M - I - C (see ya real soon)K - E - Y (why?, because we like ya)
M - O - U - S - E
We are already 5 hours into our trip (only 15 more to go)
The "Are We There Yet?" tally is at: 8
11.27.2008
11.21.2008
There's White Stuff in the Air
It's that time of year. This is my 33rd winter and I'm never really ready for it. Does it seem like it starts earlier and ends later every year?
Well, this year it started with white stuff flying around inside our house....in the bathroom to be exact.
I don't know about any of you, but bathtime is one of the most stressful parts of my day. It really should be a calm, warm way to end the day. But for some reason in our house, it just gets us all riled up again. It could be that I put too many bubbles in the bath, or that I get a little panicky when water starts splashing my walls, or that my 5 year old and 2 year old still take baths together (2 on 1 isn't easy when there is water involved). Last night I was about 15 pages into my new Parents Magazine, when all of a sudden I have a puddle of water in my lap and my magazine is soaked. I look towards the bathtub and little man is standing there with a Princess tea cup in his hand. Interestingly enough, I was just starting to read an article about "Yellibacy" (a mother who vowed to stop yelling at her children). Thank you, God, for that subtle reminder.
Meanwhile, outside our house, there is white stuff all over the place in the form of white fluffy snow. We've broken out all of the winter gear this week...snow pants, boots, hats, scarves, etc. The kids are excited for now. We'll see if they are still excited in March!
All I'm going to say is that the weather forecast for next Friday in Orlando, FL is a high of 73 degrees and sunny!
Well, this year it started with white stuff flying around inside our house....in the bathroom to be exact.
I don't know about any of you, but bathtime is one of the most stressful parts of my day. It really should be a calm, warm way to end the day. But for some reason in our house, it just gets us all riled up again. It could be that I put too many bubbles in the bath, or that I get a little panicky when water starts splashing my walls, or that my 5 year old and 2 year old still take baths together (2 on 1 isn't easy when there is water involved). Last night I was about 15 pages into my new Parents Magazine, when all of a sudden I have a puddle of water in my lap and my magazine is soaked. I look towards the bathtub and little man is standing there with a Princess tea cup in his hand. Interestingly enough, I was just starting to read an article about "Yellibacy" (a mother who vowed to stop yelling at her children). Thank you, God, for that subtle reminder.
Meanwhile, outside our house, there is white stuff all over the place in the form of white fluffy snow. We've broken out all of the winter gear this week...snow pants, boots, hats, scarves, etc. The kids are excited for now. We'll see if they are still excited in March!
All I'm going to say is that the weather forecast for next Friday in Orlando, FL is a high of 73 degrees and sunny!
11.13.2008
Big Boy!
Austin's food intake today:
Breakfast:
Two apple/cinnamon cereal bars
One cheese stick
2% white milk
AM snack:
Cottage Cheese/Peaches
Lunch:
Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Green beans
Mandarin Oranges
2% white milk
PM Snack:
Teddy Grahams and juice
Dinner:
Two sloppy joes
Banana
Chips/dip
2% white milk
He ate more sandwiches (or sammerichs, as he calls them) at dinner than Jon or I. And he's 2 1/2!
I think I better start a savings fund for future grocery bills.
Breakfast:
Two apple/cinnamon cereal bars
One cheese stick
2% white milk
AM snack:
Cottage Cheese/Peaches
Lunch:
Scalloped Potatoes & Ham
Green beans
Mandarin Oranges
2% white milk
PM Snack:
Teddy Grahams and juice
Dinner:
Two sloppy joes
Banana
Chips/dip
2% white milk
He ate more sandwiches (or sammerichs, as he calls them) at dinner than Jon or I. And he's 2 1/2!
I think I better start a savings fund for future grocery bills.
11.10.2008
11.06.2008
Treading Water
Lately I feel like I'm back at Summer Camp treading water for two minutes so that I could prove I was worthy of going into the Deep End.
Treading and treading the water, the end seeming so close, yet so far away.
At work, this has been the busiest time of the year planning & preparing business plans and budgets for 15 hotels for 2009. For every one thing I check off my list as completed, I get three more emails with other tasks to complete. There have been some late nights lately.
At home, I can't keep up. Every time I wash the last dish...I find another cup sitting somewhere throughout the house. For every toy I pick up, there's another one around the corner. Every Saturday when I feel like the laundry is caught up, Sunday the basket is full again. If you're stopping over...better give me a 10 minute warning to tidy up.
Some days there just aren't enough hours in a day!
Treading and treading the water, the end seeming so close, yet so far away.
At work, this has been the busiest time of the year planning & preparing business plans and budgets for 15 hotels for 2009. For every one thing I check off my list as completed, I get three more emails with other tasks to complete. There have been some late nights lately.
At home, I can't keep up. Every time I wash the last dish...I find another cup sitting somewhere throughout the house. For every toy I pick up, there's another one around the corner. Every Saturday when I feel like the laundry is caught up, Sunday the basket is full again. If you're stopping over...better give me a 10 minute warning to tidy up.
Some days there just aren't enough hours in a day!
11.03.2008
In Another Life...
The Amish wouldn't have posed for a picture.
The Amish wouldn't have been attending a Halloween Costume Party, either.
11.01.2008
Two Wheels!
Avery's been riding her bike without training wheels for a couple of weeks now. You should see it....her smile goes from ear to ear as she is riding. We tried all summer long -- taking the training wheels off, putting them back on, taking them off again. All of a sudden she just decided she was ready and now it's one of the first things she asks about every day when she wakes up...Riding her bike!
Happy Halloween 2008!
Earlier this week, we carved our pumpkins. Avery enjoyed pulling out all of the slimey insides and Austin wanted nothing to do with them...that is until they were all out on the table and then he enjoyed flinging them around on his spoon. Boys will be boys!
We've had several opportunities to celebrate Halloween. Last weekend, there was a neighborhood party for the kids at the library. The kids also enjoyed a party at their school. When all of the kids are dressed up, they parade through each classroom and end up back in their own for Halloween treats! With all the parents rushing back and forth from room to room to help with their children, it gets a little crazy, but the kids get so excited to see their friends in costume.
After Austin's party was over, he hung out in the Pre-K class with Avery's friends.
Austin and his little friends parading through Avery's class.
Since we live in a large neighborhood, we really stock up on the candy to hand out...we had a steady stream of trick-or-treaters from 5 until after 7pm. I started with 100 pieces (well, I think it was a little less than 100...because when I went to empty the bags into the bowl...the bag had already been opened. Jon said I should return it to the store for a refund since the bag surely had already been opened......hmmmm, Jon---is that a new mole, or do you have chocolate on your face?!)
We just stayed outside, since it was so nice, and the kids handed out some candy before they went on their walk with Daddy. Grandpa and Nana came by with Pizza to end the night of festivities!
Happy Halloween from our house to yours!
We've had several opportunities to celebrate Halloween. Last weekend, there was a neighborhood party for the kids at the library. The kids also enjoyed a party at their school. When all of the kids are dressed up, they parade through each classroom and end up back in their own for Halloween treats! With all the parents rushing back and forth from room to room to help with their children, it gets a little crazy, but the kids get so excited to see their friends in costume.
After Austin's party was over, he hung out in the Pre-K class with Avery's friends.
Austin and his little friends parading through Avery's class.
Since we live in a large neighborhood, we really stock up on the candy to hand out...we had a steady stream of trick-or-treaters from 5 until after 7pm. I started with 100 pieces (well, I think it was a little less than 100...because when I went to empty the bags into the bowl...the bag had already been opened. Jon said I should return it to the store for a refund since the bag surely had already been opened......hmmmm, Jon---is that a new mole, or do you have chocolate on your face?!)
We just stayed outside, since it was so nice, and the kids handed out some candy before they went on their walk with Daddy. Grandpa and Nana came by with Pizza to end the night of festivities!
Happy Halloween from our house to yours!
10.26.2008
The Final Countdown
31 days and counting until we leave for Disney World!
Yesterday, Avery and I made a countdown calendar so she could visualize how many more days we have to wait.
Each day she will put another smiley face sticker over the next number and when they run out she'll know that we are oh, so close.
I'm not sure who is more excited...Avery or her Mom!
Yesterday, Avery and I made a countdown calendar so she could visualize how many more days we have to wait.
Each day she will put another smiley face sticker over the next number and when they run out she'll know that we are oh, so close.
I'm not sure who is more excited...Avery or her Mom!
10.22.2008
Pumpkin Patch 2008
Over the weekend, Ty, Kelly, Mady & Morgan came to town and we spent the afternoon together at another Pumpkin Patch. The sun was shining, it was a beautiful day.
I love pictures this time of year...the beautiful fall colors always add such a nice backdrop. We rode on a hayride out to the middle of a cornfield. We were dropped off at an entrance to a corn maze. After the girls led us through the maze, we ended up in a field of pumpkins.
It took the kids awhile to pick the "perfect" pumpkin...all the while the hayride driver was waiting for us patiently. They really enjoyed stomping on the pumpkins that had already rotted.
Finally, they all found suitable pumpkins to take home.
Even the guys enjoyed themselves, a little!
There was a fun playground and petting zoo with sheep, pigs, a miniature horse, ducks, peacocks, rabbits, and goats.
We ended the day back at our house for dinner and more playtime for the kids. Thanks for the fun day, guys...hope it's not too long before we can get together again!
I love pictures this time of year...the beautiful fall colors always add such a nice backdrop. We rode on a hayride out to the middle of a cornfield. We were dropped off at an entrance to a corn maze. After the girls led us through the maze, we ended up in a field of pumpkins.
It took the kids awhile to pick the "perfect" pumpkin...all the while the hayride driver was waiting for us patiently. They really enjoyed stomping on the pumpkins that had already rotted.
Finally, they all found suitable pumpkins to take home.
Even the guys enjoyed themselves, a little!
There was a fun playground and petting zoo with sheep, pigs, a miniature horse, ducks, peacocks, rabbits, and goats.
We ended the day back at our house for dinner and more playtime for the kids. Thanks for the fun day, guys...hope it's not too long before we can get together again!
10.16.2008
8 Things
I was tagged by Jamie and Susie to give 8 answers to the following questions...
8 Things that happened yesterday:
1. I had to wake my children up to get them off to day care (not fun getting someone dressed that wants to still be sleeping)
2. Had a discussion with my good friend on the presidential debate from the night before (and we don't agree on everything and that's okay)
3. Worked all day (could list hundreds of things that I did, but won't bore you)
4. Took Austin to the Dr. (thought he had an ear infection, but PTL he didn't)
5. Stopped at Target on the way home
6. Had dinner with the family
7. Gave my children a bath (and I ended up more wet than they were!)
8. Wathed too much TV (see below)
8 Favorite Places to Eat:
1. At home w/my family (much less stressful than eating out)
2. Mom's house ('cause I don't have to cook and the food is delish!)
3. Carolyn's house (same reason as #2)
4. Hacienda
5. Logan's Steakhouse
6. Carraba's
7. Chipotle
8. Panera Bread
8 TV Shows I love to watch:
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Dancing with the Stars
3. Jon & Kate Plus 8
4. Lipstick Jungle
5. Survivor
6. The Office
7. ER
8. anything on HGTV
8 Things I am looking forward to:
1. The weekend
2. Halloween
3. Our trip to DisneyWorld (not sure if I'm looking forward to the drive though)
4. The holidays
5. Seeing Kevin & Heather again soon
6. When Austin is finally potty trained
7. The Cubs winning a World Series someday(whenever that may be)
8. Retirement (someday in the very far future)!
8 Things on my wish list:
1. Happy, Healthy Family
2. Strong Economy
3. A Minivan(can you believe I just said that?)
4. The Cubs to win a World Series!
5. A New Digital Camera
6. Less work, more play
7. A New Vacuum
8. For someone in a loving home to relieve us of our Cat (seriously-does anyone want a cat?)
People I tag:
1. Anyone who's reading that hasn't already been tagged.
8 Things that happened yesterday:
1. I had to wake my children up to get them off to day care (not fun getting someone dressed that wants to still be sleeping)
2. Had a discussion with my good friend on the presidential debate from the night before (and we don't agree on everything and that's okay)
3. Worked all day (could list hundreds of things that I did, but won't bore you)
4. Took Austin to the Dr. (thought he had an ear infection, but PTL he didn't)
5. Stopped at Target on the way home
6. Had dinner with the family
7. Gave my children a bath (and I ended up more wet than they were!)
8. Wathed too much TV (see below)
8 Favorite Places to Eat:
1. At home w/my family (much less stressful than eating out)
2. Mom's house ('cause I don't have to cook and the food is delish!)
3. Carolyn's house (same reason as #2)
4. Hacienda
5. Logan's Steakhouse
6. Carraba's
7. Chipotle
8. Panera Bread
8 TV Shows I love to watch:
1. Desperate Housewives
2. Dancing with the Stars
3. Jon & Kate Plus 8
4. Lipstick Jungle
5. Survivor
6. The Office
7. ER
8. anything on HGTV
8 Things I am looking forward to:
1. The weekend
2. Halloween
3. Our trip to DisneyWorld (not sure if I'm looking forward to the drive though)
4. The holidays
5. Seeing Kevin & Heather again soon
6. When Austin is finally potty trained
7. The Cubs winning a World Series someday(whenever that may be)
8. Retirement (someday in the very far future)!
8 Things on my wish list:
1. Happy, Healthy Family
2. Strong Economy
3. A Minivan(can you believe I just said that?)
4. The Cubs to win a World Series!
5. A New Digital Camera
6. Less work, more play
7. A New Vacuum
8. For someone in a loving home to relieve us of our Cat (seriously-does anyone want a cat?)
People I tag:
1. Anyone who's reading that hasn't already been tagged.
10.12.2008
Hot, Hot, Hot!
Indian Summer always comes along about this time of year. The weather was cold just a few weeks ago, and this weekend felt like summer all over again. We played outside in shorts and t-shirts and enjoyed visiting with all the neighbors again before everyone retreats inside for the winter months.
We made a trip to a pumpkin farm on Saturday. We'll be going again this coming weekend with friends, but needed to get some decorations for the front of the house.
We made a trip to a pumpkin farm on Saturday. We'll be going again this coming weekend with friends, but needed to get some decorations for the front of the house.
10.10.2008
We Think the World of You!
A dventurous
V ibrant
E nergetic
R isk taker
Y outhful
M otherly
A ware
D arling
I ndependent
S ensitive
O ptimistic
N eat
A thletic
U nique
S queezable
T alkative
I nteresting
N utty
C opy cat
O bservant
O rnery
P olite
E asy going
R espectful
Love you, Mom & Dad
10.05.2008
Changing of the Seasons
Are anyone else's kids having trouble with the changing of seasons and their clothing? After a summer of flip flops and crocs, it's hard to get socks and shoes on their feet. Austin doesn't seem to like the long sleeves and Avery would still like to wear shorts outside. I don't even want to think about Hats and Boots.
Because they grow so fast, the kids' closets get a makeover with each season. Wish I could get a new wardrobe each year.
We broke out sweaters this morning for church and I think it's finally time to get the shorts and tank tops put away.
Fall is here! I'm ready for comfort foods, apple picking, pumpkin carving, and hayrides.
Boiler Up!
For the second Saturday in a row, Jon and I had a date with the Purdue Football team. And for the second Saturday in a row, Purdue lost, but we won't dwell on that!
Last weekend we were at Notre Dame, but yesterday we made it back to West Lafayette to watch the Boilers at home.
I love being on the campus during the fall. It brings back such great memories. All the way back to childhood, when my parents (both alumni) took my brother (also an alum)and I to Slater Hill to watch the band play prior to the football game and as recently as last year when I met all of my former roomates for a pre-game tailgate in the parking lot at Purdue West.
It's hard to believe that we were students there 10-14 years ago. We parked the car and walked hand in hand through Chauncey towards the Union passing all of the breakfast clubbers and snickering a bit. We've come so far since those days!
We walked past the fountain and over to Slater Hill and watched the band march into the stadium. It was a beautiful day for a game and it was a wonderful day with my hubby!
10.03.2008
Acting My Age
So I'm driving home from work today, by myself in the car.
It's a beautiful day, I have the windows down and the music cranked up.
I'm sitting at a stoplight in the left turn lane with a car to my immediate right that has a 20something girl in the driver's seat.
I look to my right...I smile and she smiles back.
Only then do I realize that I've been singing along and head bopping to:
(wait for it)
Hannah Montana!!
Of course, the 20something girl was smiling at the 30something Mom driving in the car by herself singing every word of the Disney Channel teenybopper!
It's a beautiful day, I have the windows down and the music cranked up.
I'm sitting at a stoplight in the left turn lane with a car to my immediate right that has a 20something girl in the driver's seat.
I look to my right...I smile and she smiles back.
Only then do I realize that I've been singing along and head bopping to:
(wait for it)
Hannah Montana!!
Of course, the 20something girl was smiling at the 30something Mom driving in the car by herself singing every word of the Disney Channel teenybopper!
10.01.2008
I'm Nervous
If I could for a minute...I'm going to talk politics without getting political. Is that possible?
If there's one thing I've learned in all of my management classes it's this:
Don't get involved in conversations about politics and religion with co-workers.
I can't say that it's never happened, but I try to keep professional and personal issues separate. If you've ever watched The View, you know how nasty it can get.
I suppose you can say that I would consider myself a Republican that could be easily persuaded to side with the Democrats.
I'm undecided right now and I'm sure many of you would be willing to share your thoughts with me for one side or the other. I'm not neccesarily asking for that.
I wouldn't consider myself a feminist, but I was proud when Hillary Clinton was so close to the Democratic ticket. I'm not one to vote for a woman just because I'm a woman, I was just proud that a powerful woman is recognized by her peers.
This is where I want to talk about politics without being political. The following thoughts aren't based on what the person believes about foreign affairs, or the state of the economy, etc. Maybe it's more about equal rights.
I'm nervous for Sarah Palin on Thursday night! Boy-that woman has received some bad press! Some of it is probably deserved (did you see Katie Couric's interview?).
I'm proud that a mother "who works outside the home" is in a position to potentially become the Vice President of the United States. I think that sends an awesome message to every woman in America and all of our young daughters whose future is uncertain.
I know firsthand that a woman in corporate america is still looked at differently than a man. If we are soft spoken, we are timid and meak. If we are too outspoken, we get labeled as a B*&$%.
Qualified or not is yet to be determined, but I hope Sarah Palin is getting prepared for Thursday nights' debate. She will be critiqued harder, she will be looked at differently, be expected to know more than her counterpart, and still be expected to look beautiful w/the right color of lipstick!
If there's one thing I've learned in all of my management classes it's this:
Don't get involved in conversations about politics and religion with co-workers.
I can't say that it's never happened, but I try to keep professional and personal issues separate. If you've ever watched The View, you know how nasty it can get.
I suppose you can say that I would consider myself a Republican that could be easily persuaded to side with the Democrats.
I'm undecided right now and I'm sure many of you would be willing to share your thoughts with me for one side or the other. I'm not neccesarily asking for that.
I wouldn't consider myself a feminist, but I was proud when Hillary Clinton was so close to the Democratic ticket. I'm not one to vote for a woman just because I'm a woman, I was just proud that a powerful woman is recognized by her peers.
This is where I want to talk about politics without being political. The following thoughts aren't based on what the person believes about foreign affairs, or the state of the economy, etc. Maybe it's more about equal rights.
I'm nervous for Sarah Palin on Thursday night! Boy-that woman has received some bad press! Some of it is probably deserved (did you see Katie Couric's interview?).
I'm proud that a mother "who works outside the home" is in a position to potentially become the Vice President of the United States. I think that sends an awesome message to every woman in America and all of our young daughters whose future is uncertain.
I know firsthand that a woman in corporate america is still looked at differently than a man. If we are soft spoken, we are timid and meak. If we are too outspoken, we get labeled as a B*&$%.
Qualified or not is yet to be determined, but I hope Sarah Palin is getting prepared for Thursday nights' debate. She will be critiqued harder, she will be looked at differently, be expected to know more than her counterpart, and still be expected to look beautiful w/the right color of lipstick!
9.26.2008
Couch Potato
Alright, I admit it. I've been a complete couch potato every night this week and I'm not so proud of it.
All of my favorite shows started the fall season this week and I've gotten nothing else done.
So far, I'm pretty happy with what I saw.
Dancing With The Stars:
Way too many nights of this for the first week. 3 nights in a row, but of course I sat through and watched them all. I love Misty May Treanor---not the best or most elegant looking, but man can she play Volleyball! Her partner, Max is nice to watch as well. Also love Lance Bass and Warren Sapp!
Lipstick Jungle:
Does anyone else watch this? I really like it and am looking forward to a full season. Love to see women in charge of powerful companies!
Survivor Gabon:
Jon and I have watched every season of Survivor and it never gets old! This is number 17. When are these people going to figure out that they are getting dropped in a remote place for the next 39 days? Why don't they show up in more approprate attire, like a sports bra & tennis shoes rather than skimpy bras, dresses & business suits?
ER (Final season):
Was anyone else sobbing during this whole show? I won't ruin it for anyone that has it on TIVO and hasn't watched yet. I will be sad when this final season is over.
Now just looking forward to Desperate Housewives on Sunday night.
All of my favorite shows started the fall season this week and I've gotten nothing else done.
So far, I'm pretty happy with what I saw.
Dancing With The Stars:
Way too many nights of this for the first week. 3 nights in a row, but of course I sat through and watched them all. I love Misty May Treanor---not the best or most elegant looking, but man can she play Volleyball! Her partner, Max is nice to watch as well. Also love Lance Bass and Warren Sapp!
Lipstick Jungle:
Does anyone else watch this? I really like it and am looking forward to a full season. Love to see women in charge of powerful companies!
Survivor Gabon:
Jon and I have watched every season of Survivor and it never gets old! This is number 17. When are these people going to figure out that they are getting dropped in a remote place for the next 39 days? Why don't they show up in more approprate attire, like a sports bra & tennis shoes rather than skimpy bras, dresses & business suits?
ER (Final season):
Was anyone else sobbing during this whole show? I won't ruin it for anyone that has it on TIVO and hasn't watched yet. I will be sad when this final season is over.
Now just looking forward to Desperate Housewives on Sunday night.
9.22.2008
Little Climber
I've been lucky that neither of my kids learned to climb OUT of the crib.
However, lately Austin has been climbing INTO his crib. It delights him so much!
I'm sure we'll be introducing the toddler bed in the not too distant future.
9.19.2008
What's Going On?
As you all know, I love to keep up to date with my celebrity news (gossip, I suppose).
I saw this picture today and I'm stumped.
What has happened to Katie Holmes?
I really do think she and Tom make a cute couple, their daughter is beautiful and I hate that people are always pickin' on them.
But lately, everytime I see a picture of her, her hair gets shorter and shorter. Now, it's got the same feathered look as Tom's hair. Or is that really Tom in the picture?
I'll give her the benefit of the doubt that it might just be a bad hair day, or bad photo angle or something.
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