A look back and a look forward

2011 has truly been a whirlwind of a year ... I had to take a peek back at my 2011 resolutions.

http://loveandlabs.blogspot.com/2010_12_01_archive.html

Well, I did OK on some parts.

1. I did keep running ~ 428 ish miles this year and I ran two half's with a new PR of 2:09, a 5 miler, 5k, and 10k too.

2. Simplify/less stress.  Hmmmm, not so sure if I accomplished this one.

3. Something just for me.  Does President of the Junior League count?  The bikram yoga or photography classes sure didn't happen.

4. Job that I love.  Still trying - have a good contract job now, but it will end in Feb. sigh.  Maybe I'm not meant to work ... too bad that income thing gets in the way.

5.  Better mommy/wife/friend - I think I'm batting about a 50/50 here and it depends on the day.

I think the word busy sums up 2011.  I truly don't know what happened to the month of November and I keep trying to remind myself to slow down, breathe, and enjoy, but it doesn't always happen.

Our overall job situation was iffy.  And stressful.  And frustrating.  Hopeful for new beginnings in 2012 on that part.

So, looking ahead to 2012.

Running Goals

1. Run a marathon.  Ok, so there it is. In print.  On the internet.  Here goes nothing.

2. Run a 2:05 half marathon.

Can I just repeat #'s 2-5 for this year?

Possibly add a "figure out what the heck to do with this blog" resolution.  Running? Toddlers? I don't talk as much about love or Labradors anymore.  The big dogs are still around and still enjoying snacking off low tables, cleaning the floors after dinner, sunbaths, and belly rubs.

Looking forward to continuing to declutter/de-Christmasfy the house.  I have 4 trash bags ready to take to the Bargain Box thrift store and hoping to tackle the tree and decorations tomorrow.

So, here's to 2012!  Happy New Year!  Bring on 2012.

Cheating

Kelly tagged me recently and the deal is that you had to list 11 random facts, answer 11 questions, and then make up 11 questions, and tag 11 people.  Well, reading all of that wore me out, so I am cheating a bit and will just answer the questions she asked.

11 questions I am asking you!

1.  What is your favorite food? Oh so many. Cheese, salmon, a good salad, crabcakes, twice-baked potatoes, steak, flourless chocolate cake, e Can I just answer yes to this question?

2.  Coke or Pepsi? Really neither - I rarely drink sodas.  When I do, it would probably be a diet Coke. 

3.  Where did you go on your FIRST airplane ride? When I was in 2nd grade or so, to Cleveland, OH for my cousin's wedding.

4.  Favorite Christmas/Holiday tradition? Attending our Candlelight Christmas Eve service, then driving through a local neighborhood to see their amazing Christmas lights.

5.  What's your favorite Christmas song? Silent Night and Joy to the World

6.  Are you a morning or night person? Morning person, but more by habit, force, and coffee.

7.  If you work, and went to college, is your profession in the same field as your major? Actually, yes.

8.  What is your favorite state you have visited or lived in? Why? 

9.  If you won $1000 from a scratch off lottery ticket, what would you do with it? I would love to say something fun, but that $1000 would go to the regular ol' monthly bills.

10.  What's your stress reliever? RUNNING

11.  What was your first car? VW Rabbit nicknamed "Bucky" since I learned to drive a stick using it.

Old school

Long story, but my cousin recently shipped us an artificial tree that she was no longer using.  We are "real tree" people, so I knew that we wouldn't use it this year, since we had already put up our tree, so I planned to store it.

My parents arrived and we decided that it might be pretty to put it up in our living room, especially since you can see that room from our street.

Mom pulled out the old school colored lights (small and large) and went to town.

We didn't use any ornaments, but the tree just gives off a soft glow.

Sigh. I really do love this time of year ... just wish that we all had time to slow down and enjoy it - a lesson I am trying to learn.

Testing, Testing ...

This morning, we were in our usual routine of guzzling coffee, helping dress children, packing lunches, a little screaming and negotiation, brushing hair and teeth, etc.

I was helping Libby get dressed when Maddy walked in the room, carrying something pink.

"Mommy, what's this?" she asked.

I looked down and said, "Well, that would be a pregnancy test."

"I like it. It's pink."

I told her to take it to Daddy.

Pause for about 10 seconds and in walked Hubby with a strange look on his face.

"Surprise!" I yelled and he may have mumbled something about an immaculate conception, but that's a post for another day.

Yes, I would be the nerd who saved my pregnancy test(s) from when I found out I was pregnant with Maddy and Libby. I promise, honey. Double pinky swear promise.

I will say that Maddy's timing is impressive. This week, four years ago, I took that exact test and was shocked and amazed to look down and see a pink plus sign.

Day 27

I am thankful for a mug of hot coffee to wrap my hands around and sip whilst reading all the lovely blogs.

Days 24 and 25

Thankful for Words with Friends and painting with friends.

Day 23

Thankful for
half - day workdays
surprise visitors at work
pumpkin spice cookies
cranberry relish
wine
dinner with hubby
good movies
Thanksgiving

Day 2 1 and 22

After venting about my girls, they can also break my heart. Last night, I arrived home after a meeting and they were still awake. I went upstairs to "re-tuck" them in. I was heading out of the room when Libby said, "Mama ... you didn't give me a hug, and a kiss, and a wiggle."

Just turn that knife in my heart, honey.

So, I am thankful for daughters that remind me to give hugs, kisses, and wiggles (eskimo kisses).

I am also thankful for the ability to run. It keeps me sane and healthy.

Day 20

Today, I am thankful for wine as a coping mechanism to deal with two grumpy three-year-olds who in the last hour have told me:

I cannot walk.

I can't get up (off the potty). My feet are too itchy.

I don't want to wash my hands.

I can't wash my hands.

I don't like to wash my hands.

They are now in bed, about 30 minutes early, but not asleep, and that is OK with me. I think we all needed a break from each other. Whew.

Days, Um 15 - 19

Ok, so one of my friends gently reminded me that I am waaaayyy behind on my days of thankfulness, so I will try to wrap up my week.

Thankful for a new half marathon PR - 2:09:46. I didn't see that one coming, so it really made me proud.

Thankful that I had the ability to hear Dee Dee Myers speak on why women should rule the world. In a room of nearly 1,000 women and a handful of squirming men, it was a very inspiring luncheon, with a few aha moments along the way.

Thankful for coffee this week. On rainy days, it makes me feel cozy.

Thankful for friends who help me keep it real. Fo' real tho.

Thankful that our JLG magazine, The Evergreene hit mailboxes yesterday ... a week earlier than scheduled and that it is truly full of great articles.

Day 14

Thankful that I have a husband who cooks and tries to do so healthfully.

Hubby found a new recipe for Rocco's "almost" General Tso's chicken and made it for dinner. Yummy, healthy, and spicy!!

Day 13

I am thankful for swings in our backyard. Not the toddler kind, but the rope swing that hangs from a limb about 100 feet up.

Lets just say that thirty-something year olds aren't too old to swing.

Day Twelve

Thankful for another beautiful fall day ... same as it was six years ago.

Happy Anniversary, Hubby!

Day Eleven

Playing catch up ... maybe that should be the thankful theme.

Thankful for little people who claim that they are thankful for each other.

And leave me treats, like the uneaten end of their banana.

Sigh.

Day Ten

I am thankful that every autumn I have the view of this beautiful Japanese Maple in my backyard.

Day Nine

Thankful for Jimmy John's on days that I forget to pack a lunch. In a matter of minutes, they delivered a yummy Veggie sandwich. Next time, I will be thankful for remembering to order extra avocado spread. It's the little things, people.

Day Eight

Thankful for the ability to run four miles in the morning and wear high heeled boots to work.

Day 7

Today, I am thankful for ...

• windows that open when doors are closed.
• my new leopard three-quarter-length sleeve jacket
• figuring out new settings on my Garmin, Garmina.

Day 4, Day 5 and Day 6

Day 4 - Thankful for a fun trip to Savannah and a much needed, adult dinner out complete with good food, good wine, and good conversation!

Day 5 - Thankful for a new half marathon PR in Savannah ~ 2:11 and some change. I know I'm not winning any races, but to be able to hold some speedy for me times, and pass the 2:15 pace group, it felt pretty amazing.

Day 6 - Thankful to great friends ... those that will run with you and those that drive two hours to see you for about four.

Day 3

Thankful for Libby, when asked what she is thankful for replied, "Mama, Maddy, and Daddy."

30 days of thankfulness

I know I am late starting on the bandwagon, but I here goes nothing ...

Day One: I am thankful for my health and the health of my family.

Day Two: I am thankful for two beautiful daughters that while sometimes drive me to the point of frustration, make me so proud to be their Mom.

Princess shoes

Make everything better.

Fall

These past few days have been perfection in my opinion ... the crisp temperatures, the bright sun warm by afternoon, falling leaves, and Halloween decorations on nearly every house in our neighborhood.

I've also been fortunate to have my days filled with many of my favorites:

a great early morning 13-mile run with my favorite running girls, an early evening date with my Hubby that started with a great Cabernet, much needed adult conversation, and ended with a mushroom swiss burger, pumpkin patches, cow trains, and a huge jumping pillow with the fam, coffee breaks, skirts and boots, a quick afternoon run, Halloween candy, new running tights, a new book on my Nook, and two mornings where I slept in 'til 8.

Feeling blessed and loved.

Tired and Grumpy

Some days, I really don't know what I would do without my running buddies. When our night before a run emails are going around and I hear rain in the forecast, am getting home at 10 pm, and have no desire to hear my alarm go off at 5:05 AM, they remind me that I really do want to go.

Sure, I don't love getting up that early, but I love the accomplishment, the camradarie and how great I feel when it's through.

So, here's to a two-a-day on Thursday and another 12 miler on Saturday.

All the single ladies ...

Hubby took Maddy and Libby to their 2nd birthday party of the weekend today, his Dad's. So, after church, I have been on my own. Since part of my afternoon was already booked (the reason I didn't go to the party), I have enjoyed my favorite "single girl dinner" of crackers, sharp cheddar, honeycrisp apple slices, and Halloween candy. No wine unfortunately, or that would have made it perfect.

So now to do a little work while the house is quiet and possibly run the much-needed vacuum cleaner.

Dramatic reading of Brown Bear, Brown Bear

les fleurs

Funky, but pretty farmer's market flowers that were on the tables for our first Junior League meeting of the year.

Revenge

My husband posted a photo to Facebook of myself, Maddy, and Libby all asleep on the sofa today. He must have had a memory lapse that he falls asleep sitting up about 5/7 nights. Revenge will be mine.

Let's just say that the first night in big girl bed's was as tiring as any night with newborn twins. Here's to hoping that tonight is better.

Sometimes I listen, sometimes I don't

Love this.

Saw this in Swoozie's yesterday and can't stop thinking about it. Where could it go? Bathroom? Kitchen? Small wall near the stairs. Hmmmm.

Preschool

This picture shows Libby's mad hopping skills, Maddy's cheesy grin, but what it doesn't show is a power struggle to wear shoes and not sandals, not wanting to walk in the "dirt", and an early morning dance routine to "I Love A Rainy Night."

baby steps

Instead of rambling about how I haven't blogged in two months, I thought I would just start back with baby steps. Literally. Pictures, think lots of pictures.

Training for another half marathon or two. I couldn't do it without my running girls, especially those that push me through eight hard miles on a Saturday morning, or get me out of bed for a 5:45 AM run to in the darkness.

Even though I don't have a coolio iPhone, I can use the coolio retro camera app on my Droid that I heart as much as an iPhone.

Summer Summary

Swimming lessons - check.

Using the pool more than 5 times like last year - check.

Jumping off the side into the "big" pool - check.

Blowing bubbles - check.

Eating, eating, and more eating - check.

Sleeping in til nearly 8am after a big day at the pool - check.

Oh, and potty training! Check! Not 100%, but doing great and two little girls will be wearing big girl panties to school tomorrow!

Will it ever click?

This afternoon, I was holding Libby on my lap when all of a sudden, I felt something warm.

Yuck.

Yes, and on dry clean only pants.

Yes, I had just asked her two minutes earlier if she needed to potty.

We are about a week away from their 3rd birthday. I know everyone says that they'll potty-train when they are ready, but I'm beginning to wonder when that is.

June 12

Today was our minister's last day at our church. It's hard for me to wrap my mind around how someone who you may only 'think' about once a week is so ingrained in our lives. I'm assuming because he serves as our portal to God, if that is a proper description for a minister.

As I listed to his sermon today, I cried. I thought about hearing him preach for the first time, meeting with him during our pre-marriage counseling sessions, the night of our rehearsal dinner, the beautiful sermon he gave on our wedding day, how we consoled us and prayed with us when Maddy and Libby were in the NICU, and provided us with uplifting messages when we needed them and when we thought we didn't.

Everyone around us was crying and it was almost surreal seeing grown men sob over what so many would see as a promotion and a time of congratulations.

He told us to always remember the mission of our church and that did ring true with me. You have to always go back to the basics and that is true for so many things. Relationships, parenting, houses, exercise, clothes, food, etc.

Yes, our church won't be the same without him, but his twelve years of service have made so many remarkable changes, but I will remember the basics.

Still here.

I've heard from a few friends wondering what happened to the blog. Well, it's still here, I'm still here, just haven't made the time to write in the last, oh, six weeks! How did that happen!?

Life in a nutshell ...

Busy time as President-Elect for the Junior League: writing a speech, giving a speech, preparing a board retreat, lots of meetings, burning up the phone, traveling to Philly, and trying to make time for some strategic/big picture thinking.

Working part-time ... from home, thank goodness.

The girls are amazing. Growing up. Almost 3. Independent, funny, sweet, communicating, lots of pretend-play, hugs and kisses, tantrums and foot stomping. Typical almost 3 year old behavior.

We had a busy weekend ... pool, yard work, church, coffee, run with friends, burgers on the grill, seasonal summer beers, popsicles in the freezer. Lots of fun and much needed.

Hopefully, I can get back in the swing of this soon. I miss writing, but often find myself with nothing to write about, so I just read more blogs.

Parenting Fail

This afternoon, Maddy, Libby, and I had fed the dogs, gotten a snack ( a very specific TWO graham crackers and goldfish) and were hanging out. Maddy had wandered out of the room to go to the potty, and I looked up and didn't see Libby. I had also started a load of laundry, reviewed some paperwork, etc. ie. Not fully engaged. I listened for footsteps or the scream of "Mommy! I pottied ... I want candy!", but I heard nothing. I went through the house and looked in the office where they sometimes play and noticed our front door open. Not the outer door, but our inner wooden door, but I knew I hadn't opened it. I quickly glanced in the yard to find it empty, then I started up the stairs when a man knocked on my door asking if I was looking for twin girls. With my heart in my throat, I ran out into the yard with him and found them with another man. The "what-if's" are still running through my head and I can't even go there right now. One of the men lives on our street and I never found out if the other man was a neighbor or just driving through. Both girls were wearing their princess shoes, Maddy was carrying her mouse, and Libby had her water bottle. They were two houses down from ours and that seems worlds away to me. My BIG note to self from today ... no more half-assed paying attention, I'm checking all door locks, and may really feel the need to install an alarm that goes "beep-beep" when the door opens. We had several talks about not opening the door without Mommy, Daddy, or a big person. I plan to have several more. Hug your little ones and say your prayers. I almost didn't write this post, but I know how easy it is to get preoccupied with other "priorities" and as women, we call ourselves multi-taskers and know we can do it well, but it may not be worth the outcomes.

Potty Update

My parents are visiting and arrived on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Mom was pretty adamant about trying out the big girl panties and potties, so we did. I've been a little hesitant and while we've been using the potties from time to time, we haven't done any kind of major work just yet. I kept waiting for a free weekend, but having two extra adults around helps too.

Things were going well ... we had a couple of accidents, and things were starting to click,and they had both gone in the potty several times. I bought some MnM's, had an arsenal of stickers, and decided to do a load of laundry.

It was fine until the washing machine stopped working. In the midst of potty training twins? Really?

Turns out that one mardi gras necklace in the drain of your washer will cause your washer not to work, will cost you $129 and will cause you to halt potty training.

So, after catching up on laundry, we've picked it back up over the weekend and the girls have been doing so great. I think they each earned 3-4 MnM's today, had a couple of accidents a piece, but are so excited for one another when they "go."

My babies really are growing up.

Not a potty picture, but earlier this week when they "stole" the bubble gum eggs out of one of our little Easter chickens and I caught them conspiring behind our chair about eating the eggs.

Taking me way back

I think I had this same skirt, but I can't remember when. Sophomore year of college?

I was checking out Lands End Canvas to see what is new for Spring, but I think this definitely fits my rule of "If I wore this style more than a decade ago, just say no." Love the madras, though.

B double e r u n, beerun!

I've only run 18 miles this YEAR, and I'm running in a hilly 5 mile race tomorrow.

Plus, I'm the one who mentioned to Hubby that we should run it.

I think I am officially crazy.

Wish me luck!

Social media

Question for you lovely readers out there.

I know we all use social media on a daily basis. We Tweet, we blog, we Facebook, we Stumbleupon, etc.

Does anyone have any good books on B2B social media and marketing strategies?

Interested in what the big dogs are doing and who's doing it right.

Thankful

Today, I am thankful for

Starbucks grande skim vanilla lattes
Mucinex
Neti Pot sinus relief thingy
Daffodils blooming in my yard
Two two-year-olds that napped from 2-4:30pm
Returned phone calls

Jelly beans in Hubby's grocery bag

A favorite sitter with availability

A meeting free evening and dinner plans with the fam

Blog, neglected.

I'm still here and still checking your blogs ... just not updating mine.

I'll fill you in on the latest. I feel like this post is one large whiny rambling, but maybe I'll just hit publish instead of save and be done with it.

I've been busy feeding hungry children and helping adults learn to read through my position with the Junior League. Oh, ok ... so I'm not single-handedly doing this, but our organization is. Doesn't that sound better than saying I'm going to meetings every morning and night? Is handedly a word? I'm not complaining ... it is all very rewarding, but my schedule has been a bit crazy to say the least.

I've also been thinking about my personal vision statement. This could be an entire post, but it all relates back to a seminar I recently attended and the speaker asked if we had our own personal vision for our life. I could hear the crickets chirping in my head. Do you have one? I truly had to joke my way through that seminar, even when I'm sure I should have been taking it seriously.

Maddy and Libby have learned to open our back door, and while they haven't escaped just yet, the dogs are certainly enjoying this new skill.

I have a knot on the back of my neck ... does this mean I need a massage, or is it a tumor?

I also have a cold. Boooo. It's definitely not making me feel like doing anything that I need to do and I've been injesting large amounts of Vitamin C, cold medicine, saline nasal spray, and graham crackers. Not that graham crackers will cure a cold, but for some reason they taste pretty good.

It's 9:28, off to refill my water bottle, put the doggies to bed, take some more cold medicine, and go to bed. Night-night.

My valentines

Hoping to make cookies for Hubby aka Daddy when the girls wake up from their nap. I guess "make" should be replaced with "open package, pull out pre-squared blob of cookie dough and place on pan". While I love homemade the best, I'm ok with making un-homemade cookies today.

Shoes

I have been missing a pair of black flats since last week and have searched high and low, under the bed, in the closet, etc.

Today, I looked down to see my flats neatly inserted into a box that contains Maddy and Libby's princess dress up shoes.

This made me smile and wonder what other laughs that Maddy and Libby will provide in the coming years. At least someone thinks that Mommy is a princess.

Potty all the time, potty all the time, potty all the tiiime.

Sorry, but I just can't help it.

Ok, parents of potty-trained children, I need your help. I've been afraid to really start this process, but I think it's time to get serious.

Libby (finally) went on the potty last night before her bath and was the proud recipient of lots of applause, hugs, and 2 Elmo stickers. I definitely think I will change stickers to MnM's when we are in serious mode, but right now, I know that I always can find a sticker, even if I'm pulling it off a banana.

So, what else do I need?

I have the children, two potties, two potty seats, big girl panties, and the Patty Potty panties that are super thick. We have 2 hand me down Potty Books and one DVD from a friend, plus the Potty Animals book that seems a little too old for them. It talks more about making sure you shut the toilet seat and I'm just in the going on the potty stage.

Did you have a favorite book or DVD? Pull Ups or No ... what's your opinion? Anything that worked for your family? Moms of multiples, did you train them at the same time or try to get your stronger pottier trained first and hope the second will follow?

I promise that one day I will use this blog for some constructive blogging and not potty training questions. A friend of mine posted today that she misses blogging and I do, too. Just struggling with putting pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard some days.

Maddy, Libby, and the landfills of North Carolina thank you.

Preschool

This week, our preschool held open houses so current and potential parents can go and visit the classrooms. I made my way to the 3 year old classroom and even though I know that I'm essentially looking at kids that are a full year ahead of Maddy and Libby, it is so hard to think that my babies will be ready to be in that class in the Fall.

They said the Pledge of Allegiance, actually sat still during circle time (well, most of them), they went on a letter hunt around the room and knew words that started with each of the letters. I was impressed by the teachers and really liked the actual classroom.

Sigh.

They are growing up so much. I just see so many changes and milestones ~ opinions, questions, counting, recognizing colors, reciting ABC's, more questions, sentences, sitting on the potty, helping feed the doggies, lots of "Noooo" and "I do it, I help you", pushing the kitchen stool around to fetch bananas, tomatoes, or what ever else they can find on the counter, more independent play, etc.

I shared this on Facebook, but will have to share it here. Now someone please tell me where my babies have gone.

What I'm loving

I was picking up birthday gifts this summer and one of the people in line was buying a book called BrainQuest. We started talking about these and he told me that he had been buying them for his son since he was 2. I decided to pick up a pack of these for Maddy and Libby.

At first, they weren't really into them, but as of late, they are slightly obsessed.

These little books are full of pictures and questions that are geared to build your child's vocabulary. Maddy and Libby looove them and are constantly asking to "Read Max." (Max is the main character of the little vignette stories for the one we have.) There are 3 books with pictures on each side, so there are lots of options and you don't get bored reading them over and over.

For example, for the one we have, one picture may show a school room and you ask your child different questions about "where could they hear a story" or "color a picture" and some open-ended like what else can they do at school. The next page will have specific questions about items found in a school classroom, or different activities they do at school.

The one we have is for 2-3 year olds and they go up into the teen years and with different topics. I have been impressed at what questions they could answer on their own, and what they have retained from reading these books.

I just noticed that they have ABC and Counting ones for their age and I think that those may show up for Valentine's Day or Easter.

They are wonderful and may be my new go-to gift for friends. I have seen them locally at Barnes and Noble and also at our local toy store, Toys and Co.

Blah, Blah, Blah

My rambling Thursday thoughts ...

• I have become slightly obsessed with making smoothies. I'm back on ol' WW, and for 1 cup of milk, 1/2 cup frozen strawberries, 1/2 a banana, and 1/2 cup ice, it's only 2 points and yummy ... plus, it's dairy and fruit! Yes, I realize that it's 34 degrees outside, but I seriously want one everyday. I feel like I should be adding protein powder, or whey powder, or something to it. Do any of you use protein powder? I know it would make it a little more filling.
• I'm trying a new Cooking Light recipe tonight ... slow cooker meatloaf . It smells really good. I'm just hoping that I didn't screw it up by using cremini mushrooms instead of shiitake.
• Our schools have been closed for 4 days due to the snow that we had on Monday. I think everyone is a little stir crazy and ready for kiddos to get back to a normal schedule. Even Libby has been asking if she was going to get to see one of her classmates today.
• I realize that when I'm driving the huge double-seater shopping cart at the grocery, I look very large and in charge. I promise you that I'm not trying to run you over. Yes, that is directed at you, woman in the soup aisle with the big 1980's eyeglasses.
• My running shoes miss me, or they miss running. I've been working out nearly every day, but have only run 4 miles in the last 2 weeks. I'm hoping to change that soon.

This will be mine

Not the good cheekbones, but my very own Warrior Dash helmet! Hubby and I, along with another couple we know signed up last night. Laura C will also participating in her 3rd, so I know it will be a party.

Oh my gosh.

Am I crazy? Probably.

Will this be something I'm proud to tell my Grand kids about? Most definitely.

Have I figured out how I'm training for this? No idea.

Am I thinking about the many places I can wear this helmet? Of course.

Am I excited? Hell, yeah.

Mysteries

I'm still trying to figure out how the Goldfish are lasting so much longer than they did before.

Hmmm, maybe I really was eating half the box for lunch and not admitting it to myself.

I, Susan D. haven't had one yummy goldfish cracker in nearly 5 days. I can count the little achievements, right?

Ok, so I lied.

That 5 pounds that I said I wasn't going to worry about? Well, that was a lie.

I do want to lose a few pounds and be more healthy (through the cleaner eating, running, exercise, etc.)

Will I stress if I never have a flat stomach again? No. I'll just keep pulling my jeans up over my twin-skin and know that it will be OK.

Hubby has joined a weight loss challenge with some friends, so if one of us is going to be watching what we eat; it's just as easy for both of us.

Plus, I was already paying for my Weight Watchers online membership, I decided to log back into today and use it.

So far, so good. The first day is always hard and it took every smidgen of self control that I had not to eat Maddy and Libby's leftover goldfish. (I didn't.) Hubby and I also did the P90X DVD tonight which was a hard, but good workout.

So, here's to coming clean about my lie-filled resolutions.

Self-service

Maddy and Libby have recently discovered that they can move the stool around the kitchen to access the sink and counters. Not sure why they have just now figured it out, but it has been somewhat entertaining to watch.

For dinner tonight? Why, they served themselves bananas. Peeled them and ate about 1.5 a piece. The other night? Cherry tomatoes, right out of the bowl. I guess it could be worse. They've also learned to open the refrigerator and have been able to climb enough to reach the higher shelves. Cold macaroni and cheese, grapes, and yogurt have been their choices. Oh and they did grab spoons, too.

It also seems that they wait until I am in the middle of something else - fixing dinner, or grabbing laundry so I'm not paying full attention when they strike. I think outsmarting Mama is their daily job, too.

We have definitely hit the stage of picky eating. Yesterday, I made a pasta salad with sauteed olives, carrots, broccoli, and zucchini, with cheese. Not even one bite and both of them said "No like it." The yogurt at Panera for lunch? "No like it. Mommy eat it."

I know this is a stage and if they eat bananas for dinner, they'll be OK.