tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72310054844543680622024-03-21T22:03:05.263-04:00Being MamaWhat did I do before this?Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-38738112571041623042012-06-12T21:21:00.002-04:002012-06-12T21:21:34.870-04:00Brendan is 5.You read that correctly. My son is 5 years old today. The son I used to blog about as a tiny baby and crazy toddler. I think I'm in shock. I pulled up this old blog lastnight and was completely overwhelmed with the memories that came flooding back to me. What a treasure this blog is. I cannot believe I used to have the time to write in this thing, but am so glad I chose to do so. The stories in this blog are stories that my kids will read years from now. Even if I started out strong when I had all the time in the world to write, and now I barely have the time to shower...I am so thankful for what I do have here.
So it looks as if my last post was from 2010. Fo realz? I can't believe it. 2011 must have been a damn good year. We took 2 summer vacations, one to Emerald Isle and another to Idaho. Although it was just a Mommy and Son to trip to Idaho. We will all go as a family this year. B and I were lucky enough to miss Hurrican Irene and get out of dodge before it struck the northeast. Poor Daddy and Ryan were without power (and TV!) for days while Brendan and I enjoyed the God's Country out in the great northwest. But it was for the best. Ryan was still too little to travel and it was wonderful to spend some alone time with Brendan. Something I don't get much of anymore.
So the kids are growing like weeds. Brendan is into trucks, cars, and anything construction or landscaping (still!) and Ryan is a typical girly girl. Loves to push her stroller around with an animal or dolly buckled up inside. Her hair is incredible. Curls Ga-LORE. I can't take her anywhere without someone literally stopping me to comment on the girl's hair. She's beautiful, sweet, funny, so incredibly smart, and so affectionate. She's polite, rarely throws tantrums (yet?) and is just so happy. She has a love for food most parents would kill for. I mean good food. Fruits, veggies, meats, dairy. She eats it all, while parents are pureeing broccoli and pouring it into muffins as some sort of clever disuise. I don't have to do that, proudly enough. My precious daughter is everything I ever imagined and more. I couldn't imagine life without her. ( I should be saying "we." Husband loves her a lot too. :)
So....Brendan is 5. 5 years ago at this very moment I was snuggling in a hospital bed with a lumpy, warm little newborn. I will never forget those moments with him. I just stared at him. Every move was like watching an intense basketball game. "Oh! He yawned! Oh! He stretched! Oh! He blinked! Oh! He pooped! He shoots! He scores!" I just gazed at him. I remember thinking, this can't be real. He's not mine. What did I do to deserve this kind of pure happiness?
And if someone had warned me how much stress comes with raising boys, I may have just left him behind at that hospital and ran for my life. Kidding. Kind of. :)
Brendan is my toughie. Ryan is supposedly in her terrible 2's but I wouldn't even know it, because truth be told, I am always dealing with the Brendan drama. I think that's the way he prefers it. The more drama he creates, the less I am paying attention to Ryan. Whatever the case, he can be a huge giant pain in the ass and I just want to throw my hands up in the air sometimes and say "I give up, Lord! I cannot pass this test!"
But then, looking back....wow. My life has been incredible with these 2 kids in it. So incredible, that I have no time to blog anymore. :) Or at least that's my excuse because surely I am not lazy! I am quite happy to say that we are so busy soaking up life that even if I only get little spurts of time to write, I am okay with that. My memory and my kids memories will have all kinds of stories to hold, not just this blog.
Anyway, since I did manage to find some time to write, let me say this: Brendan turned 5 years old today and I feel like his life has just gone by in a flash. I used to want to smack the people who'd say "don't blink, or you'll miss it." They were so right.
Happy 5th Birthday, Brendan. We love you more than words can ever say.Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-80478529709472166822010-11-15T22:45:00.003-05:002010-11-15T23:27:16.418-05:00Dear Sissy,One year ago tonight, I was laying on the couch watching "Desperate Housewives" while gripping a pillow and wincing in pain. You were on your merry way. I looked over at Dada and said "I betcha anything you won't be going to work tomorrow!" He didn't mind. I couldn't believe you were about to be born and I cry now as I write, because looking back to that night, it's hard to imagine I hadn't yet met you. You weren't really in our lives just yet, and now, we can't imagine life without your crystal blue eyes and contagious smile.<br /><br />Sometime around 5 a.m. (my memory is a bit weary) we called Grandma to come and sit with your big brother so that we could head to the hospital. I remember being sad that I wouldn't be able to say goodbye to him since it was so early. I went around the corner to head up the stairs for my hospital bag, and there he was, sitting on the stairs. He'd heard the commotion. Even though it was so early in the morning, I was so happy he'd woken up. I told him that when Daddy and I return, he would be a big brother and I kissed him goodbye. I may have also left him with a new toy. (Mommy guilt) Then, we were hospital bound.<br /><br />The birthing process is never pretty, so I'll focus on the good stuff. It was so exciting to lay in bed and wait for you to arrive. Painful, very painful, but so exciting. I wondered who you'd look like. Would you look like me? Dada? Brendan? Would you have a ton of black hair like your brother had when he was born? Would you be quiet as a mouse in the nursery and win all the nurses hearts over with your teeny little voice? And most importantly, would our lives change just as much as they did, when Brendan entered our lives?<br /><br />Well, to answer all of the above. You looked just like Brendan did, minus the hair because you were born without one strand. You had the cutest nose that we pegged immediately as Deepah's. (Grandpa, for those reading) You were NOT so quiet in the nursery, and they were ever-so-anxious to bring you right back to me after each trip to the nursery. And last but not least, you have changed our lives in more ways than you can ever imagine. Sometimes I look at you and Brendan playing on the floor, and life before the two of you almost seems nonexistent. I got more sleep back then, but I wouldn't trade this life for anything in the world.<br /><br />So, at 1 year old, here are your stats:<br /><br />You're almost walking but still not quite sure. I am fine with that BTW.<br /><br />You have 6 teeth. 4 on the bottom, 2 on top that just came through, like yesterday.<br /><br />You loooove books. You sit and turn the pages, point to objects, and laugh.<br /><br />You looooove dolls already. You hug them and sway from side to side. <br /><br />You looooove music. The only way Dada can make you happy sometimes is to turn on iTunes and blast the volume. It may be your calling. <br /><br />You took yourself off the bottle last week. I cried over that one. There's nothing I loved more than holding you first thing in the morning, all dressed in your cozy pajamas, while you drank your ba-ba.<br /><br />You love Brendan's blankie, which has caused some problems. You have 3 of your own, yet you want his. There's something about that blankie....<br /><br />All of the sudden you despise baths. Hated them as a newborn, then loved them for a few months, now hating them again. So, you get very few baths.<br /><br />You make us belly laugh like no other. Especially Brendan. He'll never admit it, but he loves to laugh at you. Everything you do is "so silly" he says. "That sissy is so silly, right Mama?" <br /><br />You've got just about enough hair for a bow. <br /><br />You're a human garbage disposal. You eat, and eat, and eat. There is no food out there that you do not like. You also like toilet paper, leaves, and socks.<br /><br />I will find out this week how big you are getting. I can't believe we're headed to your one year appointment in a few days. I just can't believe it. It was just yesterday that I layed on the couch with you, many nights, rocking you to sleep. I enjoyed those quiet moments, just you and me. I couldn't believe I had a baby girl to follow my baby boy around. <br /><br />Sissy, Ry-Ry, Diva, Crazy lady, Ry-Lo, Rhino, munchkaroo, Snotty McSnotty Pants....whatever the nickname is for the day....We Love You. Thank you for making us belly laugh. <br /><br />Happy, Happy 1st Birthday! (tomorrow.) <br /><br />Love, <br />MommaLynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-34317440949411216582010-10-18T22:29:00.021-04:002010-10-19T08:58:10.412-04:00Dear Ryan....Back when your brother was born, I had all kinds of time on my hands. Apart from doing laundry, changing diapers, back-to-back feedings, vomit clean-ups in aisle 4, and finding time for the occasional shower, I spent my days staring at him...blogging about him...and writing him letters. Lots and lots of letters.<br /><br />I have to be honest, I don't have that kind of time these days. I have you! But, you still deserve a love letter from your Mama before you turn 1 year old next month. Even if I wake up feeling all kinds of tired and crabby tomorrow, because it's way past my bedtime! But as I said, you deserve some written words from me.<br /><br />From the moment I found out I was pregnant with you, I knew you'd always keep me guessing. After 3 different pregnancy tests, all reading strangely different results, I was happy to find out that the positive one was right on the money. I came out of the bathroom and told Brendan he was going to be a Big Brother! He acted excited but really had no idea what was to come. Then Daddy came home from work, and I told him. He was very excited also. We couldn't wait to make our family a happy foursome. <br /><br />This is you, inside Mommy:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNL73MmbHdXCJBxZHmUZkmm2IJNMZ1j-ytT7t9xemqJLwdsM371-z924SZZU9xc_ohL3jk_230WdqzRBNbdGTwWAlDt8mm6Lb9P6TuLSXzZv88i_nfF7v6te9baUgNsx8UbVIV7vc9Q/s1600/Baby+Lotty+%232+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNL73MmbHdXCJBxZHmUZkmm2IJNMZ1j-ytT7t9xemqJLwdsM371-z924SZZU9xc_ohL3jk_230WdqzRBNbdGTwWAlDt8mm6Lb9P6TuLSXzZv88i_nfF7v6te9baUgNsx8UbVIV7vc9Q/s320/Baby+Lotty+%232+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529581204232097618" /></a><br /><br />I was miserable the first few months of pregnancy with you. I don't know why they call it "morning sickness" because I was nauseous from morning til night. Once that subsided, the heartburn and reflux was next up to kill me. I couldn't eat or drink water. Convenient! Orange juice commercials alone sent me running for the TUMS. I craved peanut butter, bagels, waffles, donuts, doritos, anything mexican, and ice chips. I chewed so many ice chips that I eventually broke a tooth at 38 weeks pregnant and wound up in the dentist chair. "Are you sure you're not at the wrong dr. office, Mrs. Lotty?" Nope! Fix my tooth so I can get back to chewing ice chips please! And make it snappy, I gotta pee!<br /><br />You were very active at night. I never slept because you were testing out your fancy dance moves on all of my bodily organs. I remember laying in bed, watching my pajamas move all over the place as you moved and grooved. I almost miss that feeling...<br /><br />Brendan curiously watched my belly grow bigger and asked me if you were going to like cars. Judging from the way you danced inside the womb, I didn't have the heart to tell him you'd prefer all girly things, but I was wrong. You DO love cars. Actually, you love anything as long as he is playing along side you.<br /><br />Finally on a chilly Sunday night, I beached myself on the couch to watch "Desperate Housewives" and winced in pain. Major pain. I knew you'd be arriving very soon. I told Daddy I didn't think he'd be going to work the next day. I was right:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3T5g8gkdMU-TXVOTwHESiPkW12O4XDrM1zrl47k09CxtLKTDd4J8ahbirI6v3iCbiHl00XDZUlW32K_iUozxlR4ggWZ4DquPR-YCrfZLDaIy06icUcauW1NRrgzukCIrvHyRcDBEEg/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir3T5g8gkdMU-TXVOTwHESiPkW12O4XDrM1zrl47k09CxtLKTDd4J8ahbirI6v3iCbiHl00XDZUlW32K_iUozxlR4ggWZ4DquPR-YCrfZLDaIy06icUcauW1NRrgzukCIrvHyRcDBEEg/s320/IMG_4312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529584229222208274" /></a><br /><br />There you were, one day early. You entered this world with attitude, girlfriend. Brendan was so quiet in the nursery, they had to check his pulse. You, on the other hand, could be heard for miles. And miles. You screamed for the first 4 months of your life. We're very proud of ourselves for keeping our cool and not leaving you in a basket on the church steps. Because then we wouldn't get to see this face each and every day:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkGc9PcmxxonQnCG5El3N1L7qQQIxZERZNGAejkY0Fu4LUjs-5WBAMbC3k0lhlHBs50H_aWS9SEoyevDElllHC5YTX7iwyNV-vW1rl48WrU7JyLSrnNOcrtsXt-AyHslgcNkft1uB7Q/s1600/IMG_6382.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYkGc9PcmxxonQnCG5El3N1L7qQQIxZERZNGAejkY0Fu4LUjs-5WBAMbC3k0lhlHBs50H_aWS9SEoyevDElllHC5YTX7iwyNV-vW1rl48WrU7JyLSrnNOcrtsXt-AyHslgcNkft1uB7Q/s320/IMG_6382.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529585679982063874" /></a><br /><br />Your brother wasn't so sure of you at first. Okay, so he finally just warmed up to you just in time for your 1st Birthday. I think he's figured out that you're not going anywhere, so he better just suck it up and start showing you some love. He's a true big brother- likes to tell you what to do. I'm just hoping it will stick when you turn 16. "Don't go out with that guy, Sissy, I'll tell Mama." He does love you, so, so much. You're the first thing he asks for in the morning, and the last thing he talks about at night. "I wuv Sissy, I wike to share my toys wif her." He likes to build towers out of plastic cups or paper towels and laughs hysterically when you knock them over:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEp3S3zBhT4ybAmHcgeuejK9d6a5Z-9lfII960po-BUQpDW8YX8MqceWy4qG-5AybQ3BMZVOG1ANOKzjyhvJOsFvPrScBkSPFp7emGeRK57xeXn8jRYRQWWJ2Z9JPG23LR3vdxrjtTQ/s1600/IMG_6238.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTEp3S3zBhT4ybAmHcgeuejK9d6a5Z-9lfII960po-BUQpDW8YX8MqceWy4qG-5AybQ3BMZVOG1ANOKzjyhvJOsFvPrScBkSPFp7emGeRK57xeXn8jRYRQWWJ2Z9JPG23LR3vdxrjtTQ/s320/IMG_6238.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529586788918827954" /></a><br /><br />And when he really, really loves you, he lets you take his wheels for a spin:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBQt4LmegY_9u6GvQQ7-Hd8zjKJoL5wynQN-sNM2T4tT8NhqooVtcS_RNSCfv6PrtoXAKs_AZ0rc-swjZZxmdqYNvzweIRJ_lMvgmptmOMOe8CZ9VjXtesI4A0caVqBe5S4exm6e6uw/s1600/IMG_6273.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBQt4LmegY_9u6GvQQ7-Hd8zjKJoL5wynQN-sNM2T4tT8NhqooVtcS_RNSCfv6PrtoXAKs_AZ0rc-swjZZxmdqYNvzweIRJ_lMvgmptmOMOe8CZ9VjXtesI4A0caVqBe5S4exm6e6uw/s320/IMG_6273.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529587278268302578" /></a><br /><br />I don't want to embarrass Daddy so I'll keep this part simple. Your bond with Dada is something pretty special. He gets mad at me for being at Brendan's disposal, but I just know the second you're able to talk with that sweet little voice, he'll be tripping all over himself to wait on you. Right now his mission is to get you walking. I am not ready for that, but can't wait to see you running around the backyard with your Daddy and big brother either.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkJvPhS0K5YigPEzfBnRNr1ZvxQ0O1o6OJ-bcMGILsVK9xfRvsB20-9ZViLE2an7IJpjE_-7xreKFf-UAqRlfhqTco1mlbe8aXmjaqP9Dggxr9f9R4fY0Usiaz7_O6fPsm3t26zmGTA/s1600/IMG_6240.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkJvPhS0K5YigPEzfBnRNr1ZvxQ0O1o6OJ-bcMGILsVK9xfRvsB20-9ZViLE2an7IJpjE_-7xreKFf-UAqRlfhqTco1mlbe8aXmjaqP9Dggxr9f9R4fY0Usiaz7_O6fPsm3t26zmGTA/s320/IMG_6240.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529588271514501186" /></a><br /><br />At 11 months old, you are just the craziest little thing we've ever seen. The craziest! You crawl at lightning speed. You eat everything and anything you can get your hands on. You dance to every tune. You clap your hands when Brendan smiles at you. You say "Mama" and "Dada" already. You can spot a piece of jewelry from across the room, and immediately notice if I've painted my nails. You put any object up to your ear and pretend it's a phone. You find things in drawers we didn't know we had. You love your Grandma and Deepah and shriek with delight when you see them. You're always on the go, yet you love a few seconds of cuddling from time to time. I'd love to say that you sit and read books like Brendan did when he was a baby, but sitting still is simply not your style my little friend. <br /><br />I have to be honest and say that I always thought I'd have boys. I never thought I'd be the mother of a daughter. I am terrified of all sorts of things...I mean, I don't even know how to accessorize or how to properly apply make-up, so how the heck am I going to set a good example for you? I guess we'll just have to figure it out together, you and I. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAL0_jwWDsuwoN0rb4flgZQzc_xLv2QxV5Bo2s3X2d5-Cuxdk8KLWjB5kKuu3WJCJpXA73VBEn5LvlnTAdoBXQnv4SNNcIQnJo6IYLdZDklwPhdbtOt3Hnkjmf6GpH9k9pFAihRuorg/s1600/Lotty_20.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAL0_jwWDsuwoN0rb4flgZQzc_xLv2QxV5Bo2s3X2d5-Cuxdk8KLWjB5kKuu3WJCJpXA73VBEn5LvlnTAdoBXQnv4SNNcIQnJo6IYLdZDklwPhdbtOt3Hnkjmf6GpH9k9pFAihRuorg/s320/Lotty_20.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529592255726426418" /></a><br /><br />Thank you for coming into our lives, and keeping us on our toes. You've certainly got spunk, and we cannot wait to see what you do with it. Those big blue eyes and magical laughter have lit up our world in ways we can't describe. Life with you, is wonderful.<br /><br />Love,<br />MamaLynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-28891117348305339312010-10-07T20:26:00.008-04:002010-10-07T20:51:57.626-04:005 YearsI was supposed to post this last week as a little tribute to our 5 year wedding anniversary, but as usual, kids get in the way. <br /><br />The husband and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary on October 1st. I cannot believe it's been that long already since we made a lifelong commitment to eachother....<br /><br />I knew from the moment I met him, that we'd be together. Really. I sat down next to him in a bar, was immediately mesmerized by his baby blue eyes, and haven't looked back since. I couldn't believe he was single. I just thought he was the most handsome man I'd ever met. Still is.<br /><br />I don't think you'll be shocked when I show you the coolest things my husband has ever given me:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaKoF6plxuETjzaePcqg5M1awTetIWLjzEk0Kk3_4byspSU4qD2QocygbHOnUq9Niu6H-rhLy7qSQwZn4zyyjsfu_fNdenLdw2Ld4Eg5KLbUetJPphCE21knRMM5mAlxiIP0OeU2xkQ/s1600/IMG_6308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVaKoF6plxuETjzaePcqg5M1awTetIWLjzEk0Kk3_4byspSU4qD2QocygbHOnUq9Niu6H-rhLy7qSQwZn4zyyjsfu_fNdenLdw2Ld4Eg5KLbUetJPphCE21knRMM5mAlxiIP0OeU2xkQ/s320/IMG_6308.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525471089179645106" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBjTHtgPGWdPtuR7dSAKe9fxDoRGyct-MAkzfv_2AfKB2rC8PuueUlQQYeeuB2v9aRAtx4SZrm6PV-IFVlVdtjiBrjp9Jq9hJ9Y1UZ86YSDNuEcmJXBtkBhaaP7rVTatlHlxpPH27XQ/s1600/IMG_6286.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKBjTHtgPGWdPtuR7dSAKe9fxDoRGyct-MAkzfv_2AfKB2rC8PuueUlQQYeeuB2v9aRAtx4SZrm6PV-IFVlVdtjiBrjp9Jq9hJ9Y1UZ86YSDNuEcmJXBtkBhaaP7rVTatlHlxpPH27XQ/s320/IMG_6286.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525468624038204786" /></a><br /><br />But he's also given me other things throughout the years....<br /><br />Friendship<br />Loyalty<br />Laughter<br />Comfort<br />Support<br />Confidence<br />Memories<br />More laughter<br /><br />...and love of course. Lots and lots of love.<br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsC7VNntjFVW3dx3fa_LO0zf-DAzvwpU5zQKbuKMP6N3KP3Z0nQWM2MyrebjJ1njoZzArv4mpFduvF88_3M_tmG7lGdiTZ1zAqjrnrPwB1JkhHE1etqXR0HSkcx-ehJ2hJo4-teGEfw/s1600/IMG_6281.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsC7VNntjFVW3dx3fa_LO0zf-DAzvwpU5zQKbuKMP6N3KP3Z0nQWM2MyrebjJ1njoZzArv4mpFduvF88_3M_tmG7lGdiTZ1zAqjrnrPwB1JkhHE1etqXR0HSkcx-ehJ2hJo4-teGEfw/s320/IMG_6281.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525471351677161298" /></a> <br /><br />Happy 5 Year (and one week) Anniversary, Matthew. :)Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-15507405971108510332010-09-25T10:50:00.003-04:002010-09-25T10:55:35.498-04:0032I turn 32 years of age today. I am healthy, I live in a lovely home, and am married to the best man in the world. I have two incredible children, an amazing, supportive family, and great friends. I never thought in a million years I would end up this lucky. I am so blessed. <br /><br />Happy Birthday to me. :)Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-37963864072552886442010-09-23T22:25:00.004-04:002010-09-24T00:08:02.179-04:00Paging June CleaverFailing sucks. And lately, I feel as though I'm failing miserably as a mother. I just wish I could go back and un-do it all, and start over. Start fresh. I suppose that would take the entire journey away, and that's what parenting is: a journey. I wish I could've been more prepared for its ups and downs. And for the times that there are so many more downs than ups. I just want happy children, and one of them never seems to be happy. Can you guess which one?<br /><br />I also just wish I would stop letting the chaos get to me and take it like a grown-up, instead of throwing tantrums like my 3 year old. Where is the June Cleaver in me? Why can't I just stand there in my apron and pearls and fancy up-do and say "Well dear, when you're done throwing matchbox cars at me and your sister, you can join us for supper." Instead I get so angry at him for acting like a 3 year old. Because you know, he's THREE.<br /><br />How do teen parents do it? You know, those 16 year olds that pop out several kids. I'm 32 and can barely keep it together. I'm sure they don't have it together either, but at the moment, everyone else seems so much better off than we are...<br /><br />Off to snuggle with the one who never seems to be happy. Hoping for better days to come. It's all I can do.Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-80239198633986315402010-09-23T15:01:00.002-04:002010-09-23T15:03:09.863-04:00Deep Thoughts by Brendan"How long will Sissy live here? She needs her own house and her own toys."<br /><br />*sigh*Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-59151272622928608842010-09-23T08:50:00.003-04:002010-09-23T08:58:55.885-04:00Mothers Throw Tantrums, Too!That's right. I threw a tantrum in front of the kids lastnight over having nowhere to sit. I had made Ryan a bottle and sat down in the chair with her. Brendan decided he was suddenly in charge of where I sit while I feed her, so he started screaming. "Move! You can't sit there! That's MY chair! That's MY CHAIR Mama! Move Mama! THAT'S MY CHAIR!" Poor Ryan could barely finish her bottle with all the yelling, so I got up to move. That's when I lost it. He's still screaming, I'm looking around for somewhere to sit with the baby, and there's nothing. Nowhere to sit. The couch was covered in toys. The other chair was covered in toys. The chair I'd been sitting in was covered in toys, as I could feel the sting of matchbox car that had dug right into my right ass cheek. <br /><br />"AND JUST WHERE WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO SIT? THIS PLACE IS A DISASTER AREA!" I sat Ryan down on the floor, picked up the toy baskets that are SUPPOSED to hold all of the toys, and started chucking cars and trains in like crazy, all the while muttering not-so-kind words for bossy toddler. <br /><br />10 minutes later the room is completely cleaned up and I'm covered in sweat. Kids are both staring at me like I've just grown 6 heads. "Thank you for cleaning up, Mama. Is it time for bed now?"<br /><br />I'm ashamed to ask if I should do that more often??Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-80217114879003887562010-09-21T10:11:00.008-04:002010-09-21T10:29:00.195-04:00Ryan's StatsSince I never did keep baby books for either child, (slap my hand!) I need to quickly jot down Ryan's "firsts" before I forget.<br /><br />1st roll over- the day she was born I think!<br /><br />1st smile- about 4 weeks old, right here:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsQ17mPeWgev2N-vO-456ZICy38jqfchpVHoD6xwRRdWw_IAlemImREOVPOmQx_GOB8pbSYwime2xykdJ1svYQHvXZXaUZ-iUnmOEUgPU_B4uC87tF8Q1VTMEeEzz8QAxdpuOn7FfuQ/s1600/IMG_4845.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitsQ17mPeWgev2N-vO-456ZICy38jqfchpVHoD6xwRRdWw_IAlemImREOVPOmQx_GOB8pbSYwime2xykdJ1svYQHvXZXaUZ-iUnmOEUgPU_B4uC87tF8Q1VTMEeEzz8QAxdpuOn7FfuQ/s320/IMG_4845.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519370074900920674" /></a><br /><br />1st tooth- Popped in on April 20th while Brendan and I were in NYC with friends. The babysitter noticed it first and texted me to announce it. I cried.<br /><br />2nd tooth- Popped in not long after?<br /><br />3rd tooth- Popped in August 14th. Matt was in Vegas for a Bachelor Party and I texted him to announce it. I doubt he cried.<br /><br />Sat up alone- Memorial Day Weekend.<br /><br />Started crawling: Middle of July, right after returning home from our beach vacation in North Carolina.<br /><br />Stood up alone: doing it now!! <br /><br />She's crazy. Nothing like Brendan was....Brendan wasn't even officially crawling at this age. He was just a chubby bump on a log:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjFEtqPO3AHciKxsBOy0-wIsikkaTfkunGQO64tTRHd9_Ye1q1Ey0l9VZraVoh_ikddWVdfeW0YkSfvKxfj3yOv1KNZBNkFvbB9BEdMsi97vEXxTLDF8wiXSwG18eSXuEn-rwwNX4UA/s1600/IMG_1507.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjFEtqPO3AHciKxsBOy0-wIsikkaTfkunGQO64tTRHd9_Ye1q1Ey0l9VZraVoh_ikddWVdfeW0YkSfvKxfj3yOv1KNZBNkFvbB9BEdMsi97vEXxTLDF8wiXSwG18eSXuEn-rwwNX4UA/s320/IMG_1507.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519372813490072690" /></a><br /><br />This is Ryan, crawling toward the camera as quick as an ostrich:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMxi7RhkCw6gqB7NhMprgFJeUmZwq38yeP0ikgS7EMlF39p3DWcjO5hY77LVjpGyFCutZg3TcAyJoJqjPvQxkbQOBMbYKFIsaUjnFrkRNHjaZgDGMrD7_PtrbBlnFMOOlP1TsgbDqcg/s1600/IMG_6188.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMxi7RhkCw6gqB7NhMprgFJeUmZwq38yeP0ikgS7EMlF39p3DWcjO5hY77LVjpGyFCutZg3TcAyJoJqjPvQxkbQOBMbYKFIsaUjnFrkRNHjaZgDGMrD7_PtrbBlnFMOOlP1TsgbDqcg/s320/IMG_6188.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519373170156453618" /></a><br /><br />You get my point.<br /><br />Stay tuned for more wonderful "firsts."Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-82620507648656383522010-09-20T20:08:00.004-04:002010-09-20T20:09:29.987-04:00Brendan had no nap today. It's like a scene from "The Exorcist" upstairs. God keep me from getting in the car and heading for the nearest liquor store.Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-18769325535570910772010-09-19T22:12:00.016-04:002010-09-19T23:52:29.258-04:00Fall is here......and I am too! I know I made a solemn vow to faithfully commit myself to keeping this blog back in....June, I think was the last post...but man alive, do these kids keep me busy! I truly am lucky if I get to eat a full meal some days. Summer was <strong>insanely busy </strong>with a energetic, potty-training toddler and very mobile infant. And facebook-ah, such a love/hate relationship with that thing. It has to go. Soon, I promise. It has kept me from writing in this precious diary of mine for so long and for that, I am embarrassed. If you're not on facebook, I congratulate you because it is seriously time consuming and can be borderline addicting if you let it become just that. I could sit and view photos of old classmates and their families for hours upon hours. I haven't even seen some of these people since Junior High, yet it's "so necessary" to see what they've been up to this summer by viewing pics and reading their numerous daily status updates. Why, you ask? Hell I don't know! That's the problem. My husband loathes facebook. Sees absolutely no reason to be on it. "If I didn't like anyone in high school, why would I want to be their f*cking friend on facebook?" He's got a point. Yet, most of my family is now on the infamous site and so are many close friends that I truly DO enjoy checking in with. I tried taking myself off it for a week and had major withdrawls...."wonder what my little brother is doing today...wonder if my sister-in-law posted pics of the kids first day of school...wonder what my mom is eating for lunch...." Well, I suppose if facebook is my biggest dilemma in life, I've got nothing to complain about.<br /><br />Speaking of life...life is crazy. Brendan is 3 and Ryan is 10 months, already! Already!! I feel like both kids just arrived yesterday and gazed into my eyes at the hospital, probably thinking,"Wow, she looks terrible. Hope she perks up a bit!" When you have babies, every Tom, Dick, Harry, and Henrietta will tell you just this, word for word: "Enjoy these years, they fly by so fast." And you just yawn and say with an eye-roll "Yeah, whatever, I'm tired...hopefully they do fly by so that Momma can get a little shut-eye for a change." But man, were those people right. Brendan sprouted up before my very eyes. I have vivid memories of him just days old, napping on my chest The cute, twisted faces he would make as he'd lift his little fuzzy head to yawn and stretch, then lie down again for more slumbering. Oh how I'd give anything, anything to go back to one of those naps. Ryan is still my little baby, but even she's just about entered toddlerhood with her proud moments of standing all by herself. She dances to any music, even just a car commercial if it's got a good beat. She claps. She waves. She belly laughs like nobody's business, especially when big brother is doing something silly. She crawls at lightning speed which has put my mothering skills to the true test at times. "Who is upstairs in Ryan's room hiccuping into the baby monitor? OMG! It's RYAN!" She took those stairs like an escaped convict and never looked back. (thank God, or she may have fallen.) She's crazy. She's into things Brendan never even thought twice about at this age. Drawers, cupboards, the toilet, shoes....there are shoes scattered all over this house. She looooves jewelry already...can spot a sparkly earring from a mile away and will manage to unclasp it from your ear in a nanosecond. Basically, she's growing so fast, another reason I'm so angry with myself for neglecting this little diary here. She doesn't have all the funny stories and posted somewhere special online like Brendan does...I suppose it's never too late to start though, right?<br /><br />I'm turning 32 on Saturday. I don't want this to be just any other birthday, not just any new year of life to celebrate. I just did some praying to God upstairs and truly believe that He is what led me right back downstairs to write. (he also mentioned that facebook, if used wisely, can be beneficial. Phew. He also mentioned he has yet to join.) Anyway, I prayed for many things, but most importantly, I prayed for myself. Sounds kind of selfish, but I need some faith in my life more than ever right now. I haven't been feeling very "motherly" as of late. Okay, as of the last 10 months if we're really being honest. Raising two kids has been hard for me. I love my children. Boy do I love my children, but the daily (and nightly) challenges can be very overwhelming, especially with a traveling husband. I'm ashamed to admit that my patience level isn't quite what it was when I was a nanny, raising other's children. I catch myself screaming at my innocent 3 year old for doing things a 3 year old does. I catch myself groaning when the baby won't nap, instead of being thankful that she's a vibrant, healthy baby girl who'd rather play with Momma than sleep. It doesn't help that we're dealing with a sibling rivalry situation between the two. Big brother is still. trying. to. accept the fact that he's no longer the only light in my life. He picks on her. Takes her toys. Pushes her over. Tells her she stinks. (and will eventually tell her she's adopted, I'm sure.) He torments her, and it's hard. I wasn't expecting this kind of upsetting behavior out of him, and I haven't been the best ring leader to try and change the situation. Every night, I get into bed and tell myself, "Tomorrow, I will not yell. I will remember he is only 3. He loves his sissy, he just doesn't like her around so much. He will one day. Tomorrow, I will not yell..." and on and on. <br /><br />Back to the all praying upstairs that I was doing....I was praying for me. I need strength as a mother. I need patience. I need will power not to be such a screamer. I need to relax. I need to stop and smell the roses. I need to be a good Mom to my children. They need me to keep praying for all of these things so that I can continue to love them as much as I do. Man, I just wish someone had told me parenting was going to be this hard. It's not written anywhere when they send you home with that tiny, tiny newborn. It's all fun and games until big brother has a baby sister. <br /><br />But, it's not all bad of course...life is actually really good, despite the toddler issues. The husband and I went to a wedding lastnight and like many other simple things that remind me of how incredibly lucky I am, something caught my eye: My husband. He looked downright handsome in his groomsmen outfit. Truth be told, he was the best looking dude in the place. Of course I always feel this way, but nothing like a navy blue blazer and khaki pants to make him pop. I'm so lucky. So lucky to have him. So lucky to have our kids. So lucky to have our families. So lucky to have that wedding where we danced the night away with great friends....<br /><br />So, I'm turning 32 and with the celebration of another year lived, I am going to make some changes. I'm going to pray more. I'm going to devote myself to being a better Mom, because there's always room for improvement. Always. And most importantly, I'm going to live my life with a little more passion and meaning. My best friend once said, "We're only here once, make it great." Sadly she passed away just a few short months later at just 18 years old. I owe it to her to start living life the way she would have.<br /><br />I posted a video below of a song that really touches my heart for some reason. "If I Die Young." Life is so fragile. Just incase I die tomorrow, I want you all to know this: I had a safe, loving childhood. I took a total leap of faith by leaving the only home I'd ever known at just 18 years old and flew across the country, only to find my new home. I have formed friendships so close, that really, they're my family now. I found the love of my life in a bar, so don't believe those that say bars are a terrible place to go looking for love. I didn't know what pure joy felt like until my babies were born....the kind of joy that makes you feel like you're floating off the ground and makes your heart skip a beat when you come face-to-face with them for the first time. And if there is one thing I have learned in life, that I get to experience every single day, is that children give the most unconditional love ever imagined. They don't hold grudges, they live in the moment, they wear their hearts on their sleeves, and they passionately scream and go after what they want. We should all live our lives like children, in a way. We should all live without judgement and love all others, even when they pick on us and take our things. The world would be a much better place, wouldn't it? <br /><br />As I write, I am already feeling so relieved of the daily parenting pressures, and am just so thankful for those precious human beings asleep upstairs and all they've taught me. So thankful for this incredible life that I live with my best friend at my side to continue this crazy journey with. Thank you, God, for leading me downtairs tonight. He really does listen, for those who wonder. <br /><br />I am done babbling for now and leave you with a couple photos for your viewing pleasure. Stay tuned for more of my greatness. :)<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ0BQngDCLUpAt-YHIPs0TKiuozRZ59tVzJkObZkljsgA6_IMorRXPMPPArEodsVzIt0YP7IUbkMdupSXXOhmNiBX8b76X2OR6LXO2A2dZImnm-gkDxM7WexWxjqNRdcFyOBo_Dtahg/s1600/IMG_5983.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimZ0BQngDCLUpAt-YHIPs0TKiuozRZ59tVzJkObZkljsgA6_IMorRXPMPPArEodsVzIt0YP7IUbkMdupSXXOhmNiBX8b76X2OR6LXO2A2dZImnm-gkDxM7WexWxjqNRdcFyOBo_Dtahg/s320/IMG_5983.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518828046971182642" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gZAG04eunu-CT2druVLfy5WDcMnDt0QRJnnLAuyYw1fE5ZEILKMSKAMgar3ylD9SveH1rsJNnh0MYFww1Ebr2G1AUWnvXFl9K1o6Mq6c9GTxRTjtUHYnj2J8yA5boawUT-0qO_VpAA/s1600/IMG_6080.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gZAG04eunu-CT2druVLfy5WDcMnDt0QRJnnLAuyYw1fE5ZEILKMSKAMgar3ylD9SveH1rsJNnh0MYFww1Ebr2G1AUWnvXFl9K1o6Mq6c9GTxRTjtUHYnj2J8yA5boawUT-0qO_VpAA/s320/IMG_6080.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518827810674995890" /></a>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-31884501677085195652010-09-19T22:05:00.000-04:002010-09-19T22:05:08.800-04:00The Band Perry - If I Die YoungGreat song...makes me think of special people in my life that died much too young.<br /><br /><object style="background-image:url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/7NJqUN9TClM/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7NJqUN9TClM?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7NJqUN9TClM?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowScriptAccess="never" allowFullScreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-7111407622564226072010-06-10T21:42:00.002-04:002010-06-10T21:45:04.878-04:00Pajama Time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvMRmhvT7J5NaCwRrA9MxaJw1ag9dqm4DY6E-XJHUbFZ_FVrOOtRBmg-JAj8rCrPykO-7FrohkaNJF79xXqfsxfYWlg5ehj5jHt2Xe2mzTxijaYQrkzINtmChhVeOxrp3gM9eZyAkYw/s1600/IMG_5694.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvMRmhvT7J5NaCwRrA9MxaJw1ag9dqm4DY6E-XJHUbFZ_FVrOOtRBmg-JAj8rCrPykO-7FrohkaNJF79xXqfsxfYWlg5ehj5jHt2Xe2mzTxijaYQrkzINtmChhVeOxrp3gM9eZyAkYw/s320/IMG_5694.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481325888137619490" /></a>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-32830175194936413812010-06-08T21:16:00.014-04:002010-06-08T21:28:52.736-04:00Day at the ZooBrendan and I enjoyed a special "Mommy and Me" Day today. Things have been a bit....stressful....around here to say the least. If I hear "3 is the new 2" one more time, I might punch someone in the face. <br /><br />Anyway, here are some gorgeous photos of my gorgeous boy. No matter how tough times get, I still love him with every beat of my little heart. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkAX_HKDP3Qz_p_QYDv2zyhqT56zCVKZsw51TnL2mFHHntH6NXenMoDq0DVltBwbAw51tg3T3cfeVHS2EmjQXca4ZXpfyD3zMPgpPdoHNQu5PR3oY4CRGvgIhFTcPWa2PuKyQtmDBBA/s1600/IMG_5749.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmkAX_HKDP3Qz_p_QYDv2zyhqT56zCVKZsw51TnL2mFHHntH6NXenMoDq0DVltBwbAw51tg3T3cfeVHS2EmjQXca4ZXpfyD3zMPgpPdoHNQu5PR3oY4CRGvgIhFTcPWa2PuKyQtmDBBA/s320/IMG_5749.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480579458735832898" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNmbOGH1gNHCMNtIlEdEtdYdK-oPsCPQGTXoAKgcM8z5pfF0niHOtD94OFeRegtpycLSAOk5Vs2rACHX2f2s0ZrmURonmO7NgPV4dUkjUKCnm3WZDLOuUKOkbEeSsy9ohqrIYw9HPzQ/s1600/IMG_5747.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNmbOGH1gNHCMNtIlEdEtdYdK-oPsCPQGTXoAKgcM8z5pfF0niHOtD94OFeRegtpycLSAOk5Vs2rACHX2f2s0ZrmURonmO7NgPV4dUkjUKCnm3WZDLOuUKOkbEeSsy9ohqrIYw9HPzQ/s320/IMG_5747.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480579303426230290" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMrbagCZegZF9ez5ys0KQj9JkVr21T9iIUTzdLAwoV2WcY4SmTsuJvnH4uPuBK4ocPTQx-qeE1vn7Z-dSp2LN0UONaQYnVSXeJ3KI6E-emeRg4sWAzSfhu_pcOqeYWjBV8OBpGtH09Q/s1600/IMG_5751.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMrbagCZegZF9ez5ys0KQj9JkVr21T9iIUTzdLAwoV2WcY4SmTsuJvnH4uPuBK4ocPTQx-qeE1vn7Z-dSp2LN0UONaQYnVSXeJ3KI6E-emeRg4sWAzSfhu_pcOqeYWjBV8OBpGtH09Q/s320/IMG_5751.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480579101941268754" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9SB_Aes0FZgD3oopAYoukdj8qLFu6zJkND0hfRFGKu0aAXZqWEL5O5Dp_D8o526uoBNOvYRX7hm0lmRzqhP_iZGgHun85h3EkHRiAnRx3NPrmMdWTW_XCJKHf0Lj_rqqSgp-u_fqKg/s1600/IMG_5743.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9SB_Aes0FZgD3oopAYoukdj8qLFu6zJkND0hfRFGKu0aAXZqWEL5O5Dp_D8o526uoBNOvYRX7hm0lmRzqhP_iZGgHun85h3EkHRiAnRx3NPrmMdWTW_XCJKHf0Lj_rqqSgp-u_fqKg/s320/IMG_5743.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480578906902900946" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4oy3djFIEiSrxUZ6i0Qr2AWkBtzyOIEpZ-_tRH7D0j3c0df8QRpw7Sya1hT-hf-34yrIukYJr6t7Qk-HPqw38W_sML58v1XSGjk_tm_4GTSfFV1DpmFHrIQZd1vQIabl7zkpo5X9WQ/s1600/IMG_5741.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT4oy3djFIEiSrxUZ6i0Qr2AWkBtzyOIEpZ-_tRH7D0j3c0df8QRpw7Sya1hT-hf-34yrIukYJr6t7Qk-HPqw38W_sML58v1XSGjk_tm_4GTSfFV1DpmFHrIQZd1vQIabl7zkpo5X9WQ/s320/IMG_5741.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480578778882139090" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKXzGJgcFQFM376E6DgNjnQQCBlLw0W3uBgKHVHzedvSiuAmYSecGmsT7KYw2bv4ECB5r5-BvcGhzOJvyjlPyrX6pAGnIAFbai5gaElHVlGlZVAshxrMCYGYMHNewR9rqRCqIS1SypA/s1600/IMG_5739.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKXzGJgcFQFM376E6DgNjnQQCBlLw0W3uBgKHVHzedvSiuAmYSecGmsT7KYw2bv4ECB5r5-BvcGhzOJvyjlPyrX6pAGnIAFbai5gaElHVlGlZVAshxrMCYGYMHNewR9rqRCqIS1SypA/s320/IMG_5739.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480578555300549650" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15doghyphenhyphenYVnKMFg_QeP-Y7W1_4A0hqmLtvfbfKT9YkYBDgeSi4pa-k-RCS2BO7yVAKUsXxYQtmWWLbmhV_bSmbPeRoG23x0WAD7JB16p97ccpMgvx-HEvUoDotUEtawUKBsZojlaGRNA/s1600/IMG_5737.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg15doghyphenhyphenYVnKMFg_QeP-Y7W1_4A0hqmLtvfbfKT9YkYBDgeSi4pa-k-RCS2BO7yVAKUsXxYQtmWWLbmhV_bSmbPeRoG23x0WAD7JB16p97ccpMgvx-HEvUoDotUEtawUKBsZojlaGRNA/s320/IMG_5737.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480578406706266674" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2Sjdii5kUMI3WMseelVauyIvLVvxN537KQyp5c2_K780ZLEynoPoGKwvcQuKa3Quq6-l0QHp7yFVlgW1yLBQugGWG34G2Pix_yIcJInCtn8u6hCjR3QboNNsp5yP7wY8ofGIbJ4glg/s1600/IMG_5730.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2Sjdii5kUMI3WMseelVauyIvLVvxN537KQyp5c2_K780ZLEynoPoGKwvcQuKa3Quq6-l0QHp7yFVlgW1yLBQugGWG34G2Pix_yIcJInCtn8u6hCjR3QboNNsp5yP7wY8ofGIbJ4glg/s320/IMG_5730.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480578191906836258" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8vR6iXh7Dsya5xmAY3XwOCXjOSamEXQiQ-d37jM1pkzi3KvYKyeNNld2lIl4QZ6GQrPaAoirFZMvG4MKpr5S0OqXcV7egln2gfAuxEeXeVOaEWBXjTy0e9dJ6R2nK-Th4ZrjHqCRHw/s1600/IMG_5725.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8vR6iXh7Dsya5xmAY3XwOCXjOSamEXQiQ-d37jM1pkzi3KvYKyeNNld2lIl4QZ6GQrPaAoirFZMvG4MKpr5S0OqXcV7egln2gfAuxEeXeVOaEWBXjTy0e9dJ6R2nK-Th4ZrjHqCRHw/s320/IMG_5725.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480578019763350002" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuHwhwtIvwai8euiweHrOCchTWStGGOXxj8zvRxg0KmdjRo_DDOzX1GFds94d2HcPsRy428UloIsQuH4ZTSo50iD6LzI8fDHSI7Cr6Nn7pr9rXehz_3fQLmTXOPIfyCLm7llVQ8Tc7g/s1600/IMG_5719.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQuHwhwtIvwai8euiweHrOCchTWStGGOXxj8zvRxg0KmdjRo_DDOzX1GFds94d2HcPsRy428UloIsQuH4ZTSo50iD6LzI8fDHSI7Cr6Nn7pr9rXehz_3fQLmTXOPIfyCLm7llVQ8Tc7g/s320/IMG_5719.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480577630587410098" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim629osJLCX2tKt_LPMwZ855lsGglhyphenhyphenO7ADOCIGif-_v55ACMlompwRODF6K2SbL-ibFt4nfMhJ7r3doJU18LRFauKBaa4HJGXlZZdxX8q5G7RegiRytXDGIaeUpVzmMK5x71rtbp1mQ/s1600/IMG_5707.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim629osJLCX2tKt_LPMwZ855lsGglhyphenhyphenO7ADOCIGif-_v55ACMlompwRODF6K2SbL-ibFt4nfMhJ7r3doJU18LRFauKBaa4HJGXlZZdxX8q5G7RegiRytXDGIaeUpVzmMK5x71rtbp1mQ/s320/IMG_5707.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480577529149893170" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh51gX6VmFHRyDTLt2AbWnjayNaY5lLEIs_NaDtt3DLWV93-wuwQon1ovXGLqmCrj6RsT1hE6GHsJDO_QjEWoBCIu656nLfq8q9xkiapGDghpK-SZhFRq4UPthvo7NfkwQP4dAFJfhw/s1600/IMG_5709.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHh51gX6VmFHRyDTLt2AbWnjayNaY5lLEIs_NaDtt3DLWV93-wuwQon1ovXGLqmCrj6RsT1hE6GHsJDO_QjEWoBCIu656nLfq8q9xkiapGDghpK-SZhFRq4UPthvo7NfkwQP4dAFJfhw/s320/IMG_5709.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480577308685552402" /></a>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-32351346022812455282010-06-03T13:03:00.003-04:002010-06-03T13:08:03.494-04:00Nicknames for RyanSince we have a whole list of them accumulated for Brendan, thought I'd share what precious Ryan as been dubbed so far:<br /><br />Diva <br />Screamin Diva<br />Beast<br />Ry-Ry<br />Ry-Lo<br />Rhino<br />Monster<br />Miss Priss<br />Munchkaroo<br />Sissy<br />Sissy-Poo<br />Turdface Stinkyhead<br /><br />Okay, I added that last one in today because she was up all night and I'm wiped.Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-38857525304782857522010-06-02T20:12:00.007-04:002010-06-02T21:02:00.917-04:00Long time, No Post!I cannot believe I've let so much precious time go by without posting to this blog. I sat down today for the first time, in a long time, and the tears just flowed all over the keyboard. I'm so disappointed in myself for not keeping up with it. I can't explain why I'm so sad....maybe it's because this blog was always more than just a blog to me. It was like a diary for my son to read years from now. To be quite honest I used to get caught up in who was reading this and how many viewers I had which weren't many, so I kind of just gave up. Didn't feel it was worth spending the time on. But after looking back over this today, I realize what an awesome gift I have here. A gift for my children to read when they're older. A gift for myself! The only important viewers I should ever care about are fast asleep upstairs. This is for them, and I vow to keep up with it from now on.<br /><br />So, so much has happened since my last post!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8htviKXe3M1bvk_WL2t2A3cSw12mVZrqM3BLXZEiK3VBzntv5WjpqpcayJGCssIz1koWyPP0Er9gIxZ1TVu72lNk_mjOjG8xXgsZRgOI0YfnBOpXJbQ07Mgn1NzTi1R4r28h_vl7Iw/s1600/IMG_4312.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8htviKXe3M1bvk_WL2t2A3cSw12mVZrqM3BLXZEiK3VBzntv5WjpqpcayJGCssIz1koWyPP0Er9gIxZ1TVu72lNk_mjOjG8xXgsZRgOI0YfnBOpXJbQ07Mgn1NzTi1R4r28h_vl7Iw/s320/IMG_4312.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478336435701212850" /></a><br /><br />Meet Ryan Caitlin. Born November 16th, 2009. Boy is she something! She is 6 months old already and just adds to the beat of our hearts, yet she is another reason this blog had hit the dumps. From the day she was born until about 12 weeks old, I gotta be honest, she was not a happy baby. The husband and I were beginning to wonder how much we could get for her on eBay. (kidding!) No, really though, it was a very stressful time in our lives. In a nutshell, she was born. She wasn't happy. Brendan wasn't happy she was born. Nobody was getting any sleep. The screaming was unbearable, from each member of our little family. The holidays came and went and really are just a blur to me. I was surviving on roughly 3 hours of interrupted sleep each night. Brendan was completely out of sorts. He was so used to being the prince of the family that it was really, really hard for him to adjust. Everyone kept saying "what's the big deal? He'll get used to it....didn't you get used to your siblings?" People just did not realize how the world stopped whenever Brendan was around and now that he was sharing the spotlight, things got a little hairy for awhile there.<br /><br />BUT....here we are. We survived that chaos and now have two beautiful, mostly happy children. Here is Ryan (aka Beast) now at a little over 6 months:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DC4qqBdKXR_b3_pt1VtjdQ3DeURLUVH3SSbB63-uZ9UCn2o9psCIru70hxfZkETHi4sRN6UiHtM5NAMy8RZ9dGai1YT3jYEdaNAiZ7wU28-Mu53kQsGR1SJGCViA9iFmYB2MjFMPcA/s1600/IMG_5685.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6DC4qqBdKXR_b3_pt1VtjdQ3DeURLUVH3SSbB63-uZ9UCn2o9psCIru70hxfZkETHi4sRN6UiHtM5NAMy8RZ9dGai1YT3jYEdaNAiZ7wU28-Mu53kQsGR1SJGCViA9iFmYB2MjFMPcA/s320/IMG_5685.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478338283611711026" /></a><br /><br />She is such a riot. She's nonstop. Nothing like Brendan was. You could put him on the floor and he wouldn't budge. Okay, so he was quite chunky and physically could not budge if you poked him with a knitting needle, but she is sooooo different. He didn't crawl until 11 months old. I'm giving her maybe one more month before she's ruling this roost on her hands and knees. She doesn't miss a lick. She's already aware of strangers, yet loves when they coo and drool over her. <br /><br />Brendan loves her, and also loves to annoy her. He hides her binky's. He throws toys at her and blames his Woody doll. He takes her toys and stuffs them under the couch. But he also covers her with blankies, talks to her in the cutest voice, and will pat her on the head and say "you're so cute Baby Ryan!" when he thinks nobody is looking. I have a feeling that once she starts walking and shows a little interest in his cars, he'll have a best friend for life. I mean, he's too young to take money bribes for poses like this, so he must like her a little bit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYhDbyHEJRRVymIiVmX0nj88xLFd2oWjUdAwM649j36on2ufSqteTKa7u3DbY9e0qZgBuB3TIP0v1oZWQt5Ii7PA3R94SPuiEsE1yZ3ae2kYQd462R41Y94HUmK6RJ_Pcpgf2KORc4w/s1600/IMG_5447.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYhDbyHEJRRVymIiVmX0nj88xLFd2oWjUdAwM649j36on2ufSqteTKa7u3DbY9e0qZgBuB3TIP0v1oZWQt5Ii7PA3R94SPuiEsE1yZ3ae2kYQd462R41Y94HUmK6RJ_Pcpgf2KORc4w/s320/IMG_5447.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478340709430797442" /></a><br /><br />So here I am, now the mother of 2 children. It's hectic. It's tiring. It's downright physically and emotionally exhuasting. I know that I complain, a lot. But at the same time, sometimes I look at my family and wonder how I got so lucky. What made me so fortunate to deserve all of this? This is my family. This is my life. Thank you, God, for believing I deserve this.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOaAb_OxWoJ0oRB6b3P99o-QBRZ7oNqwtY4hmifUV5uRhHUs2Vy8YyjEzJ3mpdsdLXEAq_dVXlGCpLr1wwOx8DxgmeateZlh6bMpXTTCyrLLwwtzPqKfs5YKiAnCwU9f3NfCrftgpzw/s1600/37150020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGOaAb_OxWoJ0oRB6b3P99o-QBRZ7oNqwtY4hmifUV5uRhHUs2Vy8YyjEzJ3mpdsdLXEAq_dVXlGCpLr1wwOx8DxgmeateZlh6bMpXTTCyrLLwwtzPqKfs5YKiAnCwU9f3NfCrftgpzw/s320/37150020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5478344877280306466" /></a>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-2009387387777110442009-06-26T21:05:00.002-04:002009-06-26T21:08:03.808-04:00Oh Boy!We're having a <strong>GIRL! </strong> Just thought I'd letcha know. Stay tuned for many panicked posts as I try to wrap my head around this. I always thought I'd have boys. Nothing but boys. I kind of want another boy, which means we'll have to go for #3. <br /><br />:)<br /><br />LynseyLynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-76354304356082745692009-05-29T14:40:00.003-04:002009-05-29T14:42:18.120-04:00Meet Baby #2Isn't he/she gorgeous?! <br /><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSulQMZKvwTQd5vsgNqyaWIcoG1IbXlIVycsjksIBIqsEyn8wO9tpECmCefWtuTXgH6Pl3SyS4cY1OGO5Bw_FoBeQSNgSKhYEb0VW766cg9pnpCBKJuc1shyDEftFMzvQ2c4GMlzcVaA/s1600-h/Baby+Lotty+%232+001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSulQMZKvwTQd5vsgNqyaWIcoG1IbXlIVycsjksIBIqsEyn8wO9tpECmCefWtuTXgH6Pl3SyS4cY1OGO5Bw_FoBeQSNgSKhYEb0VW766cg9pnpCBKJuc1shyDEftFMzvQ2c4GMlzcVaA/s320/Baby+Lotty+%232+001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341317926524146674" /></a><br /><br />I think it's a girl, but will let you all know at the end of June.Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-42851600334911244332009-05-15T15:21:00.009-04:002009-05-15T15:46:01.849-04:00Signs of Life!Get it while it's hot! Boy... this raising-a-toddler business sure puts a hold on my blogging hobby. But just to prove that we're still alive and kicking, I'll share some photos. Enjoy! ...oh and for those who haven't heard, Brendan is going to become a big brother in November! Hooray!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigklQdtDMVg8FhGBZxCdgK88cLvqHxIUPSI-EJo9P63aE5dokmcbuHzluHuiOXXiosgxbBl5lkNKS98vhsHiJ-bDSCbRPa-_J9CVXoIgJ9tF4TeG9Ik8rCpMp0oT0CkPKClZasC1ur-g/s1600-h/IMG_3834.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigklQdtDMVg8FhGBZxCdgK88cLvqHxIUPSI-EJo9P63aE5dokmcbuHzluHuiOXXiosgxbBl5lkNKS98vhsHiJ-bDSCbRPa-_J9CVXoIgJ9tF4TeG9Ik8rCpMp0oT0CkPKClZasC1ur-g/s320/IMG_3834.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336135704941715922" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpxpeYFEV7ZuEt7h1bDsrTCNQPVi3sapuE8yUFWx7m4IW-KpL75jQhe3lorPISoV8fn1axfPNtr8KZyMAU6rcgXR7Pz5ApraklhyphenhyphenjHkEM3ZTg5IAey26N_H-re6uahRGGTUwaRROuWw/s1600-h/IMG_3909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOpxpeYFEV7ZuEt7h1bDsrTCNQPVi3sapuE8yUFWx7m4IW-KpL75jQhe3lorPISoV8fn1axfPNtr8KZyMAU6rcgXR7Pz5ApraklhyphenhyphenjHkEM3ZTg5IAey26N_H-re6uahRGGTUwaRROuWw/s320/IMG_3909.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336135471123540114" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXPT92AeXPPvkeEAIBN8LNzDxZNGhoCW1y4mmaad6blsG-3JPzUuXJ3IWfX3IK7Zs3Zi-S3953dXURiT49uLlB_vL6LV8DXbuUTW5OSDNzspjO55xuzSjIRzAyg9MyGnHsqciYTeVmQ/s1600-h/IMG_3933.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXPT92AeXPPvkeEAIBN8LNzDxZNGhoCW1y4mmaad6blsG-3JPzUuXJ3IWfX3IK7Zs3Zi-S3953dXURiT49uLlB_vL6LV8DXbuUTW5OSDNzspjO55xuzSjIRzAyg9MyGnHsqciYTeVmQ/s320/IMG_3933.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336134840910630802" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMvYSVWi1yWe80Qk0EPtUCygrWRBGXVTQeJ2J670XSdfjbaYuTff7FSXCVH1YZcMFaAxv_-MRFXKBxxJOIJikMBjYmtnVb3mSi4LiD_lvvDVK2spw0BZ4qs8FYV2joow0gRFCOS9eEw/s1600-h/IMG_3813.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKMvYSVWi1yWe80Qk0EPtUCygrWRBGXVTQeJ2J670XSdfjbaYuTff7FSXCVH1YZcMFaAxv_-MRFXKBxxJOIJikMBjYmtnVb3mSi4LiD_lvvDVK2spw0BZ4qs8FYV2joow0gRFCOS9eEw/s320/IMG_3813.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336134547750370642" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKB9WG6Oyi2DuMKNcoRLFXpDcoKkjI4aXY10gKXWstu5tPfD_LvZho9OsFtnByhZBAdpkR3eECit9jvLL6s5Aapk66vQuKIjXAckQ8FmV7jGxkZbOiqljRpw5B71r3hyphenhyphenZ35_7bJG21g/s1600-h/IMG_3808.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKB9WG6Oyi2DuMKNcoRLFXpDcoKkjI4aXY10gKXWstu5tPfD_LvZho9OsFtnByhZBAdpkR3eECit9jvLL6s5Aapk66vQuKIjXAckQ8FmV7jGxkZbOiqljRpw5B71r3hyphenhyphenZ35_7bJG21g/s320/IMG_3808.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336134388136043634" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhsLV4GGyPL-HAmz3RWr-qN-BFhixdcoVSLxw76VmMhusFVUmHPgdo0iYSSO4Kf5XgAPCtCgyvmB4kPnD1pV7MGDQd7jBm47sc3brU-M4ysZRQ-cuFXbFReyb2QmDYnJVyDkvBnYnqg/s1600-h/IMG_3801.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkhsLV4GGyPL-HAmz3RWr-qN-BFhixdcoVSLxw76VmMhusFVUmHPgdo0iYSSO4Kf5XgAPCtCgyvmB4kPnD1pV7MGDQd7jBm47sc3brU-M4ysZRQ-cuFXbFReyb2QmDYnJVyDkvBnYnqg/s320/IMG_3801.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336134197335913586" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVfZLK4pfZ3V6e4oUDK-T2GbNhJuKJ9zqIx_5lFb4u7mLJzW_1WNkc-GCZ4O8Qs12iB2JK6LDvoIYPE0lX1lDF-Vbi6QZochH4xn2edspf0VVJJagIKwbjnD0xmNMbfP09IZ9ufk9jw/s1600-h/IMG_3788.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVfZLK4pfZ3V6e4oUDK-T2GbNhJuKJ9zqIx_5lFb4u7mLJzW_1WNkc-GCZ4O8Qs12iB2JK6LDvoIYPE0lX1lDF-Vbi6QZochH4xn2edspf0VVJJagIKwbjnD0xmNMbfP09IZ9ufk9jw/s320/IMG_3788.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5336133843869640450" /></a>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-87011333035500394622009-03-18T15:29:00.005-04:002009-03-18T15:37:34.715-04:00Spring has SprungAnd wow! Look at me, dusting off the old blog! It's been ages people! Just goes to show that these days I'm left to choose between blogging, or chasing after a crazy 21 month old boy. He's sleeping now, so I know he's safe. :)<br /><br />It's been a rough winter in this house with colds, ear infections, etc. Poor B-Lo is still recovering from a massive stomach bug that attacked him last Friday. It took everything he had and was so pitiful to witness. Nothing is worse that seeing your child ill. Nothing. But thankfully he's on the mend and getting some more strength back by the day.<br /><br />I am so happy that the warmer weather is here. It's not quite as warm as I'd like, but it's getting there. I've got a list of things I want to do that involve the outdoors and fresh air- something my child needs a good dose of every day or he drives me nutty. I love him though. :)<br /><br />I spoke too soon, I suppose the sound of the keyboard woke him up. I hope this post finds you all well. More pics to come soon.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjWHqE9wIJNMUBLIGyMsJg_1q5eoconRORj1kTxjo_-uJaqsHqbHPfALBgqkpQpDp8o5zo1-dpfYlVI66i1hQcW9sXfgrJYFaU1eFjuss9kq60e6GQLsayd9aPg-SA7I9kFYrzvbxcg/s1600-h/IMG_3772.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjWHqE9wIJNMUBLIGyMsJg_1q5eoconRORj1kTxjo_-uJaqsHqbHPfALBgqkpQpDp8o5zo1-dpfYlVI66i1hQcW9sXfgrJYFaU1eFjuss9kq60e6GQLsayd9aPg-SA7I9kFYrzvbxcg/s320/IMG_3772.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314613753686395378" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOBqblUJyAqWxEwtaai3MTgtJ2SEyD1yNGe36wHCRW7W38GJ0XnXbdFGf98nRY5hUbScpUNjE8vj-X_YbvVKJYnHMXSsBTfaZ7DoAzfKkgnJaVJmlEb5egvGAz8SHWu-dC2dPz84EBQ/s1600-h/IMG_3771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOBqblUJyAqWxEwtaai3MTgtJ2SEyD1yNGe36wHCRW7W38GJ0XnXbdFGf98nRY5hUbScpUNjE8vj-X_YbvVKJYnHMXSsBTfaZ7DoAzfKkgnJaVJmlEb5egvGAz8SHWu-dC2dPz84EBQ/s320/IMG_3771.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314613615971440946" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn14jNVdog04Q9LYKZOS7X_J9f44-ObhOSOh39bMJ0ChlDANUPZDevP_kOHf6Y1nSSxXhAW5RcJDI0u576h_Pm-IIPABssoctDztEo8ZOLopslszPEQ6uh9SjFqs0VqVZjTqMZT0o3LA/s1600-h/IMG_3767.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn14jNVdog04Q9LYKZOS7X_J9f44-ObhOSOh39bMJ0ChlDANUPZDevP_kOHf6Y1nSSxXhAW5RcJDI0u576h_Pm-IIPABssoctDztEo8ZOLopslszPEQ6uh9SjFqs0VqVZjTqMZT0o3LA/s320/IMG_3767.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5314613504508624130" /></a>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-8804139770493606452009-02-04T21:37:00.004-05:002009-02-04T21:41:21.952-05:00Doritos. Can't eat just one.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity8nff8d4iIlJztfycHw5WdR-Uoplvuef_4ElKSUFKe9eAfm4InUMTS1DB2V2zzpXxvHqRM8un1O-USPQYfclDSGNpb6UKLS2Ek_9EqGTLpVEIuTUlHxicixJJAJoVHxN9_p5_VSgZA/s1600-h/IMG_3647.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEity8nff8d4iIlJztfycHw5WdR-Uoplvuef_4ElKSUFKe9eAfm4InUMTS1DB2V2zzpXxvHqRM8un1O-USPQYfclDSGNpb6UKLS2Ek_9EqGTLpVEIuTUlHxicixJJAJoVHxN9_p5_VSgZA/s320/IMG_3647.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299137835730449650" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip15Mji8ryKv6RCZMa91Wgaf4gCr_vqtLUNz1NZSB1Mi3bNHQGO4kVU9WxrJsq1FHPRwIM1iJ9R-yMfitQbsQVbCvIulOorK3Q4WXwCgrWkFn4fNJQx8HMO8IdNdEdlv96dPuFqTw0aQ/s1600-h/IMG_3646.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip15Mji8ryKv6RCZMa91Wgaf4gCr_vqtLUNz1NZSB1Mi3bNHQGO4kVU9WxrJsq1FHPRwIM1iJ9R-yMfitQbsQVbCvIulOorK3Q4WXwCgrWkFn4fNJQx8HMO8IdNdEdlv96dPuFqTw0aQ/s320/IMG_3646.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299137698285288050" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQiLIHmS-RAq2wpS_bSiY2fvR6JNrLYVL0K_q6Flm1PuLqdxRtS5gqZDtDp2mta5eKuNWq5W9S4VrwAX9ZB4sw7Iqy7O2WxAj0GWNenJsoFIOqf1kb4OVnsvVR87k4VQDMQZVSy3V_g/s1600-h/IMG_3644.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQiLIHmS-RAq2wpS_bSiY2fvR6JNrLYVL0K_q6Flm1PuLqdxRtS5gqZDtDp2mta5eKuNWq5W9S4VrwAX9ZB4sw7Iqy7O2WxAj0GWNenJsoFIOqf1kb4OVnsvVR87k4VQDMQZVSy3V_g/s320/IMG_3644.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299137583248454162" /></a>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-87560833199465809772009-01-29T08:15:00.010-05:002009-01-29T08:50:03.274-05:00Thursday's ThoughtsWe have My Gym today. I'm kind of excited because I think, I THINK, I'm making some progress with the other Moms. I'm determined to make them my friends, even if they are snobby and rude. Everyone can use friends like that, right?<br /><br />The driveway is a sheet of ice this morning. Yikes. I sure hope I don't kill myself for the sake of being chummy with great snobby, rude friends.<br /><br />I always have the weirdest dreams. Lastnight I dreamed that I was magically flying over an ocean and landed on the side of a rocky mountain. I sat down, pulled an apple out of thin air, and ate it. I was apparently waiting for someone to call because I kept looking at my cell phone. I didn't USE it to call anyone, I just stared at it for what felt like an eternity. WTH? That brought on a craving so I baked some apple slices for me and B this morning. <br /><br />My grocery budgeting is going well. I still haven't built up the patience for coupon clipping yet (sorry Andria!) but I'm sticking to the plan, which is to <strong>only buy what we need</strong>. I keep a running list on the counter and add things that we run out of, along with meal plan ideas and what we'll need for each one. I'm so proud of myself but there's still a ton of room for improvement. My goal is to cut our grocery bill <strong>IN HALF </strong>by the end of the year. (I was spending way too much money at that damn market.) I think I can do it. <br /><br />Brendan is growing like a stink weed! It's so amazing to look back over the past few months and see how much he's changed physically, along with how much he's learned. He's a little man now! Baby fever set in right around the time that he learned the word NO. I need a newborn. ASAP.<br /><br />News for The Lumberyard if you're reading: Husband might be taking on a project in Jacksonville! Can you believe it? Could this be an oppurtunity to meet another blog friend? I think so! Just email me your address. I'll call you when I land. :)<br /><br />I smell something. Might be time for new slippers.<br /><br />Happy Thursday!Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-30720904982276116222009-01-28T14:15:00.001-05:002009-01-28T14:26:33.162-05:00I Miss Him.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpIz-zMraaROXla6dn4U3IVWJFcBtEYEPpZCSr-Uk-v9ARJqVdP_8AAy0tloleMfxnfIz1OPfg9rv0UeEvU8IWD7fB843oRkFIb-itcNvqTwncvOhltF40LpNmBvQBODSMItGdc9PtQ/s1600-h/Spike+and+Matt+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpIz-zMraaROXla6dn4U3IVWJFcBtEYEPpZCSr-Uk-v9ARJqVdP_8AAy0tloleMfxnfIz1OPfg9rv0UeEvU8IWD7fB843oRkFIb-itcNvqTwncvOhltF40LpNmBvQBODSMItGdc9PtQ/s320/Spike+and+Matt+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296427965825482562" /></a>Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-22973036050746712572009-01-27T08:36:00.003-05:002009-01-27T08:54:44.459-05:00Blog ChallengeAfter much neglect, I've decided to try and post every day of the week. Kind of like the "365 Day Challenge" only I am going to give myself the weekends off. In order to do this I'll need some motivation. I can't just rattle off random things like I used to. That being said, here's what my weekly posts will consist of:<br /><br />Mondays: "Memory Monday"<br /><br />Tuesdays: "Topic Tuesday"<br /><br />Wednesdays: "Wordless Wednesday" <br /><br />Thursdays: "Thursday's Thoughts"<br /><br />Fridays: "Frugal Friday"<br /><br />So to get started....today is Tuesday which means I will share my thoughts on a topic. Today's topic: The Elderly and their right to drive. I sure hope I don't offend anyone. <br /><br />Last week alone, I (fortunately) dodged 2 car accidents due to 2 older gentlemen. They both pulled out into busy intersections WITHOUT looking, and then proceeded to flip ME off as I skid to a sudden stop in order to avoid killing them instantly. They just shouldn't be allowed to drive, unless tested every year. They don't feel the need to pay attention to stop signs and blow right through. Sure! Why should you stop? Life is getting short, so I can see the need to rush. The rest of the world however, may have young children in the backseat and God forbid you hit me, your life will be cut even shorter my friend. My purse is too heavy and full of crap for a reason ya know. They don't know how to park and often take up 2, sometimes 3 spaces. They drive 30 mph on the highway, yet fly through town going 70. WTH? <br /><br />My Grandmother stopped driving at 70. She figured that once she wasn't able to roll with the big dogs on the road, that it was time to retire the license. Now that's a smart woman. <br /><br />Just my opinion. Feel free to share your thoughts on the topic.<br /><br />LynseyLynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7231005484454368062.post-82687923540552355502009-01-21T13:14:00.012-05:002009-01-22T13:29:53.720-05:00New ThingsIt's a new year. We have a new president. I got a new (gorgeous!) camera. I'm making new friends. I have a semi-new hair color. I am in the market for new underwear. (TMI?) So I figured I needed a new title for my blog. I figured "Being Mama" was fitting, don't you?<br /><br />Speaking of the new president, I don't know what to think about the inauguration. I had never really paid attention to one before, and I didn't start on Tuesday. Truth be told, it really didn't have much to do with the person being sworn in. I just don't have the attention span for that kind of thing. Maybe if I didn't have a 19 month old who also doesn't have the attention span for that kind of thing, then I could've watched some of the festivities just to see what all the chatter was about. I did catch some highlights and I suppose it was truly exciting if he got your vote. And I suppose it was even more exciting when you realize that it really was a huge day in the history of America that will be talked about for years and years to come. I will remember something else though that way too many of us will not. I will remember watching the former president, George Bush, wave good bye. I will remember feeling very sad for him. I truly believe in my heart of hearts that he did the very best he could for our country, considering the tragic hand he was dealt back in 2001. I think he had an overflowing plate to begin with and that he did what it took to keep this country safe since then. It's such a shame to think he will never get the respect that he deserves. Sure he made mistakes, but show me someone who could've handled the past 8 years any differently. Or handled it better, and I might feel obligated to join the rest of the people in the negativity. Until then, he has my utmost respect for keeping my family safe each and every day since September 11th. You'd think that would count for <em>something</em>, but unfortunately for most of this country, it does not. I am just pleased that TV has returned to its regularly scheduled programming and life can resume.<br /><br />Moving on. <br /><br />Along with a new year comes 2009 Resolutions! I wasn't going to post mine until I read Andria's. (actually, I hadn't even come up with any yet, I'm just winging it here...) <br /><br />In 2009, I will:<br /><br />1. Clean out my own car instead of paying $25 at the expensive car wash only to get jipped when they think I won't notice that they didn't even go near it with a vacuum. Jerks. They didn't know who they were messing with. I am one customer you do NOT want to rip off. I do apologize if I offended anyone with my loud sighing, eye rolling, and minor expletives under my breath. I'm dangerous that way.<br /><br />2. Develop more pictures instead of storing them all on the memory card and/or computer. I don't want my future grandchildren huddled a computer to view online family photo albums. I was great when Brendan was first born...I was so diligent about printing out photos every few weeks and adding them so neatly to his cute little blue photo albums in an organized and timely manner. Now? Let's just say that the last actual printed photo to be placed into that adorable little album was of our trip to Florida last February. Not good.<br /><br />3. Learn the ins and outs of our finances, as my husband has been begging me to do. I don't have a clue and am way too dependent on him to play the accountant in this marriage. God forbid something happen to him, there is a small chance that Brendan and I will experience just what it feels like to sleep inside a cardboard box. I don't want that to happen. I'm not a fan of cardboard. <br /><br />4. That being said, I also vow to cut some corners around here, starting with the grocery bill. Good friend Andria shared some awesome tips on how to do this, and I plan to follow this one through. I am so tired of spending X amount of dollars at the grocery store only to come home and having nothing for dinner. I swear to God that always happens. If you'd like to read her tips, click on the Boy Crazy link in my sidebar. I would insert the link for you but that's something I still need to learn. Maybe that could be another resolution? "Learn how to do other things than just type and play with facebook." I don't think that I spend a lot of money on things actually, in fact the husband once commented that I'm "pretty low maintenance" compared to some wives. Let me refer again to my underwear collection, or lack there of. I am convinced that the dryer eats them, but some might disagree with that explanation. Somehow, I am down to 5 good pair TOPS which means I'm doing a lot of laundry lately just to make sure I've got clean undies. I apologize if this is TMI but it's my blog and I'm trying to make a point, which is, if I was one of those women who looooooved to spend money, I would've been out the door on my way to Victoria's Secret faster than you could blink an eye. (it's the only comfortable brand that I like. Sure, I could get them at Target for cheaper which I have done in the past, but I don't enjoy picking deep wedgies in public.) And my purse is so gross, dirty, and old, that I have pondered sending it to a lab just to see what I've been carrying around with me for the past year. Could be interesting! I have been wanting a new one for ages now but cannot justify buying one when I <em>have </em>one, even though I truly believe that I <em>need</em> one. Now that I think about it, maybe this resolution should be to just buy some new undies and a purse and call it a day.<br /><br />5. Take a photography class. I've always, always wanted to learn how to take professional photos and since I've got the nice camera now, I really have no excuse not to. In my dream world, I open up my own photography business and make millions on scenic and family photos. Maybe I could start a paparazzi business here in CT? I can follow all the filthy rich people around and catch them doing dirty and illegal things. Then I can blackmail them with my wonderful photos in order to make my millions? Will keep you posted on that. <br /><br />6. Stop flaking out. I am a self-proclaimed flake and way too indecisive. This drives my husband CRAZY. This conversation that took place 2 nights ago should clue you in on how bad I am:<br /><br />"I need to go to the store. I hate going to the store, but I should go. Should I go honey? I could just take Brendan with me tomorrow. I need to get to the store. I am wondering if I should go. Should I just go? It's so cold outside, I hate going to the store in the cold. I can't decide if I should go!" <br /><br />I thought the husband was seriously going to blow a gasket. "IT'S NOT BRAIN SURGERY. JUST GO IF YOU WANT TO GO. YOU EITHER WANT TO GO OR YOU DON'T!!!" He hates when I can't make up my mind on anything, which happens often. I need to stop doing that. Or do I? I can't decide.<br /><br />7. I'm going to copy Andria and spend less time on the computer. Just like she said,"I didn't become a SAHM to sit on the computer all day." I agree. I don't spend as much time as I used to now that Brendan is down to 1 nap per day, and when he is awake, he certainly doesn't let me sit here and type unbothered. If I am on the computer, monster will actually come and push the keyboard in and slam the drawer. Point taken. <strong>Time to play with child.</strong> I follow a lot of fancy Mom blogs and I'm always so curious as to how they find so much time for it. One that I follow has 4 kids and homeschools them all, yet she will post 2, sometimes 3 times a day! And her blog is so darn pretty. How does she do it? I guess it doesn't matter, because I'm going to spend less time following it from now on if I live up to this resolution, right? <br /><br />8. Get adventurous with the cooking. I think that I am a good cook...I mean, the husband eats it without compaining so I assume that I am a few steps above Debra Barone. The problem is that I tend to make the same things over and over. I need to step it up a notch. I just learned how to make pot roast a few weeks ago which might shock you considering I was raised in Idaho: Land of meat and potatoes. It was a little on the dry side, but that's a great excuse to try it again. I need to get Brendan to expand on his food choices also. He usually only goes for anything that contains maple syrup or ketchup. <br /><br />9. Blog more. Wait, that contradicts resolution #7 right? See? I am so indecisive!<br /><br />10. Hang pictures on the walls. In this entire house, we have ONE lonely picture that hangs, and it's in Brendan's room. Literally ONE picture. Husband has this weird thing with putting holes in the walls, along with "What would Roger Hazard say?" (major kudos to anyone who knows who Roger Hazard is) He's always in this frame of mind that we're selling the house, so we shouldn't add any personal touches to it because it takes the resale value down. But, last I checked, we're going to be living in this house for at least the next several years, so why I can't a hang anything up? I can't stand the bareness anymore. There are jail cells that are decorated better. He's just lucky that I don't know how to use the stud-finder yet or this place would be littered with stuff all over the walls. <br />(note to self: track down Home Depot associate and ask how to properly hang pictures.)<br /><br />I think that's it for now. Must get to the grocery store since I didn't end up going 2 nights ago, incase you were wondering. :)Lynseyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13997103486488111573noreply@blogger.com5