Blogging Hiatus?

I haven't gone this long between blogs since I started and frankly, I'm disappointed in myself! I've got lots to catch everyone up on...so get ready (hopefully I'll get it in the right order):

Okay, so last week, my favorite sister-in-law (actually, the only sister-in-law I care about and is worth mentioning--I could go on forever about "my in-laws are worse than yours" stories...but, I digress) turned 30! Sorry, Courtney, if you wanted to keep that a secret! She invited me to celebrate it with her in Virginia Beach and unfortunately, I couldn't go...I'm completely bummed about it still, but I'm looking forward to beaching it with her at the end of July...hopefully I'll be able to make it up to her then! I don't have many recent pictures of us together, mostly because we live so far away. But the picture I do have is from a ghetto wedding we had to go to in September of last year (at least the two of us had a good time together...): Happy Birthday, Courtney!

(I look like I'm naked in that picture. I'm not, trust me. I don't think that Courtney would have stood so close if I was. I don't know, maybe she would have...)

Speaking of birthdays, Riley and one of her best friends, Hannah, share the exact same birthday, July 8th! We discovered this one day during a Steeler Sunday football game at Hannah's house and Riley and Hannah have been "twin's from a diff'rent mutha'" ever since. They have played together too many times to count, and surprisingly, I haven't really taken any pictures of them -- but on this day, I couldn't resist the opportunity to get Abbey (Hannah's lil' sis), Hannah, Riley and Ronan all together for a group shot.

We also had our weekly Dinner With Shelley and this time, it was at Shelley's house. My mom is in town visiting, so she came with us and Shelley went all out with the food -- making sure we left her house STUFFED. The best part of being there for the kids was not the food, but it was Shelley's pool and water features. It took Riley all of 5 minutes to decide to get in and stay in for almost the entire time we were there. Ronan was hesitant to jump in the pool this time around and spent most of the time wasting Shelley's water, hosing everyone, including himself. Our friend, Joni, was there and joined in the fun with Ronan.

On Friday, Ronan hung out with Ryan in the morning -- going to Gymboree and then to Sports Clips to get his hair cut. He came back with the best haircut...a MOHAWK. We love it and he looks more like a trouble-maker now than he did before. The only thing is that I have to remember to put styling product in it or else it looks like he had a really bad haircut.

Hmmm, what else?

Okay, so you know those times that when you become more aware of something, you notice that they happen to be everywhere? Like when I was pregnant, I swear, everyone I saw around me was pregnant. Or, when we first bought our Honda Civic, I started noticing that they were everywhere. Well, Ryan is going to Sin City this upcoming weekend for a bachelor party and I kid you not, ever since he decided he was going, that's all I see anymore. I notice there are more Las Vegas re-runs, all the Food Network shows happen to be in Las Vegas, the Ashton Kutcher/Cameron Diaz (What Happens in Vegas) movie came out last weekend and it feels almost like it's being thrown in my face. I'm jealous he is going. Totally envious. At first, I had this sick feeling in my stomach that he was going to the one place where their tagline is "What Happens in Vegas Stays in Vegas." The only picture I had in my mind was Ryan being surround by strippers and well, you know...but now that I'm somewhat over- but not really - that aspect, I'm just jealous he gets to go on a bachelor vacation while I am here, changing butts and listening to screaming....I will get over that, too, I guess. At least I have bingo.

While I am on the bingo subject, is it bad that I would like to go at least once a week? Does that mean I have to go to some Bingo-holics Anonymous meeting or something? I need therapy, I think.

Here are some random photos of Ronan...they are from last week. He is just so irresistable sometimes.

And I have to give Riley a shout-out this week, too. She was moved up in her gymnastics class to the next level, had her first class yesterday and did awesome. It's so great to see her making progress and she's become so much more confident in the gym. We are so proud of her! I'll make sure I take some pictures at her next class and post those.

What We Did to Stimulate the Economy with the Economic Stimulus Check!

While some people went out on shopping sprees or paid off credit card debt or put their check toward a lavish vacation, all I wanted to do was spruce up the backyard a bit...maybe add a couple bushes (yes, I said bush), some flowers and ideally, a nice pond -- you know, for some ambiance...

Our back yard is pretty pathetic. Grass is dead. No nice trees for shade, no flowers for color. It's just dead grass and a fence. So, I asked Ryan if we could maybe try and put a pond back there or some sort of water feature. He agreed! So off we went to Lowe's to check it out. We found it, exactly what we were looking for. We looked at what we needed and it seemed easy enough. The labor would make us sweat, but that's what we wanted...and here's what it looks like:

But then I got overwhelmed with it all, the kids were screaming and the more I thought about whether or not we could accomplish it, the more frustrated I got...so we walked away from the idea. And now, this is what we get to look at:

So, what did we do with the check so far? Well, since we pretty much axed the idea of the pond, we opted for a different water feature:

And for atmosphere, we get to hear this:

Thanks, Georgie, for the money. I'm sure you can see from our two purchases, we have used it wisely.

Dinners with Shelley

Every week, we try to do dinner with our friend, Shelley. It's not only been great for me (having to cook, for a change!) but it's done wonders for our kids. When Ronan first met Shelley, he was very hesitant, but after Shelley brought Elsie (her 3 pound chihuahua) -- Ronan has fallen in love...with the dog, of course!

Riley has always been drawn to Shelley -- maybe it's because Shelley never ever says no to her and lets her have 2 scoops of ice cream -- and she looks forward to our dinners together because now Shelley brings her 'Entendo DS' (Nintendo DS) for Riley to play.

And Ronan, as you can see, has adopted Shelley into the family! On this night, Riley sat on Shelley's lap and Ronan got jealous, so he had to back his big ol' butt onto Shelley's lap, too...


Speaking of 'Dinner with Shelley,' we've got one tonight! Whatcha cooking for us tonight, Shelley?

Happy Momma's Day!

If it weren't for this: I wouldn't have them:

I'm so blessed. No matter how tough the days seem, how loud the cries are, how stinky the diapers and how I often feel more like a referee than a mom...I feel so lucky that I have all that...Thanks to my precious family for letting me have this holiday. Love you!!!

And Happy Mother's Day to all the cool moms I know out there!

Surprise! Or not...

Riley told me yesterday that on Monday, they had started a project for Mother's Day. She said she couldn't tell me what it was because it was a surprise. I agreed to not ask any questions and left it at that. Riley, however, had other intentions at the end of that conversation...

Riley: I can't tell you anything else, because it is a surprise.
Me: Okay, Riley, that's cool.
Riley: We put a hand print on it. It's a card.
Me: I thought you weren't going to tell me what it was.
Riley: Oh yeah, I forgot, it's a surprise. Are you mad at me?
Me: No, Riley, I love you.

Then today, she gets into the car and says to me:

"You know how I told you I made you a card with my handprint on it and I'm supposed to get it on Friday to give to you? Well, I was just kidding."

Hmmmmm.... slightly shady, don't you think?

Makin' Bacon

Get those heads out of the gutter, people!



We have made some progress with Ronan and today, I'll mark that progress with 12 bites of my cinnamon raisin bagel and his current munchie - a crunchy slice of turkey bacon!



Since we've been back from Disney, I've basically made the same breakfast everyday -- a bagel and a few slices of turkey bacon. Each day, I offer it to him. Each day, he shakes his head no and turns me down. Today, he actually grabbed the bagel half I offered and started taking bites when I wasn't watching.

So that might not look like a lot (it was 12 bites I saw!), but anything other than chicken fries, french fries and popcorn is a step forward!

I know, I know...it doesn't seem like much to get excited about, but considering how hard it has been to get Ronan to venture out into the culinary world, I'll take the bagel and bacon as a victory!

Happy Birthday!

to my niece, Maggie, who turned 3 on April 13th and my nephew, Conner, who turns the big "6" TODAY!

Love you guys and miss you much! Can't wait to see you in a couple months!

Four Things

Four things you may or may not have known about me in no particular order -- directions are at the end:

• Four Jobs I’ve Held: Brand Rep at Abercrombie & Fitch, Public Relations Account Coordinator at Mullen, Nail Technician at La Pomponnee and Administrative Assistant at Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp.
• Four Movies I would watch over and over: Dirty Dancing, A Few Good Men, High School Musical, and Pretty Woman.
• Four Places I have lived: Pittsburgh, San Diego, Tampa and uhhhhh, that's it!
• Four TV Shows That I Watch: Hell's Kitchen, Grays Anatomy, Top Chef and Survivor.
• Four Places I have been: The Big Texas Steakhouse in Amarillo, Texas; World Famous San Diego Zoo; 2 different Super Targets and Walt Disney World!
• Four of my favorite foods: Anything Mexican, pasta, chocolate desserts, and fondue.
• Four Places I would rather be right now: Tanning by the pool, somewhere frolicking along the beach in Hawaii, on a tour of Ireland, or in a hot jacuzzi tub -- soaking my worries away!
• Four Friends I think will respond: Ginger, Shelley, Lori and Jill
• Four Things I am looking forward to this year: Seeing my sister-in-law Courtney and family at the beach, starting work, Riley's 6th and Ronan's 2nd birthdays, and celebrating the 1st anniversary of my 30th birthday.

Here’s what you are supposed to do: Hit forward (or copy and paste) and delete my answers and type in your own. Forward this to all of your friends including the person who sent it to you. You will learn a lot of things about the people you know. Have fun.......OR, just enjoy reading the answers I posted

Riley-ism #308

Riley: Momma, what is a-minimum?

Me: A Minimum?

Riley: Yeah, a-minimum.

Me: Riley, can you use it in a sentence? I have no idea what you are talking about.

Riley: Like in recycling. Recycling a-minimum.

Me: Oh, you mean "aluminum"????

Riley: That's what I said. Aminimum.

Me: No, Riley, Ah-loooom-eh-num.

Riley: Oh. Yeah, so what is it anyway?

Pressed Pennies: The VERDICT

You're dying to know, I can tell. You're wondering right now...did she use the new ones? Did she go with the old ones?

Well, I went with the old ones. They turned out great. Yes, there are a few that are dirty looking, but with a little elbow grease, they should come out as good as new. I bought a pressed penny album that holds 64 pennies, but unfortunately, I am 9 short from completing that album. I stopped at every machine I could find, but I know there were definitely several I missed. I guess it will give me something to do on our future trips to Disney.

Magical Vacation (Final Day, Part 7)

All good things must come to an end, so they say. And this morning, it was definitely different than all the other mornings -- not only were we exhausted and missed our reservations for Chef Mickey's, but it was sad to know we were leaving...*tears of sadness*

I woke up at 6:15 am and had to walk around (while Ryan and the kids slept), to soak in the last morning. We were always up with the hustle and bustle of all the other guests, but it was nice to get up and see the calmness of the resort. I had to take a picture of the Volcano Pool -- it just looked so serene -- and to think that just a few hours later, it would be packed with tons of people.

The next two pictures are of us inside our room with the view we had. You can sorta see Cinderella's Castle in the distance, but from our window, it was clear as day. We left the resort and had to stop at Downtown Disney to use up the rest of our snack credits and have lunch, so we ate at Planet Hollywood Orlando and got Ronan his final box of Disney Popcorn before heading back home to Tampa, a whole 80 something miles away....
It was such a wonderful week and now that I'm back to reality, I definitely miss having had 7 days with just my family and no worries in the world to think about. Even though I'm sad it's over, I'm looking forward to planning another Disney trip in the fall and a beach trip with my sister-in-law and her family this summer!

Magical Vacation (Part 6)

Today went much like the days before...lots of eating, lots of playing, lots more eating, some more playing...but it ended like no other day -- we went to the Pirate & Princess Party at Magic Kingdom!!!!(This is a picture of Ronan on our way to Magic Kingdom via the ferry boat. He was in the best mood and so happy to be on it!)


Before we left for the trip, I was pretty much against going, mostly because it was an additional $150 in tickets for us to go. I figured we would have already spent enough time at the Magic Kingdom and I couldn't justify spending more money, just to be there at night. I was completely wrong! We decided the night before to go ahead and splurge, considering it was our last night on vacation and it was probably the best $150 we had spent on this vacation. They basically sell separate tickets for this event, so even if you were there all day, they require you to buy a new ticket to stay. So, the park practically cleared out and there we were, able to jump on 9, count 'em, 9 rides within 2 1/2 hours. Ryan and I were even able to walk onto Space Mountain (I literally did not wait. I walked through and sat down and was off the ride within 5 minutes!) It was such a fun night and looking back on it now, I'm so happy we did it because we have the best memories from that evening.

The fireworks were spectacular that night. I wish I would have taken pictures, but I was in the moment, enjoying them. They looked like they came from all over the park and it had to have been the biggest display of fireworks I have ever seen.

Still makes me sad to think that the Pirate & Princess Party was our last night there....

Magical Vacation (Part 5)

This was the morning I was really looking forward to (and I think Riley may have been slightly excited for it as well!) It was our breakfast with the Princesses at Akershus in Norway (Epcot). When you walk in, they usher you right to where Princess Belle is, and they snap some photos and then point you toward your table. It felt really rushed -- I guess it sorta has to be with all the people they have going to it -- but it was very cool and the food was the delish! Riley met with Belle, Aurora, Mulan and Jasmine. She seemed a little disappointed that Cinderella wasn't there and come to think of it, I don't think we saw her once during our stay!

After breakfast, we walked around Epcot for a few minutes before realizing that Riley was exhausted and miserable, so we left the park and drove to Downtown Disney to get a change of atmosphere. We ate lunch at an Irish bar/restaurant called Raglan Road and all really enjoyed our meals...even Riley ate all her fried shrimp! We shopped around for a bit and went back to the resort for a little swim.

For dinner, we decided to try out Restaurant Marrakesh, a Moroccan place in Epcot -- and I was very disappointed, despite the positive reviews it got. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing, but nothing I had was very good, so after dinner, I opted to stop by France and get some pastries to snack on later that afternoon. We left Epcot and went back to the Magic Kingdom and were able to ride the Tea Cups, Haunted Mansion, Snow White's Scary Adventure, the Carousel, "it's a small world," and Stitches Great Adventure. The greatest thing about being able to go on all those rides was seeing how chill Ronan was. He would be screaming the one minute and then get on the ride and be completely relaxed and delightful.

This night I also realized that our vacation was almost going to end and even though I had an awesome day, it still was such a bummer to think we'd be heading back home a few days later....

Magical Vacation (Part 4)

The Grand Floridian is such a beautiful resort and luckily we had a chance to visit it when we went to breakfast at 1900 Park Fare on our fourth day. Riley met Mary Poppins (I have a picture, but she creeped me out a bit, so I'm not posting it), and both kids were able to meet with Tigger. Food was yummy -- typical breakfast foods (bacon, eggs, sausage and fruit) but everything seemed more fresh. Not sure if it was the atmosphere or our imaginations, but something about that food seemed different than any other breakfast we had been to up until that point.



We went back to Epcot for lunch at the San Angel Inn (located in Mexico) and after walking around for a while, we headed back to the resort where we decided to rent a surrey bike and take the kids out for a jaunt around the resort. It was fun, but it felt like exercise, too (something I was not prepared to do on my vacation!) We didn't have a huge route to take, so that was slightly disappointing, but the kids were laughing and smiling the entire time -- worth it.

The evening wouldn't have been complete without yet another meal -- DINNER -- at 'Ohana. Man, were we stuffed! They serve you family style there, bringing you tons of grilled food and I am not kidding when I tell you that I truly had a belly that resembled one of a 5-month pregnant woman. Even Ryan said he had never seen my belly like that after a meal.

There was no way I was going to bed after that meal without a walk, so we decided to check out Animal Kingdom. It was nice and we went on a ride in Dino Land, but the kids weren't at all interested in it. I'm sure Ronan would have been, had he not been on the prowl for a box of popcorn, but there weren't any rides suitable for Riley (slow-moving and not a rollercoaster).

Although it was not a super-exciting ending to our fourth day, we all still had fun....not looking forward to it ending anytime soon, but still fun!

Magical Vacation (Part 3)

Whoever said vacation is supposed to be relaxing never went on a Disney vacation! I'm kidding, it was relaxing, but for our third day, it sure was packed with activities. This morning was another character breakfast at Cape May (located at the Beach Club Resort). There, we got to meet Goofy and Minnie (who Ronan swung at, so she didn't stand anywhere near him for the picture); and we saw Chip and Dale (the chipmunks, not the strippers).
After this breakfast, we ventured to Epcot, which I really enjoyed. Maybe it's because it wasn't super crowded and felt more open -- so Ronan could run around and not be confined to the stroller.

You also would have thought that we hadn't eaten breakfast yet, from the way Riley was asking for something to eat, or as she would say, "Can I have a snack please?" So, where else can you get away with giving your kid a chocolate covered Mickey ice cream popsicle at 10:20 am? Epcot. That's where.

This was the only morning that was slightly chilly out. I had to buy the kids some sweatshirts to keep them warm...
We had lunch at the Kona Cafe (at our resort) and put on our swimsuits for another jump into the pool. Of course we fit in a nap immediately afterwards. We were beat.
With 7:30 pm reservations at the Crystal Palace at Magic Kingdom, we decided to head over there a little earlier to see if we could get onto a ride. There was not a wait for the Carousel, so we tried that out and for such a simple concept, the kids really enjoyed it. Ronan had never been on a merry-go-round before and I thought he would be scared, but he was eating it up. Riley enjoys anything that doesn't go too fast, so this was right up her alley. I must be getting old, though, because I was slightly dizzy after getting off this one.
The Crystal Palace is huge and you wouldn't know it from looking at it. It was another character buffet and although we were in the very back of the restaurant, we still were able to meet a few characters. Ronan is a complete animal lover, so he was in awe of Tigger and Piglet. Riley was happy to get a few more autographs in her book, but definitely ready to go back out and try some more rides.



This night, we got right onto Pirates of the Caribbean AGAIN and called it a night. This was also the first day that WE DID NOT BUY ANYTHING, even after Riley asked us, "Can I buy something?" at every single store, boutique, and stand we walked by or stopped at.

Magical Vacation (Part 2)

On Monday, we started off our day with a 6:30 am wake-up call from Mickey Mouse. We had reservations at 'Ohana for a character breakfast at 7:50, so we didn't have to rush around to get there. The food itself was okay, but being right beside the entrance to where the characters come out was what made it awesome. We met Stitch, Lilo (who Ronan did not like one bit!), Mickey and Pluto. We got their autographs and some great pictures.

You can see from Ronan's face how he felt about Lilo. He did really well with all the other characters, but he let out a huge scream of terror when he saw her. Scary for him, funny for us. Afterwards, we went back to Magic Kingdom and rode the Buzz Lightyear ride (which the kids LOVED) and the Indy Racetrack ride (which Ronan had a freakout at, so he couldn't ride; and Riley got upset at because she had too hard of a time controlling the car). That was our indication to go back to the hotel and try out the Volcano Pool. That, and the fact that he passed out while eating french fries.
The pool has something they call "zero entry" which basically means you can gradually walk into the pool. It's pretty neat because it doesn't require that you shock your body by jumping in, to catch your kid who has no fear of the water. They claim the pool is heated, but according to the goose bumps all over my body, it didn't feel that way.

After the pool, we got ready for dinner at Boma, which was at the Animal Kingdom lodge. For a buffet, the food was pretty good -- even though some of the names of the food scared me a bit! We decided after Boma to head over to Disney Hollywood Studios and like the true tourists we are, we had to buy something...so we spent $40 on Mr. Potato Head and the parts. (You got to shove a box filled with all the pieces for $19 each and of course, you can't buy for one without buying for the other.) I wasn't completely impressed with Hollywood Studios. Maybe it was because it's more shows than small rides and Ronan isn't at a time in his life where he will just sit still and watch something (unless it's the Wiggles). So, we walked around for about an hour and ran to the car when it started raining.

But even rain couldn't put a damper on the second day of our vacation!

Our Magical Vacation to Walt Disney World (Part 1)

We arrived at the Polynesian Resort a little after 9 am on Sunday the 27th and instantly felt that magical excitement people talk about when you are anywhere near Disney. I went to the reservation desk to check-in (knowing that we probably wouldn't get our room until late that afternoon -- but we needed our keys to the world for our meal plan...) and was completely shocked to find out that our room was ready! But it wasn't just any room. It was room 2502 in the Hawaii building, complete with concierge service and I joke you not -- a room with the perfect view of Cinderella's Castle at Magic Kingdom. When the lady at the desk told me where we were staying, I started crying. I couldn't believe how hooked up we got. The pixie dust was definitely sprinkled around our family that day. The concierge service came complete with "continental" type breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with as much beer and wine you could possibly handle. I had us all set-up with the Deluxe Dining Plan (which basically gives you 3 meals a day plus 2 snacks a day!) and then to top it off with all the food at the hotel, I was prepared to leave Disney weighing 15 pounds heavier than the day we checked in.
We were all super excited to get into our room and get settled...but I couldn't contain myself knowing what we were given that day. The view was amazing. (I guess it was worth the $700 a night we weren't paying!)
So...our first day there, we had breakfast at the hotel and headed off to Magic Kingdom! If you have never been there, to see the Castle in person is breathtaking and the energy in that place is contagious. I was probably more excited than the kids to be there! We ate lunch right across the way from Pirates of the Caribbean at a place called El Pirata y El Perico (pretty good tacos!) We then stood in line for Pirates for 20 minutes before being told that the ride was closed for repairs. Major bummer, but it didn't bring us down. We left Magic Kingdom shortly after and headed back to the Polynesian to relax until dinner. Riley was sick before we left and still sick when we got there, so we stayed in the room to rest while Ryan and Ronan took a little speed boat out for a spin around the Seven Seas Lagoon. They loved it and even though I wished Riley and I could have gone, it was good she got some sleep.
We had dinner at the Whispering Canyon Cafe (in the Wilderness Lodge) and personally, I loved the food. We had this "All You Care to Eat" Skillet that came complete with ribs, corn, pork, chicken and all the barbecue fixins which was delicious and extremely filling. Riley had the macaroni and cheese -- which she didn't finish -- and Gino Casino, our server, called her out to the entire restaurant telling everyone she didn't eat her meal. The restaurant is known for their silly antics like that, but Riley didn't think it was funny at all. She got really embarrassed and upset so dinner was pretty much over at that point.

We headed back over to the Magic Kingdom for their Extra Magic Hours and we were able to ride 5 rides that night, in less than 3 hours! We finally were able to get on Pirates, Peter Pan, "it's a small world," Aladdin and Winnie the Pooh.

It was truly a magical start to the best family vacation (and only family vacation so far) we have ever had!