NaWriMo

Welcome to writing month. While many of my writer friends are churning out glorious fiction, I plan to write witty post and scalding lists (although some will not be publish). I am going out on a limb and planning on writing....THREE POSTS a week for the month of November. GASP. And one post will include three paragraphs at least. Say whaaaaaa. I write this but will I do it- only my calendar will tell. And while Logan and Paige cover enough material for a entry a day, for the one reader that does not have children, I'll post something child free every once in a while. Promise, and since all I do is teach, bake, read, watch movies and listen to DMB- it will cover one of those topics. 

And speaking of major commitments- as I type this Matt and I are getting ready to watch the top ten movie on the AFI movie list- The Wizard of Oz. We are coming to the end of our AFI project. I honestly thought we would never finish but we have ten more movies to go. Maybe we'll finish by the end of November. Wink!

The Red Sox are not the only ones that can rock a beard

Two costumes per child: check

Fall clothes out of storage and in rotation: check

Haunted Happenings parade: check

Halloween theme undies: check

Ladies and gentlemen- Halloween season is upon Otto's House. If you do not frequent Facebook often then I strongly urge you to do so. If not for the low brow memes posted by my sister than for my delightful season photos taken by fellow North Shore mom, Nicole Thomas. Our session was loads of fun as made apparent in the pictures. For those who decline to preview because they want to wait for the card- this year we went with a pirate theme- Logan as Jack Sparrow and Paige as Izzy. 

Now is the part of the blog where I apologize profusely for lack of blog upkeep. I am trying to write more- not that I truly believe that my readers are all that interested but more to practice a craft that I want to hone. In my defense- since returning to work- our free time is sparse. Take our weekly schedule (bare bones with no other obligations-

Karate Class- Logan, everyday until 5

Dance Class- Paige, Monday 5-6, Logan, Tuesday 5:30-6:30

Gymboree- Paige, Saturday 9:15-10

Soccer- Logan, Saturday 10:30-12

Throw in one- two meetings at least a week for Matt and me- yeah, we are pretty busy. But- the plot thickens. Who, despite the crazy schedule, volunteers to be Room Parent? Give you a hint- it's not Otto... I don't think Matt was please with this commitment but hey- I am going to be a kick ass Room Parent so suck it Matt. 

My hiatus from writing is not simply work to class to dinner to bed. We said good bye to Dexter- no spoilers to those who are still catching up but I do want to state- the finale is wonderful. We have return to our AFI project- viewing 2001, Sunset Blvd, Psycho, and Star Wars. Our next movie is The Searchers (#12). Some notes- 2001 very overrated, Sunset- fantastic dialog and characters, Psycho-  too campy and cheesie, and Star Wars- wonderful but does it deserve to be in the top 20? I am still working my way through Game of Thrones (I still like it a lot but I have to parcel it out) but I also read Nancy Milford's Zelda (which is delightful), and Sophia Kinsella's The Wedding Night (very bland). I know- my writing is neglected for my one true vice- reading. Oh- and yes- the cleaning schedule is still in tact. We cannot have Sir Otto living in a dirty house...

Glorious Grilled Cheese

There is nothing like a grilled cheese. It is the ultimate comfort food especially the night before the first day of school. Tonight we made this tasty treat discovered thanks to Pinterest. Pineapple Ham Grilled Cheese- DELICIOUS. Perfect on scala bread with McKinnon's Honey Glazed Ham and a juicy Dole pineapple. Try it...whip one up tonight. We tried it with sharp cheddar cheese but next time I think we will gruyere. 

A story without a title

We are running on less than a week of #lopsu13 (for those who do not follow my Instagram account- that is my tag for this year's summer pictures). Summer fly by fast but this summer is no exception. Between our late school year and Matt's summer school #lopsu13 is crazy fast. It is a fun summer- Disney trip, jaunts to Bradley Palmer, swimming at the Y, and trips to museums, so it will definitely be difficult come Monday morning (at exactly 9:00). Matt returns to school tomorrow for New Teacher Day (Math Coach represents) but does not start until Tuesday. Paige also returns to school on Tuesday and lucky Logan- not until September 6th (is it wrong to envy a Kindergarteners). The next two days are dedicated to cramming in more summer fun (and when I mean more summer fun, I mean free cheap summer fun as one of the few great things about returning to work is a regular pay check). Also- editing and uploading my summer pics (since I haven't since Disney) and finishing up Game of Thrones (which I surprisingly like).

Speaking of summer reading, I am so proud of my Logan Bear. This is our first year participating in the state wide summer reading program (www.readsinma.org). He completed the goal of 400 minutes AND is close completing his personal goal- 1200 minutes (an average of 20 minutes each day during the summer). We rediscover some lesser loved Eric Carle books (ha, like any Eric Carle book is lesser love) and have throughly enjoy some newbies: How to Bicycle to the Moon to Plant Sunflowers and Don't Copy Me! Reading with Logan makes me totally appreciate picture books. I forget sometimes how beautiful some books truly are and how pictures can totally help tell a story. I wish I can tell a story like Eric Carle.. um more like Jon Scieszea. Someday...

Darkly Dreaming...

Is anyone else as excited as I am about this season of Dexter? It is amazing so far and I cannot wait to see how the end plays out. While I cannot wait for the end, I am very sad that one of our real time shows is ending. My interest is pique for Showtime's new series "Masters of Sex." I love "Wesley Snipes," he makes anything more enjoyable in my book. I hope there is going to be some "footcycles." ...Britishhumor. Katie TV SHOW ANNOUNCEMENT- I am not a shame to admit that I am currently watching Teen Mom 2 OnDemand. These girls are train wrecks that I cannot look away from nor would I want to if given a chance. Personally- I want to smack Kailyn (too whiney).

While I am please to say Logan is a head of the summer reading game, I am not. I have three books on my night stand plus the latest issue of Bust. When we head out to the pool or beach, reading is not exactly easy with the Bear and Cupcake, especially when I am solo (I miss you Matt). This week is dedicate to two things- making of photobooks and reading.

BearyPugCupcake Summer Club

We are already into week three in our summer vacation and running on full steam. Week one we were in Disney (I know- shocking). L and P had a blast (even more shocking, L and P wish we were still there). If you want to check out our trip, you are more than welcome to check out the million and one pictures in my "Disney 2013" album on Facebook.

Week two was beat the heat or #fthisheat- lots a trips to the YMCA pool and Bradley Palmer. My Irish skin is officially sun kissed. The heat was pretty icky but I do love AC on a hot humid day. We took advantage on Friday of the icy cool PEM on Free Friday. It was lovely... Crowded but lovely.

Week three is in full swing literally with Logan's tennis camp. We met up with friends today and did Bradley Palmer yesterday (natch). Made rounds at library for Logan's summer reading (Kindergarten GASP). Keeping busy... Cooking and baking...Staying on top of laundry.

Speaking of summer reading- I am easing into mine. My trip to Disney was not librarian friendly. I got to read one delightful People magazine. Also- Matt and I are re-watching Arrested Development Season Four, which upon rewatching is delightful. I wish Tony Hale had more screen time, Buster's episode was deliciously awkward. I also have a new respect for Michael Cera. I need a new show after this- possibles are the new Upstairs Downstairs and Homeland. Suggestions are welcome.

Also- Instagram...starting to love it, no really. I am kgcm and I am using it to document our summer (I used Tumblr last summer which I also love and have connected Instagram to my Tumblr account so you can enjoy the best of both my worlds).

Party Planning

I just realized, I have not posted about P's party. Sorry- it has been over a month and my sights are on Logan's 5th shindig. But again I should be writing more (per order of my resolution). Let's start with the basics:

When: April 15th
Where: Pump It Up
Guest: Who was not invited to this party?!?! No, about 15 of P's dearest friends.
Love, love, love PIU. We are going back for Logan's party- at his request. All our party guest appeared to have a wonderful time. Two of my friends told me their kids wanted their parties there. They even had a Cozy Coupe and infant toys for our wee guest. We had three hosts and all three were very attentive. When P injured her hand- two ran over to her to make sure she was ok. They even did a fantastic job decorating our party room. The party room was even equipped with a speaker adaptor so we could jam to our favorite Clubhouse songs. Last but not least- the price. For up to 24 kids- you get pretty much a two hour party for a little over $300. A few of my friends think its pricey BUT keep in mind we usually have 20-24 kids at our parties. Most places only do 10-15 kids with $12 per guest up to 20 after that. Last year's Gymboree party was about $250 for 18 guest (max). After hosting parties at Gymboree, Little Bears and Monkey Joe's- Pump It Up is the best option.

Party theme: I had visions of a Marie Antoinette theme but P had her own- Hot Pink Zebra Print Minnie. I know...shocking. So after scouting Pinterest and Etsy- I was able to pull some decorating ideas, snacks, and wardrobe inspiration.
http://pinterest.com/ottopants/paige-s-birthday-celebration-inspiration/- the link to my Pinterest site if you want to check out some of my inspirations. Decorations- easy. I recruited my Mom's groups for any left over goods. Scored most of our paper goods and a cool banner that I tweaked to say two (as opposed to one- I RULE). When I bought- I went to Michael's, AC Moore, and iParty.

Outfit: My very good and oldest friend Tim has the most gifted seamstress mom. Again- pulling ideas from Etsy, Sue came up with the hippest, sassiest, hot pink, zebra print, Minnie outfit. Pair up with some accessories. CUTIE PIE!

Snacks: It isn't a Messina party without food. I purposely plan the party in between lunch and dinner (so I can get away with snack foods). Fruit snacks, salty assortments, and zebra print Oreos (I dipped Double Stuffed Oreos with white chocolate and decorate with black chocolate drizzle). I also had a mini candy "bar" for the kiddies- I got a couple of large mason jars and filled one with white and black candy beads and one with hot pink gum balls. Note- we came back with a lot of candy, I think most of the guest thought it was for decoration. The main attraction- the cake. One of my Mom's group friends makes cakes. Again- getting ideas from Pinterest- Kelly designed a cake fitted for my Minnie Diva. Local friends- you want a fancy cake and want to "shop" local- go with Kelly Moody (she is one of my Facebook friends- she is a doll).

Favors: Goody Bags are out. We went with a Minnie Mouse cookie from Cakes For Occasions. I had stickers left over from P's first birthday that I used to stick on the back. Add a Minnie bow to tie the top- too much!

P's big day ended with an after party at Otto's house with some present opening and superheroes.

Nana

Last week when the Boston area was in locked down, my mom called to let me know my nana has passed. She was by herself which was heart breaking- my nana loved to be with people, especially family. However, she was ailing the last few months and she wanted to be reunited with my pa. Our last visit was filled with air blown kisses, Dunkin Donuts, and the word "cunning" (my nana never used the word "cute," always "cunning"). She was eighty seven years old but always seem sixty five to me (she was the first one to explain what a senior citizen was, connection made).

This week was spent reflecting upon the person my nana was and her qualities. First she loved all her grandchildren- she would always brag about how many and how well we were doing. She was social- she was always talking about friends, trips to Foxwoods, BINGO. Nana loved iced coffee and Dunkin Donuts. She used to smack her lips when she ate something delicious (a sound I loved). She love scratch tickets and Foxwoods. Nana was always the friend to visit when someone was down or ill. She loved my Pa- they were married for almost sixty years. She loved Logan and Paige.

We laid Nana to rest on Friday. It was a beautiful day filled with some tears but some smiles and laughs as we celebrated Nana. The funeral home even drove Nana by her old house and laid a flower arrangement on the porch she and Pa used to sit.

We miss you Nana but we know you are reunited with Pa, relaxing you your recliner, watching your shows, calling on friends, going to bingo, and sucking down a coolatta.

Boston

It can be scary out there. There are days like today where it seems there are more bad people than good. Three unsuspecting and innocent people lost their lives today and one a child. They were at a sporting event- a time for celebration. I see so many friends post about fear- going into the city, safety at school, the world our children are growing into- and it is heart breaking. Matt and I want to take our children to a Sox game, an art gallery, ride on the Swan Boats, without worry about our safety. We will try not to let that fear get to us and spread to L and P. Boston- we can get through this.

Apologies

My New Year's resolution was to read more and write more. I was able to keep up with one- can you guess (speaking of which...I need to update my Goodreads and I do have some reviews). We have had a shaky start to 2013. We are looking at the positives- we are healthy, happy, and have each other. We are thinking positive and acting positive. I promise something more substantial this week (we have vacation) but here is a picture to tide everyone over.

Conversations with Hello Kitty

I recently found $55 worth of Toys R Us gift cards just lying around (I think they are left over birthday presents). Normally I would have saved the cards for a few more months and treated L and P to a shopping spree but we had our pictures taken and I needed bribery.
Toys R Us was picked over (yes- two weeks after Christmas is slim pickings). Poor Logan didn't have much to use from (I cannot believe I just wrote that), he now is the proud owner of yet another Thomas travel set. We score with Paige's choice- $10 for a Strawberry Shortcake shopping carriage (children of the 80's be jealous). We are calling good when we strolled down the Hello Kitty aisle.

"Kitty- me need." P stated We pick one out and P immediately hugged her new best friend.

"Kitty. Hello Kitty. I love you." She sang through the store. Every smiled at my cupcake and her kitty. We paid, we left, we packed up the car. While we waited for Matt (who was at Shaws), P chatted with Kitty.

"Kitty will sleep with me."
"Kitty love Otto and shoes."
"Kitty no play with Logie."
"Kitty Belle."

Then Kitty and Paige had a spat. Over milk- not sure what caused the riff but it needed poorly- Paige threw Kitty on the floor and she wailed,

"No KITTY!"

Farewell 2012

We are in Day Four of the New Year and already our calendar is filling up- Edaville Railroad, Yo Gabba Live, Spanked (that is more for mommy then child). As I look through our Cozi calendar, I have to reflect upon 2012:
Matt and I celebrated our five year wedding anniversary. To mark the occasion we spent the night at a charming B&B in Newport. We indulge in high tea and sweets while enjoying a 60 degree winter day. There is discussion of returning this winter.

Paige celebrated her first birthday with four parties. And four party outfits. My little baby is becoming my little diva? This self proclaim queen continues to amaze us with her charm, wit, and cuteness.

Speaking of birthdays, Otto Pants turned five. He has remained exactly the same plus some additional collars.

Our family vacation in 2012: North Conway. We had a blast. We rented a condo at Season's and cannot stressed how much we loved staying there. And very affordable. We did the usual- StoryLand, Clark's Trading Post, Scenic Railway, the outlets, Six Gun City, Santa's Village, and the Autoroad.

Beach bums every week this summer. Putting that umbrella to good use.

Matt and I went not to one but two DMB concerts (both in CT and both awesomesauce).

Halloween in Salem and trick or treats with Lightening McQueen and Holly Golightly.

Logan does Disney for the second time and comes back with more toys than I purged while he was away

CHRISTMAS- favorite gifts, Logan- an iPad, Paige- a bag of chocolate but both love and make great use of the puppet theater and the amazing puppets I got off of this shop on Etsy.

2013 has the makings to be just as wonderful.