Clueless in Columbus

Trick or Treat

2011-10-26T08:03:00.004-04:00

We are getting closer to Halloween!! This is the first year I let both kids pick their costumes!

Colin will once again be a Ninja Turtle

Carter will be Uncle Mike, aka a UPS driver

Tonight is our first trunk or treat at Colin's new school! Pictures to follow........

baby C and baby Z

2010-02-10T17:48:00.004-05:00

I'm terrible at remembering to update my blog.

Let's play some catch-up, shall we?

Carter turned 4 months old in January! Oh 4 months with this little guy...

Here's an update:

* He started talking and cooing out loud.

* Smiles all the time

* Loves watching Colin and any other little person who is willing to act goofy

* Started sleeping in his CRIB! Finally... I take the blame for that one. He just started sleeping in our room and I never made him go to his own room.

* Rolled over from belly to back

* His 4 month check-up he was 16lbs, 25 inches

* Wears a size 6 months

* Eats 6oz every 3-4 hours

* Sleeps from 7:30pm-3:30am, 4:00am-6:30am

* Naps - about an hour around 9:30am, 2-3 hours at 1:00pm

* Oh and he just reminded me.... he started screaming and then laughing afterwards

We had another little fella join the family this month. Justin's brother and wife welcomed little Zachary on the 17th. He is such a cute little guy. I went last week and took some pictures and he was great.... until I suggested a curled up naked baby shot... oops. Zac is a little modest and hated the very thought. Bad for baby, great for aunt. I got to snuggle with him and feed him a bottle! Here is the little (big) guy...

Brrrrr

2010-01-09T09:02:00.006-05:00

It has been really cold and snowy lately. We really haven't done too much. Justin's birthday was the 5th. We celebrated with his family last Sunday. I only took one picture of Uncle Matt and Carter - I told myself I would start taking more pictures and I didn't.

Notice Carter's 1 mitten? He sucks his hand and he popped a blister. Poor guy! We have been keeping it clean and dry. That was all I could think of to keep him from eating a bandaid.

We couldn't be more excited. Uncle Matt and Aunt Sara are expecting their first baby. She is due.... tomorrow!!! It's a boy. It is the first cousin for Colin and Carter on Justin's side. I am so excited for them. They are naturals and will be great parents.

So it has been snowy and cold here. Justin and Colin have been taking care of the outside. Here is Colin out in the driveway. He was helping shovel when I ran out, snapped a fast picture and ran like heck back in the house.

Justin's brother is taking Colin to Monster Jam tonight. I asked Colin if he wanted to go with Uncle Todd tonight and he started jumping up and down. The last time we took him to Monster Truck Nationals it wasn't the best experience. He cried and was scared so we watched it on the tv screen in a lounge. Todd has been warned. Colin told me this morning that is isn't 3 anymore and his 4 year old ears won't hurt. Justin is out now getting new ear plugs. Thanks Uncle Todd! Hope you are ready :)

2009

2009-12-31T14:59:00.011-05:00

Sorry I haven't blogged. One of my resolutions is to keep a family journal - something we can print and keep. Before I start blogging 2010, I thought I would review the year 2009...

Warning: This is a super long post.

January ~

We spent a weekend at the cabin - enjoying all the snow.

We also found out we were expecting a new little member of our family. It was quite the month!

February ~

We spent a lot of our time playing our new Wii.

March~

We started having weekly play dates with my sister and Megan. Every Friday we took the kids to do something fun!

April ~

We attended our first of many Lowe's Workshops. We also enjoyed the nice weather with trips to the zoo.

May ~

We spent another weekend at the cabin - fishing, slip n sliding, tractor riding, playing in the mud...

The three of us spent a weekend away in Cincinnati. We went to the Newport Aquarium, swam in the hotel pool and met my sister and her family at Kings Island on our last day.

June ~

Colin went to his first Vacation Bible School. He LOVED every minute of it. The camp was for four hours Monday-Thursday and he had to bring a lunch. He was really excited to buy a lunch box and he helped pack his lunch at night. It was really cute.

July~

We did a lot of fun things in July! We took big long walks at different parks, went to parades, watched fireworks and tried to beat the heat...

August ~

We had a lot going on in August. Colin had a shark birthday party for his 4th birthday. My nephew, Brendan, was born! We spent time with family - a zoo day with the cousins, Colin took swim lessons - he LOVED them. He was so good, they advanced him to the next level after one lesson...

September ~

Colin started preschool two days a week right before becoming a big brother. Carter Joseph was born on September 14, 2009. It was a big adjustment adding a member to our family. He is a little redheaded, cuddly, sweet baby. To help with the adjustment, Colin started playing soccer on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It was a great way to give him some extra attention and have something that was just his!

October~

Carter celebrated his baptism with his first trip to the cabin. We had a great month visiting with family! (and I forgot my camera.... still waiting mom, dad and Lisa for some pictures).

November~

We stayed busy in November trying to survive! ha. Life with two kids is WAY different. I am sure everyone told me that, but I just didn't believe them. I wouldn't change it for the world, but I think I was a walking zombie through much of November. My lack of pictures proves it. We did have two great Thanksgivings this year. Justin's family always does a white elephant gift exchange on turkey day.. Colin loved helping open and Carter loved all the attention from the family!

December ~

My favorite time of year. It was so much fun getting ready for Christmas this year. We packed up the car, ordered take out and had dinner in our jammies driving around looking at Christmas lights. The kids got to see Santa (Colin hid behind the stroller - but Carter loved staring at Santa). We baked cookies, spent time with family, made presents, and just enjoyed being together.

What a great year :) Hope yours was too!

4 years

2009-08-12T12:27:00.006-04:00

Four years ago today my little guy was born. He completely changed our lives for the better. I really can't figure out what we did before him.

after hours and hours of labor, he was born via c-section. I remember Justin yelling "it really is a boy" over and over. I was yelling "take pictures" over and over... haha. They cleaned up my little guy and Justin walked him over to my head. I remember those big eyes staring at me. Justin was beaming from ear to ear. It was such a special moment.

It was such a great day. It's been a great 4 years.

Now I am off to Chuck-E-Cheese to have a birthday lunch with the family. I will continue this trip down memory lane later today (after pizza, playing, cupcakes, Hobby Lobby (haha), and swim lessons).

happy birthday to my handsome little guy. I love you more than anything in the whole wide world.

***I want to apologize for my pictures- I only had newborn shots in my snapfish/shutterfly albums so I had to save them to my computer and then post them... horrible, I know.

I'm updating!!!

2009-07-03T15:27:00.003-04:00

I took Colin on a little photoshoot today. Nothing too spectacular. Lisa and Megan came with us and I got a few shots of little Maggie Moo.

Is it kinda odd that he is tilted? I can't decide. I have way more pictures but for some reason I just loved this one. I promise I will post more about the last month!!! Gimme a day :) Happy 4th of July to everyone!

Memorial Day!!

2009-06-02T20:02:00.003-04:00

So I'm a little behind.... Memorial Day weekend was spent with family at the cabin in NY. We had lots of fun! Slip n slides, cookouts, bears, walks, fishing, family..... the list goes on and on.

We also got a chance to visit with more family at the "old cabin" - I took some pictures of the beautiful kiddos but I didn't ask to put them on my blog. So I want to say a cyber congrats to Linda and Tank on little Erin Kelly. She is a doll and I'm so glad I had the chance to see her :)

Hugs n Kisses

2009-06-02T13:35:00.004-04:00

So Sunday was our wedding anniversary. 6 whole years! I can't believe it's been that long!

We celebrated by taking our little boy on a weekend away with us. We usually go to Florida every year in the fall, but this year we had to scratch that plan. So we drove to Cincinnati on Friday. We visited the Newport Aquarium, the Riverwalk, shopped, ate and slept in a great hotel. Saturday, my sister met us at King's Island for a day of rides, food and fun!

I'll post pictures later.

But now.... a quiz about my (our) wedding day:

My wedding day!This is all about the day - for better or for worse:
1) What was your wedding date: May 31, 2003
2) How long from 'I will' to 'I do' - 15 months
3) Where were you married: St. Paul's Church
4) What were your wedding colors: blush and bashful (Steel Magnolias?!) but really, bridesmaids wore blush.
5) Who was in your wedding party - siblings and friends - 5 guys and 5 gals
6) Honestly, could your bridesmaids REALLY have worn their dress again: I hope not! I am not sure what I was thinking... at the time I LOVED them.. now, not so much.
7) Did you LOVE your gown: I really really did until I wore it!!!
7b) Would you choose the same gown again: Umm no
8) Flowers - Real or Silk: Real - My FAVORITE part of my wedding
9) Reception - Full meal or Calling reception: Full meal
10) Dance or no dance: dance
11) What would you have done differently: Probably everything - it was 6 years ago and fads have changed.
12) Any disasters? Yes
13) Best gift you received: That's mean - they were all great!
14) Strangest gift you received: Hahaha, I'm not saying... that person could read my blog!
15) Most memorable moment of the day: Seeing Justin for the first time that day, forgetting our birth certificates and having to drive to our new house at 2am to be up and head to the airport by 5am, pictures, everything... I remember it all :)

Dr Appointment

2009-05-26T16:38:00.002-04:00

I just had my ultrasound. Our baby is a cutie!! Here's the scoop:

* He's still a he
* He's breech
* He'll be around 7lbs.
* He has a big belly and torso (75th percentile)
* I will most likely have him on September 12th or September 14th. My dr said he might be on call the weekend of the 12th. If not, he'll take me for a c-section on Monday the 14th.

And the best news of the day.... he's healthy and doing great!

Baby Update

2009-05-21T09:05:00.002-04:00

I found this pregnancy update on a blog. I deleted a bunch of questions because they were a wee bit too graphic/personal for the internet.

How far along? almost 23 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: How dare you ask...
Maternity clothes? Oh yes... and I'm hating everything.....
Sleep: Love some, thanks.
Best moment this week: Colin asking every.ten.minutes if his brother is kicking me.
Movement: Oh, my, yes.
Food cravings: Watermelon and cucumbers.
Gender: A little boy
Belly button in or out? It's a swimming pool if you must know.
What I miss: bending over, fitting through small spaces, not getting food on my shirt when I eat.
What I am looking forward to: A little baby to love and hold, seeing Colin's face when he finally gets to meet his little brother.

And I want to remember this....
So one day when Colin was playing in my parent's basement, he found this realistic baby doll. I guess my dad told him it was his baby brother and together they named him (Michael Michael - can you guess what my dad's name is - and no that's not a typo, it's Michael twice).

We had to bring Michael Michael home with us. I went and got a little newborn outfit out of the bins in the basement. Together, we dressed Michael Michael and he has been a part of our family ever since. No seriously.

Covering MM w/ a blankie before bed, check.
Goodnight kisses, check.
Goodnight hugs, check.
Including him in our stories before bed, check.
Making sure he is in the car with us when we leave the house, check.

My favorite was the day I saw Colin spoon feeding MM. My mom told me Colin has more of a maternal instinct than I do.

He LOVES babies.

Do I have to think of a title?!

2009-05-08T08:38:00.005-04:00

It's been quite a week - our refrigerator started pouring out water! We have towels around it waiting for my dad to come take a peek today. Justin asked me yesterday how I felt about a new refrigerator for Mother's Day. I asked how he felt about a new stove for Father's Day. Ahhh - I hate appliances :)

We visited the zoo a few weeks ago on a beautiful day. We had to renew our membership and so we met Justin's friend and his family for a day out. We rushed and rushed to get there on time and they ended up being very late!! ha. So it was just us for the majority of the day.

Colin is obsessed with sharks. He would rather watch anything on National Geographic than watch age appropriate cartoons. Shark week is his favorite week of the year. Look at how happy he is....

And what's the zoo without a ride or two... he LOVED the swings and told us they were his favorite...

so I pretend to love the zoo for Colin and Justin. They both ask every weekend to go... Am I the only one that doesn't like walking around to look at smelly animals?

Well our little town got a Meijer... This is the most exciting thing since... well since Kohl's opened :) Colin and I are about to run and check it out!

Little Athlete

2009-05-07T07:38:00.003-04:00

For my family that reads my blog - Colin's very first t-ball game is the 23rd... I'm not 100% sure of the time yet, but I will let you know.

Oh wait - we are hopefully going out of town for the holiday weekend... oops.

Just know that Colin has t-ball games EVERY Saturday through June. If he enjoys it, he'll have them through July too :)

Email me and I'll give you the info (I'll know all the details tomorrow when I get his info and UNIFORM!!!!!) hahaha...

Cute cute cute

2009-04-29T21:39:00.003-04:00

I bought my first item on etsy! I got it in the mail today and had to share. The picture is courtesy of the preppy peach but it doesn't even do the hat justice. I ordered it for the new little guy and I'm so in love with it that I'm going to order a matching one for Colin....in every color :)

I can't wait to take pictures of our new little guy!!! You have to check out Lori's beautiful work!

Easter?! Oops forgot to blog

2009-04-28T20:27:00.006-04:00

Cute story to start my post - I just put Colin to bed. He lifted up my shirt to look at my belly and he started rubbing it very gently. I asked him what he was doing and he told me he was rubbing his baby brother's back!!!!

So I haven't even posted Easter yet... I got a new lens for Christmas and I decided to play with it on Easter for the first time. BIG mistake. All my pictures turned out blurry :( - glad I didn't use it the whole day...

Here is Colin Easter morning...

The weekend of Easter, we went to my parent's house to decorate eggs and the annual bunny cake. Our cousins, Debbie and Ron were in town visiting. They are the MOST patient, kind, loving people I know. They even brought an Easter basket for their 21 year old son (he goes to school here and they live in NY)

Here are Grandpa and Colin decorating an egg

Baby Ron taking over and helping Colin

Easter day: We had brunch at Justin's parents house. I didn't get any pictures because.... well I was too busy eating if you must know! Grandma and Grandpa Rick spoiled Colin and got him a play wagon FILLED with all sorts of goodies. Then we went to my parent's to get spoiled some more with a basket and Easter egg hunt. Colin needs to start an IRA with the loot he made in his eggs.

So that's Easter for ya. I have WAY more pictures but for some reason it is taking a really long time to upload tonight so I'm calling it a post.

Tweet Tweet

2009-04-14T20:22:00.002-04:00

Did you know Lowe's offers free classes for little kids? I guess I was last to find this out - but I signed Colin up as soon as I found out!

What a great idea! Colin made his first bird house. He was sooooooo excited. He hammered just about every nail and is so excited to go back (we signed up for another one right before Mother's Day to make a planter)..... He is a natural...

**only problem - I can't stand birds.... hope this house doesn't mean I will have any

Diaper Cake

2009-04-08T21:57:00.004-04:00

A week or so ago, I threw a baby shower. They are having a little boy and the theme was baseball. Literally, at the last second, I decided it was a great idea to make a diaper cake. Justin helped me with it because it was almost 11pm and I was too tired to hold diapers!

By the time I took a picture, it had been tossed around so much and it no longer looks like it did right after it was made.... sorry 'bout that.

I thought I would share the worst of my diaper cakes...

I'm updating...

2009-04-08T09:45:00.005-04:00

Dear Blogger friends,

I am starting to redo my blog. I've been out of the blogging world for too long now. It's time I took down my Valentine's Day header and updated this little blog. So excuse the changes over the next few days! Look- my first change, I now have a signature :) So fun!!!! hehehe

Your blogging buddy,

Dear Baby of mine,

2009-04-02T19:18:00.003-04:00

I had a dream 2 weeks ago - I was on a table getting an ultrasound and the tech announced it was a girl.

Ever since, I've been dreaming of bows and dresses... You were going to be Madelyn Elyse (Elyse after my sister-we agreed Lisa wasn't a good middle name, thanks Aunt Ann for giving Mary that middle name because I considered it for a first name for a long time) - or Emerson Elyse - or Mia Elyse ... But today, the ultrasound tech had something else to say...

It's a boy

It's a boy - did you hear me?

I still don't believe it. I have the 14000d picture to prove it - but really, that was such a vivid dream.

So I am shopping for matching newsie hats instead... This will be fun.

And little guy, you won't have a name until mommy and daddy stop disagreeing.... This may take a while :)

Love,

Your momma (there is nothing like the love of a little boy)

Trip

2009-03-31T19:35:00.002-04:00

We took a trip to the cabin and Buffalo, NY over the weekend. It was a great time - and great food... chicken finger subs, Buffalo Pizza.... Colin had a GREAT time at the cabin taking walks, riding on the tractor, playing with his cousin Megan, roasting marshmallows... My dad has been really busy getting the new cabin all ready for our summer retreats - he built a new patio, put "benches" at the fire pit in the yard... If I took a single picture, I'd share. oops.

Our cousins Debbie and Ron kept us company at the cabin. I really can't explain how much we all love when they come to the cabin. Colin won't stop talking about Baby Ron and I love the advice Debbie gives when we are there. Really, they are the greatest and I love it when they come.

We have a surprise for Colin - we bought Monster truck Nationals tickets for this Saturday. I think he may pass out when we get there. We aren't telling him where we are going until we get there. I promise, I'll have the camera for that one.

I made an appointment with a local ultrasound place to tell us what we are having. Our appointment is Thursday. I'm not 100% sure we can go yet, I'm waiting on Justin to tell me if the time will work with his schedule. If all goes well, by 6pm on Thursday - we will know if we are having a boy or girl. So far all 3 of us think the same so we'll see for sure! I will still get an ultrasound from my doctor but he waits until I'm 24 weeks to spill the beans...

BUT the place called me tonight asking if I minded a tech in training because the real tech is on vacation. She assured me if the tech in training couldn't tell, I could come back... Should I bother or should I wait until someone who knows what she is doing comes back?!?

Catching up

2009-03-25T12:12:00.004-04:00

My sister yells at me when I don't update my blog. I am afraid of her, so I will be updating it a lot! It may be nothing but words, but I will do anything for my sister.

I'll update you on the past 14 weeks and 4 days... I'm still tired and hate food after 6pm. Meat is still making me feel "squeezy" (that's what my Nana calls it) and I'm obsessed with cucumbers. I can't get enough. I still haven't done a real grocery shopping trip and I never feel like doing laundry or cleaning the house. So really, everything is pretty normal! Ha.

I found a great website. We've been trying to get Colin to write his name and he LOVES playing school and doing worksheets - so I printed tracing sheets to help him learn to write his name.

My little boy left us again! I swear he goes on more trips. He left today to go to the family cabin. My parents took him and I'm driving up to NY on Friday. When he woke up this morning, he would not stop talking about Grandpa's trailer, tractor, cabin, woods, trees, old cabin, new cabin, blah blah blah. I shut the car door and I looked and his mouth was still flapping - he didn't care that I wasn't in the car to hear him!

My sister found out she is having a baby boy. I didn't care that I wouldn't find out what I'm having until June - but now that she knows, I kinda wanna know! I talked my cheap husband into going and finding out early at a strip mall ultrasound place (sounds worse than it is, I hope).. I called around and I have to wait another week to go. I'm not 100% sure we'll still be in the mood but I'll let you know. I did have my first dream and I was laying on the table and said "it's a girl" and a dr handed me a baby girl - but I was still pregnant. I don't care what it is - I'm just happy nobody died in my dream.

Ok so I guess I'm really boring. I haven't taken a single picture in weeks, I am hoping I will slowly get out of my funk and back to normal! And I'm not proofreading this post, hope I spelled everything correctly.

Using the net

2009-03-19T09:21:00.003-04:00

I'm using the Internet today. I'm taking full advantage of the number of people that read my blog (all 3 of you..lol)

I have this cousin... He is a husband, father, son, cousin, uncle, brother, grandson - you get the point. When I was younger, "little Jimmy" used to come babysit. He was so strict and a little scary! Don't EVER tell him, but I actually liked when he came over. He brought his sweet girlfriend - my favorite part. She is now his wife and always has the cutest purse!!

Little Jimmy is having surgery today. The doctors are optimistic that they will get the cancer. Jimmy has a beautiful son, a wonderful wife and a great family. I'm asking everyone that is willing to say a little prayer for him today - I know his sister in heaven is watching over him but I just want to make sure God hears all of us today.

So Little Jimmy, I guess my secret is out - I didn't hate when you babysat, I actually looked forward to it... cringe :) And now that I'm grown up, I look forward to seeing your little family every chance I get!

Buh Bye Isuzu

2009-03-17T08:21:00.002-04:00

Our Isuzu Rodeo died on us! It's been a money pit since we bought it but thought we could stick it out.... I was asleep on the couch yesterday afternoon and Justin woke me up to tell me he was leaving to trade in the truck. He already talked to the dealership, he was already approved, he just needed to come pick something out to take home...

I couldn't let him go alone. I didn't feel that great but decided to go with so I wouldn't be in a pick-up truck or something.... A bazillion hours later (a bag of cheetos for dinner), we drove home in our new to us Silver Honda Pilot. It is GREAT! Leather, sunroof, low low miles, 8 passenger seating.... Hopefully this will last 300k miles and we will enjoy a paid off car in a few years!!!

So if anyone needs a ride, I drive a bus and have the room :)

Dora grows up

2009-03-08T20:31:00.000-04:00

I was reading abcnews.com. I came across a very interesting article. Apparently, Dora is growing up. Her "new image" will be released this fall. I'm on pins and needles waiting for her big reveal. This reminds me of an episode of What Not to Wear...

Did anyone else notice how short Dora's skirt is?!

I just thought this was sorta crazy and I had to share.

Sunday night dinner...

2009-03-08T16:09:00.006-04:00

I found a recipe from this great blog. It is a keeper and I'll be making it again in the future... I even cooked the chicken and felt ok to eat it!!! Maybe I'm getting over this pregnancy induced, meat-free diet.... I hope so :)

I copied the recipe and picture straight from the blog....

SWISS STUFFING CHICKEN

4 large skinless boneless chicken breasts

6 oz. Mozzarella or Swiss cheese slices

1 can Cream of Chicken soup

1/4 cup white cooking wine

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup herb-flavored crushed up Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix

1/2 stick butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place uncooked chicken in shallow buttered casserole dish. Layer cheese on top. Mix soup, wine, salt, pepper; pour over cheese. Sprinkle stuffing mix on top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 1 hour.

**I would recommend skipping the salt when cooking - it was a tad on the salty side. I did use the mozzarella cheese and not swiss.

Help me decide...

2009-03-06T08:25:00.003-05:00

Sorry I haven't been blogging.. The first trimester is almost over and I can't wait! I've been so tired and yucky. Today, my sister and Megan are joining Colin and I at the library. The kids will learn how to plant seeds and all that good stuff. I'm hoping Colin takes notes - he will need to keep our garden growing this summer!!!

I do need HELP! Colin will be 4 in August. I keep getting mixed reviews on keeping him home another year before kindergarten. I planned on sending him to 3/4 preschool this year, pre-k next year and then real school. Or do you think that starting school at 6 is too old and I should just send him to pre-k this year and then school the following year?!

I can't make a decision!!!!

I'll post pictures later of our day at the library.. And can you believe it is going to be 70 tomorrow?! I am already picking out an outfit - I'm that excited! And by picking out an outfit, I mean what the heck fits that is presentable to watch a 3 year old ride a bike around the neighborhood.....

The C Family Open

2009-02-24T19:48:00.003-05:00

who: The C family (Grandpa Rick, Gramma, Uncle Matt, Aunt Sara, Uncle Todd, Courtney)

when: last Saturday night

what: wii and ping pong family tournament

where: our casa

why: because they are one competitive bunch... thank goodness I married in and don't take competition seriously... ha

The night started out like any other family gathering.... we hung out around the food (ok I did)... ham, homemade mac-n-cheese (get us a recipe Matt and Sara - it was YUM), chips n dip, Matt's BLTA's (Avocado), sushi, buckeyes, fudge, angel food cake w/ strawberries.... I have to stop, I'm now starving....

Uncle Matt came prepared with "the brackets" - after seeing Colin's wii skills, he was added to the wii bowling competition.... Too bad he lost........ along with the rest of the family - I'm not bragging, I'm just recapping for journaling purposes....

check out who won... :)

Aunt Sara and Colin playing Wii

Grandma, Colin and Aunt Sara's arm

Grandpa Rick playing ping pong

Uncle Todd

Uncle Matt, bracketologist

wiii had fun....

2009-02-20T19:12:00.004-05:00

Colin is obsessed with the wii. He woke up bright and early this morning begging to play "the weed."

Usually I'd say a 3 year old playing video games is a terrible idea... But he LOVES it so much, I had to change my mind. He is begging me as we speak to bowl but I am limiting the gaming.... and I'm sick of losing

PS. The dog gets groomed next week... I know he can't see. I finally made an appointment when he ran into the coffee table....

PPS. Those aren't my hairy legs next to Colin, he suckered daddy into a game before pancakes this morning!

PPPS.. Colin is all signed up for preschool! I'm so excited :) I toured 3 today and fell in love with the one at our local church! He starts in September and I'm already waiting for the day they call to advance him to the older preschool class...haha... do they do that cuz if they did he would so get asked to skip 3/4 year old preschool..

My share...

2009-02-19T10:53:00.004-05:00

The other day in the car, Colin said to me "the economy is in the toilet" - Where would a 3 year old come up with that? I guess I should turn off the news radio :)

So if my 3 year old is noticing the crunch we are all in, I should start doing something about it! I found a website that is GREAT! This fabulous lady goes through the ads each week and tells you (me) the best deals. She is local, but she does have links to others who do the same thing across the country.

Visit, www.thriftyandchicmom.com! Save yourself some cash... I will say that I did shop at 3 different stores on Monday and it wasn't too time consuming... I guess the extra effort will be worth it in the long run...

bout time...

2009-02-16T07:53:00.008-05:00

How was your Valentine's Day? I keep seeing all these posts.... You probably won't see one here, folks. We just don't get that into the big day... Friday night, Justin took Colin and I out to dinner.. Saturday - we just hung out.. I did make a heart shaped cake because the wilton cake pan was super cheap at Target ($3).... We don't really celebrate because of reasons - I don't want to offend anyone but really, why only tell a person how you feel about him/her one day a year? So on Sunday, Justin had a bouquet of red roses and a little present for Colin... See, we don't celebrate on Valentine's Day :)

I am going shopping today! I'm armed and ready to go.... I am hoping to make a BIG wreath for my front door... I swear I've lost more wreaths.... I need a few other little things to bring on spring... I'm sick of cold weather... I'll post pictures hopefully later (I finally got a charger for my camera)...

Happy President's Day.... Isn't this the weekend to buy a mattress?! Keep your fingers crossed.... Colin needs one so maybe I'll look around today while I'm out!

A night to remember

2009-02-02T11:49:00.004-05:00

It was a classic Sunday night - Mom on Facebook, child playing with knives. Only he wasn't playing with knives, he was swinging on the arms of the couch and love seat. I glanced over and instructed Colin to stop. He didn't listen.

He hit the back of his head on the end table and I scooped him right up. I rubbed that boo boo so hard and he screamed even louder... He buried his head on me and then got up when that wasn't making it better... that's when I saw the blood - all over my hands, my shirt, his shirt. I didn't know what to do - I think I called my mom to ask for her opinion and hung up on her realizing he needed to go to the ER.

We grabbed his blankie and ran out the door - my sister came to the ER as our photographer (thank goodness for her new cell phone, right?) and Justin turned around on his way to work to care for the little guy. 4 stitches later and a really cool dolphin sticker, he is all better! I wish I could say I was calm and collected, I wasn't. Man, that really scared me!

Here is the little patient - when his head was getting stitched, he was so polite and told the dr "no thank you" and on our way out he asked the nurses "when can I come back"......

this is a terrible cell phone picture... My sister has the good ones...

New(s)

2009-01-29T18:49:00.004-05:00

The day before our Florida vacay back in October I faced the facts and ran out and took a home pregnancy test. I saw two lines immediately appear and I sent Colin up to wake up Justin to share the good news... Something seemed off that day - I told Justin to keep it secret and I just felt odd... He didn't share the same feeling and we were off buying "big brother" t-shirts and visiting our parents...

We spent a great week in the sunshine state and I was able to sleep a lot! Our last day of vacation (my birthday), I woke up feeling crampy. I knew something was wrong and called my doctor. Needless to say, we packed up the car knowing what was coming. We ended up getting a hotel in GA and I spent the night awake knowing I just miscarried our little baby. So many emotions. Needless to say, it was one of the worst days of my life.

A few weeks ago, I had a deja vu moment. Same location, same test brand.... same results. I am pregnant and due in September!!! We waited this time to scream it to the world - but this is the same week I was in when I miscarried. This pregnancy doesn't feel "off"- it feels perfect. So I wanted to share my good news because really, I can't stop thinking about it. Say a little prayer for us and our little baby.

Dedicated to John...

2009-01-28T08:49:00.002-05:00

Dear St. John (the best brother-in-law on the planet),

Here is poem I wrote just for you...

You came to my house when I was asleep
And shoveled my driveway without making a peep

This morning it was nothing but ice
But not having any snow underneath, that was nice

I took the dog out and I shed a tear
I didn't have to worry about getting out, you took away the fear

I saw your footprints in the street
you know John, you're pretty neat

Thank you for marrying my big sis
I am glad you took away the title "Miss"

St. John, you are the greatest! Thanks for helping me out... We owe you big time... And seriously, when did you come over? It must have been late last night?!?!

Your biggest fan,
Kate the great

Winter Storm Warning and a Recipe

2009-01-26T19:36:00.006-05:00

We have a winter storm coming to the central Ohio area. I'm a little skeptical because of the number of times I prepared for a storm and it never came. This time, I'm pretty confident that we are having one.....

Reasons the storm will bury us:

* I have no milk - I just poured Colin the last of it
* Food - I haven't grocery shopped in 2 weeks
* My camera charger is still MIA - So I couldn't take pictures of the snow
* I've lived with snow my whole life and haven't owned a pair of boots since the 8th grade
* Justin has to work - so I will have to pay some neighborhood kid a ridiculous amount of money to shovel...and I have no cash on me... And when I say Justin has to work, he is 2 hours away - in the snow belt of Ohio... He'll be stuck at work :(

Last weekend we went to our cabin in NY... My cousin (Debbie R) made the BEST BEST BEST chicken tortilla soup... It was soooo good. I came home on Monday afternoon, ran to the store to buy the ingredients and made some that evening... It's super easy and fast! I'm including the recipe in case you are one of the storm victims and need something warm and good to eat.... Maybe I'll brave the conditions to get to the store and make some more of this soup!!!

CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP a la Denver Debbie
(fyi...I cut this recipe in half and it was plenty for our little family - and I even had some for lunch the next day)

3 cans black beans, drain and rinse
2 cardboard containers of chicken broth (32oz each)
1# package frozen corn
2 jars salsa (I used mild because Debbie told me to)
6 chicken thighs, cooked and cut up (I used chicken breast and it was YUM)
1 small can tomato paste
2 cans Rotel Mexican tomatoes
4t sugar
chili pepper (powder - is there a difference?! I used powder) to taste

Mix everything together, simmer 1/2 hour. Serve with grated cheese, sour cream and/or tortilla chips. You could get fancy like Rachel Ray and take blue chz crumbles and melt on tortilla chips....

Get ready for this...

2009-01-20T19:53:00.006-05:00

I just returned from another FUN weekend at our cabin in NY. I have lots of pictures.... on my dad's camera. I lost my charger some time before Christmas and really need to get a new one :)

So while I was away, some sweet ladies out in blogland gave me some blog awards! I know everyone who reads this isn't surprised by my overwhelming award savy self...

The first award is from Dawn (originally from Circleville). If you haven't checked her out yet, what are you waiting for? Here's what this award is all about:

These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award."

I must tag 8 other blogs...

Lana at The Kids Did What

Blueviolet at A Nut in a Nutshell

Beth at 3 Little Snaps

Kristina at Pulsipher Predilections

Lisa at My Stay at Home Momma Drama (my sista)

Ashlee at James*Ashlee*Bella

Livin' Life Patino Style

Stephanie at More Than A Mommy Blog

**Take your award and post it on your blogs**

My other fabulous awards are from Lana

Rules:

a) first list 10 honest things about yourself - and make it interesting, even if you have to dig deep!

b) pass the award on to 7 bloggers that you feel embody the spirit of the Honest Scrap.

(I'm going to cheat a little here and tag the SAME people I already tagged - they are some of my favorite blogging buddies so they deserve it all)

1. I am short. Honestly, I'm really short... I always round up when asked my height... I'm 5'3" - see I just fibbed...

2. I slept through Colin's birth - I had a c-section after HOURS of hard labor and Justin had to wake me up to show me our little boy.. I'll never forget that moment - he had the biggest eyes and was staring at me. So cute.

3. I drive a Honda Civic - actually my husband drives it now because of gas and I am stuck with the wrecked Rodeo!

4. I secretly want a mini-van...

5. I hit a police officer in the knees with my car at the state fair 10 years ago.. I was parking and he was using his hands to tell me when to stop - so I was a little delayed... He laughed at me asking if I could see over the steering wheel (see #1) - I secretly wish I would have hit him harder after that comment.

6. I hate where I live - not really hate - but strongly dislike. We love our neighbor friends but hate the location... We are so far away from everything and we are busting out of our house.

7. I procrastinate. Terribly. I wait until the absolute LAST minute to do everything except Christmas shop... I have such big ideas and great plans - I just wait until the last second to do them. My son is 3. He's still not potty trained. I'm waiting for him to do this for me or get on the ball the day before preschool...

8. I love good gossip - US Weekly, In Touch, People, Star - heck, even the Globe.

9. I am cheap - way too cheap to purchase the above mentioned "rag sheets" (that's what my grandmother calls them - as she hands them to me when she finishes reading them). I hate paying full price, I look for the best price online before buying anything, I love love garage sales, I just found out I love love Craigslist (wait til you see Colin's new bedroom furniture), I buy a lot of Colin's clothes at Once Upon a Child... I just have a hard time paying full price...

10. Last but not least, I have the HARDEST time making decisions... I took the curtains down in my kitchen about 6 months ago because I want to make new ones - I still have nothing up. I can't find fabric I want to dedicate the next few years of my life to, I can't find a pattern I like for my bay window... Seriously, someone help me with this one... I'm looking at them now and getting depressed...

Thankful Thursday... Idol Edition

2009-01-15T15:07:00.002-05:00

I always have lots to be thankful for... Especially since Idol is back! I'm thankful for the love AI bring out in people...

This is an actual conversation between a husband and his soon to be ex wife. haha

Justin: How can the family be there actually supporting these people?
Kate: I dunno... Love is deaf.
Justin: No it's not. I've heard you sing and trust me, if you wanted to try out for Idol, I would seriously not let you go embarrass yourself.
Kate:............
Justin: What?! Really, you'd make a fool out of yourself. Remember when you and your sister would "play Idol" after each episode and it was terrible?
Kate: .......
Justin: I'm not trying to be mean. All I'm saying is I can't believe some of these people support their family going to try out.
Kate: Let me hear you sing.
Justin: .......

How are we going to survive Idol now???? No singing along anymore... sniff.

Rewind...

2009-01-08T13:57:00.004-05:00

Justin's birthday was Monday. We drove home from the cabin and planned on going to dinner... He just wasn't in the mood so we ordered in and hung out at home. He is the best husband ever... I went out to find his gift (I know it was his birthday - we had a HARD time finding what he wanted) and he cleaned the kitchen and started the laundry while I was gone! What a guy!

He finally found his gift on Tuesday after his massage (see I got him a Christmas gift - haha) - We spent all Tuesday night playing, last night we watched his parents play - and now that everyone is napping - I think I might go play)

Happy Birthday, Justin. I am glad you were born :)

and I'm glad you let me win at fishing the other night - my self esteem was down the tubes

Blogcation... Over

2009-01-08T09:27:00.003-05:00

Wow - I've taken a really long time off from blogging. Like everyone, Christmas is always a busy time of the year. I just lost my desire to update... so sorry!!! I did gain new "followers" during my absence - how? I don't know - but thanks and welcome :) ha.

So many things to blog - Justin has his nose surgery to fix his deviated septum yesterday. He's in a lot of pain - hopefully when his splints are out tomorrow, he'll feel much better. I promised I wouldn't post pictures.

So... you'll see a bunch of posts out of order for the next few days (hopefully)

We spent a weekend at our cabin in New York... We went sledding, ate TONS, shopped in Amish country, went to "town" and bought more sleds (we were obsessed)....

Colin went a little early with GG and Grandpa and was a beast (from what I hear)... I guess lack of sleep and chocolate milk were to blame. He was fine after some sleep and water!!! We spent Saturday outside all day. When Colin and Megan went down for a nap, Lisa, John, Justin and I went to the "old cabin" to sled. Nana stayed with the sleeping kiddos so the adults could act like children again! I can't remember the last time I had so much fun!!!

Mr. Claus

2008-12-30T20:57:00.003-05:00

We took Colin to the mall to meet the real Santa Claus (the weekend before Christmas). He was soooo excited to tell him he wanted monster jam trucks, specifically King Krunch, Blue Thunder and Maximum Destruction. He repeated the names while we were in line. He got face to face with the big man and froze. Ha ha. He was so nervous that Santa wouldn't come because he didn't talk to him.

Here is the mall photo... it may be a little fuzzy since Santa was kind enough to email it to me :)

Wishes

2008-12-23T20:54:00.010-05:00

Merry Christmas

Lack of a Post

2008-12-23T10:36:00.002-05:00

I've got nothing to blog about. I'm sorry. I didn't upload pictures yet from our Christmas celebration with Justin's family. I didn't check my hotmail account to post the picture of Colin on Santa's lap. I seriously have nothing.

I could post about my love of UPS tracking - but that is a rather boring topic (unless they want to advertise on my sidebar - then I'll talk about it up and down) - and that would be 2 posts about the good men in brown in one week and I'm not that strapped for a topic.

I could post about how I'm having Christmas Eve at my house tomorrow and I'm not even close to ready - or how I still have to wrap all my family's Christmas presents. That would resemble a blogging "to do list" and I'm not sure I'm ready to go there.

I could post about the bad weather we are supposed to get tonight- the bad weather my husband has to drive home in during the ice, sleet and snow - all 2 hours of his commute - but that makes me sick to my stomach...

I could post my New Year's Resolutions - but we all know I wouldn't keep them... So why waste time?

I guess I'll just post about my lack of posting and call that today's post.

Baking.... Kate style

2008-12-18T20:55:00.009-05:00

We spent the whole day last Saturday baking - cut-out cookies, buckeyes and fudge. We started at 9:30am and we finished decorating at 11:30pm...

Here is our timeline....

10am - the boys making fudge - oh and by the way... Colin discovered Fluff.. he took a spoon full and hasn't stopped talking about it :)

So then... cut-outs... not quite as planned. Lisa and I made the dough Friday night and it was pretty much ruined for no apparent reason... So Justin played around with it and I started baking... Let's just say - a few were burned and so Justin took over the baking part of it too!!! 134 cookies later - we were done baking... OH and the ones that turned out! YUM... I'll post the recipe I got from a fellow blogger at the bottom...

We took a break and made homemade pizzas for dinner - yummy! I have pictures but I won't bore you with more food photos :)

Time to decorate! Lisa came over and we had so much fun....

Cookie recipe

2008-12-18T07:31:00.004-05:00

So I got my fabulous cookie recipe from the blog www.thegoodapple.blogspot.com - ok this lady has perfect cookies so please don't compare mine to hers.

And she suggested using pudding - I used the cheesecake pudding and it tasted great! this is the recipe straight from her blog in her words :)

Cream
1 cup butter room temperature
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Add
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp almond extract
Sift and add
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cream of tartar
Chill and roll 1/4 inch thick. Cut cookies and bake 8-10 minutes at 375*.

Some tricks I use
Cream the butter really well
For a softer cookie I will add most of the sugar but substitute a little instant pudding. For example, I might add 1 1/4 cup powdered sugar and then 1/4 cup of pudding. ( I never measure - I just eyeball it) I use vanilla pudding, white chocolate (yum) and cheesecake (my favorite). If you add to much pudding the dough will become pasty. Don't worry, your cookies will still taste good just make a note of it and use less next time.

I believe

2008-12-17T11:44:00.003-05:00

I got a phone call last night from my mother. I could hear in her voice something was wrong. I was on the couch dying from the flu and I just had an additional pit in my stomach...

COLUMBUS, Ohio—Two people were injured Tuesday night in a crash in Gahanna.
The crash occurred at Granville Street and Hamilton Road at about 5 p.m., NBC 4reported.
A minivan and UPS truck were both involved in the accident.
One person was taken to Children’s Hospital and another person was taken to Grant Medical Center.
There is no word on their conditions.
(www.nbc4i.com)

My brother was the driver of the UPS truck and a minivan veered left of center and hit him head on going 50 mph. He is fine. I believe in angels and I'm glad he had one of his shoulder. I love you, Mike (aka Spike)!

Silly Silly

2008-12-15T16:14:00.003-05:00

My sista tagged me... Why? I have no clue but I never turn down a challenge. And just FYI... I've done 3 of these in the past 3 days - I'm getting kinda sick of these questions.

Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot Chocolate - made by someone else. I am lazy and love when a mug of the warm liquid is served to me on the couch under a fleece blankie.

Does Santa wrap presents or set them under the tree?
Santa would never just place a present under the tree. (S)he believes that it is all about presentation. I LOVE finding pretty paper, matching ribbon and driving my sister nuts - she tries so hard to find better paper - won't happen... Sorry, Lis. I saw your selection

Colored Lights on tree or white?
White. See my tree here.

When do you put your decorations up?
The trick here is to never take them down.... But I put them up the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)?
Oh my mom is a fabulous cook and I think about her Christmas dinner all year. I lurve her disney potatoes.

Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
Every year my Nana and Papa would come over around 10 or 11 on Christmas morning (with a trunk FULL of presents) - I remember waiting by the window.. Or the year I got Blades of Steel and played Nintendo with Papa for hours.. My absolute favorite memory was going to Grandma and Grandpa's big Christmas Eve party

When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
I assume my brother or my sister ruined it for me. I don't remember exactly but I do recall pretending I still believed because I thought my parents would quit doing it if they knew I knew... make sense? I still believe. If you had my parents, you would too :)

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?
Only an ornament from my annual Christmas Eve ornament exchange.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
Red and green. Sparkly ornaments are my favorite.

Can you ice skate?
Not at all. My brother tried to teach me in 5th grade and I was so soar the next day, I had to call off school "sick"....

Do you remember your favorite gift?
Yes.

What's the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Family

What is your favorite holiday dessert?
(I think Lisa added this to put a picture of her Santa cupcakes on her blog) - I am not sure. Probably pie... strawberry banana - oh wait, that's my favorite dessert period...

What is your favorite tradition?
I have a lot - going to the zoo to see the lights, putting up our decorations as a family, my Christmas Eve gathering, spending 5+ hours opening gifts w/ my parents... But my favorite is when my dad is done yelling about the mess of presents in his family room, my mom puts on old family Christmas movies - I love seeing Papa every Christmas!

Do you prefer giving or receiving?
'Tis the season - I LOVE giving presents

What is your favorite Christmas song?
All I want for Christmas (Mariah Carey) and that Christmas Shoe song that makes me cry...

Candy canes Yum or Yuck?
ewwwww

Ever recycled a Christmas present?
Nope.

I refuse to tag anyone... This took way too long and nobody will even read it all the way through!

Nose

2008-12-12T09:12:00.002-05:00

The snoring will stop. I will get to sleep without hitting him, yelling at him, convincing him the guest room bed is way more comfortable...

Justin is having surgery on the 7th of January to get rid of his deviated septum.
He now joins the ranks of Jennifer Aniston, Ashley Simpson, Ashely Tisdale, Cameron Diaz...

It's safe to say, my husband is part celebrity.

The Zoo

2008-12-08T21:21:00.003-05:00

The Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo - recap

* 24 degree temperature

* two toddlers in wagons

* FREEZING cold mom(s) complaining (that would be Lisa and I)

* Our financial planner hosting an animal display, cookies, hot chocolate and family fun (Thanks, Craig - it was a great time) (as if Craig reads this - I know Ash will - so thanks, Ashley)

* Beautiful LED lights

* The end.

Colin (cookie on face) and Megan (cookie in hand) inside getting their free snack groove on

I had one suggestion for Mr. Jack Hanna - where is the dome? Indoor zoo - now that's a million dollar idea. I searched and searched for a suggestion box but couldn't find one.

We got a group picture on some pretty sled - of course the printer broke when it started printing my pic so they gave us our money back - but sorry - no "professional" zoo picture in this post.

I did it!!!

2008-12-04T21:49:00.000-05:00

Can you believe I actually finished this monogram wreath?! I can't... I couldn't get the garland to stay put on my big "c" - so I went out and bought a staple gun and it seemed to do the trick..

I hung it on my pantry door for now... I think I might put it on the inside of my front door or something... it just is too big for that door.

What is missing (besides the obvious)?! It needs something and I can't think of what! Help a sista out here folks :)

is it weird that I want to wear that damask ribbon? I love, love, love black and white damask...

Oh and I'm sorry about the ick pictures - of course they were taken at night in BAD kitchen lighting!

MY blog

2008-12-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

I always read other blogs about RUDE people... I thought I was lucky and didn't have to deal with it. Last time I checked, this was my blog and you don't have to read it. If you think it is necessary to leave a rude comment, click off and go continue to lead your miserable life.

I have blog patrol. I see who looks at my blog. I may not know exactly who you are, but I can at least see where you are coming from....

So I guess I must treat people like children...

if you have nothing nice to comment, don't comment at all.

decorating day

2008-12-01T21:28:00.000-05:00

We decorated the entire house all day Saturday. We woke up early and Justin washed the floors for me (the last chore before we began)... Justin spent the ENTIRE afternoon outside decorating.

I cheated just a tad - the empty tree was staring at me and begging me to hang just a few ornaments. My mom and Nana give Colin an ornament each year. It reflects something about the year - last year he got Thomas and Percy the train ornaments (he rode on a train at "day out with thomas") the year before that he got a John Deere ornament (he loves tractors) - his first year was an ornament that said "baby's first Christmas".... So anyway, he saw the tractor and train ornaments and it was all over.... Justin walked inside and said "I thought we were all going to decorate the tree" - oops... I was too excited :)

my shelf - You can see my J-O-Y letters I made :)

stairs - I need more berries and apples but this will do until I get to JoAnn's again...

(imagine a picture of the outside here)

so Justin spent the entire day outside - the lights are beautiful... all white light with red tree trunks, my favorite kind of decor... We put the timer outside and came home after dark last night. We thought the timer was a dud since the house was dark... After an hour in the cold rain, Justin figured out we have to re-do the plug-in situation... So hopefully by the 24th it will be back up!!!

Turkey Turkey

2008-12-01T20:47:00.001-05:00

We had Thanksgiving day dinner with Justin's family. His mom and dad hosted the event for the whole family.. I didn't take many pictures but here are a few...

then after a 14 hour day shopping, we went to my parent's for some turkey goodness...

my brother and my niece, Austyn

In our family, the birthday boy or girl cuts the cake and the next birthday boy or girl has to remove it - and make a wish. It was Austyn's birthday and Justin is the next birthday in January!

The end of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T20:20:00.000-05:00

The pictures tell the whole story... We attempted a picture of the four grandkids per my mom's request!

apparently pictures will have to wait...

Project

2008-11-27T09:50:00.000-05:00

So I know this is so last year - but I made these J-O-Y letters a few weeks ago. I found some cute Christmas paper at the scrapbook store and went to work... I painted the letters green and then added the paper and a bow. I sanded the edges just a bit and last night I put them on my big ladder shelf.

Almost here

2008-11-26T10:57:00.001-05:00

Do you shop on Black Friday? If not, I suggest you get yourself an alarm clock, running shoes and pepper spray :)

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE black friday. I can't wait to get in fights, push people, yell, scream, cry and shop!!! If you need me Friday - meet me at 4am...

She stole my shirt

2008-11-24T07:56:00.000-05:00

My sister read my blog, went to Wal-mart and then made a "bite me" t-shirt to wear to see Twilight. Can you believe she STOLE my idea?

Anyway - here is my professional review of Twilight.

I {HEART} TWILIGHT. Great movie - loved Edward... By the end, he starting looking STUDLY! Even his bright red lipstick -

Justin was VERY excited to hear my thoughts - he heard how horrible the reviews were and wanted my professional opinion...

I told him, "I wish you were a vampire" and that was it.

I give this flick 3 out of 5 stars - it takes a lot to get a full 5 in my book...

I took some twilight quiz too -

Twilight Test from Dumb Spot!

Dumb Quizzes MySpace Quizzes & Quotes Make a Quiz

Vampires?! Really?!

2008-11-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

So twilight comes out tomorrow. My sister seriously asked me to go at midnight. I considered the night of little sleep but decided to let the reviews sway my vote....

Associated Press:
The funny, lively banter -- the way in which Edward and Bella teased and toyed with one another about their respective immortality and humanity -- is pretty much completely gone, and all that's left is a slog of adolescent angst

Chicago Tribune:
On a simple but crucial matter of visual magic. Whenever something fantastic requires straightforward on-screen depiction, Twilight looks like a weaker episode from Season 6 of Charmed.

Entertainment Weekly:
On screen, Twilight is repetitive and a tad sodden, too prosaic to really soar. But Hardwicke stirs this teen pulp to a pleasing simmer

Not looking so hot...

To top it off, my sister wants to wear t-shirts that are handmade... When did she turn 14 again?

I guess I'll go... but I want a hot pink t-shirt that says "bite me" on it. I found one for her that said "Twerd - like nerd but only cooler" - That one is fitting for such a fanpire. Oh and by the way - apparently twerd is for twilight nerds - I googled it.

dear santa,

2008-11-20T08:56:00.000-05:00

I am not going to ask for that much for Christmas. My list is fairly average.

These are in no particular order...

1. a new dishwasher - I took my good friend, Anonymous, advice and checked for plastic, metal, food - just about everything on the heater part of the dishwasher... nothing. I may get Vegas (the dog) outta there and run the thing and hope to get a new house with 1000 extra square feet... Haha... I am not dumb, I don't want coal this year... Muhahahahaha- no pun intended.

2. 1000 extra square feet. My 3ft son takes up more space than his father and I do. Kids come with crap - nobody told me that in my parenting classes.

3. A personal chef and nanny for the days I feel like watching reruns of 90210 in my jammies.

4. A new vehicle. The wrecked Rodeo is on its last leg. In fact, we are currently fighting. The piece of crud will be paid off in 1, 2 or 3 more payments (I can't remember) and we've put so much money into it already. The foot heater part doesn't work and I wear heels everyday - my feet are ice. The emergency brake light has been on all week and now the ABS light just came on this morning. We just got new brakes a few months ago. The squeaking when I drive is tolerable but the rest isn't. Don't get me started on my LEASED Honda. You know the one that is 3 years old (happy birthday last week happy Honda) just got new tires, needs brakes and has over 70k miles on it... I mentioned it was a lease, right? Justin driving 2 hours each way to work is gonna cost us more than he makes in a year. Perhaps if you have room in that sleigh, we'd like 2 new cars.

5. An organizing fairy to solve all of my dysfunctions. One that changes light bulbs that have been out for 3 years (in the garage, by spiderwebs - neither of us are going there). Someone that will put my summer clothes in bins on an organized shelving system in my basement. A fairy that will make my junk drawer disappear because organized people don't have junk.

6. Lipo. Need I say more?

When we were kids my mom had this terrible (if you're reading this mom, I meant to type terrific) sweatshirt that read, "Dear Santa, I want it all" - I guess that pretty much sums up my list.

If there's room, I really want a new lens for Nick Jr (everything in my life has a nick name, even my camera - my dad's camera is named Nick so that's why my camera is a Jr). I'd also like that WS bake ware, a week in the 70's not 20's, new couches and an all expense paid ski vacation). Justin only wants what makes me happy. Now get those elves to work :)

hugs n kisses,
kate

No good very bad day

2008-11-19T09:17:00.001-05:00

I watched little Megan last night and sat the two little ones at the table for some healthy snacks (not so much... remember I'm the fun aunt).

I was making dinner and turned on the dishwasher because I'm too lazy to wash the dinner dishes by hand.

I saw smoke - I assumed it was steam. I smelled burning - I assumed it was my dinner. I quickly realized - duh it was the dishwasher trying to burn my house down...

I opened it and a cloud of smoke filled my kitchen. I have no idea what happened. Do you think this is a minor problem? I really don't want to have to wash my dishes by hand. I'm spoiled. Anybody have any suggestions?

My Randomness

2008-11-12T13:58:00.000-05:00

I apologize for my rant.

Update: I've been removed from cookie duty already. I think my MIL could smell my fear. Whatever the reason, I am off the hook. I will still make cutout cookies and a few others for Santa...

I was making my Christmas list and decided I still want new cookie sheets... I logged on to Williams Sonoma online. HOLY expensive cookie sheet, batman. $27. For one. Uno. Is this normal? Are all cookie sheets this much? I swear my Target ones were only $6. I am VERY tempted though. It has to be some magical cookie sheet to cost that much, right? I wonder if it puts itself in the oven for me? Perhaps it talks?! "Kate, your cookies are perfect. Come get us outta here." I bet it is one fabulous cookie sheet.

So I continued to browse around the website and I found these... I HAFTA have them...

For you non Williams-Sonoma shoppers out there, they are for pancakes. Genious. Why didn't I think of that sooner? There is this whole world of cooking/baking that I didn't know existed. I must say, I think I may actually visit the store. In person. Alone. Justin, watch out... My Christmas list just got a little more interesting.

images courtesy of Williams-Sonoma

Holiday fun

2008-11-10T21:16:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited for the big holiday season, I decided to start my decorating a wee bit early. Justin still won't let me put the tree up so I've come up with a plan to hold me off.

Tomorrow morning I am headed to every Hobby Lobby, Michaels and JoAnn's in Columbus (and surrounding areas) to make the most of my Christmas obsession.

I'm going to attempt this (but obviously a "c" instead):

image courtesy of ballard designs

if this doesn't turn out (kinda like my fabric pumpkins) - we'll never speak of this again.

Cookies

2008-11-10T07:58:00.000-05:00

Dear faithful readers,

I had dinner at my in laws last night. My MIL can't do her holiday baking this year and passed the torch on to me. I'm scared. This woman bakes enough for the army and now it's on my shoulders. HELP. How do you bake??? ha.

So, my question - What the heck do I make? I will obviously make cut-outs and yes, I will use tweezers and toothpicks to decorate them! If anyone has any recipes or websites that are a PROVEN hit, pass it on to me!

I'm planning on baking on the 13th and 14th. So please hurry!!! AND if you want to come help, this is your formal invitation.

Baker Kate

Slumber Par-tay

2008-11-05T21:09:00.000-05:00

I'm watching the cutest little girl tonight! Her drama momma is getting her wisdom teeth out in the morning. I'm pretty sure Lisa thinks she will be out of it for quite a while (or on a mini vacation) because she sent her daughter with a FULL suitcase and a BOX of diapers. Megan, welcome to the C family. The painters arrive tomorrow to paint your new room. Ha.

I'm typing away listening to Justin read to Megan and Colin in our bed. They are so excited when he describes all the trucks in the book. They are all snuggled in one bed, hanging on every word. Too cute.

I'm going to join the fun!

Best Buddies

Whatever

2008-11-05T08:47:00.000-05:00

Colin and I had a great conversation in the car last night...

Mommy: Did you tell Nana to "shut up" today?
Colin: I did but I so sorry, Momma. Nana was mad at me.
M: We do NOT say that, Colin. Do you understand?
C: Whatever

At the grocery story...

C: Oh no, momma. Where's my blue race car cart?
M: Someone is using it - the store must be busy.
C: But I want it. I don't want to sit in the cart, I want to walk instead.
M: Nope, sorry buddy. You have to get in the cart because someone could grab you and run away with you and leave me really sad... (insert drama)
C: Whatever

What the... EVERY.SINGLE.THING was "whatever" last night. It was driving me nuts. I called Justin and he laughed and said Colin got it from me.... Whatever.

I guess I say that a lot. I use it as my "filler" when I don't know what else to say. I watched the election results start rolling in last night. I heard PA went to Obama and I literally turned off the tv, said "whatever" and went to bed.

Election

2008-11-04T09:01:00.000-05:00

Did you?

Waiting in line to vote - 1hr 30min

Listening to uneducated chatter from people in line behind me - 1hr

Having a last name that begins with "C" causing me extra wait time - 30 minutes

voting for the new American President (because my vote was all that was needed) - timeless

Shark Attack

2008-11-03T19:55:00.000-05:00

Trick-or-treat

Colin was one killer shark. He got outside, played with his trucks and then begged to take off his costume! He just wasn't in the mood to beg for goodies. After about an hour, we took off the costume and he handed out candy. He did manage to ride his tractor 2 doors down to get a piece of candy to put in the trailer. He had a great time talking to the babies that strolled up and admiring the boys in Thomas outfits! Maybe next year?!

Say "Cheese"

2008-10-31T14:16:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween, folks.

I took some pictures of my sister, John and Megan last weekend. She is dying to see them. I am posting them here so she can have a peak!

Oh and be honest... If you have some helpful suggestions, let me know!!

ignore the line on the bottom of the picture

Blogs

2008-10-30T08:57:00.000-04:00

I read way too many blogs. Here are some things I've learned about blogging...

* Everyone is PERFECT. Seriously, perfect. And they are soooo grateful they are so perfect.
* A lot of people use photoshop.
* Every blogger eventually has a "give away". Trust me, I've considered this. I was going to put my doggy Vegas up as a give him away but my husband said shipping would cost too much. This brings me to my next point...
* Just about every blogger is in California, Utah or Arizona.
* They have blog awards. Seriously.
* Everyone has a "button" on their blog (I'm the blog exception - I'm a leader, not a follower)... Look on the side bars - some cute little graphic appears on these mega bloggers.
* Quiz - what is the point? I took one this morning and the Halloween candy that reflects my personality is a snickers. Thank you internet - you figured me out with just 2 questions. One of them was "what is your favorite candy bar?"

I just don't get the blog hoopla. I don't get it but I love it. I love blogging almost as much as I LOVE reality tv - btw, did anyone see what Johnny Bananas and Kenny did to Paula on the RW/RR Challenge last night? gasp. I hope they give her a heartfelt apology at the reunion. Oh and who did Paris vote off this week? I didn't see the episode and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for the bestie announcement. I don't have time for LC talk either... but really, will Heidi get fired???

ok - I'm done for today! Gotta use my time wisely. Colin has a trick-or-treat bag that needs to be finished!!!!

Letters

2008-10-30T08:38:00.001-04:00

Dear political people,

Please stop coming to my house and leaving junk on my front door. Please stop sending me mail - really donate the stamp money to a charity of your choice. The election is in 5 days and I'm pretty sure I've made up my mind - the political sign on my lawn should pretty much tell you that - and if you come on my property to ARGUE about my vote, I will hit you with that very political sign.

Hugs and Kisses,
Fed up

Sentenced

2008-10-28T07:53:00.000-04:00

Justice has been served.

Pray for Kerry's sweet family. I'm sure it was hard. My cousins are amazing people.

More Apples

2008-10-26T10:52:00.000-04:00

I spent most of the day Friday making homemade applesauce. The first batch turned out great.

The second batch, too much cinnamon. It was my first attempt at applesauce and I was satisfied with the results. I even gave some away to my family, per their request.

Recipe

3-4lbs peeled, cored, and quartered apples

4 strips of a lemon peel

3-4T of juice from a lemon

3 inches of a cinnamon stick (don't use this much)

1/4C dark brown sugar

up to 1/4C white sugar

1 cup of water

Put ingredients into a large pot. Cover. Boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Remove from heat - take out the lemon peels and cinnamon stick. Mash.

Halloween Parade

2008-10-26T09:51:00.000-04:00

Thank you to Potterybarn Kids for having Halloween costumes on sale for parents everywhere who waited until the week before Trick-or-Treat to shop.

Thank you to my sister for dragging us to our small town Halloween parade and stuff.

Thank you to the small town costume contest judge for not picking Colin. I didn't want him to get a big head. Plus, he wasn't in costume yet. Technically, he was still in his car seat. BUT I know you could see his award winning costume from the judge's circle.

Thank you.

Florida

2008-10-24T13:41:00.000-04:00

Here are some of our vacation pictures

Colin in front of a waterfall in Downtown Disney

We spent a lot of time playing around at the kids pool. It was nice to sit, relax and enjoy some "quiet" time!! C had to bring his trucks and tractors everyday. The other little boys flocked to him!!

The resort had an activities center - we borrowed games almost every night. It usually ended up just Justin and I finishing the games.. Let me tell you, we seriously played Candyland about 8 times - I was on a winning streak and Justin wouldn't quit until he caught up to me :)

I won't go into our Scrabble scores though... My mother always taught me if I have nothing nice to say - I shouldn't say anything at all. I swear he makes up words... Ok I'm done.

Of course, Colin sniffed out a train at Downtown Disney one night.. He rode it twice before we removed him kicking and screaming.

This is all I have time for today! I'll post more later...

Happy Birthday to me

2008-10-24T09:19:00.000-04:00

My birthday was last Saturday and we spent the day driving home from Florida. We stopped in Locust Grove, GA to hit up the outlet mall and ended up spending the night in a hotel. I didn't get to celebrate my big birthday..

We had a family party at my mom and dad's house on Wednesday. I got home last night and had yet another party waiting for me, compliments of Justin and Colin...

(I can't get my photobucket account to work so sorry for the blogger pictures)

The kitchen was decorated and Colin screamed "surprise" when I walked in the door. Justin made me the BEST dinner ever... He found the recipe for my fav dish at PF Changs. We had some homemade brushetta for an appetizer too!!

They even bought me a small little cake. I am a cool mom and told Colin it was ok to take a little taste before we sang happy birthday.

Thanks boys for the great evening! It was a lot of fun and I loved my presents. Colin got me the CUTEST collection of tractors (not a lie, Justin let him pick out ANY present for me in the store and he got tractors)... I ended up giving them to Colin - duh...

Yellow Alert

2008-10-22T17:50:00.000-04:00

Colin was lost at the store with my dad today.

They put out a yellow alert and locked all points of entry.

According to Colin he was "hiding in the shirts" and Grandpa found him.

My sister asked a good question, "why can't other shoppers leave if they don't have a 3 year old boy with them?"

Hmmmm... It's not like he'd fit in the bag.

PS.. I'm still too lazy to post pictures of Florida. Keep waiting...

I'm home...deal with it

2008-10-21T11:31:00.000-04:00

We are home from Florida. Like all of our vacations, it ended on a bad note. Justin informed me on our way home we will not visit Disney World ever again, we are now Disney Land people. I hope it is just as magical. But the rest of the time in Florida was fantabulous. Oh and Happy Birthday yesterday to my beautiful, funny, great cousin, Sara.

The actual visit to Disney World was just as I had hoped. C was in awe and he agreed the place was just as magical as his first visit at 1 year old. This time, he didn't sleep through the day :) He rode his first roller coaster, fought off crazy pirates, drove a race car, fell in friend love with Donald Duck, ate yummy pizza - Disney World style, and had just a great time.

Leaving Disney World - our family convo...

Mommy: Colin, what was your FAVORITE ride at Disney World?
Daddy: Was it the BIG roller coaster, buddy?
Colin: in a dreamy voice just waiting for our question... The Monorail.

I know I don't work for Mr. Mouse, but I am a walking promotion 24/7. I can't help it, I truly love the Magic Kingdom.

And for the MOST annoying part of our vacay. I do want to explain first... I am truly a cheap, cheap person. I can't help it. I am my mother's daughter. I can't spend money - ok I can - but on stuff that I KNOW I could get cheaper, I just can't do it.

Allow me to explain, our five star condo in Orlando. How much was it you ask? How about $1 for the ENTIRE week ($216 after taxes). Yes folks, we were in the 2 bedroom villa. Check it out.
Disney tickets? $22.50 each. How you ask, stupidity I answer. We were one of the idiots that happily agreed to do a timeshare talk. NEVER AGAIN. It's amazing how NICE people are when you arrive and how RUDE they turn out to be.

Westgate Villas in Orlando - DON'T BUY THERE and don't go there. It isn't worth any amount of anything. Even cheap Disney tickets. I will say this, I HATED it. I wouldn't buy there if it was only $1. I wouldn't stay there if it was only $1. I am not that cheap.

So my first vacation post. No pictures because I haven't even opened my lap top since I got home. I'll try to get some up tonight. Then I will bore you with every magical detail - ok not so much. I'll just get some pictures up :)

Happy Birthday Katie!

2008-10-18T19:52:00.000-04:00

My Dear Sister Katie,

I cannot imagine my world without you. You're my best buddy, most trusted confidante, and partner in crime. You get my jokes, wipe my tears, and tell me the truth when my pants make me look fat.

You get my strange sense of humor because you have it too.

You keep my deep, dark secrets.

You are my best friend.

There is no one in the world who could replace you.

Your birthday is one of my favorite days of the year . . .

the day you were born to save me from a life of just Spike and I (ha, ha)

I love ya Katie.

Happy Birthday.

Love,

Lisa

Guest Blogger

2008-10-17T17:09:00.000-04:00

Hello . . . this is Lisa. I'm guest blogging for Katie while she is away.

She is in Florida . . . basking in the sunshine.

I miss her.

Wanna know some random stuff about Katie:

1. She loves Pepsi and can't live a day without it.

2. She is very sensitive and can't stand when anyone argues. She is the peacemaker of our family and trust me, we need one sometimes.

3. She is super thoughtful when it comes to giving gifts. She always comes up with the best ideas, even for people who are so hard to buy for because they already own everything on the planet. (ie: my dad)

4. She hates mushrooms which is perfect because I love them.

5. She has a knack for decorating and color . . . she effortlessly puts things together and they look great

6. She snorts sometimes when she laughs, then pretends she did it on purpose.

7. She likes to snuggle when she sleeps. I am an independent sleeper and can't fall asleep with any part of me touching someone else. When we used to sleep in the same bed, just as soon as she thought I was asleep I would feel her big toe stretch over touch my leg, desperate for any form of contact.

8. I once beat her up over a hair dryer.

9. We love to go to craft fairs together and then complain when we can't find anything to spend our money on.

10. She is my best friend, my person . . . and I am hers.

I can't imagine a second of my life without her blog reading, procrastinating, damask loving, craft making self.

What the...

2008-10-09T08:19:00.000-04:00

I seriously think I might scream.

I can't vacation. PERIOD. We went to Myrtle Beach in June, super high winds. Florida next week, rain.

Sunday - 84 - "T-Storms"
Monday - 85 - "Scattered Showers"
Tuesday - 86 - Mostly sunny
Wednesday - 85 - "Scattered Showers"
Thursday - 84 - Partly Cloudy
Friday - 83 - "Scattered t-storms"
Saturday - 82 - Partly Cloudy

Really, Mother Nature, spare me. I am not going to the sunshine state for rain. I guess I can leave the sunscreen at home.. except Tuesday - the day we go to Disney World. BLAH

Teeth.. Optional

2008-10-08T07:36:00.000-04:00

Finally, Colin is home! I met my parent's to pick him up last night and the very first thing he said to me was, "I don't wanna go to Disney World, momma." Too bad, buddy. T-minus 3 days.

He couldn't stop talking about Uncle Paul, Aunt Eleni, Cheryl, Mokey, Seamus, GG, Grandpa... He was a chatter box! Looks like he had a great time.

I got a call from my mom yesterday telling me my little guy fell teeth first on the ceramic tile at the cabin. His lips are a little cut up and he has a cut on his gums right where it meets his front tooth. I'm not sure if this is possible but his teeth don't look the same. They are basically sticking way out and more gapped. He let me brush them last night and they didn't feel loose but I couldn't tell. Should I just go to the dentist or call the pediatrician? He talks funny too because he usually uses his teeth. He said "mom, my teeth are ok. I even ate pizza." So I'm assuming I'm making a bigger deal out of this. But I'm afraid they will fall out in his sleep and he'll eat them. All my Disney pictures will be toothless and I'll have to spend a fortune getting him veneers before we go.. haha. Or I could just photoshop some in his mouth...

But I'm so happy to have him home. He kept hugging me and kissing me. We called Daddy at work and left a message and Colin was so sweet. Absence does make the heart grow fonder.

Crafty Kate con't..

2008-10-06T21:09:00.001-04:00

As promised... here are some pictures of my little fall craft projects.

Sorry about the shadow - I had to use flash so it would show up.. I didn't have any natural light to work with since it gets dark so early now!

Ok - these pictures are terrible but you get the idea. I bought a few more things at JoAnn's today for some other little projects I've been thinking about.

this was my spray paint project.. I didn't finish distressing yet because I bought a sander sponge and it is too thick to get where I need to go!! But I sprayed the berries around the candle and the candle holder.

This I threw together after a night at Hobby Lobby.. I used a paper mache box and can't figure out what to do with it.. The back is different paints - I just can't figure out what I like! So I'm leaving it for now until I can find some cute paper to modge podge..

I bought some extra sunflowers and berries and put them my the hanging vases.

Oh and when I was at JoAnn's, they had a red metal sign that said "Batter Up" on clearance! I am redecorating Colin's room in vintage baseball and it will look GREAT! I'm so excited. If anyone knows where to find cool vintage baseball stuff, let me know. I got him some red pillows with cream stars for his bed and a great pillow sham from PB kids.. I'm slowly doing this project so we won't have to redo his room until he is away at college :) ha.

The Cabin

2008-10-06T19:46:00.000-04:00

Our trip to the cabin was great! We did have so much fun.. We went to the Amish auction on Saturday - it was so neat to be a part of.. I didn't get anything but maybe next time!

Here are some pictures...

There is a rock wall about waist high with ferns behind it. It is really pretty to sit on the big front porch and see it - Colin was playing right in front of it.

He was watching Grandpa move some wood on his tractor.. He literally didn't move - at all...

This is the start of the cabin hill. Notice the little cat just sitting there? Uncle Mike used to park his boat at the house on the left when we would go up in the summer! The trees were soooo pretty!

Since you can't take pictures of the Amish, I took a picture of their "parking lot" at the auction.

Crafts and Antiques

2008-10-06T09:23:00.000-04:00

So yesterday my sister and mother-in-law joined me at some craft fair far, far away! I didn't get anything but food :( - It was very sad walking out empty handed.

On our way home, we stopped at an Antique store and I found the greatest candle holder ever! It came with yellow berries and a cream candle. The holder was also cream. I took a little trip last night to buy spray paint and I got to work. I sprayed the berries black (it is Halloween) and I sprayed the candle holder black as well. Tonight, I'm distressing the little thing and it'll be good to go. I'll post pictures tomorrow. I'm also going to find an orange candle for festivities sake and it'll be all set!

I now have a confession. I'm obsessed with spray paint. It may have been the fumes but I found myself running all through the house last night trying to find something to "redo" black!!! I realized I had a problem when I was on a chair looking at my kitchen light trying to figure out how to take it down, spray paint it and put it back up all before Justin got home to see what I did. Is there a support group out there? SPA - Spray Painters Anonymous?

So now I'm looking into projects that require spray paint. Do you have any???

I may be too distracted to post pictures from our weekend in NY!! haha. But we did have a great time! The new cabin is really nice and tucked in the woods. We went to an Amish auction, took long naps and fed some fish at the hatchery. In fact, little Colin stayed with my parents for an extended vacay. I miss him terribly and called last night to ask them to come home early! This is only his second time away from us since his birth and I'm hating every second. It doesn't help when I call and he is eating more than ever, playing harder than ever and having the best time EVER... Blah.. He's grounded when he gets home.

Vacation countdown: we leave this weekend... I'm hoping the gas situation in the south is over so we can stop and see my Grandpa in South Carolina. I should check on that, huh?!

We're off...

2008-10-02T12:27:00.000-04:00

I head out tonight to my parent's new cabin (located next to the old cabin) to help them unload the big moving truck. Don't worry, I will most likely blog tomorrow for the both of you that read this thing (you know who you are)...

We have a lot of plans this weekend -
* get and treat frost bite
* ride on the tractor (woohoo)
* sit around complaining I am bored
* go to Jake's Rocks - oh wait - the high is 50, not 105.. I'm not going
* eat
* take pictures of Colin in the new puffy vest I got him from the Gap
* did I mention freeze?

I am very excited to go to "town" to take Colin to the Rail Museum! He'll be so excited!

hugs n kisses

What Not to Eat..

2008-10-01T13:35:00.000-04:00

Dear Little Megan,

Please do not attempt to swallow a binder clip EVER again. Aunt Katie was very worried about you. I'm glad I had the opportunity to play trains with you in the ER, but seriously - you will be in big trouble next time.

Just for reference - this is NOT edible...

When you get home, please feed Mona. I couldn't find her fish food.

Love,

Your Aunt Katie

PS - Megan is fine. They removed the binder clip early this morning at Children's hospital. Lisa and John - you are such great parents and she is one lucky kid to have you. It was very touching to watch you snuggle, kiss and talk to Megan last night. I'm sure Lisa will post about the situation once she catches up on some zzz's (she is the Stay at Home Momma Drama over to the right)..

In Memory of...

2008-09-30T10:09:00.000-04:00

My cousin, Katherine Razzolini.

She was taken to heaven a year ago today. It's hard to imagine that it has been a whole year. Debbie, Ron, Steve, Alex, Dan - We're thinking of you today.

My favorite memory of Kerry was of course a trip to the cabin! The "Bucky" weekend! It was so much fun being so scared - we spent an evening with all the boys at the Horseshoe asking the locals about Bucky. He was a fugitive that was hiding in the woods around our cabin! They ended up catching him on the golf course while my dad was playing after we left to come home!!

Some other memories:

* When Kerry was younger - she scared the crud out of me. She was a perfect combination of a butt kicker and girly girl! She could hold her own with the boys - I just watched from a distance.
* I remember watching her and the boys and she and either Steve or Alex got in a fight and I was scared silly that they'd come after me next :)
* The cat - I won't say anymore because it was a sensitive time for she and Debbie R.
* trips to the bottom of the hill - I'm still keeping your secret, Kerry!! hehehe
* Stories about Danny, Steven and Alex - she always spilled the beans on her brothers.
* I can hear her yelling at her brothers right now!!!
* Her love for the same magazines - People, US Weekly, Star, really whatever we could get our hands on at the cabin.
* Target practice at the cabin. She could shoot a gun, beat up her brothers and never ruin her nails :)
* My wedding - she looked so pretty and I remember thinking that is why they say never to look more beautiful than the bride - but she didn't ever have to try!!!
* trying to figure out our family tree
* The application to "date my daughter" sent by Baby Ron to my brother in law, Todd. He thought she was beautiful the first time he saw her and so Baby Ron sent an application via email. It still makes me laugh! I wonder if I still have it in email! Really, it is a classic. Especially when he asked if Todd had tatoos because it was ok - Kerry does too :)
* Her smile

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.
Author Unknown

Kerry really changed a lot of people. She will forever be in our prayers and I will forever be thankful I was able to call her family. Thank you Kerry for teaching me to enjoy life. You have changed the way I look at life. Thank you. I miss you!

There is a scholarship fund in Kerry's memory here.

Princess

2008-09-29T20:57:00.000-04:00

On Saturday we attended a birthday party for a real princess!!

Little Lanie turned 3 and she is quite the pretty princess. She was born only 6 weeks after Colin and she's had this soft spot in my heart ever since.

I am so lucky to have 3 beautiful nieces and now a beautiful little girl cousin (in law)...

Here is the little birthday girl posing for the camera... By the way - she is such a ham!!

Yesterday

2008-09-29T11:03:00.000-04:00

*In car driving to Church*

Mommy: Colin, no talking in Church today. You hafta be super quiet and listen.
Colin (very concerned): I can talk at Disney World though, right Mamma?
Mommy: Yes (laugh) and you can scream there too. But at Church, we are quiet.
Colin (still concerned): I can talk at the new cabin though, right Mamma?
Mommy: Yes (still laughing) - no talking at Church.

Colin had quite the day yesterday. I swear 3 is HARD. I needed a parenting class on this, not on changing diapers.

I LOVE Fall

2008-09-27T08:43:00.000-04:00

Fall - my favorite season! It is my favorite time of year - well it is tied with Christmas! Yesterday, we got up early and went to pick apples! It was so much fun. Colin had a blast sitting on Justin's shoulders and yanking the apples. He didn't quite get it because he kept throwing them on the ground once he got it off the tree!

We spent the evening making apple dumplings! I got the recipe off the Pioneer Woman's website and they were so easy to make. They are soooo good!!!! I think she mentioned she had to throw her pan out - I used the whole can of Mt. Dew and my pan is just fine. So if you make these, I suggest just using the entire can :)

Colin the comedian

2008-09-23T14:14:00.000-04:00

I called Nana today on my lunch break today to check on Colin.

She told me a funny little story...

Nana: Colin, it's almost time for your nap.
Colin: I don't want to take a nap.
Nana: You have to take one, you are tired.
Colin: But my room is scary.
Nana: It's not scary in there. That's Papa's old room - it isn't scary.
Colin: The room is scary, Nana. Your face is scary, man. Take it off and put on a new one.

Nana tells me this story and is laughing wondering where her "honey boy" came up with that one and he is dying laughing as she recites his words.. He was saying "ha, Nana I said your face was scary"

Needless to say, I let the two of them have their giggle fest and I hung up. I really miss my little guy while I am at work but I'm glad he has such a dedicated team of grandparents to dote on his every sentence (and help potty train him). Really, between GG, Grandpa, Nana, Grandma and Grandpa Rick all in town, we have one spoiled little boy. He's so lucky.

Here are some funny Colin-isms -

* When he knows he is in some trouble, he'll end a sentence with dude or man because it makes us laugh.
* When he is in trouble, he starts singing the "ABCD's" for me because I break down - he really does have a beautiful voice. I'm trying to tell him breaking into song won't help his cause, but he's no dummy :)
* Grandma Diane says "Who loves ya baby" and he yells "Gwamma"
* If we say "O-H" he knows to follow it with "I-O" - a true buckeye.
* When I ask him to do something he doesn't want to do (everything) - he always says "don't say that word, momma"
* Blocks (fruit snacks - they are all blocks thanks to the Lego looking ones)
* cheese toast (grilled cheese)
* Toast (waffles)
* Panpakes (pancakes)
* samich (sandwich)

We were driving in the car about a week ago and he said some terrible words his cousin Megan taught him (shut up).. Justin was very stern and told him that was not nice and not to say it again. Colin, in the sweetest tone ever, says "ok dadda, I say it nice - shut up, please." - Our parenting needs help - we just laughed but he hasn't said it since!

I'm good

2008-09-22T15:06:00.000-04:00

I'm guest blogging...

2008-09-21T17:34:00.000-04:00

I'm guest blogging for my sister while she is on vacation. You can read about it here.

Catching up...

2008-09-19T18:33:00.001-04:00

Colin started soccer on Saturday mornings. He LOVES it! It is indoor and we have to watch from behind the glass - but seriously, our kid is a stud. The "team" won't play any games, basically they just learn each position and ball control. Last week the team played freeze tag and Colin ran toward the doors, Justin ran over to him and Colin said he wanted to go home because he didn't come to soccer to play tag! hehe - he cracks us up! Since we are kinda far away when we go inside to take pictures, we don't have many that showed our little soccer boy up close. This was the best I could do!

I just wanted to include this picture - every single night this summer, Colin plays in the mulch with all of his diggers. He pulls his tractor and trailer up the walk to the porch and gets his "tools" out to dig, build, play...

Today, Colin and I went outside to paint! I set up a box on the patio and put his little paints in an egg carton! He had so much fun and keeps looking out the back door admiring his masterpiece!

I can add pictures!!!

2008-09-19T18:33:00.000-04:00

So a few weeks ago we took Colin to the zoo. We had a blast riding rides, visiting animals and all walking hand in hand!

Sorry about the sun shine!

Here we come

2008-09-18T14:36:00.001-04:00

Florida.... ready or not, here we come!

We just booked our family vacation. I know we go to Orlando every year, I know we stay at the same resort every year and I know we do the same things every year - but really, we can't help ourselves.

We LOVE Disney World. Nana and Papa moved to Florida when I was in 4th grade. I went to visit them every year over spring break until they moved to Ohio. It was the best! I got to see my great uncle and great aunt and a few distant cousins while I was there too. Papa would cut my morning waffle in little pieces, making sure syrup and butter were on every bite, even when I was 17. They took me shopping, we ate at Chili's (Ch-Ch-Chili's), made up crazy songs, played cards, rode bikes, and went to every park around! My favorite childhood memories are at Disney with Nana and Papa.

Really, this trip reminds me of my Papa and I look forward to going every year because it is as close to him as I can get... I still see him sitting on the bench at the exit of Space Mountain, drinking his coffee and beaming as if he just rode with me! He always asked "Did you like it, Mitsubishi" (we always were jealous that we couldn't talk in different languages so we called each other Mitsubishi while we were at Disney).

Well now that I'm crying, I'm going to Disney... again.

And even though Nana can't get on the internet and Papa already knows this from heaven - I just wanted to say thank you for putting up with me for 7 days every year and never complaining - not even once. You took me everywhere I wanted to go, ate whatever I asked for, and did it with a smile. Even though I gave you an "aching back" and feet - you always begged me to come back.

I showed Colin pictures of Mickey and Disney World last night. Seriously, the little guy was up until almost 11 talking about it in his bed! I am going to rent some Disney movies tonight to get him in the mood!

I know I could be a personal tour guide at the park, but does anyone have any secrets they can share? We are doing the breakfast at the castle the day we go to Disney - but so far that's our only plan!

Not sure...

2008-09-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure why I can't post pictures..

I've tried for days to put new pictures up on my blog and I do not have the link to add photos. I'm not sure what is going on here. If anyone has a clue, let me know!

TWINS!!!

2008-09-15T09:58:00.001-04:00

We have twins. Colin is the proud parent of "Sharky" and "John Deere" - his goldfish. He is so excited! He wakes up and says "Good morning, I'm Colin." He pulls his little chair to the counter to see them and freaks out when he asks if we fed them.... Oh no, I hope Justin did.. oops. I have this fear of not feeding babies and animals. I had nightmares when I was pregnant that I would forget to feed the baby (Colin) and it was because I always forgot to feed Vegas. I analyzed my own dreams and figured out that one!!!

Anyway, I was away on my shopping trip (the longest day ever... But it was a lot of fun. My wonderful momma got me a beautiful new coach purse for my birthday - it's not until next month - she told me I had to open an empty box and act surprised - I love that woman)... Ok so back to my fabulous story, I was shopping and Justin said they were going to get fish. He spent the day with his mom (Diane, did you say "buy it" when he wanted two? haha) and I came home to a BIG fish tank on my kitchen counter. I'm not too thrilled since it's too heavy to move. But Colin loves these fish and so I pretend I think they are beautiful. I think I'll appreciate them more when they are out of my kitchen.

I'd attach pictures of Sharky and John Deere, but they are gold fish and we all know what they look like.

Too funny

2008-09-12T08:59:00.000-04:00

So I am supposed to be driving to IKEA and the outlet mall. It's 9:06am and we were supposed to leave at 8am. The reason I'm still here you ask? My mom. She just got out of the shower... haha. Oh and how do you go shopping without your purse? Good question, I'll let you know. I left it sitting on my island because I was in a rush to be here by 8am...

So that brings me to my blog. I was looking through my dad's pictures on his lap top and found a few that I thought were too funny not to post! I now know what goes on here on Wednesdays when I'm at work..

My mom said Colin wants Grandpa to hold him in the morning but my dad wants to read the paper, so he puts him on his shoulders so they both are happy...

I just liked this one of Colin in dad and mom's pool
- Deb's finally ready - time: 9:19am... not bad :)

Thank you, Fireman Sam

2008-09-11T20:48:00.000-04:00

Before I start, I thought I'd tell you a little something about my little guy. He loves Fireman Sam the cartoon. We pass a Fire station every day and he always yells "do you see that, mama?"

So my sister made some cupcakes during the afternoon for our hometown heroes! We packed up our families and headed for a visit right after dinner.

Wow!!! That is about all Colin can say to sum up the visit. The firemen slid down the pole, let him "drive" the fire engine and even hunk the horn. The men were beyond sweet. I hope they know how much we appreciate them.

I swear I have hundreds of pictures of the evening. BUT I'm running out the door for a day at IKEA and the outlet mall (in the rain, with Nana and my mother)... If you've ever been shopping with the two of them, you'll understand why I can't make a decision - and why I buy stuff, bring it home to see it in "natural lighting" and then I end up returning it - oh wish me luck!

The picture above is Colin staring up at the flag. It is one of my favorites from yesterday.

Land of the Free - Home of the Brave

2008-09-11T09:04:00.000-04:00

It's hard to forget 9/11/01.

I was babysitting. I had a little baby on my lap when my cell phone rang. My friend Ashley told me to turn on the Today show. As I changed the channel, I saw the second plane hit.

I called my family and Papa answered the phone. He didn't even know anything happened and he immediately turned on the tv. When Mallory (the mother) returned home she was in shock. I remember running across the street and Papa was pacing in the garage. You could see the look of fear in his eyes.

I went to the restaurant where I used to work because Justin was managing the place that morning. Ashley and I sat in a booth and stared at the tv for the entire day. I was so proud when Justin got rid of a table of women that were so glad they got out of work for the day.

I remember the American pride that followed for months. Every car had a flag on the bumper, homes across America were decorated in red, white and blue. Drive through your neighborhood today and tell me how many flags are hanging (well tomorrow - the flag comes with instructions to hang it today)... You get my point. I still fly my American flag 6 days a week (we're Buckeye fans - Saturdays the American flag takes a break in the name of football)... But you get my point.

I'm not trying to start controversy, I'm just really proud to be an American. Today, remember the men and women who are fighting for us, will fight for us and already spent time fighting for us. We are very lucky to live in the land of the free. God Bless America.

TAG... You're it

2008-09-10T00:01:00.001-04:00

These are so fun (ok not really but I'm trying to be an upbeat poster)

I am: tired of ugly looking cupcakes - just made some and they look TERRIBLE - but my muffins look yummy
I need: sleep
I know: how grateful I am for my family
I want: to grow old with my husband and hold my grandkids in 25 years.
I have: a wonderful little boy.
I dislike: fish
I miss: my family and friends... and chicken finger subs
I fear: losing someone close to me
I feel: lonely -- J is working 2 hours away and it is hard when he is working
I hear: the tv
I smell: cupcakes and muffins I just made
I cry: way too often
I usually: clean up my kitchen after baking... but I'll leave that as a surprise for my man when he gets home from work in the morning!!!
I search: the internet for nothing - and waste HOURS doing it...
I wonder: if the garbage men will take my recycling since I didn't separate it... I'm a loser.
I regret: no regrets
I love: my husband, son and entire family, yummy food, fall, fall, fall
I care: about everything - almost to a fault
I always: wake up in a good mood
I worry: about my childhood friends going off to war...again
I am not: great at follow-through and remembering stuff
I remember: my Papa's laugh and smile
I believe: I will see Papa again someday
I dance: in the car to Colin's bible cd
I sing: totally off key
I don't always: cook dinner
I argue: when I am passionate about something
I write: to do lists and never complete them
I win: if J isn't playing :)
I lose: if J is playing
I wish: on stars
I listen: to hear C sing while he is playing.. especially twinkle winkle and who built the ark
I don't understand: why people can be intentionally mean.
I can usually be found: in Target.
I am scared: of being home alone - should really be over that one, but I'm not.
I need: to do turbo jam. I kinda miss the "freestyle" haha.. that's for you, Lisa.
I forget: everything.
I am happy: when my husband is home safe after the LONG drive home from work, just looking at my little boy, getting a call when I'm super bored, watching the leaves change colors, when my house is super spotless and I didn't lift a finger (this would be another hint headed J's way), really most things make me happy - except a toddler that thinks it is a great idea to change his own diaper - at nap time - when I'm sleeping on the couch -

I tag:
Lisa and Mary - my bloggin idols

A birthday party

2008-09-09T21:11:00.000-04:00

Our little guy turned 3 on August 12th. We celebrated his special day with a dinner at his favorite Greek Restaurant! GG, Grandpa, Aunt Lisa, Uncle John, Megan and Nana joined us for some yummy pita-grilled cheese (actually the Greek burger is fabulous)...

We celebrated with a birthday bash the weekend after his birthday. Family, friends, and neighbors joined us at my parent's pool for a racing party, Lightening McQueen style!

Here are his gift bags and a picture of the bubbles inside. The kids weren't left with just bubbles but I was so excited when I found these at Walgreens!!

Ok.. honestly, I didn't take very many pictures... Hard to believe when my husband affectionately calls me Kodak - but I finally got to enjoy a birthday party and I spent my time watching Colin have some fun.

It is hard to believe that three years ago I had a teeny, tiny little baby. It's amazing how one person can change your life so much. I am so thankful for this perfect *brilliant* little being!