Happy Happy 7th Birthday!

Well I can't believe A is 7 years old! Where did the time go? We have had so much fun today. A had a treasure hunt that lasted almost all day with lots of fun things. It started with going to Pirates of the Carribean: At World's End. And a stop at our favorite pizza place and then a few more with the last clue, "A pirate at sea longs for this place he left behind." Then he came home to a table full of treasure.
And a picture of the loot. We spent hours building all these Lego things. I love building stuff with him. Call me crazy but I honestly love building Legos (let me clarify...with directions and all of the right pieces)

T-R-O-U-B-L-E

WHO ME?????? I mean look at him! L feels completely innocent of all charges. He works his hardest to create choas where ever he can reach. The cheerios incident happened in a matter of seconds.

two new additions

L showing off his two new teeth! And he has mastered the sitting without assistance. It makes picture taking so much easier. Then give him a balloon and life is great (until it rolls out of the way and instantly the crocodile tears start and it is amazing how quickly they disappear when the balloon is in front of him again. It is like a light switch.)

Why don't you have a job?

This is the question I was asked today. A said to me "Mom why don't you have a job?" I replied I do I am your mother and it is a very important job. "That's not a real job. Why don't you go to work?" Before launching into a big Mommy job description I asked, Why? M and A both said "So we can go to extended day at school, because that is where kids go that have mom's that work. They have a lot of fun!" I said but then I don't get to spend enough time with you. A has a quick response to that "of course you do you will be the one to pick us up!" Well luckily I am firm and secure in my decision to stay home, I hope eventually they will thank me later.

"doubled" eggs

M was excited to share a new recipe she learned at school today. "Mom do you know how to make doubled eggs?" Thinking she said Deviled eggs I said yes I do. "No, Mom 'DOUBLED' eggs." I then ask how do you make them? "First you take the egg and you cut it in half and then you have two. Take the insides of the eggs and mix in a bowl and then Voila! Doubled Eggs!" Well who can argue with that I guess they really are doubled eggs! And yes she really did say Voila!

Mom we need to recycle!

This is what M announced on the car ride to school. I agree. I reminded her about taking the garbage out with me the other day: we put the newspapers in the newspaper bin, plastic bottles in the plastic bin and the remainder in the trash container, and the soda cans and bottles we took to the store. Whew! Not that I am going to go completely extreme but I thought about it the other day, the stores with all the clothes season after season...grocery stores stocked...It is all about consumption. Where on earth is all the garbage going? So what am I going to do about it? I have been trying to not be so "disposable" though it is convienent I should reserve the times I use it and not make it a common practice.

Happy Mother's Day!

I was showered with love today. Justin made this yummy cheese blintz casserole....man this guy can cook! Though I vowed to start my week off eating better after vacation I chose to indulge in this decadent breakfast. I received e-cards from my kids, hubby and in-laws. I have to say the e-card from my in-laws took the cake. I laughed and laughed it is found on Blue Mountain , I am sure you will appreciate it. It is worth a click so go check it out!
The older I get the more I appreciate what mother's have to go through and makes me so grateful to my Mother and my Mother-in-law. What amazing women. I feel so fortunate to have their examples in my life. My mom for bringing me into this world and for loving me so much. As I have had my children I think I feel what she must feel for me. I can't help but look at M and think WOW this must be the way my Mom felt about me. Then for my Mother-in-law who raised a wonderful son and loves me as her own daughter. I am so extremely blessed to have her and can call her Mom too. It feels like she has been there all along and she has just as much to do with raising me now! (As a kid I would have never thought I still needed to be "raised" or parented but I sure do!)

We are back!

A touch sunburned due to a very overcast day and no sunscreen until it was too late. We are already planning our trip back! It was beautiful. The weather didn't always cooperate but we had a great time. The day we arrived we got the tail end of a sub tropical storm. The waves were huge! Nothing like making you feel insignificant and very vunerable! This isn't a very good picture but maybe you can get the idea of what it was like the first few days.

Look how much calmer the sea looks from the above post and much better visibility.

It is now difficult to get A to hold still for a photo. L is all smiles, especially when he has a plastic card to chew on, room keys are the best.
Then there is M who is always posing. So inevitably there are more pictures of her. I will take it while I can get it.

See you later

We are off! We will be leaving life as we know it (well for a week) for the relaxing atmosphere of the Outer Banks! Have a great week!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

And Happy 30th to me!It is hard to believe. The kids decorated downstairs and I was welcomed with party horns. Justin made his amazing NY style cheesecake. I will post pics later, perfection! I had chili verde pork burritos, Justin's fresh salsa....mmmm. My tastebuds are very happy campers right now. I had a couple of friends stop by and many phonecalls. Thanks everyone for making me feel so special. I did a bad thing and went bathing suit shopping before the stores closed (we are leaving for vacation on Monday and nothing fits, blame it on post partum and turning 30!) Nothing like making me feel really uncomfortable in my skin. Oh well I guess chalk it up to motivation to not eat all of the remainder of my cheesecake....I will share it and eat the last piece and pack my running shoes! I will just avoid the unflattering reflections and enjoy my ignorance when I hit the beach, afterall from my view I can be whatever I want when I don't get reality staring me back in the face. (mental note: Just don't look down, you will be just fine. keep your eyes on the horizon)

It is official!

L's first tooth has manage to break through after much struggle. He was battling a cold and budding teeth. I can't get him to take a bottle so we will see how this goes for now it isn't sticking up but it won't be long. He is rolling all over the place and has found much satisfaction in his new mobility. He is trying so hard to get up on all fours...it won't be long until he is scampering all over the place. L is an entertainer too, he will smile, giggle and wave his arms at anyone to command their full attention.