Pool is OPEN!

Sunday and Monday we hit the pool for a few hours... these pictures are the first few minutes of the first pool day of the season. My girls have NO fear!

Baby Birdies 2

Tuesday evening I was out riding bike with the girls and I wanted to see how the birdies were doing... I found this:

As I was writing this post I wanted to see how the birdies were doing 25 hours later, I found this:

How cool is this? Here is the original post when I found the eggs.

So Pretty

Randomly was taking pictures Tuesday night and took this, thought it came out very pretty!

Happy Memorial Day!

Exhaustion does not even come close to describe this household. We had a fabulous, family filled weekend. 6 Parties, the Pool, Cousins, oh my.



The girls had a great time and are very brave in the water (read: reckless). Hanging out with them is a very physical. This was proven and give public display at my niece's graduation party. There was a dance floor and a trampoline. Aubrey (with her cousins Anna and Caleb) were on the trampoline the majority of 4 hours, breaks only for dancing, and eating cake. Insane. And Molly Moo was shaking her groove thing ALL night on the dance floor - SO FREAKING CUTE! Both my girls were up past 9:30 and were a joy the entire time. Oh, did I mention that prior to the party they were at the pool for 3.5 hours?



Then, when we got home last night, some strage dog decided to camp out on our front porch and bark all night. By 5am Doug had had it and loaded the dog up in the car and went searching for the farm the dog's tag said he was from (after attempting to call the number on the tag all night). He found the dog's home. Not before the dog dog big holes in my front garden.



Oh wait, did I mention the GREAT trip to the grocery store? Yeah, I took both girls. And we got the 'car' cart - both girls got to sit in the car and each had a steering wheel. Until Molly climbed out in aisle one after the produce section. And then I tried to get her to sit in the front cart seat and she threw a COMPLETE tantrum, kicking, screaming, flailing. I tucker her under my arm and kept shopping. As she continued her tantrum, Aubrey started yelling from the car, "mommy I'm trying to talk to you". Over. and Over. and Over. I am calmly walking through the store putting items in my basket as the above continues through the store to the milk aisle. People are LAUGHING out loud as I have Molly in my arm, flailing, and I am saying in a very conversational tone, "Molly, take a deep breath, use your big girl words and tell me what you want", putting items in my cart, while Aubrey is trying to tell me something - well actually just telling me she is trying to talk to me...loudly After I get the eggs in, Molly says, "car please". I put her next to her sister and get them some "fruit" snacks and we go check out.



No lesss than 5 mother's came by while I was in line to let me know I was not alone and that they thought the girls were adorable. Yeah, at that moment adorable was NOT the word I had in mind. It was pretty hilarious!



But after a morning nap where the girls slept for a few hours, we headed back to the pool and then Aunt Debi invited us over for dinner. The girls fell asleep in the car at 6:15.



But it was fun, the weather was FANTASTIC! And tomorrow my niece graduates! So exciting.

Things to Think/Sing About

This song? Can't get it out of my head. I felt the need to share it because I love it and find it to be the perfect summer song and one the kids will love to sing and dance with me. And I love it so much I fought with YouTube to FINALLY embed a video IN my blog. This was no easy feat. I had to copy the "embed" link spend 20 minutes trying to figure out why the hell it wouldn't paste into the edit window. Paste it into Notepad, then copy and try and spend 5 more minutes, than I hit the Edit HTML tab in blogger and it pasted fine. But then there was a red X so then I did it 3 or 4 more times and hit preview and it was there. That is how much I love this song and needed to share it. Yes, I am a dork. No, you don't need to tell me.

What is your favorite summer song?

It is such a neat time of year. Graduation. We have a number of graduation events going on this weekend and family in town as our niece, Sarah is graduating. She is going to Michigan!

LA's son is graduating, going to Maryland (GO TERPS), and Doug and I had the privilege of going to his Eagle Ceremony last night. I am so glad we were 1) invited 2) found a babysitter and 3) went. It started with everyone standing, the Pledge of Allegiance (who knew I would still know all the words), the Lord's Prayer, and then 50 scouts, of ALL ages saying the Boy Scott pledge. There were speeches, slide shows, candles, TEARS, thank yous, state delegates, and cake. Chris (the Eagle Scout), made what could have been a very long and boring ceremony :) very interesting, funny, and we all learned what a fantastic sense of humor he has about himself and just how great a man he is and will grow to become.

And tonight we start with the first of 5 parties this weekend. I was walking through the weekends schedule with Aubrey and she said, "Mommy, that is TOO many parties". Yup. But it will be fun (read: exhausting).

Also, new post up at Dueling Banjos

And please don't forget the reason for the 3 day weekend! Remember what it takes to be free and those that sacrifice for us all.

Where Are They Now

I found a gray hair. I pulled it out. I was suprised that it was a different consistency, more wirey and "rough" than my real hair. It was shorter and had NO color anywhere on it. I was shocked. I immediately started googling to find out why this happens. Apparently from the time you find your first gray it is 10 years until you are fully gray. But I don't believe this. Also, women, on average start graying at 35.

All that previous talk about season endings not being as exciting, crap. Because NCIS last night was good. And I can't find ANY information on contracts being up so I do have to wait for next year. BLAH.

Here are all the Favorite Recipes that were posted!

Amaretto Cheesecake.

Spicy Basil Tomato Soup

Sangria

Hot Crab Dip

Becky's Fajitas

Lydia's Fried Rice

Anne's Brushetta Chicken Bake

Jen's Yummy Easy Dinner

Garden Status

Baby Birdies

We have 3 Fuscia Hanging Plants along the front of the house. And in the middle one we have this:

It is a VERY small nest and tiny eggs! The mama is a little bird who is getting more brave about hanging out as we go in and out of the house.

The Instigator

Exhibit 1A: Molly begins splashing and all other children back away.

Exhibit 1B: Aubrey joins her sister in the splashing and now it is funny.
Exhibit 1C: All 3 cousins are splashing and soaking themselves, making a muddy mess in the yard.
Exibit 1D: Molly turns and smiles and seems to say, "Oh Yeah, I did this, it was all me"

Pregnant Aunt Erica, we are sorry we got muddy hands and footprints all over your house.

Arley's Two

If you say, "Hey, Arley, smile for Aunt Emily" you get this:


And then if you ask Molly to smile you get this: Is it the age?!?!?

*****************************

PS new post up on Dueling Banjos

TV and Music

I watched a penultimate and finale episode for 2 shows this week (Bones and CSI). And with the internet it seems like there is much less "OMG, what will happen" tied up in those shows.

I find those shows interesting and I like the shows so I will keep watching next year but I am not freaking out like I did when 1) I was yonger and 2) it was Friends. Maybe my age? Maybe the internet where I can actually find out if the person that got shot has renewed their contract or not? Maybe a combination? Regardless, season finales don't have the draw for me they used to.

Just found the need to write that.

I got this CD for the girls last week and they LOVE it. "The birdie song and the garden song" are their favorites and they keep asking for us to play it. I also found out that BNL has a new kids album out, so we downloaded that and I am not quite sure how much we will be using it RIGHT NOW but it will be interesting to see if they like it.

I love that bands we used to listen to - like Barenaked Ladies or They Might Be Giants - have kids albums! Is this a fairly new trend?

Haiku Friday

A rainy day here
The weekend is upon us
Would sleep but got kids

OR

Puddle Jumping Calls
In the rain we have a ball
So raindrops can fall

OR
Birthday parties here
2 or more is what I hear
But will there be beer?

OR
It's TGIF
This week has put me on edge
Margarita, please

NOTE: Becky's Fajita recipe is up.

Birthday Baby

UPDATED: REAL birthday baby news!! Kyle Michael was born this morning! My cousin had a baby boy! YAY :) Everyone is doing OK and we can't wait to see the newest addition to the family!

My hubby has a birthday this week. Birthdays are a very big deal around here!



Doug,

Happy Birthday. I love you. I appreciate everything you do around this house and for me and for our girls. You are a great husband, a loving father and you keep us all laughing and enjoying each day together.

Also? You are a great fisherman, the best in your family.

I love how organized you are and how you take the time to deal with all the customer service ins and outs (and totally think you should start a blog on that kinda thing). I love that you want us to have the best of everything and provide us with all they we could need or ever want. I love how easily you laugh at yourself and me and that you still pants me in the kitchen (although teaching Molly that is NOT cool).

I love how much you love birthdays and hanging out with us and keeping in touch with your friends. I love how you found your passion for swimming and head in whole heart. Just like you jump into everything! I like how you know the right gadgets and get the right gadget for every job.

I love you. And this week, we honor you and your birthday!

Thanks Betty :)

Love,

Emily

Yes, You Are Still the Flower Girl

A few months ago my cousin asked Aubrey to be a flower girl in her wedding. The wedding will take place in the Summer of 2009. Since the day she was asked to be a flower girl and told that she will have a beautiful dress and beautiful hair and carry flowers she has asked me, DAILY,

"Mommy, am I still the flower gulr?" .

"But Mommy, am I the flower gulr now"
"Mommy whose the flower gulr I am for"

"Am I still Todd's flower gulr... and Headder"

OMG, yes child you are still the flower girl. You will be the flower girl forever and ever.

I am not sure if I can stand to be asked this more than 400 more times. Seriously.

Feelin' Better

So who knew what a little iron sulfate twice a day could do for a gal?

Monday, headache gone, I hit the gym at lunch and actually RAN for a little bit. Turns out the shortness of breath was part of the iron issue.

I am a much happier girl!

So... 1 out of 5 women is anemic. If you have frontal heacaches, exhaustion, irratiblity, shortness of breath... talk to your doctor!

I am now motivated to get back to working out, to general be a happier woman, and to not go to bed at 8pm.

Favorite Recipe

In an effort to get Becky to share her fajita recipe... the Mom Lady had a brilliant idea.

So this week, post a favorite recipe and let her know! She posted one for an Amaretto Cheesecake.

I am posting the recipe I always post!
Hot Crab Dip
1 lb lump crab meat
16 oz softened cream cheese
8 oz sourcream
1 TBL Worcestershire Sauce
1 TBL Old Bay (or more... shake in whatyou 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.


Recipes Posted:
Amaretto Cheesecake.
Spicy Basil Tomato Soup
Sangria
Hot Crab Dip - right above this list
Becky's Fajitas
Lydia's Fried Rice
Anne's Brushetta Chicken Bake

Logic

Aubrey (holding her camera): Mommy, is this a toy?
Mommy: No, that is your camera. It is a real camera.
Aubrey: Then I can take this to Ms. Lori-Anne's, cause it is not a toy, right?

That sneaky girl... she tricked me! But I did say no, she can't take her THINGS to Ms. Lori-Anne's.

Updated - if you don't know - the kid is a little over 3.5 years old.

Happy Mother's Day

What a wonderful weekend so far! Yesterday was a rainy morning so the girls and I made play dough and had a blast playing with it - so easy and not messy! The whole family "helped" clean up the laundry room and pack away clothes that don't fit anyone. Then we headed over to Grandy and Granddad's house for a fun few hours, chinese take out, destroying the basement, running around in some sunshine (finally), and a vodka drink. Lovely!

This morning I was greeted to silence upon waking up. In my bed, at 7:20, with no one to be found. They were all downstairs cooking breakfast, quietly. My hubby handed me a cup of coffee and then PRESENTS! A BEAUTIFUL blanket (thank you Ms. Lori.Anne). And some fancy jewels from hubby (a necklace and earrings). Everyone left me home alone to go grocery shopping and then we are having brunch with the Craigs at the club. Color me spoiled.

Isn't this cool!

Butterfly made from hands and feet prints!

Hand Print Hearts

Hand Print Flowers

Doing Something Right

Aubrey: Mommy, I want to get married.

Me: Why do you want to get married, Aubrey?

Aubrey: Because I want to be loved.

Me: Well, OK, who will you marry?

Aubrey: Actually Mama, I am marrying you, of course.

Last night after we put Molly to bed, Aubrey and I were laying in the hammock outside with her snuggle blanket and a gray sky overhead. I started crying and had to hide that from her. But it was such a sweet moment. I did go on to explain that I was married to daddy but that I loved her very much and always would but she said she didn't mind if I was married to her and to daddy because she loved me. No need to argue over that, right?

Something Wrong With My Eyes

- every time I turn to look at my Aubrey Girl I only see a young lady, the baby is gone.

- every time I turn to cuddle my new baby She is running away laughing

- every time I turn to see my boyfriend A man, a husband, a father is standing there making someone in my house laugh

- every time I look at my life I can't see the girl I was because the mother and wife I am is everything.

Happy Mother's Day!

Enjoy what you can see today because tomorrow it has changed.

Not Just Because...

Not because I have 2 beautiful, high energy, vibrant daughters.
Not because I have a full time job.
Not because I have a house or a dog or a husband or family or friends or am lazy or can't keep up...

Nope, apparently my exhaustion, headaches, irritability... yup all of that... cause I am anemic.

Sometimes, regardless of the answer, it is nice to know that how you feel is not because of some innate inadequacy you see against all those around you - the lack of energy the feeling of not being able to keep up - there is something physically wrong, YAY. And best of all it can be fixed, easily.

But of course, the root cause of the anemia, that is another issue and unfortunately one not easily fixed but at least maybe I can start to have more energy while trying to fix that other issue.

McDonald Mommy

My husband jokes that my nickname should be "McDonald Mommy" because whenever we go to McDonald's I act like a whole new person - he says I laugh, I get a burst of energy, I joke and am silly more than usual and that I become in the BEST mood.

And he is right. For some reason a very simple hamburger and a small fry makes me happy and silly. I don't know why.

Is there something in your life like that - that makes you happy for no reason? Besides music?

Dirty and Bruised

They were sent home covered in dirt today
and that is how I know they were involved in active play
bruises all over and smiles so big
I love that they got to play and dig

At school they get dirty
But are never in a hurry
So much fun is had
how can that be bad?

Some other mothers amaze me
Or maybe it's me that's crazy
but happy and running and safe as can be
I love that they come home dirty and bruised and smiling at me.

News

Dueling Banjos is live and operational! WOO HOO. Very cool. Thanks Cube :) RSS FEED

******************************************************************************
And this evening as Molly was being carried up to bed after being, well, Molly... I turned to Aubrey and said, "Aubrey Girl, what are we going to do about that Molly". She replied, "Well, maybe she can go live with someone else".

And then Aubrey went outside and I jumped into the hammock and Aubrey wanted to play hide and seek. So I counted, and Aubrey hid and then I said, "are you behind the tree" and she giggled and jumped out and said, "Let's do it again". So without leaving the hammock, I was able to play hide and seek :) YAY ME.

And I really think it is un-American if you don't have a Corona on Cinco de Mayo... don't you?

This Beginning Reading website has some great free worksheets!! We have been enjoying them. Any tips on your side for that kinda thing?

And one more thing... I just ordered this CD that I read about here. Go to the website and listen to the songs!

How Does Your Garden Grow

We spent the day outside! It was beautiful. It started at 7am with the girls and I out weeding and then we ran to Lowes.

Aubrey is taking over "bob's garden" and we planted a big packet of wild flower seeds, some pink impatients and some Mint. She is very excited - here is the "before" picture and I am hoping I will keep up with pictures as it grows in for Aubrey to keep.

We also planted tomatoes and an herb garden. I am excited to see how this comes out! Cherry Tomatoes, Big Boy Tomatoes, Rosemary, Cilantro, Thyme, and Basil.

The Front Door

The Dog

Prom Party

Hey guys, Sunshine is doing her annual prom party and it ROCKS! And of course I want to be voted for something... so head on over and vote for me for Most Likely to Arrive "Fashionably" Late!

And in a related note... my niece has her prom tonight. 1) When did they start happening so early in May and 2) Am I old enough to have a niece going to prom? I don't think so!

No Stepford Children Here

I am so proud. Aubrey IS normal. Until last night I had a little fear that Aubrey might be a stepford child. She is polite, smart, funny, loving, and beautiful. But FINALLY she is a kid!

The last few nights Aubrey has been asking to do homework at bedtime. I kinda laughed it off, put some extra books in her bed and we were done. Last night Aubrey was a little more adament about the homework and I said, OK, "do your homework and then go to bed".

A couple hours later I go upstairs and on the hard wood floors outside of Aubrey's room there was a lovely mural in green crayon. Aubrey's name, the letter M (over and over again), and a lifesize portrait of Aubrey. Right there. On the floor.

Oh, don't forget the one bush on the wall.

And in her room, crashed out is the sweetest little girl.

Next morning, Aubrey comes in and looks at my face and says, "mommy why is your face like that". I said, "Aubrey where do we color?". She says, "oh, I was doing my homework I had to practice my M's.". She proceeded to show me a book cover (one of my hardback books, she took the cover off) and showed me how she practiced her M's, drew a dolphin, and drew a picture of me in my wedding dress from my wedding weekend. I reviewed with her where we color and where we don't color and she helped me clean it up. It all came off the floor easily and we still have a bush on the wall. She was told no TV and no dessert for the day. She kept insisting she was just doing homework. But I think she got it.

So, LA and I implemented real homework for Tues and Thurs nights - tonight Aubrey was given a piece of paper with the letter Z. She had to write her name in the upper right hand corner, write the letter Z twice and she has to take it back to school tomorrow. She very much enjoyed the activity! And hopefully no crayon on the floor when I head upstairs in a few minutes.

AND, this morning Molly decided to say "I love you" clear as a bell this morning. Ahhhhhh.

Can't Not Share

http://crockpot365.blogspot.com/2008/04/crockpot-play-dough-recipe.html

This is the first recipe I have seen that I understand all of the ingredients. I am excited to do this with the girls!



The title of this post reminded me of an Aubrey story...
Aubrey was singing a made up song, "I don't not share, it isn't not fun"
I said... Aubrey that doesn't sound like a nice song.

MY THREE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER says, "I said, I don't NOT share, so that means I do share"
And then I swear she rolled her eyes at me and flipped her hair.

Sum Up May

My To Do list for my lunch hour today includes the following things I need to pick up for the next month:

• 3 Graduation Cards
• 10 Birthday Cards - TEN, not a typo
• 1 get well card
• 1 Anniversary card
• 2 Mother's Day cards
• 3 Kid's birthday gifts
• 3 bigger Kid Birthday gifts
• Mother's Day Gifts

So if you want to know what I am doing any day in May... all summed up in the above.

Update: I spent 71 dollars on CARDS, this is ridiculous! How did that happen??

Help Yourself

On the way home this evening:

Mommy: So, who is going to help me when we get home, Max needs to be let
out.

Aubrey: Molly will help you.

Mommy: Aubrey, why don't you help mommy and let Max out when we get
home.

Aubrey: No, thanks Mommy, you can help yourself.

But what a great evening. Picked up the girls and LA offered me a glass of wine - YES please, and some dinner, YES please, and some lovely catch up time. The girls and I had a casual evening and then came home and let the dog out and then we swung on the hammock until daddy got home! Ahhhh.

Dude, Where's My Life

So on Sunday evening I did 3 blog posts and used the new nifty draft blogger to schedule them. Pretty cool, huh.

In the mean time my job gets more insane every day. I tried and failed to make carmel corn twice - I have now given up. I did go to the gym Monday, and brought my gym bag today but no way I can get there... and does one carrott stick each count as my kids eating vegetables?

Also, I wore a skirt and forgot to shave my legs... do you think anyone will notice?


The weather is nice, so that's good.

Our 5 year wedding anniversary is this weekend. That is very good.

Ladew Gardens

Ladew Gardens had a free weekend, last weekend. My mom came up on Sunday and the girls and I headed over with her. It was a lovely day - until the skies turned dark and the lighting and rain came. The gardens were beautiful and I think we all had a great time.

Some of my favorite pics - days like this that I wish I knew how to use my camera!

Hunt Scene

Topairies
The Great Bowl

Pirate Day

Saturday we headed to Fells Point for the 4th Annual Pirate Festival. We had a fun time - lots of walking. Aubrey got a tattoo... which she was very excited to tell everyone about. We also got our pictures taken with some parrotts. April 2008

This was kind of a full circle moment - a few days after Doug and I got engaged we headed to Vegas for a Jimmy Buffett concert. We got our pictures taken with some parrotts and that picture became our engagement announcement. So you might be seeing the new one next Christmas as our card :)

May 2002

Just Eat Em Up

Seriously, aren't they cute?

Days Like This

Days like this are so few and far between. Spring has hit and she is lovely today, warm air, light breeze, clear skies, not a hint of humidity. She has the world turned happy, everyone is smiling and a little lighter in their step as they walk towards the water, eat their sandwiches and salads on a brick wall. The harbor gleams with diamonds on soft blue waves.

Sometimes the city is amazing - especially when the weather is perfect.

Makes me feel less frazzled and more excited about what this summer will be like - with Aubrey swimming and Molly following.

Molly has really - over night - started putting words together and repeats everything she hears. On the way to school in the morning I hear,
"Look, alpacas" "ook alpaccccaaaas".
"PINK TREES" "ink ees ink ees"
"but why mama" "ut i ama"

Pretty cool :)
and now back to the land of no internet connection... which is where I have been spending my days. BLAH!

Pay It Forward

Post from Anne:

I saw this posted in the Random Acts of Kindness group on Ravelry and decided it would be fun.

The idea is based of the concept of the movie “Pay it Forward” where acts or deeds
of kindness are done without expecting something in return, just passing it on,
with hope that the recipients of the acts of kindness are passed on.

So here’s how it works. I will make and send a knit gift to the first 3 people who
leave a comment to this post on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I
do not know what that gift will be yet, and it won’t be sent this month,
probably not next month, but it will be sent (within 6 months) and that’s a
promise! What YOU have to do in return, then, is pay it forward by making the
same promise on your blog.
I will now Pay It Forward to you THREE, I wonder who you will be?!
And, remember…you have 6 months to get your gifts done!
Come on, you know you would love to be one of my angels. Then, one day, but you
don’t know when….you will get a gift that I have made especially for
YOU!
Please remember, you don’t have to knit or crochet to participate,
anyone who can make a nice handmade gift is welcome to join

I am going to change it up a bit... 'cause I am gangsta that way. If you aren't good at MAKING things, jump in for a service oriented act. But come on, join in the fun :)

**Updated: Becky, ITFL, Kelly you are it :) You should see something soon :)

6 Word Meme

I was tagged by Ali who was tagged by HOT! HOT was tagged by Major Bedhead. So here are the rules. You can see the history of this meme on HOT’s site as well.

Here are the rules:
1) Write your own six word memoir;
2) Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like;
3) Link to the person that tagged you in your post, and to the original post if possible so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere;
4) Tag at least five more blogs with links; and
5) Don’t forget to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play

My memoir:

Dirty Floors, Happy Kids, True Love

It's So Easy

On March 1 I ordered Crocs for the girls from crocs.com. Those crocs were for their Easter Baskets. Aubrey's didn't fit. Then I ordered Crocs for my niece and nephew and went ahead and ordered the right size for Aubrey. And I still have the original ones. So today - because I put this task on my Rememberthemilk.com To Do list- I went to the croc website and in less than a minute I have a return label.

It was that freaking easy... and now I am kicking myself that I didn't do it originally. I put it off and put it off because I just figured it would be a PITA.

Happens a lot, right... you procrastinate something for some made up reason in your head and it is never as bad as you predict it will or could be. Do you do that? Is it just me?

When was the last time you went, DOH, I should have just done that instead of worrying?

Life. Falling. Apart.

I am usually known as the one that has it all together, I never forget a birthday or a big event, I am never late with gifts and cards and I somehow always keep a smile on the public facing side of me. Lately, well..... not. so. much.

My niece and nephew turned 6 on the 8th. While I did order their gift prior to that, it wasn't delivered to our house until AFTER that and now it needs wrapping and shipping. The girls made cards but I still haven't BOUGHT a card.

My brother in law had a birthday on Friday. And not until after leaving their house where HE watched my kids during a Pampered Chef party did it click in my head that it was the 12th and his birthday was the 11th and then I felt so awful I didn't call and apologize. Ugh.

At home, it is 10 times worse. I am completely flakey. My hubby is about to shoot me. And it would probably be well deserved :) Is it the ebb and flow of me? Is there something bigger going on? Is it the stress of a new job? Is it the increased work hours? Is it the freaking media saying we are in a recession or heading there that is making everyone crazy?

I am doing the bare minimum in each part of my life and that just stresses me out. So why unload here and now? Well... Accountability of course.

I need to get back on track!
1) I need to get my phone synced up to my computer and calendar - I have been putting this off but need to just DO IT. So I will install HotSync on my work laptop TODAY
2) I need to get a list started (per hubby) that we can share and both see - rememberthemilk.com looks awesome and I created an account today.
3) I need to get to the freaking gym. So next week - I will go twice. Monday and Friday are good days in terms of meetings for next week so those will be my goal days.
4) I need to let my hubby know how much I appreciate and am aware what he has been dealing with :)

What do you do to "keep it all together"? Does anyone really have it all together? Why does it have to be so hard sometimes?

Nauseous News

I have big news I have been holding on to.

Do you know who?

someone is nauseous
and I love her very much
she's having a baby and is sick a bunch

it's a girl I am hoping
but a boy will work too
come november she will need sleep - could it be you?

there are clues in the comments
of food posts that I had
she wanted food mentioned really bad

and now she wants none
cause she's sick as a drunk clown
with a toddler running all around.

So... any guesses?

Bedroom Ideas

Molly is at the point where we need to get her out of the crib. Aubrey was in a toddler bed at 18 months and I think Molly is ready now (she is 20 months). Currently each of the girls has their own bedroom.

Here are my different thought processes:
1) give Molly Aubrey's adjustable toddler bed and get Aubrey's room a double or queen sized bed so we could have company or just to have another big bed in the house
2) get bunk beds and move Molly into Aubrey's room and create a play room in the smaller bedroom
3) get Aubrey a regular twin bed and give Molly the little bed
OR...

What are your thoughts on sharing bedroms with a sibling? A big bed for Aubrey?

Thanks for any insight :)

Pre-School Process Proves Painful

We have enrolled Aubrey in pre-school, starting in mid-August. This is not as easy as one would have hoped. After months of calls, waiting lists, follow-ups, harrasing various family and friends about their opinions I made a call today and BAM, we visited this afternoon, put down a deposit and are good to go. sigh of relief

Aubrey will go on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays. I was concerned about having to pack her lunch each day - and then they told us about how they offer pizza on Mondays and Fridays so I only need to worry about lunch on Thursdays :) Also, they have a class that is Sept birthday types so Aubrey will be in with her age range rather than only based on the state cut offs... a big relief.

3 vs 7

Which do you think is yuckier... the 3 dead squirrels on the one mile stretch of road we live on OR the 7.2 lbs of ketchup my husband picked up (to clarify the ketchup is in ONE container not multiple)?

Keep in mind that every time I drive on the road I now sing:
Three dead squirrels
Three dead squirrels

See how they're squished
See how they're squished

They ran around and now they're dead
Getting frisky didn't pay in the end

Three dead squirrels
Three dead squirrels

On our stretch of road
On our stretch of road

The cars don't stop and they don't slow down
and now these squirrels are upside down

Three dead squirrels... and it goes ON and ON and ON.

It's 8:17 am, do you know where your kids are?

'cause mine were in bed sleeping.

A new era has approached this family.

An era where children sleep past 6:45.

An era where sleeping in can be said without a manical laugh and bags under all eyes.

An era where, by god, the coffee might be COLD because we didn't make it downstairs in time.

I am poised to live in this era, to be one with this era, and I hope the rest of my family embraces this new time upon us. There might be challenges and there might be hills we will need to climb but we are strong and we are loving and I BELIEVE we can do it.

Hairdryer Pictures

This morning was exciting for 2 such simple reasons. For the past 5 months I have been held hostage and not able to use my hair dryer around Molly because she. freaks. out. She would freak out at any very loud noise -vacuum, tractor, hair dryer, it goes on. She has also, for the past 3 -5 months NOT enjoyed getting her picture taken. Who could forget this?

Well, today I showered, gave the girls baths, blew dry my hair while they were around and took the girls for a portrait session and Molly HAMMED. IT. UP. It was fun, easy, delightful and lovely.

At some point I will try to upload some shots, cause I bought plenty :)

Bullet List Mania

I know you have missed my trip to the randomness that can be my bullet lists.

• I owe a couple of memes/posts, I have not forgotten!
• I started this post 3 hours ago. This is my life right now.
• I need to get back to the gym. I have been 2 or 3 times since January and it is effecting my mood, energy level, etc.
• I freaking love spring. I mean like it is a life changing thing for me each year seeing the Daffadils and Forsythia. Like yellow hope springing forth from the ground.
• I love spring because it reminds me of my best day ever. I was married in the spring and on our first wedding anniversary (I was preggers) we had the best day ever. My hubby got me 60 parrott tulip bulbs - the flower from my wedding - and then planted them that fall so every spring I see the flowers I carried at my wedding - the best gift ever.
• I get teary when I think about that and I remember how much I am loved.
• I am going to the gym today with a co-worker - the only other woman - we are hitting a yoga class. That should be fun.
• I am starting to enjoy my job. A LOT.
• Laundry has taken over my house and my husband has cooked all week. I am a bad housewife.
• I have a pair of shoes in at least half the rooms in my house.
• My daughters GREW so much in Florida none of their winter pants hit their ankles. How does that happen???
• I am not a good friend. Someone calls to vent and get a shoulder and I monopolize the entire conversation with my weirdness. How do I stop that?
• Aubrey asks me each night and each morning, "when is our next trip cation"
• I miss my blog. Actually I miss emails in my inbox from comments on my blog.
• I need to understand HOW working women, with kids, get to the gym during the week. Seriously - PLEASE tell me when you go and how that fits into your families lives.
• I was in a meeting from 1-7 last night without a bathroom break. It was kinda funny. And weird. And interesting. I don't think I need to mention I was the only woman? So at 7 when I stood up and said, "is this a test of endurance" they guys had NO idea what I meant! Dudes, I need to pee.
• At 5:30 I asked if we could institute a corporate policy that beer is required at meetings past 5:30 and they looked at me like I had 7 heads. They think I am weird but I think you all know that it must be them.

And that concludes my stream of consciousness.

Did and Did Not

Things I did NOT do on vacation:

• carry a phone - this is CRAZY! for me anyway
• read email
• check blogs
• blog
• read the news
• check the weather
• worry about not carrying a phone
• worry about email
• worry about the news
• worry about weather
• worry about work - again CRAZY! and wonderful
• put any kids in time out - I had to threaten maybe once...

Things I DID do on vacation:

• Realize what a good mom I am
• enjoy the beach and pool
• enjoy my family
• realize what an independent person Molly really wants to be
• and that she can't be trusted by the edge of a pool for 1 second
• or she will jump to the nearest person or no person off the edge of the big pool while I am readjusting Aubrey's goggles or inner tube
• listen to Molly yell at me when I tried to touch her in the pool and LAUGH and smile and engage everyone she met
• realize how brave, polite, and fun Aubrey is
• even if she walks up to random people and asks to use their pool toys/regular toys/towels/food... repeatedly.
• ride in a limo - HAPPY ALMOST 50th Wedding Anniversary!
• have an unbelievable massage
• sit in the space between the sink and the vanity in the hotel room each night so the kids couldn't see me so they would fall asleep... I read an entire novel while doing that.
• enjoy my husband
• drink a pail of mango margaritas and some glow in the dark drink (with something called hypntq) and a fruity chocolaty martini thing, twice.
• enjoy a breakfast buffet every morning... that's a lot of yummy eggs
• watch Aubrey swim in the Gulf of Mexico with her head under water and everything (video to come of that I think)
• enjoy a wonderful vacation with my family and RELAX

Palm Sunday Celebration (aka Easter 1)

What? So I am a few weeks late... just getting photos uploaded now :)

Me and my girls!
My Girls! Molly is always doing what her sister does! Or trying.
Molly and Grandy!
Molly L.O.V.E.S her Granddad!
Aubrey in motion.

Oh So Good

I have been lost in a haze of beach, pool, sand, fun, family, and alcohol.

We head home tomorrow! We have had an unbelievably fantastic trip. The girls couldn't have been better, the weather couldn't have been better, the resort couldn't have been better... seriously, ridiculously fun and 'easy' and great.

I have over 100 unread google reader posts and over 200 unread emails... and I haven't even looked at work :) I have been completely disconnected and really loving it :)

See ya tomorrow :)

Oh and I have a wicked good tan :) And I had a wicked good massage and sea salt glow treatment. And lots of margaritas... delivered to our cabana by the Gulf... a lot.

Packing and Laundry and Easter Oh My

A: "Mommy is it stay at home day"
M: "Yes it is!"
A: "Then is it Easter and Florida and Anna and Caleb"
M: "Yes!"
A: "Is it Easter today?"
M: "Nope, but tomorrow it is"
A: "I so scited"

Repeat 700 times over the past 2 weeks.

So today I will be packing and doing laundry to get everyone ready for our trip on Monday! We are very excited. And nervous about how we are going to roll our entire house into a bag and check that on the plane. Temperates all week are supposed to be 78/62 for highs and lows... I can deal with that.

And I hope the Easter bunny can make sure to get everything setup for the big day.

It's #$%@ing Snowing

Seriously... it is Spring and big fat freaky flakes are falling.

Convos with Aubrey

Last night while snuggling you would have heard this:
Aubrey: Mom, will Jesus come for Easter.
Mommy: Yes.
Aubrey: But I thought it was the Easter Bunny that comes.
Mommy: Well, yes the Easter Bunny does come to help celebrate, but the important thing about Easter is that Jesus Lives.
Aubrey: Jesus dieds on the cross with his legs and his crown has pricklies that choke him and the men with the dice are NOT NICE and are you going to die?
Mommy: (trying to keep up and make sure Aubrey takes a breath) Um, yes I will die one day. But the important thing about Easter is that Jesus Lives
Aubrey: (starts singing Jesus Lives then stops) Mommy, will you die and go to heaven and I can't see you anymore?
Mommy: Who told you about that?
Aubrey: Nanny and Grandy
Mommy: Well, you don't need to worry about that right now.
Aubrey: Well, if you die in heaven then you can come back alive like Jesus did but will you ride a donkey?
At this point I grab Aubrey and kiss her all over and we go back to princess discussions cause I couldn't keep going with this...

And on another note:
For the last 3.5 years our house has been held hostage by no less than 5 baby gates in our house - up and active. For the past 18 months that has been 7. Right now? ONE. And that one is for Max and is only closed during the day. It is AMAZING! I had forgotten how nice and spacious are doorways actually were. It is like a whole new world.

Daycare is closed today so my sister and my Nana are headed up to the house to watch the girls with Arley. I am sure they will have fun :)

Day 7

Ahhhhhh, I left work at a decent hour, I had a crock pot meal waiting, the house was clean (Thank you Hubby and Maid Brigade), and the girls had a great bath and bed time routine... I feel more centered and less overwhelmed. I have a big day at work tomorrow and I am actually excited about a meeting I am leading with the client.

I feel less like this:

And more like this:

Hello, My Name Is Emily, You Are?

There are some interesting blogs I have subscribed to in my Google Reader and my OLDEST friend is my NEWST blog buddy! SO off to the links we go...

• Erin and I went to High School together in Texas. What was that, 5 years ago? She has 3 boys, is a Navy mom and just moved to her current state of residence... after literally escaping the fires in San Diego last fall...
• There is a woman who is deciated not only to blogging 365 days a year but to blogging about a recipe from a crock pot that she is using 365 days this year! Very interesting!
• This lady, Suburban Turmoil lives in Tennesse, has 2 young ones and 2 teenage step daughters. I find her to be very though provoking and entertaining. She also blogs at Parents.com and has links to those articles.
• Don Mills Diva has a young son and again is entertaining and interesting!

Regular Places I comment or am commented by:

• Lydia and Jessica - college roommates
• Kelly, Jen, Ali, and Anne - all have 3 years born within a month and met on BabyCenter.
• Becky - friends with Kelly and Jen
• That's Life 2.0 - who I found through The Caffeinated Librarian who I found through Blogs of Note.
• Sunshine who you should know from all the BLING on my side nav :)
• Amy has 2 little girls and a great review website I keep up with.
• Cube - a former co-worker and brilliant artist/web designer/art director. We are working on THIS together.

If I unintentionally did not link to you, comment and I will fix it :)

Baby Shower!

My cousin Cindy is having a little boy in May. We had a "surprise" shower for her, Saturday, at my moms house. Children were not invited BUT I was able to swing an invitation for Aubrey and told her that we had a special invitation - That there was a party for only big girls, and she and I were going and had to dress up. I asked her if she wanted to go with me. You should have SEEN her face. She bottled up her jumping up and down, her eyes bugging, she said VERY seriously, "Yes, Yes I do".

Mommy and Aubrey
Just Gorgeous!
THE cake Lori-Anne made
Cindy, Aubrey, and Kyle!
Aubre was a BIG help!

Achoo Syndrome

Finally the name of something that matches what it is - even in the most "medical" of lingos.

Seriously, I was reading Parenting Magazine last night and they talked about the Achoo syndrome, and sure enough... Some people have this reflex where they look at the sun and sneeze. And it is hereditary! Who knew?

Anyway, I have it and if my kids have to "catch" something from me let's hope it is THAT and not say my other 277 syndromes. Most that probobaly require some sort of anti-psycotic medication or a great husband.

Anywho... hi. It's Friday.

I have realized that just because I have a great reading list in Google Reader doesn't necessarily mean that you guys are reading the same stuff... although you totally should be. SO... I will be working on a nice new list of Linky-Doos.

Oh, Molly? She's fine. You know except for the whole, "I don't want to wear pants" thing. She's great. You know the, force the kid to the ground, sit on her while she screams while you try to put pants on her thing. Yeah, that's fun. Good times, people. Makes my mornings special. I love that BOTH my girls have very distinct requirements related to what they wear. And the BEST part? Molly can get her pants off. And then strip her diaper off when she is in her crib. Yup. That's the best part.

5 Things I Know

1. I am loved.
2. I am loved so much that my husband knows he can call me out on a bad attitude and basically remind me to give something a chance or change it.
3. I love the city. I used to live in the city and I really do love the city. I am eating a "combo" lunch from a Japanese place - California Rolls and Shrimp Tempura with salad, rice, soup for 8 bucks.
4. The crocus in our yard are finally blooming which really does mean that Spring is coming!
5. All you can do is laugh when you are on the phone with your husband, stuck in traffic, and you hear him scream, "Aubrey get off your sister, quit jumping on your sister. Give me that Pencil. That is NOT OK" as the phone hangs up.

Public Thank You

While I have a lot of support and love and family and friends that help us out - all the time - lately my husband is the Most Valuable Player in this house. Not only did he handle my trip to Florida flawlessly, but this week he is Super Man. I have been working VERY late compared to my work schedule the last 3 years.

MVP has picked the girls up, cooked GREAT HEALTHY DINNERS, each night, cleaned up the kitchen, had tons of fun with the girls, and helped with bedtime routines and been around in the mornings to make breakfast and just be PERFECT.

So honey, thank you. I love you and I appreciate all the support and love you provide for me and the girls. Thanks for making this household run perfectly! Thank you for making sure I am not feeling too guilty about it all :)

I love you,
Wife

My First Day Was

... Long
... Fun
... Exciting
...Challening
...Trial by fire
...Interesting
...Crazy
...Seriously crazy
... Did I mention crazy?

Started at 9:30 ended at 6:15. This week I have a meeting every night from 5-6 with the owner who is also the Architect on the project I am assigned to. The project that started 2 months ago and is a 3 year project. The project where I have a huge deliverable on April 1. The project that hasn't had an analyst on it but all the analyst deliverables are now on me with original dates. Yeah, that project.

So I spent the day in meetings. And it really was good (and lunch at Bahama Breeze!). But I am defintely hitting the ground running. And I don't love the 5-6 meeting every night but witht he time change at least Molly is staying up later!

Waiting?!

Isn't getting a new job like having a baby... 'cause I have been waiting all day for someone to bring over a casserole, wine, and flowers for me. To do the laundry, to entertain the children, especially my husband.

No?!? Well... that sucks...

Taxes and Time Change

I hope you all remembered to turn forward your clocks! Spring Forward is here... way freaking early!

Did you know that the change to the earlier March and later November was for Energy Saving reasons?

One of the biggest reasons we change our clocks to Daylight Saving Time
(DST) is that it saves energy. Energy use and the demand for electricity for
lighting our homes is directly connected to when we go to bed and when we get
up. Bedtime for most of us is late evening through the year. When we go to bed,
we turn off the lights and TV.
In the average home, 25 percent of all the electricity we use is for lighting and small appliances, such as TVs, VCRs and stereos. A good percentage of energy consumed by lighting and appliances occurs in the evening when families are home. By moving the clock ahead one hour, we can cut the amount of electricity we consume each day.

Also, I have been doing some research on the Economic Stimulus Package stuff.

Nutshell:
1) If you file taxes for 2007 you will be getting a check in May.
2) But for how much you say? If married, 2 kids, and combined AGI is less than 150,000 you will get 1800 bucks!
3) If your AGI is more than 150 it is a complicated combination of math and logic spelled out nicely here:

Phase Out: The stimulus payment –– both the basic component and the
additional funds for qualifying children –– begins to phase out for individuals
with adjusted gross incomes (AGI) over $75,000 and married couples who file a
joint return with AGI over $150,000. The combined payment is reduced by 5
percent of the income above the AGI thresholds.

Here are two examples of how the phase out works:

An individual with AGI of $80,000 and federal income tax liability in excess of $600 would qualify for a basic rebate of $600. Because this individual’s AGI exceeds $75,000, however, her rebate is reduced by $250 (the credit is reduced by multiplying the amount of AGI over $75,000 by 5%). The taxpayer receives an economic stimulus payment of $350.

A married couple with two children, AGI of $160,000 and federal income tax liability before the child tax credit exceeding $1,200 qualifies for a basic rebate of $1,200 and an additional qualifying child credit of $600 for a total rebate of $1,800. But
because the couple’s AGI exceeds $150,000, their rebate is reduced by $500 (the
amount of AGI over $150,000 multiplied by 5%). The couple receives an economic
stimulus payment of $1,300.

Maybe Just A Little Bit

So earlier this week I read this and was kinda chuckling. My mom warned me, when both of my kids were babies, that the "poo" stage was coming and was normal... and that probably I would go in from nap one day and my child would be painting on the walls with her own poo. But it never happened. Nope. Never.

I have been so blessed... until now.

Tonight, I took the girls up for a bath. Aubrey is stripping, Molly is being stripped. I am making sure the tub is the right temperature. Aubrey sits on the potty, Molly is going through the bath toys on the floor, picking out what she wants.

I smell something. Don't think a thing of it... Aubrey is sitting on the potty. I ask her if she is pooping, she says, "nope, I did that down stairs I just have pee pee". OK, I think... someone must have tooted.

Until I see the big load that Molly has left at my feet. And is stepping in. And reaching down to grab.

Aubrey sees this and throws up. At her feet. While sitting on the potty.

I am standing there, and I can't move. I don't know what to do and in the freeze or flight moment. I freeze.

Molly has the poo in her hand and on her feet and is making squishy toes in it.

Aubrey is continuing to gag.

Molly grabs my pants leg, with her poo filled hand and she steps on my foot with her poo covered feet.

I yell, "DOUG WE COULD USE YOUR HELP".

I bend down and toss Molly in the tub, empty the water and let her play while I try to clean up the floor, get the poo off my shoes and strip my pants off, and wipe up the puke. Aubrey is asking me why Molly gets a bath and she doesn't. 'Molly is covered in poo you don't want to go in there.' Aubrey throws up again...

I yell, "DOUG WE COULD USE YOUR HELP".

I get out the Method bath cleaner wipes, I put the poo stuff in a pile. I ask Aubrey to "just stay where you are". I frantically try to keep Molly's hands OUT. OF. HER. MOUTH.

I yell, "DOUG I CAN SERIOUSLY USE SOME FREAKING HELP".

He comes up and just looks at me, he grabs Aubrey and puts her in her room. Then he says, "how did that happen". Um, I don't know. Seriously, I have no idea.

Doug went back down to his dinner. I clean the poo off Molly. I clean the floor. I get Molly out of the tub, I clean the tub. I fill the tub back up, put Molly in. Get Aubrey undressed - she had put her PJ's on while in her room. I get her in the tub.

We have a nice bath time.

All I can think is... God is laughing, maybe just a little bit, at my "ha ha I am so lucky" attitude.

Thank you, I got it. Lesson Learned.

PS Lest you think my hubby wasn't helpful. He is and was. Last night I went to happy hour, today I went shopping with my mom and sister for 4.5 hours and he baked pumpkin bread, made home made strawberry ice cream, made a steak pasta salad for lunch, made a big dinner, and made strawberry daiquiris. He likes the kitchen. But he loves me!

So Sore

I had a "free" personal training session yesterday morning offered to me and I took it. And I am paying a very high price for this "free" session... like I can't move my arms or lift anything or cough or yawn or sneeze or walk or pee kinda price.

Everything hurts. Everything. hurts. a. lot.

But I had a great time last night, not too much craziness, good turnout, and home by 8!

Going to go crawl over to the coffee pot and use my brain to some how lift the pot of coffee to pour it - or maybe my feet? Hmmmm.

Reinvention Convention

So many emotions, so many thoughts
Bundling it up into paragraphs
Is overwhelming

F you I am outta here
Sad to go but so conflicted
Just some of what I am feeling

Happy hour can't come soon enough
Margaritas await with friends I will miss
Counting the hours ‘til that bliss

But I will miss this
Pumping in the closet
Pregnant with molly

3 years and so many memories
Some I like; some I don't
What can I change

Monday morning brings chance for reinvention
Who am I and who do I want to be
Not the bitch not the instigator

New environment
New challenges
New opportunities

Am I worth it
Am I smart enough
Did I make the right decision?

Too late now
Decisions are made
Actions are taken

Time has come
Saying good bye is hard
I will miss this

But I won’t miss all of it
And I am excited for what awaits

So reinvention is my path
And I choose to take it now.

Not. Gonna. Do. It.

So, I have been TRYING to watch American Idol. But every Tuesday night when this one contestant starts I turn it off and am done. So I am just not gonna try anymore.

And really? Nothing else going on here. I wish there were. Which leads me to Ems List O Randomness

1. I bought they most wonderful dress yesterday. I love it. I love it. I love it. Did I mention I love it?
2. 2.5 days to go and work is having a happy hour Friday Night at Holy Frijoles in Hampden which should be wicked fun :) I may actually throw back a few... or 12. This week calls for it.
3. My kids rock. Seriously. I am so freaking lucky to have the family that I have.
4. Hubby cooked dinner last night. Using one thing - the FRYOLATER. Ahhh, healthy chicken fingers and onion rings. And of course home made chocolate chip cookes. Well, I guess he didn't use the fryolater for the cookies but that wasn't dinner...
5. I have already hit the gym twice this week.
6. I have started my search for pre-schools for Aubrey for next year. Fun times - NOT
7. I have started my Florida pack list - I am very excited for that trip!
8. I have a coupon that COACH sent me... and I am going shopping with my mom this weekend. YAY!
9. The dress I bought, unintentionally is the same colors as the dresses I got for the girls for Easter. We will be so cute. And I am having photos done on the 16th so maybe I will jump in a picture too :)
10. The Sears has turned their first floor into a Lands End store so I got a bathing suit for Florida - dude, why do I have to buy a swim suit 2 sizes bigger than I wear in "normal" clothes? But Lands End is the BEST for suits! Seriously.

Also, I have been saving money for months to buy some cute spring clothes :) Just so you know...

Anyhoo... Happy Hump Day.

60 Degrees of Hope

A hint of spring
a crocus peaks
the birds begin to chirp

The sun is warm
a swing is swung
the kids begin to play

The temps are up
the sleeves are short
60 degrees of hope

We have had 2 days of warm days and it is the most amazing lift in spirits, in hope, in energy. Spring can not come soon enough! Thank you mother nature for this gift, this hint that there is an end to the "dreary".

Aubreyella

I have so many things I want to say about this... but as mostly moms read this... I don't think I need to say a thing.

So shockingly, I will shut up and hit Publish.

Weekend Rewind

Stop. Collaborate and Listen. Em is back with a brand new edition...

So large change in plans over the weekend

1. I didn't not go to painting party due to a number of intervening factors
2. but I did go to the gym Friday night. Awesome.
3. Family time saturday,
4. Doug and I went out Saturday night - Bahama Breeze
5. Uncle Roy watched the kids
6. and they had Chicken and Waffles for dinner
7. and the Best Time Ever
8. Sunday morning we went to the gym
9. Family over Sunday night - GREAT time!

All in all a wonderful weekend... and only 4.5 days left in this office... WOW, kinda freaking out about that.