Day 314

I've been fighting with a lingering cold and stayed up way too late last night finishing up a project. This was the hour when I decided to call it a night, which is pretty early for me. (And no, it's not quarter to 3.)

Day 307

Late yesterday afternoon I found out that I had a dentist appointment today. Six months ago, when I made the appointment, it was perfect because I didn't work on Tuesdays. Today, I am supposed to be at work, but instead I'm waiting on the dentist for the all-clear so I can dash back and finish the day.

Day 293

I'm feeling pretty coldish and congested today, so this is my picture before warming up my heating pad and calling it a night.

Day 289

Tonight we went to an event that we'd been looking forward to for at least two months. Rob and I started watching Good Eats on the Food Network probably seven or so years ago. We've always thought Alton Brown has such a fun way of presenting cooking.

We found out that he'd be signing his newest book at one of our local bookstores tonight, and for the cost of the book we were able to attend. He did a question and answer for about an hour before the book signing, and we bought our book early enough to be in the first group of signatures.

Mr. Brown is a pretty cool guy in person. He's a lot like his personality on the show. He could nearly have a stand-up act. But you can tell that he doesn't take his modest fame lightly, and he really enjoys his fans. It was an awesome evening and the price was great for an event like this.


My dear friend watched our little guy so we could better enjoy the evening (it was pretty darn crowded). Paul has been a fan for much of his four years, so he was excited to go too.

Day 287

My oldest and I made a trip to the allergist, and we were both skin tested for allergies. I'm aware that I'm fairly allergic, but since my old allergist was dropped by our insurance, I had to prove that fact to a new one.

As you can see from the reaction of my arm, it was a pretty fun procedure. In fact, as I write this, my arm is still inflamed.

Day 283

The weather in October can be surprisingly nice, but you have to be careful about getting used to it. It's been a really clear, sunny week, but next week is bringing cloudy skies and rain.

I wanted to take the boys to the pumpkin patch earlier this week, but found out Paul will be having his first Pre-K field trip at our favorite place next week, so I didn't want to go two weeks in a row. We decided to go out this afternoon just so we could get some pictures while the weather was nice.

Unfortunately, no one mentioned to the boys that they should cooperate, so I wasn't thrilled with the results. There were some good ones, but not "the" one.

This is one my husband took of me and the boys. You can see that they're into having fun, not so much into smiling at the camera.

Day 272

It's an off-week for childcare, so to give my mom a bit of a break from taking care of the boys two days in a row, I went in to work a couple of hours late and fed the little guys breakfast before bringing them over. The picture for today is how much of my two toaster waffles I got a chance to eat before the boys were all done with their breakfasts and ready to head out for the day.

Day 253

The boys and I met up with auntie and cousins at the park today. We couldn't pass up on one of the last days of summer. Since Matt has no fear, he requires constant supervision to make sure he doesn't try anything dangerous, so most of my pictures are of him.

I especially liked this one because I realized I accidentally captured an image of myself taking the picture in the reflection of the plastic dome.

Day 214

Our 12th anniversary turned into sort of a last minute affair. My sweet husband wanted to make surprise plans, but the coming week is so overbooked that it wasn't working out. Then there were the floating activities that were tying up a couple of days because plans were up in the air.

As the weekend got closer, things finally started settling down and in the dust emerged our actual wedding anniversary to go out and celebrate. A last minute call to his parents (for the second time in three days) and we were on our way to celebrating this evening.

We decided to go into the city to Pike Place Market and walk around the shops and then stroll up to 6th Avenue and Pine for dinner at Il Fornaio. This authentic Italian restaurant was fantastic. We had an early reservation in order to not keep the kids up too late, so we were one of the first patrons for dinner.

Since it was our first visit, they gave us complimentary bruschetta, which was delicious. The picture of the day was my dinner choice of Pennoni alla Vodka, which was pasta in a vodka-cream-tomato sauce with bacon. It was fantastic.

I mentioned that it was our anniversary, so they also gave us our choice of dessert. We settled on the Rosina al Cioccolato, which was chocolate mousse, fresh raspberries and sponge cake soaked with Triple Sec. It was amazing. The wine was fantastic too.

All and all, a great meal with a pretty awesome guy. I'm looking forward to another 12 years of adventure. ^_^

Day 212

We were able to take in a concert at the Chateau Ste Michelle winery tonight. Lyle Lovett and His Large Band come to the area every year, and just about every year we say we should go. By the time we decide it's a really good idea, the tickets are sold out. This year, when they announced it and I could get pre-sale tickets, I didn't hesitate.

It was an awesome concert. The venue was fantastic. It was great to be in our low-back chairs out on the lawn. The sun went behind the trees just in time for the concert, so it was cool enough that I actually went out to the car for my jacket.

We'll have to do it again in a few years. Lyle is pretty expensive, so maybe we'll try a different artist next year.

Oh, and not a half bad picture for me holding my iPhone, if I do say so myself. ;)

Day 187

I took the boys to the beach today, and all three of us thought the sand in our toes was pretty cool. It was a really nice beach, and it was fantastic to have some fun in the sun.

Day 185

We took a walk to the Calvin College Nature Preserve, and on the way back Paul was feeling like his little legs were tired. Matt was riding in the carrier, so I put Paul on my back and we hiked along for a bit. He thought that was great fun.

Day 176

It's only the end of June, but I was finally able to get out and get my toes done. After calls to three different places, I was able to secure an appointment this morning. I picked a nice, bright coral that really doesn't show up well in the photo. I feel pampered and my feet are looking cute.

Day 158

In about a month the boys and I are going on a middle-of-the-night flight to meet daddy in Michigan. It is my hope that the boys will be sound asleep when we have to transfer planes (yes, transfer). I have a couple of carriers for Matt, but my sister-in-law has been very excited about the ease and comfort of her Ergo Carrier. I tried hers out with Matt and had to agree.

After some failed attempts at getting a reduced price on eBay, I did some searching online for a "deal". The best I could do was free shipping, no tax, and a free rear-view mirror. The fact that it was coming from California and would probably be here quickly is what sold me - well, and the mirror. ;)

The carrier came yesterday (after the parade - oh, well). We tried it out tonight, and my brother took some pictures for me.

Day 102

As promised, I have a picture of me in my Easter dress I picked up the other day. With two little boys who were entirely uninterested in getting a picture, it's a bit surprising that I even have one photo. I think this one was the best of the bunch.

I just realized that you actually can't see much of the dress, oh well.

Day 88

A picture of me today taken by my dad with our new toy. After my last very long post, that's all I'm going to say for today.


Don't mind my brother drinking chocolate milk in the background. This one was better than my other choice.

Day 81

I had some trouble figuring out what to do for today. I have three pictures uploaded and can't really say I'm especially in love with any of them. I'm going with this one because I haven't posted a picture of myself this month.

I made the mistake of letting my four-year-old use my heavy, expensive camera a month or so ago. Now, he often wants to give it a try. The DSLR is a bit of a complicated piece of equipment and, well, heavy. Understandably, the results are a little unpredictable.

So here you go, a super close, bit oddly cropped photo of me.

Day 41

I guess there will be another photo of me for the month. The slightly out of focus, a little concerned smile is because of the four-year-old holding mom's fancy camera. He thought it was great fun and took a few pics of his own.

Day 39

Today the boys had a birthday party to go to at one of the bounce houses. Matt was not sure about all these kids. I took him down the slide a few times and daddy bounced around with him. He eventually warmed up to the idea, but I think he was a bit overwhelmed.

And here's the picture of me for the month!

Day 7

I read with the Project 365 that you should have pictures of yourself from time to time so you see how you've changed as well. My baby came to work with grandma at lunch this afternoon and he was fast alseep in the car. I figured I'd bring him inside and sit with him until he woke up, but he snoozed for a good 30 minutes and then I had to interrupt him to nurse.

I know his days of sleeping on momma are numbered, so I had grandma take this pic for me.