The Kickoff

The calendar may say it's spring, but not in these parts...summer is in full-force.  Those lazy summer days have kicked in already, with playing outside in the sprinkler before noon, long afternoon naps, and picnic dinners hiding out under the trees. The last few weeks have been full of fun...lots of good times had and many more to come!

The girls got to experience their first bridal shower for our sweet cousin who will be tying the knot in a few weeks.  The girls are going to be the flower girls and they are so excited for all of their important 'responsibilities!'

TOH and I celebrated 13 years together this month. Crazy, right?!  By far, the best 13 years of my life. 

As we do every May,

we visited the annual Butterfly Show

at the Conservatory. 

The girls absolutely love this...a roomful of butterflies swarming all around, landing on you left and right, bottom and top.

We celebrated the holiday weekend with new friends last night.  They are super-fun and I see lots of good times ahead with them.  I see us starting to grow some roots here and I like it...

This girl landed herself a new 'big-girl' bike a few weeks ago and hasn't gotten off since.  She loves to ride this thing as much as Forrest Gump loved to run.  I have to bribe her to stop riding. 

She also celebrated the big #3 last week...it's unbelievable to me. We made it a weekend-long party and it was awesome.  We are so lucky to have her in our lives...she brings so much joy and laughter to us everyday and I am so proud to be her mom. 

Remember those awesome in-laws and sisters I wrote about in a recent post?  Well they made the trip down to visit last weekend and we had a blast.  We shopped, we ate, we drank, and we spent a whole day at the new water park (which I am not a huge water park fan, but we were lucky enough to score VIP tickets which made the experience totally doable!)...this is the way to go!

And then it was time for a much-needed night out...

love these girls so much!

The next three months are sure to be full of lots of adventures and laughs, while in the back of my mind, at the end of these next twelve weeks, my baby girl will be a kindergartner.  I love the place we are at right now in our lives..they are both still my little girls and our days are solely ours to play away, but I only have them both at home with me for a short time longer.  Sending her off to the world of everyday school fills me with a bag of mixed emotions, but I know that this is the beginning of amazing things for her.  Amazingly good things. 

But for now, we celebrate summer. It's gonna be a good one.

Proof.

This is what I saw when I walked into the living room this morning. They love each other. A whole bunch. And this makes my heart so, so happy.  

Top 10

Sunny? Safe? Fun? What do you want out of where you raise your little ones? Do you want it to be in the city you have always wanted to live in?  The one where the highest paying job is? Or perhaps the one that is closest to your family and friends?  So many factors play into making that huge life decision. And that's where we're at these days...where to live.  The ever-so-confusing question. Do you live for you, for your kids, for your family...oh, the decisions. 
We've tried out quite a handful of cities over the past ten years, which has been helpful, but yet at the same time, we have loved each of them for different reasons which makes our choice even that more difficult.  But what I can say after living all over the country, is that I do know what I want out of 'my' city. I will admit, my list of wants and needs has changed since having the girls, but I think only for the better.  Here are my top ten 'musts' for the place I call home...

1. Good shopping.  Whether it be fantastic malls, shops, boutiques, or even outlets, every girl needs them.  And with little ones, you know it's our savior during those long, cold winter months.
2. Good Eats.  As we all know, I love to eat. I'm not picky and like new things.  I want Chinese, Mexican, Sushi, Italian, French, and lots of good burger joints.
3.  Libraries. I never realized the importance of good library systems until I had kids. We visit them weekly. From story time, to playtime, to meeting new life-long friends.  Call me a dork, but I love our library.
4.  Swings, Slides, & Monkey Bars. When we lived in Phoenix, we lived on a golf course/park and walked it everyday.  Moving to Erie didn't allow as much park time due to the endless amounts of snow, but now that we are back in warmer climates, we live at our neighborhood parks.  So much so that we have them on a rotation.
5. Sunshine. The sun and I are very good friends.  The more the better. The snow is fun, but I would rather visit it than live in it. Warm, sunny days seem to make people happier, more energetic and positive-all pluses!
6. Lions, Tigers, & Bears.  Luckily I grew up living in a city with a great zoo...as did TOH. We have great memories and have started those with the girls as well.  It's a fabulous summer spot and if you're lucky enough to live somewhere with that great weather, you'll get to enjoy it year round-bonus!
7. Museums. And for the opposite of those wonderful spring and summer days, having good museums is such a plus during those dark, dreary ones.  Whether it's children's museums or historic, they are full of so much knowledge and are great entertainment all at the same time.
8. Sports. Whether it's major league or the minors, having sports teams to cheer on is so much fun for the whole family.  It could be a family event or a super-fun date night, an expensive night out, or a cheap date if you go on buck night...lots of options!
9. Entertainment. The ballet, the symphony, the circus, Disney on Ice, Curious George, Imagination Movers...the girls have been so fortunate to have had the opportunities to see so many different shows while we've lived here. Memories they will have for years to come.
10. Eat More Chicken...I've saved my most favorite for last...Chick-Fil-A.  It doesn't matter what city we live in, I will make sure that it has one of these bad boys.  I love everything about this business. Good food, respectful beliefs, and one heck of a fun playground!

Luckily, the city we currently call home checks off all of these.  I guess that's why it was voted #9 on the most recent 'Top Cities to Raise A Family'...which I promise you I did not reference at all when writing this post, so if my list copies any of their qualifications, it is purely accidental!  As I was brainstorming this post in my head this week, I laughed out loud when I heard the radio announcer say that fact about our city-talk about crazy! 
So whether you are looking for fun, sun, or that number one job...these things may make life a little easier, but the most important item you need to have is your own happiness. Because without that, you won't be able to enjoy the rest.

Curveball

You get thrown one when you least expect it...and these past few weeks have thrown us a handful...hence the lack of blogging.  Rather than diving into all the details, I'm going to remind myself (and you wonderful faithful readers!) what I have walked away with after all of this.

Little ones are the best gift anyone can be given.  No matter how trying some days may be, there is no greater gift in the world. 

Be thankful.  Not just on Thanksgiving, but everyday.  And even as crappy as a day may seem, you can always find at least one thing to be thankful for. 

Hug more. And often. And hard.

Don't doubt yourself.  You will do what's right and you will make things that may not be right at the time better. Stay positive.

Moms rock.  Having an awesome mom rocks and being a mom rocks a heck of a lot too.  I have what I consider to be the best one.  She is beyond fantastic and I strive everyday to be more like her.  I would love for my girls to look up to me like I do to mine.  (and just so we're clear Mom, no more of that funny business...xoxoxo)  

Keep laughing.  Have fun.  It is seriously the only thing that keeps you from going nuts.  Just like the hugs, do it, and do it a lot.

Not to get all 'churchy'...but just have to add this in because I truly believe they played a huge part in a lot of what has gone down as of late.  Prayers work. And if you don't necessarily pray, then send thoughts or whatever may work for you...but nevertheless, they do good.  For everyone involved. 

And I know I've said this numerous times before, but they play such an important role in my life, and I am beginning to see my girls forming their own and really appreciating them...friends. They are a key part of life.  Without them, days would be long, struggles would be harder, and life would just not be as fun.  Keep those friends close...I know it's hard, life gets busy, and people make excuses, but try harder.  Because when something happens and you need them, you are going to be so grateful that you do.  It's truly amazing how the love and support of a friend can help make bad days even a little bit better.   Thank you, friends...I know I could not have gone through all of this without you and I hope to be the same type of friend to those of you who are dealing with your own hard times and situations as well. 
To leave it in Bug's own words...'I love my friends!'  Well said, sister.  And I fully agree, because like her mama, she's got some great ones.

While We Were Waiting...

It's been a looonnnggg time since we've seen a warm, sunny 75 degree day, but today (and for the next few) we're lucky enough to bask in the awesomeness of fabulous weather.  It's funny how great weather changes people...
So, in the meantime, while we have been hibernating for the past few months, we thought we'd give you a glimpse of what we've been up to while we've been patiently awaiting the arrival of this gorgeous weather...

Back in January, we spent a few days in Tampa with some dear friends...needless to say, we could have stayed there forever.






In February, we celebrated some big birthdays and Kater-tot decided she was done with diapers..completely...zero. none. nada.  Praise the lord. I had no idea that when I bought that box back in December that I would never have to buy another. Not even pull-ups for at night. But then it happened.  Just like that.  (!!!)  

And as Kater-tot hurdled a major milestone, so did her sister...we got the official letter that Bug will be Kindergartener come August.  I can't talk much more about this at this point without getting sappy about my baby...only that I am thrilled for her and so excited for what is ahead...

So instead, we will move on...Bug's new favorite hobby is singing. Everywhere she goes, she sings. In the car, at church, falling asleep, etc.  Unfortunately, I can't say we've got a future 'The Voice' contestant on our hands...God help my ears.  (love her!)  But I will say she provides some good laughs..one of her favorites is 'Moves Like Jagger'...which you all know you dance to when it comes on too...

The girls have turned into teenagers overnight.  I remember writing about how well they got along just a short time ago and how someone warned me it would be short-lived...well...the time has arrived.  From the best of friends to the exact opposite in a matter of seconds.  Granted, it only lasts a few minutes, but wow, I need to prepare myself now for what is to come.  I will tell you the honest truth though, I would not change having two girls for one second.  I love that they have each other...it's something I always wanted and could not be more excited for them to have. 

Officially entered my 'mid-30s' last week.  No complaints. Lots of love. Lots to be thankful for.

The girls baked me a delicious dessert...

While I took a well-deserved (and well-taken!) 'time-out'....

Followed by an amazing dinner with some of my closests....


(minus one, of course!)

A few days later, I worked on my crafty side and came up with this little creation for a friend's little girl's birthday gift...(of course, you can guess where I got my inspiration...)

And to top off the last of those gloomy winter days, we hit up the infamous B&B Circus...I mean, what is more of a kick-off to spring that some elephants and clowns?!


So, there it is...the end of winter-yay!  Spring is going to be the calm before the storm, as this summer has already been almost completely planned out...from Memorial Day to after Labor Day, we only have 3 open weekends....???  Lots to celebrate and lots to look forward to!

What's Yours?

Heights? Snakes? Small spaces? Everyone has one. Mine just so happens to be something that is out of my control.  And today, I came as close to it as I ever hope to be. Call me Dorothy. Yes, sparkle shoes.  I have (and have had since I was tiny) a huge fear of severe storms/tornadoes.  I know-I even feel weird typing it.  Some people fear that they will die in a car wreck. Some fear they will drown. Me? I see myself going up like the evil old lady on the bike with Toto in her basket.  Maybe I just watched the movie way too many times, but every time the sky goes gray, my nerves go crazy. 
They were forecasting 'severe' weather for our area for a few days. I strategically planned our playdate at a friend's house today who has an amazing basement full of cable, bathroom facilities, and lots of entertainment for the kids=thinking ahead.  I didn't put the girls down for naps today in fear that I would have to tear them out of bed and drag them to the basement. I had them watch a movie on the computer while I was glued to the TV/Weather channel all afternoon/evening.  I was clearly out of my mind. 
The tornado sirens went off at 4:30pm...to the basement we went.  Phone, bottles of water, food, candles, flashlights, blankets, baby dolls, and this time, even mementos tucked into my pocket...I was prepared for the worst as I listened to the newscasters declare this was the worst they had seen in over 20 years...

This is not my idea of big fun on a Friday night, but this is where we were for a majority of the evening.  Luckily though, all of your prayers worked, because we were spared...only by a few miles, but most importantly, we are safe.  I will tell you that I was terrified.  More so than I think ever have been before. And I think TOH was actually a little spooked by this one too as he warned me numerous times to stay downstairs and to stop coming up to check the TV.  There was something in his voice that made me know this time was different. Maybe it was the fact that the reporters on TV were saying there was flying debris falling from the sky in our county and people were finding stuff from the state of Indiana in their front yards...

All I know is that I am a girl who was raised in Pennsylvania where there were only 2 tornadoes on record in my 22 years of living there...we've only been here for 4 years and I have been in my basement at least 22 times...and for someone who is beyond scared of this crazy force of nature, that is way more than enough...I would say this is definitely a sign that we need to relocate, right?

Looks Don't Last Forever.

Funny. Kind. Good looking. Compassionate. High, yet realistic goals in life. From a good family.  Isn't this what we all hope for when looking for a significant other? If you read the post before this one, it's pretty evident that I have been blessed enough to find all of these in TOH.  But the one I was most concerned with wasn't any of those. And almost 13 years later, I don't regret my (what some may consider) unordinary choice one bit.
You know when you're young and you start to really think about what you want in your 'perfect guy?' ...well, (WAY back) when I was in my early 20's, of course all of those standard qualities ran through my mind.  But for me...I wanted him to be from a big family.  Weird, I know.  Here's the deal. I am an only child. And as glamorous and wonderful as all of those who aren't think it is, it does have some negatives.  I wanted to be an aunt. An aunt to many, many neices and nephews.  I wanted my future kids to have a ton of cousins to play with.  I wanted the holidays to be full of chaos.
I do not lie when I tell you that on one of our first few dates, I made sure I found out all about the family. 
And I literally hit the jackpot.  Not only did I find out he had two brothers, but also two sisters. I could have sisters. Younger sisters.  It was fabulous.  And two weeks later, I invited myself to their house. It was crazy...crazy good. It was loud. People were wrestling. It was perfect.
The next summer, I lived with their entire family for the whole summer.  I shared a bedroom with both of his sisters.  It was the best summer ever.  And to this day, I am thankful.  We were just together two weeks ago, and it was awesome.  We had a huge family dinner, game night, birthday celebrations, and I spent my Friday night out with his parents and sisters-just me, no TOH (he had been up since 2am, so he and the girls were all asleep by 8pm!) - which I know for a fact is something many of my married friends would never even consider, let alone having a blast doing so.
I have different relationships with each of them and I love them all as if they were with me from the start.  I have seen all of them through happy, sad, and monumental moments in their lives and it is exactly what I had always hoped for.  Not only did I find an awesome husband with to-kill-for in-laws, but also four siblings who I wouldn't trade for the world (and to add to the fun, they each have spouses/significant others of their own who I love...like I said, jackpot).

Good looks usually pass with time.  Humor may lessen over the years.  But family, they're not going anywhere.  The memories you make with them are the ones that will last.  We've made some great ones so far, and we're only getting started.

(almost!) The whole crew...love you guys!