What Was I Thinking?!

Snow and the Departure

2011-02-03T19:36:00.004-06:00

Today was the day. Andy left this morning, around 3:30 am, once we heard that the roads had been cleared enough to drive. His departure was a painful one. D and my inlaws all stayed awake to see him off. We didn't wake the little ones. L cried so hard last night, A simply doesn't understand. I managed to get a few hours of sleep after we said goodbye, but woke with an incredibly empty feeling inside.

He's called and checked in quite a few times along the way. As of dinner time he'd made it in to Texas and was about two hours outside of Dallas, where he'll spend the night with family. It still feels a bit like he's on vacation for a week or so, but then every once and a while, the realization that he's not coming back hits me. I'm holding on to the knowledge that we will be very very busy between school and his work, so hopefully time will pass quickly.

I am sure that anyone reading this knows that we got absolutely slammed with snow Tuesday and Wednesday. 20 inches, but the drifts were up to 5 feet high. We got some great pictures on Wednesday once it stopped. The temperature wasn't horrid, so we bundled the kids up and went outside to play for a while. Andy was up to his waist at one point and my car was buried up to the windows! It's crazy. There still isn't much room to park or move around.

I have my first A&P II exam tomorrow on the Central Nervous System. The one that I mentioned with 95 slides of lecture material. School was closed, so we missed class on Wednesday but are still responsible for knowing the last slides that were supposed to be covered. I'm just ready for it to be over with!

I'll upload and post pics of the snow and kiddos tomorrow once things have died down a bit.

That Sickening Feeling

2011-01-24T14:24:00.002-06:00

It started this morning. That sickening feeling that you get in your stomach when you know something is coming that you aren't completely prepared for. When I left the house this morning to take the little guys to preschool, I cheerfully commented to Andy "it's your last week of work!" It wasn't until I was on my way to school that it really hit me. This is his last week of work...

This is his last full week here... This is his last full week with the kids until we move...

I am not sure how to process these feelings. I've done a great job of pretending like the situation didn't exist until now. Filled my days with thoughts of how short the time would be, or simply refusing to think about it at all.

The reality is that we will have 5 months apart from each other. 5 months where we will Skyp, call, mail, etc. But there will be few times for real interaction. We've been doing our best to prep the kids so that there isn't a major fall-out. We know that there will be despite our best efforts.

I have a full week and three days left with my husband, before he moves 1/2 way across country to bravely start a new life for us, one where we will be able to live up to the goals and dreams that we've talked about for several years. I cannot imagine how hard it is for him, I only know the pain that I feel, and that I still have the kids here to comfort me and I to comfort them. Who will comfort him?

And So It Begins, Again

2011-01-16T21:57:00.003-06:00

I have just over one day left until the Spring semester starts. I just opened my "school" e-mail, hoping that my professors may have e-mailed to hint at first lectures, send the syllabus, etc. Little did I know that this would lead me to feel completely and totally dizzy and frightened.

This semester I will be taking Women's Studies, US History (1890-present), English (yes, another one), Human Development, and Anatomy and Physiology II. I haven't heard from any of my professors with the exception of my A&P Professor. I took her class last semester and really enjoyed the class and her teaching style. That said, it absolutely kicked my ass. She sent the course outline today with exam dates (her exam schedule is crazy, every 2 wks or so) and our first lecture series on the Central Nervous System. The PowerPoint set is 95 slides long. Um excuse me WHAT?! 95 slides, with our CNS exam on February 4th, 2 weeks away from now. I could throw up.

Side note. I am SO excited that Natalie Portman won Best Actress for Black Swan. She was brilliant in the movie and I think she's just adorable in general. Have to admit that I am pretty pissed that The Social Network won for Best Picture. Inception and Black Swan were far superior, but it just goes to show that we really do live in a Facebook society.

No New Years Resolutions, Just Life Changes

2011-01-06T10:35:00.002-06:00

I am not a fan of the whole "New Years Resolutions" thing. I get that people go in to them with the right ideas. I'll lose weight, I'll quit smoking, I'll get to the gym more..... The lists go on and on. Like most of those people though, I have never really followed through on any of it. I don't think that people fail because they really can't do these things. Rather, I think that the motivation is wrong. You can't change your life simply on the fact that it's a whole new year. It has to come from a deep desire within, one that will stick with you when those goals are challenged over and over again. Sometimes those desires are long planned and grow, and sometimes they come from a wake-up call. My latest life change goal comes from the latter.

I almost feel silly posting this, because it does sound so cliche to have it around the new year. That said, my revelation actually happened over the holidays, and it's taken some time for me to decide to actually run with it. I'm going to make the commitment to myself to become vegan again. I was faced with the reality (over the holidays) that my body seriously hates me when I eat animal products in almost any form. Dairy and I clash hard, and yet when I have even a little bit, it sends me spiraling out of control and I crave more and more despite the physical pain it puts me in. How odd is that? Eggs, well I just find eggs to be gross in theory. So that is a lesser "give-up."

I went to the library last night and found two new-to-me cookbooks Veganomicon and Vegan with a Vengeance, both by Isa Chandra Moskowitz. These books are going to be my guide to day by day vegan eating and living for the next month (that is how long I will have them on loan at least). I spent two hours last night pouring over the introductions, the recipes, the tips. To say that I am excited would be an understatement. My past attempts at veganism ended due to issues with "what to eat?" and boredom of the food. With these two books alone, I feel that I could cook for months on end and never repeat a recipe.

This morning I made tofu scramble. I've made my own versions of this before, something that I actually eat quite regularly. Usually I have to supplement with corn tortillas and a bit of salsa to really enjoy. However, I followed her recipe in Vegan with a Vengeance (the first in the book), and am in love. It needed nothing else, it was absolutely divine!

So, on top of family, school, and knitting posts, I will now also be keeping a little log of my cooking adventures and struggles on this new journey I am undertaking!

Happy 2011 everyone.

Transformers, more than meets the eye

2010-12-26T20:05:00.003-06:00

Ah Christmas. It was a particularly great one this year. The kids were so thankful for all of their gifts and Santa brought a few of the key things on their list.

While all of the presents were really fun, L's main "Santa" gift was an Optimus Prime that really transforms in to the truck (quite large and really neat looking). As high as his level of excitement was for Optimus, he also happened to want him transformed immediately. Andy and I pulled out the instructions, thinking that it would be a relatively simple process. After all, he had Transformers when he was a kid, and I played with my brothers. How hard could it be?

27 steps, yes, 27... 5 hours of trying, taking breaks, trying again, cursing, muttering and being near tears. After 5 hours I finally got it. Lesson learned, a level 5 rating does not equate to "awesome factor" as I deduced from it's reviews. In fact, it relates to the level of transformation (the box kindly explains this), and "Santa" happened to choose a level 5. Expert. Not intermediate, or easy. Expert.

The good news. I can now put him in to truck mode in 10 minutes flat. I discovered this after Landon took him OUT of truck mode about 30 minutes after my first completion. Hooray for Transformer super mom!

Merry Christmas to everyone. Pictures of the holidays to follow soon. Just need to figure how to get them on to my new computer.

Oh Come All Ye Faithful

2010-12-22T09:26:00.002-06:00

I must apologize to anyone who has actually tried looking up my blog over the past year and found absolutely nothing. To say that I've slacked would be quite the understatement. As I logged back on to the site, I was sure that my last post would have been a few months ago, at most 6 months, but no! I haven't posted since D's birthday LAST year!

A large reason for the blog revival is due to the fact that I have cancelled my FaceBook account. I wanted a way to share updates on school and the family, but decided that FB was no longer the way to pass all of that information along. This is a much easier way, a place where I can simply give our updates and share pics safely.

So, stayed tuned. I will be posted updates regularly, at least as life permits!

happy birthday to you

2009-07-13T11:55:00.003-05:00

My dearest most darling D girl is turning 11 today. Sigh, the years are passing more and more quickly. I swear she was just walking to the bus for the first time, at our place in Houston, looking very tiny and nervous. Now she'll be in 6th grade, heading off to the big and scary world of middle school.

We hosted 4 of her good friends for a beauty filled slumber party this weekend and it was a blast. My mother in-law came over and helped give the girls facials, manicures and pedicures. They loved it, but I was surprised with how well they just found things to do (I was prepared to have to entertain the entire party). The evening was filled with lots of fun, girlie movies and they all finally passed out around 2:30am. Needless to say, I am still recovering and could use 1 more good nights sleep at least.

At her request, we are grilling tonight. She's not a cake girl (and this would have been her 2nd cake), so we're doing ice-cream sundaes after dinner.

The years go by so quickly, I should be thankful (and am) that she still wants to hang out (sometimes) and that she still thinks I am cool (sometimes) and that she loves me so so much (always). I know several of those things will change as she continues to age, and then hopefully change back as she matures in to an adult.

I wish I had some pictures on the computer of her baby years, but here are a few from our past. My big, sweet, loving girl...

life in general

2009-06-19T16:37:00.004-05:00

It's finally starting to feel like summer and that means that we've been outside a ton. Great for me, the kids, life in general. Not so good for keeping the blog udpated!

Not much new to report. D is in partial-day arts and crafts summer camp and we are in the process of registering L for preschool! Work is going well for Andy and I am excited to get started with school in the fall. Just hoping that some of the federal grant funds come through so that I can actually afford it!

I've been busy knitting whenever I get a free moment. Socks are still my passion, however I have a wrap and a shawl on the needles, as well as a very neglected sweater that would be super cute if I ever finished it!

I'll leave you with some current (or at least recent in D's case, preteens HATE having their pictures taken) photos of the kids!

off to have some peaches

2009-04-24T09:18:00.002-05:00

Wow, my father in-law will be here in less than half an hour to pick me up and take me to the airport. We're bringing along the kids, and my brother in-law just in case the dude starts to melt when I actually get out of the car. I don't think A will have any clue what is going on, she' s used to me going places and wouldn't get that I was going on an airplane. Ah, as I sit here typing this, dude is hugging me and saying "Mom, pweese don't go on an airplane. I want to come too." Oh boy, this should be fun.

Once I get passed the leaving the car part my only worries are getting passed security with my knitting needles (I have the TSA statement printed out in case they give me a hard time), and take-off. God I hate take-off. I figure I'll be able to eat lunch and have a Starbucks before I have to board, both of which will help my nerves greatly.

So Atlanta, Amanda, Stitches South.... Here I come baby!!!!

the never ending illness

2009-04-21T12:20:00.003-05:00

Ugh...

We've been sick for almost a month now counting Andy and the kids. D had it the least of the bunch, just a headache/sore throat for a few days but L and A were hit hard. Almost two weeks for each of them, both getting a break for about a day and then getting a lot lot worse before getting better. L has really been hit hard. He started feeling bad the Friday before Easter, got a bit better, then worse, then better, then worse. Both he and Miss A fought high fevers for almost 5 straight days, and his has come and gone too. Tricking the poor dude (and us) in to thinking he was better, only to come back harder within 24 hours.

I am hoping that he is on the last part, as his fever has stayed away for more than a full day and the congestion has moved in to his chest where it can get broken up and stay gone. It has meant an upset stomach and lots of hacking though, neither of which are pleasant.

D took an overnight trip with school to a camp in WI to have two days (and one night) of in nature learning. They will do/have done a rock quarry, a pond viewing and looking at scum under a microscope, along with some really fun craft times too. Both Andy and I went in the 5th grade, it's a bit of a rite of passage around here and something that is really looked forward to by anyone even approaching 5th grade. I was shocked by the price at first, but then found out that it included all meals, transportation on a nice Coach bus with a movie (not the old yellow school buses), all activities, etc. So while still painful on the wallet, it was worth it. She comes home tonight and I cannot wait to hear how it went. We sent her with a camera, so if I get the pictures developed soon I can scan them in to the computer and post with her trip details.

Just a small update from our corner of the world. Pics and camp details to come soon.

totally not kid related

2009-04-16T09:42:00.005-05:00

So just to share a bit of what is going on in our world that is not kid related...

Andy is doing great at work, we feel very blessed to have his job and his skills keeping us afloat in these times. It's golf and baseball season, so I am trying to get a better understanding of both in the hopes of actually enjoying these things with him this time around! If I can get him to teach me to golf, it might be a fun thing for us both.

I have applied for school, and while I was hoping to start this summer it looks like it will have to be this fall. That's okay, what ever puts me on my path to getting my RN. I am hoping that I will be admitted to Oakton's nursing program, it is pretty competitive so I need to take a few classes and really ace them in order to stand a chance. Fall will be very busy for me, for us.

Besides school and the kids, I am just really enjoying cooking, baking and knitting. I'm still going to my weekly knitting group and loving it more and more. Getting out of the house for "me" time once a week has given me a much healthier life balance. Speaking of getting out of the house, next week I am flying to Atlanta to spend the weekend with my friend, Amanda, without the kids!!! Andy will have all three Friday through Sunday and this will be my first trip by myself since Deja was 2 or 3. I am very nervous and very excited. She's got a great weekend full of food, running, and Stitches South (a most awesome knitting convention) planned for us.

I'll leave you with a few pics of non-kid stuff just for fun.

One of several pairs of socks that I am working on (this one has been finished, its mate is on the needles now)

Homemade tomato soup, my current favorite

Focaccia fresh out of the oven (and seen above paired with the soup)

two whole months

2009-04-14T09:49:00.004-05:00

Wow, I logged in today and realized that it's been two whole months since I've posted anything. And longer than that since I've posted any updates or current pics of the kids. So so bad, so so sorry! There was a three week fiasco where we switched internet providers and lost all service (but yea for large credits) and honestly, I'm up to my ears in toddler mayhem on a daily basis. Good toddler mayhem, but it keeps me up and moving and away from the computer for most of the day.

Little Miss A is such a toddler now, she's talking more and more and she is a dare-devil in the worst way. She can climb on almost anything and has no sense of fear. She loves pushing buttons and especially has her daddy figured out when it comes to that.

L is insanely smart (yes, I know all parents think that about their kids). He's thriving on puzzles and sports and anything that lets him move or think. We're currently getting over a bout with the flu, but he's handled it like a champ.

D got a shining report card and is really thriving in school which is wonderful. She's discovered a few book series that she likes, and it's great to see her get in to reading as much as I did (and still do). Her best friend moved in above us and it's been non-stop running back and forth which is about all I can ask for as a parent of a pre-teen. So thankful to have someone that she likes so close by.

I'll try to be better on the updates, there is more, but I don't want a mile long post. So for now I'll leave you with some newer pics of the kids...

6th Photo Tag

2009-02-16T09:35:00.005-06:00

Well, between having no internet for a few weeks and the kids and I enjoying the slightly warmer weather, I've yet again neglected the poor blog. I will be better, I swear. Got some great pics of them at the park that I will post soon.

For now, my dearest friend Cat tagged me and now I must post, lol. The game goes like this...

"Open the 6th picture folder on your computer, open the 6th picture in that folder, and blog it. Write something about it and then tag 6 more people to do the same."

This is from last fall, when I was first getting used to staying home full time with the kids. Just a goofy moment when they both decided to look at me and smile at the same time I was taking a picture (a rare moment to have them BOTH looking, smiling, etc). I love the sunglasses on L's head and A looks so much smaller there!

Okay, I tag....

Sarah

Sheila

Lori

Ginny

and well, because I am a loser when it comes to blogging communities, and a chicken to include blogs I read but never comment on, that's everyone I can tag!

Marvelous Menu Mondays

2009-01-19T21:06:00.005-06:00

So I've been getting back in to menu planning. Thought I would post them here weekly (on Mondays) in hopes that it will help me stick with them. The goal for the year, along with healthier eating in general, is to make as much as I can from scratch and stay away from super refined foods. That said, I think I am keeping King Arthur Flours in business single handedly, with all of the baking I've been doing. I'm absolutely hooked on their flours.

I received possibly the most awesome cookbook ever for my birthday back in December and I am finally putting it to good use, almost daily. If you need (or want) a good vegetarian cookbook, this is the one that I would list as a "must".

As we are a split household on the veg'n/meat eater front, I will often list two items as main dishes (or lots of smaller dishes) as I aim to please all parties seated at the table.

Monday (already done): Sloppy Joes with homemade wheat rolls/baked tofu nuggets, and corn

Tuesday: Tomato soup, herbed chicken breast, salad

Wednesday: Pasta with homemade sauce, steamed green beans

Thursday: YO-YO (you're on your own)/left-over clean up night

Friday: Pizza from scratch (OMG yum) and salad

I don't cook much on Sat, and only some Sundays. Those tend to be left-over clean up or eating with extended family days.

If I ever talk about anything on here that peaks your interest, please feel free to ask for a recipe. I'm always happy to pass them along!

Harder Times

2009-01-07T09:45:00.003-06:00

I have never been one to do well with hard things. I tend to pretend like they didn't happen until whatever it is festers long enough and I explode. I don't know why, it is something that I have actively tried to change and yet can't. From fighting to dealing with death, it's what I have done since I was little. So forgive me for not posting about these things in a more timely manner, I have been avoiding it.

First, our complex had a fire the weekend after Christmas. Andy was in Houston with his dad and brother, D was spending the weekend with my parents and thankfully the babies and I were with my mother in-law for the night. She and I heard the fire engines starting just before 10, and she commented that it was a heck of a night for a fire, the winds were bad. The engines kept coming, and eventually we both went to sleep, thinking that it must be a bad fire somewhere. Around midnight, she wakes me to tell me that the fire is at our apartment complex (about 5 minutes away)... Our place is fine but the units directly across from us were on fire and it was bad.

I drove over and had to walk in two blocks due to the amount of emergency vehicles that were there. I've never seen a response like it in my life and hope never to see anything like this again.

We know two out of the three families well, and the third in passing. The fire started on the second floor, in D's best friend's apartment. Thankfully they were not home, neither were the third floor tenants. Those units were the worst with fire damage. Our friends on the first floor were home, but made it out safely. All three units are destroyed. I could see straight through the roof on Sunday morning before they boarded everything up. Two cats did not make it out but no human lives were lost, thank god.

Our place still smells of smoke when the wind blows, and it smells strongly outside still. I didn't think that it would affect me as much as it has, given that we weren't here when it happened. However, every time I have heard sirens or seen a fire engine pass, I still check out my window. I can't wait until that response passes.

The view from our bedroom window....

Tape still left from when the area was blocked off across the street...

Additionally, this past weekend marked the one year anniversary of a very good friends passing. Andy made a beautiful cross to put at his grave site and we spent good times with friends remembering him. You were and are very loved Rob and we all miss you so very very much.

all wrapped up

2009-01-02T08:36:00.004-06:00

I cannot believe how badly I neglected this over the holidays. A huge part of it was the constant right up until Christmas Eve knitting like a mad woman. I've never finished anything so close to a deadline including for work or school! It was all worth it though, everything was more appreciated than I could have imagined and it brings me so much joy seeing them wear their hats/socks/etc constantly.

So that was right up until Christmas, the actual holiday was great. We had our traditional Christmas Eve with my in-laws, started by going to preschool mass this year (very smart move in theory), dinner and then opening some presents with them.

When Andy and I had the kids in bed by 10 we thought we were set. We waited and waited to put out the presents, and it ended up being close to 1am before we hopped in bed. Wouldn't you know it... Our heathen children were awake at 4, 4:30 and 4:45am so we were opening presents before 5am. I have never been so tired, ever! We could have made D wait, she'd get it at 10, but A was the first awake and would not go back to sleep, so there was no fighting it.

Christmas day/evening was spent at my parents house and it was another awesome time. We left rather early given the length of time that we'd spent awake earlier in the day, but made it home okay.

I won't bore you with New Years stories or resolutions. We had an awesome time with a small home party that came around last minute. I honestly hope we get to do it again next year.

There was a horrid something that happened. There is too much and it would make this post too long, so I will update more about that tomorrow. Our lives were touched, but not damaged or changed. Some of our friends were not as lucky.

Much love to you all in the new year!

Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

2008-12-18T14:45:00.003-06:00

We got our Christmas tree last Sunday, a whole family deal. The kids and I spent last Friday rearranging the furniture in the living room and sprucing up the house in preparation for the bringing out of the box o'Christmas stuff. Andy put up the lights, the kids decorated and I hung the few fragile "mom only" decorations.

Ever since the tree has gone up, Landon has been obsessed. He spends at least 1/2 of his day camped out right next to it, staring at it, trying not to touch the ornaments (usually failing at that one, but they are kid friendly at his level). He's also insisted on us making a "spot" for him each night at the base of the tree with blankets and pillows. It's here that we've read our bedtime stories, sang songs, and eventually fallen asleep.

I can't quite explain how peaceful it is to fall asleep with a kid tucked under your arm looking at soft lights in the dark. I get why he finds it so magical. Heck, if it brings me that much emotion at my age, imagine what all of that at 3, so unjaded and inexperienced, must be like.

Pictures of Winter

2008-12-16T20:49:00.004-06:00

Yes, I know that it will not officially be winter for another few days. Just try telling that to the snow that has steadily been piling up since 10am this morning, or the bitter cold 9 degrees last night.

I managed to get another memory stick for the camera, so here are pics of last night and tonight, celebrating and embracing the cold.

A soup and bread combo to die for...

A very proud chef (and he had every right, best dinner for a cold night)

Cookies for D's school Holiday Party tomorrow (60 molasses cookies in total). All except that giant one at the end. That one was mine!

Boys on their way to the park to enjoy the snow (while mom and A baked and D did homework)

A New Group

2008-12-11T07:44:00.003-06:00

Last night brought me back to high school all over again. The nerves of meeting up with people that I had never seen before hit like a ton of bricks! I recently found a local group of knitters that meet weekly and was invited to join them. I jumped at the chance to get out of the house on a regular basis and do something that I enjoy so much. Plus, the added value of meeting new people (good for me, no matter how painful at first) and having multiple live knitting resources, made it a done deal.

What I found was a very fun, welcoming group of women who I think I will really enjoy chatting with as often as I can! The nerves dissipated as the evening went on and by the time I left I was sure that I would be back for more. So that is something new and exciting (and just for me)!

As far as progress goes, I've finished up two more projects and can breathe a sigh of relief over having them done. However, I've still got several more to go. As we get closer to the holidays, I'll be posting less details about them as their intended recipients might very well be reading.

The kids are great, we just got D's report card and she is doing well! Christmas break is right around the corner and she is really excited about that. I think that we are planning on getting a tree this coming Saturday, and I found my camera cord. So new pics to come soon.

Same Old Same Old

2008-12-08T15:06:00.003-06:00

Nothing new to report really. Things have been their usual nutty and wonderful way around here this past week. I have found my groove again with knitting and been hitting it full stride for the past few days. Been able to finish up that first pair of socks for she who cannot be named, finished a hat that started out for the man but ended up too small and will be a Christmas present for the L boy.

I need new knitting needles to complete two of my projects (and more in the future) so that needs to happen fast. I'm almost done with A's hat for Christmas and I am really pleased with how the yarn is working up. After that is done, I only have about 4.5 more projects to complete. Easy peasy right?! (gulp) At least there are days left in the teens. Going to try to knock out a project every other day and work on an additional one in between (if that makes any sense).

Oh, on a sad front. The wee ones shoved the camera memory card wayyyyy far in to the computer (my fault for leaving it within arms reach totally). So I have to dig out the cord that will let me load directly from my camera's internal memory before I can post any more pics. I hope to have that found today so that we can get some new ones up.

A Blog Neglected (Thanksgiving and a birthday)

2008-12-04T10:00:00.004-06:00

Whoa it's been a while. To say that we've been busy would be an understatement. We took on the oh so very long drive to and from Houston, TX for Thanksgiving and made the round trip plus visit in just over a week. It was an awesome time, we visited with my mother in-law's family who lives down there and had a week-long party with 16 of us in total. The anticipation of the trip is always huge, especially since we don't live minutes away from them any more and we know it's an every other year thing. There is always game playing, lots of people (and dogs this year) for the kids to play with, and good grown-up conversation for the husband and I.

This year his cousin and cousin's wife hosted in their new house which was great! It was definitely a new spin on the holiday (usually hosted at his other aunt's house) and I think everyone really had a good time. Along with the mass of people there were 4 dogs which meant that the kids were in heaven. L made a new best friend with Hank the Weimaraner who also became the personal guard dog for Miss A. It was really too cute to watch.

Here are a few pics from the dinner, including me carving my feast of Tofurky. Miss A really liked it too which made me happy, and it was an awesome and huge meal for everyone. D made green beans wrapped in bacon and set the table, both were a hit!

Additionally, yesterday was my (gulp) 29th birthday. Just one year away from being completely out of my 20's, a thought that scares and intrigues me all at the same time. My mother in-law joked that this would be the age I forever say that I am and I like that idea! Hubby took me out yarn shopping (oh the yarn goodness) and then to dinner and a movie. We saw Twilight which was eh, just okay. The lead vampire was worth watching for hotness factor alone, but it was clearly geared more towards the teen crowd. That said, having a date night where we did not have to worry about the kids, and watching ANY movie, was completely awesome.

Christmas projects are coming along nicely despite not knitting one bit during our trip. More soon!

hitting the wall

2008-11-18T21:39:00.004-06:00

I have hit a wall with my desire and want to knit. I am all knit out right now and it sucks because I have so much planned for the holidays around it! I haven't done a dang thing more on that sock. Never finished the first one (which means there is one more in that pair alone) but am just a few inches from the toe. L's sweater is still sitting on the needles exactly where it has been for the past week too.

Part of the problem is that I am just plain old tired in the evenings right now. So if the kids are all asleep by 8:30 or 9, I am not very likely to stay awake and knit until midnight or later like I have been doing. The other problem is just lack of motivation. I seem to hit this rut every time I come close to finishing a project. I can have something completely knitted and not seam it for MONTHS! What is that about? It wasn't even a week ago that I was in love with knitting these socks, and now, nothing...

So, tonight instead of knitting, I am writing and catching up on my blog reading. L is still awake watching trucks and trains on TV with dad, so that is the other reason. If I dare knit instead of pay attention to him 100% he will climb on my lap, under my knitting and talk non stop. Sheesh!

There, now I've gotten out my knitting confession and hopefully that will cure it all. Maybe I will wake up tomorrow with a new sense of purpose and dedication to my projects. But probably not.

A letter for A on her birthday

2008-11-14T11:29:00.003-06:00

My dearest Princess P. I cannot believe that we are already a year in to your awesome and sweet life. It was one year ago, almost to the minute, that our midwife told dad and I that we could come in to the hospital. Words cannot describe how excited we were to meet you. An hour later my water broke and we were in active labor, and then almost 5 hours after that you came in to our world. Our dark haired, mellow, sweet and chunky little girl.

Watching you grow and come in to your own little personality over the past year has been a blessing in so many ways. You remind me to smile, laugh and be happy on a daily basis. Your constant joy at small things around you reminds me to pay attention to those around me. From your first smiles at daddy, to the way you love to cuddle in our arms and now give hugs and kisses, each moment with you is treasured.

You are the light of all of our lives. D and L love you so much too, it's apparent in their daily desire to be with you, play with you and love you. You are such a smart, loving and wonderful little girl and I cannot wait to see what this next year will bring for you and our family.

Love you tons,
Mama

Knitting Therapy

2008-11-13T23:18:00.005-06:00

I've made a real effort lately to knit in the evenings once the kids are settled down for bed. It is currently serving two purposes... First, it relaxes me and is time where I can sit and do something that I enjoy. That alone is important. However, right now it also means that I am working on Christmas presents nightly, which given the amount of projects I've taken on in my head, is a very good and very important thing as we are mid November now.

Knitting helps me on many levels, it nourishes my creative side, it helps me become more patient (as all knitters know, you can't rush). I'll be the first to admit though that I get stuck doing repeat projects. Once I figure out how to knit something (longies, soaker, hat, scarves, etc) I tend to knit only those for a while. So my goal with Christmas is to branch out while I am making gifts. It's been really fun so far. I am more than 1/2 way done with L's sweater and should have it wrapped up by mid next week. I am a tad bit nervous that despite my gauging and measuring it will be small, but I have to keep knitting.

The other project that I am having an absolute blast with are these super easy socks. I won't say who they are for, heaven knows who all my addy has been passed around too and well, I don't want to ruin the surprise. But really, I was scared as heck to start them. It's honestly like knitting with toothpicks these needles are so tiny! The yarn is dreamy though, it's a self striping "Regia 4-ply wool Crazy Colors" in beautiful pinks, oranges, purples and reds. How's that for a mouth full?

Here is a sneak peak. Took these right before I started up again tonight and I am now done working the heel completely and starting the decreases! If I have it in me, I might be able to finish this one (still have the other to go) tonight!

I also feel the need to scream that my baby will be one in a matter of hours! I am not ready for that, I could have waited and made a birthday post (which will happen tomorrow) but I just really want her to stay little.

Here Lies Papa Smurf

2008-11-12T09:27:00.003-06:00

So this morning I was busy nursing Miss A down for what I hoped would be her morning nap. L was supposed to be quietly watching Kung Fu Panda in our room, which he likes to do first thing in the morning. Alas, he appeared at the baby gate complaining of sticky hands and body. I got about two feet away from him and could smell the toothpaste. It was all over his hands, stomach and legs and I honestly thought that was the worst of it. Oh no, ha, how could I think such a naive thing? I walked in to our bedroom to find what can only be described as a smurf homicide. Gobs and gobs of neon blue toothpaste all over our sheets, pillows and duvet.

These pics are post "clean up/scraping", I should have snapped a few of him in his blue suite as well, but wasn't thinking about blogging at the time. I really should have known better. We lost an entire can of hairspray to the bathroom floor last week when he was going potty. These three year olds, man, I am so underprepared. The mass destruction that they cause in a nanosecond is mind blowing. The crazy thing is, this isn't toothpaste that we would normally have. Oh no, I gave in to the begging and pleading in Target for "Einstein" toothpaste to match his new "Einstein" toothbrush. Had he made this mess with his normal, undyed toothpaste we would still have a yucky mess on our hands, but I wouldn't be near as pretty!

Now we are off to do laundry, and pray that it comes out of my favorite sheets.

Super Awesome Longies

2008-11-07T17:22:00.003-06:00

A package arrived yesterday that I had been excited over for a while. My dear friend Amanda agreed to crochet up some longies for Miss A and all she needed was for me to provide the yarn. She had these done really quickly (we both started a pair at the same time, mine still have a leg to go) and sent them off assuming that they would be way too big. I won't lie, when I took them out of the package I thought, "no way, maybe in another few months." Oh boy was I wrong! She has a little room to grow, but they absolutely fit her now.

So I proudly present A in strawberry lemonade by Amanda. She's wearing a very trim SwaddleBee diaper so there is a bit more room up top. When she wears her bigger ones she fills it out completely!

The mother of all nights

2008-11-04T20:06:00.004-06:00

I know, I haven't even posted Halloween pics and what not, but election day is here, now and current and so I must focus on that. Cute kid pics to follow tomorrow, I promise. This post should have come earlier in the day, when I could still yell "Get out to the polls!" Honestly, I just want people to vote. I am not going to tell you who to vote for, even though I have my own very strong opinions. Never been one to push my beliefs on others though, what is most important is getting out and acting for what you personally feel is right. I am a firm believer in the statement that if you don't vote, you don't get to complain for the next 4 years, no matter what...

With that said....

I have never been so excited and hopeful. I may not sleep at all tonight!

She's Walking

2008-10-25T15:34:00.005-05:00

Yes, Miss A is walking. It's official. She beat out her big brother and sister by several months. Neither of them walked until they were 14/15 months and she is walking at 11 months! We were at my parents house last weekend and she loved pushing around a walker thing that we found in their basement. Practically ran with it. But nothing more than a step or two without a hand or something else to hold.

On the 25th (when I originally started this post) I was on the floor with her in their room and the next thing I knew she was coming at me. She walked several feet to me all on her own. I will try to get live footage to post soon but here is a pic of her last weekend, multi-tasking with an apple and her walker.

So, I apologize for the serious delay in updates! I feel like I've neglected my poor fledgling blog because of lifes insanities but I promise I'll be better. I hope I'll have some pictures soon of a pumpkin patch that we went to with some awesome friends, and maybe some vido of A walking.

no knitting allowed

2008-10-14T21:25:00.004-05:00

Last night I had the rare but awesome chance to get out of the house all on my own, take a train downtown Chicago, and get paid good money to talk with other moms about a new ad campaign. The thought of getting out and venturing down there alone made me giddy. I might even arrive a few minutes early and get to knit.

Andy saw me packing up my knitting and promptly declared "no knitting allowed on the train. It will make you look vulnerable!" Now, I get that it's something that a lot of people associate with little old ladies in a shop, but I really didn't see the issue. I grew up here, I took the train on my own all of the time when I was much younger and much more naive. I was actually a bit put off that he was giving me so little credit as to be able to spot someone scoping me out or acting shady.

I knitted on the train and loved it. I was much more aware of my surroundings than more than half of the trains occupants, who were wearing iPods. Plus, honestly, if it really came down to it my circulars would act as a nice weapon. What it really boils down to though is that I still try to find the good in people, in humanity. We are faced with so many ugly and horrid things on a daily basis that it is often hard to keep faith that people are good. But they are, we are.

Once my camera recharges I'll post pics of the progress I am making. Currently working on L's sweater for Christmas using this pattern and Cascade 220 (my new fav wool yarn).

First pigtails

2008-10-05T20:11:00.007-05:00

This is going to be short. The children are um, well, behaving like heathens tonight and the man has relatives in town so he is out and about with the adults (lucky man).

Presenting (especially for Julie) PIGTAILS!!!!

and then the after result because she actually kept them in all day long. I love the fuzz.

Oh How I Love the Fall

2008-09-30T13:38:00.005-05:00

Fall is absolutely one of my favorite times of year. Don't get me wrong about summer, but I absolutely love the cool fall breezes, the smell of the air, and the food! When I went to the store last night they had organic fall squash on sale for dirt cheap so I could not resist. For lunch today I made baked acorn squash with Earth Balance and brown sugar. Mmmmm.

While I was sure L would love it (he didn't), A ate almost an entire half on her own (along with some banana pieces) and loved every bite. Her top two teeth have broken through the gums and I am excited about what new foods she'll be able to handle better since she wants what ever I am eating.

Government Woes

2008-09-29T22:56:00.007-05:00

I am not sure what to think about the bailout bill not passing. A huge part of me is relieved, as I cringe at the thought of us borrowing more money from China and becoming more indebted to them as a nation. On the other hand, it scares the heck out of me to hear that just minutes after the vote was read the Dow dropped almost 800 points, a record drop. What are we doing as a country a nation that is supposed to lead and set example for the rest of the world? That seems like a pipe dream now. Don't get me wrong, I haven't given up on our country. Just the people that run it and a lot of the people in it.

I worry that I put too much hope in our next president. Will he be able to get our country back on the path to a healthy economy and world relations? We've strayed so far from those things as a nation. I worry what life will be like for my kids as they grow. Once upon a time a worry like that would have sounded silly, today it just sounds like reality. I know a lot of moms who share those fears and thoughts. God help us.

Fall Harvest (and a new blog)

2008-09-27T18:08:00.004-05:00

I realized at some point last week that good fall apple picking would soon be coming to an end, and that we hadn't been yet! That was a sad realization, one that I knew needed to be remedied quickly if we wanted any good apples. Learned out lesson last year and waited until early October only to find many orchards were completely picked out.

I found a most awesome family owned place just about 30 minutes from us called Heinz Orchard. My husband had a few things that he had to get done today, so the three kids and I decided to trek off on our own. What was I thinking?! No, honestly it was all good and fine and lots of fun. L of course had to pee within minutes of arrival and there were no bathrooms or port-o-pottys around. But that was our only crisis miraculously. This place was as basic as it could get, a little table where they took your cash and gave you a bag. Honestly I'll go again and again, it's totally worth it if you are in the area. No gimmicks that will cost you a fortune and leave your kids begging for even more rides, just good old fashioned apple picking fun.

L and D had a blast trying to work the apple picking sticks (the long things with the bag and loop at the end to get the really high up ones), A sat in the stroller and munched on tiny apple bits that I broke off for her and I supervised and picked a few. The time flew far too quickly and we left with a peck of apples that included Golden Delicious, a lunchbox favorite at our house, and Empire for all my baking needs. I also found that they had a few pear trees on the property that they were more than happy to have picked so we got a half peck of pears as well!

L tends to enjoy his apples all the way down to the seeds and D ate her fair share as well. No worries though, I think we'll have enough to last for at least a week!