Teaholic not quite anonymous

A dining room?! Could that really be a dining room? With a table and chairs?! Why, I think it is just that! Yes, we moved the stuff out of the dining room today and back downstairs. Now, the downstairs looks worse than before, but at least I have a main level that looks back to normal. WHEW! Now we just need to get those doors stained (and I won't be doing it this weekend since I'm not here. Maybe Matt can while I'm gone? Wishful thinking!!!) and we'll have room to really set up the spare room.

Matt mowed the lawn tonight and sprayed the poison ivy again. That stuff just does not want to die! Hopefully this round will do it. I would love to let Maddy play in the backyard again.

I did some general straightening up today. I even cleaned off the couch some and it looks pretty decent compared to how it looked before. I mean, it's still dead, but at least it's cleaned-dead now. I'm going to do the love seat tomorrow. Actually, I have a lot to do before 3:30 tomorrow. I'm hosting a little playgroup at that time, so I would love to get the main level cleaned up. Also, I want to clean the rest of the house before this weekend since it just NEEDS it. I would feel better leaving the house clean instead of knowing I'll need to do it all when I get home.

Maddy and I went to Trader Joes today. Man, I love that store. We bought: 8 bottles of wine, 4 bags of mixed dried berries (for oatmeal--I mix my own instant bags--instant oatmeal, flavored Trader Joes Granola, dried berries and a small amount of white chocolate chips in a baggie. I send it to work with Matt), six organic soups (four tomato for this weekend and two different ones for the house), mini peanut butter cups (for Matt) and dark chocolate covered expresso beans (for me!). How much did I spend?? Let's not forget the 8 bottles of wine--$72!!! DARN, that's a steal!

Maddy and I played outside a lot today. She loved the fluffy dandelions. She's so cute blowing them around. I love how her golden curls blow in the breeze and her short little legs walk around. She's so cute in sandals. I love sitting in the grass and having her run at me and tackle me. She's so happy being outside and I just love my time with her.

My workout did not go as planned today. I am having a really hard time getting out of bed in the morning! So I worked out during her nap since I knew we'd have a busy night tonight with lawn mowing and moving the furniture downstairs. After 20 minutes something told me to call it quits and get a shower. So I did. As soon as my shower was done I heard Maddy over the monitor and she sounded bothered. So I dried off and got dressed as fast as I could, but by the time I was finished she fell back asleep. She woke up 1/2 hour later crying. So obviously she felt abandoned the first time around.

I did work out last night for 20 minutes as well. I couldn't find my good workout shoes so my feet hurt after 20 minutes of the old ones. But I guess I slept like the dead since Matt had to go in by Maddy at 12:45. I didn't hear a THING. Not him leaving, him in with her or getting back into bed! I was out of it.

I am SO excited about going away this weekend. The closer it gets the more excited I get! It'll be a blast.

Alrighty, I'm going to paint my toenails gold. It's how I celebrate the beginning of summer/spring--first pedicure of the season! Have a great night!

Tea of the day: Stash Green Chai Tea
WO of the day: 20 minutes elliptical last night and today.

Ok, just two, but playgroup none the less. Maddy and I hosted playgroup two days in a row now! Yesterday I hosted playgroup for two little girls Maddy's age and it went SWIMMINGLY. They all had a good time together and Maddy was so excited to have people over her same age. We've been invited to another playgroup with the same group next Wednesday at another mom's house. Then last night a good friend of mine sent an email asking what was up for today and I told her to come on over! So her little girl came over and Maddy had fun watching her/trying to play. But Maddy was really clingy today (the weather) so she didn't play all that much, just snuggled a lot.

One nice thing about playgroup--I clean! HA! I hate cleaning. I don't mind cleaning bathrooms that much. I like a clean bathroom and it takes me such a short time (Cleaning hotels while in HS really did help me learn to clean a bathroom in no time. And it's not a good-enough job either. It's clean.). It's the dusting and vacuuming I hate to do! Yes, the house looks great when it's done and it does get rid of dander/dust. But, I just don't find the point. I don't view a bit of dust as unhygienic the way a dirty bathroom or kitchen are. A couple cracker crumbs here and there on the carpet don't bother me either. Now, when it's all said and done, I LOVE how I looks and I keep telling myself I need to do this more often and really keep up on it... but I don't. So it all collects dust once again until I have the next visitors over.

However, hosting playgroup these last couple times really has brought my attention to a couple things. One, if I would host an open playgroup for our mom's group I would definitely need to limit it to just a few kids. There simply isn't the space. And, my one mom's group has never really limited before, so I'd be leery of being the first one. Would they just think I'm antisocial? But then again, their playgroups are never really crowded anyway. Normally no more than 3 moms show up per group and they only have group once a week. Second, I do not have big kid toys. Honestly, I don't think there would be ANY appeal to older than 3 in my house and that's pushing it, too. My other playgroup (that does limit for size) tends to have older kids than Maddy and I do think they would get bored quickly with the toys I have here.

I guess the third is that I do wonder if anyone would come. I tend to be an odd-ball that I don't live in the same area they do. And they are a great group of women, so I don't mind driving the time it takes to get to their functions. I just don't know if they'd be willing to drive to my house to come to a playgroup.

So, last night I went out and bought myself my other mother's day gift. HA! Yes, I did. I can't really talk about it, since it's the same thing I bought for one of the grandma's but I loved it so much I wanted one, too! So Matt has it utterly easy this year. I bought all my own Mother's day gifts! But I had a great time being creative with them, so that was part of the gift to myself as well. I had almost as much fun designing them as I have using them. Speaking of, the cards I spoke about should most likely arrive today!!!

I'm starting to really get excited about this weekend. I need to start thinking about all the stuff I need to pack. It's only one overnight, so it won't be that much, but I don't want to forget anything!

This afternoon, Maddy and I need to run an errand or two. We'll see how the first errand goes before we try the second. She's been a bit moody today. Well, I better get a move on. There are a few things I want to get done while she's still asleep.

Tea of the day: Stash Green Chai, RoT Panda Berry
WO of the day: 20 minutes elliptical, without hands. I was up until 12:30 last night, so I was to tired for 6:10 this morning but did drag myself out at 6:30.

Well, I hope everyone has a great weekend! I'm in the final throes of preparing for the weekend. Matt's parents should be here soon and I still need to make their bed but the sheets still aren't dry. I'm hoping the dryer isn't going. It's quite old! I still need to pack and I am on the road at 9 am to pick up a friend at 9:30 am tomorrow. Then, we're off to another mom's house and we're all going to ride together.

I found a dry (which is quite fortunate) load of laundry in the dryer from I HONESTLY DON'T KNOW WHEN. Tell's you the last time I actually dried laundry in the dryer! I was shocked when I went to throw in another load today.

Maddy was up at 6 am today. I went to bed late last night, about 12 or so. So I'm kind of tired. But not too bad. I still did work out. I was able to keep Maddy up until noon by going grocery shopping and to the park. She's become quite fearless and is trying to imitate the bigger girls on the climbing equipment. She virtually gave me a heart attack when she climbed into a tunnel thing but wanted to go out the other end onto a very tall platform with lots of drop offs all the way around. I had to climb up and get her. SHEESH. She ate a good lunch (whew!) and that was nice. However, she woke up about 15 minutes ago and I needed to hold her during her nap a bit. I'm hoping she sleeps for at least another hour.

We are grilling out tonight, that should taste good. Matt loves to grill so that will be a nice change.

I did use my stationary today and I'm quite thrilled with it! So much fun. I uploaded pictures of it to Maddy's gallery so it's there if you want to see it.

I'll be back online on Sunday!

Tea of the day: Treated myself to a Starbucks Caramel drink at the starbucks stand in the grocery store while grocery shopping.
WO of the day: 30 minutes elliptical

My extended weekend was REALLY nice. Friday evening Matt's parents came up and it was fun watching Maddy play with them. They got her about 3 pm and she went CRAZY!!! She couldn't stop running and chasing with them, laughing hysterically. It wasn't that they were egging her on, she just wanted to do it! Matt came home a bit early and he grilled out. After that they all went outside to play bubbles and I packed for my overnight trip.

It was ONE night and yet, I had a TON of stuff to bring. Well, I was bringing soup and I wasn't sure the cabin would have a large soup kettle so I brought that, too. I didn't bring much in way of clothes. I brought my magazines, iPod and manicure stuff though, since I knew I wouldn't be going out too much on Saturday. Not to mention I brought my own pillows and towel/washcloth. I was packed.

We all hung out on Friday night and it was a nice time. Saturday morning I was out of the house by 9 am to pick up my friend. Then we both drove over to another friends and we all rode together to the cabin. The two hours went fast considering we talked all the way. We got there just in time for lunch and I threw my soup on the stove. We had the ultimate grilled cheese which really WAS the ultimate grilled cheese! I think I ate more junk between Saturday and Sunday than I have in a very long time, chips, candy, cookies...sheesh! Dinner and the breakfast the next morning were just as great. We sat around and talked a ton and relaxed. It felt really nice to just SIT and do nothing. At home if I sit down for too long, I feel like I should be doing chores. So it was nice to just sit at the cabin. I did do my nails some and that was fun. I also sat on the screened in deck with my magazines and iPod and read for a bit. I was so glad that I brought my teabags with me so I was able to have some green chai tea while I relaxed, too. It was nice to enjoy a cup of tea without having to rush through it.

The cabin itself was very nice. I liked the page above. It was a really cozy place and it was relaxing. The downstairs was freezing cold though, so we weren't down there very much at all.

Because we were the last ones there, there weren't any beds left (the house accommodates 10 and we had 14). But there were air mattresses and I had a single which worked out just fine for me. I slept in the loft on Saturday night and went to bed about 1:30. However, the loft is so open the sound just comes right up, so I wound up dragging my air mattress into the closet and slept in there with the door closed. It worked out pretty well, actually. That was good because the party didn't end until 3:30!

I was up at 7:30 to start cleaning up. I wanted to get a quick shower and be ready before the house was completely awake. I helped clean up dinner dishes from the night before. After breakfast I drove into town a couple times to drop off people at the spa. I hitched a ride. We left the cabin about 11:30 and I was home by 3 after all the dropping off.

Matt, Maddy and the grandparents had a very nice time while I was gone. Maddy slept all night for Matt on Saturday. Matt worked his butt off around the house and put up the bathroom door in our spare room on Saturday. On Sunday they all went down to Clemy Park to play. I guess they had a nice time but it was a bit overwhelming to Maddy. They weren't there that long. Sunday night Matt and I went out for frozen custard and brought some home for Matt's parents. It was nice to get out with him and I missed him and Maddy very much. Maddy and I snuggled a lot on the couch on Sunday after I got home. Matt's mom made shrimp and grits for dinner which are fabulous as always. She cooks the BEST shrimp. She makes them way better than I do!

Monday morning Matt's parents left for home about 11. I worked out and showered. Matt had a flex day so he and Maddy went to our local park. I ran out after them to meet them at the park. Maddy again, loves the parks, so loved that time with Mommy and Daddy, too. She doesn't really get exclusive time a whole lot of just the two of us playing with her. She normally gets one or the other while the other person is working on chores. So she had a great time with that. She took a GREAT nap and Matt and I did, too. I needed it! Monday was basically recovery day and although we did a lot, we didn't do too much. We did stick Maddy in the stroller (which she still likes, thank goodness) and walked up to Giant. I picked up a cinnamon dulce latte for myself at Starbucks and Matt picked up a pastry. The walk home was nice and Maddy enjoyed her walk out.

Today has been a lot more hectic. I'm doing 4 loads of laundry. The sheets had to go in the dryer but I was able to get everything else out on the line. Maddy HATED going in the playpen in the backyard while I hung the laundry. She cried and yelled the entire time we were outside. However, I can't let her run around yet back there since we want to make completely sure the poison ivy is gone. After laundry was hung and going in the washer/dryer her and I ran out to Target to take a couple of things back and to pick up mailing material for my mom's mother's day gifts. I bought both a box and an envelope just in case one or the other wouldn't fit. I also wound up having to buy a sharpie and mailing tape. That was frustrating since I had it at home, but just forgot it. After packing it all up in the trunk of my car while Maddy was in the umbrella stroller we walked over to payless where I wanted to get Maddy new shoes. I saw them on a little girl at the park a couple of days ago and thought they looked lightweight but sturdy. I bought her these in both 5 1/2 and 6. Then off to the post office to mail the gift. I love their automated teller. I don't know why more people don't use it, but then again, that's good. A shorter line for me!

Now Maddy is taking a nap. The living room is atrocious. I brought all her toys out and another toy chest and two rubbermaid containers. When she gets up I'm going through her toys and sorting them out. She doesn't need this many out and doesn't play with them all, so it's time to pack some away.

So my weekend was great! It's so nice hanging out with other moms who know where I'm coming from. It's nice to relax and let loose a bit. It's nice to know that I don't need to worry about Maddy since Matt is the best daddy in the world and he had the best helpers here too, Maddy's grandparents. It's nice to come home feeling refreshed and ready to take on another week.

Tomorrow I have playgroup in the morning and bunco in the evening. Both should be GREAT!

Ok, enough for today. Have a good one!

Tea of the day: Stash Green Chai and Republic of Tea Panda Berry Herbal Tea
WO of the day: None yet, will be 30 minutes of elliptical when Maddy is down for bed tonight.

First things first, I must give kudos to my Maddy. We went out shopping today and she was in the stroller and two different shopping carts and never once fussed. As a matter of fact, we even were in the TOY section and she was fabulous! That little girl never fails to impress me.

So yes, we went out shopping today. I'd call myself a shopaholic, but I don't shop that much so I can't really. But going out shopping honestly does give me a thrill. Is that pathetic??? No really, I am asking. Is it?

I mainly went out shopping to get Maddy a pair of dress shoes for church. The ones I JUST bought she outgrew. So I bought a new pair at Payless for her. Very cute and I bought a size bigger. I'd love for her to get more than 4-5 uses out of them since they are just for church anyway. They are a warm white (but not ivory, really). I bought myself a pair of airwalk flip-flops because they were so cushy and comfortable on my feet. My feet have been hurting lately since I've been standing in the kitchen barefoot (and no NOT pregnant!) lately. So I thought these would be great for in the house.

After Payless we stopped at Target. My other goal today was to buy Maddy new toys. Yes, toys. I sorted through her toys not long ago and realized that she still has so few toddler toys and so many baby toys. She was soooo good in the toy section. I was very impressed. I wound up getting a little people house for her along with a car and a Mr. Potato Head. What I really wanted wasn't there though--plastic food. They had wooden food but I didn't want that. I did find two pairs of dress shoes for Maddy on sale for $3.24 each at Target. They weren't what I wanted, but are definitely nice enough for that price. I also bought her a sweatshirt type coat on sale for $2.

Off to Walmart! I only braved walmart because Maddy had done such a nice job at both Payless and Target. I did buy a pack of cookies at the register at Target just to help me make it through Walmart. However, she didn't really care much about them. Now, if I had bought chips... I did find the plastic fruit I wanted at Walmart along with a plastic lawn mowing set, toy vacuum (which is so cute) and bug house set. Again, she was super good. Although, she did finish all her OJ while I was there so at that check out I bought a lemonade for the car ride home.

I did buy a few things for myself besides the flip-flops. I bought three sheer nail polishes since I've been into doing my finger nails lately. And I bought some underwear/bras. I'm ashamed to say how long it's been since I've bought stuff for myself that way, but suffices to say, it was long overdue! But fun, fun, I got pretty stuff!

Of course, I bought the usual house stuff too: cleaning supplies, antibacterial wipes, etc..

After Maddy's nap we went for a walk and at that point in time I realized I didn't have a small emergency kit for her stroller and I needed to go back to Target anyway, so I bought another one for her stroller, transfered one benadryl dissolve strip into it and also individual wet ones as well. So now the stroller is set (I already had sunblock and diapers).

Now I'm home, but it's amazing what a little shopping can do for me. I'd call it therapy shopping, but that's not the truth. It's not that I went out to shop to feel better (fortunately, that's not a downfall of mine). But I do feel quite a rush when I come home with goodies. Again, is that pathetic or what?

Oh! My mom got her mother's day gift today. Donna got hers last weekend (well, partially) so now I can talk about them. They both received the digital picture frame that I originally bought for just Donna. I tried hers out after uploading pictures/video to a memory card and loved it so much I went back and bought two more! one for my parents and one for us. It was a great deal and a really nice frame. I bought the cards to go with and uploaded pictures/video so they'd be able to use it right away. I also bought a set of coasters for my mom and I still am going to buy some for Matt's mom. But I wanted her input on pictures she wanted on them first.

Ok, I still have a couple things I want to do before bed tonight and hanging out with Matt. Have a good one!

WO of the day: 30 minutes elliptical
Tea of the day: Gloria Jeans Cinnamon Spice Black tea and Republic of Tea Panda Berry Herbal tea (which Maddy loves as well)

http://www.fisher-price.com

Every morning I work out in my spare room. Normally I work out early, just when the sun is coming up about 6:20 or so. It's a nice way to wake up, albeit, I don't get the best work out. My muscles are still tired that early and I'm just happy I make it through the 30 minutes. But after a shower and getting dressed I really feel ready to start my day. It's a nice wakeup call.

I usually just watch the world wake up out the spare room window. It's fun to watch the world get brighter and people start moving about. Well, I was examining Maddy's new toys yesterday morning. (I have them in there, since I want to give them to her a little at time.) I was looking the Little People House and chuckled a bit and then thought to myself how interesting it was. Take a good look at the picture in the corner. Do you notice anything interesting about it?

The Little People House is something out of the 1950's. Not the house exactly, although it is the traditional white house with the picket fence. But I'm looking at the mother and father. Mom is holding a bottle, while dad is holding a newspaper and glasses. What is UP with THAT?! What year are we in? Must not be 2007. I've found other pictures that show dad with nothing in his hands so this must be a new change in the Little People House. These items are not removable as well--so there they sit, every time Maddy will play with them. I think that women are, by nature, better nurture tthan men are, on the whole. There are exceptions, of course, but overall, I agree with that. But I don't understand why mom is the only one holding something to do with the kid. Couldn't dad hold the diaper while mom holds the bottle? How come mom isn't holding flowers or a coffee mug if dad gets to hold the paper and glasses? How come mom doesn't hold the paper? Or how about the remote? Or computer mouse? What, she doesn't need to be aware of global news just because she stays home with the kids (as evidenced by the bottle, otherwise she'd have a bottle and a cell phone/blackberry in the other hand)?

Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not an ultra-feminist. I think that would be pretty explanatory since I did decide to stay home with Maddy and quit my job as a teacher for a while. I was fortunate that I was even able to make that decision. Not all women have the financial opportunity to stay home. Although, I disagree with ultra-feminists who say that I am squandering my opportunity for something they worked hard for. No, I thought they worked hard to give me the CHOICE of working, working part time or not working outside the home while raising a family. I thought choice was what it is all about. And darn it, I'm making my choices.

But anyway, I was working out and I found that interesting and thought I would share. (Reminds me of those two books about 'what I can be when I grow up'. I bought both the girl and boy book because Maddy will not be limited by stereotype. She can do whatever she wants.)

So this morning Matt, Maddy and I went to Lowes and picked up flowers for our garden. I bought purple and white petunias and gold and red marigolds. I bought WAY too many! I just grabbed two flats of each and didn't realize how many were in each. So Matt is borrowing my neighbor's truck to go get some pavers (we're paving a small alleyway between our house and our neighbor's house that really we can't plant in) so I gave him a flat of petunias for letting us borrow his truck. So at least we get use out of them and we get to 'pay' them for using their truck. I think I will stick the remainder of the marigolds in some pots and put it on the pavers next to the house.

Maddy had a fun time this morning with daddy visiting our neighbors. We have really nice neighbors for the most part. She had a great time wandering around with daddy while I planted flowers. Everyone is outside working on their yards or gardens.

Speaking of yard plans--I'd still love to buy some Holly bushes for next to our house, I want to break up some dirt and replant the grass, things like that. But honestly, I'm just thrilled the garden is done and that our alleyway will be done soon, too.

Well, I'm off to get a couple things done around here! Have a good one!

Tea of the day: Gloria Jeans Cinnamon Spice tea
WO of the day: Planting the garden!! :)

Originally, when I was thinking about what I was going to title my blog today it was aptly going to be titled "Happy Mother's Day!". But now, well, shit. I'm laying flat on my back, in bed with a naproxin in me. I put Maddy to bed tonight and after our usual rock her for a couple minutes, I got out of the rocking chair with her and pulled my back. Of course, I couldn't move so all I could do was stand there and yell for Matt. He did come running (since he knows it's not like me to yell during Maddy's bedtime routine) and I hobbled my way to the bed. He came in, set me up and gave me a naproxin.

This was not the way I envisioned spending my Mother's day night. I was going to paint my toenails (one toe is bare, the others still have gold paint); I was going to upload some pictures to my photo frame card; I was going to watch a couple shows on TV with Matt and hang out; I was going to insert some pictures into my starbucks 'make your own' design mug. Now, instead, here I lay. ARGH.

The day was really nice though. Matt made me an omelet for breakfast. I did a load of laundry, hung out as a family, opened my mother's day cards. I took a LONG hot shower, went on a walk with Maddy and then did some online shopping during her nap. Matt and I ordered in Thai during her nap and ate it on the deck with the monitor. After her nap we all walked up to Giant where I got two coffees on the last of our GC to Starbucks, Matt got two cookies which he generously shared with Maddy on the way home. We went to the park where I found myself irritated with other kids who were there and Matt was, too. But I chalked it up to us being tired. Maddy loved her time though. When we got home I took down the laundry, switched hoses for the garden and ran with Maddy through the sprinkler!! We came in, changed out Maddy's clothes and her and I hung out while daddy did some work in the basement. Bath and then bedtime.

Now I'm here. I'm hoping it's better by tomorrow so Matt can get to work--but I doubt it.

You'll see pictures in the upper corner of our new alleyway stones and new pots between our house and our neighbors house. Also a picture of Maddy and I running through the sprinkler (lots more at our gallery, just click on the pictures).

Happy Mother's day!

Tea of the day: coffee, splenda and flavored creamer
WO of the day: none

Ok, so there is a plus side to being forced to lay in bed all day long. I've read two magazines (while scouring them for a haircut and scrapbook words for my make-my-own-travel-mug). I've caught up on all correspondence. I've paid some bills, filled out a rebate form, and took a bit of a nap. Overall, not bad! Too bad, I sit here thinking of the 24 billion other things I want to be doing right now... but..well... tomorrow.

Maddy has taken a great nap for Matt. I think he's thrilled. He's a great daddy and really does a great job with Maddy during the day. I don't worry at all and have no need to.

Alright, going to read another magazine. Have a good one.

Tea of the day: Gloria Jeans Cinnamon Spice Black Tea courtesy of Matt
WO of the day: none, but getting out of bed is hard enough.

Well, although I am feeling much better today I can't lift much yet--that definitely includes Maddy. So yesterday while talking to Matt's parents they offered to come up to give me a hand with Maddy so Matt can get back to work. I took them up on that in a heartbeat. Honestly, Matt would most likely still have had to stay home today if they hadn't come up. I just can't lift her and leaning over her crib would be impossible. Now, she can walk and climb up stairs (while being spotted) but going down is still difficult for her and she has to get her diaper changed which includes a lot of bending over for me. Not to mention, just the day to day activities that include bending over to pick things up. I can walk and that's about it.

But anyway!! The reinforcements (grandparents) drove up last night and probably got here about midnight. We didn't even hear them come in since they came in at ground level and went straight to their room. I felt bad for them though, since Maddy got up at 6:20 this morning they didn't get much sleep.

Matt did a great job yesterday taking care of Maddy and me. He prepped the spare room for his parents as well--changed sheets/towels/cleaned the bathroom. He really could be Suzy homemaker. I could tell he was really tired last night though, after Maddy was asleep and he finished cleaning the spare room. I think he was glad to get back to work today. I can't blame him--getting thrown into a new situation, all by yourself for the entire day is tiring no matter what job it is.

Obviously, there isn't much new with me. I've been laying most of the time and venturing out of bed to walk around when I just can't stand it anymore. Matt wants me to continue to lay, but I want to stretch my back a bit, too. Limber it up some. I have finished a record number of magazines in the last day, caught up with correspondence and did make my mug. It turned out cute, but took a lot longer than I thought it would. I can see why scrapbooking takes so long! I'm glad I've never got into that. Just the cost alone would kill me, plus, I'm not good at intermittent stopping. I tend to get obsessed and want to finish things in one sitting. I definitely couldn't do that with scrapbooking since it takes a while. But the stopping would kill me!

Ok, going to venture a shower. I couldn't lift my legs high enough yesterday to take one.

Tea of the day: Coffee, splenda and creamer since Matt made a pot.
WO of the day: nothin'

1. She likes to plug her ears and then yell. I think she enjoys hearing her own voice inside her body.

2. She likes every fuzzy dandelion she meets. They don't like her. She loves to shake them around and make the seeds fly all over the place.

3. She loves to pretend play with food.

4. She has learned to shake her head no to say no. I am not sorry it's taken 17 months for her to learn to say no.

5. She loves to look at pictures and video of herself--especially pictures of when she was a baby.

6. She's following directions amazingly well.

7. She loves trains, planes and horses.

8. She likes my lipglosses and pretends to apply them to her lips.

9. She loves mint and wants to use our toothpaste which she is too small for.

10. Speaking of toothpaste, she's addicted to her toothbrush. She knows where to find every toothbrush in the house.

So I'm up and walking again! I'm feeling pretty darn good. Overall, I was 'better' yesterday but still couldn't bend and definitely not lift. This morning I was feeling pretty good and little at a time I worked my way back into bending. Now, I still need to be really careful since it's easy to become over confident in my abilities. I have lifted Maddy a couple times and it didn't hurt. But I see myself sitting a lot tomorrow with her on the floor and not really lifting unless I have to.

Again, a HUMONGOUS thanks to Matt's folks for coming up spur-of-the-moment. It was such a relief to know that Maddy was in good hands and all I had to do was feel better. They also took Maddy grocery shopping yesterday and I swear they bought out the store. They wouldn't let us pay for it though. Plus, Matt's mom cooked and cleaned, as well. WHEW! I don't know how she did it. But it definitely helped Matt and I out a lot.

Matt was worse for wear this morning as well. He woke up last night with a horrible sinus headache. I thought it was a migraine, honestly. He was dizzy and nauseous. He wound up sleeping on the recliner with his head propped up and taking benadryl and tylanol cold. He took sinus headache this morning as was better. He was a bit late to work, but I think he was just glad he made it to begin with! Matt's mom helped a ton with Maddy since I couldn't lift her and Matt was out of commission too. Let me tell ya, we're falling apart over here! Thank goodness everyone is on the mend now.

Laying in bed is NOT good for my pocketbook! Besides some general items I bought a few days ago, I bought four pair of shoes yesterday! I bought Maddy two more pair of the shoes I LOVED at Payless in the next sizes up. So now I have a 5.5, 6, 6.5 and 7! Payless goes out of their stock so fast and changes styles. I love these for her since they are light weight, sturdy, give a lot of support and really cute! Can't go wrong with these! I also bought Matt a pair of semi-dress shoes and myself a pair of sandal-heels So cute.

Tomorrow I have playgroup at 3 pm that I put off from today. Maddy will love getting together with the girls again. The zoo (given weather) is next week. I'm excited for that as well.

Ok, well, off to hang out with Matt and then kick him off to bed! He needs some extra sleep tonight! Have a good one!

Tea of the day: Coffee again, it was there.
WO of the day: Nothing, but hey, I am moving again, so that counts for something. I most likely won't work out again until next Monday. I need to give my back a rest.

Well, the day that I'm back on my feet is the day I have playgroup! Maddy was very clingy today since it was the first time she had really been able to be picked up by me since Sunday. But she did well. She never fussed or cried, just wanted to sit on my lap a lot. I did get the main floor clean for playgroup and I was quite impressed with myself. My back is still feeling good although I've been on the go all day today.

Wow, what a difference from the last few days though. Being down for the count left me with very little to do besides read, browse the web and write. So today Maddy wanted me a ton and I wanted to get a couple things done, too. So it was definitely being thrown in head first again!

Maddy had a lot of fun today though. She enjoys seeing other kids and I know I had a great time. It's a really nice group of moms and I really enjoy getting together with them. I'm sure I had a better time than Maddy did! Ha! That's ok though.

I did ask if it was ok if I take pictures today. I mean, who is this psycho mom wandering around with her camera? At least I waited for the third playgroup! Another mom expressed relief/happiness that I was so into taking pictures as well and she also plans on bringing her camera next week to the zoo. So more pictures! Whoo whoo! I'm glad I'm not the only one who likes pictures.

Speaking of, I made Maddy's first professional pictures appointment. Surprising that I just started now at 18 months, isn't it? But I've felt like I've gotten really good posed shots of her up until 1 year but since it's been harder to get a good pose. So it's time to let the professionals do it. Now to pick the outfit!

Tea of the day: Stash Green Chai, Panda Berry Tea
WO of the day: argh, none. Monday, Monday, Monday!

Gotta love that technology. I never go in to pay for gas anymore. I never have to go to the bank with direct deposit, online bill pay and transfering money online. It makes banking extremely convenient. So now the only times I go to the bank is when I need to deposit rebate checks into our accounts and that's all done via ATM. Well, yesterday I decided to cash a check I received so I went through the drive through teller. I can't remember the last time I did that. It's been YEARS easily.

So as I was going through the teller I was telling Maddy about everything that was happening since she was quite interested. They must have had the speaker on on the inside since they sent back a lollipop for Maddy! I still remember going through the teller with my parents at M&I bank and waiting to see if they'd give me a lollipop. I always hoped they notice me in the back seat! Well, they definitely didn't see Maddy in the back seat since she was on the far side and we were at the far teller bank as well. So they must have heard me talking to her. I thought it was soooo sweet and brought back memories so as I put back the plastic container I thanked them again for the lollipop. And she giggled (since I'm sure she was listening to me say, "Awwwww Maddy, your very first sucker!!!") and said that I was welcome. So cute!

So probably today after her nap while she's in the highchair I will let her taste it and watch her very carefully with it.

Tea of the day: Cinnamon Hazelnut with chocolate cream creamer and splenda (tired today!) Will have Panda Berry Tea later.

I needed to go to Target today and also get out of the house. Maddy was in quite a mood this morning and because it's rainy and icky outside, the park wasn't an option. And she needed diapers anyway, so off to Target we went.

I made a small list and of course veered off it. I did get the diapers, the Parents Animal Hospital play set (more about that later) and shaving cream for Matt. I also bought Maddy a fuzzy boa which I tied into a necklace that she just LOVED. And for $2 it was a steal for as much as she loves it. I also bought her another large ball. (Grandma J, the other one showed up! It was in the common area. Don't ask me where it went to begin with!) I bought a board book as well which was really cute and only a $1.

But my BIGGEST steal was a pair of black velvet sling back peakaboo toe heels. I've been wanting these since Christmas!!! When Matt and I were planning on going to his work party I bought a cute pair of pumps that I like a lot. After the party a few days later I noticed these at Target online and I was KICKING MYSELF for not buying these instead. To my credit, they weren't actually at the store. But they are so 1930's (my era that I totally missed out on). So cute! I would have paid full price $30. Today, I found them for $6.30!!!!!! YES! I can't believe it. It was a 6.5 so I tried them on. Normally I'm a 7 or a 7.5 but with dress shoes I normally run smaller and Man, they were cute! And fit, too. It made my day!

The only thing that annoys me is that they charged me for the shoes TWICE. I get so busy at the checkout it's hard for me to watch the scanner. Normally I'm trying to keep Maddy preoccupied and I just didn't realize it until I got home. So I will need to make a habit of checking BEFORE I leave the store from here on in! So Matt went back with Maddy tonight to get the rebate. I thought that was really sweet of him to let me get a couple of minutes to myself tonight. So here I sit instead and it is really nice.

About the pet hospital. It has keys that fit into certain locks. Maddy understand the concept of a key and loves to use my keys. So I thought she would love this and she does. However, she's not quite agile enough to figure out which key goes where and how to turn it just right. So she is persistent but is frustrated. Not the best combination. So I may save it for a few weeks from now and give it a try again.

I thought the weekend used to mean relaxing. Hmm... I wonder when that changed? I did get a nap today while Maddy napped and that was really nice. But I was up at 6:20 with Maddy. Matt and I dropped off his car for an oil change and to get an estimate on some strut stuff that he'll need to get done sooner or later (we are both hoping later). And for the estimate they gave us, it BETTER be later. SHEESH. Well, I did a couple of loads of laundry with Matt's help. I played outside for just a bit with Maddy, picked up the car, made dinner, Matt worked on the trim in the bathroom downstairs... And now it's already 8 pm!!! Seriously, WHERE did the time go?

Tomorrow we have church and then Matt will work in the basement to finish up the quarter-round. I need to find a picture of a haircut I like because in the next week I want to get my hair cut.

Matt and I started to do something a bit different on the weekend now. We each get to list a want and a need. For instance, his 'need to' was getting the trim installed in the bathroom and his 'want to' is rebuilding his Mac. My 'need to' was getting the laundry done today (since I fell behind since I was out of commission this week) and my 'want to' is getting my hair cut. We'll see if that happens this weekend though since I'd rather let Matt get his 'need to' done before the weekend is over. I'm more than willing to make an appointment for some night this week and leave as soon as Matt gets home.

I'm trying to make a few summer plans. I want to do some day trips with Matt and Maddy out to do something fun on the weekends. I'd like to spend a F-Sun with Matt somewhere close by where we haven't been yet. And I'm making plans for Maddy to take a dance class with some of the other girls who are in my playgroup. Dance, of course, is figurative since she won't be doing much real dancing. But it would be fun for her and will get me out of the house with moms I like. I still need to figure out when I want to go to WI and when my parents are coming here. The summer is almost upon us, so it's time to get that scheduled out some!

Okee, dokee, I want to page through some magazines looking for a haircut. Have a good night!

Tea of the day: Gloria Jeans Cinnamon Spice Tea
WO fo the day: none. Although I did haul a lot of laundry!

So Maddy, Matt and I went to our new church today. Maddy was a bit squirmy, but not horrible. She lasted until half way through announcements at the VERY end of service. She ran out of milk. That is NEVER good, so her and I went off in search of refreshments. She seemed to enjoy her lemonade.

Interesting tidbit. My exboyfriend from High School and his wife and kid sat in the very pew in front of us today. Kinda funny--you can take the people out of WI but you can't take the WI out of people. We move states and still wind up in the same place, somehow. Ah well, that was 11 years ago, after all.

People were friendly to us today. Interesting and welcoming coming from WELS. At first Maddy was very clingy when we first entered and there were a lot of people around us. But after service she was much more sociable. She'd walk up to people and point at them (which I take to mean, "Hey you, I'm talking to you!"). She looked awfully cute in her little dress, sweater, tights and shoes. Here's a picture of the dress and sweater, unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to get a picture of her in the shoes and tights.

She is a flirt and she likes older 'men'. There was a kid sitting behind us, maybe 14 or so. He waved to Maddy at the beginning of service and Maddy could NOT take her eyes off him. She'd play coy and give him a shy smile. It was totally cute.

After church we all came home and Maddy was DONE, DONE, DONE. She barely at lunch before we got her down for a nap. Matt and I took a nap too. After we were all up, Matt finished the trim in the bathroom while Maddy and I went for a walk. Matt met up with us at the park. She had a lot of fun going down the slides, swinging on the swing, all the normal stuff. She has no fear of heights though and is still not wise to the way of slides. She'll walk right off them if she could. So it kind of takes two of us to be here right now to let her really go down them. One at the top and one at the bottom. We were very tempted to order in tonight for dinner, however, I made vermicelli with sauce and fried eggplant instead. Maddy loved the egg plant.

Our chinese neighbor gave us a cute sundress for Maddy yesterday and I wrote out a thank you note using one of my picture stationary cards. They seemed to like it a lot.

I'm hemming on getting my hair cut now. I like the way it looks right now (today). And I can pull it back in a ponytail or clips. If I cut it I won't be able to and summer is upon us. So I think I may wait a bit longer since I can't find a hairstyle I really love anyway. Claire, the reason I think I may go with something different is because I didn't like the way this one grew out. I really have to do a lot to it to get it to do what I want. And, eh, I don't take the time to do that.

Maddy's language is really starting to develop now. She's copying a lot of our words and they are really intelligible. She has even copied three word phrases of mine. It's nice to see it developing. She still seems to be a bit behind physically. She's not as agile as other kids her age doing things like climbing, figuring out how to maneuver equipment and what not. But, she's at level, so I'm not concerned.

Well, I hope everyone has a great week! Maddy and I have a trip to the zoo this week and also getting pictures taken. I'm signing her up for baby ballet with two other girls this week. Other than that, just the normal stuff! Have a great week, everyone!

So who is this little girl and what did you do with my sweet loving little daughter?! Maddy has been in a MOOD all morning. Matt left for work at 8 and by 9:00 we were going out the door to the park and then the grocery store. There was NO WAY we were going to spend the rest of the morning inside in the kind of mood she was in. She was clingy and wanted to be picked up. But when I picked her up she fussed and wanted to be put down. She wanted a snack and if I gave her one she didn't want it. She wanted milk, but then didn't want that. She wanted to play with this toy or that toy, but as soon as it was out, she'd try to throw it. SHEESH. Who IS this child?!?

She's been kind of stuffy today though, so I'm wondering if she has allergies or something today. She slept all night last night, so I don't think that was really it. Although, I could only keep her up until 11:50 today before she needed a nap. Or maybe she's teething with her last 2 year molars? I don't know.

Well, we went to the park and she did NOT want to play. I put her on the playground and she just turned to me wanting to be held. I mentioned the swing and she went running to it. We also spent some time by the slide. Really, we were there for 10 minutes before going grocery shopping. She was great at the grocery store like always though. We got everything in the house and she helped me bring a bag to the kitchen. She's a good helper. But as I said, she only made it until about 11:50 before she was falling asleep on the couch, so off she went for a nap.

All I can say is that I'm praying she's in a better mood this afternoon cause she was hell on wheels this morning! GEEZ! If not, the park will be calling our name!

Tea of the day: Stash Green Chai
WO of the day: Will do 20 minutes tonight to warm back up into my elliptical. I thought I'd do tonight since my muscles will be warmed up by then. I didn't want to try to do it this morning on cold muscles. Can't afford to be laid up again!

...the demon possessed, key aficionado, worrier about daddy.

Maddy loves my keys. Well, she loves any keys. But she understands which keys go to which locks. It's crazy to me how much she knows about that. I say let's go to the mailbox and she'll pick out the right key. If we go to the car, she'll pick out the car key (and knows just where the locks are on the car, too). She understands which key is our door key. However, she's obsessed with them since she can't quite make them work. She can normally get them in the lock part of the time, but obviously she can't turn and pull the doors.

She's confused about our mailboxes. We have two sets in our court and she knows which mailbox is ours out of 16 different ones per set. She helps me open our mailbox and get our mail. However, since the other set of mailboxes look identical to ours she wants to use our key in the other mailbox but it doesn't work. It really frustrates her. So I need to pull her away. But she always wants to go back.

She likes to climb our neighbors' stairs when their doors don't have screen doors. She wants to take the keys up to the door and try to unlock the locks! Of course, I can't let her go messing with people's houses. That would scare the heck out of me if I heard my locks being rattled. I especially don't like her to mess with one neighbor's locks. They are a young group, maybe early 20s-mid 20s. They are quiet, keep to themselves and seem decent. However, they don't have children and I'm not quite sure how well they would take to my toddler messing with their rental property. I know everyone else in our townhouse unit pretty personally and while I still don't let Maddy mess with their locks or doors, I know that they wouldn't overtly get upset since they seem to like Maddy a ton. I don't know this group of people and definitely don't want Maddy to get in trouble with them.

Today, she started to climb their stairs so I took her off and she started to cry, but was ok. Except she went back to it again and as she was walking up to the stairs I said, "Maddy, no, we aren't going to climb their stairs...nooooooo." She turned around, looked at me and burst out crying. Now, I'm not talking, a few tears, I'm talking CRRRRRYYYYING... I held her a bit, tried to get her interested in other activities--nothing. So I wound up taking her inside where she continued to cry for another 5 minutes. I put on an upside down show and it finally seemed to distract her but only if I held her and snuggled her, too. As I was walking by the chinese neighbor's house I saw grandma come to the door and give me a little wave, chuckle and sad face. She knows a temper tantrum when she sees one!

Tonight I got Maddy ready for bed while Matt mowed the lawn. She took her bath and as I was getting her ready Matt started the lawnmower. Immediately, Maddy said, "Dada." With the most serious worried look on her face. She was worried about Matt. She just kept saying it over and over and pointing to the window. Finally I had to open the shade and drapes to let her see out to see daddy. As soon as she saw daddy she knocked on the window. Of course, he couldn't hear her, but I hoped that was enough. Nope. She wouldn't eat her bedtime snack or drink her milk. So I just laid her down. Two minutes later she was calling for him. So I brought her downstairs to the front window to let her watch him mow. He was done less than 4 minutes later. He heard her knock on the window and after he put the lawnmower away he came in and quickly washed his hands and took her from me and we went through the bedtime routine with him. She's down as peaceful as could be now. She just needed to know he was ok and that loud lawnmower wasn't doing anything mean to her daddy! As long as she had an eye on him, she was fine. She needed to see he was ok. My little worrier. She got that from me.

Poor Matt, gets home from a long day at work, mows the lawn to have to hussle in to put Maddy to bed without even the opportunity to shower first. I felt bad. He, on the other hand, just let's it roll right off his back. Never even seemed bothered by it at all. I think he kinda liked that Maddy was worried about him, really!

Ok, well, it's been a LOOOOOOOOOONG day today. I'm kinda achy tonight so I'm not going to work out after all Better safe than sorry. Matt and I planned our extended weekend getaway for June yesterday including hotel reservations and dinner/brunch. Matt's parents are generously willing to come and watch Maddy. We are planning another outing for us in August. Something to look forward too! Especially since I believe the terrible twos may have just hit early!!!

Dancing with the stars finale is tonight! Who do you want to win? Goodnight!

My little girl is officially a year and a half old today. I can't believe she's already so old! It seems like just yesterday she turned a year old. WOW.

Maddy and I met up with Hailey and Annabelle at the zoo today. No, we didn't go to the National Zoo. I just don't consider it worth it right now. It's such a trek there on the metro and then walking to the zoo and all the walking IN the zoo. Plus, Maddy didn't like her stroller that much, she'd rather walk. So I would have been carrying her a ton (as I did today anyway, really). She loved the birds and would yell back at them when they squacked. She liked the lambs and kids, but didn't much care for the adult sheep and goats. Not to mention, the adults, although penned up, are looking for food so they will stand on their hind legs on the fence looking for a hand out. They towered over Maddy and she didn't like that too much. There were a lot of them as well, so I think it frightened her some. She loved the big turtles, the camel (who would have thought?), the bunnies and the ducks. She LOVED the ducks. She would chase them all over the zoo if I let her. However, she equivalences ducks to geese which is which are completely different creatures. Geese are mean suckers! So as soon as she wanted to turn and get close to a goose I had to sweep her up in my arms and walk her away. We did take the free 'hay ride' which is really a trailer with benches dragged behind a tractor. But she enjoyed watching the big animals come up to us like the camel, zebra and llamas. She rode on the little motorized three animal carousel. It was the perfect size for the three of them. She didn't want to get off. I brought along milk in a lunch bag with freeze packs. She drank that on the way home and a little bit there. She seemed grateful for the break and to have it! What I liked most about this zoo is that it's small with things close together so there wasn't much walking. And parking was really easy, too. It was $10 for me and free for her. But for a couple of hours of fun for her it was well worth it.

Speaking of, I did sign Maddy up for the baby ballet class with the other girls. It turned out to be $14 per class which I didn't think was all that bad either.

Yesterday was a busy day. Maddy and I went to Walmart, Payless, World Market and Pet Smart. I bought myself a swimsuit at Walmart along with other misc. items we needed. I did buy her a swing to hang from underneath the deck. She just loves to swing and I thought that would be nice for her this summer. I went toothbrush crazy. I bought a four pack of toothbrushes for Maddy and toddler toothpaste and also toothbrushes for Matt and I. Now Matt and I are stocked in three different bathrooms for ourselves and Maddy is stocked in three bathrooms, too. Sometimes, it's just easier to run into the nearest bathroom to brush my teeth than treking upstairs to our bathroom. Great for when I want to run out the door.

We took back two pair of shoes to Payless that I bought online that simply didn't work out right. At World Market I bought a couple toys for Maddy. One is a fuzzy finger puppet that I have in my purse for those 'waiting in line moments'. Whatever works! I bought Matt Pockey that I sent to work with him. It's the only place I buy Pockey. I can't tell you the last time I was at World Market. I think I was pregnant with Maddy!!!

I took Maddy to Petsmart just to let her wander around and look at the animals. I thought she'd like to see the fish which she really didn't care about. But she loved the rats and hamsters.

Last night I wound up going back to Walmart because I purposely bought two swim bottoms in different sizes. I bought a mix and match swim suit with a tank on top and a skirted bottom. Well, I wasn't about to try it all on there, so I brought it home. I was as pleased as could be with it, so it stays. After I took that back I noticed they had solid color skirts as well, so I also bought one of those in brown (the top is black, brown, white and pink mod motif). I decided to go for it and bought brown flipflops as well. Then I bopped over to Target and bought a swim coverup which is VERY ingenious. It can be worn as a long or short dress or as a skirt! I also bought that in brown. Then off to Kmart! There I found a brown visor to go with and a bright pink beach bag that matched the pink in the print of the swimsuit. So, at least if I have to bare it all, I can feel a bit stylish doing it. I think Maddy and I are going to spend a lot of time at the pool this summer since the wading pool is very cute and I'm sure she'll love it. So I can at least feel comfortable if I'm going to be there!

Oh, I forgot to mention that our neighbor down the block with the twin boys about Maddy's age invited us to use their backyard whenever we please. They have three different little tike climbing/slides/playground things. They put pea gravel all over their back yard about 3 inches deep at least and then put the play equipment onto that. Well, they are gone during the day since they are in daycare, so their mom told us they want us to come and use it! So we did today and I have to say, Maddy loved it. It is so nice of them to offer their play equipment to us. We also just borrowed our pack and play to them since they are having a guest over in the next week.

Hey Chrissie, Matt and I made reservations at downtown Annapolis. We wanted to get away somewhere relatively close but not too busy either. We've already made dinner and brunch reservations at very well reviewed restaurants we found online. We still have one dinner up in the air, the Friday we get there. But that's ok. I'm sure we'll find something great.

So what did you all think about Dancing with the Stars? SPOILER. I thought Apollo was going to win, but I really wanted Joey to win. It's not that I didn't like Apollo, I just liked the way Joey seemed to have fun with everything. I do think that all three of the finalists deserved to win, so I'm not disappointed or astounded.

Ok, that's enough for one night! Off to hang out with Matt.

Tea of the day: Stash Green Chai Tea
WO: nothing--I will start next week again. I'm calling this week a loss!

No, not liquor (although he does make a mean martini)--food. I have been kind of crabby tonight, honestly. Just tired, really, but bored and easily irritable. I mention that I've been craving a Big Mac again (I just had about a month ago.. normally I easily go a full year without wanting one). That's when I realize that I'm honestly hungry (not just snacky). He's standing here in his boxers and tshirt, walks to the front door, puts on a coat and gets his keys and wallet! I tell him, "Don't go get one. I'll have a heart attack at 2 am if I eat it this late at night! I'll have heart burn. I'll have wacked out dreams! Don't go. I'll eat what we have here (which is still lots thanks to Matt's folks)." But no, out the door he goes.

Mind you, he's only wearing boxers, a tshirt, a jacket and sandals. I'm assuming he's going through drive thru? Then again, if he's brave enough to get in the car like that, he's probably brave enough to go in as well. Naaa.. he'll go through drive thru (or will he?).

MmMMMMmmmmMMMmmm.... Big Mac.

I never did mention the time he opened up the front door to talk to me (I was working on the garden in front) and he was wearing boxers and a tshirt. Of course, Mr. Zhang had stopped over to examine my garden work. (They are very competative garden appearance wise--funny considering how nice they are. Once I was working outside and next thing I knew Mrs. Zhang (or Grandma I call her) came out, looked at our garden and then I heard her yelling at Mr. Zhang to work on his. Next thing I knew he was out working on his garden as she directed him what to do. I felt sorry for him, since we 'started' it. Funny, I don't really care what my garden looks like as long as it's not all weeds.) Matt asked me his question and closed the door. I don't think he ever once REALIZED that he was standing in the doorway in his boxers until I mentioned it later.

Pretty soon he'll need to start wearing shorts, since Maddy will have friends around. I can see it now, "No, you can't come over... dad is only wearing his underwear!!!" Or a kid comes to the door unexpectedly and Matt answers. Maddy would be mortified, of course...

Ok, where's my Big Mac?! ;) I better not let him read this blog before I get my food. Otherwise I may not get it!!!

(There, let's see the next time you criticize my way of posting!!! SNOT! re: comment for sundry post.) ;) ;) ;)

I have my flags all ready to go, do you?

Tomorrow is Maddy's big picture day! I finally picked out her outfit. She received two dresses in the last couple of months from the grandparents and they are both so cute I couldn't decide. One is a pink gingham with matching shoes and one is a purple gingham with what looks to be a sweater although it is built in. After trying on the shoes and realizing they weren't going to fit, I decided on the purple dress. She looks great in purple. Plus, I get to bring along a homemade crocheted blanket that matches perfectly and they can most likely use it as a prop in the picture.

But of course, there was a catch. I didn't like the shoes we had for her and her tights didn't fit all that well. So I went out to Target, Payless, Kmart and Babies R Us and the only thing I could find were another pair of tights! I couldn't find another pair of shoes I liked better at all. So I'm sticking with these. Hopefully the tights will fit. I need to try them on tomorrow if not I'll buy a new pair at the mall tomorrow. I did buy a barrette that matches her dress really well. But I doubt she'll keep it in, so I will most likely take it back. But I would hate to regret it so I bought it anyway.

I did realize I am addicted to toys tonight. I left spending more money on toys than anything else. SHEESH.

Matt came home early today! He was home by 4 and that was SOOO nice and such a nice treat. He came home at 7 two nights in a row and it just about killed me. We played a bit on the back deck with a water bottle and a big ball. It was great! We ordered in dinner from a local deli since I just didn't feel like cooking and was wanting a cheese steak after seeing an episode of Secret Life of... (food). And it was on cheese steaks. That a dangerous show, let me tell ya.

Matt's parents should be on the road now heading up here. It will be a lot of fun to see them. Maddy just LOVES to see them. I have a few little things planned that need to get done, but other than that, I'm just hoping to relax this weekend.

Alrighty, I'm off to hang out with Matt. Goodnight and have a great Memorial Day weekend. Thank a vet!

Tea of the day: I had a diet pepsi this AM. Weird for me, I realize!

Too cute picture of Maddy.

Maddy's pictures went well this AM. She gave us three good shots before she decided she was finished. The girl wanted to try to continue on, but after a couple tries where she fussed if we put her down I said she was done. It's not that important to me to get pictures. Afterall, I knew we had at least one good shot and since I was using their coupon, (7.99 for a really decent package) I didn't need to force her to do something she didn't want to do. And what kind of smile could I get if she were fussy anyway on the table?

Speaking of fussy, poor Maddy wacked herself today right next to her eye. She was swinging around a toy which another toy had become attached to by the swing and the attached toy REALLY wacked her hard. She has quite a bruise! Poor girlie girl. It all happens so fast that we didn't get opportunity to fix the toy before she hit herself. Funny though, she wanted mommy snuggles even though she was in daddy's arms crying. It's nice to be wanted! At least it happened after pictures.

Pictures are such a racket though. We went to JC Penny and the deal was great on the coupon. Of course the coupon was for one shot and we liked the other two enough to buy them. But we only bought one sheet each of each shots with a 5x7 and wallets. Still, in the end it turned out to be $40. So we got one really good portrait close-up (with white fade out on the edges), one of her sitting with her feet out to the side (with blue Silva super imposed in the corners) and one of her sitting on a stool (plain, no enhancements). All in all, quite productive.

It surprises me the technology they tout though. I guess I'm so used to making my own collages that what they were all excited about I've been doing for a long time online. I mean, really, once I get these pictures I can easily scan the big ones and print them smaller myself to send to family on our photo printer or through shutterfly. I will upload them to my gallery as well after I scan them. JC Penny can have them available online for 90 days for $5. I can have them online and able to blow up forever.

Now, that's given I can get the drivers for my laptop. Last time I checked Cannon failed miserably at my drivers for my scanner. I had to pull out my old computer and hook it up to that one and then transfer the picture over the network.

But I did get some great professional pictures of Maddy for a relatively decent price. So that's all that really matters. She was SO CUTE, too. I wound up going with the purple dress with new tights that I bought at Babies R Us and her shoes she already had. I did go to Target, Payless, Kmart and Babies R Us last night looking for new socks, shoes or tights or any combo there in. They DON'T make frilly girl socks anymore and that was what I really wanted. Their shoes were nothing to write about. So the tights were it. But they fit her a lot better than the Walmart tights so I was quite happy with that.

Speaking of, I did find some frilly socks unexpectedly at Tuesday Morning last evening. Matt and I went out for sushi last night and the place wasn't open yet. (Thanks to Matt's folks who were watching Maddy for us.) So we went to Tuesday Morning where I scored a TON of BEAUTIFUL quality church dresses for $15 each for Maddy. I'm talking eyelet lace overlays, ladybug red and white gingham, etc. SO pretty. I bought some of the dresses in two different sizes. That's where I scored the frilly socks too. So those will be good for church as well.

I have been all about buying a size or two up of something that I really love for Maddy. I bought her brown Mary Janes that she wore for her birthday in a size up at Walmart, the dresses, her tennis shoes...etc. If they work well for her or are just gorgeous, I buy more than one in different sizes so she can really get use out of the look.

Matt and I also stopped at Lowes to pick up items we'd need to hang Maddy's swing and then a tricycle at Kmart that can turn into a rocker or I can push Maddy on before she can ride it. It's nice cause it can grow with her. Funny though, Matt's parents bought her the same swing!! Great minds, great minds.

I was going to buy some children at play signs today for our court when Maddy is outside. But I wasn't about to pay $25 for them! CRAZY! So I think I'm going to make my own instead. A new trend has hit our court--kids riding their bike in the road. Now, we have a sidewalk, but they don't ride on that. I'm talking kids who have training wheels on their bikes. Ones who are not aware of their surroundings enough to be in the road. The worst part is that their parents sit on the stoop to watch them. HELLO, what are they going to do from there? All it takes is a fast car who's not looking for kids and a kid to dart out in front of them. So while the signs may be nice for Maddy while she's out (since she can be fast and unpredictable even though I'm RIGHT there) maybe it will help the kids who are out there when we are, too.

Our sushi was GREAT last night. A bit too spicy, so we both brought some home. But great!

Matt's mom and I went to Walmart yesterday as well as Maddy napped. I wanted her to help me pick out a color for my hair since my color has faded so horribly and my roots are back. I bought Matt a new computer game and some hair bands for myself as well.

We watched the Quiet Man on TV last night. Always a great movie--highly edited though. But, still great. I think it's the first movie I've 'sat through' in quite a while. Even then I got up and we left for a bit. But I saw the beginning and end so that means I sat through it!

Back to bed!

Don't forget to put out your flags tomorrow!

We had our cook out a bit early here. Matt's parents left for home tonight to get a jump up on traffic. It was really nice having them here. We had porterhouse steaks, fresh mushrooms, corn on the cob and rice.

Our day today was pretty uneventful. This morning Matt's mom helped me dye my hair. So it's brown again and a very nice color for me. I really like it. I showered while Matt, Maddy and grandma walked up to Giant to pick up groceries. I laid down for a nap when Maddy did since I was pretty tired. The afternoon she swung on her swing some and basically hung out. She didn't have much time to do much else since she took a 3 hour nap and I had to wake her up from it! After she went to bed, Matt ran out to Milwaukee Frozen Custard for frozen custard since he (ok I as well) was snacky for it.

Just hanging out tonight! Have a good one!

So here's one of the pictures of Maddy's dresses! Aren't the lady bugs cute??? It reminds me of the dress she used to have (with matching shoes and everything) when she was really little. I LOVED that dress and I can't WAIT to get her into these. So cute! If you click on the picture it will take you to the other pictures of the other dresses, too!

Maddy has been in a MOOD today. We took her grocery shopping this morning just to get her out of the house. Then she swung on her swing while I hung a load of laundry out. We also filled her baby pool so most likely she'll go in that this afternoon. I wanted the water to warm up a bit. If I have to, I'll get into my suit and go in with her.

At the grocery store we bought items for hamburgers for this evening. So we're having hamburgers, mac and cheese with canned peaches. The all American memorial day fan fare. We also put out our flags and flag pin wheels this morning. Remind me next time I go grocery shopping NOT to buy any more freezer goods! And it's not that we don't have a huge freezer, we do. It's just totally full! CRAZY!

We are having turkey burgers this week after I got the recipe from a friend (waves to Claire!). We were going to make them today, but I thought I'd stick to more tried and true Memorial Day fare.

Jess, here's a picture of my swim attire. I really like it. If you click on it, it will take you to the page with other pictures of the cover up which I highly recommend from Target. It was about $18, but GREAT. Man, what a cover up! It can be worn as a long knee length dress, short thigh length dress, knee length skirt or long skirt. (You'll need to go forward a page to see the rest of the pictures.)

Our pool did open this weekend. But I think we (Maddy and I) will most likely go during the week a lot more. That way it won't be as crowded and will allow her to get used to the water on her own a bit more. The parking lot yesterday was insane! Not that I blame anyone, the weather was definitely good enough to go and use it!

Well, I'm hoping when Maddy wakes up she'll be in a better mood. She did 'help' me bring in groceries and put them away today. That's so cute that she wants to be helpful. I hope everyone has a great memorial day. If you're traveling, be careful!

So yesterday I started working out again. I only did 20 minutes of elliptical today and yesterday but I will work back up to 30 on Monday. It felt nice to get up and work out although it was quite hard to get out of bed!!! I've also been working on my balance ball and pilate ab moves during the afternoon since Maddy enjoys 'helping' me with them. Heck, she's thrilled I'm on the floor with her. But it does give a little kick to my workout so that's great.

The other issue has been eating. I've been letting myself eat anything and everything I want with little thought to serving size or nutritional content. So... I'm back on the wagon with that as well. That's been a little harder. I am used to eating food that Maddy doesn't want lest it go to waste. So now I grab a gladware and put it away for Maddy for later instead. Also, night time snacking is the worst.

There is this other obstacle called MATTHEW who is in my way. Last night Matt went upstairs to 'get some icecream' and I tell him I don't want any, I'd really prefer he not even bring it down the stairs. He brings down the container of Breyer's Fried Icecream (which I do highly recommend) and continues to hand me a spoon which I throw at him like it's burning metal. So he scoops out a scoop and sticks it in front of my face. Ok, I resist it about 2-3 times and on the fourth... well. I ate it. And then I continued to eat more. Matthew, the saboteur.

Today Maddy and I went to a local Farm/Park near our house. I met one of the moms from my mom's group there. It was PACKED. Obviously it's the end of the school year and this is a free field trip (or just the cost of bus) because there were school groups all over the place! Well, it was quite hot, she was quite clingy (didn't want to ride in the stroller or walk) and was scared of the animals. She was even scared of the adorable little kids (baby goats, not children). Now, I'm not one for goats and I can understand not liking things that tower over her, but they were ADORABLE baby goats!!!

Ah well, after carrying her around the farm we went to the playground area. By this point I was tired and quite hot. However, she did go and play on the equipment a bit. She did try to walk down the slides, like she always tries to instead of sitting on her but before she slides. SHEESH, after a couple of times of that, and the fact it was so crowded a bid adieu after an hour of being there and came home.

Maddy wanted TV which I was just fine with. I wanted her to cool down. I never need to guess when Maddy is hot--her cheeks turn bright pink when she's even remotely warm. I made her some lunch which she ACTUALLY ate (happy dance, happy dance!). We snuggled and watched a bit more TV together and then off for a nap about 12:45.

That's much better than yesterday. At 11:00 yesterday I took her outside to swing under the deck and she fell asleep on it! I brought her in and yet, she didn't want to wake up. When she walked once, she fell so she started crying so I held her. She fell asleep again! After that, I gave up on the idea of lunch and just laid her down at 11:30. She slept until almost 2, so that was a pretty great nap considering she didn't have any food on her stomach.

Maddy played 'with' the pool yesterday. No, she didn't want to go in it, just stand next to it and splash around and play with buckets (mainly getting water and dumping it outside the pool). It's weird since I filled the pool in the morning and the water was honestly like bath water by the time we came out onto the deck in the afternoon. But nope, still didn't want to go in and sit in it. Although, she did climb in twice to get something she couldn't reach and then climb back out.

Other than that, not a lot going on today. I'm feeling kind of tired today and really can't wait for bed tonight.

I hope everyone is well.

Tea of the day: Stash Green Chai. It's almost time to start making sun tea again! I do love some great sun tea! I think that will be on my agenda for tomorrow.
WO of the day: 20 minutes elliptical, pilates abs, balance ball.

So, one of the (only) things I love about summer is I get to make sun tea again! Cause, let's faced it, the rest of summer is miserable. I have to adorn my white pasty body with a swimsuit, get eaten a live by mosquitoes, burned by the sun, sweat like a pig, die in a roasting car before it's cooled down (what DID people do before air conditioning?!), stick and smell from lovely sunblock and bug spray, and water the grass and garden for what seems like forever. But I digress....

I love sun tea!!! The combinations is what I love--mixing a few bags of this with a few bags of that, maybe a few fresh herbs or honey... herbal? Caffeinated?? Oohh.. the options are unlimited! I love to watch it brew in the sun, to look out the back window and see it sitting on the hot deck on the table steeping away. The suns goodness warming my brew. Then to bring it back inside to bail out the bags and feel the warmth coming off the jar. Into the fridge after it cools down and enjoying it cold (ice is optional). I so seldomly drink soda in the summer just because I normally have my sun tea to enjoy!

Have a good one.

Tea of the day: Stash green chai, Gloria Jeans Cinnamon Stick black tea and SUN TEA! (2 bags cold brew lipton with 12 bags ROT Panda Berry tea and about 4 tablespoons honey in a big jug in the sun for 3 hours, stir well 1/2 way through and then after it's brought back in before straining the bags.)

WO of the day: 25 minutes elliptical, push ups, sit ups, pilates ab moves.