Books on tape - I guess that should be cd!

Hubby and I had a little spat this morning - well, no one would really know that it was a spat because it wasn't the usual screaming, slamming doors and stomping out of the room. I guess I was calm today! But he ticked me off so bad this morning that it was all I could think of all the way to work.

I'm not going to get into the substance of the disagreement because it was so illogical that it's not worth mentioning. All I could say is that men are really very different. You would think that this should not come as a revelation at this point in my life - I mean c'mon, I'm a grown 35-years of age and I've been at this dating/relationship/even marriage thing for a long time now. But, yes ... they are really from mars!

Despite the anger that I felt at that moment, I managed to keep it all under control. I said nothing and I went about my business. Of course, in my slightly passive aggressive way I didn't really say anything to him at all after this ridiculous discussion. But - I did not explode and I forgot about it as I got to work. This evening when I got home I was fine and that's very abnormal for me as I tend to hold on to things and stay mad for a while.

I attribute this strange (but welcome) behavior to the fact that I've been listening in the car to Pastor Joel Osteen's book "Become a Better You". I love Pastor Joel! I actually wish that I lived in Houston to attend his church. There is just something about him that reaches your soul - you know what I'm talking about? Don't worry, I'm not trying to recruit you into some strange internet cult!

Anyway, I've been listening to him during my extremely short commutes and this morning was a testament to how your mind sucks up information without much effort. Unlike the attention needed to actually read a book, listening to a book on tape requires far less concentration. Of course, what quite often happens is you have to listen to it a few times to really digest the information. So, I've probably listened to the entire book about 5 or 6 times since I bought it, and I think the message is embedded in my brain now.

I can't recite passages from the book for you (i.e. not a cult), but this morning's episode surely proves that the messages are impressed on my psyche and are changing my behavior.

I'm really happy about the way I handled the situation and I give part the credit to listening to Pastor Joel on a daily basis (mostly I credit a higher god).

Give books on tape/cd a try especially if it's a book that you've really wanted to read and just never had or will have a chance - it's a great way to multi-task. This proved to be a good thing for me and my marriage as well.

Yes, We Did

My heart is full right now. Family from Canada keep calling and asking me how I feel, but I really can't verbalize it. Late last night, looking down at L'il Buddy and realizing that my kids will see this man as their president and not think anything of it, was almost overwhelming. Last night was a historic night and a proud night, for sure.

Baby Love

There's nothing like having a baby in the house.

The sweet smell. The chubby limbs. Seeing the wonder and amazement in their eyes.

You can't beat it.

You're FOUR!

My big girl! I can't believe you're four. You are growing into such a little lady, helping me with your sister and brother, asking tons of smart questions, and becoming oh-so-independent. It never ceases to amaze your Dad and I how much you make us laugh and how often you surprise us with your spectacular memory. You've waited so patiently for your birthday to come; counting down the days on our calendar ever since Giggles' birthday back in March. Now your day is finally here! I'm so proud of you and I love you more than words.

Happy Birthday Sweets!

I Hear Three Is the New Two

Baby Number 3 is on the way!

As you can imagine, I've been in an exhausted, nauseous, excited whirlwind the past few weeks. I'm almost 4 months along and with any luck, the hardest part is over (well, besides the birth, I mean). Without going into the nitty gritty details, I was on a brief period of bed rest, experienced a reaction to the high altitude while flying on a business trip, and am waiting patiently for my marginal placenta previa to resolve itself. Fortunately, according to the sono, everything is just fine.

In light of all this trouble, I've decided that it's gotta be a boy.

You're Three

I cannot believe that you're three. Three. Three!

It seems like yesterday that we brought you home from the hospital and stared at you in disbelief over how tiny and delicate you were. And, by the way, it also feels like yesterday since, for some reason, I am just as tired as I was back then. Maybe it's because now I am running after you trying to get you to put on pants before running outside. Call me modest. Or it's because I am busy picking shredded cheese out of the dining room carpet because you decided to "make tacos" on your plastic stove.

Perhaps it's because I am running behind you down the sidewalk pushing you "faster! faster!" as you practice "riding" your tricycle. It could be because I'm figuring out the best way to remove the lotion that you've smeared all over your room.

Or maybe it's because I'm out of breath from answering your thousand questions during each and every car ride. It could be because I'm making up a song to the tune of Dora's "We Did It!" each time you finish something that you've been working hard at. It might be because I'm chasing you down so that I can save the poor soul whose ear you're talking off on the phone. Or maybe it's because I'm trying to prevent you from completely submerging yourself in fingerpaint during our craft time.

Or because I'm diving in between you and your little sister to stop you from brushing the heck out of her hair. It also could be because I'm reading "Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too?" eleven times before bed.

It may even be because I'm doing a cheerleading jump each time you take a bite of anything that isn't plain white rice. Or it could be because I'm dancing in a conga line with you singing "It's time to Sprout it up! Sprout it up! Before we go to bed, let's Sprout it up!"

It quite possibly is because I stayed up way past my bedtime last night assembling your play kitchen so that I could surprise you this morning. Or maybe it's because I'm so busy thinking about how grateful I am that you're such a happy, healthy and spunky little girl.

Whatever the reason, I'm tired. And I can't imagine being any happier.

Happy 3rd Birthday Kiddo! You light up my life.

And I'm working on that Barney cake. Popsicle swear.

I'll Take *Lovely* for $1000, Alex

I have good news and bad news...Whatch'a wanna hear first?

The Bad News: My Mother's Day Weekend has come to a close.

The Good News: It was lovely! Remember my fun-filled day of errands on Friday? Well, as it turns out, I ended up at the mall for about 3 hours and mopped nary a floor and folded nary a towel. It was great! And I have about 5 new outfits (hooray!) and of course a fly pair of shoes (HOORAY!) to show for it. And I was able to get the shoes with a giftcard that hubby gave to me in 2005 (no joke) so that just sweetened the deal. Thanks Hubs! [Of course his response when I got home was "You wasted that gift card on SHOES?" Will he never understand?]

Saturday the gals and I lazed around in the beautiful weather outside all morning. Well, the gals splashed around in their kiddie pool and I lazed. *Lovely* Then Saturday afternoon was the annual Mother's Day Pink Party with my mother's group. Everyone dresses up in their prettiest of pinks and we celebrate motherhood over a deliciously catered meal in a beautifully decorated backyard. The hostess even gave out Certificates of Appreciation to all of the moms for our "dedication and hard work at the most challenging, fulfilling and important job of motherhood." Amen! Then, Hubby, the gals and I went out for dinner (yes, I was already stuffed) to a cozy authentic Mexican restaurant and then for an evening drive. It was lovely evening. Oh! And then I came home to a sweet card from my Sis and delivery of gorgeous roses and lilies from my Dad wishing me a Happy Mother's Day. *Lovely*

Sunday, Hubby and the girls brought me breakfast in bed. Well, actually the girls jumped all over me and the bed begging for my food as I tried to watch the mother-daughter episode of How Do I Look "alone." Then Oldest and I went to church where I was greeted with a beautiful corsage and Mother's Day card from the Teen Ministry inscribed with:

"It's Mother's Day...May the world bloom in your honor!

Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised. Proverbs 31:30"

Very true. But my new shoes are still slamming.

And after church, the family went to to a Caribbean buffet brunch. It.Was.So.Good. I'm still stuffed. *Lovely* We topped the night off watching the latest episode of the Sopranos. [Can you BELIEVE what Tony did to Christopher? He's cold man. Real cold.]

And that was my weekend. Did I mention that it was just *lovely*?

Are You Ready?

By now you've surely heard of the incredible love offering that our corner of Bloggityville gave to Heather. If you haven't heard, Heather was diagnosed with a brain tumor a few weeks ago and is undergoing surgery tomorrow at the Mayo Clinic. As of last Friday, "we" raised almost $18,000 to help Heather and her family in this particular time of need! Amazing. Heather is just so thankful and continues to be so faithful and so strong for her husband and her kids even during this uncertain time. But let me get to the point. The monetary donations are surely a blessing, but there is only so much that money can do. It's very simple, really. SHE.NEEDS.YOUR.PRAYERS. So please pray for and think of Heather tomorrow. Pretty please.

Oh, one more thing. Kelli at Living In Grace has set up a prayer chain so that Heather and her family will be covered with prayer every hour for a whole week. How awesome is that?

This bloggity thing never ceases to amaze.

Cole Haazard

I knew breaking in new shoes could sometimes be a pain but who knew it could be hazardous! This morning I was backing out of my driveway on my way to work and I went to step on the brake but because my shoes were brand new, I had no traction and my foot slipped right off! Luckily I wasn't on a busy street -- it could have been ugly. Well, my feet wouldn't have been ugly because, trust me, the shoes are cute. But still, it could have been worse. Could you just imagine the news headline?

Don't get excited. I got them on clearance.

And please don't get scared away by my superficial shallow rants. I am, how do you say, a "multi-dimensional woman." Therefore, a thought-provoking, deep-discussion-worthy post is on its way soon. Maybe.

Especially for Heather

Some of you all may already know about Especially Heather's unfortunate brain tumor diagnosis that she received last week. Well, in true sisterly-blogger form, BooMama is organizing a web-a-thon to bless Heather and her family in this challenging time. Take a minute to learn all about Heather's story here and also read about the miracle that her family witnessed in the past few years with the life of Heather's daughter, Emma Grace. It will truly move your heart.

Heather is scheduled to see a neurologist at the end of the month at the Mayo Clinic, the number one neurosurgery hospital in the country. The goal of the web-a-thon is to help Heather and her family with as much of the expenses as possible. So, if you would like to help -- the minimum donation is only $1 -- please click here. You'll be glad you did.

HOORAY!!

Tanyetta's hubby is finally coming home from Iraq today!!! I've been watching her countdown for months and can't believe it's down to 13 hours. I'm so excited for them. Head over to Days Like These to wish them a happy homecoming!

Emmy Awards, Here She Comes

So, I've been keeping up with Risa's struggles as she has been trying to get her book, Notes From the Underbelly, made into a tv show. It's something that's been in the works for a while now but you know how those pesky Hollywood folks can be. [Ok, neither do I but I imagine they're impossible!] Over the weekend I was watching tv, and wouldn't you know it? I saw a preview for her show! The pilot is finally going to air on April 11th on ABC. Yay Risa!! [When the preview came on I shouted to my husband: "Hey! I 'know' her! I read her blog!" He was unmoved.] Anyway, make sure to congratulate her about the show on her blog and don't forget to watch - it's a show us moms can enjoy.

Synopsis:
The series will chronicle the life of Andrew and Lauren, a couple who are expecting their first child and the unlikely help and advice of their family and friends who also want to share in the couples' joy and other hilarious pains on the road to parenthood.

When It Rains, It Pours

Ain't that the truth? And I'm not even talking about the actual weather here in (now) sunny South Florida, I'm talking about opportunities...There's something to be said for not "blocking your blessings." Being a tad cryptic am I? Too complicated to explain but let me just remind you to be careful what you pray for! I promise to give y'all an update (about what? you ask) soon.

In the meantime, the rugrats are enjoying their trip. Nothin' says lovin' like Grandma C's biscuits in the oven. Or Grandma D in fishnet stockings and fake eyelashes. Oh yes, I will explain.

But not right now, I have some relaxin' to do.

Do Not Wake Me if I'm Dreaming!

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!! It has taken me this long just to gather my thoughts, finally check email and check the blog! I see I missed the Blog party. Sounds like it was a hit! Who wore what? How was the food? And the drinks? Can't wait to see the pictures! *wink.

My birthday was awesome. I had such a wonderful time. I am truly blessed with a wonderful husband, great friends and a beautiful family. My husband deserves a gold medal for all that he did. I have already decided I will be turning 30 for about the next 10 or 15 years. If I could just relive the past 9 days over and over again, I would be happy:)

It all started with a surprise trip, planned by Hubby, to Orlando last Friday to do some shopping just for yours truly. We took a break mid-day, enjoyed a great lunch over a bottle of wine, took our time eating dessert and then hubby was ready for another go around. I couldn't believe it! And, he did not even complain one time the whole day! We ended the day with dinner and then hit the road to go back home.

When we got a home, my best friend was there visiting from ATL. We caught up, got ready and left the house way too late for an old woman like me (11:00). Then it was a crazy-wild-one-last-time before-your-30 night on the town. I have not had that much girl fun probably since I turned 21. Lets just say the next day I did not wake up until noon and only because hubby had more things planned and I had to hit the hair salon. Otherwise, I would have looked like a crazy woman who just got in from a crazy-wild-you-are-too-old-for-this-type-of-stuff night on the town.

That evening, I knew something was planned, just didn't know what. After going here and there, getting a drink, ordering some apps, we finally arrived at one of my favorite restaurants in town. There, a surprise dinner was planned, again, by hubby. I was greeted by about 25 of my family and friends. Some of whom even traveled all the way from ATL and Tampa just for one night on the town with me! How great!! I got to see my favorite cousin, some close friends, and of course, my friends and family from in town. I was really surprised. I have not seen my cousin in almost two years! Then, I was showered with even more gifts! Again, I could not believe it. (I think I said, "I can't believe it" about 100 times the whole week). I felt like a little girl turning 10 (prior to this birthday, my 10th was my favorite. I remember I had a beautiful princess cake made by my Godmother and I had on a beautiful dress and fancy shoes- it was the best!). Then about 10 of us went out again for another fun night out. Hubby and I danced like we did at our wedding.

On my actual birthday I spoke with several friends from undergrand, law school, and also spent the week opening and reading funny cards, surprise gifts, etc. all for little old me. Again, my friends are the greatest! What a blessing.

THEN (if you can believe it, there's more) we went to Vegas for 3 nights and 4 days of just me and hubby (okay, and a day and a half of a conference for law professors). It was more fun then our honeymoon. Really, it was. We just returned last night so I am still trying to catch my breath and adjust to now a four hour time difference.

When I got home last night the kids were all in their PJs, smelling good and looking adorable. It was the best feeling. I missed them so much! The baby burnt a path on the rug just to get to me. Daughter did her silly dance. Oldest gave me a great big hug. It was the best!

What a blessing. All of it. My husband is the greatest (did I say that already?), my friends and family are the greatest, and my kids are just the best! Thirty is the greatest!