brotherhood of the not traveling pants.

Ooops. I might have only brought my kids one pair of long pants each to the beach. Brought many little short outfits but only one pair of pants. I'm sorry, my bad, I thought is was SUMMER and that the skies had gotten rid of all the rain somewhere between everyday in March and mid-May. So maybe it has only reached 60 once since we've been here. Am I following a rain cloud up the Eastern Seaboard? And maybe my mom has washed said pants each night for the next day... oops.



What is that you say??... Why haven't I used this as a very valid excuse to just go out and buy more pants??? The old me would have totally done that... but there is a recession people :) and I am making an effort to be "frugal." Too bad AJ doesn't read the blog to see this mayjuh effort.



And while we are (not) on the topic of recession, not for nothing, but I also went to Target last week and got out well under 100 bones. I left the receipt on the kitchen table (see this post). Nothing. Maybe he fainted? If there is a next time maybe I will circle the total :)

he's back...

I am afraid to type this outloud... but just as quick as he turned on me for year three, Jack is turning back into my sweet, happy, funny, loveable child that I saw just enough glimpses of in year three not to stick him at the end of the driveway with a sign marked "free"pinned to his shirt.

I think my sister said her son is showing signs of the three year old monster... no need to get an eBay account or posterboard and markers.... he will eventually return to your sweet little angel. Isn't that great news! I wish someone told me that - I wouldn't have listened but I wish someone told me.

*picture courtesy of antelopeb.wordpress.com

Bring on year 4!

only boring people are bored.

Someone has taught my nearly 4 year old the word bored and all it's derivatives: bored, boring, etc.

Sometimes he uses it in its correct context. "Mom, this walk is bored (i think he meant boring)."

Sometimes he doesn't: "Mom, What's for dinner, boring?? I love boring!"

As far as I am concerned, Mr. Jdog, only boring people are bored, so snap out of it!

We are headed here today! I am so excited - there is something so special about this little town (oh right and the extra set of hands provided by nana and pop also help a LOT). See that empty chair on the left... Tomorrow I will be sipping my cup o' Joe there while I watch Jack play assorted sports on the driveway and Thomas trying to keep up behind him (ok so it won't be super relaxing) Our days are filled with coffee in our PJs on the porch... lots of walks bike rides and beachin' it... I can smell the sea air now...

The only thing standing between me and my favorite place.... packing the car and kids... one would think this would be easy since my mom has a crib, toys, towels, more toys. But for some reason I can't get organized.

summer summer summer- time!

*pics courtesy of www.socialclimbers.net; www.fotosearch.com

It's here! It's here! Summer is FINALLY here! And even mother nature got the memo cause the sun is a shinin'! Aje is off to golf at o' dark thirty and the boys and I are headed to the pool. And don't think I haven't said, "stop touching your brother or you are not going to the pool!" 17 times this AM and it's only 7:30! This little threat (That just for the record, is so empty it is not even funny. I could never deliver on cause I am as excited as they are to get out in the sun!) might be resulting in better behavior than Santa threats. Had I known how well this pool threat was going to work I would have been throwing it out WAY sooner! I know Jack is going to be a water rat and given his lack of fear, his swimmies will be put on in the car and not taken off until we leave the pool premesis. I can't wait to see what Thomas thinks of the water and all the kids to watch play.

And, not for nothin', around oh, 1:30, I should be poolside by myself with my first Pool Read (Social Climbers) in hand. Is 1:30 too early for a Skinny Girl Margherita to wet the palette?? I think not! Aje will meet us for lunch and then take those sweet and tired kiddos home for naptime. Which does make him pretty much awesome, but let's not kid ourselves, THEY WILL BE NAPPING... does it get much easier than that!? ;)

things on my to do list today

Laundry: Check
Eyebrow Wax: Check
Attend Jack's Last Day of School Party: Check
Take my 1 year old for an emergency visit to the pediatric dentist during nap time: NOT ON MY LIST OF THINGS TO DO TODAY!

But... I did it anyways cause I am a good mom like that. My kids are destined to have brown teeth (which for me is like worst possible thing eva). I'm telling ya. Thomas and I were playing a little game of "I'm gonna get you" and my over excited little guy took a tumble and a landed on his teeth (i've tried to tell him "hands, thomas, hands"!) It appeared by landing on said front teeth that they were a little higher in the old gum line than they were this AM. Lots of blood and mom freaking out later we went to see Dr. J. To make a short story longer, they took us right back, evaluated the teeth sitch and came to this... wait and see. They aren't loose, he can't tell at this age if they actually are up any further (that might have been my dramatic eyes) he can't tell if there is nerve damage... they could turn brown tomorrow, in three years, or never (what am I paying them for!? Ha!) Basically the same thing we heard when Jack chipped his tooth when he was two. He did however break that little thing between your lip and gums - whatever, that will heal.

I guess with my boys I should get used to this... by my next one he will likely be lucky to get taken to the dentist... I will just eval myself :)

happy birthday

Happy Day to you Tman! You make us smile everyday. Cheers to year 2!

Today is a special day not only because it is Thomas' 1st Birthday but he was born on my aunts bday, so today I am remembering her and celebrating what a very special awesome person she was. (When I finally get around to showering) I will be decked out in my brightest pink shirt and my cutest chi chi flats and maybe, if I can find it, I will break out my old school bermuda bag, because that's how she rolled. I am pretty sure this will make her smile.

it's a bird, it's a plane, it's....

Superman.... Cancel Christmas! My nephew sent some of his old Superman/Buzz Lightyear costume/PJs our way... It made me really realize Jack is a big boy when he is dancing around the kitchen saying "Oh. my. gosh., Oh. my. gosh. (I think I say that alot)... I can't believe I am really going to be a super hero! Oh my gosh!" Whoa, don't go jumping off any buildings there Clark Kent... We are still in the land of pretend. We basically have gone from dressing in Superman to Buzz Lightyear and back since yesterday. We even slept in them! I have been "instructed" that I am supposed to be "Woody" (Buzz's best bud, duh). As far as I am concerned, immagination is wasted on the youth... I love playing with my kids but as far as being Woody... i am not sure have that much imagination left... I think I need to rent the movie again and do a little research on my new role. I am sure that is what reese witherspoon does when her kids assign her a new part...

Does the excitment ever cease around here! I wish the little things like that still made me do the "oh my gosh dance!" Superman and Buzz Lightyear don't, but I'll tell you what would make me do the OMG dance in the kitchen... if the postman brought me these:

clairol take me away...

Boys you better start behaving or daddy is going to have to get a second job to start paying for my hair maintenance... my hair is seriously turning grey (I am guessing it is PURELY coincidental that this is happening as I prepare to turn a year older)...All my pregnancy hair fell out after Thomas and now it is growing back... but not the same color and not the same straightness. Pretty soon i am going to have a head full of stringy coarse GREY nasty hair. Somebody STOP this!

how fast they grow

Each year I write my kids a letter for their birthday-- included in it is all their important stats for that year, who their friends were, what their favorite toy/book/food/show/etc blah blah blah. I am hoping that this tradition will be one that they look forward to on their birthday. I am sure one day they will think these are SO lame... and if i am persistent and continue to make them read them each year (ha!), I hope one day they will again love them as much as I do writing them. In preparation for writing Thomas' I went back through Jack's letters... And while I loved reminiscing through the content they didn't look super cute stranded in my Word Doc files.

*Pic courtesy of HFTG.com

I can't decide... have you see this cute site How Fast They Grow. I like crafts but scrap booking ain't my thing. HFTG is a digi scrapbook (another million dollar idea I didn't think of, bummer). Basically you just upload your pics, pick from one of their 500 templates (boatman gellar has even created some super cute templates for them), create your content and Click! Poof! Scrapbook! I think it might be a cute way to do the letters for the boys... maybe include a couple pics... We'll see...

Happy, happy, happy birthday to you!

I think 50 cent said it best... "It's your birthday, it's your birthday... party like it's your birthday!" My baby is (almost) one (sniff sniff)! I think Thomas had an awesome first bday party! I was in full freak out mode in the morning as it was drizzling (lots) and I am kinda a control freak and this rain business wasn't part of the my party plan. But after a few prayers and a rain dance, we ended up with no rain (a little muggy but lets face it beggars can't be choosers and I'll take muggy over 12 kids jumpolin-ing in my basement any day). Lots of important visitors were here and some friends from here too. Thomas got spoiled for sure!

My friend Lori made this awesome awesome cake modeled after the Baby Einstein caterpillar. The amazing thing is I have no idea how she had time to do this- she has twin 2 year olds and a new 1 month old! Hello- a shower would be an accomplishment for me let alone making a cake!

My sister brought her jumpoline so we tried to tire the kids out before and after pumping them full of sugar! Then AJ played monster in the middle (where he strategically stood in the middle of the yard and the kids ran and screamed around him. Again, why do I buy toys???) The kiddos painted pots and then planted their (or their mom's) favorite herb to grow at home.

The real bday is on Thursday so we will celebrate again then!

busy busy

We're busy around here getting ready for ....

My sister is bringing the coveted jump-o-line (er, don't forget!). RSVPs are in, goody bags completed and lots of burgers and dogs to be grilled. A friend of mine makes adorable and delicious cakes so we seem to have all the b-day boxes checked! Off to clean and cook!

squeaky clean

Do you know what type of "learner" your spouse is? Apparently this is THE MOST important question to ask prior to marriage if you would actually like to run a productive household. Now my husband is not dumb by any stretch of the imagination... he has his freakin' PhD for crying outloud. For the record, he is a visual learner. This means that when I only want one child bathed while I run errands I should write it on a piece of paper and staple it to his forehead instead of looking at his face and saying it outloud. When it comes to listening vs. hearing... opportunities for improvement, my dear, opportunities for improvement.

As the story goes... Yesterday I went to COSTCO while AJ stayed at home and did the book, bath, bed routine. Upon leaving, I let him know that Jack was rolling around in the sandbox and went straight to the bath post playground fun but Thomas could use a bath. Ok? cool. Off I go on my merry way. Fast forward to post errand running. I go to give Jack a kiss goodnight and his hair is wet.
me: "Um, Jack, did you take a bath tonight!?"
J: "yes."
me: "Oh you got in with Thomas? That's fun"
J: "No just me"
me: "What? Ok, love you, goodnight"

So he washed the wrong child, but I should be happy at least one of the boys is extra clean, right.? Right.

Not for nothing, I went to COSTCO, Acme and Walmart in one evening... which would have taken me three days with the kids - so while I have one extra clean child and one extra dirty child I am thankful and appreciative for the 2 hours by myself to run errands... after all Mother's Day is over... back to at least one child in the shower with me at all times...

random thoughts...

* me and my boys on Mother's Day

"...(about raising her children)....But the biggest mistake I made is the one that most of us make while doing this. I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of the three of them, sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages 6, 4 and 1.And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night.I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less. Even today I'm not sure what worked and what didn't, what was me and what was simply life. When they were very small, I suppose I thought someday they would become who they were because of what I'd done. Now I suspect they simply grew into their true selves because they demanded in a thousand ways that I back off and let them be. The books said to be relaxed and I was often tense, matter-of-fact and I was sometimes over the top.And look how it all turned out. I wound up with the three people I like best in the world who have done more than anyone to excavate my essential humanity.That's what the books never told me. I was bound and determined to learn from the experts. It just took me awhile to figure out who the experts were."
--Anna Quindlen

... and this my friends is why I blog... if only I was as eloquent as Anna Quindlen. I just don't want to forget the little things like that when jack's allergies are acting up he says things like "I have crumbs in my eyes again, Mommy" or that when Thomas walks to you he get so excited he squaks like a terradactyl or the little things that make an impressions on a three year old like when I over heard him telling his friend on the playground behind the library today that his "grandma" (who we call Nana but when he is talking about her he calls her his "grandma") has the coolest library- much cooler than ours over there (pointing to our apparent "ghetto" library)" or that Thomas launches his bottle across the room when he is finished.... the list goes on and on...

are y'all ready for tv tuesday

I mean stop the madness! Idol, Biggest Loser finale, RHONY bitch fest and RHONJ season opener...All in one night! It's like picking your favorite child (ok maybe i am being a bit dramatic...but it is exciting, no!?) Good thing we have DVR and I don't have pick! And AJ has a work dinner so I seriously am going to sit here in my PJ's, paint my nails and make the goody bags for Thomas' party this weekend.

and not for nothing, while we are on the topic of TV, my sister has informed me that a UR grad is on the Bachelorette which premieres on Monday. I swore it (the bachelor/ette) off... i really did. but I think I get a pass if someone from our school is on... excuses excuses, I know... I can say I won't watch, but I will.

And just for the record, I don't JUST watch TV... I am actually reading a book as well (gasp!)... just wanted to mitigate any concern that I was not cultured. :) In case anyone cares I am reading Chasing Harry Winston. I have so many beach reads to catch up on since I pretty much haven't opened a book (that didn't have to do with childrearing) since Thomas was born...

off and running

Thomas is a walking machine! He's off and running.... I think he figured out that he could really do it today. At the gym he took 30 steps (I counted because I couldn't believe my eyes)! I put him down (usually he hangs on to my leg fat for dear life but not today!) and off he went in to the land of the big kids... He's even getting a bit cocky for just taking his first few steps on Friday... he's all trying to drink and walk (for crying out loud- i can't even do that without spilling down my shirt) then we had our usual getting ready for bed dance party and he walks and stops to dance... next thing i know he's attempting to bend down to pick up a toy...who does he think he is !?

i love it ... go tman go!

lucky day!

I am new to this blogging thing but, I won I won! I won my first giveaway hosted by Third Coast Preppy . She too is the mom of two boys and is the queen of all steals and deals (somehow she has time to find a ton of amazing discounts for all things cute!) So a BIG thank you to TCP, I will be drinking my summer cocktails in style this summer...

And let's face it, it is no secret that sometimes my boys can drive me to a cocktail or two so this martini glass courtesy of Huephoria is just perfect!

What a difference a year makes!

Boring Post Alert! :) I think I am having a bit of a nostalgic moment. I can't believe my baby boy is toddling around and about to turn ONE! Thank God I hate being pregnant for the summer or I would think I was ready for another! HA! As I prepare for a little party for T- Man's first bday (Yikes!) I can't help but to think how much our life has changed in the last year! About this time last year, I was as big as a house (beyond uncomfortably pregnant--ok this memory has subsided the brief baby itch), living in the city of Richmond where I walked my Jdog to school stopping at our little coffee shop where the people knew us and called us by name, working part time, seeing my sister and nephew nearly everyday and packing up my house for the looming move that was ahead post baby's arrival. It makes me sad to think that my Jack won't remember living in this special place. But I know he will always remember being besties with his cousin. * the boys on one of our final walks to the coffee shop!

Today, I am blessed with another little boy who is almost ONE! Where did the time go!? Now we live in the burbs of Philly trying to make sense of our new surroundings and neighborhood... Reconnecting with old friends and making new ones (for the boys and me!)... staying home to teach my boys that pirates can smile...watching them make each other laugh and have "dance parties" in the crib... driving to school and taking trains to nearby towns for lunch (they don't really train so much in Richmond)....spending more time with our grandparents... attempting to find the appropriate place to grocery, find party goods, get haircuts, buy flowers, get coffee, electricians, plumbers, etc. I wouldn't trade this experience for the world, although I do wish that my sister could have moved here with us. :(

cheers to the mommies.

** pic courtesy of Avante Gardens

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies! I feel so blessed to be friends with so many awesome moms and moms to be's. I never knew how much my mom did for me or loved me until I had my boys (I still think she is keeping some of her secrets up her sleeve- but she swears I would have time to do all she does if I gave up email and blogging-- never!). I feel so blessed to have learn from the best!

It is amazing how your heart can grown in an instant and your life can changed forever when you have kids. I always knew I wanted to be a mom but I never knew how much fun shaving cream art projects, planting gardens, pitching baseballs and driving my little man to school could be. I can't imagine my life without my boys and their crazy antics - i wouldn't laugh nearly as much - this I know.

walk this way...

Congrats Baby T! Mommy isn't sure if she should be happy or scared that you are walking... I guess I will be happy until it turns into a permanent run!

Let's dish about the housewives

Why do I love the housewives? Is it because they are a bit ridiculous? yes, probably, but I am going to miss my girlfriends of NYC this summer! I can't wait for the RHONY reunion show- I hear it's quite a trainwreck. And you know how I love a good trainwreck. I have to be honest- I felt a little mislead by the previews for the Bethenny/Jill fight but whatever I'm over it. And I am glad I don't need to worry about my best friends deteriorating friendship over the summer. ha!

Ramoner you are a hot mess (sometimes, I am not sure who is more of a mess you or Simon- but you both are fighting pretty hard for it which makes for some great television). I am not sure Ramoner is the authority on all things "tacky" as she seems to think she is but whatever. Ramoner did you see your hair for the Morrocan fashion show? Oh wait that's not tacky that was just ugly. Hmmm. "Chair dance" much? Now that's tacky.

good Lord Alex.. do you have 1/2 a brain... did you really admit that you haven't invited anyone to the charity event that is a week away at your committee meeting? No you di'int. Girlfriend needs to get her "outloud voice" in check. Are you a fool?? No, you leave that up to your husband. What in the WORLD was Simon (the sixth Housewife) wearing? I don't care if Versace himself rose from the dead to make those pants... ugly is ugly whether it's Versace, D&G or Chanel (although I don't think Chanel is capable of ugly).

Jill tells her daughter she will break out a "pee on a stick" test to see if she has been drinking! Hilarious... I am SO getting one of those in about 12 years. As the boys come home I'll make them pee on a stick to get in the house. Ok, maybe I won't, but I definitely will threaten it.

Thank Goodness the Real Housewives of NJ starts on the 12th or I might actually be forced to... read a book... or get a life. :)

don't tell the Countess

oh Lord. I'm always nervous when Jack's teacher utters, "I've got a story for you!" My initial thought is usually - what did he do now.... He's not keeping his hands to himself again is he... We're working on it, promise!

As it turns out the class is reading books on Manners (i knew i was sending him there for a good reason!). Oh no! Did he tell the teacher I told him the "birthday police" were not going to let him turn four until he mastered his Please and Thank Yous!? Apparently Jack informed his teacher that he always uses his manners. He let her know he always says, "I want, I want, I want!" Seriously - Emily Post would not be happy. Ahhh the etiquette of a three year old.

messy little monster

Man, little Tman needs this bib. I think I might be ordering him one for his birthday. Boy can eat. And now that he is feeding himself finger foods, when he gets his eat on, watch out! I either need to strip him down or get one of these.

It's cute, right? They have tons of cute little appliques. The website is Little Giggles and they have all kinds of sweet stuff for your lil' monsters. For those of you that read and live in the R-I-C (as in Richmond) she sells her super cute stuff at The Shoppes at 5807.

can't put a price on quiet...

After a few fun filled days of visitors chez P... it's just me (and my sleepy T), my coffee and my friends Al, Matt, Meredith and Natalie (anne curry annoys me so she is not my friend).

you can thank me later.

I have a secret… but don't worry I am willing to share because I am nice like that. Summer's coming (that's not the secret), which means I will have to fit my mom-figure into a bathing suit and chase my children around the pool. Pressure’s on to not look like a beached whale while doing this -EEK. One would think that this means I would give up chocolate, but we all know that I don't even do that for Lent. These new Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates are my new "secret" obsession: Hello... 1 (that is not a typo- ONE) Weight Watchers point each. I don't do Weight Watchers, but I feel if my "dessert" is just 1 point, then I am doing good (and can eat 10). :) They are so unbelievably tasty – a “pearl” of soft dark chocolate on the inside enveloped in more dark chocolate on the outside - it's like a little bit o' heaven in your mouth! And did you know that chocolate has been known to reduce stress levels... I'm just sayin'...

So, boys, if someone has taught you to read my blog, run out and get Mommy some of these for Mother's Day. Not that everyday with you two isn't Mother's Day around here (hahahahahah)...

breathe...

the amount of spills that occurred at my house before 7:30AM today is stressing me out. When, oh when will the sunshine again!? Ahhhhhh!

i'd be furious

Jack is at an age where he says the funniest things... i hope this is as entertaining as it was last night.

Our friends had us over to their beautiful new house for a Pre Race Pasta Party. They have two boys the same age as my two boys so everybody wins when we hang there! AJ was helping Jack use the potty because it is a little too high for him without a stool. Jack was trying to flush when he realized the handle jiggled a little.

Jack: Daddy is this loose?
AJ: Yes that is loose. If this were our house, you could help me fix that.
Jack: If this were our house, I'd be furious!

What? What three year old says furious!? I think I might definitely throw out a furious or two-- as in pick up the playroom stat or I am going to be FURIOUS! I better watch what I say.

real quick.

Um, real quick. How is it that it takes me all week to catch up with our laundry situation. It is a perpetual cycle-- every room has a pile screaming to be cleaned. My mom comes for 24 hours and does ALL of our laundry (including ironing), takes my kids to the library and helps me make curtains. Seriously just typing all that made me a little tired. It would have taken me weeks (lets not kid ourselves, months - with ironing included- I'm not so much domestic when it comes to laundry) to get all that done. I think she has a secret to all this mom business that she is keeping. Secrets, secrets are no fun, Secrets, secrets hurt someone. Fess up, Mom.

THANK YOU, MOM!

broad street... i'm comin' for you.

Favorite comfy socks clean - Check.
iPod full o' tunes - Check.
Carb Load Pasta Party - Check.
Sanity- jury's still out on this.

What am I thinking?? I have NO business running the Broad Street Run!? Ahhhh! Alas, my New Years Resolution this year was to do this. All. ten. miles. My cousin is coming to run with me. She is an athlete and will totally smoke this run. Despite my doubts I am excited. The time has come to kick Broad Streets little butt. Look out Broad Street-here I come! The good news is tomorrow by 11 AM it will be over and I will feel accomplished and sore. :)

Food Friday

While Giada (as in the Food Networks Giada De Laurentiis for those of you that are not on a first name basis with her like I am!ha!) does drive me a little batty with her authentic pronounciation of all thinks Italian/American like spaghetti, mozzerella, and the like, she can make a mean orzo salad. I made this for the Springsteen concert tailgate and the kids have been eating up some of the extras! Great for Spring!

Recipe courtesy Giada De Laurentiis (slightly modified)

Orzo Salad
4 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cups orzo
1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups red and yellow teardrop tomatoes or grape tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup finely chopped red onion (mom, because I know how much you love green onions, feel free to substitute, I have and it is still delish)
~ palm full of crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves (not entirely necessary for delish factor)
About 3/4 cup Red Wine Vinaigrette, I use store bought

Salt and freshly ground black pepper


Directions
Pour the broth into a heavy large saucepan. Cover the pan and bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Stir in the orzo. Cover partially and cook until the orzo is tender but still firm to the bite, stirring frequently, about 7 minutes. Drain the orzo through a strainer. Transfer the orzo to a large wide bowl and toss until the orzo cools slightly. Set aside to cool completely.
Toss the orzo with the beans, tomatoes, onion, basil, mint, and enough vinaigrette to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve at room temperature.

the pigs are flying...

Hmmm. Thomas has a bit of a cold. I am mostly certain it is allergies... but could it be swine flu??? :) (so there's a sheet of pollen coating our cars and lawn and we played outside all day yesterday.... this is no time for rational thinking, people!)

Since I have not witnessed him doing this as of late, I will go with allergies.