LYLAS and Co.

Baseball

2012-02-12T18:55:00.000-06:00

Frederick woke up one day and decided he was going to play baseball this year.

No, let me rephrase that...he was going to become obsessed with it and drive me crazy!

He has been training every day (sometimes getting up an hour earlier on school days to run on the treadmill, do calisthenics and practice catching by throwing the ball against any flat surface that will cause the ball to bounce and me not nag about it breaking.

I am very proud of him. I am. I swear! I'm just amazed (and annoyed at times) that it is all he talks about and has actually followed through for several months of rigorous training. He's never played on a team before, so he is nervous that won't be good enough. He told us his goal is to just "not be the worst player on the team."

Good goal, Son.

He is one of the most motivated, ambitious 10 year old boys I've ever known! I was never that ambitious when I was 10!!! Hell, who am I kidding?! I'm not that ambitious now!!!

Us (St. Louis) winning the World Series this year is what did it. We had World Series parties for every game (Frederick, Aiden and I) following religiously; bonding over baseball.

He was hooked....Is hooked...Will probably be hooked for the rest of his life.

I could not be more proud of him if I tried. My little Hall of Famer.

Self Aware Douchebag

2012-01-13T07:11:00.000-06:00

My 10 year old son is a self-aware douchebag.

I do not call Frederick that. I don't even let him say that (or try to stop him anyway...), but thanks to his 22 year old uncle (my little brother) he sneaks it in whenever he can because it's used by his favorite uncle.

Why is he is a self-aware douchebag?!

Last night Aiden and I were going over his science fair project ideas with him. The form has to be filled out, detailing the project, and turned in by today. He is still undecided between 2 different inventions he wants to create. It was around his bedtime so he was starting to get frustrated and emotional.

It was around my bedtime....and I was starting to get frustrated and emotional....

He started raising his voice.

I started raising my voice....and then finally told him to just go take a shower and get in bed. I would be up to read Harry Potter (we're on the 4th book) to him in five.

He stomped off yelling, "Fine!. Be that way! Live my life for me, why don't you?! You decide what I do for my project!"......wow.....If we're living his life for him now, what will we be doing in 6 years when he really is a teenager and decides we're unbearably controlling and he hates us?!....he acts like we're running a death camp and the only thing keeping him out of the gas chamber is a Nobel Peace Prize!....too dramatic?....well, he gets it honest.

So he goes upstairs to take his shower. I tell Aiden that his son is obnoxious, while I grab a glass of water and head upstairs.

As I settle into my bed (where we read most of the time) Frederick sits down on the edge of the bed, facing me he says, "I'm sorry I was such a douchebag earlier," while looking me in the eyes.

My heart melted because this is the first time that he has been self aware enough to realize that he was, in fact, being a douchebag. I know grown....men mostly....that don't have that level of self-awareness. I sincerely thanked him for recognizing that he was being difficult and told him that we were actually trying to help him and not make his life more difficult. He rolled his eyes and said, "yeah, yeah. I know. Now, can we please just read!"

Awww....that's my little douchbag!

MY GIRLS!

2012-01-12T23:32:00.002-06:00

I am so proud of Elle and Colbie! Look at you two! Still blogging! I had almost completely forgot we started this whole thing. I checked it on a whim, and was so delighted to see (and ashamed for my lack of) the new writings!

Well, I also am proud of my own little girl. She still is getting into trouble (but only once a week...and it's always on Tuesdays...I wish I could figure that one out!). She has straight A's and is reading wonderfully.

Since she is currently toothless, the modeling has been slow. But due to her awesome reading skills she got a job doing a voice over job. My husband was super stoked to be in the same recording studio that John Goodman recorded in! Very cool. Nicole still has no appreciation for the cool experiences she is having, but someday she will. She did great.

Last April she could not even do a backbend. She now can do backbend kick overs, back handsprings, and front walkovers. And look, I've learned all this cheer lingo! She trains at the gym 4 days a week. And before anyone can make me feel bad about that they should spend 5 minutes with my daughter. When she's not at the gym she is back flipping through the house. She is constantly flipping, jumping, running, etc. The girl loves it.

She started guitar lessons. I begged her to do piano (which is the instrument I play). But, no. She won't have it. I realized while she was practicing (and I could not coach her at all or help her) that she chose the guitar because she knew I could not do the above! Typical Nicole. She will blaze her own way.

William is doing wonderfully. He has discovered Wii games and video games. OH boy. My (newly four year old) child has to have a limit on his "game" time. I never thought I'd have to say that!

We survived his 4 year old check up. I crossed my fingers and hoped for no new weird issues. But, of course, he has to have something wack a doo. No big deal, but he is anemic and so we have to make sure he gets extra iron vitamins and check his blood in a month. Poor kid. He begs for me to not let people take his blood. Sad, sad, sad. I hope he is not permanently scarred from all this!

He loves preschool and is a perfect student. This child does not get in trouble ever. At home however, he is definitely testing the waters. Gotta love 4!

Speaking of 4, 4th grade is going wonderfully. I love the kiddos! It was an excellent change and I love it. IT is a lot of work, but I know each year I will get better at it and it will become more easy.

Keith is doing okay. Still working on the RV and garage projects. Still stressing about money. Still being a supportive husband in every way possible, including my new diet goals for this year.

We are going on a cruise in June. Which means I have 5 months to get my butt in gear. I have began and am committed to the strictest diet I have ever embarked on. But man, am I motivated! I feel good and strong. I have worked out every day, sometimes two times a day. This is the first time ever I have felt so...determined I guess is the word. I am DONE being fat. This year is my year. Come hell or high water, I will weigh significantly less in June than I do now!

That's all I've got for now! Take care ladies and it is so good to see some old familiar friends responding (TV, Rita, Latte girl, Barb) Love it!

Financial Woes

2012-01-12T12:46:00.002-06:00

Yes, it's considered taboo to talk about personal $ issues, but I feel the need to pour my worries out in writing. How is it that 2 adults with college degrees AND respectable jobs AND conservative money sense are in such a tight financial position? I don't splurge on myself with pedicures or manicures, tanning, clothes, shoes, hair color, going out, you name it and I'm NOT doing it. I don't even buy myself books anymore, but go to the library instead. I allow myself ONE zumba class a week, when I used to take 2-3 classes. I do have 2 children in daycare, but it's not like we are paying top-notch prices. (Totally happy with the daycare, by the way, just pointing out that it is a big expense for two little darlings.) My kids wear clothes from affordable department stores and hand-me-downs. My husband and I rarely go out and I have "girls night" maybe 4 times a year. We occasionally do carry-out, but it lasts a good 2-4 meals later. Yikes!! Am I boring you yet? We basically live a pretty dull life. We've decided to cut back on a few things, as there is always room for improvement. However, it just seems like we shouldn't be struggling this much. Who's with me here???

Mocha Madness

2012-01-12T12:24:00.003-06:00

I, Colbie, promise to cut back on McDonald's mochas in attempt to save money, calories, and time. I will use that fancy Flavia machine in my kitchen and be happy with it. It will be okay. I can drive past those golden arches without the compulsion to buy expensive coffee-most of the time. I will give myself permission for the occasional treat. Seriously, I've been drinking 2 mochas daily totally $5.00. (I know, I know. The INSANITY!! It could be Starbucks, which costs almost $3.50 for a small!! Before you give me that finger-wag, I have to say that sleep deprivation with 2 children and 10 times the work is justification enough!!) Add this up over a month's time, and the cost is just a wee bit ridiculous. Especially since we are recouping from a few financial setbacks and adjusting to having 2 children in daycare. I can DO this.

What sacrifices have you made for the well being of yourself and family?

No Drama For This Momma

2012-01-12T12:13:00.002-06:00

There comes a time when you just get sick of the snarky nonsense and realize what a HUGE space the negativity is occupying in your already-cram-packed life. I'm tired of worrying about meeting obligations of social gatherings, negativity and gossip from so-called "family" and "friends", and jealousy issues. (No LYLAS girls, I am not referring to any one of you, so don't worry!! Your love and support is so endearing!!!) I am going to do what is best for me and my family. It's a 2-way-street, after all. People can come to my house and visit with us also. I don't need to cart myself and my two little ones around just to make everyone else happy or fear that my children will not have a relationship with their family if "I" don't oblige with every invitation. Enough already. Time to breathe.

How have you attempted to eliminate negativity from your life?

Torn

2012-01-10T11:50:00.000-06:00

I'm a little on the torn side. I could use some opinions on the matter. Aiden and I are ultimately make the final decision, but I need perspective.

My 10 year old son, Frederick (4th grade), is in the strings program at school. He was completely into it until 2 months ago when he became obsessed with baseball. That's still another story that I haven't even posted yet. After his strings Christmas concert he promised (I use the term loosely) family and friends that showed up to support him, that he would indeed keep up with the violin; his ultimate goal to become one of the advanced fiddlers/violinist they enjoyed that night. He practiced daily without complaint, spoke of his plans to be in advanced strings in 5th grade, go on to fiddling in junior high and then onto orchestra in high school. Now, do not believe for a second that I'm delusional enough to think that a 10 year old boy will make grandiose plans and then change his mind. He's done that a billion times, but this had seemed a little different. He's good at knowing what he likes, what he's good at and committing to it (as you'll find out when I finally write this looming baseball post). Now that the auditions for advanced are near, and he has this baseball obsession, he's claiming that he may be too busy to do the 1 day a week after school strings rehearsal (30 min. long) because it will interfere with his baseball training. I informed him that he doesn't even start baseball until the beginning of May and that he would only have a couple of overlapping weeks. He is involved with Krav Maga and Archery (which hasn't started yet, but lasts for about 2 months depending on tournaments which are on weekends). Strings would not interfere with these, but I'm always telling Emily that she has Nicole running ragged because of all the stuff she's in. I do not want to be a hypocrite, but he never wanted to do Archery or Krav and we pushed him to just try it and he loves both and is great at both. Do we gently push for him to at least try advanced before he decides he just doesn't want to do it (which is what we are leaning toward since he usually needs a gentle push) or do we just let him finish out his strings "career" (for lack of a better term) not trying to advance further than immediate level?

To make it simple: I don't want to be a pushy parent, but I want him to remember how excited and determined he was 2 months ago before he started focusing on something different. I just want him to give it a chance. What would you do? (insert any sport, activity, etc. for your own children (or future children) and tell me your thoughts? Thank you in advance for any help, suggestions, swift kick in pants etc.

Footloose

2012-01-09T13:45:00.000-06:00

If you know me, or have read this blog long enough, you've realized that my post titles are simply throwbacks to the 80's movie's they're named after. They rarely have any real importance in the post itself.

This one is no different.

As I descended the stairs, mere minutes ago, I stepped on the 4th to the last....and kept right on going. Sliding as if on an icy slope, picking up speed as I headed toward the ground. One foot still on the 4th stair above, while the other was extended in front of me. My cute, fuzzy, pink and orange fleece sock staring me in the face, while I decide how I was going to get out of the splits position....never being there before, praying I never was again. I have two thoughts simultaneously; 1) how the F*ck do cheerleaders do this voluntarily, without crying and 2) how can socks this cute not come with a warning?!

*Slippery on carpeted stairs when worn by a klutz who was befooted (like beheaded) in a past life and walks around on stumps.

I spilled a glass of water, probably yelled sh*t and listened to Aiden's monotone voice asking if I was okay, while pointing out that I spilled water....Thanks, I didn't see that....or the step either, apparently.

Mouth

2012-01-08T11:33:00.000-06:00

Ever watch Goonies?! If you were able to answer NO to this question, get off the computer NOW, go watch the movie and report back to LYLAS, because I'm not sure I can have a reader that hasn't seen that movie....it's just not right. K...I digress.

Mouth. A character, (Corey Feldman) lovingly nicknamed because his mouth gets him in trouble.

In my house: Mouth. A nickname that my son is, not-so-lovingly, earning in my head because his mouth is getting him in trouble.

He's 10. Typical 10. I was really hoping that he wouldn't be typical; praying that I was such a stellar mom that he would skip this stage.

Yeah. Right.

Because I'm such a stellar mom I ~~yelled~~ spoke very loudly (sounds better) over his mouth and kindly told him to go to his room ("don't come out til I ~~yell~~ speak loudly for you to!")

Sheesh.

Why did I ever think that him starting to speak when he was little was so cute?! I mean, sure, now he can tell us when he doesn't feel good (which is all we want when they're babies), but now he can also tell me when I'm wrong (always), when dinner isn't what he wants (ever) and doing homework is a waste of time because he's rather be playing baseball, video games or with his friends (regularly).

At least when he was little he was either happy or was crying over a handful of things that could usually be figured out easily.

Now he has a gazillion words, facial expressions (eye rolling, scowling etc.) and body language (aka stomping, slamming doors, deep sighs....) to express just how inadequate my parenting skills are.

Just Plain Busy

2012-01-04T12:22:00.001-06:00

Well, it's been forever since anyone has posted. I wish I could say I have profound words that are going to pour outta me....I don't. So I'm going to give a quick update of what's been going on in the lives of the LYLAS girls and make a vow to get better at posting again. I am sorry that we haven't been keeping up, but life has officially gotten in the way of the blog...for apparently several months. We'll (I) will try not to let it happen again. Thank you if you have continued to check our humble little blog. : )

Updates:

Elle: I've been in the baking business for one full year now. Business was great this past holiday season. Kept me crazy busy. The month of Dec. yielded more than 2500 cookies (on top of cheesecakes, pies, cakes, cupcakes etc.) I'm happy for the break now and everyone on diets. Gives me a chance to recover and get ready for Valentine's Day. 5 months left of watching Emily's and Colbie's children. I will miss them, but am ready to focus whole-heartedly on the continued growth of my career. It's been a decade in the making! Aiden and Frederick are well. Aiden finished his first semester of Masters school at WashU with a 4.0 and all on the dime of his employer (that's my favorite part!) and Frederick is half way thru the 4th grade with all A's, friends and a new found obsession with baseball (more on this later). Penny (the dog) continues to be my best friend (sorry ladies, but it's true! : )

Emily: Running around crazy as ever! ; ) Her family is well and always busy with work, daughter's extra curricular activities (modeling, acting cheerleading...all which could produce a several very entertaining posts when she gets around to it!), school, teaching new grade level and everything else in between.

Colbie: Colbie and her family are well...as well. : ) Staying busy with a 2 year old and 9 month old, careers, house and adjusting admirably after the loss of her father earlier last year. She'll update you as she sees fit later, I'm sure.

Liz: Her family is well, busy and adjusting to changes of their own with her new job and Ava being in preschool. I don't watch Ava anymore, and I miss her greatly, but Liz says she loves school and is doing well. I think her and Mike are super happy to be back in their own place after months of construction on their home. I know I'm happy for them!

Abby: Well and busy!....you see a theme here?! Her family is happy and well. Also adjusting admirably to the loss of her father this year. Her and Mike stay busy keeping up with their almost 3 year old.

Carly: New job! Newly engaged! Been a big year for her! But she has also had to deal with the loss of her Grandma and her uncle this year. She is well, stays busy and seems very happy.

Kyla: Busy with work and dating. But is also well.

There's your update! Now hopefully it won't be too long until the next post. I'll do my best and will also try to start visiting yours more often. As always, thanks for reading!

No...A Four Letter Word

2011-10-12T11:46:00.000-05:00

I hate saying, "No." I feel like a failure when I have to tell someone that I can't, won't or don't know how to do something.

I also hate feeling like a failure.

I had to tell someone "No" this morning and it felt awful. She is a friend that wanted a cake that was much more complicated than the stress, money and time was worth. So I told her that I just didn't think I was the person for the job. I stand by my decision, but feel icky all the same.

I could tell she was disappointed, but she was still great about it....which actually makes me feel worse. If she would have tried to "beat me up" over it I would have went into defensive/survivalist mode. Instead she was nice. Ugh. I have no defense for that. I'm kidding, of course.

I'll deal with the feelings of inadequacy. It's something I'm working on to better myself; saying no and being okay with it. I don't need to please everyone. I don't need to please everyone. I don't....

How do you say "No" and move on? Is it something you struggle with or are you a nutter like me?!

Mini-update

2011-09-30T22:51:00.004-05:00

Here's a snapshot of my life....

Nicole is enjoying first grade and has already been to the principal once for saying shit and teaching it to her "group". Keith is doing a good job of balancing his school life and hers, which is good. She just insists on making us really work at this raising kids thing!

It is good that she switched schools because I do not get home until 6 every night. I LIVE at school. And when I get home I still have papers to grade. I love the new grade, and the kids, but WOW! This is a lot of work. It is a whole different ballgame than what I was used to. Though I enjoy a challenge, I have to admit that I am very tired. More tired than I have been in a long, long time.

William still visits with spookies off and on. We have accepted that the couch is also his bed when he needs it. A wise psychic said that he should stop "seeing" at age 4 (oh boy we are so close!). But if he doesn't stop then he probably never will. Drat! Here's hoping to his "ability to see" going away in 3 months! And if you think I'm nuts for entertaining this idea, talk to Elle. I may be crazy about many things, but this isn't one of them!

So really, bottom line is, I'm drained. Though I miss my blogging world, I just don't have time. I barely have time to breathe I feel. Something's gotta give. I know things will get better, but not for a while. I just have to keep doggie paddling along until I learn how to swim again!

My September 11th, 2001

2011-09-12T12:45:00.002-05:00

Everyone probably remembers where they were on September 11th, 2001. At least I hope...

I was asleep when the first plane hit. I awoke to the phone ringing with my Mother in Law on the other end. She told me to turn on the TV, so I did. As we were talking about how nuts it was that the building was hit, the second plane crashed. I get goose bumps just thinking about how, at that moment, I realized it wasn't an accident and we were under attack. We both started bawling, but hung up so we could pay attention to the news feed.

It wasn't long after that the plane went down in PA and the Pentagon was hit, 3 hours north of us. I remember Liz calling me crying, expressing fear that they were working their way down the coast. I shared the same fear, but had no way to evacuate since Aiden had taken our only car to work (aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt).

He was supposed to have a short day at work that morning, because they had promised that they would be able to leave by 10:00 AM so they could spend time with their families. They were due to deploy 6 days later. Exactly 2 weeks before our first child (Frederick) was due to be born. It was already an emotional time for us, knowing he wouldn't be there to witness his son being born and wouldn't meet him for the first time until he was 6 months old. And then we were attacked.

Liz and I hung up, devastation was keeping us from productive conversation. I got physically sick, blood pressure soaring from crying and anxiety. I knew I needed to relax (somehow) or I would go into labor. That wouldn't have been great (even though Aiden would have at least been in town for it). So I sat in the bottom of the shower, hugging my knees as close to my swollen middle as I could get and just cried, until the water ran cold. By the time I crawled out, I was empty of tears.

My mother in law called back hysterical, wanting to know where Aiden was. She had realized the same possibility that Liz and I had. She was worried about her son being stuck on a docked aircraft carrier, like a giant sitting duck. Images of a Pearl Harbor-ish scene played through my head for the 10th time when she started expressing all of her own fears for the first time. She asked if I had talked to him, if I knew anything, when I would know ANYTHING?! I told her we sit and wait. We wait for a call. We wait to see what happens next. We wait.

Almost 24 hours went by before I heard from him.

I was laying on the couch, where I had fallen asleep watching the news. At 4:00 AM I awoke to the phone ringing. It was Aiden. They had been on lock down (which I knew, thanks to the news) and was not allowed to make any phone calls. No one was allowed to leave or approach the military bases. He asked if I was okay. Asked how his unborn son was. He then informed me that he may not be home that day, but could I please pack all of his belongings that he needed for deployment because they may be leaving later that day. How I was going to get his items to him was another matter. A cab was the only conclusion and he would have to meet me at the entrance, give the stuff to the guards, who would then give him his stuff while I stood on the other side of the gate. Just the thought of that (not being able to hug and kiss him goodbye before he left us for 6 months (or more, thanks to terrorists) was torture. "I have to go. There is a line of guys waiting to call their families. I love you. Please have my stuff ready to go." And he hung up.

I found more tears.

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T23:06:00.001-05:00

On this 10th anniversary of that fateful day, I remember exactly where I was when the first plane hit the World Trade Center. I was in my first college apartment with Mike, and we were getting ready to start our day. We turned on the the TV, and the news was already saturated with coverage of the event. I thought it was terrifying, and kind of weird that I had just woken up from a dream that we were being attacked by airplanes (another story).

As I reflect on how my life has changed, I have to say its pretty significant, and seamless at the same time. In December of 2000 I applied for an internship in the printing department at the CIA. Long shot, for sure. But, they came to my college and recruited interns, so I gave it a shot. In February I learned I was accepted, and I was over the moon proud and excited! The best news of my life! I spent the next month paying extra attention to my classes, and boasting to my friends and family about the new opportunity I had to look forward to. In March of 2001, I found out that the internship program had been completely cut, and even some full time staff had lost their jobs at the CIA. I thought, how can this be??? What do you mean "funding was cut?" You're the CIA! Nonetheless, I had to fight through the tears and disappointment, and break the news to everyone that I, indeed, was NOT going to be interning at the CIA in the fall semester, and could say goodbye to my position at the Pentagon in the printing department. I thought nothing could be worse, it was the worst news I could have imagined. What could have been worse?

I'll tell you what! Being at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001. Yeah, I know it's a big building, but, I count my lucky stars often that the internship fell through. Though my college years may have been a tad bit less exciting without that internship, I have much to be thankful for!

And, I'm proud to be an American!

LYLAS,
Liz

Love Fall!!!

2011-09-09T13:55:00.000-05:00

I love Fall!!! I love everything about it! The weather has been perfect. The trees are starting to change colors and some are already losing their leaves....okay, well that's one thing I don't love about fall is all of the leaves that I have to rake thanks to be in an older neighborhood surrounded by giant oak trees....but I'll still take it!!! No complaints here.

The weather has put me in the mood for Christmas shopping. I know it sounds nuts, but as most of you know, I love Christmas! I love the decorations, music, lights, food, parties, shopping....all of it! So this rainy, cloudy weather tells me that Halloween is near (which I also love!) and that kicks off my entire favorite time of year. From now until Jan. I am my happiest!

Physically I always feel much better in the fall and winter, since I don't have to worry about allergies. Sweaters are my favorite clothing. I have 6 white sweaters of varying shades and styles. I'm a freak for sweaters. And to top off the beginning of the fall season, I was shopping at Kohls last week looking for Frederick school clothes. I always browse the clearance racks first and stopped in the men's clearance dept. to look for Aiden something. In the middle of a rack of men's pants I found this light weight pea coat...for women. I looked at the size. Hmph. Tried it on. It was like a magical pea coat waiting for me all along. And it was on clearance for $13.00 (normally $90?!?, who the hell can afford that?!)....AND I had a $10.00 coupon so I got the coat for $3.00! I was so stoked. I can't wait to wear it!

Give me some other reasons why Fall is freaking amazing! If you can't then you're not trying very hard! : )

Job Interview!

2011-09-08T22:04:00.001-05:00

I am so excited! I have a job interview Monday at a great company, and potentially a big salary increase! If you remember, I haven't exactly been happy where I work currently, and if you don't remember, here's a little reminder.

I am excited and scared. I always feel like I'm breaking up with someone when I quit a job. But, in this case I think I'll be breaking up with an abusive boyfriend. OK, maybe "abusive" is a bit dramatic, but, not too far off. Although it isn't my dream job (can you say full-time, famous, rich, boudoir photographer?), it IS a fresh start, and that helps!

In other news, me and my clan have been homeless since July. We live in a condo and our upstairs neighbor had a leak that went unnoticed long enough to do quite a big of damage to our unit. We've had to strip everything out and we're down to concrete floors and studs. There is talk of taking some ceiling out, too. Then, to top it off, we found that there was still some wetness caused by a NEW leak. WTF? I think I have the leakiest neighbor in the world. At this point we'll be lucky if we're back home by Christmas - and that's no exaggeration. :( Sad face.

So, we've been living 1/2 the week with my mom, and the other 1/2 with Mike's grandma. That is a whole 'nother story that I'll save for some other time.

Anyway, I'm welcoming the crisp, fall air that's sure to come, and really excited about my interview Monday. Wish me luck :)

LYLAS,
Liz

Ahh...Emily

2011-09-08T14:31:00.000-05:00

Ahh....dear Emily....dear, sweet Emily...How many times have I told you that the world does not revolve around you?! That includes the bloggy world as well, Sweetheart! Just because you were nonexistent doesn't mean the rest of us were...well, practically, but still! : ) I will have you know I checked the blog almost every single day this summer. I just had very little to say, or no time to say it in.

But sadly, this post, like the rest of life can't be just about you dear, Emily (condescending enough for ya?! ; )....

My house smells like a Red Velvet bundt cake! I made one to take to the funeral home tonight. Carly's grandma passed away and I volunteered to bring something to represent all of us LYLAS girls. Red velvet was her grandma's favorite. At least this is according to Kyla. I didn't actually get that information first hand....come to think of it, Kyla's favorite cake is red velvet....hmmm....No wonder she was down right giddy about going to the funeral home tonight! : )

I just bought the book (Border's final days, People! Get there!) Secrets of a Former Fat Girl. Started crying during the introduction. That Former Fat Girl could be this Current Fat Girl. I can't wait to read it all. I have been making great strides to come to terms with my weight, and finding a way to be happy and healthy at any size. I've been doing a lot of reflecting and have only come to one conclusion....Losing weight is HARD! It sucks!! And God is a skinny man and hates women!!! Okay, that was 3 things.

I will do my best to actually start posting regularly again and visiting my favorite blog friends again. I haven't forgotten you! I think about you often and really appreciate that you think of us.

Here's to Current Fat Girls everywhere, Red Velvet cakes and dear, sweet (the world does not revolve around you!) Emily. ; )

I'm Speechless

2011-09-07T23:47:00.003-05:00

That is what comes to mind. I am utterly speechless! I have to admit (guiltily - is that a word?) that I have not so much as checked the blog since my last post in July. Life got in the way. As always. And I just let this part slide. I got a wild hair up my ass and decided to check the blog tonight, sure that no one had posted and it would be in the same pathetic spot it was a month ago. And I was pleased and, well, MOVED, to see my girls are still posting. And now I feel like the ass! My girls haven't forgotten! And even more impressive...TV! Jonesie! Barb! Lyndy Lou! You are all still out there! I got such a warm feeling inside just reading the comments and feeling in touch with my girls again...I remember why I do this!
This year is super busy. 4th grade is awesome, but keeping me super busy. The grading is killing me! The kids are great though! I love it. I feel like it is what I needed. Nicole is doing great at her new school. She is growing up so much! And it's nice for Keith to have to be the responsible one in regard to school with her...at least for now. William is enjoying going to preschool part time. It makes him feel like a big boy! He is still seeing spookies but Elle is helping us deal with that. That is a story for a later time!
Thanks again to all those who kept the blog alive...even when I fell off the face of the earth. It's nice to come back "home"!

Date Night

2011-09-04T19:42:00.005-05:00

I missed you guys, especially my lylas girls. I miss not keeping up your lives, but doesn't look like I've missed much this summer. Apparently, we've all been busy?! Thought I'd share a little "experiment" that the hubby and I have started....

Last night, we went on our 1st official date night. The idea behind this is to do something fun, different, and just enjoy each other. And, we both take turns planning it, without the other knowing what we're going to do. I took the reigns and planned this first one and I must say that I enjoyed planning it, as much as the actual date. I got ideas from people I know and the internet. It's also a great way to explore a city we've both lived in all our lives. We are doing this b/c after 14 years of being together, 5 years of marriage, a 2 year old...we could use some fun and spark? Who couldn't?? It's quite exciting...

I had a couple of ideas, but scrapped one at the last minute due to the weather...hot and possible rain, but definitely will be going back to that one later this fall. So....we enjoyed an IMAX film about Tornado Alley, ate dinner at a cool retro 50s soda fountain restaurant that neither of us didn't know existed & had a chocolate covered cherry martini, and enjoyed our 1st Burlesque show (something a little hot and risque). I must say that I really enjoyed it, actually we both did. They're performing Scooby Doo in Nov. and we'll most likely be attending that one too. It was quite funny and sexy. A whole new environment that we're not used to...the club, the audience (who really get into it the audience participation part), and the performers. We even watched a fire breather! The performances were great. Kind of reminded me of an adult high school play. I enjoyed seeing these women up there, just putting it all out there and enjoying themselves (no inhibitions). Almost makes me wonder if I could do something like that? Well, the jury's still out on that one, but I do think it would be fun. Date night #1 was a success!! Can't wait for #2!! Michael...it's your turn. Stay tuned...

Cliquee Women

2011-08-18T19:50:00.000-05:00

I do not like cliques. Some people would say that our group is one. I assure you, it is not. Each of us have many friends outside of our little core group and we even let them do stuff with us! : )

I'm talking about the cliquee (it's my word, damn it!) women at Frederick's school. The ones that have to have their hands in everything, see their names in print everywhere there's a place to sign up for recess duty to wiping butts. I'm sorry, but they might as well be doing that because they are always up at school.

Some would say they are just involved mothers. It goes far beyond involved. I'm an involved mother (I volunteer in the library, Breakfast with Santa, work at the bookfairs, and donate my bake goods). These women are cultish (another word of mine, damn it!) Stepford wives, every hair in place, prim and proper, sticks up their butts, cultish, cliqueish women. Oh, and I forgot two faced!

It's already starting and it's only the second day of school. I don't get involved. I'm equally fake with everyone, because if I said what was really on my mind my son would be a pariah and miserable.

And don't get me wrong....all of the mothers there aren't like this. Some of the dads are too. : ) No, it's just a handful of women that make everyone else scatter so they don't get sucked into the social air smack. (Kiss, Kiss. Stab, Stab. With a great big smile...)

School

2011-08-16T12:32:00.000-05:00

School has started once again. Frederick is in 4th grade and I have Colbie, Emily's kids back and have continued to have Ava (Liz's daughter) once a week. Business is only picking up and the holidays are right around the corner. I have a trip to Arkansas to visit a sick grandmother and another going into a nursing home. The following week is Aiden's birthday and party, as well as my little brother's engagement party the day before. 60 people for the engagement party and 40 for Aiden's b-day. Two days in a row at my house! These are just close family and friends! I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with life right now. Money sucks since Aiden was fired from his part time job by his dad and I didn't have the kids all summer. We are making it work, we're just doing without some stuff. We'll be fine, it's just really stressful these days. I wish, almost as much as Frederick that school wasn't back in session, but I love this time of year so I'm trying to focus on that. Blogging will start happening more as well since I'm home and have an hour or two that the kids are napping. That's usually when I catch up on writing, cleaning, emails, phone calls, baking etc. Hope everyone had a good summer!

All or Nothing

2011-08-05T06:48:00.002-05:00

Do you ever find yourself either fully and completely dedicated to something or completely uninvolved or able to put forth your time? It's like an all or nothing type deal. I've found myself doing this, and it may not be a bad thing. The queen of multitasking, I've tried to slow down and focus on one or (okay only a few things) at a time. This may be the better approach, instead of spreading yourself thin with half the effort as you try to accomplish everything on your list. Thus, my blogging efforts fall into this category. Either I make 3 posts at a time or nothing at all. I do attempt to at least read what others have written and comment. (Here we go again with blogger's guilt!! He-he!!) As other fellow bloggers begin to post more, I feel myself becoming inspired to write, share, and reflect. Anybody with me?? Let's get back on the blogger's train.

Crazy!

2011-07-28T11:43:00.000-05:00

Things have been crazy for all of us! I'm sorry we have posted anything in 12 days!!!! Here's a quick update on everybody (hope you ladies don't mind me filling everyone in on our mundane lives : ):

Emily-Getting classroom ready in grade she's never taught before. Usually breaks out into hives over any type of change....

Colbie-Getting classroom ready and dealing with 2 year old and 4 month old....nuff said!

Liz-Out of her house while major repairs are being made thanks to upstairs condo owner's pipes leaked all over her place! Being nomadic sucks! (this is from personal experience and on Liz's behalf.)

Abby-Dealing with 2 year old and getting new career started!

Carly-Working full time and making feather hair pieces the rest of the time just to keep up with demand.

Kyla-Male drama as always and super busy at work making billions of dollars!

Me-Getting two cars to pass inspection. Working on securing commercial kitchen. Baking, baking, baking. Watching kids and getting ready for school to start again. And a bathroom that's tore up being remodeled by me! : )

This is us in a nutshell. When someone has more time I'm sure one of us will take the time to write!!!! Hope everyone is well!

Broken toe

2011-07-16T01:38:00.003-05:00

I opened the freezer and a 3 pound bag of frozen pork meat jumped out and attacked my toes. I think I broke my little toe. My whole foot is black and blue. It hurts. I can't wear my tennis shoes due to all the bruising. But now, day 3 of wearing my flip flops, my plantar faceitis (or however it is spelled) is acting up horribly. I officially hate my right foot. I am limping around, looking foolish, and in pain. Feet (and meat) suck!

Guardian Angels

2011-07-16T01:27:00.002-05:00

I told my darling daughter recently that she was lucky her guardian angel was watching over her. She was jumping on the trampoline with her cousin and he pushed her. Now, we spent the extra money to buy the safety net around the trampoline, but it does little good if it is not zipped up. So my daughter proceeded to fall out of the open zipper area, backwards, off the trampoline. She was very lucky that she was not seriously hurt. In fact, her cousin, who pushed her, cried for much longer than she actually did. I am still trying to figure that out...
Then we were at a family gathering for the fourth of July. The adults were fighting over who was going to catch the parachute (what??? the kids got several chances...it was our turn!). Anyway, Nicole's uncle (who is a big guy) decided to put his son (coincidentally the same cousin who pushed Nicole off the trampoline) on his shoulders to try to catch the parachute falling from the sky (stupid fireworks). Nicole wanted her daddy to do the same so she chased after him. Unfortunately, her uncle didn't realize she was there. So he tripped over her, kicked her in the ribs, knocking her down and proceeded to fall to the ground. His son (who is 9 and weighs 85 pounds) was on his shoulders. He went face first into the ground. Though he was hurt, I was more concerned about my brother in law. He could have broken his neck! Nicole, her cousin, and her uncle, all stayed on the ground for far too long. Keith ran out and picked up Nicole. There were tears but at the end of the day no-one was seriously hurt. I can't even begin to imagine how Nicole would have fared had her uncle fallen on top of her or if his knee would have went into her ribs...
That night I told her her guardian angel was watching over her. Her simple response was... "I know."