Ups and Downs

As most of you know, Ruby is my very sweet and VERY sensitive child. Abby is my electric spitfire with a giant spirit and a knack for bugging (hitting) Ruby. I can't stand it anymore. But, I hate to say, it bothers me more having to listen to Ruby cry 5 times a night because Abby scratched, hit, pulled hair, threw something at her. Then I put Abby in time-out and Ruby whines more because she is upset that Abby is crying!!!! As of yesterday Anthony and I devised a new plan: Operation Strike Back. Ruby officially has the green light to hit back - only on her arms or legs or back. So yesterday Abby scratched Ruby's cheek and I immediately told her instead of whining to mommy, hit her back. Ruby ran over to her and hit her on the back. I was so proud of her, however, Abby laughed hysterically, climbed on the arm of the couch and jumped off. She is probably thinking "this is a fun new game!!!". The up is that Ruby didn't whine. She stood up for herself and it is a BIG step in the right direction.

Bachelorette Party!

So, I went a little unconventional as far as bachelorette parties are concerned, but I loved ever moment and can't wait to go back. We went to my bosses cabin in Phelan - about 10 minutes from Wrightwood. We relaxed, played games, sang karaoke - thanks to my neighbors set-up, watched movies. My sister flew down and Kim, Kelly, Angie, and Julie also came. I wish we could have stayed one more day. The snow was beautiful. I can't remember the last time I saw it snow.

On Sunday afternoon we went into Wrightwood and stopped at a little bar called the Raccoon Saloon - it was so much fun... I just wished Ang and Julie were there. They had to go home Sunday morning:(

Raccoon Saloon! I'll be seeing you again!

Playing some Shigiti(a card game) at the cabin.

Wrightwood.

As I was putting stuff in the car getting ready to come home, I stopped and took a moment to look around and truly feel grateful. The kind of grateful that makes you smile when no one is looking. It was slightly snowing, yet I was warm with love. Love that I have been so lucky to be enveloped by in my life. Anthony was home with the girls and I wasn't worried at all. It was the first time I was away from them and actually didn't feel guilty - not that I didn't miss them. I missed them terribly and could not wait to hug them and smell them. I was so proud of Anthony, too. I know that that sounds like a back-handed compliment, but it's not. You know all your husbands out there - ok, most of your husbands - would have a tough go of it being on their own for a weekend. I love you honey and, thank you for loving me.

Bridal Shower

My Shower was last Friday and we had so much fun! My mom and the girls did such an awesome job - decorated cute, great food, lots of drinks. My sister Jessica flew down for a wild, and I am sure tiring, couple of days. I am so grateful to my family and friends who put it on and came over to celebrate. As usual, people were so generous. THANK YOU everyone! I love you!

Kelly and I. I think ever since she read the Twilight series, she became part vampire - her eyes are always red:) Love you!

Shannon and I. LOVE your dark hair!

My amazing sister. Thank you so much for all you did!

The wedding party. Can you say Black?

My girl Kim... mmmmaaaa... I stinking love you!

I have a really cute picture of Ang and I, but for some reason I cannot get it to download - dang blogger - anywho - love you so much and thanks for everything!

Remember us?

I know I shouldn't put naked pictures up, but dang I love Abby's booty!

Ruby dropped her ice cream... so sad:(

We came home from the zoo and my dad was outside washing the car... Abby couldn't resist getting drenched.

Ruby at the Japanese Gardens. I love taking the girls here... but sad news... all the thousands of coi fish died from a Virus.

Abby at the Aquirium. She LOVED it so much. I had to keep a VERY tight leash on her. She kept trying to climb in the touching tanks.

"Ruby's Room" at St. Joseph's OB department. Our good friend Kevin is a brilliant photographer who we are VERY lucky to have him take pictures of the girls. If you know anyone who needs pictures taken... check out his website: www.capturedyouth.com. He is worth every penny and then some!

Way back: Anthony and I on New Year's Eve.

I love this picture of Abby. It speaks VOLUMES about her personality. This was on Christmas.

Now I will be back to loving blogging more!

It's not fun when

you can't post any dang pictures. I have downloaded the software, but the usb port is unrecognizable. If anyone has any computer savvy... please HELP!

So what's new:

My little Abby Bean is the light of my life. She is - like I mostly describe her - WAY more challenging than Ruby. She has a back-bone the size of a giant, but a heart of GOLD! She is such a passionate little girl and does everything with zest... whether it is running and jumping or giving me hugs and kisses. Even though I can get her to repeat almost any word, she still likes to baby babble and I am still ok with that. She is my little explorer, hitting the ground running, laughing and smiling (almost) the whole way. I can't believe she is going to be 2 in 2 months! I took her to the Aquarium on Wednesday and wish I had more time to spend special moments with just her. Being the second child, I feel like she gets "jipped" in the special time category.

We had a little potty training set-back with Ruby, but we are headed back in the right direction. All of the sudden she got this insane fear of pooping in the toilet. She made herself constipated by not going, then it hurt... needless to say: a vicious cycle began. We are back on the toilet and she is slowly coming back around. It was so bizarre becasue once she became potty trained, she never looked back and that was almost a year ago! Once I started telling people, it was crazy how many parents experienced this with well potty trained kids. With the help of advice and a little bribery, we are back in action. On a positive note, Ruby started Gymnastics and she LOVES it! She tells me all about the obstacle courses and the tumbling. It is a program through school, just like ballet. I wish I could watch her every time, but she is one of those children that will always be much better if I am not in the class.

The wedding is creeping up on us so quickly. My shower is next week and so is my bachelorette! I am so excited to just relax for a couple of days. All of you mothers will be jealous: we are staying in a cabin for two nights and pretty much not doing ANYTHING! We are going to wake up whenever we want. Eat whenever we want. Go to the bathrooms by ourselves. Take showers by ourselves. Take naps whenever we want. Have a mimosa at 10:00am if we want - ok we will:) Although I will miss the girls dearly, I am going to try and revel in the relaxation of the weekend. I have the best friends and the best mom and the best sister ever. It has been a bit uncomfortable being on this side of "event planning", but I have learned to let go and just enjoy. Thank you Mom, Jess, Kim, Ang, and Kelly - I love you!

Finally!

DISCLAIMER: still no photos!!!!

Thanks to my beloved friends who care so much... I finally got my wedding dress!!! Yeah! I didn't realize what a relief it was going to be. It's not like I am not excited about the wedding - I AM. I just hate all the attention. All these brides were trying on dresses and ooing and aahhing... trying on way too many. My mom, bless her heart, pulled one out that I loved. They didn't have my size, but I ordered one and it will be in the last week in March... and yes, our wedding is April 18. Everyone keep there fingers crossed that everything goes well. I gave Anthony the catalog for the Tuxedos, so now it is his turn!

The girls have been really good. Abby is upping the anty (sp?) on bulling Ruby. Now she sneaks up on her and : roars, pulls her hair, throws something at her, hits. I know she isn't 2 yet, but we officially started time-out on Saturday. She stays in the hall, cries, and then when I get her out I walk her over to Ruby and tell her to say she is sorry. Then Abby says "I sorry"... and runs away. It's like she doesn't want to acknowledge for too long that she has done something wrong. Even better, when she hurts Ruby, I grab her and tell her "NO ______" and march her to time out... the whole time Ruby is saying "Mommy, be nice to her" WTH! I'm never going to win. I hate to say this, but one day... very soon I hope, she is going to learn her lesson the hard way. She is going to venture beyond bulling Ruby and hopefully - I know this sounds mean - she will get a taste of her own medicine. I love you baby, but be nice!!!! Don't get me wrong, she is more of a lovable, fun and adventurous kid that, to me, is irresistible. She loves to snuggle and kiss and hug. Maybe it is just jealousy... t.b.c.

Happy New Year!

I have been wanting to post, but since my last few did not include pictures, I was waiting. Unfortunately, I still cannot get my new camera to download pictures. We had such a nice holiday break. I got back-to-back 4 day weekends and each Monday morning it was so hard to kiss my girls goodbye. The girls were spoiled, as was I. Ruby loves her doll house and Abby loves her Radio Flyer horse. I need to remember next year to scale it down, but I know I won't. I am already thinking of ways to start saving for the next one.

Wedding plans are, well, kind of getting moving. I am finally - with a ton of pressure from my friends - going to try on dresses this Sunday. I hope I can find something that I like so it can be over with. We also are one step closer to deciding on a new reception site. Yes, we canceled the last one. We are trying to buy a house and cannot justify the cost. We are definitely going to be a "low budget" wedding, and I am way ok with that.

Last, I would just like to wish all my blogging friends out there a very Happy New Year. I am always amazed at how fast they are passing by. Hold tight to your loved ones. Let them know you care. Let them know they are loved. Let them know they are special.