Mom's Birthday

It was a significant birthday for my mom this weekend and we decided she was worthy of a party! Of course, this family would throw a party if you changed your shampoo, but we made this a "surprise" party which is one step beyond regular party. The girls and my sister started the decorating....

while my brother's girlfriend and I went to the grocery store. After talking to a few people, she asked me if I knew everyone in there. Well, it is kind of a small town.

My mom's friend brought her back from lunch to the tune of "suprise!". There was lots of laughter, food, drinks and pictures. Here is a very cute one of my parents....

And one of the whole fam.....

Nice palm tree, right? I guess my brother, the man in charge of decorations, wished we were partying in the bahamas!

Finally, my sister let me take a picture of her belly. She's half way there and looking cuter than ever!

I love this picture of she and her hubby. She/They look so happy :)

Happy Birthday, Mom! May you have many, many, MANY more!

Love you :)

Jumpin' Regionals

The day dawned early (way too early).

At 4am, B was telling me that she was excited and nervous for the jump rope competition that day. I told her she wasn't going to have to worry about being nervous if she didn't go back to sleep because she would be asleep during her routines!

The Regional competition is held in April and the top 4 in each category get to continue on to Nationals in Galveston, Texas at the end of June. B made it last year and was really (REALLY) hoping to make it again. She moved up into the 11 and 12 year old group this year, so that really put the pressure on.

She was ready, though!

Think James Earl Jones and say this in with his voice,

"Judges ready. Jumpers ready. GO!" If I heard it five times, I heard it 1000 times on Saturday.

I had to be a judge for the afternoon during the freestyle, so I couldn't take any good action shots of the kids being upside down, or doing a back handspring or doing a tush up. (I'm sorry, did you just ask what is a tush up? It's when you are sitting on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you and you swing the rope around horizontally and "jump" over the rope with your butt. Yeah, that's right. Who knew your butt has springs? Mine doesn't.)

1 minute and 3 minute speed pictures are not very exciting because the kids are staring straight ahead with a pained look on their faces. I did snap a shot of my nephew doing double dutch speed which is a little more exciting to watch.

Sorry for the flowers. B is very into internet safety and won't let me show the team name. I'm ok with that, plus I love flowers.

Those of us in the stands should have known better than to get too excited over the fact that the morning was running so smoothly and we were AHEAD OF SCHEDULE. That oversight was taken care of in the afternoon. All and all we were in that very nice new gym at Exeter HS for 12 hours. Yeah, I said it. 12 hours. Then I drove 3 hours to get home. Can you say pancake ass?

Anyway, can you tell by the smiles on these girls that 12 of the 15 kids on the team made it to Nationals? Very exciting!!!

Let the fundraising commence.

Remember CJ

Many of you know Hallie at Wonderful World of Wieners. She suddenly lost her 20 year old son, CJ, last week. The family has been living minute by minute since then. The funeral is today, so in honor of that I am reposting a post Hallie's friends put on her blog the other day.

C.J., YOU WILL FOREVER BE MISSED...

Written in Loving Memory of Christopher John “C.J.” Twomey on behalf of Hallie, John and Connor Twomey by Dayna and Kimmy.

Words are at times, inadequate, and often hard to come by. This is the hardest thing we have ever had to write. It is with deep sadness that we tell you that on April 15th, Christopher John “C.J.” Twomey, the beloved son of Hallie and John, big brother to Connor, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind his heartbroken family and friends.

His obituary can be found here:
http://www.asimas.com/ASIMAS/lynchbros/obituaryDescription.jsp?domain_id=244&deceased_id=223317

Those who loved C.J. are left to miss his infectious smile, to wish to hold him again, to have him saunter into a room and make us all laugh. We wish we could talk to him, to watch him love the way that he did, with his whole heart. In short, those who loved C.J. are longing for the future we were all supposed to have with him. Hallie and John are heartbroken, are struggling to understand the events of the last week and are focusing on making sure their son Connor, who has shown grace and maturity well beyond his 16 years, knows and feels the love of his parents at this very difficult time.

Hallie, John and Connor have received an overwhelming amount of support over the last week from friends nearby who have stood with them through horrific circumstances, to the calls of support and the messages sent through text, email, Facebook and many other mediums. They know that so many of you are hurting as well.

Even in the mist of incomprehensible pain, Hallie and John continue to think of others. Despite their own pain, they remembered the pain of Hallie’s dad as he was waiting for a heart, and became a recipient himself. In his final hours, Hallie and John made the heroic decision to donate C.J.’s organs. This week, 56 families felt the joy of hope for their family, even in the darkest moments for C.J.’s family.

Many have asked what they can do for the family and we have three suggestions:

1. Pray for comfort. Hallie, John, Connor and their extended family have pain that is indescribable; please offer up prayers that comfort can come to them.

2. Continue to send messages of support. The messages of support they have received mean more than they can express right now. Messages sent through Facebook, the Blog, or for those who have the ability, text messages of support are appreciated. While they are not able to respond, they are reading them, and it does lift them in support when one more step or one more breath seems like it’s just too much to take.

3. Make a donation. A fund has been set up called the “TWOMEY FAMILY BENEFIT” for the family to use as they see fit – for funeral expenses, for a memorial for C.J. or maybe even to just be able to get away as a family and spend time grieving the loss of their beloved son. Many of us felt the need to do SOMETHING, and being far away, and knowing that we can't take away the emotional burden, this felt like something we could do to help.

If you are inclined to make a donation, you can simply walk it into any TD Bank and ask to make a donation to the “TWOMEY FAMILY BENEFIT” (these exact words must be used). If, however, you do not have a TD Bank near you (as they are only located on the East Coast) you can simply mail a check to:

TD Bank
200 US Route 1
Falmouth, ME 04105

The checks should be made payable to the: “TWOMEY FAMILY BENEFIT” and should also include those exact words in the memo line of the check.

Any questions can be directed to Kimmy at: kimmy@maine.rr.com

We know that this time, for all of us, is shocking and difficult to comprehend a life cut so short. We hope and pray that you can take a moment to hold those you love tight, tell them you love them and cherish every moment.

Love like C.J. did, with his whole heart, and give to others freely.

May we all find comfort.
Dayna & Kimmy

Frag'n Friday

Friday Fragments:

Ready,

Set,

Go!!!

*We are heading to NH for the Jump Rope Regionals today! There are 16 kids on the team trying to place themselves on the team for Nationals (hello Texas in June!). It will be a very long, tense and exciting day Saturday! Good luck B!!!!

*Elevators are interesting things. I was standing at one in Boston last weekend waiting for it to magically appear, open it's doors and whisk me up to my floor. Clearly I was standing there waiting for it. A man comes up, slams the up button like 5 times and waits with me. Seriously, do elevators come faster or blow off other floors when an impatient person pushes it's button repeatedly?

*I don't think I was allowed to take pictures in the Gardner Museum because 20 or so years ago there was a big robbery and some very very very expensive art was stolen and is still missing. So we happened to be going through the rooms at the same speed as Joe Peschi (no not really him, just looked like him) and a very large man with shorts on that were too big and big clunky sneakers. At every room they asked the guard about the heist, whether it was an inside job, whether the person had worked there then, which items were stolen... It was a little like they were casing the joint. So, if there is indeed another heist there, I will be calling the tip line and receiving a big reward.

*People watching in Boston is fun. At the MFA, there was an adorable elderly couple sitting next to us in the (overpriced) cafe. They shared soup, had a soda and some conversation. The man had a Texas tie thing on over his sweater. The cutest thing was that he had a hot pink collared shirt on under the sweater and hot pink socks on. Now did he dress himself, or did his wife pick this out for him?

(warning, bad cell phone picture. Was I being discrete or what?)

*We ate one night at a restaurant called Fire and Ice. It was like no other eating experience I have had before! We just don't have rest. like this on Cape Cod. It's like I live in the boonies or something. You got to pick your vegies and meats, then stand around a big circular grill while about 6 men worked around the grill turning the food. One guy was definitely the expert because he was able to keep track of 20 dinners while watching the Red Sox game over the bar. Another guy was definitely the newbie. He didn't quite have the hang of having spatulas for hands. The dinner was delicious!

(yeah, another bad cell phone picture. I was just giddy with excitement over this grill thing!)
*Have a nice springy weekend!

Boston You're My Home

I had the special privilege of going away for 2 nights this weekend with 2 of my college roommates*. 2 nights, the 3 of us, swanky hotel room, NO KIDS....well except for the one Jennifer is carrying around in her belly. It always takes a little time to get used to being somewhere without responsibility. No one asking what's for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, another snack....dessert.... However, we had enough food on our bureau to feed the entire floor of the hotel. I must have gone hungry in another life, because I always travel with food (and usually much more than necessary).

While Jen went to a Dr's appt, Becky and I hit Quincy Market to browse through some shops, ok to drink, but whatever. We stopped at Cheers (you know, "where everyone knows your name"?)

Said "hi" to Norm and hung out for an hour.

We went to 2 great museums. (I needed to balance out my drinking with some culture.) I had never been to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. It was so beautiful and there was a courtyard in the middle of it that came right out of Europe. As I was gleefully pulling my camera out of my bag, I saw the dreaded sign: NO PHOTOGRAPHY ANYWHERE!!! They could have just slapped me across the face. A photo junky and I can't take any pictures. I went through the whole museum, silently weeping about the no picture thing. Guess where I did get to take one? Yup, outside the front door.

Yes, I think that lion is biting Becky's ass too.

We also went to the Museum of Fine Arts (the MFA to cool city people). They let me take all the flashless pictures that I wanted to. Unfortunately, they didn't have a European courtyard!

I took this picture for K so she could appreciate the nice leather saddle that she uses to ride her horse. I swear this looked like whale bone and slightly uncomfortable.

This was a huge tapestry hanging in a hallway.

And this was a cave wall that they transplanted into the museum. I have always been so fascinated by what people wrote and drew of cave walls. I think those 3 women are sitting down to eat. That little person is probably the man serving them. A girl can dream, right?

I was not disappointed by my good friend, Claude Monet. Looking at this picture brought me right back to when I was visiting his home (yes, it's a museum) in France.

His multi million dollar shot
My multi million dollar shot

More tomorrow on the people watching. You have had enough culture for one day!

*Well, one was my official roommate and the other just spent A LOT of time in our room.

Sundays in My City

This weeks post of flower photos from a flower shop in Boston, is being dedicated to my friend, Hallie, who has tragically lost her son this week. I know how great the blogosphere can be when one blogger is hurting, so instead of commenting here, please go give Hallie some love.

Thank you.

Frag'n Friday!

Welcome to the day of the week that is most similar to a dump truck dumping it's load.... Friday Fragments.

*This is coming to you from Boston tonight because I happen to be here with 2 of my college friends for a girls only weekend!!! That's right, the last girls weekend I had was Blogher last summer. My last weekend with these 2, um, yeah, probably graduation and that was a few years ago.

*While Jen was at a Dr's appt, Becky and I drove around the city looking for Quincy Market. All we knew was to look for the gold dome. Finally we found it!

(It's in the middle of this picture of traffic we took while laughing, I mean driving).

We made it to Quincy Market and spent most of our time in Cheers drinking wine and TALKING.

*I signed up for 5 parties this week for Blogher in August. I am sorry. I am lucky to schedule dinner a few days in a row and now I already know what parties I am going to in AUGUST! Crap, now to decide what I am going to wear.

*My backyard neighbors have had a red light on every night this week. Hmmm. I could be living in the red light district I suppose, but we are seriously in the suburbs/boonies. Last night it was not on and I kind of missed it.

*I have been getting a little back talk from my mom and our friend Caroline about posting my FF on Saturday. So here you go ladies, I made it with an hour and a half to spare!

*I am sure we will have plenty more stories of our time in the Big Big city (Cape Cod's big city is Hyannis, the Big Big City is Boston), but you may have to wait until Monday for those.....

Cheese! We Have a Winner!

Thanks all for playing in my giveaway of Chris Seufert's book:


I love how you really thought of what you would want to see when if and when you come to Cape Cod. Maybe I should send your answers to the Tourism Board. I am sure they would put me on large posters, since many of you wanted to see me :)

I did the random generator thingy (it was pretty cool) and the number 40 was chosen! All in all, I was pretty psyched to see 40 comments under one post! CJ snuck in right before the midnight hour with his comment:

I would want to see a lighthouse as I'm standing with my feet in the Atlantic ocean. Thanks for the chance to win such a beautiful book.

Chris' book is available at Amazon if you want to see some of his beautiful photographs!
Thank-you all for playing!!!!

2 Girls and a Boy

My sister-in-law and brother-in-law are sunning on the beaches of Cancun this week.

Yeah, I know, "jerks".

Actually, they are not jerks, just 2 people desperately in need of a vacation together. I am sure many of you can relate to that.

I have their youngest for the week. J is 10. J is a boy.

Boys are different than girls. Not only in the physical sense, but all around. The girls are loving having a little brother for the week. J is on the same jump rope team as B, so they normally hang out a lot. One major difference between the girls and J is that J has the SMELLIEST soccer bag I have ever come in contact with. 2 pairs of cleats, sweaty shin guards and clothes that go back a few years equals very smelly bag. I walk through the kitchen and the smell tries to tackle me and take me down. Yes, time for the bag to hang out in the garage.

The 3 have been having a hilarious time taking their pictures with the computer camera.




Then, this afternoon they went outside and played catch, I mean fetch. The dog caught the ball more than their gloves did. The laughing and giggling that was going on, was enough to warm my heart for a month.

Maybe I can convince Kath and Tim to go away for a week every month?!

PS: Tomorrow is the last day to sign up for Chris' book!

Sundays in My City

So my pictures this week are actually videos of B singing 2 songs from American Idol. She is trying to decide which one to do for her school talent show. What do you think?

Happy Sunday! :)

Friday Fragments

Ah Friday, a time to spill some random thoughts that have piled up over the week.

*One sunny day this week, I was laying on my sister's picnic table waiting for her to put her sneakers on so we could go for a walk. Gretel jumped up on the table and stood over me. Here is the lovely (read, not very good) picture of us.

*The Jolly Captain in Yarmouth blew his top.

*The culmination of 2 months of practice resulted in the Elementary School Talent Show last night. The kids did a great job for a standing room only crowd. I was walking behind some parents suggesting jello shots at the bake sale for next year. Hmm, if only it wasn't held at the Elementary School.....

*One more week until school vacation. I cannot wait to slow down the pace for a week.

*Don't forget to sign up for the Cape Cod and Islands book I am giving away!

Have a good weekend!

Say Cheese! It's a Giveaway!

So my friend Chris

is officially published!!

He is a fabulous photographer and has snapped many pictures all over Cape Cod and Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. There are pictures from the early morning, the middle of the night, middle of the day and from an airplane. The photos in this book encompass the feeling and beauty of Cape Cod.

And because Chris is a great guy, he has given me one of his books (signed!) to giveaway!!!

Just leave me a comment on this post finishing this sentence...

If I came to Cape Cod, I definitely would want to see ___________________.

I will use the handy random number generator thing to pick a winner, therefore I am not judging your answers, just wanted to make you think a little. You have till next Wed the 14th!!

Doggie Daycare

When we welcomed Gretel into our family, she was a puppy and I was a newbie when it came to dogs. Always allergic to them, we never had one growing up. Thankfully, nonallergenic dogs were invented and we were able to get Gretel, who is a labradoodle. She was a chewing, pain in the ass when she was a puppy, but now at almost 4 years old, she is FANTASTIC! She is the most patient, gentle dog who totally prefers to lick than to bite.

Enter the little dude who I nanny for. Today was the first day little dude met Gretel. She gave him her cursory licks and it was love at first site (um, lick). Gretel even got her tennis ball and "tossed" it out of her mouth to him. He threw it back to her. Pure bliss in dog and 2 year old world. He watched her drinking some water and then eating some of her food. He decided to feed some to her and wound up making a path of food across the living room. When I asked little dude to clean it up, he put all the uneaten dog food in the water bowl. Very cute and very funny.

After awhile, Gretel got tired and "tried" to take a nap. Little dude could not bear to watch Gretel sleep with no toys, so he went to her bucket of toys and put stuffed animals all around her. Then, little dude went to the bookcase and found a book about dogs and put that near her too. Then he "blew" her nose with a kleenex.

Gretel thanked him with a big lick!

Dang, they are cute!!

PS> Fabulous give away tomorrow!!!

Sundays in My City

You cannot go wrong on a sunny, Easter weekend with egg hunts, a foggy sunrise beach service and beautiful kids!

Have a great week!