My Sentiments Exactly

I love quotations because it is a joy to find thoughts one might have, beautifully expressed with much authority by someone recognized wiser than oneself.

~Marlene Dietrich

A Quick Update From L-town

Whew! One week into the vacation and I finally have a minute to blog. We are having a blast so far: staying up late, eating at our favorite restaurants, catching up with old friends, hanging out with family. I can't believe we have 2 more weeks of this.

We spent most of today at the beach. The girls loved the water, but Ellie was not particularly fond of the sand. In fact, we were there for 4 hours before she would even attempt to put her feet in it. Needless to say, I was a little tired from carrying her back and forth from the water to the blanket in the shade.

We tried really hard to keep up on the sunscreen, but I missed a few spots on Makayla. And my niece is so red. Tonight when Makayla saw Jordyn's sunburn she said, "Oooo! Jordyn got bit by the sun. That was really mean of that sun. He's super naughty!" That got a pretty good laugh out of me.

We have 3 more fun-filled days here before we head home for our 1-day layover. I'm taking tons of pictures and will post some when I get home.

We're Off

Today marks the beginning of what I can only imagine will be a crazy 3 weeks. It's our summer vacation. We've been looking forward to it for some time. Our schedule goes something like this:

-Hop in the car tonight when Kasey gets home from work.
-Drive through the night and into the morning, arriving in L-town approximately 15 hours later.
-Hang out with friends for 5 days.
-Kasey's family reunion for an additional 5 days.
-Back in the car for another 15 hours through the night.
-One day layover at our house to do laundry, pay bills, and repack car.
-Drive to my family reunion, approximately 6 hours away.
-Camping and other fun stuff for 3-1/2 days.
-More driving.
-Home for 3 days to do, what else? Laundry!
-Kasey goes back to work while the girls and I travel to my mom's house for 4 days.
-Those 4 days home include a day with my high school friends (WooHoo!) and all our kids, a trip to the new pizza place (I've heard it's excellent), possibly a day at the beach, and a party for my grandparent's 60th wedding anniversary (and I thought 6 years was a lot!).

Kasey got me a new toy to hopefully make the driving a little more bearable for the girls. I sure hope they don't hate us and their car seats by the end of all this.

With this crazy, crazy schedule, who knows if I'll have time to blog. I'll definitely tell you all about our adventures (with pictures) when we get back in July.

New Summer Do

Makayla's hair has been driving me crazy for a while. It's so fine and breaks so easily. So today I took her to get it cut. I think the short cut is pretty cute on her, but the lady did a horrible job. The back is all jagged and uneven with the front. I'm pretty sure I could have done a better job myself, and I would have saved myself $10. I'm debating whether to go to a nicer salon and pay another $15 or $20 to get it fixed or wait a month and even it out myself. Or just maybe, my sister will take pity on Makayla's poor hair and fix it for her when we see her next week. (Katie are you reading this? wink, wink)

Six Years and Going Strong

Kasey and I celebrated our anniversary last week. Here's our 6 years in a nutshell: 2 kids, 4 apartments, 3 college degrees, 6 jobs, countless trips to see family and friends, a little heartache, a lot of happiness, and even more love.

I can't wait to see what the next six years bring.

Splash Pad Fun

It's such a beautiful day today! It's a nice change from the snow we had last week. On a whim, I decided to take the girls to the splash pad. It wasn't too busy when we got there, but it was crazy by the time we left. Makayla remembered it from last year and immediately started running around and jumping through the water. Ellie was much more tentative. She did a lot of standing near the water and staring at other kids. I took pictures until I got too hot, then I coaxed Ellie into the water with me. I didn't get any pictures afterwards, but both girls were dripping from head to toe when we left.

I think the girls had a lot of fun. If the weather stays nice, we may go several times this week.

There Goes My Self-Esteem

It's nice having Kasey home. I can get away with only taking one kid with me to the store. I can't believe how easy it is to maneuver the grocery store with just one kid in tow!

Today, Makayla was the lucky winner. We hopped in the car and drove to the store. We picked up a few groceries, stopped by the Red Box, and loaded up the car to come home. As we were driving the short distance home, Makayla and I started talking.

She said, "I have a little bum."

"Yep, you sure do."

"One day I want to grow up and be a mommy."

"Being a mommy is pretty great."

"But I can't be a mommy until my bum grows big, big, big like yours."

"Do mommies have big bums?"

"Well, no. Just you do."

"Thanks for that vote of confidence, kiddo!"

"You're welcome!" she beamed. "Mommy, I sure love you."

It's good to know that my kids love me. Big bum and all!

I Know I Said I Wasn't Going to Post Anything. . .

but this is too hilarious to pass up! Thanks for the heads up Lizzie.

Taking a Little Break

I haven't felt very inclined to blog this week. First of all, it's really cold. Snowing, in fact. And I'm really, really stubborn and won't turn the heater on. It's June for crying out loud!! Anyway, I get too cold just sitting at my computer, so I haven't wanted to blog much for that reason.

Secondly, after working 185 hours over the past 2 weeks, Kasey has a week off. So the girls and I are spending every possible minute doing stuff with him before he has to go back to work on Monday. That doesn't leave too much extra time for blogging.

I'll probably start posting some more next week when Kasey is back at work. Have a nice week everyone.

Breaking Dawn Sneak Peek

I haven't really kept up with any Twilight news over the past few weeks. Tonight I decided to glance at Stephenie Meyer's website. I found the link to a sneak peek of her new book, Breaking Dawn, that is coming out August 2.

If you've already seen this, sorry for the repeat. If you haven't, enjoy!

This Girl is the Fave!

Makayla has started saying this new, hilarious thing. I thought it might be a passing phase, but she's been saying it for over a month now. I want to write it down so I don't forget it when she stops saying it.

She substitutes the word "fave" (as in favorite) for the word "best." So instead of saying "This is the best," she will say "This is the fave."

This morning she wanted to color a picture. She pulled out her new Princess activity book (Thanks Aunt Lizzie! She loves it!) She flipped to some random page and exclaimed, "Oh Mom! I have to color this page. It's the fave in the whole book!"

It cracks me up every time she says it. I know I should probably correct her, but it's so hilarious!

Complaining About My Living Arrangements. What Else Is New?

I have new neighbors. Again. Such is the way of apartment living, I guess.

These new neighbors smoke. I don't have anything against people who smoke. I do, however, have a problem with people whose smoking habit intrudes upon my right not to smoke.

The cigarette smoke smell is sifting down into my apartment making everything reek.

It's especially bad in my bathroom. So bad, in fact, that I have to hold my breath while I'm peeing so that I don't puke at the same time.

I think I'll be looking for a new apartment in the morning. They are pretty hard to come by in this town so wish me luck!

My All-Time Favorite Sandwich Shop

When I lived in Minnesota a few years ago, I discovered this little whole-in-the-wall sandwich place. It was called Milio's. I think I tried it one day because I got a coupon in the mail or something. Driving by, it's not a place that I would pick out, especially with Subway (a more well-known sandwich store to me) around the corner. One bite and I was in sandwich heaven!


My favorite sandwich was #12 The Californian. The bread was crispy on the outside, soft on the inside. The turkey was shaved, not sliced. The tomatoes were the perfect amount of ripened. They almost tasted home-grown. The lettuce was not at all wilty. Double Provolone cheese-yummy! The mayo was Hellman's not some random mystery restaurant mayo. Top it with guacamole and alfalfa sprouts--the perfect combination to finish off this delicious sandwich. Mmmm!


I would kill for one of those sandwiches right now! Unfortunately, the closest Milio's to where I live is over 750 miles away. *sigh*


I'd be willing to make the drive if only gas wasn't nearing $4 per gallon. I guess I'll just have to close my eyes and eat Milio's in my dreams.

No More Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

Ellie came up to me this morning and asked, "Can I jump, jump, jump on the bed?"

I laughed, a little incredulously, and said, "No! We don't jump on mama's bed."

Then she broke out this face.

Which is the I'm-so-cute-and-I'm-saying-please-so-surely-you-will-give-me-everything-I-want face.

I said "no" again which immediately caused this face and a little tantrum on my bedroom floor.

Ah, motherhood--ain't it great!

Life Lesson #358

Never laugh at other people's misfortunes because eventually those misfortunes become your own.

Three examples from my life to support this:

1. When I was a sophomore in high school, I became friends with this boy that I sat next to in Chemistry. One day he wasn't in class. I found out it was because he was in the hospital for an appendectomy. I went to visit him the next afternoon when I got out of school. He was walking around the hall when I saw him. I totally made fun of the way he was walking--hunched over, clinging to his IV pole, feet shuffling slowly along the cold hospital floor. Big mistake. Why? I ended up in the hospital the next week with appendicitis and had to have an appendectomy myself. And I walked just like he had that day I saw him.

2. Not too long ago, a friend posted on her blog about her little girl learning to climb out of her crib. I laughed and laughed and thought to myself, "Poor girl! That must suck!" A few days ago I laid down to take a nap while Ellie was sleeping. A little while later, I was awakened by Ellie slapping me in the face and giggling. I asked Makayla if she had helped Ellie out of her crib. Makayla said, "Nope. I just watched her climb out." Great! That's loads of fun for me now.

3. Also not too long ago, I wrote about Makayla's friend who asked a million questions that drove me crazy. I was so glad that Makayla wasn't like that. But it seems like the day she turned 4 the questions started, and they haven't stopped since. I think I'm going to lose my mind. Ugh! The questions!!

Some people call this karma, but I call it God trying to humble me. So far, it's working!

They Aren't Twins That's For Sure

I've had 18 months to look at my girls together, and I still can't believe how different they look!

Plus, when did Makayla's hair turn so dark? I could have sworn that it was blond yesterday.

Bathroom Woes

-Update- I can't believe that so few of you wear nylons. My legs are way too white to ever get away with that!

I hate using the restroom at church. Not because of the germ factor, but because of what I'm wearing.

On any given Sunday, I can be found at church in a skirt and shirt with a slip, nylons, and high heels. The nylon issue alone is enough for me to want to avoid the bathroom at all costs. It's such a pain to get them readjusted and fitting (somewhat) comfortably after pulling them down.

So tell me--has this happened to anyone else?

You are running around in the morning, frantic to get everyone ready for church on time. There's cereal to eat, baths to take, dresses to don, hair to braid, socks and shoes to find, lessons to gather, and diaper bag to pack all before 8:45.

In all the hustle and bustle of the morning, you fail to get your 2-minutes of privacy in the bathroom. But you are already late so you don't want to take the time to use your own toilet.

You think, "It's only 3 hours. I can totally hold it that long."

So, the first hour of church passes. You have to go, but the urge is not that bad. Then you begin the second hour of church. Your bladder is uncomfortably full. You are starting to wonder just how much you drank this morning. Entering the third and final hour of church, peeing is all you can think of. You no longer can focus on what is being said up front. So you slip out quietly and walk quickly, remembering not to run in the hallways, to the restroom, which is, of course, on the other side of the building.

Once in the bathroom, relief is yours. It's after that you remember why you really didn't want to use the bathroom at church. There's the near impossible task of trying to replace your nylons in that teeny, tiny stall. You bend over to pull them up and bump your head on the door. So you turn sideways, hoping for more room. Your bum hits the wall and throws you off balance. Then you are stumbling around in this teeny, tiny stall, trying with all your might not to put a hand or a foot in the toilet.

Finally, the nylons are up, but you have to check to be sure that no part of your slip or skirt are tucked into the nylons. (Because one time I forgot to check, and it was so embarrassing.) You are in the stall, tugging and straightening and pulling and smoothing and checking your clothes. When you think you are as presentable as when you came to church, you exit the stall.

Washing your hands, you notice in the mirror that something is not quite right. So the tugging and straightening and pulling and smoothing continue. Okay. Now everything is good, and you can go back to your meeting.

Next week you are determined to use your own toilet at home before you even think of putting on your Sunday best.

I seriously want to know if this happens to anyone else. Or am I the only one? Leave an anonymous comment if you are embarrassed to admit it. I have to know that I'm not alone in this struggle.