Baby eating a cupcake

Obsessions

I am currently obsessed with adding a bathroom to our basement.  I swear, it never ends with me.  One thing just leads to another.  We currently have a laundry space that is about 6ft by 5 ft.  The space is pretty much empty except for the washer/dryer and a utility sink.  Our washer and dryer are both on their last legs.  We've had the washing machine repaired in the past (but it still acts funny sometimes) and the dryer door will only stay closed if I prop a heavy box against it.  But they work, so I've put up with all their problems.

So here is my plan.  I want to purchase a new stackable washer/dryer unit and place a nice utility sink set in a cabinet next to the washer and dryer.   Then I want to install an up-flush toilet on the opposite wall.  I already have the whole thing planned out in my head.  I am going to have blue floor tiles, white bead board on the half the wall and a lighter shade of blue on the top of the wall.

There is only one problem with my fabulous plan - money.

It seems like we have been spending money like crazy lately.  The impromptu trip to KY was definitely expensive.  Our van needed some maintain before we drove back to KY, which cost a pretty penny.  I just made the final payment on my last round of dental work.  And the list goes on and on.  It just seems like we are barely making ends meet right now.

Originally I was pushing for the bathroom project to begin this month, but we are going to have to hold off until the fall.  I am disappointed, but I don't really see any way around it.

The trip

I wrote this post two weeks ago, but then never got around to posting it...

We are going to Kentucky!  John was scheduled to go to Louisville in June for a meeting, and I suddenly decided that I wanted (more like NEEDED) to go home.  So, we are driving back with him.  I am super pumped about getting out of New Jersey! 

I don't know what is wrong with me lately, but I feel very crabby and moody.  I just can't seem to shake this funky feeling.  I don't even have a good excuse for being so pissy all of the time.  The weather is lovely, the kids are great, and I've lost some weight.  I am hoping that a change of scenery and some time with my mommy, granny, and cousin will help adjust my attitude. 

Since it isn't Christmas and we aren't obligated to spend every waking hour with relatives, I plan on taking the kids to lots of fun places while we are there.  This trip to Kentucky is going to be a genuine vacation, not just a long list of people to visit.  We are going to have fun!  Of course, family and friends are welcome to come with us, but I am not sitting around other people's houses all day.

So, I am excited and motivated and eager to go!   I am counting down the days.

__________

Now we return to the present...

The big trip happened last week.  It was fun.   REALLY FUN!  We went somewhere new everyday, and the kids absolutely LOVED it.  We stayed at the same hotel, and once again, it was wonderful.  The only downfall to the trip was the drive home.  We made great time all day, and we were set to be home by 5pm.  And then we hit Philly.  Fucking Philadelphia and all its traffic.  We had been in the car for over 9 hours.  We were sooooo ready to be home.  And to our dismay, a drive that normally takes 30 minutes, took over 2 HOURS.  So close, yet so far.  It was brutal.  But despite the horrid traffic, it was still a great trip.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure...

The boy who hates water

Guppy loves to take a bath.  If we would let him, he would splash and play for hours.  But swimming pools?  TERRIFYING.  Water from the hose?  WORST THING THAT EVER HAPPENED TO HIM.  Poor kid...

Time flies when you're having fun

My baby girl is 7-years-old today.  Porgie is an amazing kid, and I am so lucky to be her mommy.  Without a doubt, she is the smartest, silliest, friendliest, and most optimistic person I know.  I wish you guys could meet her, because her enthusiasm about life would make you smile. I don't know how I got so lucky.

I love you baby girl - more than you'll ever know.

Homemade Mario birthday party

My baby girl had her 7th birthday party last Saturday.  SUPER FUN!  Seriously, I think John and I enjoyed it as much as she did.  I had trouble finding Mario themed party supplies, so we ended up making almost everything. It was a labor of love.

 Mario invitations...

Super and 1-up mushroom cupcakes...

 Balloon goombas (IT TOOK ME THREE HOUR TO MAKE THEM! UGH)

Mario stars...

Decorations colored by Porgie and Izzy...

Pin the mustache on Mario and coins made from yellow plates...

Homemade Boo pinata...

Hand stitched Mario and Luigi hats...

Yes it was a lot of work, but truly, it was so much fun.  Porgie and I worked on some of the projects weeks ahead of time.  She helped me plan almost everything.   All of the time and effort was totally worth it.  My baby girl had a blast.