A much needed smile

Whether or not it is valid, this is the time of year that I tend to manufacture stress. I can't believe the things that I can get myself worked up about the week of Christmas (the cookies, and presents, and wrapping, oh my!) Thank goodness I can look at this face when I start spinning out of control.

art gallery!

today alex and anna were engaged in a neat game. they taped big sheets of paper to the wall and colored on them for an "art show." i don't know if it was the actual writing on the wall or taping it up but this kept them happy for awhile! over break i think i might get a big roll of paper and tape it all over a wall and let them have at it!

I could eat you up, I love you so!

Have you ever seen anything so delicious as my little Eleanor? I mean, really, look at those buns! Happy 4 months my little noodle.

Pajama ride to Aunt Jen's

Jenny called at 10:00 to say that she had some more things to give to Mateo. She has been so generous with giving Mateo clothes and toys I really can't believe it. Last week she gave us so many toys that I decided that Santa will not need to bring Mateo any more toys. He is so delighted with the array of things his Aunt Jen handed down to him that I don't think there is anything Santa could bring that would make him happier then what he already has. So when I talked to her and she said she had more I really couldn't imagine what more there could be. I told her how grateful I was and just hope that she understands how much I appreciate it. Jenny then asked if I wanted to come to pick the things up right then. Mateo and I were sitting on the couch still in our pajamas. Initially I did a mental run through of all the things that needed to happen in the next two hours before Mateo went down for his nap and wondered how much going to Jenny's would throw that off. Then I thought about how lucky I am that Jenny lives less then 5 min away from me and how much Mateo loves going to her house. I soon realized that this was a no brainer. Of course we would go to Aunt Jen's house. I am so glad we did. As soon as we pulled up in front of Jenny's house (still in our pajamas) Mateo lit up like a Christmas tree. When we walked in the door the house smelled of maple syrup from breakfast that morning and I was instantly glad we came. Mateo feels so at home at his Aunt Jen's house. He went right down stairs and new where his favorite toys would be. It wasn't long before he was asking Aunt Jen for a snack. Mateo and Luke each had a bowl of cereal while Jake and I played with his Legos. It was such a simple day but it really made me appreciate my life and all of the amazing people that are in it. I am so grateful that Mateo is going to grow up surrounded by these wonderful people.

Play Day!

As I type my very first post, the boys and I are at Emily's house. We should have left a long time ago to bring Jake to kindergarten. It didn't happen. Let me explain. We decided to come over to play this morning. It is bitterly cold outside, and Emily's house was like a much needed oasis. Sunlight streamed in, as Alex explained the marble game he had created, and Anna had the tea party set up. Emily asked me if I wanted a Chai(of course I did!) and she put her red kettle on. I took in the moment and we were all glad we had come. The time seemed to fly by, and as I was getting geared up to bundle the boys up and face the cold, and Emily was getting ready to do the same with Alex and Anna, we looked at each other. We didn't have to say it. We were thinking the same thing. Would we be terrible mothers if we let Jake and Alex stay home from kindergarten for one afternoon? As I hear the happy sounds of cousins playing, I don't regret it for one second. Jake just came down to show me a picture he made of a rainbow rocket. All of the kids are up in Alex's cozy room with art supplies spread out. If I had the choice again, I wouldn't change a thing except having Katie and her girls and Molly and Mateo. We are so very lucky to have this choice to make.

Ice cream in December

Yesterday Mateo woke up at 4:30. This seems to be his new trend. One that I could really do without. So when Katie called and asked if we wanted to go to story hour at a local ice cream shop, the fact that it is December and it is snowing and Mateo doesn't really care for ice cream didn't stop us from going. A change of scenery was just what we needed. Mateo fell asleep in the car on the way there (of course he did he was up since 4:30). As I got him, sleepy eyed, out of the car and walked toward Katie's car, his eyes perked up and a smile crept across his face. He had spotted Aunt Kate's car. As soon as we walked into the ice cream shop Genevieve grabbed Mateo's hand and they started dancing. I was immediately thankful that we had come. That little blond ball of sunshine was just what we needed to turn our day around. As we were getting settled at the table Katie went and ordered a scoop of cupcake ice cream for Genevieve and a giant chocolate chip cookie for Mateo. As if seeing Genevieve wasn't enough to make his day, now he got a giant cookie to top it all off. The look of sheer delight on both of their faces was priceless. Sometimes all you need is a good friend and a giant cookie.

a moment

Just like all mothers who have more than one child, I try to instill cooperation, friendship, and just plain being nice to each other. There are times when Alex and Anna play great together and that is the best feeling in the world! However, there are also many moments of tattling, bickering, and rivalry over the smallest things. I struggle with how much to intervene because I know that in order to have an authentic relationship, it is important to let them work things out on their own as much as possible.

Yesterday, Alex and Anna had "a moment." The best thing about it was that it happened without any help from Joe or I. Let me explain.....With the holiday season officially upon us, we have enjoyed listening to Christmas music on the radio. It is amazing how just the thought of Christmas approaching can create such happy energy with little ones. Anyway...one night as I was tucking Anna into her bed for the night, she told me that she was scared and she wanted the light on. When I asked her what was wrong, she said " I am scared of Mr. Grinch." This confession resulted in an outpouring of tears. After much reassurance that we would turn the radio off if the grinch song came on, Anna calmed down and fell asleep. ( with the light on.)

In the days following, we had many discussions about Mr. Grinch. Inparticular Alex often asked " Anna are you still scared of the grinch?" To which she always said an adament "YES!" To make a long story short, we had some friends come over for awhile yesterday. Not knowing Anna's deep fear, they brought a certain movie with them. At first, Anna didn't even want to be in the same room as the case. After much discussion, it was decided that the movie would be played upstairs, and that I would stay with Anna in the playroom until it was over.

Well....after everyone was set up, Anna told me she needed to get something upstairs. When she didn't come down after awhile, I went up to investigate. Imagine my shock when I saw Anna sitting right next to Alex. She told me that she was going to try to watch the movie, and that her and Alex decided to hold hands in case she got scared. Of course it completely melted me. It also reinforced the fact that brothers and sisters may fight like cats and dogs at times...but in the end, they stick together when it counts.

Tis the season

Every year I say that I am not going to get crazy about getting a cute picture for holiday cards, and every year I obsess anyways. I was at Molly's house with my girls last week, and we decided to see if we could get a cute picture of Genevieve and Eleanor together. I wonder if other moms dance around singing songs about poop and bribe with orange pop to get their kids to sit nicely together and smile?!?!

The joy of cousins

What an amazing day! Genevieve slept over last night which is always a treat for all of us. Mateo was so happy to have her here. From the time she walked in yesterday to the time she left today I don’t think he was more then five feet from her at all times. When he woke up this morning (at 5:00am!) we quickly went down to the basement to play so as not to wake Genevieve up. When she woke up, a little after 7:00 am (don't even get me started about how jealous I am!) and came downstairs Mateo shrieked with delight and proceeded to run around in circles. This was the same reaction he had when she walked in the door yesterday. He couldn't believe his luck that she was still here. It was in that moment that I realized how truly blessed I am to have my family so close. I love that all it takes to make Mateo’s day is to have one of his cousins come over to play. I know Katie thinks of Genevieve sleeping over as me doing her a favor. I see it as a gift I can give Mateo that is better then anything I could wrap up and put under the tree. I hope his love and adoration of his cousins continues throughout the years.

Welcome!

Welcome to embrace the moments! This is a blog to hear stories of motherhood, childhood, and life's simple moments. It is unique because it is a blog shared among 4 sisters. Although my sisters and I are different in many ways, we all share a love of motherhood and try to create magical moments and everyday adventures for our little ones.
It is our hope that our readers will gain inspiration for art projects, games, outings, and other hands-on activities as well as just a place to relate to other moms staying home with young children.
Because it is a shared blog, you will have the opportunity to hear from 4 different perspectives and will hopefully get to know all of us as well as our individual families.
My name is Emily and I have 2 amazing children! Alexander (Alex) is 5, and Anna is 3. They ( as well as my husband Joe) are the loves of my life. I look forward to sharing our moments with you.
My sister Jenny and her husband Bryan have 3 young boys. Jake is 6, Max is 4, and Luke is 2. Her house is full of laughter, life, and fun! I know you will love getting to know them!
My sister Katie and her husband Tim have 2 little girls. Genevieve is 2, and sweet Eleanor is only 3 months old! Katie is a former art teacher, and has been known to whip up a great project with all of the kids and make it look effortless.
My sister Molly and her husband Gonzalo have a one year old son named Mateo. He is adorable, agile and active! He can scale a table in seconds flat! He also knows words in english, spanish and sign language!
Together, we are so excited to begin this journey. As we record our moments in time, we hope to reinforce the fact that childhood is such a sweet time, and we challenge you to embrace the moments along with us!