Birthday Love

Yesterday was my birthday.

I always get excited when my birthday nears, but this year it was mixed with trepidation. This is the end of my 30's, and I've been feeling very "I thought that I'd be/ have/do ______ by now.".

Then a few weeks ago it changed. I stopped having those doubts, and started feeling grateful.

All those little things we take for granted - healthy children, steady jobs, strong bodies, comfortable houses- they suddenly loomed large and stopped me in my tracks.  I realized that there is absolutely nothing I Need.   That what I was hung up on were my Wants. And Wants are things that are utterly under my control.

So I spent an uneventful day appreciating what I have.  I went to work, prepared and ate a healthy lunch, did some errands - I even went to the mall and could find nothing I Wanted. Because I already have everything I could possibly Need.

So Happy Birthday to me. It was a happy day indeed.

What Do You Want For Your Birthday?

The question has been posed, so here are a few suggestions. 

• West Elm gift card:  I love the clean, modern products from West Elm.  I am particularly in love with this duvet cover (seriously, I think I actually drooled), and this blue pillow. Not together, of course.  

• Amazon gift card... or something from my Amazon wish list.  You can find my wish list via my email address.   Here's a sampling of what's on there: 

                  

                                             

• Paypal money: I adore etsy, and have been haunting eBay & Overstock for various items for the new house.  Again, you can make a deposit via my email address.  
• Lisa Leonard gift card:  I am in love with this necklace, and would personalize it with my children's names.    

• A Lowe's gift card.  There is lots of painting in my future (such as every room in the house), along with new lighting, and a garden in the Spring.  Yes, I'll probably spend it on this:

• And if those don't float your boat, there's always Target, iTunes, Gap, Nordstrom, or Sephora. 

Three!

I am boggled that not only are we halfway through March of 2011, my Baby Boy is also 3! 

We started our day with donuts & presents. 

Frog Pillow Pet from Grandma Huff.  A HUGE hit. 

More Thomas from Mom & Dad

3!

During errands that morning, he got the special treat of riding with Bob the Builder. 

Buzz Lightyear, Space Ranger. 

Big Sis loves to play dress-up.... 

and in the interest of keeping him out of high heels & feather boas, 

we thought a costume of his own would be most fitting. 

As requested: fried rice for dinner. 

Flingsmash cake!

 Happy Birthday Big J!

Memories of age 2-3:

• His vocabulary is huge & he loves to talk.  
• He is still small for his age.  Because he is small - but very verbal - strangers often have no idea how old he is.... guesses range from a tiny 4 year old to an incredibly advanced 2 year old.  
• He is potty trained!  He uses a pull-up at night, but we're going to wean him off that after the move this summer. 
• He is outgrowing his nap.  Although Mama isn't thrilled with it, it usually means a solid 10 hours of sleep at night (which Mama LOVES).
• He has begun to mimic some of the things we say.  Ex: "Um, excuse me, I'm talking here.", "Hello?  Can you hear me?", "Mama, I just need a minute."
• He loves to jump, run, and swing.  He loves the slide, goes nuts at the bouncehouse, and can kick a ball really well.  He is learning to catch a ball.  Loves the water, and will jump in without hesitation.  Does not like to float on his back. 
• Favorite toys: Thomas trains, Buzz, Woody, Hot Wheels cars, Legos.  
• Likes to be read to.  Favorite Book: Go Dog, Go.  
• Questions everything.  "What's this?  Why?  Where are we going?"  Sometimes makes us feel like this is the Spanish Inquisition (without the Rack, of course). 
• Is very social.  Loves to play with friends and visit other people's homes.  
• Wants to be in the middle of whatever we are doing.  If I am exercising, or in the kitchen, he is right next to me - either copying what I'm doing, or playing close by.  
• Knows all his letters and can count to 10.  Knows colors, shapes, and almost any animal you show him.  
• Is a picky eater.  Enjoys strawberries, macaroni & cheese, fried rice, peanut butter & jelly (likes to make his own sandwich), chicken nuggets, bananas, nectarines, milk.  Will pretend to gag if he is encouraged to eat a bite of something he thinks he doesn't like (broccoli). 
• Favorite color: Orange!
• Is fascinated by the current Red Lobster commercial & will watch it, eyes unblinking, until the end when he asks when we go there.  

Happy Birthday to Me!

In honor of my birthday - and because I felt like it - here is a list of 100 things about me:

1. If I could, I would sleep until 9am every day.
2. My favorite ice cream is Mint Chocolate Chip.
3. Growing up, I had straight hair. After I had kids, it went wavy. Now it's just difficult.
4. Exercise is like a free therapy session.
5. Fall is my favorite season.
6. I have never broken a bone.
7. I didn't know how to freestyle swim until my husband taught me.
8. I am scuba-certified.
9. I secretly yearn to be the best hostess on the block.
10. I miss my kids when they're not with me - even if we're apart for just a few hours.
11. Birds freak me out.
12. I can't run any more because I have bone fragments floating in my ankle.
13. I have never watched Survivor, Lost, or Alias. Am I missing out?
14. I cry when watching Biggest Loser. Not every episode, but a lot of them.
15. I am terrible at craft projects because I hate to measure & generally just wing it. Incredibly, it usually turns out OK.
16. I am quite lazy, but have a strong sense of guilt that overrides the laziness.
17. I make all the bread we eat.
18. I love People magazine, but am not allowed to have a subscription. That's probably for the best.
19. Diamonds go with everything.
20. I am terrible at keeping plants alive.
21. Forget bananas - Carne Asada might be the perfect food.
22. I like my tacos on flour tortillas, not corn.
23. I have it on good authority that Martha Stewart might be related to Satan. Don't quote me on that.
24. I love a house with hydrangeas in the yard.
25. I am glad we no longer have cable, as I might never leave the house due to the imminent viewing of a RHONY/ Jerseylicious/ Hoarders/ Toddlers-n-Tiaras/ Basketball Wives marathon.
26. I prefer grapefruit or citrus scented cleaning products.
27. I have flat feet.
28. I have only been to the hospital 4 times in my life (for myself).
29. If I could, I would own vacation homes in Colorado and Hawaii.
30. I travelled through Europe for 2 weeks by myself.
31. My favorite American city is New York.
32. My favorite European city is Paris.
33. I have one half-sister who is 9 years younger than I am.
34. Growing up I had a puppy named Pepper.
35. I would love to learn to play tennis.
36. I like pink.
37. As a child we had a tradition of eating Chinese food on Christmas Eve.
38. I believe I still have not “peaked”.
39. I have a Master’s Degree in a field that I have never worked in.
40. I have lived in 4 different states since being married.
41. My first car was a VW Rabbit.
42. I look at houses online “for fun”.
43. I think I’d be really good at flipping houses for profit.
44. I went to college in Arizona.
45. I've been on a cruise, and don’t need to repeat the experience.
46. I like to always have painted toenails.
47. I think that society has taken casual Friday too far.
48. I am blood type O-Negative. Universal donor!
49. I watched all of Ronald Reagan’s funeral on TV.
50. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art.
51. I love hot chocolate.
52. I cannot stand yellow mustard.
53. Hamburgers must be ordered without pickles.
54. Cupcakes are one of my top 5 favorite foods.
55. I helped bail someone out of jail.
56. I think 78 degrees is the perfect temperature.
57. I don’t have a favorite book or movie.
58. I read so quickly that I seldom ever buy books – it just seems wasteful.
59. I love to fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on a beach.
60. I have worked since I was 15.
61. I have not had a traffic ticket in 10 years.
62. As a child in Southern California, I distinctly remember The Night Stalker. I slept with my windows closed & locked – in the middle of summer – for months.
63. I have been inside Elizabeth Taylor’s home (yes, THE Elizabeth Taylor).
64. I love jewelry but wear very little of it.
65. I have 7 ear piercings but only wear earrings in 2 of them.
66. My dream car is a Range Rover, but I will probably never drive one because I think they are ridiculously expensive.
67. I have blue eyes.
68. I cannot sleep in my contact lenses.
69. I hate loud noises, and I am especially sensitive to alarms and the sound of static.
70. I think you can’t get good sushi outside of the West Coast.
71. I have owned one house.
72. My favorite fall/winter uniform is jeans, a black sweater, & Uggs.
73. I would like to take a cooking class from a professional school.
74. I think high-fives are ridiculous when delivered by anyone over the age of 5.
75. My first trip to Canada was last year.
76. The furthest I have been into Mexico is Tijuana.
77. I was born in California, went to high school in Colorado, college in Arizona, and graduate school in Louisiana. I don’t consider any of them “home”.
78. I never balance our checkbook.
79. I will eat fish, but don’t really enjoy it.
80. I prefer to read historical fiction or mystery novels.
81. My perfect house would have a large kitchen with plenty of counter space, and a reading nook with a fireplace & an armchair to curl up in.
82. I have never mowed a lawn.
83. When we remodeled the bathroom in our house, I did all the tile work.
84. I was chosen “Outstanding Senior Printmaker” when I graduated from college.
85. When I met my husband I knew he was “The One”. It only took a year for me to convince him.
86. I consider blogstalking a semi-hobby.
87. As a child, every Saturday night was Taco Night. I couldn’t enjoy tacos for a good 10 years after I moved out.
88. I am easily influenced by marketing, but slow to act.
89. I am terrible at home decorating.
90. Unless I am camping, I detest eating off paper plates and using plastic utensils.
91. I am usually very quiet in a group, but it's because I am nervous around large crowds, not because I don't like you.
92. My dream vacation would be to go to New Zealand for 2 weeks.
93. I love foods with lemon: lemon meringue pie, lemon pound cake, lemon pudding, lemon bars….
94. I have owned 1 new car in my life. It was totaled less than a year after I bought it (not my fault).
95. I like to paint my bedroom walls a soft grey color.
96. I sleep with heavy curtains on the windows to shut out ALL the light.
97. I enjoy DIY projects around the house.
98. I think Thank You notes are the glue of polite society.
99. I like very thin - almost crepe-like - pancakes.
100. My favorite candy is chocolate covered gummy bears.

Thanks to Jen for the inspiration in creating this list!

Half Full or Half Empty?

Moreso than New Year's, birthdays indicate a very real flipping of pages in the book of life. When my annual anniversary comes knocking, I spend much time reflecting upon the past and future.

I recently read a short story in a magazine - I don't recall which one - in which the author talked about her experience in a restaurant. She was dining on the patio with her husband on a lovely summer evening and while reviewing the menu, her inner dialogue made comments about individual prices, the overall cost of the menu, the traffic going home, etc. She ordered the least expensive dish on the menu, and decided to forgo a beverage. Her husband ordered oysters to start, a delightful entree, and a glass of wine. She cocked an eyebrow at him, but he just shrugged, smiled,and returned to admiring the view.

As she listened to him order, she began to wonder why he was able to more fully enjoy the experience while she worried about it. They had plenty of money for the meal, and plenty of time to linger that evening. They were not out of place among the other diners, and had enjoyed a lovely afternoon together.

She realized that she was looking at the experience in a "half empty" kind of way. She spent so much time worrying about things that did not merit worry, that she couldn't just relax and enjoy the moment. The story ended with her changing her order to what she really wanted, and sharing her husband's oysters.

While reading the story, I realized that I am exactly that: a "glass half empty" kind of girl.

I worry.

About everything.

I worry about how much it costs, how it's going to happen, and who is going to be there. I worry about the time, the place, and the dress code. I worry about that which I can control, that which I cannot, and every scenario in between.

And when I thought about it some more, I decided that this is a very ungrateful attitude for someone who considers herself to be a grateful person. I get so caught up in the minute details of the big picture, that I forget to appreciate the every day. The ordinary is what makes life worth living.

Snuggling with my kids at night while reading bedtime stories.

2 cars with no major repair needs.

Waking up in the morning with no aches, pains, or creaking joints.

Preparing a delicious, healthy meal in a spacious kitchen, served on dishes I love.

A family who cares about me and would do anything they could to help me.

One of my birthday resolutions is to enjoy each day more fully. There is much in life we cannot control, but why not appreciate that which surrounds you & brings you joy?

PS - You bet we're going out to eat on my birthday. And I WILL order the chocolate cake. ;)

Fab Friday: March 5th

Yet another birthday rolls around next weekend, and I am trying, trying, trying to be prepared. No last minute cake making, no frantic gift buying the day before, no late night wrapping parties (for one).

As such, I have been trolling for unique gifts for my boy's boy, spending much time hopping between eBay and etsy. My search for trains, planes, and automobiles in many shapes & forms led me to Happy Family and their FAB tshirts.

First sign of awesomeness: Sheldon from Big Bang Theory has worn their dino t shirt several times. Second sign: their selection! Extensive, varied, creative. Third sign: A high rating with many, many happy customers.

(Images taken from Happy Family shop page. Sorry, but you're awesome!)

I jumped right in and ordered a Robot t, which will go perfectly with his robot moves (he stands still and holds his arms rail straight, then moves them up and down in front of him). And, in a nod to my sweet Hub, I also ordered a Skeleton Diagram t. PLUS - I got a free pirate ship tote bag! What little boy wouldn't want Mama to tote his library books in a bag with a pirate ship on it??

I had a little hiccup in the ordering process, but the owner was responsive, all was smoothed out & my package arrived yesterday. I can't wait for Big J to open these up on his birthday. I hope he's as excited as I am!

Happy Friday!

First Birthday

Big J turned ONE last Saturday.

The Birthday Boy - not so bright-eyed (still recovering from a cold).

He ate a delicious breakfast of pancakes and banana.

Then it was time to open a few presents.

Big Daddy worked hard to put together his fire engine.

He loves ringing that bell!

Lots of things to turn, spin, and move.

Grandpa M made him his own plane, helicopter and truck.

After lunch, it was time for cake!

It took a few minutes for him to warm up to the idea of actually eating the cake, but after that he took several big bites.

Favorite Foods: Banana, turkey, ham, potato, grapes, cheese "poofs", apples + cherries, pancakes, waffles, toast. Will eat eggs, apples, tomato, beef jerky....

Favorite Beverage: Milk. Drinks water from a sippy cup (by himself).

Sleeping habits: 2 naps a day, bedtime around 7:30, usually sleeps until 7am. Sleeps with paci monkey & dinosaur blanket.

Favorite toy: Anything that makes music. Likes things that turn or spin.

Words: Mama, Daddy

Activity: Likes to roll all over the place. Turns in a circle while sitting. No crawling yet, but is making pre-crawling motions. Likes to mimic clapping hands, sticking out tongue, waving. Loves to be bounced on the bed by Big Daddy. Enjoys being outside.

Demeanor: Generally very happy. Smiles often & giggles lots.

Party Prep

Big J is One Today!

I'm going to post all the birthday shenanigans late next week, but wanted to share his cake. I made an Alligator Cupcake Cake from Hello Cupcake.

I made a few modifications - using mini cupcakes instead of regular size (it calls for 24 cupcakes), and I couldn't find the Newman's chocolate cookies they call for, so I subbed in chocolate covered graham crackers.

Here are the cupcakes (baked without wrappers) laid out in the form of the 'gator.

Whipping the color into the buttercream frosting. It called for a 'murky green' color. I mixed leaf green, willow green, a little blue, and a little red - all in the Wilton gel colorings.

Partially frosted. Yes, you see 2 colors of frosting there. No idea what happened. I only made one batch, but did divide it into 2 bags. I thought maybe the heat from my hands warmed up the buttercream, making it absorb more color?

Almost done! The eyes are a marshmallow covered in frosting & dotted with Jr. Mints. The tail looks darker because I scraped off the first round of frosting & repiped it to look a little more uniform. That bothered me much more than the difference in color.

Chocolate covered graham cracker scales, marshmallow teeth, Runts for claws, & Jelly Belly nostrils. You can hardly see the color difference with the other stuff on him.

Happy Birthday to our Big J!

5

Today Big Sis turns 5!

I don't know why, but I have been struggling with this just a bit. 5 seems so.... grown up. Like the next time I turn around, she'll be packing up to head off to college.

Here's a brief interview with Big Sis:

What’s special about today? It’s my birthday. And I like birthdays.

What’s so special about being 5? Because you have to turn 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or 10.

Favorite thing about today so far? Opening my presents.

Favorite present? My favorite present was my Tinkerbelle movie.

Favorite food? Strawberries and blueberries

Favorite drink: Root beer

Favorite thing to do in the whole world? To go and see my cousins and see Audrey and have a playdate with Mariah.

Favorite thing to do with Daddy: Go to the movies

Favorite thing to do with Mommy: Go to Disney on Ice

Favorite TV show: Spongebob

Who’s your best friend: Mariah

What do you like to do with her: Have playdates with her and play hide and go seek

Favorite book: Angelina

Do you like having a little brother?: No, not very much because he cries in the night and he whines all the time.

Favorite princess: Aurora because she has a pretty crown and pretty hair and pretty dress.

What are you doing right now? I am taking pictures of what you’re writing on your computer.

Tell me about your day: My day was good and next I get to go to school and they get to sing happy birthday to me and I get to make a birthday crown. And I get to eat snacks and then we wash our hands and we have library time.

Do you like library time? Yes because that is how Johnathan will keep quiet. He is so loud.

What are you doing tonight? We are going to get Chinese food for dinner and then we go back home and we go to bed.

Favorite Joke: My favorite joke is a knock-knock joke.

Knock-knock

Who's there?

Orange?

Orange I'm glad you didn't come from Africa.

(I have no idea what the above joke means. She likes the idea of knock-knock jokes and will make up her own non-sensical versions for hours).

My sweet baby girl, I feel like I want to put the brakes on the aging process now. You are such a precious little sprite, always dancing around the house, practicing your "sweet moves" and curtsying to your imaginary yet appreciative audience. You are inquisitive and mischievous, with a ready smile and infectious laugh. It makes my heart swell to watch you play with other children. You are generous with your attention, and free with your advice on how things should be done (A bit of Mama in you? More than just a bit, I think....). You are also so very kind-hearted, wanting to make sure everyone will join in with any group activity, and always ready and willing to do your part.

Your creativity is blossoming and it is a joy to watch those synapses fire up as you discover the worlds of drawing and painting, and of course, the pleasures to be had from the application of glitter glue. If it is pink, it must adorn your body. If it is sparkly, shiny, or glossy, it must be applied to your lips, face, or fingernails. My girl, you are all girl.

While your feelings towards your brother generally border on the ambivalent, you have a protective streak that rises if anyone else approaches him or tries to touch him. I am hopeful those feelings of protection will continue for all your lives together, and you will be close friends as adults. (I have no illusion that you will do more than tolerate the other through adolescence, but hopefully you will grow to appreciate each other as time passes).

Happy Birthday my girl.