I think I need another cup of coffee

2009

2009-01-02T17:35:00.001-05:00

Just a post to let you know that I'm back! I will be trying to update more often.

Fall days

2008-10-15T16:59:00.003-04:00

Fit for a fairy

2008-09-18T16:53:00.003-04:00

Mini and I decided we should made a home for a certain fairy that lives in our back yard. Her name is Columbine Iceweb... which, obviously is Mini's name in fairy language. But, I'm sure you already knew that.

2008-09-17T14:17:00.004-04:00

Even up here in Michigan we felt the effects from the hurricane. 3 days of solid rain resulted in a completely flooded lower back yard. The kids were thrilled.

2008-09-14T18:31:00.001-04:00

Hello Friends! (if you're still there...) I'm back. Just wanted to announce that I'll try not to be such a blog slacker... like I've been lately. I'll be back soon.

Obsession of the opera.

2008-04-16T13:47:00.005-04:00

Mini loves the Phantom of the Opera. Loves. She heard the soundtrack once, and has been hooked ever since. Take a look at these random drawing I've found laying around the house. At first I wasn't really sure if I should nip the "obsession" in the bud. After thinking about it I decided that eventually she'll get over it. I remember as a kid loving the music, and I somehow managed to grow up slightly sane. Besides, one of her favorite things to do is sing, and this encourages her with it. Also, I should count my blessings. Most kids her age are into you know who.

Sir W. has picked up on the soundtrack too. It is possible that I find this much funnier than it really is, seeing that I... you know... gave birth to the little fella. Take a look and let me know what you think. For some reason the video isn't loading on the blog, so click here to view.

Simple math

2008-04-03T16:20:00.005-04:00

What happens when you combine this:

And this?

You get this.

April 1st

2008-04-02T15:51:00.002-04:00

Not so cheesy grilled cheese. Mini was SO excited to make fake grilled cheese sandwiches for April fool's day. They're actually a tasty dessert! Yum.

Proud of her new talent.

2008-03-28T09:48:00.003-04:00

2008-03-24T11:56:00.004-04:00

My birthday was last week. With life so busy, it seemed like it came out of nowhere. As usual CN made my day wonderful, starting it off with a much needed present- a new Starbucks to go mug, yay! I got lots of calls for my family, which I always love. Thanks sisters!! That evening CN took me out to dinner at my favorite Chinese restaurant. Lettuce wraps, here I come! After dinner we walked around the mall, where CN presented me with some money to go shopping. After all the hecticness of the holidays and moving I hadn't bought anything for a while, so that was a lovely treat.

All in all it was a perfect day, that was topped off when my Mother in law gave me one of her most loved belongings: a pair of 100 year old pie plates that I had always commented on how much I loved. They are well worn and a bit beat up, but I always loved the way they look. I never, ever thought she would give them to anyone, let alone me. I was shocked that she would give me something that meant so much to her. Just makes me even more thankful for having her, and all the other wonderful people in my life. You all you know who you are! xoxox.

Picture updates.

2008-03-20T16:20:00.002-04:00

Bath aftermath.

A little spot just for W.

Mini enjoying a balmy 40 degree day. Look Maw, no coat!

Pie.

Cookin it up.

2008-03-12T13:53:00.004-04:00

Lately I've been using cold pressed coconut oil a lot of my cooking and baking. I've been substituting it anytime I would normally use regular oil or butter. It may sounds odd to use it for all kinds of cooking, but it really tastes amazing. One of my favorite ways to use it to put a bit in my popcorn maker instead of butter. It smells wonderful, and surprisingly doesn't have a heavy coconut taste to it, it just makes the popcorn even crunchier and lighter. The same goes for any kind of cooking. Plus, after doing some research I found out that it actually has quite a few health benefits to it.

The other night I used with when I made chicken stir fry for cooking up the vegetables and also for the chicken. The result was super crispy but tender chicken with a great flavor, and crunchie veggies. Here are some pictures of my cooking process with the coconut oil.

If you do buy it, make sure you get organic cold pressed. It comes with a "shortening" consistency, and melts immediately when heated. I find myself opening the top and smelling it over and over. Smells so good.

Chicken breasts dipping in panko.

The oil before it melts.

Finished! You really must try it out. It's a fun way to switch up the same old boring cooking routine.

2008-03-06T10:43:00.004-05:00

Well. It's been a few whiles since I've posted. Things have been busy. Between Mini's school, W. terrorizing the house, CN's broken wrist and me lesson planning and teaching we've been quite busy. So here's some pictures of what's been happening: It's been almost 3 weeks and you can see that CN's hand is still quite swollen. Eeek.

Waffle making.

This is a rare occurrence in our house. Must capture on film. He's actually laying still!!

100 days of school calls for 100 stickers. Obviously.

Chutes, ladders and curlers. Can it get any better?

Fun in our new backyard... extreme sports edition

2008-02-26T18:53:00.004-05:00

A few of the guys we know couldn't resist the urge to take full advantage of our wonderful hill. Enjoy these pictures of the fellas being absolutely INSANE.

Skiing.

Note: these pictures were all taken by our friend's very talented friend. I believe all were taken in our backyard except 5,6, 7 and10.

2008-02-23T20:02:00.004-05:00

Mini M just read her first book yesterday. To celebrate the occasion CN and I took her and Sir W. to Borders. We told her that she could pick whatever book she wanted so she could practice reading more. Not surprisingly she chose this. While we were wandering around I saw this book, and immediately had so many memories of reading it as a child. I remembered every detail of each picture on every page. It's a strange sensation to suddenly see something that you've completely forgotten about until that moment, that immediately brings back so many memories. Has that every happened to you, and if so, what was it that triggered your memories?

Fun in our new backyard.

2008-02-13T10:35:00.004-05:00

With all the moving, remodeling and unpacking finished (for now) it was time to enjoy our new back yard. In the middle of a snow storm.

An exciting day.

2008-02-05T21:13:00.001-05:00

Mini has been waiting for what seemed like an eternity... for her first tooth to fall out. The day has finally come! Yay Mini M!!

p.s. No comments on the "Tooth Fairy's" card. She only had a junkie pen and 5 minutes between diaper changes and cleaning up dinner to make it... She figured she could hide all the mistakes with glitter. Mini loved it. Mission accomplished.

Outside my window.

2008-01-28T13:59:00.000-05:00

Life's been crazy with all the ripping an old house apart and rebuilding it stuff, but every once and a while as I'm washing the "who knows what that crap is that on my hands...good heavens I hope that's not what I think it is..." after cleaning out the the attic- I look out the window and see this... Tends to make all this work seem more worth it.

Helping

2008-01-28T13:58:00.001-05:00

Alllllmost dooooone....? Nope never mind.

2008-01-28T13:28:00.000-05:00

We bought our new house the day after Christmas, and for the past month we have been working on it every night and all the weekends. This past weekend we clocked in 27 hours in three days. (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Check out these before pictures, so you can fully appreciate the afters.

Thrilling, huh? Except for the fact that every single inch of wood that you see pictured (and not) needs to be painted. Ug, but well worth it. Also, I'd like to thank my wonderful husband CN. With out whom I would be destined to have kitchen that looks like this. Or this.

The weather outside is frightful...

2008-01-17T14:30:00.000-05:00

What? Normal people don't sit in front of their fireplaces and take pictures of the fire? Really? Guess that explains a lot. :)

Snow

2008-01-17T09:28:00.001-05:00

2008-01-17T09:20:00.000-05:00

Me: "Hi Mini! How are you? Was school good today?"
M.: "Mom, can we have macaroni and cheese for lunch today?"
Me: "I don't know if we have any, but if we do I'll make some."
M.: (bursting into tears) "I reeeeally need macaroni and cheese Mooooom!" (cue more wailing and gnashing of teeth)
Me: "M! are you OK? That's not something you should cry about. How was school, did you have a good day?"
M.: (still crying) "Not reeeeally good."
Me: "What happened?"
M.: "Mrs. B said we have to sit still and do work and learn things now at school, and that we can't do crafts all day long."
Me: "Welcome to the real world."

2007-12-29T10:32:00.000-05:00

So. We are officially homeowners... um... hurrah? No. It's good, just at this point all I can think about is all the work that needs to go in the house. I know if anyone can get it all done, we can. Thank goodness for a hub. who's a builder. I have no idea how we're going to finance everything... I suppose in the back of my head somewhere I'm hoping to find a pot of gold under the pee stained living room carpet when we rip it up, or some pirate gold dubloons in the little shed outside. Not too realistic, huh? Ah well. I guess never knowing where money is going to come from adds a bit of excitement to our lives, right? Really... who doesn't want a more exciting life?

A glimse into CN's family...

2007-12-28T20:59:00.000-05:00

Overheard during CN's family's Christmas get together...

CN's great aunt to her brother. (CN's grandpa) Looks out at the room full of the 30 plus adults and kids opening presents.

Great Aunt- "How does it make you feel to see all these people descended from you? Isn't it wonderful???"
Grandpa- Looks over the room thoughtfully and remarks loudly, "Aww! I guess I got somethin' to show for my screwin!"

Welcome to the family.

Merry Christmas!!

2007-12-28T20:49:00.000-05:00

Hope you had a happy Christmas!

Dance skills no.2

2007-12-09T14:38:00.001-05:00

Fried eggs and T-bone steak

2007-12-04T13:52:00.000-05:00

Now here's a serious sausage lover. (Be forewarned... a couple naughty words at the end. Earmuffs kids!!!)

Decking the Halls.

2007-12-02T14:52:00.000-05:00

So. Christmas has officially begun. Poor Thanksgiving has been kicked to the curb and now we're on to something more thrilling, and that involves much better food and decorations. (In my opinion.) Last Monday was the first night of the light show our downtown puts on every year, so we bundled up and headed into the cold. After CN got his obligated mutterings about gaudiness and premature Christmas celebrations out of the way we had a lovely, freezing time. You see, my dear husband is one of those grinches that believe that Christmas should be celebrated ON and right around Christmas not a month before. Bah Humbug! to him. I love decorating for Christmas and really don't think one can have too many decorations or start celebrating too early. As long as it's after T.Giving and as long as your decorations don't include this.

Giving Thanks.

2007-12-02T14:49:00.000-05:00

2007-11-18T18:47:00.001-05:00

Princess.

Happy paw.

Pretty.

Merry Christmas to me!

2007-11-17T15:31:00.000-05:00

CN has had a tenancy to spoil me lately. On top of many other wonderful things he's done for me in the past few months, yesterday he gave me an early Christmas present. A flippin amazing Christmas present, I might add. This puppy. A Nikon D40. Absolutely scrumptious. He needed a camera for work, so instead of buying himself one, he bought me the Nikon and he's going to use my old camera. What a fella.

A few snapshots of our fun morning at the mall.

2007-11-12T09:32:00.000-05:00

Here I type, while inhaling and exhaling into a paper bag. OK. Not really, but almost! In 2 months we are going to be moving up the road. Eek! Scary, but slightly exciting. I'm trying not to think of the insane amount of work that is needed to be done at first, but I know eventually things will settle down and we are going to enjoy our new house. The house is small and needs a lot of work, but it's in a wonderful location, (Across the street from a cider mill... could you ask for anything more??) and has almost 3 acres. Here are some pictures of our new future back yard.

Home!

2007-11-08T09:24:00.000-05:00

DC was wonderfully fun. CN and I got there a day before the rest of our friends so we could hang out on our own. Did I mention it was wonderful? It was a strange feeling to be able to do whatever you wanted, whenever. No breakfast/nap/lunch/nap/dinner/bedtime routine to adhere to. Dessert at 11pm, why not?

The night before the wedding we spent with our friends relaxing and catching up. We met for dinner at a lovely French restaurant where we shared cheese platters and I had the most amazing duck confit. After dinner we went to the hotel where the wedding reception would be to meet up with the wedding party for drinks.

The wedding was perfect. It took place in gorgeous church in Georgetown. The reception was beautiful, fancy, and fun. Dinner and dessert was amazing, but the topper of the evening, in CN's opinion was the espresso and cookie bar. Ah... heaven.

Almost off to DC

2007-10-26T10:57:00.000-04:00

In a few days CN and I are going to be heading down to Washington DC for our friend's wedding. Hurah! Although, as much as I'm looking forward to getting away, a small part of me is slightly dreading it. CN and I have never been away from the kids for more than a night or two, and have never been an airplane ride away. I know Mini M is going to do just fine at the in-laws... she most likely won't even notice I'm not there. It's my small Sir W. that I'm going to have a hard time leaving. No doubt he'll have a grand time eating Grandma and G.pa out of house and home. Bananas... beware!!

All in all though, I'm more excited. This will be the first time CN and I have ever been away since we've been married. The wedding is black tie optional, so it's going to be fancy dancy and thrilling. Those of you that know me well, know I'm a jeans and keen type of girl, so this is going to be quite a change for me. After hunting and hunting I found the perfect evening gown. Unfortunately it's a brand new style from Calvin Klein... I couldn't even find a picture online... ah well... I'll post pictures of the whole event ASAP when we get home. And, by "event" I don't mean me wearing a gown... I mean the wedding, Silly.

"Happiness is best shared"

2007-10-24T09:51:00.000-04:00

CN and I went out last night. That's exciting enough. What made it even better was the fact that we went to see Into the Wild. My sister lent me the book back when I was a teenager, and I've been intrigued by the story since then. When I heard it was going to be made into a movie I wasn't sure if it would be worth going to see. Happily I was wrong. The movie was well filmed and wonderfully acted. At times I almost forgot that it was a movie, not a documentary. The locations where it was filmed were unbelievably beautiful, not to mention a excellent acoustic soundtrack by Eddie Vedder. (Of course we bought that the second it was released a few weeks ago....)

Fall cuteness

2007-10-13T11:46:00.001-04:00

Welcome back!

2007-10-10T12:57:00.000-04:00

Hello, I'm Em... nice to meet you. Since it's been forever, I thought we should get reacquainted. Things are good here, just busy. Really busy. When I signed M. up for school I didn't realize the multitude of papers and responsibilities that would come with it. I am currently in the middle of helping plan a Fall class party, selling stamps in the hallway before class, getting Mini ready to sing with her little choir and oh yes! I almost forgot, I have to bring snacks in for the class the day after tomorrow! Target snack aisle, here I come!!

Aside from M.'s school I'm also teaching a literature discussion class at a home school group day once a week. The class is for 4-6th graders and is a bunch of fun. The thing that I get a kick out of is how giggly and chatty the boys are, as opposed to the girls. Next week I might need to separate them... Today I was telling my sister how we reached a milestone in class yesterday. We went the whole class period without someone bringing up one of the Lord of the Rings movies. At always happens that whatever story/fable/or poem we are working on that day somehow always reminds someone of a part of one of the movies. I'd never thought to compare Bess from "The Highwayman" to, who is it? Boromir? (The one who gets all shot up with arrows by Orcs?) Who would have thought? Or the Elephant's Child? Yep, also comparable to Lord of the Rings. My theory? I think the funny little fellas are so proud of the fact that they saw a "scary" movie like LOTR (didn't feel like typing the whole title) that they have to constantly remind each other, and me of their infinite coolness.

Banana eating machine

2007-09-08T19:29:00.000-04:00

W. loves his bananas. Here is what he looks like every morning eating his favorite treat. Dandan would be so proud. (Just to warn you... he mutilates the poor thing- it's quite disgusting.)

First day of school!

2007-09-06T09:14:00.000-04:00

Our little Mini M. isn't so mini anymore! Tuesday was her first day of kindergarten, and she couldn't have been more excited. I seriously believe that she has been waiting for this day since she was 3. I'm happy for her because she is so unbelievably excited, but there's that little part of me that realizes that the part of her life where she stays home with me is now over. Never will happen again. Waaahh!

Sir W. is enjoying his 3 hours of morning freedom. No big sister to mother him. No big sister to kiss him and style his hair with spit. He's really not at all broken up about it at all.

To view all of M.'s pictures click here!

2007-08-27T09:49:00.000-04:00

Sheesh... where has the time gone? It's been pathetically long since I've posted here last. Since then I've:

Been trying to get Mini ready for kindergarten. (Who knew one needed Clorox wipes in order to go to school?)

I've decided to start teaching a few classes at a home school group day once a week. Speaking of which... Yikes! Not ready!

My younger brother has come to live with us, which makes me feel like I not only have a 5 year old, a 1 year old, but also now a 16 year old child. Don't. Ask.

C.N. got me a new phone. Wonderful/adorable huh? A desperate attempt to keep my life organized.

C.N. and I bought tickets to our friend's Washington DC wedding in November. Very exciting. Brace yourself for our lameness- we've never been on a trip out of state with the two of us. I know... Don't say I didn't warn you!

I joined a gym. Have been oh... maybe 3 times. Is it worth keeping the membership? I don't know... Although, seeing that cider and doughnut season is fast approaching maybe I should hang on to it. (Screw cider, give me the doughnuts!)

Sir W. has gotten 4 new teeth and has made us all suffer along with him.

That's all I can think of at the moment. The sun is shining, it's a breezy cool day. And I'm going to take advantage of it!

Cheeeeese, Gromit!

2007-08-07T11:04:00.000-04:00

A couple of days ago we rented the new-ish Wallace and Gromit movie The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Usually with Mini movies CN and I settle in for an hour and a half of drifting in and out of sleep while every 15 minutes or so responding to Mini's excited, "Did you see that? He burped! Hahahah!" To which we dutifully respond though glazed over eyes, "Oh yes, veeeery funny!"

This movie actually was quite funny, and insanely cute. According to Mini, it is very scary and the only way she can watch it is to have something to cuddle with. When I suggested a teddy bear she wailed, "Nooo! Is HAS to be a person!" Enter Sir W. He has resigned himself to be Mini's Wallace and Gromit cuddle partner. It cracks me up to see Mini clutching him tightly watching, mouth open, at a giant furry bunny with a small bow tie howling at the moon.

Great movie. You must rent even if you don't have kids.

Higgins Like

2007-08-03T18:02:00.000-04:00

Last week we took our annual camping trip to Higgins Lake. The weather was beautiful and the lake was like a giant swimming pool.

Recipe

2007-08-03T14:41:00.000-04:00

We recently had a new Papa Joe's built near our house. After making a much anticipated trip (by both myself and Mini) I tried to think of something I could make with all my delicious looking groceries. Here's what I did to the peaches.

Cut in half, remove seeds.
Mix equal amounts of horseradish and dejon mustard. (Just depends on how many you're making)
Add honey, a little more than the horseradish and the mustard.
Whisk together, then brush onto the insides of the peaches.
Cook inside down on medium heat grill for 3 minutes.
Flip and cook another 3 minutes.
Brush remaining sauce on and enjoy!

Pure summer heaven. Yum.

See for yourself

2007-07-13T10:40:00.000-04:00

Camping pictures. My camera was in the "shop," which made me feel handicapped. Thankfully CN's mom shared hers with me. Bless you Mother N, bless you.

2007-07-13T10:30:00.000-04:00

Hello! Just when you all most likely had given up on me. I have returned! We went up to Traverse City for the 4th of July and had a lovely time. As usual we camped, which involved much dirt, filth and drama. Dirt and filth... really no need to explain. It comes with the camping territory. Drama? We shared 2 campsites with CN's family and his Aunt and Uncle's family. Putting our head count in at 20. Yes. 20 people on 2 sites. That's where the drama came in. It would take hours to go into details, so I'll be a kind blogger and spare you. All in all the trip was great fun. The orchards of trees were dripping with cherries. The water was turquoise blue, and I had my 3 favorite people with me. (CN, Mini and W) Couldn't ask for anything more.

2007-06-14T10:29:00.000-04:00

One summer activity that I really like is gardening. Normally each year I spend an obscene sum of money on annuals. Last year I switched it up a bit, and planted all perennials. As a result, this year I didn't have to buy a single flower for the back yard, instead I spent the time I would have been planting, enjoying my garden. Until... dundundun... a week ago. (Cue scary music, and overly dramatic writing.)

There are a few creatures that I believe would make the world a better place to live if they didn't exist. Sharks and snakes. And wolves! Can't forget about wolves. Even thinking about them makes me shiver in fear. Same goes for sharks. When boating up at the little lake near us, I always keep a sharp eye out for that notorious dorsal fin. Because, who knows! I could very well be the first human to be devoured by the very first fresh water shark known to man. It could happen!! OK, so I'm exaggerating a bit about the whole shark thing. I know there are no sharks in Lakeville. The same goes for wolves. There are none around here. So, while thought of meeting up with a shark or wolf is not pleasant for me, I can rest easy. But, the same can not be said for snakes. Knowing that there are plenty of snakes where we live terrifies me, even though the majority of the are harmless. Everything about them I find horrifying. Whether they're 2 feet or 12. Enough rambling, back to what used to be my garden of dreams.

There I was... minding my own business, getting ready to water my garden, when I saw him. Laying smack dab in the middle of my patio, surrounded by my garden. Sent straight from the gates of hell; a 3 foot garter snake. "Plants-are-OK!! No needtowaterthemtonight!! Hahahaa!" I hysterically shreaked to myself as I bounded up the stairs to the safety of my deck, twitching slightly. I conveniently forgot to water them the next day too. Two days later, I mustered my courage and watered them. Thank you very much! Yes. I know I'm brave. I figured he was just passing though, and had slithered back to hell, from whence he came. I was wrong.

Two nights ago, there he was again. I enlisted CN to catch him and release him into the meadow behind our house, but he couldn't catch him. Fool! Oh, Steve Irwin how I need you now! Mini thinks the whole thing is thrilling, and has named him Sir Hiss. (from Robin Hood) So while she happily searches for her new friend, I fearfully skulk around what used to be my personal Garden of Eden. Now destroyed by, surprise surprise... a snake.

2007-06-06T09:16:00.000-04:00

This past weekend was our 6 year anniversary. Holy guacamole! Time has flown by. CN's parents were sweet enough to take the kids Friday night and all day Saturday. We were thinking of going away for the night, but figured we would save money by staying at home. We ended up not doing anything too thrilling, but the fact that we were temporarily childless thrilled us completely. Imagine. Planning a nice dinner out, getting dressed ahead of time and upon restaurant arrival looking down at your outfit and realizing that it is still clean! Yes! No peanut butter sandwich crumbs on my shoulder. No drool/boogers/who knows what carefully wiped on the legs of my pants. Victory! Yet again, imagine: carrying only a clutch purse. Not this massive thing, that is constantly stuffed with sippy cups, crackers and diapers. All in all it was a wonderful break from everyday life, although by Saturday night I was ready to become a human napkin yet again.

Just to make me feel old, here's a picture from a photo booth from when had just started dating. (I was 16, CN was 17.) By the looks and quality of the picture, it was most likely taken sometime during the stone ages.

Oh haair no...

2007-05-29T10:31:00.001-04:00

People have asked me numerous times, "So, has Mini ever tried to cut her own hair?" To which I would I would smugly respond, "Oh, no. Never! She's way to smart to ever do anything like that." Well. She proved me wrong. She decide that she didn't like her bangs. So, what better way to rid herself from them than cutting them off. Oh, the logic of a 5 year old.

Backyard bounty

2007-05-24T14:59:00.000-04:00

Things in our yard.

Do you see it? Look closer.

A baby rabbit. Enough cuteness to make Mini have seizures of joy.

Morel Mushrooms. And yes. That is a Trader Joe's receipt.

Can't wait to batter and fry. Yum.

Lastly the most lethal of all the backyard occupants. Weighing in at 23 and 41 lb. these savage creatures have been known to devour an entire banana in less than 30 seconds, avoid naps like the plague, and bring an entire room to shambles in record time.

He walks!

2007-05-21T11:12:00.000-04:00

Mini M. took her sweet time to learn how to walk. She was a very cautious baby, and figured that if she couldn't do something perfectly immediately, it wasn't worth trying. (She still is exactly like that now.) Because she didn't start walking until 15 months, I figured that we'd have a while before W. attempted it. I was wrong. The past few days he has been kamikaze baby, launching himself from any place he happens to be standing. Each day he gets better, but the poor fella has many a bump and bruise to show for his imitations of a little drunk old man trying to walk. The thought momentarily crossed my mind that maybe I should get something like this. But... I'm not sure how I feel about my baby wearing an upside down mini sumo wrester's underpants. Stylish... no?

Small man walking.

2007-05-14T17:09:00.000-04:00

Ug. I know! I have to stop slacking off on the whole posting thing. We have been having such wonderful weather, that it's been hard to come inside.

Monday.

2007-04-30T09:13:00.000-04:00

The start of another week. The weather has been beautiful and we have been taking full advantage of it. This past weekend we caught up on lots of work, in and out of the house.

Saturday, CN and I went out on date where we squandered ridiculous amounts of money (under $5) on a romantic dinner from the Burger King drive though. Nothing makes you feel more classy than sitting in your husband's Dodge Ram, sipping on a coke, and eating a whopper jr. uh-huh! Afterward our meal, we walked around the outdoor mall, then simultaneously began to feel slightly ill. You know you're going to copy our idea next time you go out on a date... admit it.

Sunday was another perfect day, so that afternoon we went to a local farm and let the kids check out all the baby animals. Going there always makes me laugh, because I remember the first time we took Mini M. This was her reaction. After she had calmed down. Not. Thrilled.

Luckily the picture doesn't have sound, otherwise your eardrums would have been shattered by M's piercing shrieks. Just look at that cow! Without a doubt, it has nothing but murder in it's eyes.

Thankfully, this visit was a lot less scream filled. W. had the time of his life watching the chickens, while M. was making friends with all the baby goats. Later that evening we had our weekly poker party, which is always a great time. That was our weekend. Nothing too thrilling, and that's exactly how I like it. Now, tell me about yours.

When I'm to lazy to write a real post.

2007-04-26T12:57:00.000-04:00

Feast your eyes on the cuteness.

This one's for you.

2007-04-26T12:32:00.000-04:00

OK. Here is my tried and true oatmeal honey bread recipe.

1c warm water
2T butter or margarine
1 1/2 T honey
1 t salt
2 1/4 c bread flour
1 c whole wheat flour
1/2 c quick oats
1T yeast

Mix water, yeast and honey. Add remaining ingredients. Kneed on counter until flour becomes incorporated. Put dough back into bowl and cover with a hand towel. Place in oven or microwave with a bowl of hot water on the lower shelf to keep it warm. When dough has doubled in size, kneed again. Divide dough into 2 medium bread pans or shape into 1 braided loaf. Bake in 325 degree oven until crust is golden and the sounds hollow when you tap on it. Optional: usually about 10 minutes before the loaf is done, I'll beat an egg white with a little water in it. Then I'll brush it on the loaf and sprinkle some oats on top of that. This makes the bread's crust shiny, not to mention the fact that it looks nice. Enjoy!!

Happy Burp Day!

2007-04-22T11:14:00.000-04:00

Mini M is now 5! I'm really having a hard time believing that she can be that old. We had the normal backyard birthday party/cook out for her, and were lucky enough to have a perfect day. Happy birthday my not-so-Mini M!

p.s. Here is my first attempt at trying to conquer fondant for her requested "present cake." (Note... I said attempt.)

Cue mouth watering... now.

2007-04-15T16:56:00.001-04:00

Ah... Look at this loaf of bread I made yesterday. The point of this post is not to brag about the fact that I made it, or to show off my amazing culinary skills. No. The point is to flaunt the fact that I will have one extra jewel in my heavenly crown because, I gave this loaf away. Instead of eating it myself. Am I not a saint?

Nearly over the hill.

2007-03-29T10:33:00.000-04:00

OK... I guess I'm not quite over the hill yet. Maybe just still trudging up it, with a child on each hip, a purse full of sippy cups, crackers, band aids and used Kleenexes. I knew my purse the size of Texas would come in handy someday. Hey, at least it's cute.

Back to my birthday! As a "grown up" birthdays are completely different from what they once were. As a kid we would get to pick out what ever meal and cake we wanted for our birthday dinner, and we'd get all the presents we could have ever wanted. The last few minutes before dinner who ever's birthday it was would be banished to their room, so the other siblings could decorate the kitchen with balloons and streamers. Finally the birthday person would come out of their room and promptly have to sit on a balloon. Don't ask. Our family has strange traditions. (Although I actually think I might have started that one. Thankyouverymuch.) Birthdays now, I'm not necessarily treated like royalty. I still have to make breakfast, lunch and dinner. Poopy diapers?? Yup. Still have to change them. Even though I don't have someone to make me dinner, or decorate the kitchen with streamers, I'm still reminded that I'm important. By my family who calls or emails me. By my sisters who always send me presents in the mail, or by CN who has the chef of one of my favorite restaurants make me entire carrot cake. (hello! love handles!) Or, Mini M wrapping up my own necklace and giving to me as a "present." Or, Sir W giving me an extra snotty nose to wipe... OK.. now I'm pushing it... Anyway, what I really mean to say is that I really do love my birthdays as a "grown up." Now, I'm excited to give my kids a chance to make their own fun birthday memories.

When spit flies and buggers attack.

2007-03-12T13:36:00.000-04:00

Where else would you ever find a post title like that, other than a mommy blog? Hmm... I suppose you could find it somewhere, except the thought of what the actual post would contain scares me a bit. Now. Back to buggers.

W. is finally better from his cold, except for a stubborn runny nose. He finally decided that there might be more to life than sitting in one place or screeching while flailing about on one's tummy. Sir W. can now crawl! Yes, I know he was a bit slow on the whole crawling thing, but do cut him some slack. It's not easy to move about with such deliciously rolley thighs. He hasn't completely gotten the hang of it yet, he's still quite jerky with his movements. At the moment he looks a bit like a wind-up baby. His signature move would be the basic crawl/inchworm/army crawl... very impressive.

Mini M. is doing well. A few days ago she figured she could fly and launched herself off the stairs, ending up with a twisted ankle. While she's not in too much pain, she loves to play it up with a pronounced limp, and quiet moans of pain. Our little drama queen.

2007-03-09T15:13:00.000-05:00

Sleep- How I long for thee. Sir W. has a cold and is teething. So, as you already guessed we are having the time of our lives here at Nighty-ville. The poor little man is fine during the day, but night is not a happy time for any of us.

Before the days of teething

Teething full throttle. Oh joy.

2007-03-09T14:41:00.000-05:00

As you already know, I really enjoy baking. Not sure which I love more: the process of baking, or the eating of it... I suppose it's pretty close, with the scales tipping a wee bit more to the eating side.

As an early birthday present my sister got me this cook book called Baking Illustrated. I think I'm in love. I have yet to bake anything, because there are just to many recipes to choose from. Although, I think my first attempt will be some homemade croissants. The past few days I've been just sitting down and reading it like a normal book, because along with all the wonderful recipes are tips upon tips for better baking. I'm starting to feel so smart! There's even troubleshooting to tell you what you did wrong if a certain recipe doesn't turn out... ahem... not like I'd ever need it... It's like a baking owner's manual. Buy it 'foo!

Crafty, aint I?

2007-02-18T13:22:00.000-05:00

Mini is at this strange age where it is really hard to keep her occupied with something for longer than a couple minutes. She is a very social person, and has a hard time keeping herself entertained unless she has someone to play with her. So, lately I've been desperately trying to find something for her to play with on her own. I was trying to think about what I really liked when I was her age, and one of the things I remember playing with were felt cutouts that my mom had made for us. They would stick to the couch, which was quite thrilling. I don't remember many of them, but I do remember a black horse and an apple tree. So, as a "shout out" to my childhood I made some for Mini. I started out making a horse, 3 girls and a few outfits for her to dress them up in. I wasn't really sure what I was doing, and bought some cheap felt from Michaels. It turns out the cheap kind worked out fine for the clothes but not for the dolls. It was too thin and I had a hard time drawing details on them because it was so fuzzy. So... here is my first attempt. I think I'll end up redoing the dolls eventually with better felt.

I also made some outfits to dress them up in. (I happen to like the little red baby doll dress the best.)

Here is my attempt at a horse.

And here is a dog drawn by the one and only M. We call it Chewy, seeing that it has a sort of wookie look about it.

2007-02-11T15:48:00.000-05:00

Sitting at the table eating lunch.

Mini- Mom. Green is my new favorite color.
Me- (completely shocked) Really!?? I though you liked pink.
Mini- (shaking her head seriously) Oh no. Now I like green, 'cause before I was just too uh-sessed with pink. But not any more!

Definition: Uh-sessed. In English: Obsessed.

Been too long.

2007-02-08T13:51:00.000-05:00

When I was a small beastling I love to bake. Bread especially, and I was actually quite good at it. I would go door to door in our neighborhood taking bread orders from all the nice retired people that lived near us. (We lived in Fl. on a golf course.) Since I've had M. and W. I've had a lot less time to bake bread, seeing that the whole process takes 3 or 4 hours. It had been way to long, but yesterday I made a lovely loaf of braided oatmeal honey bread. I have to say, there is nothing quite like a steaming hot piece of fresh bread dripping in butter. I know... I shouldn't have admitted the whole butter thing, but screw it! I love butter! Needless to say we already ate the whole loaf. Maybe it's good that I don't bake as much as I'd like, otherwise we at the Nighty household would be considerably rollier.

2007-02-05T21:09:00.000-05:00

Now, I am not an angry person. At all. If you know me well, you'll know that I don't have a volatile temper, or get get my kicks by being mean to other people. But... there are two things that just rub me the wrong way: When people tell me how to parent, or when people tell me how to treat my belongings.

I suppose our dog Bo would fall under both of those categories. We have an invisible fence in our yard, that stopped working a couple months ago. (We had some landscaping done and the guys snapped the wire.) Bo is a sweet calm dog, and even though he knew that he couple "escape" he would never go farther than the couple empty acres behind our house, that is until we had new neighbors move in next door. They also have a lab and the two dogs became friends. After a couple weeks, the two of them started running away together. Every time this happened our neighbor would tell us that we needed to lock up our dog because "he was an instigator and had a dominant personality, and was luring their dog away from home." So, we tried to be good neighbors and called to have our fence repaired, sucked it up and paid the ridiculous $300, hoping that would fix the problem. Unfortunately, our neighbors felt like they didn't need to restrain their dog, and continued to let him come over to our house whenever he wanted, and Bo would, like any other dog, jump through the invisible fence to go hang out with his friend. (Is it just me, or would seem more fair if the people would do something to keep their dog on their property?)

Lately we have been having some nasty cold weather, so I've been keeping Bo inside pretty much all day. The other night as I was bundling up the kids and getting them out to car, Bo slipped past me and I didn't even think twice about it. Apparently he was in desperate need of a "run." An hour later I got a call from our neighbor telling us that Bo had been at their house all night, and that if we keep letting him out he's not going to know which house he lives at. How was I supposed to respond to that? Am I supposed to never let him outside? We've had him for 4 years... he's not confused at all. Anyway, enough of the grumpy neighbors rant... feels better to get it our of my system.

2007-01-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

I don't mean to brag, but... Mini M. Figured out the beginging of this song from the movie Prince of Egypt all by herself. No help from anyone! OK. I guess I am bragging, but I'm allowed to... right??
Mini playing the piano.

Shower of dreams

2007-01-30T15:32:00.000-05:00

I promised pictures of the new shower, so here they are. The wretched memories of all the hard work and fingernails sacrificed to this project are slowly fading, although I'm still a bit sensitive about certain words. If you happen to be talking to me please don't bring up the "G" or "W" words. (grout and wallpaper) I might pounce and start attacking you. If it happens, don't say I didn't warn you... :)

Keep in mind these pictures don't do it justice at all. I just figured out it's hard to take pictures of a shower. Disregard the brain curdling yellow on the walls in the third picture. The paint was mixed wrong, so... sigh... I have to repaint. Also, you might not be able to tell, but it has one regular head, 4 body sprayers and a ceiling rain head. If you want to come over and take a shower, just let me know and I'll add you to the waiting list we having going.

snow storm

2007-01-30T15:27:00.000-05:00

Don't you just love winter??? (If you don't know me all that well, I'll let you in on a little secret... I'm being sarcastic.) As much as I am looking forward to spring, I have to admit the snow sure is pretty.

Wallpaper....

2007-01-11T10:42:00.000-05:00

...an invention straight from the devil's bowels. No. I'm really not joking. Who ever invented wallpaper should be eternally punished. Sure, at times it can look slightly nice... but the majority of the time it looks like this or this! As if punishing your eyes wasn't enough, it puts up a darn good fight if one tries to remove it. Yesterday I spent from 11am to 8pm in a desperate attempt to free my bathroom wall of the wretched stuff. As I was scraping it off the wall in 1 inch pieces, I came to the conclusion that removing wallpaper is a bit like childbirth. A year or so after the "blessed" event, you look back and think to yourself, "hmm... that was horrible." But for some reason your brain has blocked out the details as to why it was so horrible. (Which is probably a good thing childbirth-wise, or less people would be having more then one child.) The same thing goes for wallpaper removal. I am hoping my intense hatred of it diminishes over the next little while. Although I have none left in my house now, I'm sure in the houses to come I will have to face it again. Hopefully by then I will have forgotten about my aching muscles, ripped up fingernails, and my raw fingertips.

happiness for the shower obsessed

2007-01-04T16:03:00.000-05:00

As many of you already know CN does construction for a living, which means I have someone to work on the house. (which is much easier said than done) Our house is usually his last priority. .. but on the rare occasions that he actually wants to work on things, I know better than to object. So, at the moment our laundry room and bathroom are under construction. Yay for the laundry room... it will be nice to have a nicely organized room, but come on- it's laundry. Really not that thrilling. But our bathroom... that's a different story. The only term to describe it would be delicious. We are doing a natural slate on the floor and doubling the shower size. As if that wasn't enough, CN is putting in 1 shower head an overhead rain head and 4 body sprayers. I know- I'm spoiled, and insanely excited. So, if I never end up posting again here on ITINACOC do not fear, it's just that I have decided to live in my shower.

2007-01-04T15:26:00.000-05:00

What? What's everyone laughing at?

Winding down...

2006-12-29T11:10:00.000-05:00

Things are finally settling down from Christmas. We had my Mom, Dad, sister and 3 brothers here for a little over a week. I was a bit worried that it would be to stressful and busy to really enjoy the holiday, but it ended up being lovely. Mini and W. had a grand 'ol time. M, opening her many presents and W. eating the wrapping paper... what more could a man ask for? CN spoiled me with a new watch and a smashbox makeup kit. Yumm... nothing I love more than makeup. I have to admit though, in all the "hectic-ness" we really didn't watch a single Christmas movie. Horrible isn't it? So, in an attempt to make myself feel better I watched Love Actually yesterday. Things are right in the world now. So, all in all we had a wonderful holiday, full of too much sugar, coffee and not a enough sleep. Hope you had a merry Christmas!

2006-12-20T10:12:00.000-05:00

something's funny

Who knew a broken party horn could be so funny...

Yikes.

2006-11-17T11:29:00.000-05:00

I was looking at the calendar and realized that it's less than a week until T.Givin. Unbelievable. The past few weeks have just flown by. This time last year we were getting ready to head to New York City to visit my sisters. I had just started my second trimester with W. and looking back at the pictures Mini seemed so little. It's so strange to think that last year there was no Sir W. He's only 6 months old, but it seems like he's been around forever, a perfect fit for our fam. This time last year, we had no clue if he was a boy, or a girl, what he'd look like or how he would act. Last year Mini M was just a small little person tagging along behind us. Not anymore, now she is M. princess of the Nighty household, ruler of her small pink domain. Isn't it amazing how much your life can change in only a year?

2006-10-30T08:23:00.000-05:00

King of Bongos

I've been slacking off on the whole blogging department. To appease you... W. playing the bongos.

They call me...

2006-10-13T14:33:00.000-04:00

a hunting widow. I used to feel bad for those wives who hubs were crazy hunters and were left alone for weekends during bow season... Now I'm one of them. Nooooo! Anyway, C.N. is gone for the second weekend this month, and I'm trying to think of things to do...by myself...alone. Oh wait! I almost forgot! I'm not alone. I have a insane 4 year old who barely stops talking to breathe and a teething 5 month old, with a cold. Talk about a relaxing weekend. C.N. called me on his way up and said "Make sure you find time to relax, OK?" My response was a snorting sort of chuckle. Oh yes... maybe I'll make some time to go shopping, get a coffee and get my nails done this weekend. (Can you sense my sarcasm?)

I think they need to make a Day Spa Season. All the wives will leave for a few weekends during it, making the hubs spa widowers. How 'bout that!?

products that none can resist

2006-10-11T12:39:00.000-04:00

I love products. For hair, makeup, nails... you name it, I love it. If only I had more money to support my "habit". Well, I found something that you don't need money for! Check out this website. Mario Badescu has some great skin care products that I think aren't that unreasonably priced. Anyway, back to money, or lack thereof. Click on the "consulting" link and fill out a questionnaire about your skin type and in a week or so you'll receive a bunch of samples in the mail. Can't beat that! They sent me 7 good sized samples specifically for my skin, that I have used every day for the past week. Hurray for free things! Sample it up!!

reminder

2006-09-27T19:43:00.000-04:00

Remember our the whole Extreme Home Makeover story?? Well, if you can manage to watch Ty for more 3 minutes without being driven insane, tune in. Our friend's episode airs this Sunday (Oct 1st) at 8pm.

yummm.

2006-09-27T12:16:00.000-04:00

I remember when I was little, making special "treats" for my Dad with leftovers from whatever my Mom was making. Looking back at it I feel bad for him, having to choke down a charred lump of whatever I happend to "bake" that day, with a pained smile plastered on his face. Well... now it's CN's turn. I'm my opinion you're not a true father until you've encountered something like... this.

small people

2006-09-26T09:08:00.000-04:00

hair ripping monday

2006-09-25T13:09:00.000-04:00

The other day we played a fun game- called quiet time. The objective? Mini M going and reading on her bed for 20 minutes in hopes to avoid a "mom meltdown." Guess who won? Me. That's right internet, I sat at the kitchen table in absolute silence, drank a coffee and did a crossword puzzle. Yes... a crossword puzzle, like an old lady. Only this one was in the back of some celebrity gossip magazine, with questions like... -20 across: First name of 80lb celebrity(?) whose sunglasses are bigger than her head. Easy one: Nicole!
-51 down: This singer/celebri-"PEA" recently broke the world record for botox and collagen injections. Ooo-oo! I know! Fergie! I rock.
OK, I made up those questions, but you get my drift...

Anyway, lately I've been feeling a bit overwhelmed with life 'n all and have been needing those rare few minutes of quiet. M. is a sweet little person, but at times I feel like I'm dealing with a 14 year old instead of someone who's 4. For the most part she is thoughtful and loving but sometimes after a day full of "Why do we have to go there? It's not fun. I don't wanna make my bed... I don't like school...Can I have guuuummmm? Why NOOOT?? You never let me have gum... now I'll NEVER have gum ever!" (I'm quoting her word for word) I feel like ripping out my hair. Then she'll look at me and say, "I'm tring to be good, but it's just sooo hard." How can you stay mad?

It's just a lot when I'm dealing with a mini teenager plus a baby, not much sleep, bills, trying to do school, keeping up with the house, groceries, meal planning, laundry, trying to get to the gym 3 times a week, getting the garbage out- bringing it back in, yard work, cleaning the kids, trying to feel attractive, and appreciated-just to name a couple. Let's delve more into the who appreciation thing: What makes the things listed above even harder is when it feel like no one even notices sometimes. Bloop! Baby's diapers just got changed. Bloop! New deodorant for CN, or a drawer full of clean socks, or a vacuumed floor, or empty garbage can... things that need to be done, but aren't important enough to be noticed. Somedays I have a hard time feeling motivated because there's so much. Like today, for example. I have a list of about 20 things that I need to get to, but here I am on the 'puter instead. Bless you oh internet for giving me an excuse.

I guess the main point of this excessively long post is that I need to get my butt into gear and get what I need to done. Then I need to take a break, alone. Soo... here I go... wish me luck.

Enjoy the green... its days are numbered...

2006-09-20T16:54:00.000-04:00

A afternoon at Stoney Creek Park.

dust collecting thursdays

2006-09-14T15:57:00.000-04:00

...dust collecting thursdays, in which I give you the slightest glimpse into my home... Things lurking in the corners and collecting dust this week, because I know how much you care.

I recently started selling Southern Living, and just got my starter kit. The second picture is about a third of the items that came in the kit. SO much fun. Here's my website if you want to see more products or want to host a party...(hint, hint)

Super-cute purse... large enough to hold all kinds of baby paraphernalia, goes with brown and black, and was $16.95 at Gap. (Ah...Gap, how do I love thee, let me count the ways...)

Butternut squash, minding it's own business, unaware of it's impending fate: being pureed into baby food for W. and being force fed to Mini M. Reminds me a bit of Miss Squishy.

On our trip to New York last Thanksgiving Mini forgot her baby doll, we figured Miss Squishy (was that the name?) would do as a replacement...

Owwww... (must be said in whiney voice)

2006-09-13T14:58:00.001-04:00

I had to go to the dentist yesterday... that should explain everything. Fine, I know you're anxious to hear details, who wouldn't be?? After 4 days of pain I finally went. I had what is called Pericoronitis, and holy molie did it hurt. My dentist was great, but even the best dentists don't make "dental activities" fun. I had my first needle in the mouth, and was not to thrilled about it. I've never had a filling, thankyouverymuch. After about 14 shots to my mouth (luckily the first one only hurt) I was sufficiently numb. He then proceeded to cut off the extra gum tissue with a laser, just like these. OK, maybe not quite, but close! As of right now I'm still in plenty of pain due to the fact that I'm breastfeeding W., and can't take anything more thrilling than Motrin. Owwwww.

Excuses, excuses.

2006-09-06T08:44:00.000-04:00

Ok, been slacking off in the blog department... but I have reasons!! They may not be very good, but they're still reasons. As some of you know, this year I'm going to be doing kindergarten at home with Mini. I've been busy trying to get everything together school-wise, and been making a schedule we can stick with. I'm holding off on the calculus until next year, and this year, mainly focusing on reading. Reading and lots of art, music, and "science" experiments. Experiments like, let's see what will happen if we sit in our bed and read for 30 minutes without talking. The hypothesis being: Mom in a better mood. I've also tried to schedule as many "outings" as possible, because Mini is like me, she can't stand always being at home. We have a gym class at the YMCA, story time and mom's group that we'll be going to every week.

In other, more thrilling news, last night we ventured into the land of a certain Charles E. Cheese. We had promised Mini ages ago that next time Uncle C. (who happens to only be 2 years older than M.) spent the night we would take them. By the time we finally made it out the door to leave, both kids were twitching with excitement. C.N. and I were twitching also, thanks to the hyperactive, arguing 6 and 4 year olds, a screaching 4 month old and lack of caffine. Seeing their reactions made the whole thing much more manageable. Sir W. was thrilled also, but showed his amusement by way of his diaper.

2006-09-02T20:21:00.000-04:00

OK Go...

I can't even jog on the treadmill at the gym without concentrating intensely on not tripping. Hats off to you OK Go... Hats off.

A day in which I rejoice... and my wallet weeps.

2006-08-29T09:49:00.000-04:00

I remember back, back in the old days... before Sir W. existed... Mini and I made a good errand running team. She could buckle and unbuckle herself into her car seat and was happy to tag along with me anywhere. We could run into a store and out again in no time at all. Since W. came along things have become more complicated. Complicated meaning, I have to lug around his car seat everywhere. I've estimated that W. with his seat weigh in around 25/26 lbs. It really doesn't sound like much, but due to the awkward size and the fact that you mostly hold it with one hand, it makes for quite a workout. So, as a result just "running" in somewhere has become a big deal... until a few days ago.

(cue Hallelujah Chorus) We now have a drive through Starbucks near our house! Before, hopping into get a coffee was way to big of a deal, but not anymore. What is this world coming to?? Drive through coffee? I love it! (Speaking of which... I really need a cup...)

dust collecting thursdays

2006-08-24T13:58:00.000-04:00

...A new weekly addition to my blog in which I give you the slightest glimpse into my home... Things that are lurking in the corners and collecting dust this week, because I know how much you care.

A painting of Mini M's of a dragon. Very dark and mysterious, until Ef pointed out that it looks like he's playing a recorder.

...the devil made me buy them.

Not exactly collecting dust, but he is collecting something in his diapers at the moment.

Home from vacation, and in need of another.

2006-08-21T13:38:00.000-04:00

Have you ever got back from vacation and thought to yourself, "Self... I need another vacation after that vacation, something preferably involving a day spa and mimosas."

We started our trip camping for 2 days at Higgins Lake. Then we drove to Traverse City, spent 2 days there, then shot over to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Then from there headed down the west coast of MI though little towns with funny names like, Empire, Honor and Onekama, ending up in Grand Haven where we spent our last night.

We got home last wednesday and I am still recovering. Don't get me wrong, parts of it was absolutely wonderful, everything I had hoped it would be... Boating. Walks on the beach watching the sunset. Ice cream, more ice cream, coffee and a liiiitle bit more ice cream. Poking around in little shops in quaint downtowns like Traverse City and Grand Haven. Standing 100 yards out into the water only up to your ankles... watching the sand slowly cover up your feet...

But... there were things that made out trip, a bit more interesting. For example: Sick children. The morning we were leaving Mini M woke up with a bit of the sniffles. Ah... a bit 'o snot never hurt anyone... we thought... The sniffles turned into a raging cold accompanied by a fever that she passed onto W. The cold turned into croup, and if that wasn't enough, both kids got pink eye- just to make life a bit more exciting. Needless to say we didn't get more than a few hours of sleep each night, with all the coughing, running noses, breathing treatments, eye drops and crying. Then, just to top it all off M. got sun poisoning. All this while camping is not fun. We were going to head home after the first couple days at Higgin's, then we figured that the kids would be sick if we were home or not, and that we might as well deal with our small invalids somewhere with nice scenery. Thankfully both M and W felt better with each day, but the whole thing left us with some Grade A blood shot eyes.

Would I do it again if I knew what was in store? Um...er..ahem... hard to say. The bad parts were horrid, but the good parts...? The good parts were wonderful.

photos

2006-08-21T13:31:00.000-04:00

more photos

2006-08-21T13:29:00.000-04:00

2006-08-08T10:39:00.000-04:00

Risky Will

...The things he puts up with... M.'s attempt to involve him in a game of Risk.

Extreme Dork Makeover

2006-08-07T11:47:00.000-04:00

Sad story- Last Christmas (can't remember if it was Christmas Eve or day) the dad of a family we know suddenly died. In front of his wife and 6 kids. (The oldest is 12 and the youngest was only a few weeks old at the time.) So unbelievably sad. At his funeral his wife told how that morning he woke up and told her that he had dreamt that they had a beautiful house with 7 bedrooms. She pretty much told him to keep dreaming. They live in a little rundown farmhouse where all 6 kids share the same room. That afternoon he died.

Weeellll.... turns out Extreme Home Makeover is redoing their house. They've tried to keep it pretty hush hush, but we've known about it for a week or so. Today they are doing the whole "Gooooooood morning family!" routine, interviewing the fam., then sending them to a resort in Florida. Tomorrow the demo starts. We'll be up there on and off this week, so hopefully I can post some pictures of what's going on.

The show maybe slightly cheesy, but you've got to admit they help out people that really need it... More to come....

Sweeties

2006-08-02T19:46:00.000-04:00

Tales from the toilet

2006-07-30T14:59:00.000-04:00

We here at the Nighty household have recently been plagued by the flu. It started with our small germ infested children, was so sweetly passed to me, and I in turn graciously passed it on to C.N. It didn't seem to bother Mini M. and Sir W. that much, they would throw up a bit then seem fine. If Mini wasn't able to make it in time to the bathroom, she'd use an old wastebasket. I, on the other hand have always had a knack for becoming ragingly ill and ended up throwing up every 20 minutes from 9pm to 6am. One normally wouldn't think that was humanly possible unless you knew me. I weighed myself this morning and had lost 7 lbs, which I'm sure was just water weight, but still...talk about a crash diet. Thankfully everyone including C.N. are on the mend.

This morning Mini M. and I ventured into the land of Target to get some necessary items, when M. spotted this . "Oh Mom!" she said, "Look how pretty! This would be just perfect for me to throw up in!"

Peace

2006-07-28T09:40:00.000-04:00

At this moment the house is absolutely quite and dark. The reason? Both of the smallies have been sick (throwing up) and are finally getting some much needed rest. I am getting some much needed peace and quite. I would just put my pj's back on and crawl into bed again, but... I'm having someone come over to give me a price for cleaning parts of the house for me. Undoubtedly she will give me some ungodly amount that I'll never be able to afford, but I guess it never hurts to cross one's fingers and hope she charges $10 an hour. Ha! In my dreams.

Fish and the big bad egg.

2006-07-25T13:31:00.000-04:00

C.N.'s brother "fish" (as Mini M. calls him) is insane. In the past 2 weeks he has been to the hospital 3 times. Yes my friend you heard me right. 2 weeks ago- he ate some random candy, had an allergic reaction, was rushed to the hospital and came...oh... thisclose to almost dying. Last friday- bike riding, flipped his bike over a curb. This resulted in a concussion, sprained finger and 6 stitches on his cheek. Yesterday- ate lemon rice soup, had another allergic reaction, was rushed to the hospital and came this...................close to dying. Give us a break will you fella?? You've exceeded your yearly allowance of near death experiences.

Yes... I know.

2006-07-09T15:28:00.000-04:00

Yes... I've been much too busy with my exciting life to post anything new lately. (By that I mean I'm just plain 'ol too lazy.) Summer has been poking along nicely. We've been doing the typical summery things- walks in the park, going on the boat, icecream, playing in the sprinkler, picnics, icecream, jumping on the tramploine to burn off the icecream, then getting some more- because you know... the last one didn't really count.

I'm ready for a vaction. C.N. is working on a big job so until he's finished (sometime in August) we won't be able to get away. Now, I need to figure out where to go. We need to stay in the state, and I need a beach. Western MI here we come! I can't imagine a summer not going to Lake Michigan's beach.

Much too lazy...

2006-06-28T15:30:00.000-04:00

...to actually write a real post, so I'll instead show off my cute babies.

I'm still here...

2006-06-22T09:02:00.000-04:00

...maybe not mentally, but physically, I am here! Life has been unbelievably busy in the Nighty household. Let me start with where I left off in my last post.

CN and I had a lovely anniversary. We dropped the small ones (and approximately 8 bottles of boob juice for Baby W... you know... just in case he got really hungry in the 2 hours we were gone...) off at his parents house and then tried to find somewhere to eat. We ended up heading north and found ourselves at a steakhouse in Imlay City. For those of you who don't know, Imlay City has a tractor supply store, a gas station, a street light, and apparently a steakhouse. That's about it. The food was ok, but we didn't care-we were free!!! CN gave me a beautiful necklace and matching earrings, and I gave him a GPS system that he'd been lusting after.

Speaking of delightful things... shout out to RC and EAP. The three of us had a great time at the Blue Martini last night. Nothing beats hanging out with old pals, and drinking pretty looking drinks.