No Bowl of Cherries...

I've moved.

2011-11-08T16:05:00.002-06:00

http://www.allisonruth77.blogspot.com/

Day Four of My favorite things...

2010-12-04T12:50:00.001-06:00

Cosmetics/health and Beauty... are you riveted yet?

Lucky you Perfume, I adore this scent.

I typically use the lightest option of these shampoos.

I use the Revlon foundation now, because Max Factor is no more... or at least not in any of my stores. But the Max Factor foundation used to be my all time favorite.

Avon eyeshadow quad in Romantic Mauve... Love it!

MAC Lipstick... it's the only kind I can tolerate, it doesn't have a funky smell or feeling and it stays put pretty well.

Tressemme hair spray... love this stuff because it holds pretty well without turning your hair into a helmet like shield.

Oil of Olay Moisturizer... just like it, no particular reason.

Maybelline Full n soft mascara. This stuff stays on the best for me... no flaking, bleeding or smudging.

Day 3 My Favorite Things...

2010-12-03T00:10:00.001-06:00

*yawn* I am so tired. This has been a hard week, one of my coworkers moved to a different division, I found out my favorite attorney is leaving, and my case load grew exponentially... and to make it more interesting, it grew with many many MANY more appellate matters. There is a learning curve when it comes to appellate matters... one I have yet to completely wrap my brain around, which makes it exhausting. Luckily, I have a lot of fantastic teachers in my coworkers and attorneys, so they definitely help me muddle through. But the learning process itself is stressful and tiring.

So in honor of a very long day and an even longer week (which is not yet over because I am going to work tommorrow), I give you my favorite ways to relax.

1. Mindlessly Surfing the Web.

2. Lots of Moscato.

3. Mindless TV

4. Lots of sleeping

5. zoning out with my iphone... whether it's listening to music, surfing youtube or just playing games. I blow off a lot of steam this way.

6. And probably my most common way of dealing... burying my head in the sand. It's easier than thinking about what lies directly ahead or how the day went. Survival mechanism, anyone?

My Favorite Things Day 2

2010-12-02T23:32:00.002-06:00

Did you know that I hate musicals as a rule of thumb? There are of course exceptions to this rule... The Sound of Music being one and Greast being another. But typically, not a fan. I didn't expect to like Glee... I certainly didn't expect it to become the highlight of my week. But it is. I love it.
My favorite Glee numbers...

Gwyneth covering Cee-Lo

Billionaire

One Love ♥ I love me some Artie.

Hey Soul Sister

Beth

Hello

I want to hold your hand... probably my most favorite glee moment... I tear up and get the chills every single time I hear it. Could've been because of the episode subject matter, but man... he nailed it.

Other Glee songs I love but couldn't find videos of:

Pokerface
Loser
Alone
Funny Girl

Still alive... and My Favorite Things Day One

2010-12-01T22:51:00.000-06:00

In yet another attempt to get myself back into journaling/blogging/spewing nonsense on the web, I think for the month of December I will be writing about my favorite things. I love seeing other people's recommendations when it comes to music, movies, products etc. So, that's what I'm going to aim to do. Let's see how it goes.

So My first day of favorite things ... let's discuss Music.

Right now I am hooked on a few songs...

Take it Off by The Donnas.... seriously, cannot get enough of this song. I have liked it for a long time, but right now I'm totally hooked.

I'm Yours/Over the Rainbow by Straight No Chaser... I'm also big into accapella right now, probably thanks to Glee. This song makes me happy.

Telephone by Lady Gaga ... I didn't link to the actual video because it bugs me. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song... I don't know what it is.

Winner by Jamie Foxx, Justin Timberlake and T.I. I just absolutely cannot get enough of this... totally makes me happy.

You're a Wolf by Sea Wolf ... Sundry linked to this song a while back and I fell in love with it. It is just hauntingly beautiful. I frequently listen to this on repeat, just can't get enough.

Here it Goes Again by OK Go... as usualy, the later I am to the party, the more I love the song... I am HOOKED on this song right now! I have loved the video since it was new, but now I just adore the song.

and there you have it. My favorite songs right now.

Mood.

2010-10-03T16:12:00.002-05:00

I am in a terrible mood today, ARG! Not the kind where I am angry or sad or doom and gloom... but the kind where I want to scream in your face 'WTF, WHY ARE YOU SO EFFING IRRITATING?' And really, you're not irritating.

And the boys, gah. Today I can tell you the exact way I feel... ever see that bumper sticker that says "who are these children, and why are they calling me mommy?" I'm not sure what my problem is other than the fact that I took a muscle relaxer last night to get rid of a nasty nasty headache. It's left me a bit groggy and out of sorts today.

I mean I can't complaing. Seth is napping, Nolan is playing nice and quiet on the floor, I'm watching Project Runway. I'm about to get started on making Chicken and Dumplings following this recipe.

Ps. speaking of Project Runway... I CANNOT stand Gretchen!!!! She reminds me of a little girl I had in my class when I worked in Daycare. She annoyed the crap out of me, and Gretchen also annoys me.

Someone turned 4 years old recently!

My big Kindergartener.

Miss Natalie turned 1 in August.

This is Mr. Celvin. He brought his mommy and daddy all the way from Sweden for a visit! We all fell in love with him. <3

Oh how I wish this had been in better focus. She would NOT leave that headband on for anything!

Celvin and his mama, her name is Natalie too.

that would be Celvin's daddy Bobby and his auntie Ash.

All the kids lined up for the pinata.

Is mah BIRFDAY, WHERE R CAEK DAMMIT?!

For me?!

Mama and her girl.

Mr. Tinycat.

2010-10-02T23:18:00.002-05:00

Oh HAI! Meet Hank. Or possibly Ezra. I had decided to name him Henry Curtis Martin, and call him Hank. However, as is my usual modus operandi, I have a HELL of a time naming anything. Probably why both my boys were unnamed until moments before leaving the hospital after they were born.

The boys are beyond tickled with him. At first calling him "pank, pake, fake etc."

Maisie would like to thank us for the oh so tasty morsel we have given her.

Poor wee baybeh has lots of fleas, so he got a bath and was flea combed within an inch of his life.

test

2010-08-23T07:31:00.001-05:00

just testing a facebook feed...

Summatime

2010-08-22T22:14:00.002-05:00

Man... SOMEONE starts kindergarten in 9 days... NINE DAYS! I just can't believe it. I am definitely having anxiety over the whole transition into schoolagedom. I don't do well with transitions in general, add in the fact that this involves my child and bam. Freak out city.

I am sure it will go fine... I know it will. I'm just anxious, as I always am when I am not in control.

In other news, I finally hung up a bunch of pictures in our hallway... I've had portraits of the boys sitting in envelopes since they were taken ... clear back to babyhood. I hung up a total of 34 8x10's and 5x7s today. I have scrap books to put the others into, but it was nice to get the pictures up and framed and on the wall. My mom gave me a giant box of frames when they moved back in what... February? Anyway, I am feeling quite accomplished, and that box is finally out of our room, Hooray!

So Tommorrow will be a week since Asa died. Tonight I had my first moment where I forgot he wasn't here anymore. I picked up a fresh roll of toilet paper off the floor in the bathroom and thought "ooh, I better pick that up before Asa shreds it"... then realized that there wouldn't be anymore of that (unless Maisie develops a fetish for toilet paper and paper towel rolls). Kind of sad, but I think I've gotten over the hump. I spent the better part of last week disolving into tears whenever I would think of him or the previous few days/weeks. I miss my acey-pie, but I'm at peace with it.

Now as for the summertime haps...

We went to The Kirkland Classic Car Show in July, and it was awesome. It's a HUGE event, and there's a fair going on at the same time (Kirkland Uncorked), so there are booths and food vendors. It was awesome.

Aaron bonding with the boys

I'm sure the boys playing choo-choo train (complete with loud, shrill 'CHOO CHOO"s) totally upped Aaron's street cred.

I heart this car.

I just love him. ♥ ♥

Uncorked is held near this Marina area... I don't know the area AT ALL. My point is, it was really cute to see this mama duck with all of these little ducklings.

Always looking for a dose of humility, we stopped into starbucks for a cool drink with the boys.

Mr. Red teeth loved his lollipop.

Asa Jermaine

2010-08-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

"No heaven will not ever Heaven be; Unless my cats are there to welcome me."

Asa.

2010-08-13T19:25:00.000-05:00

Picture taken November 2007

My sweet Acey-Pie is sick. Very sick. I am so afraid that he won't be with us much longer. I noticed about a week or so ago that he'd lost weight, but at that point he was still playing and eating and acting normal. I thought maybe ... maybe, it was because we'd switched him to the high protein diet in June and then the more activity he's been getting playing with Maisie. I hoped it was that, but I thought deep down that it might be something else.

I checked him compulsively for yellow skin... as when we had to put Molly to sleep back in 2007, she had a liver disease and lost weight, stopped acting like herself, and then turned yellow.

I was petrified that Asa would be going down the same path. But, like I said, he was doing ok. Still ripping around the house with Maisie, still begging for food, and yowling for no particular reason at all hours of the night.

Asa after we gave him a mohawk ;) 2005

Then on Monday or Tuesday of this week I noticed that he all of a sudden wasn't playing. Wasn't asking for food... and I am telling you, my heart felt like it fell out of my chest when I checked him over and found that he was tinged yellow. Aaron disagreed with me, and didn't see it, but I could tell. I took him to the vet and sure enough, they agreed with me that he was yellow. He'd also lost 1/3 of his body weight... he had been about 12.5lbs and was almost 9lbs exactly. They took blood and urine and we discussed possibilites... I wasn't exactly encouraged, but I wasn't totally depressed yet. I was pulling for an infection or something treatable.

When we got the blood results back the next day, the results were less than I'd hoped for. The vet theorized that it was a progressive liver disease, and that even if we did more tests (which I really couldn't afford, we were about 300 bucks in already with the treatments she recommended) that they probably wouldn't treat it much differently. She gave us IV fluids to give him every couple of days, pills to force down his throat once a day, antibiotic liquid for every 12 hours (on the off chance that it is an infection) and prescription cat food.

He seemed better this morning, but tonight has been hiding away from everyone. It breaks my heart. He will be 9 years old on September 7th... I adopted him on November 3rd, 2001.... the day of my Grandma's birthday the year she passed away. He's always been a funny little guy... but a lovey through and through.

He has spent the night hiding under a table in the corner of the living room. :(

I had a momentary breakdown at work after I got off the phone with the vet, and then came home and laid on the floor next to him and cried some more. It feels kind of foolish to carry on like this, but it is really breaking my heart. What are the odds that both Asa and Molly would get some kind of freak liver problem?

At this point, I'm trying to be optimistic, but realistic. And the reality is, I just don't know if he'll be with us much longer.

You can see his yellow skin in his ears here.

Sunday's haps

2010-07-25T20:10:00.001-05:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Recap

2010-07-02T22:10:00.003-05:00

So, I've been off since yesterday, and it's been pretty nice. Usually by the end of day 2 I am climbing the walls, ready to get back to work STAT. But this time, I'm looking forward to the next 3 days before work... I'm almost kind of sad that it's Friday night already. But I'm super glad that Aaron will be home to shoulder half the load the next couple of days.

Yesterday, I took the boys to see Toy Story 3... it was pretty good. They were riveted... and they did so dang good during the movie... no running around, no acting like wild animals. I was so proud.

Then they fell asleep on the way to Walmart... and I let them sleep for about 20 minutes after we got there. Not sure if it was that or the lunch of popcorn and m&ms that caused Nolan to completely meltdown, or if it was a cocktail of the two that did it. Without going into detail (because I really don't feel like rehashing it right now) it was the single worst trip to a public place I've had with him in at least a year... since WELL before he went on medication. It was complete with him screaming, crying, yelling the f-word, hitting me and throwing stuff out of the cart. We got the hell out of there as quickly as possible.

When we got home, he was sent to his room until dinner... about 4 hours or so... I had initially planned to have him eat in there, but he had sufficiently mellowed out and cleaned his room no less, so I let him join us for dinner and then watch a movie with us after dinner.

Today, we went to the boys' first dental appt... they did absolutely fantastic!!!! Considering how fast yesterday's trip to Walmart shit the bed, I was definitely nervous. They were nervous too, and a little apprehensive, but overall cooperative and polite and the hygenist told me that they were excellent... I was very very proud of them. They also got certificates for being members of the no cavity club, and their pictures taken with the certificates. It was great.

As a reward for such awesome behavior, and also because I hardly get a chance to take time off, just me and them, I took them to lunch at 'Old MacDonald's' as well. Then we went back to Walmart, for a redo, to see about Nolan spending his birthday money. I am pleased to report that it went very well... no screaming, no obscenities, no being confined to his room.

When we got home, my arms were killing me... seriously, wtf... I wake up and they hurt (from the shoulder to the fingers), I take ibuprofen, and it takes the edge off. Then when that wears off, they hurt like a bitch all over again. It was downright excruciating today, and I took a naproxen that we had in the cupboard, and promptly passed out. Sethy asked me to lay with him in my room, and we both passed out for about 2-3 hours. It was lovely.

I'm thinking the arm pain is carpal tunnel... but not sure if the pain would go all the way up to the shoulder. I will try sleeping with my braces on tonight, and see if I don't see an improvement tommorrow.

Nolan enjoying the movie

Maisie is considering taking up square dancing.

Ben is quickly tiring of my bullshit.

Nolan and Katy the wonder nurse

Such a trooper

Nolan kind of liked the water squirter and sucker.

I wish all of my dental exams went as quickly as theirs was, it was awesome. Also... have you SEEN pediatric dental x-rays? I'm kicking myself for not taking a better picture of them (you can kind of see it on the screen here) but they are a trip with the grown up teeth and the baby teeth.

Sethy and his nervous smile

I love how he looks totally stoked and happy, but was actually trying to get up constantly and kept pursing his lips so the hygenist had to keep saying "please open your mouth so I can count those shark teeth!"

Seth was watching Dora on the ceiling.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-06-30T04:39:00.000-05:00

Five.

2010-06-29T07:54:00.001-05:00

Indulge me for a moment... holy crap, when the hell was he ever this little?

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Happy Birthday to my big goofy awesome boy. I love you so much!

2010-06-27T22:34:00.000-05:00

OH HAI!

So yeah... I *think* I may be ready to blow the dust off this thing and start blogging again. Maybe. We'll see.

Is anyone even out there anymore?

Anyway, lots to tell you, we are a day or two away from a certain big boy turning 5... FIVE. Holy shiz, when did THAT happen? The other little dude is in the middle of potty training... *sigh* which is another post in itself.

We have an addition to our family... no, not a baby... there'll be no more of those. We adopted an adorable little kitten and named her Maisie Annabelle. Aaron and I just love her to pieces.... Nolan is indifferent, and Seth loves and dotes on her one minute, and then tells me to take her back the next.

Isn't she sweet?

She is such a love... and she loves to terrorize the other cats, and of course, hunt little boys. She is so playful and funny, and she's begun meowing (or squeaking is probably more accurate) when she wants some love. Three times today she walked by me and was meowing, and I picked her up and she immediately snuggled up and started purring. <3 <3 <3 I'm in love.

"I haz had enuf of ur pitchures. k. thanx."

Whassat?

Seriously?

She's a big fan of chewing on my rings.

I'm convinced she's part terrier, she likes to pick stuff up in her mouth and go for walks.

I am so pleased with how well she's fit in with our family, and I had forgotten how much fun it is to have a kitten around. She's also very very tolerant of the boys so far, and I hope it stays that way.

2010-04-20T22:02:00.000-05:00

Jot it down

Just wanted to jot this down before I forget... we are having a pretty great evening, the boys have been especially cooperative and cute (though, I have already had one glass of wine, so perhaps my reality skewed? ) Whatever it is, I'll take more of these.

anyway, I had two kind of cute conversations with Sethy tonight. The first while he was in the bath:

Seth: Dis be my house?
Me: Yep
S: I yiv at my house?
M: That's right
S: Yucas not yiv here?
M: no, Lukey lives at his house with Auntie Lori and Uncle Seth.
S: yeah, yucas yiv in a coma?
M: yes, Lukey lives in Tacoma.
S: In a lellow house?
M: That's right buddy, You sure are smart Seth!
S: Yeah, I smart.

Then later at bedtime:
Seth: I a boy mommy, and you a girl?
Me: That's right buddy
S: And daddy a boy?
M: yep
S: And Nowan a boy?
M: Yep, is Auntie Lori a girl or a boy?
S: She a girl, and uncle Sess a boy?
M: yes, and What about lukey?
S: He a boy like me, sessy and nowan!
M: That's right buddy, what about baby Natalie?
(he thinks for a second)
S: She a baby!

2010-03-24T21:01:00.000-05:00

The Haps

Some randomness:

* (this may be redundant if we are facebook friends, btw)... Aaron's car broke down on Monday. I was able to go get the boys from him and then we went to the park. We made it home in time for Sethy's mind to be blown. Aaron had to be towed home, and Sethy was beyond excited to see his daddy's honda on the back of it. He was jumping up and down and when it was parked so the guy could do the paperwork he asked if he could touch it. It was really sweet. Nolan was pretty impressed too.

* Because the car is not working, I have been hoofing it to the bus stop and then taking the bus to the train station. and lather, rinse, repeat in the evenings. Hoo boy I forgot how awesome riding the bus can be. Threre are some straight up scary ass people on that route. ::shudder::

* I went to Zumba today and the instructor was wearing black sweatpants under grey sweat-burmudas. Almost kind of a bohemian work out look... but uh... she started sweating and before too long it looked like she pissed her pants. Her entire crotchular area was soaked.

* Lukey turned 3 ... 3! This weekend. Makes me kind of sad. He is such a sweet boy, dotes on his baby sister, loves his cousins and is just all around a sweetie pie. He is hands down Nolan and Seth's favorite person in THE WORLD. They ask if they can go to "Yucas's house" every day.

We were singing Happy Birthday to Lukey

It was his auntie Laurie's bright idea to give him this gigantic cupcake. He ate about half of it.

2010-03-18T23:08:00.000-05:00

Hoo boy, has it been over a month already?

I do NOT know what my problem is lately, I just have no desire to sit down and blog when the opportunity presents itself. When I am not able to do it, I have lots to tell you, tons to chat about, oodles of pictures to share... and then there are the times in between where I am pretty sure I want to scrap this whole thing. But I can't...I don't know why, I just can't.

So....anyway, how about some pictures to get back in the groove ...

Nolan took a bunch of wipes out of the container and proceeded to make himself into a doctor...

Mommy I'm a doctor!

Miss happytooth... this girl is ALL smiles!

Helping Auntie Karen blow out her candles

2010-02-13T11:09:00.001-06:00

Good Things...

So I have to leave for Zumba (my first ever class, eep!) in about 20 minutes, so of course this is the perfect time to sit down and pound out an entry :)

As for the password protected issue, thank you all so much for your input ;) I have not figured anything out yet, and suspect it will be a while before I do, and there will be lots of notice before hand if I do go that route.

As the boys are getting older, I'm just finding myself not as comfortable with posting every little thing about them on the internet... could also be because of where I work and the shit I see every day, how the most innocent things (think baby food ads and the like) are used for very... un-innocent activities. Not to say my boys are being subjected to that, but who knows. I feel like I just have zero control over it and I don't like it.

In other AWESOME news, my parents will be moving next weekend... and they'll be 3.19 miles from us! (yes, I mapquested it, lol)... I am excited for them to be back in their own place, but selfishly I am ECSTATIC that they'll be close to us, and that their apartment complex is so awesome. Indoor and out door pools, playgrounds, community events (think easter egg hunts, Santa coming to visit etc)... plus a cabana where we can have birthday parties! Ok, so that last part sounds selfish, but overall this is an awesome development and I am very excited for them!

ok; I gotta get moving, big busy day today. here's a few recent pics:

I came out of the bathroom after a shower a week or two ago, Aaron was outside rearranging our storage unit and Nolan had taken it upon himself to get the paints set up for him and Seth. I was impressed!

we've had an unseasonably warm winter, and this was in January; we spent the late afternoon at Gene Coulon Beach, the boys had a blast watching the ducks and throwing rocks into the water.

Seth is telling me that we only have "five more minutes, ok mom?"

My favorite shot from that day :)

2010-02-08T16:38:00.000-06:00

Heads up

I think I'm going to make this blog password protected. I am on the fence right now, but I think a big part of why I don't update is due to wanting to maintain some sense of privacy for my family, my job etc.

What's holding me back is that I don't believe password protected blogs can be read in the google reader or other readers... not sure how that works or if I want to go that route.

The one thing I hate about blogger password protected blogs is that it never remembers your information and I know I rarely read my blogger blogs that are protected for that exact reason.

Anyhoo, I'm open to suggestions if anyone has any.

2010-02-02T07:35:00.000-06:00

Food, Inc. Giveaway

My friend Sarah is giving away a Food, Inc. DVD on her blog Our Bella Cucina (you should check out the whole site anyway, TONS of yummy recipes!) Stop on by over there and check it out!

2010-01-22T09:05:00.000-06:00

OH HAI!

I am home today with a sick boy. Though you wouldn't totally know it if you didn't know him like I do. He is playing and acting pretty normally, way more crabby than usual and is a little more low key than usual. He's got a temp of 101.3 thus far, a runny nose and cough. Joy. I keep asking him how he feels and feeling his forehead.

Nolan has caught on and keeps telling me 'my forehead not feels berry good. I'm sick.' lol. Scammer, that one.

Has January been hell month for everyone? I know we were pretty low key in December at work, but January has been absolutely CRAZY. Mentally exhausting... not due to any drama or anything but from learning appellate procedures and uber busy getting ready for trials and such. I am totally looking forward to a more relaxed (I hope) February.

here are some new pics:

Lucas, Seth and Nolan at my Aunt's house for the Christmas celebration with my dad's side of the family.

I haven't seen this babeh or her brother in almost TWO WEEKS. ARG! Between busy schedules, sick kids, sick parents... I miss them!

The boys hanging and watching toy story. Nolan and Lucas are shirtless because they were wrestling, and you know, you just can't wrestle with shirts on.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Me and my niece(!) at my aunt's house the day after christmas.

Mr. Jigsaw Puzzle boy, he loves him some puzzles. I bought a few that are above his skillset though, and I swear Aaron and I have put them together more times than not.

Meet Walter. Walter is Sethy's kitty cat that he got as a Christmas gift from Nana and Papa. Papa has a kittycat similar to Walter on his desk, and Seth is OBSESSED with it. Now he has his own and he sleeps with it every night.

Playing Hi Ho Cherry O!

Asa was miffed that he couldn't play too.

They love this game... until they spin to the option where the bucket dumps and they have to put all their cherries back.

Seth is constantly asking to hold the cats now. Luckily we've been able to get him to ask for our help when he wants to.

I holdin ben!

Things that irk me about the show Jersey Shore

2010-01-13T09:10:00.001-06:00

Or as I like to call it 'skanks and douchebags'.
(in no particular order)
* the nicknames(snooki, j-woww, the (fucking) situation) etc.
* the way some of them refer to themselves by nickname in the third person.
* snooki's face. (or more specifically her lips/ mouth... For whatever reason it grosses me out)
* steroid boy (he looks kind of... Special to me, and instead of looking lean and muscular or even just buff, he takes the meathead look to the next level.)
* mike in general, he thinks he looks like a God, and that all women want him. Seriously? Have you seen your face? Brad Pitt thee are not.
* idiot face with the tattoos and fucked up hair. (his hair is reminiscent of the Gotti boys)
* the orange skin
* the use of the words guido and guidette in general.
* but more specifically the use of those terms in a bragging kind of way.
* the absence of anyone attractive on the show... Not sure why this bugs me, but they all seem odd looking and some are odd shaped... While it's refreshing to see different sizes of women and such, some remind me so much of trolls (or troll dolls -snooki I'm looking at you) that it's distracting.

But you know I'll keep watching.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2010-01-12T23:04:00.000-06:00

2010... The first three paragraphs were written on 1/1/10... I apparently forgot to finish/publish.

It's 2010... and we aren't zooming around on hovercraft, using microchips or fingerprints for our banking, no cure for the common cold, our healthcare system is seriously effed up, and stem cell research has not been allowed to cure all of the things it could... what's up with that?!

Hoo boy am I glad we have one more day of vacation. I can finish up the laundry, make a grocery run and get the boys ready for their new adventure on Monday! Their last day of daycare was on Wednesday, 12/23. Starting on Monday, they will be going to Auntie Jen's house, and playing with her daughter while we are at work. It will save us about 900 bucks a month to do it this way, which, unfortunately will not allow us to life the high life, but it will allow us to dig ourselves out of some of the debt we have incurred in the past few years.

She lives kind of out of the way, but in a round about sort of way, it can be a detour for Aaron on his way to work. It sucks because the kids will have to get up around 5 am (previously they were getting up around 5:40 so it's a good half hour or more earlier than before, but they can go in their pajamas and take it easy in the mornings.

Written today

So the arrangement with my friend is working out awesomely. I really can't put into words how pleased I am and how relieved I am with it. The boys are happy, they were sad last weekend when I told them that it was a stay home day. She has them on a schedule as if they were in a preschool. Her daughter is 7 months or so younger than Seth, so she's able to do a lot of age appropriate activities for all of the kids at the same time. She sends me text messages and picture messages, the boys are thriving... I am seriously so so glad this is working out.

How about some pictures?

2009 Santa Picture

Nolan in December 2009

Seth on Christmas Eve. When I got home from work on Christmas Eve, Nolan was running a temp of 104.6 or so. I gave him some motrin and he felt better... but Aaron and Seth went to his mom's without us just to be safe. I didn't want to pass along any illnesses, since there were little ones there. So while Sethy and daddy went over there, Nolan and I went to bed early when I put the movie Madagascar on. In the past, ever since I was born really, Christmas Eve was spent at my Grandma's house where my dad grew up. Even after she passed away, and my aunt took over the house, she still hosted Christmas eve there. This year, it was held on the 26th... and while it was weird, it was kind of nice to have christmas eve free. Had Nolan not been sick, we would've all gone to Aaron's mom's and not had to worry about leaving by a certain time to make it to our usual plans.

Christmas Morning ... Nolan was feeling better, and was tickled by the finger puppets in his stocking.

Seth investigating some of his stocking loot

Pillow Pets!!! Santa delivered for sure. Seth got a piggy and Nolan got what he calls a 'pillow horsie' but what is actually a purple unicorn. But that's what he wanted, and he has been using it as his pillow every night since then.

new undies!

Playing after we were done opening presents

Christmas morning at Auntie Lori and Uncle Seth's house. (yes, the boys had haircuts on Christmas morning, it was a gift to myself lol)

Mommy! I like this movie!

Sethy with his special present from nana and papa. My dad has a cat similar to this that sits on his desk, and Seth is pretty much obsessed with it. We named him Walter, and Seth adores him.

It was pretty nice on Christmas Day, so the boys got lots of outside time.

Me and Lukey

Tuckered out

2010-01-10T16:37:00.001-06:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

this afternoon's to do list...

2010-01-10T16:22:00.000-06:00

Spent the morning at Lori's letting the boys play with Luke, and I got some Natalie time. Then we went to 'Old Macdonalds' for lunch with Lori and Luke. The kids played HARD... Even gaving to change from their long sleeved shirts into tees, and Nolan wanted to take that off too after awhile.
It's now 2:30pm and both boys are zonked in the back seat. I need to accomplish the following this afternoon:
Laundry, lots of it
Clean kitchen
Clean off dining room table
Transfer purses
Set aside Boys clothes for tommorrow
Set aside Nolans meds for the week
Make dinner
Clean boys bathroom
Vacuum

2009-12-30T23:30:00.002-06:00

Good Riddance '09

Here is my version of the New year's quiz that Sundry did. Last year's entry is hither.

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before? I hosted some sleepovers at my house with the parentals, I went camping with my boys, I got the boys to actually ENJOY playing in a pool. Became an Auntie to a NIECE! Baked bread successfully from scratch. Moved the boys both to big boy beds. We attempted to sell our condo (never done that before!) and failed, but will try again sometime soon.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Last year's were: I would like to yell at my kids less, lose weight, get healthy, and fit into my old pants. Excuse me while I stifle a sob... I did not keep any of those damn resolutions. I think this year I will post my resolutions on the fridge, on the bathroom mirror, and anywhere else I can figure out where to put them so I don't forget them. My resolutions are as follows:
*LOSE WEIGHT. (for serious. This shizz has gotten completely out of hand.)
*Run a 5k. Participate in at least 3 5Ks, but run an entire one once.
*Become a gentler parent... less yelling, more leading by example.
*No more wasting time on the computer before 7pm on weeknights.
*Hit the books and get Nolan ready for Kindergarten.
*Give up sweets. (oy.)
*Work out 6 days a week.
*Pay down our debts in a BIG way.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes! My sissy had a baby girl, a long awaited, much wished for baby girl to complete our brood of boys. One of my best friends also had a baby this summer, and it was a much wished for baby boy. It was a good year.

4. Did anyone close to you die? My dear friend Sandra passed away after 9 long months of fighting for her life. We weren't the kind of friends who spoke every day or every week. But we kept in touch, made attempts at getting together, and when we did get together it was as if no time had gone by at all. She was the first friend I've ever had who passed away, and it has rocked me to my core. I think about her every single day, and play the song that was played at her funeral just about every single day. My heart broke a little bit when she died, and to be honest, I'm still kind of waiting for her to call me up and tell me what a pussy I am for not wanting to go watch a scary movie with her and Toni.

I also had an uncle die right around the same time, and that was unexpected and very sad as well.

5. What countries did you visit? The good ol' U.S. of A.

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009? a yard, more square footage... a waistline. (whaddya know, same answer as last year!) and also, I would like a little more leeway when it comes to finances.

7. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? November 2nd. The day that Sandra passed away. June 1, the day that I finished my in training plan at work and became a full fledged permanent state employee. November 6, the day that Aaron and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Decluttering and getting rid of all kinds of stuff after we took the house off the market. It felt great to have less 'stuff'. Oooh, and I was one of a team of 8 or 9 I think to win an award for being a team at work. It was pretty awesome.

9. What was your biggest failure? The inability to stop shoving anything and everything down my pie hole, and thus, gaining a ridonkulous amount of weight this year. Ugh.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? The worst thing I had this year was a 'mono like virus' back in July. That was absolutely hideous.

11. What was the best thing you bought? My iphone. I love that thing more than I thought I ever would. I also would have to say the Sookie Stackhouse novels, as those brought many many hours of entertainment.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Hmm... not sure. Maybe President Obama... for showing the world that Americans can and do posess grace and dignity. We are not all just idiot rednecks with a strange agenda.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? The few hideous excuses for human beings who have managed to kill 6 law enforcement officers in our area in just the past 3 months. So very sad.

14. Where did most of your money go? daycare. mortgage. the usual.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? The Sookie Stackhouse books, Obama's inauguration, the birth of my niece!

16. What song will always remind you of 2009? Forever by Chris Brown, Anything by Lady Gaga.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? I would say it's a draw, but I am much more optimistic.
b) thinner or fatter? sadly, fatter.
c) richer or poorer? poorer.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? More outside time with the boys in the summer. More outings and I wish we'd actually gone biking. (EXACT SAME ANSWER AS LAST YEAR)... oh and I wish I'd exercised more, and also exercised more self control when it came to eating shit food.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? yelling and eating.

20. How did you spend Christmas? Christmas eve was spent at home with Nolan who was running a 103.6 temp... Aaron and Seth went to Aaron's mom's. Christmas morning was spent at home, and then the rest of the day was spent at my sister's with my family and my aunt and cousin. The day after Christmas was spent at my Aunt's house.

21. Did you fall in love in 2008? My answer last year was: Yes. With Edward. ... This year I'd have to say it was with Jacob (as I reread the books AGAIN and man alive, I was rooting for Jacob even though I knew the outcome.)... oh and with Eric Northman and Vampire Bill as well.

22. What was your favorite TV program? Probably Sixteen and Pregnant, Teen Mom and Say Yes to the Dress.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? No... I can honestly say I dont' hate anyone.

24. What was the best book you read? The Sookie Stackhouse Series.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Lady Gaga. I love her music.

26. What did you want and get? A niece!!!! A better movie for New Moon than what we got for Twilight.

27. What did you want and not get? to my goal weight.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? The Hangover. For serious. If you haven't seen it, see it. It was HILARIOUS. Also loved the Proposal.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 32, and we went to the Mandarin for some good old fashioned drunk Karaoke. It was awesome.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? To have lost the weight. blah blah blah.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Dark solid covers, layers and stretchy pants.

32. What kept you sane? coffee. and facebook.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Ryan Reynolds, Bradley Cooper and for some reason, Hugh Grant. Hugh is a recent development.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? Probably health care reform... and the push for people to immunize EVERYONE for H1N1... gah.

35. Who did you miss? my grandma. my grandpa. my other grandma. Sandra.

36. Who was the best new person you met? well, I met them in 2007 when I began working at the AG's... but Lauretta, Liz and Victoria have all become good friends this year. I love them!

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009. That good things do happen to good people, that the truth will set you free, and/or get you your job back, that life is so incredibly fragile and that with family you can weather anything.

38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
sweet obscenity
didn't i know it
didn't i call her name
tiger lily girl
standin' cross-eyed in the corner
tiger lily girl
standin toungue tied in the corner
somethin' in her eye
tells that i should try
somethin' she might say
tells right away
somethin' in her eye
didn't i know it
didn't i call her name
tiger lily girl...

-Tiger Lily by Luna (Song they played at Sandra's Funeral)

2009-12-18T17:53:00.002-06:00

Before I throw the knitting needles across the room...

Can someone who knits a lot help me out here? I am trying to knit a pair of fingerless mitts... I need something for those cold mornings when I am waiting for the train, but still want to be able to use my phone.

Anyhoo,

I am following a pattern from a book I've had for a while and the pattern wants me to increase 2 stitches... the actual instructions say this:

'Increase 2 stitches (Inc2) Insert left needle into st below st just created, lift and k into this st, insert right needle into st below next st on the left needle and k this st.'

wwwwwwww.tttttttttttt.fffffffffffffff.

Since when do you knit using the left needle? and which st is the st below? the one parallel to the floor or the one that is sort of between the needles?

Can someone help me figure this out? It would be much appreciated!

2009-12-15T11:50:00.002-06:00

P.S.

there is now officially nothing hanging on the bottom half of the tree thanks to Asa the fucker. He's either broken the ornaments, ripped the threaded hangy bobber thing out of the bulbs or I have moved the nicer ones. Oh and the red beaded garland is also trashed. He is so not awesome.

2009-12-15T11:38:00.002-06:00

Randomness with a Quickness

*yawn* I woke up at 3:15 this morning with Sethy sleeping on my feet, kind of draped across the bed. I asked him what was wrong and he said "mon-thta'th comin" (monsters coming)... I said "are you scared" He nodded and said "Mon-thta'th gonna git me". Poor buddy, he was petrified. He was also incredibly groggy and sweet so I let him stay. Until 4:25 or so when I was all SCREW THIS. I took him back to his bed (neither one of us had fallen back asleep) and gave him a pep talk about how there are no monsters and how mommy and daddy will keep him safe blah blah blah. I left his closet light on for peace of mind and he conked out pretty quickly. I get up usually at a quarter to five so I've been wide awake since 3:15.

I've also had two cups of espresso today. I haven't blinked in an hour.

Our finished gingerbread house... I did 90% of it, the boys were much more interested in taste testing the candy. (For the record, they love gum drops, the red hots "bite my tongue" according to Nolan and as always, the m&ms passed with flying colors.)... had I known it would have been a solo endeavor, I would have done it to my tastes exactly. Maybe next year I'll buy my own :)

My favorite Christmas Decoration... Seth was afraid of it as a baby, but now both he and Nolan won't leave the damn thing alone.

2009-12-13T15:23:00.002-06:00

Christmas 'round these parts

*yawn* Hi there. Long time no see. I don't know what my deal is about not updating, LAZY! Actually, my ahem, virtual farming has taken over my blogging time. I know I know... I used to openly mock anyone who played farmville and totally never thought I would get sucked in. I blame my parents, I am totally hooked. HOOKED! I was talking to some of my friends on Friday night at Holly's birthday party (incidentally, they are all farmville friends as well. Anyway, we were laughing at how geeky it is, how we plan our lives around our crops and such. Anyway, it's a sad excuse, but that's what I've been up to.

Oh and getting ready for Christmas. I am officially done shopping as of today. Thank God for Aaron's work, who have a program where he can trade in his safety tokens (they get them for being injury free, etc. every so often, and he collects them from other people as well who don't want them) ... he was able to trade them in for a $250 gift card to Walmart.

Without that nice little gift card, we probably wouldn't have been able to buy for the nieces and nephews. We are not exchanging this year (Aaron and I) but we have gotten the boys some cool stuff. It's all about them anyway, and we are thinking we might splurge in January and go shopping for ourselves.

I do this every year (I think), but here are some pics of our favorite ornaments.

These are new to the tree this year:

Got this last year after Christmas at Target, LOVE it!

I am in love with these little penguins!!! Got this last month at Bartells.

I just love it

I got this one at Bartells too.

This little guy was a gift from a coworker last year. He has been living in my nylon drawer for the past year and Nolan has been OBSESSED with him. He has asked to play with it at least 50 times since last year.

Ice Cube snowmen from last year's Target after Christmas clearance.

cute little penguin photo frame from Target's Dollar aisle this year

Nolan's ornament for this year, I have them pick out an ornament each year (starting last year) and this was his choice.

This was Sethy's choice.

Older Ornaments

This was Seth's from last year

This was Nolan's from last year

Either last year or the year before, we had a smaller bulb like this from our honeymoon in NYC and those heathens that I birthed somehow shattered it. My mom and dad tracked this one down on the internet and got it for us. It goes up nice and high on the tree now.

I think I got this at Target 2 years ago, I love me some penguins.

an angel my mom made several years ago. She's the only one I have left.

I had an ornament exactly like this my whole childhood, and when I was in high school, someone robbed our storage unit and all of our christmas ornaments were taken. The handmade stuff my mom made in girl scouts, the hand made stuff I made in girl scouts. The babies first christmas ornaments for my sister and I... just thinking about it makes me sick. Anyway, my sister knew how upset I was and when she spotted this at the daycare we worked at, she asked if she could buy it from the teacher who had it (she used it on her in class tree) and I believe she just gave it to her. She gave it to me, and I have kept it on my tree ever since. I love it.

a gift from Lori I think, when I was pregnant with Nolan

The Jamaica ornament we got on our honeymoon

Sethy's first Christmas Ornament

Nolan's first ornament

Ornament we bought the year we got married

My great grandma made this one, I adore this ornament.

Ashley gave me this a long time ago. I ♥ it.

2009-11-05T23:58:00.002-06:00

My heart hurts.

Rough day all around. Sad. Stressful. Not my most stellar parenting today... and getting Nolan to go to bed tonight was exhausting to say the very least.

I went over to Sandra's Remembrance Site and there is a gallery of pictures on the right hand side of the page. I was at first saddened to see the pic below, but now I am so thankful someone posted it. That's Sandra making a kissy face at Seth and Seth is being held by one of my most favoritist kids (except she's not a kid anymore) from my daycare days - Alecz.

Since we became moms, we hardly had a chance to get together anymore, in fact; the last time we were supposed to meet up (which was the first time in a long time) was the day before she went in the hospital with the SJS.

Her funeral is Saturday, ironically at the same time as my uncle's. I am choosing to go to hers; I hope my aunt understands. I need some closure to this... I need to hear the stories and see the pictures from happier times, so I don't remember my last visit with her in harborview as the way she was, because she was so much more than that. So much.

2009-11-03T21:56:00.002-06:00

So Sad.

My friend Sandra passed away yesterday. I am so sad for her... for her husband, and most of all for her daughter. She's 3 1/2 and hasn't had her mom around for the past 9 months, and now will never truly know how awesome her mom was.

Sandra and Adrianna Eunhae at her baby shower.

Sandra... not sure where I got this picture from, I think it was emailed shortly after she and her husband adopted Adrianna.

2009-11-01T15:07:00.003-06:00

I'll Take Rage for $200 Alex.

*sigh* Today is day 3 of the meds (he's on Focalin XR)... it has definitely improved the crazy all over the place, driven by a machine kind of behavior. But it has left a sullen, angry and sad boy in it's place.

Granted, we are only on day 3, but he is not bubbly, or happy, or interactive much ... he plays by himself, and goes from 0 to pissed in mere seconds; exploding with screaming or occasionally exploding violently towards his brother (usually it's provoked, but still; kind of startling.)

He seems like a little dark cloud, and it's breaking my heart. He just sits on the couch looking so forlorn and depressed. I'm going to call the doctor tommorrow and we go back in on Thursday to check in, I'm hoping he's just adjusting and it'll work itself out. I just don't know. The meds definitely start to wear off around the 11/12 hour mark... not only does the pinball like behavior come back in, but so does his sunshine. Smiling, playing, chattering happily... almost makes the pinball stuff worth it.

Yesterday, I had to get on him about sharing (he was hoarding like a bazillion cars and wouldn't let Seth play with any of them) ... after arguing back and forth I finally said he was either going to share or he would have a time out. He screamed "NO!" at me, and I told him to go to his room for a time out. He refused, so I helped him (picked him up and took him there) and he started screaming "SHUT UP! SHUT UP FUCKER!" yeah. A. He has never told me to shut up. B. he's never called me a fucker. He hasn't used bad language in a long time actually... I was shocked. We had a few more bouts of him telling me to shut up, and such but he didn't say fucker again.

The meds make it so he doesn't nap anymore either, which really isn't a big deal since he's chilled out.

But the sadness is hard to watch. REALLY hard to watch. I'm so hoping he adjusts and my happy boy comes back.

2009-10-31T12:19:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween...

I'm starting day 3 of solo parenting... actually, day 3.5 if you want to be technical. I was called on Wednesday morning to come pick Seth up from daycare as he was running a temp of 101.8. Awesomeness. Aaron had been home on Monday with Nolan because he had a fever on Sunday. I had the time available, and was able to arrange coverage so I went ahead and picked him up. I ended up staying home Thursday and Friday as well because Aaron's work was crazy busy and he didn't feel comfortable not going in, as they were shorthanded.

Seth's fever finally- FINALLY broke yesterday morning. I haven't medicated him for a fever since Thursday night. Speaking of Thursday night, I took Nolan to children's hospital. That was the day of the disastrous dr. appt for his ADHD. When we got home, I left and met my sister and Ashley for dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory. When I got home from that around 8:30 Nolan had just gone to bed, I went in to say prayers with him and give him a kiss, and he complained that his tummy hurt.

Now, the last few weeks he has become a master manipulator at bedtime. Trying to distract us with questions, observations, etc when it's time for bed. He has resorted to having to go potty after we've already put him to bed, which enrages Aaron to no end, so my first thought was that he was stalling, but I gave him the benefit of the doubt. Turns out, he did have a tummy ache. It went from mild complaining, to grunting and not being able to sit still, to writhing and crying, to all out pacing and screaming "Make it stop! Make it stop!" It was about an hour and a half total time while this was going on. I called the consulting nurse hotline for our doctor's office as I went up to the grocery store to get some gas medicine. I wasn't sure what I was going to get, but I figured it was probably gas pains he was having.

The consulting nurse said to take him in, that 15 minutes of stomach pain is when they reccommend the child to be seen, and it had been going on at this point for almost 2 hours. I went home and Aaron had him laying on the couch (which we hadn't been able to get him to do prior to that; I wanted to put a warm compress on his tummy, but he couldn't hold still.) He was pale and silent; almost asleep, though he was sweaty. Aaron said it got really bad while I was gone, he was freaking Aaron out, and he doesn't usually get too rattled. He said his chest hurt and his tummy hurt. But in a flash, it seemed like whatever he was feeling, passed. I made him get up and walk around and he was being his normal funny self, so we figured screw it. Aaron set up the aerobed so I could camp out with Nolan in the front room; and keep an eye on him, and we figured that would be fine.

I called my mom a little while later and while we were on the phone his tummy started hurting again. He started crying and grunting, so we put his shoes on and I got dressed, and off to Children's we went. It was about a 25 minute drive, the first ten he cried and hollered and then he fell asleep. Once we got to Children's, he was totally fine. I still had him checked out, we were there about an hour or so, and they proclaimed it probably just gas. He was totally fine, so they didn't run any tests, he responded favorably to the physical exam... so apparently he just had some kind of indigestion. Next time, they said we could try maalox, and it should help.

Thankfully he was fine, but man it was really scary there for a bit. Today is the third day because Aaron is fixing his car down at my sister's house with my uncle; the heater core or something went out, and seeing as how cold it's starting to get, he needs to get it fixed. But man, I am ITCHING to get out of this house and back to work!

2009-10-30T00:07:00.002-05:00

A.D.H.D.

So, yeah. Nolan was diagnosed yesterday with ADHD. Am I surprised? No. Am I relieved? No. Am I Sad? Kind of. I am also worried, afraid and exhausted. This lovable, smart, curious and busy boy has always been intense. He's always been feast or famine... and when I say feast or famine I mean HOLY SHIT THAT'S A TON OF FOOD LET'S EAT TILL OUR GUTS POP feast and OHMYGODIMGONNADIEIMSOHUNGRYWHYDOYOUHATEMEJUSTFEEDMEONEMORSELJUSTONEMORSEL famine. He's never been a middle of the road kind of kid.

He's also always been demanding, stubborn, willful and insistent. In good and not so good ways. But in the last year, and actually, in the last month, I have kind of woken up out of the fog I was in, and realized that there is indeed a problem. What may or may not have been obvious to everyone else, was not so obvious to me. Some of the things I'd always chalked up to personality traits, may in fact, not be personality traits.

Our home is like a warzone sometimes. A lot of the time actually. A lot of yelling, fighting, frustration, punishments... and it's usually between Nolan and I or Nolan and Aaron. Not that Seth doesn't get his fair share in, or that he isn't all too happy to participate when Nolan's decided that life is boring and he needs to run around the condo throwing things, shrieking 'nnneeeeeeeehhhhhaaaaawwwwww!!!!!!' and generally causing total chaos. But more often than not, It's Nolan vs. the household.

When he was younger, I didn't really think his behavior was all that out of the ordinary. Maybe it wasn't... I'm not sure. Like I said, he's always been intense. But when my parents came and stayed the weekend with us in the beginning of October, it was one of the first real wake up calls I've had. I mean the suspicions were there for a loooong time under the surface. I'd even spoken to my mom and sister and friends about some of the issues Aaron and I were dealing with when it came to Mr. Nolan. But having my mom and dad here for 3 days, bearing witness to what we deal with day in and day out... I realized how embarassing it was to have a child who didn't listen to us AT ALL. Who ran around like a wild banshee doing whatever he pleased, who attacked his brother any time he felt wronged...Normally it's mostly frustrating, but with witnesses it's down right embarassing. I also realized how damn exhausted we are all the time from being in fight mode 24/7.

So I did some googling and some reading... my suspicion being that he had ADHD. And when I read the symptoms of the Hyperactive Type and Impulsive Type it was like a description of Nolan. I read the symptoms in the DSM-IV and sure enough. He also has some signs of Oppositional Defiance Disorder, but the main concern at this point is the ADHD.

Anyhoo, I contacted the doctor's office, they gave us some forms to fill out, and to have his teachers fill out. We returned them and they got us in the next week. (Yesterday)... and awesomely enough, he chose that hour to be the craziest he's ever been. Turning the lights on and off while we were speaking to the doctor, throwing things in the office, turning the faucet on at the handwashing station and flinging water at his brother, running in circles, opening and slamming the door, screaming, etc etc etc. It was so fucking stressful, I can't even begin to put into words how I felt when we left.

Ultimately, it was a good thing that he put himself on display like that, the doctor saw exactly what we deal with day in and day out, though admittedly, he was operating on a level we had previously only glimpsed. The doc said basically after reading the questionnaires and observing him, it was pretty much a slam dunk. He said he understood it felt like we were in crisis mode, but that there was hope and there was stuff we could do.

I told him the stuff I've tried already... enrolling him in soccer, positive reinforcement, constant redirecting/encouragement, taking him off dairy products, removing food coloring and preservatives from his diet... bladdy bladdy bladdy. He suggested medication, and though it scares the living shit out of me to put him on medication for this, I agreed to try. I am at my wits end, and I am tired of yelling, tired of screaming, tired of spanking, tired of taking toys away... I'm tired of him saying "I was bad mom?" when he has to go to bed early. I always tell him "no, you weren't bad, you just need to make better choices."

Anyway. We are focusing on the ADHD portion of his behavior right now, with the hope that the Oppositional stuff will kind of fade a bit. The doctor says that many times, you get in such a battle of wills, and the child is so tired of being in trouble or being redirected, they become completely defiant as a coping mechanism. His hope is that if we can get Nolan chilled out a little bit, some of that defiance will start to crumble and our parenting will be all the more effective. I really fucking hope so.

I love this boy so much it hurts. I want him to do well, I KNOW he can do well, he is so bright and has so much to offer. I just want to make it easier for him to find his way.

2009-10-14T22:23:00.002-05:00

HOLY.MOLY.

My sister posted this to my flickr stream and I was AMAZED at how much miss Natalie looks like her mama and her papa. I'll have to try to find pics to compare.

2009-10-05T08:32:00.000-05:00

The Haps

Long time no blog. I know right? It's been a busy busy couple of weeks, months, summer, etc.

This past week or two sure was a humdinger. My new niece who turned a whole month old last weekend (wtf is THAT about?! Time is flying!) gave us all a scare. If you've been following me on twitter, you know what's going on. I may not blog much, but I twitter all the time.

To make a long story short, my sister noticed that Natalie was not able to keep down her bottles. She was continually forcefully vomiting her bottles up shortly after eating. She was gassy and fussy and not the happy laid back baby she had been previously. There were many trips to the doctor in a short period of time, a trip to Mary Bridge Hospital and even more trips after that to the doc. And Nothing changed. New formula didn't work, special formula didn't work, meds didn't work, nothing.

Finally Laurie had had enough of the go around and took her to Children's Hospital last Monday night. They were stumped at first too, but within 24 hours had diagnosed her with Pyloric Stenosis and a few hours later she was in surgery for the very correctable problem. They went home on Wednesday afternoon and she has returned to being the chill, awesome baby she was before this whole mess. Thank God.

Anyhoo, here are some pictures...

Guess who started Soccer this year?

Seth amused himself by hiding in the goal

2009-10-04T01:55:00.000-05:00

Last Batch

Jessica and her son Andrew, he is my godson. he will be twelve next month. TWELVE.

the new family, Andrew, Jess and Kevin.

Not sure why, but I love this picture of us.

All of the bride's wedding party came down this rocky path to start the ceremony

The ceremony was literally less than 10 minutes. Aaron wasn't able to get a picture of Nolan coming down the stairs because as soon as I came down, Seth made a beeline for me and when Aaron intercepted him ... well, to put it mildly, he freaked the eff out. Then when Nolan got to the bottom of the path and didn't see me he promptly wigged out himself. Cathy went over and walked him up the aisle as he bawled, no pics yet, I'm hoping that the wedding photog got some though.

Even though the ceremony was short, it was lovely. They couldn't have picked a more perfect spot to get married.

The table centerpieces had rocks and the boys were all about counting them. and then fighting over who had more.

I crack her up ;)

toasts

I think this is hilarious, the bride and groom getting direction from the bride's ex boyfriend on cutting the cake. too funny!

2009-09-24T09:41:00.000-05:00

A Few Recent Funnies

Nolan this morning: "wow... look at all the stars."
Me: "I know, aren't they pretty?"
Nolan: "I don't want the stars to fall on us Mommy."
Me: "Don't worry honey, their home is in the sky. They won't fall on us."
(a minute or two passes by as we are driving)
Nolan: "yeah but they're following us."

Seth last night: "iss dark ousside?
Me: "yes, that means it's almost time to go to sleep."
Seth: "I go sleep inna dark?"
Me: "yes, that's right, we sleep in the dark."
Seth: "I no wanna sleep inna dark"
Me: "why not?"
Seth: "Monstas gonna get me"
Me: "no, we don't have any monsters Seth. No monsters will get you buddy."
Seth: "yes will."
Me: "No, honey. No monsters will get you. No monsters at all."
Seth: "ok. I need a kiss onna nose."

:)

The day of the wedding it was virtually impossible to do naptime. The closest we came was putting a movie on and turning the lights off. Cathy and i got ready while the boys laid on the bed. Seth conked out, and Nolan of course fought it with every fiber.

Cathy touching Jessica up before we all got dressed

and again as we went through the whole taking pictures part of the day.

Put that goddamn camera down or I will powder you.

This guy was so handsome, and so tired. Also, the shoes we bought for him the day before didn't fit. So he got to wear lightning Mcqueen sandals. Awesome. Yes, I was THAT mom.

I can see how tired he is in this picture.

I might also mention that during this time, Nolan was completely uncooperative. He wasn't being awful or anything, but was not cooperative at all. He was totally exhausted. Aaron was out driving around letting Seth fall asleep in the backseat, and then he eventually came back and got Nolan too, and drove around for an additional hour hoping Nolan would fall asleep. I believe he finally did, but man he was CRANKY when we woke him up.

Can I have my candy NOW?

My handsome hubby and I

I love this picture.

2009-09-19T11:12:00.000-05:00

Great, Now I'm Addicted to Farkle.

I swear, I have been playing bejeweled blitz on facebook like CRAZY lately. Today I discovered farkle. I have played it probably 20 times this afternoon. Productive, no? That would explain the mountain of laundry that awaits me. But the day hasn't been a total waste.

I shaved Asa, I cut all three boys' hair, did a load of laundry, made lunch and dinner, went to church and scored a pair of dockers and old navy khaki capri's for 16 bucks at value village. Not too shabby.

oh and of course, I'm updating, which earns me a medal anyway. The best part is that we are at the most, 45 minutes away from bedtime. WOOT! The boys are finishing dinner and then it's bathtime and THEN it's bedtime. Holla!

Anyway, here are more Wenatchee wedding pics.

The morning of the wedding day, I took the boys on a walk into Wenatchee. I knew Aaron would have the solo parent responsibility in the afternoon while I was at the wedding and getting pictures taken, etc. So I wanted to give him a bit of a break in the morning. And since they were up at O' dark thirty, we headed out around 9am.

This fountain was only a block or two from our hotel

PuppyDoggy! PuppyDoggy!

awwwwww

I loved the painted windows on the stores, very retro feeling.

by the time we got back, we were all ready for a dip in the pool

Seth was NOT a fan of the elevator. Often tried walking away from the elevator when we were waiting for it, and then once we were in it, he held on for dear life.

all done?

not quite

I don't have many pics from the pool because I only brought the camera in at the end. The pool was really cool though, the whole thing didn't get deeper than 3 feet, and the first part of it was chest high for the boys.

That's MY boy :)

2009-09-15T10:50:00.000-05:00

Sweet Angel Child has become Argumentative Sassy Mouth

Not that I didn’t expect it of course, I mean, we ARE on the cusp of his third birthday. As I recall, the third birthday marked a particularly large growth of the devil horns in Nolan. We’ve been treating his sassy mouth with time outs and reprimands etc. It seems more like he’s trying to feel out his limits.

But then we have the arguing. And by the way, HE IS RIGHT. If you attempt to correct him, he gets pissed and yells and insists that you are wrong. Example: last night I was reading him the little alphabet book and showing him what letters are what, and blah blah blah. It went a little something like this:

Me: A is for Apple
Seth: No, not apple, is fruit.
Me: Apple is the name of the fruit.
Seth: NO! NOT APPLE! IS FRUIT!!!
Me: ok then, B is for Butterfly
Seth: No not butterfly, is buggy.
Me: ok, B can be for buggy, but the buggy’s name is butterfly.
Seth: No, is buggy. Not butterfly.
Me: C is for cat
Seth: No, not cat, is KITTYcat.
Me: Well kittycat and cat are the same thing! (totally trying to make him see how cool it is that a cat and kittycat can be the same thing)
Seth: No! not cat, is KITTYCAT!
Me: D is for dog.
Seth: No! not dog, is PUPPYDOG!
Me: oh for the love of God, let’s go watch tv.

Here are some old pics from the beginning of August when we went to Wenatchee for Jessica and Kevin's wedding! (There are more pictures, probably to be spread out over 3-4 entries.)

Chilling out in our hotel room, the boys were pretty enthralled in the beds and tv and the 'view' of the railroad tracks from our window.

Best thing we did: brought a backpack full of toys and books. Saved our asses BIG TIME.

In line for a pre-rehearsal starbucks... it was a bazillion degrees and I was in dire need of caffeine.

The wedding was at Ohme Gardens and though it was literally just on the outskirts of town, in town we were sweating and miserable, and because of the location of this place ... think shady, cliffside, etc... it was breezy and so nice. A good 10 degrees cooler I would guess. Plus, it was gorgeous. Lots of paths like this to explore.

discussing wedding preperations before the rehearsal... girl in green is the bride to be. I've known her since the third grade. THIRD GRADE! The guy on the right is her ex boyfriend from high school... I've known him since I was 15, he was the man of honor. He helped plan her wedding, and he did a fantastic job.

I thought snacks might bribe him into being cooperative... I was wrong.

Rehearsing

Seth flirting with the bride

They had nametags at the rehearsal dinner, and the boys wanted one, and then promptly decided they DIDN'T want one. Aaron agreed to hold on to them.

thank goodness for remembering to put movies on our iphones. This helped when the boys were totally wily and bored and not making good choices.

This lovely lady with me is Cathy. (Or as the boys called her Miss Cassie)... I've known her since 7th grade, she was the maid of honor and she got the (un)lucky privelege of bunking in with us at the hotel. It was great though, I haven't spent time with her like that in years, and it was the first time she really got to see my boys. And they were totally enthralled with her.

Jess and I

God bless Aaron, he really took up most of the parenting duties that weekend, allowing me to participate in the wedding, and socialize with old friends. He was awesome, and I had a fabulous time, which I couldn't have had without him.

Troy and his mom Debra, it was so great catching up with them as well.

The funny thing is, I've never though he looked like his mom until I saw this picture and then I was like OH MY GAWD HE LOOKS LIKE HIS MOM! Funny what perspective pictures can give you.

2009-09-10T10:59:00.002-05:00

Oh yeah, I have a blog.

I don’t know what my problem is in regards to blogging lately. Actually, that’s not true. I know what part of it is. Part of it is that I’m so tired and done with the day when I get home, get dinner done, kids bathed and in jammies, and off to bed… that by the time I sit in front of the computer, it’s all I can do to read blogs, catch up on facebook and zone out while playing bejeweled (on facebook)… I just don’t have much time or energy anymore for blogging.

For a week or so I was seriously contemplating taking it down… am still sort of thinking about it. I don’t like the guilty feeling when I don’t update. But then again, I kind of like having a blog. I enjoy looking back and seeing what I was up to at certain times in my life, and since I most DEFINITELY do not have time to write in a journal anymore, this blog is my only link to what’s going on.

I am going to start drafting entries in Word and then saving them to my thumb drive, and we’ll see if I don’t get more entries pumped out that way. (OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A FAIL, as this was written the week before labor day and I am just getting it published now. Gah.) I can’t update this bad boy from work; or rather, I won’t. I actually like my job and don’t want to jeopardize it for anything.

So, let’s see… what’s going on…. I can’t believe it’s already September 2nd. WTF. I am so not ready for fall… and yet I am. I am not ready for cold, for long pants and for dark mornings. I am ready for pumpkins, and chai tea (the only time I can drink it is the fall) and the feeling of impending holidays. BTW, it’s only 114 (make that 105) days to Christmas. (You’re Welcome mom.)

Also, most importantly, we recently had a new addition to the family. Not my little family, but my sister’s. She had a beautiful baby girl last week. Natalie Paige was born on the 27th and stunned us all by weighing nearly 8lbs and not looking like her brother! Luke was a picture of Lori, and Natalie seems to favor daddy more in the looks department. Though there have been a few pictures where I swear I see Lori (as a baby) and even a few that remind me of my Grandma.

I got to see her and hold her on Thursday and Friday of last week, and was planning on going to their house over the weekend to get some baby lovins, but I came down with the cold from hell and have been homebound. I am feeling a hell of a lot better though (seriously, Mucinex – the bomb diggity. Or as Nolan would say “the bomb-dot-com”.) I am really hoping to be completely over it so I can go down and love on her this weekend. **update** I made it down TWICE last weekend and got lots of baby time, what a doll she is. Seriously. Not that I am biased or anything. See for yourself:

2009-08-17T10:59:00.000-05:00

*Yawn*

10 days... TEN DAYS until my niece is born!!!! Not that I am excited or anything ;) Aaron and I took that Thursday and Friday off to go hang out at the hospital and get some baby holding time in.

I think Aaron is secretly (or not so secretly) hoping that baby Natalie will qwell any kind of desire I have to have more babies.

Who knows. When I think about having more kids, I don't really want to. Our hands are full right now, I'm tired of being broke... I don't know that I want to go back and start over.

But when I think about a specific baby... like if we have a boy, how his name will likely be Cole... and I imagine him ... then I want to have another baby so bad I can almost taste it. Or when I think about having a girl, how her name would be Annaliese... and be called Annie. Well I think it's inevitable. We will have another baby.

Truth be told, I feel like someone is missing from our family. I am just not ready to do anything about it.

Anyway, I secretly(or not so secretly) kind of hope I am done. I guess time will tell.

scene from Lori's baby shower

This is my cousin Matt's little girl Keely. ♥

The Linus boys

When it was like 100+ degrees here a week or two ago, Ben was MISERABLE. He actually laid under this cold wet rag for about 20 minutes.

I posted this on twitter last week, but this was a note home from daycare. Nolan is learning about Karma apparently.

2009-08-15T10:36:00.000-05:00

This American Life

Aaron and I are watching Season 2 of the tv series... I listen to it constantly on my ipod... I'm a HUGE fan of this show. I thought I'd compile a short list of some of my favorite episodes...

When you Talk about Music I love this episode so much. Particularly the opening story and David Sedaris' story... and of course, Sarah Vowell's story. *sigh*

The Ghost of Bobby Dunbar This whole episode was interesting

My Pen Pal The story about how a 10 year old American girl became pen pals w/ Manuel Noriega.

Come Back to Afghanistan The radio diary of a 17 year old who goes back to live in Afghanistan with his diplomat father... part one.

Teenage Embed (Part Two)

The House by Loon Lake Fascinating.

Conventions An achingly tragic love story in the third act.

First Day All I can say is Squirrel Cop. Act Two. you must listen.

Return to the Scene of the Crim Quite possibly my favorite episode EVER. From Mike Birbiglia's funny story about a car accident to Dan Savage's beautiful homage to his mom. (I've listened to act three probably 10 times)... I adore this episode. And I want to give Dan Savage a hug.

MatchMakers particularly act 3. Kind of a sad moral to the story about the state of affairs concerning race and dolls, but HIGHLARIOUS when she talks about the toy store.

My Experimental Phase Act one about a Hasidic Jew who ends up performing in nightclubs for a spell before settling down with a nice girl and having a family. Very interesting!

2009-08-14T09:50:00.002-05:00

Things that are making me happy today...

1. I got an iced mocha this morning.
2. The boys were extra happy because it's friday, and that means DONUTS!
3. I am feeling good about myself today (trust me, this is not an everyday occurrence)
4. I stopped in to Safeway to pick up some gum, and stumbled across a $1 book sale. I have been wanting to read The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold again. I own it, but it's packed away into storage. They had a copy for sale, and I thought a dollar was a perfect price; in fact, I'll likely lend it out at work, so no worries if it gets damaged.
5. I also picked up a few other books for me and the boys. Gotta love cheap books!
6. It's FRIDAY!
7. For the first time in a while, we have no plans this weekend. It'll be nice to do things at our leisure and just hang out.
8. Peanut M&Ms. The debil yes, but so good.
9. My google reader... seriously, I wouldn't read 1/3 of the blogs that I do if I didn't have that baby. I love not having to go to each individual site to see if they updated. I ♥ google reader.
10. My iphone. For many many reasons, one of which is being able to read my google reader on it.

Here is a pic from last weekend... these are some of my favorite peeps. L-R is Cathy, Jessica, Troy and Me. I've know Cathy since 7th grade, Jessica since 3rd grade, and Troy since 10th grade.

He told everyone at daycare he went on a field trip to a wedding, stayed at the show and tell (Hotel) and was a ringdeer in the wedding. :)

Can I open my candy?

2009-08-13T21:51:00.002-05:00

Oh Hai!

Bah. I have no reason for not updating... I've had time, but no desire to update this mofo. I don't know why. Back in the day, I updated at work. That's not really an option anymore, so my time is limited to when I'm at home... and really, THAT time is limited to when the hooligans are in bed. By that time, I often just don't have it in me to whip out an entry. So that's why the lag in updates. I have been updating my twitter, that seems to be easier than doing actual blog updates at this point.

The boys are good, I just signed Nolan up for Soccer... I am still a little stunned that he is old enough for that. I can't imagine what it'll be like to see him suited up and ready to go. I wonder if he'll be cooperative or if he'll not want to play... he tends to shy away from new experiences, but who knows. As predictable as I think he is, he usually still manages to surprise me.

Last weekend we were in Wenatchee for the wedding of one of my oldest and dearest friends. I was a bridesmaid and Nolan was the ringbearer, we had a blast. Another old friend from high school bunked in with us, and the boys were absolutely enthralled with her. I got a chance to hang out with some of my friends who I really haven't spent much time at all with since I became a wife and mom. They got to see me as a mom and spend time with my kids... and I got some quality time with everyone... it was awesome.

Mr. Hambone.

What you talkin' bout willis?

What happens when he lets me take a picture "Chhhhheeeeeeeeeezzzzzzzeeeeeeee"

Taken at Nolan's school on his birthday

He's got many talents you know

Nolan with his buddies Kevin and Momo

Mama and her boys

the monkeys wouldn't take a nice picture with daddy

after we left school on his birthday, we went to his favorite park

2009-08-03T09:57:00.002-05:00

13.

Ben turns 13 today... He's been mine since he was 8 weeks old. Nolan thinks we should get him a yellow soccer ball "because, because he wants to kick it!"

Happy birthday Bean-dogg.

Leave my goddamn pajama pants ALONE.

2009-07-30T00:58:00.000-05:00

Swimming pics

they had so much fun jumping into our arms in the pool

2009-07-29T00:46:00.000-05:00

And more... shocking, I know

This was Sethy on our way home, I think he had a pretty good weekend

6am potty break

I like to call this one 'ragamuffin on a slide'

Mr. Twinkle Eyes

catching up on his sookie stackhouse

2009-07-28T00:42:00.000-05:00

More Pics

2009-07-27T00:20:00.000-05:00

Hit of the Trip

We took the boys down to the river on Saturday morning, it was sweltering out, eventually got up close to 100 degrees that afternoon. Anyway, we took the boys down to the river for about an hour, and they had a blast. They spent the whole time throwing rocks into the water... throwing rocks is usually forbidden, so they thought it was absolutely awesome. They were basically silent the whole time, just trying to find rocks and throwing them in.

Doesn't he look like a precious moments baby here/

2009-07-26T10:13:00.003-05:00

Totally Wish We'd Done It

It seems everyone has this video on their blog, so I'll join the club. When Aaron and I got married, we toyed with the idea of doing something like this, but it never materialized. I really wish I would've pushed the issue, how fun.

And I tried to talk Lori and Seth into doing something like this for their first dance:

(the fun doesn't start until 1:33)

2009-07-26T00:17:00.000-05:00

Even More Camping Pics

2009-07-25T00:13:00.000-05:00

More Camping Pics

2009-07-24T23:18:00.001-05:00

First Camping Trip

We took the boys on their first camping trip a few weekends ago. We went to a KOA Campground in Leavenworth, a place where my sister and I had gone camping with our parents several times as children. I'm really glad we chose to go there, as they had a playground, and a pool, as well as a large grassy area, a store and lots of activities (though we didn't actually do any of the activities).

It was nice and warm and the boys got over their fear of swimming pools... to the point where they were jumping into the pool (into our arms) and getting their heads dunked in the process. It was quite a change from last summer when we couldn't even get them in the pool at all.

the next few posts will likely be pictures of our camping trip.

2009-07-23T23:31:00.003-05:00

Update and Thoughts on True Blood

Sorry for the lack of posts as of late. We've been some busy mofos around these parts. Yesterday I went to the doctor after waking up in the middle of the night totally freezing. It was still stifling hot in our room (it had been something crazy like 87 degrees or something) and I woke up around 2am and I was shaking and absolutely freezing. I managed to get out of bed and put on my longjohns and socks. My throat was killing me, my glands under my chin were swollen and painful, and I was so achey and sore... it was awful.

Aaron had to take the boys to school in the morning, as I wasn't sure I could manage by myself. I slept in and made a dr. appt, and boy am I glad I did. They tested me for Strep and Swine flu (have you ever had that test done?... holy shit that was unpleasant. A nasal swab clear up to the brain... ok, maybe not up to the brain but damn near close enough... makes my eyes water just thinking about it.) Turns out I have a 'mono like' virus. Sweet.

No drugs other than ibuprofen and tylenol, I've been sleeping the day away yesterday and today. Still running a fever, still aching and sore, still have a sore throat like no other. I am freaking out a little because I am already missing the rest of this week for work, and I really hope I don't have to miss any work next week. I am also supposed to be hosting my sister's baby shower on Sunday, and I am going to call my doc tommorrow to see if I'll still be contagious or not, if I feel up to going. It was a challenge to take a shower today, so I am not sure if I'll feel up to going on Sunday... which beyond bums me out.

Aaron and I have been watching True Blood, courtesy of Netflix. I like the show in general, and I don't mind the changes that are different than the books. The changes work. Anna Paquin sort of bumps me though... I don't buy the southern accent, she talks like she's special. I LOVE Bill. Forget Team Edward, I'm on Team Bill. I don't think they could've cast him any better. Eric on the other hand. bah. He looks nothing like the book describes him... he doesn't look like a viking at all.

My favorite characters on the show are Lafayette and Tara. I think they are Aaron's favorites too, they crack us up. We are about halfway through the first season, so far so good.

2009-07-23T22:24:00.000-05:00

Old Pics

Post from June I forgot to publish....

Master Ben... who is going to be 13 years old in a couple of weeks.

I don't know what it is about that jacket, but I just love it on him.

Heading for the house when he spotted a chipmunk. "chi-munn gonna get me"... it took a lot of talking for me to get him to come back down.

telling me a story

spiky hair!!!

Mesmerized by Bolt.

2009-07-17T12:58:00.001-05:00

Think of them.

Ben would have had his 4th birthday today. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers today.

and we're off!

2009-07-10T15:00:00.000-05:00

We are taking the boys on their first camping trip ever, complete w/ my 8 mos pregnant sister and her family! I'll be tweeting throughout our epic adventure, if you read me via a reader, it's in the sidebar of my actual blog.

2009-07-02T10:22:00.000-05:00

Random

Good Lord I've been busy. Worked through lunch twice this week, not because I had to, but because I was so busy I didn't feel right not doing so. We have Friday off around these parts, but in true WTF style, the daycare is closed on Monday and open on Friday. Seriously, WTF? Luckily, Aaron was already taking the day off for one of his furlough days.

Oh, did I mention I am thinking of running a half marathon next year? My cousins just did one, and I am feeling inspired. I have a year to train...

Mr. cutie Patoot

2009-07-01T09:33:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-29T15:41:00.000-05:00

A Letter to Nolan on his 4th Birthday

Dear Nolan,

Happy birthday my big boy! Today you are 4 years old... which completely blows my mind. Particularly when I look back at pictures of you as a baby... I have a hard time imagining such a tall, lanky, boy as a tiny little baby. You are funny, and compassionate, and resourceful, stubborn, and willful and curious. You can put away 3 corn dogs easy peasy, and then try to pilfer some of your dad's. You love cheetos (the puffs more than the regular kind... you call them BIG cheetos). You love popsicles and ice cream and cookies and chocolate pudding. You love cupcakes and cake in general, though you tend to only eat the part that is covered by frosting.

Your favorite song is 'Womanizer' by Britney Spears, Disturbia(Disturvia in Nolanspeak) by Rihanna, and of course Ice Ice Baby (The ice song!) by Vanilla Ice. You are still obsessed with the movie CARS, but have also expanded your movie selection favorites to include Madagascar, Toy Story and Bolt. Your favorite tv shows are Dora, Caillou, and the Penguins of Madagascar. You also enjoy the King of Queens, Friends and like to watch Jon and Kate plus eight every now and then.

You frequently tell me that Sethy is your best friend, and so is Lucas. You love to dress just like your brother, and just last week you warmed our hearts by comforting Seth after he got hurt and told him "it's ok seth, don't cry." You also stick up for your brother when he's in trouble, telling daddy and me 'Leave my brother alone!'... which leads me to believe that we are doing something right.

You and I butt heads frequently... we are so alike in so many ways. You are stubborn like me, and think it's funny to provoke people and situations just like me too... you love vegetables like me, and you would sell your soul for some m&ms. You are cautious like daddy though, and approach new situations and adventures with apprehension. You are also focused like daddy, often having what I call 'tunnel vision' ... unable to concentrate or focus on anything else until you have come to a conclusion about whatever it is you are obsessing over.

You love your stuffed animals. You have a special place in your heart for your care bears and your teeny tiny stuffed animals. You also love cards... decs of cards, cards from the memory game... it doesn't matter. Fridays are your favorite day EVER. On friday mornings we stop to get me a coffee, and to get you and Seth some of those hostess mini donuts. Then, after school, you get to watch a movie (we don't do tv during the week if possible until after dinner). You ask every morning if it is Friday yet.

Daddy tought you that 8:00 is bed time, and that the first number on the clock on the DVR is what you look at to see if it says 8. Every night when we tell you it's bedtime, you run to the DVR and check to see if it's "8 aclock." then you will tell your brother "it's bedtime because my daddy said it's 8aclock."

You love to eat at Old Macdonald's and always want 'Chicken nunnets' when we get there.

1st birthday

2nd Birthday

3rd Birthday

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
Look at that NOGGIN!

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing
probably my favorite video ever

Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing

2009-06-28T01:17:00.002-05:00

so excited to be in his big boy bed!

Sleepy boy

Taken at 10pm in the dark, he was out. Let's hope he stays that way!

and as an aside, here is daddy putting together the goody bags for Nolan's party tommorrow. I was busy baking cupcakes and wrapping gifts, gotta love leaving stuff to the night before. you think I'd learn!

2009-06-27T21:39:00.002-05:00

BIG changes....

So yeah. Guess who is going to spend his first night in a big boy bed? (It's not like he's turning 4 in TWO days or anything.)

Seth took a turn laying on it while we took the crib down

... Nolan was stoked to say the least. I just wasn't quick enough with the camera to get a pic of him in it at first. I'll update with a pic later tonight after bedtime.

His first night EVER in a big boy bed. Wish us luck.

hold me.

2009-06-26T10:12:00.000-05:00

Hum Drum

We went to Heather's baby shower not too long ago, I brought Nolan with me, as it fell during naptime and I like to test him out every now and then to see if he's still needing his naps. (Verdict: yes. Although, on this day he was great!)

He was mesmerized by Julia... at one point she walked by him and he looked at me and said "I like her." Awwww.

Nolan and his future wife Julia

Julia and her mama, who is due to have baby Shane any day now!!

Nolan caught some z's on the way up to Auntie Heather's shower.

2009-06-25T10:06:00.000-05:00

A Few Others from The Walk

Two of my coworkers, Liz and Angie

Another coworker Martha and her daughter Cassie

Me, E.Beth and Angie

Liz taking our picture

we got these super cool scarves from the Ford Dealer there.

2009-06-24T01:59:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday (Race for a Cure)

2009-06-19T01:48:00.000-05:00

Olympic Game Farm Part 2

This guy kept rubbing his face on the mirror

Seth wasn't totally keen on the big animals at the window... so he went back to his seat for some reading time

We stopped for ice cream on the way home to round out the day

We knew it was going to be a long drive back when we saw this sign

2009-06-18T01:39:00.000-05:00

Olympic Game Farm Part 1

On Memorial Day, we got a crazy hair, and decided to go over to Sequim, WA to the Olympic Game Farm. It's a sort of zoo that you can drive through... the animals come up to your car and you can feed them bread. It was a 3.5 hour drive there, and because of the Hood Canal Bridge Closure, it was a 5+ hour drive back. The boys did absolutely FANTASTIC. No kidding... I had wondered how they might do w/ the long drive bookending the trip, and how they would react to the big ass buffalo and such coming up to the windows... and they were rock stars. I couldn't have asked for a better day, and two better behaved little boys.

Sign outside the gift shop door

The boys each got a prize... Seth got a 'Bussawhoa' and Nolan got a 'Monkey'... it was actually a mountain lion, but he insists it's a monkey.

To save some dough, we packed a lunch... it ended up working out very well that way, as the shop next to the gift shop was closed. It used to sell food and ice cream back in the day if I remember correctly, but looked like it was being renovated when we were there.

I see woo!

2009-06-17T01:34:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-15T01:33:00.001-05:00

Last batch of pool pics

My sissy and her mini me

Who Me?

He's gangsta yo.

2009-06-14T10:27:00.000-05:00

Nolan vs. Daddy

2009-06-12T10:14:00.000-05:00

It's always funner when Uncle Seth gets in on the fun!

Laurie picked up those crayon water shooter toys at the dollar store... best couple of bucks she could have spent.

He is so my child... I am the water fight QUEEN. Or at least, I used to be. I have a feeling I may have met my match in Nolan... I never used to give up on a water fight... didn't matter how wet I got, or how tired everyone else got, I never wanted to give up. Doesn't mean I won them all, but I sure outlasted most people.

Nana showing Nolan how to use the crayon thingy

Not the greatest picture, but I love the exchange between my mom and Nolan

Get him nana!

2009-06-10T10:24:00.001-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-09T11:48:00.007-05:00

Things I Love Right Now

Wasabi Peas... I love them!!! Who knew? 1/3 cup is only 130 calories and you really don't need that much anyway. A little definitely goes a long way.

Tribe Hummus Snack Packs... omg, these are so convenient. One dish is 100 calories, and a box of 16 of these bad boys will run you about 5 bucks at Costco. I love them with baby carrots and celery. Totally makes trying to be healthy easy.

These are so freakin good. Not to mention, that 35 of them equals one serving... I can't eat that many in one sitting, too sweet... if they were chocolate I would totally overdo it, but since they are just sweet, it's easy for me to have a couple and call it good. The birthday cake ones are TO DIE FOR.

Yoplait has outdone themselves with this flavor. Normally the mixed berry is my favorite, and normally I don't care for strawberry shortcake flavored shizzle... but htis stuff is really good.

These are 100 calories a bag, 4 or 5 cookies to a bag... and um... good luck not eating the whole box. For serious.

Don francisco is my favorite brand of drip coffee... I like both the vanilla nut and the hawaiian hazelnut. Sooo good. The hawaiian hazelnut smells like toasted coconut when it's brewing too.

2009-06-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

Water Babies

The boys love going to Aunt Laurie's and Uncle Seth's house... there are many reasons for this... Lukey lives there, he has cool toys, Nana and Papa live there and spoil them rotten, they have a huge backyard and more recently, they got a pool. Seth doesn't much care to play in it ... but Nolan and Luke have a total ball together. Seth would much rather busy himself in the dirt patch off the patio... caking himself and any toys he can grab with dirt and grime.

It's a damn shame that they didn't have fun in the water. Seth isn't much of a water baby, but boy, Nolan and Lukey are.

Seth would get close enough to play with the water toys or get his hands wet, and then he'd get splashed and he was over it.

You can see the fence in the background that was torn down by the fire fighters after the fire next door a few months ago.

2009-06-09T00:43:00.002-05:00

*yawn*

It's 10:43 and I have already been to bed, am up again and watching Earl while a very rambunctious 2 year old wanders the living room, asking to watch Ky-woo (Caillou)and sucking his lip.

I don't know what his deal is... the last week or so, we've been putting the boys to bed seperately... Nolan in the boys' room, and Seth in our room in the pack and play. This was because of shitty choices they were making as soon as the door was closed. No matter how much yelling, spanking, taking stuff away, threatening and begging we did, the time between when they went to bed and when they went to sleep was starting to stretch out further and further. I was dealing with cranky little boys in the morning, and listening to them at night was stressing my shit out, and affecting MY sleep.

So we put the kibosh on it, and it's been working pretty dang good. The boys were going down peacefully, we would put Seth in his own bed when we went to sleep and all has been fine. I don't know what little mister's issue is tonight... he went down w/ a bit of a struggle, but it wasn't too bad. I moved him about an hour and a half later and he wasn't really asleep... and it just sort of snowballed from there. He's wide freakin' awake, and was trying to get Nolan's attention. Aaron went in once and diffused the situation (as I was almost asleep) and then about 5 minutes later I could hear him jumping in his bed calling for "No-wan". So I got him up. Screw it.

We're watching My Name is Earl and I figured now is as good a time as any to update the ol' blog.

How about some pictures?

Lori took this a month or so ago. I love their expressions!

Master Luke

Me, how the boys see me a lot of the time :)

Nolan and Luke in the pool at Luke's house

You can't tell here, but his little teeth were just chattering away

Nolan shows off his latest moves from his interpretive dance class

2009-06-04T10:03:00.004-05:00

Thankful Thursday

Until I get back into this blogging thing, I may try to post some memey things at first to try and eke out a blogging habit again.

So for the first one let's do thankful Thursday shall we? (Thanks to Tib for the logo.)

1. My promotion that became effective on Monday.

2. That I still have a job.

3. The New Moon trailer, I have high hopes, which will likely only set me up for disappointment in the end, but it's nice to have something to look forward to.

4. My root canal was finished last night, I still have a few more appointments to complete everything, but the hard stuff is done!

5. My first Avon order was more than I expected, and it's motivating to do better this time!

6. The ability to read books on my kindle, I stupidly packed my twilight books away, knowing as I did so, that I would want to reread them at some point (despite the many new books I've acquired for Christmas, my birthday, mother's day and Valentine's day) *cough* will get to them! It's been super handy to have them on my phone. Who knew I could like Kindle?

7. Dental Insurance.

8. Coffee. Oh GLORIOUS Coffee.

9.
Benadryl. Seth had a bout w/ hives recently and it knocked this stuff out, thankfully!

2009-05-27T03:55:00.000-05:00

Mother's Day

We spent the Saturday before Mother's Day at the Point Defiance Zoo with my parents and Lori and Seth and Lukey. It ended up being a really nice day, and the kids did pretty dang good.

They liked to sit in the stroller, except that it only held 2 kids... so there was some discord, but it wasn't too bad.

Checking out the Lemur Exhibit. I told Nolan that it was King Julian in there, and he got so excited and started singing "I like to move it, move it".

This guy was cracking me up, laying in the sunshine like a busted squash ... completely oblivious that people were watching

I've decided I want a Lemur as a pet, they are so stinkin' cute

I just thought this picture of my sis and Seth was cute

You can get your espresso delivered via unicycle

He was in trouble, I think for running off if memory serves. I just thought his expression here was hilarious.

2009-05-26T15:47:00.000-05:00

Picture Post

Attack of the zombie baby!

crazy clouds over Mt. Rainier

First Fudgecicle Ever!

the message boards at Sandra's fundraiser a few weeks ago

Some of the many gift baskets for the silent auction

This is Alecz and Adrianna... Alecz's mom is Sandra's best friend. I first met her when she was 4 years old and in my class at the preschool I worked at. Adrianna is Sandra's daughter, she is almost 3.

I thought this was so sweet

2009-05-24T03:41:00.000-05:00

Avon Calling!

Did you notice that nifty little button in the sidebar under my twitter updates? ... Actually, speaking of twitter... did you know I'm kind of a twitter idiot? I just realized I could access the replies to my tweets last week. I sincerely apologize if you've responded to something I've written and I didn't respond back. I'm not a dick, just kind of dumb sometimes!

Anyhoo, back to Avon. I signed up to be an Avon Lady (yes it's capitalized!) last week. I am pretty excited about it... I wanted to do something that didn't require a whole lot of time and effort on my part, but could still bring in a little something extra every month. My rep gave me a code for free shipping, so if you would like to order from me and use it, the code is FSANY ...my Avon Store is www.youravon.com/allisonmartin Also, if you do order from me, drop me a line there and let me know if there are any samples you would like to try.

My favorite outfit of theirs... Of course I bought them matching, how cute are those shorts?!

I just love that he is pushing his beloved 'Wee Wee' in the stroller.

2009-05-23T03:37:00.000-05:00

It's 1:24 in the Morning...

And I update. Man, what a day. My mom came over and spent the day to help us get our kitchen painted. Little did we know that Mr. Aaron had some tricks up his sleeve, he used his brand spankin' new paint gun thingy and needed little to no help painting. My mom basically got to spend the day helping me wrangle the boys and visiting, it was great!

Our kitchen is now totally white... the walls were navy blue before. I plan to finish the cupboards this weekend... I have tuesday off, all by my lonesome. That should give me MORE than enough time to get them done, and then I'll just need to have Aaron hang em' up and attach the pretty new handles.

Of course, now the dining room looks totally dingy. *sigh* Damn you new white paint!

This afternoon, when Aaron took mom home, I took the boys to the park. I chose a pretty big park on Lake Washington, and had to drive around looking for parking for about a half hour. The boys played for a while, but there were so many kids... it was a little nerve wracking for me trying to keep an eye on them, and then Seth would freak out every time he didn't immediately see me when he looked for me. I took them to McDonalds for dinner and then we went to Target, which sadly, I think was the highlight of their day.

They love shopping. Even when they don't get anything. We went to Walmart last night and they were OVERJOYED to be going to 'wuhlmo' as Seth says. I bought Nolan a pack of toy soldiers for a buck and got seth a hot wheel... today was a hard day in terms of the house being tore up. I was stressed and yelled too much... it was my way of making amends.

anyhoo, my eyes are now burning so I am going to go to bed.

My friend Jennifer's Little girl Serenity

feeding the baby

I a daddy!

2009-05-18T15:34:00.000-05:00

Simply Fabulous

We had a really good weekend. One of those rare weekends, where you don't get much done, but actually relaxed and enjoyed yourself... and it didn't speed by too fast. Those are a rarity these days.

Friday night we took the boys to the park, it was pretty warm out and I wanted them to run off some energy before bedtime. The ice cream man came, and Aaron bought them each a fudgesicle/cicle? (too lazy to look it up.) They thought that was the coolest thing ever. I had to help Nolan hold his though because he pretty much flips out as soon as the ice cream starts to drip down on his hands.

After that we went to Walmart (Seth's favorite destination btw, "wanna go wullmo mom.") Picked up a few necessities and splurged to let the boys each get a new truck. Nolan picked a semi truck from the 'Cars' line, and Seth picked a regular pickup truck that came w/ a kayak and a little man and oar. I was kind of surprised that he didn't go for a beloved 'Cars' themed one, but he seems to prefer the regular cars nowdays. I also snatched up a few extras to stow away for Nolan's birthday, as well as a Lightning McQueen hat. When we got home I gave the boys a very late dinner and then we all went to bed.

Saturday morning we chilled out and watched movies, then met up with my friend Jennifer for her daughter's 2nd birthday party. I cannot even tell you how wonderful it was to see my boys be so well behaved. They exceeded each and every expectation, hope, and dream I had for their behavior. No fits, no running off, no getting into the presents, no touching the cupcakes... no attitude, no spitting, no crazy maniacal laughter followed by typical toddler shenanigans... it was great. It was awesome. And I kept telling Nolan what a great job he did by listening and following directions. It was so cool.

They went down for a late nap, and upon waking both were a little bit 'tudinal'... and we nixed our plans to take them to the beach and instead hung out in the parking lot of our condo. We spent at least 2 hours outside... blowing bubbles, playing with sidewalk chalk and riding bikes. Aaron even broke out our bikes and pumped them up... I'm sad to admit that they haven't been ridden in over 4 years... since before I was pregnant with Nolan! Shame! The kids thought it was pretty cool to see Mom and Dad on bikes.

Also, how great is it that they can blow their own godforsaken bubbles now?! I mean, while it makes me sad to see them getting so big sometimes, it is actually really cool to see them do stuff like that... for one, I really hate blowing bubbles. I dont' know why, but I do. Maybe it's the constant wailing of "gimme!" and "let me try!" followed by the meltdowns when they couldn't get the bubbles to come out... in any case, it was great to see them succeed at that, and it kept them busy for quite a while.

When we came back inside Nolan declare that he wanted cereal for dinner. So cereal it was. Who am I to begrudge him? I also gave him some hardboiled eggs as well.

Sunday morning I walked the hill we live on... it's 1.3 miles from the top to the bottom, and it is STEEP. Like so steep that it took me THREE times as long to go up it as it did to go down. So steep that I kept having to stop when my heart rate soared up into the 180s because I thought I was going to pass out. So steep that I have blisters on my feet in weird spots because I guess I'm not used to walking on them for extended periods of time. So steep that my thighs and ass HURT today... but in a good way.

Sunday afternoon we went down to my sister's house. It was pretty dang hot out, and the boys got to play with Lucas in the sprinkler... Seth didn't much want to, and Lukey got kind of wet, but Nolan was absolutely soaked. He is like me in that way, my little water baby. My sister took me down to David's Bridal to try on a few bridesmaid dresses (I'm going to be in my friend's wedding in August) and hoo boy if that wasn't humbling. That was the reason that today I got my sore ass and blistered toes up on the treadmill for a run. And I did pretty good. I have like 83 days or something to be in that dress, so I'm gonna have to kick it up a notch.

And on that note, I am out of here. :)

2009-05-17T03:31:00.000-05:00

Sunday, Sunday....

3 posts in 3 days?! It's almost like I scheduled them to be posted that way! But I wouldn't do such a thing.

No idea what's on the docket today, though I suspect more stuff of the house preperation variety, and oh yeah. Laundry.

Who wants to come paint my kitchen for me?

It's a shame Nolan doesn't like the outdoors. Don't you think?

2009-05-16T03:29:00.000-05:00

Busy Yet Not

Today's plans include going to IKEA for their wacky weekend rummage sale, going to miss Serenity's 2nd birthday party, and hopefully starting to paint. But let's not get too crazy.

I see you!

He loves falling to his knees on the bark

He insists on climbing this damn thing, and when he reaches that point he totally freaks out. Luckily we don't let him do it by himself, so he's always rescued promptly :)

Such a pretty boy he is.

2009-05-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

I suck, I know

There just isn't enough time in the day to update. But I promise I will soon; instead, here are some pictures...

I just want to bite this child.

2009-05-11T21:27:00.002-05:00

Life's a Beach 1

A few weeks ago we went to the Gene Coulon Beach and played at the super cool playground and then dug in the sand. It's our favorite park, and it was pretty warm, despite the overcast clouds.

It took a lot of encouragement for Seth to finally go down this slide. Once he did, he kept going back for more!

Mid Dump

He's pointing to a bug on the slide

the look he gave me when I told him to just go down the slide, and the bug would fly away. I don't think he's buying it.

Seth had just tossed a shovel full of sand in the air, you can see it landing on his head

No sand was ingested during this photo shoot

Taken right as Nolan flung a shovel full of sand at Aaron

2009-04-29T10:03:00.000-05:00

Pics

I got da ball!!!!!!

Scampering

in his happy place

heh

2009-04-22T21:44:00.002-05:00

At least he didn't need stitches

I got a call from daycare at 8:15 this morning that Nolan had cut his lip pretty bad, and they thought he should see a doctor.

To make a long story short, Karen came and got me from work; took me to my car in Tukwila and then I took Nolan to the Doctor. (Karen rocks by the way!)... the doc spent all of 45 seconds in the room and said "no stitches... it would cause him more distress, pain and discomfort than it's worth. Because it's on the lip, it'll heal fast, and by the time we saw the doc; about an hour after the injury happened, it had already pretty much closed up.

here are pics from this morning:

This was taken after his bath tonight

this one makes my knees hurt

It's definitely worse tonight.

I think I'll sneak in after he's asleep and apply some medicated ointment to it. My poor bubs.

2009-04-20T10:01:00.001-05:00

Top reasons why updates will be scarce...

I am looking at working 10 hour days all this week, which means I won't get home until nearly 6:30 and ideally be in bed by 8 along w/ the kids. I"m tired just thinking about it.

Also, my throat hurts... the kids are getting sick AGAIN, making that lovely barking noise when they cough. (Those things right there have nothing to do w/ me not blogging, but they are noteworthy to me I guess.)

We are also trying to get the last of the boxable stuff boxed and put into storage before Sunday when (hopefully) Seth and Laurie come over with their big new truck and help us take several large ticket items to storage. (entertainment stands, bookshelves, hope chest, night table, dresser, etc.)

It's actually quite scary how much shit we have.

ps. the boys had their first fudgesicles (wtf, how do you spell that?!) last night, and Nolan was BESIDE himself when he saw that Seth's was bigger. (Slower eater) and kept crying and fretting and saying "but I wanna lick sethy's bicycle!" (Bicycle=Nolan speak for fudgesicle). hee!

I swear they could be triplets

Seth was so tickled by the bday cake

probably my favorite shot

playing w/ daddy's face

2009-04-17T09:57:00.000-05:00

Aha

After a call into my doctor's office yesterday (when I ultimately caved and tried to make an appointment)... the nurse got on the line and then between me and the doctor, conveyed information as necessary. They think the dizzy/tingling stuff is a result of me coming off of my antidepressant. I would poo poo this theory, because I've been off of it completely (after going from a low dosage to begin with, down to half a pill a day for a month, to nothing) for almost 2 weeks I think. BUT. I took a half pill last night, and damn if I don't feel better today. I am to take a half pill every other day until the bottle runs out and if I'm not all better by the end of next week, they'll want to see me.

So I'm glad that I called.

Also, I'm glad they proved me wrong. My attitude towards doctor's offices tends to be one of "they want to make a buck" but they proved me wrong. They didn't make me come in... I so appreciate that.

Peekaboo!

it disturbs me how grown up he's getting.

I just love his little round head

Who IS this big boy?!

Sucking his lip as usual

2009-04-16T17:56:00.002-05:00

I dare you...

to watch this video and not get goosebumps. or Choked up.

I normally avoid stuff like this like the plague... I hate American Idol and shows like that, but I've seen the hype about this lady... and today at work it was mentioned several times.

So I gave it a watch. And boy... my eyes teared up at the end and I was in awe. As were my coworkers (4 of them gathered in my cubicle to watch)... seriously, she is amazing.

Susan Boyle

2009-04-16T09:53:00.000-05:00

Hmmm

So I was slightly dizzy all day yesterday... the kind of dizzy where I almost feel like I've had a vicodin or something, but not lethargic or woozy. And my face would get barely tingly and kind of numb off and on all day.

It's to a lesser degree today, but still kind of there. In the past 24 hours I have googled the following:

slight dizziness numb face
slight dizziness tingly face
tingly face
kind of dizzy and numb
numb face
numb and tingly face and dizzy
dizzy feeling and tingly face
pins and needles face dizzy
My face feels numb
why am I dizzy

lather, rinse, repeat. I haven't found much that I actually think I have. Some of the answers had to do w/ pregnancy (which I am not, HALLELUJAH.) Some had to do w/ being menopausal... which I am also not (small hallelujah?) and many dealt w/ chronic illnesses or diseases or the treatments thereof, all of which I do not have.

So now I'm kind of thinking possible inner ear infection, though the dizziness is barely noticeable... and really I don't have the other symptoms it listed. Who knows, I will just wait it out and see what's up.

♥ I love this picture

Our niece Seeanna... Aaron's brother's little girl

Aaron's brother Dan, his girlfriend Connie and Seeanna

Ethan our other nephew, and the other birthday boy

Anticipation

2009-04-14T09:48:00.000-05:00

Why I haven't blogged

I have been uber busy as of late... here is a list of what's been going on in bullet points:

• I turned 32 on Saturday
• Seth was sent home from daycare Thursday afternoon w/ diarrhea… and told he couldn’t come back for 24 hours.
• Which meant that I stayed home on Friday.
• I elected to keep Nolan home with us, as he said “I wanna stay with you mommy” when asked.
• I will likely not do that again.
• I spent much of the day Friday in a horrible mood, barking at the kids and dealing with a tantrumming, angry, mean, volatile 3 year old.
• Which made me feel both like a completely ineffective parent and a failure. And also, enraged.
• Friday night I stopped at the store on our way to my sister’s house, and grabbed a six pack of blue moon ale.
• After only 1, I was happy and relaxed and not mad at the world anymore.
• After 2 I was downright cheerful.
• We celebrated my birthday with my parents on Friday night.
• My mom made my great grandma’s famous (at least to us) applesauce cake. She sent the leftovers home with us.
• I may have only eaten the parts w/ the frosting for breakfast the next morning.
• I got a lot of really cool baking/decorating stuff … I’m branching out into new territory here… fondant! But I am determined to find a fondant recipe that actually tastes good.
• I got my hair cut and colored on Saturday morning.
• Aaron’s mom came over to watch the boys on Saturday night so we could go out. We had dinner at Red Robin and then went to the Mandarin for some Karaoke fun.
• I had a really good time.
• Aaron got me a carrot cake from Costco – which was a big hit at the party to everyone except my sister… who still attempted to eat it, but made faces like we were trying to poison her. (She doesn’t like anything w/ lumps in it.)
• The carrot cake had a picture of a princess on it. I loved it 
• Sunday I woke up feeling pretty good considering all the libations from the night before.
• We didn’t put together the easter baskets and such until naptime, so when the boys got up from nap they were told that the easter bunny had been there.
• Did I mention that I had told Nolan we were going to Lukey’s house after nap, and the boy refused to nap? Stayed in his crib and whined for an hour.
• When we got the boys up, Seth was groggy and not totally into it, and Nolan found 2 eggs… and when I say ‘found’ I mean it in the loosest sense of the word… we didn’t really hide them, more like set them out in different spots on the floor and chairs.
• He also didn’t want his chocolate bunny… the horror! Aaron and I ate it.
• We then went to my sister’s for easter dinner… my mom had fallen the night before and thought she had broken her ankle. She spent the day in my dad’s manual wheelchair and eventually retired from hosting early, as she needed to lay down.
• Nolan and Luke emptied the entire diaper pail of dirty diapers into Luke’s toybox.
• I almost had an aneurysm.
• Shortly after dinner we left and the boys fought and whined and got toys taken away from them on the way home. They screamed and cried the whole way home.
• Nolan spit at us again. He was sentenced to early bedtime.
• I worked overtime yesterday.
• I am working overtime today.
• Last night Seth bit the hell out of Nolan’s back. He was sentenced to early bedtime.
• Our house looks like a dirty bomb of plastic easter eggs has gone off in it.
• I left my heating pad on today and am praying and hoping that the condo doesn’t catch on fire.
• I am tired.

Adrian, the Birthday Boy!

How do I get this thing on?

Daddy lent a hand w/ the tricky hat

this one cracks me up

2009-04-10T09:00:00.003-05:00

Home Again

I'm at home w/ the boys again today. I had fully intended on taking Nolan to daycare, as Seth has a dr. appt this morning, but Nolan has pleaded to stay home with us. I have had to warn him twice that if he is going to be wild and crazy and not listen to me then he will go to school, and man... it actually worked.

I haven't been updating here because I've been so tired and busy. But I have been updating the weight loss blog daily. Though it's pretty much about the battle of the bulge and nothing else.

Tommorrow is my birthday, I will be 32. Ugh. I suppose I would feel better about it if I were in better shape. Bah. oh Well, it'll be a good day I think. I have a hair appt in the morning, plan to go to the gym and of course, plan to go out to my favorite karaoke bar!

Anyhoo, I gotta go jump in the shower, we need to leave for Seth's appt in about an hour.

Anatomy of a take down... Seth dared to snag Nolan's ball

don't worry, No dirt was eaten ... and the bully was appropriately punished.

Last weekend we went to the family fun center for a birthday party for our nephews, the boys had an awesome time.

first time on a coin op horse ride

This is a pretty accurate picture inside 'Kidopolis' at the family fun center... sadly, Nolan had just told me he had a tummy ache, and I can see it in his expression here. I like the movement around him, but his expression makes me sad.

heh

He played so hard for about 3 hours

Daddy helped Seth Navigate the tubes

They were riding on the 'Hot Potato' ride

Even the big kids had fun :)

Adrian and Nolan coming down the slide

2009-04-09T10:57:00.000-05:00

picture post...

He shoots, He Scores!

hey... wait a minute...

Also known as the North American Male Mating Dance

Seth and Uncle Gary play WWF in the bouncy house.

2009-04-06T20:08:00.002-05:00

Spoiling her already....

I showed serious restraint.

says 'mommy loves me'

I've been eyeing this pack of onesies for a while...

this is so sweet it almost hurts to look at it

and the tush... omg the tush

I got everything in newborn sizes, but this is 18 mos... I loved the dress but couldn't imagine she'll be able to wear it this summer (Lori is due at the beginning of Sept.) Just look at those ladybug pockets!

oh man... I am going to have so much fun shopping for this little peanut!

2009-04-06T14:26:00.001-05:00

BEYOND THRILLED!

My sister had her big ultrasound today... I am so excited, we are FINALLY going to add some pink to this brood of blue! She is having a little girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!