1. Ipanema. Saturday night, we went to this Brazilian steakhouse for Shawn's 34th, yes 34th, birthday! It was an awesome date-night! Great food (mmmm...bottom sirloin...pineapple...bacon-wrapped anything!), great conversation and company, a great way to celebrate with Shawn.
2. Oreo Cookie Freakout. In my family, we used to make this dessert for birthdays all the time. This year, I made it for Shawn's. So good! I almost froze my fingers off while putting together the ice cream layer, and Riley had to tell me to "suck it up, Mommy," but it was worth it! Yum!!
3. Destroying coloring books. Okay, this one is all Riley's. The girl spent a solid 3+ hours cutting apart her Dora coloring book into shreds and pieces today, cover and all. No toys for Christmas, please...just coloring books for her to destroy. The activity kept her engaged and quiet all afternoon. She is only halfway through the book. And we have a snowfall of Dora paper scraps on the floor to show for it. Gotta love sustained toddler effort. I was so proud of her!
4. Christmas shopping. Yup, I'm done. And that's all I have to say about that!
5. Writing. Thesis submission four, here I come. Round two revisions, count me in! I spent a solid three hours at Panera today and made some great headway on a couple of stories. So exciting!
6. School. Done teaching for the semester. Just have to create exam answer keys, give the exam, read 81 essays, and grade the exams. Easy, right? But truth be told it's been a great year so far. The freshmen I teach this year are extraordinary. Seriously, I have awesome students, and I feel, perhaps more than ever, that what I am doing means something, that my teaching matters to these kids, to the world. That is such a good feeling!
7. Family. I cannot WAIT to head up to Virginia for our holiday pilgrimage after first visiting our friends in PA (and their new baby!!!). I miss my family, and we should have an entire week all together. That means lots of games, shopping, talking,laughing, baking, girls afternoon tea, coffee runs to Panera, and fun. I cannot wait.
8. Family. Shawn and I were talking on our way home from dinner yesterday,and I confessed that I was in love with our children. Like I told him, I knew that mothers love their kids, but I never realized that I would be so in love with mine. It thrills me to have these two cool pint-sizers to care for, hug, kiss, laugh with, talk to, learn with, learn from, cuddle with, and love. Riley told me tonight, "Mommy, we're so happy," and the giddiness in her voice so aptly echoes the giddiness I feel when I think about the blessings I have right now in my home: my wonderful husband and these little, extraordinary creatures I adore. She is so right. We are so happy.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Pictures of my babies...
Christi Lopez is a genius with a camera. She is one of my former students. We've been talking about doing a shoot with the kids since I just had Riley. Well, over Thanksgiving, we got together at the park. Riley wasn't super cooperative, but she got some awesome pictures!! I am so thrilled. Looking through them makes me so happy! Thanks, Christi!!
Here are some of my favorites!
Here are some of my favorites!
Sunday, December 5, 2010
What Riley Told Me Tonight...
So I was singing to Riley this evening. I was making a holiday treat for my students while she was resting on the couch before going to bed. I got through "The Wind Beneath my Wings," and I was starting on my next number when she told me...
"Mommy, stop singing. You're hurting your ears."
Of course, I continued to sing, to which Riley responded...
"Mommy, stop singing. You're hurting your ears, and you are going to have to go to Time-out, which will be sad because then we won't be able to play."
I love this girl! She figured out cause and effect this weekend. And even though she's not a fan of my singing, I'm her biggest fan.
"Mommy, stop singing. You're hurting your ears."
Of course, I continued to sing, to which Riley responded...
"Mommy, stop singing. You're hurting your ears, and you are going to have to go to Time-out, which will be sad because then we won't be able to play."
I love this girl! She figured out cause and effect this weekend. And even though she's not a fan of my singing, I'm her biggest fan.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
Who: Just the four of us!
What (we ate): Turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and mini-apple pies. Yum, yum! And for Riley, baby dino chicken nuggets. And for Adrian, just green beans.
Where: G-ville. We spent the weekend hanging out at home, going to parks, going shopping, writing at Panera, and playing some basketball at Oak Hall.
The Highlights:
1. Going Black Friday shopping and out to Panera for breakfast with both kids! Since Shawn was up late Thanksgiving night, I decided to take both kids along to Kohl's at around 7am for some shopping and then a stop at Panera for Riley's "bagel and muffin" and my coffee. It was awesome. I am hoping to train Riley to be my shopping buddy!
2. Riley started telling me, "You stay here and don't touch anyfing!" When I asked her where she got that phrase from, she said Aladdin. Yes, that's right. She is quoting movies.
3. Shawn and I seriously made a meal for a dozen people, not 2.65. We are still eating leftovers! But everything we made was delicious. I was really proud we were able to make such a tasty feast! Good work, hun!! Oh, and I was pretty pumped to try my friend Natasha's apple pie recipe. Soooo good!
4. Adrian turned six months old on Sunday. Hard to believe our little man already has a half year under his belt. He is still smiling like crazy and now he is so active: rolling, scooting, and trying to crawl. He's awesome!
5. I am so thankful for my incredible family (in Virginia and beyond), my wonderful friends, the chance to pursue my passions (writing and teaching), my twin sister, my husband, and my babies. This year, I feel my life coming together. At one point, I realized I was in it, and by it I mean raising kids, pursuing a career, living day to day and trying to soak it all up. How fast it happens. I am grateful for the opportunities I have right now to live the life I have and be surrounded by the people in my life. I am thankful to be happy, tired and happy.
What (we ate): Turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn casserole, green beans, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and mini-apple pies. Yum, yum! And for Riley, baby dino chicken nuggets. And for Adrian, just green beans.
Where: G-ville. We spent the weekend hanging out at home, going to parks, going shopping, writing at Panera, and playing some basketball at Oak Hall.
The Highlights:
1. Going Black Friday shopping and out to Panera for breakfast with both kids! Since Shawn was up late Thanksgiving night, I decided to take both kids along to Kohl's at around 7am for some shopping and then a stop at Panera for Riley's "bagel and muffin" and my coffee. It was awesome. I am hoping to train Riley to be my shopping buddy!
2. Riley started telling me, "You stay here and don't touch anyfing!" When I asked her where she got that phrase from, she said Aladdin. Yes, that's right. She is quoting movies.
3. Shawn and I seriously made a meal for a dozen people, not 2.65. We are still eating leftovers! But everything we made was delicious. I was really proud we were able to make such a tasty feast! Good work, hun!! Oh, and I was pretty pumped to try my friend Natasha's apple pie recipe. Soooo good!
4. Adrian turned six months old on Sunday. Hard to believe our little man already has a half year under his belt. He is still smiling like crazy and now he is so active: rolling, scooting, and trying to crawl. He's awesome!
5. I am so thankful for my incredible family (in Virginia and beyond), my wonderful friends, the chance to pursue my passions (writing and teaching), my twin sister, my husband, and my babies. This year, I feel my life coming together. At one point, I realized I was in it, and by it I mean raising kids, pursuing a career, living day to day and trying to soak it all up. How fast it happens. I am grateful for the opportunities I have right now to live the life I have and be surrounded by the people in my life. I am thankful to be happy, tired and happy.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Holiday Report...
Tree is up in its stand.
700 lights are on.
All the ornaments we own, except for the cheesy ones Shawn vetoed, are on.
I am tired.
Especially since my deadline is two days away.
But I am happy to have spent the evening listening to Christmas music, feeding Adrian green beans, watching Riley's fascination with holiday decorations, and finishing the tree with Shawn after bedtimes for the little ones.
A great night.
More revisions and writing in the morning, when I can function again.
'Tis the season!
700 lights are on.
All the ornaments we own, except for the cheesy ones Shawn vetoed, are on.
I am tired.
Especially since my deadline is two days away.
But I am happy to have spent the evening listening to Christmas music, feeding Adrian green beans, watching Riley's fascination with holiday decorations, and finishing the tree with Shawn after bedtimes for the little ones.
A great night.
More revisions and writing in the morning, when I can function again.
'Tis the season!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
An Awesome Visit!
This past weekend, my dad came down to visit and lend a hand while Shawn was away with his cross country team (2nd place at State!! Wahoo!!). We had an awesome time! Saturday was packed with gymnastics, breakfast at Panera, furniture shopping (for my dad), Christmas pictures outside, a trip to the park, some cleaning, and lots of writing and editing. Today was full of Christmas decorations and outdoor work, a cross country team party, playtime outside, some errands, and a yummy chipped ham and cheese lunch (among other things...). My dad is awesome with Riley and Adrian, and it was so wonderful to spend time together this weekend. Thanks for all of your help, Daddio, inside and outside the house. Especially with the microwave! I am so glad you were able to come down to see us. It meant so much to me! We love you!!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
The Day's Highlights...
1. Riley professed an urgent desire to "start the laundry" today. She compiled the dirty clothes from her room and Adrian's room, then dragged the bin to the garage. I started the water and added soap, and she took care of putting all of the clothes into the washer. How cool is that? Next week, we'll work on folding...
2. The lollipop graveyard. In our refrigerator, we have a bowl with a half dozen lollipops in it, open and stick-side up. Today, Riley spent about five minutes with a lollipop and then added it to the graveyard. She then asked to have another lollipop. Funniest thing ever.
3. Barbeque!! That's all I'm saying.
4. Date night. Pretty sure Shawn and I haven't been out sans kids for at least 5 months. So excited to head to the movies tonight!!
2. The lollipop graveyard. In our refrigerator, we have a bowl with a half dozen lollipops in it, open and stick-side up. Today, Riley spent about five minutes with a lollipop and then added it to the graveyard. She then asked to have another lollipop. Funniest thing ever.
3. Barbeque!! That's all I'm saying.
4. Date night. Pretty sure Shawn and I haven't been out sans kids for at least 5 months. So excited to head to the movies tonight!!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Happenings...
It has been way too long since I posted, but so much has been going on. Here's the text-based recap. Pictures to follow...
1. Homecoming Week: which means CRAZINESS!! SGA was responsible for all activities, including a major prep rally, sweethearts, the dance, and games almost every day at school. The week was a blast, but I am exhausted. The highlight was probably school-wide musical chairs. It was so cool to see the students get so excited about playing and watch as the circle of 100 chairs was whittled down to one. Plus, it was my idea! :)
2. Second Thesis Submission: I turned in a beast of a story (well for me, anyways) on Monday. 43 pages. I had so much fun writing this one. I was playing around with voice and content, so we'll see how it goes. What's it about? Dinosaurs and breast milk...
3. Pre-Halloween: With Riley 2.5 now, holidays are so much fun to plan for and celebrate. This year, I decided to do something Halloweeny each weekend with her (and Adrian, too!). We painted a pumpkin and bought a costume together; we went to a farm for a hayride, pumpkin patch, and petting zoo with the King family; we made these spider cookies that were way too hard for her to make and almost way too hard for me to make, but fun and cute; we went to a trunk or treat and hayride at a local church (also with the King family!); and, of course, this coming weekend we are going trick-or-treating. I love having a reason to get all of my decorations out, too. I am hoping to get some good pictures of the kids in costumes this weekend, so I will be sure to post them!
4. Adrian has discovered his toes, and he is starting to sit-up a little bit more now. Hard to believe he is going to be five months old tomorrow. We think he is starting to teethe, but otherwise, he is still our super-smiley little guy! I love how he will look up at me and his whole face just lights up! Melts my heart every time. Riley wants to play with him more and more, and today she picked out his outfit. When he wakes up crying, she runs into his room to go talk to him. Cutest thing ever!
5. Or, the cutest thing ever might be cuddling with Riley before she goes to sleep at night. The other night, she spontaneously turned to me, gave me a kiss, and said, "I love you, Mommy." Of course, the next night, she brought her balloon sword into bed and started singing, "I poke Mommy in the face." Not sure about that one! Oh, and she told Shawn the other night to "Keep your hands to yourself." That was awesome!
Here's a list of her current likes and dislikes:
Likes: Cheese-its, the marshmallows from Lucky Charms, chicken nuggets, wearing socks, braids, rhyming , wearing her baby dino costume, sleeping in our bed, the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear.
Dislikes: Haunted houses (they had a little one at gymnastics that she was not a fan of), open doors in the house, going to bed/waking up.
I also just wanted to include a big shout-out to my brother Brendan. He's getting settled in the Big Apple with a sweet job and a cool Ikea-ized apartment with Libby. I am so proud of him! In my mind, he is always nine years old, and it is hard to believe he is on his own now, working and living in New York. I couldn't be happier for him. Libby is an awesome girl, and I am glad they found each other. I miss you, Brendino!!
1. Homecoming Week: which means CRAZINESS!! SGA was responsible for all activities, including a major prep rally, sweethearts, the dance, and games almost every day at school. The week was a blast, but I am exhausted. The highlight was probably school-wide musical chairs. It was so cool to see the students get so excited about playing and watch as the circle of 100 chairs was whittled down to one. Plus, it was my idea! :)
2. Second Thesis Submission: I turned in a beast of a story (well for me, anyways) on Monday. 43 pages. I had so much fun writing this one. I was playing around with voice and content, so we'll see how it goes. What's it about? Dinosaurs and breast milk...
3. Pre-Halloween: With Riley 2.5 now, holidays are so much fun to plan for and celebrate. This year, I decided to do something Halloweeny each weekend with her (and Adrian, too!). We painted a pumpkin and bought a costume together; we went to a farm for a hayride, pumpkin patch, and petting zoo with the King family; we made these spider cookies that were way too hard for her to make and almost way too hard for me to make, but fun and cute; we went to a trunk or treat and hayride at a local church (also with the King family!); and, of course, this coming weekend we are going trick-or-treating. I love having a reason to get all of my decorations out, too. I am hoping to get some good pictures of the kids in costumes this weekend, so I will be sure to post them!
4. Adrian has discovered his toes, and he is starting to sit-up a little bit more now. Hard to believe he is going to be five months old tomorrow. We think he is starting to teethe, but otherwise, he is still our super-smiley little guy! I love how he will look up at me and his whole face just lights up! Melts my heart every time. Riley wants to play with him more and more, and today she picked out his outfit. When he wakes up crying, she runs into his room to go talk to him. Cutest thing ever!
5. Or, the cutest thing ever might be cuddling with Riley before she goes to sleep at night. The other night, she spontaneously turned to me, gave me a kiss, and said, "I love you, Mommy." Of course, the next night, she brought her balloon sword into bed and started singing, "I poke Mommy in the face." Not sure about that one! Oh, and she told Shawn the other night to "Keep your hands to yourself." That was awesome!
Here's a list of her current likes and dislikes:
Likes: Cheese-its, the marshmallows from Lucky Charms, chicken nuggets, wearing socks, braids, rhyming , wearing her baby dino costume, sleeping in our bed, the book Brown Bear, Brown Bear.
Dislikes: Haunted houses (they had a little one at gymnastics that she was not a fan of), open doors in the house, going to bed/waking up.
I also just wanted to include a big shout-out to my brother Brendan. He's getting settled in the Big Apple with a sweet job and a cool Ikea-ized apartment with Libby. I am so proud of him! In my mind, he is always nine years old, and it is hard to believe he is on his own now, working and living in New York. I couldn't be happier for him. Libby is an awesome girl, and I am glad they found each other. I miss you, Brendino!!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Busy Weekend...
In no particular order...
1. Adrian started rolling over every time he is put down for a nap/bedtime.
2. Riley picked out her Halloween costume. She's going to be a baby dino this year! And we completed a fall craft: pumpkin painting. Love the excitement kids add to holidays.
3. Our new oven and dishwasher came in. What an awesome face-lift for our kitchen. So exciting!
4. I wrote for 6 hours at Panera (and drank 5 cups of coffee!).
5. Riley convinced me to have a "sleepover" with her by saying in the most adorable voice ever: "Stay with me." At the same time, she wrapped her arms and legs around me. How could I say no?
Enjoy the picture recap!
1. Adrian started rolling over every time he is put down for a nap/bedtime.
2. Riley picked out her Halloween costume. She's going to be a baby dino this year! And we completed a fall craft: pumpkin painting. Love the excitement kids add to holidays.
3. Our new oven and dishwasher came in. What an awesome face-lift for our kitchen. So exciting!
4. I wrote for 6 hours at Panera (and drank 5 cups of coffee!).
5. Riley convinced me to have a "sleepover" with her by saying in the most adorable voice ever: "Stay with me." At the same time, she wrapped her arms and legs around me. How could I say no?
Enjoy the picture recap!
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