Saturday, May 16, 2009

Our Dancing Construction Workers...

Last week while Alan was cleaning up the garage, the IrishKids discovered a couple of hardhats from a construction site long ago. Now everytime they're outside doing anything...it is essential that they wear these hardhats...

Climbing on the tractor - wear a hardhat...

Riding their bikes - wear a hardhat...

Rockin' out in the driveway to Cher - wear a hardhat...

Actually the hardhats make a lot of sense...especially for Crash...I mean Fionn. BTW...anyone picking up on the similarities of dance styles in our family? I'm thinking they get their moves from Daddy!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Playing Catch Up...Again

I'll start by saying that yes I know that my skills as a blogger are disgraceful AND I really do feel bad about my lack of pictures and posts. As you can see by my last post...I'll now have a bit more time to keep you updated on the original IrishKids before introducing our newest addition come June.
So, what have the IrishKids been up to you ask? Well they're definitely keeping each other busy. Fionn fancies himself quite the comedian. He loves to make funny faces, funny voices, and whatever else gets a reaction from the crowd. It can be maddening at times...especially when you're trying your darndest not to let him see you laugh!

For the most part, Kit and Fionn are the best of friends. They keep each other quite entertained. But it's not always sunshine and flowers...they definitely know how to get under each others skin (and Mommy's too). I truly appreciate the nice days when they can be outside burning energy as opposed to being cooped up in the house.
Alan started a new job in September that has him travelling quite often and away from home. Thankfully I've got my parents close by to help with the children when Daddy's not around. The children definitely miss Alan when he's not home, but we did get to take a weekend trip to Mattoon, IL (quite the happening spot) to visit him in late March. The highlight (besides spending time with their father)...the POOL!

I've decided that Fionn's nickname (Finn) is rather appropriate when it comes to the water...the child has NO FEAR. Which causes a great deal of anxiety for his mother. Without a doubt, he's our little fish. Summertime at Grandma and Papa's pool should be alot of fun. Kit was a bit more hesitant to start out, but she warmed up soon enough. As long as she was in Daddy's arms she was happy!

But I've got to say it's just nice to have Alan home and spend quality time with the family. The IrishKids like having him home too. Don't they look cozy?









A Much Needed Break...

Hard to believe that I can actually go from reading this...


To enjoying this...
At least for the next four weeks. Ahh...it feels sooooo good to be done with finals! I plan on enjoying the break before summer session starts in June. Lord knows I won't have the time for leisurely reading then.










Sunday, February 22, 2009

Six Months & Counting...

Meet the newest member of the Gormley clan! Had my ultrasound last week and for the first time ever got to see actual pics of the little one. It's crazy to see that little face - but really cool. At one point, it even looked like my little one waved at me...made my day.

All is well on the development front. Baby G is growing as expected. Can't believe I'm at the six month point...June 11/12 seems so far away still. If my pregnancy is any indication - having 3 kids under 4 will certainly be a great adventure...good thing I like roller coasters!

We're excited to welcome our newest little one. Kit and Fionn love the idea of having a baby around (I think it appeals to both of them that there will be another person for them to boss around). They notice my expanding belly and love to pull up my shirt to say hello to the baby and give kisses...it's really very sweet.

Looking forward to the day when we can post pictures of Baby G's arrival for all of you.











Sunday, January 11, 2009

Sledding + Fresh Winter Air = Winter Fun

It also equals rosy cheeks, runny noses and tired IrishKids...(which usually includes nice long naps!) I've found that the brisk cold air is the perfect escape from the Cabin Fever that seems to set in 5 minutes after the children wake up in the morning on the weekends.
So, we decided take advantage of the fresh snow and mild temperatures (approx. 22 degrees - stop laughing Amanda!) and get the children outdoors to experience the fun to be had in the winter months...sledding! And there's no better spot for sledding than the forest preserve down the street from Grandma & Papa's.
So we all bundled up and pulled out the sleds, which the children quickly jumped into and headed out into the woods. The children enjoyed being pulled in their sleds by all the adults involved, sledding down hills large & small (after the large hill and some 'faceplants' we decided to stick to the smaller hills!), and a walk in the woods, where we got to see a group of deer up close (Fionn was delighted).
And after all that - we headed back to Grandma & Papa's for hot chocolate and temper tantrums - which signalled NapTime!
Incidentally, the IrishKids spent loads of time with Grandma & Papa this weekend. Mommy was bitten by a flu bug on Friday and Grandma & Papa came to the rescue! Thanks Mom & Dad for taking them overnight and spending quality time with the 'Grands'. I can't even begin to tell you how much I appreciate your help! You're amazing parents & grandparents. Love - Shan



Saturday, December 27, 2008

Happy Christmas to All

Wishing you the happiest and merriest of Christmases in 2008! Is it me or does it seem that as the children grow older the days leading up to the holiday get shorter and go much faster! It feels as though we're on a roller coaster! Here's hoping that your holiday was filled with love and laughter, family and friends.

We're fortunate to have Alan's mammy and sisters with us during the holidays! The children will be lost when the return to Ireland. They love having their Nana B and Aunties at home to play with (not to mention the sweets they're able to finagle!). Here we are enjoying a proper Irish breakfast on Christmas morning!
And nothing tops off the breakfast better than a sticky, sweet tea cake with our morning cup of tea. Fionn likes to save the marshmallow above his lip for later.

Both Kit and Fionn received their festive hats from their cousins in England. Thank you Alannah...they didn't want to take them off! They became part of their Christmas outfits.

I must say that having children has helped me to re-discover the magic of the season. There's nothing I enjoyed more than having time with my family and seeing the expression on my children's face when they discovered that Santa had indeed been to our home and left more than just coal (which had been threatened a couple of times in the weeks leading up to Thursday!)
Wishing you all the best for the season and a wonderful New Year!




Saturday, December 20, 2008

Catchin' You Up Before the Holidays...

I know...I've been bad (which is not good since Santa is watching)! I thought I'd better give you the Cliff Notes version of what's been happening since the last post. No pics this time...but not to worry, my personal paparazzo lands tomorrow and updated photos will quickly follow (can't wait to see you Auntie K, Neesie, & Nana B).

So, since the last post:
  • Hosted a 'Sex & the City' bachelorette party for my cousin Jen
  • Joined the family for the annual WISIL club bike trip - spent about 8 hours holed up in a hotel room reading, studying and working on projects for mid-term...later enjoyed a lavish dinner with cocktails, wine, and loads of rich food (you'll soon understand why that's important) - the children got to spend the whole weekend with Uncle Mike & Auntie B...and had the best time!
  • Looked forward to Bernie's annual October visit - to celebrate Fionn's 2nd birthday!
  • Found out we're going from a family of four to a family of FIVE...(I know-doesn't have as much impact when you've all known about it for the last 6 weeks)
  • Celebrated Fionn's birthday
  • Bernie spent 1 week of her 2 week visit in the hospital with double pneumonia!!
  • Welcomed Denise, who flew in to fly home with Bernie.
  • Enjoyed my little Ladybug and Cookie Monster on Halloween
  • Celebrated the marriage of my cousin Jennifer & her husband Dan
  • Visited with all of my aunts, uncles, cousins, and cousin's children from Texas
  • Celebrated my 34th birthday
  • Gave thanks for my family and friends on Thanksgiving and enjoyed visiting with our relatives from Maryland (needed a vacation after Thanksgiving - to recover from the visit...lots of fun and late nights)
  • Enjoyed Carriage Rides through our town with the children and my brother and his clan
  • Visited with Santa Claus

And all the while, working full time, trying to convince my children that it is in their best interest to follow my orders (Santa's watching-what will I do after Christmas), and enjoying the craziness & fun that is our life. By no means is this meant to be a complaint...I am truly blessed to have the circle of family and friends that I do. I'm sorry I don't do a better job of keeping you all updated. Happy Christmas to you all!

Love - Your Favorite Slacker Blogger