Go Fly a KITE!

Fun Times at the Smithsonian Kite Festival!

We're so glad when daddy comes home...

glad as we can be.  That was definitely true this weekend when daddy came home from a trip out of the country.  I pride myself on being a pretty independent person.  I feel like I don't need anyone's help, but sometimes it sure is nice to have some. I guess what I am trying to say is that sometimes I take for granted how much we rely on and need Scott. While he was gone we had 3 doctor's appointments, two shots, three prescriptions to fill, strep throat, a sinus infection,  a double ear infection, problems at school, sleepless nights, field trip drama, and a boy who managed to escape the clutches of his evil pediatrician by streaking through the doctor's office in his tighty whities.  He was finally captured outside by another mother, only to escape a second time to lock himself in the office bathroom.  Truth be told, that is just a typical day in my life, the hard part of single-parenting is making decisions, important decisions, without being able to vent or bounce ideas off of my husband.

 Because of issues with the phone and Internet we were not able to speak to each other for a few days. I finally called his hotel and with my poor Spanish and the hotel clerk's ever poorer English, I learned that Scott had never checked in and that his reservation had been cancelled.  So, maybe I panicked a little and had a horrifying vision of a future of raising my angelic children all alone.  Let's just say I didn't stop trying until I heard his voice on the other end of the phone.  He was at the hotel after all, and I am currently brushing up on my Spanish skills. What I gleaned from this harder-than-usual week, is a new found admiration, appreciation, and respect for military wives, single mothers, widows, and all those girl's who have to do it alone.  It isn't easy, it isn't fun, it isn't the way it is supposed to be! But, sometimes it's the way it is.  Needless, to say you are in my prayers now and for always.

Homemade Moon Sand

MIX 8 CUPS OF FLOUR WITH 1 CUP OF BABY OIL

Enjoy!

(Outside Preferably)

Spring has Sprung...

and that means lots of tourists and that means the worst traffic of the year, and that means we avoid going downtown and that means we usually miss out on the Cherry Blossoms. Not this year! I braved the crowds this morning. Nash, Harley, 3 million other people and I had a great day picnicking and paddle boating around the Tidal Basin.

It was lovely!

Pimp my Shoes

I bought these camouflage shoes a few years ago at Payless. If you look close you can still see the $14.99 price tag inside-quite the investment.  Believe it or not they are super comfortable, but my love of the camo has waned over the years, so I gave them a makeover this weekend.

What you need:  Mod Podge, Glitter, Paint Brush, Sealer, and Blingy Buttons!

Working in small sections apply the Mod Podge with a paint brush and then cover it with glitter. It helps to do the pouring of the glitter over some paper, so that you can pour the excess back in your container.  When shoes are properly glittered and the Mod Podge has dried spray with the sealer.  This will prevent the glitter from rubbing off when you walk.  I applied about 4 coats of sealer.  Finally, I snipped off the back of some fancy buttons and glued them onto my new shoes.

Stop and Smell the Daffodils

I fight a constant battle with what I think needs to be done and what is most important. Yesterday, in the midst of cooking dinner for seventy women I took a breather and went for a walk with Harley Belle.  It was a warm and quiet morning and she seemed to find joy in every little thing she saw.  I wish I could still see the world the way that a child does. The excitement she found in the daffodils on the side of the road was contagious and I have been motivated to stop and smell the roses daffodils a little more often.

Spring Fever

It has been beautiful here and the kids can finally play outside after 4 months of  the yucky winter blahs.  Actually, winter has been pretty mild this year but nothing compared to the way springtime feels. It is a good thing too, because beginning in March, I always boycott winter by putting away the heavy coats, hats, and gloves.  Sometimes it bites me in the bootie, but it won't stop me from doing it again next year.  It is just amazing how a little warm weather can completely transform your outlook on life.  At our house, the countdown is officially on for summer vacation. Unfortunately, I have 3 1/2 months to count. Meanwhile, we have been practicing some summer activities.  First, swimming. Nash was finally big enough to go on all the water slides, which made it quite the exciting day. Atley is a total fish, which makes swimming a lot less stressful for mom. I used to feel totally panicked if I couldn't see all of them at all times.  Now I can relax just a little bit.  Harley has no fear of water, just like she has no fear of anything and she is still talking about going "whimming."

While swimming in a heated indoor pool is great, it is probably a bit premature to head to the beach so we did the next best thing. National Harbor has a beachy play area right on the banks of the Potomac.  There is a giant Poseidon buried in the sand for the kids to play on and plenty of boats, shops and restaurants to keep everyone else entertained.

And of course a little Ben & Jerry's made the day complete! Hurry summer you can't come fast enough!

Going Postal

I absolutely love Nash's preschool group. This is the 4th time that I have done a preschool co-op for my kids and I have only had good experiences. This year there are six of us that alternate teaching and planning monthly field trips. It has been such a great opportunity for Nash and for myself.  Last week I planned a field trip to the local post office.  It was a little bizarre due to some language barriers and the hilarious pack of Christmas cards that the kids received as a parting gift. But, our preschoolers got to "drive" a mail truck which made the day a complete success.

Weight Update

Here I am back being accountable and everything.  I am now in week 8 of my weight loss drama. Recently,   I hit a bit of wall.  For almost 10 days I didn't lose an ounce.  I was very discouraged and started longing for my Entenmann's donuts with added fervor.  A friend, one who I am sure has never had to diet a day in her life, mentioned that in every diet you hit a wall and that is where most people give up, but if you push through it you will begin to lose again.  It wasn't easy, but I took her advice and guess what?  She was right.  I began losing again.

 Total weight loss so far...

13.4 pounds

Which means, I am more than half way to my goal.  HALLELUJAH!

 I feel like my life is a little crazy right now with a bunch of  obligations at church, Atley's school,  teaching Nash's preschool, not to mention the disaster that is my 2 year old daughter.  I needed a quick exercise routine, something that took a minimal amount of time but still burned calories and toned muscle. I found this workout on Pinterest and I love it!

It only takes about 10 minutes, but it is challenging.  It is definitely my go-to workout on busy mornings.

What do I miss the most about my old eating habits? 

1. Chocolate chip cookies, hot from the oven with a tall glass of milk.

2. The brownies I used to make every Sunday, smothered in whipped cream and sprinkles.

3. CHEESE! CHEESE! Cheese on everything!

4. The 1100 Calorie Pork Salad at Cafe Rio.

Okay, that is enough I am getting hungry.

Thanks to all of you who have been cheering me on!  I even got an e-mail from a family member that totally inspired me to keep going. Thanks Jenny!