I should be folding laundry

STOP

2007-01-26T16:20:00.000-06:00

I no longer blog here!
Click here to be redirected to my new site.

Bye Bye Blogger

2007-01-07T22:38:00.000-06:00

**Exciting news!**
I will no longer be posting at this web address. I am leaving blogger for some exciting new digs. You can visit me at www.ishouldbefoldinglaundry.com!
I will no longer be posting on this site, but will continue my posts on my new blog.

Check it out! I look forward to seeing you there!

Easy. Breezy. Beautiful

2007-01-06T11:23:00.000-06:00

The song "easy like Sunday morning" is flowing through my head right now. Even though it's Saturday. Friends, it's 11:31am and I am still in my pj's. I'm sitting on my couch, next to Noah, who is next to Anna and they are watching Cars. Daddy is on the other couch, in his pj's, too. Last night, Brian and I had a pig out, wine fest on our living room floor after the kids went to bed. We had this horrible (delicious) chili and velveeta dip, with wine while we played yahtzee. I know the dip sounds terribly fattening BUT we used baked scoops! You know, to make it healthier. I used ALL of my flex points last night. I have my weigh in on Tuesday. I have been maintaining my weight since June. HOORAY!! I think I've got it down. I hope I've got it down.

After being being beat by Brian three times in Yahtzee (man, he plays good when he's drunk!) I sweetly asked him if I could sleep in...alot. He said "sure honey, anytime." And I did. Until 10:30 am.

ANYWAY, back to the Midnight Movers. They were still there yesterday morning AND all of their furniture was in their house. Of course, their basement could have been cleared out or their bedrooms, my point is this: was there really a point to moving at 2 am? I think not.

Yesterday, I purposely did a ton of housework so I could have a lazy day today. I can't remember the last time we had a Saturday to just "be." It's nice and refreshing and I'm scared half to death. I'm not a good sitter. I like to do things. (IN FACT, I bought a pedometer the other day, and I walk 10,000 steps just in my house everyday.) Anna and Noah have their 3rd and 4th Birthdays this month, every year I create a slideshow and every year I finish in the 11th hour. I'm determined to finish early! Also, the remainder of our Christmas decorations will come down today.

I hope you all of a great weekend. I leave you with a great picture taken last Monday!

Anna and Noah sitting with their Uncles.

Midnight Moving

2007-01-05T09:07:00.000-06:00

I'm not a big napper, I like to, occasionally, in the afternoons, rest my head on the throw pillow in my living room and lay down for 10 minutes. I then pop up and drink seven cups of coffee to get me through the rest of the day. My naps were much longer when my thyroid was low and when I was pregnant with #2. But sometimes, I accidentally lay on the bigger, more comfy couch, rather than the love seat. And sometimes, I even grab my throw and cover up my shivering shoulders. And sometimes, the nap then extends to an hour long "nights sleep" rather than a little cat nap.

That's what happened to me yesterday. I laid down at 2:55pm, after the kids went to bed and I cleaned up toys. At 4pm, the rain pouring down woke me from my slumber. I looked at the clock and was instantly irritated. I really need to start setting my baking timer to wake me. I'm opposed to big naps because they keep me from sleeping at night. Sure as day, I couldn't sleep.

After 90 minutes of tossing and turning, I must have fallen asleep at 1am. Then at TWO IN THE MORNING, I heard this low roaring sound coming from outside. It was constant, it almost sounded like a garbage truck idling in my lawn. I looked out and it was a moving truck at my neighbors house. At 2 in the morning. Who moves at 2 in the morning? (did I mention people were moving at 2 in the morning?) So, I was up again. Thinking about how I WAS sleeping and now I was NOT. Then I started to think about my neighbors. These neighbors moved in just after us, (it's a new subdivision) after a year we introduced ourselves and the mother and I instantly connected. She was pregnant with her second child. Her husband and my husband truly liked eachother. She had her second baby. We would go to dinner, host dinners for each other, we shared eggs and flour and spaghetti sauce. I'd go there at 10 in the evening and sit on her bed with her and we would share stories while our kids slept peacefully. We would have late night scrapbooking with a bottle of wine. The favors were endless. It seemed like we were constantly trying to find ways to do nice things for eachother. It was exhausting. The honeymoon ended and we just stopped talking. Although they lived almost directly across the street from us, we just didn't talk. We had a few ackward attempts to rekindle, but it just never worked. She gave birth to their child in October. And now they are gone. Laying in bed last night, I thought about how I still have her shirt in my closet, which I planned to dry clean for her.

Things weren't always so perfect with them. I always felt in competition with them. Always. And I hated it. (I never "competed in return" and I think that bothered them, or maybe it didn't. Who knows?) Although we "connected" we just never really fit together. Perhaps there were too many pieces of the puzzle to connect; if our kids got along, if our husbands got along, if she and I got along, etc. I'm excited about the new neighbor to join our neighborhood. I'm excited to not have that awkward wave driving by. Most of all, I'm excited to have a good night's rest tonight.

Seriously, who moves at 2 in the morning?

Toaster Oven Virgin

2007-01-04T09:19:00.000-06:00

That's me. I have never owned a toaster oven before. Even growing up we always had toaster that held your bread slices upright, with the hot "grill" pressed up against the bread. I never understood why people had toaster ovens, I mean, how could the toast get toasted with out the hot "grill" being pressed up against both sides of the bread. I didn't know they were actual ovens. OVENS! Who knew?!?! Hysterically and sadly, even after my friend Jenn mentioned to me that she made cookies in her toaster oven, I was like, "okay, crazy, you make cookies in your toaster, right!" I couldn't imagine they were good. Then, I asked for one for Christmas. Why? Because I wanted to make chicken fries for the kids in them. I was tired of using toaster bags in my stand up toaster. When asking for a toaster oven, I was sure to include that it must have a broiler, because I may use it for toast, chicken fries and homemade garlic bread. Get all the use out of it that I can, right? Man. Iamanidiot. THIS THING ROCKS. It's an oven, people. I have made taquitos, chicken nuggets, garlic bread AND toast. All in the 2 days that I opened the box. It's like having two ovens, I feel like I have a DE-LUXE kitchen now. I bake and cook almost everyday...this is going down as one of the best gifts of all time.

While I am reviewing my Christmas gifts, I'm going to tell you about another MUST HAVE FOR 2007. The Research Alarm Clock. OHMYGODTHISTHINGSETSITSELF. Not only does it set itself...it allows a different alarm time for each day of the week. Not sold yet? When you snooze your alarm clock, it actually blinks, to remind you that it's snoozing. You know, sometimes you have the OHMYGOD moment where you think you shut it off? Those moments no longer exists. How much does this bad boy cost? TWENTY BUCKS.

January=American Idol. I mean, a fresh start.

2007-01-03T17:01:00.000-06:00

20 Ways to improve my life
...I think.

1. Plan my meals better
2. Spend more time organizing my pictures
3. Watch more TV (seriously!)
4. Read six books this year. I know that doesn't seem like much, but last year I only read 2-3. Any suggestions?
5. Clean more, I guess! (doesn't seem possible, but it must be!)
6. Host more play dates, attend more playdates.
7. Date my husband more frequently.
8. Yell at my children (and husband) less frequently.
9. Become more involved with my church.
10. Keep my purse clean. (how in the hell does it become so cluttered?? I cleaned it yesterday and it has 3 pieces of paper in it and five hot wheels.)
11. Get more manicures.
12. Be better with my finances. (scratch off #7 & #10)
13. Drink less coffee. (just kidding)
13. Potty train Noah by March 1st
14. Spend more time outside during warmer weather.
15. Make my blog more interesting to read.
16. Spend less time on the computer (scratch off #15)
17. Turn 30 gracefully.
18. Spend more time coloring with the kids.
19. Take more pictures.
20. Try 3 new healthy recipes per month...and share with all of you!

By the way, I just finished this book, it's a good read, I do recommend it.

Wordless Wednesday #1

2007-01-03T15:59:00.000-06:00

Two peas in a pod.

I like this idea of Wordless Wednesday. Thanks!

TWO THOUSAND SEVEN

2007-01-02T09:36:00.000-06:00

2007 is here I am starting it out with a full, unopened bottle of Tide. And I like it that way. Soon I'll crack open the bottle and celebrate. Yesterday, New Year's Day, we filled our day with constructive projects, like getting rid of the Christmas tree.

On New Year's Day, I did four loads of laundry, made cookies, opened and put away our gifts and cleaned Noah's room. We had company sleeping here since Friday. (my sister, her husband and their two children) Brian and I slept in the living room, I packed up our master bath and moved into the other bathroom, while our clothes landed either in the livingroom or the floor of the bathroom. On Saturday, my family opened gifts. 30 people is what makes up my immediate family. I have five brothers and sisters, we are all married and there are 16 kids. Don't forget my parents. Who, by the way, still provide us all with the most amazing Christmas each year. Each year, it's busy and crowded but very magical, maybe it's the alcohol consumption that makes it magical, but whatever it is, it's wonderful.

We live about 15 minutes away from my Mom's house, where all of the festivities took place. We would drive there twice a day, almost everyday. We would come back so the kids would take naps and come back late at night. The first night my sister was here we went to sleep at 12:40am, I couldn't believe how late we were going to bed, especially since we knew the kids would be up at 8am. When we opened gifts on Saturday, all of the kids opened the gifts in the afternoon, the adults did it after bedtime. We started at 11:00pm and finished at 2am. We were asleep by 3am.

My parents always host a big NYE party at there house. Tons of food and lots of wine and beer. It's delicious and even more crowded as cousins and aunts and uncles make their presence at this annual event. This year, Brian's parents offered to take our kids for the night. That's right. The WHOLE NIGHT. My kids aren't very experienced at sleeping in strange places, they don't even nap in other homes, so this was a true test. How great that my in-laws were just as excited as us? Well, they did it and it went well. I woke up on New Year's Day in Anna's bed after falling asleep (sober) at 3:30am. Brian woke up on New Year's Day after falling asleep (drunk) at God knows what time.

My younger sister on NYE.

So far, my sister has returned to Louisville, my other sister is back home in Michigan, my brother and his wife are on a plane right now heading to Kansas City and my other brother and his family are flying back to South Carolina tonight. All will be calm. All will be a little weepy as we wait for another year to pass until we are together again .

Sleep tight. Literally.

Happy New Year!

Christmas is over?

2006-12-26T22:57:00.000-06:00

Where does one even begin? We had such a good Christmas, it was pretty quiet and pleasant, the house remained fairly clean, and my chest became congested. I went to the doctor yesterday, I have bronchitis, a sinus infection and "pre-pneumonia," but I'm already better. (Brian has bronchitis, as well) It truly shows the magic of the Christmas season, that despite being sick, we had a great Christmas.

Anna and Noah were truly spoiled by Santa this year, he's a crazy guy.

I'm thinking I will not be blogging too much over the next week. My family is in town. I have five brothers and sisters (they are all married and they all have children) and we will be celebrating Christmas with them this week. It's a very busy time. A very crowded and chaotic time. A joyous time. We will even have house guests at our home, Brian and I will be sleeping in Sofa City.
Happy New Year! A few pictures for you.

HO HO HO-CHOOO!!

2006-12-24T10:33:00.000-06:00

We are still sick. Please note the word "we." This sucks. The one thing I wanted to do today, on Christmas Eve, was attend mass twice. Once this morning because it's Sunday, and once early this afternoon to celebrate Christmas. But we are still in our pajamas. Not only have I been plagued by this terrible cold, but I also have insomnia (for the past three nights) and I am so tired.

I wanted to wake up feeling better, after a long night's rest, get dressed for church, stop on our way home for Dunkin' Donuts coffee, come home, bake cinnamon rolls and have the kids open up the little gifts we bought them and spend the day listening to Christmas carols, wrapping last minute gifts, baking and smelling my plethera of Christmas candles. Instead, we are sitting on our bed, eating cinnamon rolls, I am blogging, the kids are watching a Christmas episode of Little Einstein's and Brian is being paged by his job, in between sneezes.

I also want to mention that my poor sister-in-law is plagued with something even worse. They had planned to visit for the Christmas weekend, but her husband is so sick, they have to stay put all weekend. I feel so bad for them and wish they were here with us. :(

Although we wish we were well and doing all the "Christmas-y" things that people do, we're pretty happy right now, runny noses and all. Sometimes no matter how you plan, it doesn't turn out, but in the end, it all works out.

Merry Christmas, Everyone.

It always works out.

I finally have Kleenex

2006-12-21T22:27:00.000-06:00

And when I say "Kleenex", I mean "Puffs." I should have purchased "Puffs Plus" because I have a cold. It's December 21st and I am just now starting to get a cold. whatever. Yesterday I had twinges of illness throughout the day, and this morning I definitely felt cold like symptoms, but I still went about my day as if I felt normal. (as a Mom, do you really have a choice?) As the day progressed I just felt worse and now I feel like crap.

It's unfortunate that while feeling like crap I had to go to the store. Wal-Mart Supercenter. I just had to grab a few things as I am hosting Christmas lunch on Christmas Day. (nothing fancy, just spaghetti, friends.) My few things turned into $188. total bullshit. I was waiting in line for a good 10 minutes when the lane next to me opened, I was in prime position to move when this woman, who hadn't even been in line, cut me off. I was SO PISSED. I mean, do you not know proper grocery store etiquette? HUH?? Do you?!!?!?!?!? While steam was flying out of my ears, I remembered a book I read the other day in a store. It actually addressed assholes like this woman who aggravate you. It said "instead of becoming angry at this person, take a deep breath and pray for them." I took a deep breath and I prayed for her. Well, I tried. I really prayed that I could go kick her ass without anyone noticing, but I prayed nonetheless.

I am officially done shopping. Done. My goal is to stay out of any type of store until December 27th. Well, maybe. I really want some Crane Lake Cabernet Sauvignon wine that my friend introduced me to last week. It's divine. But, maybe I'll send Brian. After all, I have a cold.

Apparently

2006-12-20T09:44:00.000-06:00

Apparently, Christmas is five days away. For some reason, it seems so far, but when I think back on how quickly each week has gone by...I better get my bootie in gear. Every week in church, I see another candle lit in the Advent wreath and I can't believe how quickly Advent is passing by. I can't believe how quickly life is passing by.

I am also losing my mind. I keep forgetting things. Last week, we ran out of Kleenex. Okay, we didn't run out, I have some in my kitchen, but I like to have a box in my kitchen and a box in my bathroom. I was down to half a box in my kitchen with none in stock. (which is not like me) I went to the store on Friday and forgot to buy Kleenex. I was so frustrated. So, Monday, I had a small list of things and went into Wal-Mart Supercenter with both of the kids. I remembered the Kleenex and $85 worth of stuff. (how does that happen?!) I bought a big three pack for $4.87. I got home and realized I left it in my cart. I wanted to cry but I didn't have any kleenex.

I also go into stores to shop for people and forget to buy them anything. Makes my Christmas shopping days much longer. I also have been forgetting my camera when I attend functions. So much to forget, so many details. So little time. (by the way, I seriously just wiped my nose with my shirt and I did call Wal-Mart and nothing was turned in.)

Last night, my Mommy's Group met. It was really fun. The hostess made dinner for everyone and we had a gift exchange and a cookie exchange. Good wine, good friends, a warm fire. Does it get any better than that? I went to Kohl's at 10pm. It was THE BOMB!! Everything in stock. No lines or crazy people. Good prices.

Yesterday, Anna had her first preschool Christmas party. I helped plan a game, it was fun, they all had a great time. I also met another Mom who I really like. I am looking forward to today because I should be cleaning my house all day today. I'd like wrap some gifts, light some candles, play some music and get grooving. But my head hurts. ugh. I'll just drink more coffee and take more drugs. Here's to good health! Here are a few pictures from yesterday.

The game I created for the kids. Anna is on the lower left.

The classroom.

On our way home from the party.
If anyone asks, I was not taking pictures while driving.

The wonderful teachers.

Confession Monday

2006-12-18T21:53:00.000-06:00

I have a confession. I like watching "Little People, Big World." I don't know why. Maybe it's because Matt is always coming up with something crazy to build on their farm. Maybe it's because Amy seems to think her husband is a moron. Maybe I'm intrigued by the amount of help they get on every single project that occurs. Maybe it's because their house is always a disaster area and they actually make me feel like my home is clean. I don't know what it is. But I like it.
Please tell me I'm not alone.

Christmas Consumption

2006-12-17T21:50:00.000-06:00

I'm amazed at how suddenly our entire day can be consumed with Christmas preparation & festivites.

This morning, I woke up at 7:30am to get ready for church. This was an exciting day for church, not that every Sunday isn't, but this one was different as Anna and Noah were participating in a Christmas program after church with their Sunday school classes. I baked cookies to bring to the program, I made little gifts for all of the Sunday school teachers, picked out their clothing, gave them baths last night & charged the batteries for the digital camera and the video camera. When my alarm went off I had been dreaming that everything went wrong. In my dream, I forgot the teacher's gifts, we were so late to church we had to sit way off to the side, squished between two families and my cookies were burnt to a crisp. I woke up aggitated and very anxious. Thankfully everything went fine. Last year at the same Christmas program, Anna would escape from her program and run towards me yelling "MOMMY!!!" over and over again, while Noah sat on our laps watching kids singing. This year, Anna sang beautifully while doing all of the hand motions, while Noah, now old enough to participate, sat quietly and contently watched the other children sing. I choked back many tears today watching them both in this program.

We got home at 11:15am. I started to bake cookies for a cookie exchange I was attending at 2:30pm with my family. I baked 9 dozen cookies and made the kids' lunch and ran out the door at 2:15pm. I never sat down. The cookies exchange was great, it was fun to visit. The cookies were outstanding! I came home and Brian had moved his computer desk out of our living room, which is a scary thing because I have never seen him sit anywhere else, so I'm not real sure where he will go now. We have a desk already in our bedroom, so we are utilizing that space to create more space in our living room. I had lots to clean up when I got home, I cleaned, organized, steam cleaned my carpets in the livingroom and I baked six dozen cookies. Why? Because Brian has a cookie exchange at work. After cleaning up the kitchen and putting the kids to bed and I am now sitting down and Brian is at Toys R' Us. At 10:00pm on a Sunday. Christmas makes us do crazy things!

Two weeks ago we bought Noah a train table for Christmas. Today in the Toys R Us ad it was advertised for $30 cheaper. I had already wrapped it. They will do the adjustment, but Brian still has to bring the wrapped gift into the store. For thirty bucks you bet we'll do it! Then on Friday, I purchased Ariel's Talking Salon for Anna. It is the only thing she wants for Christmas. It was $74.99. I have been watching this salon for so long and I have never seen it so expensive, but, I was there, I hadn't seen it anywhere else and I wanted to be done shopping. So, I bought it. I then hit the mall and drove to Target. Wouldn't you know, I found the salon at Target for $59.99. BUT, I didn't buy it and I didn't return the more expensive one to TRU because I was so damn tired and terribly grouchy. To get back to TRU would take me 15 minutes, who knows how long it will take them to return it and frankly, I had to get home. Luckily, I am an ad watcher every Sunday. The Target ad came out today and in the ad was the Ariel Talking Salon on sale for $44.88. NO LIE. Brian ran and jumped happily into the car to Target to buy the salon that is THIRTY DOLLARS CHEAPER! He is, even happier, returning the $75 one right now.

I am hoping that by Wednesday, we are able to sit and relax and watch movies and enjoy this time...hoping hoping hoping.

By the way, I have another cookie exchange on Tuesday. Anyone want any cookies?

My halls are decked

2006-12-15T16:44:00.000-06:00

Hi there! Come on in! Would you like some coffee? Coke? Vodka? Chocolate? A taco? Help yourself!

This is my Advent Wreath. It's on a table when you first enter my home. I actually had to make a wreath because I could not find one in a store near me. Not in Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreens, Lowe's or Michael's. Pretty sad, I think.

This is my home from the outside.

This is my most favorite wreath on my front door.
Enjoying your vodka, it's good isn't it?

Even prettier all lit up. You're getting pretty "lit up" yourself drinking that vodka so quickly. Slow down, Lushy, save some for the rest of the visitors.

Our tree. A douglas fir. My first real tree.

During the day.

Our Nativity Set. My MIL bought me the set for our first Christmas after we got married. It had the stable, Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the angel. Every year she gives us another piece for Christmas. I love that. What's that? Where's Jesus? oh, the dog ate him. just kidding. We put him away until Christmas morning. Here, have some popcorn.

Better take a sip of vodka after seeing this picture. This is where I hang my cards. Right below the pretty vent in our hallway.

Front entryway table again.

No mantel for the stockings. Just a wall. And my children.

A wall in our living. You dropped some popcorn. Please pick it up.

Anna made a prayer countdown bell at preschool.

Wording on the bell.

Anna's stocking that she made at preschool, placed on her bedroom door.

Above my TV. Thanks for coming by. The cost of the tour is $7/person, please pay my children at the door!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Deck your halls

2006-12-14T16:45:00.000-06:00

This is such a cute idea. Tomorrow, I will be posting pictures of decorations around my house. For more information, click on the picture. Go ahead, click it. And then you do the same, mkay?

Great coffee and free donuts.

2006-12-14T15:56:00.002-06:00

I have a problem. I go to Dunkin Donuts maybe once a week.* I order a large coffee with extra cream. This habit was created back in August and only when a Weight Watcher weigh in is approaching, do I pass on my coffee. (with the extra cream it's approximately 6-8 points per cup) Well, apparently, we have acquired a friend who works at Dunkin' Donuts. It started a little while ago when my children would yell "hi!" to the gentleman taking my money and delivering my coffee to me. He at first just waved. Then after a few more enthusiastic "hellos" by my children, he finally started to respond with actual words. The first time he spoke Anna about had a heart attack, we were barely out of hearing range when she exclaimed "Mom! The boy with the brown face said hi to me!!" A little over a month ago, he started giving us munchkins. You know, the little balls of glazed heaven that melt in your mouth and attach themselves to my thighs and ass. He would only give us four, which was great, except, Noah doesn't eat munchkins. Therefore I would eat 2 and Anna would devour 2. It's SO nice of him to just give us the little balls of glazed heaven, but, a girls got to watch what she eats and if you throw four balls of glazed heaven into her hands...she's gonna eat em'. quickly.

Today, he crossed the line. He actually took out a bag. I saw it happening before my eyes. I said "holy shit, no! no bag. no bag. Please don't let the bag be for us." It was. A bag full of little balls of glazed heaven that this time, will stick to my stomach, arms, thighs and ass. But damn, they were good. And free.

*I go to Dunkin' Donuts 3-4 times a week.

Quickie

2006-12-10T22:10:00.000-06:00

3 things I loved about this weekend. (material things)
1. Peppermint Mochas. It was worth the wait. I was the fifth car in line on a Saturday morning at Starbucks that is located right next to a Target, Kohl's, Best Buy, etc. I hope the 7 cars in back of me felt the same way. (seriously!)
2. This new wrapping paper cutting device thingy. It's awesome. I never use scissors when I wrap gifts, I only use knives, this works out perfectly. (Yes! I started my Christmas wrapping this weekend! YAY!)
3. Wintersong by Sarah McLachlan. It's lovely.

3 things I did not love about this weekend.
1. The 3 inch burn on my forearm that I received while ironing my pants on the floor this morning at 7:45am getting ready for church. Hurts like a sonofabitch.
2. Kinkos. They printed & cut the Christmas cards I designed. I brought them home and was stuffing envelopes when I realized just how poorly they cut them. However, I called them today and they reprinted them for free, without question and they look great. I just hated the extra driving. (and I did use alot of poorly cut ones, I had already sealed my envelopes when I decided to call and complain.)
3. I didn't love not making cookies. I had wanted to try 3 new cookie recipes this weekend. I have three, yes three, cookie exchanges in the next 9 days. I only tried one new recipe and it was boring.
4. I know, I said 3. Noah has a cold. Anna has a sty under her eye.

Oh! I did love witnessing the birth of my friend's son on Thursday night. It was not only beautiful, but so much fun! I had dinner with friends and went straight to the hospital, she progressed famously and had the baby 2 hours after I got there! I was sure I was in for a long night. He was 7 lbs 15.5 oz. 20.5 inches long. He's simply perfect.

I like quickies.

It's not a big deal

2006-12-07T15:38:00.000-06:00

I picked Anna up from preschool today and she was in the best, most polite mood. She said "it's not a big deal" a couple of times. I wonder who she learned that from. I wonder if someone is sending her messages spiritually or cosmically to tell me the things that are causing me stress are just not that big of a deal. She also started saying "oh! My fault!" I'm lucky I have this 3 year old girl to remind me to calm down a little.

I am going to dinner tonight with friends. I need a good couple of hours out with friends and food and drinks. I'm lucky I have a husband who says "you need a good couple of hours out with friends and food and drinks. Go early." And he really means it. (I'm also lucky to have those friends to go to dinner with)

I took these pictures of Noah today. He's so bright and amazing. About 7 times a day he says "I want to sit on your lap." I always oblige, pick him up and he just sinks into me. These pictures remind me how precious he is. I'm lucky to have this boy who wants to sit on my lap, but also lets me know that he needs time alone to be with his cars. I totally understand.

He is wearing the same shirt at 13 months that he is wearing today. Same size. He wore a 3T at 13 months. This boy has really thinned out!

bad

2006-12-06T22:40:00.000-06:00

I'm in a bad, bad place tonight. (and really have been there all day) So, rather than blog and bring you all down, I would like to know what the hell is wrong with Britney Spears. HAS SHE LOST HER MIND?!?! To see actual footage of her vajayjay, click here and click on the pictures. Actual vajayjay. disgusting. I'll just leave you with this mess.

Bra much?
You are a mother, your kids WILL see these pictures. stupid idiot.

Heatwave

2006-12-05T22:03:00.000-06:00

It's 36 degrees outside, it feels like 26. It hasn't been this warm since early last week. I love it!

I took Anna to the doctor today and she has a sinus infection. Poor girl. We took her to the doctor, back on November 18th, but the doctor said she just had a cold. I guess it progressed. The crazy thing about my little girl is that she always acts just fine when she is sick. Over the summer, I was sitting with her on my lap and I felt her forehead against my face and it felt like fire. I took her temperature and it was 105 degrees. I FREAKED. But she was fine. And these days, although sick, she plays and sings and dances, she sleeps well and she eats fine. Yet, she's sick. I keep thinking about how whiny I would be with a sinus infection.

I have attached pictures from Brian's Birthday last week. I made his cake with devil's food cake mix, 1 can of diet coke and 2 egg whites. It was really wonderful, believe it or not, the cake tastes the same, seriously.

I was more tired today then yesterday, I had less energy and was moodier. Brian took the kids downstairs tonight, he cleaned and worked on computers while the kids played. I cleaned upstairs and listened to Christmas music. It was peaceful. Tonight I also weighed in for the month of December at a WW meeting and my weight dropped 1.6 lbs from November 8th. My weighed increased considerably over the past 30 days, so I'm pleased to be back on track.
Here are the pictures.

Anna diligently adding sprinkles to her Daddy's cake. She tends to center them in a big pile in the middle of the cake.

Noah and Anna helping put candles in the cake.

Some very low candles...

About to sing! He's 30!

Happily singing to their Daddy!

The card Anna decorated for Daddy.

A big helper.

Hooray! Shoes! Why isn't Noah in these pictures? Because he's busily playing cars, as shown in the lower righthand corner of the screen.

Feng Shui me, Baby

2006-12-04T22:10:00.000-06:00

We spent our weekend cleaning. Rather, Saturday, we spend the day setting up our tree and making the rest of our house a complete and total disaster area and Sunday we cleaned. My bedroom is the catch all for all things, if you walk into my house, you walk into my living room and my bedroom is directly to the left--everything seems to land in there. On Sunday morning our bedroom held boxes of Christmas decorations, boxes of decorations I had taken down to make room for Christmas decorations, baskets of laundry, boxes of clothes from our basement cleaning project (2 boxes), our coffee table and all the rest of our shit that normally makes our bedroom just plain ol' messy. DISASTER. I spent the day thoroughly cleaning my room and the rest of the house. Brian was very helpful. We even took a van full of items to Goodwill last night. I woke up this morning and felt...well...calm. I guess the word "harmony" comes to mind. I actually stayed in my jammies until 10am. I kept my glasses on until 10am. I sat at my computer this morning. (rather than standing at my computer) I played with the kids. It was blissful. Truly! I worked throughout the day to make my house even more harmonious, which was challenging considering I swear someone is paying my children to makes messes, but it has worked out okay. Today I did laundry. Lots of it. Every article. I'm fairly caught up so it only took me 4-5 loads to catch up. I even hand washed my bras. While I was hanging one to dry it got me to thinking...my $42 bra from Victoria's Secret must be hand washed and hung to dry. If you dare wash it, it will fall apart. If you dare dry it, it will fall apart. Believe me, I've had bras fall apart. Once I returned one to the store after it fell apart and she said "are you hand washing it" and I said "yes" with my fingers crossed behind me. She told me that many people put them in the wasing machine and they fall apart, mainly the underwires come out and poke you. What the hell? My confusion comes here, my sister, has owned the same damn bra for 12 years. No lie. She wears it very often, maybe even every day. She washes it very frequently and dries it and it's still in tact. She may have paid $12 for it. What is wrong with this picture?
Enough of my rant!
okay, I'm a liar. One more rant.
I'm calling FOUL PLAY on Walmart.com. FOUL PLAY BITCHES. So, on Friday I was doing some on-line shopping for the chickens. They both happen to want this particular item. Yes, we are getting one for each of them. Well, it was on sale last week for $28.44, it was a promotional price through the end of day Friday. Everywhere else, and I mean everywhere it was $39.99 and that is IF it was in stock. So, I had the toys in my cart and I proceed to check out and I even selected my payment method when I decided to check on one more item. I left my cart (apparently unattended) and returned 30 seconds later. Literally. Lo and behold, there is a problem with my order quantity. They are now suddenly sold out. I was hot friends, hot. But, I also understand "you snooze, you lose." (Although I don't really see myself as snoozing, but whatever) 9 hours later, the very next morning, I go to Wal-Mart.com and they are no longer OUT OF STOCK, but now they are $39.99...
Interesting, no?
I'm ranted out.

I made a new recipe tonight, it was a Weight Watcher recipe called Chicken Parmigiana, it was good, very good. Only 5 points for the chicken parm, I served it with a side of whole wheat rotini and veggies. The best part of the recipe, is that nothing is fat free, so as a family, we all enjoyed the same meal, which is my goal in life! Here's the recipe for those interested!

Ingredients

1 pound uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly pounded (four 4-oz pieces)
2 large egg white(s), lightly beaten
1/2 cup dried bread crumbs
1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp olive oil
1 1/2 cup canned tomato sauce
1/2 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Coat an 8-inch square pan with cooking spray.
Dip chicken in egg whites, and turn to coat. Then mix bread crumbs with Italian seasoning and dip chicken in bread-crumb mixture; turn to coat thoroughly.
Heat oil in a large skillet; add chicken. Cook until lightly browned and no longer pink in center, about 4 minutes per side; place on paper towels to drain.
Pour 1/2 cup of sauce into prepared baking dish; place chicken in dish and pour remaining sauce evenly over chicken. Sprinkle with cheeses and bake until bubbly, about 25 minutes.

A great quote from Buddha

2006-12-04T09:36:00.000-06:00

"Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful."

FINALLY! A TREE!

2006-12-03T11:24:00.000-06:00

Thanks to everyone for your opinions and well wishes for our tree. As most of you know, I NEVER settle for anything, which is why I could not just buy any old tree. It was the words of my father-in-law that helped with my decision. He said "you can't go your whole life without a real tree." And I happen to think he's right.

A decision has been made

The temperature Saturday morning, just before getting our tree. Please note the "feels like" temperature! BRRRRRRR!!
(this morning on our way to church it felt like 4 degrees)

Loving the tree place.

And the cat!

There it is, OUR FIRST REAL TREE!!

Pretty! Brian and I went on a date last night. We went to Longhorn Steakhouse. OMG, it's my new favorite restaurant. I have been there three times and each time it's incredible! Their margaritas are nice and tastey and strong! AND, their food is out of this world. If you ever go, get the Chicken Tenders, they are the best. (don't bother getting steak, seriously) They make the tenders fresh, when you order them and they are deeeeeeeeeee-lish!
We then went Christmas shopping afterwards. We went to the dreaded Toys R Us and got alot done! We had a busy, Christmasy Day!

Oh Christmas Tree

2006-11-30T22:32:00.000-06:00

We do not have a Christmas tree and we can't find one. We threw ours out last year because it came in about 80 pieces, (seriously) it was not pre-lit and most importantly, the branches continued to come off. So, after seven years, we retired it. It was a cheap tree anyway. So, this year, we have the task of buying one. It sucks because A. We can't really afford a Christmas tree less than a month before Christmas (idiots!) and B. Every tree I like is $500.

What the hell is this tree? They are called upside down trees and they are irritating the CRAP OUT OF ME. We saw them for the first time tonight at American Sales and they had many on display. They're appealing to people because they save space, but I actually get dizzy when I look at them, I feel off balance and I hate it. Have any of you seen these anywhere? Do you like them? Do you have one? I hate them.

Tonight, at 7pm, we packed the chickens up and we headed out to find a Christmas tree. Supposedly, we are going to have a blizzard tomorrow, so I thought it would be fun to have a tree. We went to Menard's, American Sales, CostCo, Lowe's, K-Mart and Old Time Pottery. And we came home with some shelves for our basement. I'm feeling a little defeated and discouraged. So, let me ask you this, if you have a real tree in your house...why? Growing up, we always had artificial trees, it's all I know. I've only heard negative things about a real tree--like the needles constantly fall off and apparently you have to water it. (oh and you continue to find needles until July--is this true?!?!) I understand they smell good, but so do candles. I know some people have real trees because it's traditional. We have neighbors that go out and cut their own tree down every year. It's their tradition. I'm pretty sure they do it just so they can say it's their tradition, but whatever. Are there other benefits to a real tree? I want to try it, I really do, I LOVE the price and the idea of a real tree, but is it really worth it? Please help me!

Signed,
Treeless and freezing my ass off in Indiana

lovely

2006-11-29T09:01:00.000-06:00

After 8 or 9 days of weather in the 50's and 60's, Mother Nature is putting the smack down.

crap.

Photo entry

2006-11-28T22:21:00.000-06:00

I'm just too tired to actually TYPE my Thanksgiving Day weekend. Don't you know how much energy typing takes?!?! Today I felt more like myself, although not completely. I did, however, spend 3-4 hours cleaning my basement! (Lynette, you would be SO impressed!) I figure if Brian and I both spent 8 more hours a piece down there, we could have it clean. Seriously, it's that bad. It's an unfinished full basement that we dream of finishing but we can't because we can't afford it. We have created a fun play area for the kids, filled with rugs, toys, a tv and a VCR. They're very happy down there. very.happy. Which is nice for us because we get a ton of work done. ;-)
On to the photos!

Noah on his way to Thanksgiving Dinner!

yummy. (p.s. they don't eat turkey OR mashed potatoes. crazy kids.

My Nephew.

My younger sister and Mary Addison at the start of shopping on Black Friday.

I had a great picture here of my Mom but BLOGGER BOT IS A BITCH AND FAILED TO UPLOAD IT WHICH HAS HAPPENED 17,000 TIMES IN THE PAST 24 HOURS.
deep breath. deep breath.

Anna with her cousins. Brian and I hosted a sleepover Saturday night for four of my nephews. They range in ages from 9-14. It was so fun!

Beds built by Beth. (again, bloggerbot being a bitch, another boy is the white portion of the pictures. wtf?!!?)

Sunday morning Target ad.

Brian, Ryan and a can of Diet Coke.

Anna and her best cousin, Jenna. Anna has been asking for red hair lately. (seriously!) My Mom bought some wigs for the playroom at her house. Both the girls were very pleased.

My brother Dan and baby Tessa. They arrived Saturday night at 6:30pm and left at 8am the next morning, they had a 10 hour drive ahead of them. Poor things.

Noah singing "Happy Birthday" to his Daddy. (Brian's Birthday is Wednesday the 29th!)
THE BIG 3-0!

Mary Addison and Tessa Mary (born two weeks apart!) This was their first meeting, one lives in Louisville, the other outside of Kansas City.

Here it is...an update

2006-11-27T09:37:00.000-06:00

I'm actually blogging while my children surround me. One is drinking juice, playing with cars and watching the Wiggles. The other just came into the living room with a pink baseball cap on, her juice, seventeen books (not kidding), a puzzle, a play plate and a basket, all placed in a Wal-Mart Shopping Cart. Watching the toys, games and books just ooooooooze out of the bedroom is....tiring.

What a weekend!! or Week! or TWO WEEKS!! My goodness! Today is my first "normal" SAHM day in a very, very long time. and I am pooped! I thought I would update you all on some of the health issues I have been having. A week and a half ago I went to the doctor to talk to him about these headaches I have been having very frequently. He switched my blood pressure medication. I was on my happy way and went to New York a few days later. While there, especially in the plane, I did not feel right. My head felt a ton of pressure, my hands would fall completely asleep, and I just felt tired. I also felt like I couldn't take deep breaths. But I blamed it on the whirlwind trip. I came home on a Friday night and was exhausted, nauseous and again, I did not feel like me. But mostly, I was having very frequent heart palpitations, like 25 a day. I sat around alot, which is not very typical of me. On Sunday, I felt the same. By evening, I checked my blood pressure and it was actually high, around 140/96, on medication and my pulse was low, around 60. (that is low for me, it's typically in the high 80's, low 90's) So, Monday I went back to the doctor. He said I was having an allergic reaction to the type of BP medication (beta blocker) he put me on and it was actually causing me to experience asthma. So, my head feeling like it was going to explode and the hands going numb was just me not getting enough OXYGEN. Nice, eh? So, he prescribed something new for me to take that night. I got it filled while doing my Thanksgiving Day shopping after my appointment. Got home, ate dinner, went shopping again with the family and came home. I took the medicine and laid in bed...very excited to feel like myself again. BUT, I didn't. I woke up Tuesday with the worst migraine in the history of the world. I'm not even going to go into specifics because no words do it justice. But, let's just say my doctor called in Vicodin and Imitrex and nothing worked. Not to mention I had both Anna and Noah alone from 7am-6pm. die die die die. That's how I felt. My BP was up to 145/101. Finally, at 9pm I had relief after being able to lay in the dark by myself, taking a Tylenol 3 and an 800 mg Ibuprofen, drinking Gatorade and eating crackers. (which was good after vomitting as much as I did) I also had to miss my Mommy's Group which made me soooooooooooooo sad. Anyway, I couldn't help but think the migraine was caused by my new BP medication, so I stopped taking it. On Wednesday, I resumed my old, old meds and have yet to call my doctor back. Would you believe I am actually scared to see my doctor? I feel like I have gone against his back or something crazy like that. Here is what I know...I have spent $40 in co-pays and $100 in co-pays for medication. That is $140 in Christmas money that I will not get back and I have two full bottles of BP medication that I will never take again. Let's just say, the little headache I have right now, is just fine with me for now. (Can I just tell you that my sister who lives in Michigan was planning to visit for the holiday weekend. She arrived Wednesday afternoon and she came and picked my kids up and took them to my Mom's for almost 3 hours and fed them dinner. OMG, it was such a treat! Also, when she came to pick them up, she helped me clean the kids' room before leaving. I'm so lucky!)

There is my health update, I do plan on updating again later tonight, but you know how that goes. :-)
P.S. I finished this blog at least five hours after starting it. Blogging while the kids are awake just doesn't work too well.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

2006-11-22T23:04:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone that reads this has a wonderful Thanksgiving! Be sure to think about our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, pray for the families and for them.

My blogger friend, Dana has written a great post, an interview with a soldier that is insightful and intelligent. Please take a moment to read about the war through the eyes of a soldier. It's a must read.

Sorry I haven't been around too much. Unfortunately, I have been having some health issues that I am still trying to iron out....things are getting better, slowly but surely.

Again, I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, surround by good friends and loving family.

Are we "decking our halls" too early?

2006-11-18T22:33:00.000-06:00

And when I say "we" I don't mean me. I mean other people who may have lost their calenders (or their minds). I was driving around this evening with the kids and we found numerous homes with their Christmas lights turned on and their trees set up and decorated. Many. Like 15 homes. Call me "scrooge" but it seems a little soon. I love Christmas just as much as the next guy, but I love it after Thanksgiving. I find myself irritated when I see a house all decked out this early. Two houses, about 1 miles from my house, have been decorated since November 5th. No lie. Oh and this radio station, which always plays holiday music before the holidays has already begun playing ALL holiday music, all the time. Anyway...

I am back from my trip. I returned last night, very tired and not feeling very well. But it was a fantastic trip. The fact that I can go away for 2 days and sit in meetings for SO long and never grow tired and only grow more excited and more motivated just blows me away. For those not familiar with what I do, click here. We planned alot for 2007. Great ideas. so.excited. OMG. Wednesday, I arrived in my hotel room, starving to death, at 11:25pm. (I ordered room service and was eating a quesadilla at midnight) My flight was delayed 3 times. Thanks to LaGaurdia. I have never flown into said airport and I will do EVERYTHING in my power to NEVER fly from or to there again. It blows. It's awful. Dirty. Crowded. Huge fans blowing everywhere. Rude people. Hated it. On my way out last night my flight was delayed again, for the same reason, something to do with air traffic control. whatever.

Noah is sick. This morning we took both the kids to the doctor and poor little mouse has an ear infection. He's coughing in his room right now. So, that makes 2 weeks in a row that he'll miss Sunday School. I plan to take Anna in the morning, they have a Christmas program in three weeks, at least one of my kids should be prepared!

I have lots of pictures for you, I hope you enjoy it!

My friend's daughter.

Anna is a natural flipper. We have GOT to get this girl into gymnastics.

ahhh...wine. Pinot Grigio to be exact. We had a delicious dinner at Graziellas in White Plains, NY on Thursday.

I like this picture because my friend Jenn took it. Makes it extra special.
(No flash was used, impressive, no?)

Myself with my friend and national manager, Maria.

Myself with my friends. Lois (left) and Jenn.

Myself before my very first bite of cannoli. Loved.it.

Myself with tiramisu.

Myself with chocolate mousse cake.
(and an extra five pounds, thank you very much.)

A favorite picture of mine taken at the hotel's bar. Good zoom.

Noah eating dinner.

Noah at a birthday party last Sunday.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE. This picture makes my list of Top 10 pictures taken in the past year. Noah and his cousin, Jeremy.

Anna concentrating.

All systems go?

2006-11-14T22:13:00.000-06:00

I feel strangely prepared for my trip to NY tomorrow. Laundry is done, house is clean, my "to do" list of 45 things is almost completely scratched off. Could it be? Have I finally figured out how to truly prepare for a trip? And I will tell you...it's not easy being responsible for everything and going out of town. Not only am I responsible for the events taking place with me, I'm also responsible for the events taking place when I'm not even home. hmmmph. doesn't seem right, does it? Tonight, while I was cleaning Race Car's closet, Brian came looking for me, he found me on the floor in the closet straightening books. He didn't really understand why I was tiding up. What he needs to understand is what it would look like come Friday night when I return home, what it will look like if I did not tidy up. oh, the horror.

You may hear from me while in NY, but it's doubtful, I do plan to pay for internet access from the room, but I could very well change my mind. I have acquired a shadow. A shadow named "Anna" who is fully aware of my New York departure. She says things like "but Mom, I just love you, please don't go so far away." She followed me all night as if I was going to sneak out of a window with my suitcase. It will feel strange leaving the house without my shadow right behind me. :-(

Why witch?

2006-11-14T16:43:00.000-06:00

I just realized I didn't explain why my kids are calling me "witch." I wore a witch's hat on Halloween. That's it. There is NO explanation for them calling Brian skeleton, though!

And yes, Noah and I went to Target while Anna was at school today and the cashier said "what's your name?" and he replied "Bob the Builder." Of course, he is.

The Race Car, the Witch, the Skeleton and Ariel

2006-11-13T22:14:00.000-06:00

My kids have given themselves new names. While I was giving them a bath on Saturday night, Anna was pretending to be Ariel, swimming in the ocean. She then said "I'm Ariel." Then Noah said "I'm Race Car." And then after their baths they would say things like "Ariel, what are you doing." "Nothing Race Car, what are you doing?" "Nothing, Ariel." Then I would say "Noah, do you want some milk?" And he would reply "I'm Race Car, Witch." yes, they began calling me Witch. Race Car would continue "Witch, I'm Race Car, she's Ariel and Daddy's Skeleton." okie dokie. This continued through Sunday. We had a family get together last night and everyone called Noah "Race Car," it was PRETTY FUNNY because he truly loves being called Race Car. It wasn't until this morning, while I was getting ready to go to the gym that I became concerned about taking the kids into public. I imagined ourselves at the store when a cashier would ask "What's your name?" "I'm Ariel and I'm Race Car." I became increasingly petrified on our way to the gym, something told me that they were pretty serious about these name changes. We walked into the day care, they entered the security door, took off their coats and yelled to every child and day care worker "I'm Ariel and this is Race Car, right Witch??" It was great. I explained to the employees the situation, and asked them to please pay no mind to their name changes.

I went to the doctor on Friday. Did I mention in my previous blog that I was actually making a list of ailments so share with the doctor? I just didn't want to forget anything Made me feel so old. Anyway, I went and it went pretty well. Here was my list:
-Headaches--some days they're just terrible
-Knee (I know I mentioned that)
-Thyroid check
-Plantars wart
-a small white bump to the left of my eye

so, let's start with the white bump. I didn't ask, I was too embarrassed by my long list.
Knee, he said I bruised my bone pretty badly, it will take a few more weeks to heal.
Thyroid check-blood test in four weeks. Headaches, he switched my blood pressure medication. He feels I am experiencing migraines which can be a side effect of my medicine, so he switched my medication. He also gave me a list of foods that contain tyramine which has been known to cause headaches and migraines. Homemade bread, crackers and cheese, doughnuts, coffee cake, chocolate, nuts, many varieties of beans, bananas, raisins, peanut butter, chocolate syrup, chocolate candy, red wine, pizza, cheese sauce, seasoned salt, macaroni and cheese, beef stroganoff, and lasagna are just a few of the items I should not consume. Whatthefuckever. Today I made homemade chocolate chip banana bread. oops. (I seriously think it did give me a headache, though, isn't that crazy?!?!) I'll do my best to stay away, but I have had cheese sauce 250 days of the last 255, so...you know.
Okay, so my plantars wart. I thought I had a plantars wart on my foot. I totally blamed it on the pedicure I got back in August. Come to find out...it's a corn. A corn. Like what my Grandma used to get. Anyway, he told me to flip over onto my belly on the table, he left the room, came back with sterilized instruments and dug it out of my foot. I shit you not, there was a hole in ball of my foot when he was done. (yes, it hurt like hell) But guess what, I stood on it and there was no pain. A miracle! After my appointment I went to my knitting class and let's just say....I need to practice.

And uh, to my heart breaking news. My friend, Lynette, my Oprah show hook up, she called yesterday asking what my plans were for Wednesday. She thought my trip to NY was this past weekend, she wanted me to go to Oprah with her to see John Mayer on Wednesday. but I can't. Have fun, my friend, you deserve this trip....I'll be thinking of you. (lucky hooker) Seriously, though, I really don't know much about John Mayer, I would have liked to have just gone to see Oprah again, so I guess there are other people more deserving! Thanks for thinking of me, Lynette. You are the best!

Why am I blogging?

2006-11-09T11:55:00.000-06:00

When I don't have time?

Today is a very busy day. I already made two loaves of friendship bread. My neighbor gave me a start on November 1st and I made the bread today. The funny thing is that Anna LOVES it, Noah won't even try it and Brian and I can't eat it because it's too fattening. So, I'll be giving it away, which I think makes me really happy. Brian can bring some into work for his co-workers and I have a baby shower that I am helping to throw on Sunday, I'll bring some then. Perfect!

I have this thing to do today. I am so not excited. In fact, I'm dreading it. I don't know why, I guess I don't like the city I have to drive to. I have to be apart of a check presentation for Exxon Mobil. They are donating money to the LLS and since they do not have a nearby office they have asked me to do public appearances, if I have the time available. We have been trying to work out a time for 4 weeks now and now the time is today. We are taking a picture for the newspaper. It's a nice gesture and I get to wear a new suit a bought, so that's exciting, I just am not excited to do it.

Then I am having dinner at Olive Garden with my very pregnant girlfriend. She is 37 weeks pregnant. She is the girl we are having a shower for on Sunday. All she wants is Olive Garden, who I am to stop her? I would be a very unsupportive friend to tell her no. So, with my feet dragging, I guess I'll go eat salad, breadsticks dipped in alfredo sauce, cheese ravioli topped with meat sauce and perhaps some chocolate gelato. And, to be extra supportive, I'll have a glass of wine. I'm such a good friend. This is her third child since 2002. This third child is a boy, the first two were girls. She has asked me to be in the delivery when the baby is born to take pictures. I'm so honored. She is a friend I acquired later in life and I'm so glad I did. Her daughter was born in 11/02, mine was born in 1/03. We celebrated her daughter's birthday last weekend. We worked together after Anna was born. In 12/03 she lost her mother to breast cancer. Her heart is broken, of course. She is the type of person to never admit pain, when I would talk about her Mom and her loss she would get so mad at me because she would start to cry and she didn't want to cry. But, we still talk about her. I wish it were her Mom in the room when her son is born, but it can't be, so I'll just be the best friend I can be to her. She deserves it.

Next week I am going to New York. It's a "business" trip. I'm excited, but starting to get very nervous about leaving the kids, as always. I have already told Anna, she deserves a notice. I won't mention it again for a few days now.

Did I tell you I cracked my knee three weeks ago? I did. I ran directly into our coffee table, it hurt SO bad, it immediately swelled and bruised. Well, four days after that I was at Target with my sister when I ran the same knee into a fixture holding folded clothes. OMFG. It hurt so fucking bad. I had to leave the store. (my sister bought me a Starbucks to make me feel better) No, I wasn't crying, I know you are wondering, it just hurt. Well, my knee still hurts and it feels funny. So, I'm going to the doctor. I have a whole list of things I need to discuss with him.

After my appointment, I'm taking a knitting class. I think this is funny, when I told my friend Lynette she laughed SO hard at the thought that I thought I would have time to knit! Well, I'll find time...like in the airport next week! I'm excited. I want to make blankets for underprivledged kids.

So, that's what is going on. Time for lunch!

Be still my heart

2006-11-08T22:44:00.000-06:00

Anna wrote the word "Mom" today. all.by.herself. I am still in shock. Her preschool doesn't even cover letters, yet. She's wonderful. She first drew a picture of me, and I asked her to write my name. (just to try) She said she didn't know how. I told her to write the letter "M" and she said she couldn't and asked if I would help her. I encourage her to make the "M" and to just try and she did and she did it. She proceeded to finish the word. I am so proud of her. She is so proud of herself. Perhaps I'll work on a new word everyday. I am also very pleased with her thanks to the conference I had with her teacher today. Everything is going VERY well. "Smart, sweet, very socialable, well rounded and kind." Music to our ears.

Here are some pictures from today and this past weekend. I had the intention of making a lengthy entry tonight, I have SO much to share, but I'm just too tired.

Noah is sick. They did give both the kids their flu shots, the doctor checked out Noah's ears and gave us the "go ahead" for their shots. They did very well. I'm so proud of them.

All of a sudden tonight, the letter "h,c and s" stopped working on my keyboard tonight. I rebooted and they started working again. Has this happened to you?

Can you see it? Can you believe it? She did this 100% by herself.
The pride is overwhelming.

This is a huge moment in our lives. Anna has always been sooooooooo TERRIFIED of vacuum cleaners. To the point where we have talked to the doctor about it. If she even thought we may vacuum she would go hysterical. We bought a new vacuum cleaner and we named it "hoover." (aren't we clever?) She has even kissed him. LOL. Like I said, this is a huge step. (even though it only lasted a moment.)

I love this picture.

You can never be too safe while playing in the sand.

Busy kids in the fall.

SAFETY FIRST.

Trying to take advantage of these warmer days.

Where I am not

2006-11-08T08:09:00.000-06:00

I am NOT at the gym. Why? Because Noah is sick. One week, friends. one week. I had to cancel my appointment at the gym today so other kids won't get sick. How very polite of me.

Anyway, on a happier note, I lost 4.2 lbs this week. YIPPEE! I'm pretty excited about that! Brian lost 9 lbs. NINE. whoa. My first week of WW in February I lost 8 lbs. We are good competitors. I'm so proud of him.

In 75 minutes, I'll be at the pediatricians office getting the kids their flu shots. I am not looking forward to that, but I'll glad they are getting them. Every time a news report comes on I think about how it can be prevented and how they haven't received theirs, yet. bad mom! But today is the day. Will they still give Noah his shot if he's sick? I guess we'll find out.

must move legs. hurts so bad.

2006-11-06T13:56:00.000-06:00

We went to the gym again today. I did some shopping over the weekend to help me prepare:

-New shoes. (in blue) Check.
-New pants. Check.
-New shirt. Check.
-New headphones. Check.
-Menstrual cramps. CHECK.

The kids love going to the gym. The daycare allows you to be gone for 2 hours. I'm typically gone for 75 minutes. I think I'll do more for my workout because the kids never want to leave when I pick them up, guess I'll take advantage of the time I have by myself. I plan to go to the gym 3 days a week.

I love my shoes. I walked for 50 minutes today, over 3 miles. My trainer from before approached me today while I was on my treadmill. She was very excited to see me and even more excited that I hadn't gained weight. In fact, she asked how much more weight I had lost. The answer, obviously, is none. She said my waist looked much smaller. That may be my favorite compliment. :-) She talked to me for over 30 minutes while I was on the treadmill, it made the time FLY BY! It was great, although it was difficult to speak, that's okay! I purchased new Sony headphones on Friday from Circuit City. They are SO much better than the ones I had prior to this set. The last set were made by Koss and they cost $4.99 from Wal-Mart. You totally get what you pay for, they were way too quiet, so uncomfortable and always fell out of my ears. If I don't have music, I do not workout. So, I was very excited for today, but my headphones don't work well, they are a little bit static-y and sound like the plug has been removed a little from the iPod. I'm going to exchance them, they're really nice and loud. My current favorite workout song is Sexy Back, by Justin Timberlake, it has a great beat.

I'm totally exhausted right now. My lower back is killing me, I did 80 sit ups today and strength training. My legs are weak and my feet hurt. It's going to be really hard to do laundry and clean. but I will. Will you come over and help me? great. thanks.

Brian and I want on a date on Friday. We totally used our Flex points at Don Pablos. It was quite good, the margarita was outstanding. out.stand.ing. We then went to Target and Circuit City. I love that Brian understands that I need to buy new workout clothes, shoes and headphones. Makes me happy. He's doing ridiculously well on WW. I'm totally going to lose our contest, by far. You will FREAK OUT when you hear how much weight he has lost in his first week. (check back on Wednesday) It's unbelievable. I really didn't expect to win. I've been on Weight Watchers since February 8th...I didn't expect a huge loss. And the Hershey bar on Saturday night didn't help either!! (Hershey with caramel, no less)

Saturday night we babysat two of my friend's children. My friend has been very sick and desperately needed a break, so I picked up her kids for about five hours. We had fun. Brian is a good sport, he played with the 7 month old boy almost the whole time. The older girl, Anna and Noah did crafts almost the whole time. It was a great night.

Guess I'll put the kids to bed, clean the livingroom, fold laundry and watch Oprah!

3 minutes 55 seconds of your life...WATCH THIS.

2006-11-06T09:03:00.000-06:00

Please share this. Thank you to Penny & Elisa for sharing this on your blog.
Importance of a 5-Point Harness Carseat

Friday in pictures

2006-11-04T09:41:00.000-06:00

You're not going to tell Daddy I'm wearing two necklaces are you?

Great, thanks.

Lovely hawaiian dancers.

Presenting Jack Black

2006-11-02T12:00:00.000-06:00

Going back on Weight Watchers has been interesting, but very good already--just after 24 hours.
I entered my weight onto weightwatchers.com yesterday morning and my weight was up 6.5 lbs. HOLY CRAP. wow. It goes on so quickly and so easily but comes off like it's superglued to your body. total bullshit. I'm so thankful for this great program, truly I am.

Anyway, I had a great day of not eating (is there really such a thing?) I followed my points, I planned them in the morning and this morning I was 2.6 lbs lighter than yesterday. (yes, I weigh myself everyday) What a difference it makes when you are not eating pizza and chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, I did not eat a single morsel of halloween candy. In fact, I asked Anna if she would rather have some Halloween candy or would she rather we get rid of it and we go buy her a present instead. She opted for the present. HOORAY! So, I gathered up 3 gallon size zip loc bags (each filled half way) to donate to where my Mom works, where my Dad works and where Brian works. all gone--no more temptation and the kids can stop asking for candy! I also returned to the gym yesterday and I am so happy I did. While I was walking and stretching and doing strength training, all I could think about is how nice it really was to be alone, with loud music and doing something so amazing for my body. My body is awfully sore today, but that is temporary. We are returning tomorrow. I do need new workout clothes, I had to safety pin my pants at the waist because they continued to fall down and my shirts are XL...I'll be heading to Target tonight...

I leave you with two photos: The first is a picture that Anna drew of Jack Black. I don't know why she drew it, I'm guessing she learned his name from a commercial on Nick Jr. She has the most amazing memory and I think she is a very talented artist, she's only three, people!!

The next is a message from our troops. Speaking of our troops, this is a really cool program by Xerox, it's very quick and easy to complete, I hope you take the time to do it, it's the least one can do!

Goodbye October

2006-10-31T22:56:00.000-06:00

We have been so incredibly busy. Seriously. I'm beat. Plus, Noah is sleeping like crap again.
Over the weekend we re-did our little master bathroom. For such a small room, it took FOR-FREAKIN'-EVER! But, it's over and I think it's fabulous! I have been working on the Friends of Allie November newsletter which has taken up my time, as well. It's due to be released tomorrow. And, Halloween has us running all over the place! I've kept my kids away from candy for pretty much their whole lives. not anymore. Noah thinks Chocolate is the bomb and Anna loves suckers. so.much.candy.

Tomorrow, I am returning to the gym. It has been a long time. The last time I was there was June. Can you believe that crap? Anyway, I'm excited, with it being colder outside, physical activity is down to cleaning, which is alot, but not enough, soooo off the to the gym I (we) go. All I can think about is how the kids are going to get sick now. Mark my words. Brian and I are going on Weight Watchers again. I'm up about five pounds, I better do something now before it's too late!!!!!! (like stop eating Halloween candy)
P.S. Do you see how close I am to 10,000 hits! WOW!
Anyway, lots of pictures for you.

This picture was taken on Sunday at a Halloween party at my Mom's.

pretty Belle. (and yes, you had to call her Belle.)

Handsome Bob the Builder. (and yes, you had to call him Bob the Builder.)

Anna before school this morning. She had a very exciting, fun filled day at preschool today. Noah was a little jealous that she was dressed up and he wasn't. I let him get dressed early and wear his costume to the Post Office and to pick Anna up from school.

Helping decorate cupcakes. We were heading to Brian's Grandma's retirement community to share cupcakes and show Great-grandma their costumes.

Great Grandma wound up taking the kids trick or treating. Even the people in their apartments were surprised. It was sooo funny.

But some people were ready!

And some people were not. Someone gave Anna a box of Fiddle Faddle.

Noah was very shy today.

Eating suckers after their nap. I bet they LOVED Halloween.

Brian and I carved pumpkins during their naps today. Brian did the spider.
Isn't that crazy?!?! (for those that don't know Brian...he's not very...arty.)

The kids and their neighbor friends. (Noah was disturbed by the Yoda creature.

Trying to get a good family picture is just too difficult anymore!
(actually...it's never been easy)

Not this one either.

Definitely not this one.

Just forget it.

FINALLY!!! Time to TRICK OR TREAT!!

First house! HOORAY!

still going!

And the inevitable costume switch!

Yep, even shoes. Noah in heels. Happy Halloween!

2006-10-27T16:29:00.000-05:00

Dove Evolution

Cook off

2006-10-26T17:40:00.000-05:00

I have been cooking all day today. I baked six dozen chocolate chip cookies. 12 creamy chicken enchiladas (for my neighbor), chicken quesadillas for dinner and I have prepared pot roast, ready to be put in the crock pot in the morning. This weather, I swear I could bake for hours. Unfortunately, I keep eating. oopsie. My legs hurt, I'm glad to be sitting.

So, Brian and I started watching Heroes last night. We watched the first episode last night and the second tonight. I have mixed feelings. I mean, it's a great show, I just don't like so much intensity in a show. Guess I'm boring!

Here are some pictures from this weekend:

My sister and I with Mary Addison, about 3 minutes after we arrived in Brown County. (it doesn't take us too long to take pictures.) Yes, we have on the same sweater, (bought my first.) (and the same jeans) yes, we are gay.

Rewind to Friday at a playdate. Anna and her friend. They are both VERY girlie. They get along great.

Noah and his friend. They were cracking eachother up. It was hilarious.

Mary Addison. OMG. She's so cute.

so cute.

One of the reasons why I love Brown County.
I now own one of the orange mums on the right.

I love this girl.

Sister.

It was so cold on Monday. We went to Target to buy scarves and gloves. And hats and gloves for our freezing, golfing, drunk husbands.

This sign is great. I spotted it from so far away. It's significant because one brother's name is Dan, the other is Dave. (by the way, I took this picture from across the street. My camera kicks ass.)

The other side of Brown County. LEATHER.

One of our favorite stores.

Damn right I got the blues.

2006-10-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Buddy Guy, for the perfect words for the title of this entry. I owe you, man.

So, yeah, I'm a little blue. Brian and I just returned home from our sixth annual outing to Nashville, In. We ate, drank, SHOPPED and slept. And by God, it was awesome. awesome. I have the blues because it's over. I always get sad the day after, every year I am sad. This year is different because I didn't purchase anything amazing. I buy ALOT of home decor from this town and most things are things that people comment on when they come to my house, in fact, it's odd when people don't make a compliment. (they're jealous, I know.) just kidding. no i'm not.

Anyway, this time around was different. I couldn't make a decision. There were three things I wanted...badly, but I didn't know if I loved them. Well, 2 things I didn't, one thing I did and I didn't figure it out until today. Now my blues are deeper than usual. P.S. I did ask Brian if I could call the store and have them ship the (large) item to me...he said we'd talk about it later. he's a good guy.

So, we are back in town. I am back to the same old grind with the chickens, they're a little unruly, which is to be expected, but now they are sleeping. I was going to clean and catch up on e-mails, but then I saw Madonna was on Oprah today, so I better check that out. What? I LOVE. love. love. love LOVE. Madonna. Sorry, I do. Ever workout to her last album? Don't knock it until you try it, girl. I'm going to watch Oprah, in the afternoon, that's it. I've already washed and folded four loads of laundry today (and put them away!) and cleaned my kitchen, including my sink with Comet. I deserve a little R&R with two wonderful woman, Oprah and Madonna. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes, I have lots of pictures from this weekend. I shall share. After Oprah and Madonna.

I have no idea why the font is funk-d-fied, no idea.

no use crying over spilled pumpkins

2006-10-20T23:29:00.000-05:00

Unless you are emotional to begin with. Tonight, about an hour and 10 minutes ago, someone broke our pumpkins on our front porch. I'm pretty pissed, but I'm also sad because they were the pumpkins the kids picked at our first outing to a pumpkin patch. whatever. (I can't believe I just described what happened without typing out the swear words that are flying around in my head right now...I'm impressed.)

We have so much going on lately, I only have a few minutes to blog, as I am very tired.

Noah is still sleeping like crap. In the past 2 weeks he has slept well two nights and I am about to lose my mind. (too put it mildly) Last night was the hardest, I'm so tired. I took him back to the doctor today and his ears have cleared up completely. Thank Goodness. Now I know if he wakes up it's not because his ears hurt....good to know.
We bought a new car yesterday. Brian's car had severe malfunctions on his way to work yesterday and after MANY YEARS AND DOLLARS spent on this car, it was time to say "goodbye car! Hello car payment." Yesterday was the longest, busiest, most chaotic day we've had in a long time, obviously because in ONE day we found and purchased a car...that we BOTH love alot. I may like it a little too much. It's a 2000 Bonneville, it's so so so pretty and in perfect condition. We are very excited, the kids love it, too!
Brian and I are going out of town on Sunday for our annual trip to Brown County. We have gone every year since 2001 with my sister and her husband. We are going a little later this year since the week we usually go my sister had just returned back to work from maternity leave. I love this trip. My sister and I shop while Brian and her husband golf and drink. It couldn't be any more perfect. Our condo is even on the golf course. It's great! I am anxious about leaving, I should not be because Brian's mom is staying here with the kids and they just love her, but you know, I'm just anxious.
I have a wedding to go to tomorrow. I have to go alone since Brian has to work tomorrow night(don't even get me started, okay?) My cousin is getting married. I found the greatest skirt tonight, I love it. However, I was shopping with the kids so I did not try it on and guess what??? It's too big! Brian's going to go back tomorrow and get me an 8! (that's how busy my day is tomorrow, I can't get my own damn skirt.)
I am still successfully maintaining my weight. I weighed in on Wednesday at my Weight Watcher meeting and it went well. Makes me happy.

I'm sure there is so much more, but like I said, I'm tired and I have no business being up this late and I still have to wash my face (which is a 39 step process) brush my teeth, clear off my bed and put laundry away.

oh bother.

A very cute spider that Anna made. It was hanging on the refrigerator the other day, Noah approached it and sang a beautiful "Itsy Bitsy Spider" to the spider. He then took it off of the fridge to show it to me, while he was running over he noticed the eyes moving and it FREAKED him out. He dropped it on the ground and came running towards me.

This week (so far) in pictures

2006-10-17T16:49:00.000-05:00

Pajama party! We celebrated Brian's Grandma's birthday party on Saturday! She turns NINETY THREE today! We had a great time and we were able to visit with Brian's sister and her family from Indianapolis. Here's a picture of the three grandkids in the pj's.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

She's a very clever woman. Very.

Anna and I. We had a girls afternoon out after church on Sunday. We had lunch and we went shopping.

My boy.

My girl. We celebrated my nephew's birhtday, who turned 11 on Sunday. Lots of birthdays!

Our old entertainment center. I can hardly bear to look at it. We bought it just over four years ago. We had purchased the TV, it was in the car when we realized we didn't have anything to put it on, so we ran to Target and bought this. I HATE IT. but now it's gone.

In the presence of perfection. I LOVE IT!! Brian worked hard all night. We rearranged the living room and it feels so good. Very feng shui. We finished just in time to watch the Bears come back. It was awesome!

Goofy, goofy children. How can you not love kids???

In their new slippers. They both sleep in them. It's very cute.

The house of Fletcher in the fall. We are looking at new front doors tonight!

sleep

2006-10-16T16:00:00.000-05:00

sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep sleep

I'm freakin' tired. soooo tired. too tired too blog. Yep, there is my excuse, too tired to blog. I'm sure I'm not any more tired than any of you, I'm just tired. Perhaps my thyroid meds need adjusting, yes, perhaps I'll schedule a dr's appointment, that would be good, I'll do that right after my nap. Nap? Me? No... I'm a liar. I've taken a few naps this past week, of course, that is just what they are, they're naps. You know 15-30 minutes. To me, anything longer than that is a good night's sleep. A good night's sleep. mmmmm...that sounds great. I want a good night's sleep. I had one. On Friday night. I slept from midnight until 7:45am without waking up ONE TIME. I had a great day on Saturday, too. (filled with THREE 12 minute cleaning "episodes"...thanks, Elisa!)

In fact, LAST weekend, I slept well. IN FACT (yes, again) I was even telling my sister on (last) Monday how I am convinced that if I could get 7.5-8.5 hours of solid sleep a night, I could accomplish anything. And with that, I would be fun to be around, because friends, I have not been fun to be around. Right, Brian??? I said "RIGHT, BRIAN?!?!?!!?!??!?!" devil woman. that's me. Because, Noah became sick and forgot that other people and that when he screams, please hear him and that when he screamed he terrifies his mother and she runs to his aide MANY times a night. Things are turning around, though. Noah is feeling better, although he still complains about his ear hurting, and he's still waking up at night. And when he wakes up, I wake up and when I wake up...I wake up. I lay and think. It's ridiculous. BUT, on the bright side, I have been on a search for a couple of things, here's a list:
1. A perfect entertainment center
2. A perfect front door
3. A perfect new mirror for my master bathroom (which is nothing master about it, it may as well be a bathroom at a festival, but hey it's attached to my bedroom, so I can't complain)
4. A perfect new shower curtain and bathroom accessories and let's see what else???
5. I forgot.
Well, scratch one off of the list, I found THE entertainment center. Brian is putting it up tonight. I'm sure he's excited. (total sarcasm) BUT, what he is excited about is me NOT obsessing about finding THE PERFECT entertainment center. because it has been found. And to add to the picturesque memory of me finding THE PERFECT entertainment center, the woman who came to help me load it onto my cart first told me my fly was open. FANFREAKINTASTIC. No really, I did not care, I didn't turn red, I didn't get warm, I was just pleased she told me. :-)

My computer is acting funny, really funny, like "I think we should back this bitch up, funny." So, I tried to blog last night and then this morning, but I couldn't, but now here I am. blogging.

By the way, did you hear about the new red campaign? It's awesome, truly. Please check it out.

Oh and the kids chose their halloween costumes yesterday. Noah picked Bob the Builder, which was surprising and Anna chose Belle from the Disney store--which was not surprising. She wanted to be a pony, but I couldn't figure out how she would sit in school with it on, so luckily she fell in love with MANY costumes at the Disney store.

Don't you see??? IT'S OCTOBER!

2006-10-12T16:02:00.000-05:00

How can it be October?

Not October FIRST. October 12TH. Almost half way through the month. Halloween is almost here. The leaves are starting to fall, not just turn colors, BUT FALL. It's 43 degrees right now--we had snowfall today. Then, before we know it, it will be Thanksgiving and then OH MY GOD CHRISTMAS WILL BE HERE AND THEN IT WILL BE JANUARY AND OH MY GOD MY KIDS WILL TURN THREE AND FOUR AND THEN IT WILL BE FEBRUARY AND I'LL BE ....

GASP, (WHILE CLUTCHING MY CHEST.....)

30.

I need a cigarette.

(no, I don't smoke, it's joke. geeze.)

INAUGURAL POST

2006-10-10T16:30:00.000-05:00

So, it's my first official post with my new look. I have been looking for a new template for a long time. I said to Brian last night "I think I finally found a blog template that I like, it's free and it may actually work." He was very surprised and happy. or at least he acted like he cared, which I do appreciate.

Either way, my first post with the new look is not going to be as pretty as my blog itself. Today has been a bitch. Starting with last night while working on my blog, Noah began waking up and crying, which is not necessarily typical for him, but, he has been waking up a little bit for the past few nights. Last week, he had a little cold, but nothing bad and it went away quickly. I think I medicated him once for it. BUT, I have noticed him playing with his ear. I took the kids for a bike ride yesterday, which means, I walk behind them while Anna peddles her tricycle and Noah moves his legs behind his peddles, it was a long ride, about 45 minutes. Anyway, he would touch his right ear on occasion. Any normal, observant mother would think, "hmmm...I wonder if he has an ear infection.???" Not this bitch. I thought "he can't have an ear infection, he is eating, sleeping, drinking and playing." The past 700 ear infections Noah has had, all normal life comes to a screeching halt, he won't eat, drink or sleep. So, why would I assume that touching his ear was sign? I should have assumed. The child was awake almost all night. He refused to take medicine, which has never happened before, he even spit it ALL over me. (very. very. frustrating.) He wouldn't lay in his bed, our bed, stand up, sit down, stop crying, drink, he didn't want me to hold him, he didn't want his Dad to hold him and mostly, he did not want to sleep. oh, and really, really did not want me to sing. Therefore, he did not rest, until he finally took motrin, I snuck the syringe in his mouth and he had no choice but to swallow. Then he slept for 2 hours. 2. hours. (by the way, by 5 this morning it was apparent that it was his ears as he kept crying out "OW MY EARS, OW MY EARS!!)

What's interesting about Noah getting sick today is that my neighbor who has a 4 year old and a 2 year old is scheduled to have her 3rd baby on Thursday via c-section. She had blood work and pre-op appointments to go to, which typically is not a big deal because her mother is retired and essentially is her live-in Nanny, so she's available to babsit. BUT, at the same time that my neighbor had to be at the doctor, her mother had to take her father (mother's husband) to the doctor, an oncologist. 4 years ago he went into remission after battling Hodgkins Lymphoma...well, it's back. BAD. Everywhere, including his spine. Needless to say, I offered my services to watch her children, who love to play with my kids, it wasn't a big deal at all...until Noah got sick. Now what do I do? I can't cancel on them, but can I really expose these two children, who are about to live with a newborn to whatever Noah has? Yes, that's what I did. I had sometime to prepare before they arrived. I used Clorox wipes on practically everything and Noah didn't play with either one of them because he felt like shit. PLUS, doctors always say "ear infections are not contagious. cold are." Right? Well, I did tell my neighbor once she picked the kids up, but she seemed fine with it.

So, then it's 1:30pm and I have a 2pm appointment for Noah at our pediatricians. The nightmare is that this boy who didn't sleep the night before always takes his nap at 2 pm. He did fine for the appointment. He has a double ear infection, the one ear that he pulls at and cries so hard when he (or I) touches it is "flaming red and oozing." To think that 24 hours ago, I didn't have a clue.

The good news is that he is now on antibiotics. The bad news is that the bitches at Walgreens made me wait for "flavoring," which was recommended by them, for 15 minutes, in addition to the 25 minutes I had already waited. By the way we got home, it was 4pm, and Noah fell asleep in the car. Both the kids are napping now. The house is a mess because of our playdate, I started cleaning up but I was so scared of waking Noah that I decided to let it go (for now) and tell all of you about it. Thanks for listening, by the way.

Oh, and one more bitch, while I'm at it. I wanted to do my maintenance weigh-in tomorrow for the month of October, but I just accidently ate half a package of graham crackers. son of a bitch.

By the way, it's 4:58pm and he's already awake. I need a big mac.

Can you tell?

2006-10-09T23:06:00.000-05:00

I've done some redecorating.

OMG, THIS WEEKEND.

2006-10-08T23:15:00.000-05:00

We had one of those weekends that you dream about. At least, that I dream about. The weather was THE BEST. The kids were incredible and we did SO much! We had a great family weekend and got a ton of things done around the house. I got a new vacuum cleaner, Brian got a new shed, Noah got a new dresser and played with his hot wheels for hours and Anna, well, she got to drink Sprite, pick apples and pumpkins, eat munchkins, ride her bike, play with her neighbor friend, watch The Little Mermaid, go to Sunday School, play with her Oma and Great Grandma, eat her first twizzler and sit in a cart with a ghost. Who wouldn't have a blast? Right now, both the kids are peacefully sleeping, while Brian is playing his new playstation game, The Godfather, which is freaking me out, so I am in my bed watching a house flipping show and reveling in the most amazing weekend we have had in a long, long time. and thoroughly enjoying my clean house. (Well, mostly clean house.)
I would go into detail, but, wouldn't you get bored? so. many. details.

P.S. I have NO idea why some of the pictures are only showing half of the picture, it's pissing me off, I've tried to repost THREE TIMES now, but it doesn't seem to matter. I quit. Not to mention the fact that not all of the pictures are showing up.

The stage above our table. (which took me awhile to realize it was there...I thought their music was just really loud and recorded...kinda shows how good this musician was!)

Weight Watcher question

2006-10-07T16:44:00.000-05:00

Are you trying to tell me that I can't have 3 homemade pancakes for breakfast, a turkey and swiss sandwich from Potbelly's and sour cream & onion chips for lunch WITH a chocolate chip brownie, a large Dunkin' Donuts coffee with extra cream and a chocolate marshmallow pie for a snack, pizza for dinner and nachos and cheese as a late night snack and not even maintain my weight??

whatever.

It's been awhile!

2006-10-05T23:02:00.000-05:00

I know it's been awhile since I blogged! I've been so busy and so tired AND picasa wouldn't download my pictures, but here I am!
I had the most amazing weekend at my brother's house, it was the best! We ate (so much) and laughed alot and it was so relaxing! They dropped me off at the airport on Monday and I went inside and all flights to Chicago were cancelled sooooo I left Tuesday morning, it wound up working out very well, even though I was VERY stressed about the whole thing!

It's great to be home. It's crazy how much I miss my babies and Brian and my house when I'm gone. Since I came home I have been working on organizing my house. Slowly but surely, it's working and it makes me feel so much better! Yesterday I took the kids to get their haircut, it worked out perfectly, we've been grocery shopping, we've been to Costco, Lowe's and tonight I did a great deal of shopping on my own! We've been very busy, needless to say!

I have about 30 pictures for you to view, I hope you enjoy them!

My first time holding Tessa, I had just gotten off of the airplane. The Kansas City airport is AWESOME, should you ever need to fly there, I'm sure you'll like it, very simple.

My nephews, Evan (9) on the left and Grant (12).

Dancing a jig at an irish restaurant (O'Malley's) we went to Saturday night.

An irish performer, he was great! (I was having an enjoyable time taking pictures with my new camera--which I LOVE.)

This building was very old. Built in 1842.

soooooo pretty

A family shot at a great mexican restaurant.

Chocolate Gelato from Olive Garden

Evan and I were studying for a very important Social Studies test. I just received a proud picture of Evan holding up a test with an A+ on it! He says he's certain it's because Aunt Beth helped him!

This was just after I got home, Brian and the kids picked me up from the airport. (O'Hare) It was a great welcome home.

We went to dinner that night, isn't he cute??

Isn't she cute? Noah accidentally scratched her face on Saturday

A picture of a girl who needs her bangs cut!

A picture of a boy who needs a haircut!

Anna acting soooooo silly.

still silly

calmer

Noah LOVES HIS TRAINS

Anna acting silly AGAIN

She was making me laugh with her silliness today.

Always pack extra underwear

2006-10-03T00:17:00.000-05:00

Because sometimes, ALL flights to Chicago will be CANCELLED the day you are supposed to return home.

Luckily, I packed extra underwear.

And Jenn, it is the DSC-H5. IT'S AWESOME.

The newest member of our family

2006-09-29T22:25:00.000-05:00

And a picture taken with it. Brian went late and picked it up, the kids were in bed by the time he returned, but luckily, Miss Anna was still awake! I LOVE it, I am SO happy.

and she was happy to pose!
I will have a GREAT weekend taking pictures! You all have a great weekend, too. Okay?

Just checking in with you

2006-09-28T22:59:00.001-05:00

I just wanted to stop in and say hello. Thank you to everyone who responded regarding my sister's flood. I appreciate the support and offers to help so much!
I met with her last night. We had dinner, then we went to Target and Kohl's and somewhere in between then she pumped in my van. LOL. It's so incredible to me that I can live so far away from someone and see them so little and we get together and it's like we are neighbors and have been for years. I guess that is what sisterhood is all about. It's truly a gift. hmmm....interesting that I do not have two daughters, no? Not that I can choose the sex, because Lord knows how badly I wanted Noah to be a boy, it's just surprising that we do not have a 3rd child to create the brother-brother or sister-sister relationship. However, I am in awe of the relationship between my girl and my boy. so blessed. We all are.

I won't be around much as I am flying to Kansas Saturday morning. Tonight, we went to Best Buy as we are comtemplating purchasing a new camera. I LOVE my camera and I am just sick that it is SO broken. It's still in the shop, if it's not fixed by tomorrow, we may tell the guy to just give the thing back. I saw one camera that I loved, a Sony, of course, 7.2 megapixels and a 12x optical zoom. That's right--TWELVE. My broken camera had a 3x optimal zoom. It was different, some things were not as good, but somethings were better, I'll guess you'll have that, it's funny because they are the same price. We'll see. If I get one tomorrow, perhaps I'll get on-line and tell you about it. (and share pictures)

I bought some knee-high black leather boots, with a nice tall heel. (my sister bought the same pair) They are AWESOME! Let's see, what else? Noah is actually doing well with potty training. In no way am I actively trying to train him, I am just following his cues. On two occasions, he woke up with a dry diaper, the first time I FREAKED out thinking his kidneys were failing, but then I put him on the potty and he peed for 10 minutes! Can you believe that? Anna doesn't even go through the night. Tonight I put Thomas undies on him and he loved it, he didn't even want to wear pants, but Baby, it's cold outside! He went pee twice and then he became entranced in Wonder Pets--he peed all over himself. He's cute.

Anna STILL loves school. Seriously, so much. This morning she rocked my world with her brilliance. First, I was helping her get dressed, she typically dresses herself, but on days of school I help her to speed up the process. Anyway, she started to fall a bit, she put her leg straight back behind her, like a figure skater and said "I have to keep my balance." uhhh...burrito? Did you just say "balance?" She proceeds to notice the new jeans I was wearing and asked if I "bought bread at Target last night in Indianapolis." I can not get ANYTHING past this girl--no lie.

I guess that's it. Brian is busy at work. I feel like I haven't seen him in weeks. We decided that next Saturday we are taking the kids to a pumpkin patch for pumpkins, apple cider and apples. I love fall. Anna is very aware of the season's changing. I received her calender for October for preschool and there are 2 HUGE events that take place, the first is school pictures. My baby girl, who I swear just had her newborn picture done in the NICU in Chicago, is having school pictures taken this month. OMG. She needs a haircut. The second event is a Halloween party. OMG. She needs a costume. A GOOD costume.

Today I worked on the FOA newsletter, I basically finished, I usually work on it at night when the kids are sleeping, but I really needed to get a start on it, it was odd doing it while the kids were awake, but they were good. Tomorrow, I must clean and do laundry. . . fun.

Oh and we returned from Best Buy tonight right before bedtime. I put Noah's pajamas on him and he climbed into his big boy bed and went to bed. He was so tired!

the unwelcomed change

2006-09-25T22:36:00.000-05:00

I really wanted to blog about my weekend, about how Friday night, we celebrated Brian's Mom's birthday, she is someone I truly treasure in my life. We had decorations, a great cake, meatloaf and the dreamiest of creamy mashed potatoes, all homemade, made by me. I would also like to tell you about my Saturday, a dreary day, but I spent time shopping alone at Kohl's and Target, then I attended a Sensaria party where I soaked my feet and sat with friends. Then we had a great evening at home, eating homemade tacos. After tacos, we went to visit one of my high school friends who was visiting from Illinois. She just had a baby boy in July. (Amy F.--think of a tall volleyball player- L.P. know who I'm talking about?) It was a wonderful visit. On Sunday, we woke up super early and visited my sister and her husband in Michigan near Detroit. We had a great time, the kids played, Brian played and I...well...I ate, ALOT. (welcome back, Weight Watchers!) So much I'd like to blog about, but I can't, because there is something so heavily on my mind it's hard to concentrate.

On Saturday morning at 1 AM EST, my sister's husband, (they live in Louisville) stepped out onto their porch because it was raining heavily. It was then that he noticed water coming towards their apartment. By 3am, water was to their knees in some places. They have a 19 month old and a 7 WEEK old. They gathered what they could, put as many things up on top of countertops as quickly as possible and they left. The evacuated to their neighbors apartment, someone upstairs, someone they had never met, with both children in tow. My BIL called his friend who said he was on his way to pick them up. Because the streets were flooded he couldn' pick them up directly at the complex, so this family of four walked through the pouring rain to meet him. People were everywhere outside. Both of their cars were flooded.

Sarah called me the next morning at 9am and told me what happened. My initial thought was "I can't believe she experienced this six hours ago and I'm just learning of it now" and my second thought was trying to figure out how I could help. Luckily, they have renter's insurance, well, we thought it was lucky except that renters insurance does not cover floods. No home and no help from insurance. The waters rose and receeded, leaving it's mark on their apartment, their belongings and their hearts and memories forever. Toys, clothes, shoes, pictures-gone. In a moment. Brian and I laid in bed last night thanking our lucky stars that we were in our bed and our kids were in THEIR beds. The comforts in life we so easily take for granted. What I would give for my sister and her family to have that same feeling of comfort once again.

My heart feels broken. I can't imagine what my sister is feeling. Tonight I did some shopping, I tried to replace a few things, and alot of the toys Ethan lost we have the same toys in our basement. We are meeting Wednesday night so I can give her these things. Her brothers and sisters are helping by donating gift cards to places like Target, etc. I wish we could do more. I keep thinking-3 months from now, this will all be a memory, somehow that brings me comfort. I hope it brings them comfort. Their days are long, wet and so tiring, I don't know where they are getting their stamina. Not only are they enduring something so difficult, they are handling it with such grace and dignity and in the midst of it all, they are teaching me about strength.

Thank your stars tonight. I am thankful for their safety.

I have to share my newest niece

2006-09-22T22:19:00.000-05:00

Okay, so she was was almost four weeks ago---I'm not a bad aunt, I'm just a busy auntie! I can't wait to share even more pictures of her next week that I took on my own! :-)
(with my camera--which is being fixed RIGHT NOW)
Tessa Mary. 9 lbs 3 oz

Just born!

Napping with Daddy! (my brother)

Proud Papa!

Pretty in Pink

Can you even take it?!?!

Oh my God. soooooo cute

burrito

Bigger brother giving his little sister a bottle. He's very proud

Big brother changing a diaper! He really wanted to do this! He's sooo cute!

So, anyway

2006-09-20T21:49:00.000-05:00

Tonight, my Mom and I attended a wedding shower. On a Wednesday. evening. A wedding shower on a Wednesday evening. At first...I thought it was strange, I had never heard of such an event taking place on anything other than a weekend, BUT after a few minutes, I LOVED the idea. The weekend was not taken up, the kids went to Grandma's for the evening and I got out of the house. It was lovely. Chili's catered. YUM AND YUM AND YUM. I love the southwestern eggrolls, they are seriously something that I could consume for 35 days straight. (I don't know why I chose 35 days, but it's true.) Anyway, they had mountains, do you hear me? MOUNTAINS of Southwestern Eggrolls. Oh the Weight Watcher Gods were thundering tonight.
Speaking of thunder. It is COLD outside. Right now it's 51 degrees. My sister said something about it hitting the 30's tomorrow. whatever. It is not supposed to be this freakin' cold this early. I really wanted to say fucking cold but I didn't want to offend anyone. I'm so polite.

Speaking of polite. I think my kids are very polite. They always say "please," they always say "bless you," they always say "you're welcome" and they always, ALWAYS say "thank you." I love it. Oh and they always say hi to everyone. Cashiers, the bank tellers at the drive thru, (even though they can't hear them) and each other after Anna gets back from preschool.

Speaking of preschool. Anna loves it. and I am really enjoying my time with my Noah or No-ey, as Anna calls him now. (thanks to Brian) Although she loves preschool, she actually had to miss a day last week because she was sick. Can you believe that? I think she would have been fine, but I know what she had was so contagious, because No-ey had it and gave it to Anna, who gave it to us, who would have given it to her classmates had she gone, but she didn't. She was fine, she really seemed to understand why she couldn't go. (of course, in true Noah fashion his hasn't completely cleared up--I see a doctor's visit in the future...)

Speaking of sick. Christi passed away yesterday. This family is so amazing. She is yet ANOTHER reminder as to why I spend so much time working with Friends of Allie.

And speaking of Friends of Allie, we had our walk on Sunday and it was great, even though it rained. We had a great turn out and we have now raised just over $5000. I'm so excited. and I am so proud of my family and my friends and their family and friends who came around and did something so amazing. Anna and Noah attended their first walk. That made me happy.

Speaking of happy. I'm happy. Things are good. I am grateful. Noah LOVES his big boy bed and has been sleeping in complete peace and comfort every night and for every nap. He never gets out. (by the way, Elisa, I once read that you should never take a child out of a crib until they are 3 years old UNLESS they are climbing out and endangering themselves. I followed that with Anna, but because Noah is so.......much larger than Anna was, we did it a little early....but I'm sure Emma will do great when you do it!)

We have a busy couple of weekends ahead of us. This weekend we are going to Michigan to visit my sister. Then the weekend after that I am flying to Kansas to visit my brother. (sans kids) I can't believe I never mentioned the fact that my brother and his wife had a baby girl on 8/24. It's incredibly special because in 1994 they had a son and in 1997 they had another boy. They decided to have another and try for their girl and they had the most precious baby girl in 2006. I'll have to introduce you to her tomorrow. She's amazing and I get to meet her next week!

Not the greatest picture of me, but Noah is soooo cute!

checking out the chickens

OMG, HE'S KILLING ME. (with his cuteness)

About to leave for Sunday school

eating at the walk

LOVE. IT.

Lynette, my awesome co-captain and I. Both Bright Light walkers. (both raised $1000 or more!)

Team FOA. We have raised over $5000! (and still growing!) YAHOO!

Sometimes

2006-09-18T23:11:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, we get lost in the good that we have in our lives. Our homes. Our cars. Our children. Our spouses. and good health. We forget how good we have it.

And sometimes, it takes a dying child to wake us up.

wake up.

please pray for this courageous and amazing family.

No more cribs=no more babies

2006-09-18T11:23:00.000-05:00

This weekend we took that step away from babyhood. I am sad, but I am also excited and cribs make me crazy! On Saturday, Noah received his new big boy bed. He has slept wonderfully since and does not get out of his bed. He did at first, one time, but got in trouble by Dad, serious trouble, and we believe that has stuck in his mind since then! He is sleeping great-never waking up. I love that I can cuddle with him in his bed. I just love it. We did this sooner than I would have liked, but he's so big, it just didn't seem fair to keep him in his crib prison! It seems like only yesterday that we did this with Anna.
Here are some pictures!

Noah's last night in cramped quarters.

On the way to pick up the bed. We had to make room for the mattresses, so we put Anna's seat in back of Noah's.

Noah seeing his bed for the first time

Testing it out!

SO EXCITED!

His first night...sleeping peacefully and comfortably!

BUSTED! My jeans are too big.

2006-09-13T16:00:00.000-05:00

So, yes, my dear, pregnant friend, Sara T. has called me out and told me my jeans are too big. You're right, Sara, they are too big. They're my size, they just run big. I had spent the day on Sunday showing Brian just how big they are on me while pulling my waistband out with my belt on. Well...I found a replacement jean and I'm a little embarrassed of them. I haven't purchased them, yet, but I have tried them on and they are dreamy. They're perfect. Perfect fit on my legs, waist, mid-rise, straight leg, great color and perfect length. But there is one thing wrong with them....they're LEE'S. You know-the jeans you're Mom wore during YOUR childhood? The big tan patch on the back waistline. The high waist that travels about 4 inches above your belly button and, please help me...the tapered leg.

Well, apparently Lee has some younger, fresher faces on board, as they have introduced a new line of jeans for woman. (FINALLY!) These jeans are available at Kohl's. On Saturday afternoon I was telling my friend Lynette about these jeans, she said she should check them out because she is in the market for some new jeans. Monday night she was at my house when I exclaimed "WHAT ARE THOSE JEANS?!?!" while pointing at her legs. Sure enough, she went to Kohl's the next morning and bought them and she had worn them since she purchased them. She said they're so comfortable and they are so great to look at! 25 bucks!
So, Sara, hopefully the next time I make an appearance on my blog, my jeans will fit me a little better! (and not because I've gained my weight back--although, I did just eat 10 cookies)

It was a beautiful sunny day

2006-09-11T09:06:00.000-05:00

It's quite cold outside. sixty-two degrees. Nothing like the 9/11 five years ago, which was a beautiful, sunny, warm and glorious day. Eighty degrees with plentiful sunshine, not a single cloud in the sky. Such an amazing day that turned so awful and painful to endure. I'm surprised at how raw my feelings are on this five year anniversary. The pain I still feel, the sadness, the shock, the horror. I know I'm not alone, I know you still feel those feelings, too. And we should. I'm grateful that this is a story I want to relive, I believe it honors those that were killed. It's not a story that comes on in this news that I turn my head away. I remember them and I remember that day with such anguish, a day I will never forget.

Days and weeks after I would always want to ask anyone I met where they were when they heard or saw the news and how it unfolded in their lives. I even thought for a brief moment that I should make a collection of everyone's responses and keep them forever, I never did. I also did not ask everyone I met because I felt like I was asking something so personal and so real and it really wasn't my business.

Yesterday, at the end of mass, we sang America The Beautiful. As soon as the song was announced tears immediately welled up in my eyes as the anniversary has been top on my mind. I could not sing a single word, but I paid special attention to the lyrics, which are so appropriate for the day.
Here is a portion of one verse:

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!

Five years ago I had a dentist appointment scheduled in Chicago. My appointment was for 9:45am. I still have my appointment card that said September 11, 2001-9:45am. Written when September 11th was just a normal day. We had a two story apartment in Indiana, Brian and I were going to drive to Chicago together, (he works downtonw.) I was upstairs getting ready, Brian was downstairs watching TV. I came down for a second to ask when Brian was going to start getting ready, at that moment I saw the TV while still on the stairs, Brian said a plane crashed into the World Trade Center, we were watching the Today Show. I remember asking him why he didn't tell me. I can't remember his response. We did not have too much time to watch, I just thought about how serious the crash was. A small plane entered a building where people worked. How would they battle the fire? How many people were killed. I had no idea how huge the plane really was. I knew nothing. We left and turned on a news radio station in the car. We were in the car for the next hour listening to every detail unfold, the second plane, Shanksville, the Pentagon. As we entered the parking garage the towers had fallen. It was horrifying. As we drove the streets of downtown Chicago, everyone was talking on cell phones, people were everywhere and constantly they were looking up at the sky. While we were stopped in traffic, we had a perfect view of the Chicago skyline, I was certain a plain would hit the Sears Tower. At one point a saw something in the sky and I gasped, my heart sank...it was a bird. I was on high alert.

I arrived at the dentist's office and learned that they were evacuting downtown Chicago. I offered to reschedule the appointment, they said no, they would take me and go home for the day. I remember sitting in the chair thinking about how much I dreaded this appointment and how uncomfortable I was and how little it was compared to what thousands of people were going through at that moment. After the appointment, I picked Brian up, we drove home listening to the radio. Shocked, hurt and so sad. It was here that I learned of people in foreign countries celebrating what occurred on our homeland. I felt so much anger towards these people. I worried about my brothers, were were active (and still are) in the military, at their Army bases with their wives and kids. We returned home, on our answering machine was a message from my mother-in-law, making sure Brian was okay. She also wanted to tell me that she was praying for my brothers. That made everything so real to me. I talked to my sister-in-law and she told me about things that had occured during that day at the Army base and that scared me, too.

The entire day was so strange. Cable channels were off the air. For days there were no commercials. That night my friend came over and we went and picked up pizza. At some point I attended a prayer vigil, I'm not sure when. When I laid down for bed that night I prayed that the nation would remain untouched over night. I was certain we would be attacked again. I have never felt so unsafe, I can't imagine living in a war zone.

Five years later, still remembering and forever heartbroken.

Second Child Syndrome

2006-09-10T16:26:00.000-05:00

Today was Noah's first day of Sunday school, which is such a big deal to us. Or so we thought. Last year, before Anna's first day, probably weeks before, we bought her an outfit and shoes, we talked about it all the time. This year, today, we were scrounging around the house looking for a pair of shoes he could wear 30 minutes before our departure to take them to school. It was pretty sad. As we pulled away from our house, Brian and I both felt terribly guilty. (excuse time: I have been CONSUMED with preparing for my booth at the festival--but I know, that is no excuse.) We agreed that we should head out and buy the little guy some clothes and some shoes.
We went to drop Noah off at his class and he was timid, but excited...until we started to walk out the door, then he lost it. He cried and screamed,but according to his teacher, Mike, he calmed down after awhile. Anna had her class and she was terribly disappointed that they did not do crafts, but I think she had fun. Meanwhile, Brian and I enjoyed our time alone during mass.

Yesterday, while Brian and I spent the day working at the festival, Brian's mom took care of our children. Because we left at 5:50AM, she stayed overnight on Friday night. (she IS the greatest) Well, Friday night when I fed the fish, our biggest fish started to freak out and jumped all over the place, he literally jumped up and hid the lid, it was crazy. Apparently, he did it again early yesterday. Well, they all left the house for a little while and once they returned, Anna walked into the living and said "look!" It was the fish on the floor. The fished jumped out of the tank. committed suicide. dead. no longer. So, after shopping for Noah's new clothes at Old Navy, we went to PetSmart and purchased three new fish and a snail. Anna is very excited. She referred to the fish on the floor as "broken."

Our booth was a great success. Brian, my mom and I left the house at 5:50am and didn't return until after 7:00 in the evening. Our asses were kicked. I had such wonderful people helping throughout the day and even recruited walkers. One walker is a lymphoma survivor, she's very inspired by FOA, I can't wait to see her again next week at the walk. Brian and I were actually in bed, with the lights off at 11:05pm last night. It was been years since that happened, we typically stay up way too late at night, but last night we did not have a choice. Like I said, our asses were kicked. Well, at about 2 in the morning I felt something crawling on my chin. That's right, CRAWLING. CRAWLING, crawling on my chin. I hit my chin, to kill or to rid of the crawling thing. I laid in bed thinking "hmmm...something was seriously just crawling on my chin." BUT, I was so tired, I didn't care and went back to sleep. A little while later, something woke me up, I remembered the thing crawling on my chin, it was then that I felt whatever it was, still in my hand. I immediately threw it. I had no idea it was. This morning, I woke up and went pee, while I was peeing I remembered all that occurred and I looked at my hand and sure enough, there was a brown "stain", something I am sure from a creepy spider. I went to see if the spider was laying around somewhere, in the direction that I threw it, but there were no remains to be found. so, I think that means there is a severely injured spider stumbling around our house somewhere...it also means I will never sleep in my bed again.

Enjoy the pictures. I'm certain you'll be hearing more from me as ALOT of my time has freed up! (by the way, my amazing Mom has let us borrow her camera.....)

On our way to Sunday School!!

A little timid

Could they be any cuter?

Our Friends of Allie booth at the festival

Hour 12

Anna before school one day last week

Playing with Grandpa

A future (strange) doctor

In my new Old Navy sweater. She's beautiful. (the sweater, not me)

My broken camera and other ramblings

2006-09-06T11:30:00.000-05:00

I haven't really had the time or desire to blog. By the time I pull blogger up at night, my eyes let me know that I should be doing something more constructive with my time, like sleeping or watching Sex and the City on TBS.
I thought I would bullet point some random thoughts and happenings since my last blog, that way I can walk away and pull Noah off of Anna while he's pulling her hair and then return to my blog without being too heavily deep in thoughts. Here goes.

my camera is broken. i can't even use capital letters, it hurts so much. apparently, Anna broke it. the button you press to take the actual picture is no longer attached. therefore, there is no button to press to take the actual picture. please understand that i have taken tens of thousands of pictures in two years. (actually 18 months) since i received one of my most priced possessions as a gift from my dearest husband. here's a list of the things i value most in my life:
1. my children 2. my husband 3. my camera 4. my laptop 5. coffee
As I am sure you can imagine, I'm feeling a little empty right now. I will for about 4 more weeks.
I had diarrhea all weekend. It started Friday and continued through Sunday night. It was great. my ass hurts. I'm sure you can imagine. I think it was something I ate or stress or something. It definitely was not a virus.
My fundraiser party was a HUGE AWESOME success. I'm so lucky to be surrounded by such loving, supportive people who care and who want to make a difference. We currently have 21 walkers registered so far. I'm pretty sure the night will have brought in close to $400. YEE HAW!
I'm still at my goal weight. I am going in tonight for my monthly weigh-in. I am very proud of myself. I ordered shirts on-line and they came in and I love them. I don't think I could have done that without losing over 30 lbs.
I'm in love with this sweater. I'm going to get one in tan and grey. or in grape jelly
Anna and Noah start Sunday school this Sunday. We are soooooo excited. I just found out last night that they will be in different classes which makes me sad, but it's probably for the best. I think I'm going to borrow my Mom's camera.
This Saturday, my FOA team is having a booth at a local festival. The average attendance is around 50,000 in one day. I'm really excited, but there are a ton of details that keep me awake at night. FOA is doing so well this year. I am truly so excited and PROUD of the team. Nationally we are very close to where we were last year! What an accomplishment! At THIS MOMENT, we have 599 registered walkers and have raised just shy of $37,000--that's before a single walk. It goes up by a thousand or so EVERY DAY NOW. As much stress as it brings me (which at this point is ALOT), the sense of pride and accomplishment it brings me is overwhelming. Before FOA I was on anti-depressants and just not a happy person. Now, I think it was just what I needed. I feel very fulfilled and very happy. It was meant to be, for sure.
Brian is VERY happy with his new job. Of course, it's only been one day and I would be VERY concerned if he wasn't happy after only one day, but it make me sleep a little better. I swear I was more nervous that he was-I was up at 5:30am yesterday worrying about it.
I was going to add some pictures I took before the death of my camera...but bloggerbot isn't working right now. oh well.

Yay! I blogged!

I tried

2006-09-04T21:03:00.000-05:00

First of all, it's been almost a week since I blogged. Brian actually blogged last night, so I figured that I would celebrate such an occasion by blogging, as well.

But, not tonight. I wrote that first paragraph over two hours ago and now I must go to bed!

So, good night! Hopefully you'll hear from me on Tuesday!

Oh and apparently, between the time I wrote the first and second paragraphs, Brian blogged for the second evening in a row. I'm am so impressed.

Building an ark

2006-08-29T22:13:00.000-05:00

I swear it's time to build one. It will NOT stop raining and I am so tired of it. We can't even mow the lawn for love the of God. Throughout the rain, we have had birthday parties and family reunions. A very busy weekend. This Thursday, I am hosting a Pampered Chef fundraiser party. I am very excited. Currently I am expecting roughly 15 people, perhaps 20. I have had many items donated to raffle off, I can not wait. The details may kill me first. The food. The drinks. The seating. The baskets to be raffled off. The information about
Friends of Allie. ETC ETC ETC. Not to mention cleaning the house and MAYBE, just maybe, mowing the freakin' lawn. If it stops raining. I type that as I listen to the rain drops hitting the ground. faster and faster.

This morning, Noah and I took my big girl Anna to preschool. I was excited because it was going to be just Noah and I at home, I had so much to do, I knew this would be a great oppurtunity to get something done. But, Noah had other plans. He has never been so needy. Typically Noah will play with every toy around the house and really focus and enjoy himself, I don't know why he was so different today, I know he was tired, but man I was going to go CRAZY. But I didn't. I am here and I am okay. :-)

I've attached some pictures for you...taken today. Today at preschool Anna made a cheerio necklace. (the fruity Cheerios, my kids love them!) In the car she was wearing it and telling me how she did it all by herself and Noah starting to cry "where is my necklace? I want a necklace." Well, knowing we had the same cereal at home, I told him I would make him one...see what happens below.

Anna posing before leaving for her second day of preschool. Noah looks so sleepy and cute.

Noah starting to eat his necklace.

I'm not sure what Anna is doing here, but Noah is definitely still eating his necklace.

Yep, still eating

"Yum. This is good, Mama" He said this about 8 times while eating his necklace. Definitely his Daddy's boy.

Telling her Dad about her day at preschool. The last picture taken of her necklace. before it was eaten. I should consider feeding my children, apparently.

Preschool is a hit!

2006-08-24T23:04:00.000-05:00

Anna loves preschool. She really enjoyed herself. She talked about the songs they sang, the crafts, the prayers and Mrs. Snow. She loves her. Tonight she kept pretending that I was Mrs. Snow, while she would walk into my room with her backpack on, and sometimes she was Mrs. Snow. She did great when we left the classroom, too. I was fully prepared for her to have a meltdown, but she didn't and I am so proud. (she's quite proud, too.)
Pictures as promised. We also had very severe storms last night. I've attached some pictures taken just before the storm and some pictures of the damage.

On her way to preschool!

Anna celebrating the fact that she wasn't crying when I left. Seriously, that is what she is doing! Mrs. Snow was laughing SO hard.

BIG GIRL!

Taken in my front yard.

Here is a picture of Anna and Noah in the basement during a tornado warning. Completely unphased.

Screenshot of the radar and tornado warning.

Damage in the city where my parents live, about 12 miles from us. They believe a tornado did touch down. It's hard to believe they are even questioning it, trees like this were everywhere. EVERYWHERE.

My parent's front yard.

This scene was all over the city.

Before my eyes

2006-08-23T22:29:00.000-05:00

Before our eyes we have raised a grown up. It happened so quickly I do not even know what to do. Anna starts preschool tomorrow. Yesterday, I took her for orientation to meet the teachers and meet some friends. Luckily, the room is the same room as her Sunday School and there are 3 students who were in her Sunday School class, so that is fortunate. Her teacher is wonderful and perfect. About 3 weeks ago I cut Anna's hair. I chopped at least 3 inches off and she now looks even older. I took her to get her bangs cut the other night and she now looks even older. And with a backpack and school clothes?? I can't hardly stand it. I am literally in disbelief. So, I am leaving you with these pictures of this divine, wonderful gift that is a my daughter. I'll be sure to report back tomorrow night with more pictures. Enjoy.

1.25.03

1.25.06

Trying on her new school clothes

A trim before school starts.

I see London, I see France

2006-08-19T23:50:00.000-05:00

So, my sister told me about this underwear. She said it's really comfortable and you do not see any underwear lines. It's also available at Target rather than Victoria Secret, which is a huge bonus. I bought some...this is what they look like. The pair in the middle. They are so tiny, but they stretch. Oh, believe me, THEY STRETCH. They're VERY comfortable. (Made by Hanes) The box of Crayons are in the picture to give you a size reference. The black underwear is from my personal collection of VS underwear. That's right. You're seeing my underwear.

My sister and I, side by side, after our mani/pedi specials. I have a story about my pedicure experience, (my first pedicure, by the way) But I'm too tired.

Mary Addison, looking as sweet as ever.

Mary Addison again

Ethan playing with his Aunt Bah

Simply Sweet

Away

2006-08-18T23:22:00.000-05:00

I have been away from my children for almost 36 hours. It's really hard. I used to think that being away got easier once you are away, it doesn't seem that way right now. Maybe it's because I am playing with Ethan or snuggling with Mary and it just makes me ache for my little ones. I've had some phone conversations with them and they make me very happy, but it's not the same as feeling their skin or smelling their hair. (the hair smell being Spongebob Squarepants Shampoo Pineapple Crush scent)

My four hour drive down here was great. I talked on the phone for the first 90 minutes--hands free, of course, and then I listened to music. Very loudly. It's amazing how listening to music can take you back to a different lifetime. For me, it brings me back to being married to Brian, going to concerts, sleeping in, going to bed late, playing on the computer, spending an entire Saturday cleaning, relaxing outside, going out with friends, working and not being able to wait until the weekend. The music brings back great memories and makes me think of that girl that sits in the depths of my soul. She's not gone, she's still there and she visited me yesterday, it was really good to see her again, but it was good to put her back. I hope she comes back out again on my way home.
I'm a much happier person now, then the girl I was back when I really had no worries. As frazzled as I feel right now, as unkept as my house feels, I have never felt such happiness within me. I can only hope that it continues to flourish throughout my life.

A decision has been made. We are not moving. Brian has accepted a new job in Chicago, so his commute remains, but his walk to the actual location in downtown Chicago is 20 blocks shorter. Can you imagine??? Not me. The company in Louisville talked to Brian today and said they just could not make a decision today, that they would need a few weeks. He's still one of the applicants, but he just had to take the other job for now. There is a SMALL chance that we could move and everything could change if an offer comes through, but I can't imagine putting Brian through that kind of stress right now. Maybe this just wasn't the time for us to move.

Anna starts school next week. I can't believe it.

I don't know.

2006-08-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

I just do not know. Right now, our life feels like it's in limbo and I do not like it. But, soon we'll know something. Soon. Like Friday.

Tomorrow, I am leaving for Louisville to visit my sister and her precious little ones. I'm excited. But I'm going by myself and that makes me feel anxious and sad. I won't be back home until Sunday. The good news is that my sister and I are going to get mani's and pedi's, I get to spend time with my sister since she's currently a SAHM, I bought wine, and I'm happy to help. so, it will be a very positive experience. I just wish I could put Anna and Noah in my pocket and pull them out and hug and kiss on them every once in awhile. (okay...all of the time.) Before I know it, Sunday will be here and I'll be back home. By then we should know whether or not we will be packing our house up and moving away or if we will be staying put. I just want to know. Don't you?

Something bad happened today. I was doing 52 things at once, as usual. Making the kids grilled cheese, putting away groceries, and I was just about to put sheets in the washer that I had just purchased for the air mattress I'll be sleeping on this weekend. I had just put the sandwiches on the griddle when Anna said "I'll help you." I replied with a "no, Anna, I'm just going to take a second to make sandwiches, the counter is full of groceries, I do not need help." She proceeded to run towards the bathroom where her step stool exists. I yelled from the laundry room "Anna keep the stool in the bathroom, I do not need help!!" I paused for a second and read something on the front page of the newspaper that was sitting on the dryer about one of my old volleyball coaches. It was then that I heard crying, which is not unusual (at all) in my house, so I didn't necessarily run out of the room, but I did immediately head out. I thought it was Anna crying and she was crying hard. I walked into the kitchen and it was Noah. He was crying so hard and sort of bending over while holding his hands. It was then I noticed the fucking step stool in front of the fucking stove. The stove holding the fucking griddle. cooking. hot. Noah touched the griddle. I wanted to die. I knew how bad it hurt, burns suck and they hurt and they hurt and they fucking hurt. I just wanted to put ice on his hand but I couldn't quite tell where the burn was, so I just put ice everywhere, he hated it. He just wanted me to pick him up and hug him and that's what I wanted to do, too, but I knew he need cold on that burn. (I did hug him and hold him...he holds on so tight and cries so hard.) He finally let me hold his hand under cold water. I made a bowl of ice water and he played with it for about five minutes. It was then that the hunger hit him. I fed them lunch and he did fine, but after that everytime he put his hand on something he cried. He cried big fat tears and told me it hurt. I don't think I have ever felt so helpless as a mom. (yes I have) It was hard. I gave him tylenol. He's better, I think, but it was just so so sad.

And to think it would never have happened if Anna knew how to listen. It is now my mission to teach her. (I say, while attaching a cape to my neck and stretching my arms out in front of me, waiting to fly)

Oh great. I'm big bird.

2006-08-16T13:37:00.000-05:00

It's surprisingly true.

You Are Big Bird

Talented, smart, and friendly... you're also one of the sanest people around.
You are usually feeling: Happy. From riding a unicycle to writing poetry, you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy.
You are famous for: Being a friend to everyone. Even the grumpiest person gets along with you.
How you life your life: Joyfully. "Super. Duper. Flooper."

Anna's Fine

2006-08-14T23:42:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for their comments. They mean alot. The girl is fine, according to Dr. Love. (Dr. Ludwig, Anna just calls him Dr. Love.) He didn't really have a good explanation of why she continues to have low grade fevers, but they are just that...low grade. While we were there, we updated her on her vaccines. When she was younger she missed a dose of prevnar because they were out, so she got a shock (shot, Anna calls it a shock.) She was so very brave. It brought back memories of when she got her first set of shots at the age of 2 months. She's a big girl. Anna has grown 3/4 of an inch in less than 2 months. She's 39 1/2 inches tall. "A picture of health!"
I love her.

BUT. My kids were naughty and vicious today and didn't give me a break. They were messy and they fought & screamed and made me pull my hair out. I was going to go into detail about their naughtiness, but I seemed to have blocked everything out. Now, they're angels. because they are sleeping.

Enjoy the pictures from Lincoln Park Zoo.
(all pictures are unedited...please excuse.)

Chicago Skyline from the zoo.

Farm in the city.

Spongebob ice cream that stains hands, face and legs.

This was after working on the ice cream for 20 minutes. We ended up throwing the damn thing out.

On the Carousel.

On the train.
No pictures of Noah on the train because he didn't want anything to do with it.

An eager beaver wanting to entertain the crowds!

Noah waiting patiently for Anna to finish her drink.

Navy Pier.

The building on the left is where Brian will be working if he accepts the new job.

Lincoln Park Zoo. All parking lots full.

Funky Sunday

2006-08-13T22:48:00.000-05:00

What a wierd day. Brian was gone before the 3 of us could wake up this morning, he occasionally works a side job with another guy in Chicago. It's very lucrative, but it takes alot of time, that's where he has been today. It's 10:43pm and he's still gone. Today just feels like a really long Monday, not the typical Sundays that I love so much. Thankfully I have been blessed with the two greatest children on earth. (well, that's my opinion.) They played, ate and slept perfectly today. Yesterday we went to Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago for Brian's company picnic. It was a great time, but we were all so tired. Luckily, we didn't run into any ostriches, so that made Anna extremely happy. Anna didn't sleep at all and Noah slept on the way home for about 30 minutes and that was at 5:30pm. They went to bed at 9 pm without making a peep and they both slept until 9 am. Dreamy, I say! Then I put them down at 2:30pm for their naps and they both slept until 5 pm, I even had to wake little, tiny Noah. Dreamy, I say again! I put them down at 9:15pm tonight and I never heard the teeny tiniest of peeps. I have lots of pictures from the zoo, are you surprised? But, I think I'll post them tomorrow.

Tomorrow morning Anna has a doctor appointment for her fevers. Yes, she still has them. Unexplained low grade fevers. This is been occurring since June and I'm tired of the lack of concern from the nurses. Although, at first I was grateful for their lack of concern, now I'm just downright worried. To death. Just today her temperature was at 100.4, but before bed it was 98.8.

On Friday, I cleaned out my van. It felt wonderful. The kids were at my MIL's house and I spent the time cleaning my vehicle, taking it to the car wash and vacumming the interiors. It looks and feels wonderful. This morning, I paid my neice to do a "mini detail" on the interior. Her dad owns a car dealership, so she does a great job and she DID a great job on my van! It looks sooooo amazing. Money well spent.

Brian was offered a new job on Friday, which is exciting, but on Wednesday he's flying to Louisville to interview for a position there......our heads are spinning round and round and round right now.

Oh and last Wednesday I took the railings of the side of Anna's bed, she's doing great! She hasn't fallen out...YET!

11:19 pm. Still no word from Brian.

WELCOME BABY!

2006-08-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

On 8/7/06, my sister called me at 9am to inform me that after an NST test, she was heading to the hospital to be induced. She was 41 weeks pregnant.

She got to the hospital and was set up with the monitors and they saw that she was actually in labor with regular strong contactions. The doctor helped a little bit by breaking Sarah's water and then she got an epidural. We jumped in the car and headed down to Louisville, a four hour drive, on a good day. While in Indianapolis, Sarah called with an update, 3 centimeters, 80% effaced, not too much of a change. About an hour and a half later she called and said to me "you will get here in time....I'm nine centimeters. " HOLY CRAP. We were still about 20 miles away from the hospital. We arrived at 4:45pm, the baby was born at 6:02pm. Perfect timing. Here are "some" pictures for you.

Thumbs up to labor! (and epidurals!)

Epidural = happy Daddy.

TEN CENTIMETERS! About to start pushing!

A couple more pictures of that baby belly

First glimpses

Daddy cutting the cord.

Mary Addison was born on August 7, 2006

Weighing in at 9 lbs 5 oz

20.5 inches long

So happy together

Aunt Beth with Big Brother Ethan in the waiting room!

Big Brother Ethan

Ethan looking for his Daddy.

So long! Mary Addison FINALLY gets to stretch

more pictures

2006-08-11T10:29:00.000-05:00

Blogger can be such a bee-otch sometimes. This post just contains pictures. For whatever reason, Picasa split up my posts.

Big eyes!

Meet & Greet

so beautiful

Just wanted to stop in and say hello.

2006-08-10T00:13:00.000-05:00

Hello.

I have so many things to blog about, but I'm just too tired. You understand, don't you? Brian and I went out for our anniversary tonight. We went to one of our favorite restaurants. Here's a picture of all of us before left. Night night, my friends.

The Family. August 2006

Copper, wool & desk sets

2006-08-08T23:33:00.000-05:00

On Monday, August 7th, Brian and I celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary. 11 years together. According to this site, copper, wool, and desk sets are the traditional (and modern) gifts associated with the seventh wedding anniversary. Desk sets? I think that is interesting. I've been thinking about getting Brian a new desk. We bought his just before our wedding from Ikea, and I'm pretty sure it wasn't supposed to last this long, either way, I think we'll outlast the desk. (in my opinion, we already have.)

How did we celebrate? My sister had a baby! That's right, my sister in Louisville went into labor yesterday, so my mother, sister and I hopped in the car at 11am to witness something incredible. She was born on 8.7.06. My maid of honor, seven years ago, gave birth to a baby girl.
Although Brian and I could not officially celebrate yesterday, we still felt the presence of eachother. I returned home tonight.

Tomorrow night we celebrate! We celebrate our history, our future, our amazing children, the stronger than ever connection we feel today and the life that we've built and that we continue to build. Together.

I hope to share pictures and stories about my sister's labor and delivery. It was a wonderful experience that I am so blessed to have been able to witness.
I leave you with two pictures...my sister, Sarah, on 8.7.99 and my sister on 8.7.06.

8.7.99

Seven years later.

I wasn't drunk.

2006-08-04T23:06:00.000-05:00

Seriously. In my air drum picture, I was not drunk. That margarita in front of me was my first drink! The dancing pictures are from when I was drunk. Those pictures you shall not see.

Here are some pictures from the week. I've attached some pictures of Noah as he has changed so much over the past few weeks. He's a great talker, singer, dancer, eater, sleeper, friend and cleaner. That's right, CLEANER. He cleans all the time. I love that. I bought him a book today because of it! See Anna, do you hear that? Clean and get books! What a deal. Hopefully I'll have a real entry soon, I have alot going on!

I hope during the heat you all take care of your postal carriers. I left water for mine and I loved that she wrote "thank you." So freakin' hot. For everyone, across the country. My Mom is 60 and delivers mail, on foot. She says bottles of water makes such a difference during those awful hot days. So, if we get them again...take care of your postal carriers, please!

This is how my boy eats. With one hand under the fork/spoon to prevent a mess. He is a master eater.

He's loves to color with markers. thank goodness for washable markers.

Concentrating.

Dressing up. do not tell Brian.

Just a simple hat this time, he's so cute. He sat by the window and was reading.

And the dress-up of queen. She wore this dress all day long, it was a record!

He wasn't cold...just dressing up. again.

The girls and I last Friday.

For my blogger fans...

2006-08-02T15:08:00.000-05:00

For those that lurk and read, lurk and read. Here is one picture from last Friday.

Can't Touch This

2006-07-30T23:45:00.000-05:00

Hammer has a blog.

Stop talking SO loud....

2006-07-29T10:04:00.000-05:00

Supposedly, if you have a sour stomach after a night of heavy drinking, you are supposed to eat copious amount of grease. I'm not sure why, I will not question the theory, I shall only following directions. Brian is on his way home with 2 breakfast burritos from McDonald's right now. Brian got his haircut this morning with my new hairstylist, I schedule the appointment last Friday. What was I thinking scheduling his haircut after a night of my drinking? I'm a fool. Surprisingly, I am feeling OKAY. Just okay. Sleep was a little rough, in particular when I laid down on the bed and laid on my side and the bed started spinning and jumping all throughout the bedroom. I then laid on my back and covered my eyes with my arm.

Here is what I know about last night:

Our dinner was delicious, but our waitress was not. She forgot to bring me more bread and our dessert menu.
We first walked into a bar that I had been to in the past. When I was there before, it was filled with younger people and was lively and smokey. When we (three girls in their upper 20's) walked in last night, a line of mullets sitting casually with a smoke in one hand and a rum and coke in the other, all turned their mullets towards us, simultaneously. It was unnerving and scary and smokey. And we left.
We found, after walking and then driving, another bar and it rocked my world.
I know I played the air drums too much.
I know I danced to people like Nelly, (the guys with the perpetual cut on his face, poor guy), Ying Yang, Eminem and Nate Dogg singing about asses, of course, and I also danced to Twisted Sister, Stevie Wonder, John Mellencamp and Prince. Ah...Prince, you rock my world. Just ask the guys in the booth behind me.
When I say danced, I mean sitting in the booth dancing....playing my air drums.
I met Tequila Rose shots. Twice. They taste like Strawberry Milkshakes. They cost more than my shoes.
I learned that you can give your credit card to your booby waitress and they will keep a tab open for you. They're so nice!
I know I drank alot of beer. I know I thought it was the schiznit. It was like drinking ice water.
I learned that one of the girls I was with is freakishly strong and can do the running man...sober.
I know the other girl likes country. There was a song about a redneck girl and it was awful and you had to yell "hell ya." Not Cute.
The other thing I know....too many pictures were taken.

My eyes are burning

2006-07-28T14:55:00.000-05:00

My eyes are burning, contacts irritate me. Sometimes I feel like my eyes are flat and my contoured contacts are trying to grab onto them. It's irritating. I have a headache. and it's so hot outside I want to vomit.

Don't get me wrong, I'm in a good mood, I just wanted to get the bitching out of the way. ah... I feel better.

At 10:48am today, I was in my mini-van, driving away from home by myself, thanks to my MIL. I had a great time, but I spent too much money. I'm thinking about divorcing Target. I think I'm going to go 1 month without going there to see if I actually have more money in my checking account, I think I will. I hope Brian doesn't read this, he may hold me to it. (he knows just how addicted I am to that stupid store. God, I love it.) I came back home at 2pm. Over 3 solid hours of solitude. I went to Old Navy, DSW, Office Max (to return my easel, LMAO!), Pier One, Value City Furniture, Taco Bell and Target. I need coffee.

And I can't stop eating EL Fudge sandwich cookies..............

Circles

2006-07-27T22:54:00.000-05:00

This is my second entry of the evening. Be sure to check out more pictures that I posted earlier!

Here you go...a picture of the back of my hair. I decided not to wait.

Swinging at Lynette's house for her son's birthday party on Sunday! This swing is A SWING. It's attached to a tree branch about 30 feet up. Anna LOVED IT. Noah...did not.

People that make me happy!

People that make Anna happy!

A picture of Lynette's amazing boys. Picture courtesy of moi.

Anna being pushed on the swing.

NOAH DREW CIRCLES TODAY!! He had a blue crayon and he drew squiggly lines and said "look, momma, water!!" That in itself I almost cried my eyes out, and then I said "can you draw a circle?" And he said "oh sure!" (in a way that only he can say it...those that have heard him say it know how cute it is!) He turned the paper over and drew circles.

Who needs clothes while eating a bedtime snack? Not Noah.

or Anna

Not a great picture of Anna, but Noah looks soooooo CUTE.

I Love This Picture.

This one, too.

Yes, and this one.

How could you not love this?!?!?!?!

Noah running around in underwear and slippers. I wanted to try potty training, but I'm afraid it will lead me to drink more often.

Anna wears these slippers for naps and for bedtime. All night long.

This is how Anna watches TV when she is scared of what she is watching....

Mommy's Group. We were playing Win, Lose or Draw.

drunk girls at Mommy's Group.

Deep Fried Fantastic

2006-07-27T22:14:00.000-05:00

It's been SO long since I blogged! WOW! Not much going on...my little sister is still waiting patiently to deliver a baby girl......any day now...any moment...

This past week I hosted Mommy's Group and it was FUN! I decided to serve Margaritas and was about to go downstairs to retrieve my trusty blender when I remembered I won a Professional Smoothie maker last year! It was still downstairs in the box it was shipped in! It was awesome. And the margaritas were DEELISH! Along with the rest of the drinks, too! Thanks, Lynette! Tomorrow night I am going to dinner with friends to celebrate a birthday and I am so incredibly excited.

Tonight we had severe storms and flash flooding. We even had a tornado warning, thank goodness for the basement. We believe it stopped raining for now! Thank goodness!

I'm off to watch TV! Thanks for checking in!

Here is Anna wanting to look like her Mommy after a shower.

Last week we went to one of the county fairs in the area. My Mom and I took the kids for their first time. They really enjoyed it.

Of course, Anna had issues with the smell.

This goat had a cup stuck to his jaw. Poor goat. (reminds me of the Adam Sandler skit about the goat.)

This was Noah reacting to cars racing. Obviously he loved it. What I love MOST about this picture is the kid (who we don't know) geniunely enjoying Noah's reaction. and they're both wearing orange tank tops.

Heaven. Deep. Fried. Reese's cups. word to yo mutha.

Anna and her cousin and her aunt celebrating my Mom's birthday. We decided we are getting Anna's hair cut. Hopefully this weekend.

Noah enthusiastically singning Happy Birthday!!

This picture almost makes me uncomfortable. Brian doesn't stand next to animals. Even fake ones.

This picture made both Brian and I uncomfortable. Is this the creepiest looking elf thing you have ever seen? And look! His buttons are unbuttoned. What the hell?

Here we saw a kid being arrested, he was kissing his crying girlfriend goodbye. Too bad it's blurry.

Deep Fried Freakin' Fantastic.

Nesting for my sister?

2006-07-25T08:20:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago, my pregnant sister (who is now 39 weeks and 1 day preggo) and I were talking on the phone when she mentioned that she thought nesting was an old wives tale. I believe it was two days later that she started nesting. She cleaned everything and didn't stop until she finished a baby quilt that she had started over three years ago. She was a pregnant, cleaning F-5 tornado that lasted a good 2-3 days. I secretly prayed she would stop, only because I feared she would collapse. She did stop, she didn't collapse and her house is in much better order now.

It's been a few weeks and I think I'm starting to nest myself. I don't believe it's any type of sisterly instinct or anything like that, I am just nesting. I have cleaned things that I have never cleaned before. I am hosting my Mommy's Group tonight, (which essentially excites me most because I can drink all I want), so I am in cleaning mode trying to prepare my house, but I've hosted before, and this time is different, it's not your basic cleaning. In fact, it's the basic cleaning I have yet to complete! Just to give you an idea, I've pulled out my refrigerator and cleaned underneath it, and the sides of the fridge and the walls, anything having to do with my refrigerator has been cleaned. I could list 12 other things I have cleaned like that (just ask Brian) but I don't want to bore you with the details. (just ask Brian, again.)

But do you know what? I freakin' love that Mr. Clean Dry Eraser. Don't let it limit you to just crayons. Oh no, I'm certain I'm going to use it in the garage next. It's God in a sponge. (or whatever it's made of) It laughs at stains and makes them cry. Our house was built (by a builder who we are sure spent his days in a drunken stupor while building our house) in 2003. Around my kitchen window, the one above my sink, there has been a plaster stain on the white trim of the window. I love the window, but no matter how much I have scrubbed, that stain would not come out. Until God in a Sponge (or whatever it's made of) came into it's presence. Yep, without any elbow grease at all, the stain came right up. It's a wonderful, beautiful thing.

All is good in the world (for now)

2006-07-21T17:09:00.000-05:00

Okay, I just got back from MY NEW SALON and I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE my hair.
Did I say Love??? I love it. and my new hairstylist rocks. I even made an appointment for Brian. I told her if it weren't our first time meeting, there is no doubt I would be kissing her. It's that awesome.

So, I'm here at home, with my kick ass hair, with my two most precious angels, Brian's on his way home and my favorite pizza on the way, life is good.

I think the first time I'll preview my new do on my blog is when I'm holding my niece...whenever she decides to join us here on earth!

Some nights, I wish I had this sign on my bed.

2006-07-20T22:56:00.000-05:00

We've been spending some time at the county fair. This is just one of a few pictures from the country celebration. (is it a celebration?) Affair? Event, perhaps. Either way, here is one picture taken that I thoroughly enjoyed, especially the fact that this was in the center of a child filled area.

I am leaving my hairstylist. After MANY MANY years of going to her, I've decided it is time to leave. (yes, she pissed me off, but I think I'll skip over the details, they're not important.) So, tomorrow, I take that dreaded journey to an entirely new salon, I'm scared & excited.
wish me luck.

My central air sucks ass

2006-07-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

It's true. It is SO hot in this house and our air conditioning has been on all day long, running, non stop. NON. STOP.
So, after baking tonight, it made it hotter. Then I continued to clean all day. I'm playing a game with myself where I am pretending like I am putting our house on the market. (I suppose these things I should keep to myself, but I think it's a good idea!) Why? So I clean my house really thoroughly. So, today I focused on my kitchen. It's not that big but I still managed to spend all day and night in there. I scrubbed my table and chairs, top to bottom. I pulled out my oven and clean around that. I washed all of my cabinets and countertops. And finally, (Sara T, you'll appreciate this) tonight I cleaned the inside of my oven for the first time since we moved in almost 3 years ago. It was brand new. I still think it was a waste of time, I just think about how hot the oven gets, doesn't that make it an automatic sanitizer?!?!!? Either way, it looks beautiful. Then I cleaned underneath my sink. Everything in the kitchen looks great, now I have to focus on the rest of my house.

In other news....my sister is due to have her sweet baby girl ANY DAY NOW. I am privileged to be able to witness the birth. My sister has given me permission to blog throughout her labor, assuming the hospital has wi-fi. Cross your fingers. I just can't wait!

And in other other news...I have heartburn. It hurts and I am a little concerned about it because I am already on medication for acid reflux and have been for years. Why am I experiencing heartburn despite being on a medication to treat the heartburn? I was supposed to see a gastroenterologist late last year and never went...I guess I'll be going now.....don't give me that look. Would you want to get a scope put down your throat? I didn't think so.

Swimming like fish

2006-07-18T22:45:00.000-05:00

As I stated in my last post, we had a great time visiting family this past weekend. My parents had two pools set up and the heat was unbelievable. We knew the pools would be a great for Anna, but we didn't think Noah would like it much. And we were right, until I got in the pool with him then he LOVED it! He turned into a fish, just like his sister! We had a blast! I spent hours in the pools with all of the kids, I got a little bit of sun and had fun with everyone! Enjoy the pictures!

Anna fitting in with the older kids.

On the way to play in the "waterfalls." (Noah calls pools "waterfalls.")

You can never be too safe, too early.

Matthew (4) from S. Carolina. 3 guns at once. That is talent!

I love this picture.

I love this picture, too.

Lots of kids. Lots of fun.

Noah loving his company.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

2006-07-17T22:31:00.000-05:00

I have not been watching a lot of tv. I haven't been blogging either, makes you wonder what I have been doing, doesn't it?

Well, since you asked, I've had family in town. I have five brothers and sisters. One lives in Fort Leavenworth (in Kansas), one in South Carolina, one in Michigan, one in Louisville and one in South Bend, about an hour from me. We are nicely sprinkled around the US. So, when one comes to visit, it's a treat and it completely disrupts our lives as we know it, but we like it and that's okay. Some of the family from South Carolina came by from Thursday until today. We had a wonderful weekend of visiting. My parents live about 20 minutes from us and that's where my sister-in-law and her three kids stayed. Since last Sunday (the 9th) we have driven to my mom's 12 times. And in the midst of that, we hosted another garage sale!! We had such a good time visiting with family, we are all SO tired, I woke the kids up from their naps at almost 6:00 PM tonight, that's after trying earlier to wake them--sweet little things became so wore out just playing, what a life! I tried adding pictures, but it would only let me add 12 when I wanted to add 23, so I got frustrated. I'll try again tomorrow.

On Saturday night I finally turned on the television at about 10 pm and started watching a show on The Food Network. It was an ice cream challenge by Haagan Daz. Who could come up with their newest flavor. It was such a good show. It was two hours long, I was too tired to finish it so I "tivo'd" it and finished it last night. If you get the chance, you should watch it, it was really good, it's called "Scoop!." I was most interested in Sticky Toffee Pudding, one of the flavors, I can't stop thinking about it. I want it. Now. sticky. toffee. pudding.

Time

2006-07-12T22:28:00.000-05:00

Where does time go? I know everybody has those moments where you look down at your children and can't believe that these walking, talking little humans belong to you. Or, you look up at your face and you can't believe that those wrinkles belong to you. Time goes by so fast, before our eyes. Tonight, I was reading Anna her nighttime story. It was a special book that Daddy had just bought for her. He took Anna and Noah to Wal-Mart tonight to pick up a few items and he bought them books. Anna's book is a Cinderella book. It's big and shiny and beautiful and she loves it. Loves. It.

I was about to read it to her when I honestly saw her life flash before me. I thought, we just brought you home from the hospital. You were so tiny. Now you can go poop on your own, tell me when your knee hurts and tell me that you're in charge with your hands on your hips. How did this happen? Not to mention that she understands flavors and scents and talk about them all of the time. Recently, I was putting a pony tail into her hair, she sits in the bathroom sink and she said, while covering her nose and looking annoyed, "what's the smell?" I said " I don't know. What is that smell?" (I really didn't know) She said "it smells like sandwiches."

And Noah is no exception. This child continues to blow me away with his development. He has changed SO much over the course of the past months. This morning, while eating breakfast, I asked Noah if he was done eating. He said "almost." "Can I have more blueberries?" what?!?! Did you just say almost? and you want more blueberries. Okay, yes. whatever you want. My darling, brilliant beautiful amazing child that was created and born and grew up all of a sudden. Anything you want.

Under arrest

2006-07-10T23:05:00.000-05:00

Today was one of those days where you just clean and do laundry and it really doesn't hurt to do it, you don't mind doing it, infact, you secretly enjoy it. Must be the full moon, I almost checked myself into the hospital and God, if you could give me more days like that, I promise to be a better citizen. Although I did all of that work, I still have ALOT more to do, but don't we always? Life seems to be a big circle of works and things to accomplish. Like cleaning the bathrooms, I finally clean the bathroom, then I clean another, and God Bless America if they don't get dirty again. Like the next day.

I did all of that work and I had a Pampered Chef show to prepare for. It was what I thought was my last show, but no such luck. I now have 3 more. I can't turn down the money, so I'll just do it.

On my way to the show, I had a nice visit from a police officer pulling me over. I was a little confused because I was pretty sure I wasn't speeding, but I was on the phone, but as far as I knew, that is still legal, so I was confused. Well, Sergeant Hotterthanhot approached my vehicle, I forgot how to speak and looked at him blankly while blinking on occasion. He told me I had a brake light out. I asked him if he would take his shirt off...oh wait, nope, I didn't, but I wanted to. I stupidly told him I knew, in fact, even stupider, I SHOWED him the replacement bulbs sitting, collecting car dust in my coin tray. He was a little flirty, asking me about my age and pointing out that I was about to hit the big 3-0. (not appreciated, by the way) and he immediately told me that it wasn't a big deal, he wasn't going to give me a ticket or a warning, he just had to take my driver's license and registration and document him pulling me over. I wish I had my camera, I would have taken his picture and said the same thing "for blogging purposes I need to document what has happened tonight, you need to take your shirt off and and I need to take your picture, you understand, right?" It was a great experience. Sergeant Hotterthanhot, thank you for pulling me over. You made my night.

Stars & Stripes Forever

2006-07-09T22:35:00.000-05:00

(whoa...two posts in one day.)
So what if my Independence Day post is one week late...better late than never! I'm sharing our Fourth of July pictures. we took the kids to a parade. Once we finally started watching it, Noah was not happy and he was ready to leave. Anna, on the other hand, loved the parade. We accidentally sat at the end of the parade route, so where the parade was supposed to start at 11am, it started at 11:45am and by then all of the performers were tired and well...didn't perform. But, luckily we got to hear 30 minutes of sirens. that was great. (Anna calls sirens "aliens.")

Our fourth was VERY quiet. We went to the parade, had lunch at my Mom's house and then we went home and stayed there all night. We cleaned the garage, mowed the lawn, I mulched, we ate pasta, gave baths and then it was bedtime. Noah, who is turning into his mother, has an incredible fear of fireworks. Terrible...don't even say the word because the kid will go into frenzy running all over the place until he lands in your arms. It's crazy because we were so close to some in June, and he was fine at first and then suddenly he realized he could be scared, so he was....very strange. As a child, I was absolutely terrified when it came to fireworks. TERRIFIED. I would go hysterical when my family would light them off outside. I thought for sure someone would die, I feared them so much. I have one memory in particular, where my Dad was outside lighting fireworks for my five other siblings while I was inside screaming, clinging to my Mom. The funny part is that it was daylight outside and I was still that stinkin' scared.
This year, on the 4th, when it got dark, Anna and I shared a chair and a blanket in our front yard and we watched the fireworks going off in the neighborhood, while Noah slept peacefully. Daddy came out and stood by us. Anna said "Daddy, will you hold my hand," and he did. It was very nice.

Happy to be at the parade!

Happy to be holding an umbrella...not so happy to be at a parade.

Happy with her umbrella, too! (my Mom!)

A woman came by and gave Anna a head piece with ribbons attached to it! She loves it! She still wears it almost every day!

My McDreamies

gotta love parade toys.

My favorite part of the parade.

Anna's favorite part.

My Mcdreamy

2006-07-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

Brian made pancakes this morning. They were made after I (finally) had an amazing night's sleep and they were made on a morning where my weight was incredibly low. My Mcdreamy.

Our garage sale went SO well. It went so well, we are doing it again next Saturday. We raised just over $800, we raised a ton of awareness and we recruited an affliliate team. Someone who lives in my little city has a son with lymphoma. They walked last year at the same location as we did, they even remembered us being there, this September we will be walking side by side. I am so excited about this. We all agreed that we were absolutely meant to meet yesterday.

I was so tired yesterday, I took a coma-like nap for about 45 minutes after 4pm. I then showered and we went to my cousin's daughter's graduation party. We have seen this extension of family maybe 2 times in the past five years. It's quite sad, but you know how life can run away from you. This girl is a special girl, I used to babysit her when she was a baby. She has grown up to be beautiful and smart and so kind. She was voted homecoming queen this year, she's just a great girl.
We arrived the same time as my parents and it was a very emotional reunion with this family. We were all so happy to be there. They just built a brand new, massive, beautiful home and had just finished their huge in-ground pool. My cousin's husband works for a liquor distributor, so liquor was in abundance. The coolest thing was that they had a slushy machine (and Olive Garden!). I thought the kids would LOVE slushies! But even better, it was a margarita machine. Oh my heaven, it was beautiful. I am typically not a fan of margaritas, I don't order them when I go to restaurants, but this margarita was divine. (I talked to my cousin and she said it's new from Jose Cuervo...she said her husband had "the guys" over one night, they were playing cards and drinking beer, well someone broke out the margaritas and the group of men tossed their beers aside and shamelessly drank their margaritas. They're THAT good.) I had two and drank them fast. They were strong and so tasty and oh so cold. I had to ask about them, because while drinking them I thought I had to have a margarita now everyday for the rest of my life. If today weren't Sunday, I'd perhaps go buy some, but the law prohibits me from doing so. I guess I'll start my drinking tomorrow.

Between my lack of sleep over the past week and the two margaritas, I was literally in pass out mode all night. I tried to fight it, but I was losing my battle. I brushed my teeth and was in bed by 10pm. A record for me. I watched TV for an hour, rolled over and slept for 10 blissful hours.

Anna Banana

2006-07-05T23:13:00.000-05:00

I dedicate this post to my baby girl. Around 11 am this morning, we realized she felt warm, very warm. We took her temperature and it was 105.1. I almost panicked, called the doctor, we put in her tub and it went down to 101. It hung around 102 all day and night. She was very tired today, laid around alot, which is not like her and didn't eat much at all. She also wanted her Mommy to lay down with her all day long. Sweet little thing. Tonight, before bed, her fever was down.

We have one more day until the garage sale. I am sick, but hopefully I'll be 90% tomorrow!
Oh and I hit Lifetime today with Weight Watchers. I don't weigh in until some time in August and I never have to pay for meetings again. I am very proud of this milestone and I am certain I can do this...forever. Thank you to Christy, Penny, Sara, Tracy, Tracey, Jenn, Lara, Lois, my sisters and my Mom for all of your support during my weight loss journey. It has made all of the difference.
Anna is waking up....

Smores--what a treat! Anna and Noah had never had smores before! (or mashmallows) Noah didn't even try the heavenly treat, Anna had a couple of bites, but she was much more interested in her new love affair with the marshallows.

After the smores, we decided to go to the beach. It was the perfect night, warm and calm and I knew the sunset would be incredible. We took the kids to the beach one time last year and Anna loved it. She was very excited to be there once again.

Noah, on the other hand, hated it. Well, to be fair...he hated sand. Once he sat on the blanket and wiped the sand off of him, he was fine, watching the water and the people, he never made a peep, but he was not interested in the water and when he had to walk in the sand again, he was pissed!!

All better.

"I'm so happy!!!" This picture was taken when her shorts were just slightly wet. We didn't put them in bathing suits because we didn't INTEND to go into the water.

wetter...

loving life

She loved that I took a picture of her feet.

even wetter

really wet

okay, at this point I'm just trying to figure out what I'm going to do with this wet child. No towels and no clothes.

All I cared about what this child loving this moment. I loved it, too.

I can't wait to take her back to the beach. We were planning on returning the following morning, but it was storming all day.

so goofy. I remembered I kept an extra pair of pants and underwear in the car, in case there ever was a potty accident. They certainly came in handy!

Garage Sale Hell

2006-07-03T22:36:00.000-05:00

I REALLY want to blog, I've taken alot of pictures lately, we've done alot of things, I have things I want to brag about, things I want to complain about, but I just don't have time. I'm in garage sale hell.
For those that do not know, I am hosting a fundraiser garage sale at my home on July 7th & 8th. I have asked people to donate their items, and although not that many people have, the people that did, DID. Trying to sort, wash, tag, fold, hang and display is soooo much more complicated than I had thought. Originally I figured I could set up my 2 card tables in the basement and utilize our ping pong table to help organize....no. I now have a table in my bedroom, 2 eight foot tables in my garage, one six foot table in my garage, two poles beautifully hung, thanks to Brian and boxes upon boxes in my garage. I'm in garage sale hell. Fortunately, I am so excited about the sale I could spit. Each item I tag, I think about the donation that it will bring in and that makes it all worth it. Truly. Sooooo, tomorrow, I'm off to pick up a few more items, yes on the fourth and then I can continue on with this garage sale business until the doors open on Friday at 8am.

Happy Fourth!

Is there a flag hung at your house? Just curious.

Target hates my boobs.

2006-06-29T23:08:00.000-05:00

It's true. My newly diagnosed small bra size is not available AT ALL at Target or Target.com. Why do I want to buy bras at Target? Because they are $10.99.

Speaking of smaller boobs. I am in my last week of maintenance for Weight Watchers. Next Wednesday, I hit my lifetime goal, and that means no more paying for meetings. I am so excited about hitting this huge milestone and I'm pretty sure I can keep my weight off, even though for lunch today I had pizza at Chuck E. Cheese's and for dinner I had pizza delivered to my door, goes to show, if you want to eat healthy, better go to the grocery store.

With that in mind...I am also sad. I was on this journey, for over 18 weeks, with so many friends and I had so many supporters and I KNOW I WOULD. NOT. BE. HERE. without them, and somehow, they're gone. I still have support, but there was nothing like feeling like I was walking arm in arm with these girls to the gym or to my meetings, or feeling like they were cheering me when I'd throw french fries in the garbage disposal rather than throwing them down my throat. But, I know, deep down, they're with me. Sometimes, in instances like blogging, I make my posts sound all buttery and delicious, when really feeling like a stale crouton, sometimes it's okay to let that crouton make an appearance.

I'm also a little grouchy lately, obviously. I'm preparing for a huge two day fundraiser garage sale that is being held at my home next Friday and Saturday. It's consuming my free time, what little I had and the donated items are consuming my square footage, in my bedroom, garage and basement. (Thank God for the basement!) But it's all for a good cause, I can't wait for the day to arrive and to feel the success of a job well done. It's just getting there that's the problem.

Blogging news...I'm working on switching my blog to another blog host, I would like to know if I can switch my blogspot files to my new blog...hopefully the move will take place within the next few weeks!

One of those horrifying moments

2006-06-28T23:08:00.000-05:00

Today, I was on the phone with my sister who is 35 weeks pregnants. She had just gone to the doctor and was giving me a report on her appointment, she was in her car on the way to get lunch. All of a sudden she started yelling or maybe even screaming. Yes, she was screaming. I had no idea what she was saying. She then said "I just got hit! I just got hit. I have to go!" oh my God, it was awful. I asked her where she was hit and she said on the passenger side. Thank goodness. I told her to call me as soon as she could. It was an agonizing few minutes. Poor girl. :-( I'm talking about me! It was torture, I knew everything was okay, but I didn't know. I kept replaying the yelling in my head, I tried to busy myself with laundry, but that didn't work. I just thought about how useless I was at home, 300 miles away. She called me back, just a few minutes later in tears. Poor girl. And yes, I do mean her. She's a trooper though. Once the report was filed, she treated herself to a hot dog and a root beer float.

Here's some pictures of a "photo shoot" I took of the kids last week. The first one is of my feet.

I love summer.

Noah acting like a pirate, he's saying "argggghhhh!"

Can you even take how cute he is? Me either.

so cute