Hump Day update

At the request of CBJ (you know who you are), I'll post. I understand that people's lives revolve around the adventurous Swindell household.

What are we doing right now? Well, Abri is sleeping on me as I type, and Lise' is anxiously awaiting the Backyardigans to come on. This can be a good thing b/c I get a break, but it can also prove to be bad. Just now, she ran for the potty only to come back to tell me she didn't make it. The TV just mesmerizes her, and she "holds it" until it's too late. Oh well, the perils of potty training.

Lise' is also keeping tabs on the sun. You see, she's quite the Daddy's girl. B leaves before she wakes up in the morning, and each and every day, she's devastated he isn't there. Somehow we make it through the day, but she knows that Daddy comes home when it gets dark. It's now dark, and he's not here. She's wondering why not.

That leads me to the van. We LOVE the van. The van has been a great car for us. It's also no secret that we didn't buy it new. In fact, I believe it has 110K miles or so on it. Anyway, B brought it to the shop this week for its checkup, and it turned out the breaks needed a little help. So, B had to go by and pay for the brake job and pick up the key so that he can then come here, pick us up, and we can all go get the car. The joys of knowing no one in town.

I should also be in the kitchen warming dinner. We eat at 6. It's now 6:11. I'm starting to wonder what is in the fridge. I do believe I have some pretty good spaghetti and meatballs along with Mexican cornbread-neither of which Lise' will eat. Hmm...choosy toddlers. Maybe a bowl of cereal will do.

Abri doesn't normally sleep this late. You see, I've been trying (unsuccessfully I might add)to get her to go nap in her own bed. She used to do it quite well. Since we've been here, it's a fight. Who knew a kid could scream for over 2.5 hrs. That was my breaking point. For now, I've given up. At the end of the day, we'd have an exhausted baby and a frazzled mommy. Not a good mix. So, B has been focusing on getting her to go to bed at night in her bed on her own. Due to the fact I've "tortured" her in the afternoons by attempting to convince her she will take a nap in her bed and be happy about it, she HATES the site of her bed. If you get close, she clamps her arms around your neck like you're throwing her to the sharks. B had done a good job though, and we want to keep up the streak. So, last night, she woke up in the wee hours of the morning, and she cried, but not long, and not loud. She eventually went back to sleep. That was until she woke up screaming this morning at 3am. The culprit...poop. Apparently, it had been there a while (probably the first waking) and had eaten through her delicate skin creating a nasty diaper rash. A little Boudreux's and Tylenol to the rescue. B and I felt so guilty,she stayed with us the rest of the night. And, her sore little bum still isn't feeling well, so I'm holding her.

BREAKING NEWS! B is home.

As for Lise', we've been PURPLE free (pacifier for those of you not in the know) for 2 weeks now. I truly didn't care if she had one. I knew she'd eventually not need it. What I hated was finding the darn things. She has an amazing skill of losing them, and B and I would pull our hair out looking for them time and time again. It just happened that her favorite kind were discontinued, and I had been telling her for months that when she lost all her purples (3) that was it. Mommy could buy no more. She finally did it, and I refused to replace it with anything. It's been a somewhat rough go, only b/c she goes to bed so well with it. The purple also kept her fingers out her mouth. Now, we're on our own, and the fingers are back in her mouth. From time to time, she asks for it too. Just yesterday, we rode in B's car, and she spotted an old one on the floor in the car. I explained that she was now a big girl, and big girls don't need a pass. She then made a declaration that she doesn't want to be 3 anymore. She's now 2.5. Her reason, 2.5 is not a big girl, and therefore, she could have the pass. Her reasoning is just too good.

Well, I hope this has satisfied your appetite. I must go whip up something fabulous in the kitchen.

Ta Ta for now.

PS..CBJ feel better soon!

Sunday with the Swindells

We had an enjoyable Sunday. We didn't do anything out of this world, but we did have fun. It all started with blueberry muffins. Lise' had been asking for them, so I finally gave in. The girls love eating the leftover frozen berries, but it creates a new mess for me. Thankfully, a bath wipes all the stains away.




After the girls were cleaned up, we decided to go to a puppet show at the German School of Monmouth County. They were hosting Uwe Spillmann, a world renowned puppeteer. He doesn't use a stage, but rather a basket to present his puppet show.
The show was mostly in German, but it was still fun to see. I especially enjoyed his shoes.

After leaving, the girls both fell asleep in the car, so we drove around Atlantic Highlands a little. It was a beautiful day, and you could see NYC clearly.

We eventually headed home, and B did the most amazing thing. He made our home 100% vertical blind free!!!! Yeah. The last of them are gone. What a relief. I know for many, they are practical, but the practical just doesn't outweigh the ugliness of them for me. I slept well that night knowing they are forever gone.

Craig's List goes redneck

I'm addicted. I won't hide it. It's like garage saling (if that is a word) at home in your jammies. I've bought all kinds of things and sold a few things too. At the moment, B and I are shopping for kitchen appliances. With everyone upgrading to stainless steel, there's some great brands out there going cheap.

Craig's List is great up here too. Everyone uses it. Where you live, it might be just catching on. Keep watching it though, and with time, I'm sure it will become great.

Back to my addiction. I was on the phone with Jennifer (aka Ira & Flossie's Mommy)this morning, and we were searching the site at the same time. She happens to be considering new beds for her kids, and clicked on a posting. After the astonishment of what she saw, she sent me looking, and what we found, I have to share.

The title of it should read "you might be a redneck if..." Please, do go and check it out. It's good for a great laugh! And, you never know, you may need some end tables that mimic marble. The plans are yours for only $5. Remember folks, these good hearted inventors are from Alabama. Enjoy!

PVC BUNK BEDS

Run, don't walk

That's what is going through Abri's mind these days. In three days, she's literally gone from taking a few steps here and there to practically running across the room. See for yourself. You just have to ignore her sidekick doing circles around her.


Also, just a little side note. I went to downtown Atlantic Highlands today. (Think Main St. USA. There was some commotion around the movie theatre, and when I drove by, there were camera crews filming just inside the doors. I was driving, and couldn't stop, but there was a group of gawkers. Anyway, I figured they were filming for something and thought I'd ask around tomorrow. I didn't have to wait long though. I received an email that it was for a movie starring James Gandolfini from the Sopranos. If it wasn't lunch time and 30 degrees outside, I might have gone back with a camera. Sorry.

Cold weather food

Just wanted to pass on a recipe to you that I made over the weekend. It's Lighter Beef Chili from the Martha Stewart site. It's super easy and fast to make. It's really good too. The only thing I changed was I used Bison meat instead of beef, and I topped with cheddar cheese, avocado and sour cream. And, the next time, I would lighten up on the chili spice because it was a little too much for Lise'.

What in creation is that????

Just sitting here cruising the net, and all of a sudden a group of nuts outside start hooping and hollaring. Once they started, the dogs followed. It was as if there was a full moon or something. Then, programming was interrupted on TV. The big news? The Giants are going to teh Superbowl. Sorry, must be the only one around who doesn't really care. If it ain't purple in gold, it's not me. Anyway, the fireworks are going now, and I think my baby is screaming. Must run.

Where's the White Stuff?

Please tell me why it is that when we move to the NORTH, there is no snow? I'm not asking for lots of it, but a nice coating would do it. We've seen flurries, but it wasn't even enough to get excited over. Then, I turn on the weather channel yesterday, and all they could talk about was the snow in Alabama. Enough about that.

We had a pretty lay low kind of weekend. I'm happy to say that I did unpack a few more boxes. Unfortunately, progress was slowed a little by Abri. On Friday, she quietly made my nightmare come true. As many know, our stairwell doesn't have a railing, and therefore, there's no way to attach a baby gate to it. B has plans to install one, but just like everything else, it takes time, and it seems everything has to get in line these days. Our makeshift barrier in the meantime was boxes, strollers, or whatever was in the room at the time. None of the above stopped her. Things were too quiet. I heard her, and then I heard her tumble down. I hate that sound. The noise that came out of her wasn't great either. Luckily, she survived without visable bruising. That feeling was enough to make me want to erect an 8ft. fence around it though. On Saturday, the building of the rail was moved up to the top of the list, and we made a trip to Home Depot. Hopefully B will have time this week to work on it. Otherwise, when Mr. Ed visits in a few weeks, there may be a project waiting on him.

Lise's new puzzle she received for her birthday.

Abri's new game

Lise' finally got a haircut!

The netting over the top bunk of the bed. I bought it before deciding to get a bunk.

Abri checking our the new barrior to the basement stairs.

As I said, she'll climb into anything and everything!

Almost caught up

Whew, I've been working hard to get you all the latest info. I've put a lot of info in the last few days, so not all of it may appear on one page. Be sure to click on the list to the right to see all the latest postings.

After NYC, we went back to NJ to spend some time before Grandma & Papa left. There isn't much to tell there. I used the time with free babysitters to run a few errands. B and even had the opportunity to go to a movie. The last time we did that was when I was pregnant with Lise'. We saw the Bucket List. It was good, and so nice to be without the girls for a night. On Saturday, we all headed up to IKEA to buy some more storage and a small surprise for Lise'.

Lise's new bed. (That was the surprise). She's already taken a nap on the top bunk.


We bought all sorts of things, so maybe by the end of this week, I will have more things out of boxes. We did make some progress by taking the PINK vertical blinds down in the office and den and ripping down the Winnie the Pooh border. It already looks better. Now, if only the pink carpet would go away!

The weekend finally came to an end, but before it was over, we celebrated Lise's 3rd birthday.

Birthday Breakfast


Just playing around


Grandma & Lise' made her cake. It was delicious. It was too bad that Papa got sick that morning, so they left a day early. It was just B, me and Abri there to celebrate.


Lise' chose her own outfit. It seems that Utah blood is immune to the freezing temps

What were the guys doing in NYC?

Lise' & Abri's 1st French Restaurant

Abri's 1st visit to a smoke shop-it was one of my favorite things to do when I was little. I love the smell of the humidor!

A break in the nearby park



Dad thinks this has the makings of a mafia scene

Celebrity Sighting

I almost forgot. Mom, Dad, the girls and I went down for breakfast in the Waldorf. We were seated next to the buffet, and I noticed an older gentleman that looked familiar. Once I saw the flower in his lapel, I knew it had to be Willard Scott from the Today Show.

I gave Dad the "check it out" look asking for confirmation, and he told Mom. She was on her way to the bar anyway, and looked up and asked him how the weather was. He promptly said, "Not as beautiful as you are,my dear." It wasn't much, but it was a sighting, and it gave us a story to bring home.

Martha Stewart Show

On Thursday, Mom and I headed to Martha's Studio in Chelsea. The guys accompanied us down there on the subway then went on their own to explore with the girls.

We had a great time at the taping. It was exciting to see a television show taped. What you don't' realize is how many people surround the set with cue cards and microphones ready at the drop of a hat.

Martha looked just like she does on TV. Joey Kola was there, and he was great at warming up the audience. We weren't allowed to take pictures while the show was taping, so here are a few of the before and after pictures.

If you're familiar with the show, you know that occasionally Martha takes questions from the audience. She did allow it this time, but unfortunately, time didn't allow for the questions to be shown. Mom was one of the lucky ones to ask her a question. I have to say, she did well, and didn't sound nervous. Too bad you won't be able to see it for yourself.

Mom and I left with complimentary copies of the Everyday Food cookbook. I thought that was great until I watched this past Monday's taping. That audience all got tempurpedic mattresses and a three night stay at the Canyon's Ranch spa. Oh well, guess we'll have to keep going!


Me waiting in line for the show. You have to be there 2 hrs prior for taping, and we waited 45 min. in line outside. It really went by fast. Thank goodness it wasn't cold and windy.


Joey Kola speaking to us prior to going into the studio.

Before taping

The number of lights on the ceiling is baffling.

Martha herself

Birthdays

On a much happier note, I had a good birthday dinner. We went to What's Your Beef in Rumson. It's a great little local restaurant that serves steak and seafood. I had the scallops, B and Dad the steak and lobster and Mom had a filet with shrimp which Lise' ate. She also ate an entire serving of mushrooms. It was all very good, and we finished it off with their homemade desserts.
This is a picture of lunch at a NJ Diner.

I believe I once heard that NJ has the largest population of diners in the US. I'd believe it b/c there's practically one every mile. This one is in Red Bank.

The next day, we packed the car up and headed to New York City. Although, it's only a 30 min. ferry ride, we chose to drive with all the luggage.

The celebration continued with a trip to a New York on Wednesday. I've been to NYC only once, and it was for dinner. (should have included a show too, but thanks to the strike, it wasn't) Although it's only a 30 min ferry ride from Atlantic Highlands, we chose to drive because of our luggage. That made it an hour trip door to door. Thanks to B's residence in Hilton hotels, we had the opportunity to stay at the Waldorf-Astoria What a beautiful hotel! The room was even comfortable for our entire group which included 4 adults and 2 children. Lise's favorite thing about the room was that she was able to talk on the phone while using the potty. It's never been so easy to convince her to go. The staff was extremely friendly, and Lise' learned the art of tipping.




Our room overlooked Park Avenue, and both girls loved to sit in the windows and watch the world go by down below.

Lise' signing the charges to the room.



After enjoying the hotel and talking with the bell captain for a while, we hit the streets. Lucky for us, it was nice weather.

We hit the subway and took the E train down to the site of the World Trade Center. The site is under construction, so you have to peer through fences, but we did have the chance to go into the fire station right across the street. They had many things on the wall to remind you of that fateful day.




Next, we stopped in at Century 21 Department Store across from the WTC site. It's chocked full of bargains. I highly recommend it. We only spent and hour in there, but if I hadn't had kids with me, it could have been longer. Everything is marked down from retail prices, so happy shopping.

Once our bags were filled,we headed back toward Times Square for dinner. Many of you know I'm addicted to information on travel, and for years, all I've had Serendipity IIIearmarked for when I got to NYC. They are famous for their frozen hot chocolate, but serve regular fare as well. We decided to both dinner and dessert there, and we started with dessert. I'm certain Mom thought I was nuts for wanting to go to a restaurant just for their frozen hot chocolate, especially at $8 a pop. After one sip, I had her convinced, and she even ordered another after her dinner.

Lise's Foot Long Hot Dog-Yes, she ate the WHOLE thing

I haven't tried it yet, but here's the link for the how to on making your own Frozen Hot Chocolate at home. I'll let you know the outcome.

That's all I have time for now. I'll tell you the rest in the next day or so.

Oh, I almost forgot....after all the sweets we had at Serendipity, we hit Dylan's Candy Shop. It was highly recommended by our bell captain, and Lise' sure loved it.

Still getting used to this place

As for the days prior to this one, we've been busy. On Tuesday, my parents flew in to Newark, and I had to make my first drive alone on the Garden State and the NJ Turnpike. It was relatively successful until I found out on a return trip yesterday that I missed paying a toll (twice). Oops. In my defense, I was following the signs that said TOLL (overhead) and missed the ones painted on the road saying "EZ PASS LANE". Just another reason not to like this gosh forsaken place. The list is growing. While we're on the subject, I received another little "Welcome to the NE" in the form of gas and electric bills the other day. Knowing that it would cost more to heat, we have our thermostat turned way down, but the bills still totalled almost $500. It's not like I have all the lights on in the house, the heater running all day and a laundry mat going in my basement. Can you hear the disgust in my voice? Not even in Utah was it EVER near that cost. Wow is about all I can say. Send cans, it may be the only way we can eat this month.

Set your TIVO

For Martha Stewart tomorrow. Mom and I went to the taping today, and it airs tomorrow. If looking at the audience, we're sitting 3 rows up and I'm in a green sweater.

More to come on the NYC trip.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Yes, it's another year to add to the age. It's been a good one so far, so I can't complain.

Thanks to everyone who called, emailed and left messages. I received them all. I promise to get back to you soon.

I picked up my parents this morning from the airport, and we've been going strong ever since.

Tomorrow we head to NYC! Frozen hot chocolate, here I come.

Try to hang on until I return.

Bom Bom Bom Bom

Man the Eastern Time Zone stinks, but at least it was a game worth staying up for, even if it means I've just shortened my much needed sleep by at least 2 hrs.

My gosh, I forgot the best part of Sat.

While we were at the gardens on Sat, we came across several frozen water puddles. They were fun for Lise' because she was able to stand on them.

Later on, we came across a fish pond that was partially frozen over. Just as the thought crossed my mind to warn Lise' that stepping on a pond is different than a puddle, she tried it herself.

She quickly found out that it wasn't frozen through, and her toes were nice and wet.

Catch Up

I know I didn't make time to post this weekend, so I'll make it up to you right now.

We woke up on Saturday morning, and it was finally a warm 50 degrees outside. The wind wasn't blowing, so we decided to get the girls out of the house. The one thing our exorbitant taxes pay for are great parks. I've never seen a park system so good, and Tuscaloosa was pretty nice.

Anyway, within 15 minutes in either direction, we have parks into the double digits,and on Saturday, we headed to Deep Cut Gardens and Tatum Park. Tatum park is 366 acres and has a playground and trails whereas Deep Cut is 56 acres of gardens and greenhouses. Both are beautiful, and we only explored a small portion of each.

Picnic Winter Style

Abri LOVES the backpack

Both love to swing, especially when Daddy clowns around.



A few from the trail




Deep Cut Gardens (our exploration was cut short by a trip to the bathroom)

This was a big growth of bamboo. It felt like a little fort inside.

And, the Pièce de résistance

Lise's first public poop! We're so proud, and know she'll kill us later on in life for this. Yeah for Lise'