Too close, yet Too Far Away

Today I was feeling down, so I came to blogworld to read up on my friends' lives and leave some comments. One of my comments inspired me to do a new post. Once again, mostly because I needed to take my mind of some stuff. So forgive me at the lameness of this post. It's content is by know means the number one thing on my mind right now, and that is the whole point today.

So, here is my funny ah ha. A week ago I fortunately or unfortunately found a new swimsuit for Mike's and my kidless trip to Hawaii. I say kidless, because I probably wouldn't attempt a two piece when I am running after and picking up little ones. It's the black suit pictured here. The skirt is actually cute and serves a good purpose.

I am close to looking adequate in this suit. The tension lies in the fact that 4 weeks is barely enough time to exercise and eat well enough to look smokin' in this suit, so I should be wishing that the trip was farther out. And yet in mom/wife reality 4 weeks is longer than I would like between now and a vacation.

I guess like every other day in my life as mom, I am going to just have to do my best.

Please kick me now for this dumb post!

Blast to the Past (Annual Shopping Trip '05)

If any of you read up on Becca (www.theglorylaine.blogspot.com) or Jill (www.februaryjill.blogspot.com) you know a bit about our annual Christmas shopping trip.
They covered this year's trip really well ~ we had a wonderful, giddy, memorable weekend.

But, I just couldn't sit back and not share something. And since there wasn't much more to add to this year's story...well, I literally dug up some stuff from the past.

Back in Dec. 05, Abercrombie and Fitch (spelling?) was doing some sort of charity project. Take a picture with a model and your buck went to a good cause. Well, we couldn't pass up the chance to let three month old Maisie get held by a hunk.

Once again, Jill, Becca and I laughed about this for a long time.

It's been awhile...did you two forget this?

I was tagged ( a long time ago)

My friend Lynn, who is at the very top of my blog roll (6 Weeks And Counting) tagged me - back during our snowstorm - and I had so many fun posts (Christmas, Snow, Baby's First B-day), that I never did it. But, I am a true student at heart and can't let those kind of things go...so here goes.

It's one of those Random Things posts and I have to tag 7 people at the end.

7 Random Things About Me

1. It's funny that for a long time I have had the knowledge about myself that I don't even LOVE the taste of coffee, but I still want one most days when I go out and about. For me it is all about the pretty packaging, the conversation with an adult at the drive through, and that it is a pretty low cal treat (my version). But, I would much rather ENJOY a McDonald milkshake, but never just go get one of those mid-day. How's that for random?

2. Mike and I are going to Hawaii in February to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. I looked like this 10 years ago on our Honeymoon. I'm a little daring to share this pic - but it's not bragging, because I DON'T look like this anymore.

3. I told Daphne that she would have to have her wisdom teeth out someday and she can't stop worrying about it - WHY? did I go do that...I did have a reason, but it is a long story.

4. On the topic of Daphne, yesterday in response to Maisie's declaration that she had TWO babies in her tummy, she said that "NO, you don't, because all you have in your stomach is food and brains." I guess they aren't studying anatomy in preschool.

5. I'm weaning Ruby and she doesn't like whole milk - it's a sad thing.

6. I chew my nails.

7. I have a new favorite TV show - it's called a Secret Life of an American Teenager...sshh...

8. I am horrible at laundry.

9. This weekend I am going away and it will be my first trip away without children since November 2008. Hurray for me.

10. My husband was my first kiss at age 19. I had never thought about this, but Mike told Daphne this fact the other day and I realized that I love that I can tell my daughters that my first kiss was their daddy.

Tagged: Amy, Tara, Leah, Debbie, Leslie, Judy, Sarri and Kim if she ever starts a blog.

Just Keep Swimming

Grandma and Grandpa,

We know that since you've been away a week now, you are probably desperate for some kisses and "crushes" from us. Just remember that we'll still be here when you get home, and unfortunately the rain will be too. So, while you are in Hawaii, take Dory's advice from Finding Nemo and "JUST KEEP SWIMMING". Please don't be homesick!

Love,
Daphne, Maisie and Ruby

My Baby

I've been wondering if I didn't acknowledge it to myself or anyone in my regular methods - fanfare, tears, reflections, pictures etc - maybe it wouldn't really happen. But alas, I think it has happened.

My baby turned one. And it feels different with this one. I'm not tired of breastfeeding her, I'm not anxious to get pregnant again, and I definitely don't care about milestones. Walking, shmalking...she can crawl for as long as she likes and say Hi Hi Hi as her only word too, because she's so stinkin' cute.

We ALL adore her, especially her two year old cousins, Phoebe and Emmy, who think she is their own little baby.

So, all in all, at this point in her life, she is still perfect in all ways. I love you little Ruby Garland.

(note to observant observers - Maisie gave Rubes her first hair cut, so I evened it out and gave Ruby bangs - a little sad about it)