Go Green!

Maddox has a favorite color. Green.

It also happens to be a number and a letter in the alphabet.

Everything -and I do mean everything- is green.

Example:

Me: What color is Daddy's shirt?

Maddox: Br...no, green.

Me: Maddox you know it's brown.

Maddox: Brown. (pause) Eeeeew brown. Green.

The end.

We did Valentine's Day art on Friday to send to the grandparents.

Surprisingly, he agreed to use red paint and not green.

But what was I thinking?

Red paint...all over the place. Jude got involved too.

Needless to say, baths followed. But it was worth it. I think the grandparents will have a big smile on their faces when they open their mailboxes on Monday.

Better Than Tuesday

Waking up six times lastnight was no fun. But...I was determined to put on makeup and real pants today, and get out of the house. I have been trapped amidst boxes and spit up and fussy children, but not today! I drank that Turbo coffee, put Jude down in the crib so that he fell asleep on his own (this is working, yes!), dressed Maddox and out the door we went. Andrew slept on the couch while Jude slept.

I returned with some cat-eye sunglasses and a lime green piggy bank that Maddox convinced me he needed.

I cooked lunch, cleaned the house, and nursed the baby, who spit up...but not as bad as yesterday.

Maddox and I got a wonderful 2-hour nap this afternoon on the couch while Lady and the Tramp played in the background. The best part, though, was that Jude napped at the same time and also for two hours. This is something to celebrate!

But really, the best part has to do with the cat eye sunglasses. They are pretty stinkin' cute. Now I just need some sunshine outside so I can wear them!

Fartblossoms and Such

Growing up, Ninny would call my brother and I "fartblossoms" ... it was a term of endearment, of course! I find myself using it often. I love my boys like crazy, but when they start acting out...I squeeze them and say "You ol' fartblossom!"

Jude was the fartblossom today. Well, actually, I think he has claimed the title all week. He has cried (lots), spit up (lots) and wants to be held (all the time). Combined with the fact that I also have a 2-year-old and a house to run (and pack up in just 14 days), well...let's just say I'm feeling burned out. At my wits end today, I purchased a can of formula. Jude sucked it down and I held my breath, waiting for the spit up. It didn't come. So...apparently I am eating something that is really bothering him. *sigh*

But I just can't give up caffeine. It keeps me going.

What to do? What to do?

I will ponder this tonight.

I know he looks so cute (and he is!)...

...but I saw more of this face today (still cute).

I think he must have read his bib and taken the words to heart.

Happy Birthday to the One and Only NINNY

Many years ago, I named her Ninny.

I have countless childhood memories of her.

 I hear her singing in the kitchen as she whips up an amazing meal...

I see her flying kites with me as a kid, or making up stories with me at bedtime and doing the "karate chop" on my leg...

She would sometimes pick me up from school when I was "sick," and I would lay back on her couch and watch cartoons. She was always closeby with a snack.

I remember playing dress-up in all her fancy work clothes...drawing with her...watching Rugrats with her...

Fastfoward a few years and there she is, always involved and helping out, whether it was painting our house, contributing to my wedding or sipping a mocha next to me in the car as we wrapped up a shopping adventure.

I could go on.

And on.

She has always been a wonderful grandma to me, full of energy and lots and lots of love.

There is a big place in my heart reserved only for Ninny (and yes I still call her that).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you, Ninny.

Wish I was there to give you a big hug.

Love you so so much:)

Boxes Invade My Life...Again

19 days. Today I packed the first box. I stopped two boxes later (let's blame it on 2 little boys). At this rate, I am in trouble. But not really...a little pressure is all I need to get things rolling.

It was freezing today, by the way. Do I really live in Florida?? It doesn't feel like it.

Night Owls

It rained all day. Luckily, I did not have to leave the house. I made fagioli soup, bread and salad and had a good friend over. I call that a good day, don't you?

 

Our kids had a bet going. Who could stay wide awake the longest? Jude gave up pretty fast. Maddox and Ava held on for a long, long, long time...but finally Ava gave in, too. Maddox won the bet and didn't close his eyes til about 10:30 p.m. He BETTER sleep in tomorrow!!!

(3 weeks to go and I still have not packed a single box. Help!)

Keepin' Up

I have had a hard time keepin' up with my life this last week! Andrew brought home a wicked nasty head cold from work and it almost knocked me off my feet. Combined with Jude's constant night wakings/fussiness and Mr. Maddox's 2-year-old demands, I often came close to the overwhelmed point. But that is where my sweet hubby came in and saved the day!
"Can I PLEASE just take a bath for five minutes without someone crying or screaming at me or asking for apple juice?"
Yep, I said that. And yep, Andrew saved my sanity.
I love my husband, just so you know. We are good about keeping each other laughing and we are good when it comes to that teamwork thing. Because...when you have 2 rambunctious little boys...teamwork makes it much, much better!!

In other big news, we are moving. I can give you some good reasons why:

1. The snakes here are horror movie level.

2. The poor insulation in this house plus the super tall ceilings make for some pricey electric bills. The last one was $413, not even including water or trash pickup.

3. Our neighbor is a registered sex offender and his wife wants to be my best friend.

I am ready for the change. I said I would never live on base and guess what? We are moving on base. Ha. Life is funny like that.

I actually like the house we are getting on base, though, and the best thing is that is has a big YARD. It's also within walking distance of a park.

I will feel safer at night when Andrew is working and plus he will only be 10 minutes away, which is better than the current 20-25.

All in all, it's the best thing for us and we are pretty darn excited about the change.

I can't wait to decorate!!!

I guess Andrew will have to buy a new lawn mower, though, if he expects to pass the weekly yard inspections. Oh boy! More fun stories are to come, I'm sure (and pictures).

But for now, it's time to pack. I can't wait til that part is over. Back to boxes we go!