Xmas Preparedness Pictorial View

This was the best of about 40 that Doug took of the 3 of us...
Finding the perfect spot to start searching for the perfect tree!
I think they found it! Aubrey gave it a hug and a kiss.
Aubrey is helping Daddy chop it down

And now to the house decorations...

Craigafeller Center is complete!
The mantle
The outside... lights, blow up glbe, Christmas Light Up Frog... we got it all.

So the house is done, including the lights. The tree is up - it is not decorated yet but will be in the next week. It is a PERFECT tree, it is beautiful!! Did I mention perfect? Doug even got the lights up - and while on the roof, cleaned the gutters. So a very busy day. But a very fun day!

Doug and I were whining that we had JUST gotten the house in semi-decent shape and now it is totally out of whack again to make way for the train table, the tree, etc. Kinda funny!

Santa!

Aubrey and Molly 2007 - CLASSIC!

Aubrey and Molly 2006

What a difference a year makes... in so many ways!

House Decorating

Today this family will begin to decorate the house for Christmas. Aubrey asked, "Is it Christmas immediately". And I said, "no, honey".

We have swim lessons but around that we will be going to the Christmas Tree Farm that is 3 houses down (literally), we will be emptying the attic, moving furniture, setting up the train table and playing Christmas Carols.

This is one of my favorite family days of the year.

Here is our tree hunting from last year. I will post new pics later this weekend!

Turkey Day Pics

OK, couldn't narrow down the pictures... enjoy :)

Having fun on the swings!

Claire is very concerned because Aubrey took her pants off.... again.



Yeah, peel those potatos, chop that celery, mince those onions.
There is a big turkey in this picture, you decide where...

Pop-pop mashing the potatos! He was busy in the kitchen all day.Mads!
Seriously cute stuff! These girls played so well together all day!

Two peas in a pod!

We have a tradition that we watch Wizard of Oz on Thanksgiving - this was Aubrey's first year to be part of that!

Doug talking to JW about XBOX Media Center

My Back Hurts

We had a wonderful day! All food was ready at 4:00 and everyone helped out.

So the morning after I am thankful for:
My family and friends all pitching in and helping with every aspect of the day.
My husband for doing the finishing touches of cleaning the kitchen
Seeing Aubrey and Claire play so well together.
Molly being a complete joy.
GREAT FRIENDS!

Pictures and other information to come later this weekend. I am putting my feet up and vegging before the house stirs.

NaBloPoMo Day 1875:
I have no more songs. I am tapped out. There is no singing.
OK< FINE!

You are my daughters
I love you so
But if you don't listen
I just don't know.
I may have to jump
I may have to scream
My word is law
...Or used to be

But now you disobey
At every turn
And you don't listen
Oh does it burn
I may have to jump
I may have to scream
We all need to learn
...My word is law

Thanksgiving Q4

Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for today?

I am thankful for:

• my beautiful healthy family
  
• the ability to host thanksgiving
  
• my friends - blogging, beams, and otherwise

I also need to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERICA! My sister is 29 today.

The poor dear is being forced to spend a week in Miami... be sad for her.

NaBloPoMo Day 715:

Itsy Bitsy Spider... you know the words.

Turkey Day Q3

Who in your family is most likely to need to unbutton their pants by the end of dinner?

One year in Doug's family - I was not there thankfully - they all stepped on the scale BEFORE dinner and then AFTER dinner. I believe Doug did gain the most in that one hour.

Running to catch my fresh turkey, will update later with my NaBloPoMo stuff.

I caught my turkey! YAY :)

NaBloPoMo promised silly song:

Aubrey and Molly

We're having fun

We are driving in the car

Oh, I see the sun.

Aubrey and Molly

Sisters all the way

Please stop biting

And show her the way

Aubrey and Molly

Your mama loves you

We're gonna read books

And we're gonna color blue

Aubrey and Molly... and you see how I just keep going here.

Tits and Beer, That's Why We're Here

I was told that my blog has become too feminine. So I thought I would try to post something for the guys reading out there.

We will be serving Samual Smith's Nut Brown Ale along with a couple of other beers for Thanksgiving.

I like football. I am a Ravens fan. They are not having a great season...

Have you seen this girl dancing?

Dear Friends and Family,

Dear Friends and Family,

I am very excited to have you coming to my house for Thanksgiving. I wanted to write you a letter and give you fair warning before you come.

While it sometimes appears I am organized and on top of stuff. I am not. My priority is always playing with girls above keeping on top of the vacuuming. I am hoping this prepares them really well for public school and germs. This doesn't mean I am not going to clean my house - I am. I took 2 days of vacation to get to that. As we "speak" (so to speak) I am washing all the linens in my house and finished vacuuming the upstairs and cleaning the bathroom downstairs. We are not a house of "stuff" lying around, it is not chaotic or disorganized that way at all.

Really I am warning you about me. And maybe this letter is really just for my poor darling husband.

See, when big stuff is coming up, especially stuff that I think impacts who I am as a person and how I will be perceived, I get stressed out. I. GET. STRESSED. OUT. I am not fun to be around. AT. ALL.

I worry about silly stuff (like how do I do seating for this?!?) I blow things up bigger than they need to be (like what do I do about the current phase Aubrey is going through). And I become distant to those I need the most (I am sorry honey!).

I think I have the food stuff under control. I think I have all the supplies I need. And I am pretty sure the house will be in "company" order. I have some great lists, some great recipes, and I have a little bit of time.

But when you come on Thursday:

• Expect Children
• Expect that maybe I haven't had my shower yet
• Expect noise, expect laughter, expect tears and tantrums
• Expect that my darling Aubrey will not behave
• Expect to see Molly's exceptional temper
• Expect to see pure joy in my children as they are surrounded by those they love
• Expect me to NEED that glass of wine and cry at least once
• Expect maybe I forgot the rolls (they are in the fridge 2nd shelf in a bag) and feel free to remind me (this is a family trait)
• Expect a meal with friends and family - new and old - to give thanks
  

And maybe that is all I need to remember. That this isn't about me or how clean my kitchen floor is. This is about giving thanks for the blessings we have and how lucky we are to share the day with people we love.

Love,
Emily

Menu courtesy of Anne

Turkey Day Q2

What will we see on your table this year that is unique or different from the traditional dinner? Or is there something on your table that is there every year that no one (or very few eats) but is there due to tradition?

Morning!

I am on "vacation" today. The kids will be going to LA's and Doug is at work. I am HOPING to get through some basic chores today (change sheets, vacuum, dust) along with finishing up my list for tomorrow and printing out my Xmas card envelopes.

I will also be doing some work for a few hours - but fun stuff - testing a new product.

NaBloPoMo Silly Song #20:

sung to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer

Aubrey the cutie nose Daughter

Had some very shiny hair

And if you ever saw it

You would want to touch it so

All of the other Daughters

Want to play princess and pretend

They would want my Dear Aubrey

to lead them in a parade to the end

Then one rainy Thanksgiving Eve

Turkies came to say

Aubrey with your hair so bright

Can you help mommy cook tonight

Then how the daughters laughed

As they ate their turkey gone

Aubrey the Fair Hair Princess

You will always belong!

I am having SIGNIFICANT ISSUES with spacing on this thing and can't figure it out... in COMPOSE mode it is right and then it is smushed together when I publish. UGH

Google Error and Turkey Day Question 1

I know, right, it isn't 5am, why is there a new post? And hey, how come there wasn't a new post when I checked this morning?



Calm down, no seriously, stop yelling and calm down. I didn't forget about you - not one bit. I had a busy morning, I thought about you today, all day, a lot. I wished I could stop in and say hello, I tried to stop by your blogs, I did.



But I am here now, I am ready to listen and respond and share. If ONLY I wasn't getting an unexpected error from Google telling me to check back in 30 seconds, every 30 seconds.





Innnnnn and Ouuuuuuut, Ahhh, that is better. Take a deep breath, count to 10.



So the Monday before Thanksgiving. That means 35 days til Christmas. So how many online shopping days does that leave? Scared yet? I am...


I want to celebrate Thanksgiving like it is the only holiday this month - which is hard to do with the Christmas music, decorations, etc at all the stores. But in the spirit of Thanks and Giving let's have a question a day until Saturday.

Monday's Thankgiving Question:

What food or foods mean "thanksgiving" to you?

For my husband it is stuffing. Not just any stuffing, his mom's stuffing. It has to be her way or the highway, there has to be LOTS of it and really it has to be made by her to not get questioned. Even when I follow the directions I have from her EXACTLY he stands over my shoulder and questions it. But we are getting better. And she really does make really good stuffing... fresh pork sausage, onions, celery, lots of broth...




For me it is the white bread, with margarine and salt, and turkey with a side of Ruffles Chips. Nothing better!



NaBloPoMo silly song:
M-O-L-L-Y
You ain't got no Alibi
You're Cute
Hey Hey
you cute



M-O-L-L-Y
You can reach the sky
Reach Up
Hey Hey
Reach Up



M-O-L-L-Y
You can wave bye bye
You wavin'
Hey Hey
You wavin'



M-O-L-L-Y
You make my heart sigh
You're loved
Hey Hey
You're loved

Christmas Pictures

Another successful trip to Picture People!

You will see this picture in the mail soon :)

I did the Picture People Christmas Postcards (they lowered their prices this year!)

Later this week I will be posting a quite TYPICAL Santa picture!

The Xmas Pictures are Coming!

We are headed to Picture People in a few hours, I will update with how many pounds I lose trying to get the kids corralled and smiling...

NaBloPoMo... Becky put me to shame and I will have to think of something better over the next few days... but in the meantime:

Here is a song that AUBREY made up last night at the dinner table (we were at a restaurant):

You are my best friend

I will eat you

boddy boo boo

sa diddy do boo

I love you, my best friend

sa diddy dooo boooo

ba diddy ba doo

I love you so much

you like my noodles

sa diddy ba dobby doodles

Seriously...

It Communicates!

Molly just did the following (I have witnesses):

Me: Molly, How are you doing?
Molly: Good

Me: OMG DOUG DID YOU HEAR THAT?!?!
Doug: No, what.
I explain

Two Minutes Later:
Doug: Molly, How are you doing?
Molly: Good -->with a shit eating grin
Doug: Are you Molly? (he says incredulously)
Molly: SHE NODS HER HEAD YES
Doug: WHAT WAS THAT?
Molly: Laughs

Music News

These are the headlines I saw this morning as I brought up IE:

• Katharine McPhee Engaged to man 19 years older than her
• Kelly Pickler NOT smarter than a 5th grader... doesn't know Hungary is a country
• Britney Read Light Video in Evidence

Really, these are the top stories of our Saturday? Well maybe my fault... maybe eonline shouldn't be my home page.

**EOnline is NOT my home page... that was a joke... Google Reader is my home page, duh.

Today is Parent Observation day at Aubrey's dance class, I am VERY excited and nervous about this. How will my child react to an audience... look here for updates later.

Looking for Monogrammed Notes: www.amstationeryspecials.com - you can get 50 lettersheets or note cards for 10 bucks with envelopes... that is a really good price. I have been looking...

And now to the silly song of the day:

A trip can be a quick ride in the car

A trip can be a long ride in the car

A vacation is where we stay at a different house to sleep

So please stop asking and don't make a peep

This is a trip -more like an errand, not a vacation

No we can not go on a vacation right now

I would love to, my dear but it can't be done

This is just a car trip and we are bound to have fun

if you stop asking me if we can take a "cation"

Look at the bright lights...

Christmas Gift Ideas

I thought I would make a list of some of my favorite Christmas Gift Ideas. There are a few I am leaving out that are REALLY good cause well, people that read this are getting them... so you can leave a comment or email me for the goodies.

• Awesome Arches - got this for the girls
• Great Blocks - I got these for Molly and a little one at daycare, there is a Large, Medium, and Small set.
• Great blog about toys - and dress up for boys and girls!
• Membership to the zoo, aquarium, or children's museum - most of these memberships come with reciprical admission to places in other states so when you go on vacation you can get free admission there!
• Keep a couple bottles of wine, wine bags, small "beauty" sets with lotions/creams, and maybe 10/15 dollar gift cards to iTunes around for unexpected parties/gift exchanges
• Did any of your credit cards or debit cards collect points this year that you can redeem for cash, gift certificates or other gifts?
• Magazines! Maryland Life, Baltimore Magazine, Everyday Food, I think are all great gift ideas.
• Wine of the Month/Beer of the Month/Fruit of the Month clubs!
• Golf Balls
• Nice Wine Opener
• Popcorn, Popcorn Bowl with Family's Last Name, Wine, Popcorn Popper, Movie or Boardgame
• Gift Certificates to favorite restaurants and promise of babysitting for your favorite couple with kids!
• Monogrammed Towels
• New Release Books
• Makings for a "themed" martini/mixed drink... glasses, liquor, mixers, recipe book
• Custom Designed cute shirt
• Jewelry always works... like this and it's matching necklace or this ring or this one
• Or an iPod Shuffle :)

What are some of your favorite gifts, given or received??

NaBLo Nonsense

Randomness

• So I saw a link to NaBloShoeMo, huh, that sounds like something better than what I signed up for...
• I am tired and don't feel good
• I love Google Reader
• I started leaving comments on some blogs I have been reading for a while... it was a big step for me, putting myself out there :)
• XBox Media Center is Doug's favorite thing - even more favorite than me.
• The kids are stirring, the kids are stirring
• Molly was playing as I was leaving LA's and I waved good bye and blew her a kiss... and she waved bye, said bye and blew me a kiss. LA looked at me, looked at Molly, and we both said, "well that is new"... and LA said, 'STINKER'. Yup.

Potty Training Song sung to tune of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star:

I used to sing this to Aubrey when we were sitting and waiting, and sometimes still sing it when she heads in...

Tinkle, Tinkle

On the potty

With my big girl

it's never spotty

Tinkle Tinkle

On the potty

When we are big

we use the big potty

Tinkle Tinkle

On the Potty

I love Aubrey

and that's not spotty

Grace

Thanksgiving What Not

I wanted to share some of the "fun stuff" I will be trying to do for Thanksgiving and some neat sites on dinner prep and FAQ's for turkey dinner.

Recipes and Food Shopping

• Food Network Thanksgiving Section - I love that Emirl Lagasse says, "Don't Panic"...
• Teeny Turkeys, for appetizers
  Turkey Tracks, for appetizer
• Q&A about Dinner and Turkeys
• More Information on Turkey
• Fried Turkey Info
• Pear and Blue Cheese Salad
  
  do not ask about the bullets and why they are doing what they are doing... DO NOT ASK...
  
• Crafts and Printables
  Charming Drink Charms
  Lots of Printable Fun
• We get the Family Fun magazine and I highly recommend it...
  
  **I will be updating this as I find new sites and fun things**

I am a Good Mommy!

Yesterday was an exceptionally good 'mommy' day. The kids ate lots of breakfast and were smiling all morning, they had fun at school, we had a very healthy dinner - including vegetables that everyone ate. We read lots of books and made "water soup" together. We stayed up a little past bed times and just had a nice evening.

New Song for Fighting Molly:
This is your carseat
You must sit down
Straight as a board
ain't what will work

You need to sit down!
Please don't scream
You must have a buckle
It is the LAW

The LAW
The LAW
The LAW

I didn't make this one up
This is not my rule
But in order to get to school
YOU MUST SIT DOWN

We can't go out on the town
IF YOU DON'T SIT DOWN!
Sit down.

Morning Cuteness

This morning the girls were VERY cute and I couldn't resist grabbing the camera. Molly cheesed it up as soon as she saw the camera - brand new behavior and I love it!

CHEESE
Everyone say, Ahhhhhhh
"What now woman" he says disdainfully

Last night we had a Parade with our animals and people...

NaBloPoMo Day 14

I thought I had a ton of silly songs to share but it is getting harder to put them down each day.

So today I am "cheating" and here is a song I sing the girls... that you should recognize

A Bushel and a Peck

I love you a bushel and peck
A bushel and peck
And a hug around the neck
A hug around the neck
And a barrel and a heap
A barrel and a heap
And I'm talking in my sleepA
bout you, about you

Cause I love you a bushel and a peck
You bet your pretty neck, I doD
oodle, oodle, oodle,Doodle, oodle, oodle,Doodle, oodle, oodle oo

I love you a bushel and peck
A bushel and peck
Though you make my heart a wreck
Make my heart a wreck
And you make my life a mess
Make my life a mess, yes
A mess of happiness
About you, about you
Cause I love you a bushel . . . .

I love you a bushel and peck
A bushel and peck
And it beats me all to heck
Beats me all to heck
And I'll never tend the farm
Never tend the farm
When I wanna keep my arm About you, about you

Cause I love you a bushel . . . .

Shhhh... the natives are resting

I am happy to report it is 6:23 and all is quiet on the Eastern Front.

I am also happy to report that 2 months ago we took 20 bins of "stuff" out of the attic. Last night we finished loading my car with everything that is going to Good Will and we put 15 EMPTY bins back in the attic. We are lightening our load, so to speak. And I almost have my dining room back for Thanksgiving.

Things are wonky with the job, I yelled at my hubby, and Thanksgiving is close and I haven't ordered the turkey... crazy right?!?!?

Song... melody stolen...
Good Morning Starshine
Let's start the day
Wipe the fog from your eyes
And let's get up and play.

Good Morning Aubrey
Let's start the day
The potty and our clothes
So what do you say

Good Morning Molly
My angle girl
It's time to say Hello
To this bright new world

Good Morning Daughters
Mommy's here
She is saying she loves you
And that she holds you dear

Monday the 12th Or No Sleep for the Weary

I forgot to give Aubrey cough meds before bed... it wasn't pretty starting at 3am.

I found this awesome site about blogging! It has tons of great information and I can't wait to begin using some of it!

While I sing songs and silly songs all day to my kids and around the house I need to make sure it is VERY clear... I never said I was GOOD at singing. I am not saying I am tone deaf but I probably wouldn't get to the finals in American Idol.

You know in the American Idol opening shows of the season where they show the really bad and the really good and not really the "in the middle"... that is probably where I fall.

It is 5:30 am. I might try to go crawl back under the covers for 30 minutes since it is cold and rainy.

Oh, song per my NaBloPoMo promise.
Good Night my {Instert Molly or Aubrey}
Oh it's time to go
It's time for sleepies
Oh don't you know.

Good night my darling
Oh the moon has come
It's time for sleepies
the dreams have begun

Good Night my angel
Oh the time has past
For s'cuses and stories
But time for sleeping fast

Good Night I love you
more than you know
Good Night {Instert Molly or Aubrey}
It's time for me to go

"I'm Running Out of Energies"

*Thank You Update*
A few weeks at the gym, I was in line with 2 other women to get a smoothie and John, the First Impression Attendant, was touting a new smoothie recipe called the Jarhead. So I asked him about it.

John - Oh, my recipe, in honor of me it is the special this week
Me - Cool, joined the Marines?
John - Yup, and heading to Iraq next week.
Audible Gasps from other 2 women
Me - BIG SMILE and I said Thank you!
John - Wow, you are welcome
Me - Stay safe and we will see you soon. Bye. - Parting Nasty Look to the women behind me.


As a Navy Brat and a liberal democrat there is never a question of thanking those who CHOOSE to serve. Regardless of who our President is, or what we think of current policies, there are people who work for us, for our nation and those people deserve more than a thank you. Today that is all I have to offer but do it without reservation.


This is what Aubrey said to me at 6:30 this morning as daddy was cooking pancakes, I was unloading the dishwasher and she was running everywhere.

Seriously, this waking up at 6am has GOT to stop...

... Especially after being up allllll night listening to children COUGH and ALMOST getting out of bed about 20 times to hold them, and at that minute, with one leg over the edge they would stop and there would be peace for 3 minutes.

On top of that we are in the midst of a battle of wills.

• Aubrey wants to wear skirts and dresses
• Mommy and Daddy request that her highness please put something on her legs and in this are ultimately flexible. Pants, Leggings, Stockings - ALL ACCEPTABLE. Color matching NOT required
• Aubrey has chosen to spend time by herself in her room rather than wear anything on her legs.
• "Princesses don't wear pants on their legs"
• She is happy as a clam in her room playing by herself PANTLESS...

This battle has been going on for 2 straight days. AND I WILL WIN.

And while I know this is totally stupid... it is an ongoing saga and I am sorry but in winter time we can not fight every morning for hours over this... so I carry on. I will wary through this and I will win - not only the battles but the WAR.

Song...

No biting, No scratching
No grabbing, No pinching
No climbing, No standing
NO jumping, I am not a PLAYGROUND

No pulling, No elbowing
No flipping, No dragging
No standing, No jumping
No riding, Max is not a PLAYGROUND

So Standing, So Jumping
So Flipping, So Flying
So Swinging, So Riding
Go ahead, Daddy is a PLAYGROUND

This is most like an opera...

Craig Crafts Candid Camera

Saying I am not good at crafts is like saying 3 years old kinda like to be independent.


But a few weeks ago I saw this... and thought, well Aubrey and I can do that. And we did, and it was fun.


But then Aubrey saw all the supplies I have been hiding for YEARS. And today she asked to make a kitty cat. YES this is a kitty cat. I am not proud - but we had fun.





Aubrey had swim class and dance class Saturday morning and when we got home, we had a family level melt down. Low grade fevers, green runny noses, major coughing that turned into "gagging"... and not by one child, or even two children, but by husband and both children.

The picture I have been trying to get for YEARS... this is how we often see Max.

WORN OUT MOMMY

And don't let the smiles fool you... these are not fun children.

Jungle Book

My new fireplace area... rug and chaise courtesy of Sam's Club....

YAY! No more plastic jail.

Early Saturday Morning

I was awarded my first button today :) Below is the how it was awarded, and if you click on the button you can see this is a funny lady in Iowa.

"Here is the button I awarded everybody who, while reading my blog, is somehow
capable of turning oxygen into carbon dioxide. Way to go, you are a superior
human being in pretty much every way. If the code doesn't work because I've been
copying and pasting until my clicker is worn out (and that's not as dirty as it
sounds) please let me know."

Song

Rock a Bye Molly
In Mommy's Arms
Oh, how I love you
With all your charms

You are my darling
Sent from above
Sent here for me
to give All of my love

Rock A Bye Molly
In Mommy's Arms
I need to find wo-ords
That-at aren't charms

Singing and rocking
is what I do
Oh how I love You
Molly Moo Moo


**I do NOT like "gaining one hour" anymore. Both of my children were again awake at 6:15... Yuck.

Random Assortment of Pictures

Nanny B and Molly
Arley Kisses!
Arley and Molly are SOOOO sweet together
Regal Max
One Singing Aubrey says La La La

No you say, that isn't right,

Why is Mommy Quoting Sandra Boyton

This late at night?

I dumped out all the toy bins and started organizing EVERYTHING last Sunday Morning.

Doug finished going through receipts from 1996 - not exagerrating, and filled up the bin!

It's so clean it looks EMPTY!

NaBloPoMo Friday

So while I have posted multiple times today, I have not done my promised "silly song" I sing to the girls...

Last night to Aubrey while she was fighting bedtime...

Aubrey, Aubrey you're so fine
You look like a child of mine
But something happened
And you're not happy

Yelling and Fighting is not the way
Not the way to end our day
But my words don't help
And you're not happy

Aubrey it's like you were hit
with a great big whining stick
But how does it stop
Can I make you happy?

and then there was lots of ticking, hugging, kissing - while Aubrey yelled, "NO MORE KISSES MOMMY" and forgot to be angry and we read some nice stories.

Doug and I are trying MORE AND MORE to be less frustrated and more focused on distracting and defusing the situations that Molly and Aubrey get into. It has lead to a much nicer week!

AND we have started to explaining to Aubrey that we do get frustrated and why, and what we expect and how she can help resolve situations more quickly... I think it is an interesting approach... and yes she is only 3 but... I will keep you posted.

**Catwalk Update**
I had my photos taken during my lunch break... I will let you know if they send them to me :) I had fun!

**Template Change*
I went back to the original 'cause the pink and NARROWNESS was driving me crazy.

Petition

Please take a minute to sign this petition.

http://ga3.org/campaign/NancyNordResign/

This is about Nancy Nord, this is about our children, this is about toys and childhood and safety.

----------------------------copied from another post-------------------------------

How can this toy slipping through the cracks be explained away? Why do these toy companies working in tandem with the CPSC take a retroactive approach? Why does the CPSC get up to 30 days to sort out problems with toy manufacturers while childrens' safety continues to be at risk? Part of the reason why is that the CPSC only has one toy inspector inspecting toys for the entire country. And its acting director, Nancy Nord has not only accepted perks and kick-backs from toy companies (like industry-financed travel), but refuses to let Congress empower her agency. Why wouldn't she want more help, especially now?!

I encourage you to write to your congressperson telling them Nord must go and then learn how the candidates you support for president will address this crisis. I

Sappy Squared

OK, while I was all "I am proud and excited for me"... it is so very very cool to have the OUTPOURING of support from all my friends and family!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS!! Totallying sitting at work, early, crying at my desk.

So I feel like introductions should be done...

College Roommates = Lydia and Jessica
Sister = Erica
Beam Buddies = MyReofSun aka Ali, Jenny, Kelly, Anne
Husband = rollingthunder
Honorary Beam Buddy and New Favorite Funny Person :) = Becky

Thank you everyone!

...And I do my little dance on the catwalk

Ealier this week, I sent 2 pictures to the trainers I work with at the gym.

Nine Months Pregnant with Aubrey

April 2007

** 10 days before I joined the program at the gym, and the catalyst for joining that program

Today I received this letter from them:

Hello Emily,

After viewing your pictures I had a brainstorm and wanted to pass it by you. I was wondering if you would be willing to be part of our new marketing campaign for 2008. Mary Lee and Werner are two of our members that are going to be used for this campaign. They are both older, have participated in the 8-week program and have received tremendous results. We were going to use Mary Lee’s picture on LSC side of the gym exclusively. Werner’s picture was going to be posted on the Main MAC and the LSC.

What I was thinking is that, if you are willing, we could use your before and after pictures in the Kid’s Club and also the Main MAC. You are young and are losing pregnancy weight. You are an inspiration to all the women who are your equal. Most young mothers workout on the MAIN MAC side of the club. They also are involved with the Kid’s Club and Swim Lessons. You would be the ideal role model for these mothers!

Please let me know if you would be willing to have your picture taken for in-house marketing. I could meet with you and go over a testimonial so you could say pretty much anything you wanted and have it put up with your pictures. Of course, nothing would be printed without your approval.

If this interests you, please let me know. We are planning on printing the posters next week and would love for you to be our next model!

I do hope you will consider this! I was truly amazed by your pictures. I have only recently met you and I couldn’t believe that I was looking at the same person! Emily, for all you say – you should be 100% proud of yourself! You’re a new woman!

So, I am going in tomorrow at noon to get my pictures taken. Yay for me!

Thursday - I hope!

This week is going kind of slow and I haven't hit anything on my To Do list related to uploading pictures, blogging, computer clean up, etc.

BUT, we did finish cleaning out the family room and we got a new beautiful chaise for in front of the fire place. I am VERY excited about how great it looks.

And I know it will make some of you happy to know that I am starting to feel behind in my Christmas and Thanksgiving preparations.

I have been waking up around 4am every morning this week. I stayed in bed until 5:15 today though. Coffee is brewing... I love coffee. But I did go to bed last night at 9:30.

Bullet Notes:

• Doug is a TRUE partner and is very involoved with the girls and everything they do
• I have not even checked Google Reader, sorry friends, getting there

RSS Feeds are ways for your computer to MAGICALLY tell you when
a site you like has new content. Google Reader is ONE of the many ways to
collect those sites and have a condensed view of everything that is new.
SO... I have all my blogging friends listed in Google Reader and each morning it
shows me who has new content, and can even give me the content without having to
actually GO to all those sites... but I still have to go to those sites to
comment :) On most blogspot pages, at the bottom there is something that
says, SUBSCRIBE: ATOM... click that button on a site you like and the RSS link
comes up, feed that link (copy and paste) into like a Google Reader (eash and
free - google.com/reader) and TA DA... NOW... for BECKY...
when you update the SIDE BAR content it is not caught... only main content
updates. which is kinda smart... cause I have to go to your site everyday cause you are too funny :)

• I am wearing my new dress to work today and I am very excited about
• We have a full fun packed weekend coming up!!
• The coffee beeped so I have to make this really quick
• Molly is feeling a little better - spiked a fever yesterday from the shots so I picked them up early yesterday.

Song - TOTALLY stolen from a classic...

You are my sunshine

My AUBREY sunshine

You make me happy

OH Every Day

I hope you know Aubrey

How much I adore you

And in my heart you will al-always stay

PS My entire family is awake and dressed and it is 6:15... well hubby is still in PJ's... and I am wearing sweats not my dress... but you see where I am going here and it ain't pretty.

CNN and Other News

http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/worklife/11/06/not.fired/index.html

I think I fall under items #2, 3, 4, 7, 9, and 10.

Also BREAKING NEWS...
Aubrey and Daddy just got done Aubrey's first dentist appointment. Aubrey apparently did GREAT! Got her teeth cleaned and checked, no cavities. She says "it was fun" and she got a bracelet and sunglasses.

11.7

Highlights:
1) Happy Birthday to my Brother In Law - ROY!
2) Lydia is posting daily about life with a small boy, oh and Tommy too LOL
3) Molly was up a LOT with a very stuffed up nose - I didn't have to go in a lot but listened intently a lot
4) Molly was up crying at 4:30am. I went in and loved on her, gave her some motrin (fever from the shots), and changed her diaper, and sang my fall back go to sleep song:

I love you, I love you, I love yoooooouuu
I love you, I love you, I do
I love you, I love you, I love yooouuuu
I love you, my Molly Moo Moo

Repeat as needed until their is quiet
5) I came downstairs after my Molly love and am making coffee and going through my blog roll on Google Reader... I loved having 12 new posts to read.
6) My awesome husband put together the new armoire for the computer last night. It literally had 1000 pieces - and even put both computers in it! YAY HONEY< thank you!
7) I need to get coffee, upload pictures, and shower so SEE YA LATER!

Stress and Such

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Just feeling like there isn't enough time in a day, week, month, year.

Bullet Notes:

• Google Reader - I have 10 unread Blogs to read... will probably not get to those tonight, I am sorry!
• Lydia - if you want recognition for NaBlo... whatever you have to STATE that you are participating. I thought you were "too cool" to join and I have seen you post everyday! If you are in, I will acknowledge :) And I hope J gets his 4 day weekend! And T stops the whining!
• Most of my songs are NOT country but more hip-hop which makes it worse I know. I will see if my darling hubby will cooperate and tape a song or two and I will post later this month
• Molly had her 15 month check up - she is great! Doc is not worried about the not talking. Won't do anything until she is 2. She was in the 90th percentile for height and weight - (25 lbs 11.2 oz, 32.25 inches)

Things overheard in the Doc Office Today:

1. Song - You are so squirmy, a squirmy squirmy girl. You move and groove and don't sit still, you are a squirmy girl.
2. "CRAP, I didn't know you could open the door" As I run chasing Molly down the hallway
3. "Ouch, I bet that hurt Molly" - Repeat 17 times as Molly rammed the stroller over her own foot and then backed herself into the coutner corner multiple times
4. "WOW, you are strong" - Repeat - as Molly used her arms to pull herself off the floor and attempt to get on the examine table, as Molly climbed into a chair, picked up the stroller, etc
5. "Ouch, my finger is not the grape" as I tried to keep Molly busy between the Doc visit and the shots - and she saw the grape in my hand and LUNGED for it.
6. "My poor baby" as she got 4 shots and then screamed and then I handed her the entire bag of grapes and she was fine
7. "huh, I never realized grapes were a great distraction of pain" to the nurse who laughed

Monday Randomness and Day 5

I love NaBloPoMo because when I login to google reader I see all my friends have come out to play! YAY :)

I see some good ideas about how to post when you don't know what to post...

• Life 2.0 is doing the A, B, C's so every day she starts with the next letter of the alphabet.
• Last year Mocha Mama started with "You Should", this year it is just randomness
• Ali is doing a song
• Kelly is keeping us up to date with the family and cuteness
• Becky is just keeping us rolling...
• I am, of course, just being silly and proving what a dork I can be for all the world to see

Anyone see NCIS last week... totally creepy and GOOD. Missed Pushing Daisies due to Trick or Treating and need to catch back up.

Hollywood Writers Strike... I guess I will miss the Colbert Report but that is it?!?!

Aubrey, Molly, and I are struggling with the time change. Doug seems to be handling it well.

Lori-Anne and I made an executive decision today. Aubrey is no longer allowed to wear dresses to "school". She has been refusing to wear leggings or tights and it is getting too cold to continue this fight and I am too tired of fighting. LA has agreed to be the bad guy and tell Aubrey the new rule. So only at night and on the weekends can she wear dresses.

And now for the promise....

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

This one is always different, every time I sing it and really is to give you an idea - I do some form of this every day for Aubrey, Molly, Maxie, Mommy, etc.

My name is Molly

and I'm cute as CAN BE

I like my Mommy

and I like my DAD DY

I have a sister Aubrey

and she don't share WIT ME

But I have fun

No matter who's WIT ME

My name is Molly

and I'm cute as CAN BE

I like my Mommy

when she plays on her TUM MY

And you see how this goes on and on and on...

Sunday

What a busy weekend! We had a wedding Friday night, Saturday I dropped Aubrey at dance class and headed to Arundel Mills for our annual Christmas Shopping day with my mom and sister.

We had a really fun time! We hit Anne Taylor Loft first and found everything we needed! Erica and I each got a dress, 2 shirts and Erica got pants! I love coupons :) And mom paying...

Lunch was WONDERFUL! We went to DuClaws (sp?) and started with the beer sampler, cocnut shrimp and then ordered the first 3 sandwiches on the menu to share. I figured the beer sampler would be 4-6 small beers - it was 9 medium beers. Yeah, we didn't finish it.

Doug's day was not as good... girls refused naps and were generally grumpy all day for him. The computer armoire he has been wanting to put together arrived in one box - it was supposed to be 2 boxes so he got everything unloaded and didn't have what he needed and was slightly perturbed.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
One of my Molly Songs...

I love you Molly
oh, yes I do
I love you Molly
what can I do

You are my darling
So dear....
My Molly
this you should hear

You are quite clever
it's true
You are a sweetie
your kisses true-ue

You are my Molly
My Dear
I love you Molly
Oh, this is clear

You are my Molly
Oh yes you are -re
You are my Molly
and you'll go far

I love you Molly
It's true
Oh, my Molly
I love you

Saturday aka NaBloPoMo Day 3

We went to a wedding
We had fun dancing
We boogied all night
We caused quite a fright

Alyssa was beautiful
The food was bountiful
We talked about work
And we used our fork

But seriously... the wedding was BEAUTIFUL. Totally amazing venue, the bride was gorgeous, the dress was gorgeous, the food was delicious. Totally fancy and totally fun. Doug and I had fun "dancing" if you want to call it that - and laughing!

And a silly song I sing to Aubrey:
-----------------------------------------------
Aubrey Aubrey I love you
Aubrey Aubrey what can I do
You are an angel sent from above
Sent right here for me to love

Aubrey Aubrey you are so cute
Aubrey Aubrey you know how to toot
You are my daughter and I love you so
From my heart you will never go

Poopy Pants Dance

Well, I was saving this one for the last day of the month, my "swan song" if you will... but since Doug let the cat out of the bag here you go.

This is the song I sing when ever I am changing a poopy diaper or about to change a poopy diaper.

You got poopies in your pants
And you do a little dance
Poopy Pants Dance
Poopy Pants Dance

You got poopies in your pants
And your mama does the dance
Poopy Pants Dance
Poopy Pants Dance

You got poopies in your pants
And we do a little dance
Poopy Pants Dance
Poopy Pants Dance

**Repeat until Complete...

Halloween!

We had a fantastic night!

You can't tell by this picture, but they really like their costumes and they were unbelievably cute!
This face says, "there is candy in here, WOW"


Can't get cuter... "lion boy"

The Gang! Jamie 9 (pink haired doctor), Sphia (Cowgirl),Gracie 5 (Ariel), Sanna 3 (princess), Aubrey 3(ladybug), Gavin ~22 mos (Lion), Molly ~15 mos (Ladybug sitting)
One More House - GRANDY and GRANDDAD
LOOT! And a glass of wine, I mean water.

NoBloPoMo Day 1

I started off the day with computer issues... my laptop will not connect to the internet. So I am on a different computer and feel a little uncomfortable.

I have Halloween pictures to post as soon as my laptop cooperates. We had fun.

Day One Rhyme as promised:

The words don't come easy

nor does the sleep

to tell you of the tears I weep

My daughters so precious

each hearbeat loved

they were sent from up above

Aubrey my darling

beauty and brains

abundance of both I can't expain

Molly my angel

words you don't say

make me more crazy every day

(OK, need to work on that verse)

As mama I love you

more than you know

with you my spirts are never low

What I sing each morning to my girls when they awake:

Good Morning

Good Morning

I hope you're feeling well

Good Morning

Good Morning

You sure are swell

Your face is a prety one

You sure are a smart one

You're competent and

Mama knows that you'll go far

Good Morning
Good Morning
I hope you're feeling well

Good Morning
Good Morning
You sure are swell