Christmas Recap

Daddy & Zach shoveling the walkway before Christmas.

December 24: Christmas was a success! Ryan worked Christmas Eve, so I celebrated with the kids for a birthday lunch at Aunt Dru's with Grandma & Grandpa driving over from Sequim. I braved the elements and took the kids to Christmas Eve Church Service at Grace. It was lovely for the first hour. The last half hour was spent in the nursery playing with the kids. Thank goodness we were sitting near friends.

Adrian (11), Jackson (13), Zach (4), Mom, Julia (9) & Sofia (7)

December 25: Santa was generous to Zach and Natalie but he was perplexed what to do since Ryan was getting off work on Christmas Day and wouldn't be home until 9:30. Should Santa come the Day after Christmas or should the kids wait until Daddy got home, or should they just get their presents upon waking? Santa decided on the latter. I have decided one of the best things Ryan's family did growing up was that Santa presents are NOT wrapped. This would have never worked in my family because my mom was a planner and we all were snoopers.

(Natalie in Zach's old jammies & Zach on Christmas Day)

Christmas Day - Ryan's mom (Nana) and Grandma (GG) came over. They watched the kids open WAY too many wonderful gifts. One of the best parts was Nana and Zach play football in the house and Zach laughing so hard, we were all laughing.


Natalie & GG (Her great-grandma)



December 26: On the 26th, we headed to Sequim to celebrate with my family. Again, WAY too many gifts but the kids had a good time. Then we also were able to gather as a family and spread Grampsie's ashes before heading out to dinner.

December 27: Rest, Relax (Put away Christmas Stuff, Bake for Zach's birthday party)
December 28: Zach's Party - Party was fun after the first hour. "Mommy, can you make everyone go home." Pinata was a huge success. But next year when he says he only wants one friend, i'll let him do that :).

White Birthday?

So we are hit again, the 2nd snow in 1 week - but this is a full on dumping.

(Motorcycling in the snow earlier this week)

Before the "big one" hit, I took Zach down to Aunt Dru's for his first sledding experience. After wanting to watch for the first 15 minutes and variations of "Mommy, I'll watch you go", "Mommy, I'll push you down," "Mommy, I'll push the slide down with nobody in it,"I finally told him, if he didn't go we were going home because I was cold. Reluctantly, he climbed aboard with mommy & aunt Dru and off we went. He was curled in a ball in my lap, but then we got to the bottom and he said "Ok, this time I go by myself."



The tree is on an incline . . . just FYI - it looks worse than it really was. After 30 times or so up and down the big hill, we went home. At dinner, his head was on his arm at the table - needless to say he was POOPED! So fun.

Today we have weathered 2 power outages lasting 45 minutes each. We had 7 inches and that was a couple hours ago and it hasn't let up.

It truly is beautiful but the cabin fever is a little much. Thank goodness we had football on today and I managed to sneak in to the city yesterday to drop off Christmas presents. Unless it really warms up, we may have a White Birthday for Zach and a White Christmas as well! 3 days until I have a 4-year-old!

In Less than a Week

Today we woke to snow. It's fun, but boy is it cold! A week ago today we were at Disneyland where we could wear a light sweatshirt and shorts. Ahh, welcome back to the northwest.

On Disney - it was really fun. Zach LOVED it so much - he wound up going on Space Mountain twice and liked Big Thunder Mountain - we were both really impressed . Natalie liked the mellow rides - some of the ones with dips she wasn't too happy about (Dumbo, Pirates of the Caribbean (just the drops). Her favorite was the carousel - she cried when we took her off the horse. And I knew it was a good ride when she would start dancing.



Had a great time, but boy was mommy pooped after the "vacation." Happy to be home but now the things I've been putting off (Christmas Tree, Christmas shopping, planning Zach's 4th birthday party) need to happen.

Getting Ready for Vacation

So we're headed to California this week - a visit with Ryan's dad and step-mom, visit with cousin Michelle and Byron, Disneyland with Eric & Jen and their girls Avery and Sydney. Here are a few snippets from my "to-do" list:

Camera, Extra Batteries, Diapers,Wipes,Pictures, Amanda Christmas,Mei-Tai Backpack,Ryan GPS thing, Shaine clothes for 6 days, Zach clothes, Shorts (4),Pants (2), Shirts (5 – 3 short, 2 long), Sweatshirts, Shoes, Socks, Toothbrushes, Silkies, Jammies and then Natalie - Pants/Shorts (5),Shirts (5, Jammies, Blankie/Kitty, Sweatshirt, Bathing Suit

Other tings to do: Dogs to G&G (Tuesday?), Fill up cat litter and food,Stop Newspapers, Mail key to Dru, Call Disneyland Ticket Lady (Jen), Switch Purses, Change Work Voicemail (Fwd to Mom?)

What we bring with us: Stroller, Car Seat (N & Z), Diaper Bag, Ryan DVD Player & Videos, Things for kids, Laptop, Gum, Snacks for kids, water bottles.

This list doesn't even include all the work things I need to do too! The only problem with vacation is that it takes so much work to go out of town, one begins to wonder if it is worth it (I think it will be once we arrive in Long Beach and I don't have to wear a coat). This is my first "go" at packing for 2 kids and myself . . . this is Natalie's first airplane trip, a test-run before we go to Hawaii in April. Hmmm, wondering what crazy mishaps will occur and what i'll forget. Must remember snacks for kids on the plane because I am NOT paying $5 for crappy airplane food.

On another note, Martin Family Thanksgiving was quiet at my parents house (which is definately the exception to the norm). Zach said he was thankful for his kitty Steve. Natalie napped and I am thankful for happy, healthy kids. Right now, I'm thankful for sleeping kids. Hope everyone had a nice holiday! Let the Christmas madness begin!

A day in the life

Natalie is FINALLY walking. She still prefers to crawl, but she is walking. It's so very cute. Instead of having only 2 parents ogling over her, she also has a very proud big brother.

On another note, I decided to cook the other day . . . and this is what happens when mommy makes dinner:
Natalie takes out every tupperware piece



And Zach puts Mascara on to look like a football player (please note the pretend gun in his hand)



And the dog just sits there . . .

The Cuteness

Early in the week, they dressed up for school.

(Natalie, our 15 month old, "I am too stubborn to walk because I'm the world's fastest crawler . . .")

I'm not one to go on and on about my kids being so cute . . . well maybe a little bit. But Natalie takes the cake in her butterfly costume.

Trick or treating downtown Bainbridge yesterday was crazy but cute. Zach always takes a few minutes to warm up, but then gets pretty into it. We went with a friend and her kids (Elizabeth, Kepler & Arden) so we had 2 blonde Spidermen and their companion Tinkerbelle and Butterfly little sisters. It was pretty cute. The boys especially liked pointing out the really scary costumes.

The day started with a trip to Seattle for some errands and trick-or-treating. Our dear babysitter Alyssa was in a horrible accident August 1. She is still in a wheelchair at the hospital but will be released in a week or so . It's only the 2nd time we've been to visit her. Poor Zach, he has a hard time with his emotions about visiting her. Last time we saw her she was still in bed, with casts. When we left, he cried on the way home, "Mommy, go back to the hospital and bring Alyssa home now." This time, he was too nervous to go into her room until I literally dragged him in there and he realized that she is the same Alyssa but with great, purple hair and a wheelchair that zooms around.

Progress on the Yard

So we have lived in our house for 10 years and have never quite known what to do with a lot of our 1.2 acres. So we started clearing our "middle" area that our driveway loops around. I must admit it is partially so I can see Zach riding his bike riding around our loop from the kitchen.

After some clearing by Ryan, myself and finally Uncle Travis, we called upon the rental store for a tractor. Ryan worked the tractor while Uncle Travis chipped up piles upon piles of debris from our yard - I managed to keep a bit of an eye on the kids until Sam stopped in to help for a bit and I was able to get out and do some clearing of scotch broom. It was incredibly productive and really nice to see results - there is definitely something to be said for instant gratification.

And as a bonus, Ryan was able to clear (and use) some dirt from the side of our garage and was able to get in to our "forest" to make a few paths in what was 6-8' high brush and native plants.

Before


After


We are excited about the progress, but not nearly as excited as Zach was about riding on the tractor with dad. It was priceless.

Before the day began:


At the end of the day - the grin is even bigger:

The Tides are Changing

I GOT BACK SOME OF MY PHOTOS! I've been so traumatized, I haven't been able to blog. Many hours later, many attempts at undeleting. www.recuva.com - it was amazing.

The Little Things

I know showering alone shouldn't be considered a luxury, but in my house it is. There are very few days when I am in there alone. Today, I was that lucky. Of course I had to wait till both kids were at school, but nonetheless, it was sheer bliss. My shower is 3 feet long and 3 feet wide. You put a large 3 year old, a mom, and a mobile 14 month old and there isn't a lot of room left - for anyone. The best is when both kids are sitting down, so there is even less room. Of course, they do love the shower, it keeps them out of trouble and gets them clean. I probably have the cleanest kids in town because there are many days they will shower with me in the morning and have their evening bath before bed. They love getting out the shaving cream (Zach's own of course) - it's a royal mess in there.

Imagine a picture here of Zach and Natalie playing in the shower with shaving cream.

(I wrote this Tuesday and then started to look for my last photo I took of the kids in the shower and then realized it somehow was deleted off my external hard drive which i had backed up from Ryan's old desktop... i am still looking to find lost files - it's about 6 months of pictures of the kids - UGH!)

Do You Believe in Karma?

So I am a big believer in "what comes around, goes around" and it always amazes me when Zach is doing something he shouldn't be, karma always seems to have a way of getting him. If he's not listening the first time I tell him to go inside, he'll wind up slipping and falling. If he lets the dogs in when we don't want them in, they wind up taking his toys and he gets mad. The list goes on and on and it's a shame I can't recall some of the "finer karma" moments - because they have been classics. So I have been known to use the phrase, "karma is biting you in the butt." For a while he would get really mad and say "karma is not biting me" but somewhere along the way it sank in.

Tonight 14-month-old Natalie was standing in her high chair and after looking at me, I would tell her to sit down at which point she would get the sweetest grin and sometimes sit and sometimes remain standing. So after going to her maybe 7 or 8 times and helping her back on to her bottom, wondering why I am ready to part with the strap-in high chair, she stood up and then slipped a little and bonked onto her bottom. It didn't hurt her much, but she looked a little shocked. And then Zach chimed in, "Natalie, that is Karma biting you." It was so cute and nice to know that he is listening.

No more grandparents for me

Zach at 3 weeks with Grampsie
The last of my grandparents has died. My Grandpa (Zach & Natalie's Maternal Great Grandpa) - Grampsie - passed away last Thursday. He turned 99 last month. He had lived with my parents for the past 18 years - pretty amazing. The last couple years have been pretty tough on my parents and my brother Travis who helped care for him up until they had to put him into an assisted living facility 5 weeks ago. Tonight Zach said, "Mommy when do I get to go to a funeral?" I told him he goes in a couple weeks to celebrate Grampsie's life. His response, "O.K. Mom, I'll bring him a card and a picture and a toy I don't like." Hmmm, thoughtful, confused, bratty or just 3? He was pleased because Grandma gave him the tractor that was decorating Grampsie's room at the new home. He thinks Grampsie is playing with Parker (old dog who died in February) in Heaven - which is very sweet. Truly a life lesson for the little ones when someone they know dies. Zach still talks a lot about a dear friend's baby girl who died after 18 days. "Mommy, you went to a funeral and you cried for baby Willoughby." I do love that about Zach, he truly says it like it is - no filters, no holding back.

So I better get back to yoga soon since 99 is 66 years from now and that sounds like a long time.

Why is it hard to make decisions?

I have difficulty making decisions because I'm a Libra - or so the excuse goes. But when it comes time to pick out pictures of the kids, it's no wonder. My friend came to our house to take shots of Natalie before she started crawling. Now the hard part is figuring out what to order - I want them all, but that's not very financially responsible.

These 3 don't even scratch the surface. I love the candid shots - looking back through them reminded me a lot about life with a 3 year old and 8 month old . . . WHOA. That day of the photo shoot, Zach got into Ryan's hair gel and put goo all over, it was a complete mess. Fortunately it doesn't show in most of the photos. Everyone says it is harder to go from 1 child to 2 children but I never got it until #2 arrived. Easy as she was and continues to be, 2 kids is no walk in the park.

Natalie is almost 14 months. She has much more (and curlier in the back) hair, many more teeth - the last of her molars broke through last week. She is on the verge of walking, is the speediest crawler, loves crawling up stairs, is signing anything we teach her - she is pretty amazing. Zach is still showing me light at the end of the tunnel, started soccer today and LOVED it and is a fantastic brother. Today we worked on how to trade toys with Natalie to get the one he wanted. It was a success - for now at least.

Many Rants...all at once

Where do I start:

1. AAARRGH - nothing like computer problems to completely throw my week off. I downloaded a new program that is ginourmous. It completely messed up my computer. I have since taken it off, lobbied work for a more powerful desktop and have been able to resume productive work.

2. I am also trying to sell our old Volvo and thought I had it sold, but winds up not. Huge pain. The guy had it inspected and found too many problems - that was in the contract that he could return it but then tried to say he wanted me to drive to Chehalis. Is it my fault he lives in Portland - I don't think so. We said NO. We'll see if he caves.

3. Also, several weeks ago, I bought new shorts for Yoga only to put them in the Washing Machine and never see them since then. This happened to me once before when a brand new shirt and tights for Natalie stuck to sheets that were put away folded for 3 months.

4. I keep telling all my friends who have difficult 3 1/2 year old little boys (I know, I know, Difficult 3 1/2 year old boy is redundant) that I am FINALLY seeing light at the end of the tunnel with you know who and then he decides to say "Oh yeah, Mom, you think so, eh, well how about this . . ." So more bedtime battles, more tantrums. They sure know when the reserves are down. Smart little critters. This is a picture from one of our previous bedtime battles. I had friends over that night and he kept getting out . . . finally, i went upstairs to find this . . . .

5. We have volleyball games scheduled for Monday & Tuesday. We find the other team cancelled the Tuesday game for no apparent reason. Then we call to confirm Monday's game and find out the other team has it down for Tuesday. OK - workable. Then the school bus breaks down on the way to said game on Tuesday. At least we won!

The good news . . . I did tear my house apart looking for a library book that was due that I could no longer renew - I was beginning to think I was just losing it. Alas, I found it - sitting on a bookshelf of all places - darn housecleaners. I know I am not the most orgnized person in the world, but seriously, I usually keep track of these things.

Circus Time

So Zach and I went to his first Circus - Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey were visiting Everett and we went with Nana (Ryan's mom), cousins McKenna, Kiley, Bella, & Mia. It was great entertainment for a wide eyed 3 year old. His favorite part was the motor bikes and "the elephants pooping while the guy was catching the poop" (it was pretty funny). So it was entertaining as well for the 2 adults . . . except when we asked how much the programs were - $15. Holy cow. We passed. The kids were all great because none of them got any toys, snowcones or cotton candy ($12) - HIGHWAY ROBBERY. The animal part was neat for the most part - horses, llamas, dogs, pig, ponies - except I did feel badly for the poor elephants and tigers. It made me think a lot about when circuses began - i don't even know how long ago - I think I have a great, great aunt on my dad's side that joined the circus. The high flying trapeze artists were pretty impressive. All in all a fun night - fortunately Zach had napped so he wasn't a complete mess since we didn't get him home and in bed until 11:30. Thanks Nana for a fun night!

Volleyball is upon us

For me, fall arrives in late August when i head back to volleyball tryouts. We had 39 girls this year for 3 teams. Pretty good competition and lots of indecision. Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh and the University of Washington Volleyball program are both doing amazing things to inspire mini-volleyballers. Tryouts are complete. The teams are chosen. A few cuts were made. I have 6 sophomores and 6 freshmen. It reminds me of where I was a year ago. Natalie was 3 weeks old when the season started last year. I have actually planned both my kids around volleyball season (Natalie not quite as well planned, but i was able to get her out before the season). The other coaches decided they were game to have me bring her, so we made it work. This is our manager Thea (who used to play for me). She was fantastic with Natalie and really threw her dad (who is our C team coach) into a tailspin whenever she would "wear" Natalie. Natalie would go from Mom to Mom during the games (and head coach Julie, who was a baby whisperer). It was great fun, but looking back, i really cannot believe I was able to pull that off. And of course, it's all in addition to my regular work. This year, the kids are either going to be home with Ryan or home with a babysitter. It'll be crazy around our house for the next 9+ weeks, but I absolutely love it and am thrilled to back in the gym.

Our New Ride

We took the minivan plunge. We are the owners of a gently used Toyota Sienna Minivan. I wasn't seeking one out but a similar one to the one pictured found me. More about that in a minute - first a sidebar:
On Bainbridge Island there is a Yahoo group called IslandMoms. See an article about IslandMoms here. I'm addicted. One time I went to a party and someone said they post things on IslandMoms all the time and I wanted to know her name to know if she was one of the "more controversial" posters. Turns out she was a neutral poster. IslandMoms is a topic of conversation - usually when someone posts something controversial - nothing like a wild comment about parenting styles to get 1200 women and men all fired up. Way back when, people used to put things for sale on the site and I bought a glider for Zach's room. It winds up that the woman (who was one of the cofounders of Islandmoms) was the facilitator for my Mom's group (PEPS group) with Natalie. Small island . . . After some time, and too many posts for sale items, the group has encouraged participation in several similar groups - a Bainbridge Island Freecycle where you post things you don't want but think someone may so you don't have to have a garage sale. I've gotten rid of an Exercise Bike, Cat Litter Box (yep, you're reading that right) and more. There is also a Online Yard Sale - a localish Craig's List/Ebay type thing. I've gotten scads of great deals on here too - patio furniture, washer/dryer, bathroom cabinet, gotten rid of toy organizers. So here is where my car comes in. The other co-founder of IslandMoms (who I know through Yoga) recently posted her Minivan for sale. I pounced - it was a great deal with really low miles. I decided I could live without the sunroof and leather (at least I can for now). She and her family are sailing off into the sunset - literally. They sold most of their things, moved onto a boat with their 3 kids and are just going... pretty unbelievable. Read more about their story here. So long story short, we bought her van. It's roomy, has a gazillion cupholders, lots of storage, fold down seats, one automatic door. I have officially given in to mom-dom (because of course the volvo stationwagon doesn't scream mom). Now . . . i have a 2003 Volvo for sale if anyone is interested.

Boys & Motorcylces Take 2

Every year Zach receives some Toys R Us gift cards from sympathetic, generous family & friends for being the product of poor parental planning with a Christmas Eve birthday. The idea is that we will find him a 1/2 birthday present. So Zach was smitten at a birthday party with a 4-wheeler that hauled (in mom's opinion). And I knew (really, hoped) I had found his Achilles heel. But I just don't want him to feel like he gets everything he wants, so we made him EARN it by staying in bed for 7 nights (without getting out of bed). It didn't need to be in a row because I thought that might be too hard. We printed a picture of a 4-wheeler and each morning he could cross off a night. Of course the first night, it was my turn to do bedtime and he failed to earn the checkmark. Of the 7 nights he stayed in, 5 were for Dad and 2 for me - no surprise there. Ever since he has moved into a big boy bed - 16 months ago, he and I have been going round and round on bedtime. I have read parenting books, visited websites, talked to friends and family, tried many methods to try and keep him in bed, or in his room - hard love, lots of love, taking toys away, keeping toys, nightlights, no nightlights, gate, double gate, star turtle, flashlight, cuddling, not cuddling - you name it, I've tried it. He's fallen asleep on the floor, in his bookshelf, on the bed most nights - but needless to say, it's not been the highlight of my parenting. So I finally found a 12 Volt Motorcycle on Craig's list that was much more reasonably priced than Toys R Us so I jumped on it. We brought it home Thursday night and charged up the batteries. He was ready to ride on Friday, but the batteries were duds, so off to Toys R Us to get the new batteries - thanks Auntie Grammy, Pops & Samantha. Bedtime Friday night - different night, same story. He was out of bed for me 3 times - UGH! So we held tough and no riding Saturday - it did help that it rained. This consistency thing is SOOO challenging at times. But Saturday night he was great - for Ryan of course, so this morning he asked about it first thing after waking up. I don't think he got off the motorcycle more than 3 or 4 times before the batteries died - the kid was in Heaven for almost 2 hours! Ryan is off to Vegas for 5 nights for the International Association of Fire Fighters Conference, so I'm going solo for several nights. 1st night - so far, so good. Maybe that is why parents buy their kids cool toys, so they have something to take away if the misbehave :).

Here's some pretty big grins from our "dude." As I looked at the pictures, he is smiling in EVERY single one of them. And anyone who has ever tried to take a picture of Zach (or with Zach) knows that he isn't always game for pictures
(which we are working on by trying to take more and more).

50th Anniversary

From Anthony's wedding (2006)

So my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last Saturday, August 2nd. Pretty amazing. All 7 kids and our 8 kids descended upon Sequim for family pictures and a party with some of their friends. We surprised them by taking their old family films from the early 1960's and having them put onto DVD (a wonderful new service thanks to Costco). I noticed that 80% were of Scott (the oldest), 20% of Scott & Dru and ZERO of the rest of us. I'm glad I'm stopping with 2 kids. The cousins (ages 13, 11, 9, 7, 7, 7, 3 & 1) had a blast playing together. To top the week, my almost 99-year-old Grandpa has finally moved in to an assisted living facility. He has been living with our parents for the past 18 years. They soon realized that once our brother Travis moves out to go to UW this fall, it will be the first time in 45 years that they have lived alone. That fact may be more amazing than the 50th anniversary. I explained to my mom that I do NOT want to follow in her footsteps. Congrats David & Cynthia . . . 50 years is a long time.

Boys and Motorcycles

With Ryan being forced to commute daily to Bellevue while recovering from surgery on his hand, we decided to get a motorcycle. Besides the fact that gas was costing us his other hand and a leg, the ferry costs alone were $100 per week. Instead of $20 Round trip for the car, it is now $8 for the motorcycle. Amazing! Besides, there is nothing better for a 3 year old than his dad having a motorcycle. Although the day we picked it up and followed him home, Zach sobbed most of the way because he thought the motorcycle was scary and didn't want Dad to drive it. He has come around and even puts on "his" motorcycle helmet (Uncle Scott's 25 year old one) and drives his motorcycle (his wheelbarrow) around the yard. The motorcycle helmet does double duty because he learned he can use his whiteboard markers on it.

Natalie's 1st Birthday

Natalie had her 1st birthday party with family and a few friends. Hard to believe she is almost 1. Her new tricks: speed crawling, pulling up to her knees and very soon to be her feet, signing "more" "water" "sleep." Her words include "da-da" "ma-ma" "dog" "Zah" "Uh-oh." She LOVES her dogs, her brother and anything within reach. She loves to dance to her musical toys. She has 8 teeth, is wearing 18-24 month clothes (we have big babies). She remains a flexible, happy girl. We are very lucky to be her parents.

Cousin week

Zach went for a sleepover at Aunt Dru's on Wednesday - played with waterguns, went to the beach, had a fabulous time. The next morning, we were off to Lynnwood to puck up our first overnight visitors since Natalie was born. Cousins Mia (4) and Bella (6) came to visit. Zach was enthralled to have them visit, but was a bit annoyed to learn he couldn't stay up as late as they could to watch movies. We had so much fun they wound up staying 2 nights. The kids had a blast playing in the pool, painting, having cake, watching movies, visiting Grandma Cynthia & Grandpa David's house (and Uncle Travis).
But yeah, I was tired after all was said and done. Glad I only have 2 kids :) - although if I were to have 4, i would definitely want 3 girls and 1 boy - that boy energy is sure different than girls. I think Bella especially was a little surprised by Zach. At one point she asked me, "Does he ever have to stand in the corner?" Which of course he does, but it's a little hard when we are in the car, 30 min from home and i want to get home as quickly as possible!

Meet Mitch

Maggie (9) with her new brother.

Meet Mitchell "Mitch" Brown Schramling. Mitchell's mom Carmel was turned in to a shelter in Port Ludlow very pregnant. Several days later she delivered puppies. We found out about her from a dear friend who thought we were CRAZY to be looking at a puppy. Her exact words in the email were "I really should not forward this to you, but here you go. See below and attached." It included pictures of the puppies and a link to the Evergreen Golden Retriever Rescue. Can I just say that there is no possible way to view the pictures of them and read their story and NOT apply to get one! The lady who had them also tried to talk me out of a puppy saying that I already had one baby, I didn't need another. But we were smitten. You can read more about their story or in their newsletter. Maggie is a happier dog after a little settling in. It's going well, but a little crazy, but what isn't crazy about 2 young kids? And potty training a puppy in July is way better than November or April (which were our last 2 pups).

First Go at a Blog

So i must admit, i am copying friends. I religiously read 2 friends' blogs - one who has been blogging for 3 years and one who just started. As a mom of young kiddos, there isn't much time to keep up on all these technological gizmos, but i thought I'd give it a whirl. What i have learned is that I call the one friend less frequently because I already know what is going on in her life. We are beginning to enjoy our summer. Natalie's first time in a pool and her too small bikini was just too good to pass up. Both kids loved being in the pool.