Flying Out.....

Yep - I'm leaving for a VERY short trip to....Bismarck, North Dakota. I fly out tomorrow and return the following day. No time to even browse around town. I have never been to North Dakota. I don't even know what time zone they are in. But...I did check the weather report and I should expect the weather to be sunny, in the mid-80's....Woo Hoo!! Too bad I probably won't even make it outside other than the walk to and from the car.

Jealous? I didn't think so.

p.s. did you know there is a "c" in Bismarck? I always thought it was Bismark. As I was printing my mapquest directions - I totally thought mapquest was wrong...but, then I realized I was the idiot. Oops!

Referrals from FB Friends

I am not sure where I found this gal...but, I SOOOOO love her photos. I think that possibly one of my FB friends became a fan of her page and my curiosity took over.

Does that ever happen to you? I mean...one of your friends becomes a fan of a page and you can't help but click on over to their FB profile to check it out and jump on the bandwagon. This happens all the time.

Maybe I'm curious.
Maybe I'm nosy.
Maybe I'm easily influenced.
Maybe it's all of the above.

Who knows...but, someone led me to this blog. And....her photos are awesome!!

On the other hand...I may have came across her site during a blogsurfing zone. Either way - I'm glad I did!!

Luck must be on my side because she had a cancellation and can get us in for a family session on October 10th at the Boojum Tree. Yippee!!! Hooray!!! I have approached the Hottie about his hard-earned D-Backs $$$ going towards family photos (that we will own the rights to) and therefore will be able to print off at Costco. Let's hope he agrees!!!

this is my one-day hopeful purchase...
aaaahhhh one day - I promise!

A Little Bit of Passion

I have been talking (for years it seems like) about having a Passion Party. I went to one a couple years back and it was a hoot! Yes...a bit personal, and funny, and embarassing, and crazy....but, utimately super fun.

This got me to thinking - I seem to like these "party-type" girlie get-togethers. Whether it be Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Southern Living, or even Passion parties - you send an invite...and I'm in.

Do I buy something? Typically, yes.
Do I need it? Typically, no.
Are they fun? Definitely.

Really...it doesn't matter what type of party it is - I just like the "catching up with old friends," meeting new friends, chit-chatting, gossiping, and just plain, girl-fun laughter.

Hmmm...I'm spotting a trend....is it really the "party" that I like or the GNO fun??? Is anyone up for a rotating girls game night or dinner night or even just a gossip night?

p.s. the Passion Party was fun and funny...and I think it was a good turnout - so THANKS!!!

Pwesents!

The last couple nights Lily has been waking up in the middle of the night and changing into her dancing clothes. Remember

Well...just this morning we may have figured out why. We are thinking that maybe, just maybe she is waking herself up to pee. Yes, pee or tinkle or potty or whatever you want to call it....but I'm going to say pee. When she runs into our room (dressed in her dance leotard and tap shoes) she has been yelling that she has to pee. So we take her to the restroom - and my goodness - she goes.

Although she is totally NOT potty trained - this behavior is not that UN-common. She does often go on the potty....followed immediately or soon after by an accident.

Well...last night, she came in....peed (in the potty)....then went back to bed. In the morning she yelled that she needed to pee again. So we took her in...and wouldn't you know it...she peed again. On the drive to Ashley's I asked her if she needed to go potty and she said, "No." But...when we got to Ashley's she yelled that she needed to pee...so we went to the potty and she went. Yep...3 times. in.a.row!! Can you say MIRACLE?

Later, while I was working, Ashley (and Lil) called me a few times to tell me exciting news about pee and (number 2) in the potty. Yippee for Lily!! Each time she successfully potty'd, the kids would line up and give her high fives while she yelled about "pwesents." Each time she called me, she would excitedly yell..."I peed. I peed. I get pwesents." She did have one accident right before I picked her up...but, we'll let that one slide. It's her first day....RIGHT?

My goodness...we may be on track for a potty trained Lilbugs. I really don't want to jinx us...but, I'm hoping (and the chances look pretty good) that just maybe Lil has potty trained herself. It's looking more and more like she WILL be potty trained before age 5.

Yay Lil!!! Everyone...keep praying this is NOT a fluke!




p.s. you may think it weird that I have included a "no potty" picture with the blog....but, Lil absolutely despises the pink potty. She is ALL about climbing up on the ADULT potty. And yes, climbing she really must do - it takes a good minute to get herself situated...but, the pink potty she refuses.

2 Questions...1) what is your take - is Lil close to being potty trained? And...2) if so - what "pwesent" should she get?

Do You Think Brady is Missing Nap Time?

In case you missed it, Brady has entered full-day Kindergarten. He loves it. He is definitely my child in that he loves school. There is just one problem....

Brady is a nap kid. You know - the kind of kid that says he doesn't need a nap then falls asleep. We were worried about how he would handle ALL DAY WITH NO NAP. Luckily, we were instructed to bring a "rest towel" to school on Day 1. Phew....

After Day 1, Brady told us that they do go into the music room for "rest time"...but, they only rest their eyes. He firmly stated that he does NOT nap, just rests his eyes.

Today was a half-day. Brady was invited over for a play date with his friend Connor. Lucky Me...(especially since I work from home on Wednesdays and would have needed to take him to my sister's for a half-day). Apparently, the boys played, ate snacks...and just acted like boys. When I picked him up around dinner-time...I was pleasantly surprised to hear what a well-mannered child he is.

We then jumped in the car to pick up Lil from Cori's. I'm talking away to Brady - asking about his day...blah, blah, blah. 5 minutes later I ask a question and receive NO RESPONSE. I ask again...nothing. I look back....

He's out. Head to the side, mouth catching flies, snoring - OUT. We arrive at Cori's. I turn off the car and realize it's a million degrees out. I turn the car back on...Brady opens his eyes for a half-second for me to ask if he wants to wait in the car while I run in to grab Lil. "Yes," he whispers and drifts back to dreaming.

So I run in - grab Lil - and hop back into the van to head home. When we get home - Brady wakes just long enough to stumble into the house, throw off his shoes, and fall onto the couch. Dinner? Forget it - he is not interested. He somehow does wake to shower. I'm thinking he was sleep-walking because he immediately dresses and beelines it back to the couch.

Poor guy - this "no nap" stuff is tough!!

So...needless to say - this is what our house looked like at 6pm...just after arriving home. Brady zonked out on the couch and Lil...wouldn't you know - dressed up in her dance clothes. Surprise, Surprise!!

Two New Blogs

I am SOOO excited.

Two members of my fam - have decided to jump on the blog-writin' bandwagon.

Yippee!!!!

They are both doing a "photo blog" aka a blog that includes one photo every day.

Check 'em out:

Ashley's Blog

Robin's Blog (sorry...you have to be special to have access)

Lil's Dancing Obsession

We recently started Lily in dance class. Remember this? I wrote about how Lil had a bit of a tough time adjusting to such an independent dance class. Well...she is no longer that shy little girl, with her finger in her mouth watching the other little girls. She loves dance class.

Maybe too much.

She loves her ballet shoes...aka "ballawina" shoes. She loves the "tap tap tapping" noise of her tap shoes...aka "bwack" shoes. And, of course she loves her leotards, skirts, and even the opaque tights. We often find her throwing her play clothes off and replacing them with her dance clothes. What a sight she makes as she is hopping out of her room with a leotard streeeeeeeeetching over whatever clothes she may not have bothered to even remove.

Hilariously A-DOR-A-BLE!!

Well...most of the time anyways.

Last night...or should I say early this morning, I was awoken at the 3:20am (yes, 3:20am!!) by Lil struggling to stretch her hot pink leotard OVER her jammies. She had it stretched over her jammie shorts...but, couldn't quite make it over her shirt. Along with her leotard - she was wearing one tap shoe (with the ribbon lace removed) and holding both her leotard skirt (uh...not needed as the hot pink leotard has an attached skirt) and her little striped tote bag that we use to carry her shoes to class.

At first - the time did not quite register to me. Then...I realized it was 3:20am. UGH! I explained to Lil that it was bed time and NOT dancing time. She; however, did not seem to care. She was ready to dance. UGH again!

I annoyingly located a sippy cup and filled it with milk...then put Lil back to bed. Luckily...she did return to dreamland quickly and quietly. This morning we woke to her STILL half-dressed in her hot pink leotard and one tap shoe.

Oh...and in my disarray...of course I forgot to capture it in photos....OOPS!!

Gotta love Lil...even at 3:20am!!

I Love Discount!!

Flat tire.
Reeeeeaaaaaalllllllllly flat.
Discovered while backing out of garage.
Thank goodness!
The Hottie saves the day.
Spare.Freeway.45mph.Lots of stares.
Discount Tire - Oak & Scottsdale.
Patch attempt...failed.
Still leaking.
Tire not in stock.
Tire located.
Warranty = AWESOME.
Free tire.
Negotiate for 2nd...at discounted price.

Thank goodness for lessons from dad...

NEVER pay full price.
Shouldn't they just come in pairs?

Kind of like saddlebags on motorcycles?

oops...I digress....
Co-worker carpool.
Work. Lunch. Work.
Van is done!!
Pick up.

No hassles.
Love Discount.
Love warranty.
Love free.
Well, not completely free.
But, at least one tire free.
Yippee!!

Photos by Lily

Saturday night at the Babcock's.
Small-ish group...well, for us.
Julio's take-out.
Naps on the couch (that they make into the comfiest bed ever!)
Poker.
Chit-chat.
Rambunctious kids.
My idea of fun.
Check out Lil's view of the event:



Not too shabby.....at least it's in focus!! Lil loves this picture -she is sitting here watching me add it to the blog screaming, "Inkey!! Ashey!! Inkey!! Ashey!!"

Funny Randoms

Thursday, before I left the office for the weekend - I got this SUPER FUNNY email from my friend Julie. Seriously...I can honestly relate to just about every one.

Enjoy!

• I wish Google maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" section.


• More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.


• Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.


• I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?


• Have you ever been walking down the street when you realize that you are going in the completely opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just making a 180 and walking back in the direction of which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.


• I totally take back all those times that I didn't want to nap when I was younger.


• The letters T & G are very close to each other on the keyboard. This recently became all too apparent to me and consequently I will never again end a work email with the phrase "Regards" again.


• Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo, and it wouldn't work? You would then take the cartridge out, blow in it, and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid in America did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no Internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Kids today are soft.


• There is a great need for a sarcasm font.


• Sometimes I will watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realize that I had no idea what the f*** was going on when I first saw it.


• I think everyone has a movie that they love so much; it actually becomes stressful to watch with other people. I'll end up wasting 90 minutes shiftily glancing around to make sure that everyone is laughing at the right parts, making sure to laugh just a little bit harder (and a millisecond earlier) to prove that I'm still the only one who really, really gets it.


• How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?


• I would rather try to carry 10 plastic grocery bags in each hand than take 2 trips to bring my groceries in.


• I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.


• The only time I look forward to a red light is when I'm trying to finish a text.


• A recent study has shown that playing beer pong contributes to the spread of mono and the flu. Yeah...if you suck at it!


• Was learning cursive really necessary?


• LOL has gone from meaning "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say."


• I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.


• Answering the same letter three times or more on a Scantron test is absolutely petrifying.


• My brother's Municipal League baseball team is named the Stepdads. Seeing as none of the guys on the team are actual stepdads, I inquired about the name. He explained, "cuz, we beat you, and you hate us." Classy, bro.


• Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart," all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart."


• How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?


• I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a dick from cutting in line at the front. Stay strong, brothers!


• While driving yesterday, I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thank you Mario Kart.


• MapQuest really needs to start their directions on #5. Pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.


• Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.


• I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.


• Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, you can wear them forever.


• I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.


• Bad decisions make good stories.


• Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone, and I find out that their profile is public, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning that just got the Red Ryder BB gun they'd always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!


• Is it just me, or do high school girls get sluttier and sluttier every year?


• If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.


• Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they're from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like, I know my name, I know where I'm from; this shouldn't be a problem...


• You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.


• Can we all just agree to ignore what comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.


• There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.


• I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.


• "Do not machine wash or tumble dry" means I will never wash this...EVER.


• I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing they weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'


• While watching the Olympics, I find myself cheering equally for China and USA. No, I am not of Chinese descent, but I am fairly certain that when Chinese athletes don't win, they are executed.


• I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Darn it!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and then goes to voicemail. What did you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and then run away?


• I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.


• When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me, but that I have learned from some light Internet stalking.


• I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it is on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.


• Why is a school zone 20mph? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for pedophiles.


• As a driver I hate pedestrians, and as a pedestrian, I hate drivers. But, no matter what mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.


• Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.


• It should probably be called Unplanned Parenthood.


• I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer the phone whey they call.


• I think that if, years down the road when I'm trying to have a kid, I find out that I'm sterile, most of my disappointment will stem from the fact that I was not aware of my condition when I was in college.


• Even if I knew your social security number, I wouldn't know what to do with it.


• Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but, I'd bet my a$$ everyone can find and push the Snooze button 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time...


• My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day, "Dad what would happen if you ran over a Ninja?" How the hell do I respond to that?


• It really pisses me off when I want to read a story on CNN.com and the link takes me to a video instead of text.


• I wonder if cops ever get pissed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.


• I think the freezer deserves a light as well.


• I disagree with Kay jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night that more kisses begin with Miller Lites than with Kay.


• The other night I ordered takeout, and when I looked in the bag, saw they had included four sets of plastic silverware. In other words, someone at the restaurant packed my order, took a second to think about it, and then estimated that there must be at least four people eating to require such a large amount of food. Too bad I was eating by myself. There's nothing like being made to feel like a fat @$$ before dinner!

Seriously...SO FUNNY!! Don't ya think?

Uncle Bryan Style

The Cuties along with their cousins, Rylee and Jake, just after their summertime bath...courtesy of Uncle Bryan. The summer bath was cut short tonight - monsoon rolled in and sprinkled on us. That's okay - we entered the house to the smell of cupcakes baking. The kids dried off, hurried into their jammies and patiently (or maybe not so patiently) waited for them to cool off enough to eat.

summertime baths

& cupcakes = heaven!

Team Edward vs. Team Jacob

Yes...this past weekend was the Twilight convention.

BEFORE you start laughing hysterically (STOP IT!! if you already have) -

I will have you know it was awesome!!

Geeky? Sometimes.
Fun? Absolutely.
Repeatable? Definitely.



















There was a bit of drama - slash - p.o.'d-ness before we left.
You see...we were all set to meet Alice (Ashley Greene), and Emmett (Kellan Lutz), and Jasper (Jackson Rathbone).

Well...Thursday, just 1 day before the convention - they all cancelled.

I know. So NOT cool! But, honestly - it's not their fault. They are up in Vancouver for Eclipse "fight training." Yes...why did Creation plan the event this very weekend knowing when filming was scheduled. HOWEVER....in lieu of a smaller group of "bigger" guests, they provided a larger group of "medium" guests. And they were SO MUCH FUN!

Weekend Highs and Lows:

• Friday - Cori, My Mom, and I left around 4:30pm-ish
• Pit stop to Circle K to fill the cooler with some beverages for the weekend
• Checked into the Wigwam on the west side of town
• Beverages
• Registered into the convention
• Q&A sessions with cast...Catherine Hardwicke, Edi Gathegi, Gil Birmingham, Michael Welch, Alex Meraz, Chaske Spencer, Justin Chon, and Christian Serratos.
• Beverages
• Photo Ops with Cast...we were sneaky (shhhh...it's a secret)
• Poolside appetizers and beverages
• Vendor browsing
• Wigwam Shade cocktails - HIGHLY recommended
• Twilight Trivia - No winning for us
• Autographs
• Beverages
• Twilight spoof films - F-U-N-N-Y!
• Directing people to the beverages
• Make a Wish Foundation charity breakfast (best part of the event!!)
• Silent Auctions for Make a Wish....go MOM!
• Vegemite and Australian friends
• Smokin' with the celebs - well...I don't smoke, but I was out with the smokers

My Q&A's of the Weekend:

1. Were there some strange peeps in attendance? Ohhhhhh Yeah - people watching made for some excellent entertainment. Oh...and I seem to attract them all!

2. Did people dress up? Mainly just at the vampire ball.

3. Wait...there was a vampire ball? Yes. We did not purchase tickets - but...we crashed it for a few minutes on the way to the pool.

4. Did people dress up at this so-called ball? Ohhhhh Yeah - prom dresses, characters...it was exactly what you would imagine. So...we quickly left in our swimsuit cover-ups and headed to the pool, beverages and all.

5. Was Robsten there? Umm...no. I can imagine the SWAT team would have needed to be called out to protect.

6. Did Jessica act like a crazed fan? Well...no, not crazed. But, definitely jaw-dropping, stunned and speechless.

7. Did we mingle with the celebs? Yes...outside smoking - it always seemed to be just us and them.

8. Were we the oldest ones at the convention? No way! I'd say right in the middle. There were a lot of young girls with their moms, teens with their moms, and groups of friends in their 20's, 30's, 40's, etc.

9. Were there any men? Yes. I'd say around 50-or so. They're called "Twi Guys." Cute, huh?

10. Did I purchase anything? Yes...a baseball style t-shirt reflecting Team Vampire and an organic lip gloss made by a group of Utah ladies with a vendor table. LOVE IT!

Overall, Girls' Weekend was SUPER Awesome!! The resort, the convention, the beverages, the gossiping, the beverage-run, the late-night swimming.......everything was F-U-N, FUN!

Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaappy

Birthday April!!!

Yes...she does look mighty familiar, right? You probably remember her from here and here.

Brief overview....

Name: April Osborn

Relation: the Hottie's sister, my SIL, and the cuties Aunt

Location: Castle Rock, CO

Married: you betcha, to Justin

Kiddos: 2 - AJ and Hayden...and can't forget Buddy

Likes....: Geocaching

Addicted to....: Big Brother and BB After Dark

5 of our favorite things about April....

1. She always has yummy snack candy stashed somewhere.

2. She puts TONS of thought and effort into presents and cards and even wrapping.

3. She gave us (well, with Justin's help) 2 of our nephews.

4. She sells Gold Canyon Candles....sniff sniff....yummy!

5. She is always willing to dish out the BB After Dark secrets.

We love you April!!!

Hope to see you soon!

I'm Lazy

photo courtesy of textually.org by way of google

I was just updating my iPod.
I love it.
A LOT!

A few years ago when Howard Stern switched to satellite I was devastated. I was a regular, daily listener. Yep - love him. For Christmas that year, the Hottie bought me Sirius satellite. I was shocked...and excited.

Well, we went to install it into the van. Oops...I was a little hesitant to put it in the new van (we had literally JUST bought it) and I didn't want to drill into the dash and there was really nowhere to hide it.

So, guess who then got it installed into their car?? Yep - Merry Christmas to the Hottie. But, he felt bad...so bad that he went out and bought me an iPod. A video iPod even. Back in the day when they were the size of a large men's wallet. And, back in the day when it seemed like we had lots of disposable income.

The Hottie filled it up with lots of tunes. Tunes from our CD's, friends' CD's, iTunes, and shhh...don't tell, but another secret website. We put a little bit of money on each site, used a couple dollars at that time...and saved the rest with plans to add to the iPod over time.

We never added any more songs.

A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to update the iPod. I entered each site and located tunes I just absolutely needed. It took hours. The Hottie was long asleep when I finished loading the iPod. By the end of the night, I had spent the rest of the money (not a ton of moolah mind you). Phew. No kidding - it took 4 years, but I did it. I spent no additional money...well, other than the Twilight CD, but can you blame me? It's awesome!

I'm not sure why it took me so long to use this money. Either I'm lazy or just content with the 600 or so songs that the Hottie had added 4 years ago.

Tonight, the Hottie told me he wanted to add an old school song to the iPod. Something from the 80's movie Rad. Well...I got out my handy GIGANTIC list of songs that we are still lacking and added his tune to the list. I was feeling extra nice. I opened up iTunes and bought the song. Well, sheesh - if for $0.99 I can make the Hottie happy....I'm in!

While in there...I added a few other tunes to the iPod and A LOT more to the list. Who knows, maybe in another 4 years we'll get this new list knocked out.

I find that I'm lazy in a lot of areas...
1) Adding songs to the iPod (especially when I already had $$$ saved on the sites)
2) Adding pictures to my Facebook
3) Blogging - I have a list of blogs that I want to write...and have yet to sit down and do just that.
4) Potty Training - (not me, Lil). I am seriously the world's worst potty trainer. I hate it. I've got no patience. My Aunt Karen tells me that my mom trained her son, Dougie. Well...I'm about ready for my mom to take Lil for a week and return her as an undie-wearing princess.
5) Mopping - Y-U-C-K, it's my absolute LEAST FAVORITE CHORE! I'm embarrassed to admit I have been meaning to mop my floor for 3 weeks...and still haven't.
6) Getting my hair cut - ok...so it's not that I don't enjoy it, it is definitely relaxing...but, who really gets a hair cut every 6-8 weeks? Well, apparently everyone, but me. That's why I had to get rid of my bangs (which I loved) because I just wasn't regular enough at the salon...and I certainly do NOT trust myself to trim my own.
7) Making my bed - yep...I WAY too often leave the house with the bed unmade. Sad, but true...especially, because I hate getting into my bed at night if it is all messy.
8) Checking voicemail - if it's that important...they'll call back or call my cell or send a text...RIGHT?
9) RSVP'ing - I am SO bad at RSVP'ing to everything...well, everything but weddings. I never miss those - I promise! Thank goodness for Evite's, they have drastically increased my RSVP return rate!

I think that's enough laziness for one night. The thing is...I think I'm content with most of that laziness - so...you probably won't see many changes. I promise I have lots of good traits - I was just in the mood to admit some faults.

p.s. Don't ya just love the shuffle...I just went from "We built this city on rock and roll....." to "I'm going to love you more than anyone. I'm going to hold you closer than before. And when I kiss your soul, your body'll be free. I'll be free for you anytime. I'm going to love you more than anyone." to "I need to tonight. Cause I'm not sleeping. There's something about you girl...that makes me sweat." Ahhh...some insight into my tunes.

p.s.s. I'm no longer a Stern listener. No Sirius = no listening.

p.s.s.s. If you're still reading - BLESS YOUR HEART. This is the longest post of useless information - EVER!

My Dad Really is Poppy

Luckily, my dad has "volunteered" to pick Brady up from school on Mondays. Yes, Brady is SUPER excited. He hopes Poppy sometimes saves a pool for him to help service.

In preparation for his new "job," my dad took a test run with me yesterday on Brady's first day of school. It was probably a bad idea. No, not the test run...but, choosing it on the first day of school.

After arriving over 20 minutes early (by suggestion from other parents) we were looking good - only about 6 cars back in the parent pick-up line. And those of you with elementary kids know this line can be very, VEry, VERY, VEEEEEERRRRRY long. In fact, about 10 minutes after we arrived, I'd estimate the pick-up line was 70 cars deep. At least. No joke.

Sitting there (of course with the AC running) another mini van squeezed in between me and the car in front of me. Well...my dad = NOT so happy. He waited a minute, then reached over and honked to let them know that was NOT cool!

Maybe this was the first day jitters - but, many parents (NOT us) got into the parent pick-up line, turned off their car, got out, and walked over to locate their child.

Wh-Wh-What??

This line is supposed to be like a drive-thru. You get in line (arrive early to be first...WAIT your turn), kids come out, kids get in, parents drive off. There should be NO getting in line just to shut down car and walk around locating your child. If this is your plan - park across the street and walk up - DO NOT ruin the drive-thru line.

I mean...can you imagine waiting in a 70-car line at Wendy's and cars all around you are shutting down, the drivers are getting out, walking up to the window - asking for their food, chatting with the workers for a bit, then walking back to their car, starting it back up....all, as you sit there patiently waiting your turn? Well, that's pretty much what happened yesterday.

There is definitely NO cutting in these lines. It's a one way parking lot. The drop off area allows enough room for the right curb lane to be the "waiting area" for you to pull up and stop your car to wait for your child. As children get picked up ahead of you and the cars pull away, you get to move forward. See how that works? Then, once your child gets in the car - you can either, pull out to the left and drive out the lot, or...pull forward and out of the lot if all cars in front of you are also full and ready to go. There should be NO utilization of that left lane as another "waiting area" or for "cuts-ies." Sorry...if I got there first, TOO BAD! Right? I mean...it's just like at a drive-thru.

Phew...I was definitely thinking all of that - but, not vocalizing my irritation. My dad...he couldn't hide it. He was sure to honk and tell the parents and teachers exactly how he felt. I don't blame him one bit. And, once I hid the "child identification" paper that you keep visible in your car, it sure made for some good laughs.

Once Brady was in the car and we were FINALLY pulling away from the school - my dad proclaimed that he would be arriving early enough every Monday to be the very first car in the drive-thru line. Somehow, I don't doubt he will.

This reminds me of my Poppy (my mom's dad). He often helped out my parents by picking us kids up from school or summer day camp. He ALWAYS left early. And by early, I mean at least 45 minutes early. But - we were always on time, and he was always on time to pick us up.

I'm thinking my Poppy and my dad are on to something. Bryan has already told me - he too, will be arriving early. The two of them are like two peas in a pod. I'm sure they are both already stressing over the pick-ups. I have no doubt that they both will be the very first car in the parent pick-up line every day, over the next year.

In all reality, though, eliminating Kids Club cannot be done without my dad's help. So, THANKS DAD for helping us out!!! You are definitely a lifesaver - and Brady is ecstatic that Poppy is picking him up on Mondays.

p.s. Day 2 - the line looked good, but seemed to never move. Although I arrived early - I decided to fore go the drive-thru line in lieu of parking at the park across the street and walking the 50 yards to the pick Brady up.

A Note to our First Born

Dear Brady,

Today is your first day of Kindergarten. Daddy and I dropped you off just a couple of hours ago.

Wow. You are such a big, independent boy - you walked right into the school with such confidence, excitement, and only a tinge of nervousness. We just know you will be a superstar. Even beginning with first thing this morning - you woke up and came out dressed for the day ready to go...Nanny hair and all.

I am sorry for the gazillion pictures I took - I just couldn't help myself. Luckily I was only one camera amongst about a thousand others. You should probably get used to it - I do get a little camera happy and I am certainly NOT shy about it, although I'm sure Daddy would prefer I try to blend in just a little more.

When I picked up Lily after dropping you off - she quickly asked where you were. She was very sad when I told her you were at school. Gratefully, Aidyn is with us today to help lift her spirits. They are both VERY EXCITED to pick you up this afternoon. In fact, they are even excited for naps because they know picking you up from school happens right after they wake up.

You will have many more first days of school. Enjoy them. School is awesome - you will meet lots of people, make lots of friends, and learn so much - much more than you will ever really need to know (and you can too soon be much smarter than both Mommy and Daddy). The possibilities are endless and it all begins now.

We love you buddy - have fun, respect your teacher, listen, learn, think, make lots of friends, and please remember your manners.

Love,
Mommy

Baptisms and Firsts

Today Babe Lincoln was baptized.

You should have seen him - SO cute.

His little outfit was adorable and his father kept calling him a marshmallow.

If marshmallows are adorable blonde-haired, blue-eyed munchkins dressed in all white -

then he is definitely a marshmallow.

Brady thought he "graduated."

Lily thought it was his birthday.

Anything with cake - she assumes is a birthday.

Happy Birthday is her favorite song.

Once again...I am photo less from the baptism.

My fault mostly.

I thought the hottie plugged the camera battery into the charger...

He thought I just needed the charger plugged into the outlet.

So...NO photos.

I will NOT make this mistake tomorrow.

It is Brady's VERY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!

He is super, super excited.

Thursday he told me..."I can't wait for Monday, Mom...I wish Monday came after Saturday."

Ummm...that's my son - the one that can't wait for school.

Is he my child or what???

Yes, it is the night before my first born begins school.

We had a very lovely day filled with family, God, swimming, softball, and cake.

Brady is clean and relaxing on the couch as I dry his sheets for his bed.

We procrastinated a bit too long on his haircut - oh well.

He still looks good with "cool hair."

His outfits are picked out for the week and hanging in his closet organizer -

thank you IKEA.

He was SO excited to pick out his outfits for the week.

He can't wait to wear his Tony Hawk shorts

and his new "cool Nikes" that Aunt Cori picked out.

Thanks to Nanny and Poppy he will be certainly schooling in style.

He has waited to wear his new school clothes

and literally CANNOT WAIT ANOTHER DAY!

I cannot believe he is entering Kindergarten.

I am very excited, and only a little sad.

It seems like yesterday that we left the hospital -

On that rainy afternoon - with this new little guy.

Stopping at Carl's Jr. along the way home.

Me sitting in the back watching every breath he took - NOT KIDDING.

And, now tomorrow morning, the Hottie and I will drop him off to Mrs. Silveira.

Wow.

Un.Be.Lievable.

Where does the time go?

Most of me is so very excited for him.

I know what lies ahead over the next several years -

Or at least I have an idea.

I, too, am giddy...

like a 7 year-old Dawn on the night before Christmas.

I hope I can sleep.

Somehow, Brady has never had trouble in that department.

1st picture - Brady 3 days old & 2nd picture - Brady tonight.

Yes...I'm a Blubbering Idiot

Last night was the SYTYCD season finale.

It baffles me that I only started watching this show last season.

How I missed seasons 1 - 3...I HAVE NO CLUE!

I love this show.

Love it.

Seriously.

LOOOOOOOVE IT!

When they dance - I can really feel the story.

Many times it affects me emotionally.

Maybe I'm just turning into my mom,

but...you can often find me crying during the performances.

Even Bryan loves it.

He doesn't cry.

But, he loves it.

This year my favorites were Janette and Ade.

They didn't make it to the end.

From the top 4 - I loved Jeanine.

Guess who WON????

Jeanine.

Lily loved Kayla.

Bryan loved Brandon.

Brady loved Phillip - you should see him do a Phillip impersonation.

TOO CUTE!

The best new is....SYTYCD is back SEPTEMBER 2!!

Yippee!!!!

These are my 3 favorite from this year. But, really nothing beats my faves from last year.

Is That Scuba Steve?

Nope, it's Jake!!!

Is this not the cutest picture EVER??

Oh - Jakey...how I love you.

You are SO adorable.

Love, Aunt Dawn

just in case you forgot....

Summer Birthday Parties

I think it is pretty much a given that if you have a summer birthday - you will have a pool party. It doesn't even matter how old you are - OnE, tWO, THreE...any age.

This weekend - we went to a birthday party for a 2-year old.

And, boy did the cuties have fun.

Swim, swim, and more swim -

until your eyes are so red from chlorine

you can't even keep them open.

O-U-C-H!!
(wait - maybe that's just Brady)

The cuties would loooove to have pool birthday parties.

But...it's not in their cards.

Both of the cuties have January birthdays.

January = NOT swimming weather.

Once again - this summer party brought out the almighty, endless fun, kid-loving inflatable water slide. Hours and hours (literally) of never ending giggles and laughter and yes...crying fits when it is time to get out.

Swimming makes the heat all worth it.