An Unexpected Surprise

Last week a friend invited me and a few other girlfriends to join her at the beach for 5 sun filled days! Her family's beach house had an unexpected cancellation so she asked us to tag along for some fun in the sun! It was just what the doctor ordered! We had a BLAST!

5 of the 7

There were five of us and our children (7 kids all 5 and under) traipsing down the highway headed for the beach! The car rides were peaceful as was the weekend :) We rode rides, explored the boardwalk, played put put, swam in the pool, and logged many hours beach side. The kids had a BLAST and enjoyed playing, laughing, splashing, and chasing each other from sun up til sun down! We were all amazed by how well the kids did even though they were pooped... They played so well! One day as we were packing up from our beach day, a lady told us she had never seen such well behaved children... How's that for a feel good compliment :)

My sand loving princess

My wave jumping boy

I did it!

the only ride picture that turned out.... MUST buy new camera!

The weekend went too fast but lots of great memories were made!

Wordless Wednesday

So Sleepy!

For more WW: Wee Shenanigans, A Beautiful Mess, Look at What Mom found... and Dad too,  Momspective, Five Minutes For Mom, 7 Clown Circus,  MomDot, Wordless Wednesday , , Life @ 30, Three Peas in a Pod, & Conversations with Moms

Boys and their toys....

What is it with boys and toys? Seriously?!?! I just don't get it... Jason always wants the newest gadgets, video games, and what not... He loves those high ticket items too, you know the big toys. He has his beloved Mustang, his never used; needs to be sold 4 wheeler, he is on a boat kick right now (I see that passing now), and he used to have a sport bike (once that was crashed we said bye bye motorcycle, or so I thought)

This week, he has started in on another motorcycle. I know he has been eyeing them for quite some time, but I was not aware of just how interested he was... Obviously VERY! Yesterday he bought a Harley... Really?!? A Harley? He is totally digging it. Me? Not so much. I just envision body parts smeared all over the ground! However, it is what it is...

I just don't get these things, but in all fairness he does not get my incessant need for new clothes, or my book addiction and he doesn't bat an eye, so I should not complain. I guess this is one of those Mars Venus type of moments...

Thankfully, I know he won't be racing it 120 miles an hour, popping the wheels up, or seeing how low he can go as he did on his sport bike because he is, after all, fast approaching the ripe old age of 34 and I think he has matured A LOT... well maybe a little ;)

Instant Replay

Some days I feel as though someone thinks it will be COMPLETELY hilarious to hit the instant replay button and make me live and relive some of my most disastrous moments in parenthood over and over again... Thankfully, I have a great sense of humor because otherwise I would just CRY!

However, all these Groundhog Day moments have taught me a thing or two... For example, last year when Anthony had an otoscope stuck on his finger I was a bit perplexed on just how to go about removing it without hurting him! Thankfully, the minis have left me with a few brain cells, and I was able to get it off with dish soap...

Well wouldn't you know, almost a year later I was faced with the SAME problem with the SAME otoscope, it was just a different kid's finger: Madison! This time, I whipped out the camera, took a few pics, and had that puppy off in 2.2 seconds!

Motherhood has taught me a lot these past four years. One thing I never expected to learn? How to Successfully Remove an Otoscope! Now, to throw that damn thing in the trash before someone or something REALLY gets stuck!

Wordless Wednesday

For more WW: Wee Shenanigans, A Beautiful Mess, Look at What Mom found... and Dad too,  Momspective, Five Minutes For Mom, 7 Clown Circus,  MomDot, Wordless Wednesday , , Life @ 30, Three Peas in a Pod, & Conversations with Moms

Two New Families

Two new families have taken up residence at Casa de Staci... The feathered variety. The kids and I have discovered two Robins' nests and they each have a nest full of eggs! Robin eggs are so pretty! The blue is just gorgeous... The kids and I have been enjoying peeking at the eggs' process and watching he mama bird resting on her nest :) Madison warns us all to "Be still! We don't want to scare the mama birdie and her wittle eggies"... What a neat and exciting experience for my mini world explorers!

Getting to know me!

I hope everyone has a great Father's Day and a wonderful Sunday!

Now for this week's getting to know you! Stop on over and play!



The questions..




1. While at the beach, pool, etc..Do you cover up your assets or show them off?

There used to be a time where I showed them off, but after 2 children there is a bit of flub hanging around! Hopefully that will all be gone soon and I can rock my suits once again!

2. Road trips or Plane trips?

Plane Fo Sho! I HATE long car rides; especially when I am a passenger. I just get so BORED!

3. I can't stand it when...?

I call you for a specific reason and once you pick up I forget what it was! Then inevitably, I remember as soon as I hang up the phone!

4. Have you ever gone topless at the beach?

That would be a big fat NEGATIVE!

5. How many blog carnivals do you do a week?

I have been doing Wordless Wednesday for quite a long time and just started doing Getting to know you...

6. My favorite thing about the weekend is...?

Jason has a wacky schedule, so lots of times our "weekend" falls during the week... My favorite part would have to be spending time together as a family!

7. Pancakes or waffles?

Pancakes

8. Water Park or Amusement Park?

I am terrified of water parks! I am so afraid my kids will drown and they skeeve me out! So, amusement parks it is :)

Out of the mouths of babes...

We were getting ready to go outside when the first clap of thunder boomed... So much for outside! Madison was quite upset and in her midst of theatrics, I asked her if I controlled the weather. She nodded her head yes. Before I could respond, Anthony pipes up: "Mad, only Jesus has the power! He contwols the thunders and gets rid of all the bad guys. Not mommy!"

****

Just before jumping into the tub, Madison turns to me with her hands on her hips and says oh so seriously, "Mommy I wish I was a BOY!" Of course I asked why, to which she quickly responded, "Because I weally want a penis like my bwother!" She then leaned her pelvis forward and pretended to pee like a boy!  My eyes wide, I just plopped her in the tub and explained how being a girl is really SO much better! After all we don't have things swinging between our legs ;)

****

Anthony NEVER eats grapes. I  missed the window of opportunity to get him to try them because I was CONVINCED my baby would choke and DIE from those big round hazardous fruits! (I do love them so why I never cut them up is BEYOND me. Hindsight is 20/20) I was munching on my favorite snack and SHOCKINGLY, Anthony tried not one but two. First time ever! He didn't like them but I digress... Later that night, I was grabbing a towel to get him from the tub when he excited calls, "Hey mommy! Hurry!!! LOOK! I found the grapes!!!" Wondering what he is talking about I turn to the tub, and yup you guessed it, he discovered his balls, nuts, nads, testicles you get the picture. I can't bear to write the words... We are a correct terminology using family, but I just could not at that moment explain what those were, so grapes it is. For now.

Anthony has a new friend and his name is Harry. He discovered Harry one night as we were getting ready for bed. Harry is a single strand of my hair that is constantly shedding. He loves Harry. I kinda think its strange, but many of the things 4 year old boys do I find strange :)  He carries Harry around, but often loses him, so he just looks on my shirt and sure enough there is another Harry! Tonight while talking to a neighbor he went on and on about his friend Harry and how he had lost him. He turned to my neighbor, and explained "Dats ok though. My mommy has lots of Harry's" and he turned and plucked one from my back. He grasped him tight in his hand "See?!" he said and ran off to play. Let's just say we exchanged a look and I just laughed!

****

The cards were spread and the game was on. Madison was killing me, as usual. Memory is her game. Me? Not so much! I had just found a match and Madison was overjoyed, "Mommy you are such a good memory maker" she squealed and gave me a HUGE smooch! Oh how she melts my heart. I loved the true meaning and I hope that its true and I am making fabulous memories with them both <3

Not Often Enough

Jason and I rarely get a babysitter. I am not quite sure why, we just never really do. If we had family here, I am sure it would be much more often.... When we do though we always say to ourselves how we need to do it more often, but it just doesn't happen.

 Saturday night we got a sitter and headed out to meet some friends for drinks and celebrate a birthday :) We had a great time!! We laughed A LOT, talked a TON, and danced a little! It was so nice to be out as a couple with friends just relaxing! There were no sippy cups to be filled or noses to be wiped. Just glasses and bottles be filled and refilled again and friends to get to know even more! Jason had a "what the hell happened last night" moment when he woke up on Sunday, but it was all good :) It was great... and we have PROMISED ourselves to do it again soon!
How often do you get a sitter?

Tiny Fingers and Toes

Tonight, I went to a friends baby shower. This was different though because the baby came early so she was able grace us all with her adorable preciousness... O.M.G! She was so teeny tiny and just beautiful! I could have just ate her up <3 Those teeny tiny fingers and toes... They just make my heart melt! And those baby "things".... blankies, rattles, dresses, socks... They just TUG on that uterus!

So many of my friends are pregnant or have just had a baby. I swear it feels like EVERY where I turn someone is announcing " I'm Pregnant!" I have been trying to avoid the water, because something MUST be in it!

I have always wanted 4 minis, but after Mad I had a ROUGH time personally, plus she had reflux, so that just TOTALLY scared me off! But here I sit, occasionally silently thinking of the possibility of a third. Am I CRAZY? (most likely yes, you all should know that by now)

 Life is just getting good. The minis are semi-independent, there are no diapers, and aside from the occasional nightmare; THEY SLEEP! Do I really want to waddle, have heartburn, and gain ALL THAT WEIGHT again? But still I wonder, hmmm could we handle another? I mean it was hard when they were babies since they are so close in age (18 months apart), but I wonder if it would be so hard now... After all, my babes will both be in school next year... This mama is gonna miss her babies!

So, how did you know you were done if your done? Is going from 2 to 3 as difficult as going from 1 to 2? Enlighten me oh wise ones :)

The start of a good thing...

Friends of mine take their kids to pick apples, cherries, strawberries, well anything that ends in -berry really ALL the time. Its what they "do" all season long. They have encouraged me to take my kids, but I was TERRIFIED a bit worried that my son would run off into the fields and never be found again. See, he is an explorer by nature and he is FAST! I just knew he would roam, and run, and explore the country side all while ignoring my frantic calls. Did I mention that he is FAST?!?

Not running AWAY! Running after his friends :)

Last year, at the end of the season, I FINALLY took my kiddos picking... What finally convinced me? There were two adults and three t(w)eenagers to help corral my monkeys! It was a disaster as many of my trips turn out to be, but it was the best time and we made MANY fond memories. I don't think I have laughed like that since!

Since we all fared well and Anthony's listening ears work now, I decided to hit the fields with friends this year and stock up on some yummy delish strawberries, and I am SO glad we did! Oh it was H-O-T, but the kids and I had fun! I am sure we will be out picking some more things this summer!

They all did great finding bright red ones!

Strike a pose!

The almost five year old standard "over cheese"

Who doesn't like a wagon ride?

Hot, tired, and thirsty after all the HARD work! ;)

Wordless Wednesday: All By Myself!

For more WW: Wee Shenanigans, A Beautiful Mess, Look at What Mom found... and Dad too,  Momspective, Five Minutes For Mom, 7 Clown Circus,  MomDot, Wordless Wednesday , , Life @ 30, Three Peas in a Pod, & Conversations with Moms

Mighty Machines: Revvved Up!

NCircle Entertainment sent me a Mighty Machines: Revvved Up! DVD and let's just say its a HUGE hit with Anthony. The movie cam at the perfect time as we were in for a LONG car ride the next day... Let's just say I was asked to replay it the entire trip! If you have a little boy, how could they not LOVE seeing and learning about all kinds of machines!! This DVD series is one of my son's favorites. I like it to because not only is it entertaining, but its educational as well. We have all learned so much from these DVD's!

Mighty Machines: Revvved Up! is great! The DVD starts out with a segment on how a jet airplane is worked, then viewers hit the rails and learn about all the work trains do! Finally we meet an air crane and learn how it lifts big, heavy items into the tops of buildings. My little train enthusiast LOVED the train segment. This part was right up his alley. It was so informative and the scenery was very pretty.

The DVD, Mighty Machines: Revvved Up!, is a great addition to your movie collection; especially if you have a little boy. Not only interesting and fun, but its educational too! This movie has been available since 2/2/2010 and has a suggested retail price of $6.99!

I would HIGHLY recommend Mighty Machines: Revvved Up! This awesome preschool DVD can be found at Toys R Us, Amazon, or NCircle Entertainment I am sure your kids will love Mighty Machines: Revvved Up! just as much as mine!! :)



NCircle Entertainment gave me a copy of  Mighty Machines: Revvved Up! to review. This did not shape or influence my review at all! This product was Kid Tested & Mother Approved :) Thanks NCircle!

Getting to know ME!

The questions..

1. If a person has a booger in their nose. and you can see it, do you tell them?
TOTALLY depends on who has it! If I know you well, ABSOLUTELY! If I don't, you'll get the subliminal hint of me nonchalantly rubbing my nose while secretly hoping you get my message so that you won't be embarrassed after discovering it hours later!

2. What are you passionate about?

This is a tough question! I am passionate about my foursome (love them) and equality for EVERYONE! I wish I was more passionate for eating healthy!

I can NEVER find a pic I like with all four of us! Must fix this ASAP!

3. How long have you been blogging?
almost 2 years :)

4. What is your favorite "summer" drink?
cocktail: Bay Breeze
non-cocktail: Iced Skinny White Chocolate Mocha no WHIP!

5. What is your favorite type of music?
Top 40 / Hip Hop
Totally Loving my Gaga, Ke$ha, my beloved Marshall Mathers, and MANY MANY more! Yes, I am that wanna be  teeny bopper 30 something mom blasting today's hits. My children know most of the words to all of them, but I ONLY allow the edited "clean" versions to be played for their little ears! I will never forget when my then 3 year old son busted out with: "there's a party in my bedroom ALL night long" Proud I tell ya!

6. Something I do before I go to bed is......?
Wash my face and apply numerous dermatologist prescribed creams yet I still break out as if I am 15! grrr

7. My Summer vacation plans are...?
Most likely will head to Myrtle Beach for a week... Tons of day trips all summer, and we are ending summer with a trip to see the mouse :) Can't wait!

8. My favorite must have, can't live without, beauty product is?
MAC Teddy Eye Kohl and Lypsyl LypMoisturizer

Pop on over to Keely's blog and join in on her Sunday's getting to know you!