Slow Down!

We had a really fun weekend and I'll post about it later. I really need to slow down. Isn't the saying "Life is not a race"? I just read the saddest article about a woman that was on Oprah. She was a "Super Mom". A married mother of two young girls - one in preschool, one in daycare. She is a Vice Principal and very well liked and respected. One day her husband - who normally brings the kids in the morning, asked if she would take the youngest to daycare because of his dentist appointment. No problem... it was her first day of school after summer break... a busy day for sure. She put her in the car... and forgot to take her to daycare. At 4:00pm she was found dead in the backseat. If this doesn't stop you in your tracks, I don't know what could. When I first started reading the article I thought "this sounds a lot like my life: working mom, two young girls, very busy life". I feel like I am racing every day at almost every moment. Wake up -go go go-crash in bed, then do it all over. I really don't know how to stop that feeling - the feeling like you are barely treading water and on the verge of drowning. This story has been the only thing. What is really important in life? It is our children, our family, our friends. I am going to try really hard to slow down - not stop going places - but mentally. This has especially hit home with me because Abby can be so challenging. She is VERY strong willed and does not listen. I get so frustrated because I feel like all I do is discipline her. As I am hanging up all the clothes she ripped off the hangers in my closet, she threw Anthony's guitar tuner in the toilet. As I am frantically trying to dry it off and go outside to put it in the sun, she is in Ruby's room and has pulled every book off the shelf. As I put all the books back on the shelf, she has pulled every last piece of tupperware out and it is all over the kitchen floor! I want her to be happy - and she is most of the time. She is a slap-happy kind of baby. Right now there is nothing I want more than to run home and hug her and kiss her and tell her sorry for yelling. I will be more patient. I will work harder at being the kind of mommy you need - not the kind your sister needs. I love you more than you will ever be able to fathom. You make me so happy and I promise I will SLOW DOWN!

My New Obsession:

Most of you are going to laugh, but I don't care!! My new obsession is COUPONS! Yes, that's right folks... coupons. I am sick and tired of how much or grocery bill has increased in one year. A small tub of "I can't believe it's not butter" a year ago was under $2, now it is over $3. Everything has gone through the roof, but I make the same amount of money... so it's time to be proactive! I cut coupons from the Sunday paper, shop the sales, and now my new favorite: print coupons from the store's website! And no, this has NOTHING to do with my blogging friend Paige's recent post about deliveries. If I could, I would too. We go through so much milk that I wish someone could bring it to me!!!!
Updates and questions: Abby almost ruined another screen last night. She didn't rip it, but she bent the bottom and pushed it all the way out... what am I going to do with this child? Ruby has slept through the night three times in the last week! It has been so nice that she seems to be getting over the fear of her room all by herself. I was on the verge of pressing the issue, but she has weathered the storm and I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I also took Ruby off the sippy cup a couple weeks ago - which has not been an issue, but now I am looking for a cup with a lid to travel with and put in a cooler that doesn't spill and one that I can fill with water or milk (that's all my kids drink - strange, I know) ... does anyone know of where I can find one? Last question, I now have three art projects that Ruby has done at school (2 are about 12 x 18 inches, and one is a large letter C) does anyone - Aeysha - know a creative way to keep these?

Happier Things

I am not posting about a certain team. My post brought them bad luck and must have been responsible for making them give up 4 runs in the eighth inning, but again, I'm not talking about them.

Last week I brought the girls to the Pumpkin Patch on PCH. They have rides and a petting zoo. The downfall is that it is really expensive - especially for me these days. But, the girls had a blast. Ruby actually sat on the horse on the carousel(she normally prefers the bench) - but I suppose if your baby sister is on one, you better, too! I even put Ruby on the bumper boats - after I saw a mom put her 3 year old twin boys on. I always feel uncomfortable about carnie rides. She really wanted to, so I gave in. When I saw where her feet were, it was right where the motor was! WTH! I thought "I am going to kill this place if she gets burned or zapped!" See the video below - it's pretty cute and certainly makes me HAPPY! Yes, I know... Bean needs her doo cut!

Ruby and Abby on the faux Dumbo.

OK, maybe this doesn't make me happy, but it did make me laugh. Seriously, we are renting and she is going to destroy the house. I was in the other room and came out to find her RIPPING the screen out... is this a sign of things to come?

We had Kim and the kids over for a Pumpkin Painting project. Surprisingly, they all did really well, it lasted more than 2 minutes, and, of coarse, Bean was the only one with a mouth full of blue paint.

Taylor has the cutest profile around!

The finished projects... so cute!

Saturday was Kelly's birthday party at Glory Days. It was so nice to get out and socialize with adults:) Happy Birthday, my love!

Me and my BFF! Love the new bangs.

Sunday we had a get together for Anthony's Aunt Mary and Uncle Don. They are very sweet people and we are sad that we don't get to see them more often - they live in Arkansas. Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of them, but cousin Jade was there and the kids had a blast wearing each other out! Thanks to everyone who came!

This may not seem like a big deal to anyone else, but is sure made me happy. Ever since Ruby started school, she is learning so much every day!! Below is a picture of a a happy face and a sad face that Ruby drew on the sidewalk. Kim said it best... it is such a good feeling knowing that your kids are in school and not WATCHING TV ALL DAY:)

Last, Abby had her 18 month old check up last week. She is 31.2 pounds and 34 inches. Neither were even on the growth chart!

Bleeding Dodger Blue

OK all you Dodger fans... I couldn't not post about the BIG game tonight! Even if you aren't a fan, but just remotely like me or Kelly, you should find it in your heart to root for the Dodgers tonight!

Personally, I really like Manny and the fire he brought to the team. I liked his little outburst last night! It ignites something. It brings back the muster and grit of games of old. To top, he's got a great sense of humor... just don't mess with his team mates!!!

And lets keep our fingers crossed that Lowe brings his A game!

For Kelly's sake, for my sake... for Anthony's sake... and even for my children's sake: PLEASE WIN TONIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Abby's Turn

MyHeritage: Family trees - Genealogy - Celebrities - Collage - Morph

If you see Anthony's baby pictures at the same age, they look like twins. Give it a try if you are curious, but I don't EVEN think this is accurate.

Take a Look...

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free genealogy websites - Family history

OK, these aren't the best pictures of all of us, but I looked through hundreds and it is very rare that you find a picture by yourself. Personally, I think I look more than 6% more than Anthony. I knew it wasn't going to be that accurate when I saw that neither of the Allen kids looked more like Ang... come on now!

Happy Birthday Kelly!!!!!

OK, this isn't the best picture, but I looked through all my albums on my computer and 95% percent of them are the kids:)

Happy Birthday Kelly! I love you and appreciate you more than you know! These are just some of the reasons why I am Lucky to call you my friend:
1. You have ALWAYS been there for me - both to celebrate and to pull me up when I am down.
2. You are fiercely loyal.
3. You love unconditionally.
4. You are fun to be with whether we are at home or out on the town.
5. You are the best traveling buddy, and I promise that one day I will be able to travel, again!
6. I LOVED living with you on the beach... I will always cherish ALL the memories we created there.
7. You are passionate.
8. By all accounts, you are a phenomenal teacher.
9. You are an amazing Aunt! Both my girls genuinely LOVE you and ADORE you!
10. You have a great sense of humor.
11. You introduced me to LOVING the Dodgers!!!! You know!
12. I like the way you drive:)
13. I can call you any time to talk about nothing.
14. You are just an amazing person, friend, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and I am so grateful to have you in my life!!!

Thank You for being You!!! Have a Wonderful Day! Go Dodgers - beat the Phillies!!
If you know and love Kelly... leave a message for her, too!