Dear Blog,

I'm awfully sorry that I've neglected you lately but I've had a busy couple of weeks. You see, Kenny and I try to take a trip each year without the kiddos and while we didn't have the time to head to Virginia like last year (my favorite place to be in the Fall), we did find a way to escape for a quick weekend to Denver, Colorado. Where the Chargers were playing. Of course. The deal was that if I went to the game with Kenny, the rest of the trip would be 'Erin' style. This meant lots of Christmas shopping, eating out, exploring the city, and ... being the first in line to see "New Moon." And that's just what we did.

The game ended up being really fun. Because the Chargers won. And we were surrounded by Broncos fans. And they didn't like us much. But we didn't care. Because we won. And we were wearing huge parkas that we borrowed from my parents. Because we don't own parkas. And we were freezing cold. Even though underneath our parkas we were wearing four layers of clothes. But the game was still really fun. Because the Chargers won. And Kenny was so happy. Which always makes me happy too.

While in Denver we also mingled with strange Broncos fans.

And ate breakfast everyday at The Delectable Egg. I would eat there every morning for the rest of my life if I could. And I don't even love eggs. But their Belgian waffles were amazing.

Then it was back to Southern Utah to spend Thanksgiving with our families where we had a wonderful holiday with loved ones and enjoyed eating lots of yummy turkey. Speaking of eating, dear blog of mine, that is another reason I haven't posted lately. I've been way too busy eating. Recently eating has become quite a priority for me, and I'm all about priorities. I seemed to have timed this whole second trimester during the holidays thing just right. I am hungry all the time and lucky for me, there seems to be delicious food around all the time. The other night I had downed a whole burrito and was starting on someone else's leftovers when Kenny called from the couch "come here babe...I want to cuddle with you for a minute." I know what he really meant was "C'mon babe. Put down the fork and step away from the kitchen. Slowly now...you can do it..."

It's all good. I am full of gratitude and plump and happy. And hope that after this weekend the rest of you feel the same.

Do you ever?

Do you ever eat while you're on the computer and get little food crumbs under your key pad and then your keys start to stick? But really you sometimes do it on purpose because that little air thing that blows dust out from under your key pad is just so fun to use?

Do you ever feed your kids chicken nuggets for four nights in a row? And you feel incredibly guilty about this and everything else you're not doing in the "good mom" department? And then you decide to be positive and to focus on what you are doing in the "good mom" department and you justify the chicken nuggets by thinking at least my kids aren't going hungry?

Do you ever get a little too into your music while exercising? You're on the treadmill and your ponytail starts bobbing and your hips start swaying and you maybe even get so pumped up that before you know it you're punching the air to the beat of the music? And you get interesting looks from other fellow exercisers? And you suddenly realize that you're at the gym and not in the privacy of your own garage where you usually rock out while on the treadmill?

Do you ever get so excited about an upcoming getaway trip with your husband that you start packing way too early? And then realize how stupid this is because for the next week you're pulling everything back out of your suitcase just to get ready for the day?

Do you ever have bizarre dreams like about how your sister-in-law (who is pregnant for the first time) just bought over a thousand penguins and was so excited about starting a penguin farm? And you kept freaking out and trying to tell her that she just doesn't understand how much work a new baby is (because who really understands until they've lived through it) and how she'll never be able to deal with a newborn AND take care of all of those penguins? And she thinks it's no big deal and, as the wise veteran mom, this is making you completely crazy?

Do you ever catch yourself watching worthless, mindless soaps like Young and the Restless? And every time you watch it you think why am I watching this? This is such a stupid storyline and the actors are awful. And you know it's the most unproductive way to spend your time so you try to justify it by cleaning or folding clothes while it's on? And you vow to never watch it again, but then a few days later you've tivod it you are home when it happens to be on. And you watch it again because there is just something about the love triangle between Nick and Phylis and Sharon that you can't seem to pull yourself away from?

Do you ever?


No? Really?


Yeah...me neither.

On-line fun

Just a couple of fun things I ordered on-line and wanted to share. If you're like me and have little girls at your house this tea kettle and toaster from Pottery Barn Kids are sure to be a hit for Christmas. The tea kettle makes the sound of water boiling and tea being poured out when you tip it. The toaster is just like a real toaster with fake toast that pops up when it dings. Addison LOVES these. Every time I've taken her to PB Kids she has played with them the entire time we're in the store. When I went to buy them they were sold out in the store so I had to order them on-line. They are a bit pricey (30 each) so if you were just going to get one, I'd go with the tea kettle. The sounds it makes are SO REAL...it is the coolest toy for little girls who are into tea parties. You can order them here.

If you're into scrapbooking I'm sure you've heard about Becky Higgins' new "Project Life." Last year she came out with a new way of scrapbooking with her "Project 365" where you take a picture a day for an entire year. I didn't buy it because for me, this blog is our family scrapbook, and for my kids' books I didn't want to have to commit to a picture a day. Well this year she tweaked it a little. The concept is the same - you're just putting in pictures with a little journaling - but you don't have to commit to a picture a day. You can do a layout with pictures from the week and then the next week fill the page with pictures from a b-day party, etc. I bought two of them thinking I'll have one for Ellie and one for Addison and this next year I'm going to try using these for their individual books. I just can't keep up with scrapbooking for them and I don't think things are going to get any easier with one more child in the mix! (and another baby book to get done) The thought of just having to organize pictures (which I take a million of anyway) and do a little journaling in an album that is already all put together is so appealing! Plus it just seems like an easier way to showcase the everyday stuff instead of all of the "events". The pictures can be totally individual and random. Then I can be creative and scrapbook for our holiday books and whatever else I want when I have time and am in the mood...while hopefully staying on top of my kids' albums. Plus everything that comes in the kit is just so cute and fun! If you're into digital scrapbooking, Becky is making a digital project life too. I personally prefer the paper stuff...it's all about the supplies for me. :) Anyway, if this sounds like something that may work for your family or kids' albums you can learn more about it here. I'm very excited about this!

Who says you have to be in stores to have fun shopping!? :)

In the last few days...

We went to So You Think You Can Dance! Third year we've gone and it just keeps getting better! Only bummer was that they wouldn't let me take my camera in this year. Good thing I had my point and shoot around last year when Mary Murphy showed up. (I seriously scaled a wall to get that picture with her - and still have the bruises to prove it) Right now I'm in the process of creating a purse with a trap door at the bottom to hide my camera in for just such occasions. Next time - I'll be prepared. My friend Ann had her camera and took the above picture of the two of us, along with the picture below of me and Kenny with some of our favorite friends from Southern Utah. So fun to meet up with everyone!

The TASTEE FREEZ background adds a nice touch, don't you think? It's making me hungry right now. Everything is making me hungry right now.

The girls ate breakfast upstairs and we broke into the Christmas movies...just a few.
I couldn't wait.

I took Ellie to a 50's themed b-day party.
Cool that she got to wear her Halloween costume again.

Also cool that she and her buddies rode to the party in a limousine.

Not cool that my five year old has ridden in a limousine and I haven't.

And in the last few days, Addie and I have done LOTS and LOTS of laundry. On to the next few days which will include a lot of the same stuff. Except for SYTYCD since that's a once a year thing. And except for the limo ride since that's a once in a lifetime thing. And except for breakfast upstairs and Christmas movies since that's a weekend thing.

On to the next few days which will include LOTS and LOTS of laundry.

How we roll around here...

Around here:

we're into barbie dolls and barbie movies...

castles and princesses...

and we really love butterflies.

We also love hair bows and jewelry...

dressing up...

and having tea parties in our pink playroom.

And around here there's always LOTS of chatter and drama.

Well - around here we may just be rolling a different way soon because -

It's a BOY!

We are completely surprised and beyond thrilled! When the ultrasound technician told us it was a boy Kenny and I both started to cry. Then we cried a little more. Then Kenny stopped crying and I cried a little more. And I've pretty much been crying on and off all day long. A boy! It still hasn't sunk in.

So the question now is: what does one do with a boy? We have no idea, but can't wait to find out!

Big day

So tomorrow is the big day! We find out if the baby is a boy or a girl. Want to place your bet? :)

Christmas card time!

Kenny had to work late last night so it was the perfect opportunity to get going on my Christmas cards! I love making them every year. Especially when I start early enough that I'm not rushed. The goal: to have them made and in envelopes stamped and ready to mail by Thanksgiving. The goal was originally to have this done by Halloween. I'm famous for setting unrealistic goals. I can't wait to start getting cards in the mail! And I can't wait for my pantry door to look like this again. Isn't this the best time of year!? I had to resist the urge to turn on "It's a Wonderful Life" last night - trying to hold off Christmas movies a little longer although I don't know why. I would be perfectly content celebrating Christmas all year long.

Today is Veterans Day and the girls are out of school. We may all three be in pajamas for quite a while. We also may have to take a trip to Toys R Us to get a few ideas for Santa. :) Hmm. Maybe we'll go to Toys R Us in our pajamas. That sounds like a party. Anyone up for joining us?

Also let me know if want a Christmas card from me (if you didn't get one last year) and I'd love to add you to the list. Of course I'll be expecting to then be added to the top of yours. :)

fabulous fall finds

Oh I love fall fashion. Love love love it! Best time of the year to buy clothes. So it totally BITES to be pregnant during the fall. Not only pregnant, but in that awkward in between stage. Don't get me wrong, in pregnancy land second trimester is the absolute best and I've been feeling great. Done with first trimester sickness and not yet to 'I'm a whale and my back is killing me' third trimester. BUT - as far as clothes are concerned nothing is working! Pre-pregnancy clothes are getting way too tight and a lot of maternity clothes are still too big. Plus most of my maternity clothes I bought in 2003 when I was pregnant with Ellie and styles have changed just a bit since then! Did I once enjoy looking like a high waisted tent!? I guess so. Worked at the time...not so much now. BUT - I don't want to go spend a lot of money on maternity clothes. They fit for such a short time and this will be my last pregnancy so it seems especially silly to spend money on clothes that I'll only wear for 5 more months. BUT - I'm in need of a little retail therapy. SO - I've decided to turn my attention towards more shoes. Shoes that I probably don't need, but really really want. Here are a few I'm salivating over right now...
These Maxstudio slingback pumps are so simple and cute! They just seem like a good go-to shoe that would work with about anything.

I LOVE these Steve Madden gray pumps. They're a little like my Gwen Stefani black shoes but the laces are adding a really great touch. Pumps like these are surprisingly comfortable too...the higher back gives better ankle support. Much better support than my two hour shoes. Bet I could wear them for at least three hours, making them a must have!

Oh...are these not to die for!!! Michael Kors Peep Toe Bootie. I love a good peep toe. They are so San Diego. Wear the boot because it's the month of November, but show the pedicured toe because it's 75 degrees.

And how fun are these green Hunter rain boots! SO CUTE! We don't have slushy winter weather, but it does rain from time to time. How fun would it be to have these when it does! Why should our kids be the only ones decked in darling rain attire? Plus they're green making them a must have for my wardrobe.

And last but certainly not least my FAVORITE boot I've seen so far this fall. I LOVE these boots. I ALL CAPS LOVE THESE BOOTS. I triple exclamation LOVE these boots!!! I RIDICULOUSLY LARGE PRINT LOVE THESE BOOTS! This Guess Suede boot has been popping up in my dreams since I spotted them on line. They are even better than the boots I dreamed about buying last year. They are a masterpiece. And if I had my way, they - along with all of the above shoes - would be mine.

Question is: if we have a few more Charger wins and I can actually pull off getting any of these fabulous fall finds, what would they look like with the high waisted tent?

photo shoot gone bad

So if you know me you know that I have a thing with pajamas. Maybe some would call it an obsession. And because of this obsession I went a little crazy with the girls Christmas p.j.'s buying them several pairs this year because there were just too many cute pairs to choose from! Then my mom came to visit a few weeks ago and what did she bring for the girls? Christmas pajamas. (the apple doesn't fall too far...) I usually give the girls their Christmas p.j.'s after Thanksgiving so they can wear them throughout December, but I figured we'd start a little early this year and spread them out. :) So I gave them their first pair today and just like last year, got all ready for our annual Christmas p.j. photo shoot on my red couches.

Things were going well.

Girls were cooperating until...

we suddenly heard shouts coming from the family room... LOUD SHOUTS.

And this came to mind {"In the Christmas Eve game there arose such a clatter, Erin ran to the living room to see what was the matter. When what to her wondering eyes should appear, but Kenny dancing around in his blue Charger gear!"} Sound familiar? :)

We knew this could only mean one thing. The Chargers won! Scoring the winning touchdown with 21 seconds left in the game! (YES! They FINALLY got my letter!!!)

Someone in our house was pretty excited.

And that someone got two other someones pretty excited.

and someone else (who after all of this excitement tried to resume the photo shoot) quickly realized that picture taking was done for the day. But that someone isn't bitter. She is thinking that if the Chargers keep this up, our little family is going to have a VERY Merry Christmas. ;)

p.s. I was featured today as a "Monday Maven" on the fun blog 'I Never Grew Up'! You can check out my interview here.

Thanks Vanessa!

A better day

So after a better night's sleep and a calmer day I'm smiling after re-reading yesterday's post. Sounded like I was just the tiniest bit annoyed...and tired...and sick...and tired...and frustrated...and tired. I have a close friend who is going through a really hard time right now and I think that also added to a lot of my stress and overall mood. Plus this pregnancy has been bringing out all kinds of loveliness where my mood is concerned. I'm happy as a clam one minute and ready to attack the next. Well, today has been much better. I think I have a few things figured out to help mellow out our schedule and I could taste my food for the first time in a week (is that not so annoying when you're sick and can't taste your food!?). I'm also smiling after reading all of your sweet comments. Especially one from my good friend Shari who has six kids of her own and is offering to take my two so I can have a break. HA! Reminded me of the time I called her after our first Christmas card photo shoot with Ellie (who was 9 months old at the time). I went on and on complaining about what a nightmare it was (we were at the beach...sand in her eyes...not one smile...blah blah blah). Shari was so sweet and understanding. I hung up the phone and Kenny said "were you just complaining to Shari about a photo shoot with ONE child?" I immediately felt like a complete and total idiot. A bit like I did today thinking about all of the people reading my blog with more kids than two and much bigger problems than a cold and too many extra curricular activities. So, sorry for that! But it felt good to vent and if you can't vent on your blog, where can you? Heaven knows Kenny's had his fair share of my venting lately. :)

So good-bye to gymnastics for now.

Here's the deal with swimming. We don't take lessons in the summer because we travel a lot and it's crazy busy with everyone taking lessons in the summer. I've found that if I put the girls in once a week from September to Mayish they remember what they learned better. By doing this I'm also paying a group rate for a private lesson since there aren't that many kids swimming during this time of year. Plus I have both of my girls taking a lesson at the same time. This is HUGE. I can actually watch them swim instead of entertaining one of them while the other one has a lesson. I don't know how long we'll be able to keep it up once my kids are in school full time, but for now it's a good thing - even though it's one more thing.

And then there's dance. Ahhh dance. Dancing was MY thing from 3 years old until I finished college. So yes - I'm living vicariously through them and until they are old enough to decide that they don't like it, they WILL be taking dance lessons. How else will they become part of the cast of So You Think You Can Dance 2025? ;) And again I totally scored on getting them in classes in two studios right next to each other at the same time. Ellie does Tap/Jazz while Addison does Tap/Ballet and I get to relax and watch. Except for when I'm imitating their moves and wanting to bust out on the floor with them.

It doesn't get any cuter than three year olds shakin' it in tights and ballet shoes.

So this weekend is looking good. Not too much on the agenda and I'm hoping for some much needed R&R...

Hoping the same for you and your family as well!