Facebook

Because I always need an obession in my life my newest one (well, until tomorrow night at midnight when "Breaking Dawn" will be released and I'll read all day Saturday) is Facebook. I know..I thought Facebook was for teenagers and college students. Not so much. Apparantly that's My Space. There are plenty of soccer moms on Facebook. Plenty of teens too but plenty of people in their 30's and beyond. So exciting!!

It's completely overwhelming but so much fun. I've reconnected with a ton of people from high school and college over the past couple of days since I joined. It can definitely be a time waster though so watch out. But, if you aren't on you should be!!

Expiration Date?!

So I guess I'm totally late to this party but I just found out that car seats have expiration dates. I seriously did not know this until yesterday. I was googling how to fit 5 car seats in my van (4 for my kids and 1 for my neighbor we carpool with) and I came across a facinating website - http://www.car-seat.org/ that has a forum where people ask all kinds of questions - including "how to fit 5 car seats in Honda minivan." So I surfed the site a bit and found out that car seats expire after 6 years for most brands and should not be used after that point. Turns out one of our seats expired on 7/23. I don't use that seat often - it's a backup but still - it's expired! Who knew..well apparently a lot of people because all the moms I asked at gymnastics knew about car seat expirations.

My Inner Teenager

I think I must be going through a pre mid-life crisis. This week I've read the young adult series Twilight, I'm watching The Secret Life of an American Teen and I'm creating a Facebook page. I've also decided I'd rather text than actually talk on my cell phone. Serioulsy I feel like I'm channeling my inner teenager.

Team Edward

I have been nothing but reading since Friday (see my previous post on Edward and Bella and the Twilight series). I have now completed all 3 books in the series and I can't wait until Saturday to get book 4. I generally do not buy books but I'm making an exception. I will be at Target or BJ's first thing Saturday am to get this book. I'm as crazed about this as I was about Harry Potter. My friend Belinda wants to go Friday at midnight to get the book and I'm seriously considering this. I know..you'd think I was a crazy, obessed teenager.

I think my family will be glad I'm done reading for a few days. Now I can catch up on all the housework I've been ignoring since Friday. I tell you there is nothing like escaping in a good book series....

By the way..I'm rooting for Edward..Team Edward all the way...

Birthday Party Mania!

We've been to a record number of birthday parties since the beginning of June. I think our total is 9. Literally every weekend but July 4th weekend has been a birthday party. We had 3 one year old birthday parties, 3 five year old parties, 2 four year old parties (including Lily's) and 1 six year old party. I've learned some things about birthday parties during this tour and thought I'd share some highlights:



1. 1 Year Olds could care less if they have a party. In fact it seems the more people who are at at a 1 year old party the more they don't care.

2. Playdough is not such a great goodie bag favor for 1 year olds. They just want to eat it. Actually they want to eat anything that is in a goodie bag so be careful what favors you give to children between the ages of 9 mos and 2 years.

3. Location..Location..Location. Bravo to anyone who is brave enough to have a party at their home. It involves A LOT of work - before, during and after. I don't think I have the patience anymore for that.

4. It's hard to plan an outdoor party during the summer. We may be in a drought but inevitably it will storm during your party and it will be 100 degrees. In the shade.

5. The BEST goodie bag favor ever - $5 Chickfila Gift Cards. Yep - we lucked out!

6. Ensure you train the person opening the door about what to do with presents or the birthday child will open the gifts right away and mom will have no idea who gave what.

7. The best parties we've been to have been the most casual where the kids can just play and the adults can hang out.

8. Once the child is 5 years old invitations should specifiy whether it is a drop off or if parents can stay. This line is very confusing.

Bella and Edward

Over the past couple weeks I've heard more people than I can count talking about the "Twilight" series from Stephenie Meyers. My neighborhood book club elected to read it for the next meeting as well. So I was at BJ's last week and they had the book for $7.50. I tried to reserve it from the library but I'm like 500th on the waiting list so I decided that I would spring for the book. For those of you living under a rock (which I was until recently) the series is a young adult series about a vampire love saga...I know sounds ridiculous but the writer is heralded as the next big thing...yada..yada..yada...So Friday afternoon while Julia was napping I dived into book 1 and I've barely seen the world since. I read all Friday afternoon and evening as much as time allowed. I ended up buying book 2 in the series at Target yesteday (there are currently 3 with the 4th coming out on Sat) because I knew I had to keep reading. I finished book 1 last night and immediately started book 2. I'm now halfway through book 2 with hopes I'll finish it tonight. I'm hoping someone I know has book 3 that I can borrow this week! I'm obessed. It's such a good story and just when you think you can put it down something else grabs you. So if you are looking for a "young adult" series to read - this is it. Although the books are long they really are quick reads and good (and pretty clean).

BTW, Bella and Edward are the main characters of the book. The movie is coming out in December.

Always the fan of teen dramas on TV I am also a fan of the written teen drama. I read the "Traveling Pants" series last summer and loved that too.

Baby Registry

I feel kind of weird about this but some of my neighbors are throwing us a baby shower. It's SO, SO generous of them and I am truly thankful. It just seems weird because it's my 4th baby and in general a lot of people think it's tacky to do a shower after the first baby. But, since we're having a boy this time after 3 girls my friends think it's great and again, I'm extremely appreciative (especially since we no longer get that discount at Target).

So, they asked me to do a registry. Now, I haven't done a registry since Emma was born (5 1/2 years ag) so it feels really strange. We don't really need any gear, though it's so tempting because stuff is so much cuter now! We really just need boy colored stuff - clothes, bibs, blankets and stuff for his nursery. I also need some new bottles - one because I'm freaked out about the BPA and two, because ours are just well used after 3 kids already and three because I mostly nursed I don't have many bottles to begin with.

So I go on Target.com and Babiesrus.com to start this registry thing. I realized that as long as I think this pregnancy is taking I really only have 10 weeks (or hopefully less) left. Which is still a long enough time but I guess I need to start thinking about preparing for his arrival. And I really have done nothing so far. I'm sure when I was pregnant with Emma by this point everything was done. But things change when it's your 4th. So back to my registry stuff...I'm completely overwhelmed!! I have no idea how I'm going to do the nursery, I don't know what kind of bottles to get, don't know much about anything! I feel like I never had a baby or something! So, I'm giving up doing them online. I have to go to the store and see and touch things to make a decision. I guess I need to add that to my list of things to do this week. Oh my!

Stroller #9

I started out with just one stroller...that's it just one. I registered for it when I was pregnant with Emma - it was part of the Graco Travel System. Worked well for a while but it was heavy so I got Stroller #2 - a lightweight umbrella stroller. That worked fair - it was short and a little uncomfortable to push but back then I wasn't smart enough to google the stroller and read 400 review on it before deciding on it. When Lily came along so did Stroller #3 - a double stroller. Definitely needed that with a baby and a toddler. Stroller #4 came along unexpectedly as a gift from the person who gave us our 2nd crib. It was an umbrella stroller and I thought - great..there might be times when we need 2 of those (not so much..it mostly transported baby dolls in the garage in MA). Stroller #5 was a side by side loaner double that I used for a while when Paul ran over the wheel of my regular double stroller (he actually did fix it). Those all worked for a while but then I saw the holy grail of strollers - a Sit and Stand and I had to have it. I thought when I have this baby (I was pregnant with Julia) all 3 of my children can ride in this stroller. I can go to the mall! So along came Stroller #6 (Paul said stroller #3 must go and I sold it to a friend). He also said this is it - no more strollers. Right. When Julia arrived Stroller #7 followed. It was the infant carrier kind, you know the frame you just put your infant carrier on. That one was great and I wondered how I lived without it for 2 kids. Paul again said..this is it..no more strollers. Except that when Julia outgrew her infant carrier and we went back to Stroller #1 which had sat in the garage for about 3 years. It had gotten pretty yucky (and it didn't match my infant carrier anymore which I realize is very superficial) and I realized we needed a new single stroller. So Stroller #8 entered our lives. A cute, sleek graco one that has really served me well. And again Paul said this is it..no more strollers.

Through all of the strollers the one that I never had was jogger of any kind. I don't jog so I didn't think I'd need one. However, I do like to walk and I've realized how much easier joggers are to push, especially when you are pushing more than one kid. I've needed a double stroller for the better part of the last 5 years but double joggers are expensive and bulky and Paul pretty much said use what you have. And I have. Until now. Last night Stroller #9 entered our garage. It's a double jogging stroller! I found a great deal on craigslist (which I am completely obsessed with, btw) and Paul actually let me get it. I guess he was sick of me asking for one and realized getting one off craigslist was way cheaper than a brand new one (btw, the last 3 strollers have all come from craigslist). Now if it would just cool down a little bit I could take Lily and Julia out for a stroll in their new home! I'd like to say that this is it..no more strollers but, I have a feeling when Julia gets older and in school stroller #10, a single jogger, just might find it's way to our garage.

Sleep...or Not

Before Emma started Kindergarten I had this vision that she would so tired..she'd be falling asleep at the dinner table and that I'd have to wake her up in the mornings. But, you know what...not so much. In fact she gets home and she has tons of energy and she's been waking up earlier than normal. Don't know if she's just excited about going to school or what but I've not once had to wake her up, in fact she's waking me up every day. And she's not been needing to go to bed any earlier. I wonder if it will catch up with her this week. So far all is good though with school. She really seems to be liking it which I'm so thankful for!

In other news we had a pretty good weekend. My aunt was in town so she stopped by on Saturday which was wonderful. We had yet another birthday party (that's a whole other blog entry) to go on Saturday afternoon which was fun. Yesterday we went to church and hung out with my sister in law and father in law. Overall a pretty fun weekend.

This morning the girls and I met some friends at Monkey Joe's for a morning of fun. Monkey Joes is one of those bounce house places. It's a freaking million degrees here today so we decided some indoor playtime would be on the agenda. About a thousand other moms also decided it was too hot for anything outdoors too so it got pretty crowded. Lily had fun and Julia had even more fun. Me, however, not so much fun. It was great to visit with my friend but chasing Julia wore me out. But, still better than being outside, even at the pool.

Boy?

We go to the park this morning after dropping Emma off. I thought the girls deserved a little play time outside. We haven't been out much since it's SO FREAKING HOT so I thought while it wasn't as hot this morning we'd hit the park. Apparently I was right since Julia literally squealed and screamed when she saw the playground equipment. It was pretty quiet at the park this morning but there were a few families there including an Asian family with a grandfather like person with them. So Julia's wearing this:

(That's a pink shirt, jean shorts and hot pink crocs and she was carrying a pink sippy cup) and this older man asks me.."He's a boy?" as he's pointing at Julia. What?! Seriously?? I replied, no, she's a girl. I know she doesn't have much hair but who would put a boy in that much pink! I swear people amaze me...

By the way, when you are outside for more than 30 minutes, even at 9:15am it's freaking hot! Maybe it's the pregnancy but I just couldn't take it. We did stay for about an hour then we just had to go. But, at least the girls got a little outdoor time!

Lunch Lady

I got to volunteer at Emma's school today for the first time. It was so fun! Prior to school starting the PTA had asked for Kindergarten parents to help with lunch the first week of school so today was my turn. First Emma was SO excited when I told her I was coming which totally made my day. When I got there I learned the sign in/out process - it's so high tech these days - then I headed to the cafeteria to assist. My job consisted of opening a ton of milk cartons, ranch dressing packets (salad was served today), plastic containers and water bottles. Those poor teachers must never get to eat! When we had gone to a parents get ready for kindergarten seminar over the winter they encouraged us to send things for our kids that they could open. I am surprised by how many parents don't do this. Of course none of them can open a milk carton yet (where would they practice that) but parents send lots of things in that they need help with. I try to send everything in ziplock bags so Emma can get to it easily. And, if it's not in a bag I get her to practice it at home. They told us it makes them feel more independent when they open it themselves. Anyway, I digress...I was only there for about 45 minutes and like I said opened things and threw away trash. I got to see Emma for a few minutes and talk with her teacher whom I really like. After the kids get up and throw away their trash a team of teachers descend upon the tables and clean them up for the next crew. It's really quite orderly...I had no idea. A good experience and I'm glad I could go help. I do have to say that school lunches really haven't changed much - they still don't look all that appealing.

Cold Books

I went to the library this morning and brought a few books home for the kids. After lunch Lily went through the bag examining the books. She picked up a "Princess Penelope" book at started to flip through it. The plastic jacket was beginning to come off so she took it all the way off and here's our conversation:

Lily: Mommy, what's this (holding up the book jacket)
Me: That protects the book, it's called a book jacket
Lily: Mommy, is the book cold?

Missing Money

So my husband is obsessed with checking missing money websites (www.missingmoney.com) to see if we or anyone we know has missing money. Apparently he has some time on his hands at work and has spent some quality time the last couple days searching these missing money websites to see if we have any money out there. He went through this phase a few years ago, before Emma was born and wouldn't you know I actually had some missing money! I don't remember the amount but it was fun to get.

So from his tireless searching these past few days it turns out there is a Lori Hyler with missing money in Nashua, NH. What are the odds...that must be me! The company is an insurance company that actually sounds really familiar to me...my bff says it's an insurance company that Target had dealings with. So, I'm thinking this really could be me. I submitted a claim so we'll see...I'll keep you posted.

So far Paul has found money for our friend Frances and for my dad...go figure!

Sunday Night

What a busy few days we've had! Friday we got to meet Emma's teacher. Her name is Mrs. Barnwell and she's young, cute and sweet. I think Emma will really like her. She seems very organized and has been teaching for 5 years. The assistant is Mrs. Williams and she's been teaching for a longer time and seems very nice. Emma seemed pleased. So, supply list in hand, and let me say there were a lot of supplies needed, Nana and Emma went out shopping Friday afternoon to start filling the list. They had a great time. Lily got some special time with Daddy and well I got to rest while Julia did!

Saturday we had a birthday party for a neighbor. A mighty cute party I must add - a Fiesta theme. The cake was unbelievable and the kids had a great time with Salsa Tots! Then a little later my bff, Erin arrived from PA to spend a few days with us! We had a fun night just gabbing and the girls were super excited to have their Auntie arrive.

Today we went to church then out to lunch. We left Paul and Julia at home to nap and the rest of us headed out for a girls day. We went to see the American Girl movie, Kit Kittridge, which was super cute. Then we went to Build a Bear where Auntie treated the girls to special treat, then to Target to finish off the school supplies. Paul in the meantime had supper prepared for us when we got home - so nice!

We ate, got the girls a bath then I had to pack Emma's lunch for school tomorrow. The real first day! She thought she might want to buy lunch since it's pizza but she changed her mind. So now we've got the backpack and school supplies ready for tomorrow's big day. And now I'm tired. Really tired.

The First Day of School: The Pick Up

All appears to have gone well with the first day of school. We picked Emma up yesterday and surprisingly the carpool line moved very quickly - I guess they've been doing it for a while so they certainly have a system. One of the teachers walked her out and she was all smiles when she got in the car. She had information posted all over her - a sticker and a notice reminding us the next day of Kindergarten is Monday. She said she had a good day and that she liked it a lot. She was surprisingly full of information - you know how they can be stubborn sometimes and not share. She told us about the centers, about going to the gym, lunch, snack time and rest time. All is good.

I'm so relieved she had a great day and wants to go back. We go tomorrow to meet her actual teacher - I'm hoping it's one she liked and there are some kids in there that she played with yesterday.

One more morning to sleep in....

First Day of School: The Drop Off

Well, my big girl is at Kindergarten..by now she's eaten lunch (which we packed and she bought milk) and is perhaps resting on her fabulous neon yellow towel. The morning went really well - she wasn't grumpy at all when I woke her up, she ate a good breakfast and was genuinely excited. We all went (yep..all 5 of us) to take her to school, we all walked her in and she had no fear, no reservations, no hesitation just bye mom, bye dad. I'm so proud of her. She's so confident and good natured. We pick her up in a couple hours..I can't wait to hear all about the day!

By the way, just an observation I made today..the Kindergarten teachers are approximately 25 years old and really cute. No wonder Paul keeps volunteering to go with me to school.

Twas the Night Before Kindergarten

Twas the night before Kindergarten and all through the house

EVERY creature is stirring, except for my spouse

The Hannah Montana backpack is packed by the door

Hopefully getting ready tomorrow won't be a chore

The lunch box is packed and waiting in the fridge

With hopes Emma will at least eat a smidge

The snack bag was packed with tender loving care

In hopes that low energy it will repair

The clothes were hand picked and laid out tonight

Crossing my fingers tomorrow they will still be alright

Emma is excited not nervous at all

Mommy on the other hand is trying not to bawl

It seems just yesterday my baby was born

Those early days you really do mourn

Now she's five and independent as can be

And though I'm happy for her it's still a little sad for me

Tomorrow I'll be smiling and happy as we bid her adieu

But tonight I'm feeling just a little bit blue

7 Things

7 Things and Thoughts for the 7th day of the 7th Month:

1. Why is it that when you want something you shouldn't afford you suddenly see 100 people with said item?
2. When will the menu fairy write down all the dinners my family should have for the next year?
3. Trips are great but the drive home and then the unpacking stink
4. My oldest starts kindergarten in 2 days...yep...2 days!
5. When will I feel grown up enough to have a child in elementary school?
6. This pregnancy is feeling very long
7. I am weirdly craving sour candy - sour gummy worms especially...so strange

As Good as it Gets

So I got this fancy new camera that takes pictures crazy fast and darn if I STILL can't get good pictures of all 3 of my kids SMILING at the camera or even crazier actually LOOKING at the camera. I tried to get some cute pictures of them on the 4th of July in their cutie outfits and this is the best I could do:

Ode to My Bff

My bff is an awesome gal who lives in Erie, PA (I know..she's not crazy about it either). Next month we'll celebrate our 13th "friendaversary"! She used to be my boss. She made me do her file pile and she refused to let me have a desk calendar. However, I still liked her.

She is one of the funniest, kindest and most generous people I have ever met. She always puts others before herself. She genuinely loves my kids and spoils them to death (and they love her). She's fun to travel with, except when she loses stuff on the trains in Boston. She does have questionable taste in men but we look past that.

She always makes the effort to come visit us. She gets that it's hard for us to travel with all the kids and that we live on a budget. I just love her to death and am thankful for her friendship!

LYLAS Erin (throwback)!!

Happy (Belated) 4th of July!

Hope you had a great Independence Day! We headed to the beach yesterday morning for a long weekend. Paul is actually off for 4 days and we decided to take advantage of it and get in one last beach trip before Emma starts school. My aunt and 2 cousins are down here too so it's a nice chance to see them. We all went to lunch yesterday when we got here then played on the beach for a few hours. I forgot to bring my camera cord to put pics on my computer but I will add some when we get home. The girls had a great time playing in the sand and ocean. Julia just loves it - she wasn't afraid at all of the water this time. With my 13 year old cousin here too the big girls are in heaven. My mom, aunt, cousin and the big girls went to see fireworks last night.

Paul and I opted out and Julia just couldn't make it that late. I did get to see some from the porch though. All in all a fun 4th!

No Kissing

Conversation with Emma while getting ready for bed last night:

Emma: Mom, why do you like Jon & Kate Plus 8?
Me: It's fun to watch, I just like it. Why do you like it?
Emma: Yeah, it's fun and there's no kissing...

Ah, I'm so relieved to hear that from her especially after the whole kissing incident at preschool. Turns out she's not such a fan of kissing....at least not yet...

Guilty Pleasure #1...

Summer Reality TV...

I confess I can't stop watching Denise Richards: It's Complicated or Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood. Sad...I know...

Haircut

I took Emma to Snip-Its today for her "back to school" haircut. We had to wait forever but the results were worth it. She really just needed it trimmed and shaped up. Oh I wish I could cut hair. I tell you those kids haircut places got quite a thing going on...the toy is pure junk and the lollipop is a dum-dum..but the kids love it and they do sit still during the cut.

We then headed over to BJ's where I replaced the stolen card and picked up some water bottles for Emma's snack bag. Have I mentioned yet that not only do I need to pack her a lunch but we also have to send in a snack and drink daily? More stress!! I don't remember that at all from elementary school but perhaps we did back in the day too. I guess we'll get all the 411 on that tomorrow at her open house!

Monkey Munch Mayhem

Over at my friend Amy's blog ( http://www.thehartfamilyhawaiichronicles.blogspot.com/) she posted a recipe for Monkey Munch. It originates from Jon & Kate Plus 8 which we are also totally addicted to. So, I thought it might be fun to make it this afternoon. I haven't been very "kid chef" friendly in a while so I thought this recipe might be easy for the kids to help me with. I mean if Kate can do it with her kids, I can too, right? I have less than half the number she does...

So I get dinner in the oven and out we set to make some Monkey Munch. It's all going well - Emma and Lily are actually taking turns pouring. Julia is sitting on the floor eating a cereal bar, still in the wrapper, but that's a whole other story. I put the powdered sugar in a bag as directed, pour the chocolate covered cereal mixture in and we start shaking. We all take turns shaking then it's back to me. I turn the bag over and all of a sudden..boom..the bag opens and monkey munch is all over my kitchen floor. Literally...all. over. my. kitchen. floor. I don't know if the bag was faulty or if there was just too much monkey munch in the bag. In any event it's now on my floor. Do you know what a pain it is to have powdered sugar all over the floor? I have hardwoods in my kitchen too - now there's powdered sugar between the slats. Nice.

We were able to salvage a little bit of the munch. Then I forgot the crucial part of spreading on wax paper to cool. Really, a homemade cake I can do no problems but a kid recipe forget it...I'm a disaster! I'm sure what we did will taste fine but what a drama!!