just the two of us

Today was an "aha moment" kind of day, an "I'm so proud/blessed" kind of day. It was just little red and I, running errands, shopping at Gymboree (yes, i think it's safe to say i have a Gymboree addiction), having lunch together. Today I just took it all in, took her in... every time she laughed, the pure excitement in her eyes as we went down the toy aisle (like she had never done that before)! She is definitely her own little person, she is one of my greatest accomplishments.. my little red! I love our special days together.






Isn't she beautiful? I think so..

let them eat cake!

so tonight the girls and I decided to make a cake.. baking with my kids kind of gets me all "wound up" if you know what I mean. don't get me wrong, I love that they want to help cook/bake and it is fun.. at least for awhile. then mommy gets a little "anxious" and would rather just get it done quickly, especially after the tears because we broke an egg all over the floor or the bickering over who gets to pour what into the bowl... anyway, we survived the baking process and our cake was done.. the house smelled like warm chocolate, heavenly! then the constant "when can we eat it" started and after about 30 minutes of hearing this question OVER AND OVER AGAIN, I went against my better baking judgement and starting frosting the cake. yep, you know how this turned out.. cake that is still too warm to frost + frosting = big ol' cake mess! the girls even turned their nose at it when it was in fact, dessert time. BUT we ate it and it was the best cake ever! even the girls were pleasantly surprised! it was so moist, and not because it included pudding or applesauce in the batter, but probably because it was taken out of the oven 2 minutes too early.. and I think when you have pieces of the cake actually mixed in with the frosting it really enhances the flavor.. HA! in all seriousness, as the girls and I ate it, as I watched their eyes twinkle with delight, I couldn't imagine a better cake.. made with love and pure, kiddie joy. mmmmm! in fact I think I'll have another piece...

armed and dangerous

Oh yes, I am armed with Lysol and not afraid to use it! The hubby has type A influenza, the flu.. possibly the "pig flu".. GREAT! We have never had the flu before and now I see why people loathe it so much. It sucks. It's supposed to last 7-10 days but because he was seen early enough he has been given the "wonder drug", Tamiflu.. so now he can expect to be miserable for only about 5-7 days.. if he's lucky. So, I am carrying around my new best friend, Lysol and being a neurotic, sanitizing mother.. hoping and praying that the girls don't get it. Poor Natalie was so excited that daddy was staying home so they could play games together and I had to burst her bubble and basically tell her daddy will be quarantined while he's here. Poor girl. I will be sleeping somewhere other than my own bed, poor me. Poor Mike... ugh!

Onto other news... Natalie starts selling girl scout cookies tomorrow! Now, who wants cookies?!?!

... and we're back!

Wow! I know this is a common phrase right now, but I really can't believe another year has come and gone! 2011, really?!?! Guess that means I should have some kind of resolution although I'm not big on those.. for some reason once those resolutions are "out in the open" they become harder to actually stick to. So, I'm not going to put mine out there, sorry! I will give you a sneak peek at one though, maybe I can get some friendly reminders from you all when you see I'm struggling.. drum roll please.. I'm going to be more patient! As I write those words right now, my youngest daughter is throwing a meaningless tantrum because her balloon was left in daddy's car and now he's at work and my oldest is playing her guitar (very loudly) while singing (very loudly) right behind me... deep breaths, deep breaths! Definitely testing my patience this morning..

Happy 2011 ya'll!

First Grade

What we did on our first day of school:

*woke up EXTRA early (in mommy's room at 6:50 already dressed)!
*enjoyed Trix and toast for breakfast
*tied our own shoes!
*rode the bus to AND from school
*ate lunch in the cafeteria
*made new friends

SO PROUD OF MY LITTLE (BIG) GIRL!

The one who changed my name to Mommy

I have TONS of sappy/sentimental things I could say about my baby girl turning 6, instead I've decided that a little slideshow and some words from Martina McBride will do! (the truth is I'm having a hard time with the fact that my baby is 6!) I know all you moms understand the conflicting feelings of watching your baby, especially your first born, grow up. *sigh*

Create a photo slideshow

I am one PROUD mommy!


"And when she wraps her hand around my finger, oh it puts a smile in my heart. Everything becomes a little clearer. I realize what life is all about. It's hangin' on when your heart has had enough, it's givin' more when you feel like givin' up. I've seen the light, it's in my daughter's eyes."

Reasons we love Grammy's house...

.. late night slumber parties with "all you can eat" popcorn!



.. she ALWAYS has chocolate AND you can eat as much as you want!