Day 18 - 1/18/13 - Documenting for the Future

So, I'm not doing so hot on my New Year's Goal of doing laundry every other day, folding and putting away.  As I'm tying this I'm looking at the laundry on my storage bench in my bedroom that IS folded but definitely not put away.  Sigh.  As soon as my children wake up said laundry WILL be put away!  Anyway back to the documentation.  Lindsay had been battling a rash (originally diagnosed as Scarlet Fever to later find out it was hives) and I took the day off with her.  We spent the morning with the allergist getting the hives diagnosis and we spent the afternoon folding and putting away laundry.  She is a fierce little washcloth and towel folder.  I took documentation of my beautiful chaise lounge totally cleared off calling me to snuggle up to read and enjoy a glass of wine.  Haha.  It only took me a sick off to get caught up.  So, here it is my proof that I did accomplish something.

While we are looking at my master bedroom, here are my awesome new curtains.  I love them.

Day 17 - 1/17/13 - Fashion Diva

I snapped these pictures of Lindsay when she was getting ready for bed.  Yes, folks, this is what she picked out to wear to bed.  This was after trying on and discarding several pairs of pajamas.  If this is how she is at 4, we are in BIG trouble at 14!

Karen

Day 16 - 1/16/13 - Let Me Tell You Something Bout My Best Friend

I have been blessed with so many wonderful people in my life.  I have friends and family members that pick me up when I am down, laugh with me until we cry, hug me through the tears, and just walk next to me enjoying life.  My friend, Kristen, is one of these people.  We met in third grade and have been friends ever since.  Our friendship has always been a constant in our changing lives.  We grew up together, celebrated our first kisses, consoled each other through our first break ups, stood by each other's sides at our weddings, and now play with our kids together.  So thankful to have her in my life.  Here's a picture from our visit.  We always try to get a picture of her and I with our children each time we get together.  They are usually pretty funny but this one is not too bad.

Karen

Day 15 - 1/15/13 - Circus Pictures Part 2

Kid picks.  The first collage is one of Lindsay's favorite parts of the circus, the girls twirling by their hair.  The second collage is Patrick's favorite part, the ninjas.  Will and I were slightly concerned that both children might try to do some of these stunts on their own.  So, we had a little chat about these performers being professionals and not to try this at home!

 

Karen

Day 14 - 1/14/13 - Circus Pictures Part 1

I am still working on taking pictures in darker settings.  The circus was a bit of a challenge.  We had soooooo much fun though!  I had never been to a real three ring circus so it was just as exciting for me as it was for the kids!  Of course the company of great friends was enjoyable too!  I took so many pictures I had to do collages.  Enjoy!

Bring on the elephants!

Karen

Day 13 - 1/13/13 - I've Got Friends in Low Places

One of the best things about this weekend was watching my children bond with my best friend's little boy, Smith.  They both love him so much!  Lindsay wanted to be next to him almost the whole time we were there.  I love this moment in time I captured. 

Day 12 - 1/12/13 - Just Monkeying Around

Okay, so it happened sooner than I expected.  I got behind.  I took so many pictures this weekend though that I'm going to spread them out a little and catch up. 

My Peanut love monkeys and climbs like one too.  We went to a playground during our visit with the Lawlors.  Patrick has been working hard to tackle the monkey bars and this weekend he DID IT!!!  Now I didn't get a shot because he wanted me right there by his legs for security and comfort, but I did snap this one of my little monkey climbing!

Day 11 - 1/11/13 - Cheers to the Weekend!

I'm very excited for this weekend for several reasons.

1.  I'm going to see one of my oldest, best friends, Kristen, and spend time with her family!

2.  We are going to the Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey Circus on Saturday.  I have never been to a big three ring circus and neither have my kids.  I think I am just as excited as them.

3.  We have some new wine to try.  I sent my husband to the local winery to pick up a few bottles for the weekend.  This is what he came home with.  He's a good man!

So, cheers!  Have a great weekend!!! 

Day 10 -1/10/12 Playing

I caught my kids playing on the swing.  I took some pictures.  Then I played a little too.  Enjoy!

Day 9 - 1/9/13 - Sleeping Beauty?

My favorite time of day is that last kiss goodnight.  Sneaking in my kids room before I go to sleep, checking on them, and giving them one last kiss fills my heart!  Sometimes, though, it can also make me crack up.  Now last night, Lindsay went to bed with pajamas on and in bed, but when I went in to check on her this is what I found - pajama top off and sweatshirt on inside out and backwards, on the floor, and book in hand.  Too funny.  I tried to get a picture of Patrick too, but you couldn't even see him with all the stuffed animals and toys hoarded in his bed.  My kids crack me up!

Day 8 - 1/8/13 - Tablet Time

We got a tablet for Christmas.  I immediately loaded a ton of kids apps on it.  Let's be real, it's mostly for them.  The first couple days there was a lot of arguing and whining over the tablet, so we decided to institute Tablet Time.  Every day they have to earn minutes of tablet time by doing things the first time we ask them to or just by being caught doing something good.  On school days, we have tied it into their behavior charts at school.  Then after dinner and before bath they get their Tablet Time.  We set their timer for the minutes they've earned and let them play.  Best thing we've ever done!!  The kids are clearing their plates after meals without being asked and as soon as I mention the tablet the mood changes.  Here's a picture of my Peanut during his Tablet Time last night.  (Yes, I know that he is 5 and has on 2-3 Toddler socks on but he loves them and some battles aren't worth fighting!)

 

 

And since Patrick is very much like his father and doesn't really like getting his picture taken, I either get an angry face or a super cheesy smile face.  The times when I get a good genuine smile are few and far between.  Well, I camped out while he was playing the tablet.  When he looked up excitedly to tell me he figured a game out, I snapped this gem.  Mustard stain in the corner of his mouth and all, but I'll take it.  I love my sweet boy with all my heart!

 



Day 7 - 1/7/13 - She Gives Me Love

This little girl knows how to brighten up my day even when she's whining and being sassy.  Her smiles and giggles are infectious!  Her free spirit and bright personality are illuminating!  I love her so much!

Day 6 - 1/6/13 Puppy Love Part 2

I felt guilty that my first Puppy Love post just had Sparky.  This post is dedicated to our almost 4 month old mini Labradoodle, Jazzy.  Patrick picked Sparky's name and Lindsay decided on Jasmine, Jazzy for short.  She is sweet and snuggly, but feisty!  We love our pups!

Day 5 - 1/5/13 - My New Wheels

We have been thinking about trading in my minivan for an Equinox for awhile.  Will does not fit well at all in the Honda and it was very uncomfortable for long trips.  I've been wanting something smaller, as well.  The fuel efficiency is much better on the Equinox and the features are soooooo much better.  I'm loving the MyLink!  The only drawbacks are that it doesn't have the third row seating and no DVD player.  Trust me we will be getting a DVD player installed ASAP!  We don't use the third row enough to justify it.  So here it is, my new car...

Day 4 - 1/4/13 - I am Woman Hear Me Roar!

 

My husband is a building contractor.  Therefore, I rarely put things together or do any work with tools.  But before I married Will, I lived on my own for about six years, and I did a pretty good job taking care of things myself.  So, when I saw that our new shelf had arrived I decided I was going to put it together myself.  I enlisted the help of two sets of little hands and borrowed my son's tools.  (I have never met a 5 year old with a more complete toolbox than my son, and I'm talking REAL tools.)  We (really just me) worked to put this awesome little shelf together before Daddy got home from work.  I was pretty darn proud of myself.  Now for the fun part - decorating with knick knacks!!!

Then I threw together these awesome homemade pizzas.  Chicken, bacon, and ranch for Will and I and a half cheese/half pepperoni and sausage to accomodate both kids.  Threw together a little side salad (opened a salad in a bag) and dinner was served. 

Both projects completed within an hour!  I am woman hear me roar!!! 

Karen