Ten on Tuesday

Ok. I'm back. I promise.

1. I travelled for work for the first time in over two years to San Francisco for 5 days while Chuck played Mr. Mom. He shuttled kids back and forth to their different schools, sports, and our friends chipped in with playdates. I saw the city (MY FAVORITE CITY!) for a total of about one hour total the entire time I was there.

2. I found myself really missing the kids in the evening. I missed tucking them in. I missed having dinner with them. I really missed Chuck. We have such a good system and are such a good team.

3. We're back into our new/old routine of constantly being back and forth in the car to school to sports to ballet to errands. Lily started school this year, along with ballet and soccer and Christian is doing lacrosse and soccer. It's nuts. But it's good.

4. Lily is in a big girl bed now. I know, finally. She is only 2.5 years old. She still uses a binky (don't judge). BUT SHE IS POTTY TRAINED. So points there. She loves it. I love it too because the bedroom set she's using was mine when I was a little girl!

4. I can do a whole post on my sister-in-law's beautiful wedding, but had to share a shot of my dude during the rehearsal. So proud, a bit serious, and totally cute.

5. And then there's this shot of my sweet loves...

6. My Lily started preschool last week. She's in a REAL classroom with circle time, songs and cubbies. She carries a bucket in lieu of a backpack (sort of odd if you ask me, but hey...those are the rules).

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7. Christian told me at dinner last night that his teachers took him out of the class yesterday since he was talking too much and disrupting the quiet reading time. Um, a little ticked off that he wasn't following the class rules, but I couldn't help but smile. My deaf kid is talking TOO much. Seriously.

8. Chuck and I celebrated the anniversary of our engagement this past week. 7 years ago he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife on the corner of Q and 17th Street, NW and we haven't looked back.We 

9. We're getting excited for Halloween. The kids already have their costumes, but I need to come up with something? Last year I was Lady Gaga. How do you top that?

10. This weekend I'm heading off to Virginia's Wine Country with 19 of my girlfriends for our 2nd annual Virginia is for Winos trip. I can't wait for some much needed girl time!

Ten on Tuesday

1. I really hope they love each other forever the way they love each other right now. They are best friends.




2. This past week was so easy-breezy. Lots of playdates with friends, including Miss Eliza. Christian loves Eliza because she plays "boy stuff". They watered plants, picked up bugs (dead cicadas to be exact), and played Dog and Kitty. Oh, and also Star Wars. Don't be fooled little dude, Miss Eliza is one of 3 little girls and can rock a princess dress better than anyone!




3. Lily and I are super-lucky. Ends up Eliza's Mommy is one of my favorite people, and Eliza's little sisters Lucy and Abby are two of Lily's favorite people. Does anything say summer and suburbs better than impromptu underwear runs in the sprinkler?




4. We also hit up Brookside Gardens for some serious running, jumping and exploring with Bianca and Eri. We went to the Butterfly Garden and they even got to hold some specimens. I love spending mornings with Eri and our kiddos. Both are so special to our family!

5. Lily can totally pump all by herself on the big-kid swings. Almost better than Christian can.





6. We headed to go see one of our favorite bands  on Saturday with good friends. We were the old people in the parking lot....well, at least our friends who drove us took out their booster seats in their car. There was a couple a few cars down that had an umbrella stroller sticking out of their trunk.





7. How can we hide our age when we packed this "post-show" basket of munchies?!

Thank you Lauren Z. for your HOSPITALITY!

8. Is there anything better than singing and dancing at a live show with 14,000 other people singing and dancing with you? My feet got muddy, my voice was hoarse, but my heart was happy





9. Our favorite babysitter watched the kids for us while we were at the show. Lily is in one of those "Only Mommy Can Tuck Me In" phases. So, we bribed them with the promise of going to get ice cream on Sunday afternoon. A cone of "Captain America" for Christian and a cone of "Pink" for Lily.






10. Christian and his friends are in a fun camp this week hosted by my friend's teenage daughters here at the house. Each day has different themes, and lots of fun crafts and snacks. He is having a blast!



5.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Lily is as obsessed with getting her nails done as I am. I paint her toes at least twice a week.




2. One of my favorite things about the summer is the bounty of fresh crab we have from our Bay House. I made crab cakes for dinner. So easy. Be jealous.





3. Over the weekend we went to Bianca's 2nd Birthday---we're so happy we could celebrate and enjoy the brownie pops that B's Momma mad. SO GOOD!





4. The kids enjoyed seeing the planes come in at National Airport at Gravelly Point. It was super-hot, and Lily did not like how loud they were. Christian of course thought it was the coolest thing ever to see the planes so low!





5. Lily's room is no longer a nursery. The changing table has come off the dresser and the mirror and new wall decor went up. All we need to do is buy a twin mattress and our little girl will be all set. I just love how it is all coming together. The dresser and mirror is my own set from when I was a little girl. And we're continuing on with a Lilly Pulitzer theme. I need to find the perfect twin bedding---any suggestions?





6. Um, saw this at the grocery store and I had to stop myself from buying it. I wonder what Jessica and Elizabeth are up to these days. Remember the SVH book when Jessica ran away?






7. It's so hot and humid outside I just can't deal. We've been doing lots and lots of arts and crafts. 

8. And we've been doing lots of lounging on Mommy and Daddy's bed.

9.  The New Walk4Hearing Video has been released this week---you'll see some familiar faces (especially around the 3:54 mark and on!)
10. My Mom and Dad are coming into town next week---I'm already counting the minutes until they get here!

Ten on Tuesday

1. After the long weekend, I'm still a day behind and thought pretty much all day that today was Monday. That's what happens when you spend a weekend with your dearest friends on The Chesapeake Bay drinking mojitos, floating in salt water pools, chasing kids, and picking crabs all weekend long. Yes, we had an AWESOME but tiring weekend.

2. Saturday night while the guys stayed up way too late playing Corn Hole and drinking beer, Christian, Lily, and myself bunked up with Aunt Alison and Justin. We were tired after playing in The Bay and pool all day. Christian had one of "those nights" screaming out, waking up all the girls as we're such light sleepers. I swear I was up every 20 minutes comforting him.

3. Sunday was spent at another dear friend's Bay House picking crabs and playing in the pool, where we learned Lily has no fear. She's going to be the one I'm going to need to worry about.

4. Despite the swim lessons, Christian is still a bit fearful in the water. I know it's going to take time. I just wish I could help him not be so scared.

5. Christian started camp today at one of our local nature centers. He spent the morning with some buddies from the neighborhood walking streams, finding bugs, and playing tag. I am SO happy that we are out of our routine of school and finding some peace this summer.

6. I went to the gym for the first time in 1.5 weeks today and I am feeling it. Do you ever feel that your body is just changing and you're getting old? I'm feeling it today.

7. The gym is paying off...I wore a bikini this weekend, and while I can never fix what 2 C-Sections did to my mid-section, my legs are showing my hours and hours of Step Aerobics, Yoga, and Pilates. Yay!

8. Christian has started a new "thing" lately. He's sticking his fingers in his mouth. It's weird. He's never been a finger or thumb sucker. What's this all about at 4.5 years old?

9. Lily's new thing is yelling at me when I ask her to not do something. It usually comes out as "No, bad Mommy". Just pour me another cocktail.

10. I'm looking for some beach reads as we get ready for our 1st beach vacation for the season. Send me your recommendations!

Ten on Tuesday

1. My cousins from Belgium visited last week through the weekend and it was such great medicine for my soul. My heart was so full of love having my family here with me, as was my stomach. We were WELL fed!

2. I worked the Cochlear Booth at the HLAA conference this past Saturday. It was so nice to reconnect with old friends and to share my passion for Christian's CI and our amazing company!

3. Christian has been in swim lessons this week. My fingers are crossed that he continues to get more comfortable in the water as the lessons go on. So far, he's frightful. Luckily, a friend of mine who has not only known Christian since he was 9 months old but ALSO happens to be an awesome swim coach is taking care of him.

4. Both kids were home last Thursday and Friday thanks to teacher conferences at Christian's school. We had lunch together. We ate gelato. We took a stroll through our little town, drank ice cold lemonade, and laughed. I love these days with my kids. It's rare when I have them both together.

5. I don't want to JINX anything, but Lily is POTTY TRAINED. Seriously. We have had one or two accidents, but for the past 5 days sweet girl is DRY! THANK GOD. I have been changing diapers for 4.5 years and I am over it.

6. I love summer in our neighborhood. Kids are running outside, our margarita machine is being put to good use, and playdates are always just a couple of houses down. We are so lucky to live in such a fun and loving community.

7. Christian had a FUN surprise this past weekend when his Daddy took him to see Cars 2 in 3D! They drove with Christian's Uncle Dave and his kids and had fruit punch, Twizzlers and Popcorn. He totally loved the movie, but I'm jealous. I want to see it too!

8. I don't know what I did to my neck, but it is all cramped up and I feel like I have pinched nerve. I've tried everything from muscle relaxers, yoga, heat, ice, mass quantities of margaritas....none of them seem to be doing the trick. I think it's time for me to go see a doctor.

9. Lily has what my Mom calls "Summer Knees". Sweet girl has bumped, bruised and scabby knees. In fact I think she has a scab on top of a scab. Gross. I guess it's good prep for her figure skating days.

10. A girlfriend of mine in the neighborhood just introduced me to this great jewelry line. I had an opportunity to attend one of of their showings and just love all of their pieces. They do custom work, and are really great gals. CHECK THEM OUT!

8.

Ten on Tuesday

1. My suspicions about something going on with Christian and his listening were right. Ends up his Maps somehow became switched on his Nucleus 5. We finally got to the bottom of it, but he was on his Noise Program for 2 weeks and we thought he was on Everyday.

2. I'm now obsessing over checking his remote for the processor. While I love the Nucleus 5, I do miss the display on our Freedom that would confirm what program he was on.

3. Lily had her last day of her first year of preschool last Thursday. My sweet girl loved her teacher, her friends, and learned so much. I am so happy that we placed her in a caring and nurturing program where she could learn and play.

4. I'm co-hosting a little party for Lily's teacher tonight complete with my Margarita Cupcakes. I've made them twice in a week!

5. We are so excited to have a house full of guests this week! My cousins from Belgium are visiting Washington for the first time and we can't wait until they arrive. We're also looking forward to seeing our favorite Wilmington, NC Sports Guy when he visits for the U.S. Open.

6. It just took me 1.5 hours to get home from picking Christian up. I AM OVER THE DRIVE. I just want to sit in my backyard with him while Lily naps and read stories. I am over driving back and forth into the city everyday.

7. However, I have no idea what I am going to do with all the time I'll be saving everyday---maybe, just maybe I could actually have more than 1 or 2 consecutive hours at home :)

8. We picked out Lily's first set of big girl undies (yes, I'm attempting to get her to go on the potty). She chose a Yo Gabba Gabba set and asked me "Mamma, where is DJ Lance on my undies?". For those of you who haven't seen the show, DJ Lance is this freaky looking DJ with horn-rimmed glasses that controls all the Yo Gabba Gabba creatures. It would've been sorta creepy to have THIS guy on my little girl's panties.

9. Our camp schedule is finalized for the summer---Christian is scheduled for several fun weeks, including a camp at our local parish, Vacation Bible School with his friends, and a cool outdoor nature camp.  Lily will be joining me at Camp Golds Gym.

10. I'll be at the Cochlear booth at the HLAA convention this Saturday. Please come say hello and humor me as I brag about how awesome my kids are.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Christian was on break last week and we had a little taste of the summer to come. No driving back and forth into the city 2x a day. No racing to one after school activity to the next. No packing lunches in the morning. Today was his first day back, and I haven't found my groove just quite yet.

2. We spent a couple of days at the beach and it was a much needed break. It's been a while since we had uninterupted family time. We had ice cream, italian ice, played on the beach, visited old beach bars of our days gone by (for lunch of course), and just enjoyed eachother. It was pure bliss.

3. I'm loving the beach even more and more these days now that we've eased up a bit with Christian's CI. He wore his Nucleus 5 most of the weekend, but we also traveled with his back-up Freedom processors.

4. Lily Grace took almost an entire day to warm up to the idea of the beach. Once again, she did not like her toes getting sandy, and once again, she preferred to sit on a beach chair and observe her brother making sand castles. Such the drama queen.

5. And now we are back to the never ending grind. We went to dinner with some other couples this past Saturday and we pretty much decided we wanted to live on a commune. We all agreed that we were done with the fast paced DC life. Wouldn't life be simpler if we were somewhere other than the epicenter of the free world?

6. I'm trying to make life calmer. I'm trying to breathe. We had a Friday night dance party with our best friends and all of our kids. Mass quantities of drinks were involved, and the kids who are all being raised like cousins had a blast. Life is simpler when it's spent with friends who just get you. I'm thankful that I have those folks in my life.

7. Today was Christian's last soccer practice of the year. I'm so proud of him and all that he has accomplished. He got a SNAZZY trophy today that he is super excited about.

8. Have you been following the buzz about the new series Switched at Birth? It's on my DVR schedule and I'm looking forward to seeing how the characters with hearing loss are portrayed!

9. Father's Day is just around the corner and I need to scheme and plot something fun and DIFFERENT for Chuck. He is a super-dad who deserves everything. Any ideas?

10. If you're planning on coming to HLAA's convention, visit me at the Cochlear booth on Saturday afternoon!

Ten on Tuesday

1. It's hard to believe, but this Friday we are celebrating 3 years of Christian hearing with his Cochlear Implant. How has it been 3 years already?

2. I still remember Christian's activation appointments like it was yesterday. I was barely pregnant with Lily Grace, and it was sticky humid day but I had the chills from nerves. I had a pit in my stomach, but at the same time I was full of hope.

3. On Day 1 of his activation, he immediately responded, and my heart immediately jumped. He imitated 2 Ling Sounds. 14 months old. A baby. He was JUST a baby.

4. I remember bringing home this huge box of wires, manuals, batteries, spare parts, and just sitting on my bed thinking that I would never know what to do with all of it. And now I can pretty much troubleshoot the processor with my eyes closed.

5. I'm sitting here typing this blog on the same table that I used day in and day out that first year or so with my little boy working on our Mommy Speech Therapy. My kitchen table (which was my Grandmother's kitchen table) became our family therapy center. So many milestones and memories were made at this table. I swear it has magic in it. Will someone please make sure that this table doesn't end up in a garage sale when Chuck and I are long and gone?

6. Speaking of garage sales, isn't it funny how us Moms can really make ANYTHING into a therapy tool. So far, my favorite find were Chinese Handcuffs to work on the initial /P/ sound "PULL, PULL, PULL, Christian".

7. It's funny when I look back to see how Christian's progress never was gradual. It was warp speed, and there was never any gradual let down of our therapy, but it also didn't stop. It evolved as Christian did, and we just followed his lead. His teachers continued to challenge him daily in school and we would celebrate each new milestone with complete joy. The day he correctly produced /sh/ is up there with seeing my babies on their ultrasound pictures for the first time. Seriously.

8. This journey hasn't been all fuzzy blankets and rainbows. It tested our marriage hard in the beginning, and still creeps up on us at times when we don't expect it. I hate the saying that "God doesn't give you anything you can't handle" because quite honestly, at times I had a hard time handling all of this. However, the hard times did make us grow-up much faster. By our 3rd wedding anniversary, we were dealing with things that couples married for 30 years never even touched. It's hard. Thank goodness for our faith, our family, and our friends.

9. My friends and family always compliment me on the advocacy work I do for Christian, and I am so touched. It feels good to know that people notice my hard work and commitment. What they don't know is that Chuck is our behind the scenes guy. I may be doing the insurance claims, tracking appointments, monitoring new MAPs, and ordering new parts, but he's the one really keeping us TOGETHER. He is our glue.

10. Christian is set to have a dance party and Rice Krispie treats on Friday to celebrate in his classroom. He's requested Laurie Berkner, Mumford and Sons and Gaga. Chuck and I are going to continue our tradition of drinking ridiculously good and fancy wine with our best friends on Friday night and toasting to our amazing little dude's progress and to each other for getting through another year relatively unscathed.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Blogger has been giving me a headache, going on and offline for 2 days now. Seriously, what IS the deal?

2. This past weekend was a blast. Started off on Thursday night at DC's best Indian restaurant with the girls. We sat at the table next to Chef Spike while celebrating Nat's birthday. Made our way to what I think is DC's best Mexican restaurant right around the corner for margaritas. It was a much needed night out with the girls.

3. However, I learned that Indian food and Margaritas don't pair well together. What a headache on Friday night. Oy.

4. Saturday night I became a hipster. We headed down to fashionable H. Street for some beer and brats with good friends. We ended up in a bar that I wasn't cool enough to be in by the end of the night. Another headache, but it was worth it.

5. And on Sunday, we attended the Potomac Hunt Races with the kids. We had a blast. The weather was gorgeous. We spent the day with dear friends and their families. Once again, another headache induced by Skinnygirl Margarita. But it was worth it.

6. It's now Tuesday, and I'm detoxing. I'm working my tail off with my clients, and trying to juggle some insurance drama (ISN'T THERE ALWAYS DRAMA), all the while planning a bridal shower totally on my own for my sister-in-law that will be held at my house on Sunday. I'm preparing for another headache.

7. I'm missing my Grandmother today. My Nini passed away 8 years ago and today is her birthday. She was lovely. She was beautiful. She made all of us grandkids feel so special. She was a beautiful woman, inside and out. She taught me determination, perseverance, but most of all, she taught me confidence. I've never met a woman more confidant than my Nini.

8. I'm also missing my brother today. Tomorrow is his birthday and I would give anything to share a piece of Mom's cake with him tomorrow and have a beer with him. I know he's been celebrating all week (as he ALWAYS does!).

9. Christian took the bet book from the horseraces to show and tell yesterday at school. How awesome is that?

10. I'm sitting on my front porch watching them pretend that they are "AJ-The Neighborhood Ice Cream Man". I love watching my kids play together. I just hate breaking up the fights.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Just call me SuperCatholic these days. I spent my weekend at Church, attending confirmation rehearsal, actually attending and sponsoring a candidate at Confirmation, and on Mother's Day celebrating 1st Communion of two very special little ones.

2. You can actually call me SlackerCatholic too. By Sunday morning, I was exhausted and a bit selfish. The kids were pooped from all the action, so we decided to NOT actually attend 1st Communion Mass. The Confirmation Mass counted for me for my Sunday obligation. But we did go to the parties. Typical Catholic.

3. Mother's Day was adorable. I will post fun pictures from all the activities leading up to the day, but the children spoiled me. I got the best cards EVER from them, a special breakfast, and a beautiful charm for my bracelet that they started me 4 years ago. This year, they chose a cupcake. So very appropriate for this past year of hanging out with my beautiful babies enjoying sweet treats and cupcakes after school.

4. Christian's CI processor was giving us trouble last week. The power switch on his Nucleus 5 was being a bit tricky, however it was still working. I called Cochlear on Thursday late afternoon. By THIS Monday afternoon, he came home with a replacement already mapped by his school audiologist. How awesome is Cochlear? And how awesome is our school audiologist?

5. This week totally snuck up on me. I'm writing this on Monday night with NO food in my house, and I still can't figure out when I am actually going to go grocery shopping. I hope the kids don't mind another night of a random pasta creation. Tonight I made Bow-Ties with Butternut Squash and Parmesan. It did not go over well.

6. Christian (and ALL of his friends) is now totally in to Bakugan. His Aunt Alison gave him 2 this past week as a little "Thank you" gift for letting her come to Grandparent's and Special Friends Day and you would think they were gold.

7. I've hit that point in the school year where I am just completely over the drive and the commute. Christian goes to school until July 1st and we have one week off at the end of this month. I am really looking forward to some lazy summer days.

8. I just realized I wore Lilly Pulitzer for 4 days in a row. I love the Spring!

9. With lazy summer days come bored kids on summer vacation. Start praying for me now so I don't lose my sanity.

10. Lily's new favorite word this week is "Actually". She is ACTUALLY using it correctly too. My favorite from today was "Act-chully MumMum, I go to park wif Tara, ok MumMum? Love this girl!

Ten on Tuesday

1. This past weekend Chuck played Mr. Landscaper and mulched, planted, weeded, cleaned out and worked his magic on both our front and backyards. He may not be all that handy, but he sure does have a green thumb!

2. The news of Bin Laden's death early this week has literally stopped me in my tracks. Living in DC and actually witnessing the plane crash into the Pentagon on 9/11 changed me forever, and his death has basically ripped off a band-aid on my heart. I'm not quite ready to cheer in the streets.

3. As much as I try to shield the kids from all of this, Christian has asked me "Who that guy is with the long beard and the dress on". What do I say to that? The best I could come up with was "He's a bad guy. Pray for him".

4. Lily is acting weird this week with her sleeping habits. She's up. She's down. She's tired, but won't sleep. Everytime my kids do this they are getting ready for a developmental leap. Wonder what's neck (Oh please, please let it be her being ready for potty training!)

5. Have I mentioned how much I love Skinny Girl Margarita?

6. Have I also mentioned how much I love my stylist Corey at Bella Bethesda? I know this is a shameless plug, but I've been going to him for almost 9 years now, and he is the BLONDE MASTER. He also is one of my dearest friends too :)

7. I'm in laundry denial. I have 3 loads downstairs, and 2 baskets to put away and it is just SITTING THERE.

8. And now for the upcoming weekend...Friday is Grandparents and Special Friends Day at Christian's School. Both sets of his Grandparents are unable to attend, so this year Christian asked his Auntie Alison to come visit his school. He's so excited to have her come and see his class and meet his friends. I'm so happy she is able to not only juggle a visit with Christian, but also her own kid's Moms and Muffins that morning. With 4 kids, she's learned to do a lot of juggling!

9. Saturday is Tara, our very special friend and super-duper Mother's Helper Confirmation! We are so excited to witness her become a full member of our church, and I am even more excited to be her sponsor. We love our Tara!

10. Sunday is 1st Holy Communion for two of our favorite big kids, Isabelle and Timmy. Belle is like a niece to Chuck and I and a cousin to Christian and Lily. Timmy is Christian's neighborhood big-brother who looks out for and teaches him everything he needs to know. It's such an important day, and I am so glad that our family can support both Timmy and Belle as they make their sacrament!

Ten on Tuesday

1. Gone are the days of having a TEN page IEP with my little boy. Last week I signed off on 1/2 page document. How far we've come...

2. It's official. We WILL be returning back to his current school for his last year of preschool next year.

3. The weather seems to have FINALLY broke here in the DC area. Which means I have been on a mad dash of forcing Christian to try on his clothes from last summer to see if they still fit. Poor kid told me this morning "Mom, these are sorta tight on my hiney". Anyone have a coupon code for Crewcuts?

4. I'm always amazed at how much clothes my kids accumulate a season. And they are adorable. How awesome would it be to get a new wardrobe twice a year?

5. It's 80 something degrees, there are NO bugs out yet, the kids are playing on the front lawn, and I'm having a glass of wine. Talk about a nice stress relief...

6. Easter weekend was wonderful. We spent the weekend with my college roommate and her husband and our best friends and their family. I missed my family like crazy, but it was nice to be surrounded by our "family of friends".

7. Lily enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt so much that she actually consumed all of her loot before we got home. She was on a sugar high all day Sunday and Monday, and is now crashing.

8. The Easter Bunny brought Christian his first set of hockey sticks, and he is OBSESSED with them. We've converted our soccer goal into a hockey goal, and he has 2 skinned knees to prove he's been playing non-stop.

9. I'm obsessed with the Royal Wedding. I actually watched the Lifetime movie Will and Kate. I cried at the end. What's wrong with me?

10. These past two weeks I have been reminded just how precious life is. Two of my friends lost their children, one via a full-term still birth and the other's strong little boy lost his 3 year fight with brain cancer.

Ten on Tuesday

1. Are we FINALLY out of the woods after lice-a-rama and puke-a-rama these past 2.5 weeks? It's been rough and I hope are spared for Easter. I don't know if I can take much more of this!

2. I feel behind the game with Easter. Sure, the baskets are out. But I only have one bag of candy and I haven't really even decorated the house. I have NO idea what Lily and Christian will wear. The crazy thing is that I'm not going crazy about it. Progress!

3. I have however managed to fall in love with a NEW Easter candy this year. They are DELISH.

4. Love Cadbury Eggs? Check this out! I am going to try the brownies.

5. One of my girlfriends had a Kate Gosselin siting at our Whole Foods. She reported that she was wearing fabulous shoes, was really skinny and had stick straight hair. Oh, and she was driving a slick Audi.

6. I just had a Corey from Teen Mom 2 siting at my door. I mean, I am pretty sure it was him offering to cut down my tree for a good price. You have got to LOVE the West Virginia Tree Cutters.

7. I'm reading 1-2-3 Magic in an effort to TRY to finally learn how to discipline my kids. Anyone else have great success with it? Pretty much right now I have Lily telling me to go screw myself every day and Christian doing everything just so he can have dessert. Not really "model" parenting going on here.

8. It's 2:30pm, which means in exactly 3 minutes I am going to race out the door and be in the car for 2 hours as I drive to school, sit in the carpool line, then drive home. I do this everyday.

9. Thank goodness for Sirius radio in my totally cool mini-van which makes the drive a bit more tolerable. I switch between Hits 1 and Martha Stewart Radio. And Chuck wonders where Lily learned how to say "Shake your moneymaker"  came from....

10. Tonight is poker night for Chuck which means I have a date with all my girl shows I have waiting for me on my DVR. Oh Pregnant in Heels, Bethenny and Army Wives how I have missed you!

Ten on Tuesday

1. I have SO much to blog about, but honestly have had NO time. I have a running a list, and it just keeps getting longer and longer. It's starting to get frustrating.

2. The lice drama is all but over. Yesterday was our last day of combing, and I started unbagging toys and linen that have been washed. I still am overwhelmed by the number of stuffed animals we have in this house. I'm seriously considering just keeping them in the garbage bag and "accidentally" throwing them out.

3. And if things couldn't get any worse, Christian was hit with a stomach bug this past Saturday that left him just about as sick as I've ever seen him. Poor kid was knocked out the whole weekend. He seemed better this morning, so he went to school....

4.  For 1 hour. I got a phone call just as I was walking into a doctor's appointment that he still didn't feel well. I raced over to get him and we picked up more popsicles and Pedialyte. Will this ever end?

5. Luckily in the middle of all the yuckiness at my house this weekend I escaped for some fun girlfriend time at our neighborhood school's auction on Saturday and co-hosted a little baby shower (sprinkle!) for a dear friend on Sunday. I had the most amazing blueberry mojito. It was DELISH!

6. I also ate my weight in pastries from Dean & Deluca after the sprinkle and have yet to be to the gym. The Napolean was SO GOOD!

7. Lily has become a pro on Christian's old scooter! She really has picked it up fast. I need to get a video of her scooting along our sidewalk. We decided to upgrade Christian to his first big boy Razor Scooter. How are they getting so old?

8. Lily started a new class with two of her friends this past Friday and absolutely loved it. I am so glad I have my special time with her on Fridays. I really am cherishing that time with her.

9. Do you ever feel that all you do with your kids is bribe them to do stuff for you? I find myself saying daily "Lily, if you (insert random request here), I'll get you (choose from ice cream, a toy, or some treat). It gets draining.

10. With all the drama going on in our house this week (it's only TUESDAY!), my complex dinner plans that I have prepped (braised roast and vegetables) seem overwhelming. Can we just order pizza?

Ten on Tuesday

1. I am pretty sure that I have done more laundry in the past week than I have during these past 4 years of Motherhood. It's never ending. I don't wish this even on my worst enemy.

2. Despite being held hostage in my laundry room, we did manage to escape this weekend to take in the cherry blossoms that are in peak bloom here in the DC area. Spring is definitely my favorite time here. No humidity. No bugs. Just beautiful blooms, 70 degree days, and gorgeous crisp nights.

3. We also had one of those once in a lifetime opportunities this past weekend to watch the Washington Capitals rink side 4 seats from the penalty box. The tickets were amazing. We banged on the glass, saw Ovi up close, and the Caps brought home a win. We had impromptu drinks afterwards with our dear friend and it was an awesome night.  Even though I'm a die hard Red Wing fan, it was still one of those experiences I will remember forever.

4. Soccer started today for Christian and he LOVED it! It's his second season, and he just has a blast on the field. He plays at a park around the corner from our house. It's easy. It's fun. And he loves it.

5. In an effort to better take care of myself, I finally went to the Internist last week and am proud to report that my doctor says I have "Exemplary health habits" and am in "amazing shape".  Go me. Now if only I could get a handle on my excessive worry and anxiety.

6. Lily continues to simultaneously push my buttons and melt my heart. On the way into Bible Study on Monday she pointed up to the crucifix on our church and said "Jesus is up dere. He ok, MomMom? (our crucifix is the typical Catholic crucifix depicting Jesus in agony on the cross). After I tried to explain that it was just a statue of Jesus and not the REAL Jesus and the REAL Jesus was up in Heaven smiling down on us and so happy that we love Him so much, Lily exclaimed "Jesus loves when I use da potty. Yay Jesus!". I guess we are on the spiritual track of potty training now.

7. I went out for cocktails with some of my girlfriends last week and discovered my new favorite drink. Chocolate Mojitos. DELISH!

8. I miss scrapbooking. I used to be a scrapbooking addict. I have all the gear and tools, a set area in our family office, and honestly can't remember the last time I sat down to do a page. I'm making a resolution to scrapbook at least 2 times a month. I really miss it as my creative outlet.

9. My mission to streamline my life and to shift my focus is working. Just this past week I said "No" to 2 different volunteer opportunities. I am no longer going to be known as the sucker.

10. Christian heard the breeze rustling the branches and leaves today on our trees. He pointed it out, and told me to listen for it. Such a miracle.

Ten On Tuesday

1. Have you ever noticed how it really is JUST the little things in life that REALLY make you happy? For me today it was eating my greek yogurt at the lunch table with BOTH my babies. Christian is on Spring Break this week so both of my loves are with me this week!

2. We don't anything glamourous planned this week--maybe a trip to the zoo, maybe a trip to get new shoes, maybe a pizza lunch. It is a nice and much needed break from the rat race of city traffic, car pools and attempting to be in 3 places at once.

3. I'm slowly but surely trying to dig my way out of the crappy mood and all around BLAH that I've been feeling lately. Highlights were done this weekend and a wonderful sangria and tapas night with two of my oldest and dearest besties are clearing the way. I'm almost there...now if only I could get sleep.

4. Instead of giving something up for Lent this year, I decided to go back to my bible study. I am so very glad that I am taking that time once a week for me and my relationship with God.

5. Do you ever feel that all of the "extra" things that you have taken on really just cloud up your life and serve as a distraction and don't add to it? I had a moment of clarity at this week's bible study and realized that everything other than family, friends, and my work need to go. EVERYTHING. I have such a limited amount of time during the day, and the time I had was spent worrying and stressing over things that really aren't important. I need that time back. If I have 2 hours a day to spare, it better be spent working on my relationships with my husband, kids, family, friends and my faith. I'm not going to give up the "extras" that bring my happiness like volunteering for my children's schools and advocating for children with hearing loss, but I sure am going to limit my time with everything else.

6. Ok, another question: Do you ever look at the mess that is your house and just take a breath and walk over the Transformers and Itty Babies and puzzle pieces and sit down and drink a coffee? Because that is what I am doing now. I should be cleaning. Instead, I'm quickly blogging, then showering, and then taking the babies to the park. On a 65 degree day, the Transformers can stay right where they are.

7. I'm switching out my closet from winter to spring. I am so happy to finally put away my stretch skinny cordourouy leggings, Uggs, and riding boots. It's been a long winter.

8. I know I keep saying this, but I really need to get the video camera out and start taping Lily's little conversations. I don't know if it's because I am more aware or what, but she seriously speaks as clear and articulate as a 3 year old! Hmm....lucky little girl having Christian as a language model and a Mommy who uses Auditory Verbal Therapy!

9. Best surprise of this day so far: A load of washed, dried and FOLDED laundry in my basement done by my amazing husband.

10. Worst surprise of the day: What probably is a week old Eggo waffle in the microwave of the play kitchen downstairs...still with Nutella on it....thanks Lily.

Ten on Tuesday

1. We had teacher conferences last week, and I just can't wait to brag about Christian. Post to come, but I am excited to see his handwriting progress that he has made!

2. We had another low key weekend, but I still find myself totally stressed early on in this week. I seem to have developed an eye twitch that won't go away and I have been waking up in the middle of the night with a racing heart. Gotta love anxiety.

3. They call it "Fat Tuesday" here South of the Mason-Dixon, but back home it's PACZKI DAY, and I have tracked down my traditional pre-lenten Paczkis here in MD.

4. I am STILL on a drug. It's called Charlie Sheen. I'm sucked in. Can't.Stop.Watching.

5. Did anyone else see that Liberty  has a collection through J.Crew this season? I love their prints, and they are so accessible. They are perfect for days like today where I'll drop-off Lily at school, and then swoop over to my client's office for a quick meeting.

6. With Lent starting tomorrow, I've had this fleeting idea that I would give up Facebook for the season. And then my tech-snob of a neighbor reminded me that it would be like giving up EMAIL for 40 days. I don't think I could do that. I use Facebook for so much more than just posting adorable pictures of my kids.

7. Speaking of adorable: Miss Lily after her nap...messy hair and all:

8. Lily is totally into my painted toenails right now. So, we're going to get pedis this weekend. I can't wait!

9. And Christian is REALLY into hockey. He keeps telling me "It's ok, I like the Caps and you like the Red Wings. The Caps are better". We're going to have a throw down on that one.

10. I am registering for HLAA this week. Who else is going?

Ten on Tuesday

1. I think I used more glitter and hairspray last week than in the 15 years that I was a competitive figure skater. Gaga and Bon Jovi were amazing, but I am BEAT.

2. Christian and Lily gave me their colds, which gives a whole new meaning to "hardly having time to breathe". I'm going to apologize to my husband in advance for the snoring and to my classmates in my yoga and pilates classes this week for my mouth breathing.

3. Is everyone else watching the train wreck that is Charlie Sheen? Although I may have to take some of his talking points to my next IEP meeting with me. I mean, I do have tiger blood running through MY veins too...

4. I can't believe it's March already. How the heck did that happen?!

5. Christian is eating like a college kid these days. My little guy who I used to have to coach at every meal is now shoveling everything in. Just today at breakfast he ate a whole banana, yogurt, waffle, 4 strawberries, and asked for sliced apples. Growth spurt anyone?

6. I'm officially initiated in the Kindle Club now! I have had it for a week, and I love it! Are there eBook lending clubs out there? I am a library girl and haven't paid for a book in years!

7. To go with my Kindle, I'm looking for the perfect cover. Any suggestions? I found a Lilly Pulitzer cover for the Nook, but I wonder if it will fit the Kindle?

8. I just realized I only blogged once last week. I have A LOT to report--mostly language updates on Christian and BEHAVIOR updates on Lily. We have hit the Terrible Twos with her. Oh this child...

9. I came across this really cool resource that was advertised in our church's bulletin. There is an article about Marriage and Your Special Needs Child that is interesting as well.

10. Lent starts next week which means I get to dust off all my vegetarian recipes that are only in the cycle 4 or 5 times a month and start using them more regularly. I also need to find my Paczkis for Fat Tuesday. Does anyone know of a bakery that will ship them?

Ten on Tuesday

1. For the first time in FOREVER, this past weekend we had almost no plans. A nice long weekend with just lots of family time together in our basement playing Wii, in the playroom playing with Baseball Guys, and in our kitchen drinking wine. Just the hubby and I. Lots of wine.

2. Of course, no long weekend would be complete without a little spec of the kids not feeling well. You know when you can tell SOMETHING is going to pop up? Yeah, that is happening here. They both look pale. Maybe even a bit feverish. Great.

3. Our weather forecast for tomorrow may be giving us a 4th day in our weekend. They are calling for 2-8 inches of snow tomorrow for the DC area. 2-8 inches. Isn't that a BIT of a spread to forecast? I hate our weather people.

4. So, if we get snow tomorrow, there is a pretty good chance that one of my kids will have school and the other won't. Christian's school marches to it's own drum and while located in DC, it doesn't follow DC Public School closings. Lily's little play school does follow Montgomery County public schools calendar, so when they are closed, Lily's school is too. Ugh.

5. I have a TON to do tomorrow, most revolving around the prepping of going to see LADY GAGA on THURSDAY!

6. Yes, I am going to see Gaga. I heading with 8 of my girlfriends. We have dinner reservations at a delish Mexican Restaurant downtown at  5, which means our husbands are going to either be working from home on Thursday to accommodate our drinking schedule or they are coming home early from their important jobs to accommodate our drinking schedule. We are so lucky to live such ho-hum suburban lives. Really, we are.

7. This might as well be my one winter week of fun, as Chuck and I are also heading to see BON JOVI this coming up Sunday with some good friends. Now...where is my leather miniskirt?.....

8. I'm beyond thrilled for our good friends Dave and Jenn as they welcome their baby boy Henry into the world today! Congrats! We love you!

9. The crocuses are peaking through (just in time for the snow tomorrow) which puts me in crazy "I have to sign my kid up for 8 million camps and sports clinics" mode. I can't decide if I want to wait out this soccer season (which ends in May) until a summer session or if I want to brave standing out in pouring 65 degree rain this Spring.

10. I'm writing this on Monday night around 10:30pm, and Chuck has just reported that ice is coming down and our sidewalk is already slicked over. I can't wait to brave carpool tomorrow. Hooray.

Ten on Tuesday

1. My dryer blew out last Wednesday. 600 dollars later we're the proud owner of a new Maytag. I only have 2 kids, but can you just imagine the laundry that piled up over the 72 hours I was unable to do wash? Thank goodness for our friends who share their wine AND their laundry rooms.

2. I've recently fallen into the "Let me make doctors/dentists/specialists appointments for everyone in my family but me" trap. I have a list of 6 doctors that I need to see and I have no idea when I can do it.

3. Valentine's Day has turned into more of a "Kid Holiday" in our house, complete with homemade construction paper hearts COVERING my front bay window and a basket of Valentine-esque Stuffed Animals in my living room. However, my Valentine surprised me with flowers, the dark chocolate Godiva assortment, our favorite bottle of wine, and a beautiful dinner (via take-out!) from our first date place. He's awesome. He really is.

4. We're inching towards a long weekend, and I am SO looking forward to not doing ANYTHING. I am dreaming of sleepy mornings with my babies in my comfy bed. When are they going to be old enough to make me breakfast while I watch my shows?

5. Lily told me today to "Go Away" and "No, I want to try that". Why do I feel like this is just a GLIMPSE of what I will hear in 10 years from her?!

6. Countdown to Lady Gaga has officially begun! 10 days!!!

7. It was 65 degrees here today, which makes me can't wait to wear these adorable jeans!

8. Thanks to the snowmelt, my yard is a total mudpit. I have my wellies, but I'm searching for the perfect rain boot for Christian. Send on any suggestions!

9. Christian told me today that I was his "Special Valentine Mommy". L.O.V.E.

10. And last, but not least...Lily went #2 in her potty last night. Don't want to jinx anything, but we're on our way....