Pictures

 

A Case of Missing Mommy....

I came home from work yesterday to Vin with a tired smile on his face. He looked like he had - had one of those days.....and he did.

Unbeknownst to me, Joey had cried for 30 minutes yesterday morning when I left for work. In between the cries and Vin trying to comfort him - was the words "Ma, Ma". I have been dreading this phase.

Joey is my happy go luckily guy and didn't really seem affected by my leaving in the morning. Once in a while there was a little whimper, but then he was off to play trucks or chase Gina around. But now its different, he is now full blown crying when I leave and it breaks my heart. I know its a phase - Gina did it for a while at 18months old and it pasted, as will Joey go through it and it will past. It's one of those time when I hate being a working mom. I want to chuck it all and stay home. But, I know at this stage its not possible. So, I pick myself up and keep on moving.

As I left this morning I took my sweet time getting out the door. I spent extra time with Joey this morning in hopes my leaving the house wouldn't be as tramatic as it was yesterday. I gave them both extra hugs and kisses and headed out. I am not sure yet how it turned out, whether Joe broke down or if he was distracted enough by the Wiggles he didn't realize I left. I will find out tonight. Wish me luck!

Have a great Wednesday!

Vacation count down!

Three more days until vacation offically starts! I can't wait, I will be off for 10 days total. I can't remember my last vacation - I think it was Christmas.

So far, Vinny and I have planned a few day trips to the beach and Eddiville Railroad which the kids will love. Other than that we will just see where the days take us. I am looking forward to just being home and spending time with the kids and Vin.

Friends!

As we all know friend and family are important parts of our lives and what makes us human. Sometimes I think Friends are even more special then family because you can pick them. I have spoken about the different kinds of friend I have and how lucky I am to have them.

Well, Gina is the same way she has different types of friends from her daycare days, the park etc. This weekend we went up to visit her best buddy Livi. Gina and Livi started daycare together at three months old and became fast friends as they reached there developmental milestones together. Now three years later we still stay in touch and we visit each others houses for "play dates". I love to see the girls together they have a great time and I hope they will remain friends for years to come.

Have a great Monday!!

This weekend is jamm packed with stuff! I can't wait. Saturday and Sunday the weather is going to be beautiful. We are spending the day outside at all costs. The goal is no inside activities! Quick get outside before the summer is over!!

The outside activity check list:

The kiddie pool is set up........Check
Sidewalk Chaulk out..........Check
Sand toys out.......Check
Bikes and ride on toys........Check
Lawn chairs........check
Drink, snack and sun block.....check

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO.......PLAY

Its been awhile!

I just realize how busy I have been I haven't posted to my blog in a week now. Just to recap the rest of last week was a race against the clock to have the house ready for the party by Sunday. I seriously don't know what happened with Vinny and I we went nuts; cleaning, scrubbing, throwing stuff away (my personal favorite) , and shampooing the rugs. It was like spring cleaning extreme!

Now that is not to say my house is a pig pen, but we just went the extra mile and now we are all set for the fall. Now we won't have to do some of the big cleaning (shampooing the rugs) until Thanksgiving.

By Sunday Morning Vinny and I had been going now stop and we were beat, but we didn't let that stop us. Vinny was cleaning the grill and it broke - off to home depot to pick up parts, quickly get back home (fingers crossed) put the grill back together before everyone arrives. I picked up Gina's balloon's the night before - big mistake. She woke up Sunday Morning to deflated balloons. She had tears in her eyes - so like any mom would do - off to IParty I go ( in my tee shirt and sweats) Not a pretty picture - No shower yet - and get new balloons. Return back at the house by 11;35am and everyone was coming at Noon!! Jump in the shower (oh but first Joey's tired, bring him upstairs and put him down for a nap) Ok now, jump in the shower and jump out, get dressed and head down stairs - people were arriving. Just made it in the nick of time! Everyone seemed to have a terrific time and I couldn't have asked for better weather. It was beautiful day!

My Gina however, didn't seem to enjoy the day all the much, she was very shy and didn't like being the center of attention. She found it hard to deal with all the people calling to her and wanting to spend time with her. She didn't want to be sung too, or open presents at first so that was a little tricky to get around. Once she relaxed we were able to get her to open her presents.

She loves all of her presents and has had a ball this week playing with each of them. Thank you to everyone for being so generous.

Pictures to follow soon! I have to track some down. I didn't take a picture the whole day, to busy being the hostess. But I will have some soon.

Have a terrific Wednesday!

Almost Party Time

Gina's Birthday party is this weekend (finally) between the weather, schedules, and finances we have finally made it to her party. I can't wait - I am so excited for her she is going to have a great time. Vinny and I are busy getting the house clean, the food shopping done and all the last minute errands out of the way. I am so looking forward to seeing the look on her face when she see her new bike! She is going to lose her mind!! And of course, Vin wants to shampoo the rugs before the party. You know how much I love move furniture around. Oh well, it does look nice when its done. So off I go tonight to shampoo rugs...

Add 1 Cardboard box & 2 Kids = Hours of Fun

Yup you guessed it. I gave the kids the empty diaper box and they had a ball most of the day Sunday. The box went from being a boat, to a car, to a secret hiding spot, a puppet show, to something to sit on and finally to a table for a tea party.

What was cool was the fact that Gina and Joey didn't fight over who's box it was and just played together. It was awesome! No one was screaming "MINE, MINE" at the top of their lungs. They even sang "Row, Row Row Your Boat" at one point and used plastic golf clubs to row their boat. It was nice to sit in the kitchen, drink my coffee and just watch them have fun with each instead of having to break up a fight over who's is who's etc....

But, like all good things it must end and by Monday afternoon the box had been removed by Daddy due to fighting over it and Joey using at a ladder! Oh well, for a few hours they had fun together and worked together - At least it proves they are learning how to get along or at the very least put up with each other.

My goal is to get through a newspaper and a cup of coffee with out having to break up the two of them. Hmm, maybe next year?

Monday, Monday

Here we are its Monday and its raining again! This has been the worst summer I can remember weather wise!

The kids have only been in the pool a few times this summer so far and I am not sure if we will make in there again any time soon. Its 60 degrees out today with wind and rain. Its the perfect day for sweat pants and curling up on the couch.

I left this morning for the office and kids were sound a sleep. I went in to check on them after I was dressed expecting to see them up and ready to head down stairs; no sound asleep and comfortable. So quietly, I slipped away to work this morning secretly hoping I would get a phone call from Gina once I hit the office to say good morning. No luck - no call received so she must be very busy today being a mommy, doctor, Cinderella, or a Pink Doodle Bop. Which is good I definitely don't want her upset that she didn't see me this morning, as for Joey I am not sure if he would realize he didn't see me this morning. I guess, I will find out tonight...Hopefully, they didn't give Vin a hard time today!

Have a great Monday!

Fabulous Friday!

We've made it through another week! Its fabulous Friday!

Today on my way into the office I was thinking about how lucky I am to have such terrific people in my life. I write about a lot of trials and tribulations of being a working mom and sometimes wonder if its on the verge of sounding like I am complaining.

So for today's blog I want to share what's positive in my life as a working mom.

1. I have a fantastic support system at home - my husband Vinny! He is my rock, when we decided that he would stay home with the kids - he jumped into his roll immediately - taking care of the kids, figuring out there routines, teaching them, etc. He also does the majority of the cooking, cleaning, and laundry. I help out with picking up and laundry, dishes etc when I am home but for the most part its all Vinny. He amazes me and makes me proud to be his wife on a daily bases.

2. I have wonderful friends - I have a group of friends some I have known for a long time and others not so long. Some are SAHM's, some don't have any children, and others are working moms. We support each other and we let each other vent when we need to vent. I couldn't imagine my life without them. They make me laugh when I need to laugh, they inspire me, and give me the chance to return the favor.

3. Working full time - Is a challenge for a mom, but its also very rewarding to know that I am supporting my family and providing a home and all that goes with that.

4. My extended family - My parents, sister and Vinny family are all there for us in so many ways its hard to put it into words. From a quick phone call to check in, to offering to babysit the kids one evening so Vin and I can go out for dinner. They are there when the times are good and when the times are tough and I am so grateful!

5. My kids - I can' t imagine not having my kids in my life! I am so lucky to have them and to have them with no major health or disability issues. Yes, my Gina has serious food allergies but Vinny and I have worked very hard to provide her with food options that she can eat and continue to grow at a healthy steady pace. And what can I say about Joey he is just a happy go lucky little boy who loves to laugh and snuggle on a regular basis.

I am truly blessed! Have a terrific weekend!

Kids + Mommy's White Shirt = Stain

Today for the first time in three years I am wearing a white shirt! Sounds weird huh? Well, when you have two little ones everything ends up on your shirt. So for the past three years I have wore a white shirt with a sweater over it or a jacket of some sort to "protect" it against the little stain makers!

So, today I decided I was going to throw caution to the wind and wear a white linen blouse to work. Not only did I have to iron it! (amazing feat unto itself in the AM) I was going to make it out of the house without a stain on it!

I am happy to report I made it out of the house without a stain on it which was not easy given the fact Gina and Joey were having toast with GRAPE jelly (thanks, Vin - you stinker) on it when I left this morning!

Well off to work I go. Here are a couple of pictures I took over the weekend off my cell phone.

Joey hanging out at the park:

Gina playing dress up - The socks on her hands are her "Gloves"!

Have a good Wednesday!

Its a Marvelous Monday!

OK, I know its annoying when people are overly happy on Monday's but I can't help myself. I am picking up Gina's birthday present today - her first bike! We postponed her party to mid-August because we want to get her a bike and money was a bit tight given our ongoing battle to maintain a family of 4 in this economy. But, thankfully we are on track now for the month of August and I can go pick up her bike today at lunch! Yahoo!!

This is one of the perks of being a parent! We don't spoil our kids with things or treats. But on special occasions such as birthdays and Christmas I love nothing better then going on the hunt for that special present that I know Gina or Joe will love! I love to see how excited they are. Gina is going to love her bike and has been talking about wanting a bike for a while. So this is perfect.

Now, I just have to wait until the party to give it to her! Hopefully, Vinny will be the strong one and keep us from giving to her before the party. I don't know though he is such a softy, he might not be able to wait either - we are bad we get so excited like two little kids...Let's see who holds out? Me or Vinny? I will let you know.

Have a Marvelous Monday!!

Happy Fabulous Friday!! We made it another week in the crazy chaos of the working mom world.

All in all, its been pretty quiet, no really big issue stands out in my mind, which sometimes is a blessing to just have a "regular" week. I have absolutely no idea what to do this weekend with the kids? I am hoping the weather will cooperates, which as you may have read previously it hasn't working out much of the summer during the weekends. But if it does I think we will head out to Aunt Lynda's for some swimming in her "big pool" as Gina calls it.

Have a fabulous Friday and a Fantastic Weekend!! Oh and Happy August 1St! Can't believe summer is almost over!! WOW!