How to keep your sanity and remember the eggs

So last week I mentioned that I had some great grocery shopping tips that I would share. As you know I love to write lists, it is like a little slice of heaven for me. But this should work well for you non ocd minded folk out there, in fact it may even be more efficient for you b/c you won't be killing a forest with the number of times that you rewrite your list.

First of all, I do my grocery shopping once a month, and when I am really good I can make it stretch to about 5 weeks. I know, I heard the collective gasp, but it really is worth it. You see I plan a meal for each night (I factor in a couple take-out/restaurant nights and I also throw in some lazy night meals [grilled cheese & tomato soup, blts, frozen pizza, etc.] for when we just don't want to cook). When I am planning the meals I write down all the ingredients that I don't have on hand. Then I try to plan multiple meals that involve some of the same ingredients. I also scan the store flyer to see if there is any great sales that I could plan meals around. This allows me to a) buy in bulk, b) spend less time in the store & c) save money. For example; maybe Jewel is having a sale on Red Peppers, I will make Stuffed Peppers one night, Stir fry another night and maybe Fiery fettuccine w/ red pepper sauce. And b/c I am planning my meals for a month we won't be having 3 red pepper meals right in a row.

Once I have written down all the meals, I will write up the actual shopping list. I sort the list by store departments so that I don't have to weave back and forth while I'm there, this saves me time and it helps me to not forget anything (we've all done that, "oh, I need to go back to produce and get a cucumber" but then you never get there). I write down each item, the quantity I need and a brand name if I have a preference.

When I get to the store I shop for all the non perishable or general grocery items first. These items are often heaviest so I don't run the risk of my can of black beans smashing my head of lettuce. And for you germaphobes out there, if you shop for you frozen items and meats last they are out of the refrigeration for less time. Plus if they are at the top of the cart they will be touching fewer other items (but always wrap your meat packages in a produce bag or something b/c sometimes they do leak!).

Shopping less often and with a very specific list helps to reduce the impulse buys that I really struggle with. Lets say I am going to spend $15 on last minute crap that I don't need every time I go to the store, I will spend $60 a month if I shop each week but only $15 if I shop once a month. Couple that with the savings from buying in bulk and you are looking at a drastically lower grocery bill.

Don't forget to comparison shop either, if you are able to shop in bulk be sure to check the prices at the warehouse stores (Sam's Club, Costco, etc.) sometimes you can save a bundle, especially on paper products but other times you walk away with a huge bill and way more than you will ever reasonable use. I find that if I mix generic brands in as much as possible when I shop at my neighborhood store I don't really save any money going to Sam's Club.

Be sure to check the butcher counter and the deli counter b/c sometimes they have sales on meat that doesn't apply to the prepackaged version of the same thing. Sara Lee ham is often cheaper at our deli counter than it is in the lunchmeat section of the store.

Never shop while hungry. This sets you up for major binging. When you are hungry everything looks delicious, even foods that you never cook and probably don't own a recipe for! If you must head to the store hungry, go straight to the deli counter and get a little container of pasta salad or something to stave of the growls for the duration of your trip. This will prove to be invaluable for those of us who are prone to salivating over every single item we see. Mmmm, Cocoa Puffs, OOOOOHHH, Bacon wrapped filets, yummmm Spam (?!). You get the idea.

Once at the checkout counter, definately use the reusable bags if you can. They hold more than the traditional plastic, are better for the environment and have great handles that will save your back. I always request that they bag all the parishable items together and seperate from the non parishables. When you have little ones it is nice to be able to quickly grab the "must put away" items first and come back for the rest when you have more time. This has been a life saver on more than one occassion, especially since we have to haul our groceries up a flight of stairs!

So whether or not you shop once a week or once a month, these tips should help save your mind and your wallet. Josh still does not understand my shopping habits but he certainly doesn't complain when I check my receipt and realize that I saved over $50! It's also nice to only have to head to the store once every 4 or 5 weeks. It really frees up my time to do other things like hang out with my family, catch up on Project Runway and Flipping Out, oh and to clean my house!

I really need to work on the cleaning thing, my house rarely looks very messy but upon closer inspection you will see that I have not mopped my floors in over two years (Swiffer doesn't count), my carpets are begging to be shampooed and forget about washing my windows! Maybe I will start working on this. I'll make a list!

The Power of Caffeine Is Strong

So it is 4:45 and I leave the office at 5:15. For the last couple of hours I have been resisting the urge to dash out for a quick Starbucks run. I have now accomplished 1/25 of the work I normally do and have yawned 2,456,987 times (just typing that makes me yawn!). I am desperately trying to justify the 5 minute drive to Starbucks, the 10 wait in Starbucks and the 5 minute drive back. It is logical, right? 30 minutes more totally justifies a 20 minute Starbucks run, right? RIGHT?? I am really in need of a Carmel Frappaccino right now, so cool and refreshing, just enough caffeine to get through the night, just enough drive time to make the rest of the work day go by quickly... I can almost taste it. The whip cream with carmel dripped into it is calling my name!

Ugh, it is already 4:55 and I didn't factor in the rush hour traffic that plagues our town. My coffee needs will just have to wait. The kicker is that I have a free coffee coupon!! Maybe they won't notice if I leave early... it really would be sinful to waste that coupon. I feel so parched, what if I am dehydrated? It would be irresponsible to not get something to drink. I wouldn't want to become dizzy while driving Jack home. I would be doing it for the safety of my son. Really, I swear!

Don't forget the deoderant and other randomness

Well we are off to Armpit tomorrow afternoon. I am so excited! We are officially going to celebrate my cousin Ryan's 18th birthday but, truth be told, the Allen clan would use any excuse to head up North. For those of you who are blissfully unaware of the Wisconsin terminology Up North is above Milwaukee and Down South is below Milwaukee.

I purchased Off Deep Woods Outdoorsman 95% Deet bug spray for myself to (hopefully) avoid coming home as one giant, swollen mosquito bite. The extent of my packing has been bringing the Louis Vuitton duffle bag down from the top shelf and putting it on the bed, clearly playing on the computer and downloading music to the Ipod is more important than making sure that we have clean clothes for the weekend. I have my priorities people!

Actually, I am about to make a list of everything that we need and then all I have to do is throw it all in the bag. I probably don't need to write a list considering that we are only going for the weekend but I just bought a bunch of really cute steno notebooks and I have been waiting for a reason to break one in. A good list seems like the perfect excuse! I am a list person, I love me a good To Do list! I have a problem really doing the items on it but writing it out is pure joy. Also, grocery lists. Those have made me the brunt of many jokes. You see, I cannot simply scratch something out if I make a mistake on my list. I have to rewrite the entire thing. And if I stop in the middle, when I come back to it I have to use the exact same pen and the exact same amount of pressure b/c if you can tell where I stopped I will have to start over. Also, if Josh wants to add something to a list, he either has to tell it to me so that I can write it correctly or he has to write it on a seperate piece of paper for me to then transfer to the list.

Oooh that reminds me, I have some really great grocery shopping tips that are list related but that is a whole 'nother post. So now that I have given you some insight into my special brand of crazy, I am off to write my list in my super cute green composition notebook. This notebook makes me want to draw flowers in colored pens and write Shanna Pitt hundreds of times in different variations.

Armpit Weekend Packing List:
1) Cute clothes that are appropriate for lounging and bonfires
2) Sneakers
3) Jack crap
4) Deoderant

Trucks, Trash and Slim Jim Hot Dogs

So we went to the Lake County Fair last night so that Jack could see the Monster Truck Demo. That kid really has an obsession! He loves anything truck and tractor related, even a boring old trailer is thrilling to him. He can take any conversation or game back to trucks. Somehow we always end up digging and dumping!! It is really funny to watch him watch something like Monster Trucks. He just sits in silence for a while, expressionless. At first it is hard to tell if he is even enjoying it. But the second there is any silence, he explodes in a furry of re-enactments, claps, cheers and Holy Cow's. He will stand on bleachers and use any extremity necessary to recreate the vehicle acurately; if that means one arm is a row of cars and the other hand coupled with the rest of his body is the giant truck running it over then so be it. We really get a kick out of his excitement, he is just so passionate and because of that he has really learned a lot. You can just see his little brain clicking away, trying to figure out how you drive this one and what sound that one makes. Jack can name just about any piece of machinery and if he is feeling cooperative he will even tell you how you drive them and what their differences are!! He is such a riot, I feel like we should book Jay Leno- his good looks and goofy grin would certainly win everyone over!

So, the Lake County Fair... it really hasn't changed much over the years. The same people in the same clothes go every year occassionally adding another limb to the family tree. The same rides with the same attendants return to push riders to the brink of nausea. The same 4-H members brings the same tired pigs. And the same vendors bring the same food, no really my hotdog may have been from the very same batch they brought last year. It was food poisoning covering in ketchup wrapped in a cold bun. I took one bite and couldn't even swallow that, it tasted like a spoiled Slim Jim. Dis.Gus.Ting! We spent almost $60 to go to our local fair for an hour and a half and we didn't even ride anything! Our horrific, inedible dinner cost us $30 then we had to get corn on the cob just to get rid of the taste in our mouths. It was pretty bad. But we did get a kick out of walking around and reliving some of the memories from our childhood. At many of the stands the prizes had not changed since I was a kid. If I were to knock down the plastic milk bottles I would still have my pick between a felt cover Mr. Big framed poster or a Jesus mirror. What a selection I tell you, two sets of people who were both very influential in my life. You really can never have too much long hair although I think the men of the 80's could have taught our Lord a little bit about AquaNet. A little hairspray never kept anyone from walking on water as far as I know.

Speaking of hair, Josh got a "Mohawk! Mohawk!" chant from some Carni's so I may have to rethink my analysis of his hair. But mine still looks fab! All in all we had a good time at the fair and Jack just loved it, the trucks, the french fries, the corn on the cob, everything. So we should probably put our judgements aside because we may just be a little more trashy than we like to admit!

Presenting The Graduated Bob!!

OMG!! I. love. my. haircut!!!! It is easy, it is trendy, it is slenderizing and most of all, it does not scream MOM! The bangs look a little funky in the picture but they are cute in real life. And the back is not a super dramatic angle, just a little layering and texturizing. Agatha (Mario Tricocci, Vernon Hills) did an awesome job and she totally laughed at my witty comments and strange hair references. I may have asked her not to give me a fanny pack but I can't be sure. Anyways, love the hair, will totally keep it for a while. I may even go back for the bang trims that they are always recommending instead of letting them grow out and then trying to bobby pin them into place! Well, I think that I have used up my allotment of exclamation marks for this post so I will leave you with a pic of the hubsters new 'do.

Gosh, I have come so far from triangle hair, frizz and stiff bangs! We are a crazy bunch I tell ya!

Dum, Dum, Duuummmmmm...

I have made the appointment! The drama unfolds tonight at 8pm (and yes, I am getting my hair cut as late as possible to hopefully avoid styling it tomorrow!!) I know, you are all just salivating onto your keyboards but you will just have to wait until tomorrow. Later tonight if the cut goes well and I just cannot wait to share it with the world. Maybe never if I mysteriously walk in wearing my cute city shorts and unmom shoes and come out with token mom hair and stonewashed, tapered jeans with Sketchers.

Say your prayers, people. I want Hail Mary's and Our Father's and Rosaries to be clutched, the works. I am not one for drastic changes, at least not in the appearance category. I tend to stay pretty neutral so this is a bit out of my comfort zone. And for those of you who knew me during the traumatic pixie cut during the summer of '98, you will understand my fears.

But in other haircut related news, my darling husband is now sporting a mohawk! I know... but it's kinda hot!! Not redneck-y at all, more Red Hot Chili Peppers than REO Speedwagon. For those of you who are reality show junkies like me, it somehow reminds me of Dean McDermott of Tori and Dean. A little scruffy, a little dangerous and a lot sexy! I am not sure how long I will like his new 'do, and I don't know if he likes it enough to keep it; but for now it works. Now if only I have time to shave my legs and I come home with a fantastic, trendy, slimming, non-mom haircut we might have a night ahead of us!!

To Chop or Not To Chop...

Okay, so I am really sick of my hair. I have had one haircut recently that I love, love, loved but then I was unable to replicate that same "OMG! this looks awesome!" feeling. I absolutely love Carrie Bradshaws short curly bob in Sex & the City (season 5ish?) and I also love Victoria Beckhams super cute sleek bob. However, I need to be realistic. My junior stylist at Mario probably cannot create these exact styles, nor would they look as good on a round mom as they do on the celebs. In that same respect I dread ending up with classic "mom" hair. I do not want people to look at my hair and think, "oh, she did that b/c it is easy" I want them to think "wow, that mom looks so put together and hot!!" Is this too much to ask?!

So, I have found a couple examples that I think are local salon do-able, easy enough to replicate at home and I might be able to pull them off.

I think I could accomplish both styles with the same haircut. The curly version seems like it would be great for work days when I only have limited time to get ready. And the straight style could be v.v. vampy for date night and such.

So... should I do it?? I need feedback asap. I am sure that you are all aware of my psycho need to "do it now!!" Once I start thinking about something, planning something, I have to figure it out and do it immediately. I am impatient and determined. A little OCD but that is a whole 'nother story. So share your opinions, tell me I am crazy. Remind me that I am already hot and that a haircut won't make any difference! Just do it now because if you take too long I might try to sexify my hair myself; in the tub with $5 shears that we use to hack Jacks mop off. Don't tempt me, it wouldn't be the first time!

MIA

I'll be back, I swear. Life has been a little crazy but maybe I'll do a picture post to buy myself some more time. For the few of you who read and/or care, I do have some fun stuff in the works. Perhaps something a little insightful and more interesting than baby poop. Oh but speaking of poop (you're at the edge of your seat, I'm sure) Jackson pooped in his potty the other day!! We are officially on the road to real potty training, time to get serious. Anyways, talk to you soon!!

Armpit, Wisconsin

Tee hee! Well we made it and we only saw one deer the entire ride. We are not really in Armpit but we are in Pittsville, close enough. My family lives in the dead center of the state and that is a fact that they are proud of. There is a church and a bar on every corner and the grocery store is also the bait shop is also the movie rental. Everybody has a camper parked next to the garage and for a number of weeks out every year the town turns orange. Hunting is a big part of the culture up here.

This is one of my favorite places in the entire world. Armpit, WI, Boulder, CO and anywhere in the Caribbean. When I was young I would cry so hard when I had to leave and head back home to Illinois. Truthfully, I still choke back tears as we drive back down the red gravel road on our way back to reality. This place is my safe place. Anytime I am sad or overwhelmed or I feel like I need to run away, this is where I long to come. Funny, this was once used as a threat (as in "you better shape up or I'm sending you to grandmas") some punishment.

It is just so peaceful here, so far away from the stresses of everyday life, so close to the family where I can just be me. Plus, no matter how poorly I dress, there is still someone who looks worse. I don't think I could top fanny packs, Packer green and gold and tapered jeans no matter how hard I tried!

Ah, Armpit... the best place on Earth filled with fields and deer, farmers and dirt roads. For a time I consider moving here but I quickly remember all my conveniences that I would have to leave behind. I just don't think that I could part from my Target and my DSW. It would just be too much to bear!

The Fruit of my Loins

I would just like to say, for the record, I have a really cool kid. I have always known that I love him, but right now I really like him too! I don't know how many of you remember the weird toddler stages; there is the strange eating phases, the whining, the clinginess, I could go on. But the point is that whatever "phase" Jack is in right now is totally great. He is funny and smart. My 2 year old can count to 10!! I cannot remember if this is normal, or if I am correct in thinking that he is a super advanced genius who will continue to excel at an amazing rate. We were playing Hide & Seek and he usually only counts to 3 and then comes to find you, but tonight he counted to 10 (granted he never turned around in the first place so he still found us, but whatever)! It was just so rewarding to see him learning and growing right in front of my face.

One of the biggest downfalls to being a working mom is that I miss so much of his development. Sure, I see the stuff when I get home; but I rarely get to see it the first time. His first steps, his first word, the first time he matched colors, etc. that was all done in front of the eyes of someone else. It is so hard sometimes, to have to play second fiddle or to get so excited about this "new development" only to find out he has been doing that for days. I constantly struggle to balance the knowledge that I am working hard to provide a good life for my son with feeling like I am missing so much. It goes all the way back to my pregnancy, I know it is silly but I harbor tremendous guilt over the fact that I didn't know I was pregnant until I was almost 6months along. For a long time I felt like I short changed Jackson because I really only got 2 months at best of bonding with him still in my womb. That still bothers me, I wonder how our relationship would be different had I know about it sooner, would we be closer, would I be a different mother?

I have been told my many moms that, no matter the circumstances, once you become a mother you will always harbor guilt over something and you will never not worry again. I am realizing just how true that is. Right now I am feeling guilty that Jack can count to 10 but still cannot throw a ball and I am worried that he will outsmart me very quickly. How will I convince him to sleep in his own bed then?

I truly am Fabulous!

So, as I explained here, I have been determined to find a jogging stroller and also a double stroller. I really wanted one that encompassed both features but I do have priorities, and I am sorry but spending $400+ for a freaking stroller does not rank high on my list. BUT! I have been looking online, both for used and for cheaper versions. I found 2 double joggers for around $180. That was still more than I wanted to spend so I decided to wait. However, today I went to Baby Depot during my lunch break and found a great jogging stroller (a single but really nice) and side by side double stroller. And, the best part... I am super shopper extraordinaire!! I got both strollers for $100ish. The double was marked down to $39. But the only one that they had left was the floor model. Now mind you, this floor model was still in great condition and not missing any parts, but I am a savy shopper. After a whole explanation to the sales clerk about the wear and tear that occurs with a floor model they agreed to give it to me for 10% off (that 10% off of a stroller already marked down from over $100 to $39!!). That is right, I got a new double stroller for less than I could find a beat up used one. Then! Then, I look into the jogging strollers and find one with all the same features as the pricey ones with the exception of a kids snack tray on front (but can you imagine how fast that sippy cup and those Cherrios would fly out while jogging?!) for $59 bucks!! Holy freakin' cow! I am a shopping mastermind!

I am so stoked to use the jogging stroller. I even got an armband and new earphones for my Ipod so that I will officially be the trendiest, cutest, most in shape mom in my neighborhood! Really I swear! I worked out for like an hour or so last night and it felt great (except that I won't work out that close to bedtime anymore because I could not wind down afterwards, my brain was going a mile a minute). I used the Gazelle for a while, and yes I do have a baseball cap with a crimped blond ponytail a la Tony Little, then I did some cardio and yoga. It was so motivating. Now if only I could figure out how to get my coordination back I would be all set. I had to stop multiple times because I was moving my feet and hands all wrong and getting completely off balance. It was interesting but still GREAT! Have I said great enough yet?

I plan to get up right away this weekend and go for a jog in the morning. Also, I think I will use the Gazelle right away when I get home during the week. Josh doesn't get home until almost 6:30 and then he likes to shower anyway so that gives me over a half an hour to work out. Assuming Jack leaves me in peace, yeah right but a girl can dream. Maybe my excitement will rub off on Josh and he will use the Ipod for more than just playing games in bed. I'll try to bribe him with Led Zepplin downloads!

On a totally unrelated note, Dani and Mom and I are going to see Sex and the City tonight and I am super excited! Although, I am just not the same viewer that I was when it was on the air. Back then I loved the fashion and the shoes and thought their lives were relatively realistic. Now... all I can think of is how I couldn't wear that because my bra strap would show or my Spanks would be too uncomfortable. I still love the shoes, but their lives, yeah right! On what planet could they function the way they do? I mean really, Miranda has a kid yet somehow she is still out multiple times a week with the girls at clubs or fancy restaurants in super cute clothes and into the wee hours. Do you know how much a babysitter costs these days? And you need reservations like years in advance to get into some of those places in New York. They are not exactly boozin' it up and then hitting the all night Chinese joint. But I will continue to live vicariously through them and be all "woe is me" about my life and the lack of trendy sushi bars in Libertyville. However, I know there is a wedding in the movie and I am sure that mine was better. I mean, how do you top a drunk chick getting arrested for beating the staff and peeing on the front lawn? It really was a lavish, elegant and sophisticated soiree!

Anyhoo, I must go back to work now so I don't get fired and then I'd really be in the crapper! Enjoy your weekends everybody!

Joyous News

I suppose I should have posted this before my rant about strollers but whatever. My girlfriend Jessi and her hubs Micky (both super people totally worthy of their new title) are now parents! Their son Weylin was born May 27th at 7:36pm. He is super cute at a totally respectable weight of 6 lbs 12 oz and 21 in. I am so happy for them. This has been a long time coming. They have been dealt some crappy cards in their lives and have really become better people, something most of us cannot say about ourselves. And frankly, in my book they have been parents for a couple years now but fate dealt them a shitty blow and they missed the opportunity to raise their daughter. But!! they have the chance now to enjoy their new family.

I must say c-section babies are way cuter than natural delivery kids, sorry Jack! Weylin came out with a totally normal shaped head and everything! He is one stinkin' cute kid, but the genes are good so I didn't expect anything else. I just cannot wait to see him grow and change, his momma has become a pretty cool adult so he's got some good role models (Daddy's allright too ;) ) The next couple years are going to be really fun for all of us and I promise to not let Jack teach Weylin any bad words! We've been working on eradicating them from his vocabulary too.

Welcome to the world little man, I love your momma very much. Your mommy and daddy love you more than you will ever know and there are lots more of us who have loved you since the moment we first got that phone call. Your world will be filled with lots of crazies but they mean well. If you ever need a break just tell your mom you want to go for a drive. She and I used to prefer random roads in Wisconsin, they seemed better suited to clearing our heads. Happy Birthday Weylin!

Tales of a pauper

I am beyond frustrated right now! I have been looking for a double stroller for a little while now. My sister in law comes to Chicago pretty frequently with her son and it just makes sense to have one stroller for both Jack and Owen. However, I would really prefer to have a kinda nice, but still used, stoller so that when I do get around to having another kid I don't have to shell out a ton of money. So, I found a really nice double jogging stoller on Craigslist for $1. Now the stoller retails for about $500 so I had a feeling that the $1 price tag was wrong but when the guy told me on the phone that it was $50 that sounded reasonable. I told him I would come by to pick it up. Granted, I did feel like I was getting a really great deal but it didn't seem that far fetched. But, when Josh and I showed up to get our great new stroller, after a whole demonstration on how it works and lots of gushing over how great it is, we said that we would take it. So then he dropped the bomb, "that'll be $450." WHAT?! $450 for a used, dirty stroller that you have already replaced? Are you out of your freaking mind?! "Well it costs like $600 in the store." (LIAR!) Needless to say we did not get our great stroller, but we did get a nice dose of reality. Some people just live differently than we do. I mean, they had already purchased their $1,000 triple stroller and hated to part with their double jogger but it was just sitting there collecting dust. GGGGGRRRRRR! So now that I fell in love with the super maneuverable, super cute, double jogger my heart is set on one. However, I don't have to have that brand or whatever. I am currently working on finding a much cheaper, used imitation of the super fab stroller that I fell in love with. And trust me, I know that I don't have two kids yet, and I know that it will only be used on occasion until I do. But it was so convenient, and it would mean I would be less likely to shell out $400+ when I do have two kids. And maybe I will actually get off my butt and jog with it!! I know, this really is an amazing stroller, capable of working miracles. So, keep your eyes peeled people, we are on a mission. Find a great double jogging stroller for under $100. Oh and I need to find an up to code, used crib for under $30 for Jen when she comes home. Wish me luck, I hope that the shopping Gods are smiling upon me because I will not rest until I have my stroller. I know, stubborn... I have no idea where I get that from!

It's Past my Bedtime

Okay, so it is 11:00 at night and I don't have anything witty to talk about but I promised pictures when I fixed my blog so here they are. There is a hodgepodge (?!) of events included but I will try to explain them as I go along. Basically, just look at my cute kid and my cute family and think about how much you want to be me (minus the double chin I am sporting in these pics, nobody wants that!!).



Potty training, yipee!! I cannot wait to be done with diapers!



Where is Jackson playing? you ask...



Umm, yeah... that would be the cat gym. And no he doesn't really fit. I think that we have to take it apart because he will not stop going in it but he can't get back out! Really, he's smart, I swear!



But look at how cute he is... He was saying "CHEEEEESE" for the camera.



And now he is swimming, I don't remember to where but it was somewhere adventurous!




And now he is going to work, at the job site, with the DIGGERS OF COURSE!!

Oh and we went to Colorado recently to visit with Jen & Howard & Owen. Here is a recap of that interesting trip...



He was helping to pack, next he put the cat in one and shut the top.




Heaven on Earth! The first day in Colorado and Jack is already sold! All Howard had to do was let him drive the BOBCAT!!!! and they were buddies for the rest of the trip.




And then we went to a Cubs game at Coors Field for like $9! The weather was beautiful and we were ready for a great game!




Daddy and Jack are watching basebawls... you know where you frow the bawl and run crazy!! I think Jacks game sound much more fun.





And then the meltdowns began, luckily the game was pretty much over. As soon as we started towards the car and Jack saw the HUGE tower crane the world was a better place again.


The boys got a big kick out of bathtime! I really need to get that Octopus, the colored water comes out of his tenticals.

So the boys really played nicely the entire trip. Here they were being babies, Jack did have a paci in his mouth but once he realized it would be documented he spit it out.

Look at my super cute hubster! The Colorado sun really suits him.

Oh and yes were were up on a mountain, how high? you ask... very high!

Aren't we so cute? I am not sure what is going on with my neck though. I think it is because I am holding the camera up to take the picture... I am using the Gazelle I swear!

Before we came home we got to play at the local rec center pool. They even have a huge water slide that Josh, Howard and I really loved. We had a blast and the boys liked playing with the noodles. Jack is really getting better in the water. He held on to us for dear life except when he was "learning to swim" with the noodle!

O on the other hand is happy anywhere! I swear you could put that kid in a drawer and he would just blabber on and play with his toes or something! I miss them already!

Well I am sure that you have seen enough of us for a while. I will post something funny next time!

Mothers Day

Well, Mothers Day is always interesting. Sometimes it is hard to just be grateful for our families and our children and the time that we have with them. I find that it is really easy to get caught up in the mystique of the "perfect Mothers Day".

My only wish for Mothers Day was to spend time with my family and to go to the Chicago Botanic Gardens in our area. I had been looking forward to the gardens for a while, last year when we went we were able to get a ton of wonderful pictures and had a wonderful day. Well this year, we had rain. Lots of rain, so the botanic gardens were vetoed. My moms wish of a picnic and playing at Independence Grove was vetoed as well. So, the moms, whose day this is supposed to be, didn't get their wishes.

But you know what, my Mothers Day was wonderful! It really wasn't about what we did or didn't do. I just had a great time hanging out with my husband and my son. Playing and eating pancakes and Reeses peanut butter cups. Josh made us breakfast and I gave Jack a haircut. We really took our time getting showered and out the door. It was leisurely, and fun, and perfect! I know, controlling and unflexible me had a wonderful time not doing what I wanted to do!

I think that us mothers get really hung up on the idea of Mothers Day. We build it up in our heads as this day when our husbands will suddenly realize how much we mean to them and miraculously rise up and worship the ground we walk on. They will intuitively know both our wishes and our needs, and meet them all. They will come home with gifts and kisses and thank yous. The card will be perfect and not for "My loved one overseas" ;) Our children will shower us with I love yous and hugs and perfect behavior. There will be no need for nagging or cleaning up as everyone will do what is asked and the house will stay neat.

This will never happen. We will always have to tell our husbands what we want in a gift, where we want to go and what time we need to be out the door. They will still ask us what they should wear, what the kids should wear and if they really have to shower. They will watch just one more minute of the race and they will be getting around to breakfast. But you know what, it's okay. It's okay if it rains (literally or figuratively) on our parade. It is okay if we still have to pick up the toys that got dumped out but not played with. It is okay if we have to get all the ingredients and utensils out for breakfast so that all our darling husband has to do is pour the batter. Because you know what, we love them and they love us. I am so blessed to have a husband who takes an active role in raising our son, in helping around the house, in keeping me sane. Even if he takes just as active a role in making me crazy in the first place. I am so blessed to have a beautiful, smart, funny kid who tells me he loves me with a laugh when I am being weird. Who sits still for the first time while I am cutting his hair and actually has an opinion about it (for the record, he wanted it short). I am so blessed to have two families that love me and my strange habits, even if I seem to pass all of them on to my son!

Despite the rain, despite not getting my way, I had a wonderful Mothers Day. It was perfectly imperfect. And I have everything that actually matters. I can go to a garden another time, now a day with my family just having fun and hanging out, that is a Mothers Day to remember.

And to all the moms out there, no matter how imperfect your day was, remember that you do make a difference. And even if no one ever says thank you, you still have the power to change your kids' lives. Even if you also do some blackmailing along the way... Happy Mothers Day!

*Update*

Okay, so I still cannot do much blogging because I am at work and I am swamped. But my computer is going to the doctor today so I should be able to resume my witty posting next week. I will keep you all (all 10 of you if I am lucky) posted as to my return! Oh and the entire Allen clan is sick (allergies, stomach bugs, colds, pnuemonia- we have it all) so we have been keeping our germy selves in bed as much as possible. Last night Josh, Jack and I spent the night in bed reading books and watching tv. It was really nice. Dani is also home for the summer with her crazy dog (who has fleas, ack!). And we finally take Smokey to the vet tomorrow morning to get spayed and declawed, yipee!! I feel so bad that he will be in pain but I cannot wait for a clawless cat! Anywho, gotta go tend to my piles that are threatening to collapse in on my and bury me alive at my desk. At least my barking cough would alert people to my location. Talk to you soon!

Problem Solving

Well, I have been doing some digging and it seems that my problems with the blog may have to do with the security systems on my computer at the office. Just another reason why I should not be posting from work. So I am going to call our internet provider and finally buckle down and get set up at home again. I am hoping to get them out to the house this week as I also have some actual freelance work that I need to be doing this week. So maybe by the end of the week I will have pics of our fun weekend posted.

Just to fill you in, Josh, Jackson and I had a wonderful (read: tantrum free and leisurly) dinner Friday night at none other than Fridays! Then on Saturday we mapped out Lynn and Jims yard and began buying supplies for our summer landscaping project (more on that later). And Sunday was great! We slept in until 10 and stayed in bed until almost 11! Then we got our butts out of the house and got the baby shower gifts for my girlfriend Jessi's shower on Sunday (I am so excited for her, this has been a long time coming!!). Then after Joshs very cute haircut we went to Independence Grove with Lynn & Jim. There we flew our kite, and played on the park. It was a beautiful day weather wise and we had so much fun! Some people were grilling so that made us get a craving for cooking out so we swung by the store for dinner stuff. When we got back to the house Josh and I grilled burgers and hot dogs and I made potatoes. It was just such a nice day. And to top it off, Jack skipped his afternoon nap so he was out like a light by 8pm! Aaahhh, spring is here!

Anyways, I promise to get this fixed or to learn how to use HTML code so that I don't have to rely on predetermined buttons to upload pics. I hope to share the pics from our kite flying adventure soon! Enjoy the weather!!

Working out the kinks

Okay well it has been brought to my attention that the links are not working in the post about the Mandell family. If you would like to read more about their story or to donate please use this URL below.

http://captainhambone.typepad.com/not_that_you_asked/2008/03/these-are-our-g.html

While looking into this problem I found out that my entire editing toolbar is missing. So it may be little while before another post because I want to get this worked out. Let me know if you notice any other problems with this site so I can fix it.

Thanks for reading!!

Is anyone out there?

While I would love to read lots of comments on how wonderful and witty I am, I am really just curious. Is anyone besides Grammy reading this blog? Please just post a quick message in the comments section letting me know that you have read something that I wrote. I am not trying to be self indulgent, it would simply help me when I write posts to know who my audience is. I have a feeling that my blog may be a pretty glorified means of correspondence between myself and my grandma. But I don't really mind, I just like writing about my life. Maybe someday I will have more readers and if not, I will have a funny timeline of events from Jack's childhood. A very public diary or baby book if you will.

A horrible ordeal

I do not know these people personally, but I read this blog regularly. I cannot image going through such a terrifying experience. The medical problems that we went through with Jackson were heart wrenching enough. Please take a moment to read about this families plight. Even if you are unable to help financially, please keep them in your prayers. If anyone knows about the power of prayer it is my friends and family.

http://captainhambone.typepad.com/not_that_you_asked/2008/03/these-are-our-g.html

I am not asking you to donate, that is your own choice, but maybe post a supportive message to help lift them up in their time of need. Thank you on their behalf!

I know, I have created a monster!

Sometimes I don't think that I adequately portray just how goofy Jackson is. Those of us who are blessed to spend time with him every day often find ourselves just laughing hysterically! He is so funny, my Mom claims this is just like me as a child. Well I thought that this might be a good time to share some recent funny pics with you. Enjoy!

Rock star!

Guitar and Bulldozer rain boots, perfect combo

His first gig! A very exclusive party at Uncle Travis' house!

Shirt? Check! Diaper? Check! Boots? Check! Pants? Hmmm....

Dancing Machine!

Oooo! Shaking his butt!

Using a pillow as a blanket...

Pretending to sleep on the sofa.

Wet boots on the couch, yeah!

Brilliant!

Let me see... Y=X, carry the 1, multiple by C

Jackson and baby Timmy.

Making a funny face.

My excitement quickly dissipated

Well, a couple of weekends ago I purchased two cooking utensils that I have been eying for a while now. I found a cast iron double sided griddle and a cast iron dutch oven both for considerably less than I found elsewhere. I read all the instructions before using the griddle last night. I was so excited to try it out. Well the instructions were very limited. They detailed how to reseason the cookware should you ever need to but they didn't talk at all about tempertatures or recommended heating times or anything along those lines. So last night I began making BBQ Chicken Kabobs on our new griddle. Well things did not exactly go according to plan. First of all, the grill got very hot very quickly so the sauce that dripped off burned and smoked so much that our smoke detector went off. Then the kicker came when we finished dinner and moved the griddle we found that it had scorched our stovetop!! Uuugghh! I don't know how to get the burn marks off of our stove (we rent so this is not our property) and I don't know how to prevent this in the future. I was so thrilled about these new pans and now I am not so sure. I have been wanting cast iron cookware because I have a bunch of recipes from the Food Network shows that I watch. Paula Deen uses it all the time and many of the hosts use the stovetop griddles without any of the problems that I experienced. I am so frustrated! The food turned out really good but it just did not go smoothly. Another shining example of how I am purely a Half-assed Martha Stewart!! Geez!

He is getting sooo big!!

This will be a really quick post about our weekend. First off, my little baby is getting so big! He can say just about anything now, including "I love you" !!!!!!! And he is just tall and wearing boy clothes, not baby clothes. There was just something about him this weekend that made me realize we are out of the baby phase. He is a kid now, barely even classified as a toddler! It is just breathtaking to watch him evolve into this little person who has manners and opinions. The last two years seemed to just dissapear like sand through my fingers. I am so thankful that I have kept so many memories from this time, down to special occasion cards. I have tons of pictures and someday I will print off more of them to put into albums. The time goes by so fast.

Easter was a lot of fun. Jack totally caught on to the Easter Bunny thing. He ran around the house hunting for his basket and just being goofy. And he was genuinly excited each time he found something else. He was a trooper all through the Sunday festivities, his schedule was completely off but we managed with only a few minor meltdowns. Overall it was just a really nice weekend. Snow on the ground but lots of sun in the sky!

We are supposed to get a little more snow but I am just praying that it will skip us and we will warm up and enter spring. It can't go on like this forever. Well, I will post again soon with a bunch of up to date pictures. Until then enjoy your day! I am making Chicken Burritos for dinner, yummy!

Snow!? What the @#$%?!

Gggggrrrrrr! I am just going to pretend like it is not happening. In my little world it is spring, there is not snow on the ground it is fluffy white cotton! It is not gray and dreary, instead it is just an homage to the spring fashion color palate! The plow trucks are actually large machines prepping the roads for the heavy holiday traffic. Clearly you are all mistaken in thinking that we are having another winter storm. Today I am wearing a bright spring green top and cute patent leather black flats. This is not a problem because there. is. no. snow.

I am looking forward to carrying an umbrella and wearing cute rain boots! Jackson's rain jacket is adorable, he has it in navy with buckles and yellow with buckles, he looks like Paddington the Bear! I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain...

Soon we will have tulips and GREEN! It has been so long since we have had green and sun! I cannot wait to go back to the Botanic Gardens near our home, it is such a fun way to celebrate the changing of the seasons. Plus Jack is a little older this year and so we will probably get some great pics and have so much fun. I am thinking that we will plan a trip there next month some time.

Soon we will be able to take walks around the neighborhood and go play at the park. We will start doing outdoor activities on the weekends and maybe I will start jogging (ambitious, I know, but it could happen!). Josh will be able to teach Jack to throw a ball, so far he is a little uncoordinated... Owen throws a ball much better than Jack. But practice makes perfect and up until now we never really tried to play catch with Jack. So I know that they will have fun doing outdoor sports stuff.

Spring, spring, spring! Yellow, Pink, Blue, Green! Flowers and Bugs! Hooray! We got a kite with bugs on it the other day at the store and I have been itching to go and fly it. We have a huge field behind our house that is too overgrown in the summer to play in but semifrozen ground might be the perfect time. If not our park has a huge field and baseball diamonds that we could fly our kite in.

Thats all for now, Happy Easter! Happy Spring! Goodbye snow and winter!

Easter!!

Easter is right around the corner, I don't know if I like it being so early this year, it is throwing my schedule all off. I was thinking about the meaning of Easter and what parts of the holiday I want to celebrate with my new family and what to leave out. You see growing up both Josh and I only celebrated the fun, Easter Bunny and eggs part of the holiday. We just sort of skipped past the religious aspect. I know that we want to raise Jackson and any future children a little bit differently. Because of our upbrining we are not very religious, and organized religion is a very touchy subject for us. But because of events in our adult life, spirituality is very important to us. A lot of people cannot understand the difference. Basically, we believe in God or a higher power, we believe that our lives are overseen by this higher power and that He has the ability to help or hinder us. We do not believe the Bible in its entirity. You will never hear us quoting scripture. That being said, we do believe that stories told in the Bible have great moral value and can really help people in their time of need. So, when we get to holidays like Easter we have to think about how we want to address it as our children grow. I think that we will share the story of Jesus being reborn and going to Heaven with our kids but we will approach it as. a. story. I think that religious holidays are a good opportunity to teach children about the different belief systems in the world and to teach them about the morals behind the scripture. We will explain that the Easter Bunny is a lot like Santa Claus, he helps us to celebrate this wonderful story and reminds us about the joys of giving and cherishing family.

So, we are preparing for Easter. The baskets are out of storage, the gifts and candy are ready for assembly. We have decorated eggs around the house. Later this week we will hard boil and color eggs. I will also make deviled eggs, but not too many because Mom is making her own and I am sure that Josh's Aunt Margaret will make some for their get together (Deviled eggs are her "thing" so I don't want to step on any toes!). So we are excited. If Easter plays out at all like Christmas and Halloween, then Jackson will love it. I don't think that we will do the Bunny Tracks (flour footprints on the floor) this year, Jack is a little young for that still but maybe next year. I think that we will hide the basket as well as some plastic eggs and do a quick little hunt before breakfast and off to Moms. I don't want to do anything too elaborate because I am sure that Mom has a lot planned and we don't want to burn the kid out by 10 am.

I am excited! I love holidays and coming up with new traditions. I love to pass my excitement on to my children and hopefully, my husband. He does not share the same affinity for special occasions as I do. He really looks at holidays like they are a chore. I think that is sad, while there is sometimes work involved, I think that it is nice to plan something special and out of the ordinary every once in a while. And I also think that it is a nice treat to try and make a holiday special for your family and friends. Before we know it life will have flown by and we will wish that we had more time, more opportunities to spend with our loved ones, we will wish that we did more to show how much we cared. I just try to take advantage of every chance to bring a little joy to my family, every day would be great but I think putting a little extra care into the holidays is the least that I can do.

So on that note... Happy Easter! Enjoy the day in whatever way you celebrate. Whether it be with bunnies and baskets or crosses and scriptures, Sunday is a great day to remember the people you love and how lucky we are to have the lives that we do.

Let Go and Let God

I am not feeling particularly witty today. I got a cold last night and it is kicking my ass. My nose feels like I took sandpaper to it and my head feels like an overstuffed sausage. Oy. I could crawl into bed right now and stay there until Monday. I am also really out of it, distracted and fuzzy. Thankfully we are having steak fajitas tonight for dinner which is something that Josh can easily help me with.

But there is no rest for the weary, I need to do dishes and laundry too. My day is never done. It drives me crazy because Josh does not understand why I need him to do what I ask at the very moment that I ask it. Inevitably he will procrastinate and so while I am doing my share of the chores I am dwelling on what he is NOT doing and then I end up doing it myself out of fear that it just won't get done.

I hate having a messy house and some part of ours is always messy. I clean up Jacks toys multiple times a night and very rarely leave them out at the end of the night. But there is always a closet or corner that seems to collect all the crap that I am just too exhausted to deal with and eventually it will get so overwhelming that I have to spend most of a weekend just trying to rectify my laziness. Take my closet for example, I have been able to keep up on washing all of our laundry but by the time I am done with the rest of the crap that I have to cram into an evening (remember, I spent 8 hours of my day handling the work of 50 agents) I am too tired to tackle putting it away. So it piles up and Josh & I wear semi wrinkled clothes for a while until it gets so ridiculous that I have to put it all away at once instead of a little at a time. Or until it is all dirty and we start all over!

I know that it doesn't really make sense but right now I can only organize/fix one aspect of my life at a time and I am struggling to do even that. We are making strides with getting back on top of our bills and debt and hopefully our tax return will make big improvements but it is all just so stressful. I wish that I could win the lottery, pay someone to fix everything, then take a long vacation. Oh the things I would do if we won the lotto... I would not be one of those people who bought extravagant things and never worked again, instead preferring to dwindle their money away. Instead, I would continue to work, even just part time, I would buy a new car for both myself and Josh (nothing fancy just practical) I would buy a nice house that we could expand our family in and be comfortable for a long time, I would invest a lot and I would also donate to AIDS awareness/research, Cancer research/treatment and March of Dimes. I know, I have this all figured out. I even know what parts of the country we would buy property in based upon areas that are growing and improving and the property values there. I would also set aside money for Jackson and any additional children (I wouldn't tell them that nor would I just give it to them but it would be there if they needed help and would be theirs when I go). Trust me, I am very aware that I have thought more about how to spend my imaginary money than I have thought about how to better allocate the money I have now. But it helps me get through the tough times to think about life being easier some day.

So, now that I have just depressed and overwhelmed everyone reading this... but in all honesty things are looking up. Josh and I have hardly argued lately, Jackson seems to be listening a little bit better and every day we are working towards improving our lives. Whether it be applying for assistance or health insurance, paying a past due bill or simply going to church. We are making strides and that is the important part. Everybody struggles sometimes and the key is to not dwell in the trenches but to start digging and find a way out. I have faith that God has not forgotten about us, I know this because I speak with him often, and he only dishes out what we can handle. All the hardships that I have experienced in my life have made me the person that I am and I am grateful for that. When I need help or I feel like my life has become unmanageable I just turn it over to Him. And with that I am going to call it a day. I still have a half hour of work ahead of me.

Carrot Mint Puke & Missing Ironing Boards

Well, Jackson has never been one to shy away from vomiting and last night was no exception. We have been trying to feed him anything and everything that he wants in an effort to put some weight on him. So last night, after he had already eaten dinner, he had a bunch of carrots, scalloped potatoes and then an entire piece of irish mint and chocolate cake. A great combination, I know! So, come bed time he would not settle down so I told him I was going to leave the room for a minute. I was really only going to fill his sippy cup but he had a meltdown. He cried for less than 2 minutes but apparently the strange combination plus imminent desertion was too much for him to handle. Needless to say he threw up over his bed. Multicolored, nasty, puke. GREEN and BLACK to be exact. Gross. So we had to strip the bed and give him a bath then start over with the bedtime routine. And now his covers are not coming clean.

And today has not been much of an improvement. I somehow lost our ironing board. I mean it is totally gone. How do you lose an ironing board?! I mean it is not exactly an item that is easily misplaced, we don't take it on vacation with us or on a quick trip up the block. It pretty much just stays in the laundy room. Perhaps there is some mysterious ironing board bandit roaming the streets of Mundelein looking for his next fix. Seriously, how does this stuff happen to me? It is not as though our home is so large that we have multiple rooms to store our missing items. Has anyone else lost a large item, a coffee maker or even a television perhaps?

Baby Steps

So having Owen in town seems to be really good for Jack. Last night he ate dinner at my moms before I picked him up and then he ate a ton of food at Lynn and Jims also! He had a huge piece of sausage pizza (yummy!!), a chocolate covered brownie and half an eclaire. Plus he has not drank out of a regular bottle in over a week, it has been sippy cups and big boy cups. Granted the sippy cups he uses most often are very bottle-like but it is an improvement none the less. Plus last night he used a big boy sippy cup that does not have a rubber bottle like nipple. We are really moving. It is like he turned two and suddenly it was time to progress. I'm liking it!

He was also so energetic last night. It was so funny, he was bouncing off the walls. It was really nice because he took to Howard right away. Last time he never really warmed up to him, so I was so happy to see him excited to see him. They had a blast playing with the dump truck. I love having our family here, we all really miss them when they go back to Colorado. It is hard not having the boys together all the time. Owen is so cute, I wish they lived closer. I am excited to move to Colorado in the future but I know that it will be really hard for me to leave my family.

Comments

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The Cat Weighs More

So, Jackson had his 2 year check up with the doctor on Monday. Everything looks great, no signs of his prematurity at all. In fact, he is probably a little advanced for his age. So that is really good. However, he is super super skinny. He weighs 23 lbs. 23 lbs, at age 2! To put this in perspective, Owen (Jack's cousin) turns 1 on Saturday and he weighs 23 lbs. 23 lbs, at age 1, and he is not even in the upper weight percentages for his age. So needless to say Jack needs to fatten up. I am not worried for his health or anything, he is just tall and skinny. Or as Jen put it "Chicken bone". I think he would put on more weight if he would just eat better. The kid still eats like he is all gums- if you do not mash up his meat and mix with so much sauce and potatoes or veggies that you cannot even tell it is there, he just spits it out. Or he will do the chipmunk thing and chew it up and then store it in his cheeks until his cheeks are too full to hold any more and he has to spit it out. So Gross. I am just praying that this is just a phase and that he will grow out of it. I mean, he won't still be spitting out his food at 18 right?! I think that it is more annoying than anything else, yeah I want him to gain weight but more importantly I just want to be able to give him whatever we are eating. Take Owen for example, he only has 5 teeth and he is just a little squirt but he'll eat pizza, hot dogs, whatever. Little Maya, he is so funny.

Speaking of Owen, I love having Jen and Owen in town. It is hard having some of our families so far away (Colorado and Florida). When they are home it just feels like the family is whole. Plus, it is so fun the way that Jack and Owen can play together now. They are perfectly content to run off to the other room and just talk and throw stuff by themselves. When it is just Jack, he never wants to play alone. One of us always has to be entertaining him.

Well, I really need to get back to work. I also need to try and come up with something to make for dinner. We are putting off a much needed trip to the grocery store so it looks like we might be eating frozen veggies and meatballs for dinner. Or La Choy (slimy, canned, processed, immitation Chinese food) which has been in the cabinet for about a year and I still don't know why I bought it in the first place. BLECH! I can just see it now, plopping onto the skillet with the rings from the can still visible... anyone hungry??

Thank You!!!

If you read the comment from the previous post, my Grammy makes a good point. The party was great and it was very much a result of my family. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Not only for helping my get the entire party ready but for not caring how it turned out. Grandma, Christy and Mom thanks for helping me finish the food. Mom, Christy and Marissa thank you for doing the decorating. As I mentioned, you were a lot more creative than I would have been and Jackson loved it. To my entire family, thanks for just being you and letting me be me: crazy, overly ambitious, procrastinator and all. I love you all and I am so glad that everyone was able to share this weekend with us. It wouldn't have been the same without you. And for the record, I promise to share the karaoke mic next time and even if it means allowing Irv to perform his rendition of Yesterday on repeat!

All's Well That Ends Well

So, it turns out that I am not much of a June Cleaver, Martha Stewart type. I ended up way behind on Saturday so all the decorating was done by my mom, Christy and Marissa. Granted they did a great job, better than I would have, but it was still such a let down knowing that I just didn't get it together. My sister ended up sleeping through her initial flight so the party dragged on for a looonggg time waiting for her to get there. People were noticably bored and rightly so. I planned one dippy little game but certainly not enough to fill a good two hours. But Jackson had a great time playing in his jungle and eating his cupcakes. He was even attentive and excited through all his presents. And that in and of itself was an incredible feat, that kid got a ton of gifts! So, despite some major flaws in the design, the party turned out okay. I vow to make next years party even better, and without burnt cupcakes.

Aside from birthday parties gone awry, my relatively decent diet went right out the window this week. I don't know if it was just a result of being too busy or lazy or what, but this past week I ate more fast food and drank more soda that I usually do in a year. I am not exaggerating. I had McDonalds, Wendy's, chinese food, pizza, snacks and probably a case of soda by. my. self. !@#$% I swear, I am already way too close for comfort to the dreaded 200 mark and I am certain that this week did me no favors in the weight loss department. On the plus side though, Josh did get our new exersize machine put together! Today is a new day. So far I have not broken any deadly sins (well at least not glutony) and I am determined to get back into the swing of things. No more soda, back to water, juice and milk. No more fast food, well until pizza on Saturday. I have to stay on track because if I run into one more skinny bitch I went to school with while I look like an overstuffed sausage I will bury myself alive. You can hold me to that. I will just buy myself a laptop and leave posts from beyond the grave. Morbid, I know, but you should see my midsection. (By the way, I gave up on the whole sign off thing... too anchorwoman!)

Half-assed Martha Stewart

Okay, so Jackson turns 2 on Saturday. Yeah, 2, as in "No" is the appropriate answer for all questions, as in Finding Nemo is on perpetual repeat and Mommy & Daddy are "Jerks" (don't ask!) for not pretending to be stuck to the floor for hours on end. But in all fairness, he is pretty cool right now. He has his moments and I am sure that the coming year will bring many more tantrums, but for the most part he is a pretty well adjusted kid. You can have a conversation with him and he knows what you are talking about (he doesn't always listen, but it registers); also, he can help pick up his toys and he can play games. I think that this year is going to be really fun. He changes so much all the time, I can only imagine how different he will be this time next year.

Last year we were desperately trying to get him to walk, Grandma insisted that he could say "Moo" for a cow (but no one else could substantiate her claim), and he showed very little interest in his birthday cupcakes.

This year he is running and does not think that you should be tired after a half an hour of racing back and forth, thank you very much! Also, he does not stop talking (real words no less) and God forbid you give him just ice cream, he will take cake with his ice cream, thank you. I cannot wait to see what this year has in store.

So we are having my family over for his birthday party. I am really excited because any family get-togethers always happen at my moms house. But I think that it is important to start traditions early. I know that he won't remember, but when he asks questions or looks at pictures later on in life, I want him to know that Mom and Dad did those things for him. I know that both our families only want to help, especially when they know that money is tight, but I subscribe to the belief that you just have to live your life. There will always be more bills to pay and things that you could have saved more for, but if you don't have any special memories to look back on because "you just couldn't afford it" then what kind of life is that? I personally would rather be in debt and happy than have a savings and miserable. (Of course, the ideal path would be to have enough money to save and do the fun stuff too).

So, at any rate, I am throwing Jack a Jungle themed birthday party. Complete with handmade banana invitations, a snake made out of cupcakes and vines all over the house (I know, very Martha of me!!). I am still a little swamped, I am an over planner. Or as Josh and my mother would prefer to call it, obsessive compulsive. Call it what you will. Bottom line is, the party is tomorrow and I still need to make all the food, decorate the entire house, bake, frost and decorate the cupcakes as well as get myself presentable. It may be acceptable (debatable) to show up to work without showering but I must look the part of sophisticated, trendy and skinny mom for Jacks party. And I know, it is only my family who will be attending. And yes, that is the same family that hails from Wisconsin, land of never ending 80's trends, but I am supposed to be the fashionable example.

Needless to say, I am sure that I will leave all of this until tomorrow morning when I will inevitably blow up at Josh for not wiping the counter the right way or something. It is terrible, I know how I get but I just cannot function any other way. And I wonder why he looses his patience with me.

All in all, I am sure the party will be great. Jack's attention span is comparable to that of a test rat, so he will be happy just to have compliant servants to boss around. Assuming the food actually gets made (and I don't have to frantically order pizza's) the adults will be entertained. Plus, I have this uber creative activity of decorating homemade binoculars (read: toilet paper rolls covered in construction paper) that is sure to be a hit! I think we have the makings of a Second Birthday Party for the record books!

Well, I don't think my bosses would appreciate me using valuable company time to compare myself to Martha Stewart so I really should get back to work. Check back on Monday for all the details of what is sure to be an eventful weekend! (I think I should sign off with some sort of catchy line, like anything you would hear on Bravo! I'll work on that but in the mean time...) "Watch what happens!"

The major players

Well, here we are! The first official blog.

There is me- blogger extrodinaire, mom and all around expert on all things frivilous

Josh- husband, daddy, handyman, and master of bringing mommy back to reality

Jackson- funnyman, dictator, movie lover and opinionated toddler

Smokey- the cat (currently still sporting his claws) who enjoys pulling up carpeting in the middle of the night

Tank & Flash- our turtles, Red Eared Sliders to be exact, mild mannered feline entertainment

We are your basic American family; we fight, we procrastinate with our chores, we struggle but we love each other and our families. We enjoy just spending time together and love when our sisters can come into town (the more the merrier). Our lives are pretty ordinary, but somehow ordinary is never normal or relaxing. Keep reading and you will see...