Busy as a Bee...

What a summer! Well, it hasn't been much of a summer weather-wise - - - between the rain and cool temps, it seems more like spring than anything else! I guess ya gotta look at it in the positive - we're saving a bunch on electricity because we aren't using the AC!!

Anyhoo - - - aside from my life being the constant up and down and up and a big LOOP then down again, it's been a busy time... without Jakers in school (when Justin would nap) I'm missing my treasured 2 hours of ME TIME during the day. I didn't realize how wonderful that time was - whether I used it for household stuff, or just relaxing with cross-stitch, crafts, games, photography, etc... I manage a few minutes here and there to get on the 'puter - but my real time is at night. And by the time "nighty night" rolls around, and I've done the dishes and laundry and picked up and planned for the next day - the *LAST* thing I feel like doing is thinking about writing a blog.

I've managed to get some wonderful pics of the boys over the past few months... and plan to post them... as soon as I can fool the clock into thinking there's more time than it thinks....

Sweet Miracle Maggie

Not sure how many of ya'll still read this - but I have to post this anyway. Friends of mine from high school (we won't say how many years) are facing a very stressful day tomorrow. Their sweet little girl Maggie Juneis scheduled for some major surgery tomorrow - and the peanut is just a little past her first birthday. While she's shown to be just as strong, determined, and stubborn as her mommy and daddy, this is still a tenuous time for them - - - so I'm asking ya'll to send up positive thoughts and prayers to whatever and whoever you believe in...

'Nuff said...

Dang you, technology!

So I've been without my internet since Friday. I'm not sure if I'm glad to get it back, or slightly disappointed! I've gotten an incredible amount of stuff done around here - today I finished shampooing the rugs in the bedrooms, hallway, and living room (with a bit of help from my loverly neighbor). Plus I've been able to go through both Jacob's and Justin's clothes for outgrown stuff, and managed to start some of my clothes. And seeing as tomorrow is Jake's last day of school (and a picnic I can't wait for!), I spent this evening baking and decorating 4 dozen sugar cookies, 2 dozen finger sammiches (tuna and egg salad), cutting veggies for tossed salad, and making milk chocolate truffles for his teachers. Jake and I just finished putting together some little bags for his classmates with bubbles and such. Once I get him to bed I've got little notes to put together... and as much as I'd like to catch up with ya'll, I'm going to do my duties and find ya'll later...

This time...

This time...

10 years ago...

I was sitting in my light pink bedroom with the roses that I stenciled on the walls, realizing it's not good to shave your legs after 2 glasses of wine...

With my maid of honor and "sister"...

Realizing that at 10:30 the next morning I was going to be a "Mrs."...

Why I'm miserable...

This is my car.

No, that's not snow. It's pollen.

Ick.

Dang you, allergies!

I had planned on doing a big update tonight - full of pictures and lovely updates - but it seems as if Mother Nature hates me. We had Family Day today - with a trip to Mohegan Park and pizza from our favorite Gus's in Plainfield. Unfortunately, Mother Nature decided to give me the worst allergies I've had in F O R E V E R - - - and as I sit here, I'm a big itchy burny nosey stuffy cranky allergy mess. So I'm hoping for some rain tonight - to get the ridiculous amount of pollen off the deck - and when Jaker's os in school tomorrow, I *PROMISE* a photo dump!

I'm off to bed...to find my Kleenex and a cold washcloth...

WOW!

I was going through my pictures tonight, and realized how much has happened with the boys that I've neglected to share! They're still the silly little monsters, but I've managed to catch a lot more on camera. If all works out, I'll do a big old photo-dump this week... so watch out!

Seeing the sunshine...

I'm still here - yay!! Just managed to get both kids in bed, and I'm going to enjoy tonight to myself. Today started out a bit rough (only because I decided to enforce my decision instead of being the usual marshmallow...) but once I let the banshees outside, I had more laughs than I'd managed in a long time. Nothing like seeing your boys strip to their birthday suits, running around the back yard, deciding to make a bathtub out of their Radio Flyer! I'm not feeling 100% - - - but I'm hoping I've convinced myself to find the sunshine in every day...

still here... trying to figure out up from down... but i'll be back!

We break now for a scheduled warning...

I just had to pop on to once again, apologize for my lack of entries. I've been feeling that damned darkness creeping back up on me - and I'm trying like hell to fight it. But the damn thing keeps finding me when I least expect it. I think what gets me the most frustrated is that I can't control it - - - I'm not one to tolerate lack of control... This week I've been away from the computer a lot, trying to focus for MYSELF - spending my nights watching movies *I* want to watch (like Twilight for the 4th time...), or crafting, or catching up on those nagging little clutter piles. I'm hoping to re-focus... So far this week, I've had some great times, and I'm looking forward to some more in the next days. If I can cling to THAT, and not the darkness, I should be ok...

National Champs!!!

I know this post is a wee bit overdue - - - but hey - - - I haven't been known to have a lot of free time on my hands!

A few weeks back I got to join Dad at the 2nd Round NCAA Women's Tourney at Gampel. It was FANTASTIC! Sad to say, it was the first basketball game I'd been able to see all year... I can see them on TV anytime, but there's something about sitting in those seats in Storrs that makes the difference. I loved being able to spend time with Dad - we hadn't had the chance in so long! And being back on campus, seeing the familiar sights and faces - - - it really renewed my energy. UConn really is my home!

So here are some pics... enjoy!!

The ticket...

The Pep Band...Tip-off...Serious Geno...Although I was sad not to see Big Red, this silly Cat-in-the-Hat dude is a good replacement...Too bad the men weren't able to add another banner...Final score - typical UConn Women whuppin'!

YAY for teeth!!!

Just wanted to pop in... I have *so many* pictures to share... and some REALLY silly stories to share - - - and I promise to do so in the near future. But right now, I need to take my valium and go to bed.

Ya see... tomorrow is day #2 of my lovely dental work. Round #1 was back in November... I am absolutely PETRIFIED of going to the dentist, thanks to the "talented" man who removed my wisdom teeth when I was in college. This past fall, I found myself in a pain I couldn't ignore - and managed to locate a new dentist. I found Waterford Dental Health, a dental office that offers sedation. I knew it was the only way I'd be able to get through whatever I needed... so after 2 consults, I went for round #1.

Once they were in my mouth, poking and prodding and doing God-knows-what (I was out cold...what do I care!!!) I guess they found a few more areas that needed attention. So tomorrow, I get to go in for root canal #2, and 2 crowns... grrr...

It doesn't make me happy - - - but I know I'm the only one in charge of my health. At 33, I'm dealing with the consequences of my youth... My parents didn't want to make me do anything I didn't want to do - - - their logic was, why spend the time/money when it wouldn't be taken care of... My wallet (hahaha) kinda wishes they were more forceful, but my heart(luvluvluv) knows that just isn't how I was raised. I'll probably be the same way with my kids...might not be the best idea, but the most "full of love" idea...

Hopefully once I come out of all the fun tomorrow I'll have a full mouth of pain-free teeth... and the knowledge that one needs to take care of themselves!!! Last time I was back in the swing of things by the next day... so keep posted for some more pics... more stories... and more HAPPY TEETH!

My latest inspiration...

So in all my free time, I've decided to try to re-do my craft chair. A few weeks ago I sat down on it, and ended up on my arse on the floor! Before ya'll start with the jokes, the chair is 30 years old... it's the chair to the bedroom set I got when I was moved to my big girl room when Dana was born... it's OLD. I've always considered doing something to the chair (and maybe even the desk) but never had a real reason. Well, after taking the seat off to repair the frame, I've decided now is the time!

Here's the chair as it looks now... it's pale yellow with a very slight gold splatter... It's in pretty good condition - could use a good cleaning, but otherwise isn't screaming "REPAINT ME!!"

I've got 3 fabrics I'm considering to re-cover the seat. First, this funky plum-ish color taffeta with a green irridescent sheen...

Then I have this brown-purple-ish canvas type fabric with the enbroidery...

The one I'm really considering is this - - - yellow background with blue sun and moon and a gold sparkle... aside from the fact I'd have to do minimal repainting to the chair, it's got sun and moon!!! I haven't done anything more than fix the frame at this point - - - I'm not sure which fabric I want to use, which will then lead me to figure out the paint color... So I'm asking for input! PLEASE let me know which one ya'll like the best... Cuz I can't decide!!

Spring Gala

A few weekends back, Steve and I escaped for a night out - we got all dressed up and actually had someplace to go! Every year his company holds a Spring Gala - Steve described it best as the Company Prom. It's not at all cheesy, but it's the once-a-year dress up treat for the partners. We hadn't been in 2 years, and although not much has changed, it was still a fantastic night!

Both Steve and I were confused at the start time - and ended up getting there really early! Luckily, we came across some of the guys in his group at the bar - so we all sat down for a drink and caught up. Then we headed into the ballroom for cocktail hour (and the most FANTASTIC coconut shrimp!!!). Dinner was FANTASTIC - I was in love with the pasta station!! We ended up having to leave right after dessert, so we missed out on the dancing - oh well... But it was a great night - caught up with some fun people - and actually got to feel like adults for a change!

You never know...

I hate to be so serious - but I suppose when something touches you so deeply, it has to be shared. So here I am... sharing...

Tonight I went to the NCAA Women's game with my dad up at UConn. Even though we had a great night (I'll share later), I'm left with a melancholy feeling that I can't shake. I wish I had more answers, but right now all I can do is hope things turned out for the best.

See, I happened to come across a car accident - a pretty big one. A truck up on a side road, and a Taurus-like car on the right side of the road, facing the wrong way. Lots of police cars, paramedics, fire trucks... sand scattered about to sop up something (gas maybe?)... I never really like looking at car accidents (who can blame me?) but this one left me not wanting to ever look again.

I was about to drive past when a police officer stopped me. It gave me the chance to take in the scene... I happened to stop right next to a green SUV with the back tailgate open. I looked up to notice a man take a car seat from the Taurus, throw it in the SUV, and get in. I had been stopped to let this man leave the scene of the accident. Once he pulled out I was able to go, and ended up behind him all the way to the hospital, where he turned in and I kept going. At one point he had his arm out the window, and I could see his wedding band. I can only conclue that this man was the daddy to the little one in the car seat, and husband to the mom driver...

I checked the news, and as of now there's nothing posted about the accident. I'm hoping that Dad had to get the car seat so he could pick up the little one at daycare, and now they're all home, snuggled on the couch - mom with a little stiff neck, but all of them happy and safe.

I guess my point is this - you never know what's going to happen. And when it's going to happen. I bet these people started their days like any other - and in an instant, it's all changed.

I couldn't help but imagine my own family in this situation. What if I had been in that Taurus, with the boys in the car? How would I have felt if I was hurt and had to be taken away... what would happen to the boys? Where would they go? Who would give them kisses and tell them Mommy will be ok? What if Jake was waiting for mommy at school, and I never came? Or worse yet... what if I was like that Dad... What if *I* got the call that there was an accident and I had to go to the scene to get a car seat like he did, or have to rush to the hospital... Who would comfort them until mommy got there?

I know I can't live my life holed up in my house, with the boys locked in a bubble. But the accident made me think of some things that need to be addressed in my own life - in my home, relationships...

Needless to say, I gave both of the monsters a sweet kiss and gentle back rub as soon as I got home. I left each a little post it that says "I LOVE YOU" next to their pillows (even though they can't read!). And you can bet I'm checking those car seats first thing in the morning...

Goof

What's not to love??

Why I love them - part 2

Today was actually a really good day in Mommy-land. Yeah, the kids were nutty - but not any more nutty than usual. At some points they were actually calm! But the little monsters graced me with some little nuggets of joy... and I share them with you now...

Jacob has been learning about germs in school. I've always stressed the importance of hand washing and whatnot - but I think the lessons with his teacher really connected. He came home today telling me he knows what the germ that causes colds looks like, and that he knows germs make you throw up. I asked him how he knew that - and he said "Because S barfded all over the floor!" Lovely...

In the same vein... Justin has always been a little scamp. We've had trouble the past few months getting him to keep his diaper on - on very rare occasions it stays put without needing duct tape (JUST KIDDING!) I had managed to change him this morning - but decided not to wage the war of clothing just yet, so I let him romp around a little just in the diaper. About 5 minutes goes by, and I notice the quiet. Quiet is NEVER good with my kids. So I go into Justin's room to discover an entire package of wipes strewn about... an equal number of diapers scattered around... and the cutest little face sitting naked in the middle of it all - - - he kept saying "BEE BEE DIPEE!!! BEEBEE DIPEE!!!" I think it's time to start potty training...

Kitchen Therapy - the sequel

Today was another day in need of some kitchen therapy. I wasn't able to start until later in the afternoon, but once I started...

My first treat was fresh baked bread. The boys LOVE it, and I love making it. I just pulled it out of the oven and I'm trying not to grab a huge chunk, smother it in honey butter, and enjoy the sweet taste!

Once the bread was left to rise, I made some Cheesy Chicken Roll-ups for a birthday party tomorrow. (I'd share a pic, but it's pretty unremarkable). Equally unremarkable - but also equally delicious!!! - was the marinara sauce I made. This is my second batch, and I love it! It's so easy, so healthy - and the boys eat it like it's going out of style! I managed to freeze half the batch, so I don't have to worry next time I get the request for "noo-noo an soss".

I had to run out to get a few remaining goodies for my last treat of the night - but that was OK, as I needed help from Chef Jakers to complete the dish. I've recently joined Weight Watchers (keep an eye out for a post on that in the near future) - and one of the recipes I came upon was this Asian Vegetable Soup.

It may not look like much in the pot, but it is absolutely FANTASTIC! Just enough spice to warm your mouth and satisfy your tastebuds. And the veggies are so yummy! I've already got a batch in the freezer...

Some people clean when they're irritated... some shop... but I cook. YAY!

Why I love them - part 1

There are times when being a stay at home mom is total torture - cruel and unusual punishment. But there are times - more often than not - that I take such joy in my boys. Everyone told me it would get easier - and while each day brings a new challenge, it is, in a sense, getting easier.

I've decided that the best way to survive is to focus on the positive - so I'm starting a new "series" of little anecdotes - that I'm going to call "Why I love them". Hope you enjoy!

So to start... some recent little sillies from the boys...

Justin has his own language. He is talking a lot more - although for someone who doesn't know what he's saying, it sounds like gibberish. But his favorite phrase seems to be "YAYA! Doo-een? Det dow... Det down... Yaya - doo-een??" In English, that's "Nala! What are you doing? Get down! Get down! Nala! What are you doing?" His favorite show is "Tine-tine" (Little Einsteins) - his favorite things are his "nie-nee" and "nie-nah" (blanket and binkie). He loves to splash in the "tubby" with his big "buddah", read "boohs", play with "cais" on the race track and kick "blalls" in the yard.

Jake has discovered nutrition (yay!) I guess they did a segment in school on healthy eating and the food pyramid. He was always a bit of a picky eater, but I'm finding it a little easier to get him to try (and enjoy) new things. And as usual, he has to do it in his own special Jacob way. He can't ask for breakfast, or a snack - he has to ask for the particular nutrient. "Mom, I want some protein." "I don't want dairy, I want fiber!" "I had enough bread, I need milk." It cracks me up! But it has made things a little easier for me - if there's something I'm trying to convince him to eat, I emphasize the nutrition of it - and so far, it seems to work!

I hope to add these little sillies now and then - to remind myself why I've decided to stay home - and to give ya'll a little chuckle in your day!