The dogs days aren't quite over

When one of the twins turned 2.5 I thought there must be something physically wrong with her.  She had begun crying (and excessively drooling) for long periods of time, sometimes for up to 45 minutes, refusing to get dressed and brush her hair, or taking over an hour to do so, and generally making me nuts.  So I made an appointment with the pediatrician under the guise of a weight check.  He looked her over thoroughly, and explained to me that her only problem was that she was 2.5.  He warned that around every six month I might see a major personality change.  Great.

Recently, the other twin has started the same cuckoo behavior.  Now I've started yelling.  I had quasi-patience with one child behaving like a lunatic, I mean, 2.5-year-old, but two at once means there's very little peaceful time.

Waiting for the train on my birthday.  Busy girls are pleasant girls.

I keep reminding myself that they'll be starting school in September, but it doesn't seem soon enough so  I started looking for jobs, so that I would have a reason to send them to daycare full time.  I've heard there's a good one just down the street.



Sometimes, just sometimes, they make their own fun, and no one gets hurt.
 Is this an ad for Calypso for Target?


I understand why someone would act nutty when they're tired or hungry, but I can't understand flipping out for no reason (the twins refer to it as flipping out too).  If they're totally occupied with things they want to do they're pretty great, but the second it's not about them having fun, all hell breaks loose. 

I realize it's hard to tell from these pictures.

Summer fun: Essex

With the help of my mum, we were able to take a mid-week trip to a Gloucester beach (the twins max out at 2 hours on the beach so it was more like a jaunt) and made a stop at J.T. Farnham's in adorable Essex for fried clams. 

The view from Farnham's.



Fried clam plate & Sam Adams Summer - the perfect combo.

 The staff at Farnham's couldn't have been sweeter, and the cashier made the phenomenal Sam Adams recommendation. 

J.T. Farnham's, 88 Eastern Ave Essex, MA (978) 768-6643

House Colors

We're still mid-renovation on our new/century old house.  Walls (most) have been painted, floors installed or refinished, heating upgrade and central A/C is nearly complete, kitchen cabinets are in, but the punch list is huge!  The latest project is painting the house, and it's been quite the challenge choosing a color.  Initially I thought "cottage" colors, pale yellows, blues, or grays, but after turning the front-side of our house into a giant patchwork quilt, we've decided to go darker (ooooooh scaaaary).

From left, down and across: Marlboro Blue, Platinum Gray, Dior Gray, Wolf Gray, Galveston Gray, Deep Silver, Buff, Ozark Gray, and Weston Flax.  All by Benjamin Moore.

The color samples on the front of the house solicited a lot of interest, comments & curiosity, from neighbors and passers-by.  What we eventually realized is we just wanted to see the difference in color....we wanted a change.  Additionally, there are already two yellow houses on our street.

Inspiration came from this house which is also in our town. 

Finally, I saw a house of about the same age as ours (late 1800s) that I loved.  I chased down the owner, and he offered to let me come and try and match the color, and I think we've come close.  The painter has started, and the color we chose is Deep Silver.  Now to tackle that door, the garage, roof,shed, etc. The list never ends!

Happy Birthday America!

Photos from the pre-July 4th Parade organized by our local library. 

Sienna (left) and Sophie (right) making friends.

Since these pics are from a library event, I  should note that we have the sweetest children's room librarians in America!  They remember every child,  plan story hours + craft three days a week during the school year, host musicians and various other events, not to mention have the patience of saints.  Many thanks to them and to children's room librarians everywhere.

Today we are not at the library, we're grilling, playing, swimming, and enjoying our independence.  Have a safe and happy holiday!

Moving Again

After seeing over 35 houses, and looking at hundreds and hundreds online, we finally found the one.  Okay, so it needs a little work, but it's in a great location and has an elusive potential. 

Just imagine what a couple of new shingles and a great paint job could do?  It's an antique village colonial within walking distance to town and minutes to the highway: ideal for the girls and me as well as my commuting husband.  It's also only six miles from the grandparents.


from the inspiration folder

 I'm using these two images as inspiration for the exterior.  I envision lots of climbing plants (above), and of course a picket fence (below).  It could be quite charming.


from the inspiration folder



If we're Facebook friends.....

In light of Facebook aiding a revolution in the Middle East, The Social Network receiving eight Oscar nods, Mark Zuckerberg being a former fellow patron of the Thirsty Scholar Pub, and our nation's president consulting said creator on the future of Science & Technology, I guess I'm not the only one who's been giving the social network a little thought.

I wish I could tell you that I've used FB to mastermind an uprising, but my life is far less dramatic.  As a stay at home mom who doesn't even use a smart phone (yet), I merely log in every few days to check in with friends.  I'm sure some day I'll use it to its full capacity, but these days I'm not even using it organize playdates.  All I can really tell you about FB is what it means to me.


If we're friends on FB it means I trust that you aren't going to rob me or steal my children. 

It means that I would meet you for a drink or a cup of coffee. 

It's likely that I have had a drink with you.  It means that if you are in possession of a hideous photo of me,
I'd appreciate it if you didn't post it. 

It means that if we were once in a fight, but we're now FB friends, than all is forgiven. 

Facebook, though revolutionary, is also not an excuse for real socialization.  This means that if you really need to contact me, you can actually call me on the phone.  In fact, I really enjoy talking on the phone and the people I'm closest to actually call me up (I've had the same # since atleast 1999)......sometimes they even see me in person.  And just a tip on FB ettiquette: if I leave you a voice-mail, please don't respond to me via FB.

Diane Von Furstenberg’s New Fabrics for the Home

If you know me, I mean know me other than being "facebook friends," than you know I looooooove DVF. Lucky for me (and you) Diane has a gorgeous line of upholstery fabric featuring her bright and exotic prints. Read the article from Elle Decor here: Diane Von Furstenberg’s New Fabrics for the Home. If you're as obsessed with her as I, than I think you'll be wowed.

I'm also coveting one of Diane's rugs (Tribal Diamond) from The Rug Company. http://www.therugcompany.info/diane-von-furstenberg.htm