January 31, 2008

bag it

Because of my love for Etsy I had been searching for little, cute drawstring bags for Baby Love's little toys. I thought it would be cute for her to have a little something to carry around. She loves to put things in bags and take things out of bags. So I thought it would be fun for her to have a little bag of her own to carry her little "peep-pals" around in. I found these at Seabreeze Studio. And of course I couldn't resist the little elephants. Adorable!!

(Just right for Baby Love's little people!)

thanks much

Isn't this so flipping great!?!? My friend dropped it off this afternoon. My two favorite things on a shirt: an elephant and Horton. What's not to love I ask you?
Thank you Wendy!! It's perfect and I love it!

January 30, 2008

its a paczki

For those of you who don't know or can't tell from this grainy picture, this is a paczki, a polish pastry traditionally made for and eaten on Fat Thursday, the last Thursday before Lent not to be confused with Fat Tuesday and the French festival Mardi Gras. I know, I was confused too at first. This year, Fat Thursday is tomorrow January 31st. In my neck of the woods this tradition of doughnut gluttony isn't overly known or celebrated if you aren't Polish. So last year when I flew by myself (without three kids or hubster I might add) to Michigan to see my friend, Kelly, she introduced me to this cute little Polish bakery and this cute little "too many calories" tradition. Unbeknownst to me (until today that is) I had no idea that tomorrow was indeed Fat Thursday until this picture was sent to my cell phone from my favorite Michigander. As soon as I saw it, I smiled and missed her.

Kelly and I met about 13 years ago as co-workers for a retail establishment long gone now. Her husband was in the military and I was working my way through college and living with J. I don't really remember how we actually met or what it was that brought us together. But I do remember I liked her from the moment I knew her. She is the kind of person who makes "fun" where ever she is. Whether you are grocery shopping, hanging around the house, getting pedicures, sweating through a kick boxing class, or picking up paczkis. She moved back to Michigan about 8 years ago now and until last year, I hadn't seen her since she moved back home.

Over a year ago, I decided I wanted to fly out to see her. And at first I don't think she believed I would. I think the thought of seeing each other again after four kids and 7 years caused us both to be a little nervous that we wouldn't know what to say or do with each other. Once I departed that plane, however, and we caught site of each other, our anxiety quickly disappeared for it was like we had never been apart and we picked up as if we were in our early 20s once again.

On her second pregnancy now, I have a huge urge to jump a plane to visit her again. I often wish we lived closer for pure selfish reasons. I don't want to have to fly across three time zones to soak up her friendship and fun. Once a year, let alone 7 or 8, is too long to go without a dose of Kelly.

Today, upon seeing that picture of a Polish doughnut I realized just how much I love her. Her friendship is the kind you take to your grave wishing you had more time together and relishing the time you spent in each others company. "Like that one time, you fell out of my mom's car!!! Do you remember??" (Wink, wink! I love ya Kelly! Good luck with baby Lily. Your in the home stretch now. I'll drink a f*@#!*g caaaaazzzzzmo in your honor. Thanks for being my friend!)

sleep nazi

Last night as we were going to bed, Baby Love woke up like it was nine o'clock in the morning all chipper and bright. She wouldn't go back to sleep in her own bed no matter how many attempts and tricks I used. Being it was almost midnight and I was pooped, I just brought into bed with me thinking it would be sort of fun to snuggle up and snooze with my almost two year old. Oh my gawd! It was like sleeping with a 34 inch tall Sleep Nazi. (NO SLEEP FOR YOU MOMMY!!) She was all over the bed while J and I hung on the sides of the bed for dear life. I was roused awake every 20 minutes or so with a baby body part in one uncomfortable place after another. 1:13 am - foot in my face. 1:52am - head lodged into the small of my back. 2:09 am - no blankets. 2:41 - all the blankets. 3:22 am - hand slap right across my nose. 4:18 am - snoring like a logger! (Okay, that wasn't Baby Love, it was J.) I would wake up in the most horrible positions teetering on the edge of our king size bed wondering how I was going to move Baby Love back into the middle without waking her. Minutes would pass not moving an inch, pondering my pain and if it was worth it to chance waking her up just to get comfortable only to fall back to sleep. At 7:30 am I rolled out of bed with a Baby Love sideways hogging my pillow feeling like I had just sparred three rounds with Mike Tyson not actually throwing any punches but rather running around the ring trying to avoid getting punched. . . . . . or bit, whatever the case may be.


(Sleep Nazi resting up after a long night of depriving Mommy of sleep)

January 28, 2008

need vs. want

I so want this! It is flippin' adorable and I know the kids would love it. I've been trying to turn the downstairs of our tri-level home into a semi play area for the kids. If only money grew on trees . . . .

January 26, 2008

little mister


Congratulations goes out to my brother and sister-in-law on their newest arrival. Say hello to little mister!

January 25, 2008

It's me, Little Irish.

Two days after my hot power yoga class I feel like I'm living straight out of the pages of Judy Blume's Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. I'm so sore!!! Mostly I hurt just above and behind my kneecaps and shoulder blades. But this morning my Pectoralis muscles are killing me. I can barely lift my arms above my head. I keep hearing the words "We must, we must, we must increase our busts!" running through my brain. (Ladies! Are you feeling me?) Oh Margaret, if you only felt what I am feeling right now you wouldn't be trying to increase anything, anytime too soon.

This pain and the lack of use of my arms at the moment hasn't deterred me from going to yoga next week however. You know when you do something and it's clear from the start "this is your thing!" That's how I felt about this class. I'm not great at sports and I lack the desire to really get good at any one particular. I don't really like to exercise using the treadmill or such machines. I count the minutes which as we all know, makes time go by at the most painful pace ever. I like going for walks, but I have to have a buddy to walk with, because like the exercise equipment I get bored and tired of doing it. You know, putting one foot in front of the other over and over and over again and again isn't the most entertaining activity no matter how many times you tell yourself "this is for your own good." But this hot yoga thing, is my thing. I love it!! I don't get bored during it. The pace is quick and I lose track of time. My most favorite part? When you walk out of the hot room into the sweet, cool air. The feeling is invigorating! Yup, I found my thing!

January 24, 2008

observation day

Today was observation day at The Divine Miss O's dance class. She has a blast there and it's always fun to share in her excitement and observe.


*First position* *Plie*

pretty things

from the heat of fire and grains of sand, beauty emerged and cooled into glass . . . .

I received my new pendant yesterday from Jenifer Eadington. I love it!

*Close up*

I also picked out these two pendants for my two sweeties, The Divine Miss O and Baby Love, for Valentine's Day. I plan on picking out something equally lovely for Wonder Boy as well.

I'm all about getting little trinkets and special treasures for the kids these days. I'm overwhelmed by the amount of 'stuff' the kids acquire so I vowed not to buy more unnecessary toys just because for every single holiday.

Aren't they sweet?!?! I just need to find chains and they'll be set for cuteness.

hot yoga

I went to a new hot yoga class last night. I haven't been in a while and J just switched our gym membership over to a gym closer to our house. The hot yoga classes I have been to before were good but very inconvenient location wise. Plus, they kept their rooms way too hot for me. I would spend most of my time trying not to pass out or feel dizzy. The class last night was awesome! The room was bigger so we had more room to spread out and it was only 90-95ish degrees so I didn't feel dizzy or faint once. I LOVED it! I'm feeling it today though, especially in my shoulder blades and hamstrings but I can't wait to go again next week. I'm hooked!

January 23, 2008

all aboard


In one word, today was gorgeous!!! Very, very cold but really pretty none the less. After school, we took a drive to the mountain. Well sort of . . . . We drove to Snoqualmie where the train museum is. We explored the big locomotives and toured the little museum area and bookstore.






Cool steamer trunks!

We made squished pennies in a machine in the bookstore. Fun! Wonder Boy loves doing it. In fact, every time we are somewhere new and different, we make squished pennies to remember our visit.




We walked across the street and headed for the Snoqualmie Falls Candy and Cafe. The kids picked out a bit of candy. The cafe reminded me of a soda shop. Wonder Boy observed that everything in Snoqualmie looks old and old fashion.

Then we walked to KoKo Beans coffee shop so I could get a coffee!!


It was a lovely afternoon.

January 21, 2008

bonjour


more good things


I LOVE this Anti-frizz balm for hair by Phyto. You can find it at Sephora. My hair is neither curly nor straight. It's fine yet I have a lot of it. What does that measure up to? Frizz! Use a bit of this wonder in a tube before blow drying. It's a miracle.
It calms down the frizz and makes my hair soft.
Plus it smells good!



Another find at Sephora is this great moisturizer and brightening serum by Korres. It's fabulous and has a slight hint of wild rose. Delightful!

(You can find Korres products also at Whole Foods but at a higher price point.)

January 19, 2008

1 + 5 =


One bathroom plus five people equals not pretty!

January 18, 2008

just a couple of lovies


Isn't this print beautiful? I happen to love it. And it looks so cute with the little robin egg soaps (that smell delish by the way) I found in Langley. I thought it would be perfect for the master bathroom (when it's done) with the sage colored walls. I found it on Etsy by a NW Washington artist named Jennifer Lommers. The best part is I ordered this Wednesday and I received it in the mail today (Friday). Plus, Ms. Lommers included a $10 gift certificate for my next purchase. Wow!! Talk about service!! Love it!

Speaking of the bathroom . . . . . J finished putting the tile up in the shower and on the floor. He'll grout both soon. I'll take a picture of the finished result when he is done. Next he'll do the walls. After that it's just installation from the toilet and shower stall doors to the mirror and new lighting fixture. We are getting closer!

groovy

I've been groovin' to Kate Nash this week. She's great! I also have Alicia Keys' newest album on my little Zune and for the first time I heard her "SuperWoman" song. I friggin' LOVE it!! I was sitting in my car waiting for Miss O to get released from her dance class when it came pouring out through my speakers. I wanted to stand up in my seat and tell all the mothers waiting in the parking lot to hug and be proud because they are SUPERWOMEN!! even if they didn't take a shower this morning!!

January 17, 2008

how come?

Something I've never understood is when people insist you take your shoes off to be a guest in their home, but when you put your shoes back on to leave your socks are dirtier then if you walked outside in a mud hole. I mean, I understand common courtesy completely. If my chosen foot apparel are caked with crud from mucking the stalls or if I just stepped in dog poop, then sure I'll take them off at the door. I totally get that. But come on! Whatever happened to making your guests feel comfortable no matter what they have on their feet. Maybe they don't want to mop your floors with their white socks that day. Maybe they would like to keep the forgotten bits of playdoh, five pounds of dust and dog hair on your floors instead of taking that home with them in their shoes.

January 16, 2008

i obsess


















I am totally addicted to Starbucks' Turkey Pesto Baguettes and the new skinny mocha. So good!! It's my special treat and I picked one up today after taking Angus to his vet appt. this morning. This sandwich totally hits the spot!! (If you are counting weight watchers points, the sandwich is 6 pts. A lot I know, but of so worth it!) Yum, yum!!

January 15, 2008

Snow! SNOW!! IT SNOWED!!!




its spanish

Miss O: &*D^&*)(HLKDLS%*$*())*FHKS#$^&!@#%$*&^%fkhkdjhfkh!!
(sounding something like "catch a tiger by its toe" - in a sing song voice)

Me: I understand what song you are trying to sing, but those aren't real words.

Miss O: Dey are rweal words.

Me: Nooooo, they are not.

Miss O: Wes dey are . . . . . . dey Spanish!!

January 13, 2008

chucks



The Divine Miss O is filling her big brothers shoes.
I think they look so cute with her red pants.

good things

Orange Clean Power Paste















I love this stuff. It cleans my kitchen sink and rids it of stains and scratches. I think you have to order it online now (which I did) because I haven't been able to find it in stores. I used to buy it at Fred Meyer.

Trader Joe's Shave















This cream shave is wonderful. It creamy and leaves your skin soft. Plus it has a yummy honey, mango scent. Yum!

Little Giraffe blankies















My girls love these!!! Baby Love is not usually found without one or two. After she outgrows her "baby love" title, we just might have to call her Linus!!

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser















No kidding . . . .this thing really is magic. It erases everything from marks on the walls and grime on the frig to stains on the counter and dog nose prints on the window. It's great!

January 12, 2008

office hours between 10 and 2




bloggy love

I'm lovin' SouleMama's blog!!

puzzler

















The Divine Miss O loves putting puzzles together. She got this pretty difficult heart shaped Cinderella puzzle from Santa. It didn't take her long in spite of Baby Love's help.

little moment

















What? You don't feed your babies crayons too?!?!?!

January 8, 2008

the 12th girl


Baby Love in her daddy's 12th man hat from the Seahawk/Redskin playoff game! Go Hawks!!

good citizenship

























Wonder Boy was recognized for a being a good citizen at school today. We received a letter a couple weeks ago about it and were told to keep it all hush, hush as a surprise. It was fun seeing his face light up when he saw his clan sitting in the back of the gymnasium.

We aren't really sure what it was he did exactly to earn this honor but a few months back he came home with a couple "praise notes" from school and we are guessing this was the reason. They have something called the "counting jar" in class. The kids take turns taking the jar home and putting a number of like items into the jar. Then in class, the kids take turn guessing the number of items. Whoever gets the number or is the closest, gets to take the jar home to start the process over. One day Wonder Boy and a classmate both guessed the same number. The teacher put their names in a cup and drew the name of who would take it home that day. Wonder Boy's name was drawn and his classmate started to cry. Wonder Boy said he would rather his classmate take it home so she would feel better. I know . . . . . awe!!!! Yes, this little red headed devil has his moments. We were very proud!

You can check out his blog to see his little movie.

January 4, 2008

resolutions? shmezalutions!

Today was a busy one. I remembered the kids had an 8 am dentist appointment around 6:30 am this morning which meant no shower which also means I'm not off to a start on my 9th resolution. Surprisingly I scrambled enough to everyone dressed, fed, hair combed, and teeth brushed before heading out the door at 7:30 am. The sky was still dark and the commotion from school and work commuters hadn't started yet, so it wasn't hard getting down to Issaquah at all. In fact I made their next dentist appointment at 8 am too which means I'll probably forget about it too until 6:30 am that morning.

It was at the dentist appointment that I was thinking to myself "after I drop Wonder Boy off at school, I'll have all afternoon to veg". That's when I remembered The Divine Miss O has speech therapy Friday afternoons which put a kink in my vegging out plans. After dropping Wonder Boy off, we ran to the grocery store which gave us just enough time to put the groceries away, let the dog out to pee, and dash off again for speech which is also in Issaquah. This time the drive wasn't so pleasant.

After speech, we have just enough time to get back to Wonder Boy's school for pick up because you have to get there a half hour before school is out just to get a parking spot. Otherwise you have to park up the street and walk. Which isn't bad and would probably help with resolution number five but I like to let the girls fall asleep for a little nappy-poo and I leave them in the car while I grab Wonder Boy when school is out. Those are the plans you scheme when you are mom of more than one.

Then we came home, finally. Where I schlep on my 12th resolution and stared blankly at the TV with cartoons blaring. Alas the dirty dishes are still in the sink which is great for resolution number 2, however, I didn't exactly "play with the kids" unless you consider passing Miss O's Game Boy between her and Wonder Boy while they played CandyLand participating in play.

Later, I was surprised when my thoughtful husband offered for me to take off to the mall with a friend. But before you get too excited, although very thoughtful indeed, my feeling is he made the offer because he'll be gone all day tomorrow at the Seahawk game. Never the less, I took him up on the offer and called a few friends with the short notice offer. I ended up getting a last minute hair appointment instead which was just as nice.

I was in bad need of a hair cut to say the least!! As always, I told my faithful gal (who keeps raising her prices I might add) of 4.5 years that I want lots of layers and thinned out mucho grande! I was sort of shocked to see about 3 or 4 inches fall to the ground. But lemme tell ya, my out-grown/looking-like-straw/always-in-a-pony-tail locks were desperate. So I went with it, however, I fear a little bit that I just got the standard mom cut with lots of layers but still long enough to pull back in . . . . yes, you guess it . . . . . a pony tail.

comments open

My mom asked me about my comments section. They are and have been turned on however I can't figure out why the little clickable thingymagig won't show up. Instead if you click on the time stamp, it will take you to the comment section. So go ahead, leave a comment, I would love to hear from you. Plus I'm curious who out there is actually reading. However, I reserve the right to delete any and all unkind, non-understandering words. So be kind or don't bother. Thanks much!

new fave

My new favorite "mom blogger" is a local gal and very funny! Check out Absolutely Bananas! You'll laugh, you'll cry . . . . . okay you probably won't cry but you'll be amazed by her photoshop skills.

January 3, 2008

feelin' funky

In spite of my last post I'm not feeling all that positive with my-bad-self. It's not that I feel negative . . . . just sort of droopy. Blah. Lacking enthusiasm. I've been racking my brain about all the things I have to look forward to in 2008 and I keep coming up short it seems. I'm not mourning 2007 and to be honest, I'm rather glad the holiday season is over, the decorations are put away and life can resume as normal. Maybe it's the weather? Dark, rainy, cold days are not exactly mood elevators that's for sure. Maybe it's my resistance to getting out of bed in the wee morning hours just so we can go to school and work? Maybe it's the constant piles of dog poop I keep finding in the house right after I took that little sharp-tooth, terror outside to his bidness!! (Cuteness will only get you so far my friend! Remember that if you want to live to see your first birthday!!) As I was updating my "Moms Plan It" calendar I realized I had six months of teaching preschool left. Which means six more months of hectic scheduling and making sure everyone was dropped off and picked up at the appropriate times. Squeezing in doctor, dentist, eye, speech and vet appointments. The thought of that made me feel a little anxious and sad. I'm having a very hard time getting back into the swing of things. I wish we had another week to recoup from the holidays and get the house back in order. Maybe I'm just feeling sorry for myself. But hey, this is my blog and I can feel sorry for myself any damn time I want.