Our little leprechaun!

What a day! this time change is kicking my butt....boys were up around 5:30 today : / I REALLY hope by end of the week we will be back to normal. J&K were dropping their morning nap but not right now. With getting up so early, they are ready for a nap by 8:30! 

Today I am thankful for online shopping! Marcin probably isn't but it is so much easier for me to get online, find what I need/want and order. Much, much easier than trying to figure out the boys eating/naps/who is cranky or happy at that particular time, loading car, unloading, etc. Online shopping is great!

Then tonight after dinner, we were cleaning up kitchen. J&K really enjoy playing in my spice cabinet. They pull them all out to shake them (while closed!), roll them, stack them, etc.  eh hem...I forgot that there was green food coloring in there also. And even if I had remembered, I would have never have thought Jakob would be able to open it. hehe I turn around and see all these green spots on the floor. uh oh! Then I look at Jakob and both of the palm of his hands are bright green! He either starting to turn into the Hulk or a Leprechaun! I scrubbed his hands, soaked them in the bath....tried everything safe I could think of and it.would.not.come.off! I managed to get a good bit off one hand but the other hand, not so much. And his face, I got it all off his face. It wasn't quite as concentrated on his face as it was in his hands.

So if you see us out and you get a good glimpse of Jakob's hands, don't judge :-P This is the best pic I could get....he wouldn't sit still.

Oh and I got a fun surprise in the mail today! It wasn't supposed to be here for a couple of weeks. We had some Sony CC points to use and I wanted to get a smaller camera to carry out with us. I love our Canon ( technically Marcin's Canon) but it is big. The case makes it even bigger and just too big to carry when we go out or to other events where we want to take a few pictures. So we got another DSLR but it is size of a point and shoot with a big ole lens on it! It looks a little funny but will definitely fit in my purse and has all sorts of fun features I am excited to learn!

ok must get to bed since is past two mornings are any indication, I will be up early tomorrow :-P well I also need a snack, play with camera and read. And it's already 9:00!!! that's late! lol have a good night :-D



Whew! what a day!

a fun day but why am I still awake? it is 11:00 p.m. and I have been up since 5:15 a.m., thank you time change. I did get a little nap, it wasn't a very good one but I guess it worked since I am now wide awake and I won't be able to sleep.

We had a very yummy meal at Ubon!!! I did a good job and ate smaller portions. I could have easily eaten my entire egg roll and curry dish. BUT I did not, I brought it home hehe :-) Followed by another yummy, also small, dinner at Ole' Tapas. Honestly, I do like their food but the blueberry mojito's are my favorite!!!

This is a short blog but I had to get in my daily for NaBloPoMo!!! Ha....did you think I would forget?!

good nite blog world!

All to myself!!

The house that is...Marcin is going out tonight :-D Whatever he tells you, please do not listen to him when he says I don't 'let' him go out. I encourage it! Please go out with your friends! I like having the house to myself every now and then. I don't have to cook dinner, I can watch a girly movie without hearing how silly or stupid it is, I can play on the internet endlessly, read my book quietly, etc.

I was so excited when I saw "Water for Elephants" is On Demand because I am definitely watching that tonight! I can't wait! I read the book and I loved it! I am sure that the movie will not measure up to the book but I hope that it is as good as it can be, hehe

Doesn't this sound like an exciting Saturday night?! Please try to contain your jealousy, hehe So today I am thankful for hopefully a quiet night while all boys are sleeping and I watch a good movie!

Gavin and Marcin went to the "Orange Store" today....this is also known as Home Depot to those of you over the age of 3. Gavin loves going to the Orange Store. There are grills, tractors, gates, doors, refrigerators, dishwashers, cabinets, lights, fans and this time of year snow blowers and Christmas decor. Gavin would rather go here than the Children's museum...works for us, HD is free (most of the time, we usually find something that we decide we need :-P) We did need a couple things today so they went and came back with this,

There was a little workshop going on and Gavin made a message board. I think that is a fabulous message written on it, don't you?
I have got a lot of things to finish listing on ebay and I hope it all sells quickly to get it OUT of my house! More baby clothes, toys, shoes, etc. I am hoping since it the holiday shopping time maybe someone will be in the spirit of buying from ebay. Surely there is someone because there is this really fun race track I want to get for the boys for Christmas. Plus it is their stuff I am selling so I figure that is only fair. I guess Marcin would probably tell me to put the money in their college savings...and he would be right. But I think this time we will go in the fun direction and get this!

It has great reviews and seems to be well made to withstand the brutal playing of 3 rambunctious boys. Not to mention there should be enough things to do on it that Gavin, Jakob and Kaleb can all play with it at the same time without fighting over it. A mom can dream....don't burst my bubble please.

Tomorrow is going to be a fun day!! Our friend just opened up a new Thai restaurant on the Wilmington Riverfront called Ubon, http://www.ubonthaicuisine.com/ I have no doubt it will be delicious because he is an amazing chef so we are excited to go check it out. It is a private event for friends and family with 3 course meal, drinks and a DJ. And then tomorrow night a girls night out at Ole' Tapas...another one of my favorites. I started preparing myself to for the all the tempting food I will be around tomorrow. I can do it...small portions. It will be a nice break from the Medifast food. Don't get me wrong for prepared diet meals/snacks....it is pretty good. But still, I am a foodie. I love food....I'm a southern girl, its part of me :-)

Happy weekend everyone! don't forget to FALL back tonight with the time change!

Today I am thankful for....

...my husband :-) Not only is he amazing husband and father but he works really hard for us. And I appreciate it so very much because it allows me to stay home with the kids, which I love doing...most
days :-P Some days I feel like I live in the movie "Groundhog Day" but they won't be this little for long so I am soaking it up while they will still give me hugs and kisses in public.

I am really wishing Jakob would go to sleep so I can go to sleep. I could not fall asleep last night and then boys were up early, I am beat! Thankfully Marcin's parents were over this morning to give me a hand with the boys, that was super helpful!

I feel like Christmas is right around the corner and I need to get things done. But then I stop and remember that I have at least 58 days or 57 or something like that, right? lol It looks like I will be getting a new Nook for Christmas. I have had mine for almost 2 years and it conked out on me : / I called and the warranty expired in january, so no replacement for me :-(

Oh oh oh oh oh Jakob is sleeping...nite nite!

Southern Manners declining?

A friend posted this NY Times article on Facebook and I thought it was very interesting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/us/southern-manners-on-decline-some-say.html?_r=1&src=tp&smid=fb-share

I would like to know the background of the author of this article. There is the subject of racism being brought up because the 2 men at the bar asking to give up their seats were African- American and the women Caucasian. Honestly, while reading this article in the beginning, race wasn't even a factor for me. I was surprised to see that it came to a lawsuit. I grew up in the south, splitting my time between Mississippi and South Carolina. Yes all the stereotypes are there but this country is such a melting pot that I feel like every race/ethnicity has their stereotypes.

Being a southern transport to Delaware and having spent some time living in NYC, the differences are definitely there. It is not that people are rude in Delaware or NYC. Actually I felt people in NYC were very nice and helpful compared to their stereotype. Same for Delaware....many nice & helpful people here. From my experience, they tend to keep to themselves in my area. That is what they know, just as what I know from growing up in the south is speaking to everyone lol

In the south, most of the towns are smaller or have more of a community feel and EVERYONE pretty much knows everyone or at least a family member or friend...there is some connection somewhere  lol I know I have discussed manners before and the differences I've notice. Just to mention again...we have lived in our neighborhood for a little over 4 years. It is not a large neighborhood...maybe 75 homes. And there are STILL people who I either pass daily in the car or while out with the kids who do not speak when we pass on the sidewalk. Or even acknowledge me. This irks me to no end! I have come to accept that maybe its a cultural difference? I sometimes speak just to get a response and occasionally I get ignored. Cultural or not....'Hi' or a wave is universal. Not that difficult.

When we go to visit in South Carolina, I have remind myself to be courteous to others, slow down, speak to people and wave at everyone I pass in a car or who passes me in a car. I will never forget when a group of us went to my dad's house in North Carolina for a long weekend. My friend from Delaware/ Ohio (hi Kelly!) thought it was so funny how everyone waved at us, perfect strangers just waving away like we were all long time friends. It just the way of life. I grew up that way. I guess that why it was such a culture shock when I moved to Delaware and it was the complete opposite. No one waved, no one spoke to me, I was surprised when a door was held open for me by anyone.

Even now when I am out with all 3 boys....a big double stroller and a 3 y/o walking by me, people will walk in front of me, open the door and keep going. I mean seriously....considerate much?! When I took J&K to the doctor last week (dermatologist) and the waiting room was full of men & women. I was struggling a big to get out of the door...it was just a bit too narrow for the double stroller. Not a single person got up to help me. It takes 2 seconds to get up and hold the door for me. There were even a couple people watching but they just sat there. On a positive note, I have had many nice people who hold the door open for me after they state how 'I have my hands full!" hehe

Where I grew up, men did give up their seats for women...regardless of race. Doors were held open, we said 'yes mam' and 'yes sir,' those were not signs of disrespect or demeaning. But I have heard that a few times here that some people are offended when kids say those things to them. Why? They aren't saying to be a smart a*@, they are saying it to be polite. I try to teach Gavin to say 'yes mam,' I have a feeling it will be an ongoing lesson but I am trying. He may only end up saying to me or other family members but I cringe every time he says 'what?' or "huh?' to me lol He loves to hold the door open for me or anyone while we are out in public. I hope he holds onto that and all the other manners we try to teach him and J&K.

With all that said, I am not saying southern manners are perfect everywhere and all people are wonderful there. Of course, I am a bit biased because I love the south & everything about it. Nor am I saying that people in Delaware or the north are rude and inconsiderate. I have met some really great friends and people here in Delaware. I am just saying, in my opinion, there are differences and it all comes down to where you were raised. That doesn't mean it's right or wrong, just different. We should respect other peoples differences and learn from them. So please don't send me any hate mail lol

I sure do love some southern hospitality though :-) And that southern twang is music to my ears ! Except for Paula Deen's, she is way over the top! :-P

I almost forgot what I am thankful for today, I am thankful that Gavin's preschool worked out after all because I feel like he is where he needs to be for now :-)

Baby A is walking!!

Of course I didn't get it on video but Kaleb walked half way across family room unassisted :-) He has been working hard it the past few weeks. He is so proud of himself when he finds you in the room and gives a big grin! Jakob is right behind him...I give him a week or maybe two depending on how determined he is. Crawling is still faster for them so if he wants to get somewhere quickly he will drop down and crawl.

I have been saying for months that I am ready for them to walk! I know I shouldn't wish the time away but it is tough carrying two toddlers around everywhere. Downstairs (although Kaleb is pretty good going down backwards), getting in/out of car and just getting around in general. While I am wishing, I would also like to skip the clumsy, uncoordinated part of the beginner walkers and just go right to the good walkers. That's not too much to ask right? hehe

Gavin loves to 'help' J&K practice their walking skills. He will get behind them and hold their hands (just like he sees us doing) and encourages them to 'keep going' or "you can do!" he is such a sweet big brother! He really enjoys playing with J&K. It makes such a difference in Gavin not requiring my 100% undivided attention because he can play with them. They also love playing with Gavin. We have 3 push toys...a mickey plane, lion and a train. All 3 boys will pick one and go around and around the house, screaming and laughing. I love that sound. Kids have THE best laughs! Not to say they don't all fight over the toys...Kaleb MUST have whatever Jakob is playing with. Gavin MUST have whatever he sees one of them going to get to play with. And Jakob usually just sits back and minds his business unless it is something he truly wants, then he will get in the middle lol We are in for some good times as these boys grow :-)

I forgot to say what I was thankful for yesterday. Well not really, I was super thankful for my friend bringing over dinner for us! Today I am thankful for my health. I was thinking last night how the humand body is so resilient. I hope I can stay healthy for a long time!

There is alot I need to do here but most of all I need some rest with this cold. So instead of cleaning, putting away halloween stuff, folding/putting away laundry and all that...I am going to rest :-D Marcin are you reading this...I did think about doing that stuff but I just don't have the energy right now. Plus all kids are sleeping = resting for me!

NaBloPoMo...what's that?

I consider myself new to the blog world but I did read something about this a few weeks ago and then my friend reminded me today, thankfully because I completely forgot, oops!!

Happy National Blog Post Month! yep that's right...every day this month you get to read my exciting blog lol I guess if you consider my ramblings and endless stories/bragging of the boys to be excited you are in for a treat :-P

We are all sick right now so it may be challenging this week but I will do my best! I felt pretty good yesterday and then last night I felt like something came along and zapped all my energy, it stinks : / Especially when I am keeping with the 3 silly boys at my house :-P But we will survive!

We had a really fun Halloween weekend with a fun halloween party, snow, halloween parade and then ending with trick or treating. An odd moment at the parade, a perfect stranger was taking picture of J&K=0 I didn't realize what she was doing, she was smiling in their direction looking at her camera but both myself and a friend thought she was looking at pictures on the camera. And then she walked over and tried to get a picture of my friend's baby. Weird.

I was really surprised by our neighborhood....everyone turned out and Gavin came home with a lot of candy! A couple of years ago hardly anyone was out but I had a lot of people come by the house too. Kaleb went to bed early but Jakob stayed up to help me, he was too cute! Everytime the door bell rang he would immediately drop what he was doing and crawl as fast as he could to the front door. Then give the trick or treaters a BIG smile and sometimes a quick dancing show. He is such a ham! J&K will get to go next year...they had enough fall/halloween festivities this year :-)

My most exciting news for today is I can officially say I have lost 10 lbs!!! YAY ME!!!! I REALLY wanted a chik fil a sandwich today though...I don't feel well so it was hard since we drove thru for Gavin but I didn't get it. I did have a nugget and a couple french fries....the horror! lol Otherwise I have been doing really well with the Medifast meals. I ordered my 2nd month but I really just wanted more of my favorite stuff. I still have alot from my first order since I am doing 4 of their meals a day instead of their recommended 5. So that is saving me a bit of money, always nice :-)

Another 15lbs to go. I know, I know...could I have picked a worse time of year for this? Thanksgiving and Christmas?! But seriously, I don't mind having a taste here or there. Nothing wrong with moderation and I feel like I am getting myself back on track as far as portion sizes and eating 5-6 times a day, those were also part of my goals. So while it will be challenging, we will get there. And hopefully once I get rid of this cold, I can get back on the treadmill and start Couch 2 5K again, thats my plan at least:-P

Must go and sleep! And of course, read some more Game of Thrones. I am book #5..book#4 started losing my interest but I pressed on and finished it. I find myself skimming part of #5 : / It is a good series but the author just keeps introducing more and more characters. There were already alot to start with but now I have to see how it all ends!