Wild Things!

Last Sunday we took a trip to the Utica Zoo with our friends the Weissers!

We almost didn't go because the forecast called for rain showers. The sun was shining, so we decided to take a chance and drive out. Well, not only did it not rain, it was freakishly hot for an April afternoon in upstate NY. Like, Amazon hot. Really added to the zoo ambiance!

The first thing we saw were the monkeys. The kids absolutely loved them. The spider monkeys, however, were getting a little...ahem...frisky...so we didn't spend too long hanging around their cage!

Here are Seamus and Ethan taking a little PB sandwich break.

Next on the list were the tigers and wolves. What we didn't realize was that the tiger pen was at the top of a very large hill. So Jen with the double stroller containing Gigi and Collin, and me with the wagon and the older boys, started the loooong journey to the top. Sheesh! Talk about a workout! We seriously had to stop halfway up and take a breather! (Oh, and in case you were wondering...our hubbies were out playing GOLF. Are we superstar wives of the year or what?)

The tigers were very cool, but we realized too late that the wolves were even further up this ginormous hill...so we did what any decent parent would do and flat-out lied to our kids. The wolves were "sleeping," it was their naptime and we didn't want to wake them up. I figured it was very responsible of us - it would have been terrible to leave four small kids unattended by the wolf cage while their mommies were passed out on the grass from heat exhaustion!

Sea lions were up next - I think these were probably the favorite of the day!

I would have found this donkey to be incredibly cute and charming...if it weren't for the giant "I BITE" signs hanging behind his pen. I snapped this pic quickly and then we made sure everyone kept their fingers attached to their bodies!

The kids spotted this playground and of course couldn't wait for us to turn them loose and let them play. They had a great time running around and exploring the giant tires.

We took some cute pics and I tried not to hyperventilate as Grace was literally rolling around in the dirt in her new outfit. (Yes, I have been told I need therapy for this! I have stock in Shout.)

My handsome little man.

Best buddies!

Not a drop of rain fell, although right about this time we would have gladly welcomed it! Jen and I had to hold each other back from jumping into the sea lions' pool to cool off.

Super fun day at the zoo with our friends!

P.S. We are also looking forward to meeting our adorable blog friends, JD and Anne, at the Boston Aquarium this weekend!

Splish Splash, I Was Takin' a...Ewww!

I have no idea how I have managed to escape nearly four years of motherhood without this happening. But tonight...it happened. The dreaded event.


My kid pooped in the tub.


Go ahead...Ewwwwww!


Trust me, I was doing a lot more than ewwwwwing.


The culprit? This one right here.
How can she be so stinkin' cute, and so stinkin' gross?

I can't say she didn't warn me. Both kids were in there, having a grand ol' time splashing away, when Gigi suddenly jumped up.
"Mom! I went peepee in the tubby!"
I told her not to worry, that accidents happen...BUT...there was to be NO poopy in the tub.
Ten seconds later...
"Moooommmmyyyy....I went pooooppppy."

"What?" I ask her.

"I went poopy in the tub." Seriously, she was whispering it!

"WhaaaaaT?" I jumped up and grabbed both kids out of the tub with Superhero Mom strength.

Sure enough, there it was. Uggggghhhh...
Fast forward to me with a Baggie on my hand, trying to snag the darn thing and avoid choking on my own vomit.

Oh, and did I mention how many toys were in the tub at the time?

Yeah. Now fast forward to me disinfecting each and every one.

Oh gaaaaaaaa. Where's my wine?

Have a lovely evening, all. You know where to find me.

Now That I've Awoken From My Sugar Coma...

People, people. Why am I not feeling the Pay It Forward love? Is everyone afraid of the Pay It Forward challenge? Tiffany, help me out here! It's meant to be fun, really. You can make anything you like. Remember those spray-painted macaroni necklaces? Easy as pie! And a whole year in which to create it. So no worries! I will keep that post up for a while for any brave soul who may feel like tackling the challenge. Come on, you know you want that cute crayon roll!

Easter weekend was super fun. I believe I ate my weight in peanut butter eggs and yellow Peeps. What, didn't you? I just can't resist those pastel colors! I think after this holiday, the kids have figured out that Easter seriously trumps Halloween in terms of acquiring the best loot.

For starters, your parents don't make you dress up in ridiculous costumes.

Second, you're not forced to go out and beg for your candy, you simply wake up and the candy comes to you.

Third, I can't think of any Halloween where somebody dropped sidewalk chalk, DVDs, and John Deere tractors in my bag. Pretty sweeeeet.

And last, jellybeans for breakfast. Need I say more? Halloween is definitely lacking in the early-morning sugar rush area. The morning after Halloween, your parents have already confiscated your candy stash and are doling out a piece at a time...AFTER you eat your dinner, of course.


I love Gigi's face here. "And just what exactly is all this supposed be?"




Checking out the goods.


My pretty Gracie girl.


Mothers, lock up your daughters! Check out this studmuffin.

My kids were so into the candy theme of the day, they even dressed like candy...aren't they the cutest little orange TicTacs you've ever seen?

Happy Easter everyone!

Pay it Forward

I was one of the first 3 lucky commenters on Tiffany's blog for this fun Pay it Forward challenge. I am super-excited, because many of us have seen how awesomely talented Tiffany is! But I am also excited about offering up one of my creations to the first 3 commenters. Here's how it works:

Pay It Forward

1. Be one of the first THREE bloggers to leave a comment on this post, which then entitles you to a handmade item from me.
2. Winners must post this challenge on their own blog, meaning that you will Pay It Forward, creating a handmade gift -anything!- for the first THREE bloggers who leave a comment on YOUR post about this giveaway!
3. The gift that you send to your 3 friends can be from any price range and you have 365 days to make/ship your item. This means you should be willing to maintain your blog at least until you receive your gift and have shipped your gifts. And, remember: It’s the Spirit and the Thought That Count!
4. When you receive your gift, please feel free to blog about it, sharing appropriate linky love! If you are not one of the top three commenters on this post, you can still play along. Go ahead and start your own Pay It Forward chain, and encourage your blogging friends to do the same! SO, REMEMBER...Pay it forward!

So for the first three commenters, I decided I am going to give you a choice of one of two items handmade by me. The first is a very adorable crayon roll, and the second is a set of two embellished burp cloths. Since just about everyone who reads this blog has kids, I figured these were two good picks.

But if you find that one of these items doesn't tickle your fancy, I'm happy to oblige by creating something else special for you. I love this challenge, because I love creating, and I can't wait to share with you and see everyone else's creative juices start flowing!

Spring Has...Not Yet Sprung

We were teased for a while. Beautiful sunshine, balmy temperatures, tons of outdoor fun. And just as I began packing away the winter coats and boots...BAM! It's winter again. I should know better, I really should. It is the Northeast after all.

However the warmer weather does not come without its challenges. In the spring, I have to give myself about two weeks to adjust to the fact that our windows are now open, and the whole flippin' neighborhood can hear me yelling at my kids about the two dozen Disney stickers plastered to the coffee table.

This indecisive weather is really messing with my adjustment period.

I offer up my apologies to the residents of Ahern Ave. Really, I'm not a crazy mom...unlike the lady behind me who screams at her kids so much I keep expecting Jo Frost's Mini Cooper to pull up for an emergency SuperNanny intervention.

I don't think I yell at intervention-level just yet. Hopefully my neighbors will agree!

Ready for some sunshine...

Still pretty grey and dreary.

Grace is ready to be playing outside.
And Seamus is thinking of trying out a new 'do for spring. What do you think?