Special Birthday Wishes

While we were running around attending weddings and spending time in Raleigh, we missed a very special birthday of one of our favorite people.

I told her I would try and make it up to her...so Happy Belated Birthday NonNon. We love you and we're sorry that we weren't able to celebrate with you.

Vacation from Life

Last weekend was Carolyn and Mike's wedding. I decided a while back to take the week before off so I could help Carolyn. As it got closer I realized how much I was looking forward to just having some down time. I was nervous about travelling with both kids by myself, and I was nervous about being away from home with the kids by myself...but I gotta tell you, it was awesome!

I basically just got to be a mom and spend time with the kids. There were no other real distractions or responsibilities. Yes, I was trying to help my sister, but let me tell you, that girl is on the ball. She pretty much had everything done and there were really just a few errands to run and a couple of small tasks to complete. But I didn't have a house to clean or laundry to wash or dogs to look after or work to be on time for...it was such a relief to just focus on Ainsley and Freddie.

So one day, when I'm super rich I will have housekeepers and cooks and I won't work and I will just spend all day playing with my babies. Hey, I can dream right?

Note: Don't worry, the beer bottle was empty. I promise I did not feed Freddie booze.

Second Note: I will have details, stories and pictures from the wedding in the next couple of days.

We're Back...

I didn't really get a chance to post before we left town last week to let everyone know we'd be MIA for awhile. So this is just a quick note to let everyone know that we're back now and I hope that I have lots of good pictures to share from Aunt DeeDee and Uncle Mike's wedding. I say I hope because I was kind of busy running around and really didn't man the camera very well.

So as soon as I can get us all unpacked - travelling for a week with two little ones requires a lot of packing, I'm still digging us out - I will sit down with the camera and load the pictures and get you all up to speed.

Congratulations to my baby sister and her new husband! I hope you're having a fabulous time in Jamaica!

My Little Helper

Ainsley is such a little helper. Tonight she helped me vacuum, sweep the kitchen floor, wash windows and even mop the kitchen floor. She especially loves to help with Freddie.

So tonight while I was making dinner she asked if she could feed Freddie his food. At first I said no, but then I thought "why not?"

Freddie loved it. He just thinks Ainsley hangs the moon. So he was more than happy to have all of her attention focused on him and he gobbled up his food.

Dinner clean up was a little messier, but whatever...so I had to wipe up some extra pears and squash...it sure made Ainsley so proud and Freddie so happy.

Congratulations Nicole and Brian

Last night Clif and I went to the wedding of our very good friends Nicole and Brian. It was a great time, we got to catch up with a bunch of friends from college and we are just thrilled for the bride and groom. They are definitely some of our favorite people and we know they'll be happy for many years to come.

Here are some pics, enjoy...

I Love Friday Night!

Every night after work I rush to pick up the kids, then I rush home to let the dogs out, get dinner ready, bathe children, get them to bed, clean my house, prepare for the next day and fall into bed around 11 to get up at 5:30 and do it all over again.

Sidenote - I'm not complaining...I know a couple of weeks ago I was whining about pink eye and being tired and etc and a lot of you felt sorry for me. Don't feel sorry for me...it was just a rough week and I'm only explaining my nightly routine to highlight my love for Fridays.

But on Friday, there's no rushing. There's no need to worry about baths or bedtime. There's no need to get things ready for the next day. And Clif comes home. So usually on Friday, I try and do something fun with the kids. We go to the mall, or out to dinner or to the playground.

Yesterday, we went to the playground.

Even Freddie got in on the fun times.

They are a lot of work, and the week sometimes flies by because I'm so busy with them. But I love being their mommy...now if only I could get paid for it, I could get rid of that other 40 hour a week pesky job I have.

Poor Puppies

My poor puppy dogs are so neglected these days. As much as I complain about them, they are really sweet and I really do love them.

This is where they ran to hide when I had a mini breakdown Thursday night about Ainsley not sleeping, the house being covered in mud and the dogs asking to be let out in the POURING rain for the 10th time in 3 hours.

I love these guys, but it's tough to give them the extra care they need when I've also got two kids hanging on me at all times, and a full time job, and a messy house, and piles of laundry, and, and, and...

I've been trying to come home on my lunch break once a week and give them a little added attention while the kids aren't around...and clean my house a bit. I give them treats, throw a tennis ball, let them cuddle on the couch.

Amazingly, they don't hate me for neglecting them...just the opposite, they totally love every ounce of attention I give them. If only humans could be so forgiving and love unconditionally - we'd probably live in a much nicer world.

On Monday we head to Raleigh for the week before my sister's wedding. I finally found a dog sitter, but I am feeling a bit guilty about leaving them couped up for a week. Especially the Brinkster, since he has to be in a crate.

I will try and make it up to them when I get back.