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.

Bright Spots

If we're looking at the big picture and ignore my fits of impatient frustration, 2012 is shaping up to be a pretty good year.  Let's just break it down:

• January 3rd - I start my new job with the Bureau of Automotive Repair, which is about 3.5 miles and a 7 minute drive from my home.
• March 6th - Scott starts a new job with BOE and cuts his commute in half. Actually, now that he takes light rail, he's saving a boatload in gas. State workers get a huge discount on a monthly RT pass. Normally $100, he gets his for $35!
• Mondays Scott drives Harlie to Keri's, which means Mama gets to sleep in!
• Last weekend we decided that since our 2 year contract was up with AT&T that we would switch to Sprint (cheaper!) and get new phones.  We got a smoking deal and walked away with one free iPhone and another free phone for Austin. Plus, we get an 18% discount on our monthly service because, can you guess? We're State workers! So then we paid $99 for the other iPhone and now I am plugged in and hooked up to the rest of civilization and the 21st century folks.
• And the very BEST thing that's happened this year....I found out today that I get to join the early week/late week rotation in my unit at work, which means tomorrow I start at 7:30 and get off at 4:00 bitches!!!!!  This means I work 2 weeks in a row getting off at 4:00 and then 1 week getting off at 5:00 (repeat, repeat) and it's gonna make this spring and summer so super awesome!

Needless to say, I'm jumping for joy!

 You hear what I'm sayin'?

St. Paddy's or St. Patty's?

Can someone answer this question? Please?

Saturday, Scott surprised Harlie and I with the fixin's to make Shamrock Shakes, and boy were they yummy.  Harlie had fun being Daddy's little helper.

 

For dinner was corned beef and cabbage.  Well, for Harlie and Daddy anyway....Mama had mole and margaritas!  Happy Birthday Ariel!

Perfect Day

I wish I could bottle up days like last Saturday, but posting pictures so I can remember the feeling will have to do I guess.

For the Birds

While Scott and Harlie were outside on Sunday, they decided that we needed some bird feed to go along with the bird bath that sits lonely in the corner of the yard.  Off to Lowe's they went. I am so grateful that I didn't accompany them on the trip because after Harlie walked in the door with a smile on her face and her shirt soaked in blood, I learned that she had a MAJOR nosebleed in line at the store. Thank goodness I wasn't there, since Scott said I would have fuh-reaked out because it looked like so much blood. Uh yeah!

Anyway, Scott and Harlie came home with some wild bird feed and a cheap bird feeder. After lunch they hung it above the bird bath, hoping to entice some visitors. Then after Harlie's nap, she and I made some tubular (does that still mean awesome?) bird feeders that I saw on Pinterest. Toilet paper rolls are my new best friend as you can see. Waste not, want not!

Okay, Miss Sassypants.

That's better.