The Daily Grind

I'm outta here!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:40:00 +0000

I am going to be MIA for the next 4 days, I am going up to NY with the family to see my baby girl who has been there for a week with her grandparents but I am staying for some much needed R&R. Things seem to be getting better but I think a few days may just be what the Dr. ordered. So I will be back hopefully with stories to share. Have a great weekend and I will be in touch with all of you soon.

Tidy moms this post isn't for you!!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 02:19:00 +0000

Elaine at The Miss Elaine-ous Life encouraged me to participate in the Dirty Baby Carnival over at Boys Rule My Life . So here goes you might reconize this as my Wordless Wednesday post from last week! My daughter was covered head to toe for dinner one night when hubby was left in charge! The second is when I let my kids play in a mud hole!

Wordless Wednesday... even the hubby is in on it!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Ok so this isn't so wordless!!!So we went to the baseball game the other night and the lady in front of me was sporting a fashion Faux Paux, I had to share. Yes that is my husbands finger pointing at her! Has she not heard of a strapless bra??

Tuesday Toot

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:59:00 +0000

I think I am finally starting to get a Green Thumb!!! I was never much for planting bulbs and things but this year I tried and I am liking the results!

I'm back ...kinda

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:59:00 +0000

First I must send my apologies for not posted my Friday Hodge podge as well as not being very good at leaving comments at other blogs. My funk still exists but I think I am starting to deal with circumstances a bit better.

This weekend flew by, but what's new, Friday I was able to get home a little early, so I hung out with the kids and unwound with a glass of wine. Dan went to play softball so once the kids were in bed it was my time. However I didn't have much of it because I fell asleep at 9pm. Guess my body needed some rest.

Saturday I had a haircut at 9:30am then went on to Costco to do a little needed shopping, once home I put the kids in the spa (it was turned down) and hung out on the deck sunning while they played. We went to the Nationals game with an Army buddy of Dan's and his daughter. My kids had a blast and Lauren even got a ball. She didn't catch it but the usher did and gave it to her. Lucky little devil! It was a late night but a lot of fun. We were all exhausted and fell asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow.

Sunday I made sure I put the finishing touches on packing Lauren's stuff or her weekend with Dan's parents for the week in NY. I must say it hit me while packing that she has really grown up in the last year and it seems to have passed by in a blink.

Since Dan was driving a little over half way to meet his parents and drop off Lauren we thought it would be best to let Jackson stay with me for the day but we did give him a choice. He said he wanted to stay however when he saw his sister about to go he had a bit of a temper tantrum and now wanted to go. We said no because we really didn't think it was a great idea as it would mean 10 hours in the car. However Lauren piped up that it was not late for Jackson to change his mind because they hadn't left yet. She had a point and Jackson got to go. They didn't get home till well after 10pm. Lauren called about 9:30 sounding very sad but I am sure she will be just fine.

I was able to take a 3 hour nap, clean out my pantry and organized it, took a bath; I can't tell you the last time I did that without kids around. I was able to watch a bit of TV and then headed to bed once the boys got home!

All in all the kind of weekend I needed! Hope your weekend was fun and relaxing let me know what you were up too!

Funky Town

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:20:00 +0000

Ok it is official! I am certifiably in a funk! How I got there I am not sure and how I get out of it seems to be even more of a mystery. So if you will please be my therapist for a few minutes and listen to me ramble.

I have no desire to do anything, all I want is for it to be my time for vacation, yet the prospect of hanging on till my vacation (Aug 9th) seems like torture. I have so many random thoughts going on in my brain. Here are some of the things that are weighing heavy on my mind.

My boss has been out of the office nearly 3 weeks sick , I truly admire this guy and I had the unfortunate task of telling someone in Sr. management that he was out. I think he wanted to keep things quite thinking he would be back soon but I was asked a direct question and couldn’t very well lie. I have not shared with anyone what the issues are with him but still I feel I have somehow broken his trust. Before it was know tht he was out he was in touch with me, since I have heard next to nothing. I send him updates since I know he is reading email and I get little to no response from him, others don’t really get a lot either but still it makes me wonder is he upset with me? Oh and yes I am picking up some of the slack.

Add to his being out that I was lead to believe that I was to get a raise which we thought would be effective July 1st which I have not heard a word about. I have been paid since July 1st and there was not a penny more in my check. To complicate matters more I was approached by someone who has the ear of sr. management about being the grand poobah of my area and another. Let me rephrase I was told that I was going to be suggested to be the grand poobah. This news sent me into a tail spin because most of the folks…hell all of them are my Sr.(age wise) and most certainly would not be pleased with my appointment to said position. Also I am not sure that I am 100% qualified to take on that role, yet I don’t know that I should turn it down if offered. Which then gets me thinking if the suggestion is put forth and accepted why the hell have I not gotten my small raise that has been pending for over 2 months? Something doesn’t add up.

Moving on to family, I feel as though I ache for a 3rd child, in theory it seems easy enough. Then I start to really ponder, the late nights, the terrible 2’s, the days off from work, the financial worries, the fact that I am 7 years older now then when I had my first, I thought of rocking the boat so to speak. I keep saying to myself in time, or when Dan retires, or when I get a big raise. All of which may never come then I will be left with this regret that I didn’t go for it, yet I don’t want to regret havinga 3rd because of the things I just described.

Finally, ground hog day, everyday is like ground hog day and if it isn’t ground hog day it is something that keeps me and the rest of the family from relaxing weddings, family get togethers, business meetings, etc. My weekend last weekend was glorious; I loved not having to be anywhere and not having to do anything. I think for me it was a wake up call that I need a break, I need a vacation. Yet I question myself if that is really the answer.

My husband knows there is something up because he keeps asking me if I am ok, I say yes I just have a lot on my mind. I have shared with him all that is on my mind but I can’t say that any solutions have been put forth. I am sure this is just a busy time, or rough patch, or whatever you want to call it and it too will soon pass, but it feels yucky. I feel like my head is swirling and I don’t know when to turn!

I have rambled her with little regard for content or grammar or spelling for that matter, I just needed to release.

BTW if you have tagged me in the last few weeks and I have not responded it is because I have forgotten please email the tag link and I will participate!

Wordless Wednesday...When dad is in charge!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:00:00 +0000

Timing is everything…..

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 12:07:00 +0000

So yesterday I am racing out of my meeting to get to my car so I can get home. I have a pretty strict rule that I am out of the office by 4 so I can have quality family time in the evenings. As I am sitting in traffic I check my blackberry…yes I am one of those people! So as I a pursuing my email I come across an email from my neighbor who has a son Jackson’s age. The email started out innocent enough till I got to the second paragraph which read:

Okay on to a more important topic...kid poop! Jackson

seems to be having an issue going poop in the pool.

I guess it happened last week a few times and again today

while I was there. You may have already discussed this with

Celia and how to handle it. If not, I thought I should let you know.

Ok so I am sure some of you are thinking well that is innocent enough; I didn't take it that way at all and I think you have to know the person to understand that the underlying message was which was basicly “I don’t want my kid near your kid during swim lessons because he has had accidents so take care of it” which by the way have only been 2 (one last week and yesterday) not the 4 or so she implied, also the “accidents" have not been while he is in the pool rather when he is on the edge waiting for his turn. Once the accident happened he was done witht the lesson for the day. We don’t let him get back in the pool. A little background if I may, this woman does not work yet has a nanny 3 days a week with her kids while she is home, refuses to let her kids get dirty this type of activity (scroll down to the kids pic) would never happen with her boys. I could go on but then it would just be me being mean.

So I will admit I was embarrassed and that may be what is fueling my anger, but I also know that accidents happen and to further add to my issue with this email it is like she is ratting on my nanny who by the way has raised 3 boys of her own and understanding these things happen. Rosa gives me the A-Z everyday when I get home and I was well aware of the problem last week and then again yesterday (even though the email got to me before Rosa could tell me). We have talked to Jackson and also have told Rosa to take him to the potty before swim lessons. I could slap a pull-up on him but I don’t think that is teaching him to not poop, if anything it encourages it and this kid has been potty trained well over a year. So he was told last night if it happens again there will be no swim lesson the next day. I am pretty sure he got it but we will see.

My response to the email was pretty short and sweet; I didn’t attack back but boy I felt like it. I just can’t imagine sending some one an email, I understand her issue truly I do but I would have at least said something in person if at all. Maybe I am just being over sensitive. I was pretty down in the dumps last night you know the whole mommy guilt thing of if I were home this wouldn’t happen etc etc.

Then this morning I check the mail before I leave the house there is a card from my best friend tanking me for the baby gifts for my Goddaughter. The last line totally made me feel better. I guess timing is everything. Thanks Magin you made my day!!!!

Vacation or Staycation??

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:40:00 +0000

I took a staycation, seems to be the new en vouge thing to do now that gas prices have gone through the roof, at least so I am told

I will admit that part of me was a bit bummed that we were not going anywhere since we had a 3 day weekend; however, the other part of me was happy to have a whole weekend without anything that “had” to be done or having to be anywhere at a set time.

I realized during my staycation that I don’t get to spend a lot of time in my own home enjoying it. While watching TV Saturday night it came to me that my husband and I work uber hard to have nice things such as our house yet we really don’t take the time to enjoy it. For instance we have a 50in TV in our family room the primary users? The kids…..they use it to watch their shows in the morning and before bed and Dan and I may watch the news or some Sunday morning shows. Wrong answer I thought. I could list a few dozen examples like that in my house.

So I made a decision this weekend, I like my house and I need to spend more time enjoying it. One out of town vacation a year is enough time out of the house (that doesn’t mean we won’t have some weekend getaway's here and there) but a vacation at home can be just as relaxing and even downright productive.

Now before you scold me for staying in the house all weekend let me be clear that we did get out and do things such as, all day at the pool on the 4th, blueberry and cherry picking at a local farm on Saturday and Sunday we played in the yard and got some chores done. I can say with confidence that the best part was the berry picking; we had a picnic in the back of our sequoia rode a tractor and picked 8lbs of berries. Take a look doesn’t it look like fun?? So how was your 4th? What did you and your family do this long weekend?

It's the 4th of July!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 11:53:00 +0000

I am taking a litte break to enjoy the family!

So from my family to yours have a happy and safe 4th of July!!!

It's an awards ceremony!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:42:00 +0000

I am overdue in passing on awards that have been given to me. I do apologize!

So here goes

Wendy @ The Adventures of Mom Lady Gave me this Groovy award !

I have not been able to get in touch with Wendy recently, I think it is because someone not so nice hacked into her blogger account however I miss her and hope to see her back soon. I want to share this award with the following folks.

Stephanie (love her name!!!) @ A little bit of Sugar and a whole lotta of spice this mom is cool and the next time I come to Houston to see family I am so linking up with her. Her blog is very cool and she has an adorable little girl go check her out.

Tranny Head @ Law school sucks and so do lawyers – I must say I am addicted to her blog, it makes me laugh and makes me look at things a bit differently sometimes.

April @ Thoughts in my tumultuous brain -April is like having an old high school chum, I love to hear about her life with Big D and she is just a really sweet person.

Lilah @ Keeping up with the Poltzs- I could give her this award because she simply has an adorable son that she calls chicken which I think is so cute, but I also give this award for being a friends and some I look forward to checking up on in the blog world.

And Stephanie @ A little bit of Sugar and a whole lotta of spice hooked a girl up with this lovely award.

And there are rules that go with this award so here they are...
1. Chose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also contribute to the blogging community.

2. Each award has to have the name of the author and a link to his/her blog.

3. Each award winner has to show the award and put the name of and link to the blog that presented her/him with the award.

4. The award winner and one who has given the prize has to show the link of Arte Y Pico blog so everyone will know the origin of this award.

5. Show these rules.

OK so here are my five

Dawn@ thoughts from the broken road- I love that she is such a sports fan because I am too and it is great to go to her blog and get the sports scoop, I also think that if I were a Floridian she and I would be friends, however she may feel differently. Oh I should also mention that she will post verses to songs which is great for me because half the time I figure out I was singing the wrong words to a song!

Leah @ Laughing Leah loves Lilles- OK try saying that blog title 5 times fast! She is a sweetheart and she always has such great comments on my blog posts not to mention she has some pretty stinkin’ cute kids!

Nap Warden @ The chronicles of a SAHM – I think I secretly want to be Nap warden! Shh don’t tell her she will think I am stalking her. Really it is so cool to hear about city life and she inspires me with her posts about her running journey. So if ever I am in the city I totally have to meet her!

Michelle @ Honest and Truly Personally I don’t think her blog gets the exposure that it should. I love the way she writes and some of her comments to me are exactly what I would say if I were reading my blog! So I guess in a way I feel like we have a lot in common. So go check her out I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Krystyn- @ Really are you serious???- I stumbled upon her blog after she won a giveaway I was hosting; I have been hooked ever since.

Wordless Wednesday...call the fashion police

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 09:48:00 +0000

Since a few have asked; yes this was from the wedding I posted about on Monday! She was melting in that dress!

Mammograms .....who me????

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 01:37:00 +0000

So today I had my first mammogram!! Yes, it hurt but only for a few seconds and even though I thought I would be embarrassed about standing half naked in from of a machine it really wasn't all that bad, but really is anything really all that bad after giving birth. So for those of you who don't get regular mammos get going it isn't that bad and it could just say a life....yours!!!

BTW I am still in shock that I am old enough to have a mammo, wasn't it just yesterday I was 20??

Weddings...what not to do!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:49:00 +0000

So Saturday was my husband's cousin's wedding. This is the high brow affair that I received 4, no I am sorry, make that 5 invitations to for events to include the wedding, this is the same event that required all of the guests to dress in black tie.

I am not sure what your weather was like in the part of the country you are from but I can tell you in NJ it was hot, steamy hot I might add. So when we boarded the chartered bus to take us to the ceremony and then on to the reception I was unaware as were most, if not all the guests that this would be the last time I had the pleasure of air condition for the rest of the night. Yes you read right no air conditioning in the middle of the summer in NJ at a black tie wedding. Can you say inconsiderate?????

So there we were in the first 2 rows reserved for family sweating our buts off wilting with each passing reading, song and sermon. At one point I wasn't sure if the maid of honor would make it through since between the heat and her SCREAMING 2 year old she was clearly not herself.

Now I ask you, if you are planning to have your ceremony in a church where there is no air wouldn't you at least have fans??? Something to help circulate the air while 200 people sit for an hour????

Once outside of the church the 90 degree weather felt like a breath of fresh air. We were teased yet again when we boarded the bus to the Country Club. We exited the bus signed the guest book picked up our table assignments only to then be confronted with a huge tent OUTSIDE where the reception with a 4 course meal was being held. Men were removing their jackets at an alarming rate. We were truly all melting.

As the reception got underway the couple did not circulate to meet and greet those that had come to share their day; no they were with their friends and for a good part of the time they weren't even together, I noticed at one point my husbands cousin (the groom) was standing alone awkwardly for nearly 15 minutes no one came to save him ...did I mention there were 9 attendants on each side.... nor was he seeking out others to mingle with. I must say it was a very odd wedding.

We did enjoy good food and good drinks with family so all was not lost, I guess. The following morning there was a brunch being held at the parents house, and you guessed it.... it was held outside. I must say I have had more then my fill of the NJ great outdoors while dressed in dressy clothes.

Below are some photos fro the event, I have a ton but I think if you have seen one picture of me and my family sweating you have seen them all. So what was the worst wedding you ever went to and why???

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Friday Hodge Podge

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:53:00 +0000

Hodge Podge Friday is a bit late today…. I had a meeting at my Downtown office this morning followed by an industry exam for some professional credentials I am trying to obtain. So before I knew it the day got away from me.

Thank you for all the support concerning my Thursday post, the friend I was speaking of has been progressively becoming more negative and I luckily don’t see her all that often; we talk because our husbands are good friends. My husband was shocked at her demeanor as well. Again thanks for the love and support!

So the hubby has been out of town most of this week for business and the kids have been relatively good, actually Lauren has been great Jackson well he puts me through my paces.

My mother came over on Wednesday to see me and the kids, in previous posts I have talked about the lack of help my mom provides even though she is right down the street and how she is really missing out on being a grandma. Well in true Gran form she came over with gifts then became a bit irritated when the kids would not go to bed or stay in bed, her comment as she was leaving maybe I shouldn’t come over at night since it seems to be such a circus. Well I guess she will never come over because it is always a circus!!!!

Dan and I will be attending that swanky black tie only wedding that I have blogged about; you know the wedding for that ungrateful bride from the bridal shower!!!! Since Dan is on the west coast so he is flying tonight to meet me in NJ in the morning. We have our old sitter coming to stay with the kids this weekend, so it will be nice to have Dan all to myself even if we have to go to some stuffy wedding.

Finally I received great news this afternoon, my daughter was accepted into the Spanish Immersion program. Meaning she will go through 1st through 6th grade learning Spanish. She will be a fluent speaker! Her school day will be half Spanish and half English. I believe that math, science and health will be in Spanish and the rest of the subjects in English. The stats on this program are great and I am so very happy that she has been accepted. Also her brother will be automatically accepted, as they like to keep families together.

I will have many stories and pictures from this weekend I am sure. Hope everyone has a great weekend and I will see you Monday!

Take your bad vibes and negative thoughts with you....

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 15:30:00 +0000

Do you have that one friend or relative that has nothing positive to say about anything? I know I do, that person would be my mom but I have learned to handle it so as not to let it bring me down. Don't get me wrong I am not Miss Ray of sunshine all the time but I like to be around positive upbeat people that was not the case Saturday night.

I mentioned Monday that Dan and I went to dinner Saturday night with some friends, we don't see these friends often but we do keep in touch via email. We arrived at dinner happy and full of energy I personally left exhausted and irritated.

The wife of the friend we had dinner with was pretty much a negative Nellie about everything! Kids.... negative, neighborhood they live in ...negative.......her family....negative. It was very frustrating. At one point we were discussing work and the question was raised if you were to be paid let's say 170k a year but had to work like 70 hour work weeks would you accept the job? Her eyes light up like a Christmas tree and she replied absolutely. I asked well what about when you have kids? Sure I would! She responded wouldn't you? No I replied she was shocked why not? She asked. Well there is this thing called family and I would be missing out on them; she does not have kids but they are talking about it another negative topic. She was like no way I would do it in a heartbeat her husband a huge proponent of them having a family was shocked as well. The conversation continued and at one point the wife said well you work fulltime and you must put in a lot of hours so I am curious why would you not take the job? My response was something like this.

I do work and I am in a position with a lot of responsibility but I have a strict rule that my family comes first and I make that clear to my staff, I also encourage them to think the same way. I always see work as important but it is not the be all end all; it is simply a vehicle to provide for your loved ones. I further went on to tell her that I leave the office everyday at 4pm so that I can have those precious few hours at night with my kids instead of the sitter. She scoffed and said that I could be limiting myself since I choose to leave work early. Which by the way I don't because I arrive at 7:30am. I assured her that I am one of these people who do not wear a badge of honor by being in the office 10 hours a day and that I am a huge believer in working smarter not longer.

Suddenly it hit me, not only have I had to defend my decision to not stay at home over the years; but I am now having to defend my working hours (or lack there of) outside the home. I was very frustrated add to that frustration the fact that every topic that night was one of negative comments I was done!! My thought at that moment please take your bad karma and vibes with you I don’t want them here in my happy place!!!!!!!

The work not work discussion was not an easy one and I have had plenty of family discussions both behind my back I am sure as to why I am working and the rest of my families wives don't. Because of our decision for me to work I have heard things like…. well your kids are sick all that time but that must be because they are in daycare…. or if you were home you could go to playgroups and socialize with other mothers like you... don’t you feel bad you are not the one home with your kids …..the list goes on.

I think I am doing a damn good job raising my kids; they are happy, healthy, well adjusted and well behaved kids. It really frustrates me to constantly defend my life choices to people, especially those who aren’t happy with anything in their lives. I don't ever call out others on their choices to stay home or not. I may have my feelings on the subject for certain people or situations I am aware of but I certainly would not hurt someones feelings or a friendship by forcing my views on them and it drives me nuts when people who are not in the same boat (meaning they don’t have kids) make blanket statements.

Sorry this has become more of a rant then a good blog post, please let me know your thoughts I want to hear from both sides because I think both are valid.

Wordless Wednesday -- Praying or Contemplating

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0000

My day.......

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 19:43:00 +0000

Words to describe my day thus far.......

Hectic
Overwhelming
Meeting filled
Rushed
Stressed
Edgy
Apprehensive
Besieged

All that and it is only 4pm and my second job (the kids and hubby) awaits!

This should be an interesting night!

Why can't all weekends be like this???

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:38:00 +0000

It is ever so nice to have a relaxing weekend with little or nothing to do; it was a much needed break for our fast paced family weekends. It all started Friday night with Lauren going to an indoor rock climbing wall. She went with her Dad while the little man and I hung out at home for some mother son bonding he has become quite the UNO player for a 3 year old. Lauren came home on cloud nine talking about how cool it was at the rock climbing place and that she climbed nearly 3 stories high rang a beel and everyone cheered for her. Looks as though we have found a new sport for her; which is great, the even better part was seeing her light up like a Christmas tree that’s what us parents live for.

Saturday was a lazy day till about 11am when we decided to get out of our PJ’s and run a few errands then head to our local pool; we spent 3 hours at the pool and the kids were wiped out by the time we go home. Dan and I had plans to meet some friends for a birthday dinner for a friend which I will blog about later.

Sunday again lazy, not much going on in the house did some chores here and there and made some food for the rest of the week. By 5pm sharp we were at the dinner table having dinner and by 7pm the kiddos were tucked in their beds. Dan and I weren’t far behind them which made for a much better morning this morning when the alarm went off at 5am!!!

All in all my idea of a picture perfect weekend! How about you? What were you up to all weekend?

Friday Hodge Podge

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Is it me or are the weeks just flying by?? Ever since I started my blog I feel like time is whizzing by!!

Well, you have spoken all 5 of you! :) and the Friday Hodge Podge header winner was header #3 If you are not a fan of it you should have voted last week, I will however still take your feedback on what you like. Who knows I might just rotate the header to keep things interesting.

As some of you may have figured out I live near Washington DC, this week not only Washigton but the entire nation suffered a loss. Tim Russert of NBC and Meet the Press passed away last Friday. The tributes have been touching and have made me cry on more then one occasion. I am not one who likes to dig into politics and quiet frankly I sometimes feltl it is way over my head. That changed several years ago when I started watching and Tivoing Meet the Press. Tim had a way of boiling down the issues and hacking through the muckity muck. He was a real guy, one who loved where he came from and was all about telling you in a non pompus way. This man reached the pinicle yet had the same excitment day after day as though he had just reached the top. I have heard his son speak several times over the last few days and I must say that as a mom it makes my heart swell with pride and joy for Tim and his family. This young man has stepped up to be the rock , the communitcator, and healer all at once, no easy task for a 22 year old who has just lost his best friend and father. So to Tim.. you and Marueen did a great job rasing Luke, you should be so proud of the man he has become and if I could I would reach out and hug him for you and say atta boy! May you dance with the angels Tim; you will be missed.

Well we are on week 2 with “Rosa” and all seems to be going well, this was the first full week she had with both kids since Lauren was still in school last week. I have been amazed at what she has had the kids out doing, the library, the natural history museum, the park (daily), arts crafts, I could go on and on but you get the picture. The week was off to a rough start since the cousins left and Jackson seemed to think that he could get away with the same behavior his 2/12 cousin expressed. I had to do a bit of retraining so to speak, I think we are now on the right track. However it made me realize what different parenting styles there are out there. Now I am not saying my style is the best or the only way to do things, I just found it to be interesting how differently people approach parenting. I think until you are with another family for more then 24 you really don’t notice the difference that much at least I didn’t. Anyway we are back on track bedtimes are being enforced and back talking is no longer an option.

Work seems to be going at warp speed, I am wearing many hats and I am ok with that, though I would really like to be recognized and compensated as such. Things don’t look to be slowing down anytime soon which is how I like it. I hate to be bored, but I love to be a part of something new and exciting!

I haven’t commented on my weight loss recently mainly because the scale has not been moving and I have not been trying really hard to push through to the next level. However I am happy to report that I am 20lbs lighter and couldn’t be happier about it. I think the key for me has been running, I try to go for a run at least 3 times a week but sometimes it’s hard. I don’t do anything on the weekends because that time is devoted to my family. So if you have some tips on how to break out of an exercise rut let me know.

On the running topic I had to go see a podiatrist yesterday, honestly I wouldn’t have gone if this Dr. wasn’t my neighbor and friend. Seems that at the rips old age of nearly 36 I have arthritis in my big toe! How random is that? I swear getting old is not fun, anyway I have been having a lot of soreness late in the afternoon especially when I am wearing heels. Now I don’t wear 3 inches heels because I am a tall girl already at 5’9” that being said I have been told to cut out the heels all together (for awhile) because I have some issues with my big toe joint being jammed all the time which is causing my arthritis. So I was fixed up with a cortisone shot and sent on my way. My foot is sore as hell today but I was assured it would feel better in a couple of days, I hope so for my Doc friends sake because I would hate to have to make a house call to his house!

This weekend will hopefully be a lazy one, we only have plans to go to a birthday dinner Saturday night and that will be without the kids so essential a date night. I look forward to a lazy weekend with little to no Drama, seems as though it has been a while since I have had one of those.

Finally no one sent any questions last week for my Friday Hodge Podge post this week, so don’t have any fascinating tidbits of information about me for you. So send me a question, I swear I will answer even if it is embarrassing to me. Also if you have sent a question and I having answered it be sure to let me know by berating me with a comment!

Have a great weekend and let me know what you are up to!

Blog Awards x2

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 09:00:00 +0000

Two, yes I said TWO bloggy awards were bestowed on me in one day!!! I about fell over in my office chair when I read the blogs where my awards were given. Which would not have been good because my early morning blogging at work would have been exposed if I were passed out on the floor with blogs up on my screen when the paramedics came to get me!!!!

So here they are

Wendy @ The Adventures of Mom Lady Gave me this Groovy award !

And Stephanie (love her name!!!) @ A little bit of Sugar and a whole lotta of spice hooked a girl up with this lovely award.
This award comes with rules so I need to think a bit about who to pass this along to, I always feel bad because I feel like I am hurting someone’s feelings if I don’t pick them.

So I will be back soon with awards.

Wordless Wednesday-- Child's Play

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000

Crazy 8's

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:00:00 +0000

I've been tagged by Kareer Woman:

Eight Things I Have a Passion for:

1) Making people laugh, not at first though, see it takes me a little bit to warm up to people or them to me. But once I know you watch out I will want to make you laugh.
2) Sports- I am not your typical chick, I love sports football is my love. There is something about Football! I love baseball to as well as some other sports, but give me a good football game any day.
3) Beach Vacations- to me there is nothing better then throwing bathing suit and some clothes in a bag and heading to the beach.
4) Friends & Family- I am a very loyal person, I don’t take friendships or relationships lightly.
5) Spa Days- to me there is nothing better then letting someone else tend to your needs and a escaping for a bit.
6) Music- I love all kinds, my ipod is quite the plethora of music.
7) Work- sounds silly I know. However you must understand that someone in my life once told me I would never make anything of myself and I strive to prove them wrong. I have achieved so much in my short career and while doing that I have found that I love what I do.
8) My kids!

Eight Things I Would Like to do Before I Die:
1) Water-ski- I have done it but I would like to stand up and do it the right way.
2) Take a month long cruise
3) Sing in a band
4) Develop a scholarship for a young person to go to college who might otherwise never be able to.
5) Own a new Mercedes convertible.
6) Speak another language.
7) See my grandkids grow up.
8) See as many foreign countries that I can.

Eight Things I Say a Lot:
1) Really??
2) umm OK
3) Sweet
4) Get outta here
5) I love you
6) Later tater
7) Bye (think southern drawl)
8) No Way

Eight Books I Have Read Recently:
1) The Glass Castle
2) The Secret
3) Water for Elephants
4) The Kite Runner
5) Martha Stewart's Home keeping Handbook Ok I haven’t read it but I have reference it a lot!!!
6) From the Heart
7) Nineteen minutes
8) Eat Pray Love ----Loved this Book!!!!!

Eight Movies I Have Seen Eight Times:
1) Pretty Woman
2) Dirty Dancing
3) Finding Nemo
4) Top Gun
5) Fried Green Tomatoes
6) The Truman show
7) Sound of music
8) Titanic

Eight People I have to Invite to Do This Meme:
1) Elaine
2) Jocasta
3) Kristi
4) Courtney
5) Kirsten
6) Leah
7) Wendi
8) Stephanie

Where did my weekend go???

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 15:18:00 +0000

Here it is Monday again! I swear I feel like the last 4 to 5 weeks have been one continuous work week as we have had something going on every single weekend and of course this weekend was no exception.

My sister in law (SIL) arrived Friday night with her kids we had dinner and few drinks, while the kids had a blast playing and we let them even though we knew it was getting late. The girls passed out but the boys kept going before we knew it, it was 1am and they were in need of sleep as were we. The morning came around way to soon. We all finally got our acts together and headed out about noon to the Alexandria Red Cross Waterfront Festival. The kids had a blast and they were pretty tuckered out after a day of rides and sun by 4:30 we were all sound to sleep. Dan ordered pizza which we gobbled down then all headed right back to bed. Exciting bunch huh???

Sunday was pool day. The kids loved it and I must say I did too. I love sitting in the sun and relaxing. We headed over for a neighbors house for a "combined dinner" one of our neighborhood specialties! By 9pm we were all tired and ready for bed. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to say goodbye to my SIL because when I put my youngest to bed she was already in bed with her youngest and I didn't want to wake her. This morning I had to leave at my normal 7 am time, of course no one was up, but I will see her in 2 weeks at a family wedding.

Here are a few shots of the kids having fun, hope you had a good weekend tell me all about it!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My google reader is about to explode and I am not sure my wee brain can handle trying to read all of the posts so I will do the shameful act of marking all as read and start anew I hope you all understand.

Friday Hodge Podge

noreply@blogger.com (Steph) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:04:00 +0000

My first Friday Hodge Podge was deleted when the power went out and I had not saved my document. So I will do my best to recreate.

Check out the different Hodge Podge headers I have created I am not sure which one to use moving forward so I will rely on you the readers to tell me what you like.

Thank goodness it is Friday, what a week we have had here. First we had Lauren’s talent show on Monday night where she sang her little heart out. If you haven’t seen it I think it is a must see. This child loves to perform!

Tuesday I went to get my hair colored, yes that is right what you see in pictures is not my natural hair color, it isn’t far off but I like the sun kissed look all year round so I opt for highlights to keep it the way I like it. My normal girl passed me off to some trainee for most of the process which fumed me. I spoke with the manager and she apologized saying that Laura should have asked me if it was Ok. I later found out as did the salon that she was double booking herself and having the trainee do the easier jobs but taking the pay for her. I am not sure if I am going back to her and if I do I will let her know I didn’t appreciate being passed on.

Wednesday and Thursday we had out former Au pair Abby with us, she is a love and is off to camp for the summer to be a camp counselor in upstate NY. I think she is going to have a blast and so are the girls she will be working with. Hopefully she will stop by again before she leaves in September.

Tonight my sister in law Alicia from Texas is coming with her 2 kids. The cousins don’t get to get together much so it will be nice to see them all play together. She is on the east coast for the next 2 ½ weeks. I don’t know how she does it because she will be in 3 different houses during that time. Me I would be stark raving mad after one week let alone 2 ½.

Life with Rosa seems to be going well, earlier this week Jackson asked me before he went to bed if Rosa was going to be there in the morning when he woke up, which tells me he has formed a bound.

Sunday is Father's day and we really don’t have a lot planned, Alicia will still be here so we may just go to the poll or have a small neighborhood get together. I bought Dan some cute PJ that say Daddio on them from the kids and they are making cards for him.

Now for your questions, which I must tell you I love so pleas please keep them coming even if your question is silly like what do I like on my hotdog or serious like my thoughts on the war or Election. Send them my way!!!

Elaine A. asked...
Here's a question - how did you meet your hubby?
I met dan in 1996, online in an AOL chat room! Yes it is true, before it was vogue or socially acceptable to meet people online I met my husband. After about 2 to 3 weeks of chatting I decided that I would meet Dan (he bugged me for like a week to meet) We met at a restaurant and bar where I knew the people working there so if by some chance Dan was a total nut job I could signal someone to save me. We met at about 7pmtaht night had dinner drinks and didn’t leave until 2am. There was instant chemistry between us and we have been together ever since.

Laski asked...
Awe . . . I missed asking a question!!! If you are still answering, here's mine . . . in the story of your life, who would play you and your family--WHY?

This was a tough one- I would have to say that Tea Leoni would play me Kiefer Sutherland would play Dan and my mom would be portrayed by Kathy Bates. As for my in laws I am not sure, plus I wouldn’t mention it here if by chance they read this I don’t want to offend anyone. But if you must know email me and I will tell you.

Now why these people well I have been told on many occasions that I look like Tea which I can handle :) Kiefer because he just seems to be Dan and Kathy Bates for my mom. Do you remember that movie Throw Mama from the Train with the nutty mother that is mine and not in a good way. So there you have it. If you don’t agree with my choices who do you think should play the parts???Also, what is the very best piece of advice you've received in regards to parenting and/or marriage?

Before I had my first child someone told me to remember that Dan and I were couple first before we were a family, and that our ability to be a couple is what created our family unit. So simply… take care of what got you there and the rest will fall into place. Which I think is huge how many couples do you know that get so consumed by kids work and stuff that they forget to take time for their relationship??? And then end up divorcing because of it. We do our best to put each other first so our kids see a healthy happy mom and Dad relationship.

OHmommy asked...
I know you have a Polish background, what is your strongest connection to your heritage?
I do have a polish background my mom is polish and my dad was Irish. I am ashamed to say that I do not have much in the way of a connection to my heritage. My mom was an only child and lost her mother at birth and her father died when she was 11 she was raised by her grandmother who came from Poland in 1910 and settled in America with her 9 other brother and sisters. Most of my moms side of the family was either very old or had past away when I was a child. The only real connection to my polish heritage would be through food. Growing up my mom would make Pierogi’s, Sausage with Sauerkraut, Placki kartoflane and Sernik. All of these being from her childhood with her polish grandmother. One day I hope to visit Poland so I can better understand my polish heritage for now, I associated with Oh Mommy for my polish fix : )

Well I think that about covers it for another week. Have a great weekend and I will talk with you on Monday!