Another Birthday

This year, instead of focusing on the dreaded "age" factor, I'm going to remind myself of all the reasons to be grateful. I'm still here, surrounded by those I love most in my life. I woke to a decorated table with homemade cupcakes, a boisterous surprise yell from the kiddos, and a kiss from the hubs. We're taking the kids out for lunch this afternoon and possibly a movie together.

What more could a gal ask for? I'll settle for being lucky enough to experience the exact same thing next year.

I think I love You

When I approached your counter I was hesitant. You were obviously very busy and to pass the time I walked over to the pigment samples. The new glitter one just begged to be looked at and I gently opened the lid. To my horror flakes of the glitter flew all over and a pretty representative (doing a make-over) looked at me strangely so I explained I wanted to see it's coverage on skin. She was nice enough but I put the glitter down. What can I say, if you ever need to distract me just place a shiny object in my line of sight.

I was about to walk away when the same representative looked up briefly to ask if she could help me. I told her I was looking for the Shadestick in Sharkskin, she directed me to the side where they had the testers/make-over ones. I saw two sharkskins and waited for maybe 10 minutes before she looked up again to see if I was ready.

I was sad when I requested and she said they had sold out. I told her I'd tried to get one online but they were gone there as well. I thanked her and she walked to remove the two tester tubes from the display. I saw her walk to the register and grab a small bag. What a shame to throw away such great product I thought.

She then turned and walked toward me and handed me the bag.

"Don't you go telling everybody now." She smiled.

"Oh my god, I think I love you." I said back. "Thank you so much!!!"

I walked out with two barely used sharkskin shadesticks. So that bad day at the MAC counter? Forget I ever said it!

Food Fight!

My kitchen is covered in lemon cake and lemon icing. That was the flavor the boys chose to bake this morning. We baked cupcakes and a one layer before icing them. But at some point Logan nailed me in the face with a half eaten cupcake and that let lose a food fight of epic proportions.

And you know what? In between throwing icing around at each other and cake crumbs falling all over the floor, I had the best time. The mess was so totally worth it. I just wish I had my camera to take some pictures.

I love my little guys, they keep it fun around here. Now where is my mop?

What do you know?

I loved the shirt. It was black with different colored hearts all over. I picked it up and debated making the purchase but eventually left the store empty handed.

Today my Mother in law came by to pick up the dry cleaning for us and she brought a Mother's day card and gift for me with her. As we exchanged gifts I opened up the bag and unwrapped the present...

it was the black rainbow heart shirt I'd put back in the store.

I rushed into the bathroom and tried it on and walked out to show her. She was excited that it fit and said she didn't know if I'd like it or not but she thought it was "me". Then I told her it was indeed me as I'd almost bought it myself when shopping but put it back instead.

The card she got me says it all when it comes to our relationship:

I love the way we never have to work at it - we just get each other.

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

I believe in miracles...and I believe that things happen for a reason. Annabel was sent to me and I thank god every single day for her.

All this kid has to do is smile and I melt. When she does her "little old man face" I squeal and run around like a crazy woman, it makes me so happy.

Screw her Daddy, she has ME wrapped around her little finger.

How's that for a bargain?

It was past time. My New Balance shoes were purchased when I found out I was pregnant with Vincent and while still in decent shape they were starting to take a turn. I'd looked around here and there as I shopped for the kids but I just couldn't fathom spending $30+ for another pair. Especially since I wasn't in dire need...yet.

So I was on my bi-weekly excursion when I decided to step into Shoe Carnival. I also need a pair of sandals terribly and I'd hoped to find some on sale. As I shopped the sale racks I noticed some Sketchers sneakers. I immediately loved the color and style. They were a mix of sneaker and ballerina flats with an intricate colorful pattern. Problem was they were all small sizes and none of them would fit me.

As I moved along I came to the larger sizes and I found one pair of Sketchers exactly like the ones at the front of the store. I got excited until I saw the price tag. The shoes in front were on sale for $10 but these were $39, marked down from $60. Just as I was going to put them back I decided I was going to ask why the one pair was so much cheaper. I grabbed the boxes and made my way to the front.

The girl at the register said the prices were different because they had more of the smaller sizes and they were trying to move them. I thanked her and was about to walk away when the manager walked up. I remembered him from the last time I'd purchased the kids school shoes. He asked what was the problem and the girl relayed what she'd told me. The manager took a look at both boxes, then at me and asked to see them. After I handed them over he looked at each of them, grabbed a black marker and marked the larger ones (in my size) down to $10!

I thanked him and paid up before he could change his mind. I'm totally rocking these shoes by the way. I love the way they look and boy are they comfie but I love the price tag even more. I checked online and they run $60 retail.

How's that for a bargain?

Full Circle

You know those moments when something suddenly hits you?

Vincent and Logan are at Mimi's for the night so it was just Daddy and the girls. We'd decided to watch Alvin and the chipmunks together so I made the popcorn and we piled onto the couch. At some point Arwen was laughing and cuddled close to me and I flashed back to my own childhood. Some of my fondest memories are of taking in a movie with my Mom and Dad. I loved listening to them laugh, it made my heart flutter and at times I felt it brim over. I didn't enjoy the movie as much as I enjoyed being with them and just listening to them laugh. I didn't watch the movie, I watched them.

As Arwen watched me laugh and laughed all the harder because of it I knew my life had come full circle. I'm not just her Mother, I am to her what my own Mother was to me ... the world. I hugged her tightly to me and made sure to laugh a little harder, a little longer, at the screen.

I have a feeling my parents weren't just watching the movie when I was a kid either.

Yard Work

Today was spent tidying up the yard. This is a huge chore for the entire family as our 'yard' is close to 1 acre. We managed to get the front finished but have to return tomorrow for the back. This is the one thing I loved so much about living an apartment; free landscaping. But then again, being so close to nature is worth the labor. I think it's more than a fair trade off.

I'm so sore and exhausted right now but in a good way.

On the Mend

He's home and he's ok. The x-rays don't show any signs of damage. Other than some discomfort he should be fine. Right now he is chilling in the living room, relaxing in style on his bed. The only clue to his ordeal is the green band around his stubby forearm from his IV.

This is one of those times when money just didn't matter. We hit up savings without thinking twice. Sure he drives me nuts sometimes but so do the children. I'm just relieved he's going to be fine. It hit me in the gut while I was waiting for Logan to arrive home on the bus. It would get pretty dang lonely waiting for that bus all alone each day.

Barbershop Rocks!

I've seen the shop many times during my trips to the drugstore and today I decided to take a chance. I walked Vincent inside and told the barber I needed a cut for him. To my delight Vincent was a total angel. He didn't cry or fuss and his hair looks so much better. (I'm sure it has to feel better too)

For all of the boy's future haircare needs this is the place I'm using and since his hair clippers had this little vacuum attachment the hair didn't fall all over Vincent's face. It was so much better than the last time I took him in for a trim.

I'm also pretty excited about a recent closet find of mine. Several months ago my aunt told me she was packing up stuff to give to the Good Will. She had shoes, purses and some clothing and asked me if I wanted to take a look at what she had. Since she usually has very nice things I asked for dibs on the purses and she handed them over. Unfortunately it was around Christmas and I wound up putting the bag into the closet and totally forgot about it...until today!

I found this gorgeous leather Dooney and Bourke doctor's satchel inside. This purse is so nice and better still, it's FREE. I need to ask her when she's purging her closet again!

Moments

She sits staring at the red cola can on the desk. Her little eyes focus in as she reaches out her left hand while balancing her body with her right. Her legs shift with her weight to keep her straight as she leans forward. Her soft brown eyes shine brightly as she focuses in on the can.

When she tips too far forward, I lean her back. She smiles at me and tries again. We repeat our little reach and hold several times before she's had enough. She beams at me and begins to babble. I babble back and reach down several times to rain little kisses on her soft cheeks and forehead.

As I kiss her, I breathe in her sweet smell. She's a mixture of the softest cream and lavender, combined with her faint baby breath. I breathe her in as deep as possible, as if I could somehow keep some part of her that is a baby inside of me for safe keeping forever.

I will miss these moments and I need to remember to cherish each and every one of them before they pass me by.

I Realize

Closure and acceptance are the absolute best things and without even knowing it at the time. I got that from you.

A huge weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

Thank You.

Cake!

Since there is a no fever for 24 hours rule at Arwen's school, she is home with me again today. She's feeling better though and helped me make another cake.

She's titled this one, "Birthday Cake Chocolate Surprise". Although I have no clue who's birthday it's supposed to be. She's getting really good at helping me bake. She's also getting better at scraping all that extra icing out to eat!

Trying to stay positive

I'm trying to see the good people in my life. The people that do whatever they can to make me happy, whatever they can to make my day beautiful.

I married a wonderful gentleman and because of that I got the chance to have a Mom that doesn't discourage me, doesn't belittle me and loves me unconditionally. She came to my home at 6am this morning while I slept to decorate the table with a cake and gifts.

So I am a lucky girl, I have to remember that. I'm looking at the good and not the bad. I just hope there is no more drama from my Mother today, please god let me enjoy the rest of it in peace.

The Babes of the Family

These two keep my days enjoyable, if not busy. I'm sure you've probably noticed the red splotches in pictures past of Annabel. This would be her eczema. I've tried everything (Vince and Arwen had it too). It breaks my heart.

As you've also probably noticed, Vincent likes cupcakes...A LOT.

Best Friends

Yesterday was my bi-weekly shopping excursion. On the list? A trip to the mall to get Arwen new shoes. I also decided to take her to Claire's for the first time, to allow her to find her own "style" and pick out some hair accessories and the like.

She got a basket and began making selections. She chose pink glasses, pink hair bands, pink crystal butterfly clip-on earrings (which are BEAUTIFUL!) before making her way to the keychains. She grabbed the pair that had Unicorns with worded hearts. One said the word "Best" while the other said "Friend".

"I want this Mommy! Can we get this please?"

I explained that the key chains were best friend ones and how that kind of stuff worked. As I explained this to her my mind drifted back, I remembered a time not so long ago I was with my best friend Kelly, in the same store, buying Best Friend necklaces that interlock together. We each wore the charms proudly around our necks for the world to see. My heart felt a pang of loss, as we don't speak often anymore.

"You can have this side Mom!" she pointed to the purple heart and unicorn. She smiled at me and reached her arms around my waist, giving a quick hug.

After we paid for our things and walked out of the store I reached for her hand. As we walked along together something profound hit me. For all the friends I no longer have, I do have one friend, a best friend. And she will never leave me. I squeezed my best friends hand gently and she gazed up at me and smiled.

I smiled back at my daughter as we rushed to the bungee ride and told myself, "it's so true, just as one door closes, another one opens..."

Daddy's Girl

Baby Girl

She is here and she is TINY. 6lbs 6oz and 18 inches long. She was born literally as I blogged about her. No wonder Hailey was in so much pain! She came quickly and is resting comfortably with her Mommy.

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Here are the pictures as promised. There is still debate on her name but I'll post that up when I know for sure.

Party Party Party!!

The party was a success. I'm so happy the with cake and how everything just came together. And I was so excited to watch Logan hit that skating floor and go! I had to remember to snap I picture, I couldn't take my eyes off of him, I was so proud.

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As promised, some pictures of us all (the last one is of me and my sis, Hailey Bug). If you'll excuse me I'm going to sit on the couch and rest. I'm all tuckered out.