We're Leaving on a Jet Plane...

I guess the last year has pretty much gotten away from me. Jude turns 1 in just 5 days. I must admit that being the mom of two has been overwhelming at times. My house has been a mess, meals not always planned, laundry in baskets, dishes in the sink and grime in the tubs. I guess this wasn't my year to get it all together. At the same time it has been the greatest year of my life- filled with more joy than I had known possible. Amongst the endless chaos there has been pleasure in the small things that make being a parent so rewarding.

and the big things...

The kids and I are moving to Charlotte, NC for a year. We are moving in with my brother and his two girls- Ashley and Alli. Peter is staying in NJ, so I predict this journey will be both challenging and rewarding. We are attemtping to rent out our place- wish us luck.

I plan on blogging more in the coming weeks- and if I don't- feel free to yell at me on FB.

We leave in about 26 days..

I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane - The best home videos are here

Happy Birthday Eliza!

I can't believe today is Eliza's first birthday! It seems like just yesterday we were all sitting around talking at Danielle's baby shower. Time really flies! Here is a photo of one of the first times I got to visit with Eliza. You can see her Pooh swing in the background behind us...Erika, Dana & I all chipped in to get that for her and she totally hated it haha. Oh well! I can't believe how far she has come since this picture...

E's First B-Day Bash & Reporting for Doody!

I am still crawling out of the aftermath of Eliza's first birthday party! A day later I am still exhausted from all of the fun!! The party was fantabulous. It went so fast it is still a huge blur to me. Pete and I were so busy we didn't get too many pics. I know my dad got some great shots so I will post more when I can.

Here is E in her cake outfit. Yes! She pulled a My Super Sweet 16 First Birthday and had a costume change. Hopefully I will get a picture of her in her party dress on here soon.

Enjoying the cake daddy made her- recipe courtesy of Christy!

After a nap she opened some gifts.

and gave her butterfly rocker a whirl!

Pete and I admired the clever eco-friendly wrapping done by Alessia's daddy. Overall it was an awesome day.

Juror No. 1234567
Tomorrow I must report to Jury Duty. I am used to dealing with doody of a whole different kind. Pete is going to be a work-at-home daddy with Eliza. I am going to miss my little E!

T Minus 1 and Counting

It is one day until E's birthday party. Am I ready? Are you kidding? I am president of the Procrastinators of America Club. Okay! So I have done some stuff to get ready but seriously how much can one get ready with an Eliza running around. I swear that little one has more energy and force than a ball shot from a cannon.

I asked my mom how she used to get dinner done when I was Eliza's age. She said she would tie me up and put me in the closet gate me into the kitchen with her and let me play. So I tried this last night while I was whipping up a batch of Snobby's and it was about 5 minutes before Eliza was tired of her toys and had her sleeve drenched with water from the cat's water bowl. Her NEW shirt from Gymboree- the one I would rather keep hanging in her closet so that I can stare at it all lovely and stain free. AAARGH So Pete put the cat water bowl upstairs this morning with the cat food. I can't have her eating Science Diet. Round two will ensue today as I attempt to prepare a Macaroni Salad and a Ramen Noodle Salad for the party.

and now a trip down memory lane

Here I am at my baby shower with my mom a few weeks before E was born. I can't believe she is almost one. It is unreal to me in so many ways. It has been a truly amazing year.

and now I must depart

I have more than one mug here at my computer desk and it is like playing Russian Roulette early in the morning. I just lost with a sip of coffee from an old cup. Must wash out mouth- blech!

Planning Eliza's 1st Birthday

Eliza turns 1 on September 18th. We are having her birthday party on the 13th. I have throwing around some ideas in my head for themes, size and location etc. I figured I would see what all y'all opinions were on this matter.

I knew I did not want any character themed party. So I have been trying to be creative with my ideas. I am actually pretty impressed I came up with the second idea. GO ME!

My first idea was to have a cupcake themed party. I am not sure where this idea came from but it kinda stuck in my brain for a while. I would have this arty at the clubhouse in my development. This idea has slowly moved to the back burner. I am just not feeling it anymore.

My next idea (and current favorite) is to have an Eco themed party at the local park. In an effort to reduce waste and reuse I would ask for either no gifts or gently used gifts. Also, no wrapping paper and all that nonsense that gets tossed right into the garbage- unless maybe from recycled materials. The park has swings and a play set as well as an area where we could put up a volleyball net. It would be a very laid back party. I am most likely going with this theme. I did a search for Eco_friendly parties and came up with this site. Of course Heather will design invitations. I am going to have to print them on some recycles paper I guess.

We really don't have that many friends and family so it won't be very big- I don't think.

So what are your thoughts? I am sure my mom thins I am a nut but that is pretty normal.