Such a funny little sister

I must say I have the funniest sisters around. Particularly, my little sister, Stephanie. I accidentally sent an invitation to join Facebook to my entire contact list. How embarrassing to be approaching 29 years of age and sending an invite to FaceBook to everyone I've ever emailed. The only bright side was seeing my sister's post on her Facebook page. This is the comment she has next to her profile picture.


Stephanie Brownavic is looking at my fine piece of real estate that is otherwise known of as my husband.. grr.

Miss Mia

Miss Mia

This time three years ago we were leaving your beautiful country and flying to your new home to start our life as a family. You are the brightest light to enter our lives. Your daddy and I feel like we have always known your sweet little soul. You have taught us more about love and life and family than we ever knew was possible. You helped us heal and continue to bring us so much joy.

You are growing so fast but continue to keep that extra thoughtful part of you that worries about where bugs will sleep at night and if Maz's boo-boos will be okay. You're hilarious, fiercely independent and beautiful all wrapped up into the greatest gift anyway could receive.

Happy Gotcha Day...my love

I think this work thingy is going to work

I was very hesitant about working out of the house again and taking a job that would require travel and some long hours but I have to say I didn't realize how much I missed being in the thick of things until I went back. I was made to work. Period. I thrive in entrepreneurial crazy environments. I'm lucky enough to work with very thoughtful and bright people. Dennis has been telling me over the last year, you need to go back work full-time in an office! I've tried the stay at home route and the work remote route. They both had benefits and disadvantages. I'm so glad I was able to spend the time that I have with the girls and the fact they have been able to spend over a year together everyday. I know people struggle with both sides of the debate. But, for me, I'm happy. It forces me to really focus on the girls with the time that I do have and it seems to be working.

She does have a point

 

We've regressed a bit on the current sleeping arrangements with Ms. Mia. Somehow she has wiggled her way back into our bed. We really held our ground at first but over time we just chose not to fight that battle.

She loves books so I found a great book that tells the story of how important it is for everyone to sleep in their own bed like mr. bunny, mommy, daddy, sister, ms. doggie, etc. I could hear noises in the other room but I just assumed it was Dennis and when I walked into our room, little miss smarty pants moved her bed into our room. I asked what she was doing and she said she was sleeping in her own bed...it just happened to be moved in our room.

Mazzy

This weekend Mia went to stay overnight at her aunt's house. The same aunt that had her two weeks ago when Mia refused to come home. Let's just say...lots of ice cream, candy and fun times. The good news for Mazlin is she has us all to herself. She took her first Burley ride with Daddy and the three of us just hung out. She would yell "NO!" whenever we mentioned Mia's name. It was hilarious. We are all back together and they have picked up on fighting right where they left off.

Mia loves Trader Joes

 

We try and fit everything we can into her cart and when they tell her how much at the checkout she ignores them and requests a balloon. I'm going to try that next time.

Hello Gladys! How are the kids?

 

 

 

The Bono Purse Ritual

Does anyone else have a ritual with their family members? I blame my Mom for this one. Since I can remember, we've been fascinated by each others purse. You can't walk in the door without getting the complete purse review. Where did you get that? Can I have it? Sure enough, we return to my house after a few drinks out on our sister/niece evening and we immediately trade purses. We dump everything on the table and do the big switcharoo. We've been doing this for years. If my Mom was alive right now, she would kill for Bev's purse that is now Debbie's. Are you following?

It is a funny thing moving back to where you came from. Years have gone by ( a few marriages, new kids, new jobs, new homes, loss of parents, etc...) but we will always be four girls from the Italian section of St. Louis raised by an OCD mom that was really really funny when she drank (how's that for a complex explanation?) Since I've been back our differences seem to lessen (even though there's a few Republicans sprinkled in that mix who I won't name in fear of retribution) Their stories help me understand myself better and make my memories a little clearer, if that makes sense. I'm happy to be back home. Nothing makes me feel better than Mia and Maz leaving to visit their aunts or cousins. Plus, who else is going to tell you a few pound less in your mid-section wouldn't hurt while they're smiling at you.

Maz the luv bug

 

Sunday Morning Sunshine!

 

What else can you do on a steamy/stormy Sunday morning but sand crafts?

The Buddha

 


For some reason, I don't think the Buddha got the respect it deserved.

Mia's prediction

Back to the rat race and explaining my crazy self.

I officially accepted a position outside of my little home office. Yep, that means no more early morning coffee walks, watching Flip This House on Bravo or an impromptu mid-afternoon tea party with the girls. I've been working remote for almost two years now and I have to say I AM READY TO GET OUT OF HERE FOR A FEW HOURS!

Honestly, I'm very excited. It will change the home dynamics, but I'm thrilled with the prospect of working in a fast paced crazy environment. Mia will start school in September and Maz has adjusted quite well to her new digs. So, it is time for mama bird to fly the coup.

The only downside:

I went in for a sales training session yesterday and lunch arrived which was full on roast beef, ham and turkey. Here it goes again, for the 100th time of my life..."Laurie, did you get anything to eat?" says the new boss. "Actually, I'm vegetarian (not to mention a little OCD and obsessed with watching TV evangelist-the crazier the better) but don't worry I wear leather, so I'm not a hater on the meat people." He doesn't quite know how to take that from someone who appears professional and is wearing pearls, but in time he will.

Aunt Molly invited Maz to a PJ and Pancake Party!

 

Mimi+Maz

 

 
Mazlin is an accessory girl. She loves shoes, sunglasses and hats. Since summer arrived, she loves her animal towels. This is the "fish 2008" summer look.

Our Waterbabies

 


M+M are equally in love with all things water. Swimming, sprinklers, bathtubs...I'm certain they were fish in a prior life.

One other thing I've learned since I became a mom...

 

I've become keenly aware of every obvious way I could of made millions. Just when I started to heal from the fact I missed out on the opportunity to have invented the Boppy, swimming suits with snaps on them to make bathroom time easier for girl toddlers, rubber bowl covers that allow your kids to reach in for snack, but the cover makes it impossible for any snack to fall out, (I could go on and on), I'm faced with "KiddieCutz". For a mere $25.00 you can plop your kiddo in a fancy car and pop in a video and what should of been a $10.00 cut turns into a visit to the amusement park. Although, after a long wait and many screaming kids, I didn't say to myself "why didn't I think of that?" Instead, I thought..you couldn't pay me enough!

 

A moment with Mazlin

The best visit

We went to Milwaukee over the 4th to see Margie and Lulu and Daisy. Margie was the first person I met in Guatemala (my apartment neighbor) and we have kept in touch (as have all of in our little group) over the years. It was so good to see her. It was as if no time had passed. The girls had a great time playing in her amazing downstairs playroom fit for a full-fledged daycare. And the grown-ups had a great time talking and catching up. She is planning a trip to St. Louis and we can't wait.

Mia still talks about "Waukee" and her special vacation room (hotel room) with the big bed. Too cute.

Dancing in Waukee

Mia the purple people eater...

 

 

Ms. Lulu

 

Lulu and Mia in the water

 

Dennis and Margie figuring out where we can get more bloody mary's this early in the morning

 

Lula+Mia+Eliza's nap time

 

Yes, my hubbie is a hottie!

 

Margie and Daisy