Off to the beach

Well this week I have prepped for the beach. I took off from hardcore looking for a job (since I got 2 rejections on job interviews- great fit but we took someone with industry experience) and got organized to go to the beach. I did talk to a recruiter face to face this morning so I did do something - and I applied to a couple jobs. But overall - not much.

We dropped Riley off with the people we got her from last night. They have 4 dogs of their own. She was so excited and was having a great time playing with her "doggie" mommy and siblings. I think she is going to do great with them. They are actually taking all the dogs to the beach with them this weekend - good luck to them!! I already miss her but got note about an idea the Hunts had for training her. I can only imagine the wonderful things she is going to learn from them this week. The fact that she is not in a kennel all day is perfect - any additional things she learns from the pack or the Hunts is definitely a bonus.

I am also playing with covering a cake with fondant tonight. I have an order for a football cake on the 15th and I want to have a little experience with fondant before I try that one. Chris wants me to wait until tonight so he can watch it. I can't wait!

I have done most of the laundry and am off to clean up the kitchen for dinner tonight. I am trying to stay organized with lists - yes I am the list lady!!!

:-)

New Cupcake recipe

So I decided to start a cupcake business (Stephanie's BabyCakes) and therefore needed to try out all the new "products". Here is the creation from last night. Dark Chocolate Cake, Peppermint Frosting and a Junior Mint on top. It was YUMMY - I did have to try it! Thankfully, Chris' coworkers pick up the job of eating all my creations!!

Hello Again

So we have had a busy week....you would think with me being unemployed - my house would always be clean, my to dos done and all my scrapbooking and blogging up to date. None of that happens and Madison isn't even here!!!

Had another birthday....yep it happened. Where does the time go? Cake decorating on Tuesday night (was behind from missing last week but think I am caught up now) and came home to an amazing party with my family - all three of them with partyhats on! Yes, sadly no camera.

Thursday we headed to the zoo in Greenville, SC. We had a blast! I will attach some pics as soon as they finish uploading. Madison loved the elephants and girafees.

Today I am catching up on things. I mowed the lawn, applied for two jobs not at all in my realm of work ( or what I usually think of as my usual realm - but much more what I would like to do) and am waiting now for a 3pm interview with Time Warner Cable. Interested to see how this goes since I got rid of TWC in February because the service was AWFUL. I hope if I get the job they don't make me switch back!!!

We have a couple things going on this weekend. Tonight is a low key date movie night. We got it to watch on monday for my bday....still sitting on the counter. Tomorrow I am having lunch with my sister and Pam in Gaffney (midpoint between Charlotte and Greenville) and then we are going out for a date for my bday (Japanese restaraunt here we come!) and just usual house stuff on Sunday.

I will post pics soon. Have a great weekend!

Where does the time go???

I just realized that it has been almost a month since my last post......wow. Well we were gone for two weeks and I did take all of last week to try to catch up with some things and look for jobs....well here is a quick update and I will do more details and add some pictures soon (I will also be sending out pics soon).

We had a wonderful two weeks on the Tour O Grandparents. Madi, Riley and I had a very uneventful trip up (thankfully) on Sunday and spent the night with my mom. After a great dinner at the Charcoal Pit (one of my favs!) we actually had a short night with Madison sleeping most of the night in my bed. We were able to see where Grammy worked and got a muffin on Monday morning and then headed up to Mom Mom and Pop Pop's for the afternoon. We decided that Madison sleeping in the car does not ususally make for a great wakeup and unfortunately, Pop Pop witnessed a meltdown. But we had a great evening out on the deck. Aunt Kristen came up and we relaxed outside and Uncle Dave stopped in right before Madison went to bed. Some of Kristen's friends stopped by and we realized that it had gotten really late it is was only Monday. Riley loved hanging outside with Haley pretty much the entire time we were in PA. On Tuesday afternoon, Mom Mom, Pop Pop and Aunt Kristen took us to the Brandywine Zoo. We also had a great picnic down by the water before we went in. LOVE CAPRIOTTI'S. We got to see some pretty interesting animals and a big sleepy tiger.

On Wednesday we said a sad goodbye to Mom Mom and Pop Pop and headed over to see Grandma and Grandpa. We had great night out on their beautiful patio by the pond and Uncle David came up to visit too. We settled in very nicely visiting with grandma and grandpa - riley too! Although I am fairly certain the cats were not thrilled we were there. We had wonderful trips to a great park by their house. Riley got to come along as well. Grandma took her for walks. Madison also got to go to a dairy farm to see some cows and baby cows with Grandpa. And there was ice cream! She was in heaven. We had several other wonderful nights on the porch - and I got to do SMORES! YUMMY!

On Saturday, Madison and I headed to Baltimore to pick up Chris from the airport and then we head to Beltsville to go to my Great Uncle's 100th birthday party. Riley stayed at Grandma and Grandpa's. It was so wonderful to see my family - aunts, uncles, cousins and more extended family - some I had not seen in years! We also caught up with the Mahoneys who were up visiting as well. We had a brief stop at my grandmother's after the party and then headed over to Steve and Christiane's for dinner. It was great to finally see their house in Annapolis and spend a little downtime with them, as well as the Mahoneys and Mom Mom and Pop Pop.

We then headed back to Grandma and Grandpa's house for a busy couple of days. Uncle David came over on Sunday to spend the day with us again and see Chris. Monday was another trip to the dairy farm (we had to show Chris the cows - and the ice cream!) and then the Ellis' came over to have a BBQ. Madison had a great time with Ainsley and Chesley. I think they must have made 10 or 20 laps around the pond!!

Tuesday we left Grandma and Grandpa's, where we had been for almost a week. I think the only happy ones were the cats - glad to have their house back! We headed on down to Bethany Beach to catch up with Grammy and the Mahoneys again. We also got to spend some time with Ron. The beach house was amazing and so lucky to spend our week there. It was so much more than my mom let on!!! We spent Wednesday at the beach - it was very overcast, almost foggy. This actually turned out good b/c it gave Madison time to get use to the beach without all the heat from the sun. Water is still completely off limits but I am ok with that for now. I just wish she wasn't terrified of it. Thursday was another amazing day at the beach. We headed to a state park that had bathrooms and a snack stand. The sun joined us that day and we had fun playing in the sand. This was another day of realizing Madison really needs to still get naps. Once the meltdown (and it was probably her worst ever) was over, we had a great rest of the evening. Friday the kids, Chris, Steve and Grammy headed to the beach for the ENTIRE day - they had a blast and the kids were great. Natalie and I headed back to PA to attend the funeral of Karen's brother who passed away almost unexpectedly. It was a very rough day but Natalie and I were so glad we could be there to be with our family.
July 4th - we had a great Fourth of July. We got a great place on the beach and enjoyed the boardwalk as well. Grammy joined us for dinner in Rehobeth and while we hadn't planned on it - we stayed for Madison to see the fireworks. She loves them but they were a little loud. Unfortunately, we had a really long trip home sitting in over a hour of traffic to go 2-3 miles.

Sunday was the long drive home. It took about 10 1/2 hours with several stops. We had a fabulous trip but were happy to be home. I know I wasn't going to give all the details in this post but oh well. Hope you enjoyed it! We definitely did!

Getting ready for our trip

Well the count down is on for our big tripto see the grandparents (T minus 4 days) and I have started my cluster of lists of things to do/take/not forget - Chris laughs at my lists. But honestly it is the ONLY way I will keep any of my sanity before we leave.

We are heading to PA on Sunday (yes that is Father's Day) - just me, Madison and Riley. Apparently, we are giving Chris the best gift ever - a quiet day to enjoy to himself. He will miss us tons but definitely will appreciate the quiet house and I am sure - the hours of uninterrupted computer time. Madison, Riley and I are heading to my dad's for a couple days and will also get to see my mom several times. Then on Wednesday, we are heading to Chris' parents for a few days of grandma/grandpa time. On Saturday, Madison and I are heading down to Baltimore to pick up Chris and then head over to my great great Uncle Jimmy's 100th birthday party. Then the family will be heading back up to Chris' parents for a couple days (including a BBQ with Uncle David and our friends' the Ellis') and then to the beach with my mom and Ron for a couple days and the 4th of July.

I am really excited that we are able to take Madison to spend some time with her grandparents - I am sure she will love it. They will be completely shocked at how much she talks and knows. It will be so much fun to see their faces!

With all this said - it might be a little while before my next post but I am sure there will be tons of pictures. Keep your fingers crossed that I get some feedback on interviews when I get back!

Long over due post

So it has been a long time since I posted - I apologize. Things are a little up in the air. We had a great May. We went down to visit the Mahoney's over Memorial Day weekend for Charlie's first birthday. He had a fabulous time - as you can see! His aunt, uncle and cousins were able to join him as well. He is getting so big and is almost walking!

We have been spending a lot of time outside - enjoying the weather. Madison loves to play with her toys - and Riley's. She likes to throw the balls and adores playing with bubbles. She has also learned to love to play with sidewalk chalk. The only issue is that Riley loves it too, but she ends up eating it! Madison is enjoying the evening walks we take after dinner to get all of us out of the house and Riley some exercise when it isn't too hot.

Riley has gotten really big. She is up over 20 lbs now. She did not make it to the beach with us and loved her stay at the vet's. She had great play time with another puppy over that weekend. She now stands taller than Madison when she stands on her back legs. She is pretty much potty trained as long as she stays in the big pen we have for her in the kitchen.

Proof that Madison was on the beach. :-) She did like to play in it and even made it to the water's edge. She sat on my lap for a little while but there was NO way she was actually going in. Unfortunately she was pretty sick for the entire trip so that didn't help either. She was not a fan of the pool right outside our condo either. Will, especially, made great use of the pool though. He had the best time.

We finally got a picture of our family right as we were leaving Savannah for the end of our vacation. We stayed in Tybee Island and had lunch in Savannah on our way home. Well we actually did a little bit more shopping before we got on the road but still made it home in time for dinner. We had a wonderful time at the beach with the Mahoneys and are very excited that invited us to join them!

Riley

So I am going back and updating everyone on the last month. I am starting with the newest addition to our family - RILEY!
Riley has definitely been a welcome addition to our family but it caused a bit of a stir. Madison - while loving Riley - completely acted out to Chris and I. This is completely natural (per her pediatrician) like bringing home a new sibling. After a couple weeks of saying "no Riley""no Madison" for hours on end - I think we have system down that works. Madison is getting use to have a new morning schedule - to include taking our Riley. Riley has also almost been potty trained and likes to spend her days/evenings in the pen we put in the kitchen. She use to have the whole kitchen until she chewed up a piece of the molding under the island. She is getting so big - I am sure over 15 lbs by now. Here is a couple pictures of the day we got her. Enjoy!!!

Madison following Riley around at Furfeathers

Riley taking a much needed nap

The family - Chris, Stephanie, Madison and Riley!

Happy Belated Mother's Day

So I am a little bit behind but I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Mother's Day.

We had a fabulous day - we hung out for a little while in the morning - then off to Starbucks for what Madison say - "mommy's coffee" - awful I know!! Then we headed to the mall to run around and play with Madison. We had lunch out and then spent the rest of the day at home. My wonderful family is sending me to the spa! (Is that telling me something) - WHO CARES - I am so excited to go!!!

It was so nice to spend the day with my family!

New computer

So it is up and working..... pictures are being sent out and I will be updating this blogs several times over the next several days with all of our recent events. For the moment - here are a couple pics!





Picture from last night with Riley - getting some LOVE!

Madison playing with Riley on the deck.

Madison playing with her new water toy! And loving it!!!

Daddy and Riley - she is getting so BIG1

Madison's second birthday with Mommy and Daddy - she loves her cake!

Moving in the right direction....

So our computer has been rebuilt. After much debate, research and discussions - we bought all the pieces to rebuild our computer. Now I am sure you all know I had nothing to do with it. I just said "ok". But it has been rebuilt and I am thrilled. Now Chris just needs to finish reinstalling all the software and we will be back on track.......pictures are going! I promise this time.

I am off to get Madison so we can go get flowers for the deck planters. LOVE this sun!

Well I signed up.....

Ok it is official. I signed up for a 5k this morning. I am doing the Summer Breeze 5k on June 20th. The great thing....Natalie is doing it with me!!! So I guess I need to get training again. I took a bit of a hiatus with the insanity of the puppy and the change to Madison's schedule. BUT NO LONGER! It really amazing how much clarity I get while running...or at least I thought so this morning. Fortunately or unfortunately for Chris......I come back and have all kinds of things figured out!

No home computer

I know - I have promised pictures - of all kinds - easter, Riley, even Madison's second birthday.

Here's the problem. Apparently our computer decided to die or at least pass out about 2 months after the warranty - of course! Chris took it to work to see if one of the hardware computer guys (read geniuses) could figure out the issue. They thought it was the power supply - I asked and the only answer I got was it is the what supplies the power - really? - So we ordered one and it came yesterday.......that wasn't the issue.

Apparently we need a new mother board. Again - no idea what this is but I do know that when we moved into the ghetto and had computer issues.....Dell had to come out and replace it once before. I am noticing a trend.......

Well Chris is working with the geniuses at his work to figure out the best road to take - while trying not to have to buy a new computer......Keep your fingers crossed. But until then....sorry no new pictures.

Catching up

So the last week or so was a little bit crazy. We had a wonderful time at Easter seeing everyone and bringing Riley home. Monday was the first day we really were alone at home and trying to figure things out with the new puppy. Tuesday Chris left for CA and things start to fall apart. I had a hard time - at first - putting Riley in her crate while I was here during the day. Which, unfortunately, left me constantly following after her and getting absolutely nothing done. Put that on top of trying to help Madison what she can and can not do with Riley, the stress at work and ZERO sleep - let's just say I was thrilled when Chris came home.

So over the weekend - we had lots of highlights. First and foremost - was Madison's 2nd Birthday on Friday and her party on Saturday. Daddy, Madison and I had a great time celebrating her birthday on Friday and then Saturday, well let's just say that Madison now has the biggest sweet tooth. The entire ride to Build a Bear was "cake" "cake" "cake""cake""cake"!!!!! But once we got inside and all of our friends arrived, we had a great time "building bears". Madison ended up with a monkey which is perfect b/c I call her Monkey.

We also decided to get a gate to go across our open area of the house to split it in half so Riley could roam around but not with too much freedom. Well on Monday - I decided to let her stay in the kitchen area......bad move. She is a magician and can get out of anything. Plus there were several "accidents" on the carpet. New Plan: Crate throughout the day. Walk in the morning, at lunch and in the afternoon and evenings. No free roam of the kitchen if I am working at home for at least several more months

On a different note - work still is stressful. We have a Asset Purchase Agreement with PwC but we still have to go through auction. Who knows who will end up buying us and if anyone will have a job....

Our house computer is getting fixed so once I get that back online I will post some of my 300 pictures from the last couple weeks!

Several things......

We had a wonderful weekend with family and friends and the new addition to our family - Riley. I will add more later about the weekend and what we did and add some pictures when I get my camera back later this week - Chris took it to CA.

I am heartbroken today b/c my boss was let go from BearingPoint. We knew that a round of layoffs were going to happen today.......I know of several others that are in the same situation.....some that are not definite yet. So I am just sad and would rather not be working - but I have to so hopefully I can keep my job....

Pictures from Picking out Riley

Madison loves to have pictures taken..... and this one she got up close and personal!
















Riley following Madison. Madison was not quite sure what to do with her. The funny thing is Madison wanted to go down the hill to play with the bigger dogs.

I think this is Marine but not sure. Madison was just getting use to having a puppy up close.

Big Weekend - HAPPY EASTER

So much going on this weekend. Chris and Madison are off today while I have to "work". I am actually on a call at the moment so I guess I am working..... Chris and Madison are off to Lowes to get more mulch for the final bed we are going to do. Chris has worked all week and has done an amazing job with several news beds out in the yard. It looks amazing!!! I am really excited about it. He has one more tree to do today and that will finish up all the smaller beds. He has had to pull up all the sod, add in top soil, compost and peat moss and then mix it all up. We have some beautitufl flowers in the beds now.
My mom and grandmother are coming in town today. I know Madison will be so excited to see them. Hopefully the rain will hold off so we can go to the park for a little while - Madison loves the slides and thankfully, the sand. That will Chris some time to work in the yard and finish up that bed.
Tomorrow morning is the big day - we are going to get Riley!! I can not wait. I am sure we are in for lots of fun. We will be up there about an hour and back to Charlotte around lunch. The Mahoneys are coming into town as well at some point on Saturday. We can not wait to see them and for Abby to meet Riley.
Sunday, of course, is Easter. We are going to church in the morning and then have an Easter Egg hunt. The Tarnowskis are joining us for the Easter Egg Hunt and then for dinner. Should be a lot of fun!
Then Sunday night......we will all pass out!

Riley's New Bed

So we have a name - Riley and she now has a new bed. Chris put together her crate last night and it sits in the sunroom. Madison was very excited about it this morning. She kept saying "Riley's bed!" On the way to school, she was drawing on her etch-n-sketch and saying, "Daddy, Mimi, Madison, Riley". Too cute! I have some more pictures of her from this past weekend with the puppy. I will try to get those later today.

5k date change

So realistically speaking, my training would take me to the day before the 5k run on April 25th.....I am not sure that is the best plan of action. Somehow I think that I would frustrate myself. So now the plan is for June 20- the Summer Breeze 5k. Registration has not opened yet but with the wise words from Natalie, I will sign up as soon as I can so I do not find a reason not to be able to do it. I might even have friends running with me.

My training went GREAT today - Mondays are usually my best days. I am sure the warmer weather will helps too!

Visit at the Mahoney's last weekend

We got to visit the Mahoney's last weekend. Here is a great picture of Natalie, Will and Charlie. We were all having fun on Will's slide bed right after baths. Natalie was the only parent in the pictures from the weekend.

Somehow I missed Steve and Chris.....and the kite that hit the house!

Madison and Will at the top of the slide. One would go down, then the other and both right back up the ladder to go again. Madison adores Will and loves his slide bed.

Cool chick on the ride home!

We picked a puppy!

So Madison and I went up to see the puppies today. When we got there, Bruce and Shannon picked Marine and Amber out of the whelping box for us to play with them. They were all over the basement. Both puppies came up to us, but Amber sat in my lap for a little while. Madison did pretty well and like looking at the puppies and she also like to make the whining sound of the puppies who wanted out of the box.

We then took the puppies outside and got to play with them a little bit. Amber seemed to hang around us just a little bit more. It was so tough to pick between the two b/c they are so much alike but we decided (or should I say I decided) on Amber since she seemed to have picked us.

Madison was a little scared of the puppies but really wanted to get down with the big dogs - too funny. The bigger ones could run her over but I guess she is use to Abby. She will have to get use to a puppy soon too!!

Here is the link to Amber's page that the breeders set up: http://furfeathers.thruhere.net/Amber.htm I can't wait to get her next weekend.

Still no final word on a name.....I'm working on it.

We will get to pick up "Amber" next weekend at 9:30. My mom and grandmother are going to go with us. Then later in the day Natalie and the family including Abby will be up. Should be an interested night!

Cutest Outfit

Ok I think I found the cutest outfit ever!
http://www.squeezehugs.com/girl/apparel-2t-4t/tralala-french-ribbon-blue-ruffle-pant-set.html

Update on Puppies T minus 8 days!!

We found out last night that the first two families have picked their puppies. The first family with 2 almost 3 years twin girls picked Rose - both are very low key so it is a perfect pick. The second family has a 10 year old daughter and she picked Lavendar. That leaves us Peaches, Marine and Amber. After talking with Bruce and Shannon the other night, we all decided that Peaches would be best for the lady that picks after us. She is looking for a service dog and Peaches would be perfect. Peaches is high-energy and needs chores every day so it is a good match. Plus I am not sure I am ready for a high energy puppy.

That leaves us to pick between Marine and Amber. Both are laid back puppies. Marine is bigger at the moment but that does not mean she will be bigger when they get older. Marine is also a little more square - stockier. Amber was my first pick from the beginning. She was the smallest at first and she had the cuter face. I also started liking Lavender but since she is already taken - well who knows. Madison and I are going up to see the puppies tomorrow morning to pick. I guess we will see which ones likes us the most! We can't wait!

Now that it is getting closer to bringing her home, we are getting all the essentials. The crate should show up today. We went to Petsmart last night and got some food, bowls, leash, collar, bed for the crate......I am sure I missed something.

Madison keeps saying - Madison puppy Madison puppy so I am think she is excited too!

And the name.....well we aren't there yet......

PUPPIES!

Madison LOVED seeing the puppies but was not exactly sure what to do with them. She could not actually play with them but she did try several times to get in the whelping box. She doesn't quite understand yet that she is going to get one. Here is the link to the website for the breeder: http://furfeathers.thruhere.net/Puppies.htm

Daddy got to enjoy holding the puppies as well. Thankfully he was not allegic to them. I am sure he will love our new little one like he adores Abby!

And I had to share my new favorite picture. I didn't think Madison would stick around for me to get the camera but thankfully, she did and this is the one we got. I just love it! And it has her natural smile - not the forced one we have seen in several recent pictures. Henry made the picture as well!

New fun at the job

So I guess they have finally decided to let us in on the really badly held secret. They are selling off our company in chucks - partly to Deloitte, partly to PwC and who knows about the rest. There are have been numerous calls today to go over that they just don't know much at this point, that it will be on a project by project, country by country basis and that they will know more in a couple weeks. Oh the FUN! Trying not to stress about it but there is a definite level of uncertainty there. Guess I should get back into looking at Monster......



On a completely different note, Madison is doing MUCH better thankfully. She is back to eating well and her smile is back too! We took her to see the puppies this weekend and I think she really liked it. I will post a picture soon.

So it has been a bit crazy

I am way way behind in everything, including updating this blog. Last week's work schedule prohibited anything social during the evenings.......so that explains last week. Chris went to Nags Head on Friday and of course, Madison wasn't feel well. We had a long night on Friday which resulted in a trip to Urgent Care on Saturday morning b/c the doc office was triple booked (even if the parking lot didn't look like it). Madison was great for us being so unprepared for going to Urgent Care and sitting for a couple hours. A prescription for an ear infection later and we were out of there.

Then it was off to SC to visit the Mahoney's. We had a wonderful time playing with everyone and spending some low key time together. Great family, great food = great trip! The funny thing is we ran into an old friend we knew in Texas while in elementary school - completely random. It was so nice to see her and meet her family!

We thought we are doing well after a full nights sleep on Sunday night but Madison came down with a stomach virus on Monday afternoon and it has been crazy since. Throwing up on Monday, fever on Tuesday, actually went to school on Wednesday but cried the whole day, went to school on Thursday for 30 min until I couldn't handle it anymore and brought her home, to Friday doc appt to say she isn't dehydrated or have a urinary tract infection and hopefully the virus has about run its course.......I'm tired!! Hopefully we are at the end and will have a quiet weekend.

So not much (besides that) has been happening. Looking forward to getting our puppy but that is a whole other post.....

Excuse for a Popsicle

So Madison had a little bump with the basketball hoop. In my defense, it is really hard to get her up high enough to put the ball through the hoop. Apparently, I got too close. Her lip only bleed a little but I thought this was the perfect time to break out a popsicle. Madi has had popsicles before at the Mahoney's but not at home. Plus is was 80 degrees so we had to have one. Mommy had one too. Too bad it is going to be rainy and 40 some degrees this weekend. Well it won't be too long until it gets nice and stays that way. She does look adorable doesn't she!

I actually made it through my run!

And it wasn't as bad as I thought. This week's training sets it up a bit and I actually ran over 1 1/2 miles. That is huge for me! And it wasn't as bad as I thought. I didn't die as I crossed my mile marker. So I am really happy. Don't get my wrong - it was hard but I said a TON of positive affirmations as I ran through each interval. Shocking to thinking that on Friday's run - it just says run 2 miles! WOW! I am sure I will make it!!!

Had a great weekend. Friday night we were low key and Chris was getting the Supra ready for the car show the next morning. This requires a bit of time. Saturday morning we had the Car and Coffee show at Northlake. It was a lot of fun. Madison and I had breakfast with Carmen and Jacob and walked around the cars. Neither child was really up for that so we took them to the playground at the mall. The great thing was it was so nice out there was NO ONE at the mall playground. YEAH!!

Saturday afternoon, Madison had a birthday party at Little Gym. She had the best time. I will post pictures later. She definitely did not want to leave. But she slept great on Saturday night because she was exhausted.

Yesterday, Heather came to visit us. She is a friend from middle and high school living in San Franciso with her family. There is a chance she is moving here so she came to visit her office and had dinner with us last night. It was so much fun to see her and catch up. We figured it out - it had been over 4 years since we had seen each other. A LOT had happened since then.

Now I am starving so I am off to eat but I will post pics of Madison later.

Goals for this year

So based on the mantra listed below that was provided by my father.....Here are some things I want to accomplish this year for me - not my family, house or career but for me.

• Run at least one 5k (training for one at the end of April)
• Learn Spanish
• Catch up on my scrapbooking

Let's start with these 3 and see how it goes.

New Mantra

"If you think you are beaten, you are,

If you think you dare not, you don't

If you like to win, but you think you can't,

It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost

For out of the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow's will -

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are,

You've got to think high to rise,

You've got to be sure of yourself

before You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man,

But soon or late the man who wins

Is the man WHO THINKS HE CAN!"

From Napoleon Hill's "Think & Grow Rich"

Footprints in the Sand

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed

he was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.

For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:

one belonging to him,

and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,

he looked back at the footprints in the sand.

He noticed that many times along the path of his life

there was only one set of footprints.

He also noticed that it happened at the very

lowest times of his life.

This really bothered him and

he questioned the Lord about it.

"Lord, you said that once I had decided to follow you,

you'd walk with me all the way.

But I noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life

there was only one set of footprints.

I don't understand why when I needed you the most

you would leave me."

The Lord replied,

"My son, My precious child, I love you and would never leave you.

During your times of trial and suffering,

when you only see one set of footprints,

it was then that I carried you."

Author unknown

Busy Busy Busy!

So a lot has gone on in the last several days. We had the funeral on Friday which was very very hard. The slideshow during the funeral was absolutely beautiful and brought tears to everyone's eyes. Rob's mom was an amazing person and I am sorry I didn't have a chance to meet her.

Following that, we had the Mahoneys in for the weekend and LOVED it!!! Friday night we hung out and were low key - what we needed after Friday day. Saturday was a zoo. We had the jewelry party in the afternoon - http://www.liasophia.com/index.html - beautiful jewelry and a lot of fun with friends. Unfortunately the weather was AWFUL - downpour all day long! Then we had everyone over in the evening and it was chaos. So much fun - I know the kids had fun and the parents were thrilled when the pizza arrived so that it got a little quieter for a little while.

Sunday we ran over to Concord Mills to get out before the snow hit. And did it ever. We didn't get that much snow - maybe 4 inches or so - but it was heavy and unfortunately we lost power for about 10-12 hours. That made it a bit chilly on Monday morning. And Madison was completely confused as to why we were sitting in the floor by lantern and she couldn't watch Backyardigans.

So that made for an interesting Monday. I got to spend the entire day with Madison and we had a great time. Not much work going on but it was nice to spend the day with her. The house was TRASHED but completely worth it. I can't believe that she already knows her numbers and colors and we are working on her letters - mainly everything is B or C or a number :-) She also has fun playing with all her animals and coloring. The number one thing though is to watch the Backyardigans and unfortunately we only have 6 episodes!

Sad sad day

So I am trying to figure what to do today. My heart is sinking for two of my friends whose mother passed away on Monday. Yesterday it didn't seem real - like I was disconnected from it.....today is a different matter. I need to figure out what I can do to help. My heart just hurts. I think the next couple of days are going to be hard.

In the meantime, I am trying to get my self organized. I have several things on my to do list. One was running. I am training for a 5k at the end of April and took a couple weeks off due to work/weather/lack of sleep. I am done with the excuses. I can say that for the first time in......well way to long to remember I actually worked out 3 days in a ROW!!! And feeling quite good about it.

I also need to start my spring cleaning. I think I am going to take each room of the house and go through it and do whatever needs to be done in that room - windows, organizing, hanging pictures, discarding or filing things.....and even paint. I would love to just pay someone to come in a paint the entire downstairs......unfortunately, that is not happening soon. So maybe I will get the bug again and do it myself.

Madison did great today. She woke up early again (unfortunate after my late night working) but she was pretty happy and did great dropping her off. That makes it so much easier in the morning. I just hate leaving her when she is crying. But today she didn't say goodbye or really acknowledge me.....which was kinda hard to - but I guess I can't have it all. I will get a great reception when I pick her up today.

Well I guess I need to get going on that family room and put all the furniture back - got to get ready for the Mahoney's coming this weekend!

New at this

So I thought I might actually take the leap and start a blog. Chris and I have been talking about it for awhile - putting things up about Madison so our family could keep up......but it just never happened. My friend, Heather, has a couple wonderful blogs that I read several times a week. So here I am.
On a good note - Chris is back in town and I love having him here. Madison was so thrilled he was home - I am not sure he was allowed out of her sight. She is getting so big and all kinds of words/phrases/senteneces come flying out of her mouth these days. She loves the Backyardigans and playing with her animals.