Detour

I'm at the hospital. Ainsley was admitted yesterday. She has the "roto-?" virus and is really sick. This was not how we planned on spending the weekend. I'm really worried. I know I'm being stupid and that she'll be fine and we'll go home tomorrow I imagine... but....

Sisters and DressUp

Meetups, TVs, and Throw Up

Yesterday I took the girls to a meetup at softplay. They had a lot of fun. Aidan ran all over the place and Ainsley walked around looking at everyone. I had a few conversations here and there with other people besides my immediate family. It was nice. Afterward we went to lunch at the food court. I have NO pictures because I left my camera at home. ERGH! I'm so crazy about pictures I actually thought for half a second about driving all the way back to get it. LOL

In other news, John and I might have actually settled on a what TV to buy. Our existing TV's tubes are broken so we're getting a flat screed LCD. Though they aren't top-of-the-line we may be going with a Vizio.

Right now all windows, doors, etc are thrown open to air out the house. The house and I smell strongly of throw up. Hmm. Ainsley has been hurling all day. I've had numerous wardrobe changes and am now fully convinced we need a steam cleaner.

It is a beAUTiful day today! Throw up or not it makes me hapPY!

Sick Days

Blurbs

Debating on whether or not I should buy a beginner phonics program that looks like its for the "young" learners.

Am feeling lonely and left out.. should have gone to the meetup today when I had the chance.

Ainsley popped out her third tooth today. I'm reckoning they will start coming fast and furiously now to make up the time.

Now is NOT the time to have a husband who builds private jets for a living. I'm worried about him losing his job... it's stupidly become politically incorrect to fly one now.

We all are feeling much better and frankly, its such a relief.

Xanth is losing his winter coat and like all years... it's driving me crazy! I think I REALLY might have him shaved... this time I mean it!

The smell of future money (tax refund) is making my fingers itch... to burn up my debit card.

Knowing that we need to keep every extra penny in case of lay-offs really stinks.

Aidan absolutely blows me away. How is she two? I need to carry a pad and pencil around so that I can remember all the things throughout the day that she does... it's just so mind-blowing ...all the things she does and says.

The girls are watching Barney right now. That one kid is such a goober!

ConnEr not ConnOr

Introducing...



Our newest nephew

Quick Hello

I've been laid up in bed for the last few days. I was bitten by a spider (possible a brown recluse) and it has made me really sick. Today I am finally feeling better. Mutti has taken care of the girls for me. I feel so guilty and lazy though I know it wasn't my fault. Anyway, I did go out on Friday. My playgroup had a Mom's Night Out to go see He's Just Not That Into You. I really enjoyed it but by the end I was definitely ready to get back home. It was a nice night though and I'm glad I went....

Yesterday, we stopped at a few yard sales and I bought a secretary desk for $20! WooHoo

Our new nephew, Connor, was born today at 9:15 this morning. John and I plan to go see him later this afternoon. Although we aren't very close to Andrew (John's brother) I cannot help but be excited. I've always wanted lots of nieces and nephews. Hopefully, since we live near each other and we all are parents now...we can grow a little closer. I'm not expecting to be bosom buddies but... well?...I want the kids to know and play with each other.

Aren't unexpected compliments nice? They are so pleasurable when they come out of nowhere.

A New Day

As of yesterday I've banned television altogether in the mornings. Only ONE show is now allowed in the afternoon. (about the time they get super cranky) Somehow I found myself on that proverbial slippery slope and I realized that my girls were spending A LOT of time watching TV. Granted, what they watch is usually educational or harmless (like Little Bear) but still... seeing Aidan sitting on a couch or listlessly playing while watching Little Bear is not what I want. It was easier than I thought. I heard a lot of "I wanna watch ___Mommy" but there weren't a lot of complaints. Happily enough it really worked well for this first morning. We played Legos, "flew kites", read books, played with the train, vacuumed, raced the dogs around the living room, colored, did some worksheets, etc. It's amazing how much better of a Mother I feel (and just better in general) when our mornings are productive and not wasted with watching television.

Oh, and the girls version of flying kites is to run around with the two helium balloons left over from Ainsley's birthday. I attached plastic rings on the strings to keep them off the ceiling and within reach. Aidan used her newly evolved imagination and decided she was flying a kite.

"Leeeet's go fly a kite... Up to the highest height... let's go fly a kite and send.. it.. soooaring...."

GoodBye Dixie

I'm not sure what your life was all about.
I don't understand why something is brought into this world to never know love.
I imagine you young, gangly, with long ears.
How cute and adorable you must have been.
You could have been beautiful if you had been cared for.
You deserved it.
Dixie you had a wonderful spirit
and such intelligence!
You were such a fighter.
Around 8 this morning you finally gave up.
We gave you three more years of life, Dixie.
I am happy with myself over that.
I do not think you were unhappy with us.
I do think we could have offered you more.
We didn't love you.
For that, I am ashamed.

You never knew love.
What an awful way to live.
Goodbye Dixie Doodle.
Please find peace
and if reincarnation does exist
I hope the next time around you find love
lots of it.
I cannot bare to think that this was it for you.
What a tragedy if it was.

Bonny Valentine's Day...

...and how two tired parents spend their Valentine's Day

I am now the proud owner of real furniture. Up until yesterday we have only owned cheap pieces from Walmart and hand-me-downs. Somehow the day turned into something completely different than we had planned and turned into a shopping trip for antiques. It started out with Mutti and I going to a yard sale while John and the girls slept. Then all of us went to a store that we've seen on craigslist. This store I shall be visiting again. It's a little used furniture and antique shop. The prices are high but still somewhat reasonable. Though I had gone looking for what I thought was a kids table and chair set (turned out it wasn't) we ended up purchasing a small couch and a nice, antique table. It is really surprising how one table can make a room look so much more put-together. Later, Mutti and I stopped at another store and I made an awesome discovery. In the very back where one would almost miss them I found two old antique twin beds from the 1940's. They're beautiful and I will be using them in the girls' room. Because of some rather nice (if I do say so myself) theatrical performances on Mutti and my part.. we were able to have the prices reduced. I ended up getting them for $100/piece. Wow!

So, yeah, what about the whole romantic part?

Well...

John and I took a bubble bath together while discussing our next project for the house. Does that count?

Then, we watched The Women which is a chick flick so that MUST count.

Then we went to bed... to sleep.

Ahhh
Happy Valentine's Day!

P.A.R.K.

With the weather being so BEAUTIFUL today, Mutti and I took the girls to the park. It was nice and it felt really good to get outside. Ainsley has actually never been to a park to play so I made sure I snapped a lot of pictures of her "first time."



Of course, like Aidan, Ainsley loves the swings the best. She doesn't love the climbing equipment yet. My fearless baby was actually afraid. Today I learned a lesson about Ainsley's willpower. This is crazy but she was obviously very hesitant about being there... I had put her on one of the platforms of a small play area... she refused to move... her feet and legs were shaking... she was really scared but yet she clapped her hands and smiled anyway and "toughed it out". As I watched she kept herself under control even though there were moments of sheer panic. The control of herself... the willpower is scary. I was so... I don't even know how to explain it... proud? surprised? slightly taken aback?...(and not really in a good way) Doesn't this sound so ridiculous? Seriously though... I know few adults who can control themselves and "push through" what they are feeling. Wow. It kindof scares me knowing that she has that control. It's hard to explain.

We still enjoyed the park though.

"Free Time"

This week I haven't done any "schooling" with Aidan. She has the croup and things have been off schedule. She has been randomly doing some educational things though... her word puzzles, lacing beads, "patterns", and a few worksheets.

Mostly, Aidan has spent a lot of time coloring. Lately I've noticed how well she's been doing with staying in the lines. (for a two yr. and four month old) She also is very particular with what colors she uses and how she uses them.

So, my question is.... is she artistic or anal retentive?

Pictures

I'm not going to post a lot because it takes up too much room!

Happy 27th Birthday Dear!!!

Today wasn't the most exciting day... for a birthday anyway. I feel like we didn't do enough to celebrate JOHN. The day started out with us driving far away to look at the table and chairs. Unfortunately it didn't work out... Then, we went and bought the two old doors. They need work but I can do it and we think they'll look awesome. Afterward, John played with the kids and did some chores whilst I rested. I apparently have a case of labyrinthitis which is weird because I just read on someone's blog that they had it so I cannot help but wonder if the mind can manifest symptoms... it just seems oddly coincidental. Anyway, we went and met up with his parents at Longhorn for dinner. It was pleasant though the food stunk. (Because it was so bad they gave him a "birthday" cake and comped a meal)


He was happy to get his presents (a circular saw, gift cards) but was VERY happy when we got the anniversary edition of Optimus Prime.

Soooo Happy!The other customers all laughed and was amused that he got a toy. The people behind us were jealous... at least their little boy was... LOL! John doesn't really care what people think... I like that about him.

OH!

Before we left to go to the restaurant I had a mini photo shoot outside. I was able to get a lot of GOOD pictures. Boy did that make me happy! I honestly got so many I cannot post them all so I'll have to choose just a few.... for the next post.

How We Met

We met across a luncheon table
you and your "afro" hair,
your "clogging" shoes,
that beaver grin,
145 lbs heavier,
eyes only for my best friend

I was giggling
my heart was pounding
Its not everyday you meet your destiny
I KNEW you were to be my best friend,
an important member of my life
(Didn't know we'd marry though
and have two beautiful children)

I laughed,
thinking of telling you
what I thought
what I KNEW

you inquired
how could I say it?
I didn't
I just showed it
oh so subtlety

he he

Good Luck Saturday

Today was a very good day. Admittedly I did not wake in a very good mood but as the day progressed... it got better. First of all I've hit the jackpot on Craigslist. I know I shouldn't count my chickens before they hatch but I not only found the same exact kitchen table I was planning on buying soon but one that even has the leaf extension (which was out of my price range). Tomorrow morning John and I will be driving an hour away to see it and most likely buy it. I also found two old doors the may possible (with a lot of work) fit to become our new french doors for the playroom. So, after picking up the table.. we shall then go look at the doors. I'm excited and hope it all works out... that they are in good condition... and we come home with them. This is such a wonderful way for John to spend his birthday...huh?

Speaking of which... we shall be going out to dinner with his whole family to celebrate. I'm looking forward toward it... um... quite.

What I got in the Mail

Why do I get so happy when I see something new has arrived? Will I ever grow out of it?

Wonderful Wednesday

Yesterday was so much better than the previous. It started out wonderfully and continued to be so. Ainsley woke earlier than usual... about 7:30. I brought her upstairs with me and for about 30 minutes we played together - giggling- on the bed. Then, when Aidan woke up around 8:00 we all had breakfast. Of course there were the usual tearful moments here or there but not overly so... like the day before! Ugh.. seriously it was horrible... from the moment they awakened it was tantrum after tantrum. Anyway I composed a list of the top ten things that made yesterday so wonderful....

1) Giggling and playing quietly in the morning with Ainsley... I treasure those moments because they do not happen nearly as much as they did with Aidan.. much to my chagrin

2) Playing marching band... I in the lead, Aidan close behind trying to figure out how to use her instrument and "march" at the same time, Ainsley... next... walking but chewing on her maraca, and oh look! there is Grandma bringing in the rear unabashedly making a fool of herself. Loved it!

3) Aidan looking out for her little sister... The girls wanted a piece of cheese. I held out a piece and told Ainsley to come get it. She threw a mini fit because she wanted me to go to her. So I call Aidan over to get her piece as an example to Ainsley. She takes it and instead of eating it walked over and put it in Ainsley's mouth. She looked at me and smirked. The way she did it... I swear was like she taking up for "her DeDe."

4) Hearing Aidan exclaim "Ohhh goodness... (sigh)... ohhh goodness" in that gentle soft way of hers that is absolutely adorable but you've got to hear it to understand.

5) Ainsley's ecstasy as she eats a cookie... it was so funny to watch.

6) Finding out that our tax refund will be a lot more than expected. (just in time to fix our septic's drain field haha)

7) Last minute run to Michaels with Mutti... getting out of the house... and finding cute little tin buckets that I have absolutely no idea what I'll do with but they make me happy anyway.

8) The hour or so that us three girls rolled around in the floor, played "horsey", rolling balls back and forth, wrestling, squealing, and just generally laughing and having a good time. Ahh ... happy moments!

9) Watching two little girls get along, sharing, playing nicely, Aidan looking out for Ainsley, hearing them laugh together, hearing them argue... but in a nice way, and a bunch of little tiny things I wished I had written down in a list as they happened... though it would take quite a bit of space to write it all..

10) Last but NOT least!!! The most wonderful moment was when I caught Aidan sitting on the floor next to Ainsley.. both identically posed with legs straight out... books surrounding them... Aidan reading to Ainsley (part was made up, part was actual reading) in a high-pitched but sweet and endearing "I'm talking to a little kid" voice. It was such a Kodak moment but if I had run and got my camera I wouldn't have been able to watch and enjoy.

Is it over yet?

Today is one of THOSE days...

Guilt

Okay so let me tell the world what a horrible mother I am. This has been weighing on me.... My name is Briana... and I was a mean mommy..

At the beach I really wanted to get a good head shot of Aidan... hopefully with her smiling. I wanted a photo shoot. Aidan, being two, a kid, and excited over being at the beach wanted to.... PLAY! ~gasp~ how dare she? Soo, was she cooperative with the picture taking? No, of course not. Did I just let her play and take pictures of her enjoying herself? NO! Instead... I got ... um... frustrated and started taking it out on her and I feel TERRIBLE! What was my problem? What bee was in my bonnet? Honestly, I was one step away from being the next Mommy Dearest... okay maybe two steps... BUT... not only did I lose my temper with my beautiful little girl who just wanted to play but I did it in front of other people who looked at me like I was.... well... like a horrible mother. The picture of what I must have looked like keeps running in my head and I inwardly cringe. Rarely have I acted like that but that still doesn't excuse my behavior. I don't know why I was so frustrated.. at the time it was just driving me nuts that she wouldn't let me take just a few shots.. and ... I wasn't too nice. No... please know... I wasn't beating her or yelling like a crazy lady but I was OVERLY annoyed and if I had seen a mother lose her cool in that way I'd think "dang lady she just wants to play" I did wrong and I'm really sorry.

Really. Really. Sorry.

Visitors

The last few days my Aunt Nancy and her family have been down here. So, things have been busy. Right now they are at church... err.. the Kingdom Hall... so we have some down time. It's been nice having them here. I rarely get to see my Aunt and twice within the last few months is a record! The house is quiet. Ainsley and Mutti are sleeping and Aidan is in the playroom playing the Lady Bug game with her Daddy. (Oh! I just heard her count to 10 without any hesitation. I know John liked that because she'll rarely show him what she knows. He just paused and waited for her to finish. I can feel his excitement over here.) She had just finished watching the Leap Frog Math Circus dvd and apparently really likes it. Anyway, we all went to the beach on Friday (well, not Mutti) and had a great time....

First we stopped and had a bite to eat
at one of our favorite "quirky" places...

Then we went to the beach...