Spring Break

3 days until Spring break.

This earns me one weekend away with a few girlfriends. I have been super busy and stressed the last week with my observation at work and general craziness of life. So blogging has fallen a bit to the wayside. I have been trying to get to yoga four times a week as well to get this 10 lbs off, but I can't for the life of me get it done. Three times tops, and that does not a significant weight loss make.

So catching up online, yoga-ing (possibly not a word) and cleaning out my DVR are all on my list for my 11 day break.
Add to that:
Plan twins' bday party
Plan drama camp I am teaching at the beginning of the summer
Create wall gallery for hallway
Read a book
Drink hot cups of coffee
Back up picture files somehow
Prepare for standardized testing we have the first week back at school
Take all the kids' clothes to consignment shops

I think I'll stop there.

Completely random, here are a few pics from my cousin's wedding last weekend!

My aunt, Benny and Grace


Gracie and Tater got to drink water out of fancy wine glasses


Me and the Mr.

We're Growing!

I mean that literally.

This is NOT a pregnancy announcement.




I love this growth chart I just ordered! I personalized it and the best part is that it is removable/re-attachable. Since we rent this house, I didn't want to lose these precious marks!

A Break in Routine

Sean had a doctor appointment this afternoon so when I picked up the kids from daycare, I mentioned I would be making dinner. Tate erupted into a fit of giggles and Gracie just looked confused.

Me: Why is it funny that I am making dinner?
Tate: because you're just a mom!
Me: Yeah?
Tate; Only daddies make dinner!
Me: Moms can make dinner too, buddy. Our daddy just LIKES to make dinner so much that mommy lets him every night.

To my boys' future wives: YOU'RE WELCOME.

Book Review

Diary of a Mad Fat Girl

Sometimes you just need some easy chick lit to read. This book fills that void well enough. It's nothing overly hilarious or clever, but entertaining enough for a plane ride or beach read. The main character is Ace Jones, a quick tempered and sarcastic art teacher who struggles with her self-esteem and trusting her boyfriend. I felt like parts of the book were a little too obvious and others made me roll my eyes-like when Ace and her BFF use text speak in their conversations. Their attempt to be witty or trendy were annoying. I don't know anyone who says "LOL" in real life.

There were a few genuinely funny moments, and I especially appreciated the scenes at the school with her other teacher friends. Characters in the books I read are rarely teachers! :) The highlight is probably the sweet revenge that an abusive husband receives and the lengths Ace will go to for her friends.

Overall, this is a quick, fun read for a weekend. Just don't set your expectations too high, then you won't be disappointed.

Check out what others thought on Blogher!


This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.

March

So far in March...

Benny has destroyed one tube of lipstick


Gracie has been to ballet (and loved to watch the big girls dance in the next class)


She also went to her first dance with Daddy



We've been to the children's museum once


And Tate has announced that he and Benny are best friends ("but don't worry, mama you are still my very best friend")


That's all that's going on around here!

There and Back

I had a busy week!
It was the daddy daughter dance at ballet, preparations for a sub, and then visiting with some friends in Rhode Island for a long weekend. I had a great time and as far as I can tell the kids suffer no long term damage from being on their own with daddy for the weekend. I missed them terribly (after a couple of days) and it was so fun to meet them in baggage claim when I got home. Tate kept rubbing my face and I got a lot of kisses. I got them books from the airport bookstore and they LOVED them. As always, they looked about 6 months older and 2 feet taller than when I left them. It makes me feel crushing guilt, but then I remember how good it feels to have an identity for a few days beyond mom and teacher.

Here are the sleepy head pictures Sean sent me when I was missing my babies:

Let's Not Talk About It

The Bad News: Gracie and Tater have started lying to us. Nothing major, but the little fibs when they know they are going to get in trouble. We want to get rid of this now before it becomes a habit.

The Good News: They are pretty easy to spot and have obvious tells. When Tate has lied he A) rolls his eyes from side to side/ looks at the ceiling or B) runs and hides. When Gracie has lied (as she did this morning about sneaking a piece of candy from the kitchen) she turns her back to you and says "Let's not talk about it anymore."

I have to give her points for trying.

Seriously though, I want them to "get" that it is a big deal to us, and they get extra long time outs when they have lied, but I feel like we should be doing something more? Any great ideas out there?