Houston & Easter Excitement

Once a month I have been pulling a super long day.  Fly out of WPB at 6:00 AM direct to Houston, and then back on the 8:37PM flight.  Although somewhat exhausting I get a ton done at the office and always come back feeling excited and refreshed.  Now when I land at midnight and get home at 1:00 AM not so much, but getting up with my boys makes a 22 hour day worth it.  Plus tomorrow is Jack's Easter Egg Hunt at school!  I would be lying if I didn't admit how excited I am for this event!  Jack of course won't remember (other then reading this blog post in 20 years) but I know he is going to love it.  Why? Because the man loves picking up his blocks.  So therefore I have the feeling he is going to love finding eggs and putting them in his special basket.  I am also excited for the family Easter Egg hunt I intend to have on Sunday morning.  The challenge with that is Deb D. aka Hat Lady is going to be in town and will surely steal all of her grandsons eggs.  Hence exhibit A Easter Egg Hunt circa 2010...she takes it very serious and is very aggressive. 

We are planning on a beach Easter Egg Hunt Sunday so it should be very fun. 

I have yet to make it to the Easter Bunny this year.  I am working on it, and planning on possibly taking Jack tomorrow.  Bottom line, I am ready for a nice, relaxing weekend. I love Easter weekend and always have.  Partly because I love making Easter brunch and dinner using my special Easter plates. It seems like so long ago this picture was taken.  We had just moved into our home in Augusta and it was our second Easter together but first in our actual home together.  Love these plates!

 Plus Cadbury Eggs and Jelly Beans.   I have been feeling like I need some Nicole time lately and I have a few Nicole hours lined up in conjunction with Erin's "FL" bachelorette.  Should definitely be great!

Happy Easter To All!

A Blushing Bride To Be!

Last weekend we celebrated the beautiful bride to be Erin Cecilia Cavanaugh at her shower and bachelorette party in Doylestown.  It was classy, beautiful, and perfect just like Erin.  I realized last weekend how much I miss this woman and what an important part of my life she is near or far.  When Erin moved across the "pond" I knew things would likely be different.  Skype is not nearly as easy as a cell phone call anytime (although some may argue this point) and certainly a weekend flight is out of the question.  But the thing I love and value about our friendship (and many of my Bentley vball girls friendships) is that no matter how much time passes it is always the same.  I read this quote a few weeks back randomly in an airport "True friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance".  This phrase holds true in so many ways as to where Erin and I are at, and many of my closest friends.  It makes my heart warm and grateful for our friendship.  The honesty we share with one another, the support, and the memories we hold onto as we have grown into adults with so much more responsibility then when we were young, care free, stupid college students.  I use the word stupid lightly, and only really one (maybe twice) in the decisions we made.  Like the time when we were in Italy our senior year of college and a random guy approached Erin asking to do a photo shoot of her.  I might have said yes and guided us to some random apartment in Milan to proceed with this photo shoot.  All I have to say is thank god I had not seen the movie "Taken" prior to this incident.  I guess we made it out alive, but let me tell you my children will NEVER be traveling to Europe alone.  I digress.  Bottom line as we were celebrating last weekend and I was enjoying my time with my best friend, and missing my boys at home even more I saw Erin's glow.  The glow that has always exuded in her beautiful, humble self, but different as she enjoyed her moment as the bride to be. It made me happy, and warm inside.  I am excited about our "FL" girls weekend and to spend some more QT with my girl.  I love you Erin Cecilia and can't wait to stand beside you in three short months in Athens.

My Little Salsa Man

I am going to be away from my men for the next 3 nights so all I wanted to do last night was go out for Mexican.  Not because I wanted a margarita (well I did), but because I wanted to watch Jack eat salsa. Every place we have lived or been together we typically seek out a local hole in the wall Mexican restaurant.  We have shared many special occasions at these hole in the wall places.  The night JMS and I saw each other for the first time after 4 years apart we went to the "Green Room" in Augusta, it was only fitting we ate their the night of our engagement.  Panchos Villa in Dade City was our go to Valentines Day restaurant the past two years.   Senor Burrito is now our special place because it is the first time Jack fell in love with salsa.  He goes wild over it.  This was a picture of the first night. OBSESSED.

 This is a picture of last night.

 Both times I forgot a bib for the poor guy, and he has been covered in his new favorite food.  Rather then get the car seat dirty I decided to strip him down last night and I was able to get a snapshot of the after math.  Jack was in heaven, between the salsa and walking around town almost naked it was probably one of the best nights of his 18 month life. 

The Slight Edge

JMS is reading a great book right now called "The Slight Edge".  I can't wait to read it after him.  Last night before bed he read me this and I just had to share.  Happy Tuesday, make it a great day!

 

 

"People everywhere are clamoring for the  formula, the secret ingredient, the path to improve their lives.

The secret ingredient is your philosophy: what you know, how you hold it, and how it affects what you do.  Once you change the way you think then you can take the steps that will lead you to the "how to's"

The things you do everyday, the things that don't look like they matter, do matter.  They not only make a difference- they make all the difference"

Spring Wardrobe Wish List

The other day I started going through my closet and realized I have not been shopping for awhile.  I also realized how much I depend on great finds from other blogs I read.  Therefore I feel the need to post some finds.  I started to put together a spring wardrobe wish list.  This is what I have come up with thus far:

White Pants -  These pants I have from Ann Taylor in dark wash and they are awesome! Especially if you have curves.  I am watching for an Ann 40% off coupon to get these babies.

Work Bag- As a gift to celebrate my new position John got me this new bag for Christmas. I had to return it over the weekend because the strap broke.  I brought the bag back to TB with my lap top in it to show the girls exactly what occupied its space since it was outside the return period.  They then proceeded to tell me the bag was not made to carry more then a few lbs.  Seriously?  Luckily they allowed me to exchange it for this which I like much better and will have multiple uses.

2 New Work Out Tops:  I have been in a fitness funk lately due to being completely exhausted between the hours going into work and then savoring each non working moment with my guys.  I do not feel great about myself these days and am determined to get back at it.  Both of these tops are awesome and I am hoping the Easter Bunny might plop them in a basket for me next weekend. 

3 Work Dresses:  I wear black shifts, and I am on the hunt for some color.  I am waiting for them to bottom out in price before buying from Banana, might be awhile but I am going to keep an eye out.

Bathing Suit:  Since I live by the beach I need to get a good suit for summer.  This is what I am thinking.  If only I looked like this model.

This is the rest of my wish list that I have not put much thought into. 

Beach Cover Up
Pair of Shorts
2 Casual Dresses
2 Tank Tops

...please send any links to anything super cute, and on sale JMS will thank you.

Friday Recap... A Few Days Late

Last week wrapped up a busy week and I was ready to get out and spend some QT with the boys on Friday night.

Highlights of last week:

Jack's 5th hair cut = disaster.  Note to self do not pick up tired, hungry baby from daycare and think that 5:00PM on a Tuesday is an appropriate time to get a hair cut.  Jack now has a mini mullet, he is kind of rocking it though.

Weds. Jack gets bitten by a spider at daycare.  Here are his hands.  The list of new ailments and adventures in parenting continue to grow.  We now carry an EPI Pen in our bag just in case anything crazier happens then a swollen, itchy hand.  Poor guy. 

Breakfast meeting with dad.  Ridiculously cute, that's all.

Climbing Jack's newest skill and one that will surely give me a heart attack for the rest of my life.  Our bedrooms in our new place are right next to each other.  Usually Jack sits in his room and reads his books quietly while I clean up the bathroom after his bath.  This is what I walked into the other night after a two minute clean up.  Jack will now be attached to my hip to avoid injury.

 

 

 

Jack has alwasy loved books, but I love how he is now "reading" on his own.  I find myself spying on him from around the corner as he flips through his books and reads aloud.  Nevermind the fact he is typically in some type of toddler squat at the same time.  Is it me or are toddlers super flexible?

 

 



St. Paddy's Day Recap & Irish Wisdom To Parents

This weekend was awesome!  I have to say that I love all the different events that are constantly going on in Delray.  It is true when they say it is "Americas number 1 small town".  I didn't realize how big St. Paddys day was in this little town until signs started popping up all over the place a few weeks ago.  It started with opening ceremonies Friday evening. They had bagpipers and firefighters from all over, leprechauns, and of course plenty of Guiness.  Jack was kind of scared of the bag pipes which I thought was funny, but as soon as the band started playing little man was life of the party.  Below we are representing with members of the Boston Pipe and Drum Crew.

Saturday was the big parade.  My dad headed down to join in the fun which was a blast. 

The parade was awesome, the best St. Patricks Day parade and party I have ever been too.  100,000 people lined the streets of Delray to celebrate in green and white. Jack was extremely popular on the parade route and got tons of green beads. Bottom line it was a great memory and I can't wait until next year.

On Friday a package came in the mail from mom and Jake.  A book of Irish Wisdom for Parents.  These are my favorite words of Wisdom. 

"A child will be known by its manners"

"What the child sees is what a child does"

"As the old cock crows, the young cock learns."

This one I don't agree with.... " A son is a son until he marries, a daughter is your daughter until you die"

God forbid my poor future daughter in law.

"A good laugh and a long sleep the cure for all"

BirchBox Favorites

I know I have written about Birch Box before but I am so inclined to do so again because I finally have purchased a few of my favorite items found in my boxes over the past 6 months.  Birch Box is AMAZING!  $10 per month and a cute little box with all kinds of awesome samples are delivered to your door.  So if you have not signed up then I highly recommend it right here.  I was in the mood to buy some products that would make me feel good, and these are 4 I chose!


Shue Uemura Art of Hair Protective Oil  :  This stuff is amazing.  I was a true Moroccan Oil user until I tried this.  Much lighter and leaves hair feeling less heavy then what I have found with Moroccan Oil.

Stella Cadente Perfume  : Perfumes are hard to take recommendations because you do really have to love it in my opinion.  Each month Birch sends a sample of a different perfume and I fell in love with this one in November.  I just ordered the travel size and can't wait to engulf my body with this beautiful scent!

TwistBands  : Best hair ties ever.  The best part about them is that they leave no bumps so you can put your hair up for an hour and let it back down and it will still look good!

 

WEI Golden Root Mud Purifying Mask : Best mask I have ever used. Period.

 

 

 

Happy Birthday To My Mom

"It is not outer beauty that counts, it is how beautiful you are on the inside that matters" ~ Deb DeBlois

These are the days when being far away are the hardest.  I miss you so terribly much, and as I write this I fight back tears as I just want to give you a hug and a birthday smack on the bum.  Mom I am sad I am not there celebrating with you today,  but wanted to let you know how much I love you and how you have impacted my life.  But before I begin...holy crap I can't believe you are 55.  I mean seriously how many years have I been saying you were 55 and now you really are.  Anyways I guess I will have to start turning that number up to 60 when I joke around with you.  You don't look a day over 35 Deb D.  Just had to start with some humor mom. 

I love you so much and even though I am far away you are with me in my thoughts and memories that we have shared together every day.  I can't believe how fast the past 5 years have flown by.  It is funny because I as reflect on that time between your big 50th birthday bash and now, it is filled with so many changes and wonderful memories.  On your 50th birthday I was 25 years old, out of college for three years and had said to you that all those years of you saying "I am your mother not your friend" had finally turned to "I am your daughter and your best friend".  That phrase gets stronger with each passing day, and since I have become a mom has taken an even deeper meaning.  The past 5 years have been a whirlwind, both of your children have kept you on your toes and each year has brought change.  You have been through some major life events.  As I am going through these events in my head I realize how difficult yet exciting many of them have been for you.  My move to GA...then Tampa...then Delray.  I remember the day we flew to Augusta with nunie, and how emotional yet supportive you were that I was leaving the place I had called home for my entire life to follow my dreams and love.

 I know since then it has been hard for you, and I know today my distance is heavy in your heart.  But despite distance and time I believe our relationship has grown stronger, and the time we get to spend together is that much more special.   Our wedding, and then two grandchildren in a year capped off the ride to 55.  

 

 

I want you to know how much I appreciate the love, support, and flexibility you have shown as I have embarked on living the life I have always dreamed.  I would not be where I am today without the lessons you have taught me, the strength you have shown, and the love you have given me over the past 30 years.   I know it is because now that Jack has been born everything has been put into an entirely new perspective of what it must be like to handle these changes as a parent.  Especially now as every fleeting moment goes by I almost want to freeze time and have Jack stop growing.  But as a parent I know what I want for my son in his life is to be happy, fulfilled, and making a difference in this world.  I know this is your wish for me too...and from one parent to another I am so blessed to be experiencing all of the above.  I know as a parent you say you never stop worrying, and I would give you crap and say don't worry about me I can take care of myself.  I wish I could take back those words because I get it now regardless of what age you will worry about your child.  The day that Jack was born I will never forget what you whispered in my ear after the nurse handed him to me.  "You're his mom, his protector, his angel"  I want you to know how special it was for me to have you be a part of that day with me, and the days leading up to his birth.  Those were some of the most special moments that I will never forget.

The most important lesson you ingrained in my head growing up was the above quote, "It is not outer beauty that counts, it is inner beauty that really matters".  I will repeat this to my children until the cows come home, and will have you to point to in those moments when they tell me I am annoying.  Then I will stop them and tell them "Your mimi is the epitome of this quote".  You are beautiful mom, inside and out and  John, Jack, Palin, and I love you so, so much and wish you the best birthday ever!  Live, Laugh, Love

Thoughts On A Friday

Phew…it’s Friday!  What a week! 5 flights, two days, three pitches, one big meeting, lots of follow up = productive work week.   I write this recap sitting in the Houston airport, and got the idea from another blog I follow about writing an end of week posts of things on my mind.  As  I anxiously wait for my flight home to my little man I figured it would be a good way to pass some time.

A few highlights from the week:

Egg White Breakfast Muffins:  JMS requested a quick breakfast solution last week and Pinterest came to the rescue as always.  I chopped up spinach, peppers, mushrooms, turkey sausage and through into a saute pan.  After cooking all the veggies I distributed my healthy mixture into a muffin tin and poured egg whites over the top.  These were the result, delicious, and easy! Highly recommend.

 

Maybooks my new go to notebook is having a sale until tomorrow 40% off with Spring13.  They just came out with new monograms and fonts for spring.  I love mine, and typically go through one a month writing my to do lists.  I just ordered a Simply Inspired Maybook and a new “Business Idea” book to write down all my genius ideas on the companies I want to start someday. 

 

 

Jack’s Babiators are awesome.  I love this picture, he is such a sweet boy. 

 

 

On being a sales person.  Being a sales person as a profession is a lot easier then being a sale person as a mom.  I read an article on redirecting behaviors rather then saying no to Jack, and I find I feel like I am selling him half the time to do what I want.  I don’t know if this is normal, a part of me fears it is.  Definitely a tough sell.

 

This article on college AD salaries.  I thought this was a very interesting article.  Having a husband on the career path to get to this level one day (hopefully) I think the controversy is somewhat annoying.  Why because college athletic administrators work their behinds off!  Tons of hours, always some type of challenge, long road to the money, yet still remain incredibly passionate about what they do.  They deserve every cent plus more in my opinion.

Our cousin Rachel shaved her head today on live television representing Team Addison!  Here is the link to the clip and to Addison's video.  If you have it in your heart every dollar would help!  Rachel Miles = Inspiration

http://www.whas11.com/great-day-live/video/Mom-shaves-head-to-bring-attention-to-bone-marrow-donation-196312041.html

JMS and I's schedule are opposite this week so I am sad I won't see him until Sunday.  But I have big plans for Jack and I starting tomorrow.  Run to start the day, walk to the farmers market, story time at Barnes and Nobles, mommy/Jack nap, it will be great.  I am excited, pass the time fast until daddy gets home.

Happy Friday to all!

And Then You Were 17 Months Old

Jack Jack,

And you are now 17 months old going on 5!  Your personality and zest for life shines through more and more each day.  It is amazing to me to see how much your grow each and everyday.  In a month I swear your legs have grown two inches because now you can officially ride your wheely cow around. Last month you could barely get on the thing! 

You have taken a big interest in buses, trucks, and tractors in the last month.  I think in part because your theme at school has been transportation.  It is the most adorable thing to watch you bend over and push your trucks, and buses around. You had the chance to climb up into a fire truck with your dad this month, and you loved it! 

Your hair is growing out and thank goodness your curls are coming back.  When you get tired these days you have started playing with your hair, it is the most adorable thing.  When I touch your hair to calm you before bed you will have nothing of it, but you just rub your own head.  It is very cute.  I have to admit I have found myself sneaking into your room and just staring at you a lot lately. I don't know why I just feel like I am holding onto every fleeting moment as you are getting too big so fast!

Grandma got you a big boy table and chairs for Easter.  This is now where you eat your breakfast and snacks.  I love watching you climb into the chair it is still a bit high for you so you climb up and then sit down backwards it is hysterical.

 You have also taken a huge liking to feeding Palin this month.  Poor Palin is officially 10 lbs overweight and really does not need you to perfect the exercise of feeding her.  She needs to go on a diet, like her mother.  After a month and a half you are finally getting adjusted to your new daycare.  The past few days you have stopped crying when we walk out the door, and that makes us feel a lot better.  Everyone told us it would take two or three months so maybe we are ahead of the curve.  This is your first school picture.  I don't know why you have a bink in your mouth, but you are still looking pretty dapper.

The other thing you have started doing is full out sprinting.  You love to run and push your cozy coupe which is another thing we love to watch you do. 

You are such a fascinating little man to us, and your dad and I find ourselves looking at each other in amazement half the time at the things you do.  Your vocabulary continues to improve, you have learned to say "oh no", "no", apple, banana, cracker, bus, please, nose, and truck.  You do repeat most things we say but some things we honestly just don't understand.  This month to celebrate your dads birthday we took you on your first boat ride.  To say you were excited would be an understatement, you were in boating baby heaven!

 

This month we also tried some new foods, your favorite being salsa from Senor Burrito.  I seriously think you ate two full bowls of salsa, or I should say managed to drip two bowels of salsa down your shirt. 

 

 

We also baked this month, which I loved.  I have been excited about cooking with you since I found out I was pregnant.  Unfortunately I didn't envision being up making blueberry muffins on a Sunday at 5:30 AM in this grand plan, but I will take what I can get.  In regard to that 5:30 wake up these days...not cool.  I am saying it now so that when you read this in 28 years and have your first child you will have pay back.  We also celebrated Valentines Day this month.  While I thought you were the cool kid with the personalized Valentine may have been overkill. Elmo Target Valentines for next year I guess.

 

 

All in all an adventurous month of growth, playing, and happiness for you little guy. You are so the man, I love you so much buddy!