FRANK

OCTOBER IS ALMOST HERE.  FRANK ARRIVES TONIGHT...

Frank is messy.  He leaves candy corn all around our house during the month of October.  Silly monster... 

More about Frank tomorrow.

I am... this and that

I am: me.  Like it or not, it's me.

I think: life is complicated.

I know: I can get giddy in a microsecond.

I want: vacation days, stock options, and sick days.

I have: fant-abulous friends!

I wish: to always have two healthy children.

I hate: ignorance and stupidity.  

I miss: east coast fall and winters.

I fear: desperation.

I feel: pretty darn good!

I hear: Kevin singing.

I smell: (do you really wanna know)... Kevin is working on a poop.

I crave: a Starbucks iced mocha.  

I search: Juliana's closet and find the strangest things.

I wonder: when diaper days will be OVER!

I regret: not giving one last bear hug to a special someone before what would be his last day.

I love: laughing!

I ache: when I think too much.

I care: for those that care too.

I always: love my kiddos.

I am not: a size 2.

I believe in: happiness.

I dance: only with my children.

I sing: obnoxiously in the car.

I don't always: have a perfectly clean house.

I fight: when necessary.

I write: thank you notes because gratitude seems to have faded in this world.

I win: Candyland and Guess Who? more often than not.

I lose: weight when I work my butt off at the gym.

I never: want to lose my husband, children, friends, and family.  

I confuse: myself sometimes.

I listen: when spoken to.

I can usually be found at: home.  Yes, I am a homebody.  Not necessarily by choice.

I am scared: of sooooo many things.  The biggest things... falling, creepy crawlies, pickles, and death.  Call me strange, go ahead.

I need: more freedom.

I am happy about: not having freedom because it means I have two cuties pulling on my pant leg.  They drive me nutty, but I wouldn't change it for anything.

The 3am phone call

What do you do when the phone rings at 3am?  No, this is not a Hillary Clinton question, it is what we endured this morning.  Luckily the world is not coming to an end due to this phone call.  Actually the phone call was at 3:42am, but who notices the exact time at that ungodly hour.  What did I do?  I heard the ring, but it did not register that it was in the middle of the night.  Jason answered the phone (somehow he never heard a newborn cry over the years, but he heard the phone ring).  That's a different post... haaaaa, KIDDING!

So, he answers the phone, talks nonsense for about 30 seconds, then hands it to me.  I hear, "Hello Mrs. _________, we bought your house last year and the security alarm is going off. What is the code?"  HUH??????  

Somehow the security alarm on our old house went off in the early morning, and since we disconnected it when we moved 14 months ago, they had no idea what the code was.  Funny, I didn't remember either.  So as the lady was on the brink of yelling at me, I told her that it is in the middle of the night, and I can't remember the code.  She was quite annoyed with me, but I hung up anyway.  Sorry lady, your one year warranty is expired, and you called me at an ungodly hour.  Not much I can do for ya.   

Once we woke up a little bit, Jason did remember the code.  I am confused why it went off, but there isn't a lot I can do 3 time zones away.  

I'm exhausted.  I'm putting off the gym for another hour while I rest a little, and do some much needed laundry.  Oh, did I say rest?  Off to fold the first load of laundry now.  

All Dolled Up

Juliana and I went out for the ENTIRE day yesterday.  We went to my niece's soccer game first, then we went to Club Libby Lu.  I got my niece Taylore a gift card for Libby Lu for her birthday in May, and she wanted to take Juliana to get all dolled up.  If you have not been to a Club Libby Lu, you have to experience it at least once with your little girl.  

Taylore and Juliana chose their hairstyles, accessories, make-up, and silly things like that.  The entire process was about 2 hours with hair and make-up.  The girls looked GORGEOUS and so grown up.  They actually looked too grown up, but for one afternoon and evening, it was fun. After the dolling-up, the girls had a fashion show for anyone walking by the store.  Feather boas were lined up as the catwalk, and photographers (me, my sister, and sister-in-law) too. 

Juliana loved her "royal" hairdo, her sparkling lips, purple eye shadow, pink hair extensions, tiara, sparkly hairspray, and not to forget her Libby Lu pageant sash too.      

After our afternoon of girly girl activities, we drove to Coldstone for a VERY late night ice cream together.  Juliana showed off her hair to her favorite person in the world too.  We all know who that is, unless you live under a rock.  Ha ha!  

We got home about 9:30, showered all of that hairspray and glitter out of her hair, and went to sleep.  

Favorite Photo Friday

When she was oh-so incredibly innocent.  This was taken on a walk in Massachusetts at our old house.

If you read the first post yesterday "Girl Talk", the answer to Juliana's wish is actually two fold.  One is that she wishes Alissa would be her twin sister AND she wishes that Mrs. Braun would be her Mommy.  HAAAAAAA!  Kerri, a mother of twin girls?!  What a difference 24 hours can make!

Pres. Bush vs. 6 year old

On our way home from the gym this evening, we were waiting at a red light.  On the corner were about 20 people holding signs.  Here is the conversation in the car:

Kevin:  Mommy, what dat noise?

Me:  That's beeping.

Juliana: (speaking to herself reading the signs) "No Bush Ball Out.... Mommy, what does "No Bush Ball Out" mean?"  

Me: It says, "No Bush Bailout".  

Juliana:  What does that mean and why are those people standing there?

Me:  Well, those people are angry with President Bush for making bad choices.

Juliana:  The President never makes bad choices.  He's good.... (pause) right?

Me:  Yeah well, not everyone thinks he makes the right choices all the time, and they are angry.

Juliana:  Are you angry at George Bush?

Me:  We'll talk about George Bush later honey.  He is a good man with a lot of tough choices.

Juliana:  Is being President hard to do?  Could I do it?

Me:  Yes, it is hard to do.  And yes, you could do it.

Juliana:  A FIRST GRADER COULD DO IT???

Me: (silence)  

Some have accused me of being one of those California liberals.  Today proves to myself that I am NOT one of those people.  Yes, I have some ( I said  SOME)  liberal views, but standing on the streets with signs about the financial bailout is not on my list of things to do.  Agree or disagree, but come on people, find other things to do with your time.   You won't find a California tree hugger in this house, that's for sure.  

Girl Talk

WHERE HAVE I BEEN?  Apparently "Sex and the City" DVD was released on September 23!  Watching it in the theater was fant-abulous, along with the cosmos too.  I think it is important for me to have another girls night to watch it on DVD now.  Some people may call this just another excuse to be with girlfriends, and I have to.... agree!  Kick out the boys, and here come the girls!  I can think of at least two girls that I know that I have new fancy schmancy high def televisions, sooooooo, let's get on it girls!

Speaking of girls... yet on a totally different subject...

Juliana is "Star of the Week" next week for school.  She was given a poster size paper to fill out that shows her family, her interests, her favorite things, and one area says, "If I could wish on a star I would wish..."  Any guesses?????  

BUFF WOMAN!

SHOW ME YOUR MUSCLES!

Ain't she cute?!  This is how cute I'd like to look in about a year when I show off my muscles.  Haaaaaa!

I could not do a Wordless Wednesday today.  This picture was just too darn cute not to explain.  By the way, this photo was taken 4 years ago yesterday, Sept. 23, 2004.

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I added the weight loss progression photo on the sidebar since I got it as an idea from someone on sparkpeople.com.  The idea makes sense.  The idea was to document yourself every 10 lbs to see the difference in yourself.  I chose to do it today at 9 lbs just to have fun. 

I took the picture myself, obviously, so it isn't the best angle.  We'll see what I look like when I lose 20 lbs.  I probably will not look too different since I actually have 117 lbs to lose, not 50 like I have on my ticker.  Yes, I revealed it, I have 117 lbs (108 to go) to get to MY goal weight.  HOLY COW... literally!

I have to keep somewhat of an obsession with my weight loss, since I am still new to this.  I don't want to lose sight of it and go back to my old ways.  The more I talk about it, the more I am able to be policed with my gym attendance and goals.  Thank you everyone for the support.  It means a lot.  I kind of feel like a recovering addict, which maybe in a way I am.  "HELLO, I'M KAREN.  I HAVE A HUGE CARB ADDICTION!"

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

CONGRATULATIONS MARY!  She won today's episode of "THE PRICE IS RIGHT"!  Whoaaa, she won 2 cars, a trip to San Antonio, TX, and a trip to London.  Not to mention the riding lawn mower, dining room set, and $1000 for hitting $1 on the spinning wheel.  GO MARY!  Maybe I'll pull out the photo of you with the broken wine class at our wedding.  Do ya think that poor wine glass can be replaced now?  Haaaaaaaaa!  

Watching today's episode reminds me of watching Meara on the show, kissing Bob Barker, and on top of that, she won EVERYTHING!  I remember watching Amy a few years ago too.  Recently I tuned into NBC and saw a friend from college, Jallah, on "Deal or No Deal".  Whoaaa, maybe I should try going on a game show!    

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I forgot to add this photo from yesterday.  This was taken after dinner last night.  A looney (that is putting it nicely) clown made these for the kids.  So far, one balloon popped in the car, one popped before bedtime, and the others are just waiting for their demise.  

The photo shows how pathetic my camera is.  I took the picture about 7pm last night with perfectly clear skies.  It looks more like Hurricane Ike is coming and it is close to midnight.  Oh well.

Bugs, Daffy, and Thomas too...

Here is our day at Six Flags!  

            Juliana giving some love to Bugs Bunny.
                                "Hey yook Nanny, twains!"
           Whoaaa, a pic with Mommy!  A miracle.

Fallin' For Fall

YES, I AM READY FOR FALL!  It is my favorite season, my favorite time of year, the best weather, the leaves falling, the leaves changing... I LOVE FALL!  This is the time of year that I miss being on the east coast.  There is nothing more perfect than driving down a narrow two lane road surrounded by red, orange, yellow, and brown leaves swarming all around you.  Gorgeous! 

As I plan for fall happenings, I am at the time of year when it gets stressful as a mommy.  You know what I mean... what in the world are the kids going to be for Halloween?  Witch?  Done.  Pumpkin?  Done.  Cat?  Done.  Princess?  NO WAY!  Bumblebee?  Done.  Duck?  Done.  Clown?  Done.  I guess I am off to find the perfect costume within the next few weeks.  All of us mommies know how important it is to buy early before all of the costumes and accessories are picked through.  

Holy cow, it's almost midnight.  Waiting for my better half to come home from work.  My eyes are droopy.  No more waiting.  Ni night......  ZZZZZzzzzzzzzz  

Before I sign off, I am almost at the 9 lbs mark.  I could probably put it on the ticker as 9 lbs since nobody actually attends my scale sessions at the gym.  BUT, I have about 1/4 lb to go before I hit 9 lbs.  Kevin's birthday really threw me off.  I didn't get to the gym every day, and I had a few too many cookies, pieces of cake, and going out to eat.  OOPS!  Oh, and the personal trainer actually put a damper on things this week too.  I was so darn weak, I could not do anything the way I normally do.  I am back to normal.  The pounds are comin' off!

MUST READ

Just when you think life is tough, check out the new link I have on the sidebar... Scott and Carol Decker. To give you an idea of what their story is, well, I'll try. In June, the couple's second child was ready to be born via emergency c-section. In the end, the baby is absolutely adorable and fine. Mommy is... well, just read.

I do not add these stories to my side bar to depress anyone, well I hope not. I truly believe everyone has a story, no matter how dramatic, outlandish, scary, exciting, or otherwise. The blogs on the side are meant to be inspirational, eye opening, and are a window into others lives when sometimes we are so cut off from each other's lives.

When I see stories like this on the news, in newspapers, on 20/20, I always wonder what happens after the stories, or what really happened before the story began. The blogs are more-or-less a way to feed that curiosity, open my eyes to a much bigger world with much bigger experiences than my own.

MORAL OF STORY

A LESSON FOR ALL MOMMIES AND TEACHERS...

Last night, Juliana and I were at story time at the library. The lady reading the stories is usually pretty disorganized and scatterbrained. She’s a very nice lady, but not the most organized. ANYWAY, the theme last night was “I AM LOST”. She begins to read a story about a little boy who loses his daddy at a department store. The boy travels through the clothing sections, and then into the bathroom. THE WHAT??? Yes, the bathroom. The woman changes the page to a full two page spread that looks like this.... Four urinals with three men facing backwards obviously peeing, and one man facing forward with his hands zipping up his pants. Her face was mortified when she turned onto this page! All of the men blushed right along with the story lady. It didn’t help when a loud mouth kid says, “Is that my Daddy?” (Martine, I am sure you can guess who that kid was. NO NOT MINE! HAAAA!)

Moral of story... Read a book first before you read it to a group of 30 children and parents. How embarrassing!

Compliment!

I got my first compliment today, as I was gimping around barely able to walk because of yesterday. "Karen, you're slimmin' down!" You know who you are... thanks! That was music to my ears. Slimmin' down isn't exactly what I'd call it, but I will take it.

I just got back from the gym. What a joke! I walked a very slow and embarrassing .8 miles in 28 minutes. I couldn't handle any more today. My legs, booty, and tummy muscles are killing me.

Well, off to story time. It's that time of the year.

Outta Shape

I got a HUGE reality check this morning. My butt has officially been kicked! Excuse the language, but so true.

I had my first personal training session at the gym this morning. I used muscles today that I never knew I had. I can barely walk! All of this is a good thing in the end, but my goodness, I am hurting. As I was leaving, one of the kids coaches saw me and said,

"How are you Karen?"

"I'm ok. I can barely walk after the training session."

"Oh, who did you have?"

After I told her, she says, "Yeah, she's good. And she is 7 months pregnant too!"

My jaw nearly dropped. I couldn't tell this trainer was pregnant, and she still did all of the lunges, crunches, weights, and Lord knows what else we did today. I felt like a complete fool today, and obviously out of shape.

I had a dream last night that I was training for a marathon. I have nooooooo idea where that came from, but I started at a lake or something like that. The marathon was 32 miles. I never actually started the marathon in my dream, I just remember training for it and showing up to the event. Maybe this is a sign that I should start training for a marathon. A goal, I guess you could say. What do you think? Hey, maybe I'll give it a shot. We'll see.

I am going to lounge on the couch for the next hour or so. My legs are killing me. I also need to digest the price sheet that the trainer gave me for future training sessions. $80/session is a bit much... yikes! I think for now, I'll stick with the cardio equipment, using the weight machines, and doing the crunches on our living room floor.

Party time!

Yesterday was Kevin's last birthday HORRAH! He spent almost an entire week convinced that each day he was still the birthday boy. The party yesterday was small, yet fun too. Kevin had a blast ripping through presents to find a new helicopter, dump truck, fire trucks, guitar, puzzle, and the cutest Gap clothes too. Of course getting messy with chocolate cake was so much fun too. We found chocolate frosting and cake in the bedroom carpets along with sodas too after the party ended, so we know all of the kids had so much fun... maybe too much fun.

The kids went to bed a bit early last night. I was lucky enough to sneak out the door for a drink, and a much needed night of girl chat. I noticed while we were there that the waiter started giving us strange looks. I realized once we left the reason why... I think I'd give people strange looks for sitting at the same table for over 3 hours. Hey, girls need chatting, what can we say?!

Who knows what is in store for today. Probably just cleaning up the cake imbedded into the carpet, scouring paint off Juliana's antique desk, and cleaning up shreds of gift wrap that are constantly found on the floor. Who knows. Maybe we will end up doing something fun. I'll let you know.

NOTE TO SELF

A couple years ago, I joined a gym which I absolutely loved. I was so good about going, until Kevin decided he hated it. After the 10 minute crying rule, I would hear a page on the intercom, "Will Karen ________, come to the child care center immediately. Your child is starting to drive us batty." Ok, I added the last part.

When I first began going to that particular gym, I brought the typical gym gear. A gym bag full of soaps, change of clothes, water bottle, and of course, music too. One day, I brought the RENT CD since I love to blurt out the lyrics. BAD IDEA... I realized it I was starting to sing RENT in the gym. Luckily I realized it before I made a total fool of myself. Well, now that I am in the gym routine again, I thought I'd have the bright idea of bringing RENT again. NOTE TO SELF... NEVER BRING RENT TO THE GYM AGAIN! Nobody needs to hear about "AZT breaks" or the other colorful lyrics of Rent in the gym. OOPS!

I really need to bring songs that are not singable, perhaps Enya or something along those lines. The other viable option would be to put people like me into soundproof booths complete with the treadmill, magazines, and maybe even an HD television too. I'd pay extra for that luxury. I think others would pay for me to have it too.

Peace little Juliana- 9/11/01

Remembering September 11, 2001. I found this online. Typing this right now is incredibly difficult. This little Juliana is the inspiration for our little Juliana's name. I saw her face on television on the night of September 11. The photo they showed on tv was a Christmas photo. Our little baby was due on December 14, 2001, or as I liked to call the baby, "Our Christmas Baby". Since we did not know the sex of the baby, we were going back and forth with names. When I saw the Christmas photo of Juliana Valentine McCourt, I knew I had to run to Jason with the name. Her face is etched into my noggin and my heart for eternity.

Little Juliana and her mommy were on United Airlines headed to Disneyland. We all know Disneyland is not only the happiest place on earth, but my favorite place too. I have put myself into the dark place of trying to fathom sitting on that flight with my little girl knowing we were going to die. I can not imagine. How scary, how terrifying. I hope in some way, shape, or form that little Juliana and her mommy know there is another little girl running around on this earth making sand castles, blowing bubbles, eating Cheerios, and holding hands with Mickey Mouse. Peace little Juliana.

Hug someone you love today. Hug them every day. Hold them close. Life is too short.

Officially 3

At 11:50PST, Kevin turned 3 years old (yesterday). Jason was very specific about celebrating his time of birth according to time zones. Kevin's actual time of birth was 2:50pm EST. Typical overly organized, and dare I say, picky Jason.

While Juliana was at school, Kevin and I made his birthday cupcakes together. He wanted chocolate with frosting, but he didn't care what color frosting. So, I bought vanilla and food coloring to make many different colors. The cupcakes are certainly not ones that I would enter into Martha Stewart magazine as an award winner, but they served the purpose.


We went out to dinner at "Grapes" AKA Olive Garden. We still call it "Grapes" because that is what Juliana used to call it, hence the grapes on the sign. Kevin wanted to go to Rainforest Cafe or Elephant Bar. We were picky parents and chose otherwise. I didn't feel like going into the city for Rainforest Cafe, and we had Elephant Bar at least 5 times this summer. I'm tired of it. Kevin was a happy camper with Olive Garden's cheese pizza. He ate every last bite of it.

After dinner we came home, sat down at the table, and started singing "HAPPY BIRTHDAY". Kevin chose his green cupcake, and devoured it! We all loved the homemade cupcakes! Then we went into the living room to open presents. A fun and exhausting night.


p.s. Tory, thanks for the stickers and the cars. I am pretty sure I'll see dinosaur stickers on the oven door, inside the Holy Bibie, and inside the cable box within 48 hours. Haaaaa, kidding! THANKS! Love ya!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BUDDY BOY!

HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY BUDDY BOY! Our little guy is 3 years old today!!! I woke him up this morning whispering the happy birthday song. He cracked a smile before his eyed even opened. It was the cutest expression.

Here is Kevin's journey through life, so far...






This last picture was taken this morning in the courtyard of our house. He is saying, "Yeahhh, I'm threeee!"

Sand from Head to Toe

Today we celebrated the last day of Kevin being two. Well, not really, that's just fun to say. Jason had the idea to go to the beach today. A real beach. We drove to the Santa Cruz area and hit the beach like tourists. The water was on the borderline of frigid, but it was nice to play and get sand from head to toe and everywhere in between. Enjoy the pictures of our day.



Just in case you care, I am not ready for Kevin's birthday tomorrow. My baby will be 3.... whoaaa! He is really excited to have "burp-day cake" tomorrow. No, he isn't being rude when he says, "burp-day", that's just his cute way of saying it. Soooo sweet!

EARTHQUAKE... yikes!

Have you ever been sitting alone quietly and heard or felt something and you thought you were going insane? Of course, right?! Humor me, come on. Well, that was me about an hour ago. I was writing snail mail notes to some people quietly at our desk, then I heard a loud noise and THUD at the same time. I thought some tree removal equipment across the path rolled into the side of our house. I went to check it out. Nope, no equipment planted into our house. I checked on the kids. They are fine.

Then the phone rang. It was Jason... "I FELT IT! DID YOU?" Phew, it was just an earthquake.

It was very quick, maybe 3-4 seconds, and not too powerful, just a 4.2, but it was enough to freak the crap out of me. I survived the big one of 1989, so I am not sure what my issue was tonight. I guess since it was so fast, an earthquake was the last thing on my mind.

To all of you in Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, and the Bahamas... I guess since you are so lucky to be getting hurricanes these days, we felt left out of the news and needed an earthquake to scare the hell out of everyone.

Ten Thousand

The 10,000th view was Jay and Ann-Marie! Well, unless there is another lurking visitor from South Carolina. That is entirely possible.

This blog has been fun for the last two years. I started it in September 2006, just after Kevin's first birthday, I think. The posts were few and far between back then, and now I have somewhat of a sick obsession. Perhaps it isn't an obsession, although it hinges upon obsession. The craze has been checking out the lives of other moms from all around the world and different backgrounds, and having fun being silly with my posts. Thanks for taking a little part in our lives and making it fun for me.

I finally figured out how to get creative with the blog about a year ago. That is when I put the counter on the sidebar, added cute backgrounds, and fun things like that.

Hugs and muahhhhhh....
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-UPDATE- First grade is going well, I guess. Juliana barely speaks about it, unless I ask specific questions. She did tell me today that her teacher told her she was "a good citizen". Not exactly sure of the context, but the word "citizen" coming from a six year old is mighty cute.

I am having a little dilemma. There is a bit of buzz around the playground already, and the first week is yet to be completed. I feel like I am being sucked right into it, and I hate that feeling. I am trying to find the fine line of being interactive with the other parents, yet distant at the same time. HELP! A bit of venting, sorry.

A BIG DAY!

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY BABY ANNA! Lots of love from Auntie Karen...

Tell Mommy to take lots of pictures at your party, otherwise I will have to come hunt her down.
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Just in case you noticed... I finally made it to the 5lbs mark. Even better, 5.5 lbs off! Thank goodness.

One more goofy thing... I noticed that my counter is close to 10,000. In the next few days, look at the counter to see if you are number 10,000. I am curious who it will be.

Hugs and muahhhhhhh......

Not so wordless today... oh well. This entry still goes with the "in action" wordless theme below.

I put on a pair of jeans this morning that I have not worn in a looooooong time. I actually think I bought the jeans a few years ago and they were too small. Maybe the gym is working after all. Although I am still stuck at 4 lbs lost as of yesterday evening at the gym. Grrrrrrrr! I can not wait until I get to the point of noticing a real difference. Off to clean the house....

AND... HAPPY 4th BIRTHDAY VICTOR!!!

WWWAT- In Action

First day of first grade

My not-so-baby girl heading off to first grade. She picked this dress at Old Navy last week. Because it is navy blue and white, I could not help but think of myself heading off to school in a uniform every year. Actually if we were still in Michigan, she would be wearing a uniform, since she would be attending Catholic schools.

We walked out the door with a brand new blue backpack full of pretty hearts, a new blue lunchbox, and every school supply we needed, including wipes, tissues, and paper towels. When we arrived at school, Juliana immediately started to panic. She did not know where to go, who to stand with, or what her teacher looked like. I didn't either, so I was not of any help. Kevin didn't care, he just wanted to mingle and meet up with his old big kid buddies. Once we found the first grade line, juliana stood there and would not leave. She was talking with her friends and barely knew I was there. Her new teacher finally arrived, and they walked off to the classroom.

Once they got to the classroom "pod", the teacher abruptly said, "Moms and Dads, your first graders will be fine. See you at 1:50." Ooooooooooook, so I grabbed Kevin and the stroller, and left. Only a few parents got the hint and left, and they were not happy campers. One was telling me she wanted to take a picture at the child's desk, and I have to say, I agree. Who knows how long the parents that did not initially take the hint were able to stay. I wish I saw the classroom and where Juliana will be sitting, but I guess I will be able to do that soon enough.

It will be interesting to hear all about Juliana's first day at school. Will she have homework? According to wise ol' Juliana, "No Mommy, no homework yet. It's too soon."