Blue Buildings and an Indoor Pool

There is one place I love. Ok, numerous places but only one that makes me really excited about organization. (other than back to school season)

It's ikea! In my most recent past life, I had a work schedule that was 9 weeks on, 4 weeks off. I somehow managed to make it to ikea at least 3 times a year. Mom and I began just staying the night. I mean hello, there is an outlet mall right there! Most people think it is insane to stay the night. I think it enhances the experience!

Well anyway. We went this weekend because it is a 3 day weekend and I will not feel robbed of a day off. People also think I'm crazy because I take my kids. But they actually love it too. I mean with the model rooms, colors and hotel stay who wouldn't! The hotel even has an indoor pool and until I cant take the kids to my dream...GREAT WOLF LODGE, the Courtyard pool is my resort. I love how Ikea gives me ideas for ways to maximize my home since its in the smaller scale. It is also affordable and that is always a plus.

This was also the first hotel experience for B with out the pack-n-play. It was also the last. That girl loves her crib. Which means she was a terror to getting sleep without it. She also kicks in her sleep ALL NIGHT LONG. My back, head, stomach, you name it. Then when that cutie wakes up at 5, she sees mommy and is ready to play. As I mentioned before pack in play until she is 18.

Anywho, just a ramble of my favorite organization store. And a cute pic of the baby girl as she sips her milk!

Well I've been a little busy...

That was what I had to tell my mom recently on why I hadn't called her. I mean HELLO have you seen Pintrest? If I am gonna be on a computer that's what I'm gonna be doing. Ok, and my job has me on one 98.6% of the time too so blogging on a computer might be like my worst nightmare. BUT since tonight BOTH babes were out for the count by 6:45, yes 6:45 and Adam is studying late tonight...why not!

But other than running to de-stress, I have found myself a little bit of a DIY'er. Yup me, channeling my inner crafty/handy self. As it ends up all I need is a can of spray paint and craigslist!

I have recently created: a balloon wreath, rag wreath, a cabinet, a hairbow frame, and wait for it... HAIR CLIPS/BOWS! Now don't you worry, I am in no way about to beging blogging on my awesome crafts because lets face it like it is. They are very beginner crafts, and frankly my time nor my wallet can support that!


Ends up other than running these projects really get rid of stress, and it has also imporved our home. For example did you know, that we do not have a pantry? I know crazy. We have decided the next time we look for a house and the realtor says, "Now what are you looking for in a house?" My first response will be, "A pantry and a linen closet." Because yeah, we lack one of those as well. BUT the point of that rant is we now have a cabinet/panrty. The name of it is up for debate since Adam keeps calling it a cupboard and I have recently disconvered I don't like that word and it annoys me.

So you don't get all freaked out I will post my crafts, that way you can see my works of art, and understand why I have left this blog to the side.

Travels with mom...

Well the adventure started last night. I did my long run before we were easing up to Maryland for a quick family visit ad work. After my run I called mom on the phone. She assured me I could sit in the way back of the van and afresh my legs. That little tid bit made me smile.

So, fast-forward to this morning. H, kept wanting this and that from the back of the van. Now my mother was in the way back. I was getting mad, I was trying to direct where the needs were. Dad pulled over I went to the back rearranged, (have I mentioned I'm ver particular about how my diaper bag and van is loaded?) I said to mom, "hey, let me in the back to help the kids." She basically said no he's more comfortable. Awesome, I think I love my legs locking!

So after a potty break I've made my way to the way back, watching Cars for the 124th time and mom is trying to talk to me. As if I can hear.

Oh joy! Well that's part one. (Adam normally warns me that tris with my mom always provide good humor.)

The Safety Dance...

look REAL close

Ok, so I am all about some safety. In fact I even envision danger lurking around every corner, slick floor, wet road, and flurries. But recently safety has taken over a new meaning in my home. It has left me speechless, annoyed, and crazed!

Let me backtrack. So H is 2, but during my pregnancy with him a friend handed me a bag full of home safety items. Known to most moms as "child proofing." Since, we live on a budget, who am I to deny freebies? Then one day after my mom came over to help out around the house we spotted them... OUTLET PLUGS! BEFORE THE KID WAS BORN. When Adam, and I asked her about the plugs now in our wall, she simply stated that it was to be safe. I accused Laurel, (our dog) of putting her paws in the sockets. In hind sight, it was well worth the annoying factor of having our outlets plugged during pregnancy, and the additional 7 months it took H to crawl because we became pros at getting those things out.

BUT the other day when I returned home, from work I saw that the outlet plugs have a new meaning...a plug was in an outlet in "The Hole." Now you are probably wonder, "what's the hole?" Well first of all I HATE it. It is the hole above the fireplace that people put their TV in. Yes, a plug was in the hole. Apparently while Adam and I are out, H & B, climb up there and put their fingers, knives, rattles, paci's and broccoli in this socket.

Either that, or mom sees a plug I have ripped out of the wall and just looks for an unplugged socket. But hey, it's all in the name of safety.

The fabric of our lives...

Well the Cloth Diaper conversion is complete. I have never been so in love with changing diapers than I am now.

We received diapers for Christmas and it has been AMAZING. Even Adam who was hesitant to the switch says, "It's fine, just like before." Now take note he isn't doing the laundry but since I am already doing laundry on "Diaper Day" I don't even notice! The funny thing is I used to make fun of Adam and him reading all these computer blogs, but now I catch myself reading diaper blogs. I even decided to try out different types. This is dangerous. But I will tell you it is so nice to go to Target or out and not think, "Oh crud! I have to buy diapers!"

I knew things were bad when Adam's, single, childless, best friend came over and right after I said "hi" it was quickly followed by, "Do you wanna see my diapers?!" The changing table is now a staple in my home tour. I even got all offended when my mom didn't get excited over my tutorial. But surprisingly enough my dad is all about them! He even listens patiently as I ramble on and on about them. H, is in on all the action too. His specialty is folding the cloth wipes after they have been cleaned. AND did you know if I happen to run out of Pull Ups he can fit in one of these handy dandy diapers. (NOTE: yes, this means he is potty trained, Pull Ups are reserved for sleep)

Now I know that reading about diapers is about as exciting as changing them, (well mine aren't boring.) But I felt the need to share my excitement. I posted some pictures of my set up.

My newest and next obsession will soon be back to running and in about 3 month baby food making.

A few dipes, wipes warmer and "pail"

She's deaf, I know it.

I love my mom. Seriously I do. but that woman can send me over edge faster than anyone I know. Sadly she doesn't even know it. I found the latest humorous in the beginning of the week but now it is just annoying. So here's the deal...

Mom went to visited her parents in Maryland for a week. She came back talking about how they were bickering and couldn't hear each other. (Now I find this cute and awesome in old people.) Mom did not find it funny that they couldn't hear, and thought it was crazy.

But here's the catch... MOM DOESN'T HEAR. Often I come home from work and the TV is BLARING! I have told her don't turn it up past "12" only to truly find it on "26." On the phone I will say, "So how are you?" Her reply is, "I'm at home why?" I blame her TV volume for it, or the fact she yells into her cell phone. NOW that is annoying.

The TV situation I don't find funny I makes me mad, she says she can't hear me and I want to say, "Of course, the TV is on full blast!" On the phone tonight I got so frustrated with repeating myself and talking slowly I just hung up.

OK, I feel better. I needed this rant, but I know I will feel the anger rise tomorrow when I talk to her.