Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Day is done, say goodnight
It must have been wild and crazy kid day today. Now if we had indulged in Baskin Robbins' 31 cent scoop day special I might have chalked up the naughty behavior to the extra sugar. But we didn't have that special treat today. (Too cold for ice cream anyway!) Or any other special treats for that matter...though I was willing to oblige for the right behavior. We did get to go visit or friends and drive around in the Bug (maybe I should trade the minivan in...!!!) But other than those bits of fun, it was not a pretty sight. Maybe we are all just tired and ready for Daddy to return home. All I know is my day was filled with one meltdown after another. Needless to say we cannot wait for tomorrow and since we are all so tired it'll be here before we know it.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Last day of MOPS
Today was our last day of MOPS for this session. I have really enjoyed it this year and I am looking forward to next year, especially since I will not be in a big leadership role in that group so I can sit back and enjoy. But it felt like a last day of school of sorts with all the flurry and excitement of the distribution of thank you gifts, farewells to those who are moving, well wishes for those who will have babies before the new session begins, etc.
The best part was when the MOPPETS put on a little show for us. I think I have mentioned that part of the kids' time together is spent singing songs in the church's sanctuary. Well today we go to see all the mayhem. It was darn cute but it was a little chaotic. God bless those teachers. Seriously.
I am a little concerned about the ballet recital based on Madelyn's "performance" today. She did not exactly follow the group but she was pretty excited to dance with her friends, especially Caroline, who she looks up to very much. But that is part of the adorable factor is to see the real little ones do whatever they are going to do on the stage.
So after MOPS we went for a fun lunch at of course, CFA (Chick-fil-a). It was going fine until we hit the wall and fell into complete meltdowns. It was going to be one of those drag-them-out-the-door-screaming(them)/smiling(me) days. Lucky enough my friends could help with damage control as we made a speedy exit. (If we could not be silent we might as well be speedy.)
Kids loaded in the car. We're outta here.
Nope. Click, click, click...... The car won't start. You are kidding right?
For whatever reason I am calm as a clam...cool as a cucumber? Whatever. Luckily I still have friends at CFA who help me find someone to jump start the car. Oh how very odd. Our car is not very old (2004) and recently had a check up. Of course it is when Kevin is out of town. We get the car started and as I drive off I am debating, take the car in right now and get it fixed asap or get home for naps and try to make a plan to get the car in. I choose the naps. I'd rather have no car than tired, cranky kids. So all of nap time I spent figuring the logistics. Our neighbors get major gold stars as they truly saved the day. Amy (took off early from work!) and watched the girls while Pat jump started the car again and followed me over to the service center. They have no idea what is wrong but we'll know more tomorrow. Sadly we missed ballet but what can you do?
My parents came by after work which was great. We had a yummy pizza dinner and I could race around getting some of the things done that would have been done during the nap time. Plus I think the kids enjoy the variety. Mommy clearly gets a little boring after a while.
Nana is loaning us her car tomorrow so I am so excited to tool around in The Bug! I hope we fit. It will be quite a difference from the minivan that still feels too big to me.
So what a day it has been. What a week and month it has been really. Hopefully May will be a little more low key. I guess there is still one more day of April....I better hold my breathe.
The best part was when the MOPPETS put on a little show for us. I think I have mentioned that part of the kids' time together is spent singing songs in the church's sanctuary. Well today we go to see all the mayhem. It was darn cute but it was a little chaotic. God bless those teachers. Seriously.
I am a little concerned about the ballet recital based on Madelyn's "performance" today. She did not exactly follow the group but she was pretty excited to dance with her friends, especially Caroline, who she looks up to very much. But that is part of the adorable factor is to see the real little ones do whatever they are going to do on the stage.
So after MOPS we went for a fun lunch at of course, CFA (Chick-fil-a). It was going fine until we hit the wall and fell into complete meltdowns. It was going to be one of those drag-them-out-the-door-screaming(them)/smiling(me) days. Lucky enough my friends could help with damage control as we made a speedy exit. (If we could not be silent we might as well be speedy.)
Kids loaded in the car. We're outta here.
Nope. Click, click, click...... The car won't start. You are kidding right?
For whatever reason I am calm as a clam...cool as a cucumber? Whatever. Luckily I still have friends at CFA who help me find someone to jump start the car. Oh how very odd. Our car is not very old (2004) and recently had a check up. Of course it is when Kevin is out of town. We get the car started and as I drive off I am debating, take the car in right now and get it fixed asap or get home for naps and try to make a plan to get the car in. I choose the naps. I'd rather have no car than tired, cranky kids. So all of nap time I spent figuring the logistics. Our neighbors get major gold stars as they truly saved the day. Amy (took off early from work!) and watched the girls while Pat jump started the car again and followed me over to the service center. They have no idea what is wrong but we'll know more tomorrow. Sadly we missed ballet but what can you do?
My parents came by after work which was great. We had a yummy pizza dinner and I could race around getting some of the things done that would have been done during the nap time. Plus I think the kids enjoy the variety. Mommy clearly gets a little boring after a while.
Nana is loaning us her car tomorrow so I am so excited to tool around in The Bug! I hope we fit. It will be quite a difference from the minivan that still feels too big to me.
So what a day it has been. What a week and month it has been really. Hopefully May will be a little more low key. I guess there is still one more day of April....I better hold my breathe.
April 28, 2008
Yesterday was the kind of day that you just don't want to leave the house. So we hardly did. We had some friends over to check out the new room and that was fun. The basement is some sight to be seen. Since we moved the toys that were in the upstairs down there now all the toys are in the basement. So it either looks like either an overpopulated toy store or an overzealous day care center. The key word being over. We must get rid of some things. A purge to come. But for now the children are enjoying the glut of toys. So while I wanted to (and needed to) go to the gym, it was so nice to just have a day to relax at home.
All hands on deck
We had a very nice weekend with Glamma and Grandpa. One of the highlights was a visit to Annapolis on Saturday. It started off as a lovely day. While we were there it was almost a little too hot, if I am being honest, in Maryland's capital city.
We took a 40-minute boat ride which in theory was a very fun idea. This only lasted so long:
And by this I mean sitting in a seat. In the photo the boat had not even sounded it's horns and departed from the dock. Me, the non-relaxed, filled with worry mom, was having visions of little girls running right off the deck. I took the edge off my indulging in a "Yummy Rummy" which was one of the boats featured drinks. I forgot how much fun it was to drink in the afternoon..... Thankfully we had many hands on deck so everyone did more than their fair share of chasing. Best yet, no one went overboard.
Kevin and I went out for yet another anniversary celebration on Saturday night. How delightful! We remembered what we used to do before we had children.....we shopped, walked around and ate a late dinner out. We had a 9:30 p.m. reservation (!, my goodness I cannot remember the last time I had dinner at 9:30, I am usually in my pjs by then.) Having that time together made it not be so hard when he was off to Las Vegas early on Monday, our actual anniversary. But I guess now it is official, 7 years of wedded bliss.
We took a 40-minute boat ride which in theory was a very fun idea. This only lasted so long:
And by this I mean sitting in a seat. In the photo the boat had not even sounded it's horns and departed from the dock. Me, the non-relaxed, filled with worry mom, was having visions of little girls running right off the deck. I took the edge off my indulging in a "Yummy Rummy" which was one of the boats featured drinks. I forgot how much fun it was to drink in the afternoon..... Thankfully we had many hands on deck so everyone did more than their fair share of chasing. Best yet, no one went overboard.
Kevin and I went out for yet another anniversary celebration on Saturday night. How delightful! We remembered what we used to do before we had children.....we shopped, walked around and ate a late dinner out. We had a 9:30 p.m. reservation (!, my goodness I cannot remember the last time I had dinner at 9:30, I am usually in my pjs by then.) Having that time together made it not be so hard when he was off to Las Vegas early on Monday, our actual anniversary. But I guess now it is official, 7 years of wedded bliss.
Redesign verdict
I love our new room! I am not sure if I can even post photos. They just cannot do it justice. It looks absolutely amazing! I could not love it more. I just love to sit in there. The color, the redesigning (who knew I already had some cute and stylish things!), the new additions they purchased....love it all. Seriously it looks like something out of a magazine. I am inviting everyone I see over to see it. In fact, I am thinking of have a "room warming" party. I will post more pics but here is a sneak preview. I have more photos but they were taken before the curtains were hung and the curtains are one of my favorite elements. So stay tuned for more........
Blog vacation
The past few days the blog has felt like writing a term paper. There has been so much to say. Too much really so it all seemed overwhelming, add in a little fatigue and the computer got turned off with nary a blog entry. But just like I did in college (or when writing a big story) I am just going to begin and I bet it will flow from there. I will try to go from the past (the weekend) to present time (our crazy day today!) Hopefully I won't miss too many details.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Redesign day is here
My eyes are bleary as I write this. What a weak it has been! I am very proud to say we finished the painting of our back room. In a way I cannot believe it. I mean I knew it would get done (because it had to) but I had not really taken consideration how hard it would be. I kind of neglected to remember that everything else needed to get done also, including a super cleaning of the house because I want it to look nice for the redesign team who will be going through the house but also Glamma and Grandpa who are coming to visit this weekend. Plus the "new dinner each night" challenge (believe me, the end of the month is the toughest as I am out of all my tried and trues...) I am kind of tired actually. But I think the room looks great and I am very excited to see what they will do with the furniture today. The team should be here in a few hours.
The girls have been real troopers this week. Thank you for taking good naps. Thank you for going to be relatively early. They were cracking me up when they saw the room in its various stages of painting. I think they like the color. Abby would point and say, "bupp, bupp, caaa" Which I think that is a favorable review. Madelyn said, "oh, it's green." But she liked it.
The girls have been real troopers this week. Thank you for taking good naps. Thank you for going to be relatively early. They were cracking me up when they saw the room in its various stages of painting. I think they like the color. Abby would point and say, "bupp, bupp, caaa" Which I think that is a favorable review. Madelyn said, "oh, it's green." But she liked it.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Redesign in progress
Our very own room makeover is underway and I am nervous and excited. Check this out: my friend Kim's sister, April, is starting a her own business, AFP Interiors, redesign, staging and decorating. It is so cool! She is taking a class that needed a few rooms to redesign during the class. Sure, I thought. Who can beat free advice? Especially for something that I really do not have much of an eye for. They were looking for people who were willing to paint their rooms also. What the heck, I thought....just like Trading Spaces or the like right here in my own home. So I sent her some photos of our family room...and we got picked!
Soooo. The team (four "students" and an instructor) came by this afternoon to help select a color. I gave them some general suggestions of what I liked in color and they called me a bit later and gave me the assignment.
SW6186 it is, Dried Thyme. I am so nervous. Nervous about the color and how it will change the room (it is currently a very neutral beige-ish) and if we can really get it all painted by Friday morning! They will come Friday a.m. and start the redesign. From what I understand they will "shop" around our house for items, rearrange things and add some new items. So by Friday afternoon we should have a whole new room. I definitely intend to post before and after photos. I am excited! (And still a little nervous too!)
Excuse me if I am not around much in the coming days.
Now on to that painting.....
Soooo. The team (four "students" and an instructor) came by this afternoon to help select a color. I gave them some general suggestions of what I liked in color and they called me a bit later and gave me the assignment.
SW6186 it is, Dried Thyme. I am so nervous. Nervous about the color and how it will change the room (it is currently a very neutral beige-ish) and if we can really get it all painted by Friday morning! They will come Friday a.m. and start the redesign. From what I understand they will "shop" around our house for items, rearrange things and add some new items. So by Friday afternoon we should have a whole new room. I definitely intend to post before and after photos. I am excited! (And still a little nervous too!)
Excuse me if I am not around much in the coming days.
Now on to that painting.....
Abbyisms
There are so many funny things Abigail does these days that I feel I need to write (type) a couple down before I forget.
1. Her pacifier is her favorite comfort object. She still takes it for naps and bedtime...and okay, I'll shamefully admit it, occasionally when I leave her at MOPS or the gym (though when I pick her up she no longer has it.) So with such lovey objects kids often develop a special name. For a pacifier you might go with paci, binky, etc. Not her. I am not sure exactly where she gets it but she calls it, "cuck." It darn right almost sounds obscene. I have no idea where she got it from. You can look her in the face with one in hand and say, "PACI" and she will say, "cuck!"
2. In the hopes that some day the girls will actually do some chores around the house (I cannot even imagine the day!) we are starting with some small things. Emptying the dishwasher is a fan favorite. Abby has just started joining Madelyn in "helping to clear the table" after a meal. It is a messy process but we applaud the effort. If you ask her to bring her plate to the kitchen, she obliges, but takes it to the sink of the play kitchen.
1. Her pacifier is her favorite comfort object. She still takes it for naps and bedtime...and okay, I'll shamefully admit it, occasionally when I leave her at MOPS or the gym (though when I pick her up she no longer has it.) So with such lovey objects kids often develop a special name. For a pacifier you might go with paci, binky, etc. Not her. I am not sure exactly where she gets it but she calls it, "cuck." It darn right almost sounds obscene. I have no idea where she got it from. You can look her in the face with one in hand and say, "PACI" and she will say, "cuck!"
2. In the hopes that some day the girls will actually do some chores around the house (I cannot even imagine the day!) we are starting with some small things. Emptying the dishwasher is a fan favorite. Abby has just started joining Madelyn in "helping to clear the table" after a meal. It is a messy process but we applaud the effort. If you ask her to bring her plate to the kitchen, she obliges, but takes it to the sink of the play kitchen.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Trade a snowman for a heart
Have I mentioned I just love our gym? The kids, thankfully, are pretty happy with it also. One of the fun features in the kids area is face painting. Madelyn's never really been into it and that is fine. Well today for some reason she wanted me to fill out the permission form so she could participate. Ok, cool. When I pick her up she has a pretty red heart on her cheek. As we walk to the car I am asking her about her face painting and she says, "I wanted a snowman but the girl said 'no'." I am cracking up because the only time she has ever had any face painting is at the Breakfast with Santa in Chicago last Christmas....when she got a snowman. I am glad to see she is branching out a bit with the heart.
Rainy days and Mondays....
If this day would have ended at lunchtime it would have been in the "W" category. But it was all downhill after that for some reason. Bad karma? Grrrr. I think I have cooled off now (after a bit of ice cream. Is that really the answer?) It was just the little things. Like the two errands I had to run twice.
Errand 1. I went to the library to return the CD booklet of the CD and CD case that we had already returned (oops!) I thought for sure it was in the car. So I load the children in the car and search around. Not there. Go inside and hunt. Not there. Forget it! I half think, who cares, maybe I should just pay the fine and move on. Now this is a pattern with us....library materials are great for the budget but not when you can't keep track of the due dates and materials themselves. This really annoys me. But it is a treat for Madelyn to go to the library and get new books, CDs and movies so I have got to set up a better system. The silver lining of errand 1, take 1: we saw our buddies Caroline and Kate (and two other MOMS club friends on a whim) and the girls had a nice little playtime.
Errand 2. Then on to the Fed Ex place to pick up the must-be-signed-for item I purchased for Kevin for our anniversary. Because of course we will not be home tomorrow morning to receive it. Oh well. Big adventure, I tell the girls (though I am careful not to tell them what the surprise is or it will not be a surprise for long.) I lug them inside. Wait for what seems like an extended period (why do I always get behind the trouble cases everywhere I go?) Finally we get to the front of the line and the lady asks for my ID. Dig through my wallet. Start to panic. Remember in my ditzoid-tranquility state on Saturday that I forgot my gym card so I used my ID. I bet it is in my gym bag. Great. So now am I not only driving around without a license all day but I actually need it. Grrr. Grrrrrr. Grrrrrrrrr. (Though I am thinking worse in my head!) Out we go. Eyes are definitely on us as we slink out the door. Madelyn is now screaming because she wants to surprise for Daddy. "Believe me, little girl, you are doing what I am feeling on the inside." We drove home in silence.
Ambitious agenda maybe. But to get nothing done? Nothing???
We were all so happy to see Daddy!
I trekked out and like a bad case of deja vu I went to the same places I had been before and checked off my errands. So all's well that ends well.
Blame it on the rain. Or that it is a Monday. Or both.
Errand 1. I went to the library to return the CD booklet of the CD and CD case that we had already returned (oops!) I thought for sure it was in the car. So I load the children in the car and search around. Not there. Go inside and hunt. Not there. Forget it! I half think, who cares, maybe I should just pay the fine and move on. Now this is a pattern with us....library materials are great for the budget but not when you can't keep track of the due dates and materials themselves. This really annoys me. But it is a treat for Madelyn to go to the library and get new books, CDs and movies so I have got to set up a better system. The silver lining of errand 1, take 1: we saw our buddies Caroline and Kate (and two other MOMS club friends on a whim) and the girls had a nice little playtime.
Errand 2. Then on to the Fed Ex place to pick up the must-be-signed-for item I purchased for Kevin for our anniversary. Because of course we will not be home tomorrow morning to receive it. Oh well. Big adventure, I tell the girls (though I am careful not to tell them what the surprise is or it will not be a surprise for long.) I lug them inside. Wait for what seems like an extended period (why do I always get behind the trouble cases everywhere I go?) Finally we get to the front of the line and the lady asks for my ID. Dig through my wallet. Start to panic. Remember in my ditzoid-tranquility state on Saturday that I forgot my gym card so I used my ID. I bet it is in my gym bag. Great. So now am I not only driving around without a license all day but I actually need it. Grrr. Grrrrrr. Grrrrrrrrr. (Though I am thinking worse in my head!) Out we go. Eyes are definitely on us as we slink out the door. Madelyn is now screaming because she wants to surprise for Daddy. "Believe me, little girl, you are doing what I am feeling on the inside." We drove home in silence.
Ambitious agenda maybe. But to get nothing done? Nothing???
We were all so happy to see Daddy!
I trekked out and like a bad case of deja vu I went to the same places I had been before and checked off my errands. So all's well that ends well.
Blame it on the rain. Or that it is a Monday. Or both.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Adventure Saturday
The anniversary celebration just keeps on going...and our anniversary is still a little over a week away! Kevin surprised me with a "day of beauty" today and boy, was it wonderful. I got a spa pedicure (an upgrade in pampering from any other pedicure I have had before. OMG, my feet are singing!) and a facial (I have never had one before...but oooohhhh, I will do it again!) Since I was in such a tranquil mood I ran a few errands afterward including a little shopping and picking up my bridesmaid's dress for Jen's wedding. It was quite a "me" day. Thanks, Kev!
Madelyn had a special adventure with my dad. I guess last weekend when Madelyn had some corn on the cob for dinner they were talking about planting some corn this weekend. So Pop picked her up this morning and then went to the store to buy some seeds. Then back to their house to plant them. Sounds like it was fun and dirty! We will be eagerly awaiting the crop this summer. She just looked so grown up to me today as she waited for him. I had to take a few photos....
After we all met back up after our various Saturday adventures, the four of us went to the club for an indoor swim. It always seems like a good idea and it was a lot of fun. But we certainly spent more time in the locker room getting everyone dressed and undressed than we did in the pool. They had a splish-splashin' good time. Madelyn was showing Daddy her new swimming skills. Abigail was quite a little fish herself, despite the fact she still is not quite up to par. We will have to watch that girl this year! She has no fear of getting her face wet and even went down the slide. She did go under a bit and I know with the tubes she is not supposed to go under water. Hopefully it was not a problem. I totally forgot about those tubes. I did not think she would get such a kick out of putting her face in. She just thought that was soooo funny. Unfortunately she is not finding bedtime to be quite so much fun.
Madelyn had a special adventure with my dad. I guess last weekend when Madelyn had some corn on the cob for dinner they were talking about planting some corn this weekend. So Pop picked her up this morning and then went to the store to buy some seeds. Then back to their house to plant them. Sounds like it was fun and dirty! We will be eagerly awaiting the crop this summer. She just looked so grown up to me today as she waited for him. I had to take a few photos....
After we all met back up after our various Saturday adventures, the four of us went to the club for an indoor swim. It always seems like a good idea and it was a lot of fun. But we certainly spent more time in the locker room getting everyone dressed and undressed than we did in the pool. They had a splish-splashin' good time. Madelyn was showing Daddy her new swimming skills. Abigail was quite a little fish herself, despite the fact she still is not quite up to par. We will have to watch that girl this year! She has no fear of getting her face wet and even went down the slide. She did go under a bit and I know with the tubes she is not supposed to go under water. Hopefully it was not a problem. I totally forgot about those tubes. I did not think she would get such a kick out of putting her face in. She just thought that was soooo funny. Unfortunately she is not finding bedtime to be quite so much fun.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Springtime delight
It seems we have already moved into summer bedtime routines. By that I mean pretty much ever since the time change we have been getting the kids to bed much later than I usually prefer. I have always been a fan of early bedtime. But now it is almost 9 p.m. and I just tucked them in. Hmmm. Maybe the later bedtime is why they have been so cranky lately? But who wants to go to bed when it is still warm and light outside. Kevin is at the O's game tonight with our neighbor Pat so Amy and I went for a wonderful walk. The girls were in their pj's and barefeet. (If that does not say summer than I really do not know what does.) But if we'd adhered to the normal bedtime we would not have been able to enjoy that. I guess they are making up for it with their still (amazing!) marathon naps so I guess they get it all in.
Poor Abby girl is struggling.....she's been battling a pretty bad cold (Madelyn is almost over it) and also has probably the worst diaper rash I have ever seen. I have no idea what caused it but I suspect it might be the juice box she had yesterday. Juice boxes never seen to work with her very well. But she is sneaky and gave her best "please?" with puppy dog eyes to my friend yesterday who was passing the juice boxes out to all the kids.
Poor Abby girl is struggling.....she's been battling a pretty bad cold (Madelyn is almost over it) and also has probably the worst diaper rash I have ever seen. I have no idea what caused it but I suspect it might be the juice box she had yesterday. Juice boxes never seen to work with her very well. But she is sneaky and gave her best "please?" with puppy dog eyes to my friend yesterday who was passing the juice boxes out to all the kids.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
The campaign begins
Well....guess who is on the MOMS Club ballot? We had a rowdy meeting here today--the kids played and we mommies got down to business. But, dear readers, please know this was not a forced into it decision. Actually I am really excited about it and now hopeful I will win. Isn't it funny how a certain situation or in this case group of people can turn things around very quickly. It's shocking I never drank in high school or experimented with drugs since I am clearly so easily influenced by peer pressure. I mean I went from "don't look at me" to "choose me" in just a few days. Part of it really is the people and when I heard the people I would be working with I was like, this won't be work, this will be fun. Also since I talked up one of my dear friends as the president I did not feel like it was right to not stand up to be one of her wing-women. We'll see how it all shakes out but honestly I am really excited. Now if the MOPS folks come back and have also picked me for a leadership role I might be back to the crazy house. But I am standing to if I want to be a part of these fabulous groups then I have to do my part to make them fabulous.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Wet progress report
Wednesday is swimming day and thankfully Madelyn is totally digging her swimming lessons. I cannot believe how well she is doing. I think she will be ready to move up to the next level for the next session. We received progress reports today and she has checks in all the boxes. I think she and one other girl will advance. I feel so sorry for the other two children. They are so unhappy in class. It has to be hard on the parents also...those kids really get to screaming and it really echoes in the pool area. I wish I knew what the teacher was saying to them. I asked Madelyn but her lips were sealed. I am just grateful she likes it but I hope she maintains a healthy fear of the water too. Just another parenting worry to add to my already long list.....
This means war
Gosh darn it, I saw a dumb snake again. I am not sure if it is the same one or a different one but in a way I guess I hope it is the same one and not a whole family. I'm such a chicken but I'm honestly a little nervous going into the backyard. Today I was surveying the area before we went out to play and looking all around the grass in the previous places. Then as I turned to walk back toward the kids there it was on the sidewalk right next to me. I of course screamed. I am getting the shivers just thinking about it.
My friend Sharleen says to get over a fear you have to put yourself in that situation for 15 minutes. I had a dream this week that I was holding a black and white snake for 15 minutes. In my dream I was starting to like it....and even let it around my neck. Aagggghhhh. But obviously just dreaming it does not count because I am still scared.
I think it is time to wage war and if I see it again, I cannot make any promises for what will happen. Though that scares me too. I have a pretty hard time squashing spiders so I really cannot imagine offing a snake. Then I get into the whole "God's creatures great and small" thing....
I just hope the next time I see it, Kevin is around. I'll hide behind him while he does the dirty work.
My friend Sharleen says to get over a fear you have to put yourself in that situation for 15 minutes. I had a dream this week that I was holding a black and white snake for 15 minutes. In my dream I was starting to like it....and even let it around my neck. Aagggghhhh. But obviously just dreaming it does not count because I am still scared.
I think it is time to wage war and if I see it again, I cannot make any promises for what will happen. Though that scares me too. I have a pretty hard time squashing spiders so I really cannot imagine offing a snake. Then I get into the whole "God's creatures great and small" thing....
I just hope the next time I see it, Kevin is around. I'll hide behind him while he does the dirty work.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Vision in blue
Oh what a highlight. Madelyn's ballet recital costume arrived today. She was so excited to get to ballet today to see it. I am ashamed a bit to admit it but I think I was even more excited. Just the anticipation of seeing the little fluff of tulle and sequins today made me smile. On the way to class I we had this conversation as I was fixing her hair for class:
Mommy: "What color do you think your costume will be?"
Madelyn: "I don't know"
Mommy: "Well just guess."
Madelyn: I do not know."
Mommy: "Well you can guess any color.....pink, blue, black?"
Madelyn (totally matter of fact): "We'll just have to wait and see."
So case in point, I was clearly more excited. I guess I win.
The costume is adorable. Three girls are in pink and three are in blue. Madelyn's is blue ("like Cinderella!") All the moms (and the one dad) were genuinely touched to see the girls twirling around. Then we discussed the other particulars like how we would hide the costumes from the girls so they do not get used as dress-ups just yet, what if any make-up the girls will wear and tips on the fine art of getting their baby fine hair in a bun. I did have to chuckle to myself when the Dad asked, "what's a bun?"
I have said it many times before and I will say it again, thank you God for giving me little girls!
Mommy: "What color do you think your costume will be?"
Madelyn: "I don't know"
Mommy: "Well just guess."
Madelyn: I do not know."
Mommy: "Well you can guess any color.....pink, blue, black?"
Madelyn (totally matter of fact): "We'll just have to wait and see."
So case in point, I was clearly more excited. I guess I win.
The costume is adorable. Three girls are in pink and three are in blue. Madelyn's is blue ("like Cinderella!") All the moms (and the one dad) were genuinely touched to see the girls twirling around. Then we discussed the other particulars like how we would hide the costumes from the girls so they do not get used as dress-ups just yet, what if any make-up the girls will wear and tips on the fine art of getting their baby fine hair in a bun. I did have to chuckle to myself when the Dad asked, "what's a bun?"
I have said it many times before and I will say it again, thank you God for giving me little girls!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Abby's new favorite word.....
........ is MINE! She says it clear as day.
The battles are brewing now that this word has come forth. It's the worst in the car.
mine! Mine! MINE!
Basically whatever Madelyn has it's hers. Terrible twos, we are coming down the pike. We better brace ourselves. Then when she gets her little paws on it she drops it on the floor so neither of them can have it. Which of course sends Madelyn into a full rage.
Despite the annoyingness of this fancy new word, I am just glad she is talking more and more. Really. One more thing I can cross off my list of worries. I'll focus on the positive.
The battles are brewing now that this word has come forth. It's the worst in the car.
mine! Mine! MINE!
Basically whatever Madelyn has it's hers. Terrible twos, we are coming down the pike. We better brace ourselves. Then when she gets her little paws on it she drops it on the floor so neither of them can have it. Which of course sends Madelyn into a full rage.
Despite the annoyingness of this fancy new word, I am just glad she is talking more and more. Really. One more thing I can cross off my list of worries. I'll focus on the positive.
I tri'd my very best
Well, I did it! I completed the indoor triathlon at the gym today. It was AWESOME. I feel so good and just so darn proud of myself. It is quite a personal accomplishment.
My goals were pretty simple: 1. to not finish last and 2. to not fall off the treadmill (I was a tad worried about how spaghetti-like my legs would feel after the bike portion.) and 3. try not to stop--slow down is okay but just keep going.....
Well I did not fall off the treadmill--though my legs were pretty wiggly at first. I did stop really briefly during the swim when a little water got in my goggles but I hardly count that as stopping. :) We will see if I finished last when the scores come in. Since it was a time thing everyone's scores will be based on a curve so it might take some time to compile that.
But in a way I'd rather not know where I feel in the pack. I feel great about how much I did and I will use that for the next time to improve because, yes, there will be another time. It was so much fun.
I swan 15.5 laps in 10 minutes, biked 11.1 miles in 30 minutes and ran 1.89 miles in 20 minutes. I forgot to start my watch during the swim (duh!) but for the bike and run I burned 840 calories....so I am think with the swimming it was at least an additional 200 calories. Maybe I should do one of these more often. ;)
My goals were pretty simple: 1. to not finish last and 2. to not fall off the treadmill (I was a tad worried about how spaghetti-like my legs would feel after the bike portion.) and 3. try not to stop--slow down is okay but just keep going.....
Well I did not fall off the treadmill--though my legs were pretty wiggly at first. I did stop really briefly during the swim when a little water got in my goggles but I hardly count that as stopping. :) We will see if I finished last when the scores come in. Since it was a time thing everyone's scores will be based on a curve so it might take some time to compile that.
But in a way I'd rather not know where I feel in the pack. I feel great about how much I did and I will use that for the next time to improve because, yes, there will be another time. It was so much fun.
I swan 15.5 laps in 10 minutes, biked 11.1 miles in 30 minutes and ran 1.89 miles in 20 minutes. I forgot to start my watch during the swim (duh!) but for the bike and run I burned 840 calories....so I am think with the swimming it was at least an additional 200 calories. Maybe I should do one of these more often. ;)
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Welcome Spring
.........please let us roll out the red carpet for you, warm weather! We hope you are here to stay. It actually felt like Spring today. Finally! We took full advantage by opening all the windows, hitting the playground and eating dinner outside. The latter were a little harried but it's so nice out nothing can get us down.
The playground. Well I am a meek mama in this regard but I get really nervous at the playground. It used to be because Madelyn seemed to small and she would fall. Then Abigail was a baby and Madelyn was still small. Then Madelyn was more independent but Abigail was only crawling (and eating mulch.) Then they were going in different directions. Now Abigail just wants to do whatever Madelyn is doing and Madelyn would like to help (as in push her down the big slide) her. Ack. But we went to a fairly low key, manageable park today and I think we will go there a lot and work our way up. I mean Abby was just trying to annoy me. She'd get all the way to the high up to and just stand with her tippy toes over the edge. Honestly it would have been a cool photo but I was freaking out too much to stop and take it. As a result I also got a nice workout in climbing, jumping and sliding. If you can't just sit back and watch them you might as well join them. And it was really fun. They even had some togetherness with a dual ride on the swing. I think we used to refer to this as the spider. But maybe I just made that up?
The dinner. Then since we were feeling so outdoorsy we stopped at the store on the way home to get stuff to make burgers on the grill. Oh they were good (if I do say so myself.) We have not had burgers in a while so it fit in with my "30 different meals in 30 days" challenge that is going strong! Madelyn requested outside dining and we were happy to oblige. Abigail has been resisting her booster seat which has left her roaming around, on the table and in and out of her chair throughout every meal (it's really getting annoying!) so the outside dining with her was a bit of an adventure. But it's early in the year. She's bound to get hungry eventually and will need to slow down for a second to eat.
The playground. Well I am a meek mama in this regard but I get really nervous at the playground. It used to be because Madelyn seemed to small and she would fall. Then Abigail was a baby and Madelyn was still small. Then Madelyn was more independent but Abigail was only crawling (and eating mulch.) Then they were going in different directions. Now Abigail just wants to do whatever Madelyn is doing and Madelyn would like to help (as in push her down the big slide) her. Ack. But we went to a fairly low key, manageable park today and I think we will go there a lot and work our way up. I mean Abby was just trying to annoy me. She'd get all the way to the high up to and just stand with her tippy toes over the edge. Honestly it would have been a cool photo but I was freaking out too much to stop and take it. As a result I also got a nice workout in climbing, jumping and sliding. If you can't just sit back and watch them you might as well join them. And it was really fun. They even had some togetherness with a dual ride on the swing. I think we used to refer to this as the spider. But maybe I just made that up?
The dinner. Then since we were feeling so outdoorsy we stopped at the store on the way home to get stuff to make burgers on the grill. Oh they were good (if I do say so myself.) We have not had burgers in a while so it fit in with my "30 different meals in 30 days" challenge that is going strong! Madelyn requested outside dining and we were happy to oblige. Abigail has been resisting her booster seat which has left her roaming around, on the table and in and out of her chair throughout every meal (it's really getting annoying!) so the outside dining with her was a bit of an adventure. But it's early in the year. She's bound to get hungry eventually and will need to slow down for a second to eat.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Tuesday's tell all
This is scary. Twice today I was so deep in thought that I missed my turn. (Is that responsible parenting? Driving under the thought influence.) To make matters when I missed the turn, Madelyn, who knew our destinations--to MOPS in the a.m. and ballet in the p.m.--was like, "where are we going, Mommy?" Can she possibly know the routes we take? Talk about a backseat driver! Now that is scary.
In other news Abigail seems to have a BFF and I think that is so cute. Kate is really her only "friend" at this time which is why she juts up to BFF status so quickly. But she talks about her all the time. Today as we pulled up to the church for MOPS Abby said, "Kate, Kate, Kate..." Unfortunately Kate is not there today but I guess I better go call her mom to make sure we can get in a meeting with them another day this week.
In other news Abigail seems to have a BFF and I think that is so cute. Kate is really her only "friend" at this time which is why she juts up to BFF status so quickly. But she talks about her all the time. Today as we pulled up to the church for MOPS Abby said, "Kate, Kate, Kate..." Unfortunately Kate is not there today but I guess I better go call her mom to make sure we can get in a meeting with them another day this week.
Monday, April 7, 2008
Hold me back
So the downfall of being involved in so many different groups (besides the occasional frazzled-ness of so much going on!) is that eventually these groups want you to take on a more active role. I have really done a great job (I think) of paring down the activities in 2008. But it seems every time I pare down slowly things creep back in to our schedule.
I am honored. Really. I will take it as a compliment that I an energetic, enthusiastic, compassionate, yada, yada, yada and it's not just that I am a sucker. Though there is strong evidence for that also.
In one of my groups I agreed to be on the "nominating committee" because, well, someone asked me to and I thought that would leave a less chance of getting actually nominated for anything if I was pulling together the nominations.
But today we went to a very fun outing at a friend's house.....crafting with the kids. {It was a total debacle for me as my children would not just go off and play peacefully while I got creative. Poor little Madelyn (who has been wearing a pink dress up dress over her clothes two days in a row now!) was told by the older boy of the house that "no one in a pink princess dress could ride in his fighter jet." Oh the drama.} But as we crafted we chatted and the conversation led to who is taking over the leadership. Now everyone in the room is a friend of mine. Three of the six have been president. I was the only one who had never been on the board. So I am feeling the pressure. Big time. I think I was the last to put my finger on my nose. What does that mean? I guess I better get on with my nominating committee duties to find some other sucker.
I must repeat this to myself: I cannot be a leader in every group or I truly will go crazy and the kids will go crazy right along with me. And what am I staying at home for? To be super volunteer or to be mommy? I choose Mommy.
I am honored. Really. I will take it as a compliment that I an energetic, enthusiastic, compassionate, yada, yada, yada and it's not just that I am a sucker. Though there is strong evidence for that also.
In one of my groups I agreed to be on the "nominating committee" because, well, someone asked me to and I thought that would leave a less chance of getting actually nominated for anything if I was pulling together the nominations.
But today we went to a very fun outing at a friend's house.....crafting with the kids. {It was a total debacle for me as my children would not just go off and play peacefully while I got creative. Poor little Madelyn (who has been wearing a pink dress up dress over her clothes two days in a row now!) was told by the older boy of the house that "no one in a pink princess dress could ride in his fighter jet." Oh the drama.} But as we crafted we chatted and the conversation led to who is taking over the leadership. Now everyone in the room is a friend of mine. Three of the six have been president. I was the only one who had never been on the board. So I am feeling the pressure. Big time. I think I was the last to put my finger on my nose. What does that mean? I guess I better get on with my nominating committee duties to find some other sucker.
I must repeat this to myself: I cannot be a leader in every group or I truly will go crazy and the kids will go crazy right along with me. And what am I staying at home for? To be super volunteer or to be mommy? I choose Mommy.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Weekend (re)treat
Our 7th wedding anniversary is later this month (the 28th) so in honor of that we decided to cash in the overnight we won in a silent auction last fall. So we packed up, sent the kids off to Nana and Pop's and headed for the mountains. {That is something that is so cool about Maryland. It has so much variety... "America in miniature" I think it has been called. In two or three hours in either direction you can be at the ocean or the mountains.} Anyway, our stay was at Rocky Gap. Anywhere child-free I suppose would feel like a special treat but it was seriously the most relaxing 24ish hours I have had in quite some time. We took a 5-mile hike around the lake, had a long leisurely dinner (and an entire bottle of wine--big deal for us!!), roasted marshmallows by the campfire, slept in, had room service breakfast, actually paid attention at mass and did not have to leave with a chatty child and stopped at the outlets for a brief bit of shopping. Plus talked uninterrupted. That was one of the greatest things. I forgot how many things we could figure out when we used to be able to talk. I mean I feel like we planned out the next several years just because we had some time to talk. Aaaahhhh.....what a weekend.
The girls I think had a pretty grand time to. No doubt there was plenty of good old fashioned grandparent-spoiling that happened which I am sure was as much fun for the grandparents as for the grandchildren. But that story you'd have to get from them.
What a great way to start off our anniversary month!
The girls I think had a pretty grand time to. No doubt there was plenty of good old fashioned grandparent-spoiling that happened which I am sure was as much fun for the grandparents as for the grandchildren. But that story you'd have to get from them.
What a great way to start off our anniversary month!
Friday, April 4, 2008
Itty bitty habla'ers
We had Madelyn's Spanish class today. It was very cute to hear the little ones (age 3-5) speaking in Spanish. Madelyn has been talking for a few years now so we are well beyond categorizing her utterances cute. Though she does come up with some funny stuff sometimes. But I guess like a baby's first word those first sounds in another language seems just a bit more precious. It will be interesting to see what if anything sticks with her. She was very shy to repeat the words unlike most of her classmates. She was all into the dancing to the musica though. They talked about some of the basics: hola, buenos dias, buenas noches as well as a few animals. They read Good Light Moon (Buenas Noches Luna, I guess it was) and the kids all seemed to think that was pretty funny since they have all probably heard Goodnight Moon a bazillion times since birth (and maybe before---I know I used to read that book to my belly!) They danced and sang and made a craft. Of course if you ask Madelyn what she made she will say a sheep not an oveja, but whatever. I think it is going to be a really fun class though. I am glad we are finally taking it. Madelyn would probably say her highlight was riding the bus.....we had to park so far away from the classroom building that we took a shuttle!
Que bueno!
Que bueno!
Twinkle, twinkle little star
Last night I went to Stars on Ice with my mom and Kelly. (We had gotten my mom tix for her b-day.) We had the greatest seats. We almost got sprinkled with ice shavings and we definitely felt a whoosh or two when the very talented skaters whirled and twirled past us. Since when do I go anywhere without my camera? Duh. So I have no proof. But it was very cool. Way may just become Stars on Ice groupies. Olympic medalist Kimmie Miessner (hometown girl) made a special appearance so that was especially exciting.
Now which one of the girls will be my ice skater.....?
Now which one of the girls will be my ice skater.....?
Thursday, April 3, 2008
The trespasser
This falls into the category of things I wish I had not see.
A snake. In my front yard.
Sometimes good eyesight is a curse.
A snake. In my front yard. Sometimes good eyesight is a curse.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Little Fish, part 2
Watching your kid taking swimming lessons can be a little nerve wracking. It's like being on the sidelines of a Final Four basketball game or in the bleachers at a NASCAR race (not that I have even been to either such event.) You want to jump in there but you can't.
Actually Madelyn is doing quite well and I am very pleased with the teacher, instruction, etc. She did actually slip or something and fall in. But thank goodness she got to her feet. It was a split second and the teacher was right there but my old lifeguarding days came rushing back. Madelyn was unfazed. Oh, those are some magic goggles.
But today the calm as a clam, soft-spoken teacher took the four little ducklings into the deep end. Us moms on the sidelines held our breath as the kids paddled out toward the ropes clenching their floatable dumbbells. Just hold on, we mommies pleaded silently. The pressure was too much for the little ones. Three of the four children started crying. Madelyn was the only one who did not. Then they turned to come back, kicking all the while. Two or three I could not tell for sure had some tug assistance from the teacher. Then there was Madelyn. Kicking as hard as she possibly could but not moving an inch. I had to chuckle. I later learned, when the teacher came to coax her along, that she explained. "but I am going backwards!" We were all very impressed that she kept her cool and tried her hardest as the others got farther and farther away from her. She finally got the motion and kicked her way back to the shallow end where she could stand. I could breathe again.
Actually Madelyn is doing quite well and I am very pleased with the teacher, instruction, etc. She did actually slip or something and fall in. But thank goodness she got to her feet. It was a split second and the teacher was right there but my old lifeguarding days came rushing back. Madelyn was unfazed. Oh, those are some magic goggles.
But today the calm as a clam, soft-spoken teacher took the four little ducklings into the deep end. Us moms on the sidelines held our breath as the kids paddled out toward the ropes clenching their floatable dumbbells. Just hold on, we mommies pleaded silently. The pressure was too much for the little ones. Three of the four children started crying. Madelyn was the only one who did not. Then they turned to come back, kicking all the while. Two or three I could not tell for sure had some tug assistance from the teacher. Then there was Madelyn. Kicking as hard as she possibly could but not moving an inch. I had to chuckle. I later learned, when the teacher came to coax her along, that she explained. "but I am going backwards!" We were all very impressed that she kept her cool and tried her hardest as the others got farther and farther away from her. She finally got the motion and kicked her way back to the shallow end where she could stand. I could breathe again.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Joke was on us
I didn't really play any April Fool's jokes today. Pranks really are not my thing. Though I have been joking with the girls for quite some time that on April Fool's Day I was going to switch their car seats so they would sit on opposite sides of the car. I never got around to it today but maybe I will play that "joke" on them tomorrow.
But they pulled a fast one on us this morning when they woke up at 3:30 a.m. Once upon a time we did that (twice) and it was just something we did when they were itty bitty. But once you sleep through the night you can't go back. Abby started it. We tried to ignore but the screaming/tantrums got louder and louder. Then she woke her sister who was then also crying loudly. So not the wake up call we were hoping for. Though maybe that would be a good thing for an alarm clock...it gets you out of bed for sure. Luckily after some soothing they both went to sleep, for a little while.
Abigail has not been this way since the ear infection days so we trotted off to the pediatrician today just to check those ears. Not that I wanted her to have an infection I just wanted some explanation. I am proud to announce those tubes are doing their job and there is no infection. So maybe it's some new teeth coming in. We will never know but I do hope she is back to her old self soon and that is no joke.
Happy April Fool's Day!
But they pulled a fast one on us this morning when they woke up at 3:30 a.m. Once upon a time we did that (twice) and it was just something we did when they were itty bitty. But once you sleep through the night you can't go back. Abby started it. We tried to ignore but the screaming/tantrums got louder and louder. Then she woke her sister who was then also crying loudly. So not the wake up call we were hoping for. Though maybe that would be a good thing for an alarm clock...it gets you out of bed for sure. Luckily after some soothing they both went to sleep, for a little while.
Abigail has not been this way since the ear infection days so we trotted off to the pediatrician today just to check those ears. Not that I wanted her to have an infection I just wanted some explanation. I am proud to announce those tubes are doing their job and there is no infection. So maybe it's some new teeth coming in. We will never know but I do hope she is back to her old self soon and that is no joke.
Happy April Fool's Day!
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