The Ts and Me

Welcome Back Snapshot Sunday

2012-01-29T09:18:00.003-05:00

Um oops...so I might have missed a bit. Which is why today I bring you a double dose, you know so that it covers the month I spent slacking!!!

Dose #1:

* Gorgeous Run * Corn Hole * Disney Request * New Faucets(!) * Always Construction * January Barefoot * Tarpon Winery * Greek Market * Gasparilla Beads *

Dose #2:

* After Rain * Tori Stories * Crockpot Love * Best Sandwich * Scholastic Mom * Service Project * Winter Fest * Not Studying * Tarpon Depot *

Gasparilla 2012

2012-01-25T08:02:00.003-05:00

In the spirit of New Year's resolution "4ish" (save more $) I hit the Tampa Bay Times looking for something to do Saturday morning and struck gold (yep this is a lame pirate pun!)

The famed Gasparilla invasion kicked off Saturday with family day - kids activities, invasion by air and sea, and best of all the parade. If you all don't know this already, I LOVE a good parade. And this one is the mother of all parades in our area. It is 2 and a 1/2 hours of nonstop floats, bands, pirates and of course the kids favorite part - ridiculous amounts of beads. And best of all it cost us parking and that is it.

To the Krewes of Tampa Bay - thanks for your ridiculous holiday!

Sea Invasion:

Air Invasion:

Look: Todd and I together, in the same picture. Admittedly a terrible picture of me but I am trying to be better about making sure my kids have a few pics of me existing in their childhood!

Chef LeShayne

2012-01-18T17:23:00.001-05:00

The title of this post is an oxymoron because those two things just don't coexist peacefully together. But girl tried. I mean really tried.

I kind of thought that due to my excessive viewing of the food network I would have learned to cook by now. Apparently its much like exercise, you actually have to do it yourself to see any kind of progress.

Tonight I made chili. I make good chili. I do not like chili. So I thought I would make some french onion soup.

I do like french onion soup. I do NOT make good french onion soup. And you CANNOT just keep adding flavors you think will make it taste better like the chefs on tv or you will have to throw the whole overly salty overly onion insanely nasty mess away.

Kitchen fail. Stupid cooking, I'm going back to watching.

New things.

2012-01-10T20:53:00.002-05:00

1 - Tori decided she is not playing softball. Only one kid in one sport - that's new. Of course she has already since asked to join a leadership team at church, sing in a youth choir and take piano lessons. So stay tuned. Who knows what she'll actually decide to do.

2 - Bikes! Tori's was too small so she got a new one this past week, Tristan got his seat raised so its ready to rock, and Todd traded a computer on Craig's List for this one. Strange but true. And I have trustee rollerblades...new Saturday activity that is both outdoors and free = SCORE!

3 - New cold. Totally messing with my running...oh and also house cleaning, working, feeling human and my very favorite...breathing. Hoping to be healthy again SOON!

Resolutions

2012-01-03T18:56:00.003-05:00

1. This should look familiar as it was #1 last year too. Sigh. This year I am going to be a runner...blah, blah, blah, blah. I could give you all the reasons why it might work this time but I won't. I will say this...I have gone TWO weeks running TWO miles every other day. A way better (and earlier) start than prior years. And if at first you don't succeed try again right. So #1 - Be A Runner Take 2 (or maybe 8?!?)

2. I am gonna make my house purty. On a budget. Because I am creative and I have the power of pinterest. And I am sick of living in a house that I don't LOVE. So by the end of the year me and my DIY self are going to make my house gorgeous.

3. I am going to take more time to be with my family. Last year one of my goals was to be intentional and I worked really hard at that and am pretty happy with the results. But I still have a tendency fill our lives with intentional activities and then fill the gaps with a lot of busyness - chores, multitasking, etc. More than ever my kids need me to just sit and have a conversation with them, read with them, watch a silly movie with them, etc. And not while cooking or cleaning or folding laundry. So I am gonna work harder to "just be" with my family.

4ish. Todd and I are hoping to save more/pay of the rest of our debt this year. We are at the point where we need to start saving diligently for things like college and retirement and not just the savings account. But this is a every year goal as well, one that improves slightly each year. And will again. So its 4-ISH!

What's on your list? Do you make resolutions?

I heart NYC

2012-01-03T17:54:00.006-05:00

Seriously. LOVE. As in LOVE. And here's why:

* The Food. *
Every kind you can think of. Paninis in a 100 varieties? Yes please. Italian desserts with crusts that are light as a feather? Yes please. Italian made by real Italians? Heaven.

*The many parts being one. *

I love that you can stand on a street corner of Chinatown and know that when you cross the street you will be in Little Italy. You can jump on the subway on Wall Street and get off in Queens. And those are distinctly different. But every person that lives in every one of those neighborhoods is a New Yorker, no matter the differences.

*The architecture. *

Lets face it for the USA it's got more than its fair share for a city.

*The "Famous". *

I love that there are places and statues and fountains and streets you have seen in movies and watched on your tv.

*The passion.*

This is the 9/11 Memorial. It is breathtaking and heartbreaking in one giant moment. Seeing those names...so so many names...brought tears to my eyes. It was like standing on hallowed ground...so many Americans were broken there, both physically and emotionally, and yet instead of ashes laid a monument to this countries greatness, resilience, and strength. There are no words to truly explain it.

*The people. *

They are everywhere, literally just everywhere. Jam packed at stoplights, crowded in traffic, waiting in long lines, meandering in stores. They are bankers and investment analysts, artists and musicians and vendors and chefs and moms and dads and college students. They are loud and they are bold and they will push your right off the curb. They wear wierd things and they play odd instruments in odd places. And they are absolutely awesome.

*The clothes.*

I hate being cold but I so love cold weather clothes. Cute jackets? Check! Scarves? Check. Boots? Check, check, check. Love it!

So I had a great time. Can't wait to go back...or somewhere else :-)

A Very Merry Christmas.

2011-12-31T09:06:00.003-05:00

A day filled with faith and family and food and fun. A very Merry Christmas indeed.

Twas the Day Before Christmas...

2011-12-31T08:33:00.002-05:00

And all through the house,
every fan was blowing,
every window open...because it was 80 DEGREEEs out. Seriously. So not Christmasy.

We all know I love my summer temperatures but I love them in the summer (and spring and fall!). Christmas is supposed to be cold darn it. But love where you live, embrace the moment, be content with what you have...all mantras I adamantly believe in. So...

We wore our tees and tshirt dresses and joined family at Nana's house for Christmas lunch. Some family from Texas was there and we got to see a cousin we have not seen in 7 years! And, embracing FL for all it is - not just the hot Christmas but the abundance of old people and there sports...we played...yep. Christmas Shuffleboard. You're jealous, I know.

I joke but it actually turned out to be a nice afternoon of friendly competition and many laughs. And we followed it with our usual Christmas Eve traditions - candlelit service at church, ordering pizza on the way home, opening pajamas as the one gift, leaving cookies out for Santa. Good stuff.

RACK'd

2011-12-28T08:26:00.005-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a new kind of advent calendar we were doing, you can read more here.

1)Mailed letters. 2)Ding Dong ditched with real Ding Dongs. 3)Sibling love. 4)Lasagna for an old lady who has no family in my grandma's neighborhood.

5)Gave out 8 bottles of root beet reminding people they are A&Wesome. Coworkers, teachers, friends parents, etc. 6)Saying nice things. 7)Treats for the postman. 8)Last day of a friends chemo deserves a treat!

9)See #5 but with chocolate bars and different people. 10)One of my favs - totally random. Tori picked a first name, Todd a last name, and Tristan a city on white pages and we mailed a Starbucks card to a total stranger. Hope it made her day! 11)oops didn't happen 12)cookies for our favorite mechanic 13)free babysitting for some friends so they could have a date night

14)Flowers, delivered to a neighbor whose husband is deployed. 15)another oops 16)quarters on a soda machine 17)donating books to the library 18)bringing hot chocolate to the Salvation army bell ringer at our local grocery store

19)helping Nana (my grandma) clean her house, its hard for her to do so due to back problems 20)left a gift card for the amount of one of the kids favorite books - Harry Potter of course - on the shelf for the next person who looks at it 21)another miss 22)quarters left at a laundromat 23) no picture but we worked hard to wish everyone we met that day a Merry Christmas! 24)a special treat delivery to the poor overnight workers on Christmas Eve at CVS

This is definitely a new Maddex tradition!!

***Real Christmas/Christmas Eve pictures coming this evening or tomorrow morning!***

Sunday Snapshots - Foiled Again

2011-12-27T19:55:00.003-05:00

Okay so my Sunday Snapshots was foiled again...but by Christmas so it's ok. You'll detect a theme here...

* Christmas Games * Christmas Shuffleboard * Mint Cookies * Christmas dishes * Guard Dog * All Finished * Silent Night * Christmas Snacks * Funny Girl *

Sunday Snapshots - Delayed

2011-12-21T08:02:00.003-05:00

I fell in love this weekend with a dirty city full of chaos and history and small town charm amongst its crazy tall building and jam packed streets. More on that soon. In the meantime my delayed version of Sunday snapshots.

* FL Christmas * 9/11 Memorial * NY Christmas * Subway Stop * Broadway Sign * Babysitting Cutie * Reading Gift * Oops Double * Waldorf Astoria * Empire View * Office Party * Leaving Tampa *

Giving Tree 2011

2011-12-21T07:39:00.002-05:00

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

Volunteer Hours: 100+
Gifts Wrapped: 240+
Students Assisted: 120
Wishes Fulfilled: Priceless

Upon delivery we were greeted with a surprise. The school we deliver to had a newspaper reporter and photographer standing by to do a human interest piece. We are not the only school to support Blanton and the woman there running it is nothing short of amazing. The story is mainly about their situation, students and staff but I am the girl in the white shirt in the back in the photo and was quoted. Kind of fun and great publicity for a school that could use all the help they can get!

In tough year, Elf Project reaches more needy students with gifts, St.Pete Times

Sunday Snapshots

2011-12-11T16:39:00.003-05:00

* Box Boy * Christmas Musical * Master List * Christmas Party * Show Time * Cookie Baking * Might Mu * PB Cups * Bus Duty * So Funny * UT Night * Liquid Fuel *

Holi-daze

2011-12-07T06:44:00.002-05:00

We are 7 days into December. A mere 17 days until Christmas people. How did that happen?

So the trees, yes treeS, are up. The front porch is wrapped in garland and accented with poinsettias. The snowmen are out. The advents are in full swing.

And honestly I still feel so unprepared this year. There are ZERO gifts wrapped under the tree, various gifts in various stacks around the house, some still in the process of being made. Gifts that need to be shipped are going to be cutting it VERY close this year, ones that need to be ordered even closer! No cookies have been baked. No Christmas clothes have been worn. I really need to get on it. Oh and did I mention that the kids shower is leaking...right through the wall into Tori's closet. Cue plumber!

But in an effort to make myself feel better I am going to ignore all that and make a list of reasons to smile today. My favorite elf says the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear...but I don't sing. I list.
1. Duh - its Christmas. December. Magical.

2. Giving Tree - lots of stress this week but 117 kids wishes fulfilled, totally worth it

3. Coffee with Cinnamon Maple creamer. Amazing.

4. My beautiful new coat, ready to go. NYC Baby. 9 days!!!

5. My awesome kids doing random acts of kindness all month long. And ENJOYING it. More on this later.

6. The silent night (ok so its morning) I am experiencing right now, just me and the puppy sitting in a quiet house twinkling with Christmas lights.

7. Third Day Christmas CD - my favorite!! Though Michale Buble, you now come a close second.

8. Fun stuff coming up quick on the calendar - seeing A Christmas Story live with Taylor, J & T's Christmas party, Tori competing in the Mighty Mu math competition this weekend, NYC, and only working 4 days of the kids 17 day stretch of no school. That's 10 days of cookie baking,Christmas crafting, ice skating, bike riding, gift wrapping, movie watching fun.

Sunday Snapshots...

2011-12-04T10:34:00.004-05:00

So that blog I love, the Kelle Hampton one, does this thing called Friday Phone Dump, and its ingenious because I don't always have my camera, but I always have my phone. And random pictures are a great way to represent one's time. And random pictures, even on a phone, is a great way to grow as a photographer. Angles, lighting, subject matter, etc...all good. That being said...Sundays are my lazier slow mornings. I get up crazy early because my body has no concept of sleeping in and we don't go to church until 9 so Sunday Snapshots it is...9 photos accompanied by 9 two word captions.

Family * Kayaking * Running Again * Los Mariachis * Rainy Day * Giving Tree * Sewing Again * Red Cups * Front Porch * Furry Baby *

You've been RACK'd!

2011-12-02T07:36:00.003-05:00

We used to have this Advent Santa thing. He was made of some kind of felted material that looked worse each year we took him out of the box and had a string hanging from his beard with a mitten which never quite made sense. You tucked the mitten in the appropriate day of the month to countdown and that was it. But he was not exciting, or cute, and so he often went forgotten making him highly ineffective. Last year we had an awesome candle from England - the kids loved lighting it and it was a total success...but the problem with candles when you burn them is that they melt. So it was a one time kind of thing.

So the advent has begun, the craziness of Christmas has begun. And the cookie baking, carol singing, classic movie watching, Christmas tree decorating, Jesus birth celebrating part of me is LOVING it. But the mom who doesn't always get it right, who wants to give her kids everything they want but still not spoil them or make them materialistic...she's in over her head.

So this year advent in our house is an attempt to teach, or maybe reinforce things we've always taught, what Christmas spirit looks like, that God gave a gift of love and kindness and that we are to celebrate Him and His son by doing the same.

Enter 25 days of Random Acts of Christmas Kindness (Thank you Pinterest!)! Whether you celebrate Christmas because you are an American or because you are a Christian celebrating the birth of our Savior I encourage you to join in. Trying to think of 25 things we could do as a family and not spend hundreds of dollars stretched me in amazing ways. Sometimes its the little things that go a long way. So even if you are not counting down this season - join us in our random acts of kindness!

Um...ding dong ditched sounds terrible but its actually cute. A box of Hostess ding dongs delivered to a neighbor, we have neighbors with kids that will love it!!

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-12-02T07:33:00.002-05:00

While the irony that I love pictures and am not photogenic in the least is not amongst the things I am thankful for this year, I am greatly blessed. I saw a fantastic quote somewhere, author unknown, that reminds me how very very blessed I am.

"Some people are so poor, they only have money."

Challenge Nation Tampa

2011-11-23T16:22:00.002-05:00

Things I learned this weekend:

1 - I have really fun friends. And they are awesome in that they encourage me to think outside the box. From a mental and spiritual stand point I have always known this, they challenge me in new ways on a regular basis. But this weekend the challenge was physical.

2 - Scavenger hunts are like adventures for yuppies. Fun, creative, learning new information and a sense of accomplishment without the risk and expense that real adventure seekers have. Like a mini-vacation from responsibilities.

3 - I am out of shape. And I don't want to be. So for the 124,464,887,934th time I am going to attempt to start running. (I do have two sweet labs visiting who are making me get off my tush so that seems like a good segue into the great return to exercise.)

4 - Random Tampa facts.

Tampa is Native American for sticks of fire. There are not one, but two statues in Tampa that could pass as sculptoral representations of this. And we can make a human pyramid.

Tebow is now a FL legend. And if you ask a random stranger on the street who happens to be wearing an out-of-state sports team to post in a football pose and you follow that with "Let's Tebow" they will automatically lunge for this prayerful position.

Rosalind was the lead female role in As You Like It. Her statue forms the center of a bench at the Plant Museum located at the University of Tampa. And posing like her is ridiculous. But fun.

12 clues, 11 locations, all over the streets of Tampa and we proved that not only could we complete it...we didn't do half bad. 9th out of 52! Next stop for the "Pink Ninjas" Great Urban Race...3.24.2012.

Postview?!

2011-11-17T16:55:00.000-05:00

I love when you go to watch your favorite show and you're pretty positive you missed an episode but it doesn't matter because they give you that awesome flash of "here's what you missed" so you know exactly what is going on. Well consider this the "here's what you missed"...because I have been TERRIBLE at blogging this month.

- Because of Tori's spooktacular tournament Halloween weekend we had to squeeze in our usual traditions. But we got it done. Tori and Tristan carved their own pumpkins this year (werewolf by Tori, vampire by Tristan) and not to be out done Todd worked with his tiny pumpkin to make a silly toothed pumpkin. I snapped pictures, tortured kids with pumpkin goo and was excited about my spray painted pinterest inspired candlebra.

- We sent October packing with some Halloween fun. Both kids were mesmerized with the idea of having fangs and so we left the Halloween store with no costumes but two packages of fangs. After much discussion they decided to go trick or treating as what we call "Disney style" teen vamps. You know spiked hair, overdone makeup, knee socks with mini skirt for Tori and Rock On t-shirt for Tristan.

- November has meant lots of work for both Todd and I, tons of exams and projects for Tori, and the end of baseball season for Tristan.

-Todd took a quick trip to Colorado for his birthday to hang out with his brother Trent and to see his mom and the area he grew up in. After seeing his pics I was reminded why I hold the camera on family vacations. Lots of pics of random things...a computer they eventually used for shooting practice, airport terminals, his brothers house in detail, etc. No mountains or even a picture of he and his brother. So here are the two good ones - him with his mamacita and on a mountain where they went shooting.

- Meanwhile Tori headed off to the Florida Church of God State Youth Convention with 100+ other middle & high school students from our church. They listened to speakers, went to classes, completed scavenger hunts, ate junk food and rocked out to Sidewalk Prophets live.

-Back at home Tristan and I had a crazy weekend. Tristan's baseball tournament FINALLY finished, he spent the night at his grandparents while I headed to Peter Pan at the Straz center, and then we checked out LegoLand Florida. Honestly you can get more bang for your buck at a million other places in Florida - but we can now say been there, done that. And Tristan had a friend with him so that made the whole experience better for him!

Still alive!

2011-11-11T08:19:00.000-05:00

We are still alive but SO busy. And I swear I have taken pics of life in general. So I will be back...tomorrow night with some updates and some photos! In the meantime Happy Friday!!!

Holiday Mini-Sessions

2011-10-27T15:39:00.002-04:00

Where we are...

2011-10-23T15:49:00.002-04:00

October is a good month for us. But a busy one. So if I am not here...well then I am here:

Tristan is playing his first season in the minors, this means the kids pitch for the first time. Tristan is a good little pitcher when he keeps cool. And he's a great fielder, having caught multiple fly balls and fielding some awesome line drives. The batting however is rough this season...the boys are getting complacent in knowing there are more balls than strikes and more than likely will get walked, so they stopped swinging. Tristan jumped on the bandwagon. Super frustrating. But it'll come.

Tori is playing her first season in majors. Some new rules make it more "real" and exciting. She likes to play catcher but most often plays 3rd base. Her hitting is either really really on...or she can't his the broad side of a barn...or she gets walked. Some girls have gotten to be fab at pitching, some, well see the above note about the barn! She works really hard at it though and has fun with the girls on her team, some of whom she is now in her 3rd season with. Her biggest issue...running. She's got crazy long legs that somehow go crazy slow around the bases. But her coach plays it safe and she did learn to slide right so she's still making it home!!

This is the last week of fall ball which means softball tournament, aka mass craziness. Tori plays games on Mon, Wed and a double header on Friday night. Followed by Sunday games if they are in the finals. Tristan has practice Tuesday and a game Thurs and Sat. So for those counting in the next 7 days that is anywhere from 6-8 games + 1 practice between the two of them. Awesome.

Whats up?

2011-10-17T21:04:00.002-04:00

Lots of stuff, hence the lack of pictures and blog posts!

Weekend fun included:

-a baseball game and a softball game (really this was a given by now right?!)

-the fantastic brunch at Jackson's at Harbor Island in Tampa. Delicious food, gorgeous view and fantastic company to celebrate Taylor and Pam's (Taylor's mom) birthday!

- a picnic dinner at the park on the Tarpon bayou followed by some rollerblading, running and a family game of football

Adding to the normal chaos:

- Tori *may* have broken her finger. It is Dr.Mom splinted for the moment. Time will tell what happens next.

- Might Mu practice started this am.

- My dog has chosen this week to be sick, effectively ruining the carpet in my dining room that's not a dining room even more than it was prior to these incidents. Incidents immediately following my decision that the carpet could wait a couple months longer to be replaced so as not to have a big expense prior to to the holidays and our two upcoming trips. Awesome.

Upcoming:

- Looking forward to a girls night out to see Addams family (musical) with Taylor this week.
- Do something day at church is just around the corner and my family is looking forward to serving at the local tent city.
- Seeing friends this weekend we have not seen in way way way too long.
- Halloween. Tori is leaning towards being M&M's along with two friends. Tristan is thinking vampire.

Woohoo/Oy vey.

2011-10-11T17:04:00.002-04:00

Both kids came home from school today with all this exciting news.

Tori was nominated for 6th grade student of the month.
She also was chosen as a student with the highest math scores in 6th grade for the "Might Mu" math team.

Tristan was named 1 of 4 students to represent his school in the Creative Olympic county competition. (They give kids random things in a bag and tell them they have to build something...built a bridge out of marshmallows, twizzlers, straws, etc to earn this spot!). And found out he can be a drummer this year.

All fantastic things. And I am excited for them.

But it also means more $ (for drum lessons) and more time and more random work day things I have to juggle (competitions during the day but not here, Might Mu practice before school weekly, etc).

So woohoo - my kids rock. Smart, creative, musical. Awesome.

But they're wearing me out.

Shopping - A Love/Hate Relationship

2011-10-07T12:51:00.002-04:00

It's fall. And while I realize this means the most miniscule change in temperatures ever here in FL it is a shift in my mind in which I should get to wear cute fall clothes. And jeans. And I am working on the whole losing weight thing (I know, I know, you've heard it before) and I don't want to buy anymore fat clothes. But a girl has to have a certain number of jeans to survive and right now, well my number is lacking. So I went on a hunt today. Tried the usual suspects - Kohls, NY and Co, Gap, etc. And then ventured into The Loft. Now despite that SO many of my friends (and sister) think this is the most fabulous place ever I always write it off as out of my price range.

But I am in love. Things fit. They look classic but still trendy. Perfection.

Except the price tag. For example...this shirt is simple, easy to wear to my usual mom stuff but still super cute. See here: Shirt. Especially in coral with jeans and maybe cute riding boots. But its almost $40. For a tshirt. Come on people. And here is the hate.

I hate that stores that make you feel semi-decent wearing something when you are not a size 0 cost a fortune. But if you are size 0 and can wear anything in the world and still look good there are 100's of stores with items priced at like <$20 all the time.

I might stop eating. No actually I love to eat so that won't happen but I might go run. For real.

PS - I did splurge and get two pairs of pants (on sale!) that rock. Comfortable, not hideous, and perfect for fall - even if fall is currently only taking place in my head and in a retail store near you.

It's beginning to look a lot like...

2011-10-06T19:27:00.003-04:00

FALL! The temps dropped (all the way down to 64 degrees one night!), Tori was wearing boots, Halloween decorations now adorn our house, and we had an impromptu park BBQ/baseball/softball lessons and it was GORGEOUS. Have a list of things to do yet tonight so this is where I dump photos and call it a blog entry!

Happy Birthday Tristan!

2011-09-26T15:20:00.004-04:00

Tristan turned 9, yep NINE, this weekend. And that's crazy. He's my baby and this is the last year in the single digits. Yikes.

Saturday, his real birthday, was kind of a funny day. Tori and I had committed to doing a charity walk in the morning thinking he would have a baseball game like every other Saturday morning. Of course he didn't because life is like that, but we still went.

This year we were running with a football theme so compliments of pinterest (if you are not on there yet get moving!) I had this fun idea to make a birthday break thru banner thing. Not the official name, for the record. So I crepe papered all across his door, back and forth, with a sign basically explain that football teams bust out of the locker room like this and today he was the star and could bust into his 9th year. Following phone call from walk site:
Me: Happy Birthday Baby!
Tristan: Thanks mom.
Me: Did you like busting out of your room this morning?
Tristan: Yeah...(insert odd pause)...but you're so weird. It was weird.

Anywho...the rest of the day was normal stuff. Dinner out, baseball practice, yogurt spot. Good. Instead of a party he chose to go to the Bucs game with "the guys". More on that to come. Waiting on pics.

So to Tristan, Happy Birthday little man. It is a pleasure watching you grow up. I love your gentle spirit, your knack for recognizing when someone needs a hug or a "its ok", and your caring ways. I love that you have a new best friend every week and even occasionally refer to Jake as one of the options (FYI - Jake is a dog). I love that you are shy and quiet in new situations but silly and loud in ones where you are comfortable. I love the face you get when you are thinking hard, where you put your face really close to the paper and your eyebrows burrow together. I love watching you play ball ... sometimes so focused and sometimes in lala land. I love how much you enjoy time with your sister now that she's around less. And I love your inability to say no to her when she wants to make a deal in Monopoly even though it makes you lose every time. And most of all I love that you are my son. Looking forward to seeing what the next year brings.

Meet Collin

2011-09-21T16:16:00.002-04:00

Remember Carter . Well in the last 18 months he has changed ALOT. He knows names, loves to sing songs, and will point out and name the letters on EVERYTHING near him. He runs with the energy that only toddler's possess. Some things don't change...his smile still lights up his entire face. And those baby blues are still going to break hearts one day.

One of the biggest changes though for Carter is that he is no longer an only child. Meet Collin, my newest "nephew" (okay so it's not biological or by marriage...but still family in my world!). I believe his mama is calling him Squishy or Little Squishy and really...don't ya think she has good reason? Adorable!! Thanks Jenni - for letting me take photos of your gorgeous boys but more than that for letting me be a part of their lives. Love y'all!

Randomness.

2011-09-16T09:09:00.003-04:00

For some fall has arrived when they see signs of changing leaves, a crisp wind starts to move in and aromas of pumpkin and apples drift from the oven. For us fall has arrived when the chaos begins to gather momentum, the calendar begins to fill with appointments and ball games, and the weather drops into the high 80s. And fall has arrived. So here's whats happening:

- Both kids are back in ball. Tori is playing majors softball this year for the first time (new rules!) and Tristan is playing minors baseball for the first time (first time kids pitch). Mon, Tues, Wed, Thus and Sat - gone. Just like that.

- Tristan gets a new teacher starting next Wednesday. After 10 day count they had to rearrange so one of the K teachers are moving up. Luckily Tori had her for K and we really like her but its still a bummer to be one of the kids moved a month in to school.

- Halloween preparations are in full swing. Costume ideas, party ideas, and frustration that they plan a big weekend tournament for softball right over the weekend we want to have a party.

- Work is busy, busy, busy for both Todd and I right now.

Really that's it. Our calendar is full of tedium - but the good kind. Baseball games, school open houses, church dinners, and birthday celebrations. And despite the temperatures screaming summer still I am thinking another week or two and I really will break out the pumpkins and the fall garlands, the cider recipes and the sweater box. Sometimes you just gotta fake it :-)

Ridiculous.

2011-09-03T09:00:00.002-04:00

I have been playing in my "studio" a lot lately. Trying to figure out lighting at different times of day and perfect camera settings that require the least amount of off camera editing possible.

And Max, well sometimes highly irritating and really yippy, is a great model. But he just does not have the range of expression my family conjures up. Nor is he this ridiculous.

The muscle face. Creepy but funny.

Sprinkle

2011-09-03T08:51:00.002-04:00

sprin·kle

noun /ˈspriNGkəl/

1. A small quantity or amount of something scattered over an object or surface.
2. A new trend in which expectant mothers get sprinkled with a few less and smaller gifts than at the sprinkle's more well known counterpart - the shower.

I have a friend (Hi Jenni!) who I have known since I was 15, that's more than half my life. And Jenni is amazing. And she has the most ridiculously creative friends. So when her friend Lauren emailed me and said we have to throw her a sprinkle - what date would be good...I had to write back and ask what a sprinkle was. But now I know.

And quite frankly I think it might be one of the best sprinkles ever, of course I have nothing to compare it too. Her friend Sarah is an AMAZING photographer so she handled the people photos. But here are some pics of the decorations/favors.

NYC

2011-08-30T21:09:00.002-04:00

I am going. With my favorite travel buddies. At Christmas time. Through the roof excited.

That's it.

Random thoughts and updates.

2011-08-26T13:44:00.003-04:00

First off the venting:

- Life is highly unfair and sometimes being positive in a situation is REALLY hard. Sometimes the injustices of life are far removed from us. We see them on tv or read about them in the newspaper. But sometimes they are close to home. And they break you heart. Please pray for these things:

- B & L (my brother/sister in laws) are stuck in a foreign country away from their other children for 3+ weeks trying to bring home a little boy with DS. But the judge said no. And so now they have to jump through a ridiculous amount of hoops (they are professional hoop jumpers at this point though!) to get an appeal. And to beg another judge, hopefully a nicer more compassionate one to let them take their son home to meet his brothers.

- My friend Karen is going through chemo. And that sucks in and of itself. But a "regime" has been laid out for her of chemo and radiation and reconstruction surgery and that plan spans out almost a year from now. Being in a tough situation with the light at the end of the tunnel being sooooooo far away, well that sucks even more.

- And on that same note one of Todd's coworkers has a little girl who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. I don't know him much less his little girl. But I know what it is to be a parent. And they too have a plan that provides a good prognosis but a long haul, even longer than Karen. And the little girl is not even two. So she is in pain and doesn't get it.

So pray for them. Quite frankly I think sometimes that's all we can do.

On a more positive note:

- The kids first week of school comes to an end and its been terrific. After a few false starts Tori now has the correct schedule and is thrilled that one of her BFFs is in 6 out 7 classes with her. And she has an elective and its not band. Score!

- I celebrated 31 years this week, the 28th birthday I have shared with my brother. We had a lovely dinner with him and Taylor as well as my parents at the Green Iguana. Odd little place but yummy. And I got the most amazing gifts. Books, sheets, etc....and another rocker for my front porch (insert visions of coffee in my rocker looking at the lake on a cool southern morning), studio lights for my photography (hello newborn photography!) and season tickets to the Broadway series at the performing arts center (9 nights out in one year - I might faint!). Mucho gracias to all those who spoiled me, I feel much loved.

- House projects next and next and next, underway. Laundry room (I know its weird but I spend ALOT of time there) and bedroom and studio all works in progress. Photos coming soon.

First Day 2011

2011-08-24T07:08:00.003-04:00

It was with a bit of melancholy and a bit of joy that I sent the kids off to school this year. With my current work schedule the summer flew by way too fast and I got to hang out with them way less than I would have liked. And while every year I think "I can't believe they are in ___ grade already," this year it hit home like never before.

My baby girl started middle school. She is less the little girl who wants cuddles and playtime and instead is growing into this young woman who wants to have coffee dates, show me the boy she thinks is cute and wear make up to school. She shaves her legs and shops at stores in the junior section. And quite frankly this mama is not ready. And while I am proud, so so proud, of the amazing woman she is becoming, it scares the hell out of me.

But what would life be without growth. And this is what I believe parenting is - teaching your kid to make it without you. And so she went, on the bus for the first time, to the big bad world of middle school. New haircut, new outfit, even some new attitude. And she did well. She had fun, she dealt while her schedule got changed four (YES FOUR!) times, and she is ready for a new year in a new place and new adventures.

And Tristan started 3rd grade. The second 1/2 of elementary school. You know the one where you want your mom to drop you off in car circle NOT walk you in. And you definitely do NOT want her to take pictures at the school. And you definitely CAN pick out your own first day of school outfit and you will wear the shoes with skulls on it because they are "awesome." And you want the notebook with baseballs on it, not that boring blue one. And you got this, because you've done it before. And he, too, had a great first day!

I was not the mom that cried on the first day of kindergarten. And I always thought those moms were a teensy bit ~~crazy~~ ~~dramatic~~ emotional. But those moms that cry when their kids go off to college...well I am starting to get that.

Max turns 4!

2011-08-24T07:00:00.002-04:00

August 20th is Max' birthday, and while we don't always "celebrate" we always acknowledge it. So some extra cuddles, some cute pictures, a few belly scratches and a pizza crust later Max is officially 4 years old (aka 28 dog years old). Funny because as annoying as his yappiness is I have a really hard time remembering him not being around. I find him highly irritating but love him anyway!

#3, #7. #10. Check, check, check!!

2011-08-21T09:26:00.002-04:00

3 - sidewalk chalk the driveway. LOVE sidewalk chalk. You can use it to make big things but not have to store or trash those big things. What's not to love about that?
So our driveway might be teensy bit larger than we anticipated it being, and the sun might be a teensy bit hotter than we considered, and our free hand drawing skills with chalk on cement? They might be lacking. But it still was a nice summer activity and added some color to the driveway until a summer storm washed it away.

That is a dolphin. Just so you know.

Our chalk drawings are a little like that cloud game...where you try to see shapes in the clouds. The kids told me this was a centipede, the kind that curl up when you get close.

And Tori told me this was a monkey eating a green banana on the beach. Riiiiiiiiiiiight.

I also got the kids closets completely cleaned out, reorganized and ready for the first day of school tomorrow - #7 complete. And #10 - my closet. Done. And I even attempted to shop, got a new shirt and a cute new pair of pants but decided to wait on much else. This week I also got a gym membership and am hoping to lose 15 lbs by Christmas and then get new clothes.

This is the last official day of summer according to the school board...but my list is not complete and in my world summer ends when fall starts, which means I have exactly 1 month to cross off the rest of my list!!

Photogenic

2011-08-16T20:03:00.001-04:00

She did not get that from her mom.

#5 - check!

2011-08-15T09:02:00.003-04:00

Summer Checklist item #5 - take a family mini vacation to the other coast completed. Three days in Fort Lauderdale, just the four of us, just for fun.

So I read this blog, Enjoying the Small Things (link at bottom). And Kelle, the writer, has an amazing way with words. And she sees things through rose colored glasses, all.the.time. I am not her. I will never be that girl. But she has inspired me to be more positive. To look at the bright side and seek out the good times with family and friends even amid the monotony that sometimes becomes daily life...or the trips that just don't go the way you planned.

Or didn't plan. Which is what happened. I ALWAYS have a plan. And this time I didn't. And it will never happen again. Because instead of having a list of things to do, places to do those things, directions, times, etc...we spent a lot of time figuring out what to do and where to do it and arguing about it in between. But...if I look back on the weekend it was still a good break from normal and good family times.

Friday we got there at lunch time and checked into our hotel, then due to stormy weather took off for Sawgrass Mills (gigantic mall). It was crazy. Totally packed with people who had no qualms about pushing by you or grabbing whatever they wanted whenever they wanted no matter whether they had to do it over you or not. And we may have been in an English speaking minority. For dinner we checked out this little place called 17th Street Grill that had the most amazing sweet potato fries EVER! A late night swim and some games in our hotel room rounded out the night.

Saturday the sun was shining so we headed out for the beach, armed with boogie boards, for some east coast waves. But when we got there...well the waves were not there. But the kids enjoyed attempting to catch little fish that swam around their feet and I enjoyed some time in the sun.

This picture is not the best I have taken but it IS funny. But more importantly - proof that I went on this vacation too. See, in the right lens, girl with camera = me! Might have forgotten to give the camera to Todd over the weekend...

We decided to leave the beach in an attempt to find a place to rent kayaks but by the time we finally found it the storms were rolling in and between that and the cost being double what it is over here we decided to check out the Discovery and Science Center. It was a lot like our MOSI but the kids enjoyed it. And Grandpa Doug would be proud - they got try various flight simulators. One of the coolest things was actually outside the building. A clock based on gravity but it looked like a giant marble run.

That night we went to see the Smurfs 3D, ordered pizza afterwards and played cards. Sunday morning we enjoyed the hotel grounds, swimming and checking out the huge koi pond before we got back on the road.

#2 - check.

2011-08-07T10:15:00.002-04:00

My Summer List #2 - picnic at the beach with friends - done. Okay so it was altered a tad (no picnic per se) but gorgeous skies called for beach time and beach time is always better with friends.

Mike taught my boys to skim board...something Tristan had been trying to learn for awhile and really caught on to yesterday! I see this becoming a new favorite activity!

Meanwhile everyone else kind of did their own thing...moms chatted about mom stuff, fish swam away desperately trying to avoid the net the kids had, crabs ran for the same reason, sand was dug up and tossed around and everyone had a lovely morning.

And then the daily summer storm rolled in and we rolled out. Breakfast for lunch ensued at the local IHOP and all went home happy!

Encouraged. An Addendum to Parenting.

2011-07-28T18:23:00.004-04:00

I know that many of you that read this blog are not Christians or believers in the same faith that I attempt to live my life by. But you will never convince me that this is not a God thing.

I wrote the parenting excerpt after an entire day and night of dwelling on my shortcomings as a parent. And I had literally just finished typing and was off to see what was happening in facebook world while Tristan made dinner*. And I got a text from someone who is currently with Tori at a retreat saying how proud I would be of her, how wise beyond her years she is.

I do not think God talks to people like he did in the day of Moses and Abraham. I do not expect to hear his audible voice. But I do believe that God sent my friend when I needed some encouraging and let her be his voice. God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

Maybe some of the time I get it right after all.

*Tristan ASKED to make dinner, was super excited when I told him he could if he asked for help if he needed it, and did an excellent job!

Parenting

2011-07-28T17:36:00.002-04:00

Remind me again why children do not come with handbooks?

I am struggling with Tori right now. I can list the 1000's of things that make her amazing. In this single week I can tell you stories of how she has been there for her friend whose mom is fighting cancer, how she cut her hair more than she wanted to so she could donate it, how she loved on people in a million different ways. I can tell you she is away at a leadership camp for her church youth group because she is a natural born leader.

I cannot, however, tell you why she cannot stop losing stuff. I cannot tell you why she has dust bunnies that are more like dust jackrabbits in her room that do not phase her in the least. I cannot tell you why she thinks she can leave things where ever she feels like it. I cannot tell you why she is very concerned about her appearance and taking care of herself but refuses to take care of her things without prompting. And I cannot tell you how we are going to survive her teen years as we are already butting heads.

And I am gonna be bluntly honest. I am frustrated. Not a little annoyed frustrated. Tears and lost sleep kind of frustrated. I want to be this mom that does not nag, that does not yell, that is not always the disciplinarian. But I also expect my kids to meet certain expectations (enter annoying statement "as long as you live in my house...") and to be aware of how their actions affect others - especially their family.

I have great kids. I know I do. And I would like to take some credit for that. But sometimes I just wish it were easier. That their was a rule book of how to do it right.

Big Change

2011-07-27T18:34:00.003-04:00

Tori had asked to get her haircut shorter for middle school and today was the day. She had originally planned to go a little longer but when she found out she had enough to donate if she went this length that sealed the deal (well that a cute picture of Selena Gomez with short hair)! It's styled slightly different then the picture she brought and the way she hopes to wear it more often then not but she is happy with it. Mommy is still adjusting to all that gorgeous hair being gone but it was getting unmanageable for her so this is a good thing, and I think she looks cute!

My REAL summer...

2011-07-20T10:29:00.003-04:00

begins now. Work has been crazy and while I have enjoyed my time with the kids and made the most of it I have been working WAY too much. But now I have a light schedule until the kids return to school - only 2 to 2 and 1/2 days a week. Which leaves lots of time for fun and projects I would like to finish!! My summer bucket list :-)

1 - kayak
2 - picnic at the beach with friends
3 - sidewalk chalk the driveway
4 - go ice skating (it's FL this is an indoor thing!)
5 - take a family mini-vacation to the other coast
6 - paint the master bedroom
7 - clean out the kids closets and the cedar chest
8 - go to a drive in movie
9 - get moving on the Insanity videos
10 - clean out my closet/get some new trendier clothes

Life's A Beach.

2011-07-19T19:12:00.002-04:00

This here is my little piece of heaven. When I have a day off and the kids are in school and the weather is warm I still wake up at the crack of dawn. I hurry through my chores, get the kids off to school, run a few errands and then gather my trusty Hawaiian Tropics sunscreen (it smells the best!), a book and the ginormous towel the hospital gave us one year at random...and then I park it. Right here. My own piece of heaven.

But as our littlest guest says "I'm usually a pretty good share-er."

Weekend Adventures

2011-07-17T17:19:00.003-04:00

More photos than words but here's the gist:

- Celebrating my mom's birthday at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. The food was good, the flamenco dancing ridiculous, the sangria awesome.

The kids cousin Ian is staying with us indefinitely. The time with him got off to a great start. The kids flew remote control planes with Grandpa Doug to start off the weekend.

Todd's mom is also visiting so while I did a terrible job of getting pictures our family, Ian, Todd's brother Brett and his family and his mother had a BBQ at our house followed by some spades playing from the adults and dart guns, HP4 watching, fountain swimming and mani/pedis (girls only!) for the kids!

Today after church we packed a picnic and headed to the playground where we played on the playground and Todd and I took the kids in a round of soccer with a slightly padded score of 6-5 at the end. Lasagna is baking in the oven and everyone is tucked into a fort for a movie night of How to Train Your Dragon. Sounds like a quiet reading night for mommy! Happy weekend all!

Here's whats happening...

2011-07-11T06:46:00.002-04:00

- stupid hives left. and then they came back.

- got our office mostly put together. new paint on the walls. new desk. some new decor. need to finish hanging some pics but i need to get the frames first.

- got our garage cleaned out. bikes hung. both cars now fit WITH walking room.

- enjoyed celebrating Mike's birthday last night. kids played, adults hung out. good times.

- excited about guests. todd's mom arrives thursday with the kids cousin Ian. she goes home tuesday and he is here until friday. kids are REALLY excited.

- off to work and the last summer camp of the year this week

The Third of July?!?

2011-07-04T09:17:00.002-04:00

We got a head start on the celebrating. After accomplishing a HUGE project Saturday (will post pictures very soon!) we decided Sunday was a fun day! It all started at church where Bayside hosted an All American day, complete with on the grounds BBQ, apple pie bake off and pinewood derby races. Tristan decided to make a car this year and in an effort to not be outdone Tori decided to bake a pie.

Tori's pie did not win since consistency was one of the judging factors and quite frankly the inside was apple crisp and therefore a little soupy. BUT it was the cutest!

Tristan's car was funny. First they went to Grandpa Doug's house who said he had a saw...and he did. A hand saw. So the sporty figure he had imagined turned door stop. But he was still confident. After adding tires and some fishing weights and a few weigh ins the car was ready to roll but needed some panache. So Tristan decided flames were in order. Considering his artistic abilities and the small canvas he was working with we convinced him a racing stripe and number might be better...I sometimes forget that with 8 year old boys you need to be specific. Hence Tristan's version of a racing stripe - patriotic tiger stripes. But he did take 2nd place out of 30 racers in grades 1-3 so I guess he knew what he was doing after all!

Then it was off to Brighthouse Field for a Threshers Game. Nothing says Independence Day weekend like a good old ball game!

And then the storms started moving in. And we were really there for the fireworks in hopes of missing the actual 4th's crowded marina display we usually go to. The calm before the storm was gorgeous but the storm itself was ominous in the distance! Thankfully the stadium officials felt the same and start their show early. It wasn't quite dark yet but the black clouds gave a decent background and the show was amazing.

Tristan vs. Beyonce

2011-07-03T21:59:00.003-04:00

We are sitting in the living room each working on our own projects. Tristan starts singing....Allasingalay. Allasingalay. Um what?

All the single ladies.

My son, the rock star.

Whats going on out there?

2011-06-29T21:01:00.002-04:00

Tonight I took pics of this gorgeous family:

And these little guys came out to see what was going on! See all those spots in the picture - yeah lots of little guys came out!

Weekend Fun

2011-06-27T19:46:00.002-04:00

No pics this week but we had a great weekend. Spent Saturday morning shopping as Tori had a ton of gift cards to spend and she literally spent every dime. She had a blast picking out new clothes for middle school. It's fun to see her style develop!

Meanwhile Todd and Tristan were at Celebration station celebrating Aedan's tenth birthday with pizza, arcade games and laser tag.

That night the kids spent the night with my parents who took them to dinner and a movie (they all said Mr.Popper's Penguins was awesome!). Todd and I went with Jonathan and Taylor to see Cirque de Soleil's Alegria. It was amazing. Thanks Taylor for the tickets!!! Afterwards we went to a neat place that I think was called Brick House and with the exception of a bad waitress it was really nice.

Sunday we went to Kobe to celebrate dad's birthday and called it a night!

Great weekend. Now on to a long week. I am working Mon-Fri which is unusual in the summer so the kids are off to Art Camp!

Age old.

2011-06-22T22:50:00.002-04:00

It's an age old question...why do bad things happen to good people? Why do nice guys finish last? Why do the things we want the most seem to slip away?

If you are the praying type please pray tonight.

- If you have been following Bryan and Laurie's story, or maybe it's Danil's story at www.addingtothemaddness.blogspot.com you know what a journey this has been for all of them. Tonight they got some bad news that there is probably a huge delay in getting a court date.

- If you know what I do for a living you know that I meet some seriously sick people. Right now I have a patient I know. I mean, I KNOW. And it breaks my heart to see this person falling apart.

- A close friend of mine, single mom, was diagnosed this week with breast cancer. It's been a rough couple years for their family and it seemed as they were on the home stretch. And now this. And cancer, well its scary, even when the prognosis is good the road ain't easy and it's just scary.

So lift up these people. And then give the ones you a love a hug that is a little tighter, a little longer, a little bigger.

Summer Love.

2011-06-22T19:56:00.004-04:00

Summer in Florida is brutally hot and the humidity makes you forget the meaning of the word dry. You can breathe the air in the water, you can feel it on your skin, and quite frankly most people hate it. And while I could do without feeling sticky moments after your morning shower I consider it small sacrifice for the part of Florida I love. Days when the clouds are like cotton candy in painted skies, the water is warm and the boat is gassed up!

Days when a corn hole game battles on, cold drinks emerge from coolers and even little friends come out to see what we are celebrating.

And I love sharing it with the people who make your life better. Sometimes family by blood, sometimes the friends that feel like family.

I love those days when you head to the beach and soak up the sun and the sand and the waves...the kids dig and they skim board and boogie board and swim...and the dinner hour rolls around and instead of going home you find whatever clothes happen to be in your car and less sandy than the ones you are wearing. You throw them on, try not to care about the wind whipped hair you are currently sporting and continue good conversation over BBQ!

What I do not love is saying goodbye. And while one last long day together was simply wonderful, the idea of them being an entire country away is not so wonderful. So instead of goodbye as you say...Au Revoir... or until we meet again. You will be truly missed!

Fun & Fail.

2011-06-16T16:51:00.002-04:00

I realize that most people in the world work. Or at least hope to work. And I am thankful everyday for my job that let's me use my degree while maintaining the most flexible hours in the universe. Even when I am sorry I do what I do I am thankful for this gift. That being said when my kids are home for the summer and all my stay home mom friends are, well staying home, I am jealous. And I have a seriously hard time going to work.

But I love my days off. And I work really hard to make sure they are fun for the kids.

So armed with a coupon and a plan to squeeze in some errands and some fun we headed out yesterday. Got some lunch, some gas, picked up a father's day gift for my dad, and then time for fun.

So off we went to mini-golf, on the beach. Oh did I mentioned it was a zillion degrees out? I might have failed to notice until we were firmly planted in the middle of this ridiculous course in desperate need of repairs and updating, absolutely melting. But we were having fun darn it!

Okay so it was still fun. And I got a great Tori-ism out of it which are few and far between. So as she hits the ball nowhere near the whole I say to her "Let me show you how to do it". She replies, "Okay but every time you say that, an epic fail follows." Which of course it did. And she repeats very slowly. "Yep, epic. fail."
At least she has a good vocabulary.

Sometimes having my camera along all the time is annoying but sometimes I get some great pictures. Sometimes I get hot kids that makes stupid faces

The irony of this is that it is meant to stop me and I actually find it hilarious. I get some of the greatest photos from there efforts. You know the ones you dig out to show the boyfriend/girlfriend some day just to humiliate them.

Summer Randomness

2011-06-15T09:01:00.002-04:00

I LOVE summer. Always have, always will. We spent the weekend outside, hitting the beach Saturday with Todd's brother's family. Honeymoon Island was gorgeous, not too packed and the kids (including the adult Maddex boys) had a great time digging up some "treasure" they found in the water, which ended up just being some random wood planks but it entertained them for a long time. Long enough for my tan to improve anyway. We followed the beach up with a late lunch at the Island Outpost and then headed home for showers and naps! After church Sunday we headed out for a picnic/boating at Phillipe Park. Had a great time tubing and playing in the water! I left my camera at home all weekend so all my pics (hello I had to take them) are on Todd's phone which is not here so I will photo dump later!

Other randomness...

- VBS at our church is this week and it never fails to amaze me how awesome it is. 277 kids the first night!

- stupid grasshoppers are huge, seriously, HUGE!

- Tori went to middle school prep camp Mon and Tues to learn where classrooms were, meet teachers, etc

- we made fun summer cupcakes that look ridiculous but are actually yummy spice cake

- we got an estimate to have the inside of our house painted, and then we decided we could probably do it ourselves. oy vey life is expensive.

- day off means errands, cleaning and fun with the kiddos so I am off! have a great day all!

Schools Out for the Summer!!!

2011-06-08T20:46:00.002-04:00

My little girl with the chunky cheeks and curly pigtails was hard to remember as I looked at this gorgeous daughter of mine "graduating" from elementary school today. As parents it is our job to think our kids are the best. The brightest. It is our job to celebrate the small victories and the big ones.

But today, today she was celebrated by others. Lots of students were honored today, but it was fun to hear her name called for multiple awards. It was fun to see others recognize her hard work and especially her creativity! It was kind of sad to say goodbye to her teachers and this school we have spent 6 years at...Mrs. Fleeman and Mr. Feyerband ended her elementary career with a bang though. We could not have asked for better teachers this year!

So what was celebrated? Well she passed of course. She also got a certificate for always having Principal's List. She was chosen as one of a trio of girls that kicked off the proceeding with the Star Spangled Banner. She was honored with a medal for excellence in art. She was chosen as the outstanding chorus female student of the year. She was honored for singing in the all county chorus performance. And she was honored for her part on the Bobcat Broadcasting Team where she gave current events on the morning news program.

My girl is in middle school. And I think her and her friends, I think they are ready for a new adventure!

Tristan too had a fabulous year in the 2nd grade. He started gifted, he was honored as a "Prestigious Paw" kid 3 times - for honesty, responsibility, and kindness! Today he wore crazy hair and did everything backwards (reading first instead of last, etc) and had a great last day!

And then we celebrated. Todd had the day off so we loaded up the bikes and roller blades and went for a ride down the Pinellas Trail. And then in keeping with Maddex family last day of school tradition we got ice cream. We stopped at this podunk little place in Crystal Beach that had the coolest tables and Working Cow ice cream - a big fav in our house. The kids picked Superman which kills me but they LOVED it. And now it is officially summer!!!

Allergist

2011-06-07T16:47:00.002-04:00

I finally got to see an allergist today. I learned that they are expensive...oh yeah and that my hives are considered chronic since they are 6+ weeks old now. Awesome.

I got new meds, basically attempt to treat the symptoms without knowing the cause. Blood tests in August if not under control.

Nice guy, not a lot of information. Sounds like this might be a trial and error process. Sigh.

No More Downer Debbie

2011-06-06T13:18:00.003-04:00

Man I have been NEGATIVE in the last couple of posts. Medical problems, failed running attempts, etc. Okay so here's some positive!

- I got an "emergency" appointment with the allergist for tomorrow!

- I got to have lunch with my dad AND my bro today @ my fav - Moes!

- I went shopping for myself and got a couple tank tops, capris and even a cute summer dress!

- Today, I feel great!

- Came up with the perfect Father's Day gift for my dad and have a great idea for my mom's birthday!

- Got this new soap that I bought using sales/coupons for c.h.e.a.p. and it rocks. Dove VisibleCare it's called. And it actually lives up to the hype. Not sure about the whole photo thing but way better than my last soap (and no I changed after the hive mess started - its not causing them!)

- Taken lots of pictures, of other people, lately. Aka business is decent.

- School ends Wednesday!! Woohoo!!

- Heard this great new quote from a graduation speech - "Some people let thing's happen, some people MAKE things happen, and some people say What Happened? What kind of person are you going to be?" No idea who said it first or if that is word for word but you get the gist.

- And lastly the crazy jungle house two houses down from us finally got cleaned up by the city! The house is in some kind of legal mess like many houses are these days
and the lawn and literally grown 3+ feet tall. I am guess that many of my frog and grasshopper friends are using it as a breeding ground. So it looks better and hopefully will prevent further plagues of creatures!

Hide and Seek

2011-06-03T16:55:00.002-04:00

Remember when you played hide and seek as a kid, a little kid. And you went with the whole "I can't see you so you can't see me" theory.

I've been trying that with this whole hives thing. If I cover them up and don't itch them then they are not really there right? If I run and go to work and take photos and hang with my family and go about my merry way then they are not really there right?

I have no idea why it's not working.

Or why one cannot get a dr's appointment in this town less than 2 weeks out.

Sigh. Okay vent over. Returning to normally scheduled programming.

Motivated.

2011-06-01T21:37:00.002-04:00

Sometimes we set goals and we reach them. Sometimes we fail. Sometimes repeatedly. Sometimes we just need the right motivation.

I want to be a runner. I have set out to be a runner. And I have crashed and burned. But now I have a treadmill (well I have an indefinite loaner!). I have extra time (sort of.) And I have the proper motivation.

This shirt will be mine. As soon as I can wear a size small. And run a 5K with a good time (and still breathing at the end of it!)

June 1st - logged 2 miles already - aiming for 30 in 30 days.

Proper motivation I tell you.

Life's tough.

2011-05-30T10:58:00.003-04:00

I used to say this to my kids whenever they did not get there way and proceeded to whine about. And it's true, okay so maybe a little harsh to have been telling my toddlers but, eh, I never proclaimed to be the mother that does everything right.

That being said I am having one of those moments. I want to whine darn it.

I spent the last week on a Medrol pack (think 6 day corticosteroid blast) trying to get rid of the hives that have plagued me and literally caused pretty much continuous pain for 4 weeks prior to that. I had 3 days of no pain at all, felt energetic and was back in a groove.

Pack ran out. Hives came back.

What the heck??? And this time they are on the bottom of my feet which made me almost completely unable to walk yesterday evening without crying they hurt so bad. While better today patch #2 has started on my stomach.

Life's tough. And so frustrating. Augh.

Enterprise Village

2011-05-28T08:31:00.002-04:00

Ingenious. That's what I have to say about it. The kids are so excited about it and the lessons are awesome. How to apply for a job, how to earn money by completing your job, even how to use a check register. Okay a lot of people don't anymore but it's good to have a basic idea of how to keep track of your money. And they are asked to not only spend money but to donate money to the village cause and save money. Again, ingenious.

Tori was financial officer of Kane's furniture. She paid bills, wrote paychecks, made bank deposits and determined there costs for loan application and then the profit at the end of the day.

Artsy.

2011-05-23T20:39:00.002-04:00

My girl, she is artsy. She is creative and pack ratty and crafty and colorful. And a social butterfly. So we celebrated that way.

We had stations and each station had an art theme. Abstract art, drawing art, photographic art and culinary art to be specific.

Now I would be completely lying if I did not admit that the photographic arts was my favorite. But with a huge selection of hats, headbands, masks, boas, and mustaches...I think I was not the only one! Huge shout out to Taylor who took the pics so I could make sure no paint ended up on my couch. She did an awesome job!!

And then they played Catchphrase, which is just fun. Think Taboo meets Hot Potato. Perfect for a gaggle of giggling girls!

So that is all the party pictures but I just wanted to throw in a thank you...to the amazing women that I am blessed with having in my life. My mom, well she rocks. She is all that a mom should be and a great friend. And she totally kept my house paint free and the girls loaded with fresh paint brushes and filled paint cups. Taylor, my sister from another mother (whom I also love - Hi Pam!) is amazing and such a good aunt. She comes to baseball games in sweltering heat, goes on trips to celebrate birthdays, and now we can add gives up her Sunday to become photographer extraordinaire to the list. And lastly to my "oldest" friend Jenni. Who has just been there, for so long now I've lost count. And lets me be Aunt LeShayne to her precious boy (soon to be boys!) and is just so darn good to my kids. Oh and did I mention she's talented? Below is the invitation to Tori's party she made (blurs are mine - sorry don't want my address and phone number on here!) AND she came and hung out all afternoon. Want your own awesome invitation - check her out on facebook at Firefly Invitations!

T-isms

2011-05-18T16:06:00.002-04:00

After Brooker Creek talent show:
Me: Were those boys that sang forget you twins?
Tristan: No. They are in different grades, but if they were the same age they would be twins. Instead they are just identical.

Also after Brooker Creek talent show:
Me: That last kid was hilarious.
Todd: He may never live that down.
Me: Yeah he might get made of fun of for that one.
Todd: That's the kind of thing you can never live down and then one day you are making pipe bombs and carrying them to school and kids if you see that kid with a backpack RUN!
Me: Seriously? What is wrong with you?

Tori is having an art party for her birthday and I ordered these super cute berets for all of the girls instead of party hats or crowns or whatever...so they came today. They are primary colors and the one on top was green so I show Tristan how you wear them and he says "Um, mom you look like a pickle."

Tori said nothing funny but she texted me....shudder, shes so ooooold...."I'm safe mom. Ms. Jenn did not forget me." Good to know child, good to know.

Universal

2011-05-16T20:33:00.002-04:00

The Brooker Creek "Show Choir" performed at Universal Studios this past Saturday and it was quite the production. They sang songs from across the decades in a performance called Destination Rock...live on the Universal City Walk Stage. It was a big deal for them. And it was fantastic to see people stop and watch.

Various students had speaking parts giving a history of Rock N' Roll - from Motown to as Tori's part called it "The Psychedelic Sixties and Seventies".

Mrs. Z is the music teacher at Brooker and will remain a legend there long after she is gone. A perfectionist, a drill sergeant, and a teacher rolled into one with a passion for what she does second to none.

And while we were at Universal of course we had to play a little too. We checked out the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (even I who did not care for the books thought it was amazing!) and in typical Maddex theme park rules - tried on stupid hats/headpieces!

11

2011-05-16T20:27:00.003-04:00

At 11 Tori is...long and lanky. She is trying hard to grow up faster than I want her to and yet often times lapses back into the giggles and silliness of the little girl I am dying to hold on to. She asks TONS of questions. She plays softball, and is getting to be a great catcher. She sings - on stage, in the car, in the shower, even while doing her homework. She loves to read and is finishing up the Harry Potter series. She loves to have her friends over.

She is kind and compassionate. She is a natural with little kids. She is loving. Her feelings get hurt easily and she inherited a sense of drama second to none. She has a million best friends, favorite people, and favorite things to do. She is my social butterfly, my little artist, and my perfectionist.

She is in her last year of elementary school and SO excited for middle school. And she is the shocked but super excited owner of a cell phone. She is already a texting pro.

Spring

2011-05-16T20:24:00.002-04:00

I may hate grasshoppers and baby frogs but I do love the warm weather. I love knowing summer break is just around the corner. I love the smell of fresh cut grass and I love feeling the breeze come off the lake in the evening. And I love the pretty flowers I see every morning out my front door.

Math

2011-05-09T09:01:00.003-04:00

This week from today (Monday) to Saturday we have...

4 work days for me
3 field trips (DisneyQuest, Civil War Museum, Universal Studios)
3 softball games
2 baseball games
1 talent show practice
1 spring concert
1 photo session
1 eleventh birthday to celebrate

= too much stuff. Next Sunday you will find me sleeping.

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T07:49:00.003-04:00

Every mother's day we get together with family. Sometimes we out, sometimes we eat in, sometimes we participate in an activity together. But every time - we celebrate. Yesterday was one of those days when the weather was insanely perfect - the temperatures high, the humidity low, and a light breeze coming repeatedly just at the moment you thought you might be getting hot again. The water was slightly chilly but the good kind of chilly. So we gathered at the park and BBQ'd and boated and celebrated - motherhood, family, and even a birthday!

I am so thankful for my amazing mother. She is supportive and encouraging and caring and loving. Oh and silly and childlike at times. She LOVED her oddball gifts - the card that sang Mickey Mouse Club and the funky paper plates Jonathan and Taylor gave her.

I am thankful for my husband. Though he may be certifiably insane he goes out of his way to make me feel special - yeah today but also most other days. He makes me laugh. He makes me remember that life is not so serious all the time.

I am thankful for my kiddos too. Tori with her seriousness and sass, her desire to help everyone all of the time, her desire to be grown up but still act like the little girl she is, and her smile that lights up a room.

Tristan with his macho attitude and little boy fears, his warm hugs and caring heart, his contagious laugh and his desire to be just like his daddy.

And just when I was thinking how perfect and serene our day was...

We got the most amazing visitors, on land and sea. These butterflies played by us long enough for me to actually dig out my camera, focus and snap this picture. And the dolphins...well they were amazing. Bobbing and jumping around the boat (it's a jet boat, like a jet ski, they cannot get hurt, no blades). They came so close we could have touched them if we had leaned far enough over the side. Perfect. Some days are just perfect.

Still here...

2011-05-07T20:02:00.002-04:00

The end of the school year is BUSY and of all things that get moved to the back burner when I get busy this blog is towards the top of the list.

Last weekend by the grace of God and the sanctions of the East Lake Little League my kids played games on the same fields at the same time. This is big. Huge even. This means no parent splitting, no 2 of us eating meals and one time and 2 later. All of us in one spot and one time.

AND Tristan got to pitch. His before and after - both ridiculous. His actual pitching - not bad at all.

Tori continues to catch and is getting better by the game! This picture was taken as she was readjusting her protective gear so it's not the best but that's ok.

Because they were at the same time my parents and brother and his wife came out to cheer them on, we BBQ'd here at home and we tried out a boat Taylor got the kids that ran on vegetable oil. "Ran" might be using the term loosely...it kind of milled around our little fountain area than promptly wedged itself in a corner. But was fun to try!

Also this week the kids finally finished and presented their gifted service projects. Tristan did trash clean up and made a science fair like board with some photos, trash and facts (did you know that a plastic bottle takes about 450 YEARS to decompose - recycle people!). Tori did cooking classes for Alzheimer's patients and presented scrapbook style. Glad to see one end of the year item checked off the list!

Tough AND Girlie

2011-04-30T07:40:00.002-04:00

Tori's softball team is pretty amazing for a group of 10 year olds. It is composed of 10 fourth and fifth graders and they have now won 13 games straight. It is the real deal for the most part - fast pitch, stealing bases, throwing out at home - all that. In their district they are #1 by a long shot. That being said...they are darn cute. When you see them practice you would swear it was a cheer squad based on ridiculous outfits and crazy long skinny legs all over the place. But those girls are tough.

But...you let a couple of them play together one afternoon in a house with backdrops and a closet full of church dresses, throw in some make up and the wireless remote to mom's good camera and all the tough is wiped away. In its place, sheer girlieness.

Scared: Update

2011-04-26T15:29:00.002-04:00

I am officially less scared despite that the red, itchy swollen random patches came back with a vengeance at work today (hmm...maybe I am allergic to work). They are probably hives. Without actual allergy tests (aka big expense + pain in the butt) this cannot be confirmed but the doctor I begged to look at it said it's probably hives, manifested in an odd way. There are about a gillion causes of hives - mostly allergies. Stress and a few other things can cause them as well but while I have been CRAZY busy I don't feel like my stress levels are CRAZY high. So back to the Benadryl and we'll see what happens from there. Oy vey.

Scared

2011-04-25T10:00:00.006-04:00

It is amazing to me how the simplest health scares can freak a person out. I went to the beach Wednesday and came home with swollen ribs that itched, really bad. Thought it was sunburn except that nothing else around them was red. 24 hours later it was gone and I thought nothing of it.

Then I was sitting at Tori's game (if you have not seen her awesome flip as catcher check it out here: Tori's Flip) and my right arm started swelling. Bad. Like I had just got bit by a spider. So I did all the normal things - Benadryl, ice, Corticaid cream. And went to bed.

Next morning it felt sore, like it was bruised, and remained a little a swollen but not much...BUT my pointer finger on the other hand (left) was swollen and I could not bend it.

Then my collar bone.

Then the palm of my right hand.

I am thinking allergic reaction and outside of residual soreness in each of the places previously swollen seem to be back to normal. Is that odd or what? Honestly freaked me out. Watching for any other changes since I can't place the allergy...no new foods, soaps, detergents, etc. But for the moment all is well. Whew!

A Happy Heart.

2011-04-20T09:30:00.002-04:00

My job is good. I help people. I work with nice people. I get a decent paycheck. They are flexible. But going to work is good for my piggy bank, good for my brain, and good for others. But days off...well they are good for my heart. They make my heart happy. As do...

A) My kids.
B) Holidays.
C) The fun that combining A & B create. But I am saving that for an after Easter post so stay tuned.

D) Living in paradise. I was taking pictures on the beach the other day and I literally can feel my step getting lighter and my stress melting away just by being there. Every breath of salty breezes, every step on sandy ground, and even the palm trees dancing in the wind made me happier. You should love where you live. If you don't you should move.

That building right there is where I plan to retire, right after I save up a million bucks. Can you imagine waking up to that view and walking down to the beach every day? Heaven on earth, I tell you.

E) My yard being repaired. I am not a HUGE fan of this owning thing, its a lot of work and money. But I do take pride in taking care of my things. And am proud of Todd for working so hard on it too...I was worried about how he would handle a yard and he is doing a darn good job. We took down a tree, cropped another one up so it now looks like a tree instead of a giant magnolia bush, replaced some out doors lights, added the ones below, got new sod in a dead area (weed problem!) and laid some mulch...we need to finish but it's getting there!

F) The absolutely fantastic response I got to my "Photos for Danil" week. I have more to come this Friday/Saturday but these are the faces contributing thus far! Thanks again!

The opposite of simplicity.

2011-04-17T22:06:00.002-04:00

No pictures. Crappy blog post. Why? Because this weekend we had:

-baseball practice
-HOA meeting
-baseball game
-softball game
-FIVE photo sessions
-church
-dinner with friends
-BBQ with family

Oh and while sitting at the HOA meeting (which was in someones driveway - odd) followed by two Little League games and outdoor photo session I managed to fry my shoulders. I mean F.R.Y. Despite the 3, yes 3, applications of sunscreen. It is so bad it is swollen. And two more sessions at Clearwater Beach in the middle of the day - I think its time to bust out the long sleeve tees!

Simplicity

2011-04-11T06:45:00.005-04:00

Saturdays around the Maddex home can usually be described in one word: chaos. There is usually two ball games, somehow overlapping both each other and a meal. They are usually on separate fields and someone usually has to be somewhere by the crack of dawn. This is usually followed by plans with friends or a scheduled event of some sort and by the time we crash for night we are all exhausted and have gone a million different ways. This Saturday we definitely crashed Saturday night but it was such a peaceful day. First off it started with this:

Go ahead and laugh but it was a Christmas gift from my parents and I love him. His presence means that I have time...because he does not fit in my van's cup holder AND he has to be hand washed. So his appearance means a lazy morning. Granted my lazy morning means I leave at 8 not 6:30 but still nice!

And then we had only ONE game that morning! Amazing! We also got new sod and did massive amounts of yard work. Dinner with my parents Saturday night and a chilled out day at home Sunday rounded out the weekend. Of course the next 3 weekends are ridiculously busy but the simplicity of this one was much needed and much enjoyed!

Germany Photo Dump

2011-04-03T13:52:00.002-04:00

A lot of these are on facebook, some are not. Some have comments, some do not. LOVED having new scenery to take pictures of. Now if I only had more subjects - my parents nor our "hosts" really wanted their pics taken and the problem with a DSLR, even in auto mode, is that when asked to use it - people freak out. And I end up being the size of ant in a picture the size of a poster. Or its crooked. Or unfocused. Anyway...ignore the rambling. Here's what I got:

Spring Break: Part 1

2011-03-31T15:24:00.002-04:00

Spring Break conjures lovely images of lying on the beach, maybe sipping a fruity drink, stopping by a playground all sandy and sun kissed...OR the great monsoon of 2011. Either way.

Monday we made a dash for the mall and went shopping for a few summer items, grabbed a quick bite to eat and then hunkered down in the theater for a movie - its what you do on a rainy day right?

Unfortunately no one gave my boss the memo that it was spring break so I did have to work Tuesday - Tori spent the day with her friend Savannah and Tristan hung with Todd at home (Todd was working, Tristan was making messes/video gaming). Then yesterday we headed out again hoping the rain would hold off. Tristan had a gifted service project he needed to do so he teamed up with some friends for beach cleanup! This seemed simple but apparently garbage is amazing treasure that has to be evaluated, shared and announced prior to placing it in the garbage bag. The morning was windy and cool at the beach, but after a chorus of "Look its a beeeeer bottle" and "Gross a McDonalds bag" we managed to clean up a decent size strip of the causeway and call it a day!

On a side note we just found out these friends are moving back to Canada and that sucks. We SO enjoy our time with them and it is so seldom you come across families where the adults all enjoy each other and the kids play for hours peacefully. They will be much missed.

Yesterday afternoon we headed out to see Jenni and Carter. Plans called for playtime at the park...which we got a little of...

And then this showed up and we ran for the cars, made a mad dash to the mall and ate dinner with the early birds. Welcome to Moe's - hideaway from the rain. And because sometimes conversation and togetherness with friends needs more time than a meal we meandered down the street for some gelato. Kids and ice cream, even foreign ice cream, are just the perfect combo.

Fundraiser

2011-03-30T08:27:00.001-04:00

Going Buggy

2011-03-29T18:10:00.002-04:00

Compliments of years of planning and saving and Todd's never ending desire to own a house I am currently the American stereotype. Mom, dad, boy, girl, dog and house...we literally priced picket fences this weekend, and just FYI - they are PRICEY!

But my gosh darn American dream is home of a zillion creepy crawlies. And I HATE creepy crawlies. I can do throw up and blood and dirt and dead animals and gators but I CANNOT DO BUGS!

The grasshoppers are back, in miniature. But there are millions. And they swarm in small areas. So we bought spray, hopefully got them and then had a lovely Florida rain storm (aka we are all but swimming here) and I wake up to millions of nasty mosquito fly cross breed things all over the house. Literally in droves.

I can't take it. I might have to bug bomb my house.

The Other Me

2011-03-26T08:17:00.003-04:00

---Germany pictures coming very soon ----

Sometimes in life we make decisions that are good decision, great decisions, rewarding decisions even but in doing so we have to say no to something else. I got married at 19, had two kids by 22. I went from high school to a brief college stint with no money and another relationship into marriage and motherhood. I went from being daughter to mother and wife in a heartbeat. And hear this please - I AM SO THANKFUL. It was not what I had planned but God gave me the greatest blessings I could ever ask for. My life is fabulous. I am thankful for the awesome husband, loving children and creature comforts we have been blessed with. But to be her - mom, wife, hospital employee, property owner - I had to say no to the other LeShayne.

You know the one who would rather have the job that requires nonstop travel, that would like to sky dive and kayak on her weekends, that would like to travel the world without regard for where every dollar goes or whether the country is completely safe. The girl who wants to stay in hostels, do mission trips in third world countries and then go home. Maybe home in a city where a car is not needed, where public transportation is the norm and maybe even where the language spoken is not my first.

Traveling to Germany was a bittersweet adventure for me. It was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. Breathtakingly beautiful, phenomenally historic and just a culture so different from my own. And it awakened that other LeShayne, the one who usually is shoved tightly in a budget conscious, responsible and devoted parent, box. And yet at the end of the day I missed my family so much. And was so glad to get home to be with them. To give hugs and bedtime kisses and share life.

At the end of the day I have everything I want and way more than I need. I am blessed in many ways far greater than I could have ever imagined. And yet I am thankful for the ease and opportunity to get away sometimes, to let the other LeShayne have her moment too, so I can come back and remember how great it is. To remember why she is the one living under wraps while LeShayne the mom, LeShayne the wife, LeShayne the responsible adult rules here.

**I should add that while I sound like I have lost my mind this online blog is the closest I have and ever will come to a regular diary. Since it is written in a public forum I should probably sometimes shut up but one day I will look back and be glad I was honest. I think. So this is the record of my life,my chaos. And you can judge me for it or agree with it and it will still be what it is.**

Leaving....

2011-03-18T10:49:00.002-04:00

on a jet plane...don't know when I'll be back again...

Yes I do. Back Wednesday. TONS of pictures to follow.

Magically Delicious

2011-03-16T21:22:00.002-04:00

I share about my patients very seldom these days as its become monotonous. When I first started my job I never thought the day would come when delusions of fiery angels, martians, and CIA conspiracies would be common place. I never thought I would see the day when I knew 100 ways to kill yourself and 100 names for every drug under the sun. I did not think I would one day go to work and hear that a person had 8 separate personalities and take this information with the same amount of shock as someone telling me the grass is green. But the day did come, and it camped out and I never even noticed.

My heart still breaks for the tortured souls I meet regularly. It still bleeds for those whose stories are torn right out of the newspaper, filled with hurt and pain and abuse. I still hope for recovery, coddle patients many cringe away from and pray that we somehow make a difference.

But this week...well it's been rough. The patient's have been louder and angrier, higher and drunker, more violent and intrusive than usual. And to top the whole mess off we are filled to the brim, to the point that the ER is a never ending wait list of Baker Acted patients.

But this one patient is worth sharing. This patient is manic - to the point that she cannot stop speaking for more than a brief second. She is nonsensical, illogical, angry and completely psychotic. She is carrying on about things being magically delicious and talking to people that are certainly not there. But...

Girl can sing. I mean really really sing. Like a pop star. And if you can get her to sing everything else stops and you see the person she could be, that she is somewhere down in there.

Sometimes my job sucks. Sometimes its fantastic. And sometimes God reminds me in the strangest setting that there is good in everybody, that beautiful comes in all different packages.

Sunday Randomness...

2011-03-13T17:17:00.004-04:00

A) Attended the most amazing 3 year old birthday ever, as the photographer. Lauren totally outdid herself with help of Jenni @ FireFly Invitations and the party was nothing short of spectacular. A sneak peek:

B) I hate grasshoppers. Some people hate scary movies, or snakes, or sting rays or...the dark. I don't know lots of things. But I, who dislike frogs quite strongly, have found a new hatred/phobia. They were huge when we moved in and that freaked me out but today...today I saw millions (okay maybe only tens or hundreds) of baby grasshoppers swarming in three separate spots in my yard. So I bug sprayed them to the point that if the actual chemical did not kill them they might just drown. I shudder at the thought of them surviving. And just so you know, baby grasshoppers, they are black and red.

C) I screwed up my neck. I mean really badly. As in, it hurts to move. So that sucks. And makes the day of lawn work excruciating. Oh and I have a cold, that's always fun.

D) I started weight watchers this week. The whole point thing. And in just a few days I lost 3 lbs. It could be a fluke but whatever, small victories need rejoicing too!

E)Went out to take some pictures of Tori's team since so many of them were missing real pictures. Trying to get that many girls to be serious and looking the same direction was nearly impossible. But this, well this they did well.

F)It's Mastermind and Milkshake night at the Maddex house...and I'm the cook. And milkshake maker. So I gotta run! Have a great week all!

To Do List update:

2011-03-09T21:09:00.002-05:00

I did....

- edit pictures
- pay bills
- attack Mt.Laundry
- get an oil change for the van
- mail out some packages
- bleach part of my shower
- deal with our health insurance company
- return library books
- take both kids to get haircuts and the DQ treats I bribed them with
- take team photos of toris team
- watch her softball game
- make dinner, sort of - hot dogs on the run but the kids ate

I also signed up for weight watchers online, cut some coupons, and read a couple chapters of a book.

I guess this weekend I will have to work on the rest of the items and CONQUER Mt.Laundry - darn pile is smaller but still there.

To Do

2011-03-09T07:59:00.004-05:00

I have the day off (yay!) and a ridiculous list of things to do (boo!). So today I will...

- edit pictures
- pay bills
- make grocery list
- attack Mt.Laundry
- clean my house
- get an oil change for the van
- get fingerprinted (work thing)
- mail out some packages
- cut giant tree branches into smaller ones so the garbage will take it
- clean my fountain
- bleach part of my shower
- deal with our health insurance company
- return library books
- take both kids to get haircuts and the slurpees I bribed them with
- take team photos of toris team
- watch her softball game
- make dinner

Ready, Get Set, Go!

Viva La Musica

2011-03-06T09:07:00.003-05:00

Tori was chosen to sing in the All County chorus. She was chosen as 1 of 2 students to represent her school from the chorus of 110 her school has. The pictures are iffy compliments of seats in the waaaaaaaaaaaaay back but...the concert was nice and we were definitely proud of her!!!

Play Ball!

2011-03-06T08:48:00.002-05:00

Yesterday was CRAZY but I remembered my camera so yay for that. Tristan played his second game of the season yesterday - rough day batting but he was rocking the field - especially 3rd base!

Random thought but this bothered me - his team and the professional team are BLUE jays...but they wear black. Is that dumb to anyone else?

New Nephew!

2011-03-03T15:41:00.004-05:00

For those of you have not yet heard this summer I will be up one more nephew! His name is Danil, and he is currently living in an orphanage in the Ukraine. Danil has an extra chromosome which has made finding his forever family a little difficult. But Todd's brother and his wife, Bryan and Laurie, have decided that a 4th little guy would be the perfect addition to their household.

Check out their amazing story, see how you can help AND how you could possibly win an Ipad2 by going to Adding to the Maddness right now!

Ball, Blades and Booms!

2011-03-01T06:47:00.004-05:00

The last couple weeks have flown by in a frenzy of practices, games, patients, homework, cleaning and activities. So much so that this moment, this moment of silence prior to everyone else waking, this moment I revel in going to work late for once (at 7:30 instead of 6:45) is the only moment I have had to even sort of post an update! But here it is.

The last two weekends have been opening seasons for softball and baseball respectively. I LOVE watching my kids out there. It gets a bit redundant at times and it often feels like one thing too many on our calendar but its so fun to watch them come into their own out there. Tori is making HUGE strides. She is learning to play catcher and rocking it. She is tagging people out at home, stopping balls she could not have just a few short weeks ago and throwing like a dynamo!

Her first game:

I totally suck and forgot the camera for Tristan's game which actually happened a week later. At their level they change positions often but he got to play first, shortstop and second. He was thrilled with that! He is fun to watch because he has this natural athletic ability that my brother had but I certainly did not. And it's fun to observe him as an observer...not as his mom. It's like he forgets I am sitting there.

This absolutely gorgeous weather has pulled us all out of the house into its warmth. We decided it was as good a time as any to practice with Tori's new roller blades. Tristan has the hang of skating but...remember that natural athletic ability I mentioned moments ago? Well Tori, she does not have it. Child is a mess. But she got the softball thing with diligence and she'll get this but in the mean time...the drama. Oh the drama.

And speaking of drama, Todd decided he still had the ability to jump stairs...on skates. Like he did in high school. Over a decade ago. Just so you know...he does not have this ability.

No worries - nothing broke!!!

Cha-ching.

2011-02-19T10:44:00.004-05:00

Saturday morning grocery shopping...including meat (organic/cage free kind too!), veggies, milk and a few personal products that you can buy on sale but don't usually have coupons for.

Spent = $72.35
Saved = $92.75

Spring Craziness.

2011-02-18T16:07:00.002-05:00

Okay yes its only February and not *actually* spring but the sun is shining, I have a tank top on and baseball/softball season has begun. In my world - it's spring!

Exciting things as of recent: We had a fantastic low key Valentine's Day with homemade tacos and "fried" ice cream. Tori lost another tooth (only one more before the ortho thinks its time for braces). We started this couponing thing and while it takes a little while and you have to be picky - I have cut our grocery bills in 1/2. I got 8...yes 8...bags of dog treats for FREE last week. And I just found out I am going to Germany next month - woohoo! I have been to the islands/Mexico but never to Europe and I am through the roof excited. Lots and lots of pictures will be taken! And I will be owing my husband for quite some time for allowing me to take this fabulous trip while he does kid duty 24/7 for a few days!

That's about it. Weekend pics to come - opening game for Tori's softball team, the Screaming Eagles and some other stuff with friends and family!

We're going on a lion hunt...we're not afraid!

2011-02-12T08:16:00.003-05:00

Okat so maybe not a lion hunt...

Last year we decided to purchase FL resident week day passes to Disney. Between the flexibility of my schedule and my mother's we decided it would make for some fantastic "Pro-Ed Day" memories. And it did. But all good things must come to an end and so with a final trip we closed out our year of Disney. This was my first, and probably last, trip to Disney's Animal Kingdom. While it was well done (hello it's Disney!), it was essentially a ginormous zoo. And we have a zoo nearby that is a fraction of the cost. But it was good to go once. And we did have fun.

The dinosaurs were a favorite - both big and small. Which can I just say Disney has gotten their mileage out of this ride - that little dinosaur remind you of anything...like say an elephant named Dumbo? Or a magic carpet ride? Or maybe a sky orbiter?

The 3d "It's Tough to be a Bug" was also cute. And you got fantastic eyewear. Please excuse my mother, this was take 3 and she has this thing we call quirky eye - the camera flashes and her eye quirks!

The Kilimanjaro safari is their most promoted ride...and yeah we saw some animals up close and personal...but its really just okay in my opinion. But the kids thought this giraffe just steps away from our vehicle was cool.

And with the final trip comes a final tradition - trying on our favorite ridiculous hats. Thankfully I have the camera and there is no evidence of me participating in this craziness. But I do have Jamaican Tristan, Yachting mom, and Diva Tori documented for all time.

An early Valentines...

2011-02-11T15:16:00.004-05:00

Today I had a day off and decided I should catch up after being a slacker mom. With Tori I had a lot of free time to help with parties and field trips and time to go have lunch with her. But it's been harder to do those things for Tristan because of my increasing work schedule. So today I had a scheduled day off and played catch up. Picked up lunch and joined Tori who is "too old" for Valentine's parties...her words not mine. Then helped in Tristan's classroom where they made the worlds most sugared cookies, did a few Vday experiments and played freeze dance. Hilarious. Then I got in the car for this conversation....

Tori: You know what happened today at school?
Me: What?
Tori: The. Dumbest. Thing. Ev. Er.
Me: Well that was dramatic, what happened?
Tori: Well, this one girl went home "sick" because this other girl asked this guy out. And the guy was her boyfriend. And she was sick about it. And you know whats really stupid? The guy probably has no idea he's either of their boyfriends. Really...this stuff should wait for at least 7th grade.

Me: Speechless.

Good news though. I guess I am not worrying about boys until she hits 7th grade.

North Carolina 2011

2011-02-06T07:37:00.001-05:00

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Update

2011-02-02T07:54:00.003-05:00

I am like a month behind in posting which sucks but is what it is. I have a ton of pictures from North Carolina which most of you have seen on facebook, but will eventually post here as this is my record of our life as well. So here's a quick update on what is happening here.

- Tristan had his first day of gifted class and loved it. Now to figure out a QUICK service project for him...prior to that was his IEP or EIP or something plan conference in which his teacher said Tristan is a natural leader, creative thinker and has an excellent vocabulary.

- Tori made All County chorus. She is one of two representing her school at the concert on March 3rd.

- Baseball/softball season has begun. Games don't start for another few weeks but the kids are practicing, and practicing, and practicing. Which means Tues, Thurs, Fri and Saturdays are spent all the ball fields.

- We had lovely vacation - a lot of driving - but really enjoyed having the kids see snow for the first time and all of us enjoyed tubing one morning and hiking to a waterfall another. We enjoyed the time with my family AND got to see Bryan, Laurie, Ian, Chase and Gavin all in one trip!

- Middle school sign up is just around the corner for Tori, Discovery nights at the middle school start next week!

Park BBQ

2011-01-26T14:54:00.002-05:00

Belated Fall.

2011-01-26T09:38:00.001-05:00

January 2011, Tarpon Springs, FL.

New Toy

2011-01-26T09:33:00.002-05:00

For Christmas the kids got a new toy to share - it's basically a pop-up catcher for them to practice pitching with. So we took it out to the park to try it out. And it is awesome. If they hit the catcher the balls drop into this neat little attached bag, and if they don't...well it's not my face in jeopardy of getting taken out but rather this inanimate guy. Being a catcher to an 8 yr old and 10 yr old who are not so consistent can be scary.

Turns out the only bad part about the catcher is that he has to be folded up in a manner similar to those things you put on your dashboard to keep the sun out. In other words you flail your arms about in hopes that it will magically collapse into the neat circle it should be in for proper storage. "We" may have had some trouble with that...but "we" got it!

New Years

2011-01-26T09:28:00.002-05:00

This was the first New Year's that the kids actually saw the ball drop and made it to 12:01. They were very excited about it. No big party or anything this year but had fun. We spent the evening around a fire pit with some neighbors, shooting fireworks in the cul-de-sac and watching the ball drop!

Love is...

2011-01-19T15:03:00.002-05:00

a funny thing.

It can cause the greatest joy and the greatest pain. Can be the biggest comfort and the biggest hurt. The easiest thing and the hardest thing. Something you just know or something so hard to figure out. Hopeful and yet crushing, relaxing and yet so much darn work.

Until next week...we're off to see snow. Back with pictures soon.