my life as I know it

what i'm loving right now

2012-01-25T08:40:00.000-08:00

I thought I would do a little random post on the little things I am loving right now.

It's probably the most exciting thing you are going to read all day, so get ready.

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

1. Plain ol' wintergreen chapstick. Addicted is a good word.

2. Rain gum. Have you tried this?

Ellie and I fight over it. You know, cause she's big stuff and gets gum now.

3. Learning about all the countries.

My new job is updating a jr. encyclepedia of the countries.

It's fascinating.

Like, did you know Slovenia really has snipe?

I thought that snipe were just imaginary animals that you sent gullible people in the woods to find.

Also, did you know that there are more than 250 ethnic groups in Nigeria?

I'm telling you, it's good stuff.

4. Watching Ellie in her new Hip Hop dance class.

Wow. Just wow.

Girlfriend can bust a move.

5. When Ellie takes over my phone to draw and then takes a picture of what she draws.

This is a "no texting while driving" picture.

I love how they just show up on my phone.

6. Yiruma on Pandora.

Love him.

So relaxing.

7. The weather.

We are having a good winter so far.
Not too cold. Not too snowy.

I probably just jinxed us.

Knock on wood.

8. Dance Moms.

Do you watch this show?

Those people are crazy.

Cra-zy.

9. Downloading books from the library to my ipad.

Best thing since sliced bread.

They are instantly there, and then 3 weeks later, they disappear.

It's awesome.

Too bad I have been too busy to actually read anything.

10. Sleeping well.

3 nights in a row now.

Whoo hoo!

See.

Exciting stuff.

Now I am gonna get up and go get some stuff done before another country shows up in my inbox.

sunday

2012-01-22T18:58:00.000-08:00

I know that 40 years from now, I am going to look back on days like today and think...

"Gosh, did I kiss her enough?"

"Did I kiss him enough?"

"Did I appreciate how good it was?"

"Did I realize how happy we were?"

I hope I do.

We started with a leisurely breakfast.

The best kind in my opinion.

She wanted to be a kitten.

Who was I to argue?

Breakfast was nothing special.

French toast sticks from the freezer.

Turkey bacon.

Fruit.

Coffee.

But with him sitting across from me,

it always feels special.

Even when I get one of these for making him answer in depth my

question of the day.

I got THIS journal for Christmas.
I make him answer the questions with me.
He did not like today's.
We discussed.

Even Baby Polar Bear joined in.

Have you not met Baby Polar Bear?

He is Ellie's lovey.

He goes everywhere with us.

Baby Polar Bear, blog people.

Blog people, Baby Polar Bear.

There.

Now you have been formally introduced.

Then we gave Atticus his dental treats.

Boyfriend LIVES for these things.

We also found a new rare creature.

Part kitten.

Part zebra.

Part monarch butterfly.

We like to call it the Kizefly.

They are very rare.

We were lucky to spot one.

Then we headed to the nature center.

This guy was all up in our business.

We also went to our first planetarium show.

Ellie loved it.

I forgot how much I had forgotten about the stars.

And how interesting they are.

Then we came home and I made the mistake of mentioning how perfect the snow was for snowman building.

So, of course, we built one.

(How did we ever live without Pinterest??)

She thought it was so funny.

Yep.

Days like today.

So normal.

So extraordinary.

Remember them.

working girl

2012-01-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

People, I got a job.

Ask and you shall recieve.

I actually found it on Craigslist of all places.

It is with a publishing firm downtown.

It is temporary.

For now.

I hope to wow them so they don't know how they will ever live without me.

It is project based with a serious deadline.

I am updating an encyclopedia of the countries.

Paying by the country.

They are letting me write.

Can you believe it?

Are they crazy?

It is in this gorgeous old building.

And we are all tucked away in a corner.

Lordy be, I could live there.

And they are letting me work school hours and as much as I want from home.

I would say I scored a good deal.

Even if it is temporary.

And next Tuesday I am meeting with a woman about another little part time gig.

Yup.

I am a working girl.

weekending phone shots

2012-01-17T06:28:00.000-08:00

The weekend found us lazy.

On Friday after school I asked Ellie what she wanted to do.

She wanted go to the library, take her new books home, light a fire, and read.

I have trained her well.

I was all curled up in my chair by the fire.

Kitty on lap.

Coffee beside me.

Cozy.

I look up, and all of a sudden there is a tiger!

And a dolphin!

Then, since Daddy had to work late, we had a little dinner and watched a movie in the basement.

It was a nice night with my girl.

Saturday found us having a sleepover with Izzy.

We went and watched her play floor hockey...

and she did Ellie's hair.

Ellie was in heaven.

We watched a movie, ordered pizza and girl talked.

Nearly 15 year olds are a wealth of information.

For real.

I look forward to Ellie being 15. I think.

Then Ellie went to bed and I found out Iz had never seen Hope Floats.

That is just blashphemous, so we watched.

Harry Connik, Jr. knows how to wear a cowboy hat.

That is all I am going to say about that.

Then the next morning,

Ken made me the worlds best cup of coffee.

Really.
Worlds best.

Must. Get. Nespresso. Machine.

And Paige made me a bagel sandwich.

It was like I was a queen.

I was spoiled.

Then, on Sunday since Chris was busy playing host to his brother and his friend,

(who came up for the Ohio State/Michigan hockey game),

Ellie and I went shopping.

She had Target gift cards burning holes in her pockets.

She wandered around for what felt like days.

She was gonna get dress up shoes.

She was gonna get a dress.

She was gonna get a game.

Lord have mercy.

She kept saying things like:

"I wish this was only a dollar."

"I wish you would buy this for me."

"I wish I had a hundred dollars."

So do I sister friend. So do I.

She finally settled on this Princess Piano Vanity thing.

She had desperately wanted it for Christmas,

and told Santa, after Santa had finished his shopping.

She spent every single penny of her gift cards on it.

And is pleased as punch with her purchase.

There has been much music making around these parts.

Monday found Chris hungover.

Bless his little beer drinking heart.

But he was a trooper and accompanied Ellie and I to the doctor.

She has cradle cap.

At 5 years old.

How is that even possible?

And she has a cold.

A good one.

A coughy cough cough cough cough one.

We lunched and napped and gamed and read.

Is anyone else addicted to Temple Run on the iphone?

I may or may not have thrown my phone to the other end of the couch after a long but not quite long enough run yesterday...damn monkey thingies...

And then we headed off to celebrate little Darren.

He turned 2.

All in all...

It was a keeper of a weekend.

current

2012-01-13T10:26:00.000-08:00

Since it look like that outside.

Since Shannon told me to.

Since it sounded fun.

Current Indulgence:
Popcorn with salt and butter. At least once a weekend.

Current Nail Color

None. And they could use a little TLC...

Current Playlist:

Christina Perri on Pandora

Current Read:

The Night Strangers. It is scaring the bejeebies out of me.

Current Drink:

Vitamin Water. Blood Orange.

Current Food:

Veggies and Brown rice. Wish it was anything else.

Current Favorite Show:

Walking Dead!

Current Wish List:

A pair of great boots. I think I am the only girl in the whole wide world that doesn't have any.

Current Needs:

A job. That fits into my schedule. And is interesting. Not asking for much...:)

Current Triumphs:

Landing a job interview. Looks promising...

Current Bane of my Existence:

Snow. And exercise. I wish I loved them both. Sadly, I do not.

Current Celebrity Crush:
Josh Jackson. Forever and ever. Dreamy.

Current Indulgence:
None. Sad.

Current Blessing:

My Daddy is still feeling good.

Current Outfit:

Northface fleecy pants. Northface warm sweater. Did you see my pic above? And I am going to break my own rule and pick up Ellie in sweat pants. Swore I would never do it...

Current Excitement:

Seeing what the new year will bring. It's gonna be a good one!

Current Mood:

Hopeful.

Current Link:

I am relatively new to Pinterest. So that is a good one. And I love THIS new blog I just found.

There.

That killed 20 minutes.

And it was fun.

breakfast

2012-01-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

I am a breakfast eater.

For real.

It is easily my favorite meal of the day.

I take great pains in making sure I have a good breakfast every day.

Ellie is the same way.

Girlfriend can put away some breakfast food.

Her typical meal is oatmeal, turkey bacon or sausage, fruit and milk.

Some of my favorites include:

Scottish oatmeal and fruit (see above)

Under 200 calories and 7 grams of protein.

And don't knock the chewy adult vitamins.

I kept stealing Ellie's princess ones, so I finally bought my own.

They have everything a 30 something healthy woman needs...

4 slices turkey bacon, egg sandwich (1 slice whole wheat toast, 1 slice american cheese, 1 "fried" egg.

320 calories, 15+ grams of protein.

Kashi Honey Sunshine cereal (or equivalent) and fruit.

320 calories, 6ish grams of protein.

2 scrambled eggs with veggies, turkey bacon, clems.

350 calories, 12 grams of protein.

Slimfast for busy mornings.

190 calories, 10 grams of protein.

I usually need a mid morning snack on these mornings.

And we usually have one good breakfast a weekend.

Pancakes or french toast, eggs, meat and fruit.

I decidedly, do not need a mid morning snack on these mornings, or lunch for that matter :)

I feel so much better after eating a good breakfast.

Gets the whole day on the right path.

It is also my very favorite meal to eat out.

We have lots of great breakfast restaurants around here and make sure to take advantage.

There is just something nice about drinking coffee in a cozy restaurant, waiting for a yummy breakfast headed your way.

When I was a little girl, I always had a hot breakfast.

Every single morning.

And my mom worked, so I now know what a pain in the butt that must have been for her.

I clearly remember sitting in my feety jammies, eating scrambled eggs and smokey links

and watching Picture Pages with Bill Cosby.

(Does anyone else remember Picture Pages?)

Even through high school she made me a good breakfast.

"Protein!" she would shout.

"You need protein!"

At the time, all I wanted was Froot Loops or Poptarts.

And was mad I had to eat eggs.

But now?

Thank you mama.

Wish you were here so I could let you know how much I appreciate that now that I am a mama myself.

What is your favorite breakfast?

Anything I should add??

zoo antics

2012-01-10T08:54:00.000-08:00

We are having unseasonably warm temps here in the frozen tundra.

We are taking advantage.

On Saturday we zoo'ed it.

We spent all day just goofing off.

We posed...

We watched the gorillas...

and the fish...

and we made it ALLTHEWAYACROSS the big monkey bars.

Girlfriend was pleased as punch.

We cuddled...

and got a workout...

and pretended to be a sloth.

It was a great day.

As an aside, we also saw the elephants pee all up close and personal.

Have you ever seen an elephant pee?

Holy 10 gallons Batman!!

It is impressive.

what i know for sure - friday edition

2012-01-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

What I know for sure:

Going to the gym sucks. Feeling great when you leave, doesn't.

After Christmas mail isn't near as fun as pre-Christmas mail.

Buffalo chicken lunch meat, arugula, and a whole wheat tortilla makes a pretty tasty lunch.

Any day the sun is shining in January is a good day.

Atticus will eat anything we leave on the counters. Oatmeal, oranges, corn bread. He is the dog I never knew I never wanted.

Routines are good things around this house. We need them. It's good to be back in one.

Last minute date nights with your sexy husband are a good, good thing.

Ellie is convinced I am abusing her every morning when I brush her hair.

Finding new blogs to read is fun!

Downtown people are different than suburb people.

This face will forever make me smile.

And as a little twist for your Friday entertainment, here is

What I don't know for sure:

Whether or not I will ever get a pair of kickin' boots.

If I will ever sleep well again.

If I will ever get up the motivation to get through some piles of stuff that need gotten through.

Whether or not I am going to start watching any of the new mid season tv series starting.

Which book I am going to read next.

So there you have it.

Happy Friday my blog people.

new and improved

2012-01-04T09:16:00.000-08:00

This is going to be one of those posts I may or may not regret writing.

It is going to be honest.

And scary.

And real.

As I mentioned earlier, 2011 was not a great year.

All was going well and then Dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The prognosis was not good.

We almost lost him in August.

It was not a good time.

I was in Indiana.

My family was here.

Ellie was about to start school.

I felt like I needed to be in 13 places at once.

However, now, he is good.

Hanging in there.

No real pain and able, for the most part, to fend for himself.

The plan before all the craziness started was for me to get a job when Ellie started school.

We had planned and budgeted for that.

And I was ready.

I was all geared up for the job search when Noonie got sick.

I had updated my resume, contacted a few people and such.

It all came to a screeching halt when he got really bad.

Herein lies my delimma.

I don't know whether I should stay available for him, even though, right now, I am hardly needed,

find a throw away job that can be easily discarded,

or just jump right in and hope for the best.

I am bored.

Boredom leads to laziness and apathy.

I love my family and the life I lead,

but I need something new.

Just for me.

Ideally, I would love to work from home.

As would every other stay at home mom on the planet.

Ideally, I would love to write.

Ideally.

I am lucky in that I "know people who know people."

Cause it's all about who you know, right?

I feel like the last half of 2011 was spent waiting.

I am sick to death of waiting.

All it did was make me lazy and sad.

I want to feel useful.

And productive.

And challenged.

So that is my word for 2012.

CHALLENGE

I am going to stop waiting.

I am going to jump right in and start living my life again.

I don't know why I have been so hesitant.

Fear perhaps?

I am going to be new and improved.

I am exercising.

With plans of another 13.1 and a warrior dash in my future.

Chris and I are doing the Warrior Dash together.

Sort of as a team building exercise.

I think some friends are going to join in on the fun.

I am going to get strong and build some muscle mass.

I am going to find something I like doing, pays a little money, and fits into my life.

At this point, though, hours are much more important that pay.

How fortunate am I that that is the case?

I am going to have more patience, be nicer, and do more good in the world.

It will happen.

Just you watch.

Feel free to encourage me along the way.

I am gonna need it at times, I reckon.

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

Ok. I just re-read that and I sound a little spoiled and selfish.

Cause I know how much worse it could be.

I know that a lot of people would love to have my problems.

I know I have it good.

But, man, this is how I feel right now.

I am going to go and push publish now before I chicken out.

the year according to ellie

2012-01-03T07:33:00.000-08:00

I thought it might be fun to see what Ellie remembered about 2011 as her favorites/least favorites.

So,

without further ado,

I give you an interview with Ellie, age 5.5

1. What was your best memoris of the year?

Having my very first sleepover.

2. What was your least favorite memory of the year?

I couldn't pick one.

3. Did you make any new friends?

Yes. Natalie.

4. When were you happiest?

When I first met Natalie.

5. When were you maddest?

When you wouldn't let me wear that dress I wanted cause it's too little.

6. What was your favorite thing to do?

Swimming, pony camp, and having friends over to play.

7. What was your least favorite thing to do?

Get up early in the mornings.

8. Did you try anything new?

Yes. Grown up oatmeal and chili and roast.

9. Did you ever misbehave?

Yes. A couple of times.

10. What are you most looking forward to in the new year?

Going to Disney World.

(She might be dissappointed here.)

11. Do you have any New Year's Resolutions?

Yes. Study dolphins and learn to ride my bike.

12. What is your "one word" for the year?

Swim.

(??)

There you have it.

I will be back soon with my plans for the new year.

I am still formulating them...

goodbye 2011

2012-01-01T10:12:00.000-08:00

2011

Not my favorite year.

I am not sad to see it go.

However, we did have some great moments.

January:

We got Atticus. Attackacus. Crazyboy. Love in orange fur.

February:

Chris turned 34.

We built a killer snowman.

We had our first sleepover.

The Ellie's went crazy!

March:

I turned 34.

I went on my annual wine trip with the girls.

We had our first hike of the year.

April:

It was warm enough to wear short sleeves.

Easter.

Someone turned 5.

May:

We planted our flowers.

Cinco de Mayo at Paiges.

Memorial Day in Indiana.

Our elephants came back and my girl and I played hookie to be there opening day.

June:

Ellie learned to swim.

She was in Uncle Mark and Aunt Amber's wedding.

We went home for the fair.

Chris and I celebrated 10 years in Mexico.

July:

Pony Camp.

August:

Ellie started Kindergarten.

She loves it!

She thinks winter break is entirely too long and she is ready to get back.

September:

She made a new best girlfriend.

And we made some new friends in her parents.

Aren't new friends nice?

October:

Ellie had her first school dance.

She was a dolphin trainer for Halloween.

Jeff and Megan's wedding. My favorite night of the year.

So much fun.

November:

Time with family for Thanksgiving.

We went home this year and I managed to not take a single photo.

Fail.

December:

Christmas with a 5 year old is just the best.

Every day was fun.

Wondering what Benjamin was going to do.

Anticipating presents.

Laboring over the List for Santa.

Baking.

Making presents for our favorite people.

December was good.

So while 2011 wasn't my favoriteyearofalltime, it was still good.

Lots of good memories were made.

I will be back soon with my plan for 2012.

It's big.

I am in a rut and I am gonna bust free!

christmas recap

2011-12-30T05:50:00.000-08:00

It was a whirlwind.

It always is.

But is started out nice and slow.

Christmas Eve was just us.

We saw a movie

(We Bought a Zoo, Good!)

we had a nice dinner,

we played SORRY!,

we had a fire,

we put out cookies for Santa,

we read "Twas the Night Before Christmas,"

and she went to bed at 8 pm.

Then Santa came!

He responded to her letter, explaining why she didn't get the Princess Piano Vanity thingy.

The elves had technical difficulties.

And Chris and I played Gin,

and were nestled in our beds by 10.

She slept til 8:30 Christmas morning.

It was glorious.

I was up at 7.

Coffee made,

breakfast casserole in,

couch sitting and reading,

waiting for her.

When she did get up,

she was a happy girl.

I think 5 is the best year for Christmas.

Period.

We got the kitties a bed.

It's a hit.

One of them is always in it.

And she got Elizabeth.

A real hit.

Chris is so very excited to enter the American Girl world.

He is giddy.

It was such a nice morning.

Chris went to Anthro.

I got clothes, and soaps, and accessories, and such.

He also went to NorthFace.

And I got the most comfortable pair of fleecy pants ever invented.

I love that man.

In the afernoon, we headed over the river and through the woods to Paigey's house.

We spent some time with our favorite peeps.

And then we traveled home to Indiana for a bit.

This is where it gets nuts.

We visited,

a cousin got attacked by a dog and spent time in the hospital,

(He is ok, will be on long term antibiotics for infection.)

we visited some more,

we just danced 3ed,

we went to the casino,

(where I did NOT strike it rich),

and we had the Davis family Christmas.

Ellie is the only child on this side.

Can you imagine the spoiling that goes on?

It is absurd.

In the best kind of way

She collects the "Jungle/Kitty/Puppy/Horse in my Pocket" series.

She got every single one known to man.

And a beautiful jewelry box and locket from Nana,

and a Barbie car,

and a Barbie vet clinic,

and Barbie furniture,

and Barbies and clothes,

and a happy napper,

and Squinkies

and clothes,

and slippers,

and stuffed animals,

and target gift cards,

etc.

Spoiled rotten this one.

Chris and I spent most of last night opening everything and trying to find a place for it.

So now we are home.

The house is a

DI. SAS. TER

the fridge is empty,

and today I am going to a memorial for a friends grandparents and Chris is taking Ellie to the doctor for a probable ear infection.

And then I am more than likely going to the grocery,

and putting Christmas away until next year.

I am tired just thinking about it.

It was a good one though.

We are blessed.

christmas greetings

2011-12-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

May your Christmas be magical!

Love

Chris, Tia and Ellie

today i promise

2011-12-22T07:15:00.000-08:00

Today, I promise:

to forget about the little messes and play with my girl.

to say "yes" more than "no."

to be patient when she wants to dawdle.

to let baby polar bear come with us, even though that means I will have to hold him.

to watch every single time she says "mommy! watch!"

Today, I promise:

to do something nice for a stranger.

to smile and be pleasant when we are out and about.

to remember that we have it good, and the things we worry about are so silly.

to not check my phone every 5 minutes and live in the moment.

to have beer waiting in the fridge for the football game that is on tonight.

Today, I promise:

to really get in the spirit.

to wear my most obnoxious Christmas earrings.

to drop some coins in the little red bucket.

to let the magic of Christmas overwhelm me.

to wink at Santa.

to see it through the eyes of my 5 year old and remember.

I promise.

saturday from my phone

2011-12-19T06:24:00.000-08:00

It was a good weekend.

Saturday might be one of the new favorite days of my life.

And nothing really exciting happened.

It was just one of those great days.

We woke up, had breakfast (oatmeal, bacon, and clems,) and lounged around a bit.

It started to snow.

Ellie wanted to go for a snowy walk.

So we did.

At the zoo!

We love love love the zoo in winter.

We have the place to ourselves and the animals are so much more exciting.

We saw sliding seals, and the polar bear was active and the 4 new bear cubs were all wrestling around and such.

The wolves were pacing and the beavers were gnawing on some wood.

And it was so pretty all decorated for Christmas.

Then we went for some lunch.

And Ellie met a friend.

And then we went home.

We put on our comfies and brewed another pot of coffee and played games.

Someone, however, needed a cuddle.

Then the night took a slight turn.

I was flipping through the channels and Toddlers and Tiara's was on.

Ellie saw the pretty dresses and wanted to watch.

Oh. My. Word.

Those people are nuts.

With a capitol Crazy.

Ellie, however, then wanted to play "pageant."

So we got all dolled up and pranced around a bit.

Remind me to never, ever, ever, ever, under any circumstances let her leave the house in make-up.

Not even when she is 15.

This worries me.

Then she went to bed and Chris and I had a basement date.

Hello Ryan Gosling in Crazy Stupid Love.

He is good looking.

To say the least.

After the movie was over, I headed to bed.

I wasn't quite tired however, so I turned on the tube and continued my evening of sketchy tv watching with Teen Mom 2.

Again,

OH. MY. WORD.

I hadn't watched this show before.

If Ellie ever talks to me like those girls talk to their mothers,

if she ever tells me to go f myself,

she will be grounded so long she will never see the light of day again.

Or worse.

Can I get an Amen?

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

6 days til Christmas.

Is everyone ready??

the pros and cons of today

2011-12-16T06:42:00.000-08:00

Let's start with the good, shall we?

I got round 1 of my baking done yesterday. Woot!

Ellie likes to help some though, so I thought I would save gingerbread to do with her next week.

Cookies for Santa, perhaps.

My husband walked in with a HUGE bag from Anthropologie this week, put it in his closet, and told me not to peek.

Just knowing it is in there makes me happy.

Did I ever mention how much I love that man?

My Christmas shopping is done.

I have 4 more presents to wrap and I will be done with presents altogether.

Can I get an Amen?

I am pretty sure a basement date is happening this weekend.

My favorite kind of date.

Yesterday I got 9 Christmas cards in the mail.

It was a tremendous mail day!

Christmas cards are one of my favorites things about Christmas.

My mantle makes me happy this year.

Simple. Simple. Simple.

Now, the not so good.

Someone won't stay out of the Christmas tree.

Someone is ruining it.

Someone is leaving little kitty claw marks in all the presents.

Someone is scattering ornaments all over the house.

But I am not naming names.

I have approximately 235 little messes like this around my house.

These little messes bug me to no end.

Here we have constuction paper to make a name tag for the teacher gift, very last minute this morning,

a random cat toy,

a dolphin puzzle that Benjamin brought last night,

and a filthy ipad, who's sole job righ now is to play Michael Buble's Christmas album.

I have to go to the grocery today.

Yuck and gag.

We seriously have no food in the house.

Ellie's lunch today was embarrasing.

But what's even worse, is that I don't really know what I am planning for Christmas Eve and Christmas morning meals, or what I am taking for Christmas at Paiges, so this is just a "get us by" trip.

You know, bread and milk, some fresh fruit, and enough meals to last us through the weekend.

I don't like "get us by" trips.

They seem so pointless.

I finished my book and nothing on my shelf looks appealing.

Which means I am not reading a book right now.

This is not okay, people.

I have 26 loads of laundry to do.

Ok, not really, but there's a lot.

I still don't understand how my teeny tiny family makes so much damn laundry.

All that baking means we have my favorite cookies in the house.

Hello spritz and snickerdoodles.

Some people might consider this a pro.

However, did you know a double recipe for snickerdoodles calls for 2 sticks of butter and a cup of crisco?

Combine that with the spritz cookies and I used 8 sticks of butter yesterday.

Yeah.

Hello expanding backside.

Thank the holy mistletoe, most of it is going away.

And Ellie's room.

I have given up on this space in my house.

It is perpetually messy.

I have decided for all concerned, it would be better to just let it be.

For now.

Happy Friday Friends!

benjamin

2011-12-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

Our sneaky little elf is back.

He has been especially feisty this year.

(Thanks to pinterest...)

So far, we have found him swinging from the chandelier.

And the mistletoe

Ellie is so into it this year.

Pardon the hideous picture, but here is her face when she came around the corner and found him.

One night, we was particularly naughty, and we found him in her booster seat in the car.

With an empty Christmas Ale.

Shame on you, Benjamin.

Stealing a beer and sneaking out to the car to drink it.

He was in serious trouble that day.

So, the next day, he left Mr. Chris an apology letter, and a book for Ellie.

And he must have still felt bad, cause the next night, he finished my Christmas cards.

After that, he was forgiven.

We have found him fishing for goldfish.

And reading to Ellie's animals by the Christmas tree.

Thank you, Benjamin, for making my girls' holiday a little merrier.

We have also found him sitting on a box of Santa tissues,

buried in the stuffed animals, who were hiding a huge jug of animal crackers,

and hanging from the upstair hallway light.

Who knows where he will pop up next.

You never can tell.

He also has a few more surprises to leave.

(Hello, first chapter book!)

I love Benjamin.

He's a good ol' elf.

christmas in chagrin falls

2011-12-12T06:13:00.000-08:00

We spend yesterday wandering around Chagrin Falls.

We met some friends for lunch and then headed to Holly Hall to look at all the trees.

And to get a picture with Santa.

Then we went back to our friends house for a bit of a visit before heading back into town to wander around some more.

On the way back into town we passed houses like this one...

(I die!!)

and this one.

All the houses here look like this.

We took a carriage ride around town...

with Star and Stumper as our guides.

I mean, seriously, the entire town is trimmed.

I could never in a trillion years do it justice with my camera.

Not even if I had a good one.

You know how towns put up decorations on light posts.

Signs.

Or reindeer.

Or wreaths.

Chagrin Falls put full Christmas trees on every light post.

Cause that's how they roll.

It is simply gorgeous.

It was a nice day.

book club regroup

2011-12-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

Before I even start this post, forgive my poor little camera.

She is working her poor little dying heart out.

All pics from now until I get a new one are going to, well...suck.

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

My book club had a busy year.

3 of us (and by us, I mean them) had babies!

And another of us (and by us, I mean them) is pregnant!

What do new moms not have time to do?

Read books.

So!

We are taking the next year and switching things up.

Whoever's turn it is, picks the activity for the night.

Could be dinner and a movie.

Could be drinks and apps.

Could be a quilting bee.

Could be a 5k.

Whatever they want.

We had to get together and discuss this important switcharoo.

With delicious food and drink of course.

The festivities even warranted a fire.

Good grief these girls can cook.

We had mini crab cakes,

and prochutto wrapped dates stuffed with goat cheese,

and stuffed mushrooms and squash,

and little crusty pockets filled with meat and cheese goodness,

and cheese puffs,

and lemon pototoes,

and brocolli cheddar muffins.

For dessert there was

macaroons,

and peppermint cookies,

and eggnog covered almonds,

and apples and caramel.

I think I gained 10 pounds.

We talked and laughed and shared stories.

And kept Ellie up.

She kept telling Chris we were being entirely too loud.

Lisa told a story which will go down in history as the funniest story I have ever heard.

(That is Lisa above, far left. Gorgeous girl.)

I would repeat it here, but I think she might kill me if I did.

But, trust me when I tell you, it was legen (wait for it) dary!

Another story was also shared.

And it was a doozie.

One of us (and by us, I mean them) went to a dinner party last weekend.

A woman at the dinner party just stood up in the middle of it and vomited everywhere.

And she wasn't drunk.

Can you even imagine that?

The storyteller said everyone just froze.

Didn't know what to do.

The awkwardness and horror of it all.

I would die.

And then probably vomit on top of her vomit.

It was a funny story that got even funnier when she said Windex was used to clean it up.

Windex!

And we talked a lot about vaginas.

I mean, 3 of us (and by us, I mean them) just had babies.

Vagina talk was bound to happen.

When I went upstairs, Chris said

"I kept hearing the word vagina. Why was there so much talk of the vagina? I was uncomfortable."

We also did our annual gift exchange, which is simple.

Pull a book off your shelf, wrap, and regift.

I got Me Talk Pretty One Day, which I had never read.

Score!

It was a fun night!

I love love love to entertain.

And then everyone leaves,

and I hate to entertain.

There wasn't even much of a mess this time, but it still sucks to clean up.

Oh.

And a PS.

When Paige heard my book club wasn't going to be reading for a year,

she declared that unacceptable and pulled me into hers.

So, no worries, I am still reading.

(As if you can ever stop me.)

We just read this:

http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-House-Novel-Kathleen-Grissom/dp/1439153663

Drop what you are doing and go read it.

Now.

I mean it.

Are you still here?

I am not kidding.

GO!

some stuff

2011-12-06T08:02:00.000-08:00

I have some randomness I need to get off my chest today.

Just stuff that fits no where else, that you may or may not find humerous.

For example...

I am slightly phobic of smart cars. You know, the ones that look like this:

I get the heebeegeebees just looking at it.

I had a dream once that one chased me through the streets of NYC.

Without a driver.

It had a mind of it's own.

Damn Christine.

There was one in the grocery store parking lost this morning.

Parked far away from the other cars.

Freaked me the heck out.

Ellie has this weird new habit of randomly laughing hysterically.

It is weird.

"Hey Ellie, go pee before we leave."

"Ok Mom, HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA."

I am making this potato thingy for my book club meeting tomorrow that calls for a lemon sauce you pour over it.

Recipe here:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/fried-smashed-potatoes-with-lemons-recipe/index.html

I stood at the grocery for 5 minutes mulling over the parsleys.

I even asked a clerk for help.

I went with the Italian.

Even though it was .10 more.

I am a rockstar.

I am also making these...

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/broccoli-corn-muffins/detail.aspx

Just an FYI.

I am helping out at school this week at the Gift Boulevard.

Kids bring $$ and buy ~~crap~~ stuff for their loved ones.

I was helping this little girl yesterday.

Her envelope had $20 in it and a note that said,

"She may spend the money on whatever she wants."

She bought every single girly toy thing there.

I asked who was on her list.

She mentioned her brother and her grandpa.

I asked what she was going to give them out of her pile.

Her brother was getting a hair bow.

Her grandpa, some Hello Kitty nail polish.

I mentioned that maybe we might want to look around a little for something else to give them,

"Oh no. They will love this. Trust me."

Ok.

Her mother is gonna be mad.

I bought stamps today for my Christmas cards.

I asked the lady behind the counter for 4000.

She kinda looked at me all, "huh??"

I smiled.

Told her I only needed 125 but it sure felt like 4000.

She didn't find it funny.

I still chuckle when I think of the look on her face.

Ok, that is all I think.

I gotta go wrap some presents and put 4000 stamps on 4000 envelopes.

Love and stuff.

santa lunch and such

2011-12-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

We had us a fun weekend!

Yesterday we went to our very favorite restaurant with our very favorite people and had lunch.

Then saw Santa!

Ellie was in heaven.

First, we grew some antlers.

Then she got to sit between her two best big girl cousins.

Words can not describe how she feels about these two.

Then, she got a ride from Nicky P.

He couldn't stay long.

He is all grown up now.

With college semi-formals to get to...

Then we anxiously waited in line to see the Claus'.

With our letter.

I hardly helped write at all.

Girlfriend is learning to write!

Then it was our turn!

Santa took her list very seriously.

And we got a nice picture.

The big kids even joined in.

I want to stop here and mention what great young people we have in our family.

They are funny and caring and smart and good looking.

With just a hint of the dramatics we all remember experiencing.

They are such fun to be around.

Then we went back out to say goodbye to the reindeer.

I think it was Comet and Vixen who showed up.

And the fun didn't end there.

Nosirree.

We headed on back to Paige and Ken's for a little Christmas celebration.

The was fire place sitting.

And card playing.

(Tanner Ross got all growed up and handsome!)

And dumplin' eating.

And present opening.

It was a good night.

See Chris yawning up there?

Yeah.

On Friday night, we had us a little impromptu get together at our house.

There was an embarrasing number of Christmas Ales and bottles of wine drunk.

I woke up hungover.

Chris woke up still drunk.

We are so classy.

Today, Chris is playing in a charity corn hole tournament.

As for Ellie and I, we are doing nothing that requires us to leave our pajamas.

Chrismas present preparation and Christmas movies are on the agenda.

With hot cocoa.

school mornings

2011-11-30T06:17:00.000-08:00

Please excuse this post.

This is one of those posts I write for me.

So when I look back, I can remember what our mornings were like.

You probably won't find this to be one of my top 5.

Also, please excuse my camera.

She's dying I think.

Poor old girl.

Hasn't been the same since Mexico.

The heat and humidity got to her.

Ok.

Our mornings.

I wake up about 7:20 and go downstairs and make her breakfast.

Today was vitamins, sausage, grapes, milk and oatmeal.

Always oatmeal.

Then I go upstairs and wake her up and carry her to our room.

This is about the only time I carry her these days.

Wish I could do it more.

But girlfriend is getting HEAVY!

Then she gets all cozy in our bed and tries to wake up while she has her breakfast.

Yes. Breakfast in our bed.

On Chris' side.

He loathes the crumbs.

I tried making her eat at the table at the beginning of the year.

It didn't work.

This does.

Don't judge.

Here she is trying to wake up.

Getting closer...

And we finally take a bite.

While she eats, I head down and make her lunch and pack her snack.

Today, cucumbers, string cheese, grapes, a tortilla, and trader joes chocolate star cookies.

With water to drink.

Ritz crackers for snack.

And I start my coffee.

Then I go back upstairs and prod her along.

She can be sluggish, this one.

Notice the mighty hunter, eyeing the sausage.

He's creeping closer.

This particular morning, he snagged it.

I am usually quicker than he is.

But not this morning.

Little bugger.

He was pleased as punch with himself.

Here we are all dressed.

(My poor camera. This is a hideous shot. The worst one yet.)

And brush teeth.

And then comes the absoulute worst part of my day.

Her hair.

She is tender headed like her mama.

It's not fun for either of us.

After all that horrible hair brushing is done, we head down for shoes and coat.

This is the second worst part of my day.

She has a thing with socks.

They feel "wonky" to her.

Some days, it can take us 5 minutes to make them feel right.

We turn them wrong side out, we turn them right side in, we change feet, we change socks.

UGH.

Today, they went right on.

Bless the sweet Lord.

And of course, as soon as she got outside, she took a little detour before getting in the car.

I remember that first snow of the year.

Magical.

Then I come home,

make my breakfast,

internets,

and get whatever needs done, done.

On today's agenda,

get the roast started,

wrap some presents,

finish Christmas cards,

(No newsletter this year. I am sad. No ink at Chris' office and they cost .49 a piece at copy stores. No thank you.)

figure out why the top of our Christmas tree isn't working,

meet a friend for coffee,

and read my book.

It's a rough life I lead.

catching up

2011-11-28T08:04:00.000-08:00

I'm back.

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving.

We did.

It was a whirlwind.

But it was nice to see everyone.

I promise I will have a better post soon.

With pictures.

But I am playing catch up.

Cleaning.

Grocery.

Christmas cards.

Decking the halls.

Etc.

Happy Monday!

30 days of thankful - the last one

2011-11-22T06:09:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - The last one

My Life

I don't know if I am going to get back on here until Thanksgiving is over, so I think I am going to sum things up. Thank you so much for reading along. It's been fun to remember all the reasons to be thankful, especially when life's little mishaps and mixups get in the way.

I am thankful I am here.

I am thankful for the people who surround me,

family,

old friends,

and new ones.

I am thankful I get to see the sun rise and set everyday.

And that I get to get up in the middle of the night to chase away bad dreams, cause no one does it like mama.

I am thankful that I have plenty to eat,

and someone who helps me clean up the kitchen.

I am thankful for school harvest parties

and making chex mix to take to family gatherings.

I am thankful for stolen monday movie dates and breakfast dinners.

I am thankful for bedtime stories, family pictures, and everyday routines.

I am thankful I get to be home right now, enjoying my family, cause I know it is about to come to an end.

I am thankful for renewed health for my father. I am so glad he is feeling good.

I am thankful for new Thanksgiving traditions we are embarking on this year.

I am thankful that every day I get to get up, and live this life.

I am thankful to God for giving it to me.

I am thankful.

30 days of thankful - day 20

2011-11-20T07:41:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 20

Traditions

Disclaimer: I realize I am skipping days (Paige!), but it is a busy time of year!

Aren't traditions grand?

I love 'em.

For example, today was Baby Polar Bear's birthday.

I can never remember the exact day,

but Ellie never forgets.

So he got a candle in his breakfast strawberries this morning.

He turned 5.

Whether big or small, I think they are so very important.

When I was little, we always had BLT's, kidney beans, and sun tea on the first warm day of spring.

Such a small thing.

But a sandwich never tasted as good as it did on that day.

And every year, my mom got this amazing tin of chocolates from someone she worked with.

She always saved the strawberry one for me.

And I got to put up the nativity every year, and we always made caramel corn to give to our neighbors around the holidays,

even George, who lived across from Wayne and Linda and scared the peewaddens outta me.

I try to continue things on for Ellie.

It is such an important job.

We do turkey cookies every year for our friends and neighbors.

And of course there is Benjamin.

We put our tree up the weekend after Thanksgiving every year,

and she is almost old enough to be trusted with the nativity.

She gets an ornament every year that depicts what she was into that year.

This year is a dolphin, of course.

We go home for the fair every year.

And go see my mama.

We look for the first robin, come spring,

but always get beat.

It is a contest that Paige and Mom started.

Whoever sees the first robin of the year, wins.

I swear Paige stands at her window starting Jan 1 until she sees one.

We carve pumkins on the 31st, not a day sooner,

and we have Jeff and Megan to pass out candy and go through the ever important sorting process.

Traditions make me happy.

They make me feel connected.

They bring back all the old memories.

The ones I never want to forget.

I am thankful for traditions.

30 days of thankful - day 18

2011-11-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 18

Alone Time

I am a social girl by nature.

Like being with my family and friends.

I am also an only child.

And I crave alone time.

Time to do whatever. I. want.

Chris understands this about me.

He understands that I need this time to function normally.

And he makes sure I get enough of it.

It really is best for all concerned.

Today, for example, I shopped and lunched all by my lonesome.

I had fun stores to look through.

I had my book.

I had a veggie quesedilla.

It was heaven.

Today I am thankful for alone time.

30 days of thankful - day 17

2011-11-17T06:15:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 17

My Friends

I love my friends.

There was a time when I didn't really have any close girlfriends.

I was very engrossed in my boyfriend

(i.e. Chris)

and spent all my time with him.

While he is, and always will be, my very best friend,

I am so glad I broadened my horizons.

A girl needs her girls.

And I have some of the best.

At any given time, I have no less than 12 women I can call on for whatever I may need.

I can really count on them to:

tell me if butt really does look fat in those jeans.

laugh at my stupid jokes.

meet me on a random Tuesday night for a glass of wine cause it was

"one of those days."

invite me out to that new restaurant that I have always wanted to try.

text me, just to say Hi.

watch my kid in a pinch, and love her as their own.

realize that my habit of being 20 minutes early is here to stay.

You've seen their pictures on here.

My gravy, are they ever lovin' gorgeous.

But they are so much more than that.

They are smart, and motivated, and witty, and wise.

They are healthy, and involved, and business women, and mothers.

And lordy, do they ever make me laugh.

Some of them I count on for advice, others for a pick me up.

Some for fashion advice and others to tell me when I am being less my myself.

I love them.

I hope they know that.

I hope they know how important they are to me.

I am so thankful for them.

30 days of thankful - day 15

2011-11-15T06:26:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 15

Stuff that doesn't deserve a whole post, but I am still thankful for...

jeans that fit

turkey bacon

naps

basement dates

warm and toasty socks

my iphone

getting a card in the mail for no reason at all

peonies

bookstores

learning to golf at a young age

coffee flavored Nips

long hot showers

a clean house

my old blankie that still makes an appearance when i am sad

(yes, i still have my lovey)

While I have a lot of big things to be thankful for,

I have a lot of little ones too.

Today I am recognizing those.

And am thankful for them.

What is one little thing you are thankful for?

30 days of thankful - days 13 and 14

2011-11-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Days 13 and 14

Being a Mom to Ellie

I skipped another day.

Whoopsie.

Good thing my next topic is another one I am extra thankful for, and therefore deserves 2 days.

When I was little I wasn't much into dolls.

I preferred my stuffed animals.

When I was a teenager, I didn't like to babysit.

I would much rather have fun on a Saturday night with my friends.

After college, children were the furthest thing from my mind.

I was far away from home, being on my own for the first time.

The first few years of my marriage I was having entirely too much fun to bring a kid into the mix.

Chris and I loved those first few years.

Then I got the itch.

And I loved babies.

Saw babies wherever I went.

Started thinking, maybe it was time.

We decided to start trying.

And wowza!

The next month we were pregnant.

I had a fantastic, easy pregnancy.

Gained only 25ish pounds.

Felt good most of the time.

No serious morning sickness or complications.

I had a horrible, horrendous, awful delivery.

I had taken Bradley classes.

Was going all natural, baby.

Went into labor on my due date.

Spent 24 hours laboring at home.

Left for the hospital when contractions were 4ish minutes apart.

I thought for sure I was 6 or 7 cm.

I was shaky and sick to my stomach.

My water broke as we were walking into the hospital.

I was 1 cm.

Uh-Huh.

Paige was my doula and she met us there and told me that now things would really get going.

They didn't.

I labored for another 20 hours unmedicated.

I tried every possible thing to get things going.

I never got past 4 cm.

Ellie's heart rate started to drop.

I had a c-section.

I was so doped up and exhausted I barely remember anything.

Except the very cute anesthesiologist who had the unfortunate job of holding my puke bowl.

It was not the experience I wanted.

However, the outcome was more than worth the trouble.

Ellie was 8 pounds 3 ounces of perfect.

And I fell in instant love with her.

I was kind of a mess after the delivery.

I was tired.

I was in pain.

And I wanted my mom.

Ellie must have known to be a good baby.

She was a fantastic eater and sleeper right from the beginning.

And always a happy little thing.

I will admit though, those first few months were hard for me.

I missed my independence.

I missed Friday nights out with my husband.

I missed my sleep.

Looking back, I probably had a touch of postpartum depression.

But I was so in the middle of it all, that I didn't recognize it for what it was.

But about 6 months in we hit our groove.

I started to really enjoy her.

We got our routine down and she became fun to be with.

And not just something to take care of.

(Gosh, does that sound awful? Apparently, this is also 30 days of truthful.)

Kids let you live your childhood all over again.

You remember how fasicinating snow is.

How fun it is to make cookies.

You remember how hard it is to learn to ride a bike.

And how having a friend over is like a vacation.

You remember how staying up past your bedtime is exciting.

And how swinging makes you feel like you can fly.

You remember how scary storms can be.

And how much a skinned knee hurts.

Being a mom is freaking hard work though.

When they are tiny, you are responsible for keeping them alive.

And you are convinced that it will only get easier.

At some point, she will be able to tell you when she is hungry or when she is cold.

And you won't worry that the blanket is going to suffocate her at night.

Then they get older and you realize the real work is just starting.

Now you are responsible for making them good people.

Making sure they know how to share.

And what hurtful words can do.

Making sure they give respect where respect is due.

But teaching them to stand up for themselves.

Making sure they are safe but giving them some independence.

I can only imagine how hard it is going to get.

Boys.

Mean girls.

Disappointment.

College.

Letting her go.

I don't want to even think about it.

I wavered back and forth and back and forth and back and forth on whether or not to have another.

It was a difficult decision.

But she will be my one and only.

(Unless we decided to adopt, which is still on the table, which is a whole nother post.)

She is everything I thought she would be.

And 100 times more.

She is funny.

And dramatic.

And clever.

And sweet.

She loves dolphins.

She loves to swim.

She loves her friends.

And she loves school.

She talks back.

She is whiny.

She is far from perfect.

And that is why I love her so.

I am not the perfect parent.

I lose my patience, more than I would like to admit.

And I probably expect too much from her.

But she loves me anyway.

She is all mine.

Forever and ever and ever.

For that, I am most definitely, thankful.

30 days of thankful - day 12

2011-11-12T06:15:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 11

Books!

I love books.

I love everything about books.

I love how they smell.

I love where they take me.

I love talking about them.

I love sharing a good one.

I feel so sorry for anyone who doesn't like to read.

I can't even imagine it.

I will read anything.

Historical fiction.

Romance.

Suspense.

Teen fiction.

Children's books.

Horror.

I come from a long line of book lovers.

My mother and Aunt Linda were librianians.

And nearly everyone in my family reads.

I think I have passed my love of books onto Ellie.

I better have.

Cause if she doesn't like to read, she is no daughter of mine.

She did recently read her first book, cover to cover.

It will live on as one of my finest memories.

I was looking through my pictures to see if I had any of books.

And realized I am forever taking pictures of books.

I have about 107 pictures.

Ha!

I guess you take pictures of the things you love.

I don't know if I could list my favorites.

There are so many.

But I will give it a try.

To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee

Outlander series - Diana Gabaldan

Twilight series - Stephanie Meyer - don't hate.

Hunger Games series - Suzanne Collins - teen fiction has come A LONG way.

Sky O'Malley series - Betrice Small - so smutty. but so good.

Ghengis series - Conn Igguluden

The Long Walk - Stephen King

Those are the ones that stand out as books I would recommend to someone. I also love the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants series, Water for Elephants, anything from James Patterson (which I tend to read in the summer cause he is so easy), Harry Potter, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, anything from Jodi Piccoult, and anything dealing with the end of times (One Second After, My Life as I Knew It)

I could seriously sit here all day and list books I loved.

It would be a sad world without books.

I am thankful for books.

30 days of thankful - day 11

2011-11-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 11

My Country

Seeing how today is Veterans Day,

I thought I would write about how thankful I am to live in America.

To live in America means:

We have the right to vote

or not to vote.

We have the right to speak our minds without persecution.

We have the right to wear pajama pants outside.

To the grocery.

To pick your kid up from school.

To restaurants.

Personally, I think we should forfeit this right.

Immediately.

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

We are fortunate we live somewhere

where bullets and war aren't part of our everyday lives.

We are fortunate we live somewhere where

girls are treated as equals to boys.

We are fortunate we live somewhere

where the vast majority of us have everything we need, and then some.

Even if we don't think we do.

As a country, we have problems.

Of course we do.

Occupy this.

Horrible housing market that.

A corrupt leader or 20.

But I think, overall, we have it pretty good.

I am thankful for my country.

And I am thankful for all the men and women who serve in the military.

To keep me and mine safe.

Thank you.

30 days of thankful - day 10

2011-11-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 10

Lazy Days

I have enormous amounts of time lately.

Ellie is in school from 8:15 to 3:30.

And I don't have a job.

The plan all along was to get a job when Ellie started school.

Then Noonie got sick.

And I am kinda in limbo.

Do I get a job, just to have to quit when it comes time that he really needs me?

Or do we just stick it out for awhile longer with one paycheck?

Hm.

Decisions Decisions.

I have a few resumes out.

Am looking into things.

Trying to find just the right fit.

But for now, lots and lots of time.

I try and be productive most days.

My closets are the best shape they have ever been in.

My laundry is always caught up.

Never a dish in the sink for long.

Ellie (and Chris when he wants one) get a healthy lunch packed.

A nice dinner is on the table... most nights.

I volunteer at school.

Etc...

I also try not spend a lot of money.

This one is HARD.

It is amazing how a trip to Target for little girls tights,

turns into $50 worth of stuff I just had to have!

Or how often I want to meet a friend for lunch or coffee.

I have lots of time, and it is hard not to want to get out and see what's happening.

Chris is great.

He tells me to enjoy it while it lasts.

To do the things I want to do.

Love that man.

But it's weird.

I feel slightly guilty.

Like a kept woman, if you will.

I want to be contributing more than I am.

Add a little $$ to the college fund.

I guess I am feeling a little useless.

A little underutilized.

A little bored.

Woe is me, right?

All in good time I suppose.

It will work out.

It always does.

But yesterday.

Oh my.

I did nothing.

Now, granted, I was just this side of a nasty cold, not feeling well.

And I took that and ran with it.

Took Ellie to school,

and came home and put my comfy pants back on.

Layed in bed all day,

with a kitty curled up next to me,

and watched my dvr'd Biggest Loser,

and 4 episodes of Animal Cops Detroit.

Throw in some coffee and tomato basil soup,

and you have had yourself one lazy day.

Some days you just need a day like that.

And I am thankful for them.

And PS.

I didn't spend a dime.

:)
************************************************************
pps...
I just posted and re-read that and realized how spoiled I sound.
Wow!
I was going to change it, but you know what?
It's real.
It's what's happening right now.

I am enjoying this time.
It's fantastic.
I love my life.
I try and live in the moment, enjoy every second.
Cause it is going FAST!

I am just looking forward to the next chapter.
That's all.

30 days of thankful - days 8 & 9

2011-11-09T06:56:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was just one of those days.

Ellie missed Monday at school cause of a bad cold.

Which means I got nothing done.

So I did all that yesterday and then when she came home from school,

she had 8 pages of homework/missed work.

Seriously?

In kindergarten?

Apparently.

I was watching my shows last night,

(NCIS Los Angeles...Hello Chris O'Donnell!)

and I got a text from Paige.

"So, I want to go to bed! What are you thankful for today???"

Whoopsie!

Meesa forgatsa something...

I had planned on talking about my family yesterday.

And the more I thought about it, the more I realized they deserved 2 days anyway.

I am that thankful for them.

So without further delay...

30 Days of Thankful

My Family

I have been blessed beyond blessed to be given the family I have.

I really could go on and on about every single one of them.

And how much they mean to me.

This is Mom's side

A few notes about Mom's side:

Aunt Linda is one of the best people I know. She is kind and giving and will do anything for anybody at any time. Plus, she makes a mean rice crispy treat.

Since my mom died, we have become very close and she has taken on the "grandma" role for Ellie.

Uncle Wayne. He is my go to find it guy.

"Hey Wayne! Be on the lookout for such and such!"

And a week later, such and such is in your possession.

He also knows how to fix anything. And is very very involved in the community.

Paige and Ken have a fantastic love story.

That deserves a post all on it's own.

And I will get to that someday.

Paige is the closest thing I will ever have to a sister and I love her to pieces.

She is my advice giver, and book sharer, and salsa maker.

She is super classy and a fantastic hostess, really knowing how to make you feel comfortable in her home.

And Ken is that person who can seriously do anything he sets his mind too.

He is also my dentist :)

And when I was a kid I had a massive crush on him.

Massive.

Andy is insane.

In a good way, but you never quite know what your are going to get with Andy.

He is brilliant and motivated and a fantastic businessman.

And then there are the young people.

A fanastic group of kids.

Nick and Tanner and Quincy and Isabella.

They are fun and funny and smart and respectful.

Spoiler Alert!

I am going to do a seperate post on my parents, so I will talk about Noonie then.

Dad's side

Ahem.

As you can see, Dad's side is a titch bigger.

And there are a lot of people not pictured!

Now technically, have of these people are Deckmans.

And while not technically family,

they are family all the same.

A few notes about Dad's side:

Judy and Randy

They are the rock of this side of the family.

Judy's brother died when Judy was young (24ish?)

She had 2 young daughters and adopted his three children. 2 teenage boys and a 10 year old girl.

That is the kind of people Judy and Randy are.

She is the aunt I would run too when I was mad at my own mom.

She would feed me fruitty pebbles, tell me it wasn't so bad, and send me home.

I wish I could tell a story about everyone one on this side, but you see that picture.

It would be a novel.

But I can say, that when we go home, Ellie is gathered in, with hugs and kisses. She is never forgotten, even though we live far away and she is not a part of everyday life there.

And when Dad was in the hospital this summer, almost every single one of those people pictured came to see him and keep me company.

They are fantastic in a crisis.

I love them. And I love them. And I love them.

My family by marriage

And then there is the family I was fortunate enough to marry into.

Chris has a younger brother and sister.

And I have watched them grow up,

cause we have been together that long.

So I have known them, like, forever.

We have such a good time when we visit.

And Ellie is the only niece/granddaughter, etc...

and is spoiled rotten by them.

We play games and they are, by far, the most competative people I have ever known.

I knew I was one of them when they hooped and hollared when they beat me at aggravation.

They are fantastic people and I am blessed.

I am thankful for my family.

30 days of thankful - day 7

2011-11-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 7

Seasons

Lord have mercy.

I love me some seasons.

I don't know if I could live in a place without seasons.

Every year in February, I swear I could, but mostly, I love 'em.

They have always taken on personalities for me.

Is that weird?

Spring

Spring is a fickle lass.

She is pretty as a picture but can never make up her mind.

Spring brings new green grass.

And flowers.

And colors.

And the smell of Fresh.

She brings robins.

And Easter.

And the first warm days.

She has also been known to bring a late snow shower.

When she is in a bad mood.

Or lots and lots of rain.

When she is feeling weepy.

Summer

Summer is a favorite around here.

We like him a lot.

He is strong.

And bold.

And very warm hearted.

He brings sunscreen.

And the smell of chlorine

And tan lines.

And flip flops.

He brings later bedtimes.

And beers on the front steps.

And long visits home.

And fireworks.

He is welcome anytime.

Fall

Fall has a fashion all her own.

She is gorgeous.

And likes to show off.

Her favorite colors are bright orange and shiny yellow.

She brings apples.

And pumpkins.

And sweaters.

And the start of school.

She brings leave raking.

And turkey.

And the first fires in the fireplace.

I think she is so showy cause her time to shine is so short.

Winter

Oh Winter.

He is a good old chap.

But he tends to wear out his welcome.

He starts out great.

He brings snow.

And Santa.

He brings hot cocoa.

And family get-togethers.

He brings cuddles under the blankets on extra cold nights.

And the rush of a sled down a hill.

He brings mittens.

And rosy cheeks.

And a cold or two.

He has a hard time leaving.

He likes to hang around.

Bless his little heart.

But spring always pushes him aside.

And it starts again.

I am thankful for seasons.

30 days of thankful - day 6

2011-11-06T14:57:00.000-08:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 6

My Kitties

There's Hoosier.

She's enormous.

And while isn't mean, isn't a lover either.

Poor thing looks like an opened up pillow pet.

She is 11.

My first baby.

We got her in Virginia.

Everyone is terrified of her.

They just don't know her.

Then there's Atticus.

I have written enough about Atty for you to know how in love I am with him.

He is rotten to his very core.

But cute enough to get away with it.

He terrorizes Hoosier.

And keeps me awake at night with all his "cuddles."

But I don't even remember what our house was like before this little spitfire.

He wants to know your business.

He wants to be in the middle of your business.

He wants to own your business.

Christmas is going to be a nightmare around here.

He is going to be into EVERYTHING.

They shed something fierce.

Poop more than normal cats, I am convinced.

Vomit hairballs constantly.

And fight all the time.

The second one jumps in my lap for some love,

all is forgiven.

I am thankful for my cats.

30 days of thankful - day 5

2011-11-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

It's gonna be a quick one.

Bedtime is upon one of us.

The other two of us have a movie calling our names.

I am thankful for my blog readers.

You and You and You and You.

This space has become so important to me.

My creative outlet.

My memory.

My way to look back.

And I am thankful for it.

Thank you for reading.

30 days of thankful - day 4

2011-11-04T14:04:00.000-07:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 4

My Childhood

I had a fantastic childhood.

I mean, really, really great.

I am an only child born to older parents.

(well, older for the 70's. 37 was ancient back then to have a kid.)

My parents had a fantastic marriage.

And by the time I came along, they were old enough to be pretty relaxed with me.

And I think, they were just relieved I finally came along.

My mother had all kinds of trouble holding a pregnancy.

She had boatloads of miscarriages.

Don't get me wrong though.

I may have been an only child born to relaxed parents.

But I was, by no means, spoiled.

A lot was expected of me.

For example, when my parents entertained, which was often,

I was expected to come out, say hello, be polite, then beat it for the rest of the night.

They did not provide activites for me.

I was expected to play alone in my room.

Entertain myself, if you will.

But my mom and dad also spent a lot of time with me doing fun things.

Little trips.

Cooking dinner.

Etc...

We would drive by a playground and I would beg to stop and play,

and it seems like we always did.

We probably didn't, cause now that I understand how impossible that can be.

But I still like thinking she always stopped.

I think I was the last generation that was really allowed to play too.

Do you know what I mean?

I would leave in the morning, and when I heard the whistle at dinnertime, it was time to come in.

They would have no idea what I did all day,

and they certaintly didn't hover.

We tend to hover these days.

Why is that?

When I think of my childhood I think of:

Swimming at Aunt Jackie's.

Fruitty Pebbles at Aunt Judy's.

Marshmellows on Linda's front porch.

Sleepovers.

My kitty, Tabby. She was crosseyed.

Loving school.

Golfing with my parents.

Visiting Paige and Ken in Cleveland.

Playing hide and seek in the cornfield at night. No way on Gods green earth would I do that now.

All good memories.

Does everyone only remember the good?

Or am I just lucky?

I was very fortunate that even my teenage years were good ones.

There was no serious teenage angst happening.

I was relatively well liked in high school.

Wasn't bullied or a bully.

Got good grades.

And didn't do anything too terrible.

I don't think I was too much trouble for my parents.

I had a lot of friends.

Even more family.

A safe neighborhood.

And parents who adored me.

And apparently I had a twin brother.

This was my tomboy phase.

Good lord.

I am thankful for my childhood.

30 days of thankful - day 3

2011-11-03T06:39:00.000-07:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 3

Coffee

I love everything about coffee.

I love the smell.

And the first blessed sip.

I love the way it looks in pictures.

And the way it makes you feel cozy.

I love how it is best on a cold day.

(This is hot cocoa. The children's version of coffee.)

I am a plain jane coffee drinker.

Bold. With cream and sugar.

But I love how there are choices if you should so choose.

And I really love how it brings friends together.

"Come over for coffee!"

"Let's stop for a coffee!"

I am thankful for coffee.

30 days of thankful - day 2

2011-11-02T08:45:00.000-07:00

30 Days of Thankful - Day 2

A Healthy Body

I am 34 years old and weigh anywhere from 127 to 134 pounds.

And I am ok with that.

It took me a long time to be ok with that.

But FORTHELOVE I am sick of worrying about it.

I still eat healthy and exercise but I am done stressing about it.

I promise to take good care of it, but the things I can't change?

Done. With. Worry.

Would I love to be a size 2 and weigh 118 pounds?

Maybe.

But I also love dessert and cheese and wine.

And life is too damn short to not enjoy the things you love.

My body does every single thing I ask it to do.

It gets me through the day.

It cuddles my daughter.

It hugs my husband.

It runs on the treadmill.

It folds the laundry.

It pets the kitties.

It pushes the grocery cart.

It unloads the groceries.

It cleans the tub.

It drives a car.

It does sit-ups.

It types on a computer.

It laughs.

I recently had a physical.

I am healthy.

I have a healthy body.

It is smack dab in the middle of it's acceptable BMI.

It functions as it should.

And my husband loves it.

What more can I ask for?

Can you tell I had a baby?

Yes.

Does said baby call my tummy squishy when we shower together?

I will neither confirm or deny.

Do I have cellulite on my butt.

Hell to the yes.

Do I love it anyway?

You bet.

I am thankful for a healthy body.

halloween AND 30 days of thankful - day 1

2011-11-01T07:10:00.000-07:00

Yes. You heard right. You get 2 posts for the price of one today.

First: Halloween!

Ellie wanted to be a dolphin this year.

Cause the girl is obsessed.

Couldn't find much in the way of dolphin costumes,

except the one in Austrailia.

for which the shipping alone was $65.

No thank you.

So, we thunked outside the box and she was a

DOLPHIN TRAINER!

Her school put on a trunk or treat.

This was our trunk.

I thought it was pretty good until we got there.

These people are crazy crafty.

We had a pirate ship and an entire zoo.

All out of trunks of cars. It was insane.

Our girl still had fun though.

Then last night was trick or treating in the neighborhodd.

Again, it was a madhouse.

This house is the reason.

It is Halloween personified.

They are doing a documentary on it which brought even more people.

Yes. That is Jeff with 4 beers.

We are those people...

We had 800 pieces of candy.

Started at 6.

And ran out by 7:20.

We give one piece per kid.

It really is a freaking madhouse.

Then we had a little late dinner with our friends.

And Ellie had her sugar high.

And crashed.

Halloween 2011 is in the books.

It was a good one.

Second: 30 Days of Thankful!

It is November.

I know, crazy right?!?

November is all about being Thankful.

You know, Thanksgiving and all.

So I thought I would do a daily post on all the things I am thankful for this month.

30 Days of Thankful.

Some serious.

Some funny.

All things I couldn't live without.

They will be in no particular order.

Just depends on what I feel the need to gush about.

So, here we go.

30 Days of Thankful - Day 1

Chris

I could go on and on (and on and on) about why I love this man.

I'm serious.

We have known each other our entire lives.

Started dating when we were 16.

We are very fortunate that we found each other when we did,

and even more fortunate that we like each other more and more as we get older.

He is my rock.

He is my clown.

He is my safe place to fall.

We have very common interests.

We both love to golf.

We both love to gamble.

We both love to watch movies.

These things help us have the relationship we do.

He is my back rubber.

He is my soda sharer.

He is my daughter's father.

I take for granted what we have.

I know it.

And I don't like it.

I know a lot of people who are unhappy in their relationships.

Or don't have one.

I can't even imagine what that must be like.

He is my protector.

He is my tech guy.

He is my best friend.

We don't fight well.

We don't do it enough.

So we don't know how.

When we do argue,

we get all passive aggressive and silent.

We know it about ourselves though.

So, it's ok.

And I am not sure you could have a better friend.

He will stand up for you.

He will go to bat for you.

God help you if you badmouth someone he loves.

He will come at you with fists up.

He has your back in a fight.

Not that he fights often.

But he would if he had too.

I would rather be with him than with anyone on planet Earth.

I so look forward to our alone time.

And try and cherish every second of it.

He is my heart.

He is my love.

He is my world.

I am thankful for Chris.

weekend

2011-10-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

It was a good one.

I won't even go into Friday night yet, cause it was all Halloweenie and I will do a post on all Halloween stuff tomorrow.

Saturday morning found us lingering over breakfast.

Lots of pancakes, coffee and good conversation.

Ahem.

Someone likes syrup.

Then we headed out to see what we could see.

We found this little booger at a nature center.

Meanest bird ever.

Ruled his little pen with an iron fist.

Then we headed into nature a bit.

I still see a little bit of baby here.

I miss the baby.

We also headed to the beach.

49 degrees.

So what?

Then we came home and just relaxed.

When Ellie went to bed, we had what we like to call a "basement date."

Beers, movies, pajamas.

All the fun without sitter fees and uncomfortable shoes.

This date even came with flowers.

Then, this morning there was coffee for two.

And matching jammies.

There were also kitties laying where they shouldn't be.

(He has me wrapped around his cute little orange paw.)

Then Ellie and I went to church.

Think I have found one I like.

It was nice.

When you grow up very attached to your small country church, it is hard to assimilate into a new one.

But I want Ellie to know Jesus.

So to church we go.

I was welcomed with open arms.

It is a lot like my home church.

Lots of little old ladies.

And tradition.

And familiar hymns.

Chris promises to go next week.

When we got home we decided to carve our pumpkins.

Ellie lasted about a minute and a half before she informed me the smell was going to make her vomit.

So she became the photographer.

(I don't like the smell either...)

She was being a pumpkin too.

Then we headed to the park for a little late afternoon energy burn.

Lord I love that girl.

lazy days

2011-10-26T09:17:00.000-07:00

Life these days is calm.

And relaxed.

And nice.

Noonie is good.

Ellie is settled into her new routine.

Etc.

This finds time for coffee dates with friends.

At my house.

I provide coffee, homemade goods, and scintillating conversation.

For a reservation: call, email, or text.

It also allows time to wage war on the fruit flies.

Internet research led me to this idea.

Hopefully it works.

They drive my husband to distraction.

For some reason, they just really bug him.

Pun intended.

(apple and cooking wine in a bowl with saran wrap over. poke hole. they get in. they cant get out.)

Such a sad way for a honeycrisp to go.

So sorry honeycrisp.

I also get to stare at the bounty that is our halloween candy.

Every year I am amazed at the $$ spent.

Every year I am amazed that there is none left.

Buy over 400 pieces.

Give out 1 per kid.

We have a crazy halloween neighborhood.

PS. I think Payday is often overlooked.

Love me some Payday.

He is very good at keeping me company on these lazy days.

Here he is sporting his "over the shoulder sexy look."

Boyfriend has the "it" factor.

As an aside, read this book in 3 hours.

Teen fiction.

Great read.

But I don't just sit around and read all day.

The closets got a good cleaning out yesterday.

I love my house.

Love the built-in's.

Love the old door knobs.

Love the weathered brick.

Hate the closets.

I think they are cruel and unusual punishment.

Just sayin'.

Happy Wednesday!

And a shout out to Roberta!

Didn't know you were reading.

Glad you are!

Hope you are having a great day, friend!

old haunts

2011-10-23T15:18:00.000-07:00

We went home this weekend.

On Sunday, just before we left, I introduced Ellie to a few of my childhood favorites.

I grew up right next to a huge field.

It alternated between corn and beans.

Mom hated the corn years.

It was so hot.

It left no breeze.

But every spring, before planting, we would hit a bucket of golf balls into the field.

And every fall, after harvest, we would go and find them.

Someone is still doing it...

cause we found a boatload today.

I also took her to where I used to have a clubhouse.

It was no longer there.

It was an awesome clubhouse, right next to the railroad tracks.

With a hidden entrance and everything.

We used to play chicken with the trains and put penny's on the tracks to get run over and smushed. Kids these days must not have clubhouses.

Or maybe mothers no longer let their children play 15 feet from a working railroad.

Hm.

(I mean, seriously. What was she thinking??)

On our way back to Grandpa's, we stopped and pet the horses.

1. If there were horses there when I was a kid, I never would have left.

2. It's kinda weird there are horses there, being in the city limits and all.

3. I am wishing I had never gone. Poor things aren't being very well cared for and it is breaking my heart. She was the sweetest old girl, dying for a little attention. I could have stayed all day.

I love showing my girl all my childhood haunts.

I want her to know where she came from.

PS. Doesn't my Noonie look great!?!

We had us a little date on Saturday night.

Just the two of us.

Some Italian food and Starbucks.

Poor man had never had a pumpkin spice latte.

That is just criminal.

today

2011-10-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

Today involves:

Rain and coffee and napping kitties.

Laundry and wet leave raking.

Sweat pants until the very last minute.

Stuffed pepper making and candle burning.

Loving these two.

Today involves:

Packing and sorting for a short trip.

Thoughts of Thanksgiving.

Plans for an elaborate "under the sea" themed 'Trunk-or-Treat' decorated car.

Catching up on emails.

Taking Tylenol for a headache and scratchy throat. Again.

Wondering where in the world this little baby went?

Today involves:

Litter box scooping.

Leftovers for lunch.

Book reading.

Picking up the dry cleaning.

Unloading the dishwasher.

Missing my mother.

the wedding of the year

2011-10-17T09:40:00.000-07:00

I have mentioned Jeff and Megan on here before.

Fantastic people.

Fantastic friends.

They got married this past weekend.

It was non traditional.

And beautiful.

And fun.

And adults only.

And had an open bar.

Izzy spent the night.

I think Ellie was more excited for the whole night than we were.

Thanks, Izzy!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Here we are all gussied up.

I had a glorious up-do.

And somehow forgot to take a picture of it.

Duh.

This is a replica of their dog, Scratch.

He was there in spirit.

The bride and groom exchanging vows.

Lordy me.

I have beautiful friends.

I hate dressy shoes.

Hate.

This is when the night started to take a turn for the worse.

Best picture of the night.

There is a video.

An epic video.

Chris won't let me post it.

Every party needs a pooper...

It was the most fun I have had in a long, long time.

Thank you so much to Jeff and Megan for throwing such a fun wedding.

It was just like the two of you.

Bold.

Beautiful.

And easy to love.

PS. The next day, one of us was hungover and one of us wasn't.

Any guesses??

fall up in here

2011-10-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

I read a number of blogs.

Apparently, most of the blogs I read are written by Martha Stewart, or a close relative of hers.

Who are these women?

And where do they learn to decorate?

Pinterest perhaps?

I am not one of these women.

Wish I were, but, sadly, am not.

Below are my pitiful efforts in fall decorating.

I kept it rather simple this year.

My buffet.

These candles graced my kitchen window growing up.

They will always have a spot somewhere.

Picture: circa 1996

Vase of skulls: Marcs.

Table centerpiece.

Speaks for itself I think.

Another little space.

Construction paper craftiness.

Ellie: 2009

All that made it to my mantle this year.

Front steps.

My poor mums need a drink.

I can't wait to carve that green pumpkin.

And Mr and Mrs Scarecrow peeking out back there?

Found in the great attic clean out of 2011.

Previous owner must of left them...

There you have it.

That's all she wrote.

My fall decorating for 2011.

random nonsense

2011-10-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

The coziness of the day is not motivating me to get to the gym.

Sending kettle corn as Ellie's snack to day made me "the best mom ever!"

It's healthyish, right?

I just needed to get it out of my house.

I get to help Kindergarteners at the book fair this afternoon.

Kindergarteners are a hoot.

I also helped on Monday when they were doing their wishlists.

They were supposed to write down 3 books they wanted.

This one little girl came up to me with a stack of 16.

I told her it was just a tad too many.

Her response?

"Write 'em all down. My mommy will buy them for me. I'm spoiled."

Ha!

I need a break for another cup of coffee.

Be right back...

Ok, I'm back.

Ellie was up from midnight to 3 last night coughing.

I let her sleep in this morning.

She was tardy.

I hated being tardy when I was in school.

On a related note, I never know whether or not to send her when she has a cold.

Never a fever.

Never any snot even.

Just a hideous cough.

She's a cougher, this one, always has been.

But I can picture her in class, just hacking away.

I talked to her teacher, and she said if she can be at school, hasn't had a fever or been vomiting, send her.

So I did.

What would you do?

On another slightly related note, Ellie has standardized tests this week.

Since when do 5 year olds have standardized tests?

We are going to a wedding on Saturday.

It's a fancy affair.

It required a borrowed dress and new shoes.

Guess what decided to show up?

A big shiny pimple.

Right on my chin.

Yay.

I am loving the fact that Ellie is learning to read.

I am amazed at how quickly it is happening.

But is it totally wrong for me never ever ever want her to learn how to tell time?

Methinks that is enough random for now.

Happy {rainy} Wednesday!

perfect weekend

2011-10-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

If there were ever a perfect weekend to be had...

I think I just had it.

It all started Friday when I met a dear friend for lunch in Chagrin Falls.

And the town is as pretty as it's name.

You have to take roads like this to get to it.

(And yes, I stopped my car in the middle of the road to take this shot.)

We lunched and visited.

And can I just say a baked brie bread bowl was involved.

(Um, hello new favorite thing in the whole world.)

After we lunched, she had to leave to pick up her girl from school.

I did not have to leave. I still had 2 whole hours to kill.

Whatever was I to do with myself?

I browsed book stores and boutiques, had a cup of coffee and read my book.

All. By. Myself.

And I bought my first pair of real grown up girl designer jeans.

They fit like a dream.

You really do get what you pay for.

Then we had dinner with some new friends.

Ellie and Natalie are school friends, and we just happen to really like her parents.

Score!

Natalie is also an only so she and Ellie are peas in a pod.

Aren't new friends nice?

See? A good weekend.

And that was just Friday!

Saturday morning, another dear friend had invited me to a crafty fair called Christmas in the Woods.

Think cider, primitive booths selling everything you can imagine, golden leaves, and sunshine.

I got Ellie some little stick pencils for her stocking, and the cutest little vintage looking Christmas sign.

It was a great way to spend a gorgeous October day.

Then Saturday night we were invited to a surprise party for a friend of ours, Kevin.

(Backstory: We bought their couch from them, and Kevin desperately misses it. Chris and I text him continually about his couch, things like "watching football on your couch" or, "taking a great nap on your couch", etc...)

We think it's hilarious.

I am not sure how he feels about it.

We included this picture in his birthday card...

The whole entire night was this fun.

That would be Kevin down there.

The birthday boy.

Then sunday we headed to the pumpkin patch.

We had these donuts.

I know...right?

Delicious.

We picked pumpkins.

I chose green this year.

We played in the woods.

We took leaps of faith.

And just enjoyed being together.

See?

A absolutely perfect weekend.

Now it is Monday.

And my house shows evidence of my not being in it all weekend.

Messes here.

Messes there.

Laundry.

Kitty boxes that need scooped.

Etc...

Sigh.

Wish I could go back to Friday and live it all over again.

hoe down

2011-10-07T05:18:00.000-07:00

Ellie's school threw a hoe down last night.

It was really fun!

I was so nervous about the whole school thing.

Is this one good enough?

Will she like it?

Etc.

My fears have been erased.

I love her school.

She loves her school.

It is great!

Things I Realized at the Hoe Down:

1. Cowboy boots and dresses on a 5 year old is the cutest thing ever.

2. Friends are quickly becoming more important than mom and dad at social functions.

3. Her smile will forever melt my heart.

4. When going on a hayride where hay is thrown around all willy nilly, you will get hay in your unmentionables.

5. Sister has some serious dance moves.

At one point in the evening, she walked over to a boy in her class, tossed her hair (I am not kidding), and asked him to dance.

Chris looked over at me all "Did you freaking see that???"

I didn't know whether to be proud or terrified.

Not looking forward to the teenage years...

what's been happening

2011-10-03T19:25:00.000-07:00

Let's see.

What's been happening.

1. We had a candlelight dinner tonight. On a Monday! It somehow made plain chicken breasts, broccoli and breadsticks romantic.

2. Made a quick trip home this past weekend.

3. Volunteered in Ellie's class today. I get to help 5 year olds paint. Every. Single. Monday.

I know you are jealous.

4. My manual labor job is going swimmingly. My rough and tumble hands can prove it.

5. I am pretty sure I have forgotten how to exercise.

6. Ellie is on an upswing in behavior. Locking her in the closet and not feeding her for 3 days has proven effective.

(Kidding!)

7. If you are the praying type, there is a certain member of my family who has a strange illness that can't be figured out, and we could use them.

8. My favorite weekend of the year is coming up.

Think Pumpkin Patch!

9. If it doesn't stop raining, I might go insane.

10. If the Colts don't win tonight, my husband might go insane.

We miss you Peyton Manning.

dolphin tale

2011-09-28T10:41:00.000-07:00

My kid has a thing for dolphins.

And by, "thing," I mean, woulddieforthemwantstobeone.

It's serious.

When Dolphin Tale came out, I knew we would be first in line.

What I didn't know was that we would be wearing a wetsuit to the theatre...

Let me explain:

She desperately wanted to be a dolphin for Halloween.

The only costume I could find in her size was in Australia.

And cost $56 for shipping alone.

No thank you.

So, I started thinking outside the box...

and girlfriend is going to be a dolphin trainer for Halloween.

Wear a wetsuit, carry a dolphin, tape a few construction paper fish to her treat back and

Voila!

We have a dolphin trainer!

PS. We also wore the wetsuit to Target before the movie.

That was fun.

Got some looks.

Had some explaining to do.

Etc...

Life with a 5 year old is never dull.

pioneer girl

2011-09-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

Sunday found Ellie and I getting in tune with our inner pioneer girls.

(It also found someonewhoshallremainnameless home on the couch nursing a massive hangover...

but that is a story for another day...)

There was this fun little pioneer festival and we went with some friends.

We swung.

Had a mini meltdown when our butts got wet.

Checked out some pioneer toys.

Walked on stilts.

Made a flower arrangement.

Rode a pony.

(She was so mad they kept ahold of her. She kept saying "I have been to pony camp! I know what I am doing! You can let go!")

Had a "Kids vs. Moms" tug of war contest.

Sadly, it wasn't as one sided as you might think.

And goofed around.

These two.

There aren't enough words in the world to describe these two.

For real.

It was a fun day.

a day in the life of me

2011-09-20T16:47:00.000-07:00

This is fascinating information people.

Cause I am sure you are all dying to know how I spend my days.

6:30: alarm goes off.

6:35: Chris nudges me to turn off alarm.

7:00: get out of bed.

7-7:15: make coffee, breakfast for Ellie, lunch for Chris.

7:20: Wake Ellie up.

7:30: Kiss Chris goodbye.

7:30-8:00: Hustle up a lollygagger.

8:00: Leave for school.

8:15-9:00: Make my own breakfast, drink my coffee, internets.

9:00-9:30: Tidy up this disaster and others like it around the house.
(PS. I hate my kitchen.)

9:30-9:31: Admire Ellie's first Math Quiz score.

(I don't remember having quizzes in Kindergarten...)

9:31-9:55: Hit the library and get some books.

Can you guess which one is the smutty one??

10:00-11:00: Dr. for physical.

3 things:

1. Tetanus shots freaking hurt.

2. They should remind you not to eat breakfast so you can get your bloodwork done.

3. They should carry the Flu Mist so they don't have to go down to Peds to get one.

Seriously.

11:00-11:30 - Head to the grocery for bread, milk, and soda...and end up spending $57.

(There was lots I forgot we needed: paper towels, shredded cheese, grapes, etc...)

11:30-11:35: Break up a brawl...

and put someone in Timeout.

11:35 - 12:15: Throw in a load of laundry, take out the trash, paperwork, etc...

12:15-1ish: Make and eat lunch while watching the finale of Big Brother.

Today's special: Fried cornmeal and grapes.

Don't judge me.

1ish - Make up with someone.

1ish to 1:15 - Put out new mums, tidy yard a little.

1:15-2:15 - Get my expanding bum to the gym.

It thanked me.

2:15 - 3:00 - Shower

3:00-3:30: Take recycling to drop off and enter the dreaded "pick up" area at school.

Read and Wreck while waiting.

(Wreck This Journal will be a post all it's own soon. It's neat.)

3:30-4:30: Pick up Ellie...

watch her monkey bar...

with a friend.

4:30 - 5:00 Homework.

Cause apparently our M's weren't up to par.

5:00-6:30: Watch a movie and Ellie eats dinner, cause Daddy had volleyball tonight, and I din't want to cook a real meal.

6:30 - 8:00: Bath, play, stories, bed.

Oh. And I made my dinner too. To be eaten later, cause:

1. I like it just a titch stale.

2. I get some kind of perverse pleasure while eating during Biggest Loser.

Isn't that awful??

So there it is, my day today.

Wasn't that fun!

friends

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

I have the best friends.

Really.

They are intelligent and funny.

Gorgeous and kind.

Witty and motivated.

They are wonderful.

If I could wish one thing for Ellie as she gets older,

it would be that she surrounds herself with good girlfriends.

Friends who push her out of her comfort level,

and are always there for her.

Friends she can be silly with,

and say anything to.

Friends who will tell her when she is being unreasonable,

but love her more because of it.

Friends who tell her they love her.

These are the kinds of friends I have.

These are the kind of women they are.

And I am grateful for them.

Every single day.

Our husbands are pretty cool too.

Jeff and Megan are getting married.

This makes me happy.

We were celebrating their engagment last night.

It was a fantastic time.

As an added bonus, 2 of the girls brought their teeny tiny babies.

This is little Perry Leo.

Love.

my fridge and me

2011-09-16T05:53:00.000-07:00

I saw this over on lifeingrace and knew immediately I would be copying.

It is basically what your fridge says about you...

So here's what I think my fridge says about me.

1. I buy organic when I can.

2. I must throw that frosting away. Maybe tomorrow.

3. The season of watermelon and cantalaupe is about over. :(

4. Yes. I am hiding Lori's jam. It's that good.

5. Chocolate greek yogurt. Yes please!

6. Love me some cornmeal mush fried up in the mornings. I swear, ya'll, I was supposed to be a southern girl.

7. A fridge without turkey bacon in it is a sad fridge indeed.

8. Ellie's been on a yogurt kick lately. I bought a lot. Murphy's Law states she will now no longer like yogurt.

9. I hardly ever use most of the sauces in the door. They just sit there, neglected.

10. The chinese leftovers disappeared overnight. Bigfoot ate it.

11. You can't see all the cheese on the top left. There's a bunch. Mama likes her cheese.

12. My fridge needs a good cleaning. I am really surprised I even let you see it. It's kinda embarrasing.

busy

2011-09-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

I am busy!

I have over 8 hours of free time and I feel busier and more stressed than ever.

How is that even possible?

Well...

I took up a temporary part time job doing some serious manual labor.

It is both dirty and exhausting.

And I am working with a bunch of young guys.

Who keep calling me Ma'am.

Ha!

I am old!

Plus, Ellie is keeping my busy with her new schedule.

Lunch boxes need to be cleaned out and repacked.

Homework needs to be done.

Nightly baths need to be taken.

Etc...

(And as a PS, her teacher asked for classroom volunteers, I volunteered. I was thinking it would be a one or two time thing. Wrong. It is weekly. So, I am the new Monday afternoon volunteer.

Yay.)

Plus, I am looking for something full time to do.

Chris gave me strict instructions....

It has to be something I enjoy.

(Isn't he sweet?)

So I am looking for a job, preferably during school hours.

Or even better, from home.

This is very time consuming.

When the world is your oyster,

you quickly realize how many oysters are out there.

And it's a little overwhelming.

So I am looking into this and that.

Checking out some seminars.

And boning up on things I used to know how to do.

Plus, my standards on my house have triplicated.

I want it clean!

At all times!

This is not happening.

And I am trying not to be such a stickler on it.

But Mama does like a clean house.

My blog has sadly taken a back seat.

But I will be better.

Swear.

Oh!

Noonie is doing really well at the moment!

Halleluyah!

(I can never spell that word, and I am to busy to look it up right now...)

But I do worry so about him.

Oh!

One more thing.

Since Chris reads my blog...

Will you pretty pretty please with sugar on top watch Survivor with me tonight?

Please?

saturday

2011-09-12T10:23:00.000-07:00

This was a nice weekend.

Relaxing. Kinda rainy. With a little fun thrown in.

I love the the days Daddy goes and get donuts.

No cooking for mommy.

Except the eggs.

Gotta have some protein in the morning.

That new little robin mug down there.

Love.

His name is Joey.

Then we did a little bird watching.

And window sitting.

And coloring.

And perfecting our "watchyou looking at?" stare.

And even had time for a little tea party.

Then we left E with the babysitter and headed to a clambake.

Chris' very favorite thing in the whole world.

Dude can eat some clams!

And as for Sunday and the opening day for the Colts...

I don't want to talk about it.

what happens when a 5 year old takes over an iphone

2011-09-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

All these trips back and forth to Indiana have found Ellie looking for new activites to occupy her time.

She often asks for my phone.

The other day, I was flipping through my phone photos and giggled at what she had found to do, unbeknownst to her Dad and I.

First, the required camwow photo.

Sloth love Chunk!

Then she turned all professional photograper and posed her loveys for a photo shoot.

But quickly got sidetracked by the scenery.

Cause, you know, it was so breathtaking.

She got an action shot of her Daddy driving,

And one of her mother turning into a flesh eating zombie.

Then it was back to the photo shoot, this time for close ups!

I give you...

baby polar bear...

and pink dolphin!

(She isn't very original when naming her friends.)

Then I believe, we captured an elusive picture of the cargo area of the CR-V.

How exciting!

All this excitent caused the famed photographer to fall asleep.

I stole her camera and snapped this shot.

For prosperity, of course.

fit

2011-09-02T05:59:00.000-07:00

I have about 2,354 things to do today.

And I am just sitting here perusing the internets.

There are beds to make, and furniture to dust, and bags to pack.

Litter boxes to scoop, laundry to do, and movie times to check.

Showers to take, yards to weed, and dishes to wash.

And I am doing none of it.

And if you are my facebook friend, you know we had a less than stellar evening last night.

Let me break it down for you...

There is a little boy next door.

Sweet kid.

A few years older than Ellie.

And she LOVES playing with him.

Last night, they were over at his house,

and had been for an hour or so.

Dinner was almost ready so I was getting my shoes on to go get her, when she comes in the door to use the restroom.

I tell her it's time to stay home, cause dinner was almost ready...

And lucifer himself jumped into her body.

OHMYWORD.

It was ugly.

I won't go into details, because I am totally embarrassed by her behavior,

but words like, "stupid" and "hate" were used.

I don't like these words.

She knows not to use these words.

She got in major trouble.

No more boy next door for a week.

She was inconsolable.

I know she is exhausted from school.

And doesn't recognize that.

And that is the reason she turned all exorcist on me last night

But damn.

It was bad.

So she went to bed at 7:30.

Asleep by 7:32.

So what do you think?

Did the punishment fit the crime?

And please tell my your kids do stuff like this.

Please.