Naked Bandit Strikes Again!

Ok, so today, Ms. Amy and I took the kiddos (G, J and C) to McD's for lunch. No problem, right? WRONG!! Two moms; three boys - we can handle it - WRONG again!!

After lunch the boys were playing on the indoor play structure when this little girl asks me if G & J are my sons and I say "No" and start pointing around getting ready to say "that's my son", when the Naked Bandit strikes. Cole was running around with NO pants and NO pullup on. I was mortified!! Never in my life did I think I'd have to mutter the words "Where are your pants???" to my 2 1/2 year old son, let alone mutter those words in the middle of McD's.

I tell you what, that boy keeps me on my TOES; NEVER a DULL moment - NEVER!!

BTW, there are NO pictures to document this incident, but let me just say - it is an image I will not soon forget.

My baby is a Kindergartener!!!!

So today was an exciting day - the FIRST DAY of kindergarten!! Yesterday, we went shopping to find just the right outfit and shoes (my girl LOVES to shop!!) We found an adorable pink dress with a bubble skirt, dark pink, white & brown polka dots. She also picked out some sassy brown "high-heels" aka sandals.

She looked adorable and was ready to go. We had to wake her up for the day at about 7:35 am but she got up (without argument), ate breakfast, brushed her teeth, got dressed, got her backpack & lunch box together and off to school we went. We got to school around 8:30am and the bell rang for classes to begin at 8:45am. She was so excited to get to her classroom, get settled into her seat and for her day to begin. I did okay at the house this morning and all through the getting ready to go part - but when I gave my baby a hug & a kiss as I was getting ready to walk out; I lost it - I just started boo-hooing and did so all the way to the car.

Riley did GREAT - she barely noticed I had left the classroom. On one hand I'm sooo very excited for her and all the things she's going to get to do and learn this year, but on the other hand, I can't believe she's going to be in school for 35 hours a week. I wonder how this week is going to go for her; I imagine she is going to be one tired little cookie, but we shall see.

Here are a couple of the pics we took this morning...

To all you mommies out there that had to say goodbye to your sweet babies today, I say hats off to a job well done and it's ok to cry (a lot!!!).

Thank you, Momma!!

Last night these 3 little words broke my heart. Riley woke up in the middle of the nigh and wanted me to turn her music on for her. For some reason lately, she's gotten into sleeping with this lullabies CD on. Anyhow, after I got the CD going, she whispered "Thank you, Momma" and I took just a minute to stop and look at this precious little girl. In a few weeks, she starts Kindergarten. As I sat there and looked at her, it really hit me just how little and innocent she is. My baby is going to KINDERGARTEN; 5 days a week, 7 hours a a day. All I can hope is that I did a good enough job with her over these past 5 years. It scares me to think that in just a few weeks - she's off to the world of public education. I know she's going to do GREAT, but a little part of me is just overwhelmed with sadness that these 5 years have just flown by and my baby is not a baby anymore.

I'm sure most moms go through this, but for some reason I feel like I'm having an extra hard time with it - especially as K-day - August 25th looms closer and closer and closer.....................

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!!

Newborn Photo

















1st Birthday Party - LOVE the hair!














2 Year Photos - love the curled toes!


















3 Year Photos - MAN, I wish I tanned like that!



















4th Birthday Gift Opening Extravaganza!!















I can't imagine my life without you in it baby girl!! Each day is filled with so much joy, happiness, frustration, tears, etc. I wouldn't trade you for the world!! Thank you for making me the mom I am today - I LOVE YOU!!

Where have the last 5 years gone?

Five years ago today, I was about to complete a temporary job assignment at Brinker International. I was doing some administrative work for a girl who was out having some surgery. I had a really great time working there and getting to be a Brinker employee. They are such a fun and generous company who really values their employees.

The next day, the hubby and I had gone to Macaroni Grill to enjoy dinner compliments of some gift certificates I recieved when I left. While waiting to be seated, my water broke and our journey into parenthood began.

I was in total disbelief that I was heading into labor because our precious baby wasn't due for another 3 weeks. Noone has their first baby that early - right? WRONG, 16 long hours later - we welcomed Riley into this world. Talk about love at first sight. Seeing that precious little baby, all red and wrinkled, covered in hair and gunk - took my breath away. She was so perfect and all ours.

Fast forward two and a half years and we've added another monkey to our clan - Cole - again - he stole my heart when he was born. Although they whisked him away shortly after delivery , we've had an awesome bond ever since.

I never saw myself as a stay at home mom, but I can't imagine leaving these guys every day to head off to a job. I loved my life as an event planner, but I LOVE my life as a mom even more. Sure, there are days where I am utterly frustrated and feel like hiding out in my room all day, but then there are days & moments where I see them laughing, running and enjoying life and I'm just in awe that these kiddos are mine. I'm here for all the good, bad and the ugly. By no means am I the world's perfect mom, but man am I blessed to have these cuties in my life.

See for yourself.

Let's try this again!

Lately, I've felt the need to begin blogging again. I feel like life is passing by way too quickly and I want to have a place to put my thoughts into words.

I hope this blog gets updated, is entertaining and allows family & friends to keep up with what's happening with us on a more regular basis.