Honest Truth

Today Brian and I both had some shopping/errands to run. So we decided to make it even and far for both and split the boys up. It is rare that we do this, and today was a special treat. We actually we off in two separate cars. (Usually we just leave one kid at home with one adult while the other goes out.) The boys had no idea what to think. We asked them who wanted to go off with whom, they chose, but when it came right down to it; mason was pissed that he was going off with me even though he said he wanted to. It was the appeal of the truck. They both wanted to be with daddy. So I listened to Mason cry. Him and I talked, I bribed (not my proudest moment) and we were on our way.

After shopping we met up and had some dinner. To be fair we let the boys switch cars for the ride home. Well, since Aidan had been with Brian Christmas shopping he started to tell me all about his time with this daddy. Literally ALL.

He was going on and on and on and THEN.."mommy, me and daddy got you clothes and underwares(as he says it)." I just died laughing..Thanks son for telling me something your daddy bought me for Christmas. haha

Kids cant keep a secret. Note to self: Dont take them Christmas shopping with me and say its for your daddy because then he will know.

Today my son, Aidan, told me ....

Chocolate makes your tummy hurt.

I cant have chocolate mommy. I dont want my tummy to hurt.

I mean are you serious. Coming from a kid. Love it.

I think Santa has found one of his items he will be delivering to this house....as much as the boys love to vacuum with my dyson it is time they have one of their own. This way they cant break mine.

seriously

Oh how big my little boy is getting. On Wednesday, Andrea and I were getting the boys ready to take to daycare so that us ladies could go to class. It was crazy around here as usual at the time. I was especially upset because I kept asking them to get their shoes on so that we could go. Instead of getting his shoes on, what do I find?

Mason, in the kitchen, in the pantry with the doritos bag open and himself a ziploc bag. My son was putting a snack together for himself to take in the car.

I mean are you serious. This kid is just too smart. Then they swithed and Aidan decided he needed a snack if Mason had one so he got himself some granola.

What happened to my little boys.

Fries

Now that the boys are getting older I often ask them what they want for lunch. The usual response is chicken, as in chicken nuggets. So today I just came right out and asked if they wanted chicken nuggets and here is how the conversation went.

Me: "Boys, would you like chicken for lunch?"

Twins: "and fries."

Me: "We dont have any french fries."

Aidan: "You need to go to the store mommy?"

Me: "Yes, I need to buy some more at the store."

Aidan: "Ok, well I dont want chicken."

So we went through the list of options and I threw chicken in there again. They didnt want nuggets if they couldnt have fries.

Mason's boo boo

Yesterday, October 22, I got a call from my daycare shortly after I had arrived at work. I didnt answer my cell because I am thinking nothing is that important that I need to deal with it right now. But then the restaraunt phone rings and it is my daycare. Ok it must be important!

He has fallen off the bay window onto the hardwood floor in the play room.

WHAT?!

I immediately dont know what to say or do. I tell her that I will call her back after I get a hold of Brian. I am not sure what to do.

Is it a bump? Or is it really serious?

I leave that decision up to the medical person in our family, Brian.

He says to take him to the hospital which presents a whole new issue. I am managing and he is working. So he leaves work and meet him at daycare to switch out cars. He takes him to the hospital and finds out that my little man is ok. We just have to observe him for the next 6 hours.

Aidan is obsessed with this book. He just calls it Hicky Dock. Please mom I want to read Hockey Dock. It is very cute.

Working out

Today was my 1st day of working out. I ran/walked 1.3 miles in 15 minutes. I am way out of shape.

I had a coupon to try this new Item!Today, me and the boys tried it for lunch. It was good. Was it worth the cost? Not sure yet. It claims to be a serving size of 2 but it was barely 2. I split it between the boys, gave them what they should have and then I had the remainder. Which was not alot. And I believe that there could of been a few more pieces of chicken in the bag too. I dont think I would buy it again unless I had a coupon and it was on sale. Just because we would need two bags of it if Brian was home.

All and all, the taste was great. A lot better than some other boxed or frozen chinese dishes I have tried recently.

Abercrombie Models

I have little Abercrombie models on my hands.

Moments that Make you feel Good

Ever had those days or moments when you just arent feeling so great about yourself. And then along comes someone or something to put a smile on your face.

Well, last night I had to stop off at the store to get pull ups for the boys and I was in my nasty work clothes. Not feeling so hot of course because I am wearing all black and smell of food. But nontheless, this stock boy looks right at me to ask if I am finding everything ok and instead he says, "Wow, you have beautiful eyes!"

I say Thank you and continue walking down the aisle toward the pull ups. Then I pass by another stock boy. I nod. He meets up with his co-worker a few feet from me.

I am guessing they think I am out of ear range because I hear the first stock boy say to his co-worker, "Dang that woman is fine!"

Sure does make a great ending to a bad night at work.

The Biggest Loser

I have been a fan of this show for a long time. but the other nights episode kills me. This season is killing me. When will these people learn that they are on this show for THEMSELVES. They are there to lose weight and to get healthy.

Does it really matter if you switch teams and have a different trainer?

NO!!

You still live in the same house as everyone. Everyone and those that supported you before will continue to support you. You just weigh in on a different team. Wake up and realize it is about your health. That is it.

Prayer

should be

a 1st Option

NOT

a last

resort!

My family

4th Annual Beer Pong Tourney - NFR 80's event

Happy 80's Party!

Brian was the refer for the beer pong tourney..and i was just at the party for fun.

Dommed from the Start

Whatcha Doing Mommy?

Yesterday, I was in the kitchen about to make lunch for the boys when :

Aidan : "Whatcha Doing in the kitchen Mommy?"

Me : "Making lunch peanut"

Aidan : "Oh, ok!"

I guess I was allowed to be in the kitchen as long as I was making lunch. I just thought it was too cute to have my little boy asking in such a grown manner what I was doing.

Road Trip

This past weekend on Friday night, Brian and I had the opportunity to go out of town to the North Carolina Sound with Brent and Rachel without kids.

We had the option to eat there in Columbia or go into Manteo and have a nicier sit down dinner. I choose for the dinner in Manteo since we didnt have the boys. From the house on the sound, it is about 45 mintues into Manteo.

It was a nice long trip with good friends and good music. And then a bat hit the windshield. Or we think it was a bat.

So we got into Manteo and then drove around discussing what we were going to do for dinner. We decided on Strippers but when we parked and walked up, they were closed. They close on a Friday at 8:30 pm. I mean that is so early.

Now what? Drive back and eat at the small burger place we could of had 5 minutes from the house...or drive into Nags Head and try to see what they have open.

Nags Head it was. But first we stopped at McDonalds to get 4 fries to hold us over. And they jacked up our order. But it was food. And food is what this car needed because the hungrier Brent got the funnier he got. I was laughing so much I thought I might just pee my pants.

We found a place to eat that was to die for. Dunes. It was the most fabulous fried shrimp, mashers and green beans ever. The server was great too. Very cool and laid back considering we were the last table in the door.

Never know what kids will do

You never know what kids will do.

This afternoon/evening we went over to Rachel Coberly's parents house (fiance to Brent Cole, fellow firefighter) to watch football in her dad's man room. Mr. Coberly has an addition on their house with so much Tampa Bay Buccaneers stuff it is insane. The man "tv" in there is a project screen tv so that thing is huge. There are about 5 other tvs in there to watch all the games possible at one time. It is better than going to a bar.

Well at half time, all the boys decided to go outside and play volleyball. At the Coberly's they also have a full size sand volleyball court in their backyard. After they finished their first game, Mr. Coberly jumped into the pool to cool off because he had worked up a sweat from the game. Brent decided he needed to get in to. Thus Aidan and Mason thought they should get in too. So from the outside on the lawn you see two little boys stripping. And tell me and Brian and Rachel they need to go in too.

You just never know what kids will do.

They went down the slide right into the pool. And Aidan just thought he would jump in and scare us all. Thank the good Lord Brent was right there to save him. But Aidan acted like he was never scared and it was no big deal.

Brotherly Love

how cute are they?!

Aidan

Mason

1st day of Preschool

Today was the day...the 1st day of Preschool.

Such a monumental day. My little boys are growing up and now attending school 2 days a week.

The day did not go so smooth. We got out of the house a bit late because the boys were not interested in getting ready. However, due to the rain I let them wear their fire truck raincoat that their Nana got them and that seemed to make things a bit better. Once I carried them to the car because we have the front yard that turns into a lake when it rains we were off to school. However, with the rain, the streets of Norfolk were flooded so it took much longer to get down each street. And then the streets that werent flooded, people were driving slower than molasses out of a glass jar. We finally got to school and in they went. They knew right where to go. At the door of the classroom, the boys just went right in.

I had to ask for a kiss. Then off they went.

~~~~~~~~

And what a great day they had. Their teacher, Ms. Ashley, said they did so many great things today. They played with blocks, puzzles, books and cars until circle time. During circle time they sat very nicely and listened while books were being read. (I am shocked - but that is why they are going to school. To learn to behave and follow directions better.) After stories they went for the first time to Music class with Mrs. Rachel. Then it was snack time and more inside play because the weather was so nasty. Also, the boys did stations where they they choose to color and do the peg board.

It sounds like they had a great first day.

Excuses

As every mother knows there comes a time when your children use every excuse in the world not to go to bed. Well right now, that time has come. Since we are potty training and I wont let them go to bed with water or drink anything else. They ask for several hugs and kisses and to be covered up mulitple times. I dont mind that.

And then soon as I get settled doing whatever it is I might have to do for the night, I hear the infamous, "MOMMY, I have to go potty!"

So I say to myself, "Do they have to really go potty? Or this a ploy to not go to bed?" And to my surprise, most nights they have to go. Tonight was no different then any other night except tonight Aidan said about 15 - 20 minutes after the last tuck in, "Mommy, I have to go poop!"

I believed him. Thus the excuses are making bedtime a lot longer. I think we are going to have to bump up the time so that they are actually sleeping when they should of gone to bed. Now I know how my mom felt when me and Jason were kids. Jason would drive my mom nuts with the excuses. I suppose it is par for the course. At least they are telling me they have to go..Steps in the right direction.

Reality is Setting IN

School started last week and I already have a quiz. AWWwww!

Life as I knew it this summer is officially over. I have class on Monday and Wednesday night from 530 - 815 pm, Microbiology. On Thursday morning I attend Anatomy and Physiology Lab from 8 - 1045am. I am not attending an A & P lecture, instead I am doing it online. Tough stuff to have the motivation to read without someone checking up on me. I have to check myself sometimes.

In addition to school, I of course am still working a full work week. Everytime I try to cut back at work and just manage, something comes up and it never happens.

We are also taking on a new adventure in this house to add more chaos. My little boys are signed up for PRESCHOOL. They will be attending on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 9 - noon. Their school is at our church. I am very excited for them have a bit more structure in the mornings and to learn about the LORD. But it is a bitter sweet emotion. I will miss my boys so much. I guess this means they are growing up on me. However, on Tuesdays it will give me time to study and not have to worry about anything else.

Reality is..this is going to be a busy semester for this family.

Advice from a 2 Year Old

1. Watch your toes, mommy. ( I was getting the slide down off the fence. Brian had put it up there to mow the lawn)

2. Be careful. Be careful ( I get told that quite often while driving. I am not sure what that is all about.)

3. Mommy, you tired. Go lay in my bed. (this was yestereday when I yawned)


There are so many more things they say to me that I am just baffled they know the context of the statement but I cant think of any of them right now.

A Childs Take

Last week Aidan locked Mason and I out of the house. Well, now when I get home from picking them up from daycare, Mason will happily recount the event for me. Like I have forgotten. This is how it goes.

"Mommy, Aidan, he locked the door."

"I know son."

"Daddy, he come in the fire truck."

"Um hum."

"And when daddy got here, he gave Aidan a pank(spank)." "Aidan, he in trouble."

Well at least I know they will tell me everything even if it happens a ways back. It is just funny to hear the story told to me like I dont already know what happened.

What Kind of Parent Am I?

On Wednesday, we went to my sister in law Leslies for our weekly play date. Leslie as usual made a terrific lunch. Just one problem though..Aidan wouldnt eat. Not really sure what wads going on with him that day, but I told him that meant no juice, no snacks, just nothing until dinner time. He seemed to understand. Or so I thought.

We got home and Aidan went straight for the pantry and said he was hungry (hungie - aidans word). I told him no and that it was naptime. He continued to tell me he was hungry but I put him down anyway. He hate lots for dinner that night.

But what kind of parent lets there child be hungry during naptime? Me I suppose.

SCARED !!

As most of you all know I work at night. That means my boys go to in home daycare at night because of Brian and I's schedules. Well the other night was bad. I usually bring them home and have to bring them in the house one at a time because they are sleeping. This night they were both awake but it had been raining and they had no shoes on. So I was bringing them in one at a time like a normally do. I brought Aidan first, opened the door, put him in the house along with my KEYS. Then I went to get Mason, no problems. However, I get back to open the door to come in and put them down for the night to find that Aidan has LOCKED US OUT.

And for some reason he is not understanding to unlock the door. Thankfully, I leave my stuff in the car until I get them tucked in. I walked back to the car and got my cell and called Brian. Praise the Lord he wasnt on a call and could come over in the Medic to let us in.

I was so scared because my little Aidan was crying on the other side of the door and there was nothing I could do about it. He would come up to the front window to make sure I was still there even though he could here me telling him it was going to be alright. I was also, trying to coax him into unlocking the door. He did unlock the dead bolt but never got the lock on the bottom.

Talk about scared.

Melissa Chevalier Foster

How do you say Thank you and I appreciate you to someone special in your life?

Well I am going to try. Melissa you are AMAZING! These past two years that we have known each other have meant so much to me. I am grateful that you reached out and interduce yourself. There have been times when I felt like no one else understood what I was dealing with, but you have. You have taught me patience and acceptance. You have showed me that we dont have to see each other all the time to have a great friendship..BECAUSE we both know that our schedule constantly conflict. :) Words are not enough to describe the value I put on our friendship. Our twins brought us together but our personalities keep us friends.

God brought a friend like you into my life to gently remind me what is good and loyal and true.

Proverbs 17:17
"a friend loves at all times."

Potty Training - Part III cont'd

So today my little man came up to me and said he needed to use the facilities in a serious way. I marched in right in there and sat him down. And what do you know...

He handled his business.

That makes 2 times now..This is one proud mom if you havent noticed.

Potty Training - Part III

We had a major break through today.

As most of you know Brian and I have been working on potty training the boys slowly. We dont want to force them if they arent ready. Therefore, once a week we take that day serious and hardcore potty train. I know most of you are thinking that just causes set backs, but really it makes them seem more interested somehow on the days we dont push it. They come up and tell us that they have to go. Or that they have gone and need a us to change them.

Well I was getting all my coupons organized for the grocery store on the kitchen counter when Mason came up to me and said, "Mommy, I need to go poop!"

"Lets go then. In the bathroom now." I was hoping to get him in there before he went. I had big doubts that he had to go. I just knew he had already went. But once in the bathroom and I got him undressed it revealed he hadnt gone yet.

SCORE!

I sat him on the elmo potty seat and told him to try and go.

SUCCESS!!! He went on the potty, number 2, for the first time today. I am so proud of my little ROCKSTAR.

I know, I know..I am not going to get my hopes up that it will be an all the time event but today is a start. It will happen all in good time.

Sharing

The other day Mason wanted a snack so I put enough in a bowl for him to share with Aidan. We are working on the sharing thing at home. Out in public they do great, or so I am told. I dont remember what the snack was but I remember the actions that followed after I gave it to him.

Mason: walked over the couch and put the bowl on the cushion

Me: You need to share that with your brother.

Aidan: walks up to see what Mason has and hears me say that he nears to share. "Mason, I want some. Mason! Mason! Mason! Share wis me. Wis me." (He was pointing to himself while saying this, which only made this cutier.)

And to my surprise he did share. But just to hear Aidan say that was too funny.

Where do you get your COFFEE?

Most people have a coffee maker at home.

Or they go to Starbucks.

Some go to WaWa.

I either brew it at home or go to 7-11.

So the other day as a family we were going to the beach so we had to stop and get ice for the cooler. When Brian pulled into the 7-11 parking lot, Mason said " Mommy coffee."

I was busted.

I dont stop very often but when I do it is for a french vanilla cappucino from 7-11. I just cant see myself spending all that money at Starbucks for something that taste just as good for a fraction of the price.

He then said "Coffee hott. Mommy coffee."

I had to tell him I wasnt getting coffee this day. Brian and I were amazed he knew and remembered this is where I get my coffee. Once I got over the initial shock I felt like he was telling my secrets.

Fireworks

So this year was the 1st year we took the boys to see any fireworks. At 2 1/2 years old we thought they were ready and could handle the noise. Lets back it up a few hours .....

I had to work the lunch shift at the resturaunt and of course we were over staffed so I made no money. The boys were at home with my 92 year old grandmother and then my father came over to releave her. I have one amazing family. After I got home we headed out to Chesapeake to celebrate the 4th with some family. Patrick and Leslie had cooked an amazing spread of food for all of us. They are such good hosts.

The boys just love to see the Rafter family and play with their cousins. Well on this day of Independence they loved it even more. They went swimmining in their aunt and uncles pool. It is amazing what a years time will do for their interests and desire to go swimming. This year they are all about trying to swim. I guess swim lessons are in our future. But we couldnt stay in the pool long because the 3 of us had to get to Towne Point Park to see fireworks shot off. Brian was working Harborfest so that is why we went there.

The traffic wasnt too bad. And I got to park in the garage on Main and Boush (very close to downtown). After getting down to the street Brian and Brent Cole escorted me to the medic tent that they were working. Brent was awesome and went and stood in line for a lemonade and some roasted pecans for us to snack on. While he was in line they were testing some fireworks. Aidan and Mason thought they were the coolest thing. They kept asking for more BOOMS!

But when the time came for the actually showing of the FIREWORKS, Mason wasnt about it. It thought it was cool but kept telling me, "Loud Booms mommy!" So he sat in my lap with my hands over his ears. They both just sat there staring up at the sky with such amazement. Norfolk City put on a great show and a long one. Because it was almost a half and hour show Aidan lost interest with about 3 minutes to go. We asked him if he was ready to go and he said, " All Done."

It has been days now since the 4th and they are still talking about the BOOMS. That is a good sign that they really enjoyed themselves.

Playing with Water

Everyone has done it at some point in their life. What? Put a rubber band or tape around the water sprayer to the kitchen sink. When an unexpected person comes to the sink to wash their hands or do the dishes they get sprayed with the water.

Well the other day i had the sprayer in my hand to use it to fill a container. My hand was tightly around the sprayer and pointed right at my face. You can guess where this is going....

Without even thinking, I turned the water on. I got the shock of my life, water right in the face and all over the kitchen. I was like what just happened.

I punked myself!

Afterword, I could only laugh at myself that I had just did that.

Camping Out

This is the Farrell's tent that I borrowed for VBS last week. While at work one night Brian put it up in the boys room for a camp out. They were camping in style, with mattress'. When I came home and he told me about it I just had to see if they were actually sleeping inside the tent. This picture is what I saw. Just too cute for words so I had to snap a picture.

Our 1st Picnic Lunch! Pizza and cartoons inside.

13 Things your server wont tell you

13 Things Your Waiter Won't Tell You

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by Reader's Digest Magazine, on Tue Jun 23, 2009 10:24am PDT
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Waiters share insider secrets about restaurants -- from tipping to what days to avoid dining out
Photo: Clipart.com
1. Avoid eating out on holidays and Saturday nights. The sheer volume of customers guarantees that most kitchens will be pushed beyond their ability to produce a high-quality dish.
2. There are almost never any sick days in the restaurant business. A busboy with a kid to support isn't going to stay home and miss out on $100 because he's got strep throat. And these are the people handling your food.
3. When customers' dissatisfaction devolves into personal attacks, adulterating food or drink is a convenient way for servers to exact covert vengeance. Some waiters can and do spit in people's food.
4. Never say "I'm friends with the owner." Restaurant owners don't have friends. This marks you as a clueless poseur the moment you walk in the door.
5. Treat others as you want to be treated. (Yes, people need to be reminded of this.)
6. Don't snap your fingers to get our attention. Remember, we have shears that cut through bone in the kitchen.
7. Don't order meals that aren't on the menu. You're forcing the chef to cook something he doesn't make on a regular basis. If he makes the same entrée 10,000 times a month, the odds are good that the dish will be a home run every time.
8. Splitting entrées is okay, but don't ask for water, lemon, and sugar so you can make your own lemonade. What's next, grapes so you can press your own wine?
9. If you find a waiter you like, always ask to be seated in his or her section. Tell all your friends so they'll start asking for that server as well. You've just made that waiter look indispensable to the owner. The server will be grateful and take good care of you.
10. If you can't afford to leave a tip, you can't afford to eat in the restaurant. Servers could be giving 20 to 40 percent to the busboys, bartenders, maître d', or hostess.
11. Always examine the check. Sometimes large parties are unaware that a gratuity has been added to the bill, so they tip on top of it. Waiters "facilitate" this error. It's dishonest, it's wrong-and I did it all the time.
12. If you want to hang out, that's fine. But increase the tip to make up for money the server would have made if he or she had had another seating at that table.
13. Never, ever come in 15 minutes before closing time. The cooks are tired and will cook your dinner right away. So while you're chitchatting over salads, your entrées will be languishing under the heat lamp while the dishwasher is spraying industrial-strength, carcinogenic cleaning solvents in their immediate vicinity.

From Waiter Rant: Thanks for the Tip-Confessions of a Cynical Waiter by The Waiter (Ecco/HarperCollins) copied from Yahoo news!

1st day of Vacation Bible School

So I woke up this morning and was running late from the minute I got up. Holy moly!! Then I got soap in my eye while washing my face. That was a major set back. It took me what seemed like forever but I am sure was only 5 minutes until I could be functioning. I got the boys ready in a timely fashion but then they thought they were going to stay on the couch like they normally do and watch Toons(cartoons).

It seemed like I was never going to get out the house and make it to the church on time. Once finally out the door we got caught at every red light on the way to the interstate.

At church I made the mistake of parking near the recreation field. Mason immediately wanted to play with the balls but I was late for morning prayer. So he cried all the way inside. Therefore, our preschool coordinator took Aidan inside for me so I could calm Mason down outside. Once in the building, since prayer had started, I was telling the boys to be quiet and to shhh! Big mistake..they told me the same thing but in little boy noise level. Which we all know is outside tone all the time.

AHHH!

Finally, upstairs to my class. I have 17 boys and girls. What a great turn out for 5th graders. They usually act like they are too cool. But my kids are great. The boys are a bit wild but what 10-12 year old boys arent. They all were very interactive in the lesson discussion. I loved it. We learned about Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John and how the Lord called them to be "fisher of men"

John 15:9

As the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you. Remain in my LOVE!

Am I losing my mind or are they losing it for me?

Having twins is any everyday adventure. Well I suppose just having one can be difficult sometimes. But with my two they help each other out. So they terrorize more stuff and get in more trouble. I know they are just curious. However, one day their curiousity is going to get them hurt, I just know it.



Yesterday, Sunday, I put Dora the Explorer on so that I could go get a shower. They love that cartoon and will sit completely still to watch it. So I head up the steps in the shower. When I get out I realize it is overly quiet. I have to come downstairs anywhere to get part of my outfit for the day and to check on them. I figured they were in their room playing and that is why I didnt hear anything. WRONG! As I am getting my article of clothing from the dryer I look out the window and see my little boys outside. OUTSIDE..They have on shoes and are throwing pine cones into the street. They think that is funny. Especially Mason. So I put some clothes on really fast and head outside to get them. They look at me like, WHAT Mom. After much coxing I get them in the house to get them dressed because did I mention they are still in pj's.



After a few minutes everyone is dressed and ready to go with their bags and cups and snacks. But wait - where are my car keys? I look everywhere. LITERALLY. So I ask two 2 years olds. Not the smartest thing but I figured they were playing with them. They of course say I dont know. So I ask are they outside from their excursion this morning. They both say yes, go figure. I look outside and see nothing. At this time I am starting to wonder, Have I lost my mind? Where could my keys be. So retrace my steps from the night before, still nothing. And now it is getting past time we have to leave for church. We are going to be late and since I have to check them in and give 15 hugs per kid I really need to get out the door. I call Brian to find out if he saw my keys that morning. No answer. No answer via text either. I am starting to get upset. And the boys are waiting to go bye, bye to church. I simply explain to them without mommies keys we arent going anywhere. I take a deep breathe and decide I am going to take another look outside. I very long look. I walk the path I know they would take, down the walkway, up the sidewalk, looking in the clover patches because they probably stopped to pick them, up the passengers side of the car, over where they were throwing pine cones and now back towards the house. I stop next to my car think if they arent out here and they arent in the house then they boys must of brought them outside and a stranger has picked them up. GREAT! My mind begins to race about all the steps I need to take to make new keys and change locks. and then, I look down on the flower bed...TADA! There they are.

I missed a bullet. Am I losing my mind somedays when I think I miss place things? Or are the boys losing it for me?

Lamberts Point

Golf on my anniversary with a gorgeous view.!

If you had an Hour....

If you had an hour all to yourself what would you do?

Well every morning Monday thru Friday I get just that. Starting at 9 am until 10, Dora and Diego come on back to back. My boys are in love with both of those shows. It is the only shows they ask to watch and definetely the only shows they will sit still to watch. So I make sure they have a snack, juice, a blanket and pillow. They cuddle up on the couch and just watch the television so contently.

During this time I get an array of things done. Usually I try and get a shower, clean the kitchen from breakfast, start a load of laundry and check email but everyday is different.

Most people would take this is time to do something completely different but not me. It is my quiet time.

Baby Carrots

Information that needs to be shared!
The smallcocktail (baby) carrots you buy in small plastic bags are made using the largercrooked or deformed carrots which are put through a machine which cuts andshapes them into cocktail carrots - most people probably know thisalready.


What you may notknow and should know is the following:

Once the carrotsare cut and shaped into cocktail carrots they are dipped in a solution of waterand chlorine in order to preserve them. (this is the same chlorine used in yourpool)

Since they do nothave their skin or natural protective covering, they give them a higher dose ofchlorine.

You will noticethat once you keep these carrots in your refrigerator for a few days, a whitecovering will form on the carrots. This is the chlorine which resurfaces. Atwhat cost do we put our health at risk to have esthetically pleasingvegetables?

Chlorine is avery well-known carcinogen, which causes Cancer.. I thought this was worthpassing on. Pass it on to as many people as possible in hopes of informing themwhere these carrots come from and how they are processed.

I will be switching to organic carrots.

Golf NUT

John and Helen met while on vacation, and John fell head over heels in love with her. But after a couple of weeks in which John took Helen out to various dance clubs, restaurants, concerts, etc. He was convinced that it was true love. And so....on the last night of his vacation, the two of them went to dinner and had a serious talk about how the relationship would continue.

"It's only fair to warn you, I'm a total golf nut," John said to his new found lady friend. "I eat, sleep and breathe golf, so if that's going to be a problem, you'd better say so now!"

Helen took a deep breath and responded: "Since we're being honest with each other, here goes .... You need to know that I'm a hooker."

"I see," John replied. "That's a problem, for sure." He spent some time looking down at the table, deep in thought. Then he added, "You know, it's probably because you're not keeping your wrists straight when you tee off."

As most of you know Brian is teaching me to play golf. I hook the ball every now and then so I thought this joke was funny. I am not a hooker but I do have a issue of hooking the ball every now and then.

Day at the Zoo

Kodak moment at the last part of the zoo we saw. So lets all hop up on a turtle and snap a picture.

Nail Technicians

Lately I have been fortunate enough to go get a pedicure. Every girl loves pedicures in the summer since we where open toed shoes and flip flops. Well you do if you are a beach kid. I actually wear flops more than just in the summer. As I was sitting there in the chair getting pampered I got to thinking about all the stuff these techicians actually have to see and deal with. All for a days work and another dollar. I dont think I could do it. People coming in with nasty feet and expecting them to take care of them.

Next time you walk into a Nail Salon think of all the nasties these people deal with and be a little nicier.

Wine vs. Water

To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine... and those who don't.

As Ben Franklin said:
In wine there is wisdom,
In beer there is freedom,
In water there is bacteria.
In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated
that if we drink 1 litre of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop.
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting

Remember:
Water = Poop,
Wine = Health.
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid,
than to drink water and be full of shit.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing it as a public service

Fortunate

So as a parent you know that sometimes it can be rather hard to get your little one(s) to eat. Well I must say I am pretty darn fortunate because my kids will eat just about anything. And when I say anything that is anything that is healthy. Yes, my kids dont eat a lot of junk.

Minimal fast food. (Really only on Sundays because it is fastest after church - or if out with my grandma, their grammie)

They call crackers, cookies.

V8 Splash is their juice of choice.

They will eat brussel sprouts. Amazing right! I absolutely love it. My kids remind me of me. They love healthy food.

Big helpers in SMALL bodies

On Monday, May 11th...Brian figured he would get out and cut the grass before he had a long stretch at work and wouldnt be able to get to it for a few days.

This is what came of that. He got two little but big HELPERS! They have seen me cut the grass before and at that time they "mowed" with me with their lawnmowers.

At first Aidan and Mason were just looking out the window but that wasnt good enough. So then I told them if they got their jackets on they could sit on the porch. And when Brian was finished with the lawn I asked him to let him, help. They loved it.

Anytime they get with their dad is the most awesome time to them. So even though they had seen him mow the lawn just minutes before because they were busy telling him he forgot a spot, even though he hadnt. It was cool to HELP mow the lawn with their dad.

My mom says it is slave labor; jokingly of course because she knows I would never make them do anything. But it is cute nontheless.

On the Carousel

Yesterday, now that I am out of school I was able to once again meet my grandmother at the mall for our weekly hang out. It is her chance to see and spend time with me and the boys. This week we, me and the boys, were in for a treat. My dad, their pop-pop, came to hang out to. And before we left the mall we all went on the carousel that they have in the front of Lynnhaven Mall. Aidan and Mason just love it.

Happy Mother's Day

Me and my boys on Mother's Day

..photo is a bit blurry!

Cook yourself Thin

I have been watching this show on Lifetime and it has some pretty good recipes to make meals we all love a lot less fattening. And I am always looking for ways to make my meals more heathly. So last night we tried the following recipe:

Cauliflower "Mashed" Potatoes

1/2 head large cauliflower, broken into florets

1/2 c. nonfat buttermilk

1 lb yukon gold potatoes, peeled, and cut into cubes

1/2 - 3/4 c. low fat milk

salt

pepper

1 tbs butter

Steam cauliflower for 15 minutes. While doing that boil and cook the potatoes until soft. Puree cauliflower with buttermilk and 1/4 c. of the milk until very smooth. When potatoes are done, drain and mash. Add cauliflower puree, 1/4 c. milk, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. Stir until the two are blended. Add more milk if needed and the butter. Stir in desired herbs.

Please enjoy..Brian really did which in our household means it is a WINNER!

You could Say

Day 6 of the NO soda NO tea

MOTHERS DAY! I allowed myself to relax and enjoy myself on such this special day. But it has made today, day 7, quite difficult. My partner in crime is thinking of giving up because she cant deal with the desire to have soda. I feel her pain. Since we decided not to have something it is all I want. Isnt that just the case. I will prevail

Our 1st Corn on the Cob experience

Mason was very into his corn on the cob.

He eat it all. It looks like someone took a vaccum and sucked all the corn pieces from the stalk..oh wait that would be my kid.

Aidan and his first corn on the cob. I put the little cob holders on there and everything and he just thought that was the coolest thing. He did however keep taking them off the ends of the corn and I had to remind him that they were "owies" and not to play with them because he would get hurt.

30 days

On Oprah the other day, Jenny McCarthy said she was giving up SUGAR for 30 days. Well it prompted me and coworker to try the challenge ourselves. Now I can not give up sugar but I was willing to try my life without SWEET TEA or soda. For those of you that know me well sweet tea is my weakness.

Today is DAY 1...and i must report i cheated a little bit. we were having shrimp and crablegs so i had half a soda with brian. it just taste better with said dinner then water. I must be stronger.

Love believes in the Best

" Love believes all things, hopes all things" 1 Corinthians 13:7

In the deep and private corridors of your hear, there is a room. It's called the Appreciation Room. It's where your thoughts go when you encounter postitive and encouraging things about your spouse. And every so often, you enjoy visiting this special place.

On the walls are written kind words and phrases describing the good attributes of your mate. These may include characteristics like "honest" and "intelligent," or phrases like "diligent worker," "wonderful cook," or "beautiful eyes." They are things you've discovered about your spouse that have embedded themselves in your memory. When you think about these things, your appreciation for your spouse begins to increase. In fact, the more time you spend meditating on these positive attributes, the more grateful you are for your mate.

Most things in the Appreciation Room were likely written in the initial stages of your relationship. You could summarize them as things you like and respected about your loved one. They were true, honorable, and good. And you spent a great deal of time dwelling on them in this room..before you were married. But you may have found that you don't visit this special as often as you once did. That's because there is another competing room nearby.

Down another darker corridor of your heart lies the Depreciation Room, and unfortunately you visit there as well.

On its walls are written the things that bother and irriate you about your spouse. These things are placed there out of frustration, hurt feelings and the disappoinment of unmet expectations.

This room is lined with weaknesses and failures of your spouse. Their bad habits, hurtful words, and poor decisions are written in large letters that cover the walls from one end to the other. If you stay in this room long enough, you get deppressed and start expressing things like, "My wife is so selfish," or "My husband can be such a jerk." Or maybe, "I think a I married the wrong person."

Some people write very hateful things in this room, where tell-off statements are rehearsed for the next argument. Emotional injuries fester here, adding more scathing remarks to the walls. It's where ammunition is kept for the next big fight and bitterness is allowed to spread like a disease. People fall out of love here.

But know this. Spending time in the Depreeciation Room kills marriages. Divorces are plotted in this room and violent plans are schemed. The more time you spend in this place, the more your heart devalues your spouse. It begins the moment you walk in the door, and your care for them lessens with every second that ticks by.

You may say, "But these things are true!" Yes, but so are the things in the Appreciation Room. Everyone fails and has areas that need growth. Everyone has unresolved issues, hurts and personal baggage. This is a sad aspect of being human. WE HAVE ALL SINNED. But we have this unfortunate tendency to downplay our own negative attributes while putting our partner's failures under a magnifying glass.

Let's get down to the real issue here. Love knows about the Depreciation Room and does not live in denial that it exists.

But LOVE chooses not to live there.

You must decide to stop running to this room and lingering there after every frustrating event in your relationship. It does you no good and drains the joy out of your marriage.

Love chooses to believe the best about people. It gives them the beniefit of the doubt. It refuses to fill in the unknowns with negative assumptions. And when our worst hopes are proven to be true, love makes every effort to deal with them and move forward. As much as possible, loves focuses on the positive.

It's time to start thinking differently. It's time to let love lead your thoughts and your focus. The only reason you should glance in the door of the Depreciation Room is to know how to pray for your spouse. And the only reason you should ever go in this room is to write "COVERED IN LOVE" in huge letters across the walls.

It's time to move into the Appreciation Room, to settle down and make it your home. As you choose to meditate on the positives, you will learn that many more wonderful character qualities could be written across the walls. Your spouse is a living, breathing, endless book to be read. Dreams and hopes have yet to be realized. Talents and abilities may be discovered like hidden treasure. But the choice to explore tem starts with a decision by you.

FROM A BIBLICAL REFERENCE I AM READING!!

Thought of the Day

change (v.) to make different; alter.

alternate words for: MAKE DIFFERENT - vary, alter, transform. BECOME DIFFERENT - evolve, transform, adapt, adjust.

I this is what the defintion of change is and all its various forms than can a person not truly change. Cant a person transform themselves into someone different?

When a person changes it is the hardest thing for others to except. It is hard to think that it isnt just for show. How do you prove oneself?

Law of the Garbage Truck

One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were Driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a Parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his Brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of The other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi Driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was reallyFriendly.
So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruinedYour car and sent us to the hospital!'
This is when my taxi driver Taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around Full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes They'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally.Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.. Don't take their garbage And spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take Over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,So...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

Have a blessed, garbage-free day!

What do you do when both boys are sick and dont understand the icky bucket? Well you sit on the couch and watch cartoons. Then you get the worlds best carpet cleaner and deal with the smell.

On top of everything, you pray you have a beast of a washer machine.
The stomach bug has officially hit my house.

Things I have learned this weekend...

1. That people say take your time to a server and they really still mean, RIGHT NOW!

2. Children are human sponges. They will surprise you daily on the things they say. Things you once said. OOPS! (and I am not talking about my kids)

3. not everyone feels the same about places being open on Sundays. Most people dont actually mind that the world has turned into a society where people dont have family nights.

4. That no matter how great the service, people will tip what their budget allows. That is when the verbal tip comes in. :(

5. Times with friends should be cherished more.

6. my boys are the cutiest things ever and when they upset me I need to remember that and take a time out myself instead of getting more mad and making the situation worse.

7. I have one terrific husband.

8. you learn who your real "friends" are when they need something ( a night off perhaps)

9. Church is good for the SOUL, and you shouldnt just go to say you went

10. Playtime for kids is just never long enough

11. Grandparents are a God send

oh to be a Baptist

Four Great Religious Truths


During these serious times, people of all faiths should remember these four great religious truths:
1. Muslims do not recognize Jews as God's chosen people.
2. Jews do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah.
3. Protestants do not recognize the Pope as the leader of the Christian world.
4. Baptists do not recognize each other at Hooters.

Calling out sick to work

Another new Illness to watch out for... Anal Glaucoma


A woman calls her boss one morning and tells him that she is staying home because she is not feeling well.

"What's the matter?" he asks.

"I have a case of anal glaucoma," she says in a weak voice.

"What the hell is anal glaucoma?"

"I can't see my ass coming into work today."

* Thank you to my mother in law for this really cute email...If only that would be allowed at work. I feel that way somedays, especially nice days like today when all of us are home.*

I have realized....

I love my husband

I love my boys

I love my growing relationship with God

I love my friends and my family

I love sushi

I love a great movie, especially one that helps put life into perspective

I love seeing my kids play and laugh

I love a good book

I love my Grandmother so very much

Meet MASON

Born : February 16, 2007

Time: 7:30 pm as Twin A

Likes: fruit of any kind, ELMO, hotdogs, playing golf in the backyard, cuddling with his mommy, the park, animals and enjoys making animal noises, cartoons (bob bob - spongebob, backyardigans, dora, basically noggin channel)

Dislikes: having to go into time out, coming in from outside when he isnt ready, and his brother taking things from him

Loves/ favorites: cookies, his Nana, his grandma, books, playtime, tricycle rides around the block

Language : he started out behind but has excelled with words lately; cook cook (cookie), shoes, pants, i want down, toons( cartoons), all done, caulkey (chocolate), night night(blanket), nack(snack) and the list goes on and on.

He is a great little snuggler and just a joy to be around unless things dont go his way then he acts like a typical 2 year old. He is very caring towards others. Enjoys a good hug from his family and friends and kiss for his brother. Can be very mischievous when he wants something. Is a climber which drives momma nuts. His dad has convinced him to tell me he wants a dog.

This is him being his sweet self to Kamryn (my best friend Ambers daughter). He wanted to hold her so we made that possible.

He is just an amazing kid that makes me proud to be his mom.

And : he makes it hard to stay bad at him when you tell him to be quiet and he puts his finger up horizontally and tells you to sssh! He doesnt get the vertical up and down yet., when he runs up and gives you the biggest hug his little arms have to offer