The Return...

Sorry we've been off line for such a stretch - we've had birthdays, visitors, and plumbing disasters. Grandma & Grandpa Dougherty came for a chilly November visit - the boys were in hog heaven with all the attention and treats. I'm pretty sure my kids would look like ragamuffins if we weren't supplied with adorable matching outfits and basic play staples. It was lovely having the extra help around the house over my birthday - I got lots of sleep which is the best treat of all.

The house was supposed to be totally inspected last week - but we found several problems. First of all the electrician (James) drilled a screw into an exhaust pipe. No water but air leaks - which wouldn't pass inspection so Tony had to cut into the wall to fix the leak. And just when we thought Tony was going to lecture on and on about letting homeowners do work themselves - turns out TONY put at least 4 nail holes in a different exhaust pipe. Nice, nice. Also the plumber hooked up the steam machine incorrectly and about an hour before Tom and Barbara arrived I found water pouring into the kitchen (the boys were in the tub so I was kind of stuck). Turns out that our beloved neighbor Bob has been saying for months that it seemed like the hole in the bottom of the steam box should be plugged - I don't know what it says that the cop saw in seconds that it wasn't installed right but the builder and the plumber just kept saying - No, NO, that's how it's supposed to work. The only consolation for me is that Bob and Tony are good friends and so knowing Bob, Tony will never hear the end of it.

I haven't had enough coffee yet to feel creative so I'm going to just post some pics and do some more writing later on.

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

What can we say about Grandpa Tom? He loves travel and clothes. He yaps on and on about nothing in particular...

Ok, maybe not our Tom. Our Tom is one of a kind.

For a quiet guy, he leads a life that has a lot to say. He's not one who loves to listen to people fawn on and on about him, but he learned a long time ago he's not the boss.

He's a quiet, private person, but he tells great stories. He makes a mean clam bake and he is the KING of the summer lobsterfest. He gives really good hugs - the kind that make you know just how much he loves you and how glad he is to see you. That's a talent I bet not everyone knows about him. He's practical and giving - I see so much of that in James - and I hope also someday in my own boys. He loves his family above all things and we are so grateful for him.

We can't wait to have you here! We're thinking about you and looking forward to celebrating your birthday in person!

ALL OUR LOVE!







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Nothing Like a Movie Where Everyone Dies to Cheer You Up!

So yesterday was a long day for me as a mom. There have not been too many days since the boys were born that I genuinely questioned if I could be a good parent. Teaching Seamus about listening and patience while dealing with a one year old made a for a head-banging, everyone-crabby day. And to top it off I spent the late afternoon and early evening at Nick and Erin's house where the kids basically click their heels, snap to attention and yell "Yes, Ma'am." the instant you ask them to do anything.

We had a babysitter coming so James and I could go out around 6 and James got home about 5:45. Those 15 minutes were noisy, hectic and a little crabby since the boys were tired and we wanted to have everything ready when the babysitter arrived. I did not take a nap and I didn't sleep all that well the night before so I was not that excited about going to a movie. Especially since I knew that the movie was not exactly light and funny. I promised the sitter we'd be home before 9:30, but as we left we said "Good luck, we'll see you when they're 18." I don't think she thought it was all that funny. Part of me felt guilty for leaving her with the boys and another - slightly larger - part of me wondered how far away I could get in three hours...

We had a quick dinner before the movie and talked about how challenging it is to stay on top of your kids about everything - manners, patience, LISTENING, etc. How do you know when you're really doing the right thing, because talking about, yelling about and damn near crying about these things with your kids all day gets a little long.

We go to see the movie, which, as expected, was fabulous except that EVERYONE dies a painful and horrible death. Seriously, it's a great movie, but everyone bites it at the end. Everyone.

We left the movie holding hands and talking about how good the acting was, what a wild story it was, etc. Basically, raving about what we enjoyed about it. As we pulled up in front of the house, I realize how relaxed and happy I was feeling. And I said to James "Nothing like two hours of blood and violence to really bring you back from a rough day..." What does that say about me as a parent? Lord help us.

But the best part - when we walked in, the babysitter also appears relaxed and happy. She is not a sitter who sugar coats her experience, if the boys are bad she is the first to let you know.

I was looking at her thinking - maybe she actually killed them. I asked the dreaded question: "How were they?" Cringe, pause. She answers. "Great." And then (honest to God) says - "Seamus is such a good listener."

Amen. Parenting is hard work, but sometimes the Lord smiles down on you to let you know you're doing just fine.

Another Batman?

So I have this wonderful friend from college who I've been in and out of touch with - we recently reconnected and I discovered that we live sort of mirror lives. She has two boys - the older of which is also a batman afficenado. Seamus has seen pictures of the boys and refers to them as "your friends." For example, "Mom, can we turn on the 'puter and see your friends again." I get the sense if we lived near by we'd have an instant boys club - probably dangerously close to a gang. It's just nice to know that I am not the only one who has ever wondered "Is it bedtime yet?" at 9:30 in the morning. Love you Mo!

Winsor Boys Vs. Dougherty Boys

Eric is in the full bear suit. The boys thought that was pretty funny. But note the photo with Jeff (standing in army gear). The bagman with him is Finn. It won't be too long before Finn is bigger than you Jeff and then you'd better...oh, who am I kidding. Finn, welcome to a long life of torture...

REAL Halloween