The Polar Express

We are all in the Christmas spirit! On Thursday night, we basically drove as far into Connecticut as you can to ride the Polar Express to the North Pole! The 2 hour drive was worth it. The expressions on the faces of the Dargan kids was priceless. The train ride was like the movie. The kids wore their PJ's, and there was singing and cookies, (Owens favorite) and hot chocolate and Santa Claus.

It's easy to make excuses to not do things because it's too far or cost extra money or because you are tired. Joe works crazy hours. He doesn't get enough sleep and he works so hard. He always has a smile on his face, he never complains, and he will do anything to make his family happy. Joe, I love everything about you and appreciate everything you do for us!

It was a 2 hour ride to Essex, an hour and a half train ride and then a 2 hour ride home. The kids smiled the whole time. They danced and sang and their eyes lit up when they saw Santa. Joe and I enjoyed every second of their innocence.

Family day

Thanksgiving weekend was a blast. There was no school, and Joe had off from work. We had a great 4 day weekend. We saw Disney on Ice, celebrated Thanksgiving, went to a special holiday lighting at Turtle Back Zoo and went on a hike with Hobson. The weather was beautiful on Saturday so we wanted to take advantage and spend it outside. There is just something about a family hike. It's just us, and I love to see the kids having a great day with each other doing something simple.

Happy Thanksgiving

I can not believe it's the holiday season. It seems like Halloween was yesterday. The last few weeks, we have decorated turkeys, sang numerous turkey songs, baked cookies and talked about what we are thankful for.

Ryley - "I am thankful for my family and for mommy and daddy. I love you."

Joey - "I am thankful for my whole family, Hobson, my home, and hockey." (I think daddy told him to say that)

Owen - "I am thankful for Mommy, Daddy, Joey, TJ, Ryley, and Hobosn."

TJ -"I am thankful for my family and little puppy. (little puppy is his stuffed animal who he sleeps with every night!)

We spent Thanksgiving at Uncle Chris and Aunt Julia's house. It was a great day, and the kids loved playing with their cousins. There is a lot to be thankful for. Now, the kids are counting the days until Christmas and looking forward to seeing their cousins in Massachusetts who they miss very much!

Things do not always go as planned!

I think I have good intentions when planning our days. Sometimes they do not always go as planned. This morning I packed up 3 energetic boys, a more energetic puppy, 2 bikes, a stroller, a dog crate, and lunch. The car was full. I drove 30 minutes to a lake by my parents house. We arrived at the lake and Joey and Owen were all set to go biking, TJ was ready to hang in the stroller, and Hobson was very ready to run his long legs. Of course it takes about 20 minutes to get everyone situated. Finally we are all set, and we take 2 steps, and the "park guy" who was cleaning around the lake informed me that dogs were not allowed. OK, so plan 2 was to walk around the outside area of the lake. It's not as pretty, but I don't think the boys or Hobson care as much I do. Well, first Owen falls off his bike. There are a few tears, but he is OK. The wind then starts whipping around and of course I forgot gloves for the boys. Their hands were freezing. We stopped for a quick lunch break and they all tried to huddle under the blanket as they ate. OK, so maybe this was not the best idea today. We tried to bike some more, but apparently winter arrived today. I must have missed the weather report this morning. It was cold. Owens hands were red! Oops! He jumped in the stroller for the bike ride back. So now I had the double stroller with 2 boys in it, Hobson tied to the stroller and Owens bike on top of the stroller. I gave Joey my gloves for the ride bike and at this point just wanted to get back to the car. Joey was a trooper! He rode the whole way back with no complaints. Finally back at the car! yeah! What next? Hobson gets loose in front of "park guys". They just look at me. I think they know better right now than to say a word to me. Thankfully, Hobson is a good puppy and doesn't run off. He did at first run for the water but thankfully returned. I think the graham cracker I had helped. Sorry Joe! I know he is not supposed to have people food, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Well, finally we were all back in the car and nice and warm. Thank God for drive through Dunkin Donuts. A warm cappuccino and a couple of bagels is comforting to all. The best part is the kids actually said, "mommy that was fun!"

A thought. . .

I know I am not the best writer, but I try my best. I misspell words at times and do not always have perfect punctuation. I am OK with that. My kids will read this someday and know that I make mistakes. They will also read this someday and truly understand and know that being their mom is the best thing that ever happened to me. I want them to read this and know how much I enjoy every day with them. I have never been so proud in my life. I have gone to college and I got a degree. I worked in the city and learned many things along the way. I have truly learned the most since I have become a mom and it is now that I am the most proud of myself. I learn something new every day. Ryley, Joey, Owen and TJ teach me something new each day. I write in this blog so they will know my feelings and remember all our adventures. I also write in this blog because writing helps me appreciate each day. Some days can be stressful, rushed and a bit crazy. Some days the kids may fight more than other days, and at times, I am tested on how much patience I have. At the end of the day though, I think back and know how lucky I am. I appreciate everything I have and I will try my best to teach my kids to always appreciate what they have. Joe and I always say we are a team. We will work together to do our best to be the best parents we can.

Let's play hockey!

It's time! I think Joe has waited for this day for a long time. I can see the look of excitement on his face as he laces up the skates of Joey and Owen. I can also see a couple of tears in his eyes as he hears them talk about playing. Our quiet Sunday mornings have changed a bit. I have now had lessons in "dressing boys for hockey." I didn't realize how involved it really is, but I have to say, I love it. Joe always told me there is just something about hockey. Now I understand what he means, especially since I watched Joey score a few goals today. Then, he looked at me and smiled and then I had tears in my eyes. Joey is getting better and better and I laughed today when I watched him almost try to take someone down with his stick when he was going for a goal. He is just like his daddy! Today was Owens second day on his skates. I was so proud of him. He fell a bunch of times and just kept trying harder and smiling the whole time with that adorable smile he has. My heart melted when Joey went over to check on him and make sure he was OK. Ryley and TJ were there to cheer them on and we had a special visit from GG and Grandpa. Ryley is ready to skate too. I can see a winter ahead of us of skating. Sounds good to me! We like to stick together. I guess we just have to find a small enough pair for TJ to join us! I have also been informed by Joe that I need a pair of hockey skates myself. I sit here now and write this as I watch them outside playing soccer. Time to join them!

Happy Halloween 2011

It's Halloween time. The Dargan kids have been trying on costumes for the past few weeks anticipating the arrival of Halloween. We got an early start with Zoo Boo at Van Saun and then the Hillsdale Ragamuffin parade. We were all ready for our school Halloween parties and parades this past Monday. A winter storm, in the fall, arrived Saturday and changed everything. We started Saturday off with raking leaves and ended the day with shoveling snow. Our first snowstorm in October! Schools were closed on Monday (Halloween). To us, that means a day together! We started off with a lunch outing and then a surprise visit to Pop Pop. The kids were all dressed up and their excitement was precious. After Pop Pop, it was off to Grandmas work. They were so proud of their costumes and more proud to show them off.

It was finally trick or treat time. Ryley, as Bat girl made sure everyone used their manners. Joey, as a soldier, ran to doors (he always loves to be first) and said Happy Halloween. Owen, as Batman, would trick or treat and sometimes wait to see what everyone got and then decide whether it was worth the trip up to the door. TJ, as a monkey, made everyone laugh with the monkey sounds he made the whole time. They had a blast.

My favorite part of the day was when we got home. The kids, on their own, went through their candy and gave three quarters of their candy away to the troops. They call it the troops bag. It was sweet to watch and listen to. I also heard them saying how they felt bad for TJ for not having a lot. They each gave him some of theirs. I guess all that sharing talk works. I am proud of them. It was a great day!