died.

Sometimes I take for granted how far we've come. Things can be slow going when you are your own crew but so worth it when you are able to stand back and look at your accomplishments.

But do I really have to be the cleaning crew?

Fine...

This is how you make cookies, Essex style!

2009-09-29T17:29:00.006-04:00

Arrgh!

Check out that booty!

All hands on deck make for smooth and delicious sailing!

This face

2009-09-27T21:56:00.003-04:00

Flour and all...

makes it all worthwhile.

Let me count the ways

2009-09-24T21:38:00.005-04:00

Infinity

I did, I do and I always will

2009-09-23T09:42:00.011-04:00

Dear Scott,

The happiest day of my life was the day I met you.

They said we were crazy kids.

They said it couldn't be done.

They were wrong.

Ok, maybe we are a little crazy.

But in the end...

True Love Conquers All.

Here's to 15 more!

Love Always,

Melissa

.......................................................

Scott and I celebrated our 15 year anniversary this summer. It is amazing how time flies. In many ways I feel like we have been together for an eternity but in so many other ways I feel like it was just yesterday that we had our first conversation on that little island watching fireworks in the distance.

We fell in love with Newport a few years back so we decided to sneak away for the weekend and celebrate 15 years of love, laughter & friendship.

"Love is Life"

Our favorite tree

Because we're total nature dorks...I mean totally cool.

We spent the weekend enjoying the water, sunsets and each

other.

Our last stop was Castle Hill Inn. There is something to be said for saving the best for last.

The big news is...

Wait for it...

WE BOUGHT A BOAT!

Ok, so it won't get us down river but it does make us smile and remind us of a fabulous weekend celebrating 15 years of marital bliss.

p.s. i love you honey

Shakespeare in the Park

2009-09-21T19:50:00.006-04:00

The curtain opens...

Fini

Sundays are for...

2009-09-20T20:28:00.005-04:00

Swing sets

and potato sack races.

Spaghetti dinners

and power naps.

Party games

and kite flying.

For Family.

For Friends.

However you spent your Sunday, I hope you spent it doing what you love to do most.

Bring on the Fall

2009-09-19T17:47:00.007-04:00

My little meatballs had their first day of soccer today. It is another sign that fall is just about here. The Four Girls say, "Bring it on."

Fancy Footwork

A Breath of Fresh Air

2009-09-16T14:39:00.009-04:00

Oak Leaf Hydrangea at Long Hill

(I love when they just start to turn and those beautiful shades of pink come out.)

It's that time of year again! The Essex County Garden Club held our annual kick off meeting this morning at Long Hill. The weather couldn't have been better to be outside breathing in that crisp New England air. It was so nice to see everyone again and to meet our new members. After coffee and catch up we had a guided tour of the Sedgwick gardens where there were so many wonderful plants in bloom. The trustees have a fantastic line up of fall programs this year.

Check out thetrustees.org to find your local reservations and upcoming events.

Happy Fall!

Reflection

2009-09-12T20:20:00.006-04:00

What an amazing summer.

When I look back at all of the photos that I have taken to document our summer I can't believe that I haven't blogged more. With the girls back in school I hope to have the time to share with you the experiences we have had as a family. Bear with me...I will get there.

Famiglia

2009-09-06T14:27:00.013-04:00

Santino & Julia

Passing the torch...

My brother Santino, nephew Franco and their new dog Jada came to visit this weekend.

Santino makes a gravy to die for and promised to show me just how it's done. Which reminds me...

I can't cook for the life of me.

I want to cook...I'm just not so sure I have it in me.

My mother is Sicilian. I was raised by her and and know only her roots. My mother's Aunt Eleanor (my godmother and also my daughter Anna's middle name) was an unbelievable cook and actually tried to show me the ropes shortly before Scott and I married. (She really liked Scott and I don't think she was convinced that I could keep him on personality alone. haha!)

I will never forget standing in the basement of her home in Salem, a beautiful home she owned but that we never saw the upstairs of because she rented it to a police officer and his wife. As a child growing up I never understood the situation and always felt "sorry" that my Great Aunt lived in the basement of the home she owned while others dwelled above her.

As an adult I realize that where she lived, where she laid her head at night had very little to do with her happiness. Her happiness came from nurturing her family and she did this not only by providing sanctuary in the basement of the home she never ventured upstairs in (yet ruled with a strong broom handle strategically thrust at the ceiling) but with her open door policy and her fantastic cooking. As a child I remember walking through the door and before I could even think "I'm hungry," Aunt Eleanor would be at the stove making a meal worthy of Christmas dinner. I have so many wonderful memories of watching her cook and never leaving her home without a full belly, $5 snuck into my hand and feeling genuinely loved.

Anna & Franco w/ Grady & Jada

Cousins holding down the fort.

Back to School & Major Blog Guilt

2009-09-02T21:13:00.007-04:00

It has been a long time since my last blog post...

I am trying to slide back into my "school" seat hoping that nobody notices.

I can't do it...

I tell my daughters every day to be noticed...

For the right things.

So as three of the four girls embark on new adventures

I say "Carpe diem"

and know that your parents love you...

First day of school breakfast.

"One of these things is just like her mother..."

(hint: it's the one on the left that would rather be in bed.)

Miss Julia Rose on Middle School Anxiety: "A favorite book is like an old friend, I want to read it until the bus comes and tuck it in my bag like a security blanket."

(She's an old soul! Honestly, you think I could make that up?!)

Plant the seed and watch it grow

Moving On

Anna went through Kindergarten like it was her job. She loved it and was not so sure she was ready to let go and move on to 1st grade. Showing Jane the ropes has really helped her transition and move on to bigger and better things.

Finding comfort in old friends

BFFs

I'm ready are you?!

I still can't believe my youngest child is off to Kindergarten. I think that it may take awhile to let it sink in to the point where I can put it into words. I am probably going to have to get back to you on that whole situation.

I watched as she found her name and hung her J "the S stands for Scott, after Daddy" W backpack.

It was amazing to witness Julia & Anna put their own anxieties aside to support "the littlest whitten." Everywhere I turn my girls never cease to amaze me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

psst...there may be 4 whitten girls in school next year!

I'm in love

2009-07-27T21:14:00.001-04:00

I want this bad larry...

Scott cruising alongside of me on this...

feltracing.com

They also have some cool beauties at www.electrabike.com

Light Dawns on Marblehead

2009-07-25T19:03:00.011-04:00

We head down to Sturbridge at the end of the week for Scott to ride in The Pan Mass Challenge a 2 day 192 mile bike ride that benefits The Jimmy Fund. We just realized today that we have no idea what we are going to do with this...

I guess we are still adjusting to being dog owners!

Happy Birthday Jane

2009-07-22T13:14:00.029-04:00

Happy Birthday Jane.

Today was the big 5 for Jane. We had a fun day with cake and time with friends.

Jane had a great day!

Five!

I will never forget the first time I laid eyes on you Jane. It was love at first sight!

Jane you are a wonderful sister, daughter and friend...

"You let him lick your popsicle didn't you?"

You are strong...

You are beautiful...

Your sense of humor is way beyond your years.

You are creative...

And giving.

Your love and appreciation of music is genuine and infectious!

I Love You Super Jane.

Happy Birthday Sweetheart.

Happy Birthday Daddy

2009-07-21T09:39:00.021-04:00

Dear Daddy,

Today is your birthday. We love you so much. We worked very hard to make a special celebration for you!

First- The cake! We used fresh raspberries...

blackberries...

And blueberries! (Ok, so we used strawberries too but we only had 3 models.)

We tried all of the ingredients, so you can be sure they are delicious!

Tada!

Now for ice cream! Daddy's absolute favorite treat!

Jane kept a close eye on it!

Mmmmmm! Chocolate chip!

Special cards....

For a very special Daddy!

Make a wish!

Happy Birthday Daddy.

With Love,

Your Girls