The big SD

So our trip to San Diego was amazing. The weather was a ridiculous 75 degrees, sunny and well, be-autiful! Grace had the time of her life boogie boarding in the ocean and building sand castles. Sydney was a bit more of a challenge. Her moods changed like the salt-laden winds. Whew! We all agreed that she was not allowed to go on another vacation until she was three. Everyone knows this is a tough age, but I think she's winning in the high-maintenance, bratty, demanding, diva-esque department! What can I say, we are a family of winners!!

Anyway, it was so good to see my bestest friend, Meredith and her kids and hubby. We got to go to SeaWorld, the zoo, shopping, seal-watching (a fav of Sydney's, although she calls them otters) and the BEACH!!!! We had a few problems with our hotel and service (or lack-therof), but overall the trip was awesome. Grace asked us everyday how many more days we had in California because she was "not going back to Oklahoma!" Ha! Too bad we have our roots firmly planted in a booring, land-locked, sweaty state! Oh well, guess that's why we have vacations!

Didn't I mention diva?

It's good to be back!!

Flashback Tuesday!

Bet you thought I'd never do another one of those!! But you were wrong!! I'm working on a post about our trip to San Diego last week, so until then...

Flashback Tuesday!!!!!

Yeah, this is my new thing for Tuesdays because it's fun and because I know all you people love, love, love to see my family pictures!!

So here we go. Here is a pic of Anna and Grace fourth of July 2005. Right before Sydney was born. Can y'all even believe this!?!?!?

Berfday Lovin'

Well, enough of the last post! Let's move onto more sweet, adorable news! Like Sydney's birthday party!!! She doesn't actually turn 2 until Thursday, but since my dad is going gallivanting around Alaska with his new *cough* fiance *cough* we thought we would have it early. To accommodate him. Cause I'm nice like that.

Let us now turn to the future Mr. and Mrs. Steel:Sickly cute, no?

And here is one of the singing with her sisters, Grace and Lily. Who I just found out today, actually blew out Sydney's candles. Which we have video proof of. Don't worry, Ash, Sydney will be blowing out her other sister, Stella's, birthday candle in August. Paybacks.

And finally, the one gift that I actually let her open already. Her new baby with crib. I know, I'm brilliant. The baby has a bottle filled with milk, that Sydney calls, "Nulk". I swear she has fed that baby a gallon of nulk and taken her out of her crib 10 dozen times already. So. effing. cute.

Sydney had a blast, loved the suckers and thanks to everyone that came a partook(is that a word?) in the festivities. While it was mildly awkward to have our "new" family members attend, I was pretty much able stay away by quickly moving from room to room. Thankfully my brother did all the dirty work!!! Good job Bubby!!

All I gots to say is WOW

Well, let's just start this out with the latest news:

Let's take a closer look:

Excuse me while I go and puke.

4 months ago today, anyone, anyone, Bueller?!?!?

no wonder she had bacterial pneumonia

This is no shizz. The other day at a Mexican restaurant I looked behind me to see what Sydney was doing (y'all know, she was being quiet) and to my utter dismay she was sticking her fingers in this poor woman's plumbers butt crack. I swear to Gawd I nearly spit my food out and crapped my pants all at the same time. Craziest part, the woman DID NOTHING. Let's hope it was just because she was embarrased!

to camp or not to camp

ok, no, not that kind of camp! You know I will not be out there in the wilds without the conveniences of modern life, whoa nelly!







What I am referring to is summer camp. My 6 year old is obsessed. She has been going to a theatre camp at OCU since the last week of June (well, actually she started last summer). This camp is from Monday to Friday 9-4. 9-4!! That's longer than a school day. But she.loves.it. This past Friday was her little performance and she had about a dozen lines. This was the most she has ever had and she was totally into it. She was telling everyone the right place to stand, motioning people on stage when it was their turn, and of course, reminding all the absentminded of their forgotten lines. And trust me, she knew all the lines. I leaned over to Wade and mentioned that maybe we should get her into the directing of plays! Anyway, yesterday evening I reminded her that she was going to take a week off next week and could resume the following week, and boy oh boy did the waterworks come forth. She just boo hooed, "But I love theatre camp!" Grace tell me why you love it so much? "Because I get to play with kids, learn my lines, make my costumes, play games, have a snack and have lunch, it's so fun." But Grace, daddy was going to take you to White Water one day next week and we were just gonna hang out, you know, me and you. "But no mommy, we have plenty of time to hang out after camp." Wow. I swear I am at a loss. Now, some of you may be wondering why I am even bringing this up. She loves camp, so SEND HER! And I hear ya. But there is this little part of my that feels guilt. Most of those children are there because there parents work full-time and they need an all day alternative. Not me. She could be hanging out with her FAMILY, her other playmates but she doesn't want to. Then there is the other part of me that thinks, well, really, what is so special about hanging with me/Raye/Diddy all day. She'll be playing in the gym day care room, watching t.v. with her Raye Raye while Diddy sleeps and running errands with me! I mean there really is no question to be answered here. I will send her as long as she wants to go. In all actuality, I am very thankful that she loves this camp, and am thankful to be able to provide her with it, but gee, guess I'm just a big 'ole fat bore!!! (click this pic to enlarge the happiness!!)




Just wondering what your thoughts were on this matter?!?!?

the face of pneumonia

a hellish (sun)day!

*UPDATE*

Well, Mr. Consierate finally showed up at 2:15, apologizing profusely for his tardiness. Funny enough, he brought her back at 3:15 saying that he was going to hit a few golf balls. Mkay. And if my day wasn't painful enough, one of my husband's best buddies in from Chicago, came over tonight with his 8 year old son and 55 year old mother. I have a lot of experience with this particular woman and she is the most annoying woman in town. Guess who got to sit and talk to her for 2 hours while the kids played with the dad's? You know it!



Whew! I am already ready for this day to be over. Both kids woke up before I even had a chance to brew coffee. This is not too unusual, but they had both been sleeping a little later since our vacation. Not anymore!! Grace really wanted to go on a walk sometime today and the only time I could forsee this was before 9. We went yesterday about 10 and it was already 80 degrees. So we had some cereal and took off. I decided to take Curly with us since Grace likes to push the stroller, I can manhandle the dog through the streets. Besides a little pulling of the leash and barking at squirrels, he did pretty well. I thought it would be good for him, you know, blow off some steam, get a little exercise. So you'll be suprised to know that when I came home from church, he had chewed half my house up. Curly hasn't chewed things in a long time. He had chewed up crayons, a styrofoam cup, a sippy cup, one of Grace's flip-flops (that she loves, of course). Why?!??! No really, I am asking all you freakin' dog lovers. Why would my dog thank me by chewing up all my shit?!?!?!? So.Pissed.

And about church you ask. DD picked us up, as he always does and we go to church. On the way, I ask him if maybe he'd like to take Grace this afternoon for a few hours since she hasn't seen him in a week. You know, Mr. freakin' social. Sure, love to. Great!! I'll feed them and bring her by around 12:30 and then come by when Sydney wakes up. Great!!

Cut to the end of church, DD is talking to AF, discussing something that appears to involve some thinking. He walks up to me, "okay, great, yeah, just bring her by around 1, actually let me call you when I get home." He walks off. Ummmmm....."DD, are you leaving?" I am so confused at this point. "yes." "Okayyyyy, and how are we getting home?" Ding. The memory light bulb goes off. "oh, hang on, I'll be right back." He comes back minutes later. Mimi and Paco can take us. So what, you ask is sooo important that we have to lug the carseat to another car to ge a ride home 10 minutes away. Give me f*cking break. I walk up to AF's daughter, "wow, my dad forgot that he had to take us home and has arranged someone else to take us." She (who really is so sweet) says, " Oh, I just assumed you would come with us." My reply, "which is?" She says, "brunch." Oh yea, that would be nice. God forbid he take his daughter and granddaughters with him. This is the same man that when I asked him if he was going to the wine dinner tonight at DF he replied, "yea, I guess so. I was hoping to have a night off." Yea right. F*CKING LIAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay, I feel better now. Not really, but whatever. So. It is now 2pm and Grace is sitting here waiting for him to come and get her!! Still waiting!!! Sydney is upstairs, not sleeping. She has been playing/whining for an hour. I cannot even remember the last time she didn't take a nap.

Aarg. This day sucks.

Happy Gay Day!!

nutshell version

Well, peeps, so much has happened since my last post. I know, I suck in the new posting arena. Let's see: Grace decided that she didn't want to talk to me about the fact that she had gum in her hair and chose to cut her hair AGAIN!! She is so destined to be a hairstylist. Which would be cool cause then she could be on that show Shear Genius, oh wait, I would rather her be on the show So You Think You Can Dance. My new obsession. God, Wade has got to be so embarrassed by me! Anyway! I decided to not be mad and told her that we would have to get a summer cut and she was all, "GREAT!!" So, hmmm, no punishment or consequence there. And here is a pic of the VERY short cut:








We went on our annual trip this summer, this time to San Antonio. Most of you out there are maybe wondering why we would go to such a destination and I am here to tell you that it is the bomb. It's only an hour 15 minute flight, no time change, plenty of sunshine, pools and SEAWORLD!! We really wanted to go to San Diego to see Mere and fam, but this really worked out better for this summer. It was paradise I tell you. I could have stayed several more days! Both kids were so good, although Grace was completely against the camp the hotel offered, which was fine since Sydney was too young to go. I finally got out the fact that she was shy meeting new friends. Huh??!? I noticed that she was not as chatty with the other kids as in vacations past. Hope that phase passes quickly. I can remember meeting lots of kids when my family went on vacation. I do think I was older though. While Grace was amazing on the trip, I noticed a little extra eye-rolling and heavy sighing. Hmmm....not too sure what that's all about. I do not like bratty behavior! I'll have to keep my eye on that one! Anyway, fun was had by all including super-daddy! The kids are going through some serious daddy withdrawal this week. Every 5 seconds Sydney asks, "where's daddy?" So cute!!







Her first pedicure, get em started early,bitches! Am I really that surprised that she acting bratty?!? Duh!



















Syd got a beautiful braid like sissy and here she is admiring the woman's work. Hah!
























Syd and her daiquiri, chillin' at the "beach".





















Grace lost her 6th tooth! Whew! She's keeping that tooth fairy b-u-s-y!!!!! I know, who really cares except me and Wade.



Today is my mom's birthday. June 18th. You wanna know how my dad celebrated that! He took Grace to his girlfriend's house for a party, didn't pay attention to what she was doing and, OOPS, there was a teeny-tiny accident involving my daughter's knees and a moving treadmill. Nice. The child is lucky she still has a face. Shizzzz.....



Grace told me today that she is postive you are getting cake in heaven. Happy birthday, mommy.

It's official

Well folks, it appears the torrential downpour of rain has finally moved past the plains of OK and summer has officially arrived. My God, I think it rained for a month straight. And I am not one to talk about the weather! We couldn't go to the Sportsman's for Memorial weekend because of the rain, so we finally went this past weekend. I have to admit I was a bit worried how the little one AKA crusher would fare at the swimming pool. She is still a bit young for floaties on her own, but I knew she would want to do whatever "sissy" did. Sooooo, I was right (of course). She thought the water was a bit cold and she really wouldn't venture around. She continually wanted to take the floaties off because they are kinda big, but I stuck to my guns and made her keep them on. But hopefully she will continue to get more comfy around the water. I know she would love the baby pool, but it is on the other side and I don't think it's too smart to leave Grace all by herself quite yet. The pool with a toddler is definitely not a time of relaxation!! But they sure look cute, no?

MeMeMeMe...part 2

No, I didn't forget about the next installment of my exciting self! We've been a little bummed out this holiday weekend due to the untimely virus that has descended upon our eldest child. Let's put it this way: I got a whopping 2 hours of sleep Friday night. Ouch! Luckily, this leads me to # 8 and 9 on this little game.



8. I absolutely hate vomit. I know most people don't prefer it, but it really sends me spiraling down into a black hole of depression (wow, dramatic much!). As a child, vomiting made me cry like a baby and are part of my most vivid childhood memories. Negative memories. I always said that taking care of a vomiting child should be a prerequisite for teenagers and young 20 year olds. I swear it would be the best birth control/abstinence method than any lecture.



9. I love my sleep. I think this drives Wade crazy because he can operate on so few hours and still be amazingly productive. He always says, "you're going to bed already?!?!?", but I love to curl up in bed with my book before going to sleep. Heaven.



10. I enjoy being by myself. Not always, of course, but after having kids that are so time consuming and....well, chatty, it's kind of nice to just be able to sit there with my little old self and just be quiet. Ahhh....you all should try it some time.



11. I don't like noisy things. Concerts, fireworks, guns shooting, exhaust backfire, busy restaurants (ha!!), balloons popping, dogs barking, etc. God, I am a pain in the ass!



12. I like lots of lights on while I'm awake. Some can vouch that I am really bad about turning lights out after leaving a room, but it's because I like the lights on when I come back to that room. Wade turns the lights off to take and shower and shave. What's that about? I have to be able to see what I am eating, reading, writing, watching etc. Makes sense to me.



13. I am vehemently opposed to my kids sleeping in my bed. I'm sure this has something to do with #9 because I would imagine kicking legs and swinging arms would disrupt my beauty sleep. No, but really, I think it has more to do with the fact that I am with my kids all day (for the most part) and it's only reasonable for us to have our personal space.



14. I am selfish. After re-reading this post, it is now more clear than ever how selfish I am! Wow, who knew this would be an exercise in personal reflection!!!



Hope everyone had a wonderfully non-soggy Memorial weekend!!!!

MeMeMeMeMe

I've been blogging for about a year now and just got tagged! Twice! On the same day! I feel so special. But this is kinda hard. Brooke and Ashli both got me so I'll start with 7 now and do 7 more on the next post. Enjoy!




1. I DO NOT like to clean. This may not come as a shock to most of you. But I believe it is an important part of who I am, so I thought that I just had to share it. My mom was a clean freak and always cleaned up after me, so my theory is that I never learned how to. My poor kids have no chance in this area as well. I really try but we all know it's about the role-model . Just prayin' they make enough money for a housekeeper!



2. I absolutely worship reality t.v. Don't know really know what I did with myself before it. It all started with Big Brother 1 in September '00 and I've been hooked ever since.



3. My husband and I are complete opposites. No really. I like to plan;he plans nothing. I like 3 square meals; he eats random meals throughout the day and night. I discipline; he doesn't. I'm a freak about time; his sense of time is whacked out. The list goes on and on. Pop culture tries to tell you that the old adage "opposites attract" is for the birds and that couples need to be more alike than not, blah blah. I'm here to tell you how untrue that is for us! So there!



4. I hate dining al fresca. I swear food tastes different outside. And different being worse.



5. I loathe flies. I am more freaked out by them than bees, wasps etc. Ever since the movie "The Fly" I have been forever changed. This is the main reason I hate eating outside (see above).


6. My husband does 75% of my clothes shopping for me. And no, it's not cause he has to pick out what is proper for me. He likes it and is quite good at it. Most people think that is strange, but it's kinda like Christmas several times a year!


7. I have never broken a bone and have only been in the hospital 2 times for 2 births! I like to think it's because of my incredible coordination (and good luck, of course).


More to follow...

Please look at our new backyard! It looks like paradise, no? Wade decided to use this fake wood stuff that looks amazing. It doesn't rot, fade or warp. It needs no maintenance (which, as you all know, is good for us). We got some new plants from Calvert's, some new patio furniture and ba-da-bing, instant paradise!!!!


Here are the girls eating breakfast al fresca. It was around 65 degrees with no bugs this morning. Pretty good for Oklahoma! Lovin' it while it lasts.








Wade finally made good on his word to get a new backyard play-thing for the girls. Has anyone really tried to put one of these things together? Caesar and his crew got to work on it Friday and it literally took 4 of them ALL DAY to do it. But, of course the girls love it. Good times ahead (that is, before it becomes 104 degrees)!

I'm old

Tuesday night was Wade's brother's graduation from McGuinness High School. Oh, you know I was reminiscing like crazy. I can remember my graduation in that very auditorium 15 years ago. How can this be? The school looks completely different and amazing on the interior after the remodel. During the ceremony the principal was giving his speech (he was the track coach when I was there!) and he was talking about the students and broke down which kids came from where. 1/4 of them were from various Catholic schools and only 9 of the kids were from Westminster. 9!! Where the hell did all the kids from there go? I mean, I know where they probably went, but I still find this perplexing. At least half, if not more, went to McGuinness when I was at Westminster. Anyway, I will know stop thinking about my kids being of High School age and get back to the mundane life of toddler-dome.
This is what Matt looked like when Wade and I started dating:







And this is what he looked like when Grace was born (yes, that is Grace looking like a little troll).

So, try as I might, I can't really ignore the fact that High School is really not that far in the distant future!!! Awww!!!!!!!!!!

Mother's Day...again...

Dear Mom,
The truth of the matter is that life is a bit easier since my last Mother's Day post. I didn't think it was possible during the time of writing that post. Don't get me wrong, I have my moments, like these Mother's Day moments where I just want to stay in bed with the covers over my head. But somehow, I pick my ass up and keep moving. Soooo much has changed since then. Grace is now 6 and will be repeating Kindergarten. Those damn Montessori teachers don't think she is "getting the big picture" of life. Can you even imagine that? Oh, okay, fine, she may have inherited a little flightiness from her mother,er,grandmother. Just sayin'. Needless to say, she's still a little sweetie, with her personal moments of bitchiness, but oh so helpful and sweet to her sister. She has turned into quite the little sport as well, playing basketball and soccer for her school team. She was able to pick up the basics pretty well and got pretty good on the last game. Go figure. Her personal favorite happens to be your personal favorite as well: Ballet. Her recital on a big stage is next week and it's going to be unforgettable. Wish you could sit next to me. I always wish you could sit next to me for all these important and special moments. I'm bound and determined for her to not forget you, mom. I'm doing my best.
Sydney is full of piss and vinegar. This is the one that made me dust off all the discipline books. She is sooo different from Grace, sometimes in good ways, some in not-so-good ways. The good ways: she is very perceptive of her surroundings and LOVES to see lots of people. Just today at church she ran into the parish hall to find Daddy Dad shouting and smiling, "daddy dad, daddy dad, daddy dad." No doubt she would have done that to you as well. The not-so-good ways include tantrums, shouting, hard to calm moments etc. Our little crusher.
Wade is going through momentary craziness at this point in his life. I'm slightly waiting for him to crack from the amount of pressure he puts on himself. The girls worship him and I still have to get on him for spoiling them too much. You know, same old stuff. He's doing his best.
Bubby is still doing well, although he did start smoking again. For shame! He and Wally seem genuinely happy together and it is so nice to witness this.
Daddy Dad. I don't even know where to begin. Let's put it this way: he is definitely following in grandad's footsteps. I'm holding my breath waiting for the marital announcement. You'd be shocked at the number of your friends that are perfectly o.k. with him doing this. Shocked. Bubby and I have got your back. Her fanny (or belongings) will be no where near that house if I have anything to do with it. Kay? That's really all I have to say about that except that my heart does breaks for you a little bit.
And me. You know how I'm doing cause I feel you with me all the time and am so thankful for that. (Just in case you didn't notice: I quit smoking!! Yay!!! You would be so proud!).
Love you til I see you,
Ginny

reason #8437 why parenting should require a license

Today we had our dear friend Anna over for a little trampoline-jumping. You may remember that Grace and Anna have been through quite a lot of mischievous business since becoming friends. They chopped their hair off (Grace's looked better, sorry Ash), they killed zillions of fish and well, that may be all, but really they are pretty sneaky. We have to check on them quite often. So that brings me to today. I heard giggling and such while they were sitting on the couch RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME. I look over (in between bon bons) and see that they are looking through a rather large book that Wade had placed on the coffee table. Me being me, I had never seen the book, didn't know what it was about, but did assume that it was some kind of artsy thing. I hear them giggling and saying "boobies" etc. I go over and look at the book (obviously a bit too quickly) and seeing something about "50 years" and "cartoons". So I tell Ashli, "oh, it's some book about cartoons, it's all good." The girls continue on with their boobie banter to which I tell Ashli, "oh let's just ignore them, they are trying to get us to react". God, I really am an idiot. I walk back over to them and their book and I then see this:

To which I yell, grab the book and look at the pictures, to which I see this:
Oops.

"no, mine"

Yes, it's true. She had to say it sometime. It's just so very rude and ugly to the ear. The funny thing is that she only says it to Curly. Like 2o times already this morning. He walks in the room and you hear, "no! mine!". And we all know Curly. He gets his feelings hurt real bad, hangs his head down and leaves the room. Sydney then looks rather smug and continues on with the playing. With Grace's toy, no less.

Ah, the good 'ole days...

Friends, no more.

quick recap

The following is basically what has been going on with us for the last couple of months. I finally got all the 8 jillion parts to the camera working and am able to post some pics. So here is the recap, in a nutshell.


My new haircut. Okay, it's really not new anymore, but I forgot to post about it. I mostly like it, but sometimes when I look in the mirror I think it looks like a bad 80's hair band do. Seriously. It's kinda straw-like sometimes.

Sydney's new obsession. Occasionally I want to throw that gd car in the big blue trash can because she wants someone (me) to bend over and push her whilst breaking their back. Enough already. While terribly annoying it is also cute because right before she gets in it she says, "bye mama" and blows me kisses. All growed up and driving herself right on oughta here. The only Easter pic I got of the both of them. Nice and clear, don't you think. God, I am such an outstanding mom, no?

The impostor on Easter. I mean really, a dress just doesn't suit her. Lipstick lezzy she will not be.

And of course, the ultimate life-changing birthday gift, the trampoline. I could really care less how dangerous these suckers are. They are a mom's most precious gift while fixing dinner. LOVE IT!

And lastly, I can't forget to mention that Sydney finally got her spitznevus removed from her face and she looks SO much better. Just scroll on up to the pics above if you haven't seen her in person yet. She's a lil trooper!

Peace out, people!