Suzanne McGrath Photography

Ten on Tuesday

Sorry about my lack of posting Sunday night.  But it just wasn't in the cards.  I was home too late and hadn't even downloaded pictures, yet thought about what to write.  And my brain was mush.

1.  Did you notice the blog was down last week?  So sorry!  Typepad was attacked.  Doesn't that sound funny?  And yet, that is exactly what happened.  I can't even begin to understand what happened but I think (fingers crossed) they got it fixed.  

2.  Aren't these three musketeers the cutest?

That's #3 in the middle.  She LIVES for soccer.  She could care less about practice but game day rolls around and she is READY.  

3.  Last week brought us a couple decent days but Friday was stunning.  The kind of spring day we live for around here.  We had to take advantage of the perfect temps and ate dinner al fresco.  Our choice?  Homemade pizza, of course.  #1 missed out, though, since she was at swim practice.  (Typical, unfortunately.)

Since everyone has their own preferences, we all made our very own mini pizzas.  The process takes quite awhile (making the dough, letting it rise, rolling it out) but the girls get so into it!  Even #1 really likes homemade pizza night.  I'm going to try to make it a Friday night tradition this summer.  Wish me luck!

4.  We had a fairly full weekend but it was all good.  #1 had a swim meet in Topeka on Saturday.  It was her first meet as a 13-year-old.  She had the stomach flu the prior Monday so I really didn't have any expectations for her but she did really well.  She swam four events:

1. 100 free
2. 100 breast
3. 100 back
4. 200 IM

The hubby took her so I didn't get to witness it - but I followed along on Meet Mobile on my phone.  I think she dropped times in all events?  I can't quite remember.

5.  Meanwhile, #4 had her Cinderella birthday party.  The first hour and half was great.  But she sort of melted down the last half hour.  (Perhaps it had something to do with her late bedtime the prior night?  But in my shallow defense, the hubby and I were having too much fun hanging with our neighbors to put her to bed early.  So clearly her behavior was our fault.  I admit it!)

Anyway, her friends arrived and played with balloons while they waited for Cinderella:

Thank goodness for Cinderella.  I only wish she had stayed a wee bit longer!

And yes, it was a dress-up party and #4 refused to dress up.  She wore an old summer hand-me-down dress.  I have to say - I wasn't shocked in the least.  She sort of beats to her own fashion drum.  She still had fun!

Look at her adorable over-bite smile!

After Cinderella left, we had ice cream cake and opened gifts.  I just bought dollar spot plates, cups, and straws.  It was still cute.  And #4 set the table all by herself!

And no, this isn't one of those blogs that shows you 20 pictures of a perfect birthday party.  That is just not how we roll.  We're more like, let's head to DQ and grab a cake an hour before the birthday party kind of people.  Just keepin' it real for you!

Of course she tore through the present opening at record speed.  You know, five-year-old style.  

And then it started.  We all went down to the basement and other kids were fabulous.  They were having a blast playing with all our toys and trying on every single dress-up outfit we own.  And after four kids, we have an entire closet FULL of dress-up clothes.  Well, #4 decided she wanted to go jump on the trampoline.  Um, 8 kids taking turns on the trampoline?  Can you say recipe for disaster?  Because I can!  So when I told her no, we were going to stay in the basement she unleashed the beast.  I was told, "You're not nice.  You're the meanest mommy EVEH!"  And so it went.  I ignored her while she cried for about five minutes and then she started to come around.

She ended the party out on the driveway playing with bubbles and sidewalk chalk.  I ended the party with a cold beer.  (Yes, I did wait for the kids to leave, first!)  

So there you have it.  Her birthday party.  I will say she later apologized to me.  But next year the hubby gets to run the party and I get to travel to Topeka:)

6.  Sunday it rained off and on but we did not let that stop us.  No way!  We loaded up the kids and headed to Home Depot nice and early to stock up on plants. 

Funny story:  We bought a beautiful, large fern for our round table in the foyer.  (Gorgeous)  Anyway, I had it sitting on my lap because the back end was full.  As we were at a stop light a huge wasp flew out of the plant and landed on the window.  We all started screaming and I immediately rolled the window down to let the wasp out and just hung the plant out the window for the next block.  Scary!

Anyway, we have neglected our yard (the backyard, especially) for the last few summers.  But now the kids are old enough that they are actually a big help!  We've had a few things die so we are taking the time now for Project Backyard Beautification.  And the three little girls were great!  They helped me fill all the planters on the deck.  Seriously, even #4 helped.  Meanwhile, #1 stayed inside so as not to get dirty before her swim banquet.  Oh my!  

I'll take pictures when the threat of rain isn't there.  It's going to look so much better this year!

7.  Sunday night the hubby took #1 to her swim banquet.  #1 was able to get all dressed up and I curled her hair and she looked fabulous.  And then I promptly forgot to take a picture.  Darn it!  I think the two of them had a nice time.  

Unfortunately, the hubby had to ditch out early to come home so I could take #2 to her late (8:00pm) soccer game.  I have to say, it is so much fun to watch the girls play under the lights at the soccer complex!   They didn't win their game but they played really well.  I know I've said it before, but it has been great to watch the team come around and actually play real soccer.  You know, like pass the ball, do give-and-gos, take shots, do headers.  It's all good.  And so fun.

But the late night soccer game is the reason for my absence Sunday night.  We were go-go-go on Sunday and I didn't blog earlier in the day.  So I'm making up for that tonight!

8.  I have been slowing clearing out our office.  I currently have two pieces of furniture on craigslist.  (I thought they were sold last night but then the girl called today to tell me they are too small. Bummer.)  I have to say, just taking out a small CPU cabinet and a file drawer cabinet really makes the space feel much more open.  Now I am thinking of ditching the hutch I have over my desk.  I have plenty of other space and I think it would really help open up the room!  Then I could style it a little more and put up a really fun cork board or white board or cork board/white board combo.  FUN!

Of course, I can't make too many bold moves or the hubby will become suspicious.  And remember, I am only supposed to be working on one space at a time.  Curses. 

9.  So I am just DYING for a Roomba.  First of all, is there a commercial any cooler than the ones for the Roomba?  I think not.  And secondly, my floors look dirty not even an hour after they are cleaned.  This makes me a little bit crazy.  And a lot grumpy.  I tried to tell the hubby I would become 78.43% less grumpy on a daily basis if we had that beautiful piece of space-age machinery.  But he just laughed at me.  The nerve.  

So, I am taking matters into my own hands. I am hoarding any and all cash I make on craigslist for the purchase of the Roomba.  That only makes me want to start selling anything that is not nailed down.  I have to curb my enthusiasm.  But mark my words, I will own one of those babies before the year is out.  And I will be 78.43% more happy!

10.  Last night I had an impromptu girls night.  With red wine.  Is there anything better on a Monday night?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  Anyway, my friend Carmen and I headed over to our friend Rhonda's beautiful new house.  (Seriously gorgeous)  We had a tour of the whole place and then set out to tweak it.  Mostly we just figured out what pictures to hang on which walls.  We moved a couple pieces of furniture - or at least suggested it.  And we styled the tops of her kitchen cabinets.  

Even though the hubby thinks we did nothing, we were actually really busy and made some great progress.  It was so fun!  I got such a kick out of it.

And there you have it.  Ten on Tuesday in lieu of Six on Sunday.  I hope I got you all caught up.  Have a great week - what's left of it, anyway!

Six on Sunday...Happy Easter!

For those of you who celebrate, Happy Easter!  I hope you had a fabulous day with friends and family.

1.  We headed south for Easter - to Bella Vista, AR.  Otherwise known as my parent's house.  We had a great time and really enjoyed our stay with one exception.  My mom got a nasty stomach virus that took her out for most of the day yesterday.  That meant she missed out on all our fun which was a major bummer.  Even though she was out for the count, we were busy.  

The little girls went for a hike with my dad and capped off their excursion with ice cream.  Of course that was a hit.  They LOVE to go for hikes so they were in heaven!  

Meanwhile, the hubby, the two older girls and I headed to Fayetteville.  We've always wants to check out the campus of the University of Arkansas and yesterday was the perfect day to do it!  We were able to walk through the campus, check out a bunch of the fraternities and sororities (particularly, Pi Beta Phi), and grab a bite to eat on Dickson St.  

The campus was decent but nothing outstanding.  Not having all the trees in bloom probably didn't help anything, either.  But it was still fun to see!

Of course we capped off the day with decorating Easter eggs!  

2.  Today we attended church.  It was one hour and 37 minutes.  Yes, I timed it.  And also, the priest's homily was 26 minutes long.  In my opinion, that was 16 minutes too long!  

We came home and took a few iPhone pictures.  (Forgive the crappy pic.)

We followed up with mimosas and a delicious brunch!  Such a beautiful day!

3.  We had another birthday in our house last week.  #4 turned FIVE YEARS OLD!  

She had a great day but she can hardly wait for her birthday party.  She kept asking me when her "real" birthday was.  Of course I told her it was the 15th but she had a hard time grasping that her birthday party is not on her "real" birthday.  Too cute.

Her birthday dinner request?  Hot dogs.  Gross.  But I indulged her, of course.  (And made cheeseburgers for the rest of us!)  Here she is at her birthday dinner:

At five years old she is still my little snuggle bunny - which I love!  I can still pick her up and carry her but not for long because she gets heavy!  She is tall for her age and definitely wears a size 5T - she hasn't been in 4T for awhile now.  Of course she is still sassy and good at whining and crying when she doesn't get her way.  (We're still working on that!)  She ADORES her sisters and runs in the door from "school" ready to play with #3.  Every day.  And I love her even more than the day she was born!

4.  I've been trying to plan our summer weekends but let me tell you - we hardly have any free!  #1 has several swim meets.  Then #1 and #2 are each going to sleep away camp this summer, albeit different weeks.  #2's best friend is coming up to stay with us for a week and a half (but we're just taking her with us to the lake!), and the girls would like to spend some time with their grandparents.  What it all boils down to, I decided?  We need about two more weeks off from school!  Seriously, I wish they had 12 weeks off rather than just 10.  

5.  Darby.  She really only drinks water like this and never out of her bowl!

6.  This is my last week of eating like crap.  I'm going to enjoy this week and finish off the Easter candy:)  But then next week it's time to can a few pounds to get ready for swim suit season.  I'm telling myself salads for lunch and few carbs for dinner.  And of course I'm going to have to give up the Hot Tamales during the week - so sad.  But it's necessary.  I need to turn this ship around and get a little bit healthier again!

And with that - I'm outta here.  Time to put the littles to bed.  Have a fantastic week!

 

Six on Sunday

Well, hello there! I hope you all you had a great week.

1.  My good friend, Lori, was in town last week and all told I got to see her three times.  Of course I wish it had been more and longer, but I totally get what it's like to visit.  She had to spread the love.  She was able to run with us on Tuesday and Thursday morning and then eleven of us met for a girls dinner Wednesday night.  That was really fun!  I met some of Lori's other friends and just enjoyed girl talk.  

Here I am with Sarah and Carmen.  (I'm on the right.)  This is before the rest of the crew showed up.

The weather was beautiful and the company was engaging and fun.  All around it was a great night!

2.  I took a vacation day Friday to spend the day with #4.  She had kindergarten round-up in the afternoon so we spent some quality time together.  I still call her "Sybil" every now and then (deservedly so) but man, I love that kid!  We hit the Starbucks at Target and then did our shopping, went to Home Depot to load up on baseboards and crown moulding, and then headed to pick up packets for the half marathon.  She was such a great sport and awesome helper.  

As for kindergarten round-up she did well.  Her teacher for the afternoon (Mrs. Z) said there were a few tears but they didn't last long.  She came out of her classroom all smiles!  And of course she made the obligatory sunflower:

I am so excited for all four girls to be in real school next year.  But yet I can still remember the day she was born just like it was yesterday!  So crazy.

3.  The weather last week was hit and miss but Friday was BEAUTIFUL!  #2 and #3 walked home from school for the first time ever and they just loved it!  I was so nervous because they have to cross a really busy street but they did a great job.  And they felt such a sense of freedom!  It was really adorable.  To celebrate my vacation day and the weather I took the girls to Sonic for a treat.  And we came home and ate our goodies on the deck.  (Sidenote:  My deck still look as awesome as last summer when I stained it.  SCORE!)

Am I one lucky mom or what?!

4.  The hubby and I ran Rock the Parkway again yesterday.  It was not good.  At all.  One, my training had been really hit or miss the last two months.  Actually, I only did long runs - on average - every other week.  Two, it was much warmer than I'm used to right now.  As in, it was 60* when the race started and I've been running in two pairs of tights and two long sleeve shirts for most of my long runs.  Therefore, I was drastically unprepared on all fronts.  Oh well.  That happens.  

I started out with the 2:05 pace group but really felt like it wasn't easy or fun.  I was in front of the pace group until about mile 9.5 when I started to lose steam.  At that point, I just didn't care anymore.  I just wanted to be done and counted down the last 3.5 miles.  I ended up at 2:09 and some change.  Oh well. Sometimes you feel great and sometimes you don't.  I'm not beating myself up about it.  Plus, I don't have any more half marathons on the agenda this spring which is all good.  I enjoy running about 8 to 10 miles on the weekend and will probably keep it up just to stay in shape.  And now I have nothing to worry about.

5.  Yesterday was BUSY!  I ran the half marathon (duh), came home and hurried to get ready so #1 and #2 and I could go shopping.  Both girls needed Easter dresses and some other spring clothes.  We hit up Old Navy, American Eagle, Macy's, and Gap Kids.  (That's it?  It felt like more!)  We also stopped for lunch and just enjoyed our time together.  It was so nice!  Both girls found cute Easter dresses but now we still need shoes.  Sheesh!  It's never ending.  We had fun and I was so glad to get to spend time with them.

After shopping I came home and #2 and #3 promptly left to go to friend's houses while I power napped (10 minutes is so awesome) and ran to the grocery store and then made a delicious dinner that included risotto.  Yummy!  We ended the evening with movie night (Harry Potter, of course) while I primed the french doors to the deck.  See?  Busy!

6.  Today was a major project day even with my niece and nephew hanging out over here for the afternoon.  Of course we tried to go to #2's soccer game but it was cancelled about 10 minutes after we got to the fields.  

I managed to get two coats of black paint on my french doors.  (Yes, the same ones I painted last spring.  In my haste I did not prime them which was a big no-no.  Live and learn.)  #2 made lazagna for dinner with my supervision and did a fantastic job!  I also taped off all the baseboards that we still need to paint.  Yep, it's been a year and a half since we got the new hardwood floors and we are just now finishing that project.  Hey, it's how we roll!

Meanwhile, the hubby decided to install the baseboards in the closet for me.  WooHoo!!!  

And he even got motivated enough to install baseboars in the upstairs hallway.  (Still needs quarter round.)

I am thrilled with our progress.  While it's not fun - at all - it's nice to be able to start checking things off the list!

7.  The little girls went shopping "under the stairs" again.  (We keep bins of old clothes under the stairs in the basement.)  They LOVE doing this and totally look forward to it!  And afterwards, this is what my family room looks like.  For days.

I am not exaggerating when I say they each have AT LEAST 10 dresses to choose from for Easter.  TEN.  I'm not sure how they got so many.  Regardless, it's great for me!  They think this is so much fun and have no desire to go shopping.  Now I just need to make sure they have shoes to wear next Sunday.  Baby steps, right?  I still have a week to lock down some shoes.  How hard can that be?!

Phew!  I'm done.  Have a great week! 

Six on Sunday

Well hello there!  How was your weekend?  Ours was very full.  You know, the usual.  

1.  My girls got really into April Fool's Day this year!  It was actually really cute.  #3 filled a mayo bottle with pudding and took it to school to use during their snack time.  Unfortunately, one of her friends let the cat out of the bag so everyone knew it was a joke but it was a brilliant idea, none the less!

#1 got home from school early (early release) and had lots of time on her hands.  She rubber-banded the faucet in the kitchen.  I noticed it right away and stayed dry but she asked me to leave it there for her sister.  Well, I then proceeded to spray myself twice.  

As I was pouring the milk for dinner, this happened:

And I found this on the toilet in our half bath downstairs:

It was so gross I didn't even want to touch it - even though I knew it was fake!

#4 got in on the action and was pretty proud of herself for "hiding" the light switch!

The big girls also covered the ceiling fan in the master bedroom and in the little girls room with a bunch of confetti.  Confetti that covered our rooms when we turned on the ceiling fan!  

But I couldn't get mad at them.  And they knew it.  So I just played along and laughed at all their messes.  

2.  #3 started her guitar lessons last Monday.  She pronounces it "ka-TAR".  It's pretty cute so I don't correct her although #1 is all over her on the pronunciation.  The first lesson went really well and her instructor is teaching her using the tablature method before he teaches her to read music.  It's really cool because she is playing real songs right now, even though she can't read a note of music yet.  I know this is serving to keep her interested and not let her get discouraged.  So far, so good.  She has practiced every day!

3.  #4 started her swim lessons last week.  AND SHE LOVED IT!  She was seriously disappointed when I told her she only had lessons once a week.  She can't wait for her big sisters to go watch her next Wednesday.  I am just so thankful she likes her lessons and I don't have to drag her to the pool.  Her instructor, Natalie, seems just awesome!  

4.  My friend, Christi, and I went thrifting again last Friday.  We have so much fun together!  Even if I didn't buy a thing I would have fun with Christi.  But of course I did make several purchases:

I found four frames.  The big frame for the paint-by-number in the back will get painted with a coat of white.  But I'm inclined to keep the picture itself.  I bought the other three for the frames and not what was in them.  I'm going to do an ecclectic gallery wall around the big TV in our bedroom.  I'm hoping it will help the TV blend in a bit more.

My love affair with brass continues.  I found four pieces I just love:  the bell (my kids use it to play games like "rich people who have maids"), the giraffe, duck, and the planter.  I already transplanted a plant into the planter and put it on the round table in my foyer and I love the look!

And milk glass.  How do I love thee?  Let me count the ways...1, 2...10!  Yes, I found 10 pieces I love.  Actually, three of them are planters that I wanted so I can add a little greenery around the house.  And the other pieces were things I just loved.  But from now on I will have to slow it down.  I have a place for everything right now, but that won't continue if I keep buying.  

5.  This was weekend was steady with activities but I wouldn't have it any other way!  Friday night got off to a chilly start with a 6:15pm soccer game for #2.  But what a game!  They played real soccer - like they knew what they were doing and things really started to click.  It was such a fun game to watch despite the cold temps.

Saturday morning the hubby and I ran 10 miles dark and early.  It was our only opportunity to get it in Saturday and I really wanted one more long run before next weekend's Rock the Parkway.  I have to say, it was much colder than I wanted but I was thankful we did it.  Plus, we started and ended at Starbucks so we had a nice reward at the end.  Smart!

After our run we raced home to get #3 to her 9am soccer game.  Then #1 and I headed out to a Swimposium for her swim team.  I actually brought my pillow and napped in the car after lunch and the speaker while she swam.  I was tired!

Our day did not end there.  Nope.  #3 had a birthday party late in the afternoon and then the hubby and I had drinks with our friends before we all headed out to a 40th birthday party.  It was so much FUN!  We went to the Brewpub (or whatever it's called) right by Von Maur.  There was an 80's band playing and I think we danced for two hours.  The band was great.  My only beef is that they didn't take any requests which was a bit of a bummer.  I haven't danced that much since Okoboji last summer.  It was a great night but a little later than this old lady is used to - 1am.  Needless to say, I was a little tired when #4 woke me up at 7:30am this morning.  Bright side?  I was NOT hungover.  Sweet!  The hubby cannot say the same thing:)

Today was much more laid back.  I installed the peel-and-stick tile in our closet.  I helped Christi prime a bedroom at their old house (that they are getting ready to sell - let me know if you or someone you know is in the market for a 4 bedroom/2 bath house at 95th and Lamar.  It's going to be awesome.) #3 had another soccer game and she played her heart out!  My niece and nephew came over this afternoon and the kids played really well together.  We got rid of our swingset via Craigslist for free, and my sister and the kids ate dinner with us.  I love it when they stay for dinner because then I get to catch up with Aimee!

Typical crazy weekend but still fun!  Next weekend will be all about Easter dresses.  Who has them and who doesn't.  Who needs shoes and who doesn't.  That might keep me busy!

6.  My closet floors.  Better than subfloor, no?

Next up on the agenda (next weekend) install baseboards and crown moulding.  Then it will look really good!

All right, folks.  Crisis is calling my name.  Have a great week!