back to school feast

You're only a kid once. You have one childhood, and many memories of an upbringing. I've always wanted to fill my kids will magical memories of growing up - whimsical, filled with love, over-the-top special, and one-of-a-kind. I know that a lot of families do a Back-to-School-Feast night, and I thought it would be a great tradition to have in our family too. It's an opportunity to celebrate a new grade in school, deliver a meaningful message about how we as a family expect each of our kids to act and live during the long school year, and a moment of sorts to commemorate the end of summer, and the beginning of a new chapter.

I cannot quite believe that Avery Taylor is ready to go to kindergarten...real school! It's bittersweet. Our first annual feast was filled with fun treats, sweets, and hands-on cooking. While I would love to eat salmon, garlic mashed potatoes, and salad - our kids were much happier eating what kids love most - pizza! 

Here's hoping this new tradition brings with it years of joy for our family! And, let's be real - decorating is what mom thrives on. Love - it's in the details. 

References:

Fabric pencil cases - Potterbarn Kids

Animal plates - West Elm

Plastic goblets - Target

Paper house printables - DesignMom.com

Feather chair backers - Land of Nod bird costume

Stained glass feathers - GlassofDistinction.Etsy.com

Glittered LED tea lights: Cynthia Rowley, TJMaxx

baby finch no. 3

They say third time's a charm. And, a charm of Finches is always what I'm after. Baby Finch bird No. 3 is cookin away - already 23 weeks along. And, mama is in full nesting mode again. I don't ever quite realize it's happening until I start cleaning out one entire closet per day, or I suddenly notice how dirty my windows are, or I meticulously start making lists - for Christmas presents, future kids birthday parties, and vacation packing; most of which isn't happening for 6 months. Hey - I'll be ahead of the game, and lacking sleep, and not feeling creative, and all will be fantastic. Right?

Avery is pretty excited to be mom's best helper when baby arrives. She greats me in the morning by hugging my belly and saying, "Gooooood morning, baaaaybeee! You're getting bigger." And, I certainly am-- and quite a bit sooner than I did with baby 1 or 2. I've come to not care. It is what it is. Until, someone comes up to me and says, "Ohhh, you must be in the home stretch! When are you due?" Always feels weird to say, "Yeaaa - we have a waze ta go...October. "

Mr. Finch and I are having a very hard time coming up with a name for this little boy - but again, we do have till October. Hoping to find inspiration soon. Can't wait to meet him! 

maui 2015

Oh, Maui. A certain love of my life. We really had one of our favorite times as a family in the sun and surf. Here's a sneak peek at some of our favorite moments:

unbroken

I just finished what may be the best book I'll ever read. I genuinely hope not, because I do intend to live a very very long life.

Laura Hillenbrand beautifully encompassed the massive universe that is the human spirit, one's ability to persevere, and the beauty in redemption.

I learned so much of our nations history during WWII, enjoyed countless moments where her descriptive writing put me right at the scene: a brain-full of colors and sounds and tears.

This is one of those books that will stay with me for the rest of my life, help define my perspectives, and shape my beliefs in the undeniable goodness and evil of people.

my new motto.

abby & leah visit - washington + oregon.

It's a funny thing having 9 sisters...especially with age gap ranges from 2 to 20 years apart. Each relationship becomes one that is uniquely theirs. I think that these relationships also get harder and harder to maintain well when you don't live in the same state as any of them. The littles grow up and I didn't even notice. The middles went to college and I almost forgot, and the oldies are having kids and living their lives so very far away from my own.

So, having the opportunity for some of my youngest sisters to come down for a 2-week visit was really a lot of fun. Abby and Leah were here for a summer get-away, and we got to play tourist in the Seattle area, and then have them join us for a super-fun road-trip through Oregon.

Our first stop was in Bend, where we loaded up on the outdoor mountain excursions: white water rafting, horseback riding, river floating, miniature golfing, swimming, hot tubbing, and eating. Oh! there was a lot of eating! What I learned: Leah's a little uneasy on a horse, and Abby likes to walk very fast.

Next up was Seaside. Surrounded by absolutely gorgeous sandy beaches, downtown has quite the throwback vibe goin on; Old fashioned bumper cars...carousel...tilt-a-whirl...cotton candy...chocolate shops...and salt water taffy! Beach bumming, wanderings, reading, more hot tubbing, and eating was the definite cure.

My new motto: 'Eat Well, Travel Often' was most definitely made proud!

Here are all of the pics. Password: Finch.

And, here's a slideshow of our favorite GoPro clips.

easter 2014

Easter is one of those fun holidays where you can throw together any and all pastel colors and it works. The kids both really understood that the Easter Bunny was coming this year, and even Christian asked if he was "scary" or "nice". Pretty sure he thinks he's nice...now that he left him toys and candy.

We celebrated a week early this year, as we'll be in San Diego for Ron & Diane's wedding next weekend. Easter candy high...bunny pancakes...church...and then, as usual...the crash. I don't know why I always forget about the post-Easter meltdown. Too much candy...too much excitement...followed by early bedtimes. But what FUN it really is! ; )

HERE are the pics.

meh-hee-koh

Mexico was bliss. We're going back as soon as we possibly can. Both parents and kids got everything they needed and wanted for a truly unforgettable vacation from reality:

Kids: Endless sand, full days of pool and ocean waves, playing with monkeys, swimming with dolphins, holding iguanas, eating endless quesadillas, and roaming freely under the warm warm sun. 

Parents: Bottomless margaritas, Mayan massages, seeing Wonders of the World, breakfast in the sand, late night terrace hot tubbing, and the complete absence of having to clean or cook...anything!

The kids were completely exhausted every single night that they were asleep the minute their heads hit the pillow, leaving so much more fantastic time to lounge and chat and watch movies and drink wine and get some much much needed sleep ourselves. 

Jonathan went scuba diving with sea turtles, I did some fantastic snorkeling, and the kids practically slept in their swim floaties. All-in-all, a great time. 

For wayyyyy too many pics of the whole vacay, click HERE. Password: Finch

And, here is a video we put together of our favorite clips experimenting with the new GoPro camera: Set your resolution for 1080p HD watching. 

happy heart day.

avery taylor is 4! christian timothy is 2!

How did this happen? How in the world do I have have two kids old enough to run around and eat birthday cake, and open presents, and have actual friends, and have actual birthday parties? They both had their party this year at Pump It Up indoor inflatables warehouse, where so many of our great friends got to join in the celebration. A truly fun and exhausting time was had by all.

This year, Avery has really grown up a lot. She has quickly morphed into her role as big sister, and is now pretty good at being my second pair of eyes and ears for Christian. She continues to be conniving. She continues to be incredibly sweet. She continues to be my ultra-independent, curious, and super-smart little girl. She loves doing any creative activity under the sun. She loves animals. And, she really loves being given a job, or put in-charge of something. Miss Leader in the making.

Christian is now a boy. Before, he was just a baby. He is the cutest thing to ever look up at you with those huge blue eyes, and itty bitty dimples, that a person can hardly stand not immediately chewing on his face. Jonathan and I find ourselves looking at each other so often in simultaneous recognition of his adorable-ness. He is our little gem right now. Absolutely obsessed with Jake and the Neverland Pirates, he runs the house with a sword and a hook. He would eat Pirates Booty chips all day long if we let him, and as long as he gets to hang with the big kids, he has a smile on his face.

I feel so lucky to have such sweet and fun kids. They are our everything, and more.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

a seattle christmas.

Avery and Christian were both old enough this year to really appreciate the magic of Christmas; the season, the food, family, and fun. The anticipation was all the rage, and Santa just Could Not Get Here Soon Enough!

The entire Finch family was here with us in Seattle, and all had a great time...dinner at Meredith & Brenner's new house, Santa presents at ours with aunt Ashley, more cinnamon rolls, and way too much wine. 

I'm starting to think that I may even need to use separate "Santa" wrapping paper next year for the always curious, intrigued, and never-outwitted Avery Taylor. I can rise to the challenge, little girl. Just call me the Minister of Magic.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

an alaskan thanksgiving.

We got everything we wanted and needed out of a winter wonderland away for Thanksgiving: a snuggly warm home, mountains of snow to play in, and oh so many family members to catch up with over a glass of wine!

Jonathan and I drove the kids down to Papa and Grandma's cabin, and stopped off at the Big Game park to see some serious antlers. Grandkids helped grandma roll out dough and bake her world famous cinnamon rolls. We trudged through the snow to watch some fantastic basketball downtown at the Shootout. Jonathan and I had a few great date nights out.

Halibut at Simons and Brewhouse. Pizza at Moose's Tooth. Libations at Whales Tail. Done, and done. Another perfect trip home with great company, ridiculous food, and warm memories.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

happy 38th, jonathan!

tooth fairy tales

We're not quite there yet- to the whole tooth fairy exchange business- but I'm always thinking ahead, and just ordered this absolutely adorable, appropriately-fairy-sized, completely magical little piece of painted wood made into a door... Comes with a ladder, and a tooth pot, and a scrolled note from Miss Fairy herself.

Avery is SO very into fairies right now, and Tinkerbelle, and magic flying sparkle dust, and glittery wings. I just love it. Here's hoping (when the time comes) this is a big hit!

notre dame, in

The next sentimental stop was...well...golden! Returning to South Bend for the first time since Jonathan and I met there (almost 7 years ago) was pretty surreal. I showed Avery & Christian where I used to live at Saint Mary's, prompting conversations like this:

Avery: "Mama! You lived in a castle!? Like Cinderella?"
Me: "Yes, pretty much just like Cinderella. Only there wasn't any air conditioning, and I shared a bathroom with 20 other girls, and we stayed up late watching scary movies and drinking lots of beverages."
Avery: "Oh, that sounds SO fun! Dad- I when I get grown up I want to live in a castle like Rapunzel too, and have popcorn parties with my sippy cup of juice!"

While on campus, it was the strangest feeling of time lived and spent. When I was living in this spot, on this lawn, at a much younger age, I experienced this space so very differently than how I did now. The person that I was in this place last was young. I hadn't met the man I was to marry yet. I didn't have any kids, or even a thought of what those kids would be like, or how my life would be different. It was almost a time-warp sort of feeling; strange, nastalgic, grateful, and memorable.

I felt so lucky to have had the opportunity to go to such an unbelievable school, at a time when I didn't even realize it. Only years after leaving have I slowly realized in many different fashions just how much I gained from my experience there; unbelievable friendships, great business and social connections & introductions, a continuing foundation for faith, and a lifetime of pride in both the SMC and ND school traditions. It's a great world-wide family to be apart of. I'm also happy to have found someone in a spouse that gets what it means to bleed blue and gold. Jonathan finished his MBA at ND in '07 just before we moved to Chicago.

This trip was also made that much sweeter as we met up with great friends, the Boro family, in the Bend. With a total of 5 kids under the age of four, we toured the campuses, went tailgating, and for the first time, started our very own family tradition under the golden dome. Watching Avery and Christian run around the green in front of Touchdown Jesus...seeing Avery kneel and fold her hands and say a prayer down at the Grotto...and watching Christian learn to do the Fighting Irish arm pumps from the real leprechaun himself...Priceless.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

chicago, il

City lights, skyscrapers, fantastic food, and kid-friendly wanderings. I just love Chicago. SO much. We miss living there - amongst easy access to funky cocktail lounges, historic architecture, mid-west mentality, and the best Italian food west of Italy.

The kids loved exploring the Lincoln Park Zoo. And, we soaked up walking the lakeside trail - home of our once-upon-a-time half marathon training grounds. It's really the city where Jonathan and I fell in love, and started planning our lives together...so needless to say, we had quite a bit of sentimental excursions: Taking the kids to eat at our 'ol favorite Thai restaurant Penny's Noodles, touring our old Bucktown and Wicker Park neighborhoods, hitting up Navy Pier, and a fabulous date night to Rose Angelis (home of the big-as-your-head tiramisu).

Warm weather, always something to do, and two terrific little travelers made our stop in Chi-town a fantastic one.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

disneyland - aneheim, ca

Sticky-sugary hands, sweaty sun-kissed cheeks, whining, crying, and waiting in lines. It's really a magical place! Just kidding. Well, not really. All of that non-fun is definitely included, but I will say that despite the occasional sugar-induced meltdown, we really DID have a magical time. I give you scenerio number 253:

(After 8+ hours in the park, a whiny Avery wants to be carried everywhere, and just as we make our way to the exit, she spots....Minnie Mouse!)

Avery: "Mama! Mama! There's Minnie! Let's go see her!"

Me: "Sweetie, we can wait in that really really really long line and meet Minnie, or we can go right now to have some yummy dinner and you can have your chocolate sucker and cotton candy for dessert."

(Long pause of deliberation, with a look of exhaustion on her face.)

Avery: "Ok, mama. Let's meet Minnie."

Me: "Uhhhhh. OK! We're here. Let's get in line!"

And then A & C slept for 12 hours that night. And, so did mom & dad.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

laguna beach, ca

Warm sun, silky sand, big waves, and grandma Judy! Avery and Christian couldn't have been more excited. After a stroll down Laguna Beachs' main drag, a local Mexican dinner, and way too much ice cream, we ventured onto the beach for a nice stroll, sand playing, and a few educational talks about waves and how they will come back to you (you don't have to run out to them, Christian).

It's always fun to watch the kids experience elements that they aren't quite used to. In true gender role fashion, Avery combed the sand for pretty shells while Christian picked up every slimy piece of seaweed, and gooey snail remains, and dug in the mud, and threw rocks. All had fun!

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

newport beach, ca

Newport was the determined middle-ground destination, located perfectly between the wedding we were attending in LA, and Disneyland in Anaheim. It turned out to be a fantastic spot for us! The Marriott Coastal Villas were packed with multiple pools, game rooms, playgrounds, and easy access to family-friendly restaurants and beaches. Avery (the Fish) was in heaven in the pool, and would have stayed in the water all day/every day if we'd only let her.

Avery: "Look, mama! My fingers are sooooo wrinkly!"
Me: "You don't say. You've only been swimming for 4 hours."

This was our first stop on the trip, and was filled with some much needed R&R.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

halloween

Oh, to be 3 years old again and can't help but smile in awe when your mom snaps on some green glittery wings. And, then when your mom ties your hair up in a big round bun on the top of your head just like Tinkerbelle, it makes you want to fly around the room and jump up and down on mom & dad's big bed. Avery made me smile.

Oh, to be 1 years old again and be thrown into a world of strangeness where everyone around you is dressed as something weird. When mom puts a full bodysuit on you and it has fake abs and forearm muscles to boot, you just poke each pillowy muscle one by one, and then look up and grin at everyone. You may even want to fly around the room like your big sister. She may have wings, but you have magical flying power. Christian made me smile. It was a great Halloween.

Click HERE for all of the pics. Password: Finch

9 lives.

My friend Heather has some fantastic Truths of Motherhood that I love.  They are much more meaningful than this. 

I may need 9 lives to get through my every day. For now, here are my 9 truths:

1) There is a pink Minnie Mouse tricycle in the bathroom. Actually- in the shower, in the bathroom. And, baby doll Rosie is sleeping in the sink, with the hand towel covering her up.

2) I drink out of sippy cups...on a normal basis. Granted it's because I am just looking for a quick sip of liquid to either swallow vitamins with, or because it's the only thing sitting on the end table right next to me in the living room, and I'm eating salty popcorn, and don't feel like getting up.

3) I have a professionally-perfected vault over 3-foot high gates, as to not touch it at all while clearing myself into the office and trapping little people behind.

4) The catch-all tray for keys and wallets is filled with broken crayons, glittery hair clips, pacifiers (even though Christian hasn't used one in over a year), and long lost legos.

5) A big fabric box filled with diapers and wipes and lotions is literally the centerpiece of our dining table.

6) At any one time, a person could scrounge up a hearty snack (maybe even enough for lunch) from the floor of our car.

7) I have to literally sneak out of the house if I want to avoid a full-blown melt-down of little creatures that "want to go toooooooooo".

8) Tragedy has struck the Finch house when there aren't any more apple squeezers in the fridge.

9) At 7:30pm, the clouds part, a rainbow is visible, and angels sing sweet music.

avery at three and a half.

I put Avery to bed an hour ago. She got out twice. She got spanked once. She went into Christian's room once (hense the spank). She went to the bathroom twice. I yelled at her. I sang songs to her. I asked her nicely to suck her thumb and snuggle her blankies and close her eyes. I tucked all of her damn stuffed animals into bed....and kissed them goodnight...and sang songs to them. I bribed her with a trip to get icecream tomorrow. And, I turned on her favorite night light.

--20 mins later (when I'm thinking she must be asleep by now)--

On the video monitor:

Avery: "Mom? Oh, mom? Are you there?"

Me: "WHAT!?"

Avery: "Knock, knock"

Oh, dear Lord!

the playroom

The kids playroom is so chalked-full of toys that it is a bit overwhelming, but it at least serves the most important purpose of any room in the whole entire house: keeping the kids occupied, and out of mom's hair!

For a room tour, visit the playroom on Project Nursery. 

avery's big girl room tour.

I may need to get a new hobby. Or, check myself into some sort of twelve step program for design-aholics.

When tested, I can most always put down the thing that poses most harm to me, but when it comes to spray painted animal lamps or color-on wallpaper, or personalized tableware, you've lost me. It's pretty much the reason I want more kids...ya know, to have to design a space for them.

Here is a glimpse into Avery's big-girl room. I had way too much fun collecting pieces over the years: great-grandma Ginny's vintage drummer girl print, a glitter number 1 canvas from her 1st birthday party, newborn hand & foot molds, flying fairies from grandma Mary (Avery has so fittingly named Flora, Fauna, and Maryweather), fabulous designer teacups she collects every year from Godparents Dana & Tom, vintage (yes, vintage) birth announcement of her dads' circa 1975, and a lot of favorite Etsy shop finds.

I only hope she loves living in the space as much as I loved putting it together.

For more pics and info on her room, visit the room tour on Project Junior.

christian timothy, one point five.

Little man is now 1-1/2 years old. Can't quite believe it!

Here are his stats of the 'now':

a) running after Avery
b) giving people 'bumps'
c) laughing at his own burps
d) telling us when he's "done!" eating up to his highchair
e) pointing out other people's bellies out in public
f) reprimanding neighborhood dogs for barking.
g) letting you know that every object, should he want it, is "MINE!"
h) pointing out every single ball he ever sees. anywhere. even if its just a circle.

Christian Timothy 16 month photoshoot

And, here is Christian's annual report poster- only 6 months late. Better late than never.

Poor second-child-syndrome. Can't be helped.

Even if I don't take as many pictures of him, or don't take extra extra time to teach him mundane tasks, there will always be a special place in my heart for my first son. Those dimples. That smirk. His pouty lips. Those mesmerizing big blue eyes.

I guess you could say he got to me.

buongiorno!

Italy was everything I could have ever imagined a fantasy whirlwind European trip with kids to be and much much more. I don't even know where to start! The music- soothing and romantic. The architecture- bold, historic, picturesque, reverend. And, the food (oh, the food!) can only be laced with sweet garlic loveliness!

Top (L-R): San Gimignano, Vernazza in Cinque Terre, Trevi Fountain in Rome
Bottom (L-R): Rome, Sienna, Pisa

Whenever I look back at our travels with kids, I'm always so grateful that they have been able to go and see and experience such spectacular things - near and far. Even though they may be too young to remember most of this trip, they will most definitely remember the sense of travel and adventure that their parents (hopefully) have instilled in them. I want them to always have a curiosity for learning, a need to explore, and a passion for finding out how the rest of the world lives. It's so very exciting for me. And, I hope they grow to love it too. 

Avery fell in love with gelato - that which we found on every other street corner. Italians definitely know how to live. She perfected her order: 1 scoop of super pink (could be strawberry or red velvet or cinnamon, but as you can guess- it's the PINK part that is most important here, people.) And, in a baby waffle cone please!

Christian was a trooper! Having been at the tail-end of the awkward 'I know how to walk but I still trip on everything that isn't completely flat' stage, the ancient cobblestone streets where a hurdle. Exhibit A below is sufficient enough evidence - Christian at the Vatican with a bruised forehead. And, as a side-note to this pic: what a fantastic shirt I picked out for him to wear the day we visited one of the Holiest places in the world. Yep.

Top (L-R): Christian @ The Vatican in Rome, Avery @ The Colloseum in Rome
Bottom (L-R): Jonathan & Christian in Cinque Terre's Vernazza, Hannah & Christian in Florence

I will say that had we not had GPS on our phones, our marriage may have been over. Windy roads tended to make me car sick and street signs weren't so clearly marked. Thankfully- if you followed the GPS (even though you thought it looked like it would take you the wrong way), it proved to be a lifesaver! Made our entire trip so much less stressful. The kids were young enough and little enough, that at any one time they could both fall asleep in the stroller and/or backpack, and we could keep on keepin' on our way as tourists. Cars and trains and buses and cabs and airplanes....I have to say that Avery and Christian are absolutely fantastic little travelers. We made some great memories and can't wait for our next trip abroad.

Oh- and speaking of driving, you know the universal "Ummm, hellloooooo?!" that drivers say to other drivers when they're coming into their lane, or cutting them off? While in Italy, we made a point to say, "Ummm, buongiornoooo?!?" Hee.

For waaaaay too many pics of the whole Italy trip, click HERE. Password: Finch.

avery taylor, almost 3.

"Please mama, can I please have some goal-fish in a cup...in a orange cup...with some am-mul cwackers on top please?"

"Avery, thank you so so much for being such a good girl and minding mama today. You make me so happy when you listen, and when you say please. Yes, you can have goldfish and animal crackers. Here. Don't you see, when you are a good girl and ask nicely, you get to have fun stuff!"

"Oh yea mama, I know! Like when I say pllllease can I ride the carousel today, you always smile and say oh yes you can!"

She's getting a little too smart for my own good.

That's my first born. Avery has grown up so much, so fast, and at an even quicker rate since Christian was born last January. While she definitely has her moments, (and she DOES have them) she had turned into one of the sweetest, smartest, imaginative, curious, and thoughtful little girls I've ever known.

The thing about being a parent to Avery that always makes me smile is how truly alike we are. Even in the smallest ways. I see myself in her almost every day. The way she fixes her hair...the way she organizes her toys, or puts her markers in a straight line...the way she sleeps...how she eats...and the list goes on and on.

On one hand I have no idea how my mom put up with raising me. On the other hand, I feel like our having similar personalities has helped me to know best how to motivate her. Traditional scare tactics never work. With her, I often find myself thinking ahead to what I would have liked to do or see or touch or investigate in any situation, and then try to provide opportunities for her to safely (and mess-free) be involved. It's no wonder to me that one of her all-time favorite cartoons is Curious George. I don't like the cartoon myself. George the monkey is always getting into trouble.

Well, cartoon or no cartoon, Avery finds her own trouble. But, she never leaves me empty handed when it comes to funny one-liners or surprising antics. She is a smarty pants. She is a daredevil. She is a fabulously loving big sister to Christian. She won't take no for an answer. She's learning how to share. And, she's my favorite little almost-3-year-old in the whole world.

Avery Taylor, you are indeed loved.