ellie's new bed

Girlfriend got herself a new place to sleep.

She is digging it.

We live in an older home.

And while I love the built ins and such...

there isn't a ton of room.

So we thunked outside the box and got Ellie a little junior loft bed.

Meaning, it isn't as high as a traditional loft.

This little space under here is for reading and hiding from T.Rex's.

For hanging artwork and telling secrets.

She is like a teeny tiny college freshman with her new digs.

We are very pleased with our new purchase.

Couldn't resist this one.

This cat.

He has just burrowed right into my soul.

Happy Tuesday!

wine

It was our 5th annual wine weekend this past weekend.

Another great time was had.

This year, we smarted up and spent the morning at the spa.

With mimosas and blueberry bread.

Then ate a big lunch.

Then started the wine tour.

We lasted a little longer this way.

We got all greened out for St. Patrick's Day.

We got stares.

It was fun.

This was also the first year I didn't get totally snockered.

Which was nice.

I look like a deer in headlights in that last shot.

Just keepin' it real.

It is rumored that for the 10 year, we are going to Napa...

Thanks for a fun weekend girls.

snowing. again.

Where did this tiny thing go?  With her little curls??

Do you see a common denominator here?

SUN!

Every year about this time I start to go stir crazy.

This year is no exception.

Especially when I wake up to at least a foot of snow.

On March freakin' 11th.

Done.

Ok, now I am done complaining.

Cause there are lots of people who have it way worse than me this morning.

Praying for Japan.

dancing queen

Things here are good.

We are healthy finally.

And awaiting spring.

We are back to school.

And the gym.

I am still recovering from my birthday weekend, that included 2 good restarants, 2 great conversations, winning a new game, and going to an NBA game where you could see me on tv.  Oh!  And a Bloggie touch video camera.

That is smaller than my regular camera. 

My husband has turned me into a total tech geek.

I love it!

Expect more videos on here.  Lots more.

I am anticipating another fun weekend.

Weekend away, wine, girlfriends, fun.

But that is just small talk.

The below video was a few weeks ago when Ellie was just starting to get sick.

And I think she was in the middle of a good Tylenol high.

Points to notice:

Her outfit.  I have given up all control.  It just isn't worth it.

The fact I am lying in an unmade bed in the afternoon.  So?

The picture on the wall.  We spent one whole afternoon on that.

Her moves.  She is gonna be a star!

Happy Tuesday!

saturday morning breakfast

I love Saturday mornings.

The whole weekend is spread out in front of you.

The possibilites are endless.

For us, Saturday mornings usually start with a little body climbing up in bed with us.

And sticking her little corpse feet right on my stomach.

Brr.

We cuddle a bit and then I get the inevitable

"Mommy, I sure am hungry.  Can you make breakfast now?"

So I get up, leave those two all snuggled under the covers, and stagger down the stairs.

First things first.

Coffee.

And on Saturday morning breakfasts, the cream comes from a cute little pitcher, rather than the boring ol' carton.

 Then I slave away making

pancakes

and

pototoes and sausage

and she eats 4 bites

and then wants a poptart.

 But it's Saturday morning.

So she gets one.

But only if mama gets a bite.

Then we linger over coffee

shoo the cat off the table 46 times

play gin

watch the rain

and finally get ready for whatever the day may bring.

Saturday morning breakfast.

One of my favorite things.

me

It's my birthday today!

In honor of that great day, I thought I would wax poetic all about myself!

Or not.

Acutally, for some reason, I have been really dreading this birthday.

Then, today, as I woke up,

 and saw the sun shining,

and felt my husband curled up next to me,

and got a birthday lick on the nose by a kitty,

and a good morning hug from the best kid ever,

I realized how stupid that was.

I have it good.

So.

Today you get to hear what I love about myself.

And what I think I need to work on.

Doesn't that sound like fun?

So the things I love about myself are:

I am a good mom.

I am a good wife.

I make great popcorn and brownies.

I am organized.

I believe in miracles.

And ghosts.

And unicorns.

I send cards for no reason at all.

I am a glass is half full girl.

I eat my vegetables.

I keep myself relatively fit.

 I keep a tidy house.

I am strong.

I have great feet.

And a nice back.

And pretty hair.

I can take a joke.

I love to write.

I love Barbra Striesand and will shout it from the rooftops.

I am a huge reader and feel sorry for anyone who isn't.

I love to explore.

And hike.

And I am finally becoming comfortable in this body.

And the curves that are determined to be around.

(you know who you are, tummy and butt.)

Things I would like to change about myself and am working on:

I take things personally.

I can be passive aggressive.

I am a picker (as in pimples, noses, etc...).

They don't even have to be mine.

I know, gross!

I could be a better friend.

 I go to bed too late.

I avoid conflict at all costs, even if I should confront something.

I don't go to church like I should.

I can be lazy.

I have the patience of a toddler.

I can get mired down in the details.

I am overly cautious.

I take those I love for granted.

Way too much.

I can throw a mean pity party for myself if the situation arises.

I forget birthdays.

I gossip.

And I can hold a grudge.

So overall, I think I am ok.

The good pretty much outweighs the bad.

Most days.

I plan to make my 34th year good.

And when I say good, I mean, good!

My mother always told me that the 30's would be the best years of my life.

And when I stop and think about it, she was totally right.

I am healthy.

And happy.

And loved.

What more could I ask for?

And as of this posting, I have gotten over 50 birthday messages through

email

facebook

phonecalls

and texts.

And it is only 9:24 am.

This girl feels loved today.

things i know for sure - random tuesday edition

I think I am going crazy.

Spring fever has hit with a force.

And I am all out of sorts.

So,

you get a very random post today.

Here are the things I know for sure today:

I hate the gym.

I love sugar.

It's a bad combination.

Which is why I go to the gym anyway.

I have a love/hate relationship with the thought of working again.

Ipads are the best invention ever.

I love my kick ass new cowboy boots.

I have a new crush on Colin Firth.

and Chris O'Donnell

and LL Cool J.

Sunshine makes me happy.

You can make a BIG snowman with Daddy's help.

Little girls in braids are so cute.

I am having popcorn for dinner tomorrow night.

I am starting to feel not young and I don't like it.

A trip to Target is good for soul.

I am looking forward to book club on Thursday.

and a night out on Saturday.

and going to a NBA game on Sunday.

I tried on all my summer clothes today just to remind myself that tanks and breezy skirts exist.

And finally, my love for this boy grows every day.

Ok, that's all I got.

Happy Tuesday!