Day One

And the cleanse begins. I'm doing the 9 day Isagenix and using some of the recipes and tips from Gwyneth's cleanse on my meal days. Trying my best to go totally organic and eating very clean. It's gonna be hard, but I'm hoping worth it in the end. Wish me luck! (And Adam, too!)

More Twilight

Call me a total loser but I got a tiny bit excited to see this movie poster in my inbox the other day (thanks Lauren). I know the first one was slightly disappointing, but I can't help it... I'm a fan. And I actually really loved New Moon. Maybe a new director and bigger budget will help?

Performance Past

When I was putting together my post on Ashlynn I was rifling through some old show pictures and found this one. I'm not sure why, but I love this shot (in spite of the crazy wig I'm wearing). I think it's because there is so much going on on our faces... like the shot could come alive and the show would begin. This is me and two of my old friends Steven and Kate in The Mystery of Edwin Drood. (One of my favorite shows by the way). And this photo reminds me of a part of myself that still exists - under the layers of stinky diapers, Thomas the Train, drool kisses, and bath night. Once I was a really good actress. I'm pretty sure I still am. There are probably a few cob webs to dust off, but there is still some drama left in me... that's for sure. 

Ashlynn

Don't you love it when you see a friend after about five years and it's like no time has passed? Now I just need to convince Ashlynn and Rob to move to LA with their adorable little Bo. I'm working on it. For now, see you on the east coast Ashlynn!

Memorial Day Weekend

We've had a pretty eventful weekend so far. Here are some of the goings on. Friday night Adam took Tyler on a father/son camping trip with the church. It was Tyler's first time camping. They survived! And I think they had a lot of fun, too.

Their home away from home.

Enjoying a little dirt.

Playing with some of his buddies.

So the camping trip meant that I got a girls night with Audrey. We spent it doing the things girls like to do - like watching movies and eating ice cream. We also took a trip to visit Michelle's new baby boy, Ashton. He is perfect by the way. We even snuck in a quick shopping trip to one of my favorite spots, Cost Plus World Market.

Saturday Adam and Tyler came home in time for us to make it to the Cooke's sealing. It was so wonderful to be a part of their day, and watch little Kaleb get sealed to his mom, dad, and big brother Kien. So awesome. Tonight I'm off to see my friend Ashlynn, who's visiting friends in Long Beach. Ashlynn and I did summer theatre together about ten years ago (seriously?? ten years?). She lives in Virginia now and honestly, I don't even know what she's up to. I know she has an adorable little boy that I've seen on facebook. We have a lot of catching up to do. Here are some show photos from the "old days".

Me and Ashlynn in The Gondoliers

Playing ghosts, Rose and Alice, in a very strange production of The Secret Garden.

These were my girls that summer: Anne, Ashlynn, and Kate. All dressed up and lookin' sassy for The Music Man.

Well, I'm off to meet Ashlynn. I'm also looking forward to Monday. Adam and I have a babysitter coming over in the morning so we can finally have a date - go to the movies, do a little holiday sale shopping. Then we'll come home to BBQ with the kids. Hope you're having a fun-filled weekend, too! 

Yummm

Do you live near a Trader Joe's? If so, run and grab a carton of their new Plain Nonfat Frozen Yogurt. It's my newest obsession. Kinda the same idea as Pinkberry, but different. Creamier. I'm sure it's delicious with fruit on top, but I've been loving it plain. I think it will be a staple in my freezer all summer long.

Top Two

Who is going to be the next American Idol??!! Big fans of this season in our house. I voted for both of them (but one more than the other). Can't wait for the results show tonight.

Pandora Radio

Why did it take me this long to get addicted to Pandora? Miles told me about it a while back, but I didn't catch on until now. Free internet radio. Create your own radio station by artist, genre, whatever. Seriously this is a music lovers dream. Perfect for days when I'm just hanging around the house with my kids... gotta have some good background music. If you haven't already, go try it out.

One

Happy first birthday to my sweetest Audrey. A year ago today you came into this world crazy fast. Were you ready to get here or what? You are itty bitty, but full of life and energy. I love to hold you - my fifteen pound one year old. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine a little girl like you. You are a spunky little sprite. You have the best smile and about a million teeth already. You charm all those within reach. You show your love, like today when you crawled over to where I was sitting and laid your head against my leg. So sweet. You are pure love wrapped up in a tiny little package - and you're all mine. At least for now. Don't grow up too fast sweet girl. Here's to the first of many, many birthdays I hope to share with you. I will squeeze you a little tighter today. My baby girl, my heart.

Let Them Eat Cake!

Audrey's first birthday is Thursday, but since we had the grandparents and Troy and Weslie in town we decided to throw a little impromptu birthday party last Saturday night. It was the perfect party for a one year old. We went to the park and played with a few friends, had a Subway picnic dinner, then went home for key lime cupcakes, ice cream, and present opening. As you can see, Audrey put on quite a show, loved the attention, and had no problem devouring her cupcake - although she seemed to prefer the icing.

Farewell G-Mom

My mom left yesterday. We miss her... a lot. We had some delicious meals, shopped, played. She tagged along to music class, helped with Audrey's 1st birthday party (pictures to come), and advised us on our exciting Pier 1 kitchen/dining room makeover (even more pictures to come - still somewhat of a work-in-progress).  My mom has great taste in home improvement, so we were extremely grateful for her help! Now she's gone and it's back to life. Can't wait to spend a week with her and Vernon this July. Is it pathetic to start counting down the days already?

Imagination at Work

Remind me again why I buy my kids toys? Over breakfast Tyler asked, "Mommy, can I bulldoze the orange peels?". Ummmm... sure. Why not. And he was happy doing this for a  very long time.

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there. Especially to my own mom, and every mom who has touched my life, given me advice, and made me a better mother (there are a lot of you out there). Thanks to Tyler and Audrey for making me a mom. Really, it is the best job I've ever had... hard but worth it, and with the biggest rewards imaginable. Now I'm off to pedicures and tea with my mom. Thanks Adam! 

Busy, Busy

We are busy around here folks... but in a good way. My mom is coming tomorrow for a long weekend and there is a lot to do before we pick her up from the airport. Bathrooms to clean, laundry, bank, grocery store, apartment manager stuff, primary planning, haircuts - to name a few. I'll be back with pictures and updates from her trip. And PS - Who out there is watching American Idol? Is it good or what? I think it might be the best Top 4 ever!

BFFs

This is Bunny. I'm sure you've seen him in the arms of his beloved Tyler on this blog before. We love Bunny in this house... big time. He was a gift from my dad three Easters ago when Tyler didn't even care much about stuffed animals. Oh, but Bunny hung in there. Somewhere around 18 months Bunny became Tyler's favorite. Better than anything. Bunny used to be soft and fluffy. Now he's been loved practically to death. He's taken trips across country, been thrown up on, peed on (thanks to leaky diapers and potty training), washed several times (clearly), loved, loved, and loved some more. He wears PJs and eats carrots or spinach alongside Tyler for snacktime. His silky bow feels good between Tyler's fingers, too. One night recently I went into Tyler's room to find Bunny on the floor and a new stuffed animal in his place - a fluffy pink bear (technically Audrey's). It made me so sad. There was bunny, tossed aside, after years of dedication and loyalty. He would do anything for Tyler. I quietly pulled Pink Bear out of Tyler's arms and replaced him with Bunny. Thankfully it was just one unfaithful night and Bunny has been back in the primo spot ever since. A dedicated companion 'til the end.

Comfort Food

Tonight we are having this for dinner. I'm not a huge meatloaf fan, but this stuff is very yummy, easy, and pleases my entire family - picky eaters and almost one-year-olds included. We served it with mashed potatoes (Trader Joe's actually has really good frozen ones), and peas. Oh, and like Amber I  added chopped green pepper, red onion, and I  halved the recipe and it made one perfect-sized meatloaf for the four of us. Thanks to Amber for sharing the recipe, and she's also on Day 5 of the cleanse - Go Amber, You can do it!

Budget Friday

We are in hardcore budget land these days thanks to Adam's extra-long April hiatus and a little overspending. Please pass along your favorite money-saving tips or words of wisdom. I am in need of some motivation over here. Especially since I really need some new clothes for the warmer weather, and am dying for a new bag.