Forty-something

Let's get one thing straight - the man is forty-something, not me. Today was his XXth birthday, which actually puts him closer to fifty-something, but I won't go there.

The girls and I had a great time setting up for the celebration. Initially, I planned on cake and presents but upon reviewing the agenda with the girls, Little Miss Independent reminded me that birthday parties require balloons and party hats. And who am I to argue with that logic?

We baked a cake, signed cards, wrapped presents, and decorated the house with balloons. Little Miss Organized was so excited that she kept asking The Man to come downstairs before we were finished setting up.

Later, we enjoyed dinner at Claim Jumper, one of his favorite restaurants, and somehow managed to save room for cake at home.

In short, a great time was had by all. Kudos must be given to my little party planners -- they sure do make their mommy (and daddy) proud!

Happy Birthday, Sweetheart! -T

Missing Daddy

The Man has been traveling this month and the few days we had him home last week went by too quickly.

Every time the girls see a plane overhead or a red truck drive by they scream, "it's Daddy!" My heart aches a little bit each time that happens, but I know it's got to be worse for him being away from us.

We decided to get a Web cam for The Man's laptop so he could keep in touch with us, but's it's definitely not the same when it comes time for hugs and kisses. Although, it is fun to watch the girls kiss the computer screen when we're chatting with him.

The attached picture was taken last weekend. If you're reading this post, Sweetheart...HURRY HOME -- WE MISS YOU!

-T

An Update

I am now officially addicted to the Twilight Saga.

Somehow, I managed to finish New Moon (Book 2) and Eclipse (Book 3) in ONE WEEK (I know, I know -- IDIOT!) and I'm still just as mesmerized and in love with this series.

For those of you who have read the books, you know my heart is breaking as a result of the Edward, Bella, Jacob love triangle. What an awesome story line.

Of course the real heartbreak is having to wait until August 2 to read Breaking Dawn (Book 4). Rumor has it that it's the last in the Twilight Saga, although info from Stephenie Meyer, per her Web site, indicates that a Twilight companion novel called Midnight Sun could be on the way. Essentially, it's Edward's version of Twilight. Brilliant! I really hope that comes to fruition.

So just for grins, I thought I'd do a little poll on my blog for the ladies who love the Twilight Saga. Be sure to submit your answer before you go. I'm personally sticking with Edward, but Jacob is becoming tough competition. Did I mention that I HATE THAT? Poor, Bella. Poor, Jacob. Poor, Edward...Okay, I'm stopping now, I have got to get some sleep.

Night! -T

I love being a mom

There are so many things I love about being a mom.

~ I love the fact that despite how bad I look in the morning, the girls still think I'm beautiful.

~ I love being told that my kisses heal boo-boos ("all better, Mommy!).

~ I love hearing the same question over and over. When it starts to get irritating, I remind myself that it means the girls are persistent and that's a talent that will serve them well in life.

~ I love being asked to eat something the girls have fixed in their "kitchen" -- usually it's plastic pizza and invisible juice, but it's always good!

~ I love hearing, "I wuv you, Mommy!"

~ I love going out with the girls. One of our latest outings was a trip to Baskin-Robbins for 31 cent Scoop Night. The pictures in this post were taken with my camera phone as we waited in line.

I could easily keep going, but you get the idea. I love being a mom, even on the days that aren't so easy. Of course as luck would have it (being Mother's Day Eve and all) today was one of those days. One of those days when you end up feeling like a terrible mom, and you wonder if you've scarred your children for life. However, upon reflection, I realize that everything gets better and that love conquers all. It's one of those days that I wouldn't trade for anything.

Before I close this post, I'd like to say Happy Mother's Day to my mom.

Thanks, Mom:
For the strength that keeps me grounded,
and the love that gives me wings to fly.

Love, -Reen

I've been bitten...

There are several reasons I don't read for pleasure very often. Aside from not having a lot of extra time or energy, the primary reason is that I usually lose track of time and stay up past my bedtime. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE when good books carry me away, but it was a lot easier to "travel" before I became a mom.

That said, I'd like to take this opportunity to remind you that it IS important to "get away" every now and then; even if it's just by taking a trip to the couch with a good book in your hand. I'm compelled to share this reminder since I just took my own little "get away" with a book called, Twilight (Book 1 in a series of 3, soon to be 4), by Stephenie Meyer.

Even as I type this post with my eyes drooping, the lack of sleep was so worth the time invested in this story. It begins right here in Phoenix (which was really cool for me having just relocated) and it takes off to a place called Forks, Washington.

In a nutshell, Twilight is a love story between a human and a Vampire. (I'll pause for a moment, I can hear the gasps now...)

I know, I know. I don't do scary. I never have. I avoid scary books (sorry, Stephen King), scary movies, as well as the nightly news. So why on earth would I read anything with a Vampire in the main cast of characters?

For starters, Twilight is not scary, at least not really. I'd say it's more exhilarating than it is scary and if you don't believe me, just consider the tag line: "When you can live forever, what do you live for?" My heart is pounding...I LOVE IT! Additionally, you can view the movie trailer to judge the "exhilarating vs. scary" element for yourself.

(NOTE: I never recommend seeing a movie before reading the book, so promise me you'll view the trailer and then read the book, vs. viewing the trailer and then waiting for the movie. If you choose the latter, I won't allow you to join me on opening night. *grins*)

So, if you've viewed the trailer, read my plea, and STILL aren't convinced this book is worth your time, consider this...the author, Stephenie Meyer, is an LDS stay-at-home mom. I didn't know this prior to reading the book, but it sure made it that much sweeter.

Last but not least, I'd like to take a minute to thank Kathy C. for convincing me to invest some time in Twilight.I soooo needed the "get away" and I can't wait for the next one!

Enjoy! -T