It's Sunny in Mommyland

lake como

2011-09-27T11:15:00.001+01:00

Last month we traveled to Lake Como in Northern Italy. It was as I imagined it would be - heavenly. We spent a week and it was the perfect family vacation. We swam, we ate, played Uno, slept, ate some more, and then did it all again the next day. The weather was superb and the food. Oh my. I haven't edited pics from my camera yet so these are from my phone. Or maybe I have edited them but they are on my other computer. Does anyone else feel as unorganized and scatterbrained as me? Please? I can't be alone. One of these days I will figure out how to connect/network my 2 computers.

Here are some videos from our trip. The first started off with me trying to capture a beautiful wedding reception that was occurring during our lunch - the musicians were playing Bittersweet*Symphony by the Verve, one of my faves. What you'll see next is Ruby *almost* have what became a typical mealtime fit when pasta with sauce is delivered to the table. She is a strictly no-sauce girl. And then there's the end where you can see her sense of humor shine, well you'll just have to watch and see for yourself.

Our girl, dancing to Morcheeba.

And our little daredevil ... what you'll need to listen closely to is that he lost his pants after his flip.

And that about sums up our family vacay. Lots of fun in the sun. Oh how I wish we were back there now!!

a little update

2011-09-24T01:35:00.003+01:00

I'm still here. Still chugging along. Have thought of some super witty, funny, clever and downright hilarious posts to put up but then where is the time? One of these days I will figure it out - how to successfully manage my time. Until then ... here's a quick update on what's going on over here.

ice cream sundaes to celebrate the new school year

School started - Kaneu is in SECOND grade. Sigh. The teacher asked me to be the room parent. I hope she knows that I'm not that super together mom who is timely, organized or crafty. Those days are so over.
Ruby is attending preschool 3 days a week. She loves it. There is a guinea pig at school name Tilda. Tilda loves dandelion leaves and Ruby picks a bouquet for her everyday on the way to school.
Ruby is still infatuated with the Wizard*of*Oz. You probably don't know that because I haven't done a proper post in a million years, but the love affair started in the spring and is still going strong. She takes her "ruby" slippers everywhere along with her book and stuffed Toto. We took the kids to see the musical, which was amazing!, in August. When the curtain closed Ruby burst into tears. She wanted to meet "Darlin" (Dorothy) and didn't understand why she couldn't. We have watched the movie no less than 50 times. No joke.

miso cute!

Oh, and check out some supercute pics of my family taken by Blue Lily. I love!!

13

2011-09-06T08:56:00.003+01:00

13 years ago we walked down the aisle. We said "I do".

I don't really think I knew what we were in for but I knew who I wanted by my side for whatever life brought.

I don't consider myself a very good decision maker but this day was an exception. I hit the jackpot and have been on a winning streak since. I am not sure how or why I am so blessed to have Brian in my life. I'm just so incredibly thankful.

Happy anniversary to the man of my dreams!

roma!

2011-06-16T22:29:00.001+01:00

While the moms were visiting we took a little hop-skip-and-jump over to Rome. The weather was insanely beautiful, sunny and warm. It was exactly as it should be in late May, rather than the mid-50s rubbish that was London. We saw most of the sights and got our fill of delicious Italian food and wine. Oh, how I love Italy!!

warning: do not go to the spanish*steps the morning of a football match

getting ready for bed

28 days

2011-06-12T14:21:00.001+01:00

The 28 Days of Visitors has ended.

First it was Johnna. We went to Paris, remember? Johnna left and Carolyn and the cousins, Ashley & Cindy, arrived. The cousins stayed a few days and then went to Croatia. Carolyn left and my mom (aka Grammy Sue) arrived. Three days later Brian's mom (aka Meme) arrived. Then the cousins came back for one night. Then we went to Rome. Then Grammy Sue left and I spent an entire 11 hours with Wendy + Tyler. That was loads of fun. Wed Meme left. And now it's just the four of us. And I'm tired. Very tired.

While the cousins were here Cindy asked me to take a few headshots for her. Not too shabby (IMO). She is starting an exec MBA program in August. Smartypants.

Carolyn's trip to London was work related but we made sure she had plenty of fun! And saw all the major sights.

no trip to London would be complete without a visit to Harr*ds

me & nu doing a self portrait

Though for some reason she decided to opt out of attending international night at Kaneu's school. I mean, c'mon. International night at an International school in London is actually a really fun event. There was wine(Aussies & Italians). And beer(Americans & Canadians). And vodka(Russians). And Limoncello (Italians). And tons and tons of food. You get the picture. It was loads of fun but I totally understand why she opted out. The poor girl was exhausted! She worked her butt to the bone and along the way had to deal with some "issues". Swollen feet and wardrobe malfunctions aside Carolyn was a trooper. I took she and the cousins to a wine tasting on their first night - and then dinner. I was impressed. These girls can make jetlag look like a piece o' cake!

international night

mr handsome

My mom and I attended the Chelsea Garden Show (no pics!) and afterwards I met up with the cousins at the Dorchester for tea. It was very civilized and I have to say I do love afternoon tea... especially when it accompanies a few glasses of champagne!

We have to wait about 3-4 weeks for our blue lily pictures - but here is a little sneak peak that my MIL took.

blue lily

2011-05-16T09:59:00.004+01:00

Just got back from a very fun girly weekend in Paris! Ooh la la. Can you believe I did NOT take my camera?? Thankfully I had my phone. It does the trick in pinch and doesn't weigh 50 pounds.

opera house

ritz paris

louvre

notre dame

eiffel tower

pont alexandre III

arc de triomphe

louis vitton

I'm in a little bit of a photog funk. My camera is SO heavy and is feeling quite cumbersome lately. I just haven't been in the mood. But that's all about to change. Blue Lily Photography is on their world tour and is making a stop in London. I signed us up for a family shoot with them and I cannot wait for them to capture our family. I am also signed up for the their goPro workshop. Eeks. You just don't even know how giddy I am thinking about it. What a treat!! I signed up back in September and it's finally (almost) here. And listen to this - all of the other participants have had to drop out for unexpected plans and family emergencies, which means I may get Wendy and Tyler all to myself. Want to join?!

update

2011-05-11T08:55:00.003+01:00

Well hello! Long time no post. Lots to catch up on but absolutely no time. May is a crazy month full of visitors and fun stuff. For now I thought I'd post pics of the Royal Wedding. We came home from our vacation 3 days early for the Big event - and I am SO happy we did. We had a very fun day. There was a street party around the corner from our house and we all had such a great time. As you can see in the photos I went a little crazy with my addiction to buying tea towels. I'm still waiting for our Kate doll to arrive ... yes, I went a little overboard with wedding souvenirs, but then again a royal wedding only comes around every so often, right?

rosie came in 3rd place in the dog race

she was wiped out!!

there were lots of relays and races for the kids

ruby potato relaying

a royal party

2011-04-06T14:42:00.005+01:00

I read that the Royal Wedding street party scene is going to be insane. I'm sorry we'll miss it. We'll be in sunny South of France :) drinking wine and soaking up the rays. Can't wait. But if we were going to be here my street party would look a little something like this ...

sweet home london

mulberry hall

dotcomgiftshop

recent obsession

2011-03-30T08:21:00.006+01:00

I have many posts that I need to get crackin' on. Things have been busy around here. We've had visitors and Ruby and I took a trip to the US while the boys stayed here to work and go to school. I will get caught up one day but for now I thought I'd share my latest fascination - royal wedding stuff. It's everywhere and most of it is downright tacky but I have seen a few things that would be worthy of having. I have a slight obsession with tea towels and have been collecting them for many years. Whenever we travel I always try to find a cute one to add to the collection. It's always fun to dry dishes while reminiscing about our trip to New Zealand, Bali, or someplace else equally as fabulous. While Brian might argue that we do not need anymore dish towels (because isn't one drawerful enough? NO I say!) I cannot help myself. They are practical and a necessity. So why not I say? These are some of my favorites ... which one is yours?

Five in Feb

2011-03-02T09:14:00.009Z

February was an exciting month for us. Besides visiting Buckingham*Palace and attending the Brits we also celebrated living in London FIVE years. Can you believe it? I honestly cannot. It's difficult to really grasp. Kaneu was 18 months old when we moved here. A baby! As I was thinking how in the world it has been five years that we've been here I started digging into the photo database and took a very fond walk down memory lane. Our first year hear was INSANE!! We had at least one visitor a month during our first year and we travelled to at least 9 new cities and countries in addition to visiting the US three times. I'm thinking I may have overlooked a few, but seriously, how did we do that? And how is Brian still employed?! Wow, what a year.

Before we left the States we stayed our final weekend with our BFFs and they gave us a little present (see above). It's a jar full of glass pebbles and on the back of each pebble they wrote what they would miss about is. Is that not the sweetest? Some of them are sentimental and others are just downright hilarious. Here are many photos - of our final days before trekking across the Atlantic as well as our first year in London. Enjoy!

Firsts in London - Feb & March 2006

2006 was a very busy year!

cote d'zur/france, paris, asturias/spain

dublin/ireland, amsterdam/netherlands, prague/czech republic

tuscany/italy, amalfi coast/italy, paris (again!)

Brits

2011-02-20T18:50:00.001Z

The Brit*Music*Awards were so much fun. We attended last year and had a blast and this year did not disappoint. It was different in a lot of ways - new venue, new host, and lots of new music. Rather than sitting at a table on the floor (like last year) we were in a box. It was different though I prefer to be on the floor - much better for people watching and celeb spotting. Other differences were it was less rock and roll and well, Bi*ber was there. Unfortunately we do not have great photos because the camera battery wasn't fully charged (somebody thought that the green light meant that it was charged. derrr) and I had to use my phone, which as you can tell is not great.

take*that

adele

rihan*a

cee*lo

this is getting late into the night and my eyes are looking very tired

tan hands. yes i got a spray tan!

Brian's work peeps

Ok, I know it seems that we have a somewhat glamorous lifestyle - but let me reassure you that we do not. Honestly! It just so happens that we were invited to two very cool events that happen to fall within a week of one another. What are the chances? Slim - and I promise you that we are back to our regularly scheduled day-to-day, at least for the next 11 months :) It was a super fun week and I'm so thankful that we were invited. Brian works in banking for a US firm. I don't think I'll say much more than that because this is a public blog and I like to keep it that way. That said, Master*Card was the sponsor for the Brits and so that's how he was invited. Ok, so back to these crazy nights for us - as fun as they were I have to say that it was exhausting! I'm really not comfortable in situations where I am making small talk with people I don't know well. I'm not very, how shall I say, polished. I wish I were more skilled in that area but I'm just a girl from a small town living in a big city. Hee. Love it and wouldn't trade these experiences for anything. Ok, gotta run. I have been on my own for FIVE days. The kids have been great but this mama is wiped. Thankfully we're in the home stretch but I do have to prepare dinner ...

the night at the palace

2011-02-16T22:33:00.001Z

Here is my post about our dinner at Buckingham*Palace. I still cannot believe we were there. It was insane! Ok, the deets ...

ruby is in her hanbok - it was lunar new year after all!

Background - I borrowed a dress from a friend who was recently in a wedding. What are the chances of re-wearing a Bridesmaid dress -- and to Buckingham*Palace nonetheless? I got my hair done and though I didn't love the 70s look I ended up with it did seem to work with the dress. After my hair I had an appointment up the street to have makeup done though b/c I was late the makeup artist left. The store offered for me to do my own makeup there with their products. I was girl in a candy store! So fun. Thankfully the staff took pity on me and helped me out. I'm not so great with doing eyes.

in the foyer

We arrived by taxi and walked through the gates in front. There were no metal detectors or really any security measures taken, which surprised us. We did have to show ID and our invitation to the guard. We walked across the inner courtyard where the guests who were arriving by chauffeur were entering. We were welcomed into a very grand foyer. After leaving our coats at the coat check we were guided up a very long staircase where I was praying that I would not fall - can you imagine? At the top of the staircase were waiters holding silver trays full of champagne flutes. Yes thank you very much! We were then guided into the blue drawing room, which was incredibly beautiful and unlike anything I've ever seen. After trying to remain calm, cool and collected we just could not stop staring at the paintings, the ceiling, the intricate and beautiful details of the room. We did not know anyone there so we were just chatting with ourselves for a while and then our guests introduced themselves and we made small talk for what seemed like donkeys years. That is when we learned that we would meet Their Royal Highnesses (TRH). I'm not gonna lie - I started getting a little bit nervous! About 20 min later they arrived and the room fell quiet. Then the introductions began. We were all lined up against the wall so that they could easily walk through the room, meet and greet, and then exit. We greeted them with "good evening your royal highness". We are not expected to curtsy b/c we are not English. Thank God for G**gle!! It happened fast and we did chat more with Prince C. He asked if we had attended last year and if we were having a nice time, who Brian worked for, etc. We also met a famous Ballet dancer here in London - Rupert*Pennefeather - who was very charming and graciously offered to give me a tour of the Royal Opera House. I seriously felt like I was in a movie!! It was so surreal. We had a super fun night but making small talk chit chat is exhausting. Prince C was very charming (heehee) and shorter than I expected.The next to last photo with Prince C laughing was because of something said. I wish I could remember exactly what it was that I had said but apparently it was funny. Unfortunately the lady standing next to me is blocking me. We also met Camilla but there weren't any photos taken when we shook hands. When we were ushered into the dining hall everybody stood behind their chairs until TRH arrived, which was about 15 minutes after we entered the room. When they walked in the entire room went quiet until they sat. It went like that as they left as well. Can you imagine?! We were seated at the table next to Camilla during dinner and I had direct sight to her the entire evening. Prince C was seated across the room. I think there were about 300 ppl there. Michael Flatley (Riverdance) was the entertainer. Incredible night!! Lastnight we attended the Brit Music Awards, which I'll post on tomorrow. This London gig is not too shabby!

Official Photos

love

2011-02-14T19:52:00.004Z

What a week it's been! Our BFFs came for a little visit - will do a separate post on that, but we had to say goodbye last Tues, which was sad. Then Kaneu's cold that wouldn't go away got worse and he stayed home from school all week. I loved having him home with me. We did some crafts and had a lot of snuggling time ... but then I got it, which I didn't love so much. Now we are both on antibiotics and feeling better. On a positive note Brian turned 41! Ok, gotta run - just heard a bottle of bubbles being opened. That's my cue. xo

funny face by ruby

gotta love martha!

watching star*wars

a super fun and easy project. kaneu adored doing this and came up with different themes we can use this craft for in the future

homemade choccy chip cookies

birthday boy

Wishing you a love-filled day!

iUpdate

2011-02-01T22:40:00.008Z

safari dec 2010

Happy 2011!! We had the most amazing time in South Africa. It was incredible and I will do a proper post soon once I upload all of my photos. For now I will iUpdate you on what we've been up to since we've been home. Btw, iUpdate is an iPhone photo update. Yes. I'm dorky.

1. Reminisce about our trip and play with souvenirs.

the postcards we sent ourselves arrived! that was a good day

2. Watched and LOVED Mary Poppins

3. Rode the double decker bus and got the entire first row upstairs! This never happens. Ever.

4. Kaneu started swimming lessons

5.Ruby started gymnastics and ballet

6. The kids have gotten reacquainted with their toys

7. I have rekindled my love for Wagamama

8. Ruby has become infatuated with her dress-up clothes. As in she changes into them all.day.long. We can use them as leverage to get her to do just about anything AND she has had taken them away from her for a full day, which was very traumatic (for everyone involved!).

chatting with grammy sue

9. We have resumed our daily routines. Wednesday is the day that Ruby and I go to Pilates in Primrose Hill. Afterwards we go to the same cafe (a great little veg spot) and have lunch. When the weather is nice we go to the park afterwards. These days we come home and snuggle on the couch under a blanket until Kaneu comes home from school. Spring, hurry up!!

10. Haircuts. We've all had them. Except Ruby because she wants "long hair like Mommy's".

Haircut + Hot Chocolate = Happy Boy

11. Loving on this little cutie. Oh My Goodness. We missed her. Poor thing got sick before we left. I took her for her annual check-up and she caught kennel cough. Seriously!! Poor baby. Thankfully she is all better now.

12. Getting ready to attend a charity dinner at Buckingh*m Palace Thursday evening. Seriously. WTF?? I'm still actually wondering if this is a mistake and they sent the invite to the wrong people. But our names are on the invitation!!

happy happy. merry merry

2010-12-17T22:24:00.005Z

from me to you

merry christmas!!!

And as a little bonus for putting up with oh so many photos here is a video of Kaneu's cello solo. How cute is this??

wrap it up

2010-12-16T20:26:00.006Z

What a lame lame lame blogger I have been for the last half of 2010. I am promising (myself) that I will do a better job at documenting our lives. Time slips by so quickly and these sweet littles of ours are growing up and changing so fast. Ruby no longer calls me "maw maw" but now it's "mummeeeee". Thankfully my sweet boy still calls me "mama" and I hope he never stops, though I realize his wife may have issues with that. My brothers STILL call my mom "mama" and so do I! We love our mama!! Anyways, in an effort to wrap up the end of the year here is a photo-heavy post of the second leg of hawaii - the big island. Oh gosh, I just love that place to pieces.

i spy with my little eye ... a sea turtle

lunch!

we had lots of big braddah

are these kids not the cutest?

do you spot the celeb sitting behind kaneu? here's a hint - he was on felicity, heroes, and lost

the kids pool had a sandy bottom and beach entry - brill!

What in incredible trip!! My best friend from elementary and middle school, Michelle, moved to Hawaii in 9th grade. We kept in touch over the years but haven't seen each other in 22 years! It was crazy fun to see her and her family again. We hung out with them daily at our hotel and it was just a blast. All of the kids got along great and it was just like old times. The other crazy thing is that she and her boyfriend, Adam, from 9th grade have reunited and are getting married in May. Crazy, right? So, Adam lives in Chicago and she lives in Hawaii ... where do you think they'll end up? Unfortunately I think the answer is Chicago. He is a professor and has a great job. The good news is that they can spend the summers in Hawaii! Win-win I say.

Okay, so there is most likely my last post of the year. On Sunday we are flying to South Africa for Christmas. I cannot wait. It's so cold, gray, damp and downright miserable here. I've had it! My vitamin D stores need to be replenished. We have lots of fun things planned and promise to do a thorough and timely update upon my return. Happy Christmas!!

And if you made it through all of that I shall leave you with a little Ruby love. She and I had "lie in" today (aka jammy day). xo

ruby

2010-12-12T22:08:00.000Z

I warn you ... this is long

a common kitchen sighting

Two years ago we grew from three to four. Words cannot explain what this little lady means to me. She is a burst of energy and brightens the dullest of days. Her giggle is infectious and she is the cuddliest and snuggliest child I know. She is sweet and loving and she was as perfect for us as we were for her. Oh how I love this girl. I cannot believe she is now three. She is spilling over with personality and is strong-willed to no end. She repeats herself no less than four times per demand or question. She is extremely grumpy and tearful in the am. These things can be and are very exhausting BUT she's just such a delight (most of the time!). Here's a little bit of what she's into and up to these days ...

so very excited for christmas!! she calls santa "ho ho" and believes all snowmen to be called "frosty". i hear her chanting throughout the day "ho ho is toming to my house"
loves ALL things pink
is officially obsessed with dressing up
loves to dress herself, loves to layer. often she will put on two skirts, 3 shirts and a dress on top. plus tights. and socks because her feet are always "told". when she presents herself she is SO proud of what she's put together
attends pre-school two days a week and LOVES it. the settling-in took a few weeks but she is really having a good time now
a few months ago ruby stopped wearing pull-ups to bed. she has no had an accident, yay for dry nights!
still sleeps with a "plug" (pacifier) though I have told her that the "plug fairy" will be coming to take her plug to a little baby - and in return will leave her a present. ruby has requested the present to be a "big chocolate coin. a big one"
her recent birthday was a loooooong time coming. seriously, she had talked about her birthday since June. and of course now she is already talking about her next birthday. the theme? a chocolate party of course! with chocolate butterfly cupcakes

first day of school - sept 2010

this is not an uncommon sight around our house

teatime

often heard (and in a british accent)

mom, what time it is?

maybe laytahhhhh (as in, ruby: mom can i have gum? me: no ruby: maybe laytahhhh?)

mummy! (this is new, as in last week. sigh)

what shall we do, mom?

recent conversations

me: look how pretty the sky is today

ruby: it's blue

me: yes! it is blue

ruby: i want it to be pink. can you make it pink, mom?

ruby (with long beaded necklace on): see my necklace?

me: yes. it is very pretty

ruby (putting another string of beads on): see? now i'm married!

Three

Ruby's 3rd birthday celebrations lasted for close to three weeks. Her party, which was the week before her actual birthday, was a big success. She had so much fun, but boy was I wiped! Meme flew in for her birthday, which was a huge treat. On her birthday we took her to see Peppa*Pig and she totally freaked out (in a good way). She LOVES Peppa. And Peppa's little brother, George. We then took her to Hamley's where she serenaded and then shopped 'til she (we) dropped. Kaneu was at school during all of this excitement but she insisted on making him a snowmonster at the build*a*bear. Sweet, right? Finally, I took cupcakes into school last week. While I was there I read the story and thus this closed the chapter on her third birthday. Sigh. I cannot believe my baby girl is three.

her party theme was from her favorite book, a very hungry caterpillar

crawling like a caterpillar

now dance!

and so it begins

peppa pig

while being serenaded she also got showered with bubbles

shopping at hamley's

passing out cupcakes at school

i'm three!

Now if you made it to the end then you deserve a treat. Go eat some chocolate. Go on now. Run along :)

is it really nov?!

2010-11-05T23:45:00.005Z

primrose hill

It's been a while ... the ankle is doing a lot better. Thanks for all of your well wishes. What a clutz I am!! I have been going to PT and am now wearing an air cast which is a lot less cumbersome to walk in. We had a fun Halloween though these pics are actually from 2 Halloween parties a couple weeks ago. The actual Halloween pics are on my other camera which hasn't been uploaded for ages. I've been such a slacker!! My mom was just visiting and she left this morning. We had an action packed time and we're all sad she's gone. My house has never looked better though! When Grammy Sue is around things get done and I just love it. We FINALLY have curtains up. And our bedside tables are painted. Ruby got a new (toddler) bed and that got painted as well. I will need to post pics of all of these accomplished projects. All of the sitting around with my foot up really gave me time to take a look around and make some to-do lists. It's nice to actually complete a list - all thanks to my mama :) Tomorrow I am off to Rome for a girls get away with Elaine. We are going to soak up some culture ... and wine. Be back next week!

yesterday

2010-10-20T10:05:00.005+01:00

I had the most productive day planned. After dropping Ruby off at nursery school I hopped on the bus to Camden. I took Kaneu's cello into the music shop for tuning. Also on the agenda were the cobbler and Whole*Foods. Then things took a BAD turn. Somewhere along the way to the cobblers I fell down. Admittedly I was looking at my phone (g**gle maps) while walking. It all happened suddenly but I think that maybe the pavement was uneven? The next thing I knew I was down on the round sprawled out. I may have yelled, too. And then there was crying. Thankfully some nice man walking by helped me gather my things (including my broken i*Phone). When I stood up I instantly fell down again. My ankle was throbbing and the opposite knee was exposed and scraped (I tore my favorite cords!). My elbow and neck were not feeling great either. Thankfully after about a minute of me thinking oh f%$#! WTF am i going to do? a taxi came by and I hobbled in and headed to the hospital. I was crying and incoherently talking and weeping. Oh I was a mess. My ankle looked as though a clemenine were attached to the side of it - it was that swollen instantly. The taxi driver was very sweet and offered for me to use his phone. I tried calling Brian but he was on the train and hadn't gotten to Notts yet ... Nottingham is 2 hours north. After going into the A&E (ER) I quickly realized I was going to be here all day and that would not do. There were at least 20 ppl waiting and only one intake person. I was still crying and hobbled over to the payphone. I was able to leave a very hysterical message on Brian's phone. Sadly I couldn't call anyone else because I don't have anyone's number memorized (except Brian's) - they are stored in the (broken) phone. Then I hobbled out of that hospital and into another taxi to another hospital (a private one). I called Brian again (thanks to the taxi driver) and was much calmer at that point. He told me he was on his way back to London. I had just seen a new GP at this private hospital last week (finally got some antibiotics for my upper resp infection) and was hoping to see the same (very sweet) doc and thankfully I did! On the way to get my x-ray Elaine showed up - Brian had called her and she left work to check on me!! Such a sweet friend. I was so happy to see her. The x-ray and CT scan showed torn ligaments and some minor bone breakages. I am now in a boot and on crutches. I will meet with a PT tomorrow and have a MRI on Monday. This has NEVER happened to me before. I've never been on crutches, had a broken bone or a sprained anything. So, expect to be hearing a lot more from me now that I am couch bound for the next week. You'll be sick of me for sure! Heck, I'll be sick of me!

catch.up

2010-10-19T22:39:00.001+01:00

Well, it will be impossible to catch up on all that has happened since July but I'll certainly do my best to post the highlights of the Summer of 2010. Here goes!

July

Hawaii ... post on Kona to come (someday!)

Meme (Brian's mom) visited

Kaneu turned SIX and we celebrated at Legoland

it poured and yes, we wore these awful yellow ponchos

and then the rain stopped and the little princess got her face painted

We continued the celebration at the Grove, a beautiful hotel about 30 min outside of London.

do you see that grin?

August

While Meme was still visiting the 'rents spent a very fun weekend away with the South Africans in Amsterdam. Good weather + Great beers + Great friends = Great fun!

this pictures CRACKS me up

Then we spent a few weeks in the US ... I actually flew by myself with the kids for the first time. Yikes. I was nervous though they did great but this momma was exhausted. We got to my mom's house where my nephew, Riley, was visiting from Fl. Grammy Sue was exhausted, too! The littles had so much fun playing together and though Riley and Ruby didn't get along so great (they are both strong willed kids) it was a great visit.

we celebrated kaneu's birthday (again!) with grammy sue

Kaneu lost TWO teeth in two days

Meme and Grammy Sue tag teamed to watch the kids so that I could celebrate my 37th birthday in NYC. Brian met me there from London. He was so jet lagged and couldn't really "hang" if you know what I mean. Thankfully the troops also flew in to celebrate. It was the BEST time.

when we were checking-in to the hotel I told them it was my birthday ... and they upgraded us to a suite!

and sent me a bottle of bubbles. sweet!

the girls shopped

the boys did a lot of this

Then ...

Brian's brother, Mark, got married and the kids were the absolute cutest flower girl and ring bearer in wedding history (IMO)

ruby's first mani/pedi

the male guests were asked to wear white sneakers ... it's a long story

this is actually during the ceremony - ruby kept going back to pick up the flower petals. i have to admit that she stole the show!

We also got to spend time w/our BFFs and Godsons. Love those boys!!

Then ... the kids and I spent a week at the beach before we flew out. More fun with great friends!

not the best pic of me - learned shorty after this photo that i had dermatitis around my eyes, which explains the pinkness :(

Okay ... coming up - Sept!

football sat

2010-10-09T09:34:00.000+01:00

Well ... it has certainly been a while, eh? Would you believe it if I told you that I'm sick again? Bronchitis or an upper respiratory thing. But even a little coughing won't keep me from getting up out of bed to go to football, though darn him because he was a no-show yesterday. Here are more Jude pics from last Sat. (They are SOOC and not the best quality. I think my ISO was up way too high.) I mean, it's just the coolest thing to see him in person. One of these days I will muster up the courage to actually speak to him, but until then I am happy to snap away!

Is it really Oct? I haven't properly updated my blog in so long and there are many things that I want to document so hopefully I can do some back posting ... one of these days.

hey jude

2010-09-25T01:50:00.003+01:00

Just a quick note to say that I survived a horrible stomach flu this week. Ugh!!!! On the bright side I managed to lose 5 pounds. Yay!! But more importantly - it's the weekend! And that means Kaneu's football practice which means we will get to feast our eyes on the lovely Jude L*w. Oh ... didn't I mention his son and Kaneu play on the same league? Hmmmm ... silly me. Can you spot him??

in case you were wondering ...

2010-09-15T14:39:00.002+01:00

I'm still here.

And yes ...

she put this little outfit together all by herself

and she still has the worst bedhead ever

Be back soon ... as soon as life slows down a bit?!

first day

2010-09-01T20:34:00.003+01:00

Today was Kaneu's first day of first grade. It hurts to say that. First Grade. Ouch.

a spoonful of honey = a sweet day

waiting for the bus

new shoes

And the perfect way to celebrate the first day of school? Ice cream sundaes, of course!

hawaii. part II

2010-08-08T11:58:00.000+01:00

I think I just realized it's August! Where did July go?? It's a blur - a beautiful blur. Did we really go to Hawaii? It seems like a dream ...

Did I mention that we stayed on Pipeline? and were only a few doors down from a famous eco-conscious musician who also surfs? His initials are JJ. Unfortunately we didn't see him because he was touring Europe. Check out the beach. It was awesome! So big and we practically had it to ourselves.

happy hour on the beach

our view

like our matching sweatshirts? this was at 7 am before a morning snorkel

shaved ice in haleiwa

waimea bay

waimea falls

farewell dinner before ida & chris' honeymoon

july 4th

sadly I wasn't home when Kim & Tony (who just brought their baby girl, Bella, home from SK) stopped by - but at least they got to meet the Brians and the kids!

The photos below were taken on our last day on Oahu. They make me laugh because we were minutes away from leaving the house, which had to be vacated because the cleaning crew was coming in. The husbands were ready to get in the car and GO but of course we (I) just had to take a few last minute snaps of the whole crew including Ngaoi (Y) and Grandpa are Diana's (and Chris') parents. They are also surrogate grandparents to Ruby and Kaneu. Ruby fell in love with Grandpa and I'd like to think the feeling was mutual. Every now and again she'll ask me where Grandpa is and tell me how Y gave her gum.

all the kids with Y and Grandpa

There are hundreds more photos to sort through. The next post will be of Kona!! Though it may be up in a few days because tomorrow the kids and I are flying to Virigina. Wish us luck as this will be my first solo transAtlantic flight with both of the littles. Yikes!!

going back. hawaii, part 1

2010-08-06T17:12:00.001+01:00

Here is my overdue post about Hawaii!

The first several days of the trip are a little hazy since we were waking up at 4, 4:30, and 5:00 in the morning! But getting up at the crack of dawn meant that the days were looooong which was perfect. We were there long enough (17 days!!) for our bodies to adjust to the 11 hour time difference and get on Hawaii time. This also meant that coming home to London was brutal ... the jet lag was terrible. Awful. But, back to Hawaii...

The first leg of the trip? The North Shore, Oahu. Otherwise know as the place I want to move to. The place where we saw multiple rainbows a day. Where I first tasted the most delicious pie (chocolate haupia) from Ted's bakery. Sigh ... The North Shore was just incredible - very little commercialism, beautiful beaches and so laid back AND everyone there seems so happy (how could they not be??) and genuinely sincere. It was refreshing coming from London. Perhaps it was so fabulous because we were surrounded by our best friends, their family and the warmest and most generous locals. Add it all up and it was the best vacation ever.

I think I said previously that the purpose of the trip was to attend my bff's brothers wedding. It was perhaps the most beautiful wedding I've been to. The bride, who is a local, was gorgeous and the venue and flowers (all 15,000 of them!) were stunning. It was such a beautiful day - check out the photos and see for yourself!

the brown boys and cole kids at the rehearsal dinner

the hula performed by the bride, her mom and sister

chris & ida

hair by dana :)

can you even believe these two are mother and daughter?!

my two favorite girls

I have a zillion more pics to post ... tomorrow

back

2010-07-20T01:57:00.003+01:00

Well ... we are back and are on day 4 of what we are referring to as the worst-jet-lag-of-our-lives. But our trip to Hawaii was the best-family-vacation-ever, so it really is worth the exhaustion and restless legs that we are experiencing. The trip was seriously so much fun, and Hawaii is such a beautiful place. We really did not want to leave. While we were on the big island, possibly sipping Mai Tai's and swimming in the beautiful infinity pool, or perhaps gazing at the sleeping sea turtles on the beach, we missed July 10th, which happens to be the day we received Ruby's referral two years ago. So, Hawaii pics to come but for now a tribute to our little spitfire.

It's 2:30am here. I have been awake since midnight. Ruby just woke crying "I have to wee wee". After walking into her room and picking her up she said "I want to watch a little bit of Dora, mom." Did I mention she had the cutest grin on her face? She still has the wildest bedhead. And that's pretty much how it goes around here. The girl is infatuated with Dora. She cannot get enough and I have to say I'm pretty thankful for Dora right now - that little Latina has been a lifesaver this week. I'm also incredibly thankful for our big girl and our family of four.

i won!!

2010-06-29T21:33:00.005+01:00

I am having such a great week already and it's only Tuesday!!

We are completely packed!! And the night is still young. People this has NEVER happened before. I am always up until 2am the night before a trip packing and scurrying around the house while everyone else is sleeping peacefully. I'm not entirely sure how it happened but it has something to do with the fact that Karina, our beloved babysitter, had the kids out all day today. Love her!! We leave for Heathrow at 7am ... and land in Honolulu at 7:30pm. It's going to be a very long day. Thankfully we have a 3 hr layover in LA to stretch our legs and let the kids run around. I cannot wait to get to Hawaii!! This is our first trip and we are going to see my bff's little brother get married!!

The other exciting bit of news is that I won a giveaway from Persimmon and Pink!!! The best part? I won not one but TWO of Susan's prints. I LOVE these prints. The designs are so fresh and come in the best color choices. The kids each have one in their room and I have also given them as gifts. I can't say enough you just have to check them out yourself. I don't know how I will ever decide but I do know that these are going to go in my bedroom.

here is a shot of kaneu's print - bottom right, it says "love one another"

ruby's room

Ok, well that is it for me. The next time you hear from me I will be in Hawaii! Aloha!!

all about the boy

2010-06-29T10:50:00.003+01:00

I really should NOT be blogging since we are leaving in LESS than 24 hours for Hawaii and I have a million and one things to do. But ... I wanted to get this blog updated on the last week. This post is all about Kaneu. Last week was INSANE. There was a school-related function everyday -- Mon/Sports Day, Tues/Picnic, Wed/class party, Thurs/Kaneu's Day, Fri/town meeting & last day of school. This mama was wiped out and so happy when Brian came home on Friday. Phew! Plus I had a bunch of stuff to take care since I am a class parent - teacher gifts and "going away books" for the kids that are leaving. It was a busy week!

First his 6th birthday party (one month early).

The party was a ton of fun. I think there were 18 kids. I pulled this party together in ONE week. It was easy because I outsourced the whole thing. I rented a room at a local community center AND I hired an entertainer, who was fantastic. I ordered all of the supplies and party bag stuff online and ordered a cake from our fave place. (It's a little embarrassing because they know us by name now.) It's not how I typically like to do parties but I knew there was NO way I could have it at home. These kids were wild so the big empty room was perfect - plus I only had 30 min to set-up which for me is a good thing. I tend to overthink the details and spend way too much time cleaning and getting everything just perfect. The party was a hit and Kaneu had just the best time which was all that really mattered. The theme was superheros and worldcup/football. The party bags included a blow-up globe, football whistle, chocolate footballs and lollypops.

the entertainer was so good - she had the kids dancing!!

the moms

a treasure hunt

this is NOT an attractive photo of me and my gazillion chins BUT look at the candle -- can you see the surprise in my expression?

kaneu was startled (and scared!)

and apparently did not like the way the candle/sparkler smelled

the darn thing would not blow out and i was scared of sparkles blowing and burning the kids (note - this was not a child friendly candle but thankfully nobody was hurt!)

and still holding his nose!

And do you know what this funny kid said the other day? "For my 7th birthday I would like ..." He hasn't even turned 6 yet!!

Kaneu's Day -- June 24

Last week when I asked Kaneu if he would like for me to bring in brownies for his class he quickly said "yes" and that he wanted to help decorate them. While we iced and decorated we talked about sharing "Kaneu's Day" with his class and how some of them may not know what the day means. He was very excited to share his day with them and I tried to have many conversations with him to make sure that he was prepared for potential questions that his classmates may ask. I wish I had photos! Kaneu's teacher is such a special woman. She had the children sit on the rug and had Kaneu and I sitting in the "royal chairs" where we shared how Kaneu's Day came to be and what we do a family to celebrate the special occasion. It was such a sweet way to to discuss adoption with his friends and the best part was that he was so proud. I could have cried but thankfully I didn't! The principal came in to say hi and to wish Kaneu a "happy kaneu's day" and the class sang "happy kaneu's day" to the tune of "happy birthday". It was beyond sweet. Kaneu passed brownies out to all of his classmates and took one to the principal. Oh how I just adore this boy!!

ruby LOVES going to school! and she is a big hit with the girls

Last Day of School - June 25

celebratory dinner and sorbet

five ...

2010-06-25T21:53:00.003+01:00

Yesterday we celebrated our FIFTH Family Day. We actually refer to it as "Kaneu's Day" since it really is a celebration of him and all of the joy he brings to us. It is also a celebration of our family. I cannot believe we have been parents for five years. It really boggles my head thinking about. I find myself getting overwhelmed at how fast the years are going and I'm wondering if that might have something to do with my outbreak of hives this week, which have continued every single day - twice a day. So weird. Buy anyways, our little man. Oh he really just makes my heart sing. Today was the last day of school and a continuation of "Kaneu's Day" since dad just returned from being in the US this week. Here is a little video I took while playing with my new favorite gadget. Is he just the cutest little guy? I think so!

father's day weekend

2010-06-21T19:46:00.004+01:00

We are running full steam ahead over here. Friday is Kaneu's last day of school. My boy is almost finished with kindergarten. He has THREE wiggly teeth and has a molar moving in, plus has 2 adult teeth moving in right behind the wiggly ones. Ahh, but I digress. The week is chockablock with sports day, picnics, and parties. Last week flew by and now it's Monday again! Somewhere along the way we had a party for Kaneu. It was a ton of fun but it seems like it was ages ago. Perhaps because we had the absolute most fantastic weekend away EVER ... and the best part was that it was only a 20 drive north of London. Love that. Party pics to come but for now a few snaps of Father's Day weekend. It was a really good one for a really incredible dad.

their first banana splits ... kaneu declared "i could kiss this!"

ps. I made it 19 days people ... but on Saturday night I enjoyed a lovely bottle of Rioja with my man. I also broke out in hives on Sunday ... apparently I am allergic to passionfruit!

exciting times

2010-06-14T23:37:00.005+01:00

Last week while I was putting laundry away Ruby was teaching "pinky", her beloved yoohoo bushbaby, how to poop on the toilet. Thankfully my phone was close so I could capture the cuteness.

She was so proud of Pinky and kept repeating "I helped Pinky poop on the potty. She is a big girl.". As I said on a previous post we have been trying to work with her on numero dos. I promised Ruby we would have a party if she would poop on the potty. Four days after the "pinky potty training" she made us proud and pooped on the potty all by herself!! While Brian was gagging on cleanup duty Kaneu and I were jumping up and down clapping our hands.

After Kaneu's football practice we enjoyed a pub lunch followed by a "I pooped on the potty" cupcake party at my favorite local bakery. I caved and had a cupcake - rose flavored. It was so delish. I savored every bite. At lunch we got to check out the latest Banksy graffiti art. It's the current talk of the town.

On Wed afternoon we will have Kaneu's birthday party. His actual birthday is not until July but we are having it early before everyone from his class goes away for the summer. That will be my next post - how to put together a superhere/world cup birthday party in less than a week! Wish me luck!

well ... at least I got the Westminster part right

2010-06-12T23:52:00.006+01:00

First I want to say that the Suzuki concert last night was so great. We were so proud to see our little guy on stage without any hesitation whatsoever. For weeks we have been preparing for this and I just loved seeing him excited and proud to perform. The concert was all of the lower primary grades from the school's two campuses - the one that Kaneu attends and then also the Kensington campus. The two campuses had never practiced together, nor had they ever practiced outside of the schools - regardless, the kids did an incredible job. We were so impressed!

can you find him? look in the first row

So, as I said - for weeks we have been preparing for this. I have been in multiple PTA meetings where we have talked about the details of this event - all the while the location had been referred to as "Westminster" ... so I just assumed it was Westminster Abbey. I am not really one to pay attention to details, though I am very detail oriented with some things. I guess that the actual location of the concert was one of those details that I somehow overlooked or just assumed I knew. Side note - we get inundated with school newsletters and emails and notes and it's all a bit much to keep up with ... ok, do I really need to continue making excuses for myself? You get the point. Thankfully when we got off of the tube at Westminster we ran into a several families making their way to the concert. Brian was leading the pack and when we got to the intersection for Westminster Abbey one of the moms mentioned that we needed to keep walking because we were going to the other side, to Westminster Hall. Ummmm. What??? Brian and I just laughed. And laughed. And then laughed some more. Thankfully we ran into the group!! Can you imagine if we hadn't?? Westminster Hall, which is just across the street from Westminster Abbey, proved to be a lovely venue for the concert. The only downside was that the school lost three instruments yesterday while transporting them to the Hall - and Kaneu's cello was one of them. I really tried to not let this get the best of me but I was disappointed for him. He and the students on either side of him took turns throughout the concert. He had a great time, which is what is most important.

a big deal

2010-06-11T17:12:00.003+01:00

Guess who is going to playing his cello at Westminster Abbey tonight????

this guy!!

30

2010-06-09T14:40:00.003+01:00

Ruby is now 30 months old. I was reminded of this at a birthday party recently when another mom asked me how old she was. I answered "26 months". Umm, wrong. We are halfway to three already! Where has the time gone? I have been terrible about keeping track of the funny things she says and does, latest and greatest, height and weight, but here are some things that I think are worthy of noting ...

Potty training was a breeze with this girl. She gets it. Almost. We are still working on going #2 on the toilet ... she much prefers to use the garden, like Rosie does, or her pull-up after nap. She will try and try to go on the toilet and occasionally is successful but we're not there quite yet.
When we ride in a taxi (my weakness though I'm getting MUCH better at this lately, btw) she will point to all of the (empty) seats where "daddy sits" and "nunu sits". If I dare sit in someone else's spot she will demand that I am sitting in the wrong seat and tell me to move. She means business!
"What's that, mama?" She asks this question of me about 250 times a day. That is probably a slight exaggeration but she does ask this a lot. Over and over again about the same things. And even things that she is familiar with. Sometimes it's really cute. Sometimes it's not.
"Actually" Another of her favorites.
"You buy that for me, mama?" I hear this when I am getting her dressed, putting on shoes, playing with toys, etc.
"Don't worry, mama" This is new and it is just precious!!
She loves to sing. She sings all the time and has recently begun making up her own lyrics to her favorite nursery rhymes. It's funny and something that I definitely need to capture ... as soon as I get my flip in the mail ;)
"Where's my daddy?" Anytime Brian goes into another room of the house I am asked this. She loves her daddy so much and tells me all of the time. Every morning when she wakes up we have this conversation -

Ruby - "Where's my daddy, mama?"

Me - "Daddy is at work"

Ruby - "Oh" (frown) "I love my daddy"

Me - "I know. I love daddy, too"

And now for your viewing pleasure ... our big girl in action. You can see what we're in for with this little lady towards the end of the first video. T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

so long (for now)

2010-06-01T16:13:00.006+01:00

Sooooo in 29 days we will get on a plane and when we land (about 19 hours later) we will spend 16 days in paradise ... where I will be in a swimsuit everyday. The thought makes me want to crawl under a blanket and hide. I cannot even imagine showing off any parts of my body right now. Living in the UK has turned my already fair skin even paler - as if that was even possible. After two weeks in Fl I can honestly say that I did not come back with any color other than a few more freckles. And yes I was in a swimsuit daily there too, but with just my family and on a beach where there were very few people. I am generally very good about using sunscreen, which is good considering I have just had some skin cancer removed from my face (a topic for another post), but I do want to have some color, just a little. Self tanning does not really work for me because I have NO base color for the selftan to blend with. I'm in a real predicament here don'tcha think? And then there is the other problem - I'm not in my 20s anymore. Or even my early 30s. And my metabolism seems to be on hiatus. It is time for me to take it to the next level, which for me is a difficult one to grasp. What more can I do? I exercise regularly and I eat pretty healthy for the most part. I don't eat meat, I limit my dairy intake, I love pasta but have even cut back on that, I do like sweets (a lot) but don't indulge often, and so on. I do love wine and fruity cocktails and Belgian beers and English ciders. And after spending a full day on Saturday at a beer festival I have decided to take a break - no alcohol for the next month. Can I do it? I have no doubts but I think it will be an interesting month. I hope you don't think I have a drinking problem b/c I absolutely do not - I just really enjoy a nice glass of wine or a beer in the evening. And on a sunny afternoon. Or a rainy day ...

catching up

2010-05-20T16:54:00.008+01:00

I have been such a lame and lazy blogger lately. There is just so much going on here that I can't quite keep up! Nothing big or super exciting - just everyday life, really. Little lady is playing in the pool so I'm gonna try a quick update ...

As you can see we are having summer-like weather, finally, which means pending a lot of time outside.

Ruby is loving dandelions. I have taken approximately 700 photos of her doing this.

trying so hard to climb this tree

Last week a box arrived in the mail .... and in it was my Mother's*Day present ...

Isn't she so pretty?? Her name is Belle.

Brian told me about my new camera bag on Mother's Day so I knew it was coming soon ... but I just didn't know what color. When I asked him he replied with "the only one they had in stock" ... and I was secretly hoping it was this one. Lucky me!! I love the bag. Check them out and get one for yourself!!

Last weekend my cousin, Cindy, and I went to afternoon tea. It was so yummy and delicious - and so posh!! I unfortunately did not take my camera ... not sure why because I have that fancy new bag, too.

Ruby has a new favorite snack - dried mango. She eats about a bag a day. I'm not joking. And the stuff is not cheap!

cindy and ruby

Kaneu scored his first goal!! We celebrated by going to the zoo. He is really getting into football and wants to practice just about everyday. He is getting so big and I am aware that I am in denial that he will be turning six in July. Boohoo. AND he has a wiggly tooth!! Yikes. I cannot believe it.

Well that is what we have been up to, in a nutshell. Now I am off to relax before Kaneu gets home and we have to leave for tennis. We are nonstop around here!! Mama is tired!!

workin' hard

2010-05-14T16:06:00.005+01:00

In 47 days we will get on a plane headed to ....

H A W A I I !

For the last few weeks I have been *trying* to work off some of the winter LBs that seem to really enjoy residing on my backside and frontside. I was doing pretty good until last Saturday when my oh so sweet husband gave me that huge cupcake cake. It was seriously the best cake ever - chocolate layered cake w/vanilla icing on the sides and chocolate icing on the top. Oh my - I'm drooling and my teeth hurt just thinking about it. I had it Sat night, Sun morning for breakfast, Sun afternoon, and Sun night. On Sunday night, feeling pretty ill, we made a pact that it was going in the trash on Monday. Monday night, while Brian was at a work dinner, I sent him these messages

8:30pm Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

and 11 minutes later ...

8:41 pm Ugggggggghhhhhhhhhhhbrrrrrruuuuuuhhhhaaa

To which he replied with

My whole board are laughing at these!

Isn't that just lovely?! He shared my disgusting cake eating habits w/his work people!! Ahhh, the humiliation!! Tuesday I put the cake in the trash. I was "done". Tuesday night Brian dug it out of the trash for one last hurrah with our delicious friend. Isn't that so gross?! It was wrapped in plastic but still ... if only I could share that information w/the board! Hehe.

sweet day

2010-05-09T21:27:00.002+01:00

children's day and more

2010-05-07T11:28:00.009+01:00

The kids were spoiled on Children's Day (May 5). Unfortunately my order from LittleSeouls did not get here in time which means they are in for SUCH a treat whenever it does arrive. A quick run out to one of my favorite shops and the crisis was diverted. They got lots of little presents as well as plenty of impromptu snacks and sweets, plus BFD (breakfast for dinner)! Phew, this mama was tired but what could be better than to have a special day to spoil your kids?

watching*pororo

everyone loves bung duigi ... even rosie!!

we got the kids each one of these from here

we are on our 3rd blow-up globe. hopefully this one lasts!

party decorations

my friend, abby, got us these flags and i finally framed them and they look beautiful!!

What a busy (and fun!) week but boy am I tired. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend. We spent last weekend away. Monday was a holiday which was so nice. Brian was in the US for work last week so a long weekend was just what we all needed. Unfortunately me and the kids got colds - boo!! We still had fun. Will post pics from our weekend in a separate post.

Tonight is International Night at Kaneu's school. I LOVE Kaneu's school for many reasons but one of the biggest selling points for us was the diversity - 69 nations represented!!! I was asked to co-coordinate the Asian table. Are you cracking up? I was shocked and honored and happily accepted. So that is where I will be this afternoon - decorating, setting up and serving some tasty Korean food and drink. It should be fun. Oh, and I will be wearing a Hanbok, too!! I cannot find Kaneu's which means we must have left it in the US. I'm so bummed because he actually wants to wear it!

Ok, must run to the shower. Just got home from my Friday run in the park with Elaine. It's gorgeous outside!!!

come on in

2010-04-23T20:29:00.003+01:00

After 3 months our house is really feeling like home.

found this danish sideboard on e*bay

another e*bay purchase

and another e*bay purchase!! i have some plans for this little table ...

We have a lot of work yet to do on the upstairs. Our bed was delivered last week and I am in LOVE. Now if I could only pull the rest of our room together. I have the curtains but no pole. Brian still needs a bedside table - currently he's using a step stool. We have some shelves but have yet to put them up. And then there's the kids rooms ... almost there IF only we could make the time to hang up the pictures and the curtains. We'll get there one of these days. In the meantime we are loving the space and loving springtime in London!

the vacay files ... part 3

2010-04-14T15:48:00.003+01:00

The last installment of spring break 2010 :) Such gooooood times!! We are slowly getting over the jetlag. Poor Kaneu has really struggled with getting up for school. Thankfully we've had some nice sunny days which helps. We are slowly but surely pulling this house together. I'll try to get some photos posted soon.

this was as close as ruby would get to the astronaut statue in the hotel lobby

mr brave

hangin' out on the side of the road

the mercury seven

I am now onto planning some weekends away in May. Gotta love the bank holidays!! Has anyone been to western Ireland?? If so I could use some suggestions!

the vacay files ... part 2

2010-04-11T00:45:00.000+01:00

We are home and exhausted from traveling ... and so thankful for our incredible time in FL. I feel like the kids grew up so much on this trip. Ruby began serious potty training - even wearing underpants!! Panties? What is the best word for this? I am deliriously exhausted. Will try to post a more coherent update on some of the fun and funny things the kids are up to these days.

day 6

johnna arrived!

and ruby wore big girl pants!!

these are her faves b/c they have ballerina zoe

kaneu swung from a tree - something he wasn't quite willing to do last year

so did ruby because she must do EVERYTHING big brother does

holding on with a deathgrip

cheers!

bye!

day 7 - hung out at brian's uncle and aunts (beautiful!) house

jetski

day 8 - easter morning

easter bunny brought bubbles and chef hats!

day 8 cont'd - cocoa beach

frozen coconut mojito ... so refreshing!

day 9 - space shuttle launch

the photos don't really do it justice. hard to get shots in the pitch black at 6:21am!!

The launch was so cool. I am so thankful there was one planned during our vacation and that Kaneu was able to see it. Afterwards we headed back up to our room to sleep a bit more and then we went to the Kennedy*Space*Ctr. More photos tomorrow!!

nightnight!!

the vacay files ... part 1

2010-04-08T20:27:00.006+01:00

It has been a long time since I posted. We've been on vacay in Ponte Vedra, Fl and it has been such a wonderful and relaxing trip. I am so relaxed and it is a wonderful feeling. I'll let the photos do (most of) the talking ...

day one

sunny but windy and a little (lot) chilly

uncle scott, aunt angie and riley drove up for the weekend

tippy toes

day 2 was overcast but a great day to fly kites

the children, or course, fought over whose turn it was to fly

did i mention grammy sue was here, too?

cousins

day 3

this guy is 2 cool for skool!

sharing the love w/grammy sue

evening walk on the beach

day 4

love low tide

So that's days 1 through 5.

I love it here. I don't want to leave tomorrow. I would move here in a heartbeat. We are starting to think about and talk about moving back to the US ... but where? and when? Not anytime soon. At lease a couple years probably. But who really knows? We have a list of places we think we'd like to live but we don't really know. I feel a little bit like I'm stepping out on London, because, I really do love it there ... though I really feel like I could be a West coast girl. Any suggestions?

We are off to dinner with Brian's Uncle & Aunt. More pics will be posted later.

the par.tay

2010-03-30T01:14:00.002+01:00

5 Americans + 1 Brit + 5 South Africans + 1 Swede

= House Party!!!

Last weekend we had a lil' house party. This is what the house looked like on Sunday morning.

And here's what we did for most of the day ...

In the afternoon Brian went for a run

I wonder what the neighbors think ...

while I stayed horizontal on the couch

Shockingly I took zero pics during the party. I'm disappointed but we'll just have to do it again because we had a really fun time. The food and drinks were super easy to pull together thanks to one of my favorite magazines. My friend, Sarah, gave me the recipe for her white peach sangria. Here is the recipe - you must try!!

1 bottle of dry white wine

3/4 cup peach flavored vodka*

6 tablespoons frozen lemonade concentrate*

1 pound white peaches, pitted and sliced

Ginger ale or club soda (not much, just for a little fizz)

Combine wine, vodka and lemonade concentrate. Stir. Add sliced peaches. Chill for at least an hour. Add a little ginger ale or club soda just before serving.

*I couldn't find peach vodka so we used plain and added a little peach nectar. Also frozen canned juice is unheard of in the UK so I used a sparkling Sicilian lemonade because "lemonade" here is basically Sprite*

After we ran out of the above ingredients we moved onto Passionfruit Cocktails. Yummmmmm. There are only 3 ingredients: Vanilla vodka + passionfruit juice + champagne = a lil' slice of heaven.

care to join?

2010-03-28T15:17:00.002+01:00

I cannot tell you how happy I am to be at the beach for two weeks!! It was a crazy long and cold winter - and the journey here was a challenge. The airline split up our seats so we had 3 together and then 1 on the other side of the plane. Brian and I swapped seats every 2.5-3 hrs. I did get to watch a couple of movies and take a nap which was nice. So we are here and it's awesome and I am just so happy. Living in a major city has it's perks but it gets under my skin and I really start to feel anxious and irritable after a while. It's good to be back in the good ol' US of A. My heart and soul are just itching to feel inspired by the beauty and peacefulness of this place and the smiles it puts on all of our faces. Beginning April 1st I will be doing this online workshop. I'm looking forward to being motivated and challenging my creativity which has lied dormant for far too long. This summer I am going to be taking the plunge and doing an IRL workshop with one of my fave photogs but until then I am going to try to take my skills to the next level ... whatever that is!

the kitchen table series

bye!!!!

tea time

almost there

2010-03-24T09:34:00.001Z

Last week was such a treat - beautiful sunny warm days. This week? Not so much.

Last week Kaneu proudly played at his cello concert. This week? He's home sick :(

Two more days and we're on a plane to sunny Florida. For now we are off to the doc!

mothering sunday

2010-03-19T00:09:00.003Z

mother's day daffodils

Last Sunday was Mother's Day here, or Mothering Sunday as they say. It was a really sweet day. Brian offered to make me breakfast, but I wasn't really hungry, so I thankfully declined. I did, however, enjoy one of these yummy smoothies.

It was delish. When he sat the glass down in front me I thought this is so pretty I want to take a photo. Well when I returned with my camera the munchkins had stolen all but one of my kiwis!!

lone kiwi

We attended church and it was a great service though the best part was when they brought all the kids up front from the kid's room - Ruby was leading the pack! She had the biggest grin on her face and as soon as she got to the front of the room she circled back and came to sit with us. The rest of the kids lined up in front of the congregation and one by one as the microphone was passed to them they said their mom's name. When I heard Kaneu's little voice booming through the microphone I could have cried. He is usually very shy around people he doesn't know well and especially in front a large audience of complete strangers! I was just so proud. Love that boy so much.

kiwi snatchers

We don't really celebrate UK Mother's Day aside from me expecting a gift. Hee!! This year I asked for an awesome new camera bag that I recently read about. I didn't get it but I'm holding out hope for US Mother's Day!! I did treat myself to two new pairs of sandals!! We are heading to Fl for spring break next Friday. Yeehaw!

and more fun

2010-03-16T20:32:00.003Z

Ruby and I have been spending way too much time in photo booth ...

and now for your listening pleasure...

fun

2010-03-13T11:48:00.005Z

Thankfully the week has gone better. We are trying to move past the family drama and focus on what's most important to us. Sometimes it's easier said than done and other times it's easy peasy. We have a great weekend planned so we are focusing on having FUN!

Two weeks ago my friend, Abby, came into town for a lil' visit. We had such a fun time. Brian took care of the kids so that we could have some quality girly time doing what we love to do - eating, drinking and shopping! The weekend was a blast but went by too quickly!!

London Fashion Week

Somerset House

champagne/chambord cocktails ... heaven

are you a fan of this look?

Followed by dancing at what might be the cheesiest night club ever. But we had fun!

I love this pic ... you can see our friend, Monique, in the back gettin' her groove on!!

Abby has 21 month old twin girls - Laila and Audrey - and she missed them so much

afternoon tea at the charlotte st hotel

Abby brought Brian a neti pot ... and here she is giving a demonstration

not cute but if I posted the above pic I'd have to post this as well

yesterday, today, tomorrow

2010-03-10T19:57:00.004Z

our little astronauts

Yesterday I ran for the first time in 17 weeks. It was slow going. I ran 3.5k (2.17 miles) in 28 minutes. As I was running I listened to Miley*Cyrus' "the climb". I know, cheesy, but I'm not afraid to admit that I really like the song and it's message - and let's be honest, the girl can sing! It was followed by Lady*Gaga's "bad*romance. I'm just sayin' ... I like to mix it up! My point is I ran people! Something that I thought might not happen. The foot today is sore but I'll manage. I ran!! And it felt great.

Yesterday I cried. We have some family drama unfolding and though I promise to not bore you all with the details I'll just say that what is going on is disappointing and hurtful. And by the way, these family members are on f*cebook so please NO comments!! Oh, the drama ...

Yesterday I giggled with my mom as the kids sang her happy birthday and as Ruby continued to sing to her throughout our conversation. Grammy Sue, we love you so much!

Today I had a fun day with a good friend and our daughters. I don't know if Hannah had too much fun w/me venting about the above situation. I'm so thankful for the good friends God has blessed us with.

Today we smiled with pride as we watched our little kindergartner sing and dance at his school music concert. The same little kindergartner who is now a level 3 reader!!

Tomorrow is another day and I'm gonna really try to let my anger go. Buh-bye!

project feb, continued

2010-03-06T17:55:00.000Z

Thank you all SO much for your generous comments. I have to say I had as much fun getting dolled before the event up as I did at the actual event. It's nice to pamper yourself and really go the extra mile. I don't do that enough but geez maybe I should! And I did wear heels ... and believe it or not they are comfortable! These were the first heels I've worn since surgery and having the platform is an absolute must for me going forward.

So ... the morning after we attended the Brit Awards we boarded a plane at 8 am. It was a painfully early morning BUT we had places to go and people to see. We arrived in Geneva by 10:30 am and by noon we were pulling into a little French village called Les Bois, which is located about 10 minutes from Chamonix. When we walked into our rented chalet there were some very special peeps waiting for us ... and this time I do believe the birthday boy was actually surprised!! Jeff & Gina and Greg & Sarah had flown in a few days before and had decorated the place with balloons and signs that read "40 ... and the party continues". I wish I had photos of the "reveal" but I was standing behind Brian. Plus I was so nervous and exhausted!! In the car from the airport Elaine, Ruby and I were in one car and Brian, JD and Kaneu were in another car. Thankfully!! I was on the phone with Greg and he was trying to describe where the house was located and I was so scared Brian would suspect something. Thankfully he did not. He was stunned. Yay!!!

local brew. we used to keep beer labels. now i take pics instead!

Our stay in Les Bois was fantastic. If anyone is planning a trip to Chamonix I would be happy to share with you where we stayed. Lisa, our hostess, was fantastic. She made this a true vacation for us. She cooked,, she watched the kids(who adored her) so that Mama could spend a few hours out with the girls, and she arranged ski rentals, ski school, spa treatments, etc. She was incredible. She and her husband have recently begun an int'l adoption through S. Africa and so it was really interesting to learn about a new program I wasn't familiar with. All in all the trip was so memorable.

vin chaud

And that my friends brings Project Feb to a close. It was months of planning and though it was great fun I have to say that I'm happy it's over. It was exhausting and consumed a lot of my time - all well worth it though. The birthday boy is feeling VERY loved and that is most important and the goal, ya know? But now my focus is my babies and spending time with my old man :) I am so looking forward to spring!!

the chalet came with a dog, ollie. he was the sweetest.

yes, she is asleep ...

And if you made it all the way through then here is a little treat for you!

and then

and then she did wake up

a fun night indeed

2010-03-02T14:54:00.000Z

The Brit*Awards. It was fab-u-lous!! I still cannot believe that we went. I keep asking myself "did that really happen?". I treated myself to getting my nails, hair and makeup done. I felt like a star and could really get used to that kind of pampering. It was a very fun night. So many beautiful people. At one point I was literally brushing arms with CourtneyL*ove. Crazy!! The music was awesome. Several of our faves performed and at the end of the show I was actually dancing on a table. Is that bad? Perhaps I should have contained myself but I could not. I don't think Brian's work colleagues seemed to mind. Hope not, anyway! Here are some pics. I have so much to update. Ugh. Gonna try to knock out a few posts this week ... until then, enjoy - and happy March!!

Lady*Gaga

again

and again

Florence*Welch & Dizzee*Rascal

the girl has crazy pipes!!

Jay*Z & Alicia*Keys

Cheryl*Cole

Robbie*Williams

Brian with Cat*Deeley standing behind him

project feb

2010-02-16T00:43:00.000Z

I'm happy to say that Project Feb was a success!! and a whole lotta work, but so very worth it. The weekend was surprise after surprise and so much fun.

When? Feb 5 & 6, 2010

Who? our dear friends and family from the US surprised the birthday boy

Why? the big four-o

These are the friends that were waiting at our house when Brian arrived home from the gym Friday morning. I wish I can say he was surprised but he knew something was up.

Brian - "Is it just us? Nobody's here?"

Me - "Nope. Just us. I'm fixing lunch. Can you fix the shade? I can't get it to stay up"

Brian - "Sure"

Friends - "Surprise!!"

After a day spent lounging around the house we had a great dinner at our local pub and then way too many drinks in Camden. The next day was very rough. Katie was the only smart (and pregnant) one!

this was the point we should have gone home ... but we didn't

Sat night we went out for pre-dinner drinks and SURPRISE Brian's mom (Meme) and his Aunt Gail (from CA!) were waiting at the bar. I'm pretty certain tears were shed.

After a few cocktails we went to a nearby restaurant for "dinner" and low and behold another surprise ... a party!! And thankfully he really was surprised. I won't go into the many months of hearing about how "nobody is interested in my 40th birthday" and blah blah blah.

I made a photo book for everyone to sign ... he was definitely feeling the love

the older of the brians (aka big b)

Sun was very low key. The birthday boy made his famous veggie chili and we watched the Sup*erbowl. So much fun with such special peeps.

More birthday deets to come but I must get some beauty rest ... we are going to the Brits tomorrow!!!

where to begin??

2010-01-28T14:55:00.007Z

If I ever had, or made, the time to blog I would go into greater detail about these things ...

it's so friggin' cold here. I cannot take it anymore. I'm bored with my winter clothes and I cannot stand to look at my N*rthface coat. I swore last year that I would NOT be wearing it again this year but alas here I am spending another winter with my brown friend. Blah.
the move from flat to house has been AWESOME! We are loving the space. Will post pics as soon as it is a little more tidy.
WE are currently addicted to the Bridget Jones movies. We cannot watch them enough. They are hilarious. We are also addicted to the Hang*ver. So friggin' funny!!
Brian took me to see this musical. One word - FANTASTIC!
Kaneu is now taking the bus to school. I miss our morning and afternoon walks and talks BUT I'm not gonna lie - I am LOVING the extra 1.5 hrs that I have in my day. And the best part is that the little school but (with all of 8 kids on it) picks him up and drops him off at our house. It's so great!!
Kaneu is a full-fledged reader. I still haven't done a proper school update on him but he is doing so great - oh, and he is Mr Social!! Last week he had 3 playdates, this week he has 2. The boy LOVES his friends at school and apparently they love him too. He is also counting in two's and five's. I love seeing him learn and I adore how proud of himself he is.
I have been insanely busy with what we are referring to around here as "project february". I'll be able to spill the beans soon but for now just know that a certain somebody is about to turn the big FOUR-O and there are many surprises awaiting him.
Ruby ... is such a handful and I just can't even stand how stinkin' cute she is. She gets away with WAY too much.
After four years I'm ready to start driving in London. Now, we just need to get a new car ... and a small one at that!
Foot is all healed!!! And I am going to try to get into heals soon because ................. we are going to the Brits. To say that I am excited is an understatement. I seriously cannot wait. My metallic black dress, which I thought was oh-so-fabulous now seems blah. I was actually going to try to wear it with flats (gasp!!). Brian said these words to me "if you don't wear heels don't wear that dress". Ouch. And so the shoe search begins. Wish me luck.

I have been trying to keep up with what's going with my blogging buddies. I haven't been the best about making comments but I promise I am reading or at least skimming. Also have not been great at taking pics lately. And I still want to post about our ski trip to France and need to upload those photos. I need the photo-upload fairy to pay me a visit. Soon. For now, I need to go get into bed and watch some funny tv, or perhaps BJ again?

these two are peas in a pod

Grammy Sue left a week ago and we miss her :(

not my greatest work BUT how cute is she?

airport fun

hi

2010-01-16T17:21:00.003Z

having a ball in courcheval, france

Just thought I'd pop in and say a quick hello and happy new year.

We are back from France (awesome!!) and in the midst of unpacking and swimming in boxes. Thankfully Grammy Sue is here to keep us on task. She is the organizing queen and we couldn't have done this without her.

Will be back soon!!

pre-Christmas fun

2009-12-31T10:13:00.002Z

I have almost forgotten about the fun stuff we did before Christmas. Time is a flyin' and tomorrow is 2010!!!

Our moms have arrived and the kids are ecstatic!! And the spoiling continues. Ruby gave us the gift of climbing out of her crib on Christmas. We removed the front panel of her crib and she now has full run of the room. Sigh. Never a dull moment around here!

Royal Albert Hall

Ruby was a little overwhelmed when Santa came out

not such a fan of giant santa

merry

2009-12-28T23:00:00.002Z

It was a Merry Christmas indeed!

Our first London Christmas was oh so much fun. It was so nice to wake up in our own bed and in our own home. The kids were tickled with all of their goodies and after some very delicious homemade cinnamon buns (which I made!!) we got dressed and headed to church with the South Africans. The rest of the day was spent eating, lounging around and then, eventually, cooking. We ate and ate and ate and drank many, many bottles of bubbles. It was the perfect day spent with the people we love. And, miraculously I was finally able to fit my foot into one of my new pairs of boots. Yay!! A Christmas miracle indeed!

kaneu's "office"

waiting patiently for Jesus' birthday cake

the answers

2009-12-24T23:27:00.007Z

You guys are good!!! We will have to play this little game again.

"yeah, i'm having massive cravings for a third kid"

Brian ... he is really making it known around here that another child is wanted badly!! I have to agree with him but we just don't know how exactly our family will be expanding. Living overseas makes it very difficult to adopt from S.Korea, which would be our preference. We haven't looked into other options BUT we are planning a trip to S.Korea this summer. A proper vacation in our children's birth country. We cannot wait.

"i've wanted to do this my whole life!! this is so fun ... you are the best mama ever"

Kaneu ... we were in the kitchen making sugar cookies and our boy was having so much fun. Too bad I burnt the cookies to a crisp. You would think after almost 4 years I would get the hang of converting from fahrenheit to celsius!

"baby bottle, mama ... i share with rosie, mama"

Ruby ... was given a babydoll for her birthday and she is all about giving the baby the bottle and even sharing her plug (pacifier) with the baby. She is also all about sharing with Rosie. She is so proud of herself and anytime she drops (throws!) food from the table she signs "share" and says "I share Rosie". Sneaky yet gracious little lady.

"more bubbles, please"

Me ... we've really been on a sparkling wine kick ever since Thanksgiving ... and if that is wrong I don't wannt be right!!

merry merry!!

what's been heard at our house today

2009-12-22T20:34:00.004Z

can you guess WHO said WHAT??

"yeah, i'm having massive cravings for a third kid"

"i've wanted to do this my whole life!! this is so fun ... you are the best mama ever"

"baby bottle, mama ... i share with rosie, mama"

"more bubbles, please"

what's been going on

2009-12-18T11:21:00.004Z

We were all a little sick yesterday. It was a very loooooong day. I seriously thought that it would never end. Brian was out of town for work and so it felt extra long because we stayed inside all.day.long. Did I mention it was a long day yesterday? Thankfully we're back to normal today.

Ruby took it upon herself to tp the bathroom while Kaneu and I worked on cards for his class. She is turning into quite the mischievous girl!! She really (and literally!)keeps me on my toes. Today I found a puddle next to Kaneu's bed. I think potty training is definitely in order!!

Today we woke up to snow! Such a treat.

I *think* my foot is on the mend, though haven't I been saying the for 5 weeks?! I am on my 2nd antibiotic and I actually think it's working and it doesn't make me feel like I want to puke my guts out. Good, eh? Sigh. A minor setback in the big scheme.

In other exciting news we are moving!! I am ecstatic though right now I am feeling so overwhelmed. We are not moving far, just down the road, but we are going to be in a house. You just don't even know how this is going to change our lives. We shall have space!! and closets!! and the kids can have their own rooms!! and we will have not one, not two but 3 spare rooms!!! One of which will be a designated space for my sewing stuff. I will really miss our cozy little garden flat but it's time to move on. Our family is growing and so is our stuff. Our move date is Jan 15 and there is much to be done between now and then - including Christmas, visits w/our moms AND a family ski trip to France.Here is a sneak peak of our new kitchen. I am in love.

Okay, no more procrastinating. There are about 7 loads of laundry to be folded, a house to clean. lunch to be made and I could go on ...

3 things

2009-12-16T13:07:00.003Z

Last week I asked Kaneu what he would like Santa to bring him. He replied "I will be happy with anything. Any toys I will like." This was a)sweet and b) a relief because I have already completed his shopping. Flash forward to two days ago and he says to me "can we make a list of things I'd like Santa to bring ... a microscope, an office and gum."

Where does he come up with this stuff?

in action

2009-12-12T09:32:00.003Z

Here are some video clips of the newest 2 yr old in action.

Hope you are having a great weekend. Brian is skiing this weekend with JD so Elaine and I are having yet another girly weekend! It seems that last weekend in Italy did not agree with my poor foot and I came home with an aching and very swollen foot. A quick trip to the dr on Tuesday confirmed that it is infected :( I had a feeling something just wasn't right. The very top of the incision has been very slow to heal. Thankfully I am on the mend now ... 4+ weeks later!! Our trip to Italy was SO much fun. We shopped 'til we dropped, drank the most delicous local wines and ate and ate and ate. It was perfect. I will post pictures just as soon as I can.

two, cont'd

2009-12-08T19:54:00.005Z

Ruby's 2nd Birthday

We did not have a big party because the kids had been sick and I just knew that something like that was going to happen. Mother's intuition!! We still had a sweet day which started off with a cupcake after breakfast. We spent the day just the 3 of us while Kaneu was at school. After he came home Ruby opened gifts. She didn't get too spoiled. Our moms gave her a beautiful wooden play kitchen. We bought some accessories to go with and gave her her very own box of girly leg*s. Her special gift was a beautiful little blue box that she will get when she is much, much older. Brian's dad and stepmom did spoil her rotten with tons of girly toys that she probably otherwise would not have. She adores them all. We are still a little clueless when it comes to girls!! Afterwards we went out for pizza, followed by the most delicious (and beautiful!) cupcakes I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. I have to give props to Brian because he ordered them and they were so good!!

wooden sushi!

she loves her "daydough"

her first ponies- pinkie pie & rainbow dash

pinkie pie is her fave

and somebody else's fave, too!

Last Thursday I took Ruby to Wigmore Hall for a tots chamber concert. We had a fun time and she was really taken with the music. All in all I think this girls 2nd birthday was a success!

Ruby's Favorite Things ...

Bedtime ... For the last year we have always put her to bed with 3 things: OohOohAhhAhh (aka Pink Monkey), her pink blankie and her plug. They are still the must-haves for bedtime though it seems like lately she has become very attached to her blankie and her plug as in she carries them around with her a lot of the time.

Books... She loves all books and is constantly carrying them around with her. Musical books (which drive me crazy!) are what she adores especially if they play "Wheels on the Bus". Another top favorite is Goodnight Gorilla.

Songs...

Wheels on the Bus. She goes nuts over this. We sing it at least several times a day. Sometimes it's the only way I can get her to brush her teeth. We sing a LOT. It's good bribery. Oh, you don't want to brush your teeth? Well let's sing "wheels on the bus" and before you know she's forgotten what it was that I wanted her to do and happily obliges.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. This is her new favorite song that she likes to sing all by herself. Brian said she sang it for an entire hour over the weekend. Can you imagine how sweet that sounded?

Rockabye Baby. Several times a day and before bedtime she will ask "mama rock" and signs "baby".

Language

She is talking SO much. By far the words I hear the most each day are ...

"dat mommy?" (what's that mommy?)

"mama booboo" (while pointing to my foot)

"round and round" aka The Wheels on the Bus video

"nak mommy"

"nu nu bye bye"

"miney"

"no miney"

"i need help mama"

Arts and Crafts

She loves to do craft projects and is so proud of what she makes. There is a little paper angel hanging on the tree that she made over the weekend. When I got home (from Italy!!) that was the first thing she showed me.

There are a zillion other things that she is doing and saying but as always I have little time and even less brain power!

oh christmas tree

2009-12-05T00:00:00.003Z

Here are some snaps of getting the tree up. As you can see Ruby is at first bewildered by our funky white tree but then you see that she comes around and eventually accepts the fact that our Christmas tree is white. Brian, on the other hand, after 3 years is still wondering why the &*%$ we do not have a "real" tree. Our little tree is quirky but I love it so.

really?

are you sure about this?

if you say so ...

hmmmm

they seem to know what they're doing but ...

it was far too much excitement for rosie

ok, i think i get it

a tree!

"kisses tee"

Now if only I can get her to leave the ornaments ON the tree ...

hello

2009-12-04T22:34:00.004Z

Wow. What a busy week!! Brian just returned from the US. It was a quick trip for him (3 nights) but it crept by slooowwwly for me and the kiddos. The weather this week was really awful - cold, rainy, and just altogether terrible. We were cooped up and that is no fun. Yesterday I attended Kaneu's cello lesson for the first time in 4 weeks (he is a little rock star and I need to post all about him one of these days) and on the way home it poured on me. I was drenched. Did I have a hat? No. Umbrella? No. I don't know what I was thinking when I left the house. It doesn't help that my walk (hobble) is at a snails pace and by the time I got home I was soaked. Thankfully the rain stopped today and it was actually beautifully sunny but freezing cold. I'll take it.

I am excited for this weekend!! Tomorrow Elaine and I are flying to Italy!!!! We are spending the weekend in Tuscany and there are 2 items on the agenda- shop, eat, drink. Cannot wait!!

**Posts for next week -- Ruby/Birthday, Kaneu, & Korea (I haven't forgotten!!)

Happy weekend!!

2

2009-11-30T21:47:00.003Z

Guess who turned 2!?

More details to come on the birthday girl. This mama is tired!

the week in review

2009-11-27T21:50:00.005Z

It has been a busy week!!!

I got my stitches out last week and my foot is healing pretty well. Thankfully I am able to fit into my Ugg boots and so I no longer wear the fashionable navy sandal. The unfortunate thing is that I cannot yet get my foot into my new fabulous boots. Believe me I really tried!! Still too swollen and sore.

Brian surprised me and had my friend Johnna come over last week for a visit. Seriously people, he is THE best - but he cannot keep a secret to save his life. He told me about 5 weeks ago!!! We had such a fun visit. She flew in last Thursday and we had sooooo much fun seeing "the" concert. Wow. This show was incredible. The best show ever. We also visited the spa, had afternoon tea, shopped, ate and had some good quality hanging out time.

Mandeville Hotel

Claridge's

The Flu has struck our house. Kaneu tested postive for H1N1. He was out sick last Thurs and Fri. He is feeling better this week but still pretty tired. Ruby is now showing signs - high fever and cough. Our dr did not treat Kaneu and thankfully he had a mild case of it. I hope the same goes for Rubes. Poor baby will probably be sick on her birthday, which is Monday.

Okay, well that is it for me. I am not feeling great and am praying that I do not get sick!!!!

one year

2009-11-19T14:11:00.003Z

One year ago we met two people that would change our hearts forever.

When I look at this picture it takes me back to that day and all I can think of is I can't wait to go back. And so we shall.

23 (for only 11 more days)

2009-11-18T23:55:00.000Z

So our little 23 month old will be 2 years old in just 11 days. Here is the latest and greatest ...

She runs. Or hops. Or gallops.

The girls does NOT walk. Ever.

She is talking SO much.

Putting sentences together.

"I'm all done daddy". "I love you mommy."

Over the last couple of weeks I have seen an eruption of language. Words (sounds) that I have heard a zillion times but that got lost in translation have meaning now. I can understand what she is saying!! Not that I couldn't figure it out before but now the words are recognizable. She has an ugly doll (Chukanuka) and we were playing with him and I told her what his name was one time and then ever since then she insists on sleeping with "nuknuk". It took me approximately 5 times reading his name to remember it and she heard it once? She blows me away.

She LOVES her Nunu.

But she also LOVES to hit her Nunu and can sometimes be naughty.

Timeouts have begun.

She LOVES "Bozzy" (Rosie). But then again how could you not?

She adores books.

Sometimes books can lead to a disaster. Oftentimes we don't actually read but instead look at the pictures and point out the animals, colors, etc. She will ask "who dat mommy?" and then if the person in question has on shoes than she must point that out and then she must look at her feet and then she realizes she does not have on any shoes and then she goes and gets a pair and insists on putting them on - only we don't wear shoes in the house and then when I tell her "no" then that usually results in a meltdown of sorts. She does NOT like the word "no". Nosirree.

She's counting!

If I say "one" she'll say "two", then "ee, oor, hive".

We are in for it.

The girl is SO sassy. If she does not like what she is hearing (ie "Ruby, put that snack away.") then she will actively ignore me!!! She will cross her arms and turn around and give me the cold shoulder!! Where did she learn this?? I know she is going to be a handful but I love that she is feisty. I know it will be good for her when she is older but in the meantime we are going to be hard at work!

what a difference

2009-11-16T12:46:00.003Z

I can honestly say that there are days from last week of which I have no memory. Scary and awesome at the same time. What a difference a week makes!! Oh, and I forgot to mention that while hanging out in my hospital room Brian saw H*gh Grant out the window walking into the hospital!! Anways, back to my point - I have never felt more rested in my life. Now if only I had the physical ability to go and to do. I did make it out of the house this weekend... in the rain with a gigantic ziplock and chip clip over my sandal. I should have taken a photo. It was a disastahhhh. I was all about getting out but by the time I bathed, dressed, dried my hair and got out to the curb I was ready to go back to bed. Sitting at brunch I nearly fell asleep in my muesli. Afterwards we popped into one of my favorite shops because they were having a F&F 20% sale and I was not going to miss it no matter how tired and sore I was. I was on a mission and the sandal, hobble nor rain were going to sabotage my Saturday plans. I am now the proud new owner of a pair of fabulous (flat) boots. They are kickass and I cannot wait to wear them (or really just lefty) ... to Beyonce on Friday night!! So so excited.

So now I am sitting here pondering how in the world I will pick Kaneu up from school. A classmate's (Tynne, above) parent walked him this morning but so far I don't have anyone to pick him up. I could take a taxi but I have no cash. Stay tuned ...