In a Sydson Minute

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 20:44:00 +0000

I know it's been a long time -

I've been a busy busy mama.

I have something exciting coming up and

will be sharing soon.

Here is a sneaky peek...

Any guesses?

Can't sleep- Party Music edition

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 12:36:00 +0000

Sydney woke me up at 4am today and I've been up since. I have this horrible disease that prevents me from falling asleep after waking up. It's called restless mind syndrome. You may have heard of restless leg syndrome, this is much worse. I lay awake, toss and turn, trying to fall asleep but, I just think of everything that is coming up for the day. Like today. We are having a large family get together (future post) - so I just think of my checklist of things to do. So at 5:15am I finally gave in and got up. Brewed a pot of coffee and turned on the computer. I decided I needed to update my ipod and download some new tunes. Music is a essential part of a party, without which awkward silence is well just, awkward. Plus my kids LOVE music, especially dance beats, they boogie! T told me the other day he liked some Katy Perry songs - is that weird? - and I've been rocking to that Hello song and the new Britters (guilty pleasure). Listen, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. If you hire and dj, for say a wedding, or a large event, and no one is on the dance floor, CHANGE THE SONG! I love to dance, I love classic songs, I love to boogie and shake my tooty so it is always a complete let down when the dj keeps playing the same dribble over and over and over. Annoying! So here are some new songs I downloaded in my early morning itunes fest...
1. Good Life, One Republic
2. Hello, Martin Solveig & Dragonette
3. Party Rock Anthem, LMFAO
4. Firework, Katy Perry
5. Forget You, Cee Lo Green
6. I wanna Go, Britney Spears
7. Rolling in the Deep, ADELE
Not bad for 5am huh?
Other songs on the party play list - Michael Jackson - duh - he also happens to be Jack's favorite to dance to! Black Eyed Peas, Talking heads (my bro in law would be proud) Usher, Sly, Al Green, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder - see a good mix of it all! It should be a great party! I'll give you all the deats soon.

And a early morn shout out to my CSU family - GO RAMS! Beat those lame ass Buffs!!

And if you could give me some early morn love and vote you'd be my BFF!

Today I'm #52 - SO CLOSE - come on keep doing what you do - click it!

--best

Neighbor wars part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 16:34:00 +0000

:sigh: It has happened.

:bigger sigh: Snotrod has waged war.

Earlier this summer I told you about our lovely neighbor that we affectionately dubbed Snotrod. Read Neighbor Wars part I to refresh your memory.

It has been no secret that I despise him with the depths of my soul. He is rank. Actually rank really isn't harsh enough. Vial? No even that is too nice. It's not enough that he is still launching his rockets, parading around in his beer belly uniform, stealing our trash (more on that) and generally oozing negativity on the whole block. But now...

Over the summer he started doing something that is just plain making me crazy. He is waving "Hi" to me. It's actually pretty genius on his part, the ole kill em' with kindness gag. Gag! Ha! So when I walk to the mail box or drive by he extends his arm out, twinkles his fingers, and says real high pitch "hellllllllllo". I just either look away (vomit) or mumble, hi. I guess I wasn't too subtle in my hatred - was the sign I carry that says go to hell to obvious? Jerk now stares me down as I pass his house. Crap. Now I look like the ass. How did that happen?

And another thing... he is social with the other neighbors. What is wrong with them? He is toxic, he is dangerous, he is a felon. Stay away! Don't encourage him. We need him gone not feeling nice and rosey! Ugh.

This morning he was out front collecting his trash cans - trash cans that he stole from OUR TRASH one day (oh yes) - and he was wearing a top coat (shocked he owns one) shorts and no shirt. He glared at me - I glared at him. My hate is palpable. I may or may not have placed a secret phone call to the NSA suspecting a terrorist plot is being hatched in his home. Ok. Not really but I fantasize about doing that.

I'm not really sure what to do. Sydney knows full and well to stay away from him. Our nanny knows to stay away. The next time the cops are there, which is typically every 6 weeks or so, I am going to demand some information. I want to know what his deal is.

I really like our house but he just may be the reason I insist we move someday.

So until a gigantic meteor lands on his house, or rouge missile I am stuck with him.

Drats.

Top 50 is SO close...come on keep doing what you do - click it!

--best

A-Z

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 22:14:00 +0000

Saw this today on Just Another Manic Momday - I liked it - so I'm going to do it too. Read on.

A - Z

a. age - 31 - I should feel lucky but everyone always thinks I am in my early 20s

b. bed size - Queen supreme - and we really need a new bigger bed!

c. chore you hate - BATHROOMS, HATE em!

d. dogs - Lovely Lucy. Miss you Murph!

Lucy

Murphy a.k.a. big bubba

e. essential start to your day - coffee, lots and lots of coffee

Source: None via Katie on Pinterest

f. favorite color - blue

Source: images.search.yahoo.com via Michelle on Pinterest

g. gold or silver - how about white gold?

h. height - 5'3"

Source: etsy.com via Kim on Pinterest

i. instruments you play - sort of play the piano, used to play marimba and drums in school

j. job title - Project Manager

k. kids - Sydney and Jackson

l. live - South of Denver

m. maiden name - Dugan

n. nicknames - Kate, Kit-Kat, Mama, Doogie

o. overnight hospital stays - just for my kids

p. pet peeve - this list is long. Biting nails, not using a tissue, crappy drivers, gossip queens, shitty service, cold food, flat beer, dirty floors, when the bagger at the grocery store squishes my bread...this list could go on and on and on...

q. quote

Source: None via Katie on Pinterest

r. righty or lefty - righty

s. siblings - L - R - A

t. time you wake up - usually 6:15am (thanks Jack)

u. university attended - Colorado State University

v. vegetables you dislike - Peas

w. what makes you run late - last minute details and when my hubs leaves me with no gas.

x. x-rays you've had - several of my back, several of my teeth and one of my ankle.

y. yummy food - anything Italian and fried.

z. zoo animal favorite - polar bear. always was my favorite.

Source: google.ca via Judy on Pinterest

Oh one more thing - please vote - I'm slipping! Please help me get into top 50 Mommy Blogs.

Click it, come on, you know you want to..

--best

Clothing wars

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Having a baby is amazing! When you first learn you are having a girl it is even better! You start to shop, oh the outfits are so cute! She is born and everyday is like dress up! It is so fun! You don't even care that you are doing laundry all day because each outfit is so fun to see on them!

Then she turns 1, even better, the clothes now look normal on her because she can stand.

2 comes and she lets you put her in cute skirts, leggings, sweaters, your daughter looks adorable and people tell you so.

Then she turns 3. She starts to have an opinion. No mommy I don't want to wear this. She decides she doesn't like jeans or anything with buttons. Strange but ok.

Sweatpants are always her first choice, lovely. You can plea your case and talk her into almost anything. Except jeans.

4. LOOK OUT! Getting dressed now involves tactical warfare. A plan must be formed - the enemy must not know your true intentions - tiger like stealth is your only survival. 2 cups of coffee are required prior to attempting the dressing of miss "thang".

Here are the steps:

1. Bait and Switch

You must offer choices, knowing full well that she WILL not select your first choice so make sure this is NOT what you intended her to wear.

2. Colors - "that doesn't match" this is my latest method to get her into something semi matching. 4 year olds don't quite understand stripes, polka dots, navy and lime green don't look that great together.

3. Channel your inner Maverick

Once the outfit has been selected the dressing is like a fight scene from TopGun. "he went this, we went like that, I said to Hollywood where'd he go, Hollywood said, where'd who go?"

She jumps on the bed, I walk over-

she lays down, hides her legs-

I pull her legs out, she rolls over-
What the? Why do they act like we are going to chop their legs off? So annoying. Once you finally manage to get the clothes on you must brush her hair. Oh my dear lord - THIS IS TORTURE. For both mother and daughter.

Not a happy camper.

Picking out clothes this summer herself!

She looks so sweet and innocent!

What Sydney would probably wear if I let her pick her clothes each day:

In all seriousness I love her - she makes me nuts - but I love her!

Enjoy your weekend!

Oh one more thing - please vote - I'm slipping! Please help me get into top 50 Mommy Blogs.

Click it, come on, you know you want to..

--best

Wordless Wednesday (sort of)

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:39:00 +0000

Source: None via Agne on Pinterest

Hopelessly addicted

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:19:00 +0000

It's not my fault. I didn't know anything about this and until she told me. I was living a normal life, well normal for me, and then she had to hook me. And isn't that how it always goes? Your minding your own business until someone says, psst, hey, check this out. Oh you like that? Yeah I knew you would. Crap!

I tried it out, I thought let me just check and see, maybe I won't even like it. Nope. After 5 minutes I was utterly addicted. I thought I was stronger than that? I thought I could withstand the pressure. Apparently not. Then - then! - to make matters worse there is an iPhone AP. Oh crap - now I'm up at all hours looking, searching....PINNING!

BF, or former BF because she did this to me, got me into pinning on Pinterest. Don't know what it is. STOP READING or please do not come back at me and say I got you hooked. Don't do it.

Pinterest is a virtual "pin" board - ideas, recipes, remodel projects, party ideas, weddings, kids... basically my life! You browse ideas and when you see something you like you "pin" it to your board. Then you can come back later and complete some projects. LOVE! For a mind like mine that DOES. NOT. REST. this is great! Like I said, I lay in bed and pin. Not cool. T says REALLY not cool. He is also not to happy that I now have about 35 projects that we MUST do for the house. And 3 day weekend coming up, SCORE! He is going to hate me.

Here are some of the pins I LOVE and hope to do around the house soon...

Happy Pinning! www.pinterest.com

Source: bhg.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: wipkits.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: sawdustcityllc.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: nicandkate09.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: marthastewart.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: familyhandyman.com via Katie on Pinterest

Source: None via Katie on Pinterest

Source: playwithsugar.blogspot.com via Katie on Pinterest

Weekend in pictures

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:44:00 +0000

We had a great weekend! Cousin Conor and Auntie Lynn came to visit from Chicago! We had a busy weekend playing at the park, out back, and the pool! Here some great pictures...

Saturday in the park:

Jack Jack down the slide.

Conor down the slide.

Jack must have gone down the slide no less than 25 times, thanks Pop Pop for helping each time. He was looking at a big dump truck driving by.

Hercules thinks he can move anything!

It's a speaker, I was talking to her from the

other side of the park!

We said, "Conor give the fox a kiss."

Diva in training.

The boys DID not want to pose for a picture.

We tried about 5 times!

Love him!

Jack actually stopping for a break! Whoa!

Love those boys. I wonder what they are thinking...

Playing in the backyard. Conor and Jack decide they both want to climb on the slide.

Wait! Where did Conor go?

Bad Jackson!

Swimming at the pool! Sydney is a fish!

Jack stays in the raft for about 35 seconds. Just after I snapped this pic he attempted to jump out. Thankfully MomMom was there to nab him. He is just a mover and a shaker, not really a relaxer!

Eating corn on the cob!

First Conor

Sydney ate 2!

Jack = not so much. He threw his to Cooper.

It was a great weekend! Can't wait for more time with our cousin CJB. Love you!

--best

Why I Run

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:58:00 +0000

(warning-really long but WORTH it post, keep reading)

I was always athletic as a child, my whole family was. Growing up in Minnesota it was a requirement to play soccer. I hated it. I was always afraid of getting hit by the ball, I don't really know why. I also hated all the running. I was never a runner. I dreaded the mile run in middle school, I thought I was going to die. I eventually quit soccer and took up swimming, much more my style. I enjoyed it and was a pretty good backstroker. After HS I took up the very popular sport of bar hopping in college - I do believe I got a varsity letter in this sport. Post college I walked our dogs and that was about all the exercise I even thought about. It was during this time that I got pregnant with Sydney and traveled to Chicago to watch one of the single most influencing events of my life. My older sister ran the Chicago marathon, 26.2 miles! I was blown away! It was one of the funnest days of my life. My parents, little sister, sisters BF (now hubs), some of her friends and I traveled the city via El and foot to make it along the route to cheer for her. We even were captured cheering for her by a news crew and featured in their story of the race! We'd only see her run by for about a minute but she looked fantastic, happy, determined, so cool - I thought it was amazing. There were so many runners, so many people watching and cheering - that day ALWAYS stuck with me. She set a goal, and did it. Why can't I do that?

Life with kids is busy. Very busy. Especially after your first, you don't know if it's night or day, you don't really shower, you don't really eat, you just feed/change/cuddle the baby. After Sydney I didn't do anything for myself, this led to some unhappy days. She was my world and I didn't think about much else. Soon things got better, I started working full time and I often thought about that day with my sister in Chicago. I was jealous of her determination and goal. Also my 3 sisters are size 0/2, me = not so much - so I thought this would be a great way to lose some weight. I started off slow, I didn't really know what I was doing. I ran slow. Jogged if you will. But I started to do pretty good. I got through that I'm going to vomit stage. T and Sydney used to drive me through the neighborhood and drop me off 2 miles away, I'd run home. I think he secretly enjoyed driving his wife and dumping her off, "ha! run home!" (evil laugh as he speeds away) So that summer I ran every 3 days and really was enjoying it, could I really train for distance? Just when I got the wild hair to do it I got pregnant with Jackson. That pretty much stopped all training.

After Jack life was difficult. He was a sick baby, stress was high. I made the decision to keep him home with me while working instead of daycare during the first 6 months of life. Because of his sensitive condition we didn't really leave the house. So the only break I got was to run, 1 hour of me time. I would run out the stress, fear, anxiety - I would cry - I would laugh - I would make evil runners faces. Runners faces? Oh I guess mine are a combination of I'm going to die/I'm going to puke/don't talk to me. How do I know? Because when I run by people they glance at me and then they look back and stare. So I must be looking like a confused asthmatic looking for her inhaler. (no I don't actually have asthma) So I was running every couple of days but not with any purpose, mostly to get out the tension.

During this time my best friend started training too. We didn't know each other had been running. Both of us were beginners. We started training virtually with our ipod Nike+ syncing program - so cool. And then we often talked about training for a distance, a race, a goal. We looked into various races, we did a 5k. Went pretty good. After that we focused on a bigger goal. The Denver Half Marathon 13.1 miles. We trained all last summer virtually and did our long distances together. I talked with my sis about the miles, hopping up distances and pacing myself through the training. When I started running 5 miles as my new "normal" I felt a sense of accomplishment. Wow, I'm actually a runner. This is fantastic. I did it.

Race day was quickly approaching. Yeah I was running 15 - 18 miles a week but never all at once. Could I do it? I was getting really nervous. I remember driving to my parents house and thinking, um they only live 11 miles from us, I'd STILL BE RUNNING! AHHHHHH! Never a good idea to clock miles in your car it is a mind (insert word here). My BF and I got together on a Friday night in Fort Collins and ran 10 miles. The night was cool, the trail went through some wooded areas (I thought any second a scary man was going to kidnap us) but we did it. WE DID IT! That night was amazing. We both knew we were ready. And we were. Race day came and I was no longer nervous. I remember crossing the starting line and thinking, no matter what, no matter how much pain I feel DON'T WALK. Push. Push. Push.

I thought about so many things that day. My family cheered me on throughout the course. Is this how my sister felt that day? It's an amazing high.
You focus
you run
you feel pain
you push
you want to puke
you push
you just run.
The people along the route really give you strength, even if they don't know you they cheer for you. My BF and I must have looked like we were dying at mile 12 because this lady really called us out and cheered, cheered, cheered. We giggled and pushed. We saw the finish line. I almost started to cry. My family was right there, I heard my Mom scream my name. I couldn't believe it. I DID IT. Me! Girl who hated to run just ran 13.1 miles! Whoot Whoot! It was amazing.

This summer I've continued my training, not as intense, but I'm still running. BF and I just signed up for a pretty cool 10k. Hopefully next summer I can focus on a long race again. I'd love one day to actually run the Chicago Marathon just like my big sis did. She inspired me to do it and because of that day I am the person I am today.

A daughter.
A sister.
A wife.
A mom.
A runner.

Thanks for reading my really long post. Now if you could please VOTE for me, I'm really close to breaking the top 100 so keep clicking! And as always feel free to pass on my blog to anyone that might enjoying my stories.

Soccer and a night away!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 15:39:00 +0000

Last night was Sydney's first soccer game! It was so cute but so stressful! I thought the parents at T-Ball were nuts - this is a whole new ball game! The kids have no idea what to do, they understand to run after the ball but when you get a group of them against each other it just gets crazy. The poor coach runs the whole game with the kids shouting out commands, I do not know how she does it! And then there are parents cheering. I did notice one parent that was particularly hard on his son, "get the ball! get the ball! what are you doing?" I had flash backs of childhood soccer, not my parents, but just remembering sideline dads yelling. Sydney did pretty good. She mostly just ran with the crowd, I don't know if she got any ball touches but next time maybe she'll do better. It's just too cute!

She is so cute! Orange, ugh, but she wears it well!

Running after Coach Maggie! Go Syd Go!

I die! She is just a natural little sporty girl!

#3! #8 has the meany butt dad! But he was making eyes at Sydney after the game. I think his name was Zach?

Getting some coaching from Daddy!

Ahhh so cute!

***************************************************

Their bags are packed, it's time to go...

Mommy and Daddy get a free night from madness!

The little monsters are headed to MomMom and PopPops for the night! We have a wedding and we are staying at the resort! Yippie! MomMom better review my recent post for tips and need to knows! I guess I shouldn't tell them that lately we've been calling Jack, Evil Jac/kenvil. He is climbing everything, standing on everything, I looked at him the other day and he was standing on top of a ride on firetruck.

I think they'll be fine...

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 15:19:00 +0000

BIG SISTER HI JINX

Fantasy Mommy Team

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 15:46:00 +0000

In honor of the start of Fantasy Football - and yes I do belong to a few leagues - I thought I would create a Mommy Fantasy team. A compilation of my favorite REALITY tv mommys!

Points would be awarded for:

Surviving kid meltdowns
Surviving husband's stupidity
Cute outfits for mommy and kids
Cute kid and/or husband
Extra points for cute names
Making a homemade meal
Arguments with fellow mommys/housewives
Extra points for items or tables being thrown
Parties, Parties, Parties
100 points per mention of being stressed or how hard life is

Negative points awarded for:

Use of nanny, cook, driver, or stylist
Crying will be an automatic DQ and 1 week on the bench
Messy hair or appearing disheveled
Walking off/out of episode

My Fantasy Mommy Team:

Tori Spelling

Yeah I know me too, it's mostly been a love/hate since 90210 and her really bad boob job but- since becoming a mommy and doing reality tv she really isn't that bad.
Scores big in: Homemade everything! Parties, cute kids and clothes.
Point buster: We all know she loves her nanny Patsy!

Caroline Manzo

No one can take a hit like this mean Italian mama. Mess with her and she'll have a fix on you faster then the sopranos can find their hammer.
Scores big in: Homemade Italian food! Scaring the crap out of all the moms in NJ with a look. "let me tell you sumthang..."
Negatives: Her kids aren't much to look at and I'm pretty sure she isn't styling herself now a days.

Kris Jenner

I bet in the 80s she was a really great stay at home mom to Kourtney, Kim, Khole and Robert. Now this mom of 6 and grandma is all Hollywood with a complete set of Louis Vuitton family DRAMA!
Mommy points: Lots of hormone driven arguments with reality star children and their questionable spouses.
Deduct loads of points for looking disheveled, both Kris and Bruce.

Casey Jones

Star of TLC's Quints by Surprise this mama of quints and big sis Eliot is super cool, super cute, and super fun to watch. This power mom will score LOADS of points in all areas, surviving meltdowns, cute kids with cute names and a super cute hubby!

Downside: you won't see this mama have a meltdown or argument on screen, a big no no for T.L.C.

The entire cast of NY Housewives

If you watch the show: nuff said.

Loads of points both +/-

Happy Fantasy Reality watching!!

--best

So you wanna try this huh?

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 20:04:00 +0000

My dear dear dear bestie Amber just said to me, "do you want me to trade places with you to give you a break?" Oh Amber, you silly silly girl. If you want to be around my kids here are some things you are going to have to do/deal with...

1. The word poop is a adjective, verb and noun in this house. Please use it appropriately.

2. You don't get to eat your meal - so don't try. You will eat standing up while running back and forth from table to kitchen refilling cups, food portions, getting ketchup, ranch, napkins, tissues, water, milk, salt, pepper, more food and then pre-washing the dishes to get a jump start on clean up.

3. There is no life past the Disney channel so don't try it. If you even attempt to watch the news, Today show, any and I mean any reality TV you will be forced to endure screaming that will wake the dead. Get it?

4. Laundry. At least 2 loads a day so get your arm muscles ready.

5. The parrot will repeat everything. The parrot will repeat everything. The parrot will repeat everything.

6. You will be invaded in the bathroom so keep it short and simple.

7. Because your husband works like a lunatic and works side jobs that have side jobs you are now the gardener. Open the garage, yes the place with the car and all of your husbands other junk, pull out the lawn mower, yes I know it's heavy, lug it to the backyard and mow. Oh, wait, first you must get the shovel that your husband made the size of a midget - I don't know why - and pick up Lucy's poop. See poop, I told you. Then you can mow. Oh don't forget to get around the swing set, loop in and out of the swings and dodge the tree branches. Done? Nope! Pull the mower through the rocks and back out front. Mow the front QUICKLY, you must do this quickly. If you do not you will be forced to listen to Snot Rod choke up a phlegm cookie or have our other neighbors kids ask you "how the family is" like 5 times and he is only 16!

8. Bath time! Kerplunk! Fill up the tub with warm water and soap. Look right - yes that is Jack trying to climb in with his clothes on, phew! you caught him! Plop him in and that speeding bullet that just ran past you was naked Sydney - she should now be sitting next to Jack in tub. Check and check. Ok don't go anywhere because the following events will and I mean WILL happen...
Sydney will drink the water.
Jack will drink the water.
You will say, "ewwww don't drink bath water!!"
You will look down for 1 millisecond.
You will look up and both kids will be drinking the water.
You will now shout, "What did I just say, don't drink the water!!!"
This will continue for a solid 5 minutes. Good Luck.

9. Post bath the kids will need to be put in their jammies. Don't let the shark run around naked - his hose will water Sydney's room! Trust me.

10. Pre-bed time. Home stretch but you have your toughest task left. Jack should be pretty easy. He likes to drink his bottle in his bed while listening to his rainforrest music. Put his pacifier in his hand, if you hear "uh oh" over and over and over it's because he dropped his paci down the backside of his crib like a plinko chip. You must retrieve. Close door. Done.

11. Sydney. Ok partner, saddle up, pull the reigns in tight and get ready for the wildest bucking bronco ride of your life. She'll be stubborn, she'll be sweet, she'll cry, she'll think of 97 reasons why she shouldn't be in bed. Hold tight, stay strong, I have faith that you can do this. If you can corral this pony there are 24 refreshingly cold silver bullets in the fridge. Brush her teeth, take her potty, give a small cup of water, turn out light and get the hell out of there. Retreat to the safety of the couch and hopefully she won't see you!

Well that's it. Don't worry about the huge mess of toys at your feet I'll put those away later. But please remember to pick up your bottles - I'm sure there will be at least 6 after your evening.

Cheers bestie!

--best

Founders Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:44:00 +0000

1 year ago today Trent and I sat at the kitchen table discussing whether or not we should start our own construction company. He had been doing "side" jobs for years and we knew there was just something special there. We have a good start with a large remodel job from a good friend of his, Grant Street was our first real job. We sat there and talked about what it would be like, could we do it, should we do it, what if we fail? We talked about names, it had to be special and unique, it would need to speak to his skill and talents. Trent studied and passed the LEED certification test, forever giving him the title LEED AP BD+C, it's a big deal in the construction world! It allows him to build a green project, understanding sustainable materials, this is above and beyond a typical skill set for a GC. The future is green - so we knew GREEN would have to be in our title.

We talked and talked and talked and talked. I drank my coors and T - bless his heart- drank his GF beer. :) We talked about goals, projects, marketing, our kids, our parents, how we just wanted this SO bad! We knew and we could see our future, this was going to be it. We said 5 years. If we could get through the first year it would take 5 years for us to be standing alone. We went to bed that night with a goal, no name yet, but a goal.

My dad actually came up with the name. Sydney + Jackson = Sydson! Tada Sydson Green Construction was born! We registered our business and just continued doing what we were doing. Soon other jobs came along...

Steele Street

Winterhaven

Olive

St.Paul

It's been 1 year and I would say not only did we survive but we are surpassing our wildest dreams. We are doing it! It's been tough, a lot of 7 day work weeks for Trent, nights and weekends alone with kids driving me nuts, stress, budgets, subs, deadlines, inspections, design ... but ... this is our passion.

A special thanks to our first year of dedicated clients. Without you I wouldn't be writing this. Thanks for believing in us, thanks for your support and patience. It wasn't always pretty but you trusted that at the end of the day your vision would be a reality. I hope you continue to support our little GC and help us grow.

Thank you to our parents. You helped when we needed and we value your support.

A HUGE thank you to T - you are SGC and without your constant hard work, dedication, TALENT, and personality we would not have survived. I love you and I know that you will continue to shine. Don't give up! I know the days are long, the sleep is futile, but it's all going to be worth it one day....soon.

We have a great pipeline of opportunity - including a few more home remodels and a couple of small business TIs. We just keep following the path that is being laid out for us and I truly hope that we are able to survive another year.

Oh! One more thing...

Today is also someones birthday! Someone very special to us!

HAPPY 6th BIRTHDAY LUCY!

We love you lu lu!!

--best

T ball and gymnastics!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:15:00 +0000

T Ball started earlier this summer but 1/3 of the season has been cancelled due to the daily thundershowers we've been getting this summer! Bummer! Sydney actually took to the sport very well - she was a little confused at first - how to hold a glove, throw the ball, throwing to first base.... But she hits very well and of course they all understand how to RUN! It's funny - after a ball is in play each kids parents are screaming to their child what to do. You hear a melody of

"go to first base" "get the ball" "run home"

"nice hit" "run to third" "go go go go go"

It's crazy! Luckily the kids just tune us out and seem to have fun. The games are 3 innings, each kid gets a turn to bat and then you change sides. The games should really only be 2 innings, by the 3rd all these 4 year olds are OVER IT!

* She is one of the only girls that will actually wear the hat! Such a tomboy! *

* Tapping home plate, yup that is a pink bat! *

* Doing her best to "field" *

* Is her checking her out? *

* She is C-U-T-E! *

Sydney's team is 7 girls and 1 boy! Which is really funny to me because her gymnastics class is 9 boys and 1 girl. Can someone say irony?

I signed her up for gymnastics 10 weeks ago and just extended her for a least 1 more month. We go to The Little Gym in Lone Tree - class name is Giggle Worms. It's been great for Sydney to burn off some energy and learn how to do new things. Her skills are really building and I know she'll be doing back handsprings soon! The teachers are really sweet and the weekly theme has been a fun way for the kids to engage. I don't have many pictures -- sorry.

So that is the latest for now. T ball wraps up next week, I ordered the team trophies and we will have a pizza party for them. Her first trophy, ahhhhhh! Next up soccer!

--best

Driving cars!!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Don't you remember how fun it was to drive the cars at Disney World! T, Sydney, Rebecca and Allie waited the 40 min line in the blazing heat and humidity to give Sydney a taste of life behind the wheel! Check out the most adorable video below:

Taking her brother on a drive. How cute is Jack in the car!?! He looks like a little old man! These are the days that are just the best!!

--best

Bad blogger, bad!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 13:02:00 +0000

It's been hard to get around to blogging. We've been crazy ridiculous busy - just nuts! It seems like each day I wake up and go 100 mph until my head hits the pillow. Sydney has been involved in T Ball and gymnastics, Jack is growing leaps and bounds and never sits still, we took a 10 day vacation to Florida (pics coming soon) and oh yeah I work full time, as does T and we have our company on the side. See - nuts! So I apologize for not being a better blogger. But there is something else too, lately I've just been feeling "stuck". Nothing is going wrong, per say, but I just feel frustrated - like I'm waiting for things to happen. I hate that feeling. I've always been a go getter, make the news happen type of person. I think I feel this way because we have a problem that is beyond my control. Our car is really getting bad, many repairs are needing to happen that we just can't afford. We are trying to trade it in but the value they are offering is just criminal. So I feel really irritated, frustrated, and confused on what to do. All I want is a safe vehicle to drive the monsters, I mean children, around in. It doesn't have to have all the bells and whistles, although they are fancy now a days! So I think this issue is just really clouding my days. I hope we can work it out soon.

So I promise to get back to blogging on a regular basis. I have loads of FL pictures to share, Sydney is starting school soon and soccer and Jack is full of adventures!! Plus Amber and I will be producing loads of new baby goods.

Hope you find your way back to me....

--best

Skittle bug love!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 26 May 2011 21:52:00 +0000

I was going to write a ThroatPunch Thursday in regards to the recent killing of 2 kids by their own mother here in Castle Rock. It has me deeply disturbed. But instead of regurgitating the hate and obvious psycho-ness (is that a word?) I'm going to share some love! Some skittle bug love! She hasn't had a post all about her so I thought - seems right.

Sydney, my little skittle bug! You light up a room, you are curious about life, you remember everything and you are just the most special part of my world. (next to J and T of course) Here are the deets on my favorite kid...

Favorite foods: mac n' cheese (duh) chicken of any kind, cucumbers, strawberries, pop tarts, Apple Juice, rice, the list goes on and on

Favorite games to play: babies, store, teacher, dance, art

Best quality: she is a little mommy

Funniest thing she ever said:

While at Nordstrom with a sister (not saying who) we were discussing a friend about to have twins and the possibility of her delivering "normally". The little parrot overheard what we were saying and blurted out loud in the shoe dept.

"you pass out when you poop!"

Favorite things to wear: anything but jeans :( she loves sweatpants, ugh.

Favorite sports: getting into soccer, t-ball and of course dance

Favorite shows: anything Disney

Loves her brother with all her heart.

Loves all dogs, Lucy, Cooper, Gus, and Lily.

Most amazing talent: can learn and remember something in about 5 minutes. Can work the TV, dvd player, ipod, and probably soon drive.

So as a continued tribute to my little love here are some good ones from the last 4 years...

Great parents make SWEET grandparents!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 23 May 2011 03:50:00 +0000

I'm lucky. Actually really lucky. I knew growing up that my parents were cool. Yes we had growing pains, who doesn't, but we had trust and we had FUN! My parents were always ready for a good time, they are the parents that are close with all their daughters friends. My dad is funny and my mom is as cute as a button! Since becoming an adult the relationship has only become stronger and more grounded. The needs are no longer material goods, food, house, car - but support, guidance, advice, and love. To know you can pick on the phone, put out a distress call and with little to no questions asked they're there - and if your Allie they're there in full body armor!!! You know it's true Als :) It's amazing to still get that as an adult.

But more amazing than that is the love and affection they give your children, their grandchildren. They jump right in, no holds barred, both hands on the wheel because this train aint stopping! Sure it's work, but they don't complain, they love them -- they adore them.

So to MomMom and PopPop - thanks for always being there. Thanks for listening to Sydney talk for hours, dancing with Jackman, taking them on walks, laughing with them, making them special meals, instantly changing the tv to Disney, having a safe place for them, remaining patient when the madness has ensued, giving in to Sydney's nag nag nag, rearranging your furniture, letting the family room, porch, basement, office, kitchen, kids room, and bathroom explode in about 45 minutes, putting their needs before your own, giving them love and teaching them, your help is changing their lives and ours.

YOU ROCK!!!

WITH LOVE - K, T, S, J and Lucy

Homemade baby goods

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:12:00 +0000

My best friend Amber taught me to sew! It's something I'd been wanting to do but never had the time/patience/desire. Well I see all the cutey patooty stuff on etsy and blogs and I always think, I can do that!! So our cousin Nicole had twins, congrats!! I knew I wanted to make her something as a gift. I drove up to see Amber, the best sewer in the world, and we spent the day making our loot! Check it out!

Cuddle blanket made for Easton, red velour and super cute Superman! We made one for Jack too! The picture does not do this one justice! The fabrics are so pretty! A cuddle blanket for baby Ella! Polka dot velour and the key lime fleece!

Up next, start with a bunch of burp clothes!
Add some super cute fleece fabrics!
3 for Easton!
3 for Ella!
Final product! Cute homemade blankies and burpies for a super cute fashionable Mama!

Like what you see? Amber and I will be selling our goods soon!

is coming soon stay tuned for all the details!!

--best

Brian Wilson you are ruining my life.

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 08 May 2011 03:49:00 +0000

It's Saturday night, the kids actually went to bed early. Drinking beers with the hubs watching the Rocks. It's been an enjoyable night -- Cool breeze, great brew, tied ball game. Whats not to love? Well friends, his name is Brian Wilson.

This guy is the most disgusting excuse for a MLB pitcher I've ever seen. To be honest your gaging me out. Tats, mohawk, open shirt, disgusting uni-bomber/osama beard. ugh. You look more like someone I'd see on America's Most Wanted, not MLB. If you are trying to reincarnate Rick Vaugh you are sadly mistaken, and to be honest he isn't doing so hot either. I'm appalled. Seriously. The commish needs to step in, I don't want to see this nor do I want my kids seeing his nastiness.

So Brian Wilson can you please stop ruining my life and shave cousin IT from your face.

Shit. T just put on Lady Gaga in concert. I feel a second blog post coming on. FREAK SHOW!

--best

Dancing Jack Man!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 00:51:00 +0000

I know all parents think this. However. My child has some ridiculous dance moves. Truly. He can always find the beat, he is a natural! Well here is the proof.

Jack - update and good news!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 02:23:00 +0000

Today Jack had his 3rd Modified Barium Swallow via Fluoroscopy. His appointment took place at the Children's Hospital campus in Aurora, Colorado. Every time we visit I am thankful that while Jack's issues are severe they are not life threatening. You truly experience a gut check with each moment you spend there. You see Children's hospital does not segregate the sick kids, you see it all, my heart breaks during the time we spend there. I pray for those babies and their families.

So, I had a good feeling about today. I put out the A.P.B. on FB and you all came through! Jack has been healthy, active, experimenting with new foods and I was praying we would be able to move past the beverage thickeners. Jack has been suffering from a condition called Pharyngeal dysphagia, when swallowing regular liquids a portion was slipping into his lungs. Bad bad bad. In January we had a re-check, fail. I wanted so badly for him to pass, he must pass - he will pass! I dressed him in his lucky Rockies baseball shirt (thanks mom mom and pop pop) and his lucky green coat (thanks cousin cjb) I was truly working the mojo today! We checked in at Radiology and Jack was enjoying the toys sans big sis.

I think he wanted to call Sydney to tell her about all the cool toys and huge fish tank.

Look Syd I drive! Nope you can't take it away from me, hahahaha!
Now in radiology with the fluoroscope machine. It's a pretty amazing piece of technology.
Jack sits here.

We hold him and "attempt" to feed him a bottle. The techs have mixed up liquids containing barium sulfate which contains radioactive solution. This allows us to see him swallow on a monitor live. It's essentially an open MRI.
This is the last picture I took because Jack had a melt down. He did not want to drink, he did not want to sit and he did not want anything to do with this procedure! ugh. The doctor is in the dark blue. Daddy is right in front of Jack attempting to give him the bottle. The next 15 minutes consisted of me holding Jack, sitting on the bench, trying to force down the solution via cup, straw, bottle, and spoon. When it was all said and done the barium was all over him and me.

Results:

1/2 Strength liquids - no aspiration, no pooling, no reflux, no laryngeal penetration. = PASS

Thin liquids - no aspiration, no pooling, no reflux, no laryngeal penetration. = PASS

PASS!! PASS!! PASS!!

Jack Jack man did it! What does this mean? We get to phase him off the thickeners, no cold turkey, and within the next month he will be on regular thin liquids! Yahoo! He'll actually be able to drink water, juice, milk, eat regularly! It's amazing!

Way to go buddy! We are so proud of you!

--best

yeah, why not?

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 18:23:00 +0000

These are name bubbles . I got them last summer for Syd and Jack while attending daycare. Great for bottles, sippy cups, water bottles, clothes, etc. They don't come off in dishwasher or in laundry, sweet! Cute huh?

Here is what is NOT so cute. See the sheet below of missing stickers? Try the entire packet, missing.
Found.

Yes she found them and decided to make me a picture, with ALL. OF. THEM. ugh! So cruel to yell at your kid for something they thought was nice. Insert visual of money going down the toilet. ahhhhhhhh! Kids ya gotta love em right. right? right? right.

The only way to redeem yourself? Get your brother to act adorable the very next minute, pure kryptonite. Here are some cute ones of the monkeys in their new Rockies hat's courtesy of mom mom and pop pop.

JACK JACK MAN

Photo Session!

noreply@blogger.com (Katie) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 21:46:00 +0000

We took the kids to Picture People at the mall on Sunday for some pictures. Jack 1 year, Sydney almost 4 years. The studio was nice, secluded, and I picked 2 different "looks" for them. Sydney was a natural, as you can see. Jack wasn't a fan! He hated the camera and the flash and ran off set every chance he got. I think we got some pretty good ones. T and I were sweating our butts off trying to get some smiles and to keep Jack still. Now the only problem is finding enough wall space for these beauts! Enjoy!

--best