Karen and the Boys

Channeling June Cleaver

2011-10-19T23:58:00.001-04:00

So working at home has it's perks, obvioulsy. One of them is, the lack of the commute you face to and from work. During what would normally be my commute time, I am able to now make dinner for my family, something that I have not always had time to do, because they are starving when they walk in the door. (Mostly, the two growing little boys in this case!) So now as soon as I am done with work, I can scoot right in to the kitchen and throw something together that resembles an actual meal with real place settings and at a normal time. I feel strongly in the need to have dinner as a family and to have that time with the kids every night to talk and chat and relax while we get a decent meal. It just makes me happy. While I know we will have nights that don't always follow suit, I know I am at least getting in 3 or 4 nights a week when things are hectic to take time for this.

Okay, so I am not exacty June Cleaver, or well...remotely close....but I will take a moment to feel like I am channeling her in some way. (Well, and June did not have a full time job!)

What is your nightly routine and what are some good week night recipes!? Do share!!

Here is my little monkey waiting on his boneless wings, pasta and veggies and salad!

Pumpkin Patch Fun

2011-10-17T22:26:00.000-04:00

It was a beautiful day outside. One way to celebrate - met some friends at the Burke Pumpkn Patch in the later afternoon and had some fun time playing. I'll let the pictures do the talking.

Haunted Hayride...I can't share the scary things they saw....

Best Buds

Sno Cones, of course.

Just because....

Best slides in town

And the token pumpkin on the way out!

Brendan took this one and wanted it black and white. So here it is...

Hiatus?

2011-10-13T23:47:00.000-04:00

Just a slight year and a half one. That's all, I blame Facebook. It's just so easy and quick to use.

Update coming tomorrow, with new pics and updates on the family. And here I go again.....

He Did Follow Directions...after all...

2010-02-27T19:24:00.000-05:00

You have to love how literal kids are. Especially at age 3. So we came back from a little February walk, and the boys were a little hungry. We started to watch the second part of Madagascar, and everyone was relaxing. Griffin helped himself to a yogurt out of the fridge, and politely asked me if he could have it. I said "Sure, buddy, but you have to eat it at the Spongebob table." (this is in the kitchen) I went in to the back to put down a laundry basket, came back out and found this....I guess I never told him he HAD to eat it in the kitchen. He had moved the table in to the hall so he could see the movie.

Needs Vs. Wants

2010-02-16T18:52:00.001-05:00

Inside you will find.

NEEDS

1. I need food and water to stay alive.

2. I need a house to stay warm.

3. I need a family to take care of me.

WANTS

1. I want to be a Clone Trooper because they are cool.

2. I want more toys because I like them.

3. I want more video games because I love them.

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I love elementary level Social Studies!!

Google Ad Sense

2010-01-30T10:11:00.002-05:00

what is this? do any of you take part in it? do tell....

Nighty Night Prayer..

2010-01-28T23:01:00.001-05:00

Thank you...Call Again....

2010-01-27T18:44:00.000-05:00

Getting the kids in the house after a long day of work is not easy. There are backpacks, lunch boxes, purses, grocery bags, coats, drinks, anything you can think of.....YOU know what I am talking about. It's cold...I'm tired...I still have to make dinner...the kids are arguing over who is going to get the mail, open the door, turn off the alarm and take their coat off first. Good times.....^%$#@! Then as soon as you walk in the door, the phone rings, I ignore it. 2 minutes later, it rings again...I take a peak at the caller ID, some political call....I ignore it again, after all I have not even take off my coat. 6 minutes later, they call again, and now, just to make a point, I am NEVER going to answer their call. Seriously? Did you think that since the last 6 minutes has lapsed that I have come home, put things away and am ready to listen to you read a script from a paper. So it rings.....BUT only twice....interesting...they have given up and I have won!!

Until......

I realize that my 2 year has answered the phone which is one of his new favorite things to do...so I run to get the phone and he runs from me. I then hear the person say "Can I talk to your mommy?"

And he replies in his cute little voice...

NO...BOOTY HEAD!!

Made my freaking day!!!!

No one has called since....

$$$$$

2010-01-18T22:04:00.000-05:00

You can't really tell from this photo, but his brain is working overtime! He is contemplating different ways in which he can make money. It started yesterday when he gave me a list of items that he needed me to pick up at the store. The items included the following: 1. Wood 2. Cups 3. Aluminum Cans 4. A Few Liquids.

He told me he was conducting a science project, no big deal, I know this kids LOVES science. Come to find today, after discussing with him further and finding out that we needed to make tickets for this project, he wanted to sell tickets to his classmates to come watch him do the project. He then asked me if he could put on a magic show. I asked him what in the world he wanted to do all of these things for and he he told me he wants to "make money." I asked him why he wants to make money and he told me "because money's the best." Hmmmmmm.......we may need to do a little work in this department of him realizing that it's not all about money, but I am a little encouraged that he has drive and iniative. Is that bad of me? Maybe he can pay all the bills one day!! Then this little scholar child of mine called his grandmama and grampy on the phone to ask them if they had any ideas on ways that he can make money. He got quite a nice little list going and I think has some great ideas in mind (according to him) on how to make a little cash. I am not sure whether I should be encouraging this or not! :-) A lemonade stand is nice, sure, but he wants to charge his family $5 (at the least) to see him belt out a few Band Hero songs. Too bad we can't get him a job now.

Quite the Snow Storm

2010-01-17T21:06:00.000-05:00

December 19, 2009 brought quite the snow storm. I have never seen so much snow in my life!!My family was in town for the holidays and some of them were stranded here because there was no way to drive out. We had a nice time though and we did go out and play. The kids were out of school for 3 extra days and I got an extra day off of work that I had not planned to take already. It was a great great time. Here are a few pics.

My Little Scholar

2010-01-13T20:12:00.006-05:00

Brendan has been reading on a high level, I would say since he left the wonderful Ms. Bauer's class when he was not yet 4. I attribute a lot of this to the school/daycare that he has been in since he was 12 weeks old. I knew when I walked in to the daycare and they had lesson plans for the infants that this was the school for us! I know it sounds a little much, but the lesson plans are appropriate and whether it includes finishing their 2 ounce bottles when they are babies to completing simple math problems when they are in the pre-school, I have always been impressed with what our kids get from the school they attend. We have called it school from day one, instead of daycare...and I really believe that is what they are. Sure...they have fun, goof around, watch movies, act silly and are allowed to be kids....I would not have it any other way....but as I sing the praises of this school....

I am proud to say, that my little 1st grader has been named one of the top readers in the whole 1st grade - out of 90 plus kids. He is reading on a 5th grade level. :-)))) PROUD MOMMY MOMENT. :-)

B will be participating in a Junior Great Books Program where he reads short stories and poetry and then attends a weekly group dicussion with the others in the selected group. A Book Club for kids, so to speak....how cool!!

Thank you for allowing me to brag on My Little Scholar!

Merry Christmas 2009

2009-12-25T01:04:00.004-05:00

Better late than never to check in .... and right now seems like the best time to do it.

I have missed my blog and regret taking a break from scrapbooking my moments with this.

These are my little guys in full force after our tradition of Christmas Eve paella and cookies at the house before winding down to get ready for Santa.

And this is the real deal of how they are most of the time!

Merry Christmas everyone and Joy to you and yours..

Best wedding entrance ever!!

2009-09-22T22:11:00.004-04:00

I found this today, and I just loved it!!

http://www.jkweddingdance.com/

Check out the video in the middle.

Enjoy!!

My News

2009-09-01T20:57:00.003-04:00

I lost my job at the end of March. It was fairly sad, because I was so happy there. It was a bit of a shock and we certainly were not prepared for this, especially with hubby having lost his job in late November. Things have been day by day, week by week, and we have some major catching up to do. Nuff said about that...it just is what it is.

On the positive side, I took this forced time off to get some things done around the house, start excercising more, spend more time with hubby, kids, family and friends. I have spent a lot time with the boys this summer doing free things, and gotten back to some things I love such as hiking and exploring the world. It has not all been awful, but certainly stressful.

Last week, I finally found an opportunity that not only thought I was a great match for them, but that I believe is a great match for me. It is still meeting planning, but involves an association with supports and lobbies for educators and teachers. Because I am a former teacher, I have an instant passion for this place already. They have awesome benefits and from the looks of things now, this may be just a great great fit. Please pray that this is one of the best things that has happened to us, I certainly am.

I began my life back in to the "real world" on September 21st.

What's in the box?

2009-08-28T20:46:00.003-04:00

Well, nothing now....I came in to the kitchen a little while ago to find Griffin sitting exactly like this. Luckily I was packing up my camera at the same time, so I got an instant photo...

Guess what is NOT in the box....the leftovers that daddy brought home from Chili's today.

Sometimes little guys just get hungry.

The Stuff Has Taken Over

2009-08-22T17:09:00.006-04:00

***Disclaimer: I don't know why I have not blogged lately, but I do miss it. I am back in action and plan to get it going again. ***

Since I lost my job, I feel like I am busier than I have ever been. It's nuts...I mean, one would think I would have time to get more things done, but between part time jobs here and there, interviews all over the place, second interviews, job searching, getting ready for school, etc....I have less time than ever....

And the thing in my house have taken over. I feel like there are toys and junk everywhere. Piles of paper, random "things we need" , laundry and toys, toys and more toys. I am OVER the toys.

I have NO idea how people live life with more than 2 kids, unless they just willingly give up the quest to keep a clean and tidy house. Both hubby and I can't stand piles of junk laying around, yet we find that we have them. I feel like I am constantly--CONSTANTLY-- straigtening up. Our house is not "dirty" and we do keep things cleaned, but the piles of crap everywhere just never end. I pride myself on my organization--I am often complimented about my planning and organization, yet at home, I feel like I am constantly re-organizing to stop the madness of the clutter.

On the other side of that, there is the dirty factor. You know as soon as you clean the dining room, the kids spill crumbs all over it. the 2 year does not want to eat in his "little boy" chair any more, so he has to sit in the "big boy" chair and get ketchup all over the seat, which was covered so he could not do that, but somehow he managed to kick that off to the floor. I get a glass of water, and leave it in the kitchen for 2 seconds to find that one of the kiddos decided they wanted some and now it has been accidentally poured all over the couch.

Am I having a breakdown via blog at the moment? !!

What am I to do?

Just give in? (and be constantly stressed over it)

Continue to straigthen day after day? (and be constantly stressed over it)

Pack up and move out in the middle of the night? (okay.....not really)

This is my plea for help....and I will take any suggestions and/or medication you can provide.

Michael Jackson

2009-06-25T20:38:00.004-04:00

I am shocked.......I don't even know what else to say.

I grew up with him, as a lot of did. The first album I ever owned was Thriller. I wore that out. My mom and listened to the old 45 record of ABC and Rockin Robin. I once wore a single white glove and my friend's red leather jacket with zippers all over it for months...I was a huge fan...MJ made what rock and pop are today, and without a doubt he will always be the KING OF POP.

I was not ready for this today...

The Bride

2009-06-15T20:00:00.004-04:00

I had the privilege of taking bridal portraits of my beautiful sister in law, Elizabeth a few weeks before the wedding. We had a wonderful time capturing the beauty of her, the dress and the moment. Here are a few of my faves....:-)

May

2009-06-12T20:15:00.004-04:00

Poor blog, I feel like I have apologized to you so many times. I blame Facebook!!

I think I may have to update a few things at a time, which should give me plenty to blog about in the next few posts.

May has been busy, but the best thing that happened was that Auntie and Paul got married. May 30th welcomes a new Mr. and Mrs. That's hubby's little sister as mentioned in previous posts. I think I have run my course as a bridesmaid. I was one last year for my little sis and a few weeks ago for this one. I felt honored to be a part of this big day. Alex was a groomsman and the boys both ring bearers. It was amazing, awesome and wonderful. We are so lucky to add a new wonderful uncle to the family. The wedding was beautiful and I can't wait to see all the photos, below are two amazing ones that were done by Linda Crayton.

Launched!!

2009-05-05T16:32:00.001-04:00

My website is "on the air." Come check it out....

www.k-photographs.com

Of T-Ball Age.....

2009-04-28T22:31:00.004-04:00

We have talked about it for years....."I wonder when Brendan will be old enough to play T-Ball." It seemed soooooooooooo far away...........but no longer is it....it is here....my baby is so old!! We signed B up for the 5T league and to be honest it is quite intense. Hubby decided that it would be awesome to be the head coach and team manager. Hmmmmmmmm.......hindsight.....Not that he does not enjoy it most of time, but it is a TRUE time committment. It is similar to a full time job. This league is neverending with the emails, dates, rules, non-rules, updates, handouts, announcements.....it's just WOW. With that being said, we are 3 weeks in to the season and were rained out the very first day. B was VERY disapointed. But now with two "games" under his belt, he is quite the little player. All these years of us drilling the poor 3 and 4 year old B, has paid off. He is quite good, actually...even if I am partial.

So the "team parent" who volunteered to take on some certain tasks.....seems to do a better job of divvying the tasks out. Somehow I ended up with the duty of making the team banner, the day before opening day. Thanks team parent, you stink. So here is my masterpiece. The league was super specfic about what to be on the banner, but you could put it on there any way you wish. I am especially proud of my pinwheel of baseballs with each kid's name. Pat Pat...

Alex and his Orioles...with a little pre-game pep talk My Little Single Hitter
B's Position as Pitcher
He adores his batting glove, not sure why he needed it...but okay!

And this is what you do with a 2 year old there to "support" his big brother

Happy T-Ball Season everyone!!

Bloggy Boo Boo

2009-04-22T20:38:00.006-04:00

My poor bloggy is in pain. It has never been so emotionally drained from lack of love in it's bloggy life. I am going to try to get back to see bloggy more often these days....because I think of bloggy often, and miss her so....

I have no idea what I just said.

Randomly, here are a few recent pics to share with you all. Things are going day by day, and are okay for now. :-)

Who doesn't love tiny mandarin oranges?

Dangerous near the newer floors, yet an Easter task we all live forPost Egg Coloring Discussion

All Dressed up and Ready for Easter

Finding eggs never gets old

Photography

2009-04-11T22:51:00.006-04:00

So I am pretending to be a photographer these days. I have done some shoots in the past, engagement and family shots mostly. I've always loved it and been very happy with my pics, but this past year in to now, I am making an attempt at a more serious outlook on this. So I thought I would share some recent shots I did at a small, but wonderful wedding ceremony at the Lincoln Memorial in D.C. I took over 400 shots, edited over 200 of them, and am somehow going to break that down in to 10 of my favorite shots. I have a website in the works and some "gigs" or "shoots" already on the calendar.

Meet Amalea and Andrew. (and thanks for indulging me!)

The Way Things Are

2009-04-03T11:28:00.007-04:00

I have not felt like blogging much lately. I was laid off from my job last Tuesday. Without going in to the tragic details, because I know all of you have felt this economic crunch in some way or another...I was at my company for 5 years, I LOVED it....Loved the people....Loved the job....Loved my boss....Loved the friendships....Loved waking up and having that job to go to. I think I called in sick 4 times in 5 years. It just made me happy. I often told people, family, friends, etc...that finding something like this was not normal, that I knew a lot of people who just had "jobs." Not for me...it was a second home. And because of economical conditions, I was deleted from this in a matter of days. I have been hurting, we have been hurting. It is not the best time for this to happen. Hubby is awaiting word on his job offer with the government, and has been out of work since November. Things seem bleak.

Now that my pity party for today is done, I just want you all to know to know we will be fine. A few of you have sent me personal messages asking how I am and where I am. I am still here. ( Dacia, thank you sweetie for checking on me )
We have supportive family who are helping us through this and amazing friends who are going above and beyond the call of duty for us. It is almost a good thing to see how much people really care.

I am going to move on from this, not sure where I will go...but I have a few ideas and hubby and I are trying to plan things day by day.

I have some some happier things to share and once I get he energy will post them.

I hope to check in on everyone's blog soon....and also wanted to say a big congrats to Erin and Jack!!!!!! They are housing a little pea pod for 9 months. :-)

We are off to grandma's house this weekend for some homecooking, a trip to Sam's and some time away from the worries. I'll blog when I get back.

Cyber hugs!

Milestones

2009-03-02T16:02:00.004-05:00

Although I am a big fan of natural shot photography, and normally frame candid shots and not posed ones, I do partake in the standard posed shot hype every once in a while when a birthday or milestone comes around. This time...Griffin turning two. So we recently visited a studio and here are a few of my faves.

5 1/2 years old2 years old

TAGGED - 6 Random Things

2009-02-24T12:02:00.003-05:00

THE RULES:
1- Post the rules on your blog
2- List 6 random things about yourself.
3- Tag 6 people at the end of your post.
4- Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
5- Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Ok. Hmmm...six random things. I am a random person...this should not be too hard. Here it goes:

1. I don't really like chocolate. I know, I am a weirdo, and I do eat some here and there, but if Willy Wonka stopped making chocolate tomorrow, I'd be just fine. I am more a salt lover. Give me bag of chips...and watch them disappear.

2. I can't sit still. This will make sense to some of you, mostly my family. I can't relax, I have to always be doing something. I fold laundry while watching television, I do three things at once if I can. There is always something that needs to be done, so I am always doing it. It can be something very productive or something silly. Thanks dad....for that trait.

3. I love Hollywood dirt. People.com is one of my BFF's. If I can't keep up with what is going on with Britney or Rihanna and Chris Brown, I don't know how to get through the day. I have no idea why, I just love Hollywood dirt.

4. I don't eat a lot of meat. I am not a vegetarian by any stretch, but I just don't eat meat a lot. I won't share my reasons on here, but I can certainly get through a day, even a week, with pastas, veggies, fruits and anything else non-meat related. I often don't...but I could if I was put to the task.

5. I sing in the car. Sometimes I pretend like I am making a video. (Dacia, are you reading this?) I am such a rockstar with the iPOD when I am driving. The kids love when I sing, well....because they laugh at me. Who cares, it's fun.

6. I love to go to school. I have been taking one class per semester, which I just started last August again for the first time in ten years. If I could get paid to go to school, I would. I am a nerd, I love to learn, and I love being in a classroom setting and learning new things with other students.

OK! I tag:
Sis
Betsy
Melinda
Lisa
Kelli
Joy

Little G Turns 2!

2009-02-24T09:54:00.003-05:00

Our "baby" turned 2 this past Sunday. I can't believe it! He shares his birthday with George Washington. There certainly are benefits to that, he gets in to Mount Vernon for life on his birthday. :-) Thanks George!

Griffin has really grown up quickly to me. I know, he's only 2, but it seems to me like he got to age 2 a lot faster than Brendan did. Is this because he is the second child? It feels like he went from being a tiny guy to a 2 year old in no time at all.

He is an active little guy, often following his big brother's lead. He knows what Star Wars is at age 2! I have heard that a second child often matures faster than the first because he is trying to keep up with his older sibling.

He loves to sing, and he even inserts wrong words on purpose to make a joke out of it. Such cute little sense of humor at such a young age.

He would eat pasta, macaroni and cheese and or pizza for every meal if he could. Add in a cheese stick and you are golden in his eyes.

He likes to watch the Wiggles and Bob the Builder and Thomas, over and over again.

He LOVES to say No, whether appropriate or not for the situation at hand. He can often say it with a little bit of arched eyebrows and a snarly look to let you know he means business.

He jumps, jumps some more, and them jumps again.

He can be shy at times, often when a stranger or adult enters the room that he does not know completely well.

He loves Elmo, his stuffed monkey and his stuffed turtle bunches and bunches.

He is very affectionate and gives out hugs and kisses often, sometimes coaxed and sometimes not.

He is a big, big boy in the 97th percentile for height and should prove to be a tall gentleman some day.

He has the most precious eyes and smile.

Happy Birthday little Griffy, you are loved so much!

Young Friendships

2009-02-19T16:57:00.004-05:00

Brendan has really become close to his friends at school. It is a small private school, and his class has 7 students! Yes, 7!! Talk about individual attention. He has done really well, and I think has grown a lot socially and academically in kindergarten. there are 3 kids total in the 1st grade class, so a lot of times, the two classes intermingle. They seem like one little happy family of kids! I took a few pics of them last week at their Valentine's party and thought they were too cute not to share...
Both classesTeachers, too
His best buddies, MaKinna and Onosatale (Oh-nah-sah-tah-lay!)

Sunday School

2009-02-17T13:44:00.003-05:00

Brendan started two weeks ago at our church in the Sunday school program. He was kind of wondering why he had to add another day of "school" to his already 5 days a week program! Too funny....but once I explained how it would work to him, he was very excited. He has been learning about God and the bible mostly through books that we have, and from attending the big people services which don't exactly make sense to him. His first class was wonderful and I stayed with him just to make sure he felt comfortable. I thought his first class was a perfect beginning. They discussed reasons you pray, places you can pray, times you can pray and different ways you can pray. The kids all had wonderful responses, and in the end concluded on their own, that you can pray any time, any place, any way, and for any reason you want to. They were all so sweet. They then read the Lord's Prayer through a small book, and then separated in to groups. each group took a verse of the prayer and the kids in that group drew what that verse meant to them. It was really, really wonderful and I was so proud of him for jumping right in with this new group of children and learning.

Ready for Sunday SchoolFinding his room
Class projectTreats!

Can March Madness Begin in February? Speaking of madness...

2009-02-12T11:52:00.004-05:00

This says it all, I was up way too late cheering on my team!! Whooooo Hooooooo!! Duke has not allowed anyone to score 100 since like 2005...I think! The Heels rallied in the second half, embarrassing Duke on their own Coach K Court.....I LOVE college basketball!

In other news....there is a Chocolate Challenge today in our kitchen at work. I will let you know how Diet Day 10 survives today....pray for me! Cakes, cupcakes, pies and treats from all over the office will be entering this contest. I am not normally a big chocolate fan, but with such a variety, there may be a moment of weakness.

Monkeys at Play!

2009-02-10T17:00:00.004-05:00

Sunday was gorgeous outside, so I took the monkeys outside and they are just full of giggles and fun! They can be the best of brothers one minute, and pinching each other the next.
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Weigh In Day- 1 week down

2009-02-10T15:06:00.002-05:00

Okay, so down 3 pounds from last week's initial weigh in. I am being hard on myself, because my initial weigh in was on the up because of the Superbowl eating frenzy....but I am trying to take it in stride and be happy. I need to keep going if I want to lose. It's only been a week for goodness sakes, and I know you are all growing tired of my silly diet blog!!

Diet continued..

2009-02-09T16:16:00.003-05:00

I am doing much much better, I believe. I have tried to stop looking at the scale every day, I promise I have. But that is what keeps me motivated. As long as that scale says what it says, I believe I stay on task more. If I don't look for a week, although I know the weight goes up and down, I get unmotivated, because I have not seen for myself those nasty numbers that I hate so much! So with that being said, I believe in the last week I have accomplished shrinking my appetite a little. I have done a great job of re-routing myself when I wanted something bad to eat and replacing it with something healthy and good for me that is also filling. I am completely obsessed with sliced bananas and peanut butter. It might be my favorite snack now (if I can't have those heavenly Doritoes that I long for!) So I started this diet on Tuesday of last week and I have my first true weigh in tomorrow morning. I am not sure what weight to start at, because I weighed in last week after a SuperBowl Sunday of bad food! My weight was on the up that morning, so I will have to decide if I want to start at my true true weight, pre SB party, or start with the weight I was that day. Either way, cross your fingers that tomorrow yeilds a little something in the loss category!

Happy Monday!

Day 3

2009-02-05T16:14:00.004-05:00

The scale went UP this morning. UP!!!! WHY WHY WHY!? A half pound, that's all just throw me a half pound loss!

I am mad at dieting. I may break up with dieting and claim to be happy with fat.

Day 2 & Tiny

2009-02-04T14:11:00.007-05:00

Pretty much the same as yesterday...although I ate even less and it was all healthy. I am impatient, I know....but I wish at least half a pound would go away. Just a half so that I know my body recognizes that I am trying to lose more...come on body, throw me a bone here! I will keep going, I promise...

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In other news...this is Tiny. She "was" the family pet for what I have been told for about 20 years. Hubby is allergic to cats and dogs, and basically anything with dander, so the family always had pet turtles. His whole life turtles have come and gone, but one turtle has become part of the family. Meet Tiny. Tiny was not your average turtle. She lived in the living room mainly. Not in a box, not in an aquarium....but in the living room. Most recently she has lived in the sunken living room at grandmama and grampy's home, because she could not get out. She hides under blankets, the entertainment center, behind couches and during the holidays under the Christmas tree. As you can imagine, she was a small and quiet pet that did not require much. She loved live worms (i know!) and was often suprised with a treat of them for dinner. Her other favorite meals included cheerios with milk and corn on the cob. She travelled between our home, grandmama/grampys home and elizabeth's home throughout her life and always adapted accordingly. She never really hid in her shell because she was not often threatened as she would be in the big wide world out there. She would pull her arms and legs and head on occasion if she was nervous. She was fine with people holding her and became accustomed to being loved on, as if she were a fluffy, lovey pet that most people are used to. She posed for many pictures and even became a part of Elizabeth and Paul's engagement festivities.

Although odd to many people..(because of her turtle status)...
She Was A Part Of The Family.

She died yesterday morning sometime. :-(

Brendan has asked that we paint a little rock to put outside, wherever she is buried so that we think of her whenever we see it.
She has been around for his entire life, so he was very sad yesterday.

So whatever your pet is....give it a hug today....unless of course it is a snake or an alligator...I might pass on that. Tiny was not completely crazy about hugs anyway. :-)

Day 1

2009-02-03T15:03:00.005-05:00

Well, although I feel okay and don't have headaches and such like I normally do when I start a diet, I am not completely encouraged yet. I thought yesterday I had a really good day of dieting, and then when I stepped on the scale this morning, I weighed a pound and a half more than I did yesterday.

I KNOW.....

You don't lose immediately
Weight can go up and down
I shouldn't weigh myself every day
It is a lifestyle change, not an overnight change

I KNOW, I KNOW

I ate well yesterday, healthy and did not overdo it. I drank a lot of water and did not eat any junk. I snacked on low calorie foods such as raw carrots and an apple with peanut butter. For dinner, I had a roasted chicken breast from Subway on italian bread full of fat free veggies and plain mustard.

So I should feel good about the way I ate, but because the scale went up, I was mad!! Again, knowing all of the things above should make me feel better, but.....

I just don't understand how you can completely change the way you eat and not eat the junk you always eat and then go up a pound and a half. On other days when I have eaten junk, the scale has not moved the next day. BOOOOO!! Did Sunday's Superbowl Festival of Dips catch up with me this morning?

Now you see why I need YOUR help!!

Will You Help?

2009-02-02T14:11:00.003-05:00

I need some tough love. Can you help me? I want to lose about 20 pounds, and I am having a hard time getting it going. I will do well for about 3 days, and then I blow it because I am starving. Yes, I know I am not literally starving, but it sure feels that way. I get angry, light headed, tired, and then angry again. I know I need to do a better job with my snack and making sure I am choosing filling good for you type things to get through the afternoon cravings. So I am soliciting help from my blog readers to check on me daily to make sure I am on task and not falling off the diet train. I have a goal to follow my diet closely, religiously and healthfully for 2 weeks. I figure you have to start with small attainable goals....right? So I will post a daily check in, just a few notes on what I ate and how I felt and I expect you all to hound me about it as if you were my dieting coach! I only need you to follow me for 2 weeks to get me going.

Happy Birthday Mom

2009-01-29T15:59:00.003-05:00

Today is my mom's birthday. She would be 62 years old. She left us 10 years ago, at age 52, way too early. 10 years is a long time, and although I feel like I have not seen or talked to her in a long time, I also feel like it was just yesterday. My mom was my best friend, but also my guiding light. She always had the best in mind for my sis and I, and actually for most people in life. She liked to act silly with me and we laughed a lot, sometimes in to hysterics. She made sure my sister and I never wanted for anything, no matter what she had to do to make it happen. We grew up in a modest house with modest things, but she always made sure we were happy and taken care of the nth degree. She would have loved my two little boys to pieces. The best part of getting older for me, is that I am often told I look like her. I love that!! She left an impression on many people in many ways...and this was apparent to me, when a year after she passed away, some people from her work had a party in her honor, just because they missed her. I am not sure if she had a mean bone in her body, not one. I see a lot her in my older sister, and I love when that shines through.

Thank you for looking over us, mom, and thank you for teaching me the things that make me a good person and good mom myself.

This is her high school pic, LOVE the hair!!Happy Birthday up there!!

Little Miss Sophia

2009-01-28T14:34:00.004-05:00

Hubby and I had a wonderful time in NC last weekend. One of our stops was to see our friends Tim and Serena. They had a beautiful new addition to their home in this past October, in the form of a little angel named Sophia. I just happened to have my camera with me to snap some shots of this exquisite little being and thought I would share them. It's amazing that this little 3 month old life had so much personality for the camera. She was quite the tired little bug when we first arrived, but she quickly turned model when she saw the first flash.

Magic Snow Flag Makes For Fun Commute

2009-01-27T12:42:00.006-05:00

This past weekend I bought a magic snow flag. I was teasing Brendan and told him that if we put the flag out, that snow would come. I had no idea that I was right. I must be magic!!

We put this out yesterday morning. And today....voila!!! It worked!!

Love our snowy house!The view of my 2 1/2 drive to work....notice the poor red car on the left, not sure what he hit!I slide a few times myself.
The highest speed I went on the drive in
This is the road the boys school is on, that IS a road, can you see it? It's covered!

My Ugg-ies did their job today!Hopefully we'll get more of the white stuff so they can play in it. We made it to school and work safe and sound. Sounds like we are in the for the fun "Wintry Mix" later on today...I'll share with you my commute home if it deems itself blog worthy!

Kicking & Punching to Green

2009-01-26T15:24:00.004-05:00

We are very proud of our little karate kid. He has moved up to his green stripe and continues to improve his martial art skills. He really enjoys his class and should soon be moving to a more advanced class. He earned his green with ease and since earning this just a few weeks ago, is already halfway to the next belt test on the ladder.

I am pretty sure this chop was taught by Mr. Miyagi in Karate Kid 1.
Ha!!

And as per our new tradtion we visited the Dairy Queen, this time a day later to enjoy a "healthy" meal to celebrate B's new achievement. Nothing says nice healthy meal to keep you strong for Tae Kwon Do, like a cheeseburger, fries and a dipped cone.

President Obama

2009-01-22T09:56:00.003-05:00

On January 20, the United States swore in a new president, Barack Obama. I did not want my blog to miss this memorable event in history. So although I am 2 days late....I felt the obvious need to make sure this occasion held a permanent place here.

I am hopeful that the change he promises will bring about positive things for our country.
I have a few friends who attended with the masses 2 days ago to celebrate and welcome him to office. Check out Ruhiyyih's blog for some fabulous insights and pics.

John F. Kennedy
"All this will not be finished in the first one hundred days. Nor will it be finished in the first thousand days, nor in the life of this administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin."

In.Need.Of.Some.Mommy.Advice

2009-01-12T13:53:00.007-05:00

****Update****
(1-14-08)
After a teary phone call with the pediatrician consisting of "am i doing something wrong, is this normal" I felt better. The last 3 nights we have had to hold him down to get him to sleep, but each night has been a little less time than the night before. And last night he slept all night again. I don't want to count my chickens before they hatch, but maybe we are on a road to something better. Just wanted to update you all since you were so helpful and nice with your feedback. We'll see if remaining calm and continuing to do the same thing with him leads to a light at the end of the tantrum tunnel.

My 23 month old child who has been the BEST sleeper since he was born, has suddenly decided he is done with that. After he was born, he was waking up once a night for a feeding. Yes, once a night. I had to wake him to feed him and he went right back to sleep. There was a tiny phase that he thought it was a good idea to sleep from 7:00 to 4:00 am, which stunk, but at least he was down for 9 hours, so that was fine. Getting up at 4:00 is not my cup of tea, but I dealt with it and had ample time to spend with the 5 year old before going to bed. Then for the last, oh I don't know....17 months he has been a 12 hourish sleeper. Going to bed around 7:30pm and not waking up until 7:00am. In fact, we have had to plan our lives around his bedtime. Not because we are anal parents, not because we are following rigid guidelines, not because we did not want him past 7:30, but because his little internal clock told him that was night night time, and if we did not adhere to it...there was...well, you know what...to pay. Talk about meltdowns....well, you'd certainly get one if were out and about at bedtime. There have been a few times when we have tested the limits and I'd say without a doubt within a day he was right back on schedule. Aaaaahhhhh....it has been fairly cut and dry and easy. Heck....on New Year's Eve we tested the limits but seeing if he would conk out at our friends NYE's party in their extra bedroom.

He DID! Whew.....

Enter the last two weeks....Griff has decided that he no longer likes the 7:30-7:00 night night schedule. He has opted for the "hold me down until I scream myself to sleep around 9:30pm to 5:30 am schedule.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Now I know children's bodies change, their internal clocks change etc.....but to shave 4 hours off of the night blows my mind.

Curve Ball #2 - We have since introduced the big boy bed which makes going night night even worse. Now, i know you are going to tell me that maybe this has something to do with this change. It does not, BECAUSE...he started this new schedule 2 weeks or so ago, and the big boy bed came in to play this past Saturday. He changed his schedule while still in the crib.

My Dilemma~My hubby or I have to physcially hold this child down while he is having a horrendous tantrum and tries to get out of the bed. I know the Supernanny suggest that you just keep putting the child back in the bed. You can not do that with G. He has mastered the alligator roll to the "nth"degree and if you don't have him secure in the bed, you don't stand a chance. He is an above average height and weight and is all muscle.

So please tell me...are we awful that we end each night with him screaming until he is too tired to fight back while we hold him down? I was pretty much in tears last night, because it got soooo bad that I yelled at him. (please hold all gasps!)

I don't know what else to do.....

Santa Came Through...

2009-01-08T10:56:00.007-05:00

Wow, I did not realize that I would create such a cliffhanger when I mentioned the Santa gift that I could not talk about yet. Sorry to disappoint, but it is not a baby, nor anything that may be as exciting as some of you asked me! And this is quite the boring, drawn out story...but I need to get it off my chest just once more and then move on with life, so bear with me...

My story is about the big gift that the boys received from Santa for Christmas this year. Brendan asked for bunk beds, and since Griffin has resorted to interesting tactics to try to get out of his crib, I decided it was both a fun and somewhat practical gift to get for the boys. Griffin needs a bed, Brendan and and he could move in to the same room and we could then make B's room in to a full fledged play (disaster) room. In an attempt to contain the madness that has become toys all over the house, I thought this idea made a lot of sense...and I still do.

Enter the story of getting the bunk beds. It's not a bad story, it was just quite frustrating. Brand new bunks COST TOO MUCH! So I decided Craig's List would be a great alternative. Because we do not own a truck or trailer or anything worthy of hauling big things, I had to try to think of a crafty way of getting a bed to our house once I found it. I found lots of beds on there...great prices, less than half and hardly used. I found one for $175 and we decided it was perfect....but how to do get it? The people offered to bring it to us~AWESOME! So I told them we'd be home, then she emailed me back and said they sold it to someone who could pick it up......As Ruihiyyih would say...FAIL. Back the drawing board....I spent weeks trying to determine a way to get a bed and even considered renting a UHaul or something for a short time once I found a bed. It just all seemed so painful. ugh.....

In the meantime, we visited Santa and Brendan told him how much he wanted a bunk bed. He even drew a picture at school when they were asked to draw what they wanted for Christmas...ugh...

...So we did finally find a bed that would work, and grandmama was able to let us borrow her smaller sized SUV. We made the trip 30 miles out to get the bed in the rain one late work night. We got it, some of it....not all would fit. FAIL...ugh...The lady agreed to let us come back to get the rest on Saturday morning. Whew...
So I went back on Saturday, got the rest, came home, hid it in the garage, and was happy with my purchase.

I did not re-visit the bunk bed again until Christmas Eve when we started to put it together once the boys were in bed. Auntie, Hubby, Grampy and I carried all of the parts upstairs and it became clear that we may be missing some parts. Once everything was upstairs, we did an inventory and realized that not only were the pegs that held the bed together missing, but also the guard rails, which are KEY! They keep him from falling off the top bunk. I was so upset, really. The picture I had in my head of Brendan and Griffin waking up to find new bunk beds that Santa built for them, and Brendan's big smile and excitement just melted away, since we could not compltely put the beds together. We put just the bottom bunk together and left the rest of the pieces under the bed.

I was instantly mad at the Craigs List lady. Why had she sold me a bed without all the parts. What could I do about it on Christmas Eve? Or even on Christmas day....FAIL FAIL FAIL...I did spend some time crying on Cmas Eve, and then just realized we would have to make it work.

Brendan woke up, thrilled to see what Santa left for him and belive it or not, was more than excited to see even part of bed there. He saw the parts underneath, and then found the letter that Santa left him...telling him that Rudolph had hit a bump in the road and dropped a piece of the bed. (it's the best i could come up). He thought that was too funny and although he wanted to know when the piece would eventually come the excitement of the day and the other things left overshadowed that concern...I felt better.

I ended up sending a text message to the lady I bought the bed from, and she replied that she was sorry and would look for the pieces when she returned home from the trip she was on. I was actally surprised and happy she returned my text so quickly. I though she may try to ignore me. I asked her if she if she definitely had them, and she said she did not know.....I instantly began to wonder what the heck we were going to do if she did not. We'd have to go through the pain of returning the bed in two or more trips, pay for more gas, explain to B why we had to return the bed Santa left for him, hope to find nice beds at the same price...and then go through the process all over again....

Two days later, I get the following text.
"I looked and don't have the pieces, hope you can find an alternative solution."

She was obviously trying to skirt taking the beds back...Are you kidding? Find an alternative solution? When I called her, she suggested we order the parts, or get them from a lumber yard.
A lumber yard? So we could build them!? I was livid. This person advertised and sold me a bed without all the parts, and KEY parts at that. !!!! I told her I would check in to pricing for ordering the parts we needed but I would expect her to pay for them. She told me I could just return the bed. !!!! *insert punch*

During the next few days, I spent a lot of time online, on the phone, (as did my sister) researching the parts, the costs, etc....to get the parts needed. A few phone calls and texts with the Craigs List lady yielded her being slightly rude at times, and never really that apologetic about this. I did let her know at one point that I felt she ruined a portion of my holiday. Some may disagree with me for doing that.........but a sincere apology from her...would have GONE A LONG WAY. She was very matter of fact about this the whole time, so I made it a point near the end to let her know that this was a gift from Santa for a 5 year old and if she had not falsely advertised that she was selling an ENTIRE bunk bed, she would not be dealing with me now.

I know that if the shoe were on the other foot and I had done this to someone, that I would feel just TERRIBLE about it. I might even offer to find the parts for them. But maybe that's just me...

In the end, I found the parts, ordered them, offered to have her pay for only half, which was MORE THAN FAIR .

The parts came on Tuesday and I know they will work. We have yet to put it on, so B can't sleep in the bed yet, but I am hopeful that this weekend, we will have his bed, that Santa and the elves built finally put together.

Santa left a note for Brendan that he and the elves were sorry the parts were dropped, but that they hoped he loved the new bed, even though it was a little late. And I got to see Christmas morning excitement again on January 7th...which was a nice feeling....

Thank you Santa, for coming through...

Next year, Toys R US may help Santa bring the gifts...

Holidays...in a Nutshell

2009-01-05T16:54:00.006-05:00

My poor blog....has suffered from a severe case of neglect...I'm sorry dear blog, please forgive me...

The holidays were nothing less than BUSY. I know you all were singing the same song. So rather than upload a gazillion photos, which I do have, I have decided to cheat off my sister's blog and point you to her blog for the "best of" of our holiday with my side of the family. Please check it out....she does a great job of summing it up. This particular post was about my family's visit from NC to see us. Click Me

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Done reading that? Good!

The rest of our holidays were spent locally, and we were able to enjoy time with hubby's family, which was nice. We actually had three fun nights of celebrating in a row. I have some pics, but of course I forgot the SD card that my photos are on today....and boy, how I hate a "photoless" blog post. But this is going to be one.....

For Christmas Eve Eve we had a lasagna dinner. Because hubby's sister, Elizabeth...aka..."Auntie" 's fiance Paul would not be here for Christmas, we decided to have a nice dinner to share the holiday with him before he left. The boys and the rest of us exchanged gifts with soon to be Uncle Paul and had a nice evening.

For Christmas Eve, I followed our yearly tradition of Paella our house and all are welcome. We had the same group, minus Paul over and had a nice time chatting and chowing...

Christmas morning was met with the surprises from Santa and a great breakfast cooked by hubby as another yearly tradition. We packed up and went to grandmama and grampys and enjoyed Christmas Day with them, great grandma and Auntie.

I do have more specific stories to go along, mostly with this year's visit from Santa to our house, and one specific gift...but I am saving that story until the happy ending comes...

******

In other news, a slightly unexpected trip to North Carolina filled 2 days of mine, when I found out my uncle had passed away on Christmas Eve. Although it is not a total shock that this happened, we all know it is never easy, especially around the holidays. I packed up Brendan and myself, and left hubby and the little G at home and headed to NC to be with my family. I grew up playing at my aunt and uncle's house for many years and have always had a special relationship with this side of my mom's family. Although it was amazing to see family I have not seen in years, it was hard, too. I know he is in a better place, and with my mom...so that certainly helps the healing.

******

Happy New Year.....and I definitely resolve to not be as slack as I have been with my blog the last few months. :-))

An Enchanting Visit

2008-12-19T12:32:00.008-05:00

Last Sunday we took the boys to the US Botanic Gardens for their Winter Wonderland display. The gardens themselves are amazing any time of year, but with the display of poinsettias and orchids for the holidays, it is really breathtaking. Best of all, it was FREE!! We parked on Constitution and walked over. It is right beside the Capitol, as you see here!I have stolen the language used in the flyer for the event.

*****

Remember that “nosed pressed against the store window” feeling of excitement around holiday time? This year, the U.S. Botanic Garden’s annual exhibit has been arranged to entertain visitors while it’s open & closed.

“Windows to Wonderland” celebrates human imagination and our fascination with all
things miniature. Here is a world where all good things are possible and time stands still.
Best of all, you can stay as long as you like! Magical by both day and night, the Wonderland can be visited in the gallery and enjoyed outside through the gallery windows until 11 p.m.

The hamlets in Wonderland — Fairy Tale Trails, Santa's Village, Secret Mountain, Castle
Mountain, Caterpillar Garden, and Gremlin Corner — are all connected by trains. Trains
are overhead, in tunnels, going, coming, and chugging everywhere you look. From the
castle high atop a mountain to the cave dwellings underground, the buildings and landscapes are constructed of natural plant materials.

In the Conservatory’s Garden Court, a grand indoor holiday tree invites you to linger
amidst the splendor of blooming poinsettias. Here, you can discover our National Mall
Landmarks in replica. Handcrafted from natural plant parts, this unique collection, which
is on display only during the holidays, is so fanciful you have to see them to believe them.

*******

As you walk in there is a big Christmas tree to the left, and this wonderful blue train circles it, tooting it's horn, blowing some steam and bringing lots of smiles to all the kids that were there.

Griffin adored it, and clapped every time it made it's way back around to us.

The handcrafted landmarks that they talked above were amazing...made from natual plant parts? Not sure what that is, but they were just 'wow."

Here is the Capitol.

and the Washington Monument of course...the little pool behind signified the reflecting pool and was full of pennies...I mean wishes....

I thought this one was the by far the neatest, because it is the US Botanic Garden, the building we were standing in.

So off we went to the Windows to Wonderland train display, which had even more of these magnificent "plant part" sculptures. The first section was Fairy Tales...and you can't see it here, but around all of these sculptures were trains galore circling and delighting!

It started off with The Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe..

The Three Little Pigs..

The Caterpillar Train

The Peanuts Carnival Train

Santa's Village

We also took a walk through some of the rooms, such as the desert! We thought these catus looked like the tops of Brendan's hat!

The Gardens...FULL of orchids!!

A room full of poinsettias...I loved the colors and name of this one.

The buddy and me

In a nutshell, I'd say it was quite enchanting and the boys, grandmama and I loved it. DC is so full of things to do, and many of them are free!

Hints of Christmas

2008-12-15T17:02:00.006-05:00

I finally got up all my holiday decorations last weekend, a little later than normal, but it felt good. Last year, Alex was down and out with his Achilles rupture that he earned in a football game on Thanksgiving day....so it was tough to get a tree and such. With the added excitement a 9 month old brings, the decorations last year were sparse, so this year, I wanted little touches all over the house. Just wanted to share some...:-)

the boys found our perfect tree..
the snowman melting in our house..

the wonderful fiber optic train...coffee table delights...
festive dining room B adding the star..tree 2008
santa's entrance...santa's treats...
the countdown (a little off as of today there are only 8!)don't get caught under this...just for fun...
the coolest nutcracker i've ever met...he serves wine, cheese and fruit!Tis the Season!!!

Facebook Smacebook?

2008-12-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

I may be one of the only people left, who has no clue about the intricacies of Facebook.

I don't know what what to do with it.

I have a profile, I have a picture, I have some friends, but now what?

I get invitations all the time from people to be their friend, and I gladly accept, at least I think I do. But then what.....can someone help me? Is this similar to My Space (which I have to admit, I am mildly also clueless about)? Am I suppose to put what mood I am in every day or what I am doing?

What is the purpose? Please help me!! And for goodness sake what the heck does this mean below? I understand the friend request...okay, that's wonderful....
but what do I do with a twirl request? And for the love of ....what does it mean when someone pokes me? Is that okay to do when you are married? Would my husband care if I poked someone and got poked back?

I need some guidance on this please....all you facebookers, helps a novice out.

Family Pics

2008-12-08T11:28:00.008-05:00

We had some family photos taken in October and I thought I'd share a few. We took the boys out to Theodore Roosevelt Island which is an adorable, historical little island off of the George Washington Parkway. It is open year round and has some the most beautiful fountains and trails in the area.

We met the photographer there on a Sunday morning so he could capture some natural shots of the boys and a few of us. I have too many share but thought I would share some of my favorites..

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This last one is my favorite, just because it is B being B.

Where You At Karen?

2008-12-05T16:23:00.002-05:00

I don't know what has prevented me from blogging lately, but I have just not been in the zone. It's not that I don't have anything to say, or any photos to share, I have just been pre-occupied with the season and I swear this time of year speeds up each year that goes by.

I can't believe it's December...

I think I have most of holiday shopping done, my cards are in order, visits with family are scheduled, birthdays are covered...it just seems there is never a dull moment...

I have not commented in some blogs lately, and it is not because I am not reading, it's just I am too busy doing three things at once.

Can I make a resolution in early December or do I have to wait until January? I want to get back in to my blogging and in to my blog commenting, because I do love it and I love sharing with those of you who like to read.

There is lots to chat about, and I vow to do a better job of chatting..I know you are all just dying to read about my life. HA!

Happy Friday....and in the famous words of the Terminator...I'll be bock!"

Kim

2008-11-24T14:46:00.003-05:00

She's my sister, my mom's and dad's first baby, my son's wonderful aunt, my brother in law's wonderful wife, a good friend to many, and a just a great, kind-hearted, giving, sweet person in general.

She has been my sister for almost 35 years, and although I often hear stories about people growing up arguing with their siblings, but always being the best of friends, I can honestly say that I don't know that we have ever really argued. Sure they have been tough times, and sure we're alike and different in many ways....but we have just always clicked. We are just the best kind of sisters there can be (including our little sis, Jennifer as well.)

I don't know what I'd do without her...I'd just be lost.

Yesterday was her birthday, and one of the greatest days ever, because it was the day my mom and dad created the person who would turn out to the best big sister anyone could have.

Karate Kid

2008-11-18T11:06:00.010-05:00

I realized that I have never really done a post on Brendan's Tae Kwon Do. I believe he is shy of year by a few months, and we are very proud of his progress. He has passed 3 belt tests and now boasts his orange stripe. We have really enjoyed watching him learn about martial arts, and we are really proud of his achievements thus far. The school has a great mission for the kids, and the Master is not only great with the technique of martial arts, but is awesome with the kids. Brendan seems to really enjoy it and for now, we will keep it up as long as it is proving to be positive for him.

Here are the school's main goals for beginners.

Beginning exercises....Hiya!!I love this pic of the meditation, look closely, he yawning! It must work.Front kickThe new belt and Master MikeLittle G came to watchand Grandmama and Grampy (not pictured)Proud Parents
And the reward for earning a new belt is always a "healthy" lunch at Dairy Queen!!

Just Blabbering...

2008-11-14T12:33:00.005-05:00

They've been keeping me busy~these boys. Work has been busy, life has been busy, and I think things will calm down, soon...whew.....I can't believe that the holidays are almost here, times sure flies when you get older, doesn't it?

It's a drizzly rainy Friday here...and it seems like a good weekend to watch movies, eat comfort food and relax.

Wonder if the little boys will let me do that?
*******

007 watch out...

My little buddy

May The Force Be With You

2008-11-04T11:41:00.006-05:00

Say Hi to Yoda!Halloween was a blast this year, the boys had a great time. Brendan has been planning his costume since last year, so he has been counting down the days. Because B is obsessed with Star Wars, the tradition continued this year. I thought I'd let Griffin be a part of the Jedi/Trooper action as well.Alex and I took Griffin to about 5 houses total with his big brother and he just kind of stared at most people. He ended up with 7 bags of m&m's and one bag of potato chips. Griffin and I then headed back home to make sure the chili I had been stewing all day was done. I make chili every year for Halloween. Grandmama and Grampy joined us for some chili and a movie later on.
Brendan made out pretty well this year, I'd say.

Back in Action

2008-10-29T17:08:00.002-04:00

So this may the longest break I have had from posting since starting my blog. I have just returned from my week long convention in San Diego. What an amazing place! I was actually there longer than a week, but it felt like it flew right by. This was my 5th convention with my company, and it seems like they get easier every year. Although each year presents new challenges, with each one, I gain a better idea on how to handle them.

I am tired, worn out, recovering from a 2 week sinus infection that I took with me, and I need to restore order in my life...play the violins for me, will ya?

We had a great week, at least I did, and although there is lack of sleep and long hours, I laughed more than I ever have with my co-workers...

Ruhiyyih, I may have to share the "touching" story this week.

Be back with pics in the next few days.....

Our Little Student

2008-10-08T17:18:00.008-04:00

Dear Mrs. L,

Just a note to let you know Brendan has been really working hard in class and is really doing well at reading. I am very proud of his success so far, and his behavior has improved a lot. He has turned in to quite the teacher's pet lately. :-) Keep up the good work!

Miss S

********

This is the note I read today from my little student's teacher. WOW!! So proud of him.

I must say that we have been working hard with him on his homework and he really seems to enjoy it most nights. He has really become quite the kindergartner this school year. He is in a small school, a private school, with 8 total children in his class and I know this makes a difference. He gets a lot of one on one, and the school is very big on homework, reading, diving in to many subjects and keeping these children on their toes. I am just hopeful that when we integrate him in to the regular school system that he is not bored and that we have really good teachers. Being a former public school teacher, I know you don't always have the luxery of a small class and full time assistants, and things can be quite different as far as one on one teaching goes. I must hand it to the teachers who work so hard to make sure their children receive the best they can in learning. As parents, we are all responsible to assist these teachers in every way we can, by raising our children the best we can and getting involved in their schoolwork. (sorry....bit of a soapbox tangent there....)

Anyway...I wanted to share some of his recent schoolwork, because we are so proud of him.

I just thought this was sweet, it is his family tree he did of the 4 of us. Notice little brotheer Griffin is titled as "Brover." lol...

This is the school project he did during Hispanic Heritage Month. He had Guatemala, and had to do a little presentation on it. They also had a fiesta day where he brought in a food from his country, we made fresh salsa from scratch. He did this mostly on his own!!

This was his very first oral given spelling test and he made 100. We were so proud of him. He told me the words were "soooooooooo easy." Ha ha! I know the "wh" words can be a little tough, but he got them all right. :-)

We have really been pumping up how proud we are of him, and he seems very proud also.

Now if we could just get him to go to bed on time, we'd be in good shape!

The Score

2008-09-28T20:21:00.001-04:00

Take that Cowboys!!

Key Lime Pie

2008-09-26T21:58:00.004-04:00

This is completely random, but do you ever discover that you now love a food that has existed your whole life, which you have never ventured to taste? I guess as we get older we are more likely to try new things and try things we once thought we would never eat. I am not a big dessert eater, I am not a big chocolate eater, not a big sweet eater in general. But at age 34 I have just discovered...

KEY LIME PIE!!!It's positively divine, and I could possibly eat a whole pie by myself. How have I been missing out on this my whole life? I'm sure this wonderful wonderful pie has been on more than 2/3 of the restaurant dessert menus I have ever held in my hands, but I have only tried it for the first time recently.
Maybe I have repressed a bad key lime experience from my childhood, I don't know. I just know that I am happy that I did not go another 34 years without tasting this delicious little treat.

I told you this was random.

Bowl Cut

2008-09-23T12:44:00.002-04:00

He has a lot of hair, and although he does have a head full of hair, it is thin and silky, so the only cut that works for my little tank is the bowl!!

Mr. Lee hooked him up this weekend and now he can see where he is going.

Half Days

2008-09-19T12:11:00.002-04:00

Don't ya love them? Come in and work for a little bit, get some stuff done, and then head out for an afternoon to yourself.

Even if my plan is just clean my house, do laundry and watch a Lifetime movie, what could be better?

Everyone.... have a nice weekend, it is supposed to be awesome weather around here. :-) I plan to take advantage of it.

Also, congrats to Crystal and her new little peach Charlotte Rose!! You can see her updates on the left from Twitter.

Rides & Redskins

2008-09-17T15:08:00.003-04:00

This past weekend we headed to Busch Gardens with Elizabeth and Paul for a day of fun! We left on Friday, headed down to Williamsburg and left the two little guys behind for a weekend of fun with grandmama and grampy. (or should I say, a weekend of business for grandmama and grampy). These two don't leave much time for rest in the day. We arrived at the Holiday Inn Friday night in time to hang out a little, and then settle in to rest for the next day. Alex and I have been here twice since we've moved to DC, and had a blast both times. They have some of the best roller coasters I have been on. We loaded up on a nice, nutritious breakfast (think Golden Arches) and then headed to park when they opened at 10 am. About 9 hours, a few beers, a few bottled waters, some free bbq and shrimp meals, 10-15 roller coaster rides, lots of walking in the stifling heat, a lesson from the brewmasters club and some really fun times, we headed out at 7pm. Starving and tired, we enjoyed a nice dinner at Outback and headed back to the hotel where I quickly gave up and went to bed. The other 3 met some new friends at the hotel bar and stayed up a bit longer. (I claim my lameness on being a mommy of 2 boys).

Here we are!
So, I wanted to share our ride on the best roller coaster I have ever encountered. It's called the Griffon! Now while you are watching this guy's video of the ride, notice that when you get to the top of this 205 foot drop, that they take you over the hill and let you DANGLE there for like 4 seconds. OMG!! It was wild. I was terrified the first few times. Go for the ride below. Weeeee!!!

Goofball Me
We all headed back on Sunday, and Alex and I had tickets to the Skins/Saints game from a friend of ours. We got home, changed clothes, relieved grandmama and Elizabeth and Paul stuck around to watch the boys. Our seats were in a suite, which had an all you can eat place, shade and air conditioning. it was steaming hot outside.

The game did not start out well, but luckily the Skins pulled out a dramatic winning finish, which had everyone screaming and jumping. Thanks Lisa for taking this pic! It just so happened to be our 6th anniversary on Sunday, so I'd say we were able to celebrate with a lot of fun this past weekend.

The Clambake

2008-09-12T10:55:00.004-04:00

A few weeks, my company hosted an outing for the employees. We usually have an end of summer picnic in the park on a Saturday, but this year, we closed the office early on a Friday and spent the afternoon having some fun.

We headed over the National Harbor, via water taxi to a fun place called Fosters Downeast Clambake. It;'s right on the water. Aside from enjoying the open bar and delicious cusine, we were required to particpate in the office Olympics our CEO had secretly set up. Think The Office... very similar....

Games such as The Stapler Toss, The Paper Clip Drop, Paper Airlplane Throwing, Charades, Trivia and last but not least Beer Pong were played. (not of course, we did not play real beer pong, but I don't know what else to call it.)

Proudly, I must say that my team, the Green Team won the 1st place gold medal, wooo hooo!! We have a very competitive group and have a lot fun.

With that being said, I hope you all work for someone who appreciates you enough to allow you some fun while at work, and show you that on a regular basis. I can actually say that I work for a place that this happens naturally. It's nice.

Enjoy the pics.

Our Staff (i'm just to the left the big green finger showing off my 1st place medal)View from the water taxi on the way over..Foster's ClambakeInstructions for lunchLUNCH - YUM!!! (there were alternatives for the weak!)The Pong Game, go Lisa!Our Balloon Contest

Happy Friday!

Simply Put.....

2008-09-11T09:40:00.003-04:00

A sailor rings a bell each time the name of one of the people who died in 9/11 attack is read. (Photo: Gerald Martineau/The Washington Post)

From the Washington Post
From the roof of the Pentagon, eight rescue workers who responded after a hijacked plane struck the building seven years ago stood at somber attention this morning beside an enormous American flag as a bugler played taps. Far below, a bagpiper answered the musical elegy with the somber wail of "Amazing Grace." As he played, he walked among parallel rows of 184 benches, each covered in a somber blue cloth decorated with a small American flag.

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

Let us all say a prayer for those who lost their lives on this day, those who lost family and friends on this day, those who fight for us because of this day, and for all Americans.

I Confess

2008-09-02T22:46:00.002-04:00

I did not really tell anyone, but I was ECSTATIC about 90210 starting again tonight, and I was glued. I was like the biggest fan ever...totally back in the day. I missed possibly 2 episodes in 10 years. Really!

Yes, I know...I am 34 years old.
Yes, the main stories follow high school kids.
Yes, I have nothing in common with them.
Yes, I should have watched the Republican convention.

Feel free to throw darts, rocks, evil stares my way.

I'm hooked. I just hope Dylan (Luke Perry) makes an experience. But mostly, I hope David Silver (Brian Austin Greene) shows up. I was such a fan of the high school deejay...

Pray for me.

Happy Birthday Sir!

2008-08-28T14:14:00.004-04:00

Brendan had two birthday parties this year, both on the Saturday before his big 5th birthday. The morning party was one with his friends and I will post pics of that, once I get them from my sis, as she was my photographer.

The nighttime party was with family. I took him one afternoon to the Party Depot and let him pick his theme, and as you can see below, he chose Army. He has had a keen interest in playing Army lately. We aren't a military family, and even the grandparents who were military were Air Force and Marine, so I am not sure where he grabbed on to this. Either way, this is what he wanted, so an Army party it was!! We bought fun invitations, decorations and such.

Aunt Kim and Uncle Don arrived on Thursday evening of that week. On Friday, Brendan had a field day with Uncle Don. They were headed to see The Clone Wars which had come out that day, but on the way there they stopped by an Army Surplus Store.....and although I wasn't there, I'm sure B's eyes lit up the place. Of course, they left with Brendan dressed in printed Army fatigues, which he apparently wore to lunch at Burger King and to the movie, too. These cam in handy at the party on Saturday. I had given explicit instructions for all of the party attendees to wear army colors to the party. Anyone who deviated was deemed an enemy.

The party was a great success, and I have included some highlights below.

The Cake!!The Party Favors - remember these parachute guys!My creative decorating! The tan guy is an enemy!5 candles!!Everyone Launching their parachute menGriffy escaping from the General
Uncle Don brought face paint to cap it off! He and his little birthday buddy had a blast!General Brendan in action

MIA....but BIA

2008-08-26T16:46:00.005-04:00

I have been Missing in Action, but I am now Back in Action!

Have you missed me? Say yes, say yes...!!

What can I say, things have been busy....

First off....Brendan turned 5 on August 18th. We had two parties in one day, and topped if off with a trip to the water park and Chuck E Cheese on his actual birthday. I have tons of pics to share, so stand by for a few days of catching up...I can't believe our little baby is now 5 years old. WOW.....

In addition...I have been OBSESSED with the Olympics and now they are over. :-( But go USA!! Wow, the softball team loss was tough, but they did a great job. My absolute favorite sport to watch ended up being the beach volleyball. I have always been a softball player, never played volleyball in my life, unless forced by the gym teacher, but it was so fun to watch. And who didn't love swimming? I mean, really...is that guy real? My question is this....what is up with the race walking? Did anyone see that? I mean, I don't even know where to start...I am baffled by it.

In other news, I started class last night. Yep, I am going back to school, I am officially a student. I am only taking one class and it is fairly elementary, but there is always something new to learn. I have been in meeting planning for over 2 years now and am now taking Intro to Meeting Planning. I don't always do things in order. I want to get back in to the knack of school, and I am taking some classes at the local community college to get a Meeting Planning certificate which I can then transfer towards a 4 year degree. It will help that my wonderful boss (hope you're reading this Lisa, for future raise potential - ha ha) has been a fabulous teacher and has let me piggy back on her job to learn a lot about this. I feel like a real meeting planner already in many aspects since she allows me to help so much with it. So I am a student enrolled in a semester of school! Wish me luck...

Also...we have been working more on our house recently, because of the lack of wedding tours we once had. I have spent several weekends working on our yard, cleaning out toys, garages...and on the boys play-set area. I will have pics of that soon, once my masterpiece is done. Ha!

Lastly, our annual convention is coming up in about 8 weeks and work has started to pick up. Things will be busy until we leave for San Diego, but that's great. I kind of wish they were busier, we need some more attendees! I guess travelling is not high on many companies budgets right now. I spent some time getting organized last week and charting out my goals to get us through the next 9 weeks, and things seem to be falling in to place.

So, I've had a few things going on and honestly, all of it has been pretty good.

I will have pics to share and some catching up to do in coming days...hope you are all still stopping by to check in.

Beijing 2008

2008-08-10T23:25:00.009-04:00

Short and simple...I love watching all of it! the Olympics rock!

But I can't wait for softball!!

Jennie Finch is going to take some names when she rolls out on the field. Tuesday can't get here fast enough. Go USA!!!

What's your favorite sport to watch?

P.S.. I just watched the US men's swimming relay team WHIP the trash talking French team. The French boldly said they were going to "smash" the Americans....well, well, well......

Competitive sports....keep me up until midnight...

Play Ball!

2008-08-08T14:30:00.006-04:00

We took the boys to the elementary school field recently, so that Brendan could practice his swing and catching. If he is going to be come a famous baseball player one day, so he can take care of his dear mom and dad, we better get his fundamentals down now, right!?

He had a great time, and although he can use a little practice on his swing, we think he does pretty well for his age. Here are a few highlights..

Alex & Brendan discussing the basics..while our little onlooker takes mental notes..Could be a double!It was a HomeRun!! (it helps when they aren't any outfielders)You're Out! He's not bad at catching!This game never gets old....Even when you get older....
Hope everyone enjoys some outside time this weekend!!

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-06T09:02:00.003-04:00

A dog lullaby

Just plain sweet.

Fruit Salad...Yummy Yummy!

2008-08-05T15:44:00.003-04:00

Brendan loves to make it, I love to eat it...it works out well for all involved. Here we are whipping up a recent batch of one of our favorite summertime snacks!

Slicing, with maybe a nibble here and there..Stir it up..

Voilà!!Disclaimer: I don't make the best. Grandmama makes the absolute best fruit salad around town, and I often request that she stop by on a weekly basis and drop off a Tupperware full of it. She has not caught on that I am serious yet!! :-) I don't know what she puts in it that makes it so delectable, but man....it's delish.

What do you like to put in yours?

Don't Tell My Dentist!!

2008-08-01T11:27:00.003-04:00

On our way back from the beach, Bredan and I stopped at the Candy Kitchen!! Look at this selection!! He picked some truffles, I picked some fudge, and we got hubby some sour thingys.

What I woulnd't give to have a Candy Kitchen right up the street today!!Happy Friday & Happy August!!

May 30, 2009

2008-07-30T09:42:00.005-04:00

This is a future date, that is already special!!
Because.....Auntie and Paul are getting married!!

He proposed to her on July 6 at the Botanical Gardens in D.C. and she said yes of course! Alex and I are very excited, and our boys could not be any luckier to be adding yet another wonderful uncle to their world. Paul has asked both Auntie's parents and

For those unaware, Auntie (Elizabeth) is hubby's little sister, who lives very close to us and who we get to see quite often. Her name has transformed as not only to Auntie for our boys, but I think I call her that most of the time now. She and Paul visit almost every Sunday during Redskins season. As long as I've known Elizabeth, Paul has been in her life, and I know he is going to make a great addition to the family. He already is. The boys love him, and that is golden.

Auntie has become more than just hubby's little to me, she has become a best friend, and I am so excited to be here for this step in her life.

Congrats Auntie & Paul!

And congrats Paul...MAJOR props on this ring!!!!!! Check out this bad boy!

Parenting Tips by Karen

2008-07-28T10:39:00.004-04:00

This made me laugh out loud, about 2 seconds after I said it. Insert, hubby's mom, hubby's godmother, and hubby's sister...all witnessing my parenting skills..

Brendan was playing his Star Wars PlayStation game, he has been playing for a bit. We are in the middle of a little get together, and I want him to stop playing so we can turn it off.

Me: B, please turn off the game.

B: Mommy, I just have to finish this mission.

Me: You've been playing for long enough.

B: I only have to get one more guy, mommy.

Me: Okay, well you can kill one more person, and then you have to turn it off.

Am I parent of the year or what? I allowed him to kill one more guy.

Sigh....sometimes, things sound worse after you hear them leave your lips..

The Family Beach Pics

2008-07-25T09:19:00.002-04:00

We had local company come out and do photos of us while we were on our beach trip. I have included 2 of them here. I have been trying to decide if I should spend the money on the family one. I love it, and I love that the beach is in the background, it was our first real family vacation as a family of 4, so I think that is special also. But they are really pricey!

The one of the boys I probably won't order, it is cute, but if I am going to go all out and spend the money on one, I want the family one.

Would love to hear some thoughts on if you think I should splurge or wait it out for a cheaper family shot...be honest!!

Patience....

2008-07-23T08:57:00.004-04:00

My sweet first born who is funny, smart, loving, happy, can be quite a handful at times.
Let's roll through last night's events... Riding home from school with the boys..

B ~ I want a slurpee, mommy.
Me~ Not, today, sweetie.
B ~ But, I waaaaaaaaant one.
Me ~ I know, honey, but we'll get one another day.
B ~ It's not fair, you NEVER get me a slurpee.
Me ~ You get slurpees all the time.
B ~ Daddy always gets them for me, not you.
Me ~ That's okay, sweetie, we'll get one, soon.
B ~ I'm mad at you, I am not eating dinner tonight, I am not playing tonight, I am not taking a bath tonight, I am not going to bed, I am not doing anything that you want me to do.
Me ~ Well sweetie, you will take a bath and you will go to bed. The other things are your choice.

We rode the rest of the way home, with his arms crossed, and I even witnessed him make some mean faces at his little brother as payback to me. Little did he know, G thought he was funny. He remained mad at me, stomped around the house, refused to get the mail, which he loves to do every day, would not respond to me, and would not tell me if he wanted the chicken nuggets I offered to bake for him.

Then, he demanded the chicken nuggets, all of the sudden, by yelling, GIVE ME THE CHICKEN. (insert hidden laugh)

I put him in time out, which yielded a 20 minute burst of kicking, screaming, crying, throwing of shoes, and a full fledged tantrum, I'd say. I remained calm the entire time, checking in on him and letting him know that his time out would begin as soon as he was calm and in his time out chair. It took 5 visits. I even had time to make his whole dinner during this time period and have it ready by the time the "event" was over. He finally calmed down, served his 4 minutes, apologized, but then told me he did not want to talk about his behavior at the time. We'd discuss it later. I said that was fine, but that he needed to be on best behavior from here on out. He agreed. We had a lovely rest of the evening, including playtime, a bath, dinner and he even got in the bed early.

Sigh............patience is quite a virtue.

Fishy Face!

2008-07-21T17:07:00.002-04:00

This is just too cute not to share...

Tee hee hee...

A Week of Fun

2008-07-16T10:18:00.008-04:00

While were on wedding tour through May and June the boys were able to stay behind in North Carolina for week in between trips and spend time with my family. They spent a few days at Nana and Papa's house and a few days at Aunt Kim and Uncle Don's house. From what I have heard, they had a blast and I don't think the week left them asking for more. They saw movies, went to Chuck E Cheese, played in the pool, visited the park, had fun at Speed Street, ate treats, had good dinners and I am sure received lots of love and hugs all week. I have not told my family yet, but I think we should make this a yearly event, maybe even a bi-annual event, a week or two in NC!! I know they'd love it. a few highlights are below. Thanks Aunt Kim, for sharing the pics..

B hand made a wooden race car with Uncle Don

B met the REAL Spiderman

What a life…G getting fed a yum yum corndog!

Aunt Kim said they loved being pulled around In the wagon all day!

B got to see a real race car!

The Beach

2008-07-14T13:47:00.006-04:00

I could share tons of photos and small stories, but I think I will just include about 10 with captions for each. Our first family of four vacation was delightful. Minus the housekeeping, and guess what, the hotel asked me about our stay, I told them about the housekeeping and they are sending me a free 2-3 night stay to use by April! :-) Thanks Holiday Inn!!

BrendanGriffin

Sandy ToesJust relaxing in the sand (it was nice and cool at night)Me with my Pina!

The BoysGriffin splashing daddy and loving itMid Jump

We ate at Phillips the last night there, and the boys actually sat together on the same side of the table. I wanted to actually enjoy the meal without complaints and crying, so I came prepared with the portable DVD player. Thanks to the Wiggles for supplying the last 15 minutes of enjoyment.

G's New Do

2008-07-11T16:02:00.006-04:00

I had to do it, I had to get his hair cut. It was in his poor little eyes...and although I love it long, I had to at least give him a break from the heat. Maybe in the fall and winter, we can go back to letting it grow so he can be more of a rocker style baby! Ha ha!!

I have been holding out getting his hair cut for a while, just because he has the most beautiful hair and I am waiting for a curl to pop out. I don't think it will happen, it seems like stick straight is the theme.

I knew Mr. Lee would take good care of him, he has always taken great care of B. He is only one I trust at Cartoon Cuts and he is good. He is patient, too, which works well with a mad little G.

It started out okay....he was watching Barney.Uh oh...Houston we have a problem....Code Red...Code Red.....
(notice daddy is still smiling)But he made it through.....And turned from baby to little boy...Sans product and spray, the bowl comes out.., but it's cuteMr. Lee works on big brother, the pro...

Vacations Rule

2008-07-10T12:50:00.003-04:00

We just returned from one. We went to the beach for a a few days with the boys. It felt nice. The weather was great, the sun was shining, the sand was cool, the food was delicious and the sleep was good.I have lots of cute pics to share, and will in the next day or so.

The view from our balcony was near perfect.

Here is what the morning looked like.The early evening..Aaaaahhhhh.....

Happy Birthday America!!

2008-07-04T06:00:00.004-04:00

Happy 4th!!! Hope everyone has a day full of sparkles!

Cap and Gown

2008-07-01T12:33:00.006-04:00

Yes, they give caps and gowns to the pre-schoolers as they graduate from their class. It is just plain adorable!! Brendan had his pre-school graduation ceremony on Friday, June 13th. (forgive me for being behind).

Last Day of Pre-School

Alex, myself and countless other parents joined in on the fun as we watched our "babies" perform for the teachers, the parents and each other. His class, known as the Teddy Bear room performed the Teddy Bear song of course. They all came out with handmade t-shirts, done by the teachers. Sadly, Brendan's teacher, Miss Greer who is nothing short of amazing had to leave unexpectedly two days before graduation day. We all knew she was leaving to move back to Canada after grad, but she lost her grandmother and had to leave a few days early. Also, their main assistant teacher also decided to get a new job and did not show up the day of graduation. We all felt to bad for the kids, but hey, they are tough. And I think the parents were more sad than anyone. The kids did not seem to think it was a big deal that the two teachers that got them through the year were not there.

Coming to get his diploma The whole program was great, but I have to say, the highlight for me is knowing how proud our little boy was that he is going to be going to Kindergarten in the early fall. He is just thrilled with that, and lets us know all the time that he is "much bigger" now.

Little GraduateBrendan is a reader...yes, a reader. It just sounds amazing to say that. He reads books, he reads signs, he reads labels, he reads recipes, he reads commercials on television, he reads everything. He has really picked up on sounding out words and rarely needs much help from us. I am so proud of him!! I never knew I would have a child reading on a K/1st grade level at age 4. :-)

We're so Proud!!

TGIF!!

2008-06-27T09:57:00.004-04:00

I need to do some serious catching up on my blog, but today, I just don't feel like it...so I thought I'd just say....

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!!

I started mine off with my most recent addiction. A Bruegger's bagel shop opened around the corner from my office less than a year ago. I've never been in there, because I knew it would happen. And yesterday it did... I went in and got my first smoked salmon bagel. I puffy heart love these!! Oh man...and today on my way in, I got another one. I am afraid they are going to know me on a first name basis in a week or so. This certainly can't be Weight Watcher's friendly.

My new love...Have a sunny and bright fun-filled weekend!Make it happy!!

Sweet little boy

2008-06-23T11:57:00.005-04:00

After my little sister's wedding, after we cleaned, after a few long days of preparation and some tired, achy muscles and sleepy sleepy eyes...my little boy, who played and waited patiently until we were all cleaned up and ready to go home.....made this for me. He was outside using the sidewalk chalk and came to show me his work...

¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤ ¤

I Do

2008-06-18T10:29:00.006-04:00

My little sis, Jennifer was married on June 7 to David. As you know, we traveled to North Carolina, my hometown, for the wedding. It seems like yesterday that she was just a little girl, but now she is a wife!! So crazy, but wonderful at the same time.

Congratulations Jenn & Dave!!

I have also copied the toast that my older sister and I gave at the rehearsal dinner. It may not make sense to most of you, but I wanted to preserve it and I thought my blog was the perfect place to do that. Please indulge me, it seems quite long, but ia really a short read. We took turns reading what we remembered.

Our Toast

This is our little sister. My little sister, Kim’s little sister. Also…she is a little sister to Don, she is a little sister to Alex.

This is our little sister.

We remember the day she was born, and how happy Dad and Peggy were. We remember seeing the look of joy in his face as he realized he’d be spending money on 3 weddings.

I remember holding her in my arms in the hospital after she was born and thinking that I am 22 years older than my new little sister. I remember thinking of that same day in the hospital when she told me she was getting married.

We remember when she was little how we would grab dad and say “my daddy” and she would grab him away even tighter and say “no, my daddy!”

I remember when at one of her younger birthday parties how Kim brought her a bean bag, and she just delighted beyond belief.

I remember the cute little ruffles on tiny toddler bathing suit at the beach.

We remember when she broke her arm when she was little and she had to have a purple cast, purple was her favorite color forever.

I remember when she graduated from clear creek elementary and I watcher the elementary student become a junior high student.

I remember how much she loved our Grandma Lackey and how she was the apple of Grandma’s eye.

I remember when I had a rough time in my life and she was only 11 years old and told me she’d always love me.

I remember buying her toys with small parts, and paint, and beads and all sorts of things that Peggy told me she’d pay me back for later.

I remember her beanie baby collection.

We remember her adorable flower girl outfit that she wore in Kim and Don’s wedding, and how sweet she looked that day.

We remember Jennifer and Jessica always being best buds, partners in crime and singing karaoke Backstreet Boys in the living room.

I remember screaming louder than her at our first Backstreet Boys concert.

I remember my mother telling me what a nice little girl she was, and how she could see some of me in her.

I remember her first shag haircut when shag haircuts weren’t cool.

We remember seeing my dad in her, when she started to talk back and telling her not to do that, but knowing she learned it from the best. Love you dad….

I remember purple rubber bands on her braces, remember purple was her favorite color forever and ever.

We remember her being the young cute girl in my wedding, who all the groomsmen were warned to stay away from, because she was way “off limits.”

I remember realizing she was suddenly taller than me.

I remember her always making the best grades, always….geez, couldn’t you make a C to make the rest of us look a little better?

I remember Peggy telling me that she had a boyfriend. I don’t remember much after that.

I remember taking their engagement pictures in the park and realizing she doesn’t have ruffles on her bathing suit anymore.

I remember planning my trip down to meet this “Dave” guy and knowing the whole time, I was going to show him who was boss, more so than my dad.

I remember thinking he was really nice, pretty handsome, very polite. I remember him calling me “m’aam” and I had to remind him that we aren’t THAT far apart in age.

I remember Dave calling me “m’aam’’ as well and feeling my age at the time.

We remember seeing Jennifer graduate from high school, David by her side, and celebrating both of their graduations, his from college, at the same time.

I remember when she walked passed me in her high school graduation robe.

I remember seeing Brendan laugh and play with David, and thinking that was something special. David, beware of Uncle Don, he takes his role of Best Uncle very seriously!

We remember getting to know David, and seeing that this was real.

I remember seeing her in her wedding dress for the first time at the bridal store.

We remember always knowing that although we were technically considered half sisters, and that people occasionally used that term, that we always knew we had a real little sister, and we have never seen her any other way than that.

Tomorrow, we will create another memory, seeing her walk down the aisle, arm in arm with our dad, and knowing that our little sister, although she will always be our little sister, is a young woman now. She is lucky to have someone who loves her so much, as is he.

David, you have a true gem here. Although it may appear that we are biased, we could not have wished for a more perfect little sister than Jennifer.

We wish both of you the happiest of marriages, the best of times, the funniest of moments, and the sweetest of memories.

Getting Ready...Just beautiful...My feet! I can walk in heels now!!Jenn and PeggyThe bride and her maids..Mr. and Mrs..

Dad and my cute little ring bearer
Brendan gives his CHEERS with some apple cider!

My Dad

2008-06-16T18:39:00.003-04:00

I share my dad with two sisters.

Poor thing, he had to raise 3 daughters! But I think he has done a wonderful job. He supports us in all we do, and he makes sure we know the right path to take. He is there for our important times in life, and he makes sure that we are included in his. He makes a pretty darn good Papa and enjoys teaching his grandsons all sorts of things. They both think their Papa is pretty cool.

Thanks Dad for always being there, for making me who I am, and for giving me 2 of the best gifts in life, my sisters. We all love you dearly.

Happy Dad's Day!

M.I.A

2008-06-12T09:38:00.004-04:00

That's been me!

Boy, this past month has been a whirlwind and I have so many pics to share, and am so behind. My blogging has suffered a serious lack of attention. Luckily, Wedding Tour 2008 has come to a close and we are back on track for a normal hectic life, rather than a travelling hectic life. WHEW!! I can't wait to share some pics of my little sister's wedding. She was more beautiful than ever!!

Just wanted to say a quick 'Hi" and share a few random pics from the last month.

Brendan riding the "tractor" (lawnmower) with my dad. Papa let him drive it!!!!!!Cooling off at Papa and Nana's house - they were soaked!The nail that we met up with on our way back from the Biltomore wedding!! Took us an hour to find an open tire shop on a Sunday in NC.
Summary of our last 5 weeks below...

The Biltmore Wedding

2008-06-04T11:22:00.009-04:00

So wedding #3 in our wedding tour took us to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Alex's college buddy, Judd was getting married, and those chose this magnificent estate to have their ceremony and reception. Can you say CASTLE? Holy crap, this place is just beyond words amazing.

A little history......you can read more about the Vanderbilt family here. Basically, an heir to this estate, George Vanderbilt decided upon visiting the mountains of NC that he wanted to build a retreat, a huge home, where he could live and enjoy art, horticulture and literature. The home was built in 1895 Over a six-year period, an entire community of craftsmen worked to build the country's premier home. The estate boasted its own brick factory, woodworking shop, and a three-mile railway spur for transporting materials to the site. It would feature 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more.

So there ya go. It's pretty stinkin' awesome, this house....
The only downside is that you can't take any photos of the inside...BOOOOOOOOOO!!! I have included some photos below and then some of the wedding. The wedding was held in the courtyard of one of the premier restaurants there, called the Deerpark. It is exquisite.

If you can see that tiny little green speck in the middle of the screen at the grass edge, that's me!
The next three photos are one's I have stolen off of their website, because you can't take photos in the house.

The foyer areaThe libraryMrs. Vanderbilt's roomInteresting light fixtures

Every inch of the house is architecturally elaborate

We visited the winery - OF COURSE

Would it be bad to have one of these in my house?Tasty! I love my reds!!Alex with our purchasesOn to the wedding....

Aren't these divine?
The little cone is full of red petals that we showered the bride and groom with as they came back down the aisle.
Just a taste of the scenery..
The bride and groom...just had to show you her dress...WOW!Us, of course!!We're off to one more this weekend!!!

Happy Monday!

2008-06-02T15:51:00.005-04:00

Super short post today...just saying hi to everyone!!! Alex and I have been on wedding tour for the last month, finishing up with a big one this weekend - my little sis!!! :-))) So I have been slacking on my posts, but I do have some pics and stories to share...so next week, I may be back in the swing.

Here are a few pics I have taken recently while playing around my with my new camera...and it's new best friend, a nice flash. Only thanks to Ruhiyyih, did I know that life would be so much better with a fun flash...
******
Peonies...right? Someone help me here..
Wedding centerpiece
Gerbers....and guess what, it's dead...can't tell can ya?The same Gerber...just blacked out background
My personal favorite....I call this...FLASH GONE WILD...

Have a great week bloggy friends and readers!!

Skinny Bitch - the book

2008-05-27T11:28:00.007-04:00

I did not come up with the title ~ but I did buy the book!

This is the short description given on the back.
Now you tell me...if you read that, what you would think this book is about. It sounded to me, like it would be an in your face, funny book that might help me mentally stay in this dieting thing. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a smarty pants by design (thanks, dad). So it seemed like the perfect fit to me, and other than a few ramblings here and there about the book, I had never really heard of it.

I have to say that I did find a lot of useful information in it, and I did laugh out loud several times while reading it. It is pretty darned funny in many places, (if you are not easily offended, and I am not.)

HOWEVER....what I did not know about the book is that the two authors are vegans and that they were going to spell out all of the reasons that I should be one also. I actually have no issue with that, I just was not prepared for it. The summary on the book does not allude to that being a big part of the book.

With that being said, there are some pretty disturbing sections of the book that discuss the meat production industry and what all goes on, in farms, plants, machines...there are a good 2-3 pages that I could not even read after I started in, about what happens to animals from the mouths of those doing the deeds.

As those who know me well already know, I am not a big meat eater, by any means. I will not claim to be a vegetarian, because that just isn't true, but for the most part, I am okay with eating veggies, pastas, other things besides meat. After reading this book, I am not sure if I will ever eat it again..(insert dramatic music.) Now that may not be necessarily true and I may need time to adjust, but for the last 3 days, I have been meat free....

I will have to keep you posted on how this book changes my life..or not, but for the time being it certainly has..I won't even get started on the dairy section of the book.

My random fact that I learned, is that when you eat fruit, you should eat it alone, and not eat anything else for 30 minutes after. Why..? Because other foods affect the nutrients that you absorb with fruits and they are at their best only when eaten alone. I had bananas and strawberries for breakfast today!

Just my thoughts....

I'm Tired of Packing!!

2008-05-20T11:04:00.010-04:00

Alex and I have been the traveling team lately....we've had 2 weddings to attend in the last 3 weeks, with more to come in the next few. Things are busy and the schedule is full...but so far, we've done well. I am somewhat of a "planner aheader." (a new term I made up!)

Needless to say, I have been packing and unpacking for several weeks now and I am over it!!!Please indulge me with my picture heavy post while I share some pics of the last two weddings...

The weekend of May 3rd yielded the schedule you see below.

May 1 - Drive 6 hours to Charlotte, NC - arrive 3:30 am
May 2 - Spend the day with family in NC
May 3 - Drive 3 hours to Charleston for wedding
May 4 - Return to Charlotte in 3 hrs, Attend Bridal Shower mid-day, Drive 6 hours back to VA

The only thing I can say about that weekend is WHEW......we have to leave at night when Griffin goes to sleep, because he is terrible to drive with for long periods of time when he is awake...
Here are some pics from our trip that weekend.

Alex and I in Charleston for Wedding

Bride and Groom, Orang and Gordina
Orang and Alex grew up togetherThe ceremony was a form of a Buddhist ritual, this is the "alter" so to speakThe reception was GORGEOUS...in a little community called I'on in Charleston, this is from the balcony of the person's HOUSE, yes HOUSE..Okay, I'm nuts, but this was the bathroom SINK...look at it!!
**********

This past weekend was Alex's best friend's wedding. Alex was a groomsmen. The schedule was not as taxing, but we were very busy the whole time. We visited with my family again, attended the rehearsal and dinner on Friday and had the wedding on Saturday. We left to come home Sunday, but without the boys....they are staying in NC for the week....:-(((

Researshal Dinner table....so pretty...Chris and ErinThe ChurchBridal Party, I love the pink and green!!
The Jag to the reception
Our table...they used a DC theme...The favors...too cute...Alex and I
Instread of bubbles...we sent them off with sparkles!!

This post is somewhat of a ramble....sorry about that!

David Vs. David - AI Fans!!

2008-05-15T13:44:00.001-04:00

So here we are, down to the final 2....time sure has flown by during this season. I have to admit, I am an Idol fan, but if I miss a show here and there...eeeehhhh...no big deal. I do like David Cook though...I think he already sounds like a rock star. Either way, this guy is going to do well...some band, somewhere is going to snatch him up. He is just that good. I do like David Archuletta, but he just gets on my nerves. He can sing, no doubt....but...why does he always look like he is going to faint? What's up with that?

So who are you cheering for?

Moms Rock!!

2008-05-12T09:57:00.003-04:00

Hope you all had a wonderful mother's day!! You all deserve it...Rach, thinking of you especially, and thinking about what a WONDERFUL mommy you are!!

No more are the days of making clay ash trays with words carved in them to bring home to mom...I think I made about 4 of those for my mom. She was not a real "smoker" so the reasoning behind me making 4 or 5 clay ash trays for her is beyond me. I guess the wooden planters I would make for her later in shop class, were too hard when I was little.

I love the little treasures that the boys make for me, even when at times, I know that they were probably napping when some of them were made. Ha ha...

I know that Brendan worked hard on this, and I ADORE it. He hung it, along with the rose that Griffin "made" me on my bedroom door.

This is the front

The inside...."I love when mom make me brownies" it says..
See the pic of me making the pan of brownies to the left?!

And the back....To Mom, From Brendan...

I must say the 1 year has a much more refined drawing and cutting talent...ha ha!! Look the rose his chubby little wedges put together for me?

I love it anyway!!Happy Mother's Day!!

I lost my mother in 1999, but she is here with me always...I love you mom.
I also have two other very special mom's in my life, and I love you also. :-)

Monkeys in the Bathroom

2008-05-08T15:07:00.004-04:00

My sis, Kim decided a few months ago that she had seen the perfect outfit for the boy's bathroom. Since they are both little monkeys, she thought it would be cute to let the bathroom reflect that. They have had ducks for a while, which are very darling, but a change is certainly welcome. I took a few shots and thought I'd share....

Now I never thought I'd be blogging shots of my bathroom, but it's just too cute.

The curtain..I made this for the shelf...little monkeys in the bath..
My boys...re-created...Banana anyone?

Freebie Today!!

2008-05-07T09:51:00.003-04:00

My friend Betsy sent me the following link....today only, you can order a FREE 8x10 photo from Walgreens online. We have one right around the corner, so I placed my order and can pick it up there, all for free. I think you can have it shipped to you for .12c.

http://photo.walgreens.com/storepage?storePageId=Print+Offer&ec=hn532p_getafreeprint

I picked this one...

Gimpy Gimperson

2008-05-06T10:28:00.002-04:00

That's me! Yes, that's me...just call me Gimpy for short. Long story short....wedding in Charleston, cobblestone roads, high heels, left heel gets stuck in the road while leaving the reception, Karen falls forward, right foot takes the blame and gets the brunt of the fall...

One doctor's visit later, and I have a nice black boot and some crutches.

Bad Sprain..Torn Ligaments...Possible small fracture... but no broken bones. I go back in one week to let him check on the progress..and worse case scenario have some minor therapy. In lighter news, my arms are going to get a nice workout so that the bridesmaid gown I have to wear in a month will look nicer on me! I can't drive, do steps very well, nor chase around a busy 4 and 1 year old.

Hubby must step in...I guess this is payback for his Achilles injury from Thanksgiving..

Mr. Boot

I'll post better pics from the weekend tomorrow.

Can't Stop the Snacking....Party of One

2008-04-30T16:27:00.003-04:00

I'd really rather have this cupcake that Brendan is eating below. Doesn't it look tasty? It is packed with sugar, calories and lots of fun Weight Watcher points!

I was good however...and I went with my friend today at lunch to get one of our favorite salads. We ran in to Walgreen's to pick up a few things and of course they place the millions of bags of candies and treats right by the line you wait in at the register. I was good...I bought something she showed me that was a nice alternative to the chocolate bar I wanted. It was a 100 calorie pack of Reeses sticks or something...just 2 points for a pack of them. Just like Brendan is helping Griffin have a little taste of the goody below, I though, just a little taste of something would curb the desire....

So now....3 packs later, I have enjoyed not just 1 of these little low fat snacks...but I have eaten 3 packs of them!! Yes, they are great, delish, yummy and good for weight watchers...

BUT I ATE 3 PACKS OF THEM!!

I need the motivation train to come by and pick me up again...I think it keeps missing my station.

Noooooooooooooooooooo!!

2008-04-29T09:27:00.002-04:00

Top Five Household Things You Can't Live Without? Do you have some?

I would have to really ponder to come up with the true list, but the MICROWAVE has to be one of them!!! Ours just stopped working last night RANDOMLY. It came with our house, but is only 3 years old..

Insult to injury? We just donated our old counter top microwave on Saturday (it still worked!) to Goodwill. Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!

Warm Weather

2008-04-24T09:28:00.009-04:00

Is it here to stay? I am hoping so. I am ready for it!!

The boys and I took a walk to the elementary school Brendan will attend for first grade in 2009. We had never seen a playground, but assumed they had one. Along our walk, we discovered some small treasures and other things, so I thought I'd share them..

Brendan found these with Grandmama one day,
and they are now known as the Redskins TulipsMy little recycling and trash collecting nut is also very concerned about pollution lately, he will tell you all about it. He found some here..Griffin is watching B with the dandelions belowOh how much fun was this as a kid....he's filling up with air...to blow blow blow those dandelion seeds!!!Zoomed in on the dandelion, I like how the camera captured the seeds blowing!Happy Spring!!!

Brush With Fame

2008-04-18T09:25:00.007-04:00

First of all - HAPPY FRIDAY!!

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I was in DC at one of the gorgeous Marriotts (no kickbacks received for this promotion). We had one of our annual meetings there. The hotel is beautiful, and even boasts these new wave fancy elevators. You basically walk up and push the location of where you want to go and then it tells you which elevator to get on. Takes a few days to get used to, have you seen these?

Anyway....in the midst of our sessions and such going on, a few staff and I were sitting at our registration desk eying this guy who was either in a rock band or wanted to be in a rock band. He had all the right ingredients.....black pants, black shirt, black blazer, red tinted glasses, rocker hair, random shoes with red stripes.....and he was super skinny. At one point, I said, if we hear a British accent we know for sure. Then we did!! We all stared at him nonchalantly, or at least we tried to. We spotted others walking by checking him out. He was then joined by another rock star clad person, and then 2 more. We voted for one of the girls in our group to head over and ask them who they were. SHE DID! They were actually a hodgepodge of guys who had been hired to perform for a private party in the hotel.

The breakdown was...
One guy is a producer for stars such as Ozzy and Aerosmith.
One guy was a member of the Deep Purple, and other bands..
One guy is from The Cars..
One guy was a producer who worked with John Lennon and the Beatles.

How awesome!!

We snapped a pic with two of them who came over to say hi!

Krissy, Mark Hudson, Me, Glenn Hughes, Kristen

Mark Hudson with the crazy beard is the producer who worked with Ozzy and Aerosmith
and Glenn Hughes is the guy from Deep Purple, etc...you can find more info on them here.
http://www.glennhughes.com/tourpics_2008.htm#pic080218

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Hudson

Not super exciting, but we thought it was great!!

Rock on!!