Sometimes No plan is the best plan

Don't you just hate it when you get all gussied up for a night out and plan on having a great time and then it doesn't turn out that way? Yeah, me too. Well, that didn't happen to us this weekend because for once we had NO plans. Yeah, nothing on the docket at all.

We went to a friend’s house to swim on Saturday morning and their pool was cool and refreshing and the kiddos had a great time. Somehow our pool is hot as sin, and Hubs finally lowered the temp on it from 105 (hello hot tub temp) down to 90, so by Sunday night it felt a lot cooler.

Then, we had a play date with baby Abby that somehow turned in to a sleepover. I had been craving Pasta Weezie from Carraba’s, and the Hubs’ craving finally matched up with mine, so we decided on ordering out. We ordered dinner for 4 and decided that Abby would do bedtime at our house. The girls got their first tubby time together and that was….interesting. Chloe is attached to her bath seat. I think it makes her feel safe or something, but Abby can’t sit and not slide all over the tub even with a tub mat, so when we switched them and gave Abby the seat, then Chloe just stood there and cried for her chair. Bath time didn’t last very long on account of that, but I did get one picture of them entranced by their own feet and a rubber duck!

As luck would have it, the kids were exhausted and they all passed out by 8:00 (including my 4 year old and that almost never happens). We enjoyed our dinner on the lanai along with good conversation, several/multiple beers and then after the sun had set decided it was time for an Adult Swim. It’s the first time that the Hubs and I had been in the pool without kids and it was WONDERFUL!

The night ended about 10:30 because we are responsible losers, but we had a fantastic time and now we know that we can do that again since Abby easily sleeps wherever she lays her head.

On Sunday we were invited to the beach! We hadn’t been to the beach since Chloe turned 1 back in March and it was COLD then, so we packed up our beach cart with chairs, towels, buckets, shovels, mermaids, the sun tent, a cooler, tubes and tubes of sunscreen, floppy hats, and headed to the beach. It turns out that Cam’s teacher was there too with her 2 kids (yeah, you can totally hate on her because she is thin and beautiful, and totally shoots down my excuse that kids are the reason that I look the way I do) and Cam was so stoked to see her at the beach. They looked for shells and fish and had a great time.

And, at one point I could actually smell oil, which sucked, and reminded me in an up close and all too personal way how much this oil crisis sucks.  But, the baby looked cute, and she ate a crap ton of sand and didn't seem to mind it at all.  She never did get her suit on, just her jammie top and a swim diaper. 

And the absolute BEST thing about going to the beach is that it does this to the kids:

I just love the fact that we enjoyed our weekend without feeling planned or scheduled and had an unexpected awesome good time with two different sets of wonderful people.  I'm spoiled, really, I am.

 

Baby Kisses and Fistfulls of Food - The Movie

This video was taken on Memorial Day and it's too cute not to share.  Well, it's cute only if you think that babies blowing kisses and babies that shove their entire fists into their mouths while eating is cute.  If not, then I would bypass on this. 



Happy Saturday Ya'll!

Cameron - If you only knew....

I'm typically a Cameron Diaz fan.  I think it started when Hubs and I went on our first date and saw the movie "There's Something About Mary."  Or her level of funny in "The Sweetest Thing" with Christina Applegate, I laugh every time that tin foil swan filled with rotten food hits the windshield.  And who can forget her voicing Fiona in Shrek, which is pretty much Cam's favorite movie, so we here her voice all.the.time.

But, then she went ahead and did an interview for British Vogue (if you wanna read an excerpt on huffington post click here) and said this:

On baby urges:

"You know how you have these moments of feeling dissatisfied and you think, 'what would make my life better?' Well, I've yet to go, 'Aha, that's it: a child!' I don't want to not do a film at a moment's notice."

and changed my view of her naivete. 

I recall having a conversation (probably several) in my early 20's, with my mom.  And she would hint that she wanted grandkids someday (way off in the future).  I would tell her "I am not having kids until my life is already over."  ::shakes head, closes eyes, and looks at the floor::.  My momma would look at me with a little bit of pity and a little bit of heartache and kinda like I just punched her in the throat.  Was I insinuating that her life was over because she had kids?  I don't think so, but I'm sure it came across that way.  To me, in my "I know it all" early 20's, I was selfishly unwilling to give up what I knew to be life (also known as bar hopping and binge drinking) and truly believed that when you had kids, your life was over and changed and I didn't want to do that until I had sucked the marrow out of what life had to offer (see bar hopping and binge drinking and add traveling the world, conquering the Aztecs, and whatever else I thought I would do to make my mark on the world).

Little did I know, and little does Cameron Diaz know, BUT MY MOMMA knew, THAT KIDS DO MAKE LIFE BETTER!  Yeah, they are a huge commitment, they keep you up at night, they cost a damn fortune, BUT, you don't know the sweetness in life until you look in to your own eyes, until your baby nuzzles deep into the folds of your neck, until you watch your baby sleeping.  Until you understand the joy of watching something you created grow, walk, talk, and express independent thoughts.  You don't know the sweetness of hugs and sloppy kisses, and the unconditional love of a child.  You don't realize how much life has to offer until you have a child.  In fact, I'm willing to say that life starts over when you have a child.  Once again, you find yourself blowing bubbles, making silly faces, watching cartoons, eating cereal out of the box, and re-living your childhood with your child. 

So, Miss Diaz, I'm thrilled that you are satisfied with your career, your model figure, and your boyfriend ::sticks finger down throat in gagging motion::  BUT, I feel a little bit sad for you.  Sad that you don't realize the joys that you are missing, and sad that you imply that children would not make your life better. 

And, since I once voiced the same thoughts that you are, I will go ahead and thank the Lord, that I can blame them on my age and immaturity - and unfortunately, honey, you don't have that excuse.

Friends are Friends Forever....

On this Thursday I am thankful for friends and friendships that weather it all.

This song from Michael W. Smith and I go way back.  Way back to the summer of 1993, when I was 15 years old and traveling the country with the Phantom Regiment and was delighted that I had 31 older sisters to share my days and nights with.  Sometimes before we would perform we would gather in a circle, someone would turn up the boom box and we would hold hands and sing this song.  Yeah, it writes like it was really cheesy, but it was actually special and when I hear that song it takes me back there.

Except, the last time I heard the song was at the funeral of a 28 year old friend who died last month.  And hearing it in the church, amongst mourners and tears - rocked me. 

So, I want to give a big shout out and a happy hallelujah to my girlfriends.  The ones from my PR days that still write and still care.  The ones that gather together when we have lost one of our own with words of comfort and happy memories.  There is such a bond there from all the hours, days, and years we spent together and although we don't see each other, the bond is always there.

And, then there is my Cheeto (that's my nickname for her and she probably loves that I wrote it on the interwebs) who taught me how to do do a penny drop in the sixth grade, and taught me how to do a bicycle kick freshman year.  Who understood when I stopped seeing her all.the.time. because I was wrapped up in boyfriend mistake #1.  Who stood up for me at my wedding.  Who knows every secret I've ever held.  Who always forgives me when I make a mistake.  Who I love like she is kin.

And, then there is the original SRQ crew.  The crew of girls that built a friendship at the beach and over way too many drinks. The kind of friends that will sit with you in the ER for hours and somehow make it fun.  The kinda friends that come over to watch your kid, so that you can mow the yard, when your hubby is out of the country.  The kind of friends that you bring lunch to when they are on bed rest, and the kind of friends that you just know, that no matter what hills are in front of you, one day you'll climb them and you'll do it together.

And then everyone needs to have at least one friend that doesn't bullshit, that sticks up for what's right.  Who yields tattoos, drives a Harley, and damn near throws down with strangers that insult your kid.  Yeah, I'm so thankful for her and the way she keeps me sane and straight, and it just helps that our kids are the best.friends.ever. 

And, then there are my two girls, who I can't even put parameters on their friendships.  They are the two that I cry with when they cry.  That always know why I feel the way I do, they get me in the way that my momma gets me. 

So, in my 30+ years of life, I've learned that life is fuller because of my friends.  That different friends bring different treasures to life and that each one is beautiful and special and uplifting in their own unique way.  Gone are the days of childhood, when you had your one BFF, and you traded broken heart necklaces and that was that, and all you needed.  Because, now in my adult life, I find that the world is a richer place because of the qualities of the different people I surround myself with. 

And, one day.  I hope my girls have this kind of friendship in each other.

And friends are friends forever

If the Lord's the Lord of them

And a friend will not say never

'Cause the welcome will not end

Though it's hard to let you go

In the Father's hands we know

That a lifetime's not too long

To live as friends

I Retire My Super Mom Cape

I think it is time for me to remove my cape, wad it up in a ball, and chuck that sucker in the dirty laundry pile. 

In the past week, I have come to the realization that I just can not do it all, all of the time.  I can not be three places at one time, I can not please everyone all of the time, and I certainly can not expect myself to be able to do said things.  I've come to the point where I'm over-stretched, exhausted, and it's sucking the life force right out of me. 

I used to think that when my kids got older it would get easier and that things would smooth out.  Well, SPOILER ALERT, for those of you with infants and toddlers.  It doesn't get easier, it gets harder, life becomes more scheduled, and things just get BUSIER.  The life of a pre-schooler involves "school" activities, events planned by school moms (like a pamper-me spa night that I really wish I could go to but probably won't make) and then add that to the mix, of swim lessons, gymnastics, weekly errands etc. and suddenly you find yourself stretched T-H-I-N. 

And while I'm busy making sure that we attend every party so no one's feelings get hurt, and because the kiddo wants to, and because I like to be social, I forget that somewhere in there, I have to take care of myself.  And, while I wish I could make it to the gym because my frickin' pants are too tight, probably because I have to order out more than I should, I don't go because I am exhausted, or because I would rather tuck my kids in instead of run on a treadmill.

So, I've been busy taking care of everybody's needs and acquiescing to everyone's expectations and desires, and I have forgotten about myself.  I blame the cape and my inability to say the word NO  decline.  I'm practicing it, I'm working on living with disappointing people, backing graciously out of commitments, and hopefully the people that love me, and support me, and really know me, will understand that sometimes I just have to take care of Me. 

So, screw off Super Mom Cape - I'm a damned mortal and I'm done with taking a break from pretending that I can do it all.

(but, I'm pretty sure that after I wash the cape, and it's neatly pressed and hanging in the closet, I'll probably put it back on....because that is what I do and I know me that well)

A Pleasant Game of Tag

I was tagged yesterday by Krista at Musings of Mommy Dearest (please visit her and check out her 3 beautiful kiddos and her wicked photography skills that have me drooling with envy) and I couldn't wait to get home from work so that I could play this game.  Here are the Rulz:

Go to your photos > the eighth folder > the eighth picture

Now tell the story

Here it is:

I am ridiculously organized when it comes to electronic pictures, but not so much for the ones that actually do get printed.  So, my folders are organized by year and then a sub-folder for every month within that year.  I don't have 8 years of pics on my laptop, so what we have here is my first folder - the year 2005, and the 8th sub-folder - August, and then the 8th photo.  Whoa.  What is going on here?

This picture was taken the summer that I was pregnant with my 1st baby girl.  The Hubs was playing ball in the Orioles minor league system and was playing for the Baysox in Bowie, MD.  Here he is #36, sitting in the bullpen before the game started, smiling at his jackhole counter part (who I believe is Ryan Keefer, but am not positive) showing my camera the moon, and Hayden Penn is wearing his shades and about to take a seat.  I can't recall who the other pitchers in this picture are.  It's not often that I think about what life was like back in those days because so much has changed in our lives since the days of baseball.  But, we had a lot of fun, and met some wonderful people, and I should really blog about our history ::grabs pen and makes a note in planner::

See this game was fun!  Now I would like to tag the following ladies:

Gretchen at That Mama Gretchen

Amanda at Chasing Twins in Louboutins

and

Liz at Tickled Pink

I can't wait to see your pic!

My Monday

If you work full-time, or mostly full-time/part time (like I do) then you realize that the stretch between New Year's Day and Memorial Day is a long stretch of no holidays.  I am so glad that stretch is behind us, and that the summer months that lead right in to Labor Day, Halloween, and Xmas are right in front of us. 

We took a moment yesterday to pay tribute to the men and women that have served and are presently serving our country and have given their lives for our freedoms, and then we enjoyed the day with good ole' quality time. 

I started my Monday out with coffee and then a little grocery shopping, solo style.  The Hubs and Cam planted some flowers, while I shopped, and they looked so cute filling the planters with soil, using beach shovels to do so.  I don't own any gardening tools because I only have pretty pink thumbs.  The only thing I can keep alive besides plastic plants is bamboo, and I've even had issues with that.  Anyway, I wish I had some pics of the Hubs and Cam "gardening", but I just soaked up the view from my car window and took a mental picture before I headed to the store. 

Around noon we headed to the mall for silly bands and some play time in the AC.  I am so jealous of that lady that invented those dang bands.  She's probably sipping martinis in Tahiti while I am paying $6 for a package of 33 cent rubber bands.  One day, I'll have a million dollar idea. 

Then, we hosted a BBQ and enjoyed some awesome food, laughter, and friendship. 

Abby & Chloe were reunited and it's amazing how much babies change in 2 months time.  Chloe is totally envious of Abby's tresses and cute boutique-y outfits (see adorable outfit below - it has an owl knitted on it, ya'll), and Abby is jealous of Chloe's walking skillz and waistline.  In this picture, they are both watching Auntie Liz.  She is holding the container of puffs and therefore commands attention.

And then the daddies got in the pool with their lovies and they splashed and played and enjoyed time with their little girls.  Nothing in the world is sweeter.  Sorry this pic is so off-centered.  We have a child safety gate around our pool and it gives me about 18 inches from the pool ledge to the gate, so I couldn't really back up to make sure that the photo was centered.  Oh well, you really didn't need to see Uncle JJ's right ear and shoulder anyway.  And, the gate is totally worth the peace of mind, so I'll take a messed up pic any day just for the security.

And, Abby was happy to be back in the ball pit that is a permanent fixture in our living room courtesy of the Hubs' inner child.  This time, she is able to sit perfectly and grab balls on her own.

I am just realizing that I don't have any pics of Camdyn from this weekend, and that is probably because she spends the majority of her time in the pool, under the water.  She swims like a fish, and the guys had a lot of fun chucking her in the air and then watching her cannon ball in to the water.  She likes it too, but I think her favorite thing ever is straight up belly flopping in to the water.  I grimace every time she does it.  Which reminds me, I need to get that on video.

I hope your weekend was enjoyable and that your week is off to a fantastic start!