Pixie Dust

Heck yeah!

So I was reading an article in People Magazine yesterday about NKOTB (for those of you who are confused, that's New Kids on the Block) while I was waiting at the dental office. When I first found out NKOTB was getting back together I thought "how lame". Seriously, sounds pretty lame that a boy band from the 90's is getting back together when they are all in their 30's. But, then while reading this article, I am much more intrigued and a little psyched. 4 of them have children and all have normal jobs and for some reason, that appeals to me. Check out the site: NKOTB. If you were ever a fan, you will most likely feel the way I do! I so want to go to their concert! I remember having the video of their tour back in the day and would watch it religiously. It was awesome. I had such a huge crush on Joey and his random topless hat (it had the top cut out for some weird reason) and of course I loved Donnie too, he was the bad boy. If they were coming to MN, I would totally buy tickets! Alright, I'm out to dream of NKOTB!

My beautiful family...

Check out our music video! I challenge you to make one too!

My father in law sent this link to me. I thought I'd give it a try. It's super easy. Just throw some pics in and it does the rest for you. It will also embed it directly into your blog, no work on your part. Give it a try!

The weekend always goes too fast...

What is it about weekends? Why do they always fly by, but the week before and after seem to creep by, slowly and surely as if it were some wicked form of torture? Ok, so I'm being dramatic but that's just because I'm coming off of a weekend that was far too short. We were busy like any other weekend, but I really didn't feel like I had enough time for everything.

Our weekend started off with dinner at Red Robin for Brian's birthday. We were going to go to Fuddruckers for a burger, but some friends had told me that Red Robin was well-known for their burgers. It was pretty tasty, however not a place for adult convo. It was so loud, we basically ate in "loud" silence!

Saturday we spent the day doing things around the house for awhile then later that afternoon we headed to the neighbors for a little get together. There were about 18 adults and over 15 kids! It was a really good time. The kids were so well-behaved, all 15 of them. It really gave all of the adults a chance to catch up after the long winter. I didn't snap too many pictures but I did get some of Annika playing dress up.

And another of Annika with her friend:

Boy did she enjoy that brownie!

My neighbor makes the best Sangria in town and I definitely indulged!

Sunday was spent relaxing a bit. The girls were in not-so-rare form and didn't give us much of a chance to sit. They were pretty crabby from staying up so late, and then waking up on time! Brian went out and bought a Wii early in the afternoon. I was crabby, no reason really, just crabby. I suppose the happy pills weren't working well yesterday. I got a chance to lay down a bit and nap though and that lifted my mood significantly. Oh, and it didn't help that we woke up to an inch of snow on Saturday morning! WTH? It was April 26th for crying out loud. Apparently mother nature is confused. Anyway, we headed up to Brian's parents for his birthday dinner. They made beef brisket and it was tasty! Here is a picture of Brian and the girls blowing out his birthday candles:

Too cute! We came home and I basically crashed. I was exhausted. Not much going on today. Annika's getting her hair cut in a few minutes, Bianca and Bennett are sleeping and I am cleaning a bit. I have a dentist appointment later today and boy am I excited! ***note the sarcasm

Have a great day all. I'll leave you with a picture of my big boy! What a cutie!

Once again...

I have to thank my talented SIL Kristi for creating a beautiful banner. She did a great job, and while she's not thrilled with it, I absolutely love it. Thanks so much Kristi!

I also wanted to thank everyone who responded to my TFT post. I still don't feel enlightened and doubt I ever will, but it was wonderful for you all to open up to me with your experiences. I am going to give people of our world the benefit of the doubt and whole-heartedly believe that most people go into marriage with good intentions and the idea of forever.

Again, I had no intention to offend and you all answered my controversial question with eloquence and dignity. Thank you again.

Happy Birthday Brian!

Happy birthday to my dear and loving husband. Brian is turning 29 today! Love ya babe!

Marriage vows...

Before I begin, I want to pre-empt this with a disclaimer. In no way do I mean to offend anyone, I am not judging, nor am I attacking anyone. I am simply putting my thoughts out there because I truly am curious. That being said, if you are offended by anything I have to say here I apologize in advance.

My TFT this week is about marriage vows, infidelity and divorce. I come from a place where a marriage vow is forever. Infidelity is morally wrong and divorce is out of the question, not even an option. Both Brian and I firmly believe that the vows we said to each other 4 years ago are solid and everlasting. Not even for a second do I think that Brian could/would have an affair and he knows the same about me.

All that being said, does anyone who experiences this think it will happen to them? If you truly know a person and marry them, shouldn't you know they won't dishonor those vows? I guess I'm just wondering if there are signs that point in that direction and if deep down the victims of this infidelity know it will happen?

I can ask the same of divorce. If you are divorced, did you somehow know in the beginning that it may end up this way? I ask because I don't think I will ever get divorced. Perhaps that's naive of me, but I truly believe it won't happen. I would like to believe that nobody goes into marriage thinking: "Hey, if it doesn't work, there's always divorce." However, I know that more often than not, people do take marriage lightly and know there is an out if things go awry. I'd like to believe that you gave it your all, did everything in your power to make it work but just couldn't find common ground. Even though I don't believe in divorce (for myself), I don't think it is right for the wrong people to remain married for any reason (even kids).

I am reading a book called "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert and she makes an interesting comment about her marriage ending (or lack thereof because of a rocky divorce). Here is the letter:

Dear God,
Please intervene and help end this divorce. My husband and I have failed at our marriage and now we are failing at our divorce. This poisonous process is bringing suffering to us and to everyone who cares about us.

I recognize that you are busy with wars and tragedies and much larger conflicts than the ongoing dispute of one dysfunctional couple. But it is my understanding that the health of the planet is affected by the health of every individual on it. As long as even one or two souls can be free from discord, this will increase the general health of the whole world, the way a few healthy cells in a body can increase the general health of that body.

It is my most humble request, then, that you help us end this conflict, so that two more people can have the chance to become free and healthy, and so there will be just a little bit less animosity and bitterness in a world that is already far too troubled by suffering.

She has a point. If you look at all of us as interconnected, even one unhappy person can cause a chain reaction. I'm sure she never thought she'd be divorced and unhappy, if so, my guess is she wouldn't have gotten married in the first place.

As you can see by my ramblings is that I'm very confused about all of this. For my own sake, I'd like to believe that those who are divorced or unfaithful knew somewhere down the line, or even before the vows were taken. But, I know that could not possibly be the case for everyone. Share your thoughts, and if you are comfortable, share your experiences. Thanks to all.

Calling all blog angels...

A while back, Amy did a post about blog angels. The thought behind it is when one of us bloggers are in need, somehow we all come together in a giant wave of support. I truly felt it when I gave birth to Bennett. I needed your positive thoughts and prayer and of course you all came through for me. Well, if you could all please head over to Nicole's blog, Driving With The Brakes On, and send her your warm thoughts and let her know you care. She just experienced an unspeakable loss and could really use all of us right now. I'm sure she will appreciate all of this in the future. Thanks everyone.

Ahhh, spring...

***I started writing this on Sunday

Today was a gorgeous 70 degree day here in good ole' MN. Unfortunately, I spent a good 6 hours of it painting! Yeah, that was awesome.

The weekend before Bennett was born, Brian and my dad installed our new kitchen floor and left the baseboards off so I could paint. Well, I finally got around to painting today, 6 weeks later! However, painting a kitchen is a PIA because of all the taping that's required. I like the final product though. At first I didn't know how I felt about it, but I've decided it can stay! Check out our new floor and paint:

After I showered, the fam and I headed to the park. It was very clear that we weren't the only ones with that idea. It was packed! But, the girls had a blast climbing and sliding and swinging. We came home and had a nice bbq outside and played until almost sunset. I was pretty bummed that the day had to end. It's addicting to be outside in this weather!

On Friday, we had a birthday party for Brian. I got a half keg and we attempted to relive our glory days! It turns out, we aren't so good at drinking like we did in college. We paid for it the next day! Here are some pics from the fiesta.

The birthday boy (his birthday isn't until this Friday)

My sister Erin, Stew and Annika:

Uncle Jeff and Bennett:

Me and my friend Nikki:

And last but not least, some serious lookin' guitar heroes!

Bri and I spent Saturday recovering since neither of us drink like that anymore. It is now Tuesday and the weather has been fantastic for 3 days in a row. I am working on a nice tan here and I couldn't be happier to get a little color in my life. The rest of this week is busy. Bianca has her 15 month doctor appointment today and then tomorrow she goes to my mom's. Thursday the girls are with my mother in law and I have my 6 week postpartum visit. Friday is playgroup and then it's the weekend! Yeah, I love weekends. Hope you all have a wonderful (and warm) week!

My life in 6 words...

I was tagged by Jessica to describe my life in 6 words. This is a toughy because there are so many words that could describe my life. I will pick the most significant. Here goes:

Crazy, happy, loving, luck filled life.

My life is always crazy, running here, doing this, chasing toddler booty around the house.

My life is happy. I wake up next to the man of my dreams and sweet smiling faces screaming "mama".

My life is loving. I have an amazing family and close friends who I cherish dearly.

My life is filled with luck. I am damn lucky to have everything I have always dreamed of. A beautiful home, 3 gorgeous kiddos, fun things to occupy my time and the list goes on, and on...

I am going to tag a few peeps: KJ and Kristi, 2 lovely ladies I am lucky to know and who are a big part of why my life is "loving".

This one's for you Steve...

Brian and I have a friend named Steve. He is a loyal reader to my blog and always tells me so. Well, when he hit this pose, I snapped my camera and told him he is now blog-worthy. So Steve, this one's for you! Enjoy. It's a bit blurry cause I had to super zoom in to get the full effect.