Ode To Sisters

Jules here-

When I first delivered my second child, the gender had been a surprise.  After I saw she was a beautiful (well, kind of funny-looking), healthy little girl- I was thrilled. Most people (rudely) asked, "Oh, did you want a boy?"  And in reality- I didn't!! I was so happy that Grace would have a SISTER!!! Brothers are great (so no offense Greg) but sisters are amazing.

My lovely ladies

Here's the Top Ten Things that I love about having sisters:

10. They are truly honest with you. Does this make me look fat? Yes. Am I overreacting? No. Etc. Etc. They will always be honest (sometimes brutally so) but you know that you can trust their advice. I also know I can be honest with them- it's refreshing to be able to speak without guise or tact.

9. They get you the best presents. Since we talk all the time- sisters know what we need, want, or secretly desire- and our presents are usually right on target. From tiny kitchen gadgets to hand me down clothing- I love my sister's good taste!

Family favorite purchase :)

8. They will listen to your boring stories (not that I have any).  Who cares what I made my kids for dinner every night this week? Who cares about the great deal I got on cereal yesterday? My sisters do! Or at least they seem to!  I love having someone I can always talk about the mundane with.

7. They are truly loyal. Sisters will mock to your face but defend you to anyone who tries to do the same. No matter bad decisions from fashion to life choices- they will stand by you.

6. There may be spats- but we survive.  Do we always agree with each other? No. Sometimes we can get in arguments, disagreements, and even fights, but we somehow always manage to forgive and move on.  We are not exactly alike and our differences could alienate us, but instead we try to respect each other and not be too sensitive.

5.  Escapism as mothers. Moms, in particular Stay-at-home-Moms, need breaks from some of the monotony of daily life.  Having sisters to call helps break up the day with some grown up conversations, jokes, and encouragement.

4. My childhood was incredible. I always had someone to play with- from Ems and I's "Daring Dancing Duo" to Betsy and I's amazing imagination play- I was never bored. I was watching my girls sled in the backyard last week, and their laughter and giddiness as they careened into a bush reminded me so much of snow-play with my sisters!

Jules and Ems circa 1980

3. You can always ask them for favors. Need someone to watch your kids while you work? Call your sister! Need someone to help cook and clean for a party? Call your sister! Moving help, painting, laundry- whatever- no task is too menial or annoying to burden a sister with.

2. Same sense of humor.  My sisters and I are hilarious together- our conversations on the phone or text messaging could be on the radio-- well, at least WE would find them funny.... Being raised by the same parents with the same media influences, we have very similar 'funny bones' and often find each other cracking up hysterically.

Never trust a blogging sister with a camera

1. They just get it. As they know me very well, my sisters give the best advice, nagging, and support to me. They know when to encourage me to make a change and to support me even when I am not ready.  I can't wait to see how Felicity and Grace's sisterhood develops over the years!


Easy Rule #34234- When you can't afford to buy the gifts your sisters REALLY deserve for Christmas- write a blog post about them instead.

Easy Rule #3432- Never trust an older sister who choreographs dance moves that require standing on shoulders- Thanks Ems, my head will never be the same.

Top Ten Reasons I Slacked

Jules here-

I did it again. I did NOT heed my letter to myself from two years ago and once again baked, crafted, gifted, traveled, etc. all in December- and I even added a few things to the list.  But, as Christmas day is winding down... I have no regrets (well, except that I didn't blog....).  So here are the Top Ten Reasons I Slacked Off this Month:

#10- Dated Technology.  One of the things I am saving for is a new laptop. My current one is 6+ years old, which is quite "dated" by today's standards. Unfortunately, I have to keep saving my posts as my computer often freezes when I have multiple-tabs open or I attempt to upload a picture.  I can't stand typing on my kindle or smartphone, I prefer a keyboard.  Here's the one I am saving for:

Oooh... so fast.

#9- Healthcare at the Holidays- Similar to shopping malls, hospitals fill up quickly this time of year. And since I work in home care, the hospitals try to send all the patients home before Christmas. We become very busy around the holidays... So my work has been quite busy and evenings are often spent with treatment plans, evaluations and notes.

#8- Children remember traditions now.  Could I skip doing homemade Christmas ornaments? Could I skimp on driving around looking at Christmas lights while delivering cookies? Could we skip singing carols at the nursing home? No- because they now remember what we did last year... They keep asking when they are going to get to their favorite things. THE PRESSURE!! AH!

Marshmallow paint (using sweetened condensed milk)

#7-This Whole "Real School" Thing- Lord- getting the kids to school on time every day and remembering to pick them up- who has time for this at the holidays? I almost wanted to keep them home from school to have uninterrupted prep time.

At School Holiday performance

#6- Helping out Siblings in Distress- Betsy decided to host an overwhelming large party while having a 3 month old and a two year old- needless to say she panicked a bit prior to the start. I am so grateful that I live within driving distance of her so I could help prep, plan, and implement her AWESOME Christmas shin-dig in her new place.  (Yes, Betsy, I am using you as one of my excuses for not blogging).

Rory with his hands full.

Who could stay mad at this cute little guy? Cutest nephew!!

#5- Christmas Concert- Having some of my nights been taken up with piano lessons and even a Christmas concert at the school really slowed my blogging progress.  Though having my kids be involved in a real "performance" was worth the time away :)

#4- More Christmas Baking- O.k. I am insane. After 250+ cookies, 300+ pieces of candy, I had a thought that I might have gone a bit over board. But honestly, from teachers, aids, support staff, friends, coworkers, mailmen, etc.--- I had over 20 cookie plates to deliver.  The children were super helpful this year and we were a little factory of truffle makers and sprinklers.

#3- Christmas Pageant- Who knew that having a sheep and an angel sing Christmas carols would require hours of practice.  We spent several Saturday & Sunday afternoons in December rehearsing for the main event last weekend.

#2-Squeezing in Shopping, Working, School, etc.-- NO TIME LEFT!  - So apparently, I have no time left after all those commitments. I am looking forward to trying to relax (which I don't know if  I know how to relax) and maybe doing a jigsaw puzzle this week- I am so happy to have time with the girls!!!

#1- Dance Parties I'll leave you with my lamest excuse- We dance A LOT at my house. Here's our post-Christmas, new pajama dance party!!

Easy Rule #122515- Yes, Christmas time is crazy and I should probably allow more time for reflection, but the kids LOVE the traditions and I do love spoiling them with love and thoughtfulness :)

The reason for the season. Christmas Day Mass- very peaceful, holy and takes a moment out of the selfish present unwrapping!

Two Year Anniversary!

Hi all!!

It has been 2 years since we started this endeavor-- and though our tagline still reads "Ten children" and Gemma topped us at eleven-- we are still two sisters writing this blog (though Ems feels insanely guilty for not posting more...)!!

Our eleven kiddos- plus cousin Charlie too :)

So, as the tradition of last anniversary, here are our TOP TEN most popular/read blog posts this year:

 #10 Blog Post of the year is my review of the Dollar Tree products that I use- and that I DON'T use...

Ah the dollar store craft section....

Our #9 most-read post is my admission that I have a tendency to dissuade my own children a bit in every day life...  So far, they still are somewhat confident children :)  I also encourage them to dream!

My little dreamers....

Our #8 most popular post is the random lessons I learned one week.... Still relevant today :)

Silly Day!! I think we are due for one!!

 Our #7  Blog post was my sum up on the start of my new home renovations (that were not going so well).

I am SOOO glad I don't have any more wall paper in my house...

Our #6 Post captured the photographic evidence of my journey through painting and re-doing a 1900s home.... Trading Spaces- Jules Style

I still love my mini-mudroom

Our #5 Post was our combo-post on the gifts that we recommend for children at Christmas time!  Don't forget to use some of the ideas this year as we near the holiday season....

Magnatiles- still using them... :)

Our #4 Blog post was Em's wonderful take on Mommy Shaming. 

Nutella for dinner- why not??

Our #3 Most popular blog posting was the announcement of baby Gemma and my take on the welcoming of new life!

Still missing one kiddo... :)

Our # 2 Most read entry wasn't even written by Ems OR Jules-- but the awesome Brian! His "Hubby Style" post was sweet, heartfelt, and quite entertaining too :)

The sweet sisters!

Our #1 Most Popular Blog Post is..... Em's announcement that she was having a girl:

Little precious Gemma! Super popular even before she was born...http://easyrules123.blogspot.com/2015/02/one-more-blessing-to-rejoice-in.html

 Hope you all continue to read, enjoy, and share our blog!  I have some new goals for this year with posting- so wish us luck on our fun endeavor! Remember, if you have any blog ideas, please comment or email- we love suggestions!

Easy Rule #2321-Even if you aren't meeting all of your goals, keep at it!  Though we don't post as much as we would like- it's still cathartic to express oneself even infrequently.

Easy Rule #32-  Having people actually READ your blog is fantastic :) Thanks!

Top Ten Lessons this week

Jules here-

I would like to pass on some moments of wisdom I have gleaned this week in my Top Ten lessons I have learned this week:

10- Don't empty the lint trap with damp hands.  When you are quickly cycling the laundry and your rinse of your hand under the water, don't then touch the lint-- it immediately becomes a fuzzy disaster.  Trust me. 

9- When a three year old tells you he already went to the bathroom, don't trust him.  Even if he insists that he doesn't have to go, or that he already went before the long car ride. Physically place him on the potty and wait...

Potty time.

8- When a three year old says he's got to go "potty really really badly" trust him.  Conversely, if you are driving along and your three year old starts wailing about how he needs to go "really badly".... stop the car. Make him tinkle on the side of the road, or you will have to clean the car seat...

No bathrooms in traffic....

7- Having three kids really does slow you down. Literally.  The Nike App is great! Especially if you want to see how slow you are now.  I was a runner in high school and beyond, and I completed distant events. Occasionally I have run at a conversational pace with my ex-neighbor still awesome friend, Lisa, however, we never timed ourselves. I recently downloaded the free app and went for a run-- I am literally 100% slower than high school for the mile time. 

My favorite "running" buddy... I use the term "running" loosely... We are much better friends than runners...

6- Moms might get scurvy.  I love when my kids eat fresh fruits and vegetables- and honestly my kids love most of them!  With the expense of fresh produce, I usually only buy the on sale items.  I always dream of winning the lottery and having fresh raspberries and blueberries every morning. Until then, I often go without.  I allow the kids to devour the vitamin rich food- and I barely get a serving a week. I indulged in strawberries and cheerios tonight-- I forgot how delicious that combination is!! 

5- Kids need very little for fun.  Since the move, we have not had a "break". We've painted, repaired, unpacked and hosted a housewarming--- so the last Monday I threw a "silly day" just to relax with the kids and NOT do housework.  Just a little face-paint and some blueberry pancakes on a rainy day.  They were thrilled :)

4- Trust other parents. On a whim, we decided to hike the local mountain- Mt. Major.  A family was about to start a hike at the same time, and they recommended the yellow trail as the easiest.  We followed the more gradual route up to the top without incident.  At the top, some NON-parents recommended the orange trail on the way down as it was technically shorter...  About a 1/4 of the way down, I encountered a veritable cliff... I had to lower James down each giant boulder and block the super steep drop-offs from the girls... it took quite a bit of time... Next time, I'll listen to the parents.

You cannot believe how steep that is from this angle. But that is the trail.

Beautiful views- worth the hike!

 3- Kids art can be real art.  I have a lot of wall space without much art- so I decided to use a Pinterest idea and create an art wall for kids.  The kids feel like real artists and beam with pride as their pictures are chosen each week.  And you can rotate/recycle easier!

2- A night out doesn't have to break the bank.  We walked to our local restaurant for an appetizer on its new deck! We enjoyed sunshine, conversation, views, and only spent $14 including tip :) 

1-  "With children, the days are long, but the years are short" a patient once quoted me-- how true!! Some days I am counting the minutes until bed time, but then I look at James- THREE YEARS OLD already!  I had my first child SEVEN years ago-- time has flown!  I've already lived in my new house for three months, and yet it seems even longer...  I'm trying to take the time to appreciate the moments every day instead of wishing the time to move faster. 

Visiting Cousin Charlie!

Easy Rule #254354- Take a moment to see how much you learned- just this week!