make-up blog

So, you know when you get mad at someone or you just get sick of someone so you don't talk for a while...and then the silence goes on longer than necessary and then it just keeps going because you aren't sure how to break the ice? Well, I kind of feel like that's what happened here.

I was continually thinking about if I should come back with some sort of "big bang" or some sort of "major recap" of our life over the last 6 months. None of it seemed fitting.

Then, like a beacon from above, along came this little gem. The perfect way to settle back in. No "big bang" or "major recap" just a little of this....

HP Mania

I seriously love Harry Potter. Always have, always will. Cory and I went and saw the movie last night, and to be honest, I only shed a few tears....like 4 or 5.  I loved everything about the movie, thought it was very well done, did the book justice and brought out the best in all the characters - can I get a shout out for Professor McGonagall? WOOT WOOT!

But the real hero, the character who has always held a special place in my heart...Mr. Neville Longbottom. He has always been the nerdy boy, with some serious heart. He knows where he stands, and stands up to that. Impressive stuff for the nerdy boy to be able to do.

Now, the real point of this.....

Ummm......WHAAAAAATTTT???

Who knew this was buried under that messy hair and terrible teeth.


Hello Matthew Lewis. It sure would be a pleasure to meet you.

5 Rules of Sleeping In

I am copying this post from one of my favorite blogs - Rants From Mommyland. Seriously, they crack me up on a consistent basis. This most recent post had me nodding my head in agreement, and trying to figure out how I can get Cory to read it and understand these rules....without being too obvious about my intent, of course.

Five Rules for Sleeping In

I would do literally anything
for 8 hours of continuous sleep.

There is nothing I crave more than a good night's sleep. Mostly because I’m tired all the time. Weekends used to be about sleeping until 11am, recharging my batteries and getting to spend some lazy time h

Publish Post

aving fun. Not anymore. Sleeping late has become to me what hookers are to Charlie Sheen. It’s my porn. It is my ultimate fantasy – ahhhhh…. To sleep in whenever I want… But I have as much chance of sleeping in every weekend as I do of becoming a Vampire Slayer (my other great dream).

My husband, the delightful Cap’n Coupon, is a hard-working and oft-exhausted man. And sadly, there may only be one or two days a month where we don’t have a bunch of schmidt scheduled and can actually try to sleep in. The Cap’n and I have worked out sort of an agreement on how to equitably share those precious few mornings.

What I didn’t realize until last weekend, was that we had created a set of defacto LAWS regarding this arrangement. Laws that must never be broken. Please note that these laws apply equally to all parents, regardless of gender.

[Editor’s note: Oh single parents… Oh parents with a deployed spouse… We love and admire you so very, very much. Because you never get to sleep in. And you really, really deserve it.  – Lydia & Kate]

Here are our Five Rules Laws of Sleeping In:

Law 1: The Monkeys Must Be Kept Out of The Sleep Chamber. If you are the on-duty parent, it is your job to keep the kids safe and fed and stop them from setting fires and stuff. But mostly, it is your job to keep them from disturbing the parent that is trying to sleep. If you shirk this responsibility and allow the howler monkeys to attack and bounce on the prone form of your spouse… You have failed.  You lose your turn.  You will be on-duty again next time. That is the law. You may, however, utilize the offspring in attack mode as an alarm clock if the sleeping parent does not respond to gentle prodding and a proffered cup of coffee.

Law 2: You Had Better Wake Up Happy. If you are lucky enough to be the one who gets to sleep in, you better emerge from that bed as a happy, easy going, incredibly grateful parent ready to jump in and help out. If you need a few minutes of awake time before you get body tackled by three chimpanzees deal with the kids, take it. In the bedroom. With the door closed. Hey, why not squeeze in a quick shower before anyone even knows you’re awake? You can even pee all by yourself. See? You should be happy. There’s no reason to show up in the kitchen with your B on.

Law 3: Be Grateful. While you were sleeping, your spouse woke up at the ass crack of dawn, gave the kids something to eat, probably wiped a couple of butts, broke up a fight or two, let the dog in and out about 50 times, found something for the offspring to do that didn’t include just watching three hours of TV, and (if your house is like mine) unloaded the dishwasher, ran it and then unloaded it again. The very first thing that you need to do when you emerge from your warm, tousled, quiet, sleepy, happy place is to SAY THANK YOU TO YOUR SPOUSE. You should thank them with the heartfelt earnestness you would thank an organ donor who had just given you a spleen. A kiss is nice, too, provided you have already brushed.

Law 4: Now That You’re Up, YOU’RE ON. After you have thanked your spouse and had a nice caffeinated beverage (which according to the laws of our house should have been prepared for you), you should offer to give your partner a few minutes to gather their wits. Suggest that they go take a shower, or read a book for 20 minutes, or run to Starbucks by themselves. If, after you sleep in, you wake up all crusty and grouchy, stumble into the kitchen, grab your Blackberry or iPhone and grumble something like “Can’t you keep those kids quiet?!” – you will get a reaction. This reaction ranges from getting the Maude face to a watching your spouse morph into a dragon who then bites your head off and spits it into the recycling bin.

Law 5: You Bet Your Ass We’re Keeping Score. Don’t even pretend that you don’t know who’s turn it is sleep in. You know damn well that three Saturdays ago I let you sleep until 10:30 and I made blueberry pancakes and Mini Me emptied a box of Honey Nut Cheerios into the toilet. That’s right. It’s my turn now. Keeping score also helps you the night before. If you know that you get to sleep in on Saturday, for example, you may allow yourself to stay up past midnight watching tivo’ed episodes of 30 Rock with an extra glass of wine. That time is precious. Don’t mess with it. Besides, it's good for several reasons when we stay up past midnight and have an extra glass wine.

Funny, eh?

(Canada post coming soon!)

The Voice

So I'm addicted to the new show The Voice. I love it more than American Idol in the early days...and that's saying a lot because I LOVED the first like 5 seasons of AI.

Here are a few videos of my favs. Cute little Xenia (sen-ya) is only 16 and has a voice I could listen to all day every day.



Dia Frampton is from St. Jeezy - shout out for St. Jeezy! - and has the same kind of thing - music I could listen to all day.



And last but definitely not least, Miss Vicci Martinez. Such a good cover of this song.

Bathrooms

I have thought this same phrase so many times since Luke has been potty trained. He chooses some of the most inopportune moments to have to poop. Target, grocery stores, restaurants, parks, you name it - he's pooped there. There are few things worse than leaving a spectacular little lunch gathering or shopping excursion or anything else really, and standing in a 2x3 bathroom stall while your child takes a crap. 

Seriously.

Brothers

I was "blessed" to grow up with 4 brothers. During the growing-up years I did not appreciate the people that they were, or acknowledge the people they were preparing themselves to become.

I appreciate them much more now.

About 6 months ago, an addition was made to our family that created room for a 5th brother. Nick. He doesn't look like us (except he kind of looks like Amb), but he fits in wonderfully and gets along with everyone. To read more about his story and how ended up as our new brother, read this article. He's kind of an amazing person.

So, brothers, on the eve of your High School Graduation, I give you this:

Jared, I so look forward to having you as a house-mate. (roommate seems like a weird word to use since I am married and not living in a dorm) I am so proud of the person you are becoming and the fearlessness in which you are beginning the next chapter of your life. I am excited to see where you will go and who you will turn out to be. I think probably a Dr. or airplane pilot or something - considering we are all living vicariously through you in some form or another. You've seen a lot of change in your life, and a lot of trials as well. You have come out the other side with the knowledge you need to be successful. Please do not abuse that knowledge. Use it to benefit your life. Oh, and convince Rachelle to marry you.

Nick, Where do I even start with you? I am so happy you are a part of our family now. I am so happy that you welcomed us all into your life the way that you did. I am so impressed by how you have handled the situations that have come your way, and the dignity in which you grew to be an adult. (maybe not a man yet, you are only 18...). You have stepped up when life needed you to, and I will always be impressed by that. Please know that you have a special place in our family forever now. There is no escaping it. I hope that you know you always have a friend in me, and an older sister if you need that too. Please be around for holidays, weddings, parties and anything else that life brings. I know you will be so successful in your life - you've already shown such determination. Thank you for being a great friend to all of us, for making me laugh and for giving Jake a serious fight for the title of Luke's Favorite Uncle. You may be the current front runner.


Jake, I'm proud of you too!


Love, your oldest sis.

Wisconsin!

So about a week ago Luke, Amber and I ventured out to the great white north to escape the terrible weather of the desert we supposedly reside in.

Oh, and to visit the family and meet our new brother Nick. But more on that later.

We had a most splendid time enjoying family time and letting Luke run free in the back yard with his cousins.

It was a much needed vacation and here are some pictures to prove it!






Time spent at uncle/brother Jake's baseball game - where he hit a double and two pop-flies into the outfield. I was so impressed.



Party time with cute Uncle Jake.






Party time with the cousins!





Amber being, well, typical.



Who needs a stroller when you are part koala?!


We had such a great time and enjoyed every minute of it! (except that awkward moment at lunch with my parents when they inquired about Amber's current bf. But we don't need to go there.)

Of course we missed Cory, but I'm still not convinced he missed us!

Those trips are never long enough and we never get enough done, and yet love it every time!



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It is what it is.

So, a few weeks ago my sister made a decision. (I know, it totally surprised me too) I have been struggling with it since then. Why couldn't she just stick with being indecisive? I mean seriously. So, I put together a little glimpse of our life together over the last three years. Partially as an ode to our sisterhood and how much I've loved being her bff, and partially as a way to make her cry. Because she doesn't even seem sad that she is leaving me. Probably forever.

I was hoping to capture a wide range of activities we have participated in, as well as some great pictures of Luke because I'm sure you'll miss him the most.

I cried for about an hour while I made this. Hopefully it has the same effect on you AMBER. LOVE!


(amber - i'll give you one last piece of advice...don't watch this at work, just in case your soul shines through and you feel an emotion. just sayin') Oh and it's a requirement that you listen to Adele's Don't You Remember while watching this. that will really get the emotions flowing.

Logan

After two days, just over 200 miles, at least two dozen cookies, a lot of lazy tv days full of chatting and reminiscing, Luke and I have returned from a much needed vacation in Logan visiting the besties. It was splendid and lovely and mellow and everything else a weekend getaway should be. Too bad Cory couldn't join us. Next time, next time.

I even took my camera with the hope of documenting the wonderful trip. This is the only picture I took. And it wasn't even with a normal camera.







Tyler and Megan were splendid hosts; Ty played with Luke as much as they both could handle (well, as much as Tyler could handle...Luke could play for 12 days straight), Megan cooked - as she always does - and stopped her life to spend it with me. A very big accomplishment for her. It was much appreciated.

I enjoyed every minute, and seriously wonder why it doesn't happen more often? It probably should.


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Parenting Success

Luke stood up at the kitchen table the other day, looks at me and says to me with all sincerity 'mom. will you help me get a dance party started?'

I looked at him, told him I've never been prouder. And then we danced.

He watches this video of himself over and over and over again.

I love it. (and definitely ignore my moment of commentary. i immediately regretted it. and then did even more when i heard myself sound like a man.)




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Hair Cuts

I have never known someone (besides Cory, who blessedly passed in the trait) who needs haircuts as often as this boy.

Doesn't he just look so big sitting in that chair wearing the haircut cape? I love it and hate it at the same time. He is growing up so fast it should break my heart but he is so funny I spend most of my time laughing instead. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I want to lock myself in the closet just to have a break. But really, I wouldn't change a thing.


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Four

Yesterday was spent enjoying time with the love of my life. 4 years ago was one of the happiest days of my life. Definitely on the top 5.

So, without further ado - here's to you Cory. Thanks for making it so great.

The Boy

(and no I'm not referring to you...Tyler Evans)

Simply because I can not get enough of him, I thought maybe you all needed a little fix as well.

Oh and yes, those are the infamous Train Jammies.

Funny Friday

Ok this video is super cute. and because of that, and the fact that for some reason I am unable to re-size it to make it fit, here is the link. Now you can enjoy it in all it's glory.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R55e-uHQna0&feature=player_embedded




Does anyone know how to re-size these videos? It makes me crazy that I can't.

Why?

I just have to say, one of my most favorite motherhood accomplishments is winning the "Why?" battle with Luke without having you use the phrase "just because".

For example, here is our conversation prior to bed time last night:

M: "Luke, do you want to wear your basketball shorts or your gym pants to bed?"

L: "umm...train jammies"

M: "ok remember that wasn't an option?"

L: "why?"

M: "because they are dirty"

L: "why?"

M: "because you have worn them the last 4 nights in a row"

L: "why?"

M: "umm probably because you love them"

L: "why?"

M: "i don't actually know why, maybe they make you feel like a grown up because they have that cool collar and the shirt buttons up"

L: "oh. umm gym pants."

M: "thank you, and i win."

Dear Cory,

Remember that super awesome tie hanger I got you for Christmas?



Yeah, it only works if you actually PUT.YOUR.TIES.ON.IT.

As a matter of fact, the specific tie rack (pictured) that I purchased for you is cleverly named the Honey Can Do Belt and Tie Organizer. HA.


Love Always,
Me.

a day of celebration

I have loved our Diaper Genie.

Seriously, one of my very favorite purchases we made when Luke was first around. It's so convenient not having to take poopy diapers out to the dumpster every time you changed a diaper.

I just got back inside from taking the very last of the poopy diapers into the dumpster. I sanitized the DG and left it in the garage to be stored for the next child. (wait, there's a next child? we're still waiting for that day...)

Anyway, we have eliminated any and all diaper paraphernalia from our living quarters.

And it feels so good.

Letter

(when we first introduced underwear, he thought he didn't need to wear pants anymore....)

Dear Luke,

Remember when I was so good at writing letters to you and you thought you had the coolest-nicest-most-attentive mother around? Yeah, sorry to disappoint.

Anyway, I just wanted to jot down some thoughts I've had today while you've been off playing with the Giver of the Mega Blocks.

I am missing you today. I am missing your cutest little voice that tells the most hilarious stories (like the lion eating your car seat...you told me about that yesterday) and telling me things that are so off the wall that it sometimes shocks me (get me outta here mom!...you told me that one two days ago) Where do you come up with these things? You really just crack me up.

Your innocence makes me smile every day. Like yesterday we ran to the bank and it was closed, and when you asked why we weren't going in, I told you that it wasn't open. Then you told me I just needed to go buy some keys (at target) to open it. it was more like (go to target, buy more keys, open da bank)

You are the sweetest thing I've ever known. I can't even count how many times in the last week I've said "oh he is just my favorite thing" "oh my gosh I just love him so much". I don't know how you became such a good boy. How you got so smart, so cute and so funny. (probs from me, right?)

Can I also say how proud I am of you? For all the aforementioned characteristics, and also for the fact that you were potty trained in FOUR DAYS. Two days after eliminating diapers, you were staying dry all day. Four days later you were pooping in the toilet (for real, that's an accomplishment. and one that I hardly feel I can even take credit for.) staying dry through your naps and even all night! I am just so proud. (what am I supposed to do with all the left over pull ups??)

As I sit here thinking about you, tears welling up in my eyes, I am in awe at the little person you are becoming. I so badly wish that I could freeze you like this forever. My only request for you is this: please stay my nice little boy forever. In my mind, you probably will. So please don't make me the foolish parent who thinks you are just as innocent as nice as always, when really you are mischievous and mean to other children. Sound good? Ok good.


I love you so much. So much that the word "love" doesn't seem like enough to convey how much you have impacted my life. While you were at your Grandma's today, and it was just me and your dad hanging out all day, it made me try to remember what our life was like without you in it. It made me imagine what our house would look like without the pictures of you hanging on the walls, without the toys scattered around the entire place; how it would be without you asking if we can have a dance party in the middle of dinner-prep in the kitchen. That is such a lonely life to imagine.

I know it's cliche, but you bring so much life into our life. I know that you have helped mold me into the person I am today. In fact I think that you actually created an entirely new and improved version of me. Someone who strives every day to be worthy of being your mother. So, thanks for making me a better person. I know that you have helped mold the person that your Aunt Amber is. She loves you so much. You are so incredibly lucky to have so many people surrounding you that love you (almost) as much as I do.

Please stay my nice and funny and smart and clever boy forever.

Love,
Mom.

PS: this turned sappier than intended, sorry.

ostriching

I was ostriching all week last week.

(def: to ostrich. meaning to metaphorically bury one's head in the sand and hope that by the time you return, the world has passed you by).


This is how you know when life is too busy:

Chick-fil-a becomes a staple in your diet. And the wrappers sit on the table for at least 4 hours before being cleaned up. I wish I was exaggerating.

Megablocks and shoes and dirty clothes block the path to your bed. that is so covered in clothes you almost can't sleep on it.
(whoever thought giving a 2 year old blocks for Christmas apparently doesn't have to live with said blocks...or said 2 year old.)

Oh the bathroom. The joyous and terrifying bathroom. I have no words.
And yes, that is a jar of olive oil and a half-eaten bag of Cheetos sitting on the counter.
Don't judge.

The worst part is that these are the pictures I wasn't too ashamed to publish.
Now just imagine what I was too scared to reveal.



*On a happy side note, our house is not longer in the aforementioned condition. I toted the toddler off to the Megablock Gifter and had the house to myself for a few hours. It's amazing what can be accomplished without a 2 year old undoing everything behind you.