Charity's Crazy Beautiful Life

So, for Father's Day (which was as beautiful as the day before), we spent the day indoors. Church (INSIDE). Out to lunch (INSIDE) (Well, technically, we were outside on a balcony overlooking the ocean. But it was covered, shady and breezy. So I consider that "INSIDE", at least for the purpose of this blog post. Thanks for playing along.) Movie (INSIDE). Then...we came home and the boys started playing the Wii, INSIDE. Why INSIDE all day (well, ok, mostly INSIDE, if you're going to be a stickler about that whole lunch on the balcony thing) on such a beautiful day like this?

 Why INSIDE instead of playing in the waves?

Why INSIDE instead of hunting for creatures?

Why INSIDE instead of finding enormous hermit crabs? 

(And by enormous, I mean, pretty darn big!)

Why INSIDE instead of strolls on the beach...

and cheesy teenage "looks"...

(followed by hilarious teen-aged laughter).

Why INSIDE when you can spend the day sporting horrendous beach hair that is covered by a "hideous" beach hat. (And... could you please stop calling my beach hat hideous, I happen to like it, thank you very much!)

Well - I'll tell you why. Because... a certain someone (ahem, I won't name any names - wink, wink) forgot to put sunscreen on his back, along with the back of a certain little someone who happens to be his Mini-Me. So, these two people (who will remain nameless)...they didn't come home with any of those crabs, nope, they came home looking like lobsters! (Heh heh, I crack myself up!)

So, we needed to spend the day inside -- pampering and applying aloe to two sunburned backs. But all in all, whether we were inside our out, the day was pretty great. Because we got to spend it appreciating a pretty awesome daddy!

We hope you had a great Father's Day too!
Love,
~The Zaleski's

 

On the mend...Happy Thanksgiving!!

A busy time of year quickly turns into a chaotic time of year when your entire family gets sick. Each for a week. Consecutively. Equaling five weeks of sickness in one house. Yes, that's what happened here in the Zaleski abode. We were all on the mend right in time for Thanksgiving. Which ended up being very low key. Just the five of us. We cooked, we ate, we played board games...and we loved every minute of it!

Now, I'm busy catching up on all the Christmas planning, shopping, decorating...family photos, Christmas cards, etc. that are a part of this time of year. Add that I'm behind because of the before mentioned plague that swept through our home to the fact that I have to mail things much earlier because we're in Japan...which equals a busy few days for me! VERY busy. But I"ll take it. 'Cause the good news to that is that for the rest of December...I'll get to relax...and enjoy my Christmas countdown visiting beaches.

Beaches like this one where we had our family photos taken. Which you'll get to see more of after Christmas...te he he...I know, what a tease! But I can't ruin the surprise. All I can guarantee about these pictures is that in them there are cute kids, a handsome man, and they'll definitely make you want to come visit...SOON!

Halloween 2009 - Favorites with a Spin

For the last few years, we've tried to find a theme for our Halloween costumes. This year we toyed around with some costumes where we'd dress up as a family.  I think we'll do that next year. But being in Okinawa made that hard this year because I didn't plan enough in advance. They don't celebrate Halloween here, so I had to get creative with costumes. And as the kids and I were discussing what they'd like to be, we talked about what their favorite things were. And came up with a costume based on one of their favorite things -- but with a bit of a twist. (All the pictures this Halloween were underneath our front porch, which is tiny, because it was pouring rain all night.)

Daziel loves the Twilight Book Series - as does most of the teenage population in America. He just recently read all four books in about a month's time. Then he watched the movie, Twilight, and liked it even more. So he decided he wanted to be Edward Cullen, the leading vampire, for Halloween.

This is Edward Cullen from the movie. So pale and handsome... with big hair and a cold stare.

This is Daziel's version - Edward MexiCullen.

Allyssa's favorite singer is undoubtedly Taylor Swift. You know, the teen, country pop singer, songwriter, actress who has all the young kids swooning?

This is Taylor Swift. Yes, THE Taylor Swift...with her blonde curly hair and sweet smile. 

This is Allyssa's version - Taylor Swift with a haircut.

(The heart Allyssa is making -- something Taylor always does.)

One of Colby's favorite TV shows is a cartoon called Ben Ten about a boy named Ben who has this watch that helps him transform into alien forms with unique powers so he can help the world. 

This is Ben, Ben Ten. What do I have to say about Ben? Well, he's Ten. (Right? What else does that ten stand for?)

This is Colby's version -- Ben Ten who's actually Seven.

Oh, the joys of Halloween...one of my most favorite holidays. And Craig and I always have fun with the kids and dress up too. Craig is usually some kind of Green Bay Packer Fan Fanatic...but this year, he was...

a mad scientist. Why? Well, he couldn't go out wearing his costume with the Brett Favre jersey, which made him a little "mad"...or... we just so happened to have this costume handy. He's such a good sport to dress up with the kids!

And me? Well, I was Momma Swift of course! Momma Swift dressed up in her tried and true witch costume (which Craig says suites me very nicely...ahem, thanks babe!! And yes, I'm aware that's not exactly a compliment! ;-)

Daz, and his buddy, Dakota...

Allyssa, and her friend, Allison...

And because Allyssa and I got so into her costume, I have to share just a couple more things...

The boots we came up with using a $4 pair of women's dress boots from the thrift store. Taylors Swift has a pair that look very similar. (Allyssa has a magazine that tells all about Taylor Swift.) These were a disgusting color of burgundy when we bought them. And they're not really cowboy (cowgirl) boots, the back actually has a bit of a heel.  But I painted them and cut the top of them to look like cowboy boots, and they just have the right pointed toe. Allyssa is SOOO in LOVE with her Taylor boots!

We put a piece of tape over her brother's guitar and then used a sharpie marker to "sign" Taylors name on it. Then we added a few teardrop stickers that we made because of Taylors song, "Teardrops on my Guitar".  Taylor loves hearts too. Do you notice the hearts on Allyssa belt, which we also customized from a thrift store find (it was pink and gold when we bought it for a quarter) and the heart and "T" charms on her necklace? Allyssa has read all about Taylor and knows all about what Taylor loves. So cute!

And after we got home from trick or treating in the rain, the at times pouring rain, my kids were tired and wet and ready for pizza and candy. But Allyssa was happy that her Taylor heart was still drawn on her hand. (Something Taylor actually does too.) Boy, my girl is Taylor crazy, isn't she?

 I can't believe that this is the fourth Halloween on my blog. If you'd like to see us the last three years, click below...

Zaleski Halloween 2008

Zaleski Halloween 2007

Zaleski Halloween 2006

Good night, and...HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Allyssa's 10th Birthday Bash! (A Hannah Montana Movie Party)

Almost two weeks ago, (I know, I know...I won't be winning the queen of up-to-date blogs anytime soon), we had Allyssa's 10th Birthday Party.

Allyssa is a fan of Miley Cyrus (aka Hannah Montana). Does anyone else have a daughter between 3 and 13? Is she into Hannah Montana too? Because my Allyssa really likes this Little Miss Cyrus girl!! And since the movie had just come out on DVD, we decided to throw a Hannah Montana movie party. Makes sense, right? Right!

She sent out invitations to the girls in her class and a few neighbor girls inviting them to show up either "dressed up like Hannah Montana", or "dressed down like Miley Cyrus". Her invitations let the girls know that that prizes would be awarded for *best dressed up and *best dressed down. The girls were to show up at our USO on base (which we are really lucky to have - and it has a super cute little movie theater room that you can use for parties) to watch the Hannah Montana movie, play a few games, and have some Hannah Montana fun!

 And the girls all showed up dressed to impress! Cute as can be, I say! First, we started off by giving them a Hannah Montana bracelet. See Allyssa and her friend both wearing them here? This was their "concessions pass".

Then, we asked them all to take a picture with Allyssa in front of a backdrop. (Pictures that we ended up giving to each girl in their thank you cards.) I'm telling you - these girls were adorable!

You agree? Yeah, I knew you would! Cute, cute, cute!! And don't you just love, *love*, love those glasses? I do!

Along with all the girls, Allyssa had her brothers (and they each invited a friend) at the party too. Because... what would a Hannah Montana party be without a few boys among the crowd? And I'm that mom that always makes my kids be at each others parties. Even if you're a brother...and the party is all about Hannah Montana.

Lucky for my boys, they each had a friend (who had a sister coming) that was willing to tag along, hang out for a few hours, and pigout on some popcorn!

So once everyone was there, Craig and I got busy getting everyone their concessions... popcorn, candy, pizza or hotdogs and drinks. Yep...the way to a kids heart. Junk food! Lots and lots of junk food! 

The kids got settled in, comfy and cozy, and enjoyed Hannah Montana: The Movie. (Which, if you haven't actually seen...it's a pretty stinkin' cute movie!)

Can you tell that Craig and I are "dressed down" like country bumpkins, while most of the girls are "dressed up" like rock stars?

After the movie, we of course had to award the "best dressed" prizes. And then we played a few Hannah Montana Movie trivia games where we asked a question, and the first kid to stand up got to answer it. But they had to wait until the ENTIRE question was finished.

Get the question right? Move to the front row!

Then, once the front row was full, there was a final question to find a winner. This was so much fun...I'd draw out the questions and it was pretty funny watching the kids squirm and wait for the question to end so they could answer. The kids really got into it...even the (gasp) boys!

Prizes were awarded...

** On a side note - this is our neighbor, Alison. Does she not look like Winnie Cooper from The Wonder Years to you? She sure does to me! And I think she's just adorable!! (I always loved Winnie Cooper. I wanted to be Winnie Cooper!)

  Ok, back to the party...

Yeah, ok, so please excuse me funky grin on this next picture. I was obviously not posing for the shot. And my glossy forehead? Wow! Next year, Craig is in charge of lighting the birthday candles. Apparently it stresses me out a bit, sheesh!

And, no, that's not a box of popcorn. Those are mini cupcakes made to look like popcorn...

which I'm glad I made the night before as extra's...because I ordered what was supposed to be a super cute cake from a girl on base. And then she called me THAT morning and said she was sick and couldn't make it.

I was so relieved that I'd prepared! And I think Allyssa was just as happy with her mini cupcakes! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ALLYSSA HOPE!! 

Then, she opened her gifts...

and then we sent her guests home with their Hannah Montana goodies.

 This was a fairly easy party to do...but it was super cute, and the kids all had a great time! And most importantly, it made my very special daughter feel very important on this very memorable day.

And me? I still can't believe my baby girl is TEN!!

Because in my mind, she still looks like this...

when she was tiny and cuddly and cute. When she slept all day and I wanted to do nothing more than hold her and cuddle her and smell her sweet baby head.

 

Colby's Boot Camp Birthday

 

On August 26th Colby turned seven! We celebrated his birthday by throwing a Boot Camp themed party. Very fitting for out Top Gun loving son who wants to be in the military some day, we thought.

First, we sent out orders...errhhh...invitations:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Colby’s Boot Camp Birthday
The purpose of this mission - - - to celebrate Colby Zaleski’s 7th Birthday.
Your mission, should you choose to accept, is to:
* Report to basic training at the Zaleski Boot Camp 
* from 1500 hours to 1700 on Sunday, 23 August, 2009
* Please report to boot camp in your camo gear (if you have any) and be prepared to run basic training drills that will test your endurance, strength, and survival skills.
* You will also participate in Survival Games. You may be wet, tired, and dirty by the time you complete your mission, so please bring a towel and a change of clothes.
* Dinner and Birthday Rations will be served to include: cake, ice cream, hot dogs, chips and drinks.

Please RSVP to the Zaleski Boot Camp Commander by Saturday, 22 August, 2009 to accept or decline this mission: Commander Charity Zaleski

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Now...who would've thought the commander of our little party would have been somebody different? Ok then, just checkin'!

On the day of the party, the kids showed up donning great camo outifits. We painted their faces and gave them their ranks (bandanas on their arms with labels that said Sgt. so and so).

We started off by playing Sergeant Says, with Craig acting as the Drill Sergeant, of course!

 He had the "troops" do all sorts of things...like jumping jacks, salute, and stand at parade rest.

Then, we did an obstacle course that ended with the kids having to army crawl through the sand, under this contraption.

Which, as planned, left them hot, sweaty and dirty...because that's what boot camp is supposed to do, right?

And the kids loved it...because as we all know...kids love to get dirty!

Afterwards, we played a game called Man Down, where they were divided into teams, and had to "bandage" their biggest guy (in toilet paper), put him on a "gurnery" and transport him to the "triage" (a stump in the middle of the two teams). That was pretty funny to watch!

 

 

Can you tell which team is winning?

 

Yep, you got it!

Then, after that, there was another game, a granade launch (with water baloons) and a photo opp in a tree. Which should have been turned into a game called "How many kids can you fit into a tree?". We didn't get them all in this picture...but almost!

And after all that...the kids were famished and in need of some grub! And after dinner, of course, was Birthday Cake. Colby wanted a cake and cupcakes. So I obliged my Top Gun son and gave him both. 

 

 

And of course, you can't have a party with only ONE flavor of cup cake...

 

 

And a Boot Camp b-day party isn't a real Boot Camp b-day party unless you throw in a Boot Camp birthday song! So...as Colby waited to blow out his seven candles...and to make a wish for later bedtimes, more snacks, unlimited Wii time (or whatever seven-year-olds wish for)...we sang his birthday song to the tune of an army cadence:

I don't know, but I've been told, (echo)

Seargant Colby's seven years old! (echo)

That's why we're all here, (echo)

so let's give a big cheer! (echo)

Sound off! (one, two)

Sound off! (three, four)

Break it on down (Colb's seven!)

Happy Birthday - COLBY!!

Then, or course, it was time to open presents. (I always assign my other kiddos to be either the a) present organizer who hands the b-day kid the next gift and helps to put the opened presents into a basket...or b) the garbage collector who gets all the wrapping paper, ribbons and bows and puts it in the garbage. That way I can be in charge of writing down who gave him what for thank-you's. It's a great system that works for us!)

 

And Colby...he is one of the most excited kids when he's receiving a gift! It doesn't matter what it is, he shows such enthusiasm and excitement over his gifts. It's pretty cute!

 

 

Then we ended the party (how else?)...with a water bomb war...

 

 

where even the biggest of kids got involved.

  

 

And then...the balloons, erhh, I mean, bombs, were gone. So what is a soldier to do when he runs out of amo? He takes to the next best thing...the coolers!

 

 

 

 

And so they all left wet, tired and dirty...but they completed their mission...they had a blast at Colby's Boot Campy Birthday party!

Two dear friends, two lovely ladies, and a few memories

 r

I love this picture for a few different reasons. I love that my mother is looking so beautiful in her purple shirt. I love that she is so obviously happy to be with her dear friend, Judy. And I love that dear friend, who was my Mom's best friend growing up, our neighbor, and the mother to my best friend. Judy is so much a part of my past, my history, my growing up. So seeing these two women together, like they were two weekends ago, like they were all through my childhood...it warmed my heart. They hadn't seen each other in, what, ten or more years?? 

My mom spent the weekend with Judy while I spent the weekend at my dad's, just a trail-walk away. I don't think my Mom has been back up to the cabin where my dad lives in over a decade. The cabin that she and my older sisters helped to build over thirty years ago. That cabin that she had to leave. 

When we left that Idaho mountain the summer that I was nine, when we were saying goodbye to Judy, I remember her telling me that my mom was taking me on a "journey". Oh what a journey it has been.  I'm not about to go into that tonight, but it's a journey that has shaped me in so many ways.

All I know is that seeing these two women together, two women that mean so much to me, in the place that seeing them together seems so natural and carries with it so many memories...it evokes alot of emotion. 

And the strangest thing about it is...do you see what is behind them? Behind my Mom and Judy? Well, of course you see the brilliant blue sky and the pine trees that let you know they are in the mountains.  But, do you see those poles? Do you have any clue what they might be?  Those, my friends, are teepee poles. Yes, teepee, as in, what the American Indians used to live in.

I didn't plan to take their picture right there in front of those poles. I caught these two lovely ladies walking up the trail from Judy's and wanted a picture of them together, arm in arm, smiling. But it's perfect that they just so happened to be standing in front of those teepee poles. Why? What's the significance to them, you ask? Well, because that teepee is what my family lived in, on top of this mountain in Idaho, as they built the log cabin that my father still lives in, today. That was in 1979, the year that I was born.  And those poles are from the teepee, where, with the aid of a midwife and my older sisters, my mother gave birth to me. Yep, folks, that's where I was born. Not in a hospital, or even in a house. Nope, not me. I was born on top of that mountain. In a teepee. With my mom's friend, Judy, right next door. 

 

For the love of -- Daziel

Two weekends ago my oldest child, my first born, my very first baby boy turned twelve.

 

As a parent, watching your children grow -- and grow -- and grow is a bit bittersweet. I would even venture to say it can be hard. I remember holding my babies, and watching them toddle around, and their first this and their first that...their first day of school. So having to endure my son's 12th Birthday when I still remember his 1st very vividly...yep, you got it! Hard. 

  

What made it even harder was that we were in the middle of this move to Japan.  So, my poor boy was away from his friends that he's had for the last four years.  And yes, as we always try to remember, 'tis the way of military life.  And we try not to complain. But sometimes it is hard. So, especially because of that -- because of being in transition, I didn't want the day to just come and go without a bang! We are in the middle of moving and I wanted to make it special. I wanted Daziel to know that our traditions and our family is what we make it, no matter where we go. 

So I asked Daziel what he wanted to do on his special day. He of course wanted his Birthday Breakfast -- because that is a tradition in our family.  No matter what day we celebrate your birthday and have your party, no matter if it's a big party or just dinner with a friend, we always, always, start your actual birthday out with a special Birthday Breakfast. Whatever you want it to be, whether that is pancakes with m&m's and cool whip... or what Daziel requested this year... eggs benedict perfected by Uncle Darold. 

When I was planning what else we'd do for the rest of Daziel's birthday, I was a bit surprised by his reaction. I offered to take him to Silverwood, a theme park not too far from here. I told him we could take him to play laser tag, or to go fishing...but my boy, he just nodded and with a ho-hum little voice he said "yeah, whichever will be ok".  So I thought, and I talked to my boy, and I thought some more. What was making him so glum? He finally told me he was bummed about not getting to spend his birthday with my husband, Craig. You see...Craig was gone last summer too -- he was deployed for four months.  So my boy was bumming about that...and who can blame him? This whole moving and being away from the ones you love kind of stinks. But, Craig's already in Japan, we're here, there wasn't much I could do about that.

So, I thought and thought some more...about my boy and what he was feeling. And I thought of another option for his birthday, an option I was a bit hesitant to suggest.

You see, we are staying with my sister Angela -- who just so happens to live in the same town as Daziel's father.  So, I worked up the courage and I set my feelings aside -- I asked Daziel if he'd like us to have a family barbecue with his dad and all his dad's family. His eyes lit up, he smiled and said "yeah!".  So, I went about planning it out. Daziel and I even sat down one evening to plan it out with his father.  Because even though his father and I aren't best buds, and even though we've had some very major disagreements that were/are being worked out... I thought it was still very important for us to wave a white flag, to call a truce, and to throw a party -- together -- for our son. So Daziel could see us working together for him.  We hadn't done a party together for Daziel since his 3rd Birthday. I wasn't so sure that I was up to it.  But I was sure it was what my boy wanted -- so that's what he got!

 

He got to spend the day with all of us (who could make it on such short notice) together...with his father...

 

with his beautiful grandma, who I love so much!  (And even though it's been 12 1/2 years since I've dated her son, I have a feeling she loves me too. As she walked into the backyard, she was carrying two huge trays of her homemade enchiladas. And as she was giving me a great big hug, she told me that she made them especially because she remembers that they were my favorite -- gosh, I really do love her!!)

 

He got to spend the day with his uncle -- who -- wow! Doesn't he look so much like!?!!

 

Daziel got to have his wonderful aunts there. It's funny, because I really love his father's family. I was a part of their family for the 2-ish years that we dated. And it was nice to see them and to visit with them for an afternoon. It was nice to see how we could all come together for the same goal ...

 

to play and have fun...

 

to slip and slide...

 

to do a pinata "the right way"...

  

to scramble for the candy (as I was showing my mom these pictures, she remarked about how much I look like Daz's grandma in these pictures -- weird)...

 

to enjoy the yummy mexican candies inside of it..

 

which was followed by a special cake made by Uncle Darold and decorated by Aunt Angie, and cousin, Bethany.

 

That day was all about making sure that a very special "little" boy felt very, very loved!!

Merry Vacation -- Day 1 & 2

Ok, so we got here and originally were going to wait until the 19th to go to Disney and wait for Craig's sister and her family to arrive (they flew in on the 18th). But we got word that they might be delayed due to weather, so we went ahead and started our Disney adventures yesterday...the 18th.

 

And of course we started out with The Magic Kingdom. Please excuse Colby in any pictures...if he doesn't look happy...it's because he gets moody about getting his picture taken. He is having a blast, though.

We all are. It's been two full days of parks and we're having so much fun. After doing about half of The Magic Kingdom yesterday, we decided to take a different route and do The Animal Kingdom today. We have seen and done so much already! Rides, shows, pin trading, safari's, character autographs, and have spent time with family.

 

And Craig has found his favorite ride...a roller coaster that has made him a lover (he's not been a huge fan of them before today)...

 

A ride all about this mountain. A pretty big mountain, right? Well, it's a pretty big ride too. And I heard it was pretty stinkin' cool! I mean, Craig wouldn't quit telling me how cool it was. I didn't find out for myself.  You see, Colby and I didn't ride it. I mean, somebody had to stay back and take the pictures...right?

Can you spot them?

 

How about now?

 

So yes...we're having a blast...we hope your days have been just as merry.

Halloween -- "When I Grow Up"

So...do you remember a while back when I asked for some Halloween Help in choosing our costumes? Well, you all came up with some good costumes. And for a bit I thought that we were going as the Adams Family.  Then...I thought maybe the kids would go as Frankenstein, the bride of Frankestein and the crazy doctor. But nope. Not my kids.  They wanted to be...

   

a Nerd...

   

a Cowgirl...

 

a Biker...

 

and a Packer Fan in denial. Oh, oops...Craig isn't one of the kids...

 

I know, I know...you can't tell by this picture!!

Me? I was a Gypsy Photographer.  And being such, I was behind the camera pretty much all night. So...that was us on Halloween. Pretty much sums us up, eh?  And since my kids didn't want to do a family theme this year, I decided to give theme their costumes...so I'm calling this the "When I Grow Up" Halloween.  I've got more cute pictures and funny stories to share, but I'm going to save that for another night. Because the kids are having a mock election tomorrow at school and I've got to get Colby registered to vote. He can't vote without his voters registration card (we log on online and print it out) and he's bugging me about it.  It's so cute how into this election my kids are!!

So...if YOU are registered...don't forget to VOTE tomorrow!!!

Halloween Help!

So...inbetween swim team, and PTO, and cooking, and cleaning, and coping without my husband...I've been trying to do a little scrapbooking. Right now, I'm trying to catch up on my Halloween album. Because... it's one of my favorite holidays, and I love that my kids always want to know their "stories" from each Halloween...and that I have most of the pictures to prove it. And mostly, we just LOVE halloween!  So, all of my recent scrapbooking has got me thinking... 

Allyssa: 2007

 

Daziel: 2006

 

(and that little purple skeleton lifts up so you see this...)

  

And now...I have a question for you all.  What should we be this year? Come on...we want to hear about it. Remember last year when we were all pirates? Or in 2006 when Craig was that crazy, lunatic, Green Bay looking guy? (Hint -- the words highlighted will link you to the posts with those pictures.)  Well, we love dressing up. We love Halloween. We can all dress up in the same theme...or go our own seperate ways...we aren't partial.

Now, we COULD go with the suggestion that my daughter threw out there. She told me, "Mom, I know what we can be...te he..te he he...Dad can be a plunger, Daziel can be a toilet, I can be a roll of toilet paper and Colby can be a TERD! te he he he te te he he he he." To which I laughed and laughed. And then asked, "Hey, what about me?" Her response, "Umm..the toilet bowl brush...I guess...te he he" What a sense of humor! So, I laughed some more and then said, "Yeah, that would be funny, but we can't do that. It's not fair to Colby," with a wry smile on my face, "because he wouldn't get to dress up!"  And then, all out laughter. Oh, what a riot!!

But NO, we don't want to go as a family of crappy people. I mean...well...you get it. So, since our first option is out the window and I am having issues with figuring this out this year, what do you suggest?? (By the way, the fact that I'm even having issues thinking of something this year is bugging me out...just so you know!)

Thanks for your help!

Did I mention our 4th?

Did I ever mention that before Amy got here on the 5th of July, we had a really good 4th of July? 

Have I yet to mention that I still need to figure out how to take pictures of sparklers?  I'll work on it, my friends.  Next year I'm sure they'll look SO much better!  So...for the fourth... my friend Diana (and her great neighbor and adorable children and pyromaniac -ish husband :-) invited us over for a BBQ.  Good food.  Good friends.  Squeezably cute and cuddly baby...

...a friend that is one year and one day older than me and can still morf back into a beautiful baby bearing momma that looks like she never laid eyes on a kid in her life.  Ok, Diana, I love you. I do. You just gotta know I'm a bit jealous!  Just a bit.  But how can you be jealous when you look at that little piece of squeezable goodness?  I loved hugging on your new little man! 

I watched my kids playing with sparklers and realized -- we don't do this as a tradition.  I don't love fireworks.  Not sure exactly why.  Maybe it has to do with all the homemade arsenal from my childhood.  I don't know.  They've just never "done it" for me.  But they sure did for my kiddos!

So on that day; the day we -- as a nation -- celebrated our independence, I got to watch this...

 

and miss my husband who would have loved being there, seeing this, eating banana pudding and enjoying a beer with friends.  And then I realized that for us... Independence Day is every day my husband is away from home, fighting for for freedom, standing up for liberty, missing out on sparklers and banana pudding and the lives of those he loves.  For our family -- the 4th of July isn't about one day a year where we celebrate our country; it is a way of life.  We stand proud, stay strong, and are aware that every day is Independence Day.  Every every day is a 4th of July.  Every day we live in a great nation.    

Happy Easter - From My Cheesters!

Ok, so I know that St. Patrick's Day is over and gone.  But, I had to start with this Colby story that may just crack you up!  And what better way than to start with a Colby picture that sets the mood.  Tonight, as I was getting Colby ready for bed, he says to me in an oh, I just remembered something very, very important tone, "Mom, I was talking to Eric and Terik the other day at school.  And, they were wrong." 

A little dismissive; I admit that I was thinking that this is going to be one of his typical Kindergarten conversations that eludes to how the green Power Ranger can beet Spiderman because of..., something to which I know nothing about.  But, no, the Little Kid surprised me.  After I asked, "Wrong about what?"  He replied, wide-eyed and looking very concerned, "They told me that God is the only person that knows everything!" 

Not sure where this was leading, I replied with an "Oh?  And what did you say?"

He looked at me as if I should know the answer already, and stated, "I told them that's not true!  Because my Mom AND my Dad know everything TOO!!" 

Then I, I cried.  Well, really, I laughed.  Then cried.  Laughed so hard I cried.  Then cried at the thought that my Little Kid really thinks that I, the crazy momma knows everything!  Then laughed a little bit harder that he thinks Daddy knows everything too.  He'll learn when he gets married, just the Momma, Colby.  Just the Momma. 

Then, like a good mom would, I explained how his good little Kindergarten friends are just a little bit right.  "Colby, you see, when Mommy tells you something, and you say nuh uh  and I say yes sir Mister, and you better just listen to me now because Mommy knows everything...Colby, (gulp) Mommy is just..."

as I get really quite "joking."

"WHAT!?!?!" he asks, so that the whole house has now tuned in.

I repeat the story and my reply.  And now my plot to brainwash my children into thinking that I know everything has just failed.  Miserably. 

But, when push comes to shove, and you're put up there against the Truth, who can fudge to that?  I mean, God or Mom? And speaking of, today is His day.  So a couple of pictures from my Easter Cheesters!

Look at those cheesy grins! Do you see the looks on Allyssa and Colby's faces?  My, are they related?  And Daz is such a ham!  He cracks me up!  Life has been crazy, hectic busy - evidenced by the fact that I didn't even think twice and shut the door to my messy pantry, remove the oversized and unattractive bottle of vinegar from center stage, or clear off a counter or two before I snapped this photo.  See, folks, another snippet of my Crazy Beautiful Life.  And my, oh my, I didn't realize how cluttered my fridge looked.  Wowbuddy!  But I'm a magnet lover, so, what's a girl to do?  So, obviously this is a picture of the kiddos last night coloring their eggs.  And Craig, trying to hide out in the back ground, on egg-peeling duty. I'm sure he'll be so pleased that I just shared that with y'all. 

So, we had a really nice Easter.  Church.  Good Food.  Friends.  Relaxed.  That equals good in my book.  A sinus-migraine that had me held up for a few days is still lingering, but all in all, a good day!  So, the kids wanted me to share this photo with you, because they are proud to be sporting new watches, thanks to the Easter Bunny.  Don't you love Colby's crocks?  Father did at mass this morning too.   Pretty funny!

Happy Easter!
~Charity

It IS October still, Right???

Oh, my, where have I been?  The other day, somebody was telling me about something upcoming and said "It's on November 17th", and I went right along with it.  She really meant March 17th. Truthfully, most days, I do think it's still October.  This fast roller-coaster of a year just has been taking ahold of me...and my time.  Hence why I still have yet to get Christmas Cards - or presents - out.  Perhaps we'll call them Easter gifts this year, folks.  What do you think about that??  So, in the week+ since I've posted, what have I meant to post???  Here ya go....

He's a HEART BREAKER (2/10/08)

Meet Sophia.  She belongs to my good friend, Delphine.  Del had to go out of town for a few days (four to be exact), and her husband is deployed, so I offered to keep her two youngest kiddos, Sophia and Zack (not pictured).  Sophia is Colby's age.  They are good buds - they were in the same half-day preschool class last year, get to hang out all the time because their Mom's are both volunteering crazies, and are in the same class again this year.  Aren't they cute?? 

Cute, you agree?  Well, let me tell you a story about our Cute Colby.  A few weeks ago while we were at the school setting up for our Movie Night, Sophia came up to Delphine and told her that Colby had kissed her.  My five-year-old, smack, smooch, kissed her!!!  Delphine and I both looked at each other, muffled a laugh, bit a lip, and frowned at both of our youngsters.

Later that weekend, I sat down and had "a talk" with Colby. He told me he kissed Sophia because he wanted her to be his girlfriend. I told him how "we don't kiss girls unless they are our girlfriends or better yet, wives, and he is NOT to have a girlfriend until he is at least 18, 21 would even be better, and that really if he wanted to know the whole truth, I would prefer if he waited until he was married to kiss a girl, and to that, I would say...dear son, please wait until you are 30 and educated before you get married, so that means, 30 before you're kissing girls -- so, for now, Colby, you are WAY TOO YOUNG TO BE KISSING GIRLS and NO, NO, NO she CAN NOT be your girlfriend!!".  Feeww!! *Breath* Sheeshhh...what a talk to have with a five-year-old.  And yes, I did say all that.  And yes, I did forget to breath.

So, the talk was well received. Because after all of that, he looked at me with and odd, "where did I get her from" look (I don't know why) and he said, "OK Mom!!" 

Then, a few days later, my family was all in the grocery store together.  As we were checking out, we saw some of those ENORMOUS hearts with the chocolates inside.  Colby was begging for one.  I told him, "Colby, you don't get to buy one of those for yourself, those are to give your Valentine on Valentine's Day.  That means, your wife or girlfriend..." (And I was about to go on in regards to how he won't be able to buy a chocolate heart until he is 30 because...as we had already discussed) when Allyssa chimed in, "You can get one for Sophia, Colby."  He immediately looked at me with big, disgusted eyes and said, "No, not Sophia!" (Good boy, I've brainwashed trained you well!) Craig then said, "Well, then you could buy one for Mommy?!?"  Colby looked at me with even bigger, more disgusted eyes and said, "Noooooo, not Mommy!!"  "I know" he declared, "I could buy one for Grandma Sharon!"

So, that would have been a cute enough story, left as it, right?  Of course, and it was.  Until we got in the van after paying for our groceries and Colby said, "Mom, I couldn't buy those chocolates for Sophia because of what you told me.  And I told her all about what you told me.  We were on the playground at recess and we talked about it.  I told her that I was not old enough and that I had to be thirty."  Craig looked at me with a curious look, I looked at Craig and smiled proud.  My baby, knowing where his boundaries are.  But then, he said, "Yep, when Sophia and I were playing, I stopped her.  I sat her down and...I broke it to her."  Oh goodness me!  Craig and I looked at each other and both of our eyes filled with tears, smiles so wide, we were both trying so hard not to burst out laughing.  Stifling my belly-laughter, I asked, "And, Colby, how did she take it?"  "Ok" he told me, quite optimistically, "she just chased me!"  And at that, we could not hold it in any longer.  We laughed, and laughed, and laughed, almost all the way home.  Oh, my heart breaker!!

Valentine Fun (2/14/08)

I got up this morning and made these for my children...can you tell they are heart pancakes with strawberries and bananas on them?  No?  Well, they could!  And they quite enjoyed them...

I got the pancake molds from Lillian Vernon.  They work really well. We also made homemade Valentines last night for all their classrooms.  We even got "Daddy" (Craig) in on it.  He helped tie quite a few ribbons.  The kids made these special treats for their teachers...I got the idea from Split Coast Stampers, I get alot of ideas from there.  If you don't already, you should check it out.  Type in whatever you're looking for in the search area, and go to town.  You're sure to find lots of ideas.

 

Happy Valentine's Day!!!
And..   Happy Birthday to Grandpa Alan!!!!!!!!!

Killian for A WHOLE WEEK!! (2/16/08)

Craig went yesterday to get Killian.  He has -- what his school calls Winter Break this week.  So he's here to hang out with us.  He still gets Spring Break, so not so sure what this is all about.  But we're not complaining!!  He's having a good time so far.  Look how big he's getting, and how darn cute he is!!! (Shhh, don't tell him I told you that.)

What's cool is...this Friday is our Talent Show. So, he is going to perform with Daziel, Allyssa and Colby and all four of the kids will be in it together.  How sweet is that?  Craig won't be on leave any more (have I mentioned he's had the last two weeks off of work - he's been studying - he tests for Master Sgt. on the 20th??)  But we'll still have a good time.  I'll get to take him to the school and show him around.  Daz's teachers are pretty cool, so he'll get to hang with them a few times.  Plus, I figured he can help me take Nicholas (technically his dog) to get groomed, and go to a movie or something during the day, just me and him for fun.  Sweet!  So glad for any time we get to have him!!!

Skin on the sides, a 1 on top (2/17/08)

After church today, we went to the Barber Shop so Craig, Daz and Colby could all get haircuts.  If you haven't already heard, Colby LOVES to get his haircut!  He actually starts begging a week or two into a haircut to get another one.  And, as the previous picture of him and Sophia shows, he was actually in need of one, per his standards.  He is very proud of his haircuts!  He sports them around and says "Don't touch my haircut! You'll mess it up!!"  Because, we all love to rub a nicely shaved Colby cut!  (Note - this is funny, because after his haircuts, there is NOTHING left to mess up!) So, Colby gets haircuts quite frequently.  The same cut as Craig.  (Hmnnn..go figure!) And when he climbs up in the barber's chair, he knows exactly what to say, "I want skin on the sides, a 1 on top".  That's barber lingo for the size of the razor they use on his cut - short!!  And here it is, skin on the sides, 1 on top...

 

 

Happy New Year 2008!!!

First order of business - MONOPOLY.  Yep, it went that long.  And we had a blast!  Craig even stayed up until almost midnight on a work night (aahhh - gasp).  He never does that!  And Allyssa came from behind and kicked some Monopoly behind.  Good job Mom, Amy and Ange, you guessed it!  And well, I guess I'll give it to you too, Janna!  Thanks for playing along everyone who posted or sent us emails!  Look at Allyssa and all of the properties and money she ended up with.  And her excited face!  It was so funny...they all got so into it (I was ONLY banker and helped them all out - was just as fun for me, though), they started taking out "favors" when they were getting short on cash and I had a running list of things like, Killian has one free rent on the Yellow Properties or Allyssa has one free rent on Park Place.  Too funny!

We had a fun day today.  After coming home from Mass, we had a huge spread of fondue fun.  White Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, and Cheese Fondue with - are you ready for it? - bananas, pineapple chunks, mandarin oranges, apples, pears, strawberries, grapes, broccoli, cauliflower, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, pretzels, tortilla chips, little smokies, meatballs, brownie chunks, nilla wafers, marshmallows and pound cake.  And yes, it was just my brood.  But I tell you, my family can eat.  And the kids really enjoyed doing the Fondue.  I think we'll make that a New Years Eve tradition.

And I know, you are all saying - enough with the entirely GROCERY LIST of foods you dipped into sauces tonight, right?  You are all just REALLY wanting to know who won tonight's Checkers tournament, right?  Well...it was a good match again this year!

We had three games going at once.  We were unsure if Colby would need someone to help him this year, but he held his own and played his own game.  We played double elimination again this year, and wouldn't you know it, I was the first one out?!?!  I mean, what the heck!  (NOOOO - I was NOT throwing the game and letting them win.)  I played Daziel (of course he won) and then Killian beat me too.  Colby was out, in 5th place, laughing and enjoying himself the whole time.  I think he was just excited and happy that he could play by himself. In this picture, he was seriously concentrating.  Look at that look!  And do you see Craig and Killian playing their game at the coffee table in the background?

Allyssa made it to 4th place.  Then it was down to the "big boys".  Craig, Killian and Daziel. They played.  They were serious.  They concentrated.  They tried to psyche each other out.  Well, Daz and Killian did.  And Craig concentrated and took it super serious and had a deep furrow in his brow most of the time.  But I caught him once....look, he's almost...

there...he cracked it...the "serious" checkers player is smiling (te he he).

So, Craig ended up beating Killian.  But remember, this Zaleski Family Tournament that we hold yearly at Christmastime is serious business, it is double elimination.  Craig had already lost once...so now both he and Killian were sitting at one loss and Daz was undefeated going into the finals.  Killian and Daz were up next and were in the middle of playing their game come the final minutes of 2007.  They paused midway through and we all counted down and watched the ball drop.  Then all of the kids went outside and ran up and down the street yelling "HAPPY NEW YEAR!"  (Yes, our neighbors LOVE us!)

Then back in, right away, to continue with the tournament.  I have some serious competitors in this family!!  (Ask Aunt Angie, she got to hear it when she called to wish us a Happy New Year!)

So...Daz and Killian, four men to five men....three men to four....and so it went.  And Daz won.  It was a good game, and Killian almost had it.  Almost.  But Daz has some serious strategizing going on and with a double jump won the game.  Look at the concentration in his eyes!

So, the last game.  It came down to Daziel - still undefeated vs. Craig - the "old man".  Who was going to win?  Would it be last year's reigning champ or the underdog?  Only time would tell.  They played.  Craig got serious.  Daziel giggled and taunted.  Craig said "I can't wait to beat you!"  Daz chuckled a "bring it on" laugh.  Which of course made the game that much more hysterical serious to watch.  It was do or die...wait... Daziel pointed out that if he lost, he still had another game.  It was double elimination.  So if he lost they'd have to play - AGAIN!  It was a long game.  Just a few men on the board - a couple black, a couple red, and then....

Dun dun dun duuunnn.  Dun dun dun duuunnn.  (te he he - I SO should NOT be a News Anchor or Sportscaster!) Torturous, I know!

DAZIEL HUGO won AGAIN.  THREE YEARS IN A ROW!  What does he win?  Bragging rights for ANOTHER WHOLE YEAR!  And as my Mom pointed out, we need to get some kind of Zaleski Family Checkers Championship Belt or something that the winner gets to keep for the year.  Great idea, Mom! 

You know, I know some of you don't love checkers.  It's not a typical favorite of ours either.  But it is for this!!  We started this tradition three years ago, really, because it was the only game all of my kids, at the time, could pretty much play (the younger ones with a little help), somewhat quickly, in a way that would allow us to do this kind of tournament.  Cause really, this tournament only takes a couple of hours total.  Perfect!  It's pretty fast paced and is ALOT of fun!  And now that the kids are getting older, and getting more into it, and all able to really play (can you believe Colby can play all by himself?  aaahhh), it is even MORE fun.  I thought they'd grow out of it.  But to the contrary, I see it as something we'll be doing.  Even in their teens.  Honestly, I can't wait to be playing the grandkids.  So definitely have to get some kind of trophy worked out. 

And there we have it folks.  Play-by-play of the 3rd Annual Zaleski Family Checkers Tournament.  CONGRATULATIONS to our undefeated reigning champ, Daziel!!!

It is the game that never ends...

it goes on and on my friends...my children started playing it thinking that it would be fun, and they continued playing it until the break of dawn...it is the game that never ends....

Do you know what game I'm talking about?  Hmnnn.... Take a guess.
I'll answer it tomorrow with a picture.  But we (my whole family) played it for seven hours today!  SEVEN HOURS!!  (Hint: yes, it IS a board game.  No, we didn't get a Wii.)  We just put it up and it's almost midnight. 

Tomorrow we are going to have the annual Zaleski Family Checkers Tournament.  We've got to see if someone can beat the raining champ - Daziel.  And, we're going to do fondue and the kids want to run up and down the streets at midnight making noise, you know, beating pots and pans and yelling Happy New Year. 

So, how about it.  What game???

In Love with Advent...

Calendars.  We have several around our house.  I've been meaning to share them with you all Christmas season, and it's only fitting - and truly Charity style - to finally talk about them after Advent is over.  (I"m always late! ;-)  Anyhow, I wanted to share this one with you.  I made it this year.

I got the idea from Ali Edwards and hers can be seen here and hung up here.  These are cardboard jewelery boxes that I got at the dollar store - three in a package - one of each size.  I bought nine packages, and the rest of the materials were things I had around.  Oh wait, I did buy some more number stickers and rub-ons.  So I think this project cost a total of about $15.  It's cool because these are tacked on the wall, but the lids still come off.  So, what we did this year was put a little note of something special - and of course, holiday related - that we were going to do that day in them.  I am a big planner, and usually have everything up on the calendar.  I didn't do that for the month of December because I wanted all the things we were going to do to be a surprise.  So, some days the note in their box would say something that would have already been on the calendar, like "Attend a Christmas Parade" --- something we were going to do anyways.  It was just neat because they had to wait until that morning to find out about it.  And somehow, that made it more special.  Other days it was something more homey, and something very special and traditional to do for the holidays, like "make homemade soup and watch a Christmas show on TV", or "bake holiday cookies for friends and neighbors" or "sing Christmas Carols and Dance".  You get the picture.  The kids really enjoyed this advent calendar this year.  I would strongly suggest that you make one for your family for next year while you're still in the holiday spirit!!  It was not only fun, but a GREAT way to incorporate a Daily Christmas Family Activity.  AWESOME!!

And we still hung up last years years Advent Calendar...remember this one?

The kids still loved getting to put the magnets on this one daily.  We have several other ones that are store bought.  And we always do the little old ones that have a piece of chocolate in them.  But the homemade ones I make yearly are definitely my favorite.  And are proving to be the kid's favorites too.

And evidence that Killian is here and fitting right in, as usual.  He got here tonight and opened up his presents.  Here he is wrestling with Daz in their room.  I love when all my kids are home!!! 

   

A Very Merry Christmas Indeed!

What a wonderful Day.  I'm sitting here in my pajamas - not already in my pajamas, but still in my pajamas.  We have had a great day, with laughter and fun and good food and lots of calls from family.  Enjoying each other while still remembering that this celebration is Jesus' gift to us, on His Birthday.  We've been blessed with a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  And we're  wishing YOU a very Merry Christmas too!  (Craig is off to get Killian tomorrow - yeah!!!)

Merry Christmas to all...

...and to all a good night!