More....

I love you more - how can anything be more precious, said after a hug and a kiss, while wearing a big smile.

That's 1 argument I'll have any day with my kids!

Memory Lane Monday

Since birth, this is the only time JJ's mouth doesn't move. Scratch that, he does talk/laugh in his sleep, but that's kinda cute.

Just, well, *sigh*

I'm in a mood this morning. I've been up, since 8:15, when the baby woke up, only to realize I didn't wake up soon enough for the swim lessons that John signed JJ up for, so now we have to do the Tues/Thurs class, which means me trucking when I get off since John can't take him this Tuesday because he has an "intake."

I made more chocolate dipped pretzels and my 1st batch at macaroons. This was not the simplest task because the baby screams if you are not right with him anymore. This is a new development, our own fault, yes, we've spoiled him. This is the 1 bad part to attached parenting, if there is only 1 of you available, you can't do anything unless you listen to the high falsetto of cries. Anyway, the pretzels are not my favorite, because of having to stop (to soothe the baby) and go back to dipping, the chocolate was not all that smooth. JJ already sampled a macaroon and liked it and Day woke up asking what smelled so good (think maybe we found an alternative to alarm clocks on school days?)

JJ is now heavy into video games, as much as we will let him anyway. But he doesn't have the full dexterity to do what might be needed in his games meant for kids a few years older, which means we have to help him. I banned video games for the morning, not only could I not help him, but honestly, he needs a break from them. But, this led to whining to play. So my decision bites me back anyway, but it was only temporary after he had a time-out in his bedroom for continually running his fingers over the chalkboard of my mind.

I'm doing laundry, surprise there huh. I feel as if I am always doing laundry, the clothes baskets are full, there is still no room in the closest, but it seems there's nothing to wear! Oh, well. There's about 3 more loads to go. So goes the story of my day.

John is still asleep, he's going on 8 hours now, I think he's about at his limit (ok, he's at MY limit.)

I was going to go to a friends to scrap and swim today, sans kids, but I'm in such a rotten mood I begged off for tomorrow. Today I need to recoup from this morning. Once John wakes up he better hold to his promise for crab cakes, steamed shrimp, and watermelon. I'm thinking a mojito will go along nicely with that later on.

Ok, so I'm done with my pity party, put away the violins.

Memory Lane Monday - Memorial Day

I have no memory attached to this picture, I of course was years from being born, but there are memories for others attached, I can just imagine what my grandmother was thinking, taking the picture, glad to have all 3 of her boys home at the same time! From left to right is my Uncle Gary, my Uncle Bill, and my Dad. Yes, all 3 boys went in the military, then my Dad went to be a policeman as soon as he was back state-side. Serving your country is a big deal in my family, which I'm proud of! Would it scare me for my boys to join, of course, but I would be 1 proud, crying momma at their boot camp graduations, and standing among the crowds at their welcome home celebrations.

Interviewed....

We were interviewed this morning for articles to be published in local newspapers in regards to being nominated as foster parents of the year. The person asked John if our house was complete and he said the only thing we need now is a girl because he's sure I'm feeling pretty out-numbered. I'll admit, I have been buying an awful lot of dresses and skirts the past year, maybe as a reaffirmation of my own femininity, but I'm not quite sure what I would do with a girl, something many of you know I always said I wanted.

We actually were asked this week by a former coworker to take a little girl, the mom of which I went to high school with, who will be spending the next year in jail. It would've been drama attached, I'm sure, and I would've sucked it up, because there's no way I could say "no" to a child. But, I have to say, when my former coworker told me she was going to try to keep the little girl herself, there was relief. I don't have to worry about moving anyone around so she'd have her own room or buying girl specific clothes and toys.

Yes, in the future, I would really love a little girl, of my own or even just to "borrow." But for right now, I think our family is right where it is supposed to be. We can figure out the rest when the need presents itself.

Need a refresher course -

I think refresher courses in kindergarten need to be offered.

Daily I see so many people not know how to wait their turns, butt in line, take from others, etc.

Hard to believe the things that were ingrained in us when we were 5, to give us the basics on how to socially make it through school, are so easily forgotten.

Hey, I'll sign up myself, especially if it involves snacks and naps!

Memory Lane Monday

In this picture JJ is about 8 months old. With a 7 month old in the house I can't help but remember these times....

When you call a taxi.....

Ok, so I'll admit I've never ridden in a taxi in my life. Never had reason to, even when in NYC we hoofed it. I hated when my roommate would take a taxi from the (gasp) train station back to campus.

But, when driving around town I can't help but get a laugh at some companies that we have locally. Most notably in the past week I've seen "Little Homie's" and "Slow Rider." - Is there any wonder taxis put a bad idea in my mind?

So, look through any yellow pages and you're bound to get a laugh. So far I've also gotten laughs off of:
"Back Door" - ok, no explanation needed
"Canine" - driven by Benji
"Super Josh" - I just get the picture of a coworker in a cape
"Recession Ride" - what kind of hoopity on a donut will be picking you up?
"Tin Cab" - driven by the Jolly Green Giant

Memory Lane Monday

Cuddles make you feel better?

JJ has always been a very lovable child, constantly wanting hugs and kisses. Now, it's cuddles, which he tells me will make me feel better, and like any self-respecting emotional mommy, of course they will.

So, there we are, all cuddled up, him cradled in my lap like he was just born, his arms wrapped around my back. Can't help but think things change, and I tell him he still fits. "What mommy, in my pj's." No honey, in my arms!

An AHHHHH moment

John took the kiddies to school and daycare for me today. Since I had some time on my hands I highlighted my hair and showered. When I came out all I could think was I had to check on the kids, they were too quiet (tends to happen when they are about 20 miles away.) John came home for lunch and we had our 1st uninterrupted meal together in SO long. Guess there's gotta be some good point to being stuck at home. Least he loves me, swollen, teary, red eye and all.

A change needed?

So, let's see, in the past 8 months or so I've caught pneumonia, brought H1N1 home to hubby, and now I have pink eye. I seriously think a job change is in order, one in which I will not be constantly exposed to more things than the normal human.

Memory Lane Monday

A friend brought this back up on her blog, figured I'd play along......

toes in the sand.....

Can't wait til it actually gets warmer to really enjoy the beach with the boys! But last saturday we had a great day to spend a little time on the beach with great friends. Can't wait til the season really starts!

That's not a wallet or a purse.....

When out in public and a woman pulls a wallet or cards out of her bra, I want to scream that's not a purse! I cringe to watch as a stranger to this woman has to take whatever is being handed to her. I get the willies just thinking about it. Come on, a dark, sometimes dank, area! It's one thing if you are hiding money there on a shopping trip, but to use your boobs as a general carry all, uh, no thank you.