Hoppy Easter

I know the title's lame but seriously how funny is "Hoppy Easter"  bahahahaha:-)  Ahhh what an amazing weekend!  Spent all day Friday playing and lounging with the kids.  The PJ's stayed on all day!  And everybody was happy and content.  After that 4 day work week I was in need of a 4 day weekend:-)  Friday evening Lincoln and I colored eggs.  He loved it!  And things didn't get as messy as I thought they would:-)

This year I decided I was going to make paska.  I didn't really know what it was but it looked delicious and everyone seems to talk about it every Easter.  My friend Kacey posted this link on how to make it and I was pumped.  Until I read the first ingredient:

                                                     -2 tablespoons active dry yeast

What the hell?  Active dry yeast?  That was the end of my motivation.  I was clearly out of my league on this one.  No paska was made.  I'm OK with that!  Maybe next year!

On Saturday Kev and I were able to sneak in a shopping trip to Morgan Crossing while the kids spent some time with Nana.  He sacrificed a motorcycle ride on that gorgeous sunny day to spend the day shopping with me.  Now that's love.  I'd like to thank H&M for declining my MasterCard.  That may be a sign that I shop too much:-)  Thank goodness my debit card was in working order (and usually it isn't cause I never use nor do I ever keep money in my checking account).  I once tried to purchase a $1.74 coffee and it came back as insufficient funds.  I rarely ever use debit for that reason.

We had a delicious dinner at Nana's house followed by an Easter egg hunt.  And the kids had a really fun time!


On Sunday morning the Easter Bunny made a stop by our house and the kids got some goodies.  One thing I've been trying to do is talk to Lincoln about the true meaning of these holidays so that he knows it's not just about candy, chocolate and goodies but really about the sacrifice Jesus' made for us.  I don't think he quite gets it yet but one day I know he will.

Somebody started the Easter egg hunt early!

Finally a picture with both of them looking at the camera and smiling!

Thank you Dusty and Kevin for the facial expressions. 

We had dinner at my parents and watched the game.  It was INTENSE!  My heart was racing.  I was praying.  And I truly believed they were going to win.  I was ready to jump up and scream and high five but then Chicago scored and that just sucked.  I'm still a believer.  Bring it Chicago!  We are ready for game 7!  And so is Lincoln.

Our weekend ended off with a photo shoot for Nathan and his two buddies-Lennon and Quentin (all three were born within a month and 10 days of each other).  And man were they cute!  And the best part...probably the cake smashing!  It's so cute watching 1 year old's interact!

My New Love

This is my new love:

I pick it up tomorrow and I am giddy!

End of the Week!

I survived my first week!  And it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be (just some reassurance for all those other momma's out there that have to go back to work soon).  I know my sweet little boys are in good hands and I know they are loved.  My mom told me yesterday that she ran out to grab some groceries and came home to find both boys on papa's lap eating popcorn and chips.  I had to smile.  Those boys are very loved.  Yesterday morning I walked into our bedroom to find Nate asleep in Kev's arms...it was a great way to start my day.  I wanted to grab my camera...gotta capture all those moments but I didn't want to wake him:-)  I love moments like that!


Lincoln has adjusted well...maybe a little too well.  He cries when we come to pick him up from my parents house.  I don't know if that should break my heart or make me happy.  I guess I'd rather have him happy and enjoying himself when I'm at work rather than having him crying.  Nate's done really good as well-no crying-which makes me a very happy momma!  Nobody wants to leave their babies when they are crying.  It's also helped make the transition more easy on me.

Thank goodness next week is another 4 day week!  I've got lot's to look forward too!  Dinner and movie night with the ladies on Thursday and a night out with my hubby on Friday.  I'm a little bummed I won't get to spend much time with my little one's on those two days so I'm going to have to give them some extra loving on the weekend!

And I just might think that going back to work has made me love my babies even more!  They give me something to smile about throughout the day and nothing is more heart warming then walking through the door and seeing their smiling faces.  Gosh I love those two so much!

Day Three

Highlight of Day Three:

Knowing I was coming home to these two:

Day Two

Day Two Highlights:

-we got to listen to country music at work...and I sit right next to the stereo (extra bonus for that).

-I was able to score some prime vacation time thanks to a co-worker that got transfered and another that cancelled their vacation.  Maui talks are in the works.  That puts a smile on my face. 

-My morning talks with Lincoln.  "Good morning mom.  I had good nap."  He makes my mornings brighter.

-Seeing the excitement on Nates face when I come home.  Warms my heart.

-This text I got from my brother:

                        "Good luck out there in the real world soul sister, bring home the bread."
I had a good chuckle.  Thanks Dusty.

-And my end of the night highlight-the cold stone ice cream I'm eating right now.  Oh I'm dreaming of Maui (gives me a reason to return to work tomorrow).

Day 3 is just a few hours away...

Oh and another highlight-I bought these on my lunch break:

I Survived

Well...I survived my first day back to work and only had a mini melt down in my car.  I treated myself to Starbucks and walked through those all too familiar doors.  It almost felt as if I hadn't left.

Some highlights from my day (because I'm trying oh so hard to be positive):

-I got a new desk pad...may not seem like a big deal but when you are a government employee and have seen all the cutbacks you too would think a new desk pad is pretty darn rad.  And it is!  It's beautiful, crisp and clean (no rips, dents, tears or stains).  It showcases pictures of my beautiful babies and it quite frankly made my day a bit brighter.

-I got a new desk...and it's by a window.  This is prime office real estate baby!  I was giddy about my new desk.  No longer do I sit in the middle of the room and stare down a long hall way.  I like to think of my desk as a promotion.  So I tell myself..."good job Tabitha, you made it to work today and therefore you get a promotion-a new desk."  And I think I might just get myself a  plant.  Maybe a love fern.  And it will sit in a beautiful pot by my bright new window.

-Another bonus-the new desk was empty.  No used pens and highlighters.  So I got to go on a mini shopping trip around the office and pick out new pens, highlighters, tape dispenser thingy, stapler, whole punch etc.  I've always had a thing for office supply so this was a big deal for me.  And I brought out the  label maker...things got a bit crazy from there.

-I had adult conversations-always enjoyable and a positive.

-And I'm going to admit it-I felt somewhat sophisticated today.  Like I had another purpose besides being a wife, mother, sister and daughter.  That felt kinda nice but not nice enough to make me start loving work.

Negatives about my day:
-I missed my babies.  And I realized this is the longest I've EVER left Nathan.  I like to believe that both my boys missed me just as much as I missed them but I'm sure by the fit Lincoln threw when Kev went to pick him up that maybe they didn't.  I guess that's a good thing.  I know they are being loved.

I have to remind myself that quality is better than quantity.  I missed my babies but I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out with them on Lincoln's bedroom floor reading stories.  I have to make the most out of my time with them.  That's what's important-good quality time with them!

Going back to work is going to be hard.  It's going to be hard having to wake up at 6:30 (I'm NOT a morning person).  It's going to be hard starting a new routine with the kids.  It's going to be hard getting out of the house on time.  And it's going to be hard making dinner every night knowing that all I want to do is be with the kids.

Blah...I have to go to work tomorrow:-)  Things is going to have to be something I get use to!

It's a Rough Day

Today sucks!  It really does.  I don't like to be a pessimist but it's just so gloomy today.  Kev's super ill with the flu, my bodies starting to ache and tomorrow's my dreadful return to work day.  I'm trying to see the positive right now but I think I just need a moment to be miserable:-(  Maybe the sun will come out tomorrow!

I don't wanna leave these two cuties:-(

I Have to Vent!

Growing up my dad was...hmm I want to say anal but that doesn't sound too lady like so I'll say "particular."  We weren't allowed to lye on the couch.  If you were tired then you were told to go upstairs and have a nap.  We weren't allowed to "slam" the car door shut and we weren't allowed to touch the walls.  He didn't like things getting wrecked or damaged.  I didn't get it.  And he's still like that.  My dad once got mad at my brothers because there was sand on the scooters after they had taken them to the beach.  Like I said he's very particular. 

But now I get it.  I totally get it.  I understand my dad.  And the truth is...I've inherited his "particular-ness."

He likes things a certain way.  He takes pride in his stuff.  Yes I definitely understand him now!

There is a dent in my fridge.  I am annoyed.  And I totally understand my dad at this moment.  Oh my gosh I've become my dad!  I too don't let my kids touch the walls (oh the fingerprints).  I don't allow toys in the kitchen (for this reason) and I don't allow them to smash their toys into the baseboards.  Anal I know.  And I've been told over and over again "but you  have kids it's going to happen."  And I know that.  But I'm like my dad.  I'm particular.  I like things a certain way.  I take pride in my stuff (and I'm not saying that if your kids do smash the walls that you don't take pride in your stuff...just needed to clarify:-)  Kevin made the first dent in our wall and I swear I could have killed him just with the look in my eyes.  I felt my blood pressure rise.  That was it...our house was ruined.  FYI that dent will be fixed along with all the little scratches he made yesterday installing his control 4 light fixtures.

On a scale of 1 to 10 how big of a deal is a dent in the fridge?  I know it's not a big deal but I like my stuff looking nice.  And this fridge is my pride and joy.  It's beautiful and at one point in it's life is was perfect.  It cost 6 times the amount of my first car and the sad truth is that it was too long ago that I was still driving my first car.  I love my fridge.  The way the display lights up, the way the freezer is at the bottom, the way the interior lights turn on as if to say "hello and welcome."  Yes I will get over this (once the dent is fixed).  And yes the dent will get fixed (I've already googled how-dry ice and a blow dryer).  And yes I have contemplated replacing the freezer door (if my at home remedy doesn't work).  And yes I will still enforce the "no toys in the kitchen rule" and at this point I'm even thinking of a "no kids in the kitchen rule"-now I'm getting harsh and crazy.

It's kinda funny how things my parents did when I was a kid drove me crazy and now here I am probably driving my own kids crazy.  And I know they probably don't get why I always remind them not to touch the walls or when I yell "hey my baseboards!" but I'm hoping maybe one day they'll take pride in not only there stuff but other people's stuff as well.  And I have a feeling that one of them is guilty of denting the fridge...or maybe it was Kevin and he's too afraid to tell me.  And if I was him I'd be afraid of me too (and I'm partially joking...I'm really not that mean)!

Food! Food! Food!

I am not a dieter or calorie counter, or someone who works out regularly (though I have been known to hit the elliptical trainer before the summer months).  I love food.  And I eat goodies in moderation.  But after this weekend I think I need to watch what I eat for a bit cause I ate a lot of crap.  I indulged over and over and over again.  I was like a junkie on a binge.  And it was good..real good!  But now I have that rotting feeling in my stomach. 

No I'm not about to diet-I tried once and failed by noon.  I'm not about to calorie count-I don't have the time.  And the elliptical trainer is in the corner of the garage and I have no motivation to get on it...yet.  I just need to get back into our regular food routine. 

If I kept a food diary this weekend this is what it would read:

Friday April 8, 2011
Dear Food Diary,
Dinner-2 pieces of pizza and 1 garlic cheese toast

Saturday April 9, 2011
Dear Food Diary,
Breakfast-2 eggos with butter and syrup
Lunch-Triple O's-Burger and Fries Combo
Dinner-McDonald's Chicken Burger Combo

Sunday April 10, 2011
Breakfast, lunch and dinner-cupcakes, burger, candy, chocolate covered strawberries, salsa, chips, salad, fruit, more cupcakes, candy, chips, salsa, and some more chocolate covered strawberries, candy, chips etc.

After a weekend full of yummy greasy fattening food I'm going to take it easy this morning and enjoy a banana and a cup of coffee!  I'm feeling a little plump today.  I should probably just wear my lulu's all day!

My Sweet Precious Baby Nate is 1!!!!

I loved you before you were conceived.  I loved you the moment I saw those two little lines.  And I fell madly deeply in love with you the moment you were born.


There is no facebook status, no blog post, no words to describe my love for you.  A year ago you changed our lives.  My life became richer, more meaningful, more fulfilling.  I have a purpose...to be a mom.


My heart is overflowing with love.  It's undescribable.  And it'll never stop


My precious sweet baby Nate...I love you more today than the day you were born.  My love for you keeps growing.  You are happy, and sensitive, content and bashful and at times a little trouble maker.  You are loved my little boy...oh so very loved.


Happy First Birthday Nathan Jax!  The moment you were born the world stopped...for just a moment..and everything was perfect and right.  And I took it all in.  I will never forget that day, and seeing your sweet little face for the first time.  We were perfect.  And you still are.  I am so blessed you are my son.  Nathan we love you so very much!!!!! 

DYI Disaster

Cake pops.

Simple right?

Nope.

This is what they are suppose to look like:

This is what mine look like:

This is what the first one turned out like.

The finished product.

These suckers were suppose to be painless.  Make some boxed cake.  Crumble it up and mix it with icing.  Roll into balls. Put into freezer to harden a bit.  Put sticks in.  Dip in chocolate and sprinkles.  Done.

These things were messy.  And I had chocolate every where.  And I now understand why people charge $18 for 12 cake pops.  Folks save your time and give your money to Starbucks.  There cake pops are beautiful and I'm sure they taste a hell of a lot better than mine.  And dear guest.  When you eat my cake pops you will like them and tell me they are the best cake pops you have ever had (I'm partially joking).  But man these things sucked the life out of me.  I don't know if it was because the chocolate I used seemed to be thick and heavy or if maybe I just wasn't meant to be a cake pop baker.  I was hoping to have found a new purpose in life.  I didn't.

And the chocolate covered strawberries that I made didn't turn out as beautiful either.  It was the whole drizzling of the chocolate that didn't work.

I'm going to blame it on the chocolate.

This is what my kitchen looked like:

Time for some R&R.  I'm beat!

I Need to Confess

I have a confession...I still wear these shoes:

 And these jeans...rips and all:

And I know I should be embarassed but I don't have the heart to throw either one of them away.  And I must confess...sometimes I still think the shoes look cool (and in my heart I know even a homeless woman wouldn't wear them).  They Aldo clogs I've had since before I met Kev.  We've been together for 11 years.  And the jeans are an old Bootlegger buy.  I've come close to throwing the shoes away.  Real close.  But they are just so convenient to throw on and they mold perfectly to me feet.  And as for the jeans.  I just love them.  And they bag out perfectly...just enough to make me feel as if I've lost a few pounds. 

And for right now both are staying.  And I'm OK with that.

Great Website

All good things must be shared so...I must share this website.  It's amazing!!!!  Oh the  party ideas are endless.  I've said this before but I am NOT creative or a DIY type of girl but this website gives me inspiration (and the need for endless amounts of cash).  A lot of the birthday's featured are for little girls but swap some pink for blue and it'll work.  I got so creative I even made my own "Happy Birthday" banner-and that's a big thing for me! 

I saw this banner (bottom picture):

I bought paper, printed out happy birthday but instead of cutting the paper into triangles I did squares (my printing job didn't allow for me to cut triangles) and I cut them all into different sizes, hung the letters on some twine with clothes pins and now I have a masculine looking happy birthday banner!

I found The TomKat Studio website awhile ago, forgot about it and then came across it again when I was looking for birthday ideas for Nate.  I have to admit I've spent hours on it.  Some people are so darn talented (I'm a bit envious).  And the best part...she has an etsy store!!!!  She'll just send you the pdf file and you do the rest (and if she had the color scheme I was after I would have ordered the stuff). 

Kev told me not to get carried away.  And I can understand why...it's Nate's first birthday and we only have 10 people coming over but there are just so many cute ideas!!!!

Going Back to Work

These last two weeks are going to be rough for me.  I go back to work on April 18.  I'm not looking forward to it.


I don't even know how to describe it.  My heart aches.


I know I'm not the first mom to go through this.  And this isn't my first time.  When I was on mat leave with Lincoln I started my crying melt downs at six months.  This time around I've been stronger.  It was refreshing to go back to work with Lincoln.  A two way conversation was VERY welcoming.  I survived.  It also helped that I found out I was pregnant with Nate two weeks later.


But now there are two more faces to miss.  These sweet sweet little faces. 

I found a Set For Life ticket from Christmas that I hadn't scratched in a drawer I was cleaning out the other day. I knew I was a winner.  This ticket was my key to not having to go back to work.  Yes indeed I was a winner...of $8...not quite the winning I was looking for.  So back to work I'll go.


I'm trying to see the positive with going back to work.  A light at the end of a dark tunnel.  I'm not seeing the light.  I try telling myself that getting out of the house will be good for me and my social life.  I tell myself it will be fun to dress up for work in the mornings.  But who am I kidding.  Mornings are going to be a gong show and I normally end up throwing something on just to get out the door.


And I know I can't complain too much.  My boys are going to be with my mom and dad.  And if there is anybody else in the world that I would want my boys to be with beside Kev and I it would be my parents.  And Lincoln loves my parents.  He calls my mom mama and my dad papa.  And I know he's going to have a great summer hanging out with my dad on the tractor and both boys are going to have such a fun swimming in the pool and playing out in the yard.  I really need to be grateful.  My mom watching my children is the greatest gift.  It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.  She has three other children at home and is still willing to watch my children.  She is selfless.  And I love her greatly for that.  Words cannot express how blessed I am.  My mother has always been the woman that I have looked up too!  I KNOW my boys will be well taken care of.

But it's still going to be hard for me.  I don't want to miss a thing.  And what happens if Nate learns to say "mama" while I'm at work?  It will crush me.  I'm going to miss being at home.  Kev works from home so we get a lot of family!  And my little Lincoln crawls into bed with me EVERY morning for snuggles and cuddles.  I'm going to miss seeing his precious little face sleeping next to mine.  And mornings.  Oh gosh those are going to be hard.  My babies have been sleeping in till 9 am lately.  How the heck am I going to wake up at 6-that's going to be hard.  But right now I have two weeks to enjoy being at  home with 2 of my favorite little boys.  And I have a first birthday to plan (so bitter sweet).  And I need to find a light at the end of this dark tunnel called work.

We May have Ruined Lincoln...and His Future Chinese Food Experiences

Yesterday I was craving Chinese food bad!  So we ordered it.  I asked Lincoln what he wanted for dinner.  We've struggled with him eating chicken (and any other meat) but lately he's been good...actually he's been real good.  So last night I asked him if he wanted chicken for dinner and of course he replied "no like chicken"  ok so I said "how about sweet and sour pork...you know pork is pig"  "no like pig"  "what about beef?  Beef is cow you know"  "no like cow."  So I went down the list of other meats jokingly (jokingly being the key word)...what about bird, horse, duck, cat, dog.  And what does he want for dinner...kitty.  Okay.  So we left it at that.  Then while eating dinner he bites into his almond chicken and says "mmm kitty."  Great he thinks he's eating kitty.  Then he takes another bite and says "mmm doggie."  I lost my appetite soon after.  Kev thought it was hilarious and played it up.  He ate is food firmly believing he was eating cat and dog.  Not really the way I wanted him to be tricked into eating chicken.  And the worst part...his absolute favorite stuffed animal is kitty (his little orange cat).  I'm hoping that since he's two he won't remember this dinner ever again and refer to his chinese food as cat or dog.  But who am I kidding...this kids got a great memory.  Oh Lincoln...I'm sorry!

Lincoln's beloved kitty

BFF's