Beware of what goes on the desk

I should be at the gym right now. I had planned to go to the gym at 3pm today, it's after 3:30 and I'm blogging. Am I happy to be sitting in a quiet house, while the kids sleep, wearing my slippers and sitting on my lazy boy while I bitch about my day? I'm thrilled.

On Thursday, I made a list of things that I wanted to do and buy while I was able to run errands yesterday. I always forget something so I did what every women's magazine tells you to do, and I made a list. A good one, I thought. I left it on Brian's desk, which sits in our living room. The next day I went to get my list and I noticed chocolate from a low fat fudge bar and pasta sauce on his desk. I'm thinking he was just waiting for his wife, Alice, to come clean it up. (she did, by the way) Then I noticed my list.

I did call him at work and let him know that his fudgesicle crapped on my list. AND that I took a picture of it AND that I had to blog about it and he just laughed. I want to be a man.

Sometimes, it doesn't take too long after waking up to realize that you should go back to bed and put the covers over your head until the next day. Today qualifies as such a day. Anna woke up at 8am, which is early for her, I said to Brian "I just wanted to sleep until 9 o'clock today." Being the good husband he is, he turned both of the monitors off and got the girl and fed her breakfast.

I woke up at 9:47. It felt so good to sleep in. I jumped out of bed when I noticed the time, peed, took all of my medications and opened my bedroom door. I felt like I had just opened the doors as an employee at Wal-Mart at 5am the day after Thanksgiving. My children immediately started running towards me while screaming "MOMMY MOMMY MOMMY!!" as soon as I opened the door, as if they were so happy to get away from this man, who was apparently burning them with his cigarettes. (no, he doesn't smoke) I did love this reaction, so I sat on the floor and ate it all up. Anna was hugging me, Noah was leaning against her back hugging her and trying to hug me. The moment was ruined when Brian asked, from another room, "of all of the things in our house, what would be the worst thing to be broken?" I replied "I don't know, what broke?!!?!?!" he replied "what would be the worst?" I was so irritated and so panicked "Brian, just tell me what is broken" I asked, errrr, I mean, I yelled. "The TV." Yep, our four year old TV is broken. It just won't turn on. We unplugged it for four and a half hours and it still won't work. It's moments like these that I feel like I should return to work, financially this sucks. But, it could be worse, it could be our car. (Hurry, go back to bed)

We decided to leave the house for awhile, I had a ton of returns to make and we wanted to get Noah's haircut. We also decided to "treat" the kids to eating in at McDonalds. I know, we're fancy. We got to McDonald's and I had to decided to not order anything since I wanted to save my points and eat at home. That was sooo hard. Truly, too hard. All I could think about were Big Macs. It's amazing how the smell of a Big Mac can cause you to think as if you are intoxicated and somehow you can talk yourself into getting an ice cream cone. Yep, I sure did. Brian went to the counter to order three kiddie ice cream cones. Mine was not so kiddie, it was quite adulty, huge, in fact. So, while Brian was positioning the newest tray on our table it knocked over Noah's chocolate milk and my entire cone plopped on the floor. A sign from God, I am sure of it! Here's a picture of my leg after the incident. This leg still had to go to 2 other stores, in fact, I'm still wearing this leg right now. (there is still time, go back to bed.)

The hair cut wait was too long, but we are going tonight after dinner.


Last Monday I won the most perfect dress on Ebay for our cruise next week. I love it, it's beautiful. I actually feel triumphant that I won. Well, today I opened the mail in the car on the way out and opened a letter from our old, unused bank. It was an overdraft notice. Apparently Paypal pulled the money from that account from my Bidding TRIUMPH on Monday, rather than the debit card I had punch in for that very transaction. Obviously, it was my error, but why am I getting charged THIRTY FOUR DOLLARS because they "paid" my transaction. Not just $34, but also $6/day. So this dress that should have cost me $65, will now cost me $130. I'm feeling so triumphant anymore, in fact, perhaps I should start looking for a job now. (I said go back to bed, dumbass.)

Here are some random pictures.

Me, down 26.4 lbs.

Anna with the mask she made at the gym.

My baby girl sleeping. I adore this picture.

Noah reading at the table. He often wears his blanket over his head.

Days of dress up

I've mentioned before how much Anna loves to changes clothes, right? Her schedule goes a little like this:
8:30am Wake up, go to dresser, pick out outfit and underwear, change clothes, throw away pull up, all by herself.
10:00am Change clothes again, per Mommy's request, "because you need to match and wear warmer clothes gym." I do always give her the choice as to what she is going to wear, I know she appreciates that.
12:00pm Come home from gym, eat lunch and Anna disappears into her bedroom, trying to decide what outfit she should wear. She always comes out with a new outfit and always says "Mommy, do you love it?"
2:00pm Just before her nap, Anna always changes into shorts.

I honestly don't know where she has learned this. I am not one to change clothes all of the time. Until I lost weight, I wore the same pair of jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes, everyday. (except to church, then I would change into my jeans, t-shirt and tennis shoes as soon as we got home) Perhaps one of the days that I was wearing my "uniform" she thought "when I can dress myself, I will never dress like that."

These wardrobe changes continue for the rest of the day. This morning by 10:30, she had easily worn 5 different pairs of my shoes around the house. She particulary fond of my black high-heeled shoes. (she actually walks quite well in them!) When I cleaned out my closet the other day, she discovered my basket of shoes and has been in heaven ever since.

When I finished my workout at the gym, I looked in the in the windows at the day care and notice Anna talking to an older boy, I thought it was so cute. She then spotted me, turned towards the window and that is when I notice her button down shirt wide open. I was a little alarmed. My little girl was just talking to an older boy with her shirt almost off. A scary snapshot of the future? I hope not. I asked her why her shirt was unbuttoned, she said because her shirt was dirty and wet. We got home from the gym and as I was checking my e-mail, Anna came up to me with a different shirt on and was carrying her dirty shirt from the gym. She said "here Mom, put it in the washing machine." 3 going on 18.

It's hard not to notice, while folding laundry, just how much laundry Anna is going through. I folded 3 pairs of pants of Noah's and folded ELEVEN bottoms for Anna. This did not include dresses. I need to rename this blog to "I should be folding Anna's laundry."

Today, while waiting for a red light in a construction zone, I groaned because I thought I was going to be late. Anna said "ugh, God bless it." I'm finding myself spelling words like "hate" and "moron."

Oh and something else Anna does is she continuously asks us what time it is. It's very funny. "Mom, what time is it?" "5:33." "oh thanks." "Mom, what time is it?" "5:33." "Oh thanks. Mom, ask me what time is it?" "Anna, what time is it?" "forty-five." It's all very cute and it happened about 22 times today.

Lastly, I am glad that Kellie Pickler is gone. I'm just nervous for the rest of the season. I think Paris should be next, she's very talented, but she'll make it in the business when she's older, she's got the hook up. Now I can't decide...do I want Elliot to win or Chris?????

Should I join Tracey?

You Are Austin

A little bit country, a little bit rock and roll. You're totally weird and very proud of it. Artistic and freaky, you still seem to fit in... in your own strange way. Famous Austin residents: Lance Armstrong, Sandra Bullock, Andy Roddick

What American City Are You?

Too old for Old Navy?

uh...Paula cried tonight. That makes me uncomfortable. I wanted to throw my shoe at the TV.

anyway. Tonight, Brian and I went shopping for cruise clothes. It was fun. We had a very limited amount of time, but still managed to spend too much money. I had SUCH a good time trying clothes on, I swear, my heart and head could burst at how glad I am that I've lost so much weight. We mostly shopped for clothes at Old Navy. While checking out, I asked Brian "at what point are we too old to shop here?" He replied "after this shopping trip." He was serious. Where am I supposed to shop????

Thanks to everyone for all of your amazing comments after my sob story blog entry last night, your comments really helped me today. Sara T. you give the best, biggest hugs ever! Today was better. We did not go to the gym today because Anna slept until almost 10am. Poor baby girl needed her sleep so badly, then she took a 3 hour nap. I cleaned alot, which I enjoy doing when I am in the mood, so that helped to create a better day!

American Idol. I couldn't vote tonight, but I would NOT have voted for Kelly Pickler.

Blame it on the hormones

I take Seasonale, the birth control with only four periods a year. My doctor and I chose this particular birth control method because I have endometriosis and the less periods I get, the better I am. I am due to get my period next week. It's rarely on time, but I swear my hormones are going crazy.

I'm incredibly moody. Completely on edge. I have NO patience, whatsoever. Patience is the most important ingredient when you are a mom, and without patience, I'm cooking up a whole lot of trouble. I just want to eat. I have had my worst week so far since joining WW on February 8th. Today was the first day I stayed on track. And I have two pimples with one more on the way, despite my skin care efforts and I'm getting a canker sore. I also have a cold. Life is bliss right now. I took a three day break from blogging. Did you notice? I was too tired and too negative. (don't get me wrong, I'm still negative, I just want to blog about it now.) Oh, I almost forgot, Anna is sick, too. I haven't been to the gym since Thursday. One bad thing about bringing the kids to the gym during my matinee hours is that if the kids are sick, I just can't go.

Today, in an effort to distract my mind and belly from food, I decided to reorganize my closet. I am fortunate enough to be at a point that 75% of my clothes are just too big. I have been buying new clothes, but they haven't a home because my closet is filled with my older, larger clothes. So, I removed EVERY piece of clothing from my closet and went through every piece. I tried on everything I was unsure of. It was good, really good. I know what you're thinking, what if I gain it back? I won't. :-)

I then continued to clean out my awful, dirty, disorganized closet. I decided to take the kids to Wal-Mart to buy containers to fill to go under my bed. Let's just say, a project like that is really difficult to do when you're with a 2 and 3 year old with no help and little naps. At this point, it's not completely finished, but the end is in sight!

I really hope tonight, while I sleep, the Patience Fairy sprinkles her patience dust all over me. I need it. I'm feeling so bad about things right now. And I shouldn't feel this way, but I can't help it. hormones hormones hormones. Right?

Next week Brian and I leave for our four night cruise to Mexico and tomorrow night we are shopping for new summer clothes! Those four nights are just what we need! If the Patience Fairy doesn't show up tonight, she's bound to be on the cruise with us!

P.S. Notice I'm due to start my period while on the cruise.
woe is me.

House of Egg

I could have named this blog "house of" anything. House of Tired. House of mess. House of yardwork. House of wanting to eat everything. House of cry. House of hot. (it's hot in here right now) House of toilets running over. House of laundry piling up. House of negativity.
or
House of spring. House of good health. House of weight loss. House of trying to clean the house, but playing outside with the kids instead. House of EGG SALAD. House of tired because I'm working out. House of smaller clothes. House of laughter. House of beautiful children. House of Anna being creative by trying on multiple outfits/day. House of Noah talking and singing. House of love.

It's amazing that I am in such a bad mood, mainly because I'm tired and my house is a mess. However, I am really trying to focus on the "positive house" I mentioned in my second paragraph. I should nap, but I won't. I'll blog and drink coffee instead.

A couple of things are on my mind.
First. American Idol. I'm very glad Ace is gone. SO glad. I'm very pissed that Chris was almost on his way out. What's up with that?!?! Next to leave? I hope it's Kelly Pickler. I really do. I am SO tired of this stupid act, if it's even an act. Who is voting for her? Who finishes a song in this type of competition and says "I blew it!" idiot. She did, though. Again, who is voting for her? I feel like she's teaching the younger girls in the world that it's cute to act stupid. It's cute to not have brains. Yes, I feel sorry for her that her Dad is in prison and I'm proud of her for getting this far, but this is far enough. The road has ended. I hope. I think she's beautiful and very talented, but so is Katharine and Paris. At least they have the brains to back all of that up! whew. I feel better. I asked Brian why he liked Kelly Pickler, he said "because she's cute." Whatever. (in his defense, he did say if he had to vote for someone it would be Katharine, not Stupid, er, I mean Kelly)
Second. Shalom. Have you watched "Shalom in the Home" on TLC? It's a great show. I recommend it. Because of Shmuley I actually created that second paragrah of positivity rather than focusing on the negative. Be grateful for the good. No matter how simple that is, it's so hard to live by it, isn't it? I'm working on it.
Third. Today while changing a poopy diaper made by Noah, I heard Anna going to the bathroom, as soon as I threw his diaper away I came into the bathroom to see a waterfall streaming of the toilet, like I have NEVER seen before. I still can't figure out what she did. Luckily, there was no poop involved in that matter.
FINALLY. I've lost 25.2 lbs. I just made egg salad sandwiches. I tried to resist them, but I couldn't. I made them with low fat and regular Miracle Whip, I did the recipe builder on the Weight Watcher site and it says 6 points per serving, without bread. I can't wait for dinner. After peeling, cutting, stirring and now smelling eggs, we are the House of Egg.

My least favorite flower?

If you would have asked me my least favorite flower, I would have said a carnation and yet, I am one.

Go figure.

You Are a Carnation

You are down to earth and grounded. You tend to be more traditional than trendy. Your confidence gets you through anything. People trust you and are very loyal to you.

What Flower Are You?

Oprahsauded is the winner!

The word won! Mike truly deserves the award.

I'm proud to say, my blog earned a link on the winning page!
(click on "blogging friends")

CONGRATS, MIKE!

P.S. I love being oprahsuaded.

Easter 2006

We had a wonderful Easter! It was a day filled with fun, food and family! Who could ask for anything more?! The kids went napless all day, they usually sleep 2-3 hours a day, so this was a switch from the norm but they were absolutely amazing. They fell right to sleep last night! Enjoy the pictures!The Easter Bunny came!!

Back where he belongs

I received TWO very special packages today. The Fievel on the left is my Fievel, the one on the right is his substitute. My Fievel needs a shower!

HAVE A HAPPY EASTER!!

I find this to be quite true!

Your Birthdate: February 7

You are an island. You don't need anyone else to make you happy. And though you see yourself as a loner, people are drawn to you. Deep and sensitive, you tend to impress others with your insights. You also tend to be psychic - so listen to that inner voice! Your strength: Your self sufficiency Your weakness: You despise authority Your power color: Maroon Your power symbol: Hammer Your power month: July

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

In an effort to distract

I created a fort for the kids so I could clean the kitchen. Really clean. Scrub the floors and cabinets, that sort of cleaning. But, I wanted to do it while the kids were awake because I wanted to work outside while they slept, so we made a fort. Anna LOVED IT! Noah did, too, rather, he loved to destroy it! It was funny. I would fix it, Noah would destroy it, Anna would try to fix it, not be able to, and then ask me to! So I did. This occured about 224 times.

And a family picture taken about 2 weeks ago:

Oprahsuaded

Do you remember a few weeks back when I told you about my friend Amy, from high school, whose husband created the word Oprahsuaded?

To quote from their website on the word:
O·prah·suaded
tr.v. To persuade someone, most likely a woman, into believing, buying, eating, reading or doing something that Oprah says is good.
Example sentences:
"You bought the latest Oprah's Book Club book? You are so oprahsuaded."
"You want to see what movie? You are so oprahsuaded."
"You got a car? She got a car? They ALL got a car?....Oprahsuasion."

WELL, Mike, Amy's husband has entered his word into a contest, so please click here and vote for this fantastic word and help Mike win!

Seacrest, out!

Remember when Ryan used to say that?? I'm glad he stopped. I'm glad Bucky left, too. But how much longer will Ace be in the race? Hopefully this is his last week.

My new weight loss is at 23.4 lbs! Hopefully next week I'll hit 25 lbs!

I'm going to share TONS of pictures with you from the last two days!

Here are just some of the recent crafts from the gym, mainly from this week. The bunny on the left is Anna's and the one on the right is Noah's. (I should clarify that the lamb at the top is from Sunday School.)

After playing ballerina and spinning around and around, I caught the picture of the ballerina falling quite gracefully. (Don't forget to pay attention to Anna's outfits!)

Loves to be near naked! Noah peed in the potty today for the first time ever!! Really, he peed while sitting on the potty with his diaper off. Although the shower curtain was covered in piss, I guess progress is progress! Seriously, what a huge step! Now if we could just gain some control!
He did get the bath towel and try to wipe it up...how cute is that?

This was not cute, but how could I not take a picture?

Practice makes perfect. Anna is determined to trace her own hand!

Just cute.

I love to take pictures of the kids sleeping!!

Here is a series of Anna actually modeling! I seriously took pictures of about 10 different poses in 30 seconds. She was workin' it! Where did she learn that?

P.S. I'm going to run Brian's interview for one more day!!

Brian's 30 seconds

You are listening to Brian's radio interview with Fook on Q101. The ride in was very good and the ride home was even better because it included 4 beers...in a matter of 90 minutes. That takes talent!
During the day I e-mailed the dj, much to Brian's dismay, a picture of Brian with the limo in the morning. This guy is really cool, he liked the picture and talked about it alot during the "interview."
When the limo pulled up to the house, I called the kids to the front door to see Daddy and the driver invited the kids to ride in the limo around the neighborhood. So, the four of us drove around. They loved not being in car seats! Noah loved sitting so close to Daddy and Anna loved the colorful, crazy lights on the ceiling of the car. The neighborhood children were dying to see who was riding around in the limo. It was only us. It was so nice of the driver. We had a great time!
Enjoy the picture!
By the way, who has a tape recorder these days?? I don't. In order to capture Brian on the air, I videotaped the sound coming from my alarm clock. Good thinking, huh?!


You are listening to Brian's radio interview with Fook on Q101.

Queen

Here's a little something about me you may not know...I LOVE QUEEN. Love. Love. Love.

Brian and I both absolutely enjoy every song they do. (well, maybe except one) I just started watching American Idol and I'm watching Bucky sing Fat Bottom Girls, an awesome song and I'm feeling a little threatened, a little upset, I'll try to get over it.

Freddy Mercury was the greatest.

I didn't get to start watching AI until 10 pm, so I couldn't vote. wah!

Ace: No

Somewhere out there

I realized today how appropriate the theme song is to American Tail in regards to my situation with my dear, Fievel.

I feel incredibly blessed today. I woke up early to see Brian off on his limo ride into work. (I will blog about that tomorrow) Came back into the house, this was at 7:30 am to hear Anna talking and singing. I invited her to lay in bed with me and we laid there until 8:15 am. Noah woke up, the kids ate breakfast, I arranged childcare for the gym and then my sister (younger sister, Sarah, in Louisville) called to tell me that she found a used Fievel on Ebay and that she bought it for me. I couldn't believe she did such a wonderful thing! (well I can believe it, because she's that incredible!) When I came back from the gym, my dear friend Sara had e-mailed me. She found Fievel on-line, she wanted me to verify that this was in fact my Fievel before she bought it for me. THEN, I got an e-mail from Tracy, who actually has this very Fievel in her house and was more than happy to send it to me. These acts alone meant so much to me. And the comments on my blog, I swear I am blown away. I truly did not expect anyone to comment, it proves to me that I am surrounded by amazing, caring people.

Well, for those looking for a Fievel update, my brother in law got to the hotel late in the afternoon and drove to the dumpster and saw the dumpster was fenced in. He walked up to the locked gate and it was unlocked! He opened the dumpster to find HUNDREDS of white plastic garbage bags. It never occurred to me that everything would be in garbage bags! duh! So, he walked into the hotel, talked to an employee, and they checked out the lost and found. Minutes later, Mike (my bil) called Sarah and said "does Fievel have a red shirt, a belt, a scratched off eye and big floppy ears?" She said yes. He said "I got him." Can you freaking believe it?!!??! I get my Fievel back!!!!

Now my immediate reaction was, of course, pure happiness and disbelief, but my second emotion was "wtf? Why didn't they check the lost and found yesterday?" But, my sister pointed out that it wasn't in the lost and found. It could have been in one of the cleaning person's carts, it's could have been anywhere, but at the point of my calling, it wasn't there. Either way, before I know it, I'll have not one, but two Fievels!

Between that and being surrounded my such amazing friends and family, could life be any better?

I don't really relate to animals...

You Are a Hunter Soul

You are driven and ambitious - totally self motiviated to succeed Actively working to acheive what you want, you are skillful in many areas. You are a natural predator with strong instincts ... and more than a little demanding. You are creative, energetic, and an extremely powerful force. An outdoors person, you like animals and relate to them better than people. You tend to have an explosive personality, but also a good sense of humor. People sometimes see you as arrogant or a know it all. You tend to be a bit of a loner, though you hate to be alone. Souls you are most compatible with: Seeker Soul and Peacemaker Soul

What Kind of Soul Are You?

Want to know a secret?

I sleep with a stuffed animal. I have for a really, really long time. Let's see...I'd say since I was 10 years old, maybe a little older I have slept with the same one. I LOVE it. Brian has adjusted just fine. Anna and Noah do not question it, he's just part of my life. When I travel, he comes along. (unless, we fly, then I just use a pillow as a "temporary substitute.") Anyway, I love the way he fits perfect between my arms. When I turn over, he turns over with me. If I fall off the bed, he's in my arms. If I drop him, (God forbid!) I wake up up and find him. He's just comfortable. And I love him. He's a part of me. I never realized just how much until recently.

I lost a part of me this weekend.

I don't mean to sound dramatic, but I feel like it's true. As most of you know, we traveled to Louisville this weekend. We decided at the last minute to stay at a hotel because we didn't want Brian's allergies and asthma to act up so badly that he'd have to go to the hospital. We slept, for a very short period of time. Woke up, got ready, left and spent the entire day packing, moving and unpacking. We ate, ALOT. We planned to stay at my sister's new place, since it's dog free on Saturday night. At 11pm, I went to our vehicle to get the air mattress, pillows, Fievel, the stuffed animal I sleep with, and blankets, when I realized we left Fievel and my pillow at the hotel. I went inside and calmly called the hotel and figured I would just go pick him up and be back by midnight. But, the person I talked to said the housekeeping room was locked and that I would have to call after 8am Sunday morning. So, I called this morning and the man at the front desk put me on hold and came back and said nothing was found. He was sorry. I said "yes, but, I don't have it, I left it in room 206, did someone take it?" He said maybe. But more than likely it was thrown away. I should have fought, but I couldn't speak. I was too hurt at the thought of Fievel covered in biscuits and gravy and sanitary napkins, soon to be traveling to the local dump. I went into the bathroom and cried so hard. It was news I thought I could handle, but I couldn't. (still can't, crying now.) I have slept with Fievel for over 15 years.

Believe me, I have tried putting this into perspective, for those of you thinking "so what?" (and I know you're out there) I've thought, "you know, I'm 29 years old, it's time to let go, I couldn't sleep with a stuffed animal FOREVER." But, you know, I could have. And I would have. And I miss him. I know he's just a stuffed animal, but I miss him. I honestly do. My heart hurts. I dread the ever fast approaching bedtime without him.

Everyone in my family has been incredible. Very understanding. VERY sympathetic. They know. Tomorrow, my brother-in-law is going to drive to the hotel and jump into the dumpster trying to find him. I am praying with all of my heart that he finds him. But if he doesn't, I will soon forget what it felt like to sleep with him, but I will never forget how understanding and amazing everyone has been. I will never forget that my brother-in-law jumped in a dumpster trying to find a stuffed animal, for his 29 year old sister-in-law. That is family. That is love. That is the best.

It's time for bed.

I'm so confused!

Here is why I am confused. Often times I find myself thinking to myself or saying out loud "I need a break. I need a weekend away." This weekend, Brian and I are going away for the weekend without the children and I'm so anxious and sad about it that I can hardly stand it. The good news is that we are helping my sister move, so we will be incredibly busy. The other piece of good news is that they will be with their grandparents at our house, all of these things are just good. Good for everybody. What the hell is my problem? I'm a creature of habit, I think most of my problem is that I can't stand breaking my habits OR my children's habit. Live and let live. Before I know it, we'll be back, cuddling with the babies again. I can't wait. I have until naptime tomorrow to spend time with the babies, too. In less than a month Brian and I are going on a cruise without the children--am I going to make it?? :-)

On to other news. Noah was a very late communicator. He has made amazing progress these past couple of weeks. This morning he said "I want breakfast, please." Clear as a bell. Makes my heart sing. Yesterday, I was on the phone with my sister when Noah climbed up on my lap, hugged me so tight and said "I love you." Makes my heart swell. Yesterday, I took both of the kids to my WW meeting for my weigh-in. While we were in line, Noah turned to Anna, grabbed her hand and said "hold my hand, Anna" and she said "okay." There they stood, holding hands. Makes my heart explode!!!!

And more news. As most of you know, my darling husband works in Chicago. Typically he takes the train, but occasionally, about 1 time per week, he would drive in. Well, the main expressway, the Dan Ryan, that takes us into the city is under a ridiculous amount of construction. So much so that they ask you to take alternate routes altogether. Seven lanes down to three. Eight lanes total, are closed. Every news channel is reporting about, every newspaper is writing about it and every radio station is talking about it. And this will last 2 more years. The construction started this past Monday. grrrr..... Well, Brian heard a promotion on a radio station, Q101, a contest to those who are effected by the construction. The winner gets a ride into work and back home in a limosine. HE FREAKIN' WON THE CONTEST! A limo is picking him from our home Monday morning and dropping him off Monday night. Oh, and beer will be served on the way home! Isn't that crazy?! You know I'll have pictures Monday night! Anyway, that was our excitement today!

A weight watcher update: 22.2 lbs.

I'll blog witcha later. Have a great weekend!

What would you do to save your child's life?

Of course, you would do anything. As would I. After working with Friends of Allie for so long I have seen my fair share of heart break. Tragedy. Unthinkable, unbearable loss. You are so lucky because your child is alive. Not only alive, but thriving, growing, learning and loving. After learning about Allie Scott in 2004 and reading Jenny Scott's on-line journal about their day to day life with a child dying from Acute Myeloid Leukemia, I thought to myself "I have to do something. I can't read another entry without helping in some way." I thought about sending a gift to Allie, or a letter, an e-mail, a gift card for food or groceries. I just wanted to give something, I wanted to make a difference. But instead I decided to volunteer. Instead of sending a $15 gift card, feeling good about myself and continuing on with life as usual, I decided to join the national Light the Night team, which are walks held by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society across the country and Canada. That year my local team raised $2129. When Allie died in September of 2004, I knew this was something I would be apart of for a long time. Now, in 2006, I can't imagine my life without Friends of Allie. God has blessed me with eight other woman across the country that I work with as team leaders for Friends of Allie that I love, I like to think it's a gift He has given us for our service to FOA. We are dedicated and determined. But it's not just us, we consist of THOUSANDS of people, just like you, trying to make a difference.
In 2005, my local team raised over $4000. Within 2 years, Friends of Allie has raised $688,000 nationally. Every dollar that was raised was raised by people who just "had to do something" just like me. And we do have to do something. Children continue to die and suffer. Cancer is the number one killer among children. You are lucky. Take that luck and run with it, but while you're running, do something to prevent your next child or grandchild or great-grandchild from suffering or God forbid, from dying.

I just learned of a little girl named Caylee. Visit her site. Be sure to watch and listen to this video.

Also, on April 1st, Friends of Allie released our second newsletter of the season, please read it, educate yourself.

Lastly, do something. Honor those children who have lost their battle, who watch over their parents trying to cope with that unbearable, unthinkable loss. Honor those children who have suffered more in their short lives than you will ever have to suffer. Become a captain, join a team. Do something.

I challenge you to stop turning your head to hide from your fear and face it head on and do something.

Where in Europe?

You Belong in Amsterdam

A little old fashioned, a little modern - you're the best of both worlds. And so is Amsterdam. Whether you want to be a squatter graffiti artist or a great novelist, Amsterdam has all that you want in Europe (in one small city).

What European City Do You Belong In?

He said "YES!"

What a happy moment I experienced last night when I was cleaning up toys when Noah, our cleaner and helper, came over and started helping me clean up. I said "are you helping Mama?" And he said "YES!"
Why is this a big deal? Up until now, everytime you asked him a question, he always said "no." always. So, it was such a treat to hear him say "yes." I followed up my question with "do you love your mama?" He said "yes." With my heart melting I said "do you want to go night night?" He said No. By golly, I think he's got it!
Noah has been the most amazing boy for us lately. Just playful and jolly and full of love. He's been giving the most amazing hugs, too. His communication has improved so much, we can't get over how old both children are getting.
So, I've included pictures of Noah, or "Noah Boa 2," as Anna calls him. I've started with some pictures of Noah from 2004 that I love. I hope you love them, too!

I can not get over his chubby, chubby cheeks.
I think I've kissed them 4 million times with many more to come!

Our boy.

I love this picture.

This picture was taken while Noah was in recovery after his hydrocele repair surgery. The blanket on his head was nice and warm.
I love this picture so, so much.

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Fast forward to present!

This was Noah this morning. He very much loves to not have clothes on. He's the opposite of his sister. If he's crying and upset, just take his shirt off! All better!

Can't wait to clean this face!

Noah is an amazing basketball player.