Thursday, January 31, 2008

7 Minutes Straight

Aubrey sang this for. seven. minutes. straight.

I am driving, we are on our way home from school and after 3 minutes I grabbed my cell phone thinking no way would she keep going... but she did.

Can you guess what she is singing? Can you tell me the "real" words and her words?

Thursday Flashback

Feb 2005 - Aubrey has carrotts. Homemade I might add...

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Me. All Over The Place

I am a winner! I am so excited. I have won a cookbook from Pensieve and some MyFruitRollUps from Amy. The fruit roll ups will be here in time for Valentine's Day and I have put an appointment my hubby's calendar to remember to take them to school so Aubrey has something to share - while I am out of town for work :(

PLUS I have a new T-shirt that says "knit happens" in pink crystals, so freaking gorgeous! If you want your own customized gorgeous shirt, click on the link or the new button and mention my name :) And if you haven't checked out Sunshine's Blog... DO IT. She is a blogging celebrity. I don't make this stuff up.

AND while I am not a rock star I was able to hit 84% of the notes in Slow Ride AND have a 50 note streak in Guitar Hero. Yeah baby. But dude, (it is required I start saying that more because of the game), that game is HARD. My hand hurts and I can only do like (required to say like more too) 2 songs in a row before my hubby like gets to like play, dude.

So some things that have been seen and heard in my world:
  • For all my lady friends, please check out this book and review.
  • Be weary of silly putty, who knew?
  • Have you seen York Mints in your grocery store? I have, they are addicitive. LOVE them.
  • Also, that song Bubbly by Colby Caillat made me by the CD> love it.
  • Have you checked out the Bloggy Giveaways?
  • And that is all she wrote cause she can't remember the long list of stuff that started the idea for the post.

But dude, I like totally like Wii. And the web. And my family. DUDE, I love my family. Even if they are all CRAZY.

Who Wears the Pants?

Remember when I disappointed everyone when I talked about the new "chair" in our house.


Yeah, so today someone new decided to start using it. And when I REPEATEDLY requested that his highness please move, he. rolled. his. eyes. at. me.

This is a 100 lb dog in a "beanbag" chair the size of Rhode Island.


Photographic evidence of Max's disdain for me.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Ode to Toast

A piece of white bread
all toasted and warm
A slight layer of butter
will do you no harm.

A sprinkle of cinnamon
with sugar to taste
Can warm your heart
and slow down the days

Oh Cinnamon Toast
what you do to me
I haven't seen you in months
and you are a real treat

So easy to make
so easy to eat
Cinnamon toast just can't be beat.

Aquarium Video and Pictures


We really had a fun day at the aquarium on sunday!


Say CHEESE
"That turtle has a nose just like mine"
'ook' 'ish'







Too soon she will be kissing frogs...

Per request... me and Aubrey.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Music Help

Good Monday Morning! I hope all are feeling bright eyed and bushy tailed this fine winter morning.

I had the first of 7 birthday celebrations yesterday and it was a blast. Doug, the kids, and I skipped the gym and headed to the Baltimore Aquairum yesterday morning, than to ESPN for lunch, and then right to the birthday celebration at my folks. We had a total blast.

My parents got me Guitar Hero III for Wii! I am so excited to bust that out tonight :)

But what does any of that have to do with the Post Title "Music Help"... well I will tell you now, geez so bossy.

I have been thinking for a while that I want to put together a playlist for my iPod related to total 80's Pop music (you know, like Jesse's Girl, Mickey...). My sister got me an iTunes gift card for my birthday so that is just the catalyst I needed to get moving on my new playlist.

So what do YOU think should be on it? And I am opened minded enough to include the 90's if needed. Thoughts? Input? Suggestions?? PLEASE!

Oh, and if you are wondering... my birthday isn't for like another 9 days. But we do a once a month family dinner with EVERYONE and celebrate all major milestones then. And we do Jan and Feb at the end of Jan because of holiday overload and Super Bowl conflicts. So usually it is the first Sunday of every month... about 20 of us... very fun. And probably way more information than you were ever intersted in knowing. But I like to share.

Updated:

Boy George Karma Chameleon
Dexy's Midnight Runner's - Come On Eileen.
Tears for Fears - Sowing the Seeds
Anything Pat Benetar!!!!!
INXS - Need you Tonight
Erasure
Hello! PRINCE!!!!! Can't go wrong with Prince - at least in my
book!
Hall and Oates. (Early 90's)
C & C Music Factory.
Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
Chris DeBurg (sp?) - Lady in Red
I realize this is more like bighair band but it was still a classic to
me: Quiet Riot, Twisted Sister, J. Geils (Centerfold, Freezeframe),
Georgia Satellites.
Modern English - Melt with you.
Right Said Fred I'm Too Sexy! (Actually that was
early 90's wasn't it?!)
Girls Just Want to Have Fun

Vacation by the Go-Go's.

Walk Like an Egyptian by the Bangles.

Shout by Tears for Fears. Stand by REM.

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go by Wham!.

And early Madonna!!!

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Sunday Synopsis

  • Friday night wonderful steak dinner at home, just the 4 of us. Watched Peter Pan and then bedtimes for babies and fire/knitting/relaxing time for adults
  • Saturday morning was nice, Doug made pancakes and then we did the "rush" to 2 swim classes, errands, lunch, home for naps.
  • I love naps
  • Naps are coming to an end for Aubrey and this is sad.
  • I love naps.
  • Easy dinner, Doug CLEANED 2 rooms of the house in a move everything, put the gloves on, go to town way. I played upstairs with the girls. I was the airplane engine and the girls were the airplane's flying on my feet.
  • Another beautiful fire, another knitting project finished and a new one started and I watched Doug play golf. Fun times, seriously, it was fun.
  • Now Doug is cooking eggs and bacon, my blueberry muffins are in the oven.
  • Aubrey is still sleeping, Molly is eating crayons.
  • Doug and I are going to stagger trips to the gym today and then we are all headed to my parents for a birthday dinner.

Best weekend ever? Close.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

Button Tree


I finished my button trees and they turned out BEAUTIFULLY, if I say so myself. Aubrey a little bit. After I posted a couple weeks ago about having trouble finding buttons I ended up just ordering them online from the same place I found the instructions. That website is no longer available for some reason.. but here is the link anyway.

Friday, January 25, 2008

Comb Picture and Crafts and Moving?

I searched online A LOT for the comb I bought for Aubrey at Rite Aid, and could not find a link... but here is a picture. I also looked for the original packaging and couldn't find it, sorry!



Here is the project I started with my "surprise" package. It is sitting on top of the blanket I just finished.

A better picture of the baby blanket... for a little boy.



FYI, when I use google docs to create and publish a post some people can't see the pictures... sorry! I did not use that for THIS post but did for the posts yesterday (when I am trying to put together a post for the next day I use Google Docs so I don't mess up the Blog 365 thing :)


Don't forget to do post a recipe and link it here! She also just posted a seriously yummy looking recipe here.

I think I am totally going to do THIS:

big bloggy move2

I will let you know what I decide :) Or what I have the motivation to do.

Snackalicious Reminder and Recipe RePost

Today is the day! Link up your recipe post here. Share in the fun and the yum.


My favorite recipe - EVER - easy, but expensive.

Hot Crab Dip
1 lb lump crab meat
16 oz softened cream cheese
8 oz sour
cream
1 TBL Worcestershire Sauce
1 TBL Old Bay (or more... shake in what
you like!)
2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Mix all ingredients except crab and cheese
Fold in Crab
Top With Cheddar
Bake 350 for 30 minutes, no cover
Serve with crackers, bread, pita chips, or carrotts and celery.

Another favorite go to snack - easy and CHEAP!

Cheesey Bacon Roll-Ups
2 Cans Pillsbury (or generic)
croissants
1 container Hormel Bacon Bits
1/2 C onion
some pepper
8
oz cream cheese -
softened
Basically, mix the bacon bits, onion, pepper
and cream cheese
together. Then open the croissant dough and create
RECTANGLES from 4 triangular
piecesby pinching all the seams together (so
can of 8 makes 2 rectangls).
Thenspread in some filling, roll it up slice it
and bake it per directions
oncroissant container and YUM, YUM, YUMMY. If
that made zero sense I amsorry. I don't have that one written formally
anywhere.

One of our new easy quick favorite dessert things we do with Aubrey is the following:

Buy a package of the Pillsbury "holiday" themed sugar cookies - right now
there are pink hearts out.

Cut them in half - not so you mess up the design. Place them on a
cookie sheet and bake a little less than time recommended. Cool.
Grab a can of Icing and ice the "back" of one of the cookies, place another
cookie and now you have a sandwich!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

How 2 Dollars Changed My Life

I have a three year old. She has very pretty, curly, blonde hair. We have trimmed it twice and have decided to leave it be for now because we really do not want to lose those curls (and her daddy loves her hair). Every morning we hear, "that hurts, that hurts, mommy that really hurts" about 700 times and that is just when I am 3 feet away picking UP the brush. It is not pleasant for anyone. And it isn't like I am just yanking a brush through her hair. I gently grab each section and try to hold it where I am pulling, but still "that hurts, you are hurting me mommy".

Some women I work with came into town and we had to hit Rite Aid. I was looking at the brush options and these wonderful women guided me to a 2 dollar blue large plastic comb. They walked me through what they think I should do. I also picked up a boar bristle brush.

I got home late that night and I "wrapped" up the new comb and brush. In the morning I told Aubrey I had a "princess" surprise for her. She opened them and was excited when I explained that this is how Princesses did their hair. So I combed her hair out - not one PEEP. I even asked, "does this hurt"... NOPE. And then I used the boar bristle brush -and amazing. It didn't hurt AND it got the pony tail all smooth so I didn't have to redo 18 times.

Now no hastle, no whining, no 10 minutes to do her hair! AND I am allowed to brush her hair at night and in the morning so it is looking much shinier! YAY!

Although I can't get too comfortable... Molly has a completely different kind of hair than Aubrey, different in color, texture, growth pattern, thickness...

Aubrey's First Hair Cut - March of 2007

Thursday Flasback

Here is my first trip to Maine with Doug (August of 01). Portland HeadLight is behind us!

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Randomness

Tomorrow: is Thursday, which will mark the end of the chaos at work.

Feeling: a tad overwhelmed with work, disappointed that I haven't worked out in more than 2 weeks.

Happy because: I have a healthy happy family and because there are new opportunities available ALL AROUND (more on that later)

Today I: will be productive all day at work and not LOSE IT!

Laundry: Is done and put away!

Something I know: My husband is an amazing husband, loving father, and smarter than he knows!

Currently reading: NOTHING! I have a stack of 9 books waiting for me

Wanting: to work from home one day this week and so far it doesn't look like it will happen.

Favorite gadget: My new work laptop... or it will be when I have time to get it setup the way I want!

Thankful that: I am strong enough to handle what comes my way, whatever it is!

Wondering why: Aubrey HAS to wear dresses/skirts that twirl.

Thanks Jen! Feel free to copy and paste...it's going around.

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

13 or 35 - You Decide

Apparently the "phrase" of the boys ski weekend had to do with Caucus.

As in, "we all sat around and held our own "caucus"".

Or "I have the biggest "caucus""

Or "My caucus is bigger than your "caucus"

Or "Iowa held a large "caucus"".

Or "Hilary won a big "caucus".

Or "Hilary Clinton has the largest "caucus" in her grasp"

But really? These guys are responsible husbands, most have children, they all have good jobs and are relatively normal members of society... and I used the word "member" so I am sure they will laugh at that.

I am glad the boys got a chance to enjoy each other, take a break from the everyday and bond. And I am glad I didn't have to hear about "caucus" all weekend.

And the BEST part... I now know what I am getting Doug for Christmas for many years to come.

Monday, January 21, 2008

Snowy Thursday

Our Snowman!
Snowing - looking out my front door to the right

Out my front door to the left.

Just Try Not To Smile


Sunday, January 20, 2008

Girls Night Out

5:00 Water Pump is fixed, Lori Anne arrives with her daughter Melissa. Lori Anne and I head OUT. I told Melissa not to call me but an ambulance in case of any issues...

5:30 Buy Tickets for 7:20 show of 27 Dresses

5:40 Discover a significant wait at CPK so head to Panera for a yummy dinner

6:00 Enter DSW, discover sale items are marked down an additional 30%. I get 4 pairs. LA gets 3 or 4 pairs. AND I found Disney Princess Gibits for Easter Baskets... woo hoo.

7:10 Get to movie theatre where there is a GIGANTIC line to get your ticket torn to get into 27 Dresses. It was crazy. We sat in the front - but totally worth it. We loved it. Seriosly, great chick flick!

9:30 Home where Melissa had made chocolate chip cookies and all was right with the world. Children were sleeping soundly, no people are coming to my house to do anything, get to see family and friends on Sunday (which is now today)...

Woke up at 7am. SWEET.

Saturday, January 19, 2008

That Can't Be Good

Last night after I put the kids to bed, I was sitting in a VERY quiet house and noticed a very loud grinding noise from the basement. I knew it was the well pump - but it was way more "metal on metal" grinding sounding than normal. "That can't be good" I thought.

I called my Father In Law to validate that YES the pump is loud and to get some advice on making sure no water was "leaking" and no toilets were running to make sure it wasn't going off unnecessarily.

I called my husband who said "yeah, that pump is almost dead I was going to replace it next week sometime". Um. nice.

Today at 11:27 while serving the girls lunch I went to run some water on the dishes and yeah, NO WATER came out. No noise from the basement.

Yeah.

So I called my friend (who is the boss of the guys painting today). He has the stomach bug but is having his wife pick up a pump and will be over later. I feel so bad for him but so relieved.

I started to have a full on melt down but come on... someone is coming to fix it - someone I can count on and trust. How great is that? And if that doesn't fix it I can always go stay at a number of friends or families houses - and the offers have already started pouring in :) (Ha. Pouring). So my pity party only lasted about 10 minutes.

Max has also been favoring his left front leg (it could be he just wants extra love from Grandy since he is staying with her :)). My friend's wife is a vet. Yeah they are coming in handy... she recommended a couple aspirin and see if that helps. Good to know. Dogs can't have motrin but can have 2 adult aspirin. And if it makes a difference, one a day after that.

This is a letter from Aubrey to Daddy:
uuuuaeerbgvjksgg...................................;;.=-9y6yeeZa


And speaking of daddy - they had a full day skiing, a great evening and apparently had an INSANE time on the snow mobiles but all are safe.

So Much Fun

So the girls and I have been home "snowed in" for 2 days and having a BLAST! As part of Doug's surprise boys weekend... I booked some painters to come paint the family room that has had "spots" of the color we were checking for MONTHS! YAY, almost done. Of course they didn't finish it yesterday so are coming back this morning - which means we will miss swim lessons. But it it is sooooooo worth it.

so randomness:
  • as I was unloading the dishwasher I was trying to decide what to post and my head was making me dizzy with all the bouncing around.
  • Goodreads.com is very cool. I have Started my reading lists and my need to read lists - check it out.
  • we have such a great support system with our families and it makes all the difference in the world... it really does take a village.
  • Someone from canada left a message yesterday, I went to her blog - which is awesome, and there was a link to a blog from a family in Baltimore, and that was awesome too!
  • I am way to lazy/busy/discombobulated to put links in my randomness
  • Aubrey just ran down the stairs doing a LOUD "sniffing" noise with her nose saying "I smell somebin"
  • When Pillsbury cinnamon buns says 25% less fat what they mean is 50% less icing.
  • Molly is still sleeping which is totally CRAZY
  • I had other bullets but Aubrey's sniffing totally threw me off.

And I have to say again, we are having a great time. No fights at meals, no tantrums, just fun and snuggling and sillness.

Friday, January 18, 2008

15 Hours

That is how long I haven't had internet... seriously I was having the shakes. What was I going to do about Blog365, what about all the blogs I needed to read and keep up with? What about new comments coming in to validate my existence?

But I talked to Josh at Comcast this morning. He was as patient as could be as he was walking me through stuff and 2 little girls decided that THAT was the intstant they both needed to sit ON me and talk to me about how ribbons should be tied or about what sounds a lamb makes.

So later I will be posting video of our snow man and playing in the snow. The girls are having a GREAT time so far!

Oh, I started that new knitting project 11 times and had to rip it out because on the 3rd row (so cast on, knit the first row with 3 different types of stiches and move to next row which would be 3rd) kept doubling in size -magically.

Hubby made it to see the "boys" and they got "fresh powder" and are excited for some fun skiing today, some snow mobiling tomorrow. Let's pray he stays in one piece :) The last adventure trip with these guys Hubby broke his tail bone...

Thursday, January 17, 2008

News Flash

It IS snowing, all the schools have closed 2 hours early. I picked the kids up 2 hours ago... we have at least an inch on the driveway and deck, more on the grass.


My husband and Ms. Lori-Anne, I believe, think I am quite nuts that I picked the kids up so early... BUT my lovely Mother In Law agrees with me and called to check to make sure we were home safe and knew about the weather (THANK YOU!).


My husband left me with the 4WD on EMPTY... 10 mile range left. Nice.


BUT I received a very nice surprise in the mail today - some yarn, some needles and a CUSTOM pattern WITH detailed instructions. As soon as Thing 2 heads to nap I will be CASTING ON. Why not have 3 projects going on at once... if you can do it so can I :)?

Also, Aunt Stacie sent Aubrey 2 HUGE bags of 4T clothes - summer, winter, fancy, casual. She LOVES it! She is wearing one of the "fancy" dresses in that first picture. Thank you Aunt Stacie! And thank you GRANDY for bringing them by last night.

Thursday Flashback

I have been trying all week to be inspired for the Poetry thing this month but I just can not find the rhythm and the rhyme and summon the energy to really go for it.

Maybe because work has sucked the life out of me this week. Or because I didn't get to see my family very much this week. Or because my hubby is leaving today for his Christmas Present trip skiing up north. Or because laundry is stacked all over the house. Or because my "procedure" last month does not appear to have taken care of the "issues" I was having and that just pisses me off.

BUT maybe I will just do every Thursday a Flashback Thursday and quit my whining, because as most of you know, "Mommy doesn't speak Whinese. When you are ready to speak English please come back".

So here is a pictures of my parents on my wedding day - in the limo on the way there!




Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Goldie Locks Has Invaded

... do you know an exterminator?

In the last 10 days, overheard at our house:
"That milk is too full, I can't drink it"
"That pizza is too long"
"That pizza is too big"
"That pizza is too small"
"This cookie doesn't have enough chocolate"
"I don't like green beans that are peas"
"I want pink Dora yogurt"
"Not that kind of pink Dora Yogurt"
"I want a bagel"
"Not a little bagel, a bigger bagel"
"That milk is old"
"That brush hurts"
"That brush doesn't work"
"That hairband makes it tangly"
"I want a hairband not a pony"
"I want a bath with bery hot water"
"That is too hot"
"That is too much cold"

But here is the kicker... the one that did. me. in.

"That is too wet"

It is SOUP, it is supposed to be wet. You asked for soup. I showed you cans of soup, you picked the can you wanted. You helped me "stir", you helped fill your bowl. You decided how much of what items you had (no chicken, lots of noodles, lots of carrotts, no celery, some broth).

How can a three year old make me so crazy?

And how can one crazy big gigantic hug at the end of the day just completely turn me to putty... from that same three year old?

Emilyology

Let others know a little bit more about yourself; repost this with your name and "ology" at the end. No tagging, but let me know if you're going to do it, I'd like to read!!

MOUTHOLOGY

Q. What is your salad dressing of choice?
A. Balsamic Anything

Q. What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
A. McDonalds


Q. What is your favorite sit down restaurant?
A. Nacho Mamas


Q. On average, what size tip do you leave at a restaurant?
A. 15-20%

Q. What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?
A. Peanut Butter


Q. What are your pizza toppings of choice?
A. Cheese


Q. What do you like to put on your toast?
A. Butter, cinnamon and sugar

TECHNOLOGY

Q. What is your wallpaper on your computer?
A. A picture of my kids

Q. How many televisions are in your house?
A. Three


BIOLOGY

Q. Are you right-handed or left-handed?
A. Right

Q. Have you ever had anything removed from your body?
A. Do you really want those details?

Q. When was the last time you had a cavity?
A. So long ago I can't remember, probably 12 years ago.


Q. What is the last heavy item you lifted?
A. Case of Water Bottles

Q. Have you ever been knocked unconscious?
A. No.

BULLCRAPOLOGY

Q. If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?
A. No


Q. If you could change your name, what would you change it to?
A. When I was little my make believe name was aways Linda or Nancy.

Q. What color do you think looks best on you?
A. Blue

Q. Have you ever swallowed a non-food item by mistake?
A. Not that I know of.

Q. Have you ever saved someone’s life?
A. Not that I know of.

Q. Has someone ever saved yours?
A. Not that i know of.

DAREOLOGY

Q. Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100?
A. Yes.

Q. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000?
A. No.

Q. Would you never blog again for $50,000?
A. Yes

Q. Would you pose naked in a magazine for $250,000?
A. No.


Q. Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?
A. No


Q. Would you, without fear of punishment, take a human life for $1,000,000?
A. No way.

DUMBOLOGY

Q. What is in your left pocket?
A. Nothing.

Q. Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie?
A. Yes.


Q. Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house?
A. hardwood.

Q. Do you sit or stand in the shower?
A. Stand

Q. Would you live with roommates?
A. Don’t think I could go back to that ever again.

Q. How many pairs of flip flops do you own?
A. 5

Q. Last time you had a run-in with the cops?
A. 14 years ago... car accident

Q. Who is number 1 on your Top 8?
A. OK, this is tricky. I would have to say George Clooney.

LASTOLOGY

Q: Last Friend you talked to?
A: Lydia

Q: Last person who called you?
A: Gretchen

Q: Last person you hugged?
A: Aubrey

Q: Last person to stick their foot in your face?
A:Doug - I was knitting and I asked how long he thought something was and he stuck his foot over in my face... to help measure the item of course.

FAVORITOLOGY

Q: Number?
A: 18

Q: Season?
A: Spring

CURRENTOLOGY

Q: Missing someone?
A: My family because of work meetings.


Q: Mood?
A: Stressed and Cranky

Q: Listening to?
A: Nothing, the entire house is sleeping.


Q: Watching?
A: Nothing

Q: Worrying about?
A: Last day of meetings, getting data ready for a show, getting laundry done, what is for dinner tonight, when can I get to the gym...


RANDOMOLOGY

Q: First place you went this morning?
A: My computer


Q: What can you not wait to do?
A: Enjoy a quiet Friday, no work, kids at school and get my life in order.

Q: What's the last movie you saw in theater?
A: The James Bond one with Daniel Craig

Q: Do you smile often?
A: Yes

Q: Are you a friendly person?
A: Yes

That was fun :)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So I found this blog - new to me - and is the reason for the Recipes. Well, she also does a monthly poetry carnival... and you all KNOW how I love poems (think NaBloPoMo and ME).

She describes this month's poem (Terza Rima) and the "rules"... check it out and particpate with me.

Mid-month Every Month at PENSIEVE
Want this button?

Monday, January 14, 2008

I Knew It!

So, on sunshine's blog today we found out she was an adjective... of course I had to check it out. Nothing exciting for Deam, Molly, or Emily but then I put in Aubrey...






Aubrey --
[noun]:

A poltergeist sent back in time to change the course of history forever
'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

and Doug

Doug --
[adjective]:

Like in nature to a train-riding hobo
'How" will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

And Max




Max --
[adjective]:

Like in nature to a kangaroo
'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

Metaphysical Crustaceous Dialogue

Saturday Night Aubrey requested some "dip" on her plate. So I gave her some crab dip. The following ensued:

Aubrey: Is this crab?
Mommy: Yes
Aubrey: making pinch motion Is this Pinchy Crabs?
Mommy: Yes it is. makes pinch motion back
Aubrey: Is this crab dead or alive?
Mommy: looks at Jess for help It is dead.
Aubrey: shakes head up and down OK, does it have it's Pinchy Pinchy shell?
Mommy: We took the shell off.
Jess: There are no crab pieces in there that would pinch you.

Aubrey: tastes the crab dip. I don't like this dip. Please get it off my plate.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

A Handsome Prince

Last night our friends drove the 7 hours to visit with us. It all started with an email around the 1st of the year about the fact that our youngest children have not met... I am sure Jess now understands why we don't go out much.


Our dog was, for lack of a better word, an ass. And kept licking children's faces. This wasn't good, especially for Eric who had a reaction to Max's saliva... And then Molly woke up and did this weird breathing freaking out thing and I SERIOUSLY thought she was going to have a seizure. Aubrey's welcome to Evan proved a little to aggressive. She comes on a little strong when excited.


But after that tricky 45 minutes or so I think we had a good time. I participated in about 12 conversations - didn't finish one of them. Jess, did we get to talk for more than 5 minutes total?


Favorite part of the evening?


1) Aubrey came in the kitchen and asked me to help her with her princess dress because, "me and evan are playing princesses". I said, does he need a dress? And she says, "no, Evan is the Handsome Prince". DUH.
Princess Twirls, a Prince, and A Moo.



2) Aubrey and Evan are playing in her room upstairs. There is some scuffle over who pushed who, it gets easily resolved, and Evan had GRACIOUSLY gotten a different princess for Aubrey from her closet. Evan was holding it and Aubrey came over and asked me for it and I told her to go ask Evan. So she walks over to Evan and says, "Evan, can you help me put this on". Evan says, "I don't know how to put on Dresses". So I help her and Jess and I are CRACKING up.


Pictures:

Eric and Molly

Making their own pizzas!

Pizza making 2

"The other daddy" (per Aubrey) and Molly

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Snackalicious Super Dishes Recipe Swap


This looks like fun!

Basically, post a favorite recipe ideal for Super Bowl and then link up on the 25th and maybe win - but really everyone is a winner because everyone can check out all the recipes.

My favorite recipe - EVER - easy, but expensive.

Hot Crab Dip

1 lb lump crab meat

16 oz softened cream cheese

8 oz sour cream

1 TBL Worcestershire Sauce

1 TBL Old Bay (or more... shake in what you like!)

2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Mix all ingredients except crab and cheese

Fold in Crab

Top With Cheddar

Bake 350 for 30 minutes, no cover

Serve with crackers, bread, pita chips, or carrotts and celery.

Another favorite go to snack - easy and CHEAP!

Cheesey Bacon Roll-Ups

2 Cans Pillsbury (or generic) croissants

1 container Hormel Bacon Bits

1/2 C onion

some pepper

8 oz cream cheese - softened

Basically, mix the bacon bits, onion, pepper and cream cheese together.
Then open the croissant dough and create RECTANGLES from 4 triangular pieces
by pinching all the seams together (so can of 8 makes 2 rectangls). Then
spread in some filling, roll it up slice it and bake it per directions on
croissant container and YUM, YUM, YUMMY. If that made zero sense I am
sorry. I don't have that one written formally anywhere.

Stress Relief 101

Long week?
Sinus Issues?
Sick Kids?
No sleep?

Have wii got the solution for you.
Pick up a remote and numchuck
and box the living crap out of the TV

Talk Smack,
Excercise,
Jump,
Laugh

15 Minutes of boxing equates to 191 calories - you heard me correctly. That is some GOOD stuff - a great upper body workout and a great stress relief.

After boxing, I recommend some dance, dance revolution and tennis to round out the evening activities. Oh, and a glass of wine, and a cookie. Who couldn't use a glass of wine or a cookie?

Friday, January 11, 2008

A Horse Of Course

One of my goals for 2008 and was to try and answer YES when Aubrey asks, "mommy can we make a 'projeck'". Last night Aubrey asked and I said, "OF COURSE!"

In knowing the question would come, I have been collecting normal every day stuff... like egg cartons, paper towel holders, we have pipe cleaners, round funny craft balls, googily eyes. So we were totally prepared.

Except for my complete lack of skills in this area.

Luckily, hubby came over and helped (and made fun of my progress to that point).

We made a horse, a dragonfly, and a rainbow.


A very nice dragon fly. I had tried to GLUE, then TAPE the wings underneath and it was NOT working. Doug came right over and FIXED it all up. Aubrey said, "thank you daddy your dragonfly is soooooo BEE u tiful"
Can you find the horse in this picture?

I am very excited, I learned how to turn the flash off on my camera because I read here about the difference in flash vs natural light. So now I can do like 3 things with my fancy camera (shoot on auto, turn flash off, Format the memory card).

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Flashback

This is Doug and me in March of 2001 in Savannah at a St. Patty's Day party. This is one of my favorite pictures of us.
No real rhyme or reason... just needed an easy post day.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Comments, Crafts, Contests - UPDATE

Thank you so much for the love sent my way after my post this morning. Thank you. I posted that without thinking it was so crazy or impossible but that it was so...well... MOTHERLY. That is what a mom does. Period. There is no other choice. And the strength, patience, reduced gag reflex are all given when needed.

I like easy contests, especially ones where I can show off my family... check it out but if you win you have to share.

NEW ADDITION: Another easy contest HERE. Just comment on this site and you could win a book I am sure we could all use at some point :)

So I am totally going to buy all the supplies to do this and then NOT do it in 2008, but try and say I was going to. Cause remember, this where I mention this? Well, I bought everything but the buttons. I went to 5 stores... 5 stores and could not find BAGS of buttons. And I haven't gotten around to actually buying them online. So I will get to that... someday.


Hubby made pressure cooker meat sauce, home made pasta and it was yummy! Kudos, thank you!

It is 7:45, both kids are asleep and I am going to try and be asleep by 8:15pm. No seriously, I am.

Are You Ready?

So say you are a woman, in her childbearing years. Can you do the following and not cry but have your heart full of love?

Pre Test Qualification:
1) Do you have a fever?
2) Are you overworked/over stressed/over tired?

If you answered Yes to both questions please proceed.

Q1
Can you, at 9:30 pm, snuggle a crying unreasonable 1 year old (1yo)drop her lovingly to head into a 3 year old (3yo) room that is puking from coughing so hard? Can you catch that puke in your hands and avoid cleaning any linens?

Q2
Can you at 11pm go back into 3yo room for more puking snuggle with her, explain what is happening and step in an unknown pile of puke without reacting?

Q3
Can you not question why a 3yo doesn't chew up blueberries and why her aim to hit the newly washed pile of clothes you had placed by her door to put away in the morning was so on target?

Q4
Can you at 3am with unbelievable Mommy radar, go in to check on 3yo and see that she is sleeping through her cough and wetting her bed. Get her out of bed - with loud protest - start a warm bubble bath to entice her to quit yelling, "but I am so sleepy" and clean up while changing the sheets, running the wash, making the bed, and trying to find a good alternative to the 2 blankets she usually sleeps with?

Q5
Can you put a dress up dress and tights on your 3 yo after her bath because there are no more kitty cat PJs and the 4 other sets of PJ's we take out and try to put on just will not do and deal with the crocodile tears while giving into the inappropriate bedtime attire?

Q6
Can you snuggle with your 3yo while she asks you why you have "colors" and "lines" on your tummy because your shirt road up and your stretch marks are somehow very visible in the dark?

Q7
Can you rub her back and tell her you love her while trying to get her to sit up while she sleeps while she pushes and says she will "sleep myself on myself" meaning HER way?

Q8
Can you get her as comfortable as possible and try to remember that you need to be loving and understanding when your husband wakes up the next morning and says, "what, it isn't my fault I didn't wake up"?

Q9
Can you email work to explain that while yes you are overworked and over stressed and have deadlines you will not be working TODAY? Knowing this means you will be working the next 5 Saturdays?

Q10
Can you do all of this with love in your heart? Can you do all of this and your only wish is that there were no tears, no pain, no confusion for your 3yo?

If so then you are more than ready to be a mom! Congratulations and God Speed.

Updated at 9:24 am. Molly has been taken to "school" as she was totally fine this morning. Cutting 4 eyeteeth is her big challenge right now and she was constipated but that issue worked itself out this morning :) Aubrey is watching Beauty and the Beast and will be heading for a nap in time for an 11am conference call!

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Random Cuteness, Books, Sick

My girls looked so cute this morning (probably because I missed them so much from not gettting home from work until 7:45 pm the night before) I had to take a picture... and because they kept coming closer to me the angle makes them look like cartoon characters but I still thought they were adorable... please remember that Aubrey picks out her own clothes and dresses herself.




Molly Moo Aubrey Girl and Molly Moo
And when I was getting those pics, I found this one and wanted to post it!




And then I was wondering what Aubrey looked like at 17 mos.




Sunshine was talking about books today. That reminded me that I read Eat.Love.Pray over the holiday and I loved it. I mean I went out the day I finished it and bought 4 of them to give as gifts I loved it.

I don't feel good, I am at home working. So I say BLAH, BLAH, BLAH...

1/4th is Bigger Than The Whole

So I am sorry for the delay and I promise that this story will NOT live up to the hype.

On 12/20 My Darling Husband sent me an IM, the conversation when something like this:


Him: Hey, check out this link

Me: OK, what is it

Him: Just Check it out, it is 1/4th the price and free shipping.

Me: Just get it then, if you think we can use it.

Him: Seriously?

Me: Whatever


Understand that the 20th was the day of my work Christmas Party, the last day of work before my vacation started AND I had a number of big conference calls AND they annouced that our Sales Manager's last day was that day.


I don't believe I actually looked at the link that day.


I did look at it over the weekend and was like, OK that looks cool but I hope it isn't really that big.


It is really that big. We did get it for a quarter of the price. We did get free shipping. And ever day for a solid week I heard this from my husband, "I bet there is a HUGE box on our front porch when we pull up". And every day there was NOT said huge box. Doug called the company twice and they said it was on its way and it was.


And it doesn't fit in the room that it was intended for. It is currently in another room not being used.

A bean bag chair made of memory foam

So I am sorry I got you guys all excited about my lame story... and I am sorry that a seperate but related story from a year ago got mixed in when I commented on Becky's Love of Popcorn.

Monday, January 7, 2008

Parade of Courage

This morning as I was stopped at a light on my way to work, no less than 50 police cars with lights flashing - from all over the state of Maryland - went by. While I had been hearing about this fallen officer all week, it wasn't "real" to me until then. I cried in my car as I thought about this officer and others, killed while working for a better city and a better state and a better country.

And this morning when I heard about all the roads closed and the delays that would be happening all day I was annoyed. Not anymore. For goodness sakes, sitting in traffic for an extra half hour isn't giving much compared to what this officer gave.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

Convos with My 3 Year Old

This morning we were watching a Dora show in bed before everyone was ready to get out of bed. It was about Dora's puppy (perrito). After the show Aubrey turned to me and said:

"When Max is dead can I have a perrito"

A few days ago I went in to get Aubrey up for school and before her eyes were open she was saying very frantically, "where are the bugs, the bugs, the bugs". So I talked to her about using her imagination for NICE dreams and maybe having kitty cat dreams. The next day, "Aubrey did you have a good sleep". She shakes her head yes and then says,

"actually mommy the bad kitties killed the good kitties in my
dreams."


Um, where is she learning this language and what is an appropriate response??? No one close to us has died - except Chotty of course. And all the research about death and the 3-5 age ranges indicates that it is not a "permanent" state in their minds. But come on... is this normal???

*More on the 81 lb box tonight or tomorrow morning, I promise :)

Saturday, January 5, 2008

101.7 and the Coffee Grinder


Aubrey has a 101.7 fever and her 'cough' hurts (her throat). She is being a trouper and laying quietly on the couch with LOTS of friends and cuddles and her snuggle blanket.


The coffee grinder broke this morning and we have NO COFFEE. Husband has to start working in 10 minutes so I can't even run out and get coffee and get back here before he has to work.


I am not a happy camper.
Hey wait, my husband just handed me a Low Fat Vanilla Latte. I love him and the espresso maker I forgot we had.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Wii Have News

So after Christmas I was reading all the blogs and everyone was talking about how much FUN the Wii was - and these were adult women. I decided I needed one. Then I went to Amazon and Ebay and saw they were like 400 bucks and I was like "No freaking way". I came into work on the 2nd and was telling this story and a lady I work with said, "those are the reseller prices, the retail price isn't that high". Huh.

So then my cube mate comes in and starts telling me about his holiday (I asked). And his mother wanted a Wii and he told her it was hard to get them so his mother told his dad she wanted one so she ended up with 2 Wii's under the tree and I said, "I will buy the extra"... before he finished the sentence.

And this is how we got a Wii. Doug and I split the cost with our "allowance". Last night after the pandimonium and injuries were all addressed. We (ie Doug), set the thing up. I played tennis. Very cool. Doug boxed. I boxed and freaking KICKED, well you know. First opponent I won by decision in all 3 rounds, Second Oponent KO in the 3rd round (near the end) and Third Oponent KO 3 seconds into the 3rd round.

Maybe I have some anger issues I need to address? Either way it is part of my new workout routine because MAN we worked up a sweat. Major fun.

But the other box that came last night was 81 lbs and doesn't fit in our house... more on that later!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Random Exciting Stuff and I Pose a Question

Random Exciting Stuff and I pose a Question:

Aubrey had requested a Dolphin for Christmas. A real live large dolphin. Santa brought her a 1.5 inch plastic realistic looking dolphin. Christmas afternoon, "Aubrey, how was Christmas". She replied, "well, I really just wanted a bigger dolphin". Today on the front porch when we got home was a large box with a return address of the North Pole and in the box was a LARGE stuffed dolphin and a NOTE!

The note detailed that when the elves were cleaning out the sleigh they found this dolphin with Aubrey's name on it. "in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas night, I must have overlooked it". Aubrey is VERY excited about her new dolphin. We called Nanny and G-Taw to tell them all about it - and they "acted" very surprised.

It would be interesting to note here that when I told my father about this he said to me, "that little girl could use a little disappointment". Uh huh.

Chotty is now alive. In fact she is giving Aubrey Bunny Boo Boo PJ's that Aubrey can wear "forever". Her mommy is dead in heaven and the bad men took Kalli.

We got a Wii. We haven't opened yet because we got home, opened the dolphin, made dinner, Doug took his first bite of dinner and chipped a back tooth. Then it was bath time where Molly slammed her head and has a WHOPPER of a knob on her head. Then Doug got a call from a lady whose computer he fixed over the weekend, it crashed.

I sat in traffic for 2 hours this morning.

At work today everyone was in a very bad mood... VERY.BAD.MOOD. And the mood was EVERYWHERE. So bad in fact that a co-worker sent this email to a bunch of us:

FYI -- It’s confirmed, the cosmos is cranky. Given the fun had by all today, I had to check out the current astrological events. Seems Mars has moved into position opposite Pluto:

This is a most volatile energy, one that I am going to strongly suggest you be most careful during its influence (12/31 to 1/5 at least). Mars and Pluto are both known to be quite problematic under certain astrological circumstances and this is certainly one of them. Be extremely careful in all your communications and avoid making agreements during this time if possible. Many will be feeling edgy, irritable and reactive during this time. It is most important to not take on more than you can handle now so as to not feel rushed or pushed into meeting deadlines or making appointments. The best way to handle these potent and potentially difficult energies is to slow down, don’t say anything rash or likely to create conflict, stay grounded and just wait it out. It may go without saying that during the influence of this energy, there could be something going on in the news that is explosive and/or violent in nature.

And Now for the BEST PART of the Post:

Let's say 2 parents were playing CandyLand with their daughter for the first time. Say that said daughter isn't really following the rules and not focusing and not paying attention and not playing by the rules. Let's say Parent 1 offers daughter a piece of candy if she WINS the next game. Let's say Parent 2 says that this is inappropriate and we should not have to bribe the daughter to play a game and that if she wants to play she can sit and play by the rules. Then because candy has been offered, Parent 2 amends the statement and says something to the affect of, if the child plays by the rules on her turn she can have one pez. And Parent 1 says, NO, if she wins she gets one pez. Then daughter cries. So parent 2 takes candy out of pez dispenser, gives it to daughter and then takes daughter to the big reading chair to read and play with a sticker book and brush hair and put on lip gloss.

Now one of the parents suggest I post this for input. Here is the question.

Parent 1 says a competitive spirit should be taught now. Parent 2 says that playing and learning should be what is taught and what is important.

If a reward were going to be given to a 3 year old- Should it be for WINNING or for PLAYING by the rules and engaging in the activity.

If you are of the opinion that you should not have to bribe your child to play a game I understand but that is a seperate discussion and is being addressed seperately.

PS I no longer have love for Google Docs and posting to the Blog...

Craig Christmas Through The Years

Craig Christmas Through The Years

Our First Christmas Together - 2001

2002 - Everyonen't Engaged!

2003 Betty's Portrait of Max

2004 - Aubrey's First Christmas

This must be the year we got the Nikon D70 because these images are over 2 mg each so I had to take them to paint and destroy them :)

2005 - And you can't tell but there are 4 of us in this picture!

2006

2007

Thank you for the idea Zoom Girl !

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Chotty Died

Lori-Anne just called to tell me that Aubrey just told her that Chotty died, is in heaven with God and that she is really going to miss her.

LA tried to explain to Aubrey that in her imagination she can have Chotty do happy things but Aubrey insisted she was dead and that she didn't get Christmas presents and had a party and Aubrey couldn't go and died.

Thoughts on how I handle this one???

Luigi

We went to our friends house New Years Day Morning for a couple of hours to play Cranium and let the kids play until nap time. We had a BLAST. But their bird found me especially appealing and spent a lot of the day on my shoulder and down my shirt - it is male bird with an apparent fondness for breasts.
Me and Luigi
Getting ready to PLAY and EAT!
Oh, did I forget to mention DANCE DANCE REVOLUTION?
My birthday is in a month if anyone wants to get that for me...



Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Ringing in the New Year - Picture Style

Us - Gussied Up

Doug, Betty/Grandy/Mom, Mark
Lots of us - littles ones in the basement playing.

Caleb
Anna
Aubrey
Grandy and Caleb
Roy, Doug, Roy/Grandad/Dad
Our hosts and the little ones
Thank you Debi for a GREAT night!

Balloon Setup

BALLOONS!

Watching the ball go down.

Science Class