We're baaacck...again.

Cirucci, Laney, Alie and I headed to NC on Sunday morning to visit Wendy. During our 8 hour drive down, Ciruc and I decided that we really prefer leaving early in the morning, as opposed to later at night. For some reason, leaving in the morning makes the drive seem shorter. The girls had a wonderful time playing at the beach, jumping through waves and making "drip" castles with their aunties and me. Wen's house is lovely...very Wen. Our mini-vacation was a wonderful opportunity to relax and recoup...and I finished one of the books I was reading (I loved it! Highly recommend Comfort Food) and ate a lot (enchilladas, make-your-own pizza, Cirucci's lasagna and lots of birthday cake and ice cream). I am glad to be home though. I missed Carl and it was so exciting to come home to a nice clean house (with a newly painted dining room ceiling and fresh sheets on the bed).

Tomorrow will be filled with grocery shopping and a visit to Brooke's to eat a yummy treat and watch pirates II and III. Oh and we may even make a trip to Moxleys...I've been craving their delish s'mores ice cream (man do I ever have a sweet tooth).

Summer inspiration

While my blog is private (well not totally private), I love reading others blogs and for some reason, especially other mommy blogs. Perhaps my love of reading blogs coincides with my love for short stories, who knows? Recently, through my terrible vice, the multiples chat board, I have discovered new blogs to read. One of the blogs is by a woman whose book I have at home, ready to read. How ironic. Her blog is funny and honest and I am addicted to her writing style and I now can't wait to read her book! Perhaps blog reading might overtake my registry reading addiction.

Again, lots of news to report. First, I got my car back! I am soo happy. It was $500 bucks, but seems to be running smoothly (please cross your fingers and toes that this is the last of the work). Second, Ciruc and I will be venturing to NC afterall! We are leaving 2 days later than planned, but at least we're going and I'm excited to get a vacation in this summer after all. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, I had my first chat with Laney and Alie in the car last night about underage drinking. Last night, after My Gym, before we picked up my car (hooray!!!) we stopped by High Tops for happy hour with the Towson admissions clan. Carl and I each drank one miller light (such a crummy beer special) and Laney and Alie kept asking for a sip. Um. no. They even tried to get Auntie "CC" to share a taste with them. After they got in the car, they asked again (obviously the beer was long gone). We talked, with our 2 year olds, about beer being for mommies and daddies only. Do you think that reasoning will work in high school?

Morning after the Storm

I am feeling sooo much better today. I still have stinking tuition and car repair bills lingering over my head, but I feel better. Last night Carl and I had one of those fights. Those fights that are filled with yelling and slamming doors. Of tempers and pride. Of coming and going, ignoring and then....the lights went out. While we were hashing out probably months of unspoken frustrations inside, a thunderstorm was brewing outside and eventually knocked out our electricity. The darkness, as trite as it sounds, created some sort of calm in the room. So it was, surrounded by candlelight that we were able to work out our differences, explain where we were coming from, and move forward....and then the toddlers woke up which led to a whole family sleepover in our bed, with no ac, ugh. Today, i'm in that calm after the storm mood. This morning, when I put the girls in the car, it was cool. I didn't break a sweat just walking out onto the back porch. The grass was still wet, and it just feels like a day to move on.

While its never good to have a huge blow-out, I'm glad we did. We were able to resolve a number of isses. I have a new found trust in Carl. I trust that he will work hard to make sure things turn out ok. Things may not always be wonderful or how I have imagined them, but they will be ok and for now, that works.

Maybe, just maybe with my improved mood, our luck will improve too. Ha! You can always wish and hope ;)

Finishing the day with a positive

I found this on another blog and I thought it looked like fun...an alphabet meme.

A is for age: 27...Carl likes to remind me that I'm almost 30, but I'm not
B is for burger of choice: Well I LOVE cheeseburgers (Farmer and Brooke could tell you that from our expedition to NH) but my all time favorite is the california chicken "burger" from Red Robin.
C is for what kind of car you drive: Cars? not sure I want to go there, but when its not in the shop I drive a vw jetta wagon (which I do adore, just wish it worked better)
D is for your dog's name: No dog, i have twins.
E is for essential item you use everyday: the coffee pot.
F is for favorite TV show at the moment: Right now the only show i have been really watching is Ghost Hunters. I love it!!!.
G is for favorite game: Well I have lost just about every game I've played recently, but I would have to say Monopoly or Scrabble.
H is for Home State:Maryland
.I is for instruments you play:Clarinet....but not since middle school
J is for favorite juice: Cranberry...can I add vodka too?
K is for whose butt you'd like to kick:Carl's boss...where is that commission?!
L is for last restaurant at which you ate? Chick-fil-A
M is for your favorite Muppet: Kermit.
N is for Number of Piercings: Six. Three in one ear, two in the other and a belly button piercing
.O is for overnight hospital stays: Well I lived in GBMC on bedrest for almost four weeks. I stayed one other time as a kiddo for a growth test.
P is for people you were with today: i was at work, saw Brooke and her kiddos this morning, and of course my kiddos
.Q is for what you do with your quiet time: quiet time? well sometimes i read, sometimes i clean and sometimes i watch tv
R is for biggest regret: no real regrets. maybe i should have moved to fl after college, but other than that, i'm good.
S is for status: married
T is for time you woke up today: 7:45...today was my uberslacker mommy day.
U is for what you consider unique about yourself: my thumbs, they are different.
V is for vegetable you love: crinkle cut carrots. i don't make very many fresh veggies anymore and i'm always so excited when i pull those crinkle cuts out of the freezer.
W is for worst habit: I have too many. I bite my nails...all the time.
X is for x-rays you've had: Teeth, both wrists, knee, fingers, arms and feet. I played sports and have arthritis. Oh and I had a catscan (no clue if that's how you spell it or even if its an x-ray) but its from hockey.
Y is for yummy food you ate today: leftover wrap from dinner last night...oh and banana bread for breakfast
Z is for zodiac: Scorpio.

To routine or not to routine....

Life has been hectic. Yes, I know I always say that, but right now it seems worse than usual. I'm not really sure how since class has ended, but the girls never seem to be going to bed on time (and I'm turning into a terrible parent as they only took 2 baths last week, yuck-o!). The cars are breaking down (not going to comment on that further) and Carl's commission, that we need for things like my fall fees, paying Brooke next month and more urgently, paying for the jetta still hasn't come (ps. we were supposed to get it on June 1st). Not to mention that I would LOVE to put it in the savings account and earn some interest on it. I haven't worked out in over a week and I'm having panic attacks. I think I'm going crazy :(!!!! Add that to the fact that I feel terrible that we won't be going to NC because of my car issues, ugh! At least I still have next week off!

Anyway, back to the point of my blog today. I'm debating whether or not to convert my life to more of a routine. Something with a daily schedule like 6:00am-wake up and work out. 7:00 am-make coffee and get in the shower. 7:30 am-wake up girls, get them dressed and make breakfast. 8:15 am-get everyone out the door. I'd pick back up with my routine in the pm...5:30-get home and start dinner. 6:00-dinner (thank goodness for Rachael Ray). 7:00-bathtime. 7:30 bedtime. 7:45 adult time or schoolwork. 10:00 bed....start all over again the next day. While I pride myself on my ability to balance, it is clear that recently, I suck! I suck to the point of laying in bed until 7:45, not taking a shower and running out the door feeding my kiddos banana bread in the car. I think a routine might help me, get me into a more positive groove. But, my fear is that routines are a little too...routine. Then again, rules are meant to be broken. Bottom line is that I need to be better. Hopefully a little time off will help me with that.

argh!

My car broke down this past weekend...again. Which car you might ask....both. again. They are both in the shop. I have no clue when I might get the explorer back and lots of money later, I will see the jetta hopefully today, although no guarantees. The major bummer is that with all the car trouble, we're not going to visit Wen in NC. It looks like the girls and I will be hanging around Balti for the week....Brooke and I have already started working on plans. I'm hoping that I will be able to see Becky too!

This weekend we met Owen, our friend from college (and Delaney's godfather) 's son. He's three months old and super cute! We don't get to see Andy and Pam very often. They live in Allentown and Andy has strange hours becuase he manages Chili's restaurants. We also went to the Pat McGee concert (where my car broke down). Pat was awesome as always.

Memory Tag

Memory Tag
I got this from a friend's Blog post! It looks like fun! Leave a memory so I can leave one on yours!

1. As a comment on this post, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!

2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Paper finished

I finally finished my paper last night! I knew it would happen, it was just a matter of really getting down to it. While I still have no idea what my grade is, hopefully I passed the class and I can really "begin" my summer. Tonight after class I'm running to the library to pick up three books I have been looking forward to reading. Of course I have been reading through grad school (how else would I be balancing bookclub?!), but it will be really nice to read without guilt, at least until September 2nd.

Tomorrow night we are headed to the Pat McGee concert and Wolftrap and I can't wait. It will be a great opportunity to spend some time with Carl alone, and to enjoy my most favorite band. On Sunday, Andy and Pam are coming to visit and we get to meet the newest addition to the Fehnel family. It should be very fun!

Procrastination at its finest

Here I am. An introduction stands between me and the end of the summer session and I am surfing the net and blogging! I have turned into the Queen of procrastination. I have hated this second summer session class. The biggest bummer is that I was really looking forward to it. "Educational Leadership and Technology" certainly sounds like something that would be the perfect elective for me...combining both my major and my professional interests. Unfortunately, the entire curriculum has focused on k-12 teachers and the professor has not really been open to discussion about other groups of educational leaders. We have looked at teachers as change agents, teachers as leaders and the integration of technology into a k-12 school. Awesome...not! The best part of the course, it ends tomorrow and I have not been graded on a single thing. Since I have chosen to focus on topics outside of the classroom discussion, I really have no clue how I am doing in the course.

Here's hoping I pass!

Excitement at the office

So I know that I sound like a giant loser, but sometimes when I am able to put an idea into motion at work, I get completely pumped. That happened today! I have been thinking for a while about "virtual recruitment". If I can take online classes and communicate with a professor lecturing in a lab on campus, I should certainly be able to do something similar with an information session for prospective students, right? Well, I contacted OTS early last week and set up an appointment to meet with a woman who runs the Digital Media Classroom here on campus. My idea can be done! I am set to do three online information sessions this fall, and I will be taping one later in the summer for use in my "virtual high school visit" idea. I am so excited. My boss is completely thrilled with this idea too, which makes me even more excited (I know, even more loser-y). I can't wait to get started. I'm interested in seeing how many students tune into me. I will be spending the next couple of weeks ironing out the details and putting together my presentation...woohoo!!!

oh and the weekend...

This weekend was a lot of fun. Friday night, Travis stopped by for a bit to play with the girlies. After meatballs sandwiches and s'mores we headed downstairs to play with the ponies and with the blocks. Laney wouldn't let Travis brush any of her ponies hair (suprise suprise), but both girls LOVED building towers and then knocking them down. Travis helped hold the towers when they started getting taller, and lifted the girls so they could add more blocks. We are really looking forward to visiting Travis and Nicole in their new home in NY soon!

I am slowly getting used to this every other weekend work thing Carl does during the summer. Well, sort of getting used to it if you think its ok to stay in your pjs until 2pm. It was quite a lazy weekend, and I loved it. I procrastinated and did not write any of the papers I need to have completed by Thursday. I did however play with play dough, color and watch a few disney movies. During naptime (for the girls) I finished reading two books that I have been working on for a little while. I really need to work on reading only one book at a time, but I'm thinking that may be wishful thinking.

Saturday afternoon/evening was Turners 3rd birthday party and we all had lots of fun. The girls enjoyed the pizza (of course) and running in the sprinkler. I know they really weren't sure about it at first, but really started to love it as the other kiddos started joining in. I loved relaxing and chatting with Marge and Ky while my lovely husband brought me dinner and cake :) Sunday, as soon as Carl returned home we headed to the playground and then had a picnic dinner in the park. It was wonderful to be able to spend some great family time!

Both nights, after the girls went to bed, Carl and I drank wine and played board games. He won both nights :(

i'm all ready...

for next summer! Many of my friends know that I am notorious for stocking up on clothes for the next year when stores begin to have their end of season sales. I love it because I can do it from my desk while procrastinating at work, and all while sticking to my strict clothing budget. This past week I have just about purchased the girls an entire wardrobe for next summer. I purchased bathing suits, cover ups, dresses, shirts and a pair of shorts from the childrens place. I have a few cute outfits from gymboree and some pjs and tees from the disney store. I even purchased the girls Halloween outfits (since I have come to terms with the fact that I will be too busy to make them this year with school, and I REALLY want to make them Christmas dresses).

also, to add to my procrastination, i have started planning our trip to disney. We are looking at September 2009. I am aware that is over a year away, but I'm just so excited, I can't help it. This is going to be one long year for me ;)

Its Friday!!!

It's Friday and I'm very excited! Wednesday night Carl worked late, and the girls and I made a bowl of popcorn, sat on the couch and watched Cinderella while it stormed outside. It was wonderful! I'm hoping we can do that again soon.

Tomorrow we are going to Turner's 3rd birthday party. I'm really psyched for it! Turner has of course been telling me about the Buzz Lightyear party for weeks, and I'm thrilled for him that the day is finally almost here. Brooke is planning quite a gathering with art projects, pizza and of course some time in the sprinkler. I'm sure my kiddos will have a great time. Plus, we have some very fun presents for Turner...I love giving presents ;)

We currently have no plans for Sunday. Carl is working all weekend, so I'm sure the girls and I will just hang low at the house and chill. Maybe we'll do some swimming in the backyard, and that is fine with me ;) Tonight, my brother (who just got his first job!!!! congrats Travis) is stopping over for a bit to visit with the girls. I'm sure they will have him happily watching princesses and playing house or my little pony. I love watching my favorite "men" participate in very girly activities with the girls. It melts my heart. I will have to fit some paper writing into this weekend, I have two left (although one is a 15 pager!). Just think, this time next weekend I will be finished with my summer classes and on my way to the Pat McGee Band concert. I can't wait!

4th of July! and other events...

It feels as though life has been a giant whirlwind recently. Before we left for the wedding, my whole entire office (pictures from the wall, desk, lamp, files, furniture, EVERYTHING) had to be packed up and moved out of my office for an asbestos removal, paint job and new carpet installation. It was strange coming back, having no place to sit and catch up on phone calls and emails. I didn't even have access to a phone line for students to return my calls! I know this isn't super tragic, but I really didn't like the feeling of being displaced. Today, I got my office back! I really haven't started to unpack my boxes yet, but just being able to sit at my desk and type away while being able to physically see if I have voicemail has been absolutely wonderful (even if I am still super busy!!!).

The nice part about all of this was that I only worked a 2 day week last week because of the 4th! The girls and I really did have a wonderful 4th. We walked in the Towson parade with the TU marching band, other staff members and some students. We met Duff from Ace of Cakes (he was the grand marshall) and had our picture taken with him. After naptime, Carl came home and we headed over to Brooke's house for a cookout and then headed over to the school to watch the fireworks. All of the kiddos seemed to have a really great time. I love living the in Village!!!

Finally, I only have a week left in my summer course and I have 3 papers to write (one of which is my final project). Its that stress time again for me and I'm sure I'll get it all done, but that floating around with all of my work responsibilities is of course making me anxious. At least I have this wonderful new office to work in!

I also wanted to congratulate Doug and Katie on the birth of their son this morning and wish my bestest Wen a happy 27th birthday. Wen, I agree, I think 27 will be an absolutely fabulous year for you!!!!

almost forgot...

I got an "A" in my class.

we're baaaccck!

So we've returned from Florida and we had a great time! We left after "My Gym" (which was awesome) at 7pm on Thursday night. We arrived in Clearwater around 11. The hotel was beautiful and we spent lots of time swimming and hanging out. The girls loved the pool and the beach. They especially loved putting sand into their buckets. Lucky for them, Aunt Mindy and Uncle Danny gave them brand new buckets for being flower girls.

The wedding was nice. Of course the girlies wouldn't walk down the aisle, so I carried them. They were more interested in playing in the sand, and less interested in participating in the wedding, which is ok. Carl and I enjoyed some time to ourselves, dancing and laughing.

Sunday morning we drove about an hour and a half to Disney. We stayed in All Star movies, in the 101 Dalmation section, which the girls loved. The pools were themed too! We spent a little time at Disney picking out some new stuff (a doll and some my little ponies). We did lots of swimming, watched the fireworks and then had breakfast with the characters the next morning. The girls loved the characters!

We left Orlando at 1:00 pm on Monday afternoon, and returned home to Baltimore at 3:30 am. We hit some TERRIBLE storms in Jacksonville, and then Alie had to go to the bathroom a ton! Overall, the drives weren't bad. Laney had an accident on the way home, but other than that, no tears! We're working on planning our first "real" trip to Disney for September 09!