Life Lessons

If only Olivia knew.

She has been very insistent about pulling up her own pants these days. Another step towards independence I suppose. All good for all parties involved - especially me.

Not only will it be one less thing I need to do for her, but it also provides a wee bit of entertainment.

After struggling to yank up her little black crop leggings this morning, she came out looking like a little old man. Or, perhaps more like Steve Urkel. As I giggled at her expense, she looked pretty proud of herself for having mastered the stretchy pants. They have plagued her so.

Almost There

I think I have almost gotten caught up. Not much exciting has happened since Memorial Day, so I will say that I am.

The long weekend was welcomed with open arms and little sleep. It was not a good sleep weekend for me. But, I was still able to enjoy three days of time with family and yummy food.

On Memorial Day the farm fam paid a visit. It was so nice to have them here. I truly feel like we have a more presentable and acceptable place to welcome people now. It used to feel like we couldn't really have people over without apologizing for the lack of seating in the living room. Or the abundance of dog poop in the yard. Or the lack of anything to relax on outside. All of this has been remedied this year. There are now plenty of cozy spots to plop in the living room. With the new fence, the entire backyard is free of dog droppings and easier to navigate. And with the addition of the gazebo and table set outside, we are complete in our entertaining capacity.As you can see, fun was had by all - the kids suckered grandma into going 'weesh weesh'.

Jason cooked a delicious chicken on the Big Green Egg and we dined on accompaniments and a dessert of pineapple and caramel sauce. Could it get any better?

Of course it could! Jason finished off the pond for me too!!! Now I just need to get some flowers and plants to fill in around it and it's done. I love it. Just what I wanted.

As you can see, everyone is thrilled.

Still backtracking...

Olivia's first night sleeping in her new bed. Those familiar with the early sleeping habits of her father will find this particular picture interesting.

Yesterday was the first successful nap in the new bed. I had to stay with her until she fell asleep, but that was ok. If it meant she took a nap and was not a screaming banshee by 3 pm, I'm all for it.

Back Log

So, with all that has been going on around here, I feel like I have fallen way behind in all that is fun. I didn't, until today, get around to downloading pics from Emma's first soccer game. With it being the best one so far - the one after this was cancelled due to rain and the last one should have been, but they played, much to the disbelief of many parents. Anyhow, it just seems that I have not had time to keep up with the daily goings-on. Trying to play catch up.

So, her first game was a lot of fun. Olivia agreed.

They really have a good team this year. Not nearly as much fun to watch as last year. Huge difference when you have a team made up of 5 & 6 year olds vs. 3 & 4 year olds. The 3/4 team was uncoordinated, humorous and mostly still attached to their parents. This year, everyone is out there and could care less about mom & dad. And, there are a couple of kids out there who really seem to know what they are doing.

Of course, for us, it's all about having a good time. It's not like it's competitive. We just want Emma to have fun. If she learns something, great. Makes a new friend, great. Are we trying to cultivate the next Pele? Not a chance.

In the coming days, I will update on other things going on and try to unload more pics. Tough job, but someone's got to do it.

Summer's A Comin'

It feels like summer is officially upon us.

Of course, living here in MI, I have probably just doomed us to some Memorial weekend snow.

Could happen. Probably has before.

The weather has been beautiful. The girls have been loving the outdoor time. So have I. So have the new fish in the pond. Once it's complete, I will take some pictures. Love it so far.

Bees, you're another story.

Leave. Me. Alone.

I am not something to be followed or stalked.

I. Do. Not. Like. You.

I can't confirm or deny ever being stung by one. Can't recall from childhood. Or adulthood.

Not really a big deal. I just hate hearing their buzzing around my ear. I hate that they seem to follow you wherever you go.

I do love to watch the dogs try to eat the bumble versions though. Entertainment for all.

Please just leave me, and the girls, alone. We promise not to squish you or chase you or swat at you. Provided you leave us alone.

If you can't go forth with this one little thing, be prepared. We will fight back. And I'm not just talking about fly swatter kind of fighting. Bee prepared.

Progress...Well, sort of

Welcome the newest addition to the family...

Olivia's 'big girl bed'.

It is quite adorable, even with the child in it.

Slightly frustrating to put together, but what child's item isn't?

After all the hoopla over the bed and Olivia's immediate attachment to it, we were surprised at her reluctance to sleep in it when the time came.

Thankfully, the crib is still up and it's easy enough to transport the mattress between the two.

We aren't in any great rush. Especially me. Once that crib is down, it means she's not so little any more. I don't like that. Not that she's even that little right now, but the crib is definitely representative of baby-dom....which is quickly passing by.

Tired for No Good Reason

What a waste of good sleeping time. And for me, it is certainly hard to give up any time that may potentially lead to a few moments of sleep.

Stayed up last night to watch the Wings lose. Game 6. On to Game 7. Don't like it. Not. One. Bit.

As much as I love to watch hockey games, there does come a point where you really wish you weren't watching. Tomorrow night will be one such example.

I better see teeth flying. Blood squirting. Octopus thrown.

And a big fat freakin win for the Wings.

I would love to see them play Chicago. In person. May get a chance.

We shall all be supporting the team tomorrow night. Kids in new sweatshirts. Me with my Ozzie jersey. Jason with his. Must muster all the good karma up that we can and throw it their way.

Of course, not playing like a bunch of hungover pee wee players will help too.

Section 212A, Row 15, Seat 1

Game 5. Conference Semi's.

That's right. I was there.

Mother's Day bliss.

It all started innocently enough. My dad and I were talking hockey when he was here Saturday to pick up Emma for a sleepover. I mentioned there was some special thing for Mother's Day and tickets were still available. We hopped on Ticketmaster and before I knew it, I had his Amex card and I was securing two tickets for Sunday - one for me and one for mom.

It. Freakin. Rocked.

I have never been to a playoff game. The energy in that building was unreal.

How can it not be when a giant octopus drops from the jumbo-tron which is shooting flames from the top - of which we can feel even at our seats.

The downside of the night - we missed the first two goals as we were waiting in line for money so that we could buy booze. The upside to the night - the Wings won, we saw the last two goals and we got our booze.

Best. Mother's. Day. EVER.

Well, at least so far.

Hallmark Monopoly

This coming weekend is a great time for Hallmark. What better way to make money than to make people purchase mass amounts of cards to send to their mother, grandmothers, aunts, sisters, etc.

Being a mom, one would think that I would relish a day that is specifically set aside for me. As much as I appreciate the sentiment, I for one am much more for surprises and 'just because' gifts and cards instead of 'oh crap, it's Mother's Day and I have to get mom something'.

It's not just Mother's Day. I'm not much of a birthday fan. I loathe Valentine's & Sweetest Day's.

I think this is why Jason really married me.

As much as I will enjoy whatever comes my way this weekend, my family knows that I am very easy to please. The best gift I can receive is their time and smiles.

Anything additional is just icing on the cake.

Fortress of Milk

It's insulting to a two-year old when you offer it milk. Plain. Non-cocoa version. Just white milk.

What horrible parents are we!

In a show of disgust, she is currently on the couch, surrounded by pillows, sucking down the horrible concoction with a look of disdain and utter disbelief.

How could we not give in to the screams for cocoa?

Very easily. With a smile on our faces and joy in our hearts.

Picnic Me

What better way to spend the afternoon then taking a picnic lunch to the Bird Sanctuary?

The girls agreed. It was a blast. Some of the babies had hatched. The geese were their usual friendly selves. A little girl stuck her hand through the fence and a swan tried to eat it - yielding screaming from her, amazement from Olivia, and a sudden ten foot barrier between Emma and the fence.

It's too bad that the geese grow up to be, well, geese. They start out with such cute potential.

Head Wound Harriet

I think that there are certain kids in this world that require a little extra attention.

And possibly a padded helmet.


Olivia is a little challenged when she walks. All kids her age are. But she has a certain shall we say 'special talent'. She takes it to a whole new level. Her inability to look in front of her when she's walking has given her the fun experiences all kids should have - walking into a wall, walking into a chair, walking into a post at the zoo (today's fun addition). The list goes on and on.

Every time she walks into something, leading with her head of course, I think she loses a word or two in her limited vocabulary.

Today, sadly, we lost 'no'.

We'll bury it out back with all the others.

Thankfully, 'cocoa' is hard wired so it will never be lost. Lord knows how we would cope with that loss.

Broken...Need Suggestions

How do you know when time-outs aren't working?