Welcome Home!

I will post more photos, and the story of the events later, but I wanted to post to let you know that Richard arrived safely on Thursday evening!

It is sooo wonderful having him home again!

IT"S ALIVE!

I just wanted to say, YES I purchased a LIVE plant to go behind my chaise.

I know, I kill things. But let's try again. I seem to be doing well with my children so far....
And my mother-in-law gave me several plants months ago, and only one decided it hated me.
Two are still kicking, and are getting bigger very slowly!
So....we shall see how this palm tree does.

I will keep you updated!

Today is the day....

Today, Richard is taking the final leg of his journey from Kansas and into Richmond. We will have to drive a little over an hour to greet him after dinner.

All week, I have been coaching Lucas as to Daddy's location, and all the things that Daddy will be doing with us since he doesn't have to go to work anymore. He stopped me in the middle of my long list of activities to ask "Where is Daddy going to sleep?"

I told him in my bed, and asked if that was okay with him.

He told me NO! Daddy needed his own bed!

I think that is the cutest thing ever.

We are still trying to figure out what to wear to the airport this evening. But, we have prepped the house for his arrival!

I ordered a bunch of balloons, which the babies LOVE! I have ribbon to put around the railing (it was raining last night when I was fixing the porch! I didn't want to melt by standing in the rain!) And I planned to put some balloons at the bottom of the stairs as well, however many of my ballons have already died. I will be getting replacements for free today - because I did pay extra for the high float, which obviously wasn't inside 6 of my balloons.

I ordered this sign only months into the deployment, thanks to my friend, Michelle. http://www.buildasign.com/ was running a special for free signs for military families, and you just paid shipping!

And this was a fun project for the babies. I drew the letters and had them color them with red and blue markers for crafttime. I wish now that I had it say "Daddy" instead, but it was fun nonetheless and I learned that Lucas absolutely LOVES the letter O.

I just taped them above my server and placed all the "presents" that I had for him below in red bags.

So now, I need to do some last minute prepping and all will be ready!

Lint Trap

Being the good housewife that I am, I was reading up on how to properly do laundry in my handy housewife laundry guide: Talking Dirty Laundry with the Queen of Clean.
(I was given a few others of Linda Cobb's books too! They are great resources!)

I realized that I hadn't examined the ducts of my dryer in a long while....like over a year. So I pulled the dryer out to see if I had excess lint inside.

All was well. I cleaned it out, and went to attach the vent back to the wall. In doing this, the outside cap was knocked off the house. I am sure you are thinking, no big deal. Only, my laundry room is upstairs.....

And when it was knocked off, it also BROKE off.

So after I called upon the wonderous Wilson's to help me out again, Derek duct taped my cover back onto the house, using his super cool and scary looking ladder.

And today, we made a trip to Lowe's to investigate replacements. The whole time, Lucas was walking around saying "We are in Lowes! I love Lowes!"

But then! We saw a dog hanging out at customer service (with his owner of course). The dog was happily laying in line, while everyone else was standing. Lucas yelled "WHAT is that dog doing in Lowes?! And why he is laying down?"

So I explained to him that the dog needed to shop for things for his house, and he was tired of shopping so long, so he was resting.

Lucas seemed to be satisfied with that answer.

On the way out the door, Lucas was telling me about how that Dog was not all done shopping, and we didn't bring Dixie shopping because she doesn't need anything.

He is hilarious.

Greener Living

Prior to Richard's arrival home for R&R, I decided to paint my living room orange.
But I never got around to putting anything on the walls or above the mantle.

Nearly six months have passed, and I was still haven't. And I like the orange color - but there is just sooo much of it. And it is sooo happy and bold and energetic that I blame my stress on it. I mean combine that with my rambunctious toddlers, and WHOA! we have a serious problem on our hands. I feel like I am in complete chaos all the time.

But in talking with a few peeps (who's opinions I value a great deal), I came to the conclusion that painting will not reduce my feeling of chaos.

So what better thing to do than buy a plant! So Lucas patiently waited while I looked at plants. I walked away with a tropical looking thing, whose name I cannot prononce.

I also hung another photo up by the plant.

What do you think?

Can you believe....

Can you believe I didn't pick up the camera once today?
I certainly can't. I typically take at least 50 photos a day.

Can you believe that Richard is back in the states?
Neither can I. I am so happy that this deployment is over.

Chocolate Mess

I thought it was a great idea to buy fudgecicles. So did the babies. They devour one and then demand for more.

Meredith takes her time and savors every bite.

Luckily for me, Lucas can eat his without making a ginormous mess.

She happily went to the sink for a rinse.

Friendships

I often have trouble coming to terms with friendships in the "real world."

In college, I was surrounded by women all day, everyday. You knew so much about everyone else, that you were considered aquantiances with most of the women. You lived near your friends, or made new friends with those who lived near you. Some of the most memorable conversations happened in the hallway in the wee hours of the night.

Yes, gossip existed. Yes, estrogen was out of control. But at the end of the day, the deep connections always outweighed any drama.

I learned to love people by their hearts. I learned to value other's voices and appreciate diversity.

Coming from that, I had high expectations for myself. I was let down when I found out that everyone I meet after college does not want to be my friend....that people are more interested in hanging out with a clone of themselves than appreciating differences....that if you think differently and share that opinion, then the relationship becomes estranged.

At first, I thought that I was living in a fantasy world.

But, I am always reminded of the ABC nighttime drama, "Desperate Housewives." The neighbors are friends. They sit around and gossip. They are always there at the drop of a hat. They can hang out at a moment's notice. They depict what I expect of a life.

But instead, my neighbors aren't my friend. They aren't even friendly.

So, if I am living in a fantasy world, the writers of DH are living the same fantasy.

Chores...

We accomplished a lot today.

Washed laundry...

Picked up a few things at the store....

Changed all three air filters (oh whatever, I know this takes like 5 or 8 minutes, but it is still a major change!)

Made pizza....ate pizza

Had the grass cut....

Gave Babies a bath....

Gave Dixie a bath....

Cleaned all three bathrooms....

Now, I need to go attend to this....

I really think something is mentally wrong with me since I choose to clean bathrooms AND Dixie over folding laundry. I can't explain it. I just hate it.

Well, I had better get moving before I get distracted and find an excuse to ignore the piles of april fresh softness...

Toddler Tattoos

Today, the babies discovered some random stickers that we acquired. After all the ooooing and aweing had surpassed, they decided to wear one on their naked bodies. But very soon, one sticker was not enough!

Bugg-in my ears!

It was my husband's great idea to live as close to the lake as possible -- unfortunately, he didn't consider everything that comes along with that....

The bugs are absolutely horrendous....and mosquitoes are the worst. You can't even walk to the car without getting covered in bites. With that said, we haven't spent a lot of time outdoors recently, between that, the extreme humidity or the rain.


The kids haven't seemed to mind, because they complain about the bugs and heat if I make them go out. Yes, I said MAKE.

But today, we were outside talking to our yard boy and Lucas started in about the bugs. "What is that bug doing in my ear Mom? Get that bug out of here!"

The bugs continued to attack him, but he was enjoying talking to yard boy. So instead of going inside, he suggested something solve his problem, he wanted to put on his "ears".

You may remember this photo:

Well, yes, Lucas wanted the earmuffs. He adores these things. So, being such an encourager of individuality, I allowed him to wear his earmuffs in the nasty July heat! It was the cutest thing I have ever seen.

Prep-time

I have had several people ask if I am busy, busy trying to prepare for Richard's homecoming. I wondered what I needed to be busy doing --- did I miss a memo somewhere?
The short list of things included meal planning, last minute house projects and cleaning.

Let's address -- in my opinion, my house is always a mess. I busted my butt making sure that everything was completely spotless when Richard came home for leave in Feburary. We walked in the door from the airport, and everything looked picture perfect for a few seconds....then we returned to living in our home.

Sooooo.....There is no need to make myself crazy right now. I already pick up constantly, fuss at my babies constantly to pick up. I wash clothes everyday. I wash dishes everyday. I sweep and mop the floor at least once a day. There isn't a lot else I can do besides my regular routine.

Last minute house projects....there are several things I am working on, but it doesn't matter if it is accomplished before Richard arrives. Sure, it would be nice to be done, but sometimes I'd prefer relaxing when I have "free" time.

Meal planning....not a whole lot of worries there. The meal that we have the first night depends on when I find out about his flight arrival and the time we would arrive home! All else will fall into place.

And presents....well, that is done as well. Nothing too exciting there.

So my biggest stressors right now include choosing outfits for the reunion at the airport. And if you know me, you know how important it is to dress for the occassion, dress to impress, while still making it effortless and flawless.

Hopefully, I can come up with something fabulous for all of us!

Mere's Many Faces

Meredith was full of herself today.....

when she wasn't being fussy (okay, so she did this to herself, and isn't really "fussing")...

or pouting...

she was like this....

Sleepy, creepy....

Lucas loves pretending to sleep. I do not understand this facination, because I would rather just sleep than pretend to do so! But he is adorable no less.....

And he notices me taking his picture.

And here, he is rolling his eyes like the best of them.

Boo!

Where's Meredith?

Peek-A-Boo!

Where's Mere Mere?

Boo!

Click, clack!

Meredith has begun to have enough confidence in her walking to wear my shoes. Here she is strutting her stuff. She LOVED to hear the heels clack on the floor!

Dinner Diary

The simplest things can sometimes be the most delicious.
This week, our dinner menu has included the following.....

• pasta with meatballs and green beans. (It is easier for Mere to feed herself, if I don't use spaghetti noodles! The whole meal Lucas said "Yum! I love green beans Mom! Do you love green beans?" It was a fabulously simple meal, courtesy of Prego.)


• turkey meatloaf, roasted potatoes and green beans (Okay, I confess, I cooked a crapload of green beans on Monday to save time later in the week - this time Lucas didn't touch them). I am officially not a fan of turkey used for meatloaf, which is strange because I like it for burgers....I was the only one who ate it, besides Dixie. And the roasted potatoes -- soooo good. I was happy I made that choice.


• steak and cheese sandwiches. wow. i mean seriously, this was amazing too. i am still thanking mary for giving me that idea.

The babies LOVED my homemade steak and cheese. I was worried. But Meredith attacked it, just like she does a PBJ, opening it up and eating each thing separately. Dixie didn't get a taste of this - which indicates that it was fabulous.

And since Richard isn't here, I was able to use red things like peppers, onions and tomatoes.

Here is Lucas' verdict for the meal.....

Bathroom Business

We finished breakfast and let Dixie outside to do her business.
Lucas and Mere had their noses pressed to the window, watching every move of the outside world. Dixie was oblivious of her lack of privacy and allowed her bowels to move stuff out.

Lucas yelled: "MOM! What is Dixie doing? Dixie is pooping outside! That's not very nice! You don't poop outside! You poop in the potty!"

Yes, my dear Lucas. You poop in the potty.
If only you would practice what you preach.

Mission: Organization

Yes, I am aware that this is a show on HGTV. I used to be an avid watcher of the show....wondering what type of experience is needed to be recognized as a "Professional Organizer." The job seemed too easy. I couldn't understand why people couldn't keep their stuff in order. And I wondered what in the world I could do to get paid to help people separate their things. Talk about easy money.

Then I had a child....make that two -- and my husband departed....
and here I am surrounded by complete chaos. I am finally admitting to myself that I am not organized at all.

Now whether the husband or child, or two caused the disorganization/chaos OR I was already disorganized and the chaos of my life increased it exponentially, is yet to be determined.

I do hear that your home is a reflection of your life though. Chaos and all....

Lucky for me, my head is attached.
However, things like pacifiers, keys, important papers, coupons --- those things are not.

I spend about 25% of my day looking for pacifiers, blankets, cups....whatever. This percentage may have increased slightly since Lucas got in the business of hiding things. He will randomly decide to stick his blanket inside of a cupboard, and who the hell looks in cupboards for a child's blanket? I have found things hidden inside of shoes, in drawers, in the couch cushions....You name it, I am sure I have found a necessary and desired item there.

And although I do HAVE a location for things to "live", I still can never get them there in enough time for me to find when actually needed.

Fortunately, messiness is a sign of creativity.

So the question is, should I focus on the creativity or the organizing??

Bruise

I wasn't planning on sharing this story, because I try not to document the terribleness of my days....but this is too awful not to share with you.

This is my baby girl's right hand. Yes, it looks as if it is the aftermath of punching Lucas for taking her cup.

But no, this is the aftermath of her doctor's visit this week.

Meredith has been small her whole life - to the point where she is off the standard growth curve. Although she is below, she is still growing on her own curve. And I certainly am not worried about her because she has baby fat in all the right places.

The previous doctors I have seen have just monitored her weight gain with appointments between appointments to ensure she is healthy. However, the doctor I saw on Thursday felt otherwise. She insisted that Meredith's weight and eczema issues conicided with a wheat allergy, and we needed to have blood drawn to see.

Richard seems to think the doctor read an article on wheat allergies right before she came in to the room and decided to diagnose Meredith based upon that. Anyways, as a parent, although I questioned the validity of her request, I didn't say no.

The nurses came in to tell me that it wasn't going to be a finger prick like last time, and explained to me that they were going to draw her blood out of the vein in the center of her arm. I was expected to rub Meredith's head, while one nurse pretended like she was Jake the Snake and pinned Meredith down.

I hate getting blood drawn, and watching someone else have it done is not any different. Especially when it is your child. However, the nurse couldn't get a vein and once she put the needle in, she was twisting it all around hoping the vein would "roll into the needle". Meredith was screaming bloody murder - a cry that I have not heard before, so I know she was in pain.

I am not sure how long I allowed it to go on before I told the nurse to stop. Of course, it seemed like an eternity. And of course, the nurse did not stop when I told her to.
She continued to twist the needle, saying this was the only way to see if she had allergies and it was necessary. And I said No, it isn't necessary, and I want you to stop.

Again, the nurse did not stop twisting that dumb needle.

I said, I am not comfortable with you continuing and Meredith obviously is not comfortable. I want you to stop.

At this point, I just started to cry. (I know, I am weak.)

She pulled the needle out, and they un-pinned Meredith and let her come to me. It was a long time before she calmed down.

Now, I know you are wondering how she ended up with the bruises on her knuckes if she was trying to draw from her arm....well the nurse talked me into letting her try again.

Those bruises were produced by the nurse who thought she was Jake the Snake, and was holding her hand. Seriously? You were obviously holding too hard if she bruised. That is darker than the bruise left from twisting the needle....

She did manage to get enough blood for the labs to be run.

Surprise, surprise! Meredith does not have a wheat allergy.

I was very distraught about the whole ordeal, among other things that occured while we were there too. I am over it now...but Meredith isn't. She still won't let me touch her hand.

Indoor Bike Rides...

Lucas has changed drastically since he was Mere's age. He used to demand that we take off shoes when we entered the door. Now both of the babies wear shoes constantly. And hats, which are never worn outdoors when they need them - always accompany them on their indoor bike rides.

Lucas is even prepared for rain - and he didn't forget his purse!

Big

Meredith stomped her feet until I put Lucas' "big boys" on her.

At first, Lucas was not very happy about it, however, he did not feel inclinded to wear any himself. At least someone is getting use out of them....

Meh-ico

A friend from college stopped by our home for a couple days this month. Lucas has asked about Sarah-Anne and her son everyday since we saw them. He likes to tell me where they live....I recorded him...(he didn't want me too, so that is why he is pouting in the beginning).

I have tried to teach him to say that we live in Virginia, but he isn't having any of that. So I started smaller and am trying to teach him the name of our road.

Painting...again.

Meredith decided to throw the paintbrush by the wayside and dive into painting like her brother - with both hands.

After she was satisfied with her paiting, she did not want to waste any paint and showed me that she knows the meaning of body art.

15 Months!

Meredith had her 15-month check up today.

She is 27 inches tall (which is correct, because I measured her yesterday in Lucas' room).
She checks in at 17 lbs and 10 ounces.

She did not have a lot of fun, and officially hates the doctor.

Lucas - Spinning

Dino Diva!

Equestrian ladies ride horses with their saddle and chaps....

But Meredith prefers dinosaurs.

In her pajamas.

On her knees.

Monkey

If you are like me, aging is creaping up on you faster than you would like. I am constantly trying to do things that help improve and maintain my hand/eye coordination, quick thinking skills and concentration.

For this reason, I am soooo excited for our new addition to the house......

GIANT Barrel of Monkeys

(This is like the Game Barrel of Monkeys, only it is GIANT. These pieces will not get lost or swollowed!)

Unfortunately, the biggest monkey in the house doesn't fit back inside.

Hand Puppets

The very creative babies made paperbag hand puppets a few days ago.

Meredith made a blue bird, with intricate tissue paper feathers and felt nose and wiggly eyes.

Lucas made a green frog, with felt arms, tongue and eyes.

Ribbitt! Ribbitt!

Enchiladas!

I made another yummy dinner last night -- I really wonder if you care, because I make yummy dinner every night. I could post things more often if you'd like.

Anyways, Richard wanted to see a photo.

This turned out like the other Mexican dishes I make - tasting like Mexican yummy.

I am absolutely not a fan of those packaged seasonings, so here is a completely homemade Chicken Enchilada, including the spicy sauce on top!

I would share the recipe, however, I am REALLY good at seasoning Mexican foods with my eyes, so I could never help you with proper measurements. I did use Emeril's recipe (halfed) for Enchilada Sauce though!

We had the leftovers again tonight.

Meredith absolutely loved it and cleaned her plate.

Lucas, on the other hand, found more interesting things to do with his dinner....

He is quietly sucking up sour creme with his straw.

I eventually gave his plate to Meredith to finish off. He cried when he found out I gave his dinner away.

Playing with Panda Bears!

Lucas was sooo proud of himself when he ran up to me, yelling "Look! Mom!"

He had filled an ice cube tray with teddy grahams.

Sticks from a Storm

While making (my) dinner tonight, a storm blew in from the west. Heavy rain and wind conditions lasted all of fifteen minutes before the ground was a complete mud puddle and the storm had moved over.

I was shocked at the number of tree limbs that had fallen in such a short amount of time.

Observe this giant one that I was physically incapable of lifting:

Thankfully, I didn't park our Jeep there!

Otherwise, I would have added "Destroyed Car" to the list I needed to attend to prior to Richard's arrival home.

After I pulled my dinner out of the oven, Meredith and I returned outdoors to clean up the aftermath.

She was a very good helper and took care of all the Meredith sized sticks.

Meanwhile, Lucas stayed inside with a full belly from his dinner.