Top O' The Morning To Ya

The silly leprechaun charmed us with his presence on St. Patrick's Day and left Lucky Charms and mini pots of gold coin chocolates for Currier and Rya.  Of course he didn't leave without pulling some shenanigans.  He peed in our toilet and forgot to flush, knocked over a stack of blocks, left a messy trail of clovers and escaped our trap leaving behind his tiny top hat as a tease.  

Alte Freunde von Deutschland

Our friends from Germany stopped by for a quick visit over the weekend.  Vicky and Bob lived downstairs  from us in Bahn, Germany and at the time had a toddler and infant.  Now they have four boys ages ranging from 6 months to 10 years.  They're stationed in Columbia, SC now and while Bob is in Iraq, Vicky and the boys were in Charleston for the weekend and made the time to come see us.  It was so great to see a friend from our days in Deutschland and meet her army of boys!  It was a little bitter sweet because it was Bob and Vicky that gave us Remi and Remi is a sore subject for me.  She's been missing in Sicily for over five years now and my heart isn't even close to healing.  

My Sweet Remi Girl. 

Stacey's 40th

We celebrated Stacey's 40th birthday last weekend.  Her husband rented a pimped out party bus with disco lights and a stripper poll to chauffer us to a waterfront restaurant.  Stacey's mom, sister and aunt from Newburyport flew down and her friends from various parts of the country flew in to surprise her making it a total of 20 people in the limo.  She had no idea and seeing her shocked face walk on to the bus was priceless.  It was a WILD time and I'm so happy I could be a part of it even if it took me three days to recover from it.  Happy 40th Stacey, you crazy girl!

Arcadia Publishing

I started my new job at Arcadia Publishing a few weeks ago.  I'm an Acquisitions Editor which means I acquire titles for the publisher.  Arcadia publishes photo history books and my territory is Alaska, California, Idaho and Wyoming.  I'm sure you've seen Arcadia's popular Images of America series, which chronicles the history of communities with vintage photographs.  The books are great and I'm so proud to be a part of making them.  I really love the job and although I miss my kids, it is so refreshing to talk to adults all day and be a part of making history. 

First Day of School

I just dropped Currier and Rya off for their first day of school.  On the way to school, Currier gave Rya the same pep talk that I gave him last night at bedtime, "Don't be scared... You're going to make lots of friends and learn new things because school is cool!"  They both did great at drop off.  It was me that got a little choked up.  I don't officially start my new job until tomorrow so I have the day to run errands and get organized for this big change in our lives. 

These Are The Days

Yesterday was my last day as a stay-at-home-mom.  I start my new job next week so the kids will be attending school full-time Monday-Friday.  We spent our last Friday together at the Children's Museum of the Lowcountry painting, playing and pretend shopping.  Rya actually said her first sentence after climbing a staircase and dropping a golf ball down a shoot, "Mommy, I did it!"  It was crystal clear and a HUGE accomplishment for a little girl who didn't speak a word several months ago!  My eyes welled up and there was an instant lump in my throat.  Our final weekday together was a GREAT day and I'll never forget the pride I felt that moment!

Good Bye O'Brion's

I worked my final shift at O'Brion's Irish Pub this past Tuesday.  If you haven't been keeping up on facebook, I got a full time job at Arcadia Publishing as an Acquisitions Editor.  Although I have enjoyed my time at O'Brion's and made some great friends there, I gave notice because I need to be home in the evening for my kiddos if I'm not going to see them all day.  For my final trivia night shift, Joni and I chose Saturday Night Live as the theme and we had a total blast being Mary Katherine Gallagher and Gilly.  So long O'Brions.  What a send off!

Friday Favorites- Melissa

The Melissa Bath Essence from Swiss Just is like taking a bath in warm holy water.  I'm not sure of the exact properties of this stuff but it makes my worries melt away and as soon as I hit the mattress I'm out.  There's nothing like taking a bath with sweet Melissa! 

Potty Princess

Rya is so ready to be potty trained, if only she'd talk we'd have better luck at ditching the diapers for good.

South East Wildlife Expo

On Saturday afternoon we headed downtown to the South East Wildlife Expo.  In addition to feeding and petting all sorts of wild animals, I swear we saw every single breed of dog known to man!  It was a dog lovers paradise.  Love love loved it! 

Flag Football Season Comes to a Close

Saturday morning ended Daniel Island Flag Football season... Thank God, we can sleep in on Saturdays now!  Currier got a medal and couldn't be more proud. 

Coastal Cupboard Cooking Class

Trent and I took a cooking class at Coastal Cupboard for our date night on Friday.  We learned how to make Shrimp and Grits 3 ways: BLT Shrimp & Grits, Country Ham and Red-Eye Gravy Shrimp & Grits and Traditional Shrimp & Grits.  And for dessert: Peach & Grits Parfait.  Everything was delicious and the evening was so fun.  We're looking forward showing off our new cooking skills for our next out of town guests.  Who wants a taste of the South?  

What Happens in Vegas...

Trent's Christmas bonus was an all inclusive weekend trip for two to Vegas.  Trent's sister Carrie came down from Tennessee to allow us our first trip away from the kids!  We stayed at the humongous MGM Grand Hotel and Casino for two glorious nights. 

We arrived on Friday afternoon and immediately hit the casino to try our luck at craps, roulette and slots.  After pocketing the $60 I won, we had sushi for dinner and then headed to bed by 9:30 Vegas time... we were exhausted! 

The next morning we woke to room service and stayed in bed all morning watching Bridget Jones Diary.  The $60 I won was burning a hole in my pocket so we went shopping on the strip and had lunch at Hooters.  With a nice beer buzz we hit the jacuzzi at the hotel and took a nice long nap before heading to the MGM Grand Buffet where we gorged on crab legs, shrimp, sushi and desserts.  With very full bellies, Trent entered a poker tournament and I walked off dinner by shopping for souvenirs.

Sunday morning greeted us with breakfast in bed before we caught the shuttle bus to the airport.  It was a short, sweet and very relaxing weekend.  We took advantage of the time away from the kids and rested and enjoyed each other's company.  What a perfect weekend!

Good Bye Lizzy and Ava

We dropped Lizzy and Ava off this morning to be spayed and after their operations they will be placed on the adoption floor at the Charleston Animal Society where hopefully someone will scoop them up in no time.  This fostering gig was WAY more difficult than I anticipated.  The good bye was excruciating and tearful.    

We used our water fountain wishes on Lizzy and Ava finding good families who will love them as much as we do.