In A Fizz

Love.

2012-02-14T21:11:00.000-08:00

Today is a day dedicated to love.
I wasn't sure how to post about all the love I feel for my family, without it becoming a trilogy, so I am going to make a list of the things I love about them right now. Today. This minute. - Every one of my loves are fast asleep, which means the house is quiet and I have this silence all to myself. - Bryn's awkward smile as her two front "Big teeth" are growing in (and I can see we will need to start saving for braces) - Ava's desire to read to her brother and try to get him to calm down so he would fall asleep in her bed and they could have a "sleepover" - Eric's definition of a Dalmation = "Cow Dog" - Sid's snores. I like the extra presence in the house (despite his slow potty training ways) - Tom's want to be the "cool Dad". He always wants to go somewhere on a whim with the kids...and although we may have not made it to Colorado tonight, we did make it to "Cherry Berry- the frozen yogurt place" - My too-cool teenaged brother was extra kind and thoughtful to our Mom...she was grateful, so in turn, I am too - Ava's need to know "how many days" until anything we do (did you know there are only 314 days until Christmas?). - Bryn's tender heart. She is truly one of the most compassionate girls I know. - Eric's desire to "go to cool" (as he fills his leetle backpack with about 20 pounds of HotWheels cars) - A hug from my honey. I love how a hug or kiss makes us reconnect. - Sid's tornado of a tail when he sees the kids in the morning. - Having a grateful heart. I love my lovies and all the joy, frustration, chaos and contentment it brings. I look forward to what tomorrow brings, but for today I am so thankful for these little things. The little things that often get lost in the daily shuffle of life. Happy Valentine's Day my Loves!

27 pounds

2012-02-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

This is what I am told my sweet biddy Siddy weighs at 13 weeks.
I am also told he will do the most amount of growing in the NEXT couple months...as if his current faster-than-the-speed-of-light rate of growth has not been enough.
I shutter...
at the thought of my Not-so-Biddy-Siddy.
He is still one sweet little pup.
(and very healthy according my our vet).

This is obviously his happy face.

And this is his pensive face..

G'ah!! How can you not just adore that sweet face?
That gives me an idea. I should totally do a post with the many faces of Sidney! ;)

No winter blahs here...

2012-02-05T20:23:00.000-08:00

It has been so unseasonably warm this winter, that we may not have to go to Florida during Spring Break for the annual winter warm up! Last week the highs were in the 50s all week...and we even hit a high of 63 degrees one day. Since T had the day off, we decided to go to a local park to ~~try and tire these kids out~~ enjoy the weather.
Although it was still a greyish day, it was kind of neat to see the winter-side of the walking trails...
Ava was all about posing for pictures. (which is odd for her, but a welcome change)
...

The super rare and elusive "3 kids looking at the camera" picture.
Always gold.

Bryn has already mastered the teenaged "WTF?" face.
This is going to be a looong 10 years of that.

That boy.
He has the look of mischief in his eyes... always.

I am loving these unusually warm days (especially since we are still trying to potty train Sidney and its gets mighty cold first thing in the morning to be stumbling around outside trying to get Sid to "hurryup"), but a little part of me fears what that will mean for Spring weather...

Biddy Siddy

2012-01-27T11:42:00.000-08:00

This wee pup is a-growing.
I think he may have doubled in size.I no longer see the little fuzzy puppy he was a month ago...
he now looks like a mini-version of the big dog he will become.

One thing that has not changed is his sweet, sad face.
No matter how fast that tail is wagging, he always looks so forlorn.
But I finally managed to catch one of him running and I think if he could do it-
this would be his happy face. Happy 12 weeks Biddy Siddy!

january 23rd, 2012

2012-01-23T19:08:00.000-08:00

January 23rd, 2012.We are in the middle of winter...There should be ice, snow, more snow and cold.But today it was 54 degrees outside.With sunshine!

Oldman winter must have known my soul needed a little sunshine because I hauled the kids outside to enjoy a few extra minutes.(and hopefully tucker them out enough to go to bed early- a re-occuring past-time of mine) Even though it was really wet from the snow we had..like yesterday, it was such a nice break from the roller coaster of a winter we have had. It has been abnormally mild.Usually, I would just smile and enjoy it but somehow I think there is going to be a "catch".No, Murphy is following me (that Law is always following me), which means we will probably end up with a blizzard and 2 feet of snow during Easter. But right now, I am enjoying this break of beautiful tempuratures...and I think it may even be worth the spring blizzard trade-off.

We got snow!

2012-01-18T20:33:00.000-08:00

Well...sort of.
But any trace of anything remotely "not green" on the ground is close enough for my kids.

Yep...the were "Snowmen"...or "Snowforms" as I like to call them.
I am not too sure where the inspiration came from, but I have to admit that I am impressed they managed to make them with the lack of snow.
(and please note that the one on the right does not have a face.)

They even had to try some snow angels.
Which I think may be an art using just an inch of snow.
(and yes- they are still wearing their pjs).

I finally had to stop them when they pulled the lids off the garbage cans and tried to slide down the front yard slope.
(think Clark Griswold in Christmas vacation)
True story.

Snow has been scarce this winter. (but I'm not complaining)
My kids enjoy playing in the snow and coming in afterwards for hot chocolate, but they did not inherhit that gene from me...oh no!
I will take my flip flops anyday. I suspect my mild weather luck will run out soon and we will end up with a blizzard on Easter.

But, despite my open dislike of all things winter, I do enjoy the Goofy Hat Gang, rosey cheeks
and fresh, winter air that makes them tired and ready for bed early.

Do you Pinterest?

2012-01-14T16:33:00.000-08:00

I do!
What the hay you say?
It's an uber cool website that you can "bookmark" pictures, crafts and ideas from other websites and save them visually on boards.
Check out PINTEREST HERE
but don't say I didn't warn you...
It's like opening a big can of crafty worms.
(and I may or may not have spent hours there...maybe even days)

There are endless ideas from so many many people.
I am always inspired.
But I also find it can be a little daunting.
I mean seriously, how many "Stay-at-home-homeschooling-moms-who-also-cook-from-scratch-only-things-from-their-own-garden-and-take-amazing-pictures-of-it" are out there?

I always fancied myself a little crafty, but so many, many of these blogs that I have discovered on Pinterest, put me to shame.
Crafting shame.
or at least the pictures make me tend to believe that it's all rainbows and sunshine for them.

But, it's not that way at the Bennett househould...far from it.
And just for fun- we tried a little baking project from Pinterest.

What you won't find are dozens are beautifully edited photos-
or even any photos as I spent the whole time making sure Eric didn't throw any flour (again)
and Ava didn't whap her brother over the head with a spatula,
and Bryn didn't eat too many ingredients...
But I think deep, deep down,
there was fun had somewhere.

And I did find a rare moment of zen when they were all spreading jam on the pastry sheet.
(almost looks like a Pinterest moment huh?)

However, our Raspberry Pastry straws didn't seem to look quite as nice as the originals...

Exhibit A: The Original Jam Straws

Exhibit B: The Bennett Kids Jam Straws

I do have to give the kids some credit
(afterall they are only 7, 5 and 2)
And I let them do most of the work.
The Straws tasted good enough that I will probably try to make these again...
once the kiddos are in bed.

Our new addition.

2012-01-08T20:08:00.000-08:00

It was a banner year at Casa Bennett as Santa surprised us with a puppy!
Luckily, I was let in on the secret a couple days early, so I could help prepare for his adorable arrival.

Meet Sidney.
Sweet, sweet Sidney.
He is a Dogue de Bordeaux, also known as the French Mastiff (you know, like the one from the old movie- Turner and Hooch!)
He is uber adorable today, but will soon be a big ol slobbery lug.

Tom and I fell in love with this breed after meeting a few of them. They were all so mellow and calm and don't require a great deal of exercise.
We knew this was the breed for us.

I wish I caught the girls reaction on video, but that would have required actual thinking ahead on my part.
I did manage to get one of Bryn's shock. It was priceless.

Sid will obviously make a great guard dog one day...
(he is so wary of strangers)

And he already has mastered the dogue art of being a floor ornament...

And a bedtime heater-

Yep- so many uses for one talented dogue.
Lucky we are to have our sweet Sidney!
(soon to be slobbery Sidney)

(I think Bryn has one more week of being able to carry him around- he is growing faster than any weed!)

New Year, old stuff

2012-01-05T11:56:00.000-08:00

I am so glad I didn't make any New Year's resolutions this year because I would've already broken at least 3 of them- one being to blog more.
I find I don't have the same holiday let-down feeling this year.
Instead I find it peaceful.
I find myself looking forward at what we can do this year.
What we can try.
How we can improve.

In order to start off the new year, I needed to look back at 2011. It brought many changes for us.
A new city.
New friends.
New opportunites.
And also the "coming home" feeling I have longed for since we first left Ohio years ago.

2011 was a notable year for the Bennett clan. One of notable change and growth. I can only hope it continues in 2012.
(this is for you Alia- because I know you will be checking in!)

That Darned Elf!

2011-12-19T16:17:00.000-08:00

He's baaaaaack!
Some of you may have heard about the "Elf on a Shelf" phenomenom.
You buy this creepy little elf who tattles to Santa, sharing all the juicy details of your naughtiness.

That's when we found Christopher Pop-In-Kins. Same idea, but much more cute and less Big Brothery (and also not found in stores by the checkout where your kids can wonder why there are so many of them.)
He comes to our house the weekend after Thanksgiving and stays until Christmas Eve, where he presumably returns to the North Pole to help Santa with Christmas.
Anywho- our elf, Christopher, has now visited three years in a row.
Luckily for me, we have moved three years in a row, so we always have a new house with new hiding places.

This year, we thought it'd be fun to take it up a notch and have Christopher play a few pranks on the kids too. Not everyday, as I am much too lazy, but once and awhile.
So far, it's been fun for all.
The kids enjoy searching for him in the morning and we always love the giggles it brings (unless it's earlier than 6:30 a.m...then we don't love it so much).

I thought it'd be fun to document a few places our leeettle friend likes to hide!
Even when the magic of Christopher wears off, there will still be years of fun thinking of new pranks to play on each other.
This is one of my favorite new traditions.

And this is the evidence of Christopher in 2011.
He thought it would be funny hanging their undies on the tree (yes, they were clean).

Christopher has made some new friends here and they have been playing some riveting games of Uno!

I think this is the first time I have ever been toilet papered.

He even turned the milk green.

We also learned that Christopher enjoys goldfish...

...and apparently so does Little E.
(good thing that the girls were at school because they would've flipped if they saw that Eric managed to not only touch Christopher, but eat his goldfish!

We have a few nights left, so I am thinking of a few extra pranks Christopher may pull on us. One night will involve markers (of the washable variety and one night may include some twinkle lights!) So exciting!

Mr and Mrs 10 Years!

2011-12-05T20:30:00.000-08:00

10 years.
3 kids.
8 houses.
7 cars.
100s of datenights.
15,987 hugs.
Undisclosed amount of kisses.
Bouquets of flowers.
A couple pant sizes.
A few tears.
Lots of laughter (the snorting kind).
Quite a few headaches.
Limitless love.
No regrets.

One lucky girl.
One in a million boy.
One Happy 10 Year Anniversary to my never-a-dull-moment honey!

Just for fun- this is what 10 years of mostly wedded bliss does to you!

Nope...she's still here.

2011-12-04T07:05:00.000-08:00

I suppose you could call me the world's best procrastinator, later anyway.
I have typed so many drafts to update our lives this past year, but could never make the time to finish, or post.
The funny thing now is I have about eleven billionty things to do today (none of which were sitting here), so I thought it would be a perfect time to update-
And make paper snowflakes,
and watch Wall-E,
and do anything BUT my laundry.

First things first...we finally moved back home, also known as Columbus.
T's work schedule was just so wonky and the yearly relocations were starting to wear on us.
So T changed his position with work, and we moved ourselves back home.

And I can say with certainty, that living so close to our families (and the built-in babysitters I called sisters) has been so so awesome.

We spent the summer catching up with some of our dearest Florida friends (FL is my second home). And enjoying a lazy summer while settling back into our new (25 year old) house.

And we've spent the fall also catching up with more Florida friends...and enjoying the fall weather.

Someone also turned two!
Yes, my sweet little bundle of 8 pound joy is now a full fledged "really-heavy-to-carry-in-one-hand" path of destruction.
And I both love it! (mostly)

And of course- my Halloweenies! For those not in the know- my kids love creating their costumes.
Of course the girls can not fathom being a simple princess.
Oh no! We have a toucan, a "fancy dalmation" and my fav, the UPS guy.

So, in a really small nutshell and for as long as I can bare to sit still in one place to update- we are still here.

I took an extended spring break

2011-04-25T19:51:00.000-07:00

For spring break, we decided to go back to our beloved Florida.
Most people I know go to some hot spot like Disney, Busch Gardens or the Keys.
But, not the Bennetts, no, no...we go back to hang with the 'ol hood on Stonehurst.
...and I am so glad we did.

We got to enjoy hanging with some of the coolest people on this planet.
There were BBQ's with friends,

(see me- smiling!!!)
That's a happy Florida vacation smile.

And there was relaxing by our old beloved pool.
(I spent many, many hours just lounging...I mean...tentatively watching the kids there).
I love that Tom was able to relax too. I thought maybe he had forgotten how to with his stressful job, but alas, he took to chillaxin like an ol' pro.

And my beloved palm trees...(they chillaxed by the pool too)

There was a first haircut.
(which I took surprisingly well, considering his curls are now with me in a ziploc bag. But he looks like such a handsome little dude, so we are winning!)
This picture is for reference of the boy's lovely, curly locks!

After- handsome little guy!

And don't even let me get started on the awesomest and brutal event ever! I finally ran the race I have been dying to race for the past few years in Florida...and now that I no longer lived there, I was able to run it...but that's a whole 'nother post!

(notice how when I mention Florida, the word "beloved" gets used a lot?
Yeah, I like beaches and flip flops.)

My favorite Flava.

2011-03-09T10:55:00.000-08:00

Today marks 5 years living with Ava Laine.
More commonly known as "Flava" around here.
And it's true...she has a lot of flava!

Avie is one of the keenest 5 year olds ever. (so much so, that I fear she will be outsmarting me very soon, if not already).
Ava is passionate. (code for strong willed, which is also pc for stubborn)
She is intense and takes a lot of energy.
But she also gives out a lot more in return.
Ava is seriously kind-hearted and always looking out for the under-dog.
She has an "old soul" and often laughs at many adult jokes.
She is cautious...and you need to earn her trust.
She also has a good eye with coloring and drawing.
She has the memory of an elephant and makes very detailed observations.
(code for: you can not make a promise you don't intend to keep because she will call you on it- 3 years later).
I love this kid. She is a rare find.
(and never gives up a chance to cuddle with her Mom).

One day of Flava.

1 year- her "bulldog" face.

18 months Butterfly.

hanging at the pool (3 years)

Always intense.

4 year watermelon lover

Awesome.

Happiest Happy Birthday to me sweet intense Ava Flava.

Brows

2011-03-06T11:05:00.001-08:00

I think there is a market for these.
Bows for the baby boy curls that Moms just can not get the courage to have cut.
I think I will call them "brows".

Shhhh...do not tell my husband I did this to my poor wee boy.
(although I think he looks awfully cute)
I will be saving this picture for his future girlfriends!
I am sure it'll be used as evidence against me one day when he is in therapy. ;)

7 years ago today...

2011-02-25T18:06:00.000-08:00

I became a Mom to one of the coolest, sweetest girls evah!
Bryn Elise was born.
The world forever changed.

I know they say when you look at the bright side of things, you are wearing "rose colored glasses", but I like to see the world through "Bryn-colored" ones.

I think if everyone did this, the world would be a much happier, gigglier and probably bouncier place.

At 7, Bryn is such a compassionate young lady.
She worries about other's feelings,
she gets sad if she sees a stray animal.
She has mastered the art of sibling manipulation,
she likes Justin Beiber and wrote her first fan mail to him.
She changes her clothes about 7 times each day.
She refuses to wear bows and clips anymore.
She is the most amazing reader and artist.
Not the greatest eater.
She is my first little heart.

Happiest of birthday sweet girl!

Homecoming.

9 month silly.

18 months

almost 2- cutest calf ever!
(maybe the fastest too)

3.5- tuckered out Princess Flower Fairy

Lovely, lovely young lady.

Freedom!

2011-02-21T15:49:00.000-08:00

We have been cooped up and sick for over a week.
But it went to over 60 degrees on the weekend and I was able to sneak outside with the kids who were playing hooky to enjoy some sunshine...and get us out of the house which I am sure is just covered in our sickie germs.

Ava finally has a willing passenger for her jeep.
I was *this close* to making them both wear full body protective gear, but it seems that 5 years is the magic age of learning to drive the Barbie jeep
(without seriously maming anyone).

Bryn was still feeling a little under the weather, so she just did some sketching and observing of nature...
(instead of being her usual force of nature)
Please note that she is currently missing 3 top teeth and 2 bottom ones-
I never thought we'd be tooth-fairy poor.

Eric was his usual ornery self.
He was like a caged animal being set free for the first time with all his running around, shovel and all.
I have a feeling that once spring arrives, I will probably lose that last 5 pounds with all the chasing I see in my future!

Good thing the boy is cute!
Ornery, but cute.
(and no, I have no plans to cut his hair yet)

I even managed to get a couple of all three kidlets (which those with multiple kids can totally appreciate).

This is why I love being outside in the fresh air...all three kidlets were ready for bed by 7:30!
I can not wait for spring weather!

Happy Heart Day!

2011-02-14T08:09:00.000-08:00

Also known as "crazy-craft-a-palooza" around here.
It's a well known fault of mine.
I love to craft, create and cut things.
Every holiday gives me another reason to happily pull out my pinking shears and glue sticks.
My problem is knowing when to stop.
I just don't.
I see so many cute ideas and can never decide on just one.

This year, I managed to hold myself back at about 3 or 4 Valentine crafts.

We made some cute chocolate kiss flowers,

felt fortune cookies (filled with notes from the kids and chocolate kisses,

heart shaped crayons made from a year's worth of old broken crayons (we gave those to Ava's classroom),

cute little ladybug magnets.

We had a rather quiet Love Day this year as Bryn is finally recovering from her all-weekend fever, Ava seems to be a little under the weather and Mama is definately fighting something nasty...arg.
But when everyone feels this yucky, I was lucky enough to get a few littles curled up with me for a nice afternoon nap.
And it seems I have to get my cuddles however I can lately...even if it means they have to be sleeping.
(because they are now too cool to snuggle with Mom)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Sickie McSickerson

2011-02-12T17:43:00.001-08:00

First, IT took out Ava last weekend.
Now, IT renders Bryn sick and I don't think she likes it.

"The Fever" strikes again.

I received a call from the school on Friday telling me that Bryn was complaining about not feeling very well.
Since Bryn isn't usually that persistant, I went to pick her up and could tell immediately that she wasn't 100%.
She was quiet and not bouncing all over the walls.

Once we got her home and snuggled into my chair, I noticed Bryn's eyes were glassy looking ane she told me her head hurt.
And right on cue, her fever took over.

Poor girlie.
She just lays on my beloved arm chair sleeping, watching movies and drinking juice.
We've been fighting her fever with a constant flow of Tylenol, Motrin, popsicles and chocolate..well okay, the last one is for me...but somehow I think it helps.

I never thought I'd wish this, but I want my loud, bouncy little girl back.

Simple Pleasures

2011-02-01T19:26:00.000-08:00

We woke up to yet another snow day..er, I mean ice day.
There was just enough of a thin sheet of ice on everything to make things dangerous...and incredibly beautiful if you didn't have to dredge out in it.

I was lucky enough that I didn't HAVE to go anywhere, so staying home in our pjs and eating homemade donuts for breakfast at 10am was a nice option to have.

On the flip side, it means another day of not going to the gym and working off all the baked goods we tend to make on these long days home.
I think I am going to rename all snow days, EAT DAYS. I find baking very comforting and tend to bake when stuck indoors too long.
If we were living in the North Pole, I am sure I'd be jolly and plump too!

Once again there was some Wii.

And some whining...

And some homemade playdough.
(which reminds me so much of 2nd grade, when my Mom would make that salty homemade dough for us and I loved to play with it when it was still warm from being cooked.
And even though I knew it tasted horrible, I just had to taste it.
Every time.
Maybe that explains why I am the way I am...too much playdough).

Anyway, I get all excited when I see the same look of anticipation in the girls' eyes for something I remember from my own childhood.
I want nothing more than our kids to get excited for such simple pleasures.

And since this was a day if reminicing about things from my childhood, we did one of my all time favorites...mini lunches.
I cut up the sandwiches and all the fruit into teeny tiny pieces and served it on Bryn's tea set.
The girls thought this was the coolest thing ever!
And for a brief moment, I was the awesomest Mom ever!
(and a nod to my Mom for the same treats when I was little. I hope this brings the same fuzzy memories to my girls as well).

Wingman.

2011-01-27T19:05:00.000-08:00

Now I understand why you see some little boys that have hair down their back...long enough to make them look like girls.
There is something horrifying about cutting off their first sweet little curls.
Curls that you know will probably never grow back.

I get it.

Tom says we need to think about cutting the wee man's hair.
But I just can not stand to part with his wonky little baby wings and curls.
I love the crazy Baby Einstein look.

It will probbaly take him to be mistaken for an "Erica" before I send him to have his lovely locks trimmed.
Besides, the boy looks kinda cute in piggies! (I kid Dad!)

My not so cheery leader!

2011-01-25T19:26:00.000-08:00

When we had the opportunity to take Cheerleading, Ava jumped at it!
(a surprise to all of us as the only jumping she really likes to do is when playing a Wii game).
But I knew she was extraordinarily loud and articulate, so I thought
"why not?"

Of course this needed to be documented.
Ava. My serious souled Flava.
Ever intense-faced Mava.

A cheery cheerleader?

Well, she may not be the most zealous, nor cheery of leaders, but she gets points for focus.
And being the most serious cheerleader ever.
I can't quite find the words to describe her serious little face while she takes her class, I think the pictures are enough.

...and this was about as Bananas as she would get in her "GO BANANAS!" cheer.

But the girl can jump!

I find it odd that she actually enjoys going to these cheerleading sessions even though she keeps that serious little face the whole time...but that's the thing about Ava, you just never know...

I may not understand Ava, nor her exhausting and ever-intense little soul.
But I adore this girl and all the flava she brings into my world.

Snow Day!

2011-01-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

Also known as "Stay home-play-watch-movies-bake-cookies-mess-your-room-danceydance" Day!
Our third snow day this winter. Apparently this is quite a bit for this area, but I am sure it's because the gods are mocking me and thought it would be a riot to make my first winter back in Ohio a doozy.
Good times.
Good flippin' cold times.

So we spent the morning playing in the playroom.

Writing on the windows with our window markers.

Which in retrospect might not have been a very good idea to teach Eric.
(don't worry they are non-toxic).

playing some Wii,

baking some cookies,

Eric just left a path of destruction whereever he went.
So much so ,that we are now thinking of changing his name to "Destructo".
(although he plays the part of adorable and stationary son in the photos.)

(please note that he is in fact sitting ON the train table).

I am once again reminded of all the little things that make our day.
And I am looking forward to our next snow day (as long as it's not tomorrow). I don't think I could take two of these in a row.

Nothing fancy, just get dancey!

2011-01-18T11:17:00.000-08:00

We were blessed with a three day weekend. And we enjoyed it.
No big plans. No grand visits, nor visitors.
Just us.

And I can say with sureness, I enjoyed it.
I am happy being a homebody. I am happy puttering. I am happy laying on the floor with my kids and coloring or doing puzzles or just dancing!

This was the biggest hit with Bryn and Ava this past Christmas...we received the game Just Dance. I highly recommend it anyone with kids.
In fact, I think it would also be a lot of fun with some friends after a few drinks too. (since we all know Jill doesn't hit a dance floor without a shot of something)

The girls will dance their little hearts away for almost hours. So I don't feel too bad letting them play Wii for so long because they are actually moving around and being active. (and mine are mini-tornados)
I have fun watching and sometimes trying my hand at a dance or two...but when you are repeatedly in last place to a couple half pints, it kinda takes your dancey confidence away.

They even use the ottoman as a makeshift stage. And although I haven't caught him on camera yet, Eric makes a mighty fine back up dancer!

Brrrr.

2011-01-12T18:51:00.000-08:00

We had a 2 hour delay for school today.
That means Bryn got to stay home 2 extra hours before the bus came to pick her up.

I love 2 hour delays because it's the best of both worlds.
You get to sleep in AND they still go to school.

But what made this 2 hour delay such a memorable one, was what my oldest did with her time.
She asked me whether she could go outside and shovel the driveway.
Of course I said yes, knowing full well she'd be back inside in minutes because it was so cold outside and our driveway is expansive.

But the girl totally surprised me. Not only did she make a good dent in shoveling the driveway (for Daddy to help finish later), but she actually did all the sidewalk in front of our house!
We live on a huge corner lot, so that's A LOT of sidewalk to shovel!
(I don;t even think I could manage to finish it)...or at least that's what we need to let Tom continue to believe!

Needless to say, I am proud of my little snow bunny.
She totally delivered and scored a hot cocoa with as many marshmallows as her little heart desired. (oh and a few bucks too).

I now realize why we had kids in the first place.
I think next, we will work on some floor scrubbing.

Wonder if I should worry?

2011-01-10T09:37:00.000-08:00

Bryn had an assignment at school this week...they were learning how to write their own "How To" Instruction Books.
You know, How to ride a bike or go swimming or make a sandwich.
Well, this is what Bryn brought home on her sheet of ideas.
Do you see the problem??

I laughed out loud when I first saw this. Funny ha ha. Right?
Then became a little, nay, a lot worried- Where did she get THAT idea??
I mentioned it to Tom who had been spending a little more time with the kids, but he was clueless too. (and thought it was rather hilarious and half hopeful that maybe she would be able to pay for college tuition on day).
Not funny ha-ha, Tom.

So I asked her when she got home, where she got her ideas.
And her answer, although not very exciting was innocent enough.
She said the idea came from when they play downstairs in the basement and they swing around the support poles until they got dizzy.
Whew. Good enough for me.
Crisis overted until she is at least 18.

I am hanging onto this one because its a keeper and I think it may come in handy one day as a good life lesson,
as good laugh,
or a good piece of black mail.

Hey Florida- we can still BBQ year round too!

2011-01-07T12:44:00.000-08:00

Leave it to my better half.
Not rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor freeze your tooshie temperatures could keep this man away from his old skool charcoal BBQ.
(my only wish was that the snow was still on the ground to really prove my point)

And to top it off, my daughters think this is totally normal.
I think I am going to need a drink (or ten) this week.

I'd like a re-do on 2011 please.

2011-01-05T12:00:00.001-08:00

It's what...5 days into 2011 and already I have heard of so much sadness and loss. And to top it off, we finally had our first ER visit after 3 kids.
Of course the culprit was Hurricane Eric (as if I needed to clarify).

It all started Tuesday when I noticed the little man was feeling warm on and off all day. He woke up about 10pm (which rarely happens) crying.
He was warm and by the bark of his cough I suspected he had croup.
Crappy, cruddy croup.
So, we went outside in cold air to help calm his little bark.
I then noticed the wee man was feeling pretty warm, so I gave him some Motrin (just in case).
This is when he started to convulse. His eyes rolled back into his head.
I knew what was going on, a febrile seizure, but I drew blank and panicked.

Tom (my usual voice of reason) was still at work, so in authentic Jill "In a Fizz" style, I ran to the neighbors house at midnight with a convulsing little one when I saw they were still up.
They helped to calm me down and call 911.
It felt like hours as I watched helplessly as Eric shook and gasped.
Finally, he stopped and lay on the floor looking eerily quiet and disconnected.
My worst-case scenerio mind thought he was going into a coma....the paramedics assured me he was fine now.

I got to ride in the ambulance with my not-so-happy camper, as neighbor M went to our place so the girls would not be alone and throw some wild party.
(and did you know that if you have a baby on your lap, they actually buckle you into the stretcher? I think that should be on everyone's bucket list.

Once at the hospital, I knew Eric was okay. Just a little shaken up
(excuse the pun) and feeling croupy.
I continued to be "THAT Mom" in the ER with all my crazy "what ifs" and "now whats?"
At one point a sweet nurse asked me if she could "get me anything", and my only answer was "I'd love a valium".
No luck. Just some bubbles to blow to entertain Eric.
We were out within 1.5 hours and home again by 2:30am. Of course I did not sleep much as the baby monitor was on full volume and I had to check on the wee man about 3 times in 3 hours, cause that's the brand of crazy I am.
Tom actually slept on the floor beside Eric's room. And although I was pretty sure it wasn't neccessary, I was so glad he was in there with him. (and I have a feeling this will be happening for awhile)

So January 5th 2011, ended up a pretty sucky day for Family Bennett.
But on the bright side, I got to ride in an ambulance (WITH sirens), I finally added the ER notch to my Mama-hood belt, and I realized just how awesome our new neighbor friends are to us.

The glass is always half full my friend.
Bring it 2011.

(as you can see, someone is still feeling a bit on the grumpy side, and despite the many times I thought about ebaying Eric, and the girls for that matter, last night reminded me why I probably won't.
Hug your kids extra tight today!

The re-cap (part 2)

2011-01-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

...okay. So now that brings us to the whole Thanksgiving through the holidays.

Thanksgiving was quiet, but nice as we were able to drive to my parents house for some turkey. (much better than the previous 14 hour road trip to FL).
We played, Eric and his beloved Aunt Sam hung out...

The girls got to enjoy their first snow! (well, not really their first, but they were so little when we last saw snow that they don't remember it)

Tom got re-aquainted with snow removal, while I supervised. A lot.

And in case we missed you on the Christmas Card List, this was the picture we used. (which I have to note was a fluke pic taken one day as the three were sitting in the kitchen waiting to be fed.)
Three kids, looking at the camera at the same time.
I think that is a first. Ever.

Once December rolled around, we were once again surprised to have our elf, Christopher come back to visit us.
I love that we started this tradition. I think Christopher watching over the girls may have even been more incentive on being good than the threat of Santa.
But this year, we turned it up a notch and Christopher played some naughty pranks as well.

Then there was Christmas.
I love this time of year.
I love the glow of the tree and the lights.

I love the anticipation of the kids.

This year was especially fun as the girls each went and got us real presents (well for $5 or less).
Oddly enough, the one gift that really pulled at my heartstrings and made me cry, was a simple book Bryn made called "My Mom and Me".
It was all things cute we do, but the last page was a doozy.
It said something like "I like to end the day with my Mom"...and that sentence alone was the sweetest one I ever read.
Sometimes the goods far, far outweigh the bads.
And the bonus lesson here: The best gifts are not from a store.
You are welcome! (no extra charge for the extra moral lesson).

I think the gifts were a hit.
They all seemed pretty happy with their loot. And we cut back quite a bit this year. Now I know to aim for less.

Poor Tom was feeling not so festive after working his wonky hours all through the holiday...but he managed to try and be there.

Our New Years was rather quiet too. Tom had to head into work, but managed to hold off until after a midnight smooch!
A couple of new friends were able to come over and eat and try to survive a gaggle of giggley kids that I thought would be a good idea to feed more sugar and make their own sundaes. (sorry about that)
It was crazy, it was chaos, it was nice.

Good bye 2010. You were a roller coaster of a year.
But I am grateful the have my loved ones healthy and near.
My glass is always full.

...and to re-cap (1 of 2 parts)

2011-01-02T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am just going to do a fast forward on the last half of 2010. Mosty through pictures because I am lazy and as always short on time...and I think the pictures say more than I ever could.

When we were last left with the In A Fizz blog, I believe Eric was 9 months and we had just settled into our new house in Ohio.

Since then..

We enjoyed some summertime fun. The girls learned just what a Slip N Slide was...although it became an extreme sport as Tom rigged it just enough that they actually went in flight when they hit the small pool at the end!

We spent some time up at Tom's parent's farm. The girls and Tom camped out in a tent back in the fields, while Eric and I roughed it in the farm house.

We celebrated the first birthday of my sweet little hurricane. Which is an accurate description now that the little dude is mobile.

Halloween with my Halloweenies!
Ava "I'm a Leopard Kitty" Bennett

Bryn the "Peacock Princess".

My baby bull.

We also enjoyed our first real "fall" for a few years. While we were living in Florida, I missed all the colors and smells of a northern fall. Ohio did not disappoint.
Fall is Florida really isn't the same. They just call it January.

And next time, we'll continue with the holidays!!! I just can't sit here long enough to write the world's longest post.

Bring it 2011.

2011-01-01T20:19:00.000-08:00

1.11.11
What a cool day. Definately a day of starts.

Each year, I resolve not to make any resolutions...mainly because then I can't be too disappointed in 3 weeks when they are all broken...and the other is because I find my wishes have changed. I no longer want to "lose 5 pounds" or "eat more veggies". I really just want to be a better, happier person than the year before...that way I can do whatever it takes to get me to that place.

With that in mind, I find myself disappointed at my blogging last year. I started blogging as a way to capture what our family does everyday. So for my selfish self, I hope to update more.

I am working on updating the past 6 months or so because we celebrated our new life in Ohio, our son turning one and holidays with new friends...that will be coming very soon.

Until then, here's a picture of the New Year's aftermath in their handcrafted tiaras...which I think was probably one of the best ways to start the new year!

10 Holiday Survival Tips

2010-11-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

They say "tis the season to be jolly", so why does it feel like we are running around, everything BUT jolly trying to create the perfect holiday?
After a few years of hosting holiday events, juggling 3 kids, and trying to do it all- I have learned some tried and true ideas to keep your holiday merry and bright!

1- Get your cards ready to go ahead of time.
You can easily prepare your holiday card online and grab some great deals early in the season. Then you can get them ready to go, with addressed envelopes. Once you are ready to send them, the leg-work is done, all you have to do is find yourself a post office!

And really, browsing through some of the exclusive designs offered at Tinyprints, this holiday prep work is a lot of fun! I have ordered from Tinyprints before and know first hand how wonderful their items are.
Check TinyPrints holiday card selection.

2- Just say No!
It's easy to get caught up in all the events the holidays have to offer, but you don't have to say "yes" to everything that comes your way. You'll wear yourself and all your little elves out too. Instead, just say "no" and enjoy a quiet evening with hot cocoa and your family. Those are the memories you will remember.

3- Keep a list, check it twice!
Keep track of everyone's holiday wish list through out the year, and when it comes time to buy gifts, you'll have lots of ideas to choose from.

Check it twice by noting gifts you have already bought and it will keep you from overspending on too many gifts!

4- Make a budget and stick to it!
This means a budget for everything. A budget for gifts, holiday events, a baking supply budget, a grocery budget...and well, you get the idea.
If you plan ahead of time just how much you are willing to spend, both you and your wallet will be much happier at the end of it all.

5- Freeze it!
Double up on some of your favorite winter time meals and desserts, and freeze half of it. Then you will have the other half to use as a quick meal during a busy holiday-packed day or give to a neighbor as a holiday treat.

6- Wrap it up!
Wrap your gifts as you buy them. Then you won't be up until 3 am Christmas Eve wrapping (I'm just saying). Be sure to put name tags on the gifts as your wrap them, so you will remember which goes where (that is tip from experience).

7- Plan a pre-party day.
If you are hosting the big day, spend a couple hours a day or two before baking items that can be frozen, prepping sauces that can be refrigerated or one dish meals that can be heated in a casserole dish. You don't have to get up at 5 am to start your big event baking.

8- Find some time to yourself.
Whether it's a few minutes in a bookstore, or a quick run on the treadmill, a few minutes to yourself will make you feel much more energized and ready to take on the holidays...and we all know, a happy Mom, equals a happy family.

9- Shop onine.
That's a no brainer. Avoid some of the lines, the endless rides around the parking lot and the grumpy crowds by shopping online at your favorite retailers. Your holiday items will arrive right at your doorstep! We all love to get packages at our door and you can find some great online deals and free shipping if you do a little searching.

10- Do less.
Simplify...sometimes a little less will bring you more. Will anyone really notice if your return address labels don't match your holiday card? It's doubtful. Even if you buy some premade bows and don't spend a whole afternoon going all Martha Stewart on your wrapping, chances are, no one else will notice, and you may just save yourself a little stress worrying about such tiny details.

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If wishes were fishes...

2010-08-04T13:06:00.000-07:00

Today I watched my girls run around the yard chasing those fuzzy fluffy things from dandilions. (I think). We call them "Santa's beard". And the girls think that by catching them, they can make a wish, then release the fluff and it will magically make its way to Santa, so he learns what you are wishing for Christmas.
It makes me smile to watch them capture these little pieces of fuzz and then carefully cup it up to their mouth (you know, so the fluff can hear better) and whisper their secrets.
Then I got to thinking of all the crazy things we do for wishes. I am not superstitious, but I have many things I do in the name of wishes. I suppose you could call me "wishful".

Some of my favorites are: Wishing on Santa's Beards. Making a wish when you notice the double digits on a clock (like 12:12). Making a wish on a fallen eyelash. Making a wish when you eat a folded over chip or "wish chip". WIshing on a ladybug. The first star in the evening sky, and the first 50 robins of spring also get a wish too.

Yep, I have made thousands of wishes on these silly things and I don't really know if it works or not. But what cracks me up is that most of the wishes made were not for big, expensive items, nor lofty ideas, but rather a daily pleasure such as "No rain at the park" or "an early bedtime" and of course "to lose that last 5 pounds".

But I suppose that last 5 pounds will never lose its way from me if I am eating chips and such to make the wishes huh?

9 months

2010-07-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Remember the sweet, teeny, quiet baby boy I had a few months ago?

I don't.

He is no longer little, but still as sweet. Little E is growing like a weed. A super fast, super wiggley little weed.
And because I know that he will be my last baby, I enjoy every last moment of babyness I can squeeze out of him.

I was ever lucky enough to have my littlest sister Sam visit us for a week. I also let Sam have full reign of my camera, and the trade was well worth it. She managed to catch a few pictures of my boy (and with his Mom).

He loves kisses,

...and piggybacks

And he especially loves to watch his big sisters.

At 9 months, Eric is learning to crawl(rather fast). He makes a beeline for every outlet, exposed cord and boingy door stopper he sees. It's going to be a whole new ballgame with his little guy. He is fast, man. Fast.
He started to use sign language for "more" as he is totally food-motivated like his Mom.
He is also a nightmare to feed as he's constantly bouncing and trying to escape his high chair, so I often end up shoving a spoon in places that are not his mouth.

He seems to be following his sister's lead in the language department and has a lot to say. Most of it is incoherant bable, but I recognize "Hiiiiiii" and "Mumumumumum", which I can only infer that he really loves his Mom and I am, in fact, his favorite (although he won't attest to this just yet).

Eric is happy. Happy is Eric.
I am a blubbering mess at the thought of my baby boy turning 9 months...I have no idea how I will survive his first birthday.
Either way, to say I am blessed to be his Mom is a big understatment.

If Blogging were my fortune...

2010-07-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

I'd be totally broke.

I suck at keeping records of our days, which is why I was doing this in the first place. I'm so busy in the daily routines/survivals that I have had a hard time finding any time to update here.

Life with 3 kidlets is starting to get a little busy.

Now I write from here in Ohio...yes Ohio. We have moved from my beloved Florida and are settling into a new Mid-West sort of life. I could write about how I miss my beloved Y, my bunco nights or my awesome old neighbors that kept Tom busy and out of my hair. Or I could mention how we have met some cool new friends, some fun parks and the relief of living close to family again. Either way, I'll post a re-cap sometime soon.

We are in the middle of a nice not-Florida-summer. A summer of sleeping in, popsicles on the porch and watermelon covered chins. Summer means food to me. (although so does Spring, Fall and Winter)..but I loves me some summer eats. I strongly believe the freezer should be well stocked with frozen treats and fresh berries at all times in the summer.

It's almost a daily post-dinner ritual that we all march outside on the front porch and enjoy something messy. Usually a watermelon or popsicle or Drumstick...anything that would make me cringe to feed them inside.

And we do nothing fancy...no planned activity. Sometimes we just sit in the grass eating, slurping and enjoying.

This is probably one of my favorite parts of the day. The winding down of the kids, enjoying something sweet and of course knowing that bedtime is just around the corner.

Ava is 4! Make way for Disney!

2010-04-11T06:41:00.001-07:00

Poor Ava Flava. She's the middle child and already feeling the brunt on it.
She turned 4 on March 9th and I have yet to give her a birthday post.
It seems life has gotten the best of me and has flown by just as quickly as their birthdays seem to.
Because Tom has been living out of town, and we are getting ready to move, and I just couldn't get it together for a big party- we kept her birthday quiet.
There was cake of course, as I believe that every birthday needs a cake....and some cool presents too. We decided that Ava was big enough to enjoy a Nintendo like her big sister. (Before I had kids, I was the best parent ever! No one would watch tv before they were 5, there would be no icky video games at our house....then parenting happened.)
The Nintendo DS was the best idea ever! The two will race together for awhile...no fighting and all! In fact, I may go as far to say that there is actual cooperation going on too. They also discovered how to chat to each other. Which is kinda funny, as they draw pictures to each other while in the car beside each other, so I get the constant *ding* *ding* of each of their messages being received....wait, did I say the DS was a good idea?
Anyway, there was cake. 'Nuff said.

And Ava seemed to enjoy herself.
No, really that IS her happy face.

Anyway, we told the girls that instead of having parties at some overpriced venue with overcrowded things going on, we decided that we would take them to Disney World before we left our beloved Florida. (yeah, I know, overpriced and overcrowed, but much more fun for Tom and I!) Besides, when we would get the chance to go again for a quick day trip like this?

So we headed for Disney during the Spring Break with my visiting family.
(like how I incorporated 2 different stories into one post to help catch things up??)
The day was beautiful and despite it being the week before the most popular spring break, the lines and crowds were not too bad. That means no more than a 30 minute wait for a ride.

Of course, Cinderella was once again not home.

So there was alot of walking, meeting the locals and checking out things to play on.

Or lack thereof- This is how Ava made her way around the park for awhile.

Getting all festive at Disney!
Meet Princess Kitty and Cinderella Face!

Poor Lil'E just resisted as much as he could.

The day was a long one and both Bryn and Ava went on quite a few rides. This was a huge change from our visit the year before when we could barely get Ava to walk through Mickey's house!
She was brave enough to go on a couple coasters!
Bryn is like her Mom and went on everything her height would allow her to ride. Infact, she even joined me on my lifelong wish to go on Space Mountain! (which was under repairs when I went 20 years ago).
Lil E was a sport. He did some serious people watching and didn't breakdown until we were all ready to head home at the end of the day.

Everyone had a great day. Especially those girls that were found like this about 10 mins after getting into the car. Because that's how you can tell if its been a good time- the faster they fall asleep, the better the time!

Part 2 of our Spring Break coming soon!!!

Did I mention that I have a 6 year old?

2010-02-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

6 years ago today.
I became a Mom for the first time.
I don't have the words to even come close to how life altering and awesome it is.
6 years ago, I held this tiny (albeit) very loud little baby with more hair than anyone could wish for and just fell in love.
The funny thing about birthdays with me...is that it brings out all sorts of emotions. It reminds me of times that have past us by and reminds me to enjoy the moment of now.

Birthdays are bittersweet around here.
Bryn is a perfect example. I have loved every age with her. She was such a patient newborn, that helped me learn the ropes of becoming a Mom.

...and then she became a toddler. A rather easy going one most of the time (at least compared to her sister). Although probably one of the fastest kids around. I don't think we ever see her walk anywhere.

Bryn always = smiles.

One thing that has remained the same is the giggle on this girl. She has the same belly-giggle now that she had when she was 6 months old. Its such a carefree belly bellow that you can not help tobut to let loose a smile when you hear it. It's so contagious, that I believe it could solve world peace.
I hope she forever laughs this way through life...as I am sure I will forever hear that baby belly-giggle as she continues to grow into the lovely little lady she is today.

Happiest Happy 6th Birthday my lovely Bryn!

Happy Anna Howard Shaw Day!

2010-02-14T10:01:00.000-08:00

Or as most of us know it...
Happy Valentine's Day! (those that watch 30 Rock will appreciate the Anna Shaw sentiment- hardy har)

Firstly- I can not believe its already February.
I suck. Well, I suck at finding time to blog anyway. I will add some new pics soon.

Today we celebrate the ones we love. I thought it would be fun to share some things I love in honor of Valentine's day.

Green.
Kind people.
My daughters.
My son.
Laura Secord chocolate.
Twix.
Garlic and cheese bread.
Baby toes.
Baby smell.
Okay, anything baby...
Tom's hands.
Life Aquatic.
Cranberry Cosmos from Ruth's Chris.
A loud ipod on a silent morning run.
Bryn's giggle.
A lemony clean house.
Driving in my car with some loud tunes.
The first moments of silence after all the kids are in bed.
A silky smooth good har day.
The first Coke after I have tried not to drink any for a day.
Chic-Fil-A's chicken. Yum.
Chocolate Peppermint shakes.
Watching my daughters play ballerina.
Listening to Bryn read to the other kidlets.
Listening to a long forgotten song.
The Office.
The smell of fall.
Walking along the beach.
Tom's arms.
The protection that a Tom brings.
My Mom.
My sisters.
My brother.
Clinique's Raspberry lip balm.
A quiet afternoon nap with a warm baby.
Girl in the Pearl Earring.
Friday Family fun.
Pizza picnics.
Grocery shopping.
Coupons!
George Carlin.
Harrison Ford
Cinnimelts.
Picking up Ava from school.
Cadbury Easter Cream Eggs.
The peace of Christmas day.
Family Fun magazine.
Andie.
Funky diaper bags.
Wall-E.
I Melt with You.
White cheese queso dip.
Pounding the pavement.
Cookie dough.
Baking.
Rainbow cupcakes.
Selfless people.
Dry homor.
Ribbons.
Tom.
Vivaldi's Winter.
Little girl braids.
Tulips.
The Princess Bride.
Jenniflower.
Poutine.
Polite children.
Gummy smiles.
Dresses over pants.
Black tee and jeans.
Flip flops.
Macro pictures.
Boxers.
The feel of the warm sun.
Intense little Ava.
Chicken Alfredo.
Fountain Spout blue.

Just what I can think of today...I may continue this list as I go along. I seem to love a lot of things!

..after Santa has gone....

2009-12-30T04:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas 2009 has come and gone.
We are all still here, that's a good sign. Looking back, December is always such a crazy time around here, however this year I found it a more manageable (no that's not lack of sleep talking).
I thought I would be lost with a newborn, but instead I took things down a notch.
I didn't do as much baking.
I went with the easier photo Christmas card instead of handwriting each one.
I even slowed down on the big elaborate gifts. (less wrapping too).
And heaven forbid, I didn't get the kids all new matching Christmas outfits.

...and you know what? Christmas didn't suck. It was just as fun and even a little less chaotic than usual.
Strive for less? Maybe that'll be my new mantra.

Of course we had the usual Christmas school concerts-

and I got to go to a fun Christmas shindig with some friends in our tackiest Christmas sweaters. (no formal stuffy stuff here)

On Christmas Eve we left Santa his cookies (I hear chocolate chips are his favorite).
We even spread some food on the front lawn for the reindeer (you know, for extra Santa points).

We also managed to make our gingerbread house for 2009. (obviously Tom had to have a say in the engineering and decorating of this house).

Christmas morning was fun.
The girls were quick to realize that Christopher Pop-In-Kins must have given Santa a good report, as there was indeed no coal in anyone's stocking.
In fact, Bryn finally got the Nintendo DS she has been asking us for daily since about June. (and Santa gets all the credit on that one too).
Ava happily played with her Zhu Zhu pets. (which I was lucky enough to get before the insane ebay hoarders got them and sold them for meeeeellions). And lerved her brother (again).
Tom happily ate his beloved Honeybaked Ham and growled at anyone who tried to take more than one portion of their own. (next year I may just buy him his own separate ham and call that his gift).

Tom taught the girls how to use their new stomp rockets and how to play with dry ice. (remind me not to get any gifts that require dry ice for packing next year). Although I did sadistically enjoy watching Ava freak out at the dry ice smoke...for some strange reason she was terrified of it. Bryn of course, found it a great accessory to spread her Christmas cheer.

I enjoyed the simpler things this year- like my new sweet boy, sitting by the tree on a quiet night after the kids are in bed and some extra long, hot showers (which are now even more wonderful as time to myself is almost gone unless I am sleeping or I have locked myself in the bathroom).
Yes, another successful holiday at the Bennett household.

Christopher Pop-In-Kins

2009-12-10T05:14:00.000-08:00

If you are looking for a new Christmas tradition, I highly recommend this Elf thing.
I know the "Elf on a Shelf" has been very popular lately. I loved the idea, but just found the elf a little on the creepy side.
Then I discovered Christopher. Same theory, only adorable!

Tom and I have been having lots of fun by making up elaborate stories about this mysterious "Christopher" which I am sure will land my kids in therapy one day.
On Dec 1st, the Christopher Pop-in-kins book magically showed up at our doorstep.
We read the story about how Christopher Pop-in-kins wanted to come here to visit boys and girls, so Santa gave him the magic to do so, and he chose to come to our house to visit. BUT-

the catch is that he will report back to Santa on Dec 24th. Then we will wait to see whether we were all good enough for a visit from Santa. (clearly Christopher was not paying special attention to Tom and myself who may have very well hurt our chances of having Santa visit).

Anyway, the fun came every morning when we had to find a place to hide Christopher somewhere in the house. This became an event with Tom and myself...we loved finding hiding places for Christopher to sit and observe.
Somewhere high enough that the girls could not easily reach and touch him (very well figurely out that this whole live-elf thing is a sham). So we told them that if they touched Christopher, he would lose his magic and return home to the North Pole. (again- Oh! The deception!)

Tom and I had fun hiding the elf for the first week or so.
Then it just became tricky trying to find a new fun place to hide Christopher each night...or even worse, we forgot to move him.
Luckily, the girls came up with their own theory by saying that "maybe he just really likes that spot"...which was a good enough for me explanation and it seemed to appease my curious little minds.
Needless to say Christopher had quite a few spots that he "really liked" and stayed for a couple nights.

I loved their excitement each morning running around and looking for him. I can even say it was fun to hear them talk about where he was hiding, how he got up there and even talk to him.
The excitement also came with a 6am wake up call as the girls could not wait to find our little elf-friend every morning.

All is all, it was a fun start to a new tradition. I look forward to having Mr Christopher Pop-in-kins visit year after year and I highly recommend this adorable elf to everyone! (big and little kids)

I am also happy to report that we must have had a good review as Santa did indeed visit and as Ava said- "Look Mom- I didn't get any coal in my stocking- I must have been nice!"

The Little Big Man

2009-12-09T17:34:00.001-08:00

He is here. Finally.
Eric Thomas.

Son.
Little brother.
Sweetheart.
Grump.

It's been awhile since I have updated...partly because we've been so busy with life as a family of five. Partly because I am so tired, I can barely remember my name and when given the choice between blogging or sleeping, (anything vs sleeping for that matter), sleep always wins.
Always.

But he is here and although late, I am finally announcing it to the internets.

Eric Thomas arrived October 19th, 2009.
8 lbs 3 oz and 21.5 inches and perfect.
No really, perfect. I have never seen such a perfect little newborn head or face...including my girlies (they looked like they were Chinese).
Eric was so perfect that both Tom and I looked at each other and said- "Is that OUR child?"
I even doubted that I was his mother!

Eric has been the little boy I never know I wanted.
He doesn't really cry, but rather whimpers like a goat. (although I have hear him mad and his goat grumblings do get pretty loud).
He LOVES to eat...and sleep.
Well...sleep during the day anyway. The first few weeks were ROUGH. He would wake to eat every 2 hours and that was when I could hold him off. Definately a boob-man.
Despite his need to eat all the time or else his world would end, he was very mellow the first 6 weeks. I never had to swaddle him as he would just lay in his bassinette quietly...you know chill'axin.

Eric just takes it all in. Poor kid seems to know he doesn't really stand a chance with me as his Mom and his two big sisters, so he always seems to have this look on his face.

Seriously?
(also known as "whatyoutalkinboutWillis?" look)

Despite the ever-present furrow in his brow. Eric seems to fit in seamlessly.
And we all adore his adorableness.
The girls are smitten. I was worried about jealousy issues, but I seem to spend more time trying to keep them from "lerving" him just a little tooooo much. (especially with flu season here).

So there we have it.
Our new, wonderfully chaotic family of five.

(Sleep is for wusses anyway...)

She lotht a toof!

2009-10-01T05:34:00.000-07:00

Aaaack! Where does the time go? My first born just lost her first tooth!
Somehow it makes her look a couple years older, and in return makes me feel another ten years older.
I suspect any day now I will turn around and she will be nothing but elbows and knees and taller than me.

I don't know if its my 9.5 month pregnant hormones, but with every milestone, I feel small twinges in my heart as my babies just seem to be growing up and farther away from me.

...anyway, Bryn was mighty excited to have her lose toof fall out so easily while eating dinner. She eagerly put it under her pillow to await what the tooth fairy would bring her. And I spend the night going over why we can't see the tooth fairy, why she was so shy, what she may look like and what she does with all the teeth. (one of the benefits of having analytical children).

At about 4 am. Bryn came bounding into our bed to let us know that the toothfairy came and left her a dollar!!!!!!!
A whole dollar.
I have heard rumors of kids getting $10-$20 dollars, but we figured with the dollar value nowadays, and the fact that she thinks one dollar is a lot of money, that would suffice.

She gleefully added it to her piggy bank.

But this is the best part. The part where I truly see how she has grown up.
Later that day, we heard the ice cream truck go by and when she asked if she could get some ice cream, we told her that if she wanted to use her money to buy one that she could....but the kid declined by saying that she was saving her money for a Nintendo DS.

Saving.
My kid.
(or maybe not?)

I just smiled and told her that was a great choice.
If she had lost another tooth at that moment, you can rest assured that the proud tooth fairy would've brought her a Nintendo DS.

Ava's First Day of Preschool!

2009-09-09T09:43:00.000-07:00

Funny thing about that.
I have been awaiting her first day of preschool since she was a very little girl.
And now that today came, instead of booting her out my car door during pick up, I found myself a little choked up watching her walk into the school with a teacher.

And the thing that I both love and can't stand about Ava is she is absolute.
When she woke this morning, she told me she was going to school and was very excited.

And she was.

Thankfully, or else this morning would have been a disaster.
But she cheerfully jumped out of my car (and another step away from her little life here at home with me) into a bigger world.

A world that she is definately ready for. (although I am not).

When I picked her up, I asked her- "Ava, did you have a great day?"
She replied- "No Mommy, I had a VERY great day!!"

Man, I love that kid.

Soaking up the last few weeks of summer...

2009-08-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

although summer really goes on until about October here.

We (meaning Tom) decided it would be alot of fun to head to the beach to catch some of the forecasted large wave swells exepcted from Hurrican Bill.
So he ~~conned~~ talked the neighbors into coming with us and even managed to convince the neighbor to go on his suicide mission...I mean...body boarding.

We just went to the local beach about 20 minutes away (you know, in case we needed a hospital close by). We could tell just walking up to the beach that the waves were a good 10+ feet. The shore was dotted with quite a few suicidal surfers hoping to catch a good wave or two.

I choose to hang closer to the beach. Well, not really choose, but Ava still refuses to go anyewhere near anything that resembles an ocean. So we played in the sand. (which is really just teeny tiny shells that stick to everything!)

...and enjoyed some of the quaint local cottages.

...pretty much anything to keep my mind off of Tom and his suicide mission.

Yeah, that's Tom in there "riding the wave". He pretty much got smeared to the bottom of the ocean and has the bruises to prove it.

Although he didn't get it as bad as some of the other crazy-a$$ surfers.
The rip tide was insane!

The pull from the tide was so strong that I coule barely keep my balance while walking in ankle deep water.
And after loooong negociations with Ava, I finally convinced her to touch the water with her feet...and the poor thing was pulled into the water by rip tides.
I think I may have scarred her for life on that one.

While I love hanging at the beach, there seems to be so much work in going there. Luckily, Tom is a gentleman and always helps to carry a ladies things.

The only real bad part is that I am still finding sand in places there should not be sand.

Bryn's First Day of Kindergarten!!!

2009-08-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

I can not even believe that I am typing that.
My first born.
My lovey.
My sweet little girl...has gone to kindergarten.

I have been dreading this day for a very long time.
I know most normal people look forward to having their kids back in school for some quieter time...I can relate to that, but I was not ready to have her gone all day.
To have someone else pick her up on a bus and drive her to school.
To have someone else make sure she arrived to class safely.

Today was the longest day of my life.

And while I know Bryn is big enough to handle school on her own...it terrifies me that her little world just got ALOT bigger, and without me in it.

Daddy went into work late, so he could help us walk B to her bus stop!

Bryn and Ava decided the bus was too slow, so they had to sit down.
(I will not be quite so early the next time- ooops).

Upon picking her up, I got the biggest hug of my life and it was clear that it had been a very long day for her...in fact I bet she'll be sleeping by dinner. I think she enjoyed herself, but was just a little overwhelmed.

I am so incredibly proud of my little kindergartener.
I am also sure that I will be very thankful for each and every day off school that we have together.

Sea World

2009-08-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

We decided to make the most of Tom's week off and the girls' last week of summer...so we decided to head to Sea World (which is less than 2 hours away thankfully).

The weather was rainy and thundery and lighteningy all day, so we dashed from covered exhibit to dry place. And did our best to not get struck by that pesky Florida lightening.

We decided to start our day off with the Shamu show "Believe". I highly recommend it. I think it was the highlight of our day, and I was so glad we were able to enjoy it first.
We were at the back of the stadium, but it was so incredibly cool to watch these huge animals do their thing. I even got a little vaklempt.

Shamu!!

Doing some cool tricks. (or maybe getting ready for lunch...I couldn't tell) But that was one brave trainer!

....and wait for it....

SPLASH!
(and we were at the back- it was THAT big of a splash).

We also enjoyed a neat dolphin show.

Many things were closed due to the weather... Bryn was not so impressed with the rain. We weren't able to feed any sting rays or other animals in the water with the lightening.

But we managed to find a few things to do.

All in all a fun day. An expensive fun day.
If you go to SeaWorld...see the shows. I think its the shows that make it fun.
I do not recommend going to Sea World nearly 8 months pregnant though. I think I spent half the day finding bathrooms to use...but that's another story.

Happy Birthday Mr Bennett!

2009-08-16T07:02:00.001-07:00

It's true- my loverly turns...well...another year older
(*cough 39 cough*).
All that really matters is that he has 5 years on me, so it always makes me younger.
Much younger.
Anyway, this post is dedicated to the man I love. The one I am wild about when he's not driving my crazy.
I am a lucky wife.
Our kids are very lucky kids.

Happiest Birthday Mr Bennett!

I love this picture because you see Bryn is blurry from her constant state of motion and just no matter how hard I try, I cannot take the country out of that boy!
(not many people can pull off the white tank and camo cap WHILE being sober!)

Summer Lovin' Part 2

2009-08-15T20:11:00.000-07:00

I think I am slowly adapting to the Florida heat. The 100% humidity and degrees used to make me melt when I would go from the front door to my car.
Now, even 90 degrees, doesn't seem so bad...and I pull out the parka if it drops below 70.

I find this summer hasn't been too bad. But I am thinking it may have something to do with the fact that I need to be almost fully submersed in water or in air conditioning in order to prevent from melting into a big ol messy puddle.

So- to continue my "summer story", I have more pictures of what we've been up to.

1- We all enjoyed our July 4th weekend- complete with a parade and lots of fireworks.

Even Ava managed to not scream through the fireworks this year when her Daddy managed to find some "protective ear gear".

2- We also spent a fun afternoon at MOSH (Museum of Science and History- but MOSH sounds much more fun!).
The girls were dying to see the dinosaur exhibit. But when we got there, they were terrified to go anywhere near them. Of course I relished this, and did my best to get them to pose as close as possible to the dinosaurs.

3- And just for fun, some randomness.

Okay. I think that unofficially catches me up to date in the blogging world.
We are enjoying our final week of summer vacation, as Bryn will start kindergarten in one week! (ack!!) And Ava will be startign preschool (woohoo!!)
Off to enjoy our last few days...

Summer Lovin'

2009-08-12T11:41:00.001-07:00

So, instead of writing blog after blog about what we've been up to the past couple months...I am taking the lazy way out and using pictures.

But basically its very similar.
Every week we go to the gym in the morning, go to the pool, do errands, some playing outside and some Chic-Fil-A.
Sometimes we mix it up with Chuck E Cheese or the beach or a movie. Its been a quieter summer and I am happy to be a little more care free in my delicate condition.
All the while, not much changes except for my super expanding belly and lack of breathe.

1- We go to the pool....alot. As long as I am up to my neck in cool water the 200% humidity doesn't seem so bad.
But the girls prefer a little more action...especially the "Amazing Flying Bryn".

2- We like bubbles.

3- We also love watermelons.

4- We especially love riding bikes and things.

Ava called this "Bite Riding" (funny girl)

5- And sometimes we just like some quieter times.

I thought for sure I could add more pictures from the summer, but I was wrong. Summer lovin' Part 2 will have to come next time....my big ol pregnant self is tired.

bring on the blue!

2009-06-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Yep...its true. I saw it with my own eyes. After our ultrasound yesterday, we have learned that we will finally have a boy in the family.

There is no doubt about it. It is most definately a boy. I saw the parts (or else its a girl who is going to have some major issues).

*insert shock and awe here*

I find myself dumbfounded. I have been in "pink" mode so long, that a boy seems like such a foreign thing to me.
How do I not get peed on? How do you cut a boys hair? Will it be okay if he plays with Barbies?
I am good with girls, being one myself, but I feel clueless as to how to raise a boy.
I'm told once I master the private parts that the learning curve is pretty easy...

I certainly hope so for his sake.

Let it begin!

2009-05-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

Summer is officially here.
Now that school is out...I have enjoyed just over a week of having both girls home everyday and I am already starting to count the days until "back to school". (well, not really, but you get what I mean).

We've been enjoying the weather before it becomes intolerable. Now is the time to enjoy the parks or any outdoor activity because in July, once it hits 9am, the slides and about everything on the playground becomes so hot that one just cannot slide down, sit on or climb, without having the hot plastic sear you.
No, once July hits, we all melt away by 10am.

...so we have found a local playground that is different and even has some large awnings overtop of it, so we can catch a bit of shade.
The girls call it the "Rope Park" because they have this Eiffel looking rope tower for the kids to climb.

Once again, I find it very interesting to watch the girls play.
Bryn is very active...she climbs, runs, sings and just does not stop. She will actively look for the highest, most dangerous piece of equipment to climb and proceed to give me a heart attack as I watch her praying she doesn't plummit to her death or what looks like a big enough fall to break a bone.

Ava on the otherhand, sorta wanders.
She observes... alot and cautiously climbs some things. It almost looks like playing on the climbers is a chore for her and she'd rather be in the air conditioned house reading her trashy magazines and eating bon-bons...oh wait, that's me.

Behold- Ava's playface. (which also happens to be the same one as her grumpy face and her happy face).

Either way, it makes them hot and tired and we all know a good kid is a tired kid!

She's all Edumacated!

2009-05-20T20:04:00.001-07:00

Well...at least she's off to a great start!
Bryn graduated from pre-school yesterday. I dropped her off as a preschooler and picked her up as a soon-to-be kindergartener....and I swear the kid grew 2 inches in the one hour we were there.
The fun thing was that they held a real ceremony for the kids (or their parents). They had a processional and little caps and gowns too! Yeah, I know, it's just preschool, but it was a fun way to mark the occasion, especially since Bryn will be attending a new school in the fall.

Of course, due to my condition I was more than my usual hormonal mess. As soon as I saw Bryn in her little cap and gown, I was all teary. It's almost like we fast forwarded 12 years and I was watching her graduate from high school. Just more step away from us and one more to a bigger world for her.
Bittersweet.

The ceremony was lovely. The kids even sang "God Bless America"...which was a nice touch.
Bryn and her friends enjoyed every minute of it. (and we enjoyed watching her)

Words can not express how proud of my little Brynnie I am.

And Ava too. (although I can not be sure whether she was proud of Bryn or if she was just going in for the diploma).

Bryn's joke

2009-05-06T13:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, if I were doing this blogging as a job, I would've been fired awhile ago. Yep, fired without any leave for sure.
I just realized its been weeks since I have added anything! I will post pictures soon, we've just been so darned busy lately.

But for today I will share Bryn's favorite joke with the internets.

"What do you call a snail on a boat?"
- A snailor!

(bwahaha! I thought it was pretty cute and she even managed to keep the punchline straight which is something I can never do).

Alligator Farm - Take 2

2009-04-18T20:01:00.001-07:00

We decided to go and enjoy the Alligator farm one more time until the horrible humid and hot days come our way. It's very similar to the feeling I would get up north when I knew cold weather was upon us and I needed to get the girls outside as much as possible to enjoy the weather before we were cooped up inside from blizzards and snow and all things freezing.
Yeah, its kinda like that except we know the hot days are coming. The days of any hope of wearing your hair in anything but uptight in a ponytail are almost gone.
(yeah, thanks humidity)

Anyway, on this particularily beautiful day we went to visit our favorites at the Gator Farm...to me that's the bird sanctuary.
I am still in total awe of the beautiful warm weather birds. They are big, beautiful and so graceful. I could watch them all day.
So we made our way through the trees dotted with hundreds of big white birds.

...and I think this stork was eyeing up the girlies to eat them for lunch.

Of course we saw all the usual suspects- the cranes,

The herons,

...and some not so usual suspects.
I like to call these guys the platypus birds.

I also had a strange ncounter with a beast of a bird. It was huge! I mean ostrich big! But he had the most beautiful colors.
...and I think he was trying to perform some jedi mind tricks through his fence.

And although we see storks, cranes, herons and egrets all the time in the ponds here by our house, I was totally amazed to catch a glimpse of some baby egrets! Awwww!

...and that was when my camera battery dieed.
Crap.
Of course it was on the one day the toothless crocodile was smiling wide, the kimodo dragon came right up to say hi and Maximo, the biggest alliagator ever was in the water observation tank which (never happens).
Yeah.
I missed it all.
So you'll have to take my word for it whenI say that we had all sorts of fun!

Snakeskin

2009-04-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

Literally. Snakeskin.
The girls found it mighty cool that they found this incredibly long and totally in tact snake skin...it was taller than 44" Bryn!

But all that means to me is that there is an even bigger snake slithering around waaaaay to close to our yard. Ewwww!

I know my blogs have been lagging a bit, so I will be updating soon. It seems every ounce of energy I even think about has been sucked up by the growing baby bump...
But we are in fact still alive and well.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

2009-04-12T12:48:00.000-07:00

Hopping Down the Bunny trail!

Ava obviously was not "down" with her sister's Easter basket tomfoolery...

I found it very interesting to watch the girls look for eggs this year, as their distinct personalities shone through in their search methods.

Bryn ran from egg to egg...she collected as many possible!

Ava, on the other hand, walked around almost methodically. She would open each egg on the spot to decide whether it was worthy of putting into her basket.

After the girls decided they found all the eggs (and ate quite a bit of sugary goodness), we played outside with some new spring toys.
Once again, good ol Daddy was there to play.

I even managed to capture him playing with the purdy ribbon streamers. All I can say is it takes a strong man to be comfortable to play with pretty ribbons.

Yes, I lerve that man.

A beautiful fun-fulled day.
Let the sugar comas begin...

cauch

2009-04-07T20:03:00.001-07:00

This is what Avie calls "chalk"....she says "cauch"...makes me smile everytime. I dunno, it sounds like a taboo word or something to me.

Spring is well underway down here, so chalk, skipping ropes and bubbles are in full bloom.
The girls really love to color on the driveway with Tom. This is good because Tom is good at drawing and they always come up with some interesting pictures...although I really do have to monitor him to keep his pictures G-rated.
Me, on the other hand, can barely draw a stick figure. It's so bad that Ava has infact denied my attempts at drawing lions and elephants. She even asked for Bryn's help as Bryn draws better than I.

Here they are drawring with their Dad. (you tell me who's having more fun).

I am sure there will be about a billion more chalk pictures as it seems to be something we do on a regular basis.

Good Morning surprises!

2009-04-03T07:39:00.000-07:00

Bryn, my early bird, wakes much earlier than the rest of us or even earlier than the normal population. Luckily, she's at the age where she can quietly entertain herself without getting into too much trouble. (although I have had to hide the scotch).
But lately, I have been waking to some strange sights.
Usually, I will wake up with a new picture by Bryn next to my head on the pillow:

My absolute new favorite, is waking to Lulu the Wondercat all dolled up with no place to go! I managed to catch her one morning after Bryn had done her best to give Lulu the Wondercat a new look.

All I can say is seriously, Lulu, you need to talk to your stylist, because that's just a little too formal for a Saturday morning! (but you look FABULOUS anyway).

Rain rain go away...

2009-04-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

...and only come back between 2 and 4 am when we are all sleeping!
(oh? you don't know that version?)

We've been rained on the past couple days. Not just dreary ol rain, but Florida torrential downpours.
Now because I can not stand to spend a whole 24 hours in the house, I patiently waited for the opportunity to go outside between downpours as we had been in the house almost 2 whole hours...straight.

I went into my rainy day stash o' stuff and pulled out some new markers.
But not your regular ol' markers...oh no-
Super cool window markers!

I bought these in a pregnancy stooper thinking they'd be fun and we'd all have a ball coloring on the windows...but that's where my reason and logic stopped.

It dawned on me as they stared at me with wide eyes when I gave them permission to color on the windows, that maybe this would not be the brightest idea in the world.
Maybe I was teaching them that it was okay to color on windows.
(Although it's not okay to color on the walls, as we do not live in a barn and that would be ridiculous, but windows- windows were fair game!!)

Fortunately for me, the girlies are old enough to understand that these markers were the ONLY ones we could use and we ONLY colored on the windows...so we avoided a whole 'nother mess.

It ended up being the fun that I had originally intended (although there was a little part of me that felt like a dirty little graffiti artist coloring on my own windows!)

The problem was in the "washable" marker part of it all.
These markers initallly wash off all easy-peasy with some windex and papertowels, but there is now a constant cloudy film on the windows.
After about 4 separate attempts to wipe the windows, they are almost transparant again.

Anyway, that killed about 10 minutes...actually it was close to an hour when the calculate the cleaning and re-cleaning time-

when I noticed that the rain had let up!
YAY!!! Freedom!
I told the girlies to get their rainboots and umbrellas!
Then off we went for a "rain walk".

Yep....its one of my favorite things to do (next to eating Cadbury cream eggs and watching Lulu the wondercat get all dressed up by Bryn).
A very wise friend of mine (and former boss at the Montessori school I worked) once told me that-
"There is no such thing as bad weather- just poor preparation"
But I love that quote! It's so true!
The rain is much more fun when you are prepared for it. (although I am not too sure you could apply the same quote to a typhoon or a tornado).

Anyway, we headed out. Girls in their rain gear and me with my not-so-waterproof camera to catch it all.

We spent an hour walking around our neighborhood looking for puddles and small ponds to splash in and get a little wet. Okay, alot wet, but at least we made it home before the next monsoon hit (because I surely was not prepared for that).

All in all, a rainy, but fun day!

Or life's a pool.

2009-03-30T13:02:00.001-07:00

We also managed to kick off our swim season while my family was visiting.
I use the term "swim" loosely as it was just the kids and Tom (the biggest kid) who went into the pool....and the "swimming" was kinda weak as the frigid pool water seemed to freeze everyone's muscles stiff, making it near impossible to move. But I suppose some consider that fun!

Makenzie was kind enough to volunteer as a back up towel for her Brynnie.

Yeah, the nutballs even went under water too!
Makenzie and Sam doing their best to not freeze to death (and all while wearing a smile too!)

Poor Brynner trying to keep warm after getting out of the pool. Although it was a tad windy, I think anything out of the water was an improvement.

I prefer to sit on the dry sidelines and document of everyone's cold blueness.
Swim season for me does not begin until the pool water is like a bath.
I almost consider myself a weather wuss now as 60 degrees means time to pull the sweaters out!

Life's a Beach!

2009-03-28T13:07:00.000-07:00

Since we had my family visiting from the north and it was a balmy 60 degrees here...I kid...it was actually pretty nice and I think anything over 60 was considered balmy by my northern folks.
We decided to take our company to the beach, as thats about all there is around here.
So in spirit, we did all things beachy-
there was some frisbee,

(yep, I'd love to say my wee sis inherited my legs, but alas, I can not.
She is not yet 16 and already towers over me.
Where or where was the gene fairy when I was born, huh?)

And my only cool dude brother (man he needs a tan and a cheeseburger, but don't let that fool you, he eats like an elephant)

Of course, my girlies couldn't get involved with any beach activities that didn't require getting sand in all sorts of cracks and crevices.

And sand angels seemed like such a fun idea at the time...unless you are the person responsible for the removal of sandy cracks and sandy laundry...arg.
(I am still finding sand in places where is should not be)!

Although I did partake in a bit of sandy fun. I absoltely lerve the feeling of soft sand between my toes.

Apparently this time of year is known for jellyfish being washed up on the shore. We stumbled across quite a few of them, which was pretty cool (and kinda gross at the same time). These jellyfish had their danglies all chewed off or as Bryn called them "really dead".

Then we ran across a few of these. Pretty much gave me just a WTF? reaction. It appeared to be some sort of man eating sea slug with a big ol mouth at the end that would open up if you poked at it. And although I was totally grossed out by this, I just could not resist poking at them to watch the slugginess of it all.
All I know is that if these came in from the water, I won't be going in anytime soon. *insert the heebie jeebies here*

Of course I took about a thousand pictures of the girls. They like very different things at the beach.
Bryn loves to play in the water.
No matter the tempurature.
She frolicks and swims around like a lovely little mermaid...albeit a slightly bluish, cold looking one.

...and then there is our Avie.
Avie prefers, nay, will only tolerate the sand. She can not be within feet of wet sand or the water or else she sounds her howlering monkey alarm-
"I DOOOOOON'T LIIIIIKE THE BEEEEEEACH!"
No, Ava just plays somewhat quietly making sand castles, digging holes and staying as far as possible away from teh water.

Me? I love both. Although I stayed on the beach most of the time because I wasn't sporting my swimsuit. It's too small or I am getting too big.
And I refuse to buy a maternity one (again that pesky denial).
Well, that and the fact that the water was freeeeezing!

in between days

2009-03-27T12:02:00.000-07:00

I just survived a week with my family. Think 5 extra people in one big room. So I will have lots of photos to share...soon.
For now, I am decompressing the next day or two before picking up the pace again.

As for me, I find myself in that "in between" stage of pregnancy...you know the one where no one can really tell you're all knocked up, and you just look like you ate waaaaay too much ice cream.
I suppose I should think it grand that no one can tell my condition yet, but then again, if I always looked this "fluffy", then I need to be hitting the gym a little harder.

I have been in complete denial and continue to stuff myself into my regular pants while using the old elastic trick (or the Bella band which is my new best friend and something I will pull out every Thanksgiving meal). But, I think it may soon be time to go find me some of those uber-uncool, but oh-so stretchy maternity pants...then I'll show you what ice cream fluffiness looks like.

jellybean

2009-03-16T20:27:00.000-07:00

I used to say you don't know tired until you were pregnant...but I think I will change that to, you don't know tired until you're pregnant with young children to chase around.
Yep.
That bridge was crossed.
Bennett spawn #3 is scheduled to be here October 2009. I have seen it with my own two eyes.
*insert some shock and awe here*

It's still early (about 2 months), but we have seen a heartbeat and some sort of jellybean looking formation growing in ma belly.

Pregnancy number 3...bring it on!

Easy Bake, my a$$!!

2009-03-11T08:49:00.000-07:00

So, Bryn and I tried out her new Easy Bake oven! I was so excited to try it out as I had one when I was a kid and I loved it.
Yes, I loved it even enough to marry it!(obviously, I am totally living vicariously through my kids).
Anyway, Bryn decided she wanted to make the donuts. We had the little donut mix set which we nearly had to refinance our house for as those little refill kits are expensive.
We carefully added the couple drops of water required to make the mix.
Bryn carefully mixed her wee dollop of mix (I still wasnt too sure how we were going to get 2 whole donuts out of this mix). But, we managed and all it took was 30 mins to make, bake and cool each donut (which seems cruel to make a kid and her hungry Mom wait that long).
So, do the math- that was almost an hour for 2 donuts!!!

Even though we pretty much had to use a rather unorthodox method to eat our donuts (have you ever used a spoon?), it still tasted pretty good. Bring on the cake next!!

Note: If you want to use your Easy Bake oven, my best advice is to follow the directions and use the 100W light bulb...anything less, just won't cut it.
I'm just saying...

3 years ago today...

2009-03-09T11:54:00.000-07:00

..we welcomed our second daughter Miss Ava Laine.
Little did I know that such a quiet little newborn would turn into such a larger than life little girl.
Luckily, Ava is funny and knows how to use her humor. I am thankful for the laughter she brings into my life.
However, I will never admit this (even under torture), her stubborn streak and blood curdling tantrums have given me more patience than anyone could ever hope to give me (well... patience and lots of gray hair).
And although I think she has taken about 5 years off my life, Ava definately makes my world a wonderful place to be. (thank you Avie)

We love you Ava Mava Bo Bava!

Doodle Doos!

2009-03-03T05:15:00.000-08:00

Sunday marked the day that Bryn has been counting down for about 64 days (give or take a few hours)...
It was her official birthday party- "with friends".
We invited some friends to join us at a local kids salon for some pampering...and cupcakes of course.
The whole thing went off without a hitch.
9 little girlies patiently waited their turns to get their nails and hair done and played a few games along the way. The best part, was that I let go of my controlling party planning tendencies and actually enjoyed the afternoon with someone else in charge (well once I saw that that the party table was appropriately coordinated).

Out of all the girls there, it was wee Ava that seemed to enjoy the pampering the most. This surprised me as I can barely get a brush through that girls hair without her screaming like a howler monkey!
But she had a great time and carried on with all of the older girls like she was 5 years old!! (which reminds me that she will in fact be 3 next week - ack!)

It was all rainbows, butterflies and cupcakes until the pinata was brought out.
Then there was some FIERCE pinata whacking...especially once the girls found there was actually candy hidden inside!

(note to self- do NOT allow Ava to carry a baseball bat by herself, even if its plastic)!!

The whole party went off much better than I hoped...and just the fact that I was able to walk out the door without any mess to clean up made it worth every penny.
Thank heaven Bryn's birthday week is over.
Next...Ava turns 3.

mud runners

2009-03-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Saturday was a particularily fun morning as the girls and I went to watch my fellow Y ladies run the Jax Mud Run. It was 6 miles of mud and obstacles...it looked brutally dirty, painful and yet lots of fun!
I thought we'd go allong to take some pictures of our friends- Team "Dirty Muthas" and Team "Grimy Girls".

Of course Ava (her bestest friend, Ashlyn) and Bryn managed to get probably as muddy as the runners while they played in the dirt around the course...I am still finding dirt in places on Ava where it should not be!

I am soooo there next year!!

Blowin' bubbles

2009-02-27T12:50:00.000-08:00

A beautiful day + a bouncey little girl + bubbles = some great pictures...

...until my cover while taking pictures was blown...

Ahhhhh...gotta love the "Ava face".

5 Years

2009-02-25T08:32:00.000-08:00

I am sure I will say this every year of every birthday, but I can not believe my first born is now 5!!!
It was 5 years ago today that our lives were forever changed.
5 years ago, they placed this tiny pissed off baby on me and introduced me to my daughter, and probably the coolest person I know.
5 years ago that I started to let my heart walk around with this little girl.

Happy Birthday B-Girl!!!
(you make our hearts so happy)

O.M. Flyer

2009-02-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

My Old Man on his Flyer.
Tom was a brilliant BMX dude waaaaay back in the day. In his skinny little teenaged frame with longer and prettier hair than mine.
Once and awhile he pulls out his OM Flyer (which very apptly stands for Old Man) and does some tricks for the girls.
Secretly, I love to watch him. I kind of feel like a groupie as I get all butterfly-like when I watch him pop a few wheelies (yeah, I know, I never said I wasn't easy).
I don't think he realizes just how cool he looks.
I mean yeah, I am the first to acknowledge he probably can't get away saying he's 25 anymore, but I haven't seen too many middle aged Dads doing cool tricks on their bikes.

Now the down-side of this is that the girls are taking in every trick and turn he does...and Bryn "I-Don't-Believe-In-Gravity" Bennett feels the need to try and keep up with her seasoned Dad.
I watch her trying to stand on her bike while going up the curbs and even letting go of a hand...and although I am quick to scream out- "Use two hands please!" There is a part of me that is glad she seems to have inherited Dad's mad BMX skillz.

(and it makes me realize that maybe this man needs a boy to call son).

I don't like to talk about my flair.

2009-02-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

If you are on facebook, you may or may not know about the Flair!
Flair refers to virtual buttons that have silly quotes or pictures. You just add the ones you like to your own cork board (virtual of course) and you can make flair to give as gifts to friends.
Flair has become my new full-time obsession...in between breathing and making Miis.
I have ~~wasted~~ spent many hours making and adding all sorts of new flair.
So, in honor of Friday, I shall introduce some Flair into your lives. These are some of my favorite "Flairs". The sunshine is especially special as it was made by Bryn.

See? Yet another way to waste hours of valuable time.
Your welcome!

Wii got game.

2009-02-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

Some call it Wii.
Some call it fun.
Some call it widow maker.

We introduced the Wii into our house over the holidays. Slowly, one by one, it has quietly sucked each of us into its hypnotic gaming powers.

Tom was first to go. I am left a Wii widow, as he spends alot of his time with his beloved "Wii". And its cleverly disguised as "family time" as both of the girls have fun playing too.
This is no surprise with his nack for throwing himself wholeheartedly into anything he does. I think the PC term is "enthusiastic"!
Tom probably spends more time doing things to enhance our Wii than actually playing.
Did you know you can actually talk through the Miis?
Or how about you can buy cables to get your Wii in HD? (no, seriously)
If there is anything for him to fix or fiddle or modify, its done.

Next to be devoured by the Wii's power was Bryn.
How she fell hard and fast.
Bryn has the uncanny ability to pick up any game after playing with it a few minutes. She is so impressive, that I actually have to try my best to avoid a mercy winning by her. (She has stellar balance on Wii Fit and one heck of a bowling arm!)

See the picture? Apparently she is "running". The clever cookie realized she didn't need to run to go anywhere...all she had to do was shake the wii-mote to get the same points. Although I know technically its being lazy, I prefer to think of it as "energy efficient".

Yes, Bryn started playing the Wii and I haven't seen her since.

Even Miss Avie has taken a liking to the Wii. Although its nothing short of torture to sit beside her while she tries to control her Wii-mote to get a game started, there are a few games she can play...namely the Running.
Ava will run like a mad woman, which is great for me, as my whole purpose in life right now it to see how tired I can make these kids so they will fall asleep! It also acts as a great short-term babysitter, so I can catch up on my blogging or bon-bon eating.

Lastly, with much resistance, I have given into the Wii's gaming powers.
I wish I could say I spend hours playing the Fit games and the exercise programs...but alas- I can not.
Nay, it's the creating of Miis that has been hooked.
I just can not stop.
I love to see what famous Miis are marching about in my Mii Plaza and how to make our family Miis look more and more like us.
It's a sickness really. I think I may have to start a support group for other Mii addicts, because I know you are out there!

more nubbins

2009-02-13T20:15:00.000-08:00

Crap. I just realized how long its been since I have posted. I have just been that caught up in daily life.

Miss Ava has been sick. She has a nasty, nasty cough and cold. Fortunately, Tom has been home a few extra days this week to hang out with her so I may get some errands and all those other "mom" things done...without kids.
Ironically, I think Avie has been in a better mood with her cold. This was needed as I was beginning to think all she was capable of was grump and grumpier.

We have also enjoyed some nicer weather this week. Its been into the 80s a couple days, so of course the girlies and I spent alot of time outdoors, as I can not spend a whole day inside the house or I would die.

They also thought it was appropriate to wear their fairy gear outdoors... I can not think of anyone else who could pull off that look better than Bryn and Ava.

This is what winter in Florida looks like...not white with snow, but brown.

"I'm not sleepy Mom"

2009-02-03T18:25:00.000-08:00

Bryn has a sleeping problem. She falls asleep almost randomly...not quite narcoleptic, but pretty close. I think its because when she's awake, she is a force of nature, so naturally she wears herself out.
She has done this since she was born.
Luckily I have evidence of this as I have been documenting her funny sleep positions for years now.

She fell asleep in this bouncer everytime...and spent many evenings there. Everytime I look at this I think "ouch my neck".

Bryn fell asleep in the middle of a photo shoot (3 months).

Bryn actually fell asleep at the table with her mouth firmly planted on the edge of the table. I am sure this photo will be worth money one day.

Probably my favorite...our sleeping fairy princess or whatever her official title was that Halloween.

Terrible Two and a Halves

2009-02-02T13:42:00.000-08:00

Ava continues to test my buttons...and she does it with a smile!
I think we have hit the terrible twos late...she will be 3 in a month and she has just started to dig her heels in even further than usual. Which means Mommy is going to have to take up drinking as a sport just to keep sane! I am dreading what "3" will bring us...hopefully some sort of end to this exhausting phase.
It's a good thing the kid is cute, or else I'd have to ebay her...nay...not ebay as that would have too many fees, no, I'd Craigslist her instead. (no worries, to a good home only, with lots of fenced yard to roam)

This weekend we spent a lot of time at the "swamp" beside our house. It's not really a swamp, more like a gutter, but that's what the girls call it, so I just go along.
They would spend hours there if I let them...just roaming, hiding in the trees and looking for pet sticks.

Ava is actually happy in these pictures, despite the ever-present "bull-dog" look that Miss Ava has permantently fixed on her face.

We did enjoy a funny conversation yesterday.
Ava asked me whether or not I was a "Good-morning person".
I decidedly told her "Not really".
She then told me that she was a "Nighty-night owl" too.

For all the bi!ching I do, I certainly love this little person.

(also as a side note: Miss Bryn is doing well. I saw her a few days ago playing Wii and haven't seen her much since...yes, my other daughter, "The Gamer")

it sleeps...

2009-01-29T10:25:00.001-08:00

This is a rare moment. Ava sleeping and I caught it on camera.
It is nearly impossible to catch her sleeping. She is such a light sleeper that she wakes up even before I have her door opened a crack!
Well, this evening I got lucky as Miss "I-No-Need-No-Nap" Ava tuckered herself out and passed out in the living room!
So I immediately run for my camera and managed to capture a moment of quiet and peaceful Ava. (you may not be able to recognize her from her spirited awake self).

Little Sleeping Beauty

nubbins

2009-01-28T20:49:00.000-08:00

Just some nubbins...I am all over the map today. Probably from lack of sleep.
I can not sleep while Tom is away.
I hear every noise. Every sound. Every non-noise.
Needless to say, Mama is tired.
Anyway...while doing my best to lay around and do nothing...Bryn was doing her best at nothing too.
No good story here, she is just lovely. I adore this incredibly sweet and silly little girl.

I also had an interesting conversation with Ava.
Ava exclaims- "Mom! Come see! There's something in the frig!"
Half terrified that it was a dead lizard or worse, I reluctantly follow Ava to the frig.
Upon opening the door, I find this-

With this explanation- "Mom, Lila (the penguin) likes to sleep in the cold. She needs a cold bed."
She even managed to rearrange the milk and heavier door items to make room for Lila.
I spent the rest of the day fishing various animals out of my frig. A tiger, a sea turtle and a dinosaur...

I can not wait to see what's in the freezer tomorrow.

duck, duck, duck, girls!

2009-01-26T13:15:00.000-08:00

Another weekend has come and gone. We have been enjoying lazier weekends. A nice break from the daily hustle and bustle of our lives.
This weekend was particularily nice as Tom was home with us all weekend and even chose to hang with us...even without his Crackberry. (which is nice as that mofo is always going off).

We hung out the the playground.

And did some bike riding...
(this picture is note worthy as Ava just could not get a handle on how to pedal a bike. But she woke up Saturday and decided that "today was the day"...and now she manages pedal and actually move forward).

Can you see the utter concentration?

We noticed some ducks were looking for lunch...so we helped them out.
We shared some bread (Ava...notsomuch...as she just ate her bread).

Yeah, they run like girls...

Yep...just another chronicle in the story that is my life...its not a big page turner, but it may give you a few laughs and put you sleep.

Denial - it ain't just a river in Egypt

2009-01-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

I have been meaning to post this for awhile to setttle an on-going debate betwix Tom and myself (the latter being right of course). It goes like this:

Ava looks like Tom.
There is no way she will ever be mistaken for anyone other than her father's daughter.
I think we could even argue whether or not I am her mother as she definately has strong Bennett traits.
Tom really truly thinks she does not look like him.
No really.
Maybe it's because she's so cute? Whatever the reason, he refuses to acknowledge that he got his good looks from Ava.

So, while looking at some older pictures, I came across this photo of Ava at 9 weeks that I affectionately refer to as- "Mini Tom".

And just to be fair, here is a recent picture of ~~Mini Tom~~ Ava.

And for reference- Big Tom

I think we can all agree that if we stuck a bow on Tom's head, we'd all have to start calling him "Big Ava".

Can you see the resemblence?
Yeah, I thought so.
Point for Jill.

january blah blah blah

2009-01-19T12:26:00.000-08:00

Still here!
I have been busy with nothing in particular, but it seems to be taking up all of my time!
Mostly, I have been just trying to get through the day with Ava. Ava is almost 3 turning 16.
An eeeeevil 16.
Ava has hit a *phase*.
A phase of constant screaming, crying and kicking about everything. I know its going to be a particularily bad day when she tells me her toothpaste is too toothpastey for her. Crap. It's like a Friday the 13th, on a Monday. Yeah. Ava can be *that* difficult.
Now, I see how one could be driven to drink before 10 a.m. Maybe I should start filling my water bottles with something other than water.
For me, I seek solace in my beloved Cola or chocolate. Needless to say, I have been enjoyed quite a bit of both these days...and my butt is not thankful for that.

So, since I can not take Ava anywhere in public for too long nowadays, we enjoyed a quieter weekend close to home...you know, where we can do lots of tutu wearing activities.

Bryn has also mastered the art of the two wheeler bike sans training wheels! Weee! (of course she's a speed demon- which just adds to my anxiety as I watch her wobble by on her bike at even faster speeds than she normally moves. Speeds that would require a trip to the emergency room of she decides to fall off her bike).
I am still proud of her bike riding abilities. Just another milestone closer to leaving the nest.

I really shouldn't be allowed to blog when I have nothing of interest to say, so my apologies.
It's January. Blah.

muffin top

2009-01-12T18:46:00.000-08:00

Yeah, after the holidays, I am in great need of hitting the gym to shed some of the cookie weight I have been carrying around (which oddly is a workout in itself).
Ironically, it seems the Gods are against me as I have buggered up "that" knee once more and can not run or workout like a normal person (well, normal for me anyway).

Grrrr to my freakin' knee.
Thank heaven for ice and anti-inflammatories!

The pictures are from one of my all-time favorite sites-
I Can Has Cheezburger
Be careful! I have spent many countless hours touring the pictures!

ava mava bo bava

2009-01-09T21:09:00.000-08:00

Meet my daughter, Magnet Girl

2009-01-06T05:27:00.000-08:00

Bryn recently introduced me to her new alter-ego...Magnet Girl.

She literally came running at me, threw herself around me and hung on as tight as possible, so she was "stuck" to me...all the while giggling her infamous Bryn-giggle (which I think would solve world peace if everyone had the joy of listening to her big belly laugh- she still has the belly laugh of a 6 month old baby).
I think I spent 2 hours this weekend, trying to free myself from Magnet Girl and her wonderous sticky abaility.
(although secretly, I enjoy any hugs I can get from them lately)

Of course, there is also my other daughter- Cow Girl...but I will save that story for another day!

Last day of Christmas vacation

2009-01-04T20:02:00.000-08:00

Today marked the last day of winter vacation.
Tomorrow we get up early and take Bryn back to school.

I am surprised that I am bittersweet about all this. I thought for sure I'd be bouncing off the walls with excitement at the thought of having one less kid a few hours each day...but ironically, I am not.
I am a little sad that we won't be hanging around in our pjs each morning. That we will no longer be able to wake up play Wii or watch some cartoons until we feel like going somewhere.
(oh sure, we could if we woke early enough, but that's not happening on my clock).

So, the past few days we have done nothing with particular importance.
We played, we danced, we climbed, we wii-ed.

Please note that the Minnie ears have not come off since our trip to Disney...even at naptime (I am just trying to figure out how to sneak in and take a picture of my Sleeping Minnie without waking her up)!

Now we head back into our old groove.
Bring It on.

Happy Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T16:53:00.000-08:00

Happiest New Year All!! So far, 2009 has been a good one!

We had a pretty quiet New Years' Eve. We went over to our neighbours' to enjoy some fireworks (which is definately a Southern thing on NYE).
Bryn loved the sparklers and the fireworks! She joyfully danced around and did all things Bryn.
You will notice Ava is missing from the pictures...she hates fireworks or anything that makes a "boom" sound, so she stayed inside their house and watched from the door asking if each "boom" was the last one. Poor girl.
First we scar Bryn with the roller coasters and now Ava suffers from fireworks phobia. I believe I am working on Mother of the Year award and 2009 has just begun!

The girls fell asleep in our arms as we chatted around the fire with some friends. By 10 pm, I was ready for bed...but I managed to wake up during the midnight countdown, give T a kiss and fall asleep on the couch.

"This year for my resolution, I decided not to make any resolutions.
Why?
Every year I make sweeping resolutions- eat better, get in better shape, blah,blah, blah and inevidably they are blown by January 2nd...which would prove true again this year a I just scarfed down a chocolate cookie for breakfast!
So to save myself from my own disappointment, I decided to take baby steps. This year I will organize my zillion photos, get my recipes in order and try not to have chocolate cookies for breakfast. Or at least wait until morning snack!"

The above resolutions are in quotations as they were my resolutions from last year (if you look long and hard in TheBowtique blog archives). I thought it was pretty funny that I could use the exact same paragraph for this year's resolutions (which goes to show the extent of laziness that I truly can go to).

Sadly, I didn't really do much to aid my 2008 resolutions.
I managed to print more photos to organize, collect more recipes to sort and continue to enjoy cookies for breakfast...although truth be told, we could probably substitite chocolate cookies for cinnamon buns.

So this year, I resolve not to have any resolutions...and so far, none have been broken (which is a good thing considering what I ate for breakfast...no, not cookies)

Cake.

The Happiest Place on Earth!

2008-12-31T05:44:00.000-08:00

We decided to take our happy girls to the Happiest place on Earth...Disney World!
Afterall, it would be such a shame to live so close and never have visited our dear ol neighbour Mickey.

So, we strapped the kids in the car and made our way to Disney World (YAY!)

....And Jackie-O...I mean Ava-O

What they don't tell you about Disney is once you've arrived, you really haven't...there is another 2 hours before we were actually in the park.

One trolley,
one monorail,
one train, and
lots of walking later,
we finally arrived at our destination: ToonTown.

First we went to see the house of the Big Mouse...and of course Minnie's cottage. They were both out somewhere (and I don't blame them because their places were packed), so we didn't get a chance to meet them. (although I think we could've waited in the multi-hour line to go meet Mickey).

Bryn enjoyed her first roller coaster with her Daddy. Although I don't know if I would use the word enjoy while she was on it (more like terrified).
I asked her if she enjoyed the ride and she replied "Yes!" So I added, "Would you like to ride again?" Bryn replied immediately with an enthusiatic "No, not today!"
I am hoping we haven't scarred her too much from roller caoster rides.

Meanwhile, Ava displayed some of her ever-creative mad modeling skillz (or she was pretending to surf...I am not sure which- but this is her new pose for everything).

We spent a lot of time, just waiting.

Happy line waiting...

Getting carried line waiting...

Double fisted line waiting...

Lots of waiting (hours to be exact).
But I have to give props to the girls. They handled the waits very well. Or maybe it was just because there were a billion other kiddos all running around, so it kept mine busy. Either way, the lines were tolerable with the odd lollipop or goldfish.

We even managed to enjoy some of the rides.

The infamous Flying Dumbo- Ava's favorite!

It's a Small World World

We walked all over the park...Tomorrowland being my next favorite.

I just loved this camel fountain!!

We attempted to catch Cinderella at home, but she was out at some ball.
So we tried to get a picture of the girls in front of the famous castle with about 5000 other visitors (easier said than done).

After it was dark, we noticed that Cinderella decorated for the holidays too!

There were Christmas lights everywhere! But by the end of the day, it started to all look a little like this:

...and Disney became the UN-happpiest place on Earth as both Bryn and Ava had enough excitement for one day.
This was the last picture before there was a breakdown from both the girls.

Ava is D-O-N-E

So we made our 2 hour trek back to the car.
Not ten minutes from buckling the girls into the car, we turned around to find this:

What a fun and exhausting day! I just couldn't keep up with the picture taking...there was so much to see and do. We will surely be visiting Disney again.(although it will NOT be on a holiday Sunday- yikes)

...and they lived happily ever after.

Our Merry Little Christmas

2008-12-30T20:02:00.001-08:00

It all started on Christmas Eve when we were all high from sugar cookie sugar.
Bryn made some "reindeer food" at school (which I think was birdfood) and we sprinkled it on the front lawn for Santa's reindeer.
As you can see, this job was taken very serisouly as I was made to wait on the walkway while Bryn and Ava thoughtfully sprinkled the reindeer food in only the very best reindeer-food places in our front yard. This little event took quite awhile.

We enjoyed a quiet Christmas morning
(as quiet as can be expected at our house anyway) with the girls and Tom's parents.
Fun was had by all.
And I am pretty sure a few trees were sacrificed to support all the wrapping we destroyed within minutes.

Christmas carnage.

Then we enjoyed the rest of the day playing with our new toys.
Tom seemed to enjoy testing out everyone's toys...and cuddled with that baby lion cub a little longer than I care to admit on the internet.

Ava and her cheerleader outfit (I don't think it has come off her yet and she actually napped in it a couple times!)
She was either cheering or having a seizure.

Cookies.
All I remember is lots of cookies. I think I have blocked out some of the day due to a sugar coma.
I am not even sure if we actually ate dinner...there were just so many cookies. . I suppose that explains why my scale has jumped up quite a few pounds, huh?

But fear not, we also managed to burn off some of those calories. Santa brought the Bennetts a new Wii and I love the game so much, that I may actually have to marry it.
It has been the source of super late nights and some very serious competition.
I have mad bowling skillz and am not afraid to use them.
But my new Wii addiction is another story...

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T21:13:00.000-08:00

It's just past midnight Dec 26th, and I haven't gone to sleep yet. T and I have discovered the joy of Wii, so we are having some serious bowling matches. Knucklehead refuses to acknowledge my superior Wii bowling skillz, so it looks like we could be bowling for awhile here.

It all started this morning.
Very early.
Santa came.
Bryn shrieks.
Wrapping everywhere.
Jill Food.
Open presents.
More food.
Play games.
Yet more food.

A good day that I am sure I will pay for dearly via my scale in the morning. (I love me some holiday baking).
I will update with some pictures very soon.
I hope everyone enjoyed a nice holiday!! (did I mention that it's been 80 degrees hte past few days??)

Easy like a Sunday morning...

2008-12-21T20:49:00.000-08:00

A day of play today.
One sunny morning + 2 goofballs = a fun-filled morning!
So we did some walking around the neighbourhood.
Which included going through the trails by the house and praying we didn't run into any snakes (and if we did, they were of the non-poisonous variety).
But we were lucky to see just a few bugs.

My Trailblazers.
(Makes me a little sad that sometimes I can not tell who is who from the back).

Then they decided to pose for a few pictures. These poses are courtesy of the genious stylings of Bryn.
(note the Jackie-O look that Ava has perfected)

Then I tried "say Cheese girlies!"...
But I got cheesy instead.

But I managed to catch a few of their spirit.
Bryn the Beautiful.

I even managed to catch a glimpse of Ava's illusive smile! (that is a task in itself!)

Bake-A-Palooza 2008

2008-12-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

Baking.
It's a whole new ballgame when baking with anyone under 3 feet tall. It becomes a team tackle sport at our house. One referee is not enough to follow a recipe in my kitchen. Fortunately, we made through the afternoon with little injuries in the kitchen.

We tried to do some holiday baking and thought it would be fun to have the girls and Ava's "bess fen, Ash-ell-lynd" ("best friend Ashlyn", for those not fluent in Ava-speak), to come and help decorate some sugar cookies.

We let the girls decorate the sugar cookies, by violating them with more frosting and sugar sprinkles than imaginable. I knew it was going to be messy, I did not know just how much cookie carnage there would be.

My help (oh, there was double, even triple dipping going on).

We continued the holiday baking the next day and the girls helped me with some of these sweet treats.

After the baking frenzy, we passed out from sugar comas.
I suppose now we will get ready for the arrival of Santa (which ironically means baking a few more special cookies here).
Maybe this year, we will just leave some Christmas carrots out for Santa as I have had enough of cookies for once and Bryn reminded me that Santa should make a good choice for his snack (although I don't think carrots are going to bring me the same goodies as cookies would).

Warning- Use Cookie Dough With Caution!!

2008-12-18T22:18:00.000-08:00

Seriously.

I was baking a million sugar cookies (from frozen dough balls) when Tom asked me for a couple frozen dough balls.
I was annoyed by this (and pretty much anyone breathing the wrong way the past few days as I fear PMS has set in).
Badly.
Holiday PMS. (like the Big One when the stars, moon and holiday all aline for this historic PMS week).

Anywho, I tossed Tom one dough ball which seemed to make him happier (for Tom), so I tossed the next dough ball. Only Tom wasn't ready to catch it, so I hit him smack on the head with a frozen sugar cookie dough ball.

I knew it hit him hard because I heard the *thud* on his rather thick skull.
After a line of #%^$^&^$#! and an apology from me, Tom somehow managed to slink off into bed unnoticed (so I know he's miffed at my cookie dough throwing abilities or he's suffering a concussion).

I do feel badly, as I didn't mean to knock him in the noggin, but subconsciously, I think it may have run deeper than that.

So let this be a warning to all you ladies thinking of throwing some frozen dough balls around this season...they are dangerous.
And even if T wakes up tomorrow from his apparant head injury, I am wondering if the uncooked eggs will get him!
Seriously, how are there no laws against frozen cookie dough?

weekend of lights

2008-12-15T12:10:00.001-08:00

Another fun-filled banner weekend at the Bennett house.
I finished up most of my Christmas shopping (and nearly lost a couple limbs in the process with all the last minute craziness).
Of course now, I will spend the next week thinking of last "last minute things" that I absolutely must have!!

Friday marked the day of a special full-moon. Something to do with the moon not being this close again for a 30 year span. I guess I wasn't listening well enough as all I heard Tom say was "blah, blah, blah...ice cream".
So we went outside and bundled up as it was well below 60 degrees *insert sarcastic snort here*.
The girls played their favorite game "flashlight tag". They pretty much just chase each other with their flashlights and get side tracked by everything around them...quite funny really.

Saturday evening, we decided to go for a quick drive to check out some local Christmas tree lights. Tom decided that we'd drive into St Augustine to check out the light festival, despite the fact that I was not prepared for such a trip (I know, I know, I just HAD to get that in there).
Anywho, it was gorgeous to see ba-zillions of lights along the streets of ba-jillions of people.
We did not actually get out and walk, so excuse the "drive-by" pictures...I just thought these were cool, regardless.

I plan on going to the festival again soon, so Tom and I can walk around, enjoy the scene and comment on how much electricity these people are wasting with all these lights.
We learned that driving downtown on a Saturday night during a busy holiday, was not our greatest idea. So to make up for the girls having to sit endlessly in a traffic jam, we stopped at Dairy Queen for some ice cream (I know- crazy right? Afterall it was under 60 degrees!?)
But ice cream = good things in Jill-World so there really, there is never a bad day for ice cream.

The rest of the weekend was full of our usual family rituals. Ya know, tiaras, tutus, dancing and singing, and that's just Tom! (boy, is he lucky I didn't get my camera out for that one)

move over picasso...

2008-12-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

Here comes Bryn.

One of my most favorite things in the world is little kid art. Especially little kid art that involves my sweetie Peetie.

I am tired (aka just lazy), so I thought I'd post a couple of my recent favs of Bryn's art. I have been collecting frames to one day make of wall of her art.

Bryn's Princess Fairies (done in Sharpies no less)

And my personal fav, Wall-E (awwww!!)

Happiest Birthday Andie!

2008-12-11T12:18:00.000-08:00

I have an old friend. Old is in- she's now aged yet another year (but still remains months younger than I, so we shall not go there) and "old friend" as we have been friends a very long time. We have been friends for 28 years.
It is rare to have known someone so long (besides your family) and remain the best of friends (although yes, there were some bad times). To be the type of friend that you can call 28 times each day with nothing important to say...well not important to the sane world, but placemats and spatulas are essential in our friend world.
A friend that stands behind you or gives you a push when you need one. A friend that takes your ramblings as they come (sometimes in daily droves) and just listens to the complaints (and agrees that it is indeed never MY fault).

I don't even think I can out into words how important this friend is to my exsistence. She has helped to make me who I am today (not sure if I should thank her and blame her for that one).

So today, on her __th birthday, I wish Andie the happiest birthday ever!! (and to remind her of how very special she is to me).