Ault Park

Ault Park has a special place in my heart since I went there many times as a kid. So since we've been back in the area, I wanted to take the kids. It was a beautiful day and we had nothing planned, so off we went. My Grandma lives right by it so we picked her up to tag along. How sweet is this picture?

Their flower gardens are normally overflowing with beauty. But sadly, both my Grandma and I were a little disappointed at how unkempt everything was. Of the pretty flowers that were there, Madeline wanted to pick them. Which I don't think you are supposed to do.

But GG couldn't say No to this face.

Then we checked out the fountain. As soon as we walked up, Madeline started stripping off her shoes and socks to jump in. Unfortunately, this is something else that has changed over the years. This thing used to be full of kids on a hot day, including myself. But now no one is allowed in.

Madeline still made some fun of it.

We had a blast and so did GG. She said she would make pizza for next time and we'll eat it there. Sounds like a date!

A new venture

I wasn't sure what to title this post. It's kind of a series of bad things leading to a good thing. I'll just get right to it. I've been struggling the last few weeks. It's a host of issues but mostly financial issues and me dealing with being a stay-at-home-mom.

I knew money was going to be tight living off of one income. And honestly, we were doing fine until we bought the new swagger wagon. Then things got really tight. We'll be okay, but it requires extra belt tightening that we aren't used to. This amounted to lots of stress on my part because I worry way too much (thanks to my parents for passing that on to me).

Then I'm still trying to get accustomed to staying home with the kids. I love being home with them, but it's harder than people think. I miss the challenges and feelings of accomplishment from working a job. I do make sure the kids have activities throughout the day. But it's not like the kids say, "Hey Mom, good work today." And honestly, many days I feel lost with them. I'm not a teacher by trade, I'm a scientist. I'm constantly questioning if I'm stimulating them enough. For awhile there, I was comparing myself to what they used to do at daycare and that bar was way too high. I've been looking to other SAHM's for guidance and they basically said I need to give myself more time. I've only been doing it for 3 months and I also moved to a different city during that time. One mom said it took her close to 9 months before she felt like she had everything together. And when I really think about it, I am doing a good job and can feel myself getting better. I joined a Mom's group and that has been great. Just about every day there is something to do with them, either having a playdate at the park, a pool party at someone's house or an ice cream social where everyone brings their own topping. It's been fun and the moms I've met are really nice.

So, all this introspection has lead me to believe something is missing from my life. And after much discussion with Andy, I've decided to become an independent sales consultant for Tastefully Simple. I think it's a win-win situation for us. I can work but still stay home with the kids and bring in some extra money to boot. There also doesn't seem to be much downside. I do have some small start-up costs, but I think I could easily make that money back after a few months. So if this ends up not working out like we think, I can always quit and not lose anything. Don't get me wrong though. Being able to quit isn't the frame of mind I'm in. I am really excited and can't wait to get started!

Totter's Otterville

For Alexis' 2nd birthday, my sister and brother-in-law took her to Totter's Otterville and we tagged along. It's kinda like a children's museum. Our first stop was the vet hospital. Fia checked out Marshmellow the bunny.




Meanwhile, Dr. Madeline worked on a horse.

Then we made it to the dance hall for some ballerina lessons.

Then it was time to catch some fish.

They got matching butterfly face paint thanks to yours-truly. As you can see, the kid next to us was getting a little more creative.

Oh, the grocery store! Madeline LOVED this. But she got mad when the scanner didn't beep. I lied and told her I could hear it.

Notice the sparkly red shoes she put on from the dress up room next door. It was hilarious watching her clip-clap around the store shopping. And she was one serious shopper!

Fia decided to go to the diner for some lunch.

I think it was tie between the grocery store and the ball pit for Madeline's favorite activity.

All in all, it was an absolute blast and I will definitely take the kids back. I only wish it was a little closer as it's a good 40 minute drive away. But it's worth a trip every few months or so.

Father's Day!

On their way to their first Red's game together for Father's Day.

Columbus Roadtrip

I received an email from Madeline's old school that they were planning a zoo trip and were wondering if we wanted to come. I jumped at the chance because I LOVE the Columbus Zoo and any good reason to take a road trip to Columbus. And it's better than the Cincinnati Zoo (there I said it). I thought my niece Alexis would enjoy the trip so we made a day of it with just me, Madeline, my sister and Alexis.

We had really good luck with the animals this day. I think it was because it was the first decently cool day in weeks.

We got to see Beco, the baby elephant.

They LOVED seeing the tiger. Alexis kept calling him Rocky. Rocky is one of her doggy's. haha

Of course we had to stop and see the fish.

And then make a stop at the playground to get their sillies out.

Don't ask why they are going down the slide head first. They saw a big kid do it so of course they had to.

Seeing the kangaroos was great. You actually walk inside with them. And one was jumping around.

After we left, we made a quick visit to a friend's house and then stopped for dinner at Graffiti Burger. Oh deliciousness it was! Jackie's review was "just okay".

Before we headed home we stopped at Jeni's for some ice cream.

It was a jam-packed, fun-filled day and we all had a blast. We may just have to make this a yearly trip.

Madeline's 3rd Birthday Party, Part 2

Madeline's party was an absolute blast and I think everyone had a great time. Most of our closest family and friends were there and that made the day extra special. She's been talking about her party for weeks so she couldn't wait for it to start. We took entirely too many pictures to post here on the blog, but I hate not to show them all for those that want to see them. So I posted a few here but to see the rest, click on this LINK. It will take you to an album with all the pictures.

The party started with coloring and getting dressed up with necklaces, earrings, bracelets and tattoos.

The adventure I posted about earlier went great and the kids loved it! However, Madeline did cry about Swiper stealing her cake. But once she got her backpack, she was over it. Now she keeps saying that Swiper is a sneaky little fox for stealing her cake.

She wasn't too comfortable with everyone singing to her, but she was definitely gonna make sure that candle was blown out.

Madeline's 3rd Birthday Party, Part 1

As Madeline's big day was approaching, I asked her what kind of party she wanted and there was no doubt what her answer would be. She is obsessed with Dora. So off I went in search of cool party ideas. I'm glad I planned in advance because as soon as I came across the idea of making backpacks and having an adventure, I knew that was it!

The idea was that after we ate dinner, I would take the kids to see Madeline's birthday cake. However, the cake would be missing because Swiper came by and stole it. For the uninitiated, Swiper the Fox is a character on the show that steals things and Dora has to go find them. After we would discover the missing cake, each kid that attended would receive a Backpack complete with a map (made by yours truly) and we would be off on our adventure in search of the missing cake.

Here is the Backpack I made for each kid. And all the goodies inside they needed for their adventure.


On our adventure, we would need to go over the bridge, through the tunnel and to Dora's friends.


Grumpy Old Troll was here and each kid would need to give him 2 coins before they could cross. Afterwards, they would use their flashlights to help guide them through the dark tunnel.

The first friend, Lisa, would have a bubble machine for the kids to play in.

Benny the Bull would have a CD player to play music for them to dance. Their maracas would be handy here. And lastly, Boots would have Madeline's cake. However, to get Boots' box open they would need to wake up the sleeping lion by blowing their whistles.

The following questions remain....

- Would Madeline cry when she discovers Swiper stole her cake?

- Would the kids be successful in their adventure and find Madeline's stolen cake?

Letter to Madeline on her 3rd Birthday

Sweet Madeline,

This past year we watched you transform from a lovable, chubby toddler into a sweet-natured little girl. You are endlessly curious about the world and constantly ask "Why?". You are very intuitive and often pick up on things you have seen or heard just in passing. You quote phrases like "That's not appropriate" and "I'm checking my email". You are slightly hesitant to try new things, but you catch on very quickly. Once you do, you are very proud of your accomplishment. You love your new tumbling class and learning how to do a somersault. Sadly, you aren't the voracious reader you once were. Your interest in electronics are starting to take over that time.

There has never been a doubt that you are Daddy's little girl and your bond with him grows deeper and deeper as each day passes. When you do something fun, you have to go tell Daddy. When you find something cool, you have to go show Daddy. When you want to go somewhere, you have to go with Daddy.

You have a very sensitive and sweet disposition. We always get compliments on how well behaved you are. However, this also means you cry quite easily at pretty much anything. The smallest of boo-boo's require a Dora bandaid. If Fia isn't playing with you, your feelings get hurt. You don't like it when people laugh at you, unless you are in on the joke.

You are a wonderful big sister. You love to play and share things with her (well, most of the time). Mommy often finds you two buried in a pile of books in the playroom together when she notices you are being too quiet. You are also a very big help to Mommy with Fia. You help change her diapers and tell Mommy when she is getting into something she shouldn't.

It seems impossible that our love for you can continue to grow, as our hearts are already overflowing. But with every sincere "I love you" said in your sweet little voice, you've taught us that the amount of love that the heart can hold is endless.

With love,

Mommy and Daddy

Memorial Day

Memorial Day was beautiful! I was hoping to take the kids to a parade but it just didn't happen.
We did get to spend some time in the backyard though.

Fia and her "I'm cute" move. She does this all the time.

We made some BBQ chicken on the grill and ate outside.

No BBQ is complete without a popcicle.

I took a dip with the kids after dinner. I kinda had to because Fia kept dunking herself in the water. On purpose. She thought it was hilarious.

She LOVED sliding down the slide into the water too. Don't worry everyone, she was fine.