A new year, a new dishwasher

I'm not a resolution maker. While I get the whole starting fresh thing, it seems like it'd be better to make the change you want to make when you want to make it rather than waiting until some really cold day in the middle of winter when it's easier to wait until tomorrow. Doesn't work for me.

Ya know what else doesn't work for me? A dying dishwasher. We only had a dishwasher at one house growing up. And we couldn't use it due to low water pressure or some such. When I bugged my parents for a dishwasher (which is totally normal, right?) I always got the same response, "We have a dishwasher. Her name is Autumn." (I was also the tv remote.) Needless to say, I'd be cool without ever washing another dish.

The dying dishwasher (it came with the house, so it's at least five years old and quite possibly may be the first dishwasher ever made) had been acceptable until the last few months. As I found myself washing more dishes than the dishwasher, I decided that was it.

I got the best New Year's gift ever in my new dishwasher. It's fancier than I planned with it's stainless steel door and tall bottom rack. The only downside is that the fridge and stove seem a bit jealous.

It's December?

Guess I wasn't quite as refreshed as I thought I was back in August. We've managed to get the girls to school on time every single day. EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Too bad there's not a fancy prize for that. Oh, yeah. The prize is not going to court. Guess I'll take that.

So, here's a quick photo recap of what I haven't blogged about.

Luke started preschool. He wants to go more.

We dressed up

Sadie (my sister) added a member to the family.

We made a few messes.


And some goofy faces

I feel refreshed

After a much needed blogging break (I mean, that once or twice a month posting was a bit overwhelming), I'm back.

Our summer was simultaneously eventful and uneventful. We had too much fun with our west coast (and fellow nonblogging) friends. My parents crossed the country and landed at our house for a few days. And somehow, I'm pretty sure the Newport Aquarium, King's Island and the Louisville Zoo won't be the same after our visits. In between all the fun, there were way too many days that weren't pool worthy, way too many fights that needed reffing and insanity to be had by all.

The girls started school this past Wednesday. So far, Belle has only caused one fight between boys vying for her attention. Soon she'll be able to woo and be wooed en español, as she's in the spanish immersion program. Ava hit the ground running and can't wait for her first homework packet.

Here are the obligatory first day of school pictures. Check out how much Ava has grown since first grade!

Luke starts preschool on the 31st. In preparation for preschool, he had to ditch his nasty habit of diaper wearing. He'll be going two days a week, giving each parent a couple hours of alone time. As sad as it is, I haven't had two and a half hours of scheduled alone time in years. With that, I'm looking forward to reacquainting myself with some higher level of sanity than I've known over the past few months.

I'm a horrible human being

Belle, Luke and I ventured into Evil*Mart today. It's one of those places I don't shop. In fact, it's been so long since we've shopped there that Belle didn't know what store it was. An affordable fabric (as in not plastic) shower curtain liner lured me in.

With the fabric liner and a few other "necessities" in hand, we made our way to the endless checkout lines (another loathsome aspect of Evil*Mart). There were only a few people in front of us, but it was the guy directly in front of us that is making me question my humanity right now. He had a cute little girl - maybe around 18 months old - and was buying the smallest packages of wipes and diapers known to parentkind. After trying a couple cards that were both promptly declined, he left.

At that point, I should have told the cashier to add them to my order and taken him the bag. But I didn't. And now I feel horrible.

The break is over

We had a few plans for spring break this year. The first of which was a trip to Dino World. Unfortunately, due to my bursitised knee (and, no, my knee does not look as freaky as the elbow photo on the link), we had to postpone this adventure. Instead, we hit a matinee (thankfully, since I can't fathom the cost of an evening show) viewing of Monsters vs Aliens 3d.

The weather cooperated for the most part and the kids were able to spend a healthy amount of time outside. The girls had a sleepover with the grandparentals on Thursday night. Luke and I met them at The Dollhouse Museum the following day. And the girls capped off the week with a birthday party.

It was so nice not having to get Ava to school at the crack of dawn. Speaking of which, tomorrow is the last meeting of the school year for being late too often. Can you believe that we've managed to get her to school on time every day since November? Pretty amazing. Though, there were actually a few really close calls involving me not stopping completely, opening the van door and pushing her out while screaming, "Run, Ava, run!"

Ice Storm

I'm a crazy weather watcher, so I knew this was on the way. And having been through the 2003 ice storm, I knew what to expect. On Monday, the kids and I shopped for food and snacks to last through the week.

Tuesday morning I wasn't expecting to go to work. Fortunately, my driver (aka my boss) was able to fetch me. Who am I kidding? I was a little disappointed since I had planned on lounging in my sweats while finishing Breaking Dawn. But who can argue with money and a little adventure? Our trip home Wednesday night took us over a tree that was on top of a van and power lines.

Luckily we haven't lost power. But as you'll see on this crappy little video, I'm not sure we're totally safe yet. The video doesn't quite capture the eerie feeling of the trees swaying in the wind under the weight of all the creaking ice.

I keep venturing out in my tank top and flip flops (don't worry, Belle yelled at me for not wearing a coat) to marvel at the beauty and destruction. It's absolutely amazing.

How Strange

This dog had somewhere to be and was not the least bit amused by our pointing and laughing.

Happy 2009!

I hope everyone has a super 2009! If you're a resolution maker, good luck with those!

Christmas 2008

It doesn't matter how much we cut back, presents - much like rabbits - tend to multiply when kids are involved. We're at a really, uh, let's call it fun place with the kids and the whole anticipation thing. Even so, Ava managed to fall asleep in record time on Christmas Eve. (Think Belle's huge birthday cake had something to do with that. Mega sugar rush turned into mega sugar low pretty fast.)

We spent the morning at home. In the pm we went south to the in-laws where we ate (a very late) brunch, opened gifts and shot some hoops.

The ultimate bed head. Belle's dino roars and walks. It's not annoying at all.

This is Ava being so excited that she can't contain herself. Guitar wasn't such a hit. The Wedgits were.

Belle encourages Luke to open his gifts by threatening to open them.

Luke demonstrates not sticking out his tongue - his latest obsession.

Wade and Lou (brother-in-law) helped Steve (father-in-law) hang his basketball hoop. Here they are burning off some of those Christmasy calories.

Holiday Traditions

Every year, my Gran purchased ornaments for each grandkid. She sent mine to me when I grew up and had a family of my own. Looking at all the old ornaments was so much fun that I decided to keep the tradition going with my kiddos.

Every year around this time the kids get to pick an ornament from Target or somewhere. This year we decided to do something a little more meaningful. We went to The Mad Potter where the kids got to choose an ornament and paint it. That was my first Mad Potter experience and it rocked. We will definitely be going back, most likely without an uber tired two year old (talk about a bull in a china shop).


In addition to the special ornaments, we typically make quite a few. This year we're working on lots of felt trees. The idea came from these cute, but ridiculously overpriced garlands.


We also love advent calendars. The kids have been getting the Playmobil advent calendars for the last fiveish years. This year we grabbed the Pirate version, which contains many, many small parts that hopefully don't find their way into Luke's grubby little hands. And now that I think about it, I'm not sure what relevance pirates have to Christmas, but I'm not going to spend much time worrying about it.

I happen to fancy the Starbucks version. Last year I bought all the remaining advent calendars on super clearance and since it wouldn't be good for those yummy chocolates to sit for an entire year, we ate them. In about an hour. This year my advent calendar is full of Dove chocolates.

What traditions do you guys have?

Cinnamon makes me happy

I'm a big, BIG fan of cinnamon. Provided I had a free week and a huge stash of cinnamon sticks, I'd totally make myself some undergarments and possibly a dress.

A few weeks ago Whole Foods whipped out the old cinnamon scented pine cone. Pine cones are neato and all, but I can't help but wonder who came up with the idea of adding scents to them. Pine smells pretty nice. Why mess with a good thing? I stumped google by asking for the history of scented pine cones. If there are any scholars out there with this knowledge, do share. But I digress.

Walking into the store, you're slapped silly by the fabulousness that is cinnamon. I've always been able to resist the urge to buy the $5.00 pine cones. Until the other day. Ava really, really (because she can't just really) wanted some. So, I totally gave in. She thought I was the best mom ever. And we were both happy.

Guess what? Cinnamon not only smells dreamy (which boosts brain activity), it's bursting with other healthy goodness as well such as anti-microbial qualities, controlling blood sugar and possibly sleepiness if consumed in excess (totally need to try that!).

Eight years and counting

Eight years ago yesterday, Wade and I realized that our marriage license was about to expire. That impending deadline lit a bigger fire under our bums than our five year relationship and my six month pregnant belly. We felt married and didn't really care about the legality of it so much, so we'd kind of put it off.

We had two great friends on call. Seriously. They were ready for that call saying we were finally ready to do it. I looked at the calendar and realized the next day was the day - 11/11/00. Only two numbers - and binary at that - for Wade to remember. I frantically called Tie The Knot Wedding Chapel. Thankfully the lovely lady was able to squeeze us in. Nestled between a 7-11 and slot car racing store complete with barred windows, it couldn't have been more romantic.

Seeing as it was eight years ago, we didn't have a digital camera. And scanning those photos hasn't quite made it to the top of my to do list. It's a real shame too, because there are some doozies.

We'll just pretend this was our wedding photo since it's about that old. You can tell because I look like I'd slept in the last seven years.

And all these years later.

I'm still here

It's been a busy couple of weeks. I always have intentions of getting some blogs together and scheduling the posts, but somehow it doesn't happen. This past weekend we got to hang out with Grandma Hutt (Nebraska), Aunt Judy and Uncle Bob (Colorado). They usually make it to our area annually. They like to pretend it's the distance, but we know it takes them an entire year to build up the courage to deal with us again. As always, we had a blast.

We celebrated my thirty-onederfulest birthday (Sept 23 - and for those of you that like to say I'm allllll the way over the hill, I want you to know that I'm at the bottom of that hill, haven't even begun the ascent yet thankyouverymuch) and Wade's thirty-second (Oct 7) at Woodland Park. For my actual birthday, Wade made me some butterscotch finger cakes, which were almost ready to eat upon my return from my lovely pedicure (thanks Fox!). Talk about delish. Ava requested them for her birthday cake.

With the weather cooling off (except for today - 80s, get out of here!) I've been in a baking mood. Not being Jewish, I hadn't heard of challah. Since the recipe popped up on KA Baker's Banter, I decided to give it a try. If you like your girlish figure, don't even look. Good stuff. Really good. In fact, I'd make some right now, but I'm working on some Puffs. So far, pretty easy. As if that's not enough, Wade's getting some overnight cinnamon rolls (which you've all made, right?) for his birthday breakfast.

This weekend we went on a shoe hunt for the wee ones. And here's an idea, "shoe store" owners. Why not stock your shoe store so the descriptive word "shoe" is applicable. Huh? Why didn't anyone think of that? The "customer service" at Dick's lives up to the store name. And Stride Rite. Oh, don't even get me started. The employees act like they've been held hostage in the back and force fed the squished crackers that never seem to get cleaned up. Ava ended up getting a pair of New Balance from there partially because they were the only pair of 13.5s in the ENTIRE MALL. How is that possible? They were the first pair to catch my eye (and it was the first store on our long, long journey), not only because they were on clearance, but because they were cute. So, over an hour and several miles later we trooped back to get them. At the half way back point, I reminded Ava that I was going to be more than annoyed if she decided not to get them since we had to pass our exit to get back there.

Belle got a pair today. Guess what size she needs? 13.5. Crazy. She seems to have inherited my skis. Poor kid. Luke is still running around barefoot because there are no 9.5 wides out there. NB has the cutest Sesame Street shoes (my fave is Cookie Monster) out right now. For whatever reason, the powers that be over at NB decided that kids with wide feet shouldn't get the pleasure of wearing the cutest shoes ever and only made them in medium width. Hmmpff.

Don't forget to call and harass Wade tomorrow!

For those bored nights

I'm not sure how Hulu came to Wade's attention, but it would've been better if it hadn't. For those nights when we're not thrilled with our Netflix options (need to remember to stay on top of that queue), we Hulu. And because my husband is smart when it comes to cords, we can hook our computer up to the tv, enabling me to watch without whipping out the ole crooked glasses. (I'm not sure how they got crooked. I never wear them and as far as I know they stay in the case. The one time I wore them I was at the grocery store and it was so nice to be able to read the signs that say what's on what aisle.)

The choices are kind of B list. And the ones that aren't don't necessarily have all the seasons available. Despite that, some of the best tv ever is on there. We're talking Firefly, News Radio, The O.C. (season 1), Kitchen Nightmares. Good stuff.

More cute cookie cutters

Look what I found! More cutie cute cookie cutters. I saw them last year before Christmas, but just decided that I had to have them. If you've never heard of Fred, it's probably best. They have a knack for making products you really don't need like the Pick Your Nose cup - animal or human, Lego Utensils and Salt & Pepper blocks. But you must have them. You must or you won't be able to go on living.


When I purchased these cuties I wasn't sure if I'd keep them or give them to my friend with a cookie biz that shares my love of cookie cutters. (Side note: don't try her fab cookies unless you plan on ordering some on a regular basis.) This has always been a problem for me.

When I was about 7 - you know, the age when advice sticks for a lifetime - I couldn't come up with a gift for my friend. My mom (or grandma, that part is fuzzy) told me that the best gift is one that you'd like to keep. So, I tend to get gifts that I really don't want to give you. And chances are I've probably used your gift before giving it to you. No, I'm not joking. But it's gotten better over the past few years with Wade's belittling and the ability to order online and have the item shipped directly to the recipient.

What's on your wish list?

I'm having a hard time getting over the fact that Ava's class (in a brand new state of the art school) had garbage bags on the wish list. Garbage bags on a wish list? It's hard for me to verbalize (because I'm talking in my head, that's how it's verbal) how incredibly pathetic I think that is. Shouldn't a wish list be somewhat more . . . unattainable?

So, in light of that crap, here's my list.

1. My pre-kid boobs and waist
2. A free, fabulously furnished house complete with housekeeping staff, a chef and a driver. To be located on the cliffs of Malibu or Greece.
3. To feel rested again
4. A night or two with any combination of the following: Jason Statham, Bruce Willis, Colin Farrell, Paul Newman a la Cool Hand Luke, Taye Diggs
5. A Ferrari F430 Spider

And that, my friends, is how you dream big. (Right Roger Day?)

What a clever idea

A few weeks ago I got a new job. We decided to celebrate (otherwise known as spending money I hadn't made) by giving me the night off dinner duty. My dinner of choice came from P.F. Chang's. Everything I've sampled has been superb, but my fave is the fat bowl of Dan Dan Noodles. So. Yummy.

With three youngsters we don't eat in restaurants very often. Take out has become our BFF. Take out laughs in the face of tantrums and says, your parents can put you in time out in your room and not be humiliated in public because we're EATING AT HOME. When we're feeling secure in our parenting and venture into the public feeding frenzy with our brood, it's rarely at a restaurant where chopsticks are the norm and you have to ask for a fork. But when it is, I'm usually the loser asking for a fork. And you know people notice when you ask for a fork at a place like that.

I placed the order and Wade picked it up on his way home from his top secret job. Surprise of all surprises popped out of the bag! Some cute cheater chopsticks for the chopstick impaired! Granted, you can purchase chopstick trainers like these, these or these, but this takes a rubber band and some folded paper! Apparently I'm not as slick as I thought and someone did notice me pretending my fork was two pieces of wood.

Hang up and exercise

There are quite a few people at my gym that are way more important than I'll ever be. I mean, they can't even get thirty minutes in without a call. Seems like an awful life. What? Those people meant to be on the phone? Oh. Wow. What an awful life.

I can totally understand taking a cell along for an around the neighborhood kinda jog. You never know when a water hole cover might be loose and collapse under your weight. (Yes, that was me. I wasn't really running, but easily could've been, which would've made it much, much worse. It's always been one of my rules not to step on those things and the one time I broke that rule, I proved that I wasn't a complete lunatic for having it in the first place.)

But the gym? Doesn't seem like a great idea to bench press and talk on your cell. Though, you can pretty much guarantee at any given moment that you can grunt, "Yo, Rocky. Get da bar." and some muscle bound, spandex wearing, balding 40 year old will reach over and pluck that bar right off your chest with a pinky as you continue your convo on your cell phone.

What are those people trying to prove? That they can multi-task in the worst possible way imaginable? And, really, why do I think my workout is better sans cell phone? Is the waterfall of sweat cascading over my large-ish forehead ending as a scented pool in my sports bra my reward? Perhaps it's my toned-ish thighs from riding my boyfriend (aka the elliptical). Nah, it's gotta be the fact that in case I'm being chased I'll actually have a chance of getting away due to the increased lung capacity and fine tuned muscles that real exercise provides. Those chatterboxes will be so oblivious that they'll be timing the call to their fave pizza joint so the delivery wo/man pulls up at the exact moment their "run" is over.

Rude ass bitch

As a human, the pool of stupid comments is, let's say as big as Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. When you add the title mom to human, the pool of stupid turns into at least one ocean. Add an ocean for each additional child. That's a whole lotta stupid. Knowing this makes it possible for me to ignore most of it.

However, when people are downright rude, that's another story. I haven't had much rude directed at my little family.

I often go shopping with my sister in law, also a mother of three. We're most aware that we look like a preschool - six kids ages 7, 4, 4, 2, 2 and almost 8 months - on a field trip when we're out. If people have nasty things to say, they've always been quiet about it. Until the other day.

We were making our way into Whole Foods (which I'm liking less and less - thanks for getting rid of our fave & your most popular selling cereal - makes sense) when two ancient women were leaving. One old bitty said real bitchy like, "Well, thanks for helping with overpopulation." So I said, "Actually, they all have different dads. That makes us -2 when it's all said and done." No, I didn't, but should it happen again, I will.

A clean fridge

Cleaning the fridge, as in taking everything out and washing all that sticky goo off, is an activity so heinous that I do it about once a year. Yeah, seriously. At least I can admit it. So it was that time a couple weeks ago. It's almost like I opened a window and let in the light. The clean fridge sparkles. It smells good. It's empty. Is this what happens when one cleans a fridge?

We're, okay, I'm pretty good at labeling leftovers with a name (oh, don't tell me that you've never had one of those unidentified moldy sculptures in a rubbermaid) and date, so I knew exactly how old some of that stuff was. The new plan, which will work for at least a month, is to remove food items after one week.

And while we're on the subject of cleaning, what is up with those foamy soap dispensers? I love them, don't get me wrong, but I'm tired of being assaulted as the thing fires off in random directions due to formerly foamy soap clogging the shooter. The worst was when I shot Lucy the cat. My mother in law suggested spraying some canola oil into the shooter to keep it lubed up. Only worked for a shot or two.