Handy Mikey.....

Yes, I've been watching too many cartoons, trying to take a spin off of "Handy Manny". Little did I know just how handy Mike was when I married him..... he tears down, rebuilds, plants, harvests..... and even changes diapers. I know I don't tell him often enough, I am proud of your projects, even if I seem hesitant in the beginning! They always turn out, and I am always truly impressed. Here are a few examples of his work~

And of course... his best work yet!

p.s. I have no idea how to make this post correctly, it seems as though the photos appear wherever they'd like!

I like to be irresponsible sometimes....

About once a quarter, I have a yearning for a night out with friends, usually involving too much vino. I should give up the vino altogether, as it hates my body, but I just can't seem to kick it. Wow, spoken like an alcoholic?

For the 6 years that Michael and I have been together, this has been a regular occurrence, with the exception of pregnancy, and the first year (and then some) of Mason's life. But, I find myself yearning once again.....

Until recently, I felt extremely guilty about this. I felt like this is something that should have been left behind with singlehood. I should grow out of it. But then I really started thinking about it, and what it involves. I associate it with being single, because that's about all I did BM (before Mike!) But now, I don't want to go out for the same reasons that I did before. I just want to be surrounded by fun friends, get my dance on, and most likely, have a decent hangover for a good part of the next day. I have read that one key to a successful marriage is to remain true to yourself, and to keep your own identity. I am, from here on out, not going to feel guilty about this need. It's good for the soul, good for the marriage, and good for mommyhood. Just bad for the liver. And as long as my hubby is willing to put up with his lush for a wife, it's all good.

Apparently I can't shut up today....

We are also on day 2 of binkie weaning...... I finally understand why you need crazy amounts of willpower to be a successful parent. It is SO easy to just give him the darn thing and enjoy the silence. I love my baby, but I could do without the whining "uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh, uh-uh". How am I supposed to know what that means?? Well, we have discovered that usually it meant "BINK".
I am comparing this to an adult trying to quit smoking. Seriously irritable when going without, it's all he thinks about, and food is about the only thing to distract him. Let's hope he doesn't gain 10 pounds before we're through.....

Running!

Ready.... Set..... Go! I love the start of 5k season here in Portland. The first of many runs this summer was the Shamrock.... always a good time. I ran it with my buds Mike & Bryan (they have twin girls just 10 days younger than Mason). Bryan whooped us, but Mike and I did run the whole thing, and weren't overly ashamed by our times :) I am a treadmill runner, so I have really been trying to embrace the outdoors. Problem is, I have running ADD. I love treadmill running because I can watch TV, the people around me, go pee if I need to, take a drink of fresh water.... you get my point. Also, I don't exactly "love" running. I do it mostly for weight loss purposes. I have my 15 year class reunion in June (Yeah, don't really want to go looking like a loaf of bread), and we are going to Mexico in October. Swimsuit motivation can do crazy things to a person.

Anyhow, I can see the attraction of running outdoors.... fresh air, anyone? And, I do have one of those awesome BOB jogging strollers. It has seen many walks, but only a few runs.
Next up...... 8k Bridge to Brews. Yep, upping the anty to the 8k. I know that I can run a 5k, and have been for 4 years. Time to step it up. Especially while those darn Cadbury eggs are gracing the shelves of every.single.store imaginable.

Organization? What organization?

We have been in our home for a little over 2 years now. Due to our remodel, half of our stuff is in boxes out in our shop or in our basement. The basement is a huge mess. Mason's birthday didn't help matters, where on earth are we going to fit all of these new toys??
I am easily overwhelmed when it comes to organizing, so I decided to start small... our pictures. Yeah, really small project. We have 2 years worth of highly unorganized pictures sitting in baskets. I have taken out the ones that I've needed for Mason's scrapbook (a whole mess in itself), and the rest are just randomly placed in envelopes.
Yesterday I hit up Michael's and bought some boxes designed for photo storage, and also a large photo album. I have got to get this under control.
After 2 hours of sorting, I did finally make a dent. Granted, the organization probably only makes sense to me, but at least it's a start!

Am I the only one?

I take Mason to a play group or story time at least once a week. I've made a few observations on how other parents teach, discipline and deal with awkward situations. I find it fascinating.

The one thing I've become aware of is the fact that I am the only toddler aged Mother without either an existing 2nd child, or one on the way, if not already here. Did I miss the memo? Is there a manual that says your children need to be spaced appropriately? I honestly would question the well being of a 2nd child in our household at this point! Granted, we have been living in just 1000 of our 2000'ish square foot home, and Mason still resides in our living room. I know that everyone has their reasons, but I am just wondering if anyone is feeling this. Yes, we want a 2nd babe, but not until we have a tad bit more room, and I've gained all of my sanity back from the 1st years of Mason's life.....

Well, off to enjoy the remainder of Mason's nap :)

How is it almost MARCH??

I haven't written in ages... not that I have been too busy, but really, not in the mood. I have to admit that I am more of a Facebook person these days, as it requires minimal effort! Here is an update on us:
* Upstairs is rocking right along.... painted, wood floors put back down. Now need to refinish floors, put tile in bathroom (a nice white hexagon, accompanied by white subway in the shower), install doors, and 7 new windows! Then, our darling Mason will have his very own bedroom. (He has been in our living room since May!)
* Mason is almost 2! Holy crap. March 17th will mark 2 years since the most joyous day of my life. It also marks 2 years in our house.
* Mike left for Guatemala today for 8 days. He is now a coffee buyer and gets to enjoy the occasional business trip..... Check back in 8 days to see if I am still sane.
* Headaches~ 3 days without one. My neurologist is 95% sure that birth control in general was causing them. We shall see..... and hopefully without a new bun in the oven in the process.
* We booked our tickets to Mexico~! We are going with Mike's family in October... hence the need to wait on baby #2 until after I consume many margaritas on our trip.
* Mason continues to amaze me with his knowledge. He currently loves balls of any sort, screwing lids on and off of things (I learned this the hard way with a bottle of lotion), and talking up a storm. Some understandable, some not. He is still such a sweet, good natured baby... with a hint of attitude :)
Hope all of my friends are well, and I apologize for ignoring all of you for so long!
Karri