This and That

Trip to the zoo

2008-07-30T22:22:00.002-05:00

Here's a couple of pics of the kiddos and I when I took a day off of work and we went to the zoo for the day!

Spring soccer

2008-07-29T21:08:00.003-05:00

Here are pictures of the munchkins from their Spring soccer team. They only lost ONE game and that's because they played short a player that game! We never got the "official" results but I think they should have been ranked number 1.

Picture update

2008-07-29T21:03:00.003-05:00

Yikes - behind in the picture department - these are from MARCH (whoops) when Mikaela lost a tooth at Devin's Boyscout Pinewood Derby event where he won 2 trophies for his car!

Discipline - how do you get it, how do you keep it?

2008-07-29T09:49:00.002-05:00

It's been a rough month, summer, year... I've been struggling to get this weight off before the big 4-0 in September and it's just not happening. I jump head 1st into something (Weight Watchers, 5K training...) and then get bored, lazy, fall off the wagon, whatever you want to call it.

How come some people are so disciplined about getting in their workouts and/or eating the right things? Are they born that way? Do they just want it more than others? I wish there was a pill I could take to give me some discipline because I seriously am lacking that gene! lol

There's not a lot of workouts for the month to update:

Sun Jul 13 - got to the gym for a 75 min workout (treadmill, bike)
Sat Jul 19 - Walk Away the Pounds dvd - 3 Mile w/ Stretchie band from her 5 mile dvd (40 min)
Sun Jul 20 - 3 Mile Express Advanced Walk dvd (49 min)
Wed Jul 23 - went to the gym BEFORE work and got on the treadmill for 50 min
Sat Jul 26 - 4 Fast Miles dvd (50 min)

and that's it my friends - pretty pitiful. And if I listed what I had eaten over the course of this month - even worse!

I'm going to try to start fresh (again) beginning today. Maybe if I come here more often and journal it will make me want to be more accountable to whoever may be reading...

5K training

2008-07-11T14:30:00.003-05:00

The training isn't going so well for me. I'm still stuck on Week 4. I can't seem to get my endurance up to run for 5 minutes straight twice.

My workouts since the last post - June 29

Friday, July 4 - 2 Mile Walk Strong dvd (by Leslie Sansone - uses hand weights). I did work up a nice little sweat with this one. Followed by Quick start pilates for weight loss dvd (30 min) I tried from Blockbuster. I liked this one. It was good for a Pilates beginner like me. Will definitely have to find this one on ebay to add to my collection.

Tuesday, July 8 - 3 Mile Walk Away Your Waistline dvd

Wednesday, July 9 - Tae Bo Amped Jump Start Cardio dvd

Unfortunately that's it so far! GOTTA get back in the gym this weekend!

Sunday, June 29

2008-06-30T22:47:00.000-05:00

No workout from the 24th-29th. Payroll weeks get so busy. Planning, planning, planning I really need to schedule exercise time AND stick to it!

I did get up Sunday & worked out for an hour @ the gym -40 min Couch to 5K training (still trying Week 4 without stopping) and then 20 min on the bike! 533 calories burned. .

Monday, June 23

2008-06-30T20:40:00.000-05:00

Payroll week - no trip to the gym but popped on my Biggest Loser dvd. I did the Low Intensity Cardio segment. Feel the burn in the legs! Lol

Saturday, June 21

2008-06-30T20:35:00.000-05:00

I found a Couch to 5K Training Podcast on itunes for free that I had heard about so I downloaded it to my ipod & headed to the gym to retry Week 4 with the 2 5 minute runs! You should see me looking all techno now - Heart Rate Monitor, ipod... Lil The podcast did help though but I still felt like I was going to die on that 2nd 5 mile run! Lol

Friday, June 20

2008-06-30T20:31:00.000-05:00

Another day off with the kids! We took the Metro to the D.C. Zoo and had a BLAST! It was just the 3 of us looking at what WE wanted instead of running on a school or daycare field trip time schedule. I didn't get a workout in except for the 4 hours we walked around! I need to stop back & post pictures!

Thursday, June 19

2008-06-30T20:22:00.000-05:00

Took the day off with the kids. Managed to get in my Kathy Smith Kickboxing dvd (good workout) and then did a Basic Abs dvd from Blockbuster on line (I like to try new dvds once in awhile to mix things up).

Wednesday, June 18

2008-06-30T20:04:00.000-05:00

Having a tough time with Week 4 of the Couch to 5K training. It has 2 different 5 minute running sessions. I can get through the 1st 5 minute run - but the 2nd 5 minute run is killing me! Have to figure a way to increase my stamina!

Sunday, June 15

2008-06-30T19:59:00.000-05:00

Pulled out another Leslie Sansone Walk Away the Pounds dvd - this one was Fast Three Miles

Saturday, June 14

2008-06-30T19:53:00.000-05:00

Got up in the morning and did another dvd - Denise Austin Cardio Boot Camp dvd before running my errands. It was a pretty good workout - but SHORT! Lol. Later in the afternoon I headed to the gym for another Couch to 5K training - then because I wanted to burn MORE calories on my Heart Rate Monitor Igot on the bike for 12 minutes! Gotta love the motivation the HRM gave me!

Friday, June 13

2008-06-30T19:50:00.000-05:00

Got up and hit the gym for the Couch to 5K training. Finding it hard to be consistent with the trips to the gym on payroll weeks. Something about working 12 hour days & then heading to the gym makes it tough! At least today I made it to the gym BEFORE work!

Wednesday, June 11

2008-06-30T19:46:00.000-05:00

Pulled out & did one of my old Walk Away the Pounds dvds by Leslie Sansone. I did the 2 Mile Weight Loss Series dvd. I had forgotten what a good workout these dvds were! I need to dust off & do some of the others I have too!

Monday, June 9

2008-06-30T19:43:00.000-05:00

Last day of school! Can you BELIEVE ANOTHER school year has passed? This is the first year the kids are old enough to be excited that school is out for the summer! It's pretty funny.

Sunday, June 8, 2008

2008-06-30T19:38:00.000-05:00

Bought the Polar F6 heart rate monitor yesterday at Sports Authority after hearing quite a few recommendations. Problem is - after I got home with it I found an on-line deal for $50 less. Returned the 1st one I bought - now I have to wait for rhe on-line one to arrive!

Update

2008-06-07T22:21:00.002-05:00

Been busy - haven't posted in awhile. Been doing pretty well with Weight Watchers but the exercise has slacked off. Have to figure out a way to incorporate the two!

Thurs May 29 - NO workout
Fri May 30 - NO workout (but got my first pedicure of the season lol)
Sat May 31 - Couch to 5K training (Week 3, Session 1) AND bought the Hungry Girl cookbook - looks like some pretty good, WW friendly recipes in there!
Sun Jun 1 - Got in another Couch to 5K training workout! (Lost a bet to Devin and made -and ate - brownies)
Mon Jun 2 - Sat Jun 7 - I've been battling a cold and didn't get ANY workouts in so made sure I was following my WW plan to a TEE! Ordered a heart rate monitor on-line (AFTER I bought the same one earlier today at Sports Authority for $30 more - which I MUST return TOMORROW)

I'm feeling so determined to get this weight off the RIGHT way.... the HEALTHY way....

Stepping it up

2008-05-28T22:47:00.000-05:00

Tuesday I rejoined Weight Watchers on-line. Worked 8:30a-8:30p & was on the treadmill at the gym by 9:10 for 5K training! Yay me!

Today was another long day @ wk 8:30a-9:40p - no workout - too tired AND ordered Chinese on way home (combo fried rice). At least my Weigh Watchers point restart tommorow; lol

Update

2008-05-27T11:28:00.002-05:00

In my comments section - a reader wanted me to post this site for y'all to check out to help women who could not otherwise afford mammograms to be able to receive them:

http://www.servenation.com/cards/3139

And now back to training... lol

5/22 Thurs - day off

5/23 Fri - back at the gym at 6am for the Couch to 5K training. Either not a lot of people don't go on Fridays or they just didn't show up for the long weekend but the place wasn't as crowded as it usually is in the mornings.

5/24 Sat - Tamilee Webb "Lose Weight Fast" dvd - lasted 37 minutes of it. I like HER - but sometimes her workouts become too dancey or complicated for me. This one I couldn't really keep up with the different combinations she was doing so I gave up. It also had a self hypnosis section which I looked at but didn't even attempt.

5/25 Sun - day off

5/26 Mon - Memorial Day - UNSCHEDULED DAY OFF. I was SUPPOSED to go to the gym but then I got wrapped up in switching out my winter and summer clothes and trying on things and IT WASN'T PRETTY. I've UNFORTUNATELY put on weight and can only fit about 1/2 the pants and skirts I have :-( So of course - I did what I normally do and REJOINED Weight Watchers on-line program. 10 lbs loss would be GREAT - 20 lbs would be better. So here we go.... Couch to 5 K training AND Weight Watchers - this weight had BETTER come off!

Day 4 of running

2008-05-21T07:20:00.000-05:00

I took yesterday off from work & from working out.

The kids had their annual pediatrician appt @ 9:30 and then afterwards I brought them to school. I ran some errands including stocking up on some toiletries for my gym bag & buying some actual RUNNING shoes rather than the cardio shoes I have been wearing. Then I grabbed a quick (unhealthy - Five Guys) lunch before taking the metro into DC for my annual mammogram - all clear for another year. Everything looked good.

While on the metro I read a magazine article about a lady that lost 85 lbs with exercise & keeping her calories at 1200. She had tried all the other diets & always gained the weight back but by just watching calories she was still able to eat the foods she wanted (in smaller quantities) so she didn't feel like she was denying herself.

My eating has been out of control so I'm going to start tracking calories too - aiming to stay between 1200-1500 calories/day.

This morning wasn't AS tough to get up & out to the gym. I got there 20 min earlier than Monday - 5:50 today! Lol still not my 5:30 goal, but getting there.

Today's workout started Week 2 of The Plan where I alternate running for 90 seconds & walking for 2 min. It really wasn't that bad! I think the shoes helped make a difference too. They are Nike Air Max. Shins not hurting too much. Next planned run is Friday.

5K training update

2008-05-19T12:29:00.002-05:00

Ah ha..... hadn't heard from me lately - probably thought I fell off the training program - not at all - just been BUSY!!

What's been happening since last post:

Mon 5/12 - Turbo Jam Punch, Kick, Jam dvd (48 mins) in the morning followed by a LONG payroll/commission day - worked til 9:40pm

Tue 5/13 - Kickboxing for Dummies dvd (34 min) in the morning again followed by another long work day - worked til 8:30pm

Wed 5/14 - NO WORKOUT... another long day at work - worked til 8:15

Thu 5/15 - NO WORKOUT again. Worked til 6pm and then raced back to see the kids FINALLY!

Fri 5/16 - Took the day off to go on the kids' field trip to the Natural History Museum. Afterwards I hit the gym for the 1st day of "Couch to 5K" training. Then I went back to pick up the kids and we went to Family Fun Night at their school. Later that night my shins were hurting.

Sat 5/17 - Woke up early and got in 2nd day of "Couch to 5K" training before the kids soccer game. Afterwards I spent the day running errands. That night it was my inner thighs and rear end that were hurting.

Sun 5/18 - NO WORKOUT - body was sore from the 5K training so I took the day off from working out. Kids had another soccer game.

Mon 5/18 - Woke up early and was AT THE GYM at 6:15 am for the 3rd day of "Couch to 5K" training. I couldn't believe how many other people were actually there already working out and in aerobic classes! I had to pack my bag the night before and shower there but it feels good to have it out of the way although I am still walking a little funny - legs are still sore and I'm wearing heels here at work - shoulda packed flats :-)

5/10/08

2008-05-11T09:34:00.000-05:00

I DID get in a workout! 30 min Tae Bo Amped Supercharged Fat Burner dvd and then lasted 15 min of the Winsor Pilates Maximum Burn Basics dvd.

I had forgotten what a great workout those Tae Bo dvds are!

Bought myself a little cheapie sports watch from Target in preparation of starting my running training program next week.

My eating was horrible though.Gonna work on the diet after I get the exercise down. Lol

5/9/08

2008-05-10T07:40:00.000-05:00

No training/workout for me on Friday. Had every intention to pop in a dvd after movie/pizza night with the kids but then I got lazy and watched TV instead.

On another note - overall my eating this week has been pretty bad. By journaling I've pinpointed the food co-workers bring in to share as my downfall. Next week I need to stay away from the goodies!

My 5K "training partner" left suddenly last night for Florida. Her daughter is giving birth. Looks like I'm on my own next week to start my training! Wish me luck!

Pre-weekend test

2008-05-09T09:57:00.001-05:00

Test post from my Blackberry for the weekend since I still don't have internet at home.

Day 4 and slowing down...

2008-05-09T09:48:00.002-05:00

Unfortunately I didn't get my scheduled Tae Bo workout in. I couldn't wake up in the morning and after work I was running around with the kids to get their teacher appreciation gifts and cards, kleenex for both classes (all these runny noses), plus we had boyscouts and then the normal homework, bedtime routine. By the time I got the kids to bed I was BEAT. I need to try to get to bed earlier so I can get back in to my morning workouts. I haven't worked out in the morning since I moved I think!

Day 3

2008-05-08T09:56:00.002-05:00

Hit a little snag in my cardio workout yesterday. I had planned to do my 45 min Turbo Jam Cardio Party dvd.... I only lasted 30 minutes! LOL The moves were more "dancey" than I like and anyone who knows me - knows I am NOT a dancer so I felt awkward and couldn't really keep up when they were putting it all together. This dvd is definitely NOT going in to my exercise rotation! I will attempt it again when I'm in better shape but I think it's just the steps I can't get down right.

Day 2 of "training"

2008-05-07T09:19:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was not a good day at all. My assistant brought in crab/shrimp dip and crackers of which I ate entirely too much. PLUS she had a big bag of Swedish fish at her desk that I kept walking by and grabbed two handfuls. My evening workout plans got interrupted because of a very tough homework night with Mikaela and a situation with Kevin that caused me to stress eat and go to bed. I've got to get back in to my morning workouts to avoid missteps like this. Also - when I work out in the morning I tend to eat better for the rest of the day.

Getting in shape!

2008-05-06T09:10:00.002-05:00

Well, my friend Aurelia and I have decided to start training for our 1st 5K. I've never run - she ran in highschool and college. This week I'm going to focus on getting back in to my cardio workouts (I've been doing dvds at home for years) - next week I start the "Couch to 5K" Training program. Our goal is to run a 5K in October! Wish me (us) luck!

Last night's workout was my 20 min Turbo Jam dvd followed by the 20 min Turbo Jam Abs workout

Temporary place

2008-04-03T12:40:00.003-05:00

The lease on my last place was up March 31st so I moved in to a temporary month to month place for now until I can find something to buy.

Devin had a boyscouts car race Friday and placed 1st for his age group and 2nd overall for the Den. He got 2 big trophies for this too! Mikaela lose one of her front top teeth there too! I have pictures of all this but no internet connection at home yet to be able to post them! lol I plan to get all unpacked and settled in on Saturday.

A Non-Animated Rated G Movie!

2008-03-15T23:29:00.002-05:00

The kids and I went to see "College Road Trip" with Raven Symone and Martin Lawrence today! We all enjoyed it - it had a little of something for everyone - some kiddie humor and some humor directed at the parents in the audience. Taking the kids to the movies is so expensive these days - a CHILD's matinee price is $7! We took advantage of the Magic Johnson Theatres special - $5 for everyone at any show before noon! PLUS when you go to the movies that early - chances are you aren't hungry and don't have to buy a lot of snacks! LOL

Birthday Pics

2008-03-14T20:53:00.002-05:00

Here are some birthday party pics as promised!

Manicures

2008-03-14T20:50:00.002-05:00

Mikaela and I got our nails done today. In case you can't tell in the picture - that's a flower we have as our design!

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY DEVIN & MIKAELA

2008-03-03T09:29:00.003-05:00

Today my BABIES turn 8 years old - I can hardly believe it!

Their birthday party was Saturday and they had a laser tag party. Fun was had by all!
I'll post pictures later this week!

And on another note - I found out on Friday I was preapproved for my home loan so now I've REALLY got to start narrowing down a location!

Organized Procrastinator

2008-02-28T23:44:00.000-05:00

Have you ever heard of such a person? Unfortunately it appears to be me now and I'm going to make an effort to turn it around. So the tone of my blog may change a little for awhile but maybe I can talk myself through some of this. Afterall - my mom's flying in tomorrow for the kid's 8th birthday party, my lease is up March 31st and I am just now beginning the preapproval process to see if I can buy a home. Like I always say - nothing like waiting to the last minute, huh?

My Delicate Amgel

2008-01-29T09:21:00.001-05:00

Here is a picture of Mikaela's BRAND NEW pants after her 1st day of wear! Lol She loves to run & play and of course fall down when she is outside playing. I often ask myself How Did "I" of-all-people Get a Tomboy For a Daughter? Lol

Early retirement for soccer?

2008-01-28T11:37:00.000-05:00

Last night as I was putting the kids to bed, Mikaela started crying and saying she doesn't want to play soccer anymore! Huh? She's AWESOME - she just HAS to play. lol I asked her why and she says she doesn't know, she might want to do art, drawing. I told her she has to at least go to the 1st practice. My (and Kevin's) sneaking suspicion is that she doesn't want to be on a team by herself. Devin and her have played the last 3 seasons together on a Pee-Wee league but now that they are about to turn 8 - the teams are separated by gender.

They do do everything together from the moment they wake up to the moment they go to sleep so I can see how the adjustment to a separate team would be a big step for her but it is something she is going to have to adjust to soon. Devin is fine with it. He has become the more independent twin. He tried karate on his own, he is still in BoyScouts and he asked if he could still play soccer if Mikaela didn't.

Sign-ups are in February so I'll update on this subject then!

Birthday Party Plans

2008-01-26T18:49:00.001-05:00

Well, we are planned up, deposit paid for the EIGHTH birthday party. The kids have decided they want to do laser tag this year! They did it last summer on a fieldtrip and had a blast.

My question is - when did these birthday parties become so daggone expensive? lol Thank goodness we only have to do one a year for now! I'm not looking forward to when they want to have separate birthday parties.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-24T17:57:00.000-05:00

Where does the time go? I hadn't realized I haven't updated this blog in FOREVER. I must set a reminder or something for myself to post more often.

Last Friday was Devin's Boyscouts Space Derby. He and Kevin had to make his space ship and then he raced it against the other boys in his troop. He placed FIRST for his den (2nd graders) and SECOND overall (1st-5th graders)! He got a trophy for each placement and he was SO excited. Last year he didn't place - he just got a ribbon for participating so I was very happy for him!

Can you believe Devin & Mikaela are getting ready to turn 8??? They have already decided they want to do Laser Tag for their birthday party so I have to go check out a site and put a deposit down SOON!

End of 1st Quarter

2007-10-17T23:11:00.000-05:00

Today marks the end of the 1st Quarter of 2nd grade. Both kids ended up getting the teachers they wanted for the school year. Mikaela got the teacher that gives "popsicle parties" and extra time for recess for good behavior. Devin got a teacher that "doesn't yell" as compared to last year's teacher. They are both doing very well. Mikaela is strong in reading, Devin strong in math but they are both catching up to each other as far as their strengths.

This season they are once again playing pee-wee soccer for 4-7 year olds. This will be their last season on this team. In the Spring they will go on 2 separate teams playing for the County on the 8 year old team - which ought to be very interesting - 2 kids playing and practicing on 2 different teams! YIKES the logistics alone are freaking me out! lol

Devin is still in his Boy Scouts troop. Mikaela decided she did not want to do Girl Scouts again this year - the last troop she was in wasn't very organized. Now we're trying to figure out what activity she will do after soccer season - she's thinking maybe basketball. Devin wants to try his hand at Tae Kwon Do.

And on another note - the weather out here has been just beautiful! Here it is mid-October and we're still in the mid-70's. Oh yeah - and of course - Sunday I had to go buy Mikaela all new pants because she has outgrown all the pants I bought for her back in April - she pretty much skipped by the size 6's but isn't quite a 7. Maybe I should have paid better attention in home-ec and learned how to hem!

First Day of School - August 20, 2007

2007-09-02T17:47:00.000-05:00

Well - I TRIED to do the "girly girl" do for Mikaela's 1st day of Second Grade by blow drying her hair for the very 1st time in her life.... but she wasn't having it. She decided she didn't like hair on her face and she didn't want it hanging down. So I snapped a couple of pics and put it back in her ponytails....

The 1st day of school went well. Devin and Mikaela both got the teachers they wanted. Mikaela got the teacher that gives popsicle parties and extra recess for being good. Devin got a teacher that doesn't yell he said!

They were so grown up on the 1st day. Walked them to their classes and they started unloading their backpacks and that was it... off I went to work. No tears (kids OR mommy), no speeches to the parents from the teachers... just business as usual.

Boyscouts Fishing Derby

2007-08-05T01:26:00.001-05:00

This summer the boyscouts met at a local pond to do some fishing. Both kids caught a couple of fish each.

An "unofficial" official soccer photo

2007-08-05T01:05:00.000-05:00

While the REAL soccer photographer was snapping photos of the other kids, I grabbed a couple of shots of the kids and then snuck over his shoulder to snap some group shots too. Here's a couple of my amateur shots!

Mr. Cool

2007-08-05T00:57:00.000-05:00

Sometimes kids just do the silliest things and you have to grab your camera and snap the picture! This one is of Devin who just happened to grab Kevin's hat and sunglasses and started pracing around like he was Mr. Cool.

What happened to my baby boy? He looks so grown in this picture, my little man!

Spring Soccer

2007-08-05T00:48:00.000-05:00

Devin and Mikaela played Spring soccer this year and did really well. Mikaela is a forward and scored a goal in almost every game. Devin plays forward and defender. He does especially well at defender because he has the speed to get back to the ball fast and he's playing more aggressive. Devin has probably saved as many if not more goals than Mikaela has scored - what a team!

Boyscouts

2007-08-05T00:10:00.000-05:00

Devin has been pretty active in Boyscouts this year and really likes it. Mikaela on the other hand can't stand Girlscouts (although she did sell over 250 boxes of those darn cookies this Spring). Here are some pictures of Devin at his den's Raingutter Regatta that took place in June. This is where the boys, with help from thier dads put together their boats. Then at the Regatta they set up 2 raingutters side by side and the boys blow on them to get them to sail.

Birthday Party - March 3, 2007

2007-08-04T23:30:00.000-05:00

Yep - I'm quite a bit late but here are some pictures from Devin & Mikaela's 7th birthday party. It fell on their actual birthday this year and they decided (with a little prompting from mommy -because I like their packages) to have another roller skating party.

Mommy HAS to be quick on her feet

2007-02-28T10:18:00.000-05:00

It is just an unwritten job requirement that mommys have to be quick on their feet.

This morning started as any typical school/work day - I woke up at 5:15, did a workout (for those of you who haven't tried the Leslie Sansone walk at home dvd's - I am LOVING them right now!), jumped in the shower and went to wake the kids. Mikaela checked under her pillow because she lost a tooth last night and declared she did not want a dollar like Devin got - she wanted a shiny quarter! Well.... last night the tooth fairy pondered this for a moment and she decided that if Mikaela got her shiny quarter and went to school and told everyone and then they realized Devin got a dollar she would find out she got shorted - so the tooth fairy went ahead and left her FOUR shiny quarters. Well, Devin was quite upset this morning to find out that SHE got 4 quarters and he only got 1 dollar - Mikaela looked at him and said "Devin, it's the same thing" :-)

While they were getting dressed, Devin decided he didn't want to buy lunch afterall today because after his teacher brings them down to the lunchroom and he stands in line he doesn't have enough time to eat his whole lunch - so I rushed off to the kitchen to make his lunch and get breakfast together. THEN Devin comes in and tells me he had a little accident so we have to do a rush job in the shower! When I finally get my act together and we're getting ready to head out the door... Devin declares his pants are falling down and he needs his belt. I race to the closet, can't find his belt, realize he's probably left it at Kevin's and find another pair of pants for him to put on. Meanwhile I'm grabbing my things (including the incorrect prescription I have to bring back to the drugstore because they gave me EYE drops for my EAR infection) and I look at Mikaela and I see at least an inch of white socks at her ankles. I rush back into their room and find another pair of pants for her to put on! We finally head out the door, get caught at every light (of course) and I arrive at the school with 3 minutes to spare! I walk them to the door and finally exhale as I walk back to my car. What a morning...

Where Does the Time Go?

2007-02-28T10:06:00.000-05:00

Life has just been rushing by - SO much has happened - guess I really should get back into more regular blogging! So to catch up:

Last week BOTH kids were sick - out for the count! Mikaela with a fever and coughing, Devin with a fever and flu-like symptoms. Fortunatley school was out Monday for President's Day, they went Tuesday (after being out since LAST Wednesday due to snow) and then they were out again Wednesday-Friday. Mikaela was better by Friday but her teacher had dropped off the homework Thursday so she spent the day catching up. Devin was finally better by Saturday. So this week both kids are back in school and we are back to our normal crazy lives...

We had Girl Scouts Monday (oh yeah - the cookies are in! I had 150 boxes in the trunk of my car for delivery at work that I refused to bring into the house - oh the temptation), they had a dentist appointment Tuesday (Mikalea had such a loose tooth dangling that the hygenist just pulled it out! Now they are both missing the exact same tooth!), tonight we have NOTHING and Thursday Devin has Boy Scouts at 7 AND my mom flies in at 6:30 for the kids birthday party on Saturday!

Again I ask.... where does the time go?

We Lost Our First Tooth

2007-01-08T19:10:00.000-05:00

Even though Mikaela's exact same tooth has been loose the longest - Devin's is the one that came out 1st! All weekend he has been BEGGING for apples to help loosen it up and tonight he was playing with it with his tongue and it just popped out onto the kitchen table and bounced onto the floor. They are both SO excited and Devin especially can't wait for the tooth fairy to visit tonight! Remember the good ole days when she left a quarter?

January In Maryland

2007-01-06T20:08:00.000-05:00

Ummmm.... did I forget to flip the calendar? Is it April and someone forgot to tell me? This is a picture taken TODAY of the kids playing in the park with NO COATS! It was supposed to hit at least 70 today with the possibility of breaking a 50+ year record for this day!

Usually this time of year we are bundled up head to toe, trying to avoid the ice patches on the ground or shoveling out of snow but somehow today we got a little touch of Spring!

Christmas Day

2006-12-28T23:27:00.000-05:00

Ahhhh.... Christmas morning! Kiddos were up bright and early at 7am to open presents!

They were so excited and when they were done unwrapping the big hit for the day turned out to be the Pac-Man game I gave them that plugs right into the TV. It looks just like the old Pac Man games we used to play!

Are You Ready For Christmas?

2006-12-19T20:51:00.000-05:00

The answer over here is ALMOST! We've visited Santa Claus at the Mall, mailed the Christmas cards and decorated the tree. Most of the presents are bought and just need to be wrapped! Mikaela had written a couple of items for her list...Devin didn't really have a list. I suppose since they barely watch TV we've been lucky that they aren't influenced by all the commercials yet! If only that could last forever :-)

Where did November go?

2006-11-22T18:35:00.000-05:00

Wow what a whirwind this month has been! Last Sunday the kids and I had TWO overlapping birthday parties to attend. There was a rollerskating party from 1:30-5 that we had to leave at 3:45 so we could make the 4-6 bowling party!

Last week I was extremely busy getting a commission payroll and regular payroll completed in between packing up the kids and me for our trip to Seattle for Thanksgiving.

We left Maryland Saturday afternoon and arrived in Seattle late Saturday night. The days have been so filled with spending time with family that I have to apologize to all my Seattle friends for dropping in and out of town so fast. Next year for Christmas I PROMISE we will spend more time and make some visits!

Technical Difficulties

2006-11-02T12:04:00.000-05:00

For whatever reason, I've been having technical difficulties adding content to my blog. I usually post from my cell phone and I was having cell phone issues last week that I hope have been all cleared up!

Saturday's postponed soccer game has not been rescheduled yet. Mikaela is pretty bummed about that.

The kids went trick-or-treating with their cousins over by their house. BOTH Devin and Mikaela were Power Rangers - the red one. I was working and unfortunately didn't receive any pictures to post.

Next week they are out of school Monday AND Tuesday so maybe we will take an updated picture to post!

Catching up AGAIN

2006-10-29T08:24:00.000-05:00

Well, it's been another crazy week! Wasn't able to update like I wanted because I normally post from my phone and I was having 'phone issues'. Looks like I'm up and running now though!

Let's see...there was no girl scouts this week on Monday. On Tuesday they had a soccer practice and on Wednesday they were supposed to have a soccer game but the other team didn't show up. The kids ended up playing against some of the parents. Unfortunately I still had my work clothes on :-) Thursday I took Mikaela to the dentist. He said her tooth was fine and eventually it would push out the baby tooth. So no worries about an extraction. Thursday night we also had cub scouts for Devin. Friday the kiddos had no school. It was the teacher's grading day. I can't believe a quarter is over already!

Today's game has already been cancelled. We are expecting high winds 30 miles per hour and up! Keep your fingers crossed we don't lose power...

Catching up

2006-10-15T13:26:00.000-05:00

This has been a BUSY week! Sunday evening when I checked my e-mail there was a message sent that morning that the 1st girl scout meeting was Monday night! They actually had a little ceremony for the 2 new girls. Doesn't Mikaela look terrified? Poor thing.

Tuesday night we had a soccer game. The 7 days of no practice or games really showed. The poor Tigers looked like The Bad News Bears... They lost 0-7. Fortunately the game was called at the end of the 3rd quarter due to darkness.

Wednesday we didn't have any activities, but Thursday we were OVERBOOKED! We had soccer from 6p-7p and then Boy Scouts from 7p-8p!

Friday night we just had our normal pizza & movie night. They are HOOKED on the Cheetah Girls both 1 and 2. Friday night Mikaela chose 2. Saturday night Devin chose 1.

Saturday there wasn't any soccer - it was there bye week. But never fear, we still had SOMETHING to do! Kiddos had a birthday party.

Right now we are sitting here watching the Redskins! Mikaela LOVES watching football. Devin is watching because he has no choice ;-)

StudentS of the Month

2006-10-06T08:37:00.000-05:00

Yep, that's right, you read correctly, I have TWO students of the month! Devin and Mikaela BOTH were named Student of the Month for September for first graders at their school!

And on another note, they had another soccer game on Wednesday. They lost 1-2 but Mikaela scored AGAIN!! She has scored in all 3 of their games now!

Say ahhhhhhh....

2006-10-03T19:19:00.000-05:00

Can you see Mikaela's PERMANENT tooth growing in BEHIND her baby teeth? She hasn't lost any teeth yet (neither has Devin) and nothing is loose yet. The dentist's office said to have her play with the baby tooth with her tongue to try to loosen it up. I bring her in later this month for the dentist to take a look at.

Soccer Game #2

2006-10-02T22:08:00.000-05:00

Saturday was the kids' 2nd soccer game. They lost this one 2-4 but Mikaela scored 1 off of a Devin assist! Of course I missed it --- the family that was supposed to bring the snacks no called, no showed so I had to run down to the Quick Mart to get snacks and drinks for the team. Oh yeah and the family that came to sit next to me brought their pet PIG to the game. What's up with that? At least they had him on a leash...

Happy Birthday Mommy

2006-09-30T11:53:00.000-05:00

Here are the cards the kids made me for my birthday with a little help from Kevin. It actually stormed so bad the evening of my birthday that their make-up soccer game scheduled for that night was canceled. Instead we went to Fridays for dinner. We were almost done when the power went out. Unfortunately (or fortunately) they couldn't run credit/debit cards so the meal was on them! Happy Birthday to me! :-)

We ALMOST did it

2006-09-29T18:44:00.000-05:00

Devin has been sleeping in underwear since Sunday (4 nights) without any accidents. Unfortunately last night he had a little accident so we had the mad dash to strip the bed down and toss him in the shower real quick this morning before heading out the door! We will try underwear again tonight and see what happens!

Boy Scouts

2006-09-28T16:28:00.000-05:00

Well, last night was another night of rushing around! After I picked up the kids we had to rush home, eat dinner, check homework and get to Boy Scout orientation by 7pm! The 1st camping trip (outdoors, in a tent) is next weekend. Y'all know I don't do outdoors so I called Kevin afterwards to tell him to mark HIS calendar! Lol

Soccer

2006-09-25T16:55:00.000-05:00

Here are my lil' soccer players! Their 1st game was Saturday and they won 2-1! Guess who scored BOTH goals? Miss Mikaela! Devin ALMOST scored a goal, too. Maybe his turn will be Thursday (a make-up game). I'm the soccer team mom so I had the honor of bringing the snacks (oranges, lemonade & water) so I'm done til the end of the year soccer party (which I volunteered to organize - heaven knows I don't have enough on my plate as it is)!

Devin's reading

2006-09-21T17:22:00.000-05:00

Devin's reading is improving tremendously. Ur doing a great job.

That's the text message I got from Kevin the other night. Feels good because I have been working with Devin on his reading. Now he is at the point that if Mikaela gets stuck on a word while reading Devin will surprise us by just blurting it out!

kids

2006-09-19T16:00:00.000-05:00

Let's Try This

2006-09-19T15:36:00.000-05:00

Well, with all this "blogging" I've been seeing, I've decided to give my hand a try at it. I'm not sure what my initial goal will be or who I'm targeting... probably just mainly keeping family and friends updated on the kiddos since I'm pretty bad at keeping in touch.

We'll see...