Tuesday, December 16, 2008

I hate cancer....


It's hard to believe that this time two years ago was the last time I spoke with Auntie Dianne... I remember that last conversation like it was yesterday. I remember feeling helpless, and her upbeat attitude about battling that damn cancer. Sadly we lost her a few short weeks later. Her funeral was a very very cold day and I remember seeing that box of ashes at the gravesite and wanting to grab it and hug it, kiss it, say goodbye one last time to one of my favorite people in the whole wide world.

And now it's like deja vu all over again. Uncle Jim's in the hospital. The cancer has spread to his lungs now. It's not sounding good - I'm really really sad. I hate cancer. I hate hate hate it for taking away people that I love. I am hoping for an update from Dad later but it sounded like he may not be going home for the holidays.... they may be moving him to hospice care but they want to keep him in the hospital. Dad said he should know more after Dede "negotiates" with the folks at the hospital. Uncle Jim I am praying for you. We all love you... and miss you.

Monday, November 10, 2008

The world tour of bathrooms....


It's official - my girlies are growing up :(
Thanks to Dum-Dum pops and all Barbara Jean's hard work - the girls are basically daytime potty trained, at least for number one... lol
We've now entered a period that I like to refer to as "the world tour of bathrooms." I remember this from Justin - like it was yesterday. This is a little period we go through where almost everywhere we go, we suddenly have to go "potty." Only we really don't - we just act like we do so we can go scope out the bathroom. I feel like a jerk complaining - we're on the tail end of diapers and I could not be happier. I'm sure our trash man can't wait to stop picking up stinky diapers times two :)
NICE job girls!!! Now we just need to work on the number two's... baby steps.
I hope everyone has a great week.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

THIS is the good stuff....


When I say this is the good stuff, I mean this is the good stuff that makes parenting really rewarding. Stuff like seeing your kids put their halloween costumes on for the first time - and seeing the wonder in their eyes. Hearing them ask if they can wear them everyday ... lol (that's Jess and Sarah!). The kids were freakin' adorable in their costumes - Justin makes a very handsome Vader if I do say so myself :)
Justin was the top sales kiddo at his school for the Sally Foster fundraiser!!! Thanks to our friends and neighbors who made generous purchases and made this possible. He wins a $100 legos.com gift card and we also won the drawing for a $100 Target gift card! I am so proud of him... now we need to get the stuff delivered. I think on Monday since there is no school Barbara Jean is going to bring him up to work so he can deliver to all Mommy's coworkers who were kind enough to buy from him. It should be fun - they all love dropping by work so they can get something from the vending machines, priorities!
Friday's Justin's school "fall" party (too PC for my taste - but that's another post) - I'm one of the planners so will be off that afternoon to help and Jean's planning on bringing the twins up for the party as well. It should be fun. Then we have Jaime and Darrell and their kids coming over Friday night to trick or treat around our cul-de-sac, and then around Cheltenham then we're heading over to Merrywood for some more trick or treating. I hope everyone has a wonderful Halloween!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Fall is in full swing!


Wow, it's been a while! Bad mommy - well let's say busy mommy...

So Fall is definitely in full swing in our house - homework, playdates, gearing up for Halloween and our 2nd annual Spooktacular. Speaking of Halloween, Justin's going as Darth Vader this year. Jessica is a ladybug and Sarah's "da punkin" - the girls stole Tinker and Little Sam's costume ideas this year... lol. When we were across the street last month selling Sally Foster Susan tried their costumes on and when we left they both declared they were ripping off the dogs' ideas for costumes this year. Too cute - we're hoping to do some Trick or Treating with Tinker and Little Sam around the cul de sac this year :)

Let's see what else is new...

*The girls are doing great with their potty training. I'm so proud of them! They even did great for Miss Is while Barbara Jean was away on vacation last week. Yay girlies!

*Justin's gearing up for his second karate tournament which will be on Sunday November 9th. He is very excited!

*I am counting down to the big 4-0! We have a fabulous NYC weekend planned. The Wallaces are flying up from Richmond and Clare and Joe are going to drive up with us - can't wait to eat, shop, drink, repeat! We've not been away from the kids for more than a night since the twins were born so we're OVERDUE!

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Fall :)

Friday, September 12, 2008

A moment that changed history - remembering 9/11


There are a handful of times every person's life that they shall never forget. For most of us, 9/11/2001 was one of those horrible days that you actually wish you could forget, or wake up from as if it was all a bad dream.
So where were you on 9/11/2001? For me it was what seemed like an ordinary morning - I left my house and drove into work. Me and a handful of other sales people were in the office early - and were shooting the breeze, checking our emails - doing what we always do. Then all the sudden my friend Robb got a call from his brother in Boston. He worked for a large Wall Street firm - and they'd gotten a call from a colleague in NY that a plane had hit one of the Twin Towers. So of course we all opened a browser and started combing CNN, The Washington Post, Fox News - anything we could find. Then the floodgates open - the news was everywhere. That a plane had in fact hit one of the towers. The rest of the morning kinda bleeds together but I do remember that we all stopped working and gathered in a conference room to watch the horrible news unfold on TV - and started making phone calls to loved ones.
One thing that really stands out in my mind was my drive home... we lived very close to Dulles airport and I lived close to my office. At any given time there were airplanes flying over us because we lived along the flight paths to Dulles. Well during this ride home I just remember being scared - because although planes had been grounded, there were still many planes that had not be accounted for and I was very paranoid, often looking out the window while I listened to the local news radio station on the edge of my seat anticipating what was going to happen next.
The rest of those days to follow are kind of a blur as well - what I remember most is spending hour upon hour in front of the television, wanting to know more about what had happened and why. On 9/11/2001 I was pregnant with Justin but I did not know it yet. The following week we went to the Outer Banks with friends and when I got home I did a pregnancy test which confirmed I did in fact have a little bun in the oven. The timing could not have been better, after what happened on that day, 9/11, my perspective on life changed dramatically. Priorities shifted - and things changed. I was both thankful to have this baby coming into the world, but also very afraid as the world seemed to hang in a fragile state in my mind those days following the attacks.
One thing I am not looking forward to is answering questions from my children about 9/11 and about terrorism. I wish I could someday look my children in the eye and truthfully tell them that there are not people in the world who hate Americans and our way of life, that there are not people who want to hurt us, even kill us. It brings a tear to my eye to even have to think about having those conversations.
The families and friends of all the victims of the 9/11 tragedies remain in my prayers. God bless America and those who protect us - I for one am very grateful.

Saturday, September 6, 2008

No shortage of laughter in the O house...

Here is the clip of the kiddos yukking it up to "Knick Knack" - the Pixar short the kids stumbled on over our "staycation" last month. Keelyn and Clare were here for one of our standard Saturday playdate/happy hours :) Ah this is the priceless stuff ya gotta get on the record.

Friday, September 5, 2008

Back to school....


Justin started first grade Tuesday!

So proud of my little man. He has Mrs. Roth - we could not have hoped for a better teacher. I had the pleasure of meeting her last week before school started actually and she's wonderful. Justin's adjusting well to full day school - and we're still managing to wedge in some playdates and get to karate despite the abbreviated "free time" after school.

Justin came home last night and "taught us" that "si" means yes in Spanish... lol. He scolded me last night for answering a question "yes" instead of "si". Tonight I'm hosting back to school playdate happy hour with some of my favorite mommas from the bus stop - cheers! Tomorrow the girls have their first "real birthday party" for one of their friends (their new friend Morgan) when I say their friends I mean their actual friends not friends of their brother's... lol.

Have a great weekend - stay dry!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

A wonderful whirlwind week with my kiddies...

Pete and I bagged our beach trip (long stories...) and decided to have our first ever O family "staycation" with the kids. It was amazingly wonderful and much needed to spend so much time with Justin, Jessica and Sarah. What an amazing week! We spent three days at the bucket pool, went to the DC Zoo, Hershey Park, The Baltimore Inner Harbor and Aquarium and went to see Clone Wars the day it opened. The kids had a blast! We did too - the girls and Justin are getting so big I just cannot believe it. The girls talked our ears off the whole week - and Justin is just amazing with the things the kid comes up with... so smart.

Some random thoughts on my week off:

* My kids are really considerate! One random example ~ Sarah saw a big fish in between two of the "windows" on the aquarium and thought he was "stuck" - she blurts out "Fishy stuck, I have to help him" she is such a sweetie!

*Justin is getting big - and brave. He was a real fish in the water this past week and wanted to go on a ride that I would have never thought he'd step foot on at Hershey Park. WTG Justin!

*The sound of kids laughter can make the whole world go away for a few moments - my kids discovered a little Pixar short called Knick Knack (bonus material on Nemo DVD) and laughed their little butts off at all 2 and a half minutes of it all week!

*Leashes are for dogs! I cannot stand seeing kids on leashes. Moms if you can't stroller, control or get enough people to help you with your kids - STAY HOME do not put them on leashes and let them run wild in a crowded public place... sheesh.

* I don't know how much longer I will dress my girls in matching outfits. I saw twin girls - must have been around 10 or 12 and dressed alike - at Hershey Park and they looked ridiculous... lol :)

Back to the grind - I'm off to work. Hope everyone is having a great summer!

Friday, July 25, 2008

Quality time with Sarah....

As strange as it may sound - I actually enjoy the one on one time I get to spend with my kids when only one of them is sick and has to go to the doctor. Weird? probably... but think about it. I get to spend lots of one on one time with Justin (while the girls nap, when we go to the movies, to Blockbuster or shopping just the two of us) but I rarely get to spend one on one time with the girls. Except when they are sick.

Yesterday was one of those days. Sarah woke up with a bizarro rash and splotchy red marks all over her. I left the office and ran her over to Urgent Care. This weird breakout had even the doctor scratching her head - still not really sure what it is. She thought some of it looked like an allergic reaction (contact dermatitis I guess they call it)some of it actually looked like insect bites (weird cuz she hadn't been outside at all on Wed to get bit). They sent us home with two prescriptions - a steroid and an anti-itch medication to keep her from scratching it. We headed over to the pharmacy to get them filled and pick up some Cortaid and Sarah and I got to do a little shopping. She was so cute. Girlfriend talked my freaking ear off the whole time. So adorable. While I was looking at the creams she saw the Bandaids and immediately went for the SpongeBob box - she's turning into her brother. Justin used to have to pick out a pack of Bandaids everytime we went to the grocery store.... She also got to pick out some pops (dum dums) to take home for everyone and she insisted on Thomas gummy vitamins :)

Sarah is a trooper! She is so much better today. TGIF!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

We are loving summer!







Wow! Summer's getting off to a nice start... Justin is loving his first real summer vacation and break from school. Speaking of the little man - he got fantastic marks and some very nice comments from Mrs. Radloff on his report card. Way to go Justin! I am so proud of him. And he is reading like an old pro!

Last weekend we had two of my friends from high school visit - Susan and Mike, along with their families. We had a GREAT time. We hung out in the afternoon then piled into the Sequoia and hit the Belmont Concert - it was REO Speedwagon and it was a great show. Merrywood Court gang was there - and a handful of other friends from around town. Then we proceeded to make it over to The Dock to see Kicking Norma, our new favorite local band featuring our old friend Doug on guitar. Jen and I along w/ Susan and Indrani were total groupies right up front singing and dancing and having an overall GREAT time. We may have done some shots - I vaguely remember :) It was really fun to catch up - but as always the weekend goes by too fast when you're having so much fun. The Lanzis even made a showing at Belmont - Mark, Robin and the crew. They brought along some neighbors and Robin said the boys had a blast and called it "their first rock concert" - too cute.

The kids are having a wonderful summer so far. Barbara Jean has been filling their days with playdates, pool outings, park trips, moonbounce sessions, picnics and FUN in general. The kids are loving the bucket pool and Justin is a little fish this year in the water. Now we are all counting down to our beach vacation ~ hope everyone is having a great summer!

Thursday, June 12, 2008

Boy these kids sure live it up while I am at work....











Sheesh....

Today Justin got to go to the pool (first one in the family to hit an AV pool this year - lucky b------) with Pickle and Nicole. Meanwhile, Barbara Jean took the girls to an outing at the world famous Dinosaur Park. The girls had a blast - all the kids were pooped tonight.

Two funny twin stories ~ A lady came up to me at Costco last night and asked if they were twins. I said yes, and she proudly announced "I'm a twin!" - she asked how they interact, share, etc. and I told her some days they fight like cats and dogs over the stupidest crap (does the Bumble Bee coloring book ring a bell - ding ding ding) she promptly told me "Don't worry that will end their first year of college - when they go off to separate schools!" LOL
Also at the park today, Sarah split her fingernail and it was dangling so she ran up to Jessica and said "Beaky help" - so Jess promptly came to her rescue and pulled it off for her. Next she ran up and handed it to Barbara Jean and announced "yuck!"

Monday, June 9, 2008

"Poo poo" Panda - two thumbs up ~


We went to see "Kung Fu Panda" yesterday - it was Pickle's b-day party. Nicole, Emily and I chaperoned a total of 8 boys (aged 6 to 10) - and had a blast. The movie was really cute. When Justin and I were getting ready to leave Sarah started saying she too wanted to go see "Poo poo Panda" :) If it's too hot to go to the pool this Sunday we may take the kids to go see it again. We've yet to take the twins to a flick ~ at this age Justin was hit and miss on making it through. I'm fairly certain Bear Bear would make it - it's Jess I think would cause me to go wait in the lobby and "pretend" we're playing video games.
The girls are getting so much chattier - and funny - everyday. They amaze me with the things they remember and associate with related things/events. Jessica is even starting to stay "Jess-ca" when you ask her name - instead of "beaky." Boy does Sarah have some wicked temper tantrums - oy vay. Girlfriend has a hot German temper for sure. Tonight they were fighting over the little "bumble bee" coloring book that Justin gave them for Christmas. Jessica wanted to take it to bed - I suggested the dreaded "S" word (sharing) and Sarah was NOT happy. It took a few minutes of "horse trading" blankies and stuffed animals to calm Sarah down enough to shut off the lights and run out of their room at bed time ... LOL.
Justin is counting down - six days of school left. Yay for summer... we're celebrating the last day of school with an ice cream party on Pickle's street then we're having him here later that afternoon for the summer's first of many sleepovers.

Friday, May 30, 2008

New-ish friends....




I felt I had to post a follow up to my "old friends" entry. Man do I love my new friends. A little over a year ago we moved from our townhouse in Centreville to a beautiful single family home in Ashburn (aka "Cashburn" - even tho I did not know then) ~ and I cannot believe how many amazing new and wonderful friends I've made here in such a short time!

The funny thing is I truly had no idea what a bad rap Ashburn gets - until I moved here. I feel so fortunate to have met so many down to earth, caring, considerate, warm and fun friends in such a short time. Justin has so many new friends - all GREAT kids and I am really loving being in my new element.

It's funny because I only learned about the "Ca$hburn" stereotype from my new "non-Ca$hburn" friends... :)

Life is too short to not be real - I am very fortunate - thank you so much to my new friends for letting us into your lives and for being so wonderful. I am truly blessed!

Thursday, May 29, 2008

My little buddy....


So my little buddy turned six today....

WOW!

I cannot believe it's been six years. I remember so vividly going to the hospital the night before he was born so I could be induced the next day (I believe five days past my due date) - and having him whisked off right after he was born, to the NICU.

Justin - you are becoming a little man :( while I am sad to see you get so old I am happy to see what a great kid you have blossomed into - of course we have our moments but you are a GREAT kid and I am so thankful everyday that you are healthy and happy.

Thank you for bringing so much joy to our lives. You're a wonderful big brother and son - and mommy loves you more than you will ever know....
The only thing I wish I could go back and change is the fact that I did not "go digital" until after your first birthday so I don't have tons of great snapshots of you as an infant - you were so stinkin cute! LOVE YOU ~ mommy

Friday, May 23, 2008

Papa's coming to visit!

The kids are so excited - Papa (Grandpa) arrives today from Minnesota! We have not seen him since Christmas. Jessica woke up this morning and asked for him - Justin can't wait to play checkers with him. He even says he'll "let" Papa win... LOL. Uncle Dan is coming as well - we're all looking forward to catching up. They won't believe how big the kids have gotten. The weather is supposed to be gorgeous - Saturday will be perfect for the late afternoon cookout we have planned. Dad and I are also hopping over to the Mullees for a little shindig they put together for Jack's graduation this week from UMBC. Cheers!

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

They ACTUALLY think they are smarter than me!


So I've had a couple of noteworthy scams pulled on me in the past day by Justin and Sarah.

Last night the girls were clamoring for fruit snacks so I gave Jess a pack and she decided to share with her "baby" and placed a handful in her baby highchair tray. She forgot about them - later after Sarah inhaled hers and came begging for more - I told her to go eat Jess's baby's fruit snacks. So she proceeded to do just that - then came up to me and said "baby more fruit snacks" - um, Sarah I'm sorry but I was not born yesterday. They are really for you right? I think this might be her very first scam.

Tonight I was wrestling around and tickling the kids on the couch after work and Justin decides he wants to bring a small cup of water over to the couch. So he asks me to hold it and I of course tell him no I will not hold it - you need to go set it on the table or counter so it doesn't get spilled. "But mom i got that water for you" um, yeah right. Justin has quite a few scams under his belt but this was a new one on me.

Newsflash to kids: Momma was not born yesterday. I was the master of scams and you will find it VERY difficult to out-scam me. Have fun trying tho... LOL

Tuesday, May 20, 2008

The girls Kinderdance presentation!


Words cannot describe how proud I was of my girlies yesterday. Barbara Jean wanted to enroll them in Kinderdance/Kindertots - they teach it right here at the Sports Pavilion and she takes them once a week to class with Miss Nichole. The teacher and I e-mail from time to time and Barbara Jean keeps me in the loop but I had no idea how much progress they had made! I am soooooooooooooooooooooooo proud of them.


These are girls who don't get out much... LOL. They are not in daycare like their brother was and they spend a lot of time at home. I wish they had more opportunities for socialization but at the end of the day - there is only one other toddler on our cul de sac (thank God for Keelyn...). And with Justin being in school just a half day Barbara Jean hasn't had much chance to even take them to any of the free activities at the library.


So the presentation was very "official" - the kids wore cute little t-shirts and matching shorts. She combined the 2 and 3 year olds into one show for the parents. It was just too cute for words - they did little routines/activities to a couple songs (itsby bitsy spider, etc.) then they all got to do "the magic mat" - where they got to show off their skills in areas such as doing a somersault, walking like a crab and the bear walk :) They also got to walk on the "balance beam" which is only slightly raised off the floor. Jess is actually pretty good at it!


I cannot believe how differently my girls behaved in a structured setting. Jess is more like Justin - good listener, watches what everyone else does and then proceeds. Not my Bear-bear - girlfriend was ALL OVER the place! I am still amazed at how well they did and how much progress they made this Spring in their class. We will definitely send them back next year - Miss Nichole is holding a spot for them in the Fall. Thanks Miss Nichole.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

They get it!


I was wondering when the day would come that I would see, er, hear the twins use the word - twins. It was today.... Jessica ran into the toy room and got both "Starbucks" Teddy bears that I bought them last summer and came in toting both of them and announced that she had "twins"~ wow. I about fell over.


I try not to refer to them as "the twins" - but find myself doing it more frequently for some reason. I told Justin having two babies with the same birthday makes them "just a little more special" than having one baby - but we honestly rarely ever discuss it.


They are getting so big, and grown up and chatty.... I love love love them so much. Thank you God for giving me three gorgeous and healthy little people to call my own. I am very blessed.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Baby Mama - two thumbs up!


OMG drop what you are doing and run ( don't walk ) and see Baby Mama! What a cute flick... I simply loved it. Nicole and I saw it this week and we LOVED it! It has just enough goofy humor coupled with a "feel good" ending to be a great film. Steve Martin and Greg Kinnear play great roles - I love seeing all the SNL people assembled in another movie (some old, some new). Amy Poehler is hysterical - Tina Fey plays a tad more serious role and their chemistry onscreen is awesome. Definitely go see it!

I never thought I'd meet someone who puts as much salt on their popcorn as I do... lol. I told Nicole we had to get separate popcorns cuz I drown mine in salt and butter and as it turns out - she also pours extra salt into a napkin and takes it into the flick and pours more over her popcorn after she eats off the top layer too. Who'd of thunk.

The first time Pete took me to a movie (Titanic) ~ well let's just say I am shocked he ever asked me out again after that. I actually took the popcorn shaker from the snack area and brought it into the theater so I could re-salt as I ate the popcorn. I think he was a little horrified. He says I am singlehandedly the reason that they now have the salt shaker on a string when you go to the movie theater. He may be right.

I can't believe I've met my salty popcorn match....

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

(crossed) I THINK we're over the hump on...

the twins taking their diapers off during naps and such LOL.

Man we went through a rough period last summer through this past winter where those girls could NOT be trusted during a nap without two onesies on and ultimately - packing tape over their diaper tabs. Seriously... Before we found these "band aids" we had quite a few incidents where the girls would rip off those diapers (even number twos...) and have a big old party in their cribs. Lil strippers.... For a while we used a video monitor so we could run in and head off any "infractions" but it stopped working suddenly last Fall.

So, anyone who has or knows twins knows that nap time and bed time turn into "party time" when you have a buddy in the crib next door. I swear some days they party for an hour or two before they finally fricking fall asleep .......... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr it's very frustrating especially on a day when you have something planned around the naps! They throw everything out of their cribs, rip their sheets off, jump like lil monkeys - you name it.

Fast forward - So we've gone "commando" sans onesies and tape for a couple weeks so far and - no incidents to report! (man if I jinx this I'm going to DIE!!!!!!!!!!!)

Nice work girls... let's do please continue the trend. Pretty please?

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Thank GOD she's okay!


Poor Barbara jean got into a car accident early Wednesday morning. Thankfully she is uninjured - unfortunately the car is likely totalled. She will probably know by tomorrow once the insurance adjuster gets a look at it. She was driving home from a friend's house that night and one of those ANNOYING Canadian Geese had wandered out onto a major road and she swerved to miss it and spun out of control. She was going pretty fast and hit the jersey wall - her airbags deployed and thankfully she walked away with some bumps and bruises but other than a little emotional trauma - she is okay. Thank God - when I got that call from her father at 12:38 Wed a.m. my heart sunk and I could not sleep all night. I tossed and turned and worried about her like she was my own daughter.


Thank you God for looking over her for us this week. We are all very relieved. Barbara Jean is a part of our family now and we are happy to have her in our lives.


On a positive note since she took yesterday off to recover - I got to spend a nice bonus day with my kiddies. Weather was perfect. It was fun to walk up the cul de sac with the girls to get Justin from the bus after school. We played outside - and the girls made me giggle all day. They are so into their "pretend play" now. One thing they did that really cracked me up was they were obsessed with diapering their stuffed animals. Jess wanted to diaper and change Elmo, Sarah was dressing Pooh Bear. Sarah and Jess even asked for wipes to wipe them down and re-diaper them... lol. Sarah said her bear's diaper was "isgusting" LOL... so she wiped and changed him. She is too much. Also Sarah was very upset when she woke up from her nap and didn't want to lay down so I could change her so she blurts out "damn it mommy..." I about died laughing - gee I wonder where she may have picked that up? :) Bad mommy.. Oh well Pete taught Justin to say damn it so I guess we are even!

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Old friends....


Old friends are the best friends, aren’t they? Over the past several months I have been very fortunate to re-connect with so many of my old friends from high school and it’s been wonderful. I also recently spent time with my oldest and dearest friend, Robin, who lives near me yet because we both work and have kids, it’s tough to always find time to get together. We had her and her troupe over this past weekend for pizza, playing and drinks (of course) and it was sooooooooooo nice to catch up. The kids all got along fabulously (duh) – and I really enjoyed my quality time with the person who knows me better than anyone (even when we sometimes lose touch). I love love love old friends and I believe old friends are the best friends. Don’t get me wrong I love my new friends too – but nobody can comfort you like an old friend. It’s like an old favorite sweatshirt that you pull out to keep you warm when you feel chilly – it just “feels right” and comfortable and real. Thanks Robin for being my friend :)

Thursday, April 10, 2008

Why Caterpillars are important!


The warm weather makes me wonder when the caterpillars will make a showing. Each and every Spring I really look forward to “caterpillar” time – my son and I love to look for them – he likes to collect them. It always reminds me to slow down and enjoy the little things in life – I get so wrapped up in rushing to work everyday then rushing home and I really enjoy taking a few minutes, slowing down and going caterpillar hunting with Justin. I remember once in our old house we collected a whole beach bucket full – and he wanted to have the caterpillars “sleep” on our patio. We put sticks and grass in there – then went inside and eventually to bed. I remember how disappointed he was the next morning when most of them escaped… lol. I loved seeing that sparkle in his eye, that sparkle of excitement that only a child has – seeing or experiencing something for the first time ever. Kids amaze me – we learn so much from them.

A former coworker, Steve S., used to always remind me to slow down and appreciate all the important little things in life. He lost his mother a couple years ago and he really went on a spiritual journey after that… He always appreciated the caterpillar story. In fact I am going to call him when Caterpillar season arrives and remind him :)

Monday, April 7, 2008

Rain, Rain - Go away already!

OMG I forgot how depressing April in Virginia can be! Has anyone seen the sun? Can you send it back our way?

My poor kids are so tired of being couped up in the house ~ can we just have a sunny day so we can play outside already? Thank God for the computer, our eight zillion toys and snacks!

I know they say April showers bring May flowers - but how are we going to survive the rest of this month? We are still in the single digit days! If you see the sun - please send it back our way. I was really hoping to do something outdoors with the kids this coming weekend - fingers and toes crossed. Rain rain GO AWAY...

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Justin cracks me up...

He is just so funny - in a completely innocent way. This morning at the bus stop - Daddy joined us (he's off today) and we were talking about how a girl at our bus stop's dad is a secret serviceman who works at the White House. So we start talking about the White House and Justin asks "Hey mom, is there a Red House?" LOL... we all sort of start giggling, but it's a good point. Why is the white house white? Also last night we dropped into GameStop to pick up a couple used games and they had signs everywhere advertising the new Aerosmith version of Guitar Hero that is expected to be released this summer and I have mentioned wanting it. So Justin promptly tells me "Well mom, I think you need to learn how to play Guitar Hero before you get that one..." - the kid has a good point. I am completely tech challenged when it comes to the game. My goal is to get decent at it so I can run out and get the Aerosmith version when it's released. Perhaps the kiddo can give me some pointers....

And I love this adorable pic of him and Charlotte - this was at the butterfly exhibit at the Natural History Museum in DC last month. They make a cute couple - but don't tell Brookie...

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

Scary morning in the O house...


Barbara Jean and I went out for a long long walk lastnight (instead of the gym - since it was so nice) - when we got home around 8:30 Pete was sitting on the couch w/ the kids and asked if Jess had bumped her head. He showed us a huge, fluid filled lump on the side of her head - we were shocked and scared all at the same time. It wasn't your normal bump on the head - but squishy, creepy and fluid filled. We debated for a while whether we should talk her to ER but decided to see if it went away overnight. Well it didn't. So this a.m. we ran her over to see Dr. Leonard - he thought it might be a cyst, fluid from a broken blood vessel or possibly a contusion. He sent us over to the radiologist to have a quick x-ray just in case - but thankfully it turned out to be nothing serious. He thinks it will dissipate on it's own so we don't want to traumatize her further by having him drain the fluid out with a needle. We are all super relieved - but Miss Jessica you gave Mommy and Daddy quite a scare this morning love. She handled the skull x-rays like a champ! The radiologist said she was the best baby patient she'd ever had. WHEW I feel like I can breathe again... It's scary to think about your kids being sick. You rack your brain and drive yourself crazy wondering. You even start bargaining with God (If she's fine I promise I'll......) Thanks for looking over us today.

Friday, March 28, 2008

Bossy bossy...


What's up with girls being so bossy? SHEESH... I remember my son's terrible two's and the worst thing he ever hit me with was God-awful meltdowns. My twins are so bossy - WTF... is this a girl thing? OMG "stop it mommy" - if i hear that phrase one more time I'm going to scream. They've also taken to "tattling" and making up stuff already (I'm scared) - Jessica will run to me or Barbara Jean and say "Sarah hit, Sarah mean" - and vice versa. Barbara Jean told me yesterday one of them came running into the kitchen from the playroom and said "Tutty hit" - well Tutty wasn't even home LOL... he was at school. BUSTED.

All I have to say is God help me...