$500

Went to the zoo this morning. Got up WAY TOO early, rushed around madly to get ready, made a picnic, packed everyone into the car and headed to the zoo. Met up with our pals the Wheelers and half the Laceys (the male half, Steve and Julian - the female half, Nabila and Jasmine (still in N's tummy) stayed home for some much needed R&R). Walked around for 2 hours - kids got tired, packed everyone and everything back up in the car and headed home. CJ and I ate our part of the picnic in the car while the kiddos napped.

Got home... rushed around madly to get kids into their beds before they woke up and decided to skip naps.

Quiet.. we did it!!!!!!

CJ and I fell into bed exhausted. Ahhhh.. perfect. What is better than a nap on a sunday afternoon.

<10 minutes later>

MUMMY!!!!!

Kenzie needs to poo.

So she's sitting on the potty singing and banging the toilet cover against the back of the toilet. I realize that an afternoon nap is probably NOT going to happen.

Conversation between CJ and I.

Me: wouldn't it be nice to take a 2 hour nap and then go sailing and drink G&T's on the boat like we used to do before kids.

CJ: um hm

Me: tell me again why we had kids.

CJ: um

[waiting]

CJ: I think it was the tax break.

me: [thinking]

me: Was it worth it?

feeling sappy

It's been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster at our house the past week for both CJ and I. I feel a bit drained from it all, but at the same time I feel this incredible sense of relief. Like, we weathered the storm.

It's hard to explain. I guess right now I am just very apprciative for what and who I have in my life. I feel so very lucky to have my family, friends and even work colleagues in my life. It is an awesome support system.

Thank you everyone. I love you!

and life returns to normal

YAY! My wonderful husband is home. I missed him so much and am thrilled that he is home. So are the kids. Kenzie was so excited to see him. She talked about him the whole time he was gone. and asked me about a zillion times when he was coming home. Everytime she heard a noise in the house she'd say "oh... Daddy's home!!!!" and she'd be dissappointed when I told her it was "just the cat" or whatever.

Then, as soon as we met him at the airport she runs up to him, gives him a big hug and says "Hi Dad, do you have a cookie for me?". ha ha ha. Poor CJ.

So, this morning we went to meet Karen and Jenniferlyn for a playdate. It didn't work out so well. My two were tired and crabby from the get-go. Also I think I must have gotten some sunscreen in Seb's eyes (I'm so careful to wipe it off his hands but he probably wiped some from his cheek into his eyes). He cried for about half an hour when we first got to the park and his eyes were so red. He wouldn't eat ... i was going to take him to the doctor. But then on our way back to the car we found a shady spot and Seb drank a bottle and calmed down a bit. Then we passed the wading pool and caught up with the others. Kenzie wanted to play. So, I put her in her bathing suit and let her go. I also put Seb in the water (which he loves) and I washed his face. Within 5 minutes his eyes were back to normal and he was a happy camper sitting in the shade.

See....


Here are pics of the other kids.

Kenzie and Ethan


JL and Ben (aren't they cute)


Ethan and Ben (the two blondies - I swear they could be brothers)


Anyhow.. I am now going to join my fabulous hubbie for a cool refreshing drink and get caught up.

I'm glad you are back honey!!! xoxoxoxox

to all you stay at home parents

.... you have my complete respect and admiration. This is the toughest job I have ever done... I am sooooo exhausted! And this is my vacation! ha. I can't wait for CJ to come home tomorrow (and not just so he can help with the kids).

This morning we met with Leigh and her boys at the beach again. Unfortunately, by the time we found each other, my two were tired and cranky. But we did have a few good moments. And Leigh (you are so sweet) gave me the sweetest gift! It's a little wooden figurine signifying serenity. I love it! and I can use all the help I can get when it comes to serentity.



After a fairly relaxing afternoon at home, we headed out again to meet up with Deb in Kirkland to listen to a folk band play. It was really fun. I wish we could have stayed longer but the two young'uns started getting sleepy around 8:00 so we headed home. But not before we listened to an hour of singing and Kenzie and I even did some dancing.

Seb is flirting with Deb


Here we are dancing. I am appalled by how fat I look. I am not eating again until Christmas. But we sure had fun. oh yah... and we washed our feet when we got home.



The kids watching the show


Seb fell over :)


All in all it was an eventful and fun day. Tomorrow we are going for a walk with JL and Karen and then to a waterpark. After that we'll be picking up CJ, "the Dad" at the airport. I CAN'T WAIT to see him again!

the beach

Well we did it. At 8:30 this morning we were packed up and on our way to the beach. it was actually really great. As Sebastian was taking a nap in the stroller in the shade, and Kenzie was busy building sand castles, I sat back on the towel looking out at the water and thinking "this is one of those good moments" :)

I did a bad thing though. When Kenzie told me she hd to go pee, I looked at the bathrooms far far off in the distance. And so I said... "just go in the water". She looked at me like I was insane. So I repeated "just squat down in the water and go pee, and the water will wash it away".... hey, I know... bad bad bad....

anyhow... she didn't go.

... a few minutes later i look up and see her standing by the water trying to take her bathing suit off. "what are you doing Kenzie?" I ask.

"I'm going to go pee pee"

"Oh Honey... you can leave your bathing suit on".

...another "are you freakin' insane?!?!?!" look from the boo.

Ha ha ha... so I held her while she peed in the lake. Have I harmed her for life? i think not. I know, maybe not the most sanitary, but don't try to tell me she's the first kid to pee in the lake...

Here's a picture of when we first arrived. It is so beautiful there.


Kenzie testing the water...


Sebastian after his swim. He loved the water but it made him tired.


Kenzie boo


This is what summer is all about

Picnics used to be simpler

Remember the days, before kids, when a picnic consisted of jumping in the car (maybe throwing in a frisbee and a blanket), stopping at 7-11 for snacks and drinks and going to the park? We'd spend the whole day at the park and come home when we were sun-burned and tired.

Well that was before kids.

forward to today... WITH kids.

So Kristy calls at about 4:00 - "Hey do you want to come to the beach for a picnic?"

Me "sure I'll meet you there in about an hour"

I spend the next hour packing the car - double stroller, large towel to sit on, towel to dry children off with, extra big girl pants, extra shorts (just in case), extra t-shirt, sweat shirts for both kids (in case it gets cool), plums, fish crackers, bananas, water, baby "star" snacks, cherrios, swimming diapers for sebastian, swim suit for kenzie, two bottles with formula powder, thermos with hot water (Seb only drinks WARM bottles), hats for both kids, beach ball, shovel/pail/sand stuff, water wings.

Then I get the kids ready - new diaper for sebastian, sunscreen all over both kids, new clean clothes for both kids, sandals on kenzie... kenzie goes pee pee, I change my shirt (I'm covered in sunscreen). Pop a bottle of formula in microwave to take with us (promptly forget formula in microwave).

Get car keys, cell phone, camera.

Pack everything into car.

Go back into house to get a sippy cup with water for kenzie and kenzie's bears and blankets for the car ride. go back into house to get binkie and toys for sebastian.

Get in car - EXHAUSTED - and drive to park. Kenzie talks the whole way about playing in the sand and water.

Get to park and find out that Kristy has found a beautiful spot in the shade about 1.5 miles from the sandy beach. (accccckkkk!)

Have some snacks. Realize the we've forgotten seb's bottles in the car. Walk 1/2 mile (with both kids, because God forbid i leave one of them for more than 2 seconds) to retrieve said bottles.

Walk back 1/2 mile with both kids.

Make seb a bottle - find out I never heated the water in the thermos (apparently I put water in the microwave, set it, but never pressed the start button.,. and then proceeded to pour cold water into the thermos). Seb won' drink it because it's not warm.

Seb gets cranky.

Kenzie has to pee.

I pick up Kenzie and run the 1/2 mile to the bathrooms so she can go pee.

Run back before seb goes balistic with Kristy.

Kenzie wants to go to the beach. So we pack up all our crap and start walking.

Head towards beach - seb is cranky because he's hungry. We pass a playground and kenzie wants to play. I ask her if she wants to go to the beach "NO MOM.. i want to go down slide"

okay...

Kenzie plays on slide... sebastian is getting really pissed off.

I tell Kenzie we have to go home.

She throws a temper tantrum because we didn't go to the beach.

Walk to car with two crying children in the stroller while carrying a bunch of sand toys. Get a couple sympathetic looks. get a couple pissed off looks.

Get two kids in car without Kenzie getting run over by a car.

Drive home. feed sebastian. change sebastian. Get kenzie ready for bed. Put sebastian to bed. Read kenzie books, put kenzie to bed. Clean up the downstairs (apparently a bomb went off there sometime this afternoon).

fast forward to now!..... I'm in bed going to go to sleep and rest up for tomorrow.

Guess where we're going tomorrow morning.... yup the beach. i promised the boo!

Here we are (kenzie had just finished a bunch of blueberries and a piece of brownie)



Kristy and Jackson (why does she look so relaxed and together?)

I'm a skerd

... and he's off. We dropped CJ off at the airport this morning. It's now just me and the kiddos until Wednesday afternoon. I hope we can all put up with each other. Kenzie already thinks I'm a big meanie because I made her take a nap and wouldn't let her have a cookie. I have 3 loads of laundry to fold but instead I am enjoying the sunshine and sitting outside with my 'puter.

what would a post be without pictures :)

i love this age

7 months.

is there anything better than seeing that wide-mouthed two-teefed smile? it lights up his whole face. and he gives out those smiles everytime I look at him. I miss him every minute I am not with him.

sebastian, little man... i love you so much it hurts!

BEFORE - look at that devious little grin


AFTER

ever feel like you are just swimming in the ocean of life?

I do. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Being in the water is fun and feels good most of the time. It's exhilarating. I enjoy it. But swimming is a) tiring and b) a bit scary cause you really don't know what is lurking underneath you in those deep dark waters.

Sometimes I just feel like I need a couple of those arm blow-up thingies that we got for Kenzie (which, btw, she refuses to wear).... a couple of those and say, a big old snorkel and mask so that I can stop kicking my legs around and just relax and float around, all while “observing” what’s going on with all the little fishies around me.

There. was this metaphorical enough for you? Does anyone know what the hell I'm trying to say?

For DW

Misc

Kenzie is enjoying her soccer classes. She runs, jumps, kicks the ball, stomps on bubbles, plays with a parachute, makes towers with pylons and then kicks them over. She is such a cutie pie.



Poor sebastian has a cold. He's had it for about 2 weeks now. I feel so bad for him. He gets watery eyes and has a cough that won't go away and lately his nose has been running. I'm starting to think he has allergies and not a cold. How can you tell the difference?

Kenzie is funny

Last night dad said to me "Karen your kids are perfect. They are so well behaved." Kenzie looked at him and said "Not really Opa." and then started to giggle. It was great!

Dad's visit

Dad came to visit yesterday. He was only here for a day. He flew his plane from Nelson, through the Rocky Mountains. Pretty impressive. Can you believe he built this thing by himself. Here's it is.



He is currently on his way down to Portland to visit some relatives.

Dad has changed a lot since I was younger. He has mellowed out quite a bit. It's really nice to see him with his grandkids - he's so softspoken and gentle with them. Here are a couple pics from this weekend.

We went for a walk and Kenzie DID NOT want to sit in her stroller. Instead she wanted to walk with Opa and hold his hand. SO CUTE!!!



Seb gave Dad lots of smiles too.


.... and what's a visit without smelly Madison. He really is a sweet dog. It's a shame he smells so bad. Dad told me that he got a deodorizer for Madison. I'm not sure if he used it or not, but I noticed a distinct "vinegar-like" smell to Madison this time.

thanks lady

So I'm on the bus yesterday chatting amicably with an "elderly" woman sitting next to me (I'd guess she was around 80). She started talking to me about her kids and grandkids. Then she asks me "Do you have grandchildren?"

me, the laughingstock

Have you ever said something stupid that you know you will never ever live down? Well today was my “moment”. In my line of work there is an acronym for everything. It’s almost as though engineers are not able to speak real words so they need to abbreviate everything. Customer Service Terminal becomes CST, Terminal Revalue Unit becomes TRU, Wireless Data On/Offload System…. WDOLS, of course.

So, I’m in a meeting this morning trying to make a point and I say something like… “So, in order to meet the schedule, the CST and it’s peripheral devices including the CCR (for you non-engineering folk, this is a credit card reader), CE (think…. check endorser), SPD (Secondary printing device) and um... um... um....” For the life of me I couldn’t think of the acronym I was looking for. I knew what device I was thinking of so I tried to describe it…. “um… you know the photo image capturing device, ... will need to be available before beta”.

Of course someone had to call me on it. Smart-ass: “photo image capturing device?”

Me: yah… um the FICD (pronounced “fick-de”)?

Smart-ass: “you mean camera?”

Me: “oh,,, yah,,,, {head hanging in shame, face reddening} camera,,, that’s what I meant,,,, camera”

Fifteen other people at table: HA HA HA HA, photo image capturing device HA HA HA HA

Smartass: you do know that “photo” starts with a “P” right? That would be “pick-dah” to you.

....More laughter from the peanut gallery. So much for maintaining my credibility.

Let's Go fly a Kite.....

I had completely forgotten how much fun it was to fly a kite. It is such a cool feeling to be holding the kite string and feel that little tug at your hand as the kites swishes around in the air. And they are so fun to watch. We had a kite flying adventure yesterday. I can't wait to do it again....









I included this photo so you could all see what a great job I did cutting kenzie's bangs (ha ha ha ha ha)

child cruelty

I feel like every day I read something else that absolutely sickens me. You watch the news and hear about child molesters and murderers. You read the paper and find out about terrible punishments that "parents" inflict on their kids. You read about children that are neglected, starved, beaten. For God's sake... I had to stop reading People magazine last night because it was full of sad stories about children.

I hate hate hate that these things happen. Children are so completely innocent. They should be protected and loved, not taken advantage of because they are weak, naive, and unable to stand up for themselves. I can't express how upset I get when I hear these things.

For what it's worth I think that any adult that molests a child should be killed. IMMEDIATELY. As soon as they are proven guilty.... It's not a matter of what they deserve. To be honest I think death is almost too good for them. They should be made to suffer. But for the sake of all children, we must get rid of these parasites. There is no place in society for monsters like them.

Faces this mother loves

smells terrible.... tastes fabulous

There is a new alcoholic drink out. It's a mango cooler. I can't remember who makes it. But trust me it is YUMMY!!!! Anyhoo.... I picked up a six-pack the other day. Later I noticed that I actually had 5 mango coolers and one Leechi fruit cooler. The Leechi fruit cooler smelled like sweaty socks but tasted like heaven. Isn't that odd?

The baby shower

Well, we hosted another baby shower yesterday. In our group of friends everyone seems to have their responsibilities when it comes to hosting parties.... D&D host Thanksgiving (although we are back-up this year since Dawn will probably be giving birth, and we really can't expect her to cook a turkey and ham from the hospital), Steve and Nabila do Independance Day, Tim - Super Bowl, and Sam is known for her numerous impromptu summer bbq's as well as Easter/Egg hunt. We, Karen and CJ host baby showers. I don't know why we do them, to be honest. We are not very good at the "typical baby shower" thing - you know, doilies under the food bowls, all-women, party theme's, shower games like guess the type of smeared chocolate bar in the diaper, how big is the preggo-lady's tummy, and remember all the items on the baby changing table. We never have flowers or gifts for the guests to take home.

No, in fact, if you are lucky enough ;-) to have CJ and Karen host a baby shower for you, you should be prepared for mayhem.... co-ed, lots of food, alcohol, children everywhere, probably some sports game on TV.... But they always turn out to be fun. Yesterday was no exception. Friends started arriving at 2:30. Everyone helped themselves to food and drinks and then we got right down to business.... gifts!

Here is the lady of honor.... the lovely Nabila with the gorgeous toy box that Deb made.



And of course, Nabila's "other" half Steve, and the only American in the family, Julian. Please note, Steve is on an 11 week sabbatical and I am extremely envious!!!


Here are some more pictures:

Dawn and Gabbie


Look at Jude's smile..... :) CUTE!


The smokers (dredges of society)


Beautiful Deb (and maker of the gorgeous toy box)


Too much sugar and the fact that Sam's daughter is away for a one month vacation visiting gradma and grandpa, ultimately led to this utterly disgusting display...


All is well that ends well. No one was hurt, no one embarrassed themselves too badly and little Jasmine had her first pseudo experience with her "extended family"... Good luck next month Bila, enjoy your C-section beer at the pub Steve, and Jasmine, we can't wait to meet you. :)

terrorism

why?

Endorphins

I used to be in shape and work out. In fact many moons ago I trained for triathlons, competed in several and even won an award or two. But those days are long gone. These days I am 30 pounds overweight, tired all the time, never exercise and get winded walking up a hill.

I finally decided to join a gym. Ironically, the reason I decided this wasn't actually to get into shape or lose weight - it was to help improve my mental state. Now, just to clarify - I am not nutso... just feeling a bit down and stressed-out lately. I thought that some exercise might help me emotionally because a) I would have some "Karen-time", and b) "they" say it helps with depression.

Yesterday at lunch, I went to look at a little gym, conveniently located in my office building.. I decided to dive right in and join. Today I brought my workout clothes and after my morning meeting I worked out. I did a programmed exercise on the stationary bike for 30 minutes, followed by 10 minutes of walking uphill on the treadmill. It was a little bit demoralizing to find out how out of shape I am compared to a few years ago, but I had prepared myself for that.

After my 40 minute workout I was hot, red-faced, sweaty and so friggin happy! I had forgotten how great that endorphin rush is. I have been working hard since then and only stopped to take a short break for lunch. I am amazed at how great I feel, how I can concentrate on work and how life just seems a bit rosier. I hope I can continue to keep this up.

- the end

Now, no post would be complete without some pictures of the kiddos. So here they are.

Kenzie about to give Sebby a hug - he absolutely adores her.


Sebman


A little bit dark but here is my cutie petutie Kenzie-boo


I would like to add that Kenzie is now on day 6 of wearing only big girl pants during the day. I am so very proud of her.

Conversation I had with Dawn yesterday

Dawn [showing me her belly]: See, I don't have that dark line on my belly this time.

Me: nope

Dawn: [perplexed look on face] What is that?

Me: that, my dear, is a little stretch mark.

Dawn: NO WAY!

Me: Yes.

Dawn. Oh my God!!!!

Dawn, you crack me up. And you have a beautiful cute baby belly.

another weekend over

Why do weekends go by so fast and work days drag on forever?

I'm too tired to work, too tired to blog... what I would do to switch places with my mum for 24 hours. Life is strange that way isn't it. My mum lives by herself in a beautiful home with a gorgeous garden. She spends her time gardening, reading, playing bridge or having lunch with friends. She aches to be with her grandchildren and have commotion all around her. I have 2 wonderful, active, sweet charming children. I have a wonderful husband and a beautiful home. I have a good job with good people to work with. I ache to have 24 hours of quiet and solitude... a day to garden, sit outside reading, listen to music or sleep... oh I would pay so much money to be able to sleep in one morning.

Anyhow... we certainly pack a lot of living into our weekends. Yesterday our friends Greg and Kristine who were staying with us this weekend made us a fabulous brunch with french toast and fresh berries and peaches and fruit syrup. How decadent. After this hearty breakfast we headed into downtown Kirkland for the 4th of July parade. We met up with a bunch of friends there and had a great time.

This is Greg and Kristine - our breakfast chefs


Here is Kenzie and her friends at the parade:

Kenzie and Phoebe


Kenzie and Gabbie


Came home and plopped the exhausted children into bed for naps (this whole "two kids napping at the same time" is pretty cool). I spent an hour and a half sitting outside reading a magazine and another hour and a half napping (thank you honey for watching Seb and letting me sleep - you are a knight!)

Afterwards we headed over to our friends Steve and Nabila's for their annual 4th of July barbeque (this is actually very ironic since neither of them are American... ha ha ha). It was fabulous as usual. I remember the first annual 4th of July bbq at their house. There were no kids in the mix yet, and we stayed up late enough to watch the fireworks from their balconey. Yesterday there was a gaggle of toddlers running around - two more kiddos on the way and we left at 8:00 to go to bed. ha ha ha How times have changed.

I got a sun burn

YAY. I used to love lieing in the sun and getting a tan but I haven't had a chance to do that in the past 3 years. I think being pregnant and/or having a little baby to watch may have something to do with that. I've come to find out that sitting in the sun with small children is frowned upon, so when I have one in my arms or within my care I try to stay in the shade. In any case, CJ... my hero.... embarked on a little projet last week. He decided to get the kids on a ...ta da dum... "schedule". And guess what? It worked!!

Today 12:05... Sebastian, asleep for a nap. 12:20 Kenzie, down for her nap.

12:25 Karen sitting on the deck with her friend Sam enjoying an ice cold Bull and Vodka. Life is good.

I got two full hours in the sun before Sebby woke up. And it was the best two hours I've had in a long time. Sam and I looked through a stamping catalogue and chose materials that we're going to use to make "save the date" cards for her wedding next year - CONGRATS Sam and Charles! We talked about her upcoming nuptuals in Virginia and I am now convinced that a family vacation to Virginia next summer may be in order.

I spent the next few hours hanging out with the kids outside. We had a blast. Here are some pics I took.

I am especially proud of this one. Isn't he handsome!


Here is Kenzie Boo. I am pleased to say that we are on day two of wearing big girl pants with only one accident today. i am very proud of you my dear!


and one more of Seb-man learning how to sit - he's doiong such a good job.


This evening, our good friends the Wheelers invited us for a barbeque. Thank you DW squared! We all had fun - especially "the ladies" playing ring around the rosie :)

The evening came to a close with kenzie and mummy having a grand old time playing on the playset while dad put seb to bed. Kenzie you are a sweet heart and I love hearing your giggle.

So, i will now close and get some sleep since we have many more adventures in store for us tomorrow (including a 4th of July parade and a bbq at Julien's house).