We're Back. . . . .

I will start with saying I hope that you and your family have been healthy and if you haven't I hope you are feeling better now! Our family has been victim of all the "ick" that has been going around. I will spare you the details and just say that after a sick February I am hoping that March will bring us better health and maybe some warmer weather.

Onto brighter things, just a few pics to show some of the healthy moments:

Larissa's Artwork (guess that the leather couch made a good easel!)

Daddy needed a haircut!

Dorian saying "cheese" for the camera!

Job Perks

My job has the best perks! I get to be with my children. I get to watch them discover so many new things, we go for hikes or to the pool, we get to have breakfast, lunch and dinner together, I get to give them their bathes at night, watch them ride their bikes, we color and paint together, read together, go to swim lessons, change dirty diapers, take them to school and pick them up, kiss their boo boo's, get messy ravioli kisses, oh I could go on and on, but you know what I have the best job perks in the world and I would not change it for anything (even though the pay is lousy!)

All jobs have different perks, maybe you get a store discount, free food, clothing allowance, company car, corporate retreats, or maybe a turkey at Thanksgiving.

Well my dad has some pretty good job perks and we are fortunate that he shares them with us. He gets free furniture! Now let me tell you that there is usually some sort of flaw with that furniture, a scratch, a crack, a bend, a tear, but dad can usually fix it up to look like new! Some things in our house that dad has refurbished for us, kitchen table and six chairs, leather dual reclining love seat (we purchased the matching sofa), sofa table and the latest video game chair. Well the video game chair has become quite the joke in our house and here is why-

Nice looking chair, it even has some wheels (well my mom thinks it is ugly!)

Larissa sitting in the chair.

But here is what happens when you lean back in the chair. Oops!

I think we know why this was a freebie! That's okay the kids think it is the funniest thing!

Happy Birthday Mom!

So how does it feel to be "29" again? Of course I am kidding, but out of respect for my mom I am not going to reveal her age. And besides that is not what is important. So if you see my mom today be sure to wish her a "Happy Birthday!"

We took my mom (and dad) to the Home and Garden Show last weekend as a birthday gift. Here is a picture of "Nana and Papa" with their grandkids.

Dorian loved the pretty flowers. By the time he was finished with this one it was pretty sad and droopy looking. Oops!

Larissa loved all of the pretty flowers and walking through all of the garden displays. Of course we chose to wear the flower dress in celebration of all the flowers.

Mom, don't think about the number of years that you are celebrating this year, instead think of the number of great things that you have done in your years and all of the people and things that you have to be thankful for. You have 3 children who each love you in their own different ways, 2 grandchildren who absolutely adore you, you have good health, and in just a few short months you will be celebrating a big anniversary with your loving husband.

Happy Birthday Mom and Nana! We love you very much!

Food Fun!

Kids just love it when candy makes their teeth, lips and tongues different colors. Now go brush those teeth (and tongue) Larissa!

Learning to eat on their own can be so entertaining to watch yet so messy to clean up! And of course Dorian refuses to wear a bib!

Goodbye Gloria!

For the past couple of months I have been driving around with an uninvited passenger in my car. She goes by the name of Gloria. At times she could be extremely rude, interrupting my conversations with Larissa or any other passenger in my car. However, she was always there for me on those lonesome drives home on a dark snowy night, she would always chime in with something uplifting to say. At first she had the tendency to frighten me but after awhile I didn't even realize she was there.

It is funny to think back on the reactions that I have gotten from other passengers in my car. Myron just gave me a look and said, "What the heck was that?" My response, "Oh, that's just Gloria." I still don't think my mom and dad ever realized that she was there. That could just be because there hearing is not up to par. (BTW, Gloria could only be heard never seen.)

So you may be asking, "What exactly would Gloria say to you?" She was a lady of very few words, but they were strong ones. "Alrighty boys!" "Let's go!" "I know that's right!"

Well the day finally came and I had to crawl into the backseat of my too large van to hunt down Gloria. I did eventually find her hiding underneath the front seat looking rather innocent. And I am happy to say that I have once again found that I can have an uninterrupted conversation with Larissa on our way home from school or a quiet lonesome drive home from ceramics class.

I would like to introduce all of you to Gloria-

Gloria

(Madagascar Escape 2 Africa)

Larissa's Valentines

Larissa and I have been working hard to get her valentine cards ready to hand out to her classmates and here is the finished product-

Each child will also receive a red/pink chocolate heart sucker with their ladybug. So after making 25 of this ridiculously adorable ladybugs, I am so glad it is done. Larissa is so excited to pass them out to her classmates and of course one for the teacher and the school principal.

Where in the World are the Cybyk's?

Any guesses?

Another clue -

Well that would be the Cleveland Zoo and apparently the hit of the day was the "dance" floor at the Primates building.



Frogs,

frogs,

and more frogs!

Last years theme was Frogs, Hogs and Dogs and that would be the reason for all the differently painted frogs. This is just a sampling, Larissa would have posed with each one if time would have allowed.

Dorian and Larissa waiting for the Fishing Cat to walk past the window.

It sure was nice to have a break from all of the bitter cold and snow with a beautiful 55 degree and sunny day. Perhaps what made it even better is that this has been the first day out of the house for about 2 weeks due to sick children, unless you consider trips to the doctor and pharmacy fun road trips. Myron was quite the trooper, he was still feeling really lousy and still spent the day with us at the zoo. Now, Amy next time I start to "brag" about how healthy my children have been just kick me in the shin or perhaps something a little more gentle!

Snacktime

I just thought this picture was cute and wanted to share it. . . . . .

Dorian hugging his puppy during snacktime.

He loves to give hugs to puppy and he is also very into chewing on "Puppy's" nose. Larissa likes her stuffed animals and her blankets, but she will take a different one each night. Me I was always and still am a "blankie" girl. (more on that some other day)

Do not try this at home!

And what do you suppose this "genius" was thinking?

Larissa and I spotted this picture in front of a local bar today. Perhaps they celebrated a little too hard during the Superbowl last night, or maybe they are a Cardinals fan and were a little upset over the huge upset from the STEELERS in the very last seconds!

And Myron thought I was a bad driver.