What a difference 8 years make!

Tuesday was our eight year anniversary and we kept it pretty mellow. Mostly to save money. On the actual day, Scott BBQ'd ribs (and burned his arm off), Harlie played in the pool, and then we all sat down to watch the wedding video as a family.  This would be Harlie's first time seeing it and she was pretty exicted. It had probably been a couple years since Austin had seen it last so he was curious to watch it again as well...seeing himself as such a little kid!  I wished I had recorded their commentary...I found it pretty entertaining.

Austin kept being embarrassed of himself.  First it was how his ears stuck out and glowed in the late afternoon sun as he walked down the aisle with Blair. Then he was annoyed with how close he was standing to Scott at the alter, thinking he was too up in our business. I assured him that he was right where we wanted him to be.  For the 80th time he told me how awkward he felt when Scott and I were reciting our vows to him. I'm sure my laughing/crying fest really helped. :-)  And then when it came to the dancing he was very unimpressed with his moves. I thought he had some major talent, but what do I know. Get down with yo' bad self Austinator!

I jotted down Harlie's comments at the suggestion of my mom and Melanie...they were too cute and I wanted to remember.

H: Where was I? Was I at home by myself? Where is Mazzy?

Us: You weren't here yet, you weren't even a baby yet?

H: But where was I? Was I all by myself???

(She still doesn't understand the concept of not being alive...I agree, it's a toughy.)

(Watching Austin and Blair walk down the aisle) 

Me: Who is that, Harlie? 

H: Mazzy? Uncle Josh?

H: Mom’s dress is pretty. But why wasn’t it pink?

Me: Well, most people wear white wedding dresses, but it could have been pink. You can have a pink wedding dress.

(As Scott and I are walking back down the aisle after the service)

H: But Mommy and Daddy didn't get married?!

Us: Yeah, we JUST did! (Who knows what she thinks happens when people get married.)

  

(During 1^st dance)

H: Your dress was sparkley!

Me: Yes it was! I love sparkles! (And thank you SO much for noticing!! :-))

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We had long planned a weekend trip to visit Mark and Melanie the weekend after our anniversary, and while it wasn't particularly romantic (the boys were away for 6 hours playing golf), it was such a relaxing time and a wonderful way to catch up with one of my favorite people on the planet!

Thanks to Keri and Josh for watching the kiddos! We've got a sweet sitter situation, no?

Mother's Day

I had a pretty great Mother's Day weekend this year. They aren't always as relaxing as I hope they will be, but this year lived up to the hype.  It started out with breakfast in bed on Saturday. This was the second year in a row that I had breakfast delivered to me in bed and I hope it becomes a tradition if only because I get to lounge in bed and listen to someone else cooking in the morning!

This little stinker also made me a special Mother's Day gift at preschool. I love the little survey and I was surprised that she even had some 'right' answers! So cute.

After breakfast we headed to the Charles C.Jensen Botanical Gardens. It had been almost 2 years since we last took Harlie...man does time fly!

To cap off our afternoon we headed to Costco for $1.45 frozen yogurt. Yeah Boy!

Once we got home, we lounged around and and then I headed over to Lush for a haircut and highlight. This is quite an event for me, since I only go about once a year. And this time I got WINE! While I was gone, Harlie and Scott made me a cake. Yum!

Sunday was our annual Mother's Day Brunch up the hill. Scott was able to make it this year, which was especially nice because that meant I was able to kick back a little. Yee haw! It was a lovely day and Mom and Dan prepared a most delicious feast, as always.

 

Finally, to end the weekend, Austin came home from his mom's with a card and orchid for me. So sweet.

Twinsies

I just had to file this post of Jessica's into my own archives because it just makes me smile SO big!!
 

Picture of the Day: Twinsies

"This is what happens when you go to Target for glitter glue and milk after gymnastics class with two adorable three-year-olds! I am so weak at Target, especially when the girlies use their sweetest manners. ("Look at this beautiful shirt, Jessica!") We could have easily come home with puppies, had those been for sale."

(Stolen from Capital Care's blog)

 

Finding What Works

I'm finally, FINALLY getting my butt in gear. Literally. After purchasing our iPhones I thought it would be a fun idea to download free audio books from the library to help motivate me to walk more. Ya know, to help break through the boredom that can rear its ugly head after walking the same route around your neighborhood over and over. Well, it turns out the audio book was a fantastic idea. There are even nights that I'm sad that it's already gotten dark (I know gotten isn't a word, but I can't think of a better word right now) and I have to turn off my book and head inside. But also, I downloaded this cool app called MapMyWalk onto my phone and it will map my route, record my pace and tell me how many calories I've burned. Gosh I just love technology. The BEST motivators though, aside from the glorious alone time, are the Mather sunsets. This time of year I can leave the house around 7:15 just in time to see this:

 

What's also nice is that since Scott and I trade off nights putting Harlie down, I don't have any excuse not to get out and walk 3 or 4 times a week, but I really don't think it's going to be very hard making that commitment. It's the squats I'm supposed to be doing on the OTHER nights that I need some serious motivation for.

Bubbly Wubbly!

Colored vinegar and baking soda make for a pretty simple and fun science experiment. Thanks again Pinterest!

Hoppy Birthday!!

This Easter we also celebrated Scott's birthday with the family! So much fun sipping mimosas and watching the kids have fun and enjoying the beautiful day!

Eat My Dust!

This weekend's track meet was a pretty big deal around our house. Austin participated in two events and smoked them all!  He came in first place in both the 800 meter and 1600 meter (1 mile) races! Aust has been placing very well the last few weeks, but this was the first time he placed 1st in all of his events. The apple doesn't fall very far from the tree, and like his dad, Austin is super duper competitive. It is fun to see him enjoying track so much and seeing him excel at it is also a treat!  After his first race, he was also interviewed by a reporter, who asked questions like "What were you thinking after your first lap?" and "What kept you motivated throughout the race?" Austin thought that was the coolest. I do too!

Scott's 37th Year!

Scott kindly obliged to a birthday interview last night. I used a shortened version of the New Years survey and it was pretty fun to hear his answers.

1. What did you do in the last year that you’d never done before?
Nothing

2. Did anyone close to you die?

No

3. What countries did you visit?
None.


4. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
A straight drive in golf.

5. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Probably January 14th because that's when I started working for the State.

6. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

I don't know, probably getting my first promotion.

7. What was your biggest failure?
My fantasy football team (chuckles). I didn't make the playoffs for the first time in 12 years.

8. Did you suffer illness or injury?
I was sick for the whole month of November with that stupid sinus infection. Pain in the ass...

9. What was the best thing you bought?
Probably my record player.

10. Where did most of your money go?
Bills and Rent

11.. What did you get really excited about?
Austin winning his first race (track).

12. What song will always remind you of 2011?
Probably Yellow Submarine because it was Harlie's introduction to the Beatles and it's her favorite one.

13. Compared to this time last year, are you:

– happier or sadder? The same.
– thinner or fatter? Fatter.
– richer or poorer? The same

14. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Golf

15. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Work

16. What was your favorite TV program?
Probably Modern Family

17. What were your favorite films of the year?
The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo (Dutch Series)

18. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Being able to spend more time with the family and not having to spend my whole day working or driving to and from work.

19. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
No-existent or the same as 2010, 2009 and 2008...I haven't bought new clothes in 15 years (laughs).

20. What kept you sane?
Booze..Hahahahaha...I'm just kidding, don't put that.

21. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.

Make more time for your family and friends.


The birthday celebration is not quite over, as we have an Easter/B-day extravaganza tomorrow, but here are some snapshots of the festivities so far.