Potty Training Round 1

So we've tried to get Marek accustomed to wearing big boy pants so that it makes him feel big and grown up. Maybe that will get him to start going pee pee on the potty. :)

He looks so darn cute in them!!

Valentine's with BJ

Brian and Jessica were at Madelyn's birthday celebration and came back that evening to celebrate Valentine's Day with us! The boys cooked dinner for Jessica and I. Tommy is known to cook for me once a year - always on Valentine's day. This tradition started when we got married. He takes it very seriously and makes very elaborate meals. Our first year of marriage, he made me Lobster Ravioli. It was my favorite dish from our honeymoon in Anguilla at this fabulous Italian restaurant on the beach. Not just store bought ravioli - he bought LIVE lobster, made the noodles and stuffed them with his Lobster creation. It was amazing.

Back to 2009 . . . watching these boys cook and move (a bit clumsily) around the kitchen was a treat. :)

They made this incredible seafood pasta dish which I couldn't have any of. :) Just couldn't - tune into April Blogs.

Marek was a bit nervous of the Crawfish in the trash. After I showed him that they were not moving, he held one (a bit relunctantly).

Tom and Brian working ferverishly in the kitchen. I looked on as my kitchen turned into a disaster area!
Don't they look like they're having so much fun!

Jessica and I didn't want to get in the way . . .

They worked so hard!

I'll end with Brian's "check me out" pose . . .
I had just the pasta and it turned out great!! ;) Everything looked so perfect. Thank you, boys, for a very special and memorable Valentine's Day Dinner.

My Precious Valentine Turns 5

Seriously - where did the last 5 years go. Not funny. I can't believe my little baby girl turned 5 today. I remember those hazy days of being in the hospital trying to deliver her - arrive at the hospital on a Tuesday, kept overnight for a 24 hour urine catch (lovely - testing for pre-eclamsia), induced on Wednesday, and giving birth via c-section on that blistery cold and snowy Saturday, February 14, 2004. She really is my funny little Valentine. I feel like I had known her my whole life instantly. Of course that's what she looks like, I thought then and still do today.

Madelyn -you are my precious little people pleaser which you get from your mommy. Always asking if you're making good choices. You have your daddy's wicked art talents and I pray his math skills. Unfortunately you also inherited from him his focus (or most times lack there of). If it's the television or a video game- no problem - you're glued much like daddy. If it's cleaning or any other chore or mommy's voice, it takes asking you a few times before you hear me. :) But you are undoubtedly the sweetest and most thoughtful child I've ever known. I love you so much my darling angel face.

The Princess Cake I made - that's an actual Sleeping Beauty Barbie in there. :)

Madelyn posing with her favorite Princess.

Papa and Nana were the first to arrive. They are SO punctual!

The other Princesses and Princes began to arrive . . .

We had an arts and crafts table set up (this is a great idea for birthday parties, by the way)

Nana assisting in the craft projects . . .

I started the tradition a couple years ago of giving every child their own individual cupcakes with a candle. This helps with crowd control around the birthday girl and her cake and the kids love it. :)

Five. She turned five. This means Kindergarten, losing teeth, so many changes . . .

The other Princess with the candle . . .

Cutting into the poor Barbie! (No Barbies were injured for these photos)

So excited about all of her gifts!

The opening of gifts frenzy . . .

Happy 5th birthday my dear.

Valentine's Day Celebration at School

Marek and Madelyn celebrated V-day at school on Thursday. I just can't believe my first born is about to turn 5!

Marek digging into the cookie he decorated . . .

My sweet boy . . .

My kids don't get sugary treats too much so when they do - it hits them very fast. Instant sugar rush!

Madelyn's pupils fully sugar dilated!

Such a princess . . .

H-Town

I had some business in the Bay Area just outside of Houston which is always a nice excuse to visit Mimi in Houston. Mari, the kids, Brock and I all headed to H-Town for the weekend! Mimi set up a luncheon on Sunday at the House of Blues and invited everyone that could make it.

Outside the House of Blues with my babies . . .

Everyone showed up, one by one . . .

(l-r back: Tammy , Lorraine, Me, Mimi, front: Madelyn, Marek)
Brittanie showed up with her precious and oh so happy baby boy, Donny (Cameron Donald Duncan III).

Finally inside the HOB and eating!

Ata boy, Marek, shove it in!

A picture after the show with the band . . .

Mari and I outside with a signed picture from the band . . .

Aunt Lynn getting some love from her grandson . . .

Lorraine, Bobby, Gena, Mimi, and Lynn after the show . . .

Aunt Lorraine getting cheeky with Donny!

It was so nice that everyone got together while we were in town. It was so nice to see everyone and finally meet that precious baby boy . . .

That evening, we went to church at St. Theresa's and there's a playground just outside. We let the kids play before the church bells rang then it was inside to pray!

Marek getting a better view of what to do first!

My little Spiderman . . .

Such a great big sister . . .

There Madelyn is again waiting for Marek at the bottom . . .

More of my little Spiderman . . .

Madelyn actually looks like a monkey here . . .

My pretty little princess . . .

Posing with pinecones . . .

Posing like gangsta's for the picture with Momma!

Crabby Marek not wanting anymore pictures taken of him. . .

Peek-a-boo!

After church, Aunt Lorraine stopped by with some delicious pies from someplace called the Flying Saucer. They were ridiculously good.

She also brought Valentine gifts for the kids - animal crackers, a cute Ty stuffed animal, and chocolate rocks!

So exciting!

On Monday, we visited Aunt Baby and coerced her into going to the science museum with us!

Aunt Baby with Madelyn and Marek.

At the science museum - watch out for the giant spider!!

In the butterfly exhibit. Marek was using the butterfly guide as a shield from those vicious butterflies. . .

One butterfly landed right on Aunt Baby's head!

It was a great trip and I enjoyed getting to see everyone!