Chilly weather

The chilly weather is here in Baltimore! Now that the girls are almost 3 (eek!), they are not huge fans of sleeping in the footed blanket sleepers. They prefer their pjs with their favorite characters on them, which of course are much thinner. I headed out today to get some nice warm sheets and blankets for their beds so that they don't freeze this winter. I can't wait to get home and wash everything. They each have a brand new pair of t-shirt sheets, a pair of flannel sheets and new larger fleece blankets to tuck around their matresses. They should be nice and warm tonight!

We're really beginning to get into fall!

Still smiling

With everything that has been going on recently in addition to my insanely busy schedule there have been many moments that have proved to be the silver lining. Eventhough I'm working travel hours and trying to keep up with all of my schoolwork...tons of papers and readings along with class, ugh (along with dealing with the crap of life), I am trying to make it a priority to experience everything that fall has to offer with Carl and the kiddos. This year has definitely been the best because the girls are "getting it". They are excited for Halloween. We have been wactching fall-themed movies and reading fall-themed books. We visited Webers farm two weeks ago and enjoyed a hayride, sider slushies, and pumpkin picking (along with the Haunted House that Alie loved and the giant slide that Laney loved). Last weekend we headed to Zoo Boo where the girls got their first real taste of trick or treating. They had a great time gathering and eating the candy. We have been spending this time with family as well, hosting my parents, brother and sister in law and in laws for a lasagna and pumpkin pie dinner a few weeks ago. I have been baking a ton trying out many new fall recipes as well as some of our family favorites. Carl and I have been continuing our own family traditions, which is wonderful!

And finally this morning, one of my favorite moments of all. I made some pumpkin bread quickly last night before I headed to class. The girls and I each had a slice of pumpkin bread for breakfast this morning along with their very first mug EVER of hot chocolate (chockit as they call it). They did a great job drinking out of the mugs, and it was such a wonderful morning, watching the rain out the windows and eating a yummy, season-appropriate breakfast with two of my favorite people in the whole world.

Michael Phelps Parade

Saturday afternoon, we headed out to the Michael Phelps parade. We arrived just in time (I ended up working later than I anticipated on Saturday) and were able to find a spot where we could sort of see the marching bands. The girls sat on our shoulders and were so excited when the oriole bird walked by. Unfortunately Michael Phelps sped by where we were standing, but the day was beautiful and we had a lovely time enjoying the parade and the weather.

Yesterday morning we slept in! Past 9! We ate cinnamon buns for breakfast and headed out to run some errands. We picked up a present for Reesie's birthday, bought invites for the girls birthday party and grabbed some art supplies for the girls to do some crafts later this week. We also stopped at Lowes to pick up some screws to hang up a door knocker and some mums to plant in the front yard. During naptime, Carl and I were able to mow the front and back yards (FINALLY) and I planted the new mums and added mulch to the front gardens while Carl edged. We don't look like the neighborhood disgrace anymore :)

I want to try to add some pics to my blogs. That's next on my list of things to do. Maybe later this week if I get a chance!

Naptime?

I still feel like I am running everywhere. So much so that I feel as though I'm not staying connected enough to my friends. I was either in class or working every night this week except Friday. The same was true of last week. I have been super busy at work, running to high school visits, reading folders, working on webex and figuring out and managing Zinch. I'm really not sure how I have even fit my schoolwork in. I am even working today (a Saturday).

Last night, I did take some time to slow down, and it was awesome! After my kiddos were in bed I headed over to Brookes (with a scary looking cake...) for book club. Ky, Brooke and I chatted until almost midnight! We never even moved from the dining room table. We feasted on Brooke's delish Mexican pizzas and Ky's awesome dip (and my scary cake of course) and drank some fall inspired beers. It was really just what I needed. Just what we all needed, I think. Sometimes its great to plan ahead, cutting out time for yourself. I just keep thinking how much easier fall will be next year when grad school is finished!

We have an exciting weekend planned! Today, after I finish work, we are headed to the Michael Phelps parade with Inda and the Ambrose fam. Inda loves parades and she and I went to the "Phelps-tival" four years ago when Michael was awarded the key to the county. Tomorrow, we're hoping to head to the library to check out some halloween-themed books. I think the girls are old enough to "understand" a little about each holiday. I'm looking forward to doing the same with Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, etc!

Yay!

I am feeling better now after a little over 2 months of medication. I am much less anxious about everything AND I am feeling much more positive. Such good news ;)

Anyway, today I stopped at Tried But True on the way home from my high school visit at Hereford. The girls needed a few more shirts and as I was walking in the door I noticed this cute little doll cradle. I see things all the time that I think the girls would love (games, dollhouses, cradles, etc.) and I never pick them up when I see them. When I go back, they're gone. Today I bought it! It's a wooden cradle that rocks back and forth and I think it will be a gift from Santa. The girls will LOVE it! Plus shopping at Tried But True is eco-friendly because its consignment ;). Becky, I promise someday we'll shop for all of our girls together there. I know we talked about it all the time when you were preggo.

Also, I decided today that I want to learn to knit. Cirucci was my first knitting friend and now Brooke has picked it up VERY quickly. She knit me a beautiful hat a few weeks ago, and I would really like to knit my girls scarfs to go with their winter coats. Maybe once I learn, we can have a knitting party (I am such a tool, I know!).