Sweet Serenity Tuesday

Yes, I know it's Wednesday and I should probably be cleaning, or doing laundry, or figuring out something for dinner, or... well, you get the picture. But I thought I would take this rare moment of quiet to let you know about my great day yesterday.

It started out a little hectic since Big E and I both ran 3 miles in the morning... he went first and then I went with the dog (ugh!). Sophie is not the fastest or most focused runner, but she hangs in there so she can take a dip in the bay half way through.

Anyway, Big E and little e are now carpool buddies since her bus stop is on the base and he drops her off on his way to work... great daddy and daughter bonding time. After sending them on their way, I hopped into the shower and got myself and KK ready and dropped her off at her school. Well, it's not really school. More of a kids day out/mommys morning out program that she goes to once a week from 9-3:30 (hallelujah). I know it sounds awful, but to be kid free for 6 hours is just what the doctor ordered.

I had a little time to spare before I had to be at little e's school to volunteer in her classroom. (I know, a free day... and how do I spend it?). I figured it was the least I could do and she was really excited for me to be there. I was in charge of the art station where the kids made their faces on paper plates and added yarn hair. I have to say, there are quite a few abstract artists in the class. After stations were over, I joined e for lunch in the cafeteria. It was quite a different atmosphere than at her previous school (S, you can vouch for that). Smaller school/classes make for way less chaos.

So stomach grumbling, I said my goodbyes and stopped to get lunch at my favorite fast food addiction joint, McDonalds. At least I was by myself... Big E will be happy with that. He HATES fast food and the fact that the girls even know what McDonalds is. I have vices, what can I say?

Then, it was off to get my watch battery replaced, roam through JoAnn Fabrics for a while, a trip to BJ's to get some bulk Crystal Light, then to Old Navy for some returns and browsing, more browsing at Ross and then back home. Whilst at home, I organized the girls closet and hung up hooks in the toy room for their dress up outfits. Then I headed to the commissary for one more stop of sans free kid shopping. I was in and out in less than 30 minutes and got everything I needed... and nothing that I didn't. After, I picked up KK at school and went to get e at the bus stop.

When we got home, I brought the girls upstairs to see the new enhancements made to the toy room. They stayed up there playing for a good hour and a half... no screaming or fighting or tattle tale-ing. I was able to unload all of the groceries and organize them, thaw something for dinner and cut up loads of vegetables for dinner and snacking.

After dinner, we headed to a local ice cream place to celebrate little e's first full week of school. e decided she wanted a quart or pint of double chocolate chunk ice cream, but we got her a small bowl instead. KK got an ice cream cone bigger than her but enjoyed it.

We ended the night with a bubble tub (my turn), where no one got yelled at, stories, and both of the girls willingly going to bed with neither of them exiting the room once.

So, there you have it. It may not sound like much, but it was a great button reset day. I feel like a whole different person. I was much more patient with them yesterday and today and am definitely looking forward to next week. It may make me look like a bad mom to be so thrilled with a day away from my kids... But, there really is something to be said for being able to stop several places and not have to buckle and unbuckle kids, hold their hands so they don't get run over in a parking lot, scoping out the nearest bathroom for the accident prone one who's potty training, not constantly saying 'hands off, don't touch' and worry about lunch and nap time, yadda yadda yadda.

Here's to days of feeling non-mom like and not feeling guilty for it!! Hope you all are able to enjoy those few and far between zen-like moments.

Kindergarten, Part 2

Today was little e's first day of Kindergarten... again. If you remember, she started Kindergarten when we were in California since she met the age cut-off there. We debated and went back and forth over the decision to re-start her and after today, we are so at ease with our decision.

Although there is an elementary school, literally in our backyard, we put little e's name into the lottery for the new charter school in the area and were lucky enough to get a spot. The waiting list for the school is huge. They follow all of the state education guidelines, but are free to create their own curriculum. The focus is on community, development of self, creativity through arts and music... they even do organic gardening.

And the best part... uniforms!!!

...although one is able to express their self through their Hanna Montana bookbag.

She wore her necklace that her CA boyfriend gave her for good luck.

Little sisters are so much fun!

Dad took time out of his busy day to join us for a treasure hunt through the school to get us all acquainted with the layout.

At the end of the treasure hunt, one of the teachers read the kids the book, "The Kissing Hand", which is a great story about a raccoon that is scared to go to school.

And last, but not least, there is a new "K" in our life... here on out referred to as BFFK. Not more than 5 minutes of being in the classroom, little e and BFFK were holding hands. I think they had met previously at one of my friends houses. Her teacher told me that they were inseparable today which is great since they will be riding the bus together next week. What a perfect way to alleviate her bus fears.

When I picked little e up, she was all smiles and said that she loved her new school. Nothing better than that...

What We Need

My friend Amy did this on her blog and thought it was fun, so decided to do it for us.

How it works: type your name and 'needs' after it in a google search, and list the top 10 results.

1. K needs more people for her to relate to and so she can finally have a friend (yeah, probably).
2. K needs coffee (don't drink it, so I should maybe take the suggestion).
3. K needs to get her head out of her elbow (huh??).
4. K needs you.
5. K needs to cut her hair (Sukanda here I come).
6. K needs to learn that everyone is replaceable.
7. K needs to do something about her top front angly-weird teeth (um, I think my Mayo Clinic orthodontic work is just fine).
8. K needs to move to New York (OK, see ya MD).
9. K needs attention.
10. K needs to quit one of her jobs (No problem... one family on the auction block, takers??).

1. E needs to complete the game.
2. E needs Christine in his life (ummm.... who's Christine?).
3. E needs to come home (he's spending way too much time with this Christine girl).
4. E needs to speedily retract and denounce his earlier comments on the subject.
5. E needs to work (definitely).
6. E needs cable (true... DirecTV is on his last nerve).
7. E needs his woman (that's right... take that Christine!).
8. E needs a girl (nope... #7 answered that).
9. E needs some buddies.
10. E needs to wear hearing aides in both ears (I've always said that he's deaf).

1. e needs a loving new home (this one is horrible).
2. e needs sunglasses NOW!
3. e needs squares (what??).
4. e needs a drink (no... that would be what I need).
5. e needs to break her spell.
6. e needs to paint, paint, paint (perfect for our artistic girl).
7. e needs cancer treatment (thankfully, no).
8. e needs it most (needs what the most?).
9. e needs chun (yeah, I have no idea).
10. e needs a vacation (again, that would be me).

1. KK needs a special venue for musical, theater performances (I would pay money for that).
2. KK needs to face reality.
3. KK needs to stay (put, in one place without running everywhere like a crazy child).
4. KK needs more attention (like you can ignore her).
5. KK needs no one.
6. KK needs more residential high-rises (I'll take a cut of her profits).
7. KK needs to post the trailer on www.mmorpg.com .
8. KK needs one incorporator (I would like to see what kind of business deal she's up to).
9. KK needs curly hair.
10. KK needs no further mention (perfect).

Happy 1 Year Anniversary...

to my blog!! I am a little late and had to look back at the archives to see when I actually started this whole thing. August 1, 2007.

My, time has flown by since I have been blogging, and more recently, not blogging. Hopefully when school starts, things will settle down a little bit and I will be able to devote more time to blogging. I truly enjoy catching everyone up with what we are up to and I appreciate that all of you stop by to read.

So, new years blog resolution... blog more. There you have it.

Thanks for reading!! K

Ketchup, Part 2

I figured I would take this rare opportunity while KK is still sleeping (day 2 in a row that she has slept past 6:30) to post something quick.

Marine Corps Marathon here we come!!

E had already decided a while ago that he was going to run the marathon. Then, while over at a friends house, I met a girl that lives a few houses down from us... she was looking for a running partner and we figured out that our pace was pretty close. And then, she asked if I wanted to run the marathon with her and my few glasses of wine spoke up and said, 'I'd love to!!' I'm not sure why or how I thought it would be a good idea to run a marathon since I had never run more than 3 miles in my life but I am going to attempt to.

We are currently in week 7 of our 18 week training program. The marathon is Sunday, October 26th at some horribly early time... so if any friends or family want to come out and watch the kids, let us know!!

We'll keep you posted as it gets closer and give you our bib numbers so you can keep track of us online.

Wish us luck!