The Mangin Family

GASP!! Is she blogging???

2011-08-25T20:46:00.001-04:00

So here's the deal... I SHOULD NOT BE BLOGGING RIGHT NOW. Nope, we just had company over for dinner and the dishes are all soaking in the sink... the dishwasher is clean and needs to be emptied, the master bedroom is such a disaster that you would think a 14 year old girl lives here, I haven't unpacked from Newport or my work trip (closing in on a few weeks ago), all the kids school supplies need to be organized and put away, and I have a late assignment policy to write that will be going before the school board... so, with all that said, I don't want to let this blog go quite yet. I read back through some old posts recently and it made me SO THANKFUL that I had a written record of so many of the fun memories that our family has had. So, no... it won't be regular, and no it won't be awesome or even all that interesting, but by golly it will be something.

So here's introducing the most random post possible...

Kenz and I went to TWO Taylor Swift concerts this summer and they were fabulous. I'm totally convinced I loved it more than Kenzie. It was just so fun! T.S. is adorable and modest and humble, and so far a great role model for young girls.

cute isn't she?

haha there's no order to these pics...

I'm lovin' Kaden's blonde, surfer dude hair!
Cal woke us up super early in Newport, so we had many early mornings at the docs.

This girl spent her 4th bday at the beach!

The Cliffwalk with the "babies" was one of the highlights of our trip

Although it's sometimes tricky that these two are close in age, it's really fun too!

The whole crazy family in Newport, RI

We're loving the house and I plan to paint white stripes on this wall. I need to make this room have a lot more "my style" and not be so BLAH :) Oh, did ya know I know write a design blog?? lol... this life of mine is just crazy sometimes :)

Ooops totally out of order, but more concert pics...

Homemade shirts- I adore these 2 girls

Me and My girl excited for the show to begin!

Jen and Liv!

It's almost time!!!

Super cool panoramic of the Linc.

Okay, how's that for a random 1st post back?? I'm rusty, but glad to be back at it.

Testing out an annoying, broken blog...

2011-04-17T09:47:00.000-04:00

Castle in Disney

Still Blogging

2011-04-13T00:12:00.001-04:00

Yes, it's been FAR TOO LONG, but I'm not giving up on this blog yet! Last weekend we had an awesome time coloring Easter eggs with the Mangins and the Bunneys. These are just a few quick pics... Gmom was TOTALLY prepared! 7 dozen eggs and tons of dye!

My little artist

Callen's handywork!

Ragamuffin Kira and Great Aunt Ginny worked together on their eggs!

My Baby Girl Turned 9!

2011-03-28T22:47:00.003-04:00

Kenzie turned 9 on March 9th... I think that's called a "Golden Birthday," but all I call it is, "Holy cow my baby is NINE!" We're really proud of the person Kenzie is. This year she transitioned from private to public school and I was nervous and just overall, unsure, but she has made me SO PROUD! She's not afraid of her faith and inviting friends to church with us, she is known as being really kind and thoughtful, and she's excelling academically. Sorry, proud mama moment. Don't get me wrong, she still sasses me at every chance, but I know that we'll eventually get that under control... like maybe post-college :)

Here are a few pics from her Spa Birthday Party...

Live getting a facial

Isabelly's turn!

All the girls from 2 schools were so sweet and got along great!

LOVE this pic

Favorite dessert... cookie and milk martinis!

Dinner time

So many of my best gals came and helped run the party. Thanks Aunt Jess!

Me and My Girl... I only had a #2 candle, which we thought was hysterical!

Sweet Girls

Musical Nail polish!

Later that week we had a family party and of course Gmom Laurie made an AWESOME cake for Kenzie. Man, we're sooo spoiled!

Daddy & Cal

I was so excited to give Kenzie her present!

First she got some clothes, which she loved... then an envelope...

Reading a special message from mommy... look at her face...

Can you believe this???

Do they look a little surprised and excited??

She double checks to make sure she read it correctly...

We're going to a Taylor Swift concert with Mommy, Kenzie, Olivia, and Mrs. Jen!! Woo Hoo!

I'm not sure who's more excited the girls or the moms!!

2011-03-28T22:46:00.000-04:00

Callen is a HUGE fan of birthday parties and loves to sing " Happy to you" as he calls it...

okay and this is by far my favorite birthday picture. Kenzie is an AWESOME big sister! She won't admit it about Kaden and Kira, but she LOVES her siblings. She was totally cool with being one of four and letting Kira and Cal blow out her candles because she knows they were excited about it. This makes me proud. Sometimes with four kids we feel like maybe they don't get enough one on one time, and they miss some opportunities, but then I look at this and realise she's learning to care for others, put herself second, and take joy in other people's happiness. I think those lessons are more important that the little things she might miss out on.

Husband Hint

2011-03-28T22:37:00.002-04:00

I created this dream outfit for our Real HBC blog, but if anyone wants to put a little bird in Eric's ear, I'd really love the sneaks, Shirt, and sweater :) Just saying...

The Real Housewives of Bucks County

2011-02-22T20:43:00.002-05:00

www.realhousewivesofbc.blogspot.com

I'm excited to introduce my new blog to you! Jessica Jackson and I decided to put all of our crafting, decorating and entertaining ideas into one place. Come on over and check it out, become a follower, tell all your friends and leave a comment! We'd love to hear what you think!

Pics for Mom

2011-02-19T22:46:00.003-05:00

So my mom is beginning to do a bedroom renovation... bye bye kelly green carpet! I told her I would look for some different inspiration pics. On Houzz you can't save pics, but you can grab the html code, so mom, this post is for you! I only had a few mins, so I'll look for more soon! Enjoy!

Ok this room has a very "you" feel. I also liked the greyish flooring- see it does work! I also really want to work a seating area in- NOT the toy bench! :)

traditional bedroom design by los angeles interior designer Debbie L Talianko

We need some great lighting and I included this one to give you an idea of what I was talking about with the rug and the bed.

modern bedroom design

This one has that girly feel you like, but I think we need to find something more in the middle for dad!

traditional bedroom design by toronto interior designer Chris Kauffman

I REALLY like the look of this room. I feel like you could pull it off!! Cool accent pillows make a huge impact and you desperately need em :)

traditional bedroom design

If you decide on the hardwoods, we'll use an accent rug like this. I also liked the rich, warm colors of this one, but I think you're learning towards lighter tones.

modern bedroom design

Ugg- the last link isn't working... More to come soon!!

mls greenwich home listing traditional bedroom" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/40409_0_3-6890-traditional-bedroom.jpg" width=320 height=240>

traditional bedroom design by other metros home staging suzanne pignato

Simple Life

2011-02-01T23:10:00.000-05:00

Tonight I read this post on the Creative Mama Blog... It was so true and sometimes how I feel. Last night we had a no frills Family Game Night... Monopoly Jr, Pictionary, Smartfood, Cheeseballs, and Pretzels with Frosting... nothing amazing or creative, but really fun. Sometimes when life is crazy, it's nice to be reminded that my kids won't be remembering how creative I was, but they will remember that we played together and had fun!

Living a creative life can be exhausting, especially if you are hooked in to the internet. There are just so many amazing people out there, doing amazing things. It can be easy to develop a warped perspective — like looking at someone else’s life through a fisheye lens all the time. If you’re not careful, you start to believe that everyone else’s homes are immaculate, their children are all burgeoning artists, and their adorable pets never throw up on the tan carpet just before company arrives. Well, that perspective is, well, warped. We all have bad days, dirty laundry on the floor, and tomato sauce spattered all over our microwave. So remember, some days it’s best to just get back to the basics. You don’t need to sit with your kids and make valentines that could be sold on Esty for premium prices. Just sit down with your kids and do something.

Big Stuff

2011-01-20T21:01:00.000-05:00

How is it possible that my baby is old enough to play with big boy toys??

He loves cars, trucks, and of course sports!

This just makes me smile...

HaHaHa!!

2011-01-20T13:35:00.000-05:00

This picture gets me to laugh every time...

Random Posting...

2011-01-20T13:30:00.000-05:00

I need to upload recent pics, but don't have time to right now... These are just a few randoms that I came across recently...

Did I mention that I love that my friends are just as Crazy as I am and I love that they let me plan crazy parties and events and they play along??

Kenzie and Liver... I love little athletic girls!

This is how mommy styles hair at bath times!

We really are so happy in our new home...

December 2010- In Review...

2011-01-11T15:29:00.000-05:00

So I've been BAD and neglected my blog... It's finally come to an end and I've got a full Dec. catch up post... It was a busy month filled with so many fun events and special times... Here's a glimpse in no particular order! (you might need to click older posts at the bottom to see it all! I blogged like a madwoman!)
We start the season with finding a tree of course!

We found the perfect one!

We played in the maze of trees and had a blast!

We helped set the tree up and then mommy decided it needed to go on the other side! hehe

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We got creepy gifts from even more creepy brothers...

We had an awesome cookie swap- and ate all 9 dozen in about 4 days...

We (I) might have forgotten to open the flu (sp??) for the fireplace... oops!

2011-01-11T15:14:00.000-05:00

We got to visit with our favorite baby cousin- Jax...

We went swimming!

We had a second Christmas (Mangin side)

Umm... We had a family dance party!

2011-01-11T15:10:00.000-05:00

We had a spill...

a really BIG spill!

We did some sledding...

We visited the city and had a blast!

2011-01-11T15:01:00.000-05:00

We wallpapered the foyer... LOVE IT

We made Kenzie a cool headboard and I made a stencil to put flowers on her walls...

We experienced the snow for the first time as a big kid!

We had a night with just 2 kids!

2011-01-11T14:57:00.000-05:00

We had a visit from Santa!

WE DID IT!! We got 4 kids to look and smile! A Christmas miracle!

We were excited for Cal to open presents this yr (last year he was a blob!)

We had a great xmas morning!

2011-01-11T14:51:00.000-05:00

We attempted a picture and went to church on xmas eve

We miscommunicated about exchanging stockings... hehe I watched HIM open :)

We said sorry to Santa

We were excited that Santa came for a visit

2011-01-11T14:44:00.000-05:00

We... well you know what... I'll let you guess on this one :)

We had ice cream sundaes one morning for breakfast! (teddy joined us on the counter)

We painted birdhouses for daddy as a Christmas surprise...

and nailed them to a tree and wrapped it up!

2011-01-11T14:39:00.000-05:00

We had a tissue party!!

We realized we didn't need to buy our kids presents... we should have just gotten tissues...

We brought out old faithful

We had the Best group of friends over for our annual Xmas Party

2011-01-11T14:35:00.000-05:00

We got to attend a Kindergarten party and play pass the present

We played Christmas pictionary at school

We actually took our camera out and played a little

We realized it has been FOREVER since our camera came off auto mode... :( ... We (I) miss having time to take good pictures!

2011-01-11T14:33:00.000-05:00

We pondered what Cookies Santa would like best...

We were creative and made K cookies!

We had lots of fun baking!

2011-01-11T14:31:00.000-05:00

We proved we were fabulous bakers!

We tasted LOTS and LOTS of cookie dough (don't tell Mark Campione!)

We had a preschool Xmas party and decorated cupcakes

We were very proud of our little 3 yr old...

2011-01-11T14:25:00.000-05:00

We made the mistake of putting some presents out before xmas morning (Sorry that your gifts were ripped Jax)

We had some silly smiling kids after bath nights...

We attempted pics of 4 kids...

We loved that these two are going to be pals

2011-01-11T14:23:00.000-05:00

I got to travel to TN with some of the best family members around...

I got to celebrate graduation...

oops... little brother's not mine... Big Sisters are always stealing the limelight! (So proud Dj!)

And we got home just in time for some more cheeeseee....

2011-01-11T14:18:00.000-05:00

We celebrated sweet Olivia's 9th Bday

We celebrated improvements on little Lucas' eye!! He only has his patch 2 hrs a day- woo hoo!

We got to attend Kaden's concert at school. He did awesome (Trey, Jack, Kade)

We welcomed Santa to town with the Campiones and Emrs!

2011-01-11T14:16:00.000-05:00

We learned to say Cheese....

We had some fights

and then practiced more cheese...

we had soooo many nice fires and had fun watching movies...

2011-01-11T14:12:00.000-05:00

Some of my favorite girls went xmas caroling with us at the retirement home...

The adorable Emr Family came along and brought Santa....

Someone sent me the creepiest cat picture ever... could be a form of child abuse!

Some of our friends went to a fun Wine Tasting on the Delaware River...

Sledding Fun

2010-12-30T21:30:00.000-05:00

These two kiddos played outside for hours and hours this week! It was so fun to see them have such a blast!

Friends!

woohoo!

I used my Nikon lens on these and man I need to get rid of my Tamron and get a new Nikon lens... it focused so much better and was so much sharper... I only wish I hadn't spent a bundle on the Tamron... Ugh!

2010-12-30T21:26:00.000-05:00

First Snow on Fox Hill Road

2010-12-30T21:24:00.000-05:00

We loved getting snow this week! The kids were excited to explore outside and find the best places for sledding.
We only had 2 kids on Monday, so we took a few pics and headed out for a fun night together.

Our little place called home...
and yes, we know it's a little stark without landscaping and porch accents... stay tuned this spring!

Oh Kira!

2010-12-30T21:15:00.000-05:00

KJ had a little accident this week... Eric was painting the kids bathroom and he ran into the other room to get a Spackle knife. He closed the door, but Miss Kira wanted to see the paint... somehow the completely full paint can was knocked off the vanity, bounced off the toilet, and completely emptied on the floor. It took me about 3 hours to clean it all up, but we saved the floor, painted the walls, threw away the shower curtain, and repainted the ceiling and floor trim. You'd never know we had this catastrophe. :) I might have gotten my first grey hair, but as you know... grey is my fav :)

All over Kenzie's new hellicopter... no idea why that was in the bathroom...

I finally just had Eric grab a roller and roll the walls right from the floor...

2010-12-30T21:10:00.000-05:00

We had paint stalactites on the ceiling...

Paint all over the shower wall

This was after about an hour...

Wordless Blogging

2010-12-04T20:46:00.000-05:00

My keyboard is broken, so I've blogged oodles of pictures, but no words :) Enjoy!
A little recap: xmas tree hunting, decorating halloween houses, date day, fall fun, thanksgiving in MA and more!

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Explanation

2010-11-25T18:12:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the major Shutterfly plug in the previous post... They're giving away 50 free cards if you plug them on your blog :)

Couldn't resist a gret deal...

Not your Grandma's Christmas Cards...

2010-11-25T09:57:00.004-05:00

So, no need to use complicated Photoshop downloads from ETSY this year... Shutterfly has some adorable Christmas cards that are so not your Grandma's Christmas cards! I've been looking though all the style and designs and there are so many great ones!

I'm not going to reveal which ones we're going to use... you'll have to wait and see, but here are some ones I love!

Of course I loove the geometric patter and the cool color! I'm all about the Monogram, so this one is just adorable!

A little more classic, but so cute

I really like how this one would let me use a large variety of pictures!

Check out Shutterfly- they're having great deals!

Cards: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards

They Have non photo styles: http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

And for non Christmas holidays there are additional styles: to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

Her Favorite Song...

2010-11-10T23:09:00.000-05:00

The first song on the playlist is her favorite right now... We sing, "Kira and Mommy are stuck like glue." Cal even gets in on it and says, "Uh oh, Uh oh" ...It's fun to have playtime with these little ones during the day!
Just a few random KJ pics...
I love her eyes and that you can see her necklace...

Oh Girl, we're in for it with you...

Color is all weird, but cute nonetheless

Happy little girl... I'm glad that we're stuck like glue!

My First Baby

2010-11-10T22:51:00.001-05:00

She tried to wear make-up tonight... I went into my bathroom to find her with eyeliner in hand and eyeshadow already on. I must admit, she did an excellent job- prob. better than I could do! She has a friend at school that she desperately wants to be friends with. She's a "cool girl" and doesn't play with Kenzie every day, but it's becoming more often. This friend wears mascara every day (or so I was informed) and Kenzie is "not a baby and is old enough to choose..." I told her that she's beautiful without make up and it's okay for halloween or playing dress up, but she won't be wearing it for many years. I was then informed that I can't tell her what to do, which of course went over great with me :) Actually, I was pretty calm, cool, and collected about it... We talked a lot about her not needing to change to get to be someone's friend... I'm completely confident that she was ignoring every word I said... yeah, we're kind of similar. :) So I just saw these pictures of my beautiful girl without make-up and thought I'd post them.

Could it be that very soon I will officially have a tween?

Just A Peek at Some Progress...

2010-11-06T23:14:00.003-04:00

I know I haven't posted house pictures, and I know some of you are waiting... Here's why... nothing is done and ready, so you just have to hang tight. I FINALLY feel like I have a mental plan of how I want to do the main areas on the first floor and I did some serious shopping this weekend and think we'll be making progress soon!
Here's a peek at a message center I'm working on (by that I mean, I'm planning out and Eric's doing all the work- he's awesome!) I have a dry erase calendar for Kenzie and one for Kade and Kira to share (I need to keep all the school stuff straight) and I wanted to hang them in the entryway from the garage... I looked and looked for a cool message area with a frame, but they were all too small... So, we're making one on our own and I'm excited about it...
We picked up moulding and cut it to size... I wanted it to be 4ft by about 2 1/2 feet.
Yes, Eric is working on one of my many projects at 11:05pm... I appreciate him so much!

nice handywork!

Since taking these pictures about 20 mins ago (with my phone btw... sorry for the quality) we painted the moulding black. I'm going to put thin cork inside and then a fabulous fabric to cover the cork. The cork will make it so that the wall doesn't get destroyed when we stick things up. I'll keep you updated as I finish this project... hopefully tomorrow after church :)

We also bought a new end table and a console table. This lamp needs a better shade (it's too yellowish) but I love the end table. Did I ever mention I LOVE small kid's furniture?? Cal loves his recliner :)

This is the stencil I ordered for the foyer... It's going to be charcoal and white... I'm pretty excited about the foyer... Weird I know, but since I have it all planned out in my head it's what I'm excited to be working on!

Lastly, I ordered this wall pattern for the breakfast room. I ordered it in dark brown and dark grey... the walls are a silvery/greyish light blue. I'm excited to get them in the mail! I ordered them from uppercase living and I love some of the stuff in their new catalog

That's all for now! I have oodles of projects up my sleeve and I'll try to keep posting little peeks! :)

-Goodnight!

Peddler's Village

2010-10-30T15:56:00.001-04:00

We went to see the scarecrows and sadly they were all taken down already. The kids weren't thrilled, but we still had a decent time and then had dinner at Perkins and kids ate free and Dora was there! Suddenly everything was right in the world (in the minds of the Mangin kids)...

I took a few pics, but honestly not many good ones because 4 kids still just has us too busy for pics

I love Cal's little lip in this b/c he makes this face a lot.

There are many people that read this blog that hate his collar and I just want you to know that I thought of each of you as I took this picture :) Hehe

Silly little boy

Even without Scarecrows, Peddler's Village is so beautiful!

2010-10-30T15:54:00.000-04:00

I just love that he thinks he's big stuff and just takes off for a little stroll on his own...

Oh miss Kira, you have my heart-and you just might make me lose my mind too!

Callen won't smile with me b/c Daddy's around... Grrr... he is in a total Daddy phase and I'm over it :)

2010-10-30T15:49:00.000-04:00

Kaden is always good for a smile for me. Check out all the signatures on the cast!

"Hey Mama (as she calls me lately- not sure why, and actually it makes me feel like something out of little house on the prairie) wanna hear a secret??"
Those big eyes may be adorable, but don't take your eyes off of her for one second!

This is my life... Attempts at taking a picture of 4 kids...
Kenzie thinks it's funny to give a freaky smile face, Kaden is smiling nicely, Kira- well who knows what was so exciting up in the sky, and Cal might be about to fall off the rock wall...

Kenz- same freaky face, Now Kaden's still holding the smile, but thinks his sister is funny, Kira hmm Kira looks like she's up to something, and Cal, well, he didn't fall, but no smile either...

2010-10-30T15:45:00.000-04:00

Yes, we're seriously in trouble with this girl... Anyone know of a good all- girls boarding school?

Wait, almost there- Kenzie is semi laughing, but still looking goofy and Kira went from naked to into a trance...

If only the oldest could look AT the camera

And if any of you taught your kids sign language... you'll know what Callen is signing? (All done!)
I Quit- I guess pictures of all your kids are overrated anyhow :)

10/29/10 Happy Birthday Boys

2010-10-28T21:48:00.002-04:00

5 Years tomorrow. Jackson and Carter would be five years old this year.

There are many memories from my life that have faded over time, but their birth and the time we spent with them is as clear as can be. October 29th is a love hate day for me. It's a day where I can completely let myself remember and also think about what my life would be like if Jackson and Carter were still a part of it, but it's not easy to do that and it still hurts even after five years.

I don't have too much to say this year, but I miss our little boys and love them more than I can explain.

"Room Rooms"

2010-10-27T22:38:00.000-04:00

Callen is in love with "RoomRooms" aka Tractors or equipment of any type. The poor kid probably could learn all the names, but if it's big and yellow, or green for that matter, I tell him it's a tractor. Hmm... maybe time to learn some of the names. I think there was something like a "skid steer??" here the other night and I only know that b/c David used some fancy name for it.
Anyhow, whatever they're called, Cal loves that they still have work to do in our yard.

And Cal has started the "cheese" phase and I love it! He's my last baby to give me the squinty-eyed cheeezzzz!

Can't get enough of it!

Also, we're totally loving the foliage on our property. Next year, when we have a yard full of grass it's going to look awesome. We're going to have a lot of leaves to deal with, but our kids love a good leaf pile.

Kaden's Big Break!

2010-10-27T22:31:00.000-04:00

The Mangin family has now made our first ER trip and experienced our first broken bone. Poor Kaden broke his right wrist on Monday night. We were outside playing tag on the very rough ground and he tripped and fell into a big rock and caught himself (thankfully) with his hands. I won't mention that this mommy was perhaps chasing him at the time of the incident. I definitely felt awful, but was kindly reminded that "Good moms play tag" by a friend, so that made me feel a little better, although I might add, "Good moms play tag on level ground" :)
He's doing okay now and got through his first day at school and finally understands why Kenzie is super jealous of the cast... it makes you a rockstar a school for a little bit! She actually told us, she was going to go outside and trip just like Kaden did! :) She kills me.
Cast or no cast, he's a sweet boy and I love him broken Radius and all. ;)

Matt Campione came over to bring Kaden a treat and balloon to help him feel better and got to be the first signature. Kade still hasn't let me sign!

This was the face he had before Jackson Mott arrived and assured Kaden it was "Super Cool" :)

Home

2010-10-17T21:16:00.002-04:00

Thanks to so many of our family and friends, we were able to move in this weekend! Friday night the guys moved the heavy stuff and then Saturday came all the rest of the boxes. We had a really busy weekend, so we're not totally unpacked, but tonight is our first night "at home" and it's really nice to be able to say that. I didn't take a lot of pictures, well actually none because my camera was MIA, but I took a few with my phone and this is one. I do have more and I promise to all the girls that care, I will post a lot of pics especially as I start to design and decorate rooms. So far I've painted 2 kids rooms, but they're not done with all their little accents, so you'll have to wait and see. You can tell in this pic that I've been trying paint colors for the family room and on the 5th sample, I think I've found the right one (and it's neither of the ones in the pic) Just have to wait and see.
A few things to note really quickly-
1- I'm going to have to get used to having a lot of land. I called Eric and the kids in for dinner tonight and it took like 7 minutes for them to walk back in from the woods! They love it out there!
2-The most exciting thing I unpacked was my grey, fall coat! I was so excited when I unpacked it!
3- Speaking of grey, if I had my way I'd paint my entire house grey :) I'm in love with the color right now.

Ok that's all for now. Lots more to come soon!

Boston in the Fall...

2010-10-14T22:09:00.000-04:00

Boston in the fall is one of my favorite things of all time. The more I go back and visit the more I realize just how lucky I was to grow up in one of the most beautiful places ever! If only I knew that and appreciated it when I was growing up. :) This trip was wonderful! We had awesome weather, got to see lots of old friends, and as always had a blast with family. This was the first time in ten years that I went back to the area where I grew up... I drove past my old middle and high school, I drove around Wheaton college where I played so many basketball games, and then actually went to see the house I grew up in (it was crazy because I actually was able to meet the homeowner and it ended up that it was the neighbor I grew up next to. He had bought the house and rents it out and uses the property for huge gardens- he remembered me and it was so neat to chat with him. It was a really neat surprise!) With all that, I ended up as one homesick girl! Really, it was funny b/c it was the first time in years I realized how much I miss being a New England girl. Eric and I do love it there and who knows, maybe we'll retire there someday :) for now, I have a new home in PA that I'm pretty excited about.
Here's the crew of kids getting ready to go apple picking! It's an awesome tradition!

We were so excited that the Bengtsons drove down from NH to visit with us on Saturday! Thanks guys! Shauna and Ben, we missed you, and hope to see you soon!

2010-10-14T21:57:00.000-04:00

Silly Boy

Love this silly smile

These two look like they could be sister! (Lauren and Kenz)

Cute

2010-10-14T21:54:00.000-04:00

Silly Kade and Daddy... I love that Callen is like "my turn, my turn!"

Jacqui and Ben- too cute!

Sarah and Sadie

Mother and Daughter

2010-10-14T21:50:00.000-04:00

Mom and Dad

The hayride trail

There were pumpkins hidden throughout the woods... when the kids spotted them they had to yell "Pumpkins!" They LOVED it! This was the final tower of pumpkins on the ride

2010-10-14T21:46:00.000-04:00

Way up high getting the best apples!

I think she ate a million apples!

Oh little man how you make me smile

He loves to eat!

2010-10-14T21:44:00.000-04:00

He's just getting so grown up!

Umm cool hat Papa! Kayla and Kira on the hayride :)

Mom and Auntie Didi

Ry, Sadie, and Nate

I was informed that my blog was slacking

2010-10-07T23:59:00.000-04:00

I have no idea why I haven't had time to blog... (heavy sarcasm) but tonight while painting up at the new house Emr informed me that our blog has been weak lately! Gasp!
So here it's midnight and I took 5 mins to give a little post!
We're headed to Boston tomorrow and I can't wait! It's the WORST timing ever with the house and all, but oh well- it will be worth it I'm sure!
This little guy is just a little thinker... he kind of takes life in and sometimes whines about it! lol
Love him to pieces

I looked over and the hand was in the pocket... you would have loved to see how fast I ran for my camera! Got it!
Once again, just taking it all in....

A boy and his dog

2010-10-07T23:52:00.000-04:00

We found some wild berries... carefully picking them!

An accident, but liked it all the same :)

We have fun just playin'

2010-10-07T23:50:00.000-04:00

Love this sassy one!

Cal is just kind of wondering how he got roped into this!

Love how happy she looks!

Cal thought he needed a turn with the strawberry hat! Jump Jump!

Recovery Walk 2010

2010-09-27T21:41:00.001-04:00

Saturday our family participated in the Pro-Act Recovery walk in Philly. This was a walk to raise funds for Drug and Alcohol Recovery Centers across the Nation. I've blogged about the Women's Recovery Center in New Britain before. My mom organized a team to walk to raise money for the WRC... the great part is that all the money we raised went directly to the WRC! We're so thankful to everyone that supported us in the walk, so I want to give a little shout out to the following: Mom & Dad Mangin, G & G, The Motts, The Emrs and The Emersons. We really appreciate each of you and our team raised over $1200- so THANKS!!
We had to get the kiddos up at 6:30am
Sleepy Cal looked pretty bright eyed

Kenzie... not so much!

Kira was up and giddy!

Ok I have to tell you just how much I love that she owns a mesh sports skirt! Mom and Dad bought it in Hawaii and it's one of my favorite things ever. Kira is sooo girly, but loves to play hard too. I think the princess skirt, sparkle sweatband, and mesh skirt is just hysterical :)

2010-09-27T21:30:00.000-04:00

Kira just adores here Papa!

What a pair they make!

Mom did an Amazing job organizing our team and put in so much effort to raise funds for the WRC :)

2010-09-27T21:27:00.000-04:00

Kira got to be in the Honor Guard Picture... This was a huge photo of people that have been sober for over 10 years. Papa has 23 years and we're so thankful for how God turned his life around 23 years ago!

What a beautiful view and a great morning!

Cal loved seeing the boats and the bridge... Of course I was freaking out about them being near the edge :) It was a long drop down and I don't light heights :)

2010-09-27T21:24:00.000-04:00

Callen was a little sleepy from getting up so early and missing his nap

Angie (on the right) with her Mom. We met Angie through the WRC and she's an awesome lady and one of the most friendly people ever!

We had a little entertainment during the walk

Just a few of our team walking down Market Street

Fireplace

2010-09-27T20:16:00.000-04:00

Both fireplaces were finished today... the playroom looks great- the family room... not so much... They used the wrong stone and didn't drystack?? We're in the process of getting that fixed. So many details in this darn process. :)
This is the FP in the kiddos playroom. I'm planning on painting the room grey. It's my fav right now. I think I'd paint the entire house grey if I could. The grout is super dark b/c it's still wet, but it will lighten a good bit (thankfully)

Lots more pics to follow... we're almost done! Yay!

Conclusion: It's always something in my world...

2010-09-20T22:45:00.004-04:00

I was running late get the kids from school... well not late, but just barely going to make it. All is going fine until the car in front of me does this...

Seriously it looks like an optical illusion, but nope it's not.

The elderly woman just stopped at the sign and then started to make a right, but instead kind of just drove off the road! I didn't know a car could do this... She put it in reverse and was just putting the pedal to the metal! I parked, walked over, tapped on the window, and suggested that I didn't think that would work b/c her wheels were not on the ground :) I helped her get out b/c as you can see the side of her car was about 3 feet higher than normal... Thankfully, another man pulled over to help b/c no sooner did I get her out of the car, she walks around front to check on the car and trips on the gravel and falls. I helped her up and noticed she was bleeding on her knee. She's insisting it's fine and I'm seeing that her pants are turning red. Within 5 seconds her pants are drenched, her shoe is completely red, and I'm applying pressure on a gash like none other. Right about now I'm thinking- really, is this happening? Is there a car randomly in the air, and did this nice lady choose to fall on the only rock in a 10 feet radius??? Well long story short, the police came, and after being pretty confused by the blood and my insistence that there was no accident, and explaining that the woman had tripped, I was allowed to leave.
Needless to say the kids we're picked up late, BUT at least they were picked up... I just might have forgotten that preschool is NOT full day and not arranged for anyone to pick Kira up this morning... I might have gotten a call from the school while I was out working for Agora about an hour away... Maybe that happened maybe not. Based on my track record I'll let you take a guess.

Leaves

2010-09-15T22:45:00.000-04:00

The other evening E took the kids outside to play in the leaves. They all raked up a small pile and then jumped in for some fun. These leaves are a little yucky, but the kids had fun! We'll definitely be taking lots of fall leaves pics in the next few weeks!
Of course Kira would be wearing a flowergirl dress playing in the leaves.

Darn the shadows... but still fun

Having so much fun!
Thanks daddy for playing and thanks for taking pictures. It's not too often I find pics on the camera that I didn't take!

2010-09-15T22:38:00.000-04:00

Love this pic of Kenzie! Even though she's growing up, she still loves to play!

Cal was scared at first b/c of all the crunching, but eventually LOVED it!

Getting comfy with the leaves now!

Helping us rake!

{duck}

2010-09-13T22:56:00.000-04:00

Kira started preschool this morning! She's officially a member of the Duck Class at QCS! She has been talking about "being a duck" since about Christmas of last year! I can't tell you how many people stopped me at the preschool to say they couldn't believe she's already in preschool! (She's been dragged in there for pick up and drop off 3-4x a week for 3 years now!) She did an awesome job and ran right in to play with her friends! We're SO excited that Kira, Danny, Kayla, and Regan are all in the same class! It's awesome!
I took a few pics of our little duck before school this morning.
Thanks to Steph for this adorable outfit she got KJ for her birthday- the only thing missing is a pink pair of Converse and they will be coming this weekend! :)

All pink and Kira-ish!

She's such a big girl and I can't get enough of the faux suspenders, I wish I got a pic from the back b/c they just kill me!

Thanks to Lindsey for loaning us a backpack- Kira's accidentally got put into storage. This princess one was perfect!

2010-09-13T22:49:00.001-04:00

Oh boy, I hope the Duck class is ready for this little crazy princess!

I love you Kira Jane and I'm so proud of you!

2010-09-13T22:30:00.000-04:00

Kayla and Kira... a little silly of both of them!

Danny had no intentions of smiling for this picture! He was looking so handsome though (and now it's time to hand the tee shirt over Steph! :) )

Progress while we were away!

2010-09-11T20:24:00.000-04:00

Just liked the beautiful weather and decided that I'm going to LOVE this house in the fall with all the pretty trees!

The family room is finished! We also had the fireplace mantle cut down a bit and a conduit put in so that we can mount our tv over the fireplace! I'm really excited about this but Eric's still on the fence. It won't be as high as a normal FP mounted TV, so I think it will be fine.

FR again... We only put 6 lights in the FR and I think I'm going to absolutely regret that... the old house had 8 and was smaller... Ugg there are too many details to get it all perfect. I'm sure once I'm not living out of boxes I won't care about 2 missing recessed lights! :)

The corner of the kids playroom. This room seems a lot larger with the finished drywall. I am SO excited to have a big playroom for the kiddos and all their friends!

2010-09-11T20:20:00.000-04:00

This is the stone that we picked for the fireplace in the kid's playroom.
This is the stone for the familyroom. I like the drystack look... I like the modern/transitional feel it has!

2010-09-11T20:19:00.000-04:00

This is actually the foyer ceiling. The worker was there working on it when I was there... he was totally 2 stories up and not supported very well. I was pretty sure he was going to fall to his death! Yikes!

Kaden's First Soccer Game!

2010-09-11T20:13:00.000-04:00

This morning we left the beach early so that we could be home for Kaden's soccer game. He's playing for deep run and he's on Team USA! We are really proud of Kaden and how he's not nearly as shy as he used to be. He's the only 5 year old on the team (the rest are 6 or 7) but he totally fits in... actually, he might be one of the tallest kids! lol. We are working on getting a bit more aggressive, but just like Kenzie I'm sure it will come out a bit more each week. Today he played really hard, but was a little uncertain. His buddy Matt certainly wasn't shy and did an awesome job leading our team! It was so cute to see the two boys looking like twins! Ahh, fall soccer- love it!
Warming up- love his silly face

Wow that's some high kick!

Matt's turn...

Nice one buddy!

2010-09-11T20:08:00.000-04:00

A little pep talk from the two best coaches... Eric and Mr. Mark!

Matt is seriously a soccer stud! He was really aggressive and played so well!

Matt and Kaden getting mid-game high fives!

Kade took a turn in goal... I'm pretty sure he hated it! He made a few saves and they did score on him once, but it was actually a great shot.

2010-09-11T20:04:00.000-04:00

Great Game Team USA and Team Jamaica!

Our 2 Blondies... Kaden and Matt!

Random Day 3 and 4 pics

2010-09-07T20:13:00.000-04:00

Love this b/c Cal is obsessed with airplanes!

This was last evening in a failed attempt at a cute pic! Cal had what Bry calls "Baby Rage!"

This one could have been good, but Kira was distracted

Really love this one of my little lady... need to edit it a bit, but not tonight... I'm putting the comp away!

2010-09-07T20:09:00.000-04:00

3 daughters in law... and one nephew
Kel, Me, & Bethany

Jaxie has been a champ on the beach!

We've been having fun playing some football, skeeball, and paddle ball on the beach. Bry and I made a pretty cool skeeball course, but it was a little too challenging... the score was like 0-0-0-0 after 3 rounds!

Love this one of Gmom and Cal

Out to Eat

2010-09-07T20:01:00.001-04:00

Blogger is acting up and I wrote lots of fun, witty comments, but they were all erased... so here's the short version... We went out to eat, had a great dinner, kids lasted 30 mins. before getting antsy, dinner lasted 60 mins... In the end we were happy, but waiting outside while the well behaved adults and Jax finished :) 2 more years and eating out will only be hard on our wallet, not our sanity!

Pic of all 6 Crazies!

Cal was loving Kenzie's new webkin

My cutie little man with his adorable popped collar, again for Mr. Dave :)

{jax}

2010-09-06T22:52:00.000-04:00

The highlight of our vacation will definitely be meeting baby Jax! I haven't blogged him yet, b/c I wanted to meet him and get my camera all over my nephew before I blogged him! He is super sweet and really pretty alert for a 4 week old. Bry and Kel are super chill parents and doing a great job so far!
I want to write lots more, but my wireless is acting up, so just pics for now. I only edited a few, so LOTS more to follow I'm sure.
We love you Jax Mangin!

2010-09-06T22:49:00.000-04:00

Smokin' hot mama!

Love these two!

Jax wanted to give his mommy some kisses!

Uncle Bry has to live up to his little brother's ability to hold and toss small children in the air! 4 weeks and up, up, and away!

2010-09-06T22:47:00.000-04:00

OMW what an adorable little family

love this little fella and he was rockin' his boat shoes!

Love the pier in the background b/c we love OCNJ

he was nice and wide awake for me!

8 toes

2010-09-05T22:38:00.000-04:00

{Day 2}

2010-09-05T22:37:00.000-04:00

We had another amazing day at the beach. The weather couldn't have been any nicer! We were on the beach by 9am and I didn't leave until 3, so it was fabulous and my face might have gotten a little crispy, although I'll argue that it's just a dark tan. :)
Earl brought in some gross treats that the kids thought were awesome! There were tons of dead crabs that the seagulls were eating and the kids just had a blast collecting and creating a bird feeding area!

I told her to smile and this is what I got... a knuckle sandwich :) Oh my!

At 9am the beach was empty. It was so nice!

Yikes! A horseshoe crab!

2010-09-05T22:31:00.000-04:00

This is GROSS and why I don't go into the ocean!
(and yes, I know that these were only on the shore b/c of Earl)

This cracked me up! Kenzie found these shades on the beach and dressed up one of the crabs she found!

My silly, big girl!

This is just part of her crab collection! It was impressive.

2010-09-05T22:28:00.000-04:00

This is Kira making muscles! Ha!

Whee!

Into the little pool she goes

Kenz

2010-09-05T22:26:00.000-04:00

Love this smile

Kenz and another crab... seriously this kept her busy for hours!

A crazy little girl on a super fun slide that daddy made

2010-09-05T22:24:00.000-04:00

Lovin the sand slide!

Cal doesn't care much for the ocean, but he took a little trip down to the water with Grandpop

Mom

Me- looking less than thrilled to have my picture taken :)

2010-09-05T22:21:00.000-04:00

Look Gpop, a clam

So proud of his find and coming to show mommy and daddy!

Kenz and Gmom made an adorable crab, complete with shell eyes

Too cute

OCNJ Beach House

2010-09-04T21:06:00.000-04:00

We're so grateful to Eric's parents for providing a great beach house every year! We're right on the beach and it's a wonderful, kid friendly house.
Did I mention that I am thrilled to actually have a bedroom for an entire week? I'm kind of over the living in a basement on a mattress on the floor! :) This is such a nice room too, fireplace, big bathroom, and king size bed... a bit of an improvement over my "spider hotel" HA! Thanks so much Mom and Dad!

Mom and the beach house kitchen

Family Room