Dance

The girls have started a new Hip Hop/Jazz class. It was one of their Christmas presents and they are in LOVE with everything about it. In the video, Megan is in the far top corner in the turquoise tank. Molly is in the middle in the hot pink short shorts. And because I have phone issues...there is no sound when I record videos with my phone. So you're gonna have to start singing "My Boyfriend's Back" when you click play.

Annoyed

I sent this picture in a text last night to a girlfriend with the caption, 

"I am soooo annoyed with my children"

this is the girls' bedroom.

WHO LIVES LIKE THIS? 

I know we all have days like this, but yesterday was a doozy. I went to bed, exhausted and overwhelmed and so annoyed that I run around all day - cooking, cleaning, playing taxi - while they reap the rewards of my efforts but have no respect for them. Of course, this is a generalization. 90% of the time, they are good kids. And very helpful. But last night I was over it. And I hated thinking they went to bed with the memory of a Grumpy Mommy in their heads.

This morning was better. I woke refreshed. Made pancakes for breakfast and everyone got out the door with time to spare. No rushing, no bickering...and even though the house was still messy, at least now it smelled like syrup! Normally, I walk the kids to their classroom lines on the playground, but today - I let them out at the curb seeing as I had one of my daycare babies already with us. There were "I love yous!" and "Have a good days!" and "Do your bests!" shouted, and they were off. I sighed as I pulled away, thinking to myself - "REFOCUS. Life is good. You are not a Grumpy Mommy." 

Five minutes later I got this text from another girlfriend.

So - while the girls will still have to clean their room before play dates or reading occurs after school today (yes, reading is a reward around here!) they will have a Mommy next to them to help in their task. A Mommy who is often over tired, under appreciated, and tends to load her plate with more than she can chew...but today is renewed with the energy and hope that while her kids are raised in a home that is seldom spotless, it is full of love.

(this Mommy is also thankful for sweet friends who take that minute to send the thoughtful text, say the sweet thing, offer a friendly smile...sometimes the littlest thing you do in a day, something you didn't think meant anything at all...can be all the difference in the world to another. A special reminder to me to always "do the small things.") 

Two Hearts That Beat As One

Happy 4 years to two of my FAVORITE people! 

Sister, Sister

These two have been especially on my heart this past week.

They seem to be growing up right before my eyes.

Which in reality, I know is the case.

But it's felt as though they have been on fast forward lately.

Their faces and hairstyles and nail polish colors and music...

The diaries they've both started keeping...

The conversations that stop when I walk into their room...

Their competition and curt remarks, only rivaled by their loyalty and love...

{source}

I read a book last week that made me think of what's ahead for these two.

Think of their dynamic of being sisters so close in age and the experiences they will share.

It made me happy they have each other.

It made me want to foster their friendship even more.

Did I tell you these two get to go to the American Idol Finale Wednesday?

They are sooo excited. Mom's a little bit jealous.

Party Rockers about to Blow

Seems I've been influencing my children...again.

Would you do me a favor?
If you have kids under the age of...living under your roof...will you please go READ THIS?
Carry on, warriors. Carpe the Kairos.
(Thanks Cara, for pointing me to this. Best thing I read all week!)

St. Patrick's Day Fun

Here's a photo tour of our day so far!
We had Rainbow Pancakes for breakfast.





I embellished some green tanks with doilies for the girls...so no one got pinched, of course! (inspired by CookieMondays)



Then we went to Grammie & Papa's for Shepherds Pie, Corned Beef & Cabbage, carrots, parsnips, Soda Bread, Shanagarry Salad and beer! (which was almost cancelled cause Grammie isn't 100%...but we all rallied to help make her favorite holiday a success!)

(orange roses on the table...cause we are of the NORTHERN PROTESTANTS, and don't you ever forget it!)

Green Cousins!!

(yes, for reals. That Guinness picture hangs in my parent's living room 365 days a year!)

Later we're having Shamrock Whoopie Pies for dessert.

AND!!! In other news, (in case you haven't guessed by now) Mateo gave me my birthday present early. A brand spanking new iPhone!!!! And if you can't tell, I'm quite enamored with it. And Instagram too!

**Disclaimer: I know I am srsly late to this party called iPhone...but did you know you could BLOG from it?! Whoa. Compared to my 2008 Sprint DINOSAUR, (LEGIT...I have blog evidence to prove I've been stuck in Flintstone-ville) this new toy of mine is like manna from Heaven, or sent straight from NASA, or Back From the Future! The things it is capable of doing...its sorta surreal.

Forgive me a few days as I acclimate to the present.
I'm having horrible issues reconciling the fact that
Me : iPhone = My Mother : VCR

My kids were asking I download the AngryBirds app before I ever really knew what apps were!
Yeah.
Not okay.

Moving on.
Hope everyone's day was as much a Hooley as ours! St. Patricks Day is one of my favorite holidays. So much so...I wear my "green" everyday ;-)



And now you know something VERY few people know about me!
(It was a Christmas present from my MOTHER! She, my sis, and me all have the exact same one!)
SLAINTE!!

-Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Kate's Roaring 20's Birthday

I flew to Chicago last month to celebrate my sister's last year as a "20-something." Hence - her idea to have a ROARING 20's Party! It was a blast. Living in Al Capone's stomping grounds didn't hurt, either.
{is my BABY sis really 29? Cause that makes me mid 30's....ugh!}

AndersRuff custom designed the invites. So cute, right?!

I absolutely LOVE Chicago.

I'm not sure if it's really because of who lives there...

or because of all the "big city" fun I have when I visit!

Friday we went to dinner at Girl & the Goat.

{ridiculously GOOD. silly FABULOUS.}

If you ever go,

eat the pork fat fried donuts with mango and vanilla creme.

Then DIE.

Dinner was followed by front row seats to Dolly's 9 to 5.

Vibrant. FUN. Exciting. FUN!

Did I mention Friday was the coldest day in Chicago in the past 2 years!

Walking to dinner it was 7 degrees.

When you're just visiting, this kind of cold is FUN!

(espesh when your Windy City Sis has FAB boots your SoCal self gets to borrow...

Cause you own nothing other than flip flops and ballet flats!)

Saturday we went to brunch at Meli Cafe, and then to mani/pedis.

Then we returned to the loft and party prepped.

Made tissue poms, antipasto platters, minestone soup, and meatball sliders.

Mixed Apricot Sidecars and made homemade Irish Creme for the hot coffee and chocolate.

Fixed up some Flapper feathered, bejeweled headbands.

Curled our hair. Applied lots of red lipstick.

Toasted the Birthday Girl!

My parents had 29 long stem red roses delivered for her birthday. They were the perfect centerpiece for the party! A girlfriend she went to grad school with arrived with the personalized Birthday Cake.

After an hour of mingling, we hit the curb for the "Untouchables Tour!"

A bus tour around Chicago's famous historical Mafia hot spots.

Treat bags of Garrett's Chicago Popcorn, pretzels and M&M's were at the door to take along.

Right beside a donation bin for One Warm Coat. (What Kate asked for instead of presents!)

After the tour, everyone came back to the "Suberlak Speakeasy" for more libations and... A MAGICIAN!

He was seriously good.

Weird, scary, I can't figure out how he did it, GOOD!

It was sooo fun!

The rest of the night we danced the night away and celebrated the woman I love most in this world! My sister.

I was so impressed with everyone's costumes and willingness to get into character.

Kate & Paul have fun friends!

It's official.

Kate owes me a trip.

My 40th will go off.

And she will BE there ;-)

ROAR!

Holding Hands

I have a hand.

You have another.

Put them together and we have each other.

Teen Years Forshadowed Wordless Wednesday

Linking Up to Angry Julie's Wordless Wednesday

Confirmation

This is something I could of told you 30 something years ago.
Well maybe not.
Cause she wasn't born until 28 something years ago.
But close to that.

She was still in my mom's tummy when I helped pick her name.
My parents were at the table with a piece of paper.
My mother was writing option after option.

Kathryn
Katheryne
Katherynn
Kathrynn
Katherine

"Pick THAT ONE!" I said.
"It has my name in it!"
KathERINe.
I was 7.

And so it was.
Before she was born, she was a part of me.
And me a part of her.

 Go read this article from the NY Times.
(She sent it to me.)
And then understand why even on my worst days...
I can handle it.
And understand that TODAY...I am complete.
Cause she's come home for the holidays.
We're cooking Thanksgiving Dinner together.
And celebrating what I have always KNOWN.

I'm happier with a sister.
The End.

My So Called Life Sunday

{the girls got their ears pierced on Friday after keeping their room clean for 100 days straight! Both were over the moon excited. Both were a little apprehensive!}

"Take on yourselves one another's troubles, and so keep the law of Christ." Galatians 6:2

have FAITH enough to...

“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible." -Matthew 17:20

God is so GOOD. I could speak VOLUMES on how HE has revealed this lesson to me time and time again. But I wont. Instead...enjoy my girls LIVING it in it's simplest form. And KNOW, that my heart is at PEACE...thankfully, awe-fully, convictedly...in his care, love, provision and PERFECT plan.

Up Top

The girls have been campaigning to have their beds turned back into bunk beds recently. And Molly REALLY wanted to be the one to get to sleep on top! My only hesitation was that Molly still comes into our bed several nights a week. Usually around 3 or 4 in the morning. I explained to her that it made me nervous putting her on top, knnowing she'd be getting down in the dark and coming into our bed. I tried to "spin" the top bunk as a priviledge for girls who slept in their beds ALL NIGHT! I told her that if she could not come into Mommy & Daddy's bed for 7 days in a row...then we'd change the beds back into bunks and she could have the top!

That very next morning I woke early, when Matt left to surf, and found NO Molly in my bed! I was so impressed that she had stuck it out in her own. I  tiptoed to their room to check on the girls and discovered...

No Molly in HER bed either!

In the night, wanting to snuggle...but still wanting that top bunk...she opted for the next best solution.

Her SISTER.

I {LOVE} this.

I asked Megan how Molly ended up in her bed and she said,

"We were just so excited about getting bunks again, Mom. We couldn't fall asleep. So I told her to come in my bed and we would talk about it until we fell asleep. And then she just stayed there, Mom. It's fine. I know she really wants the top bunk."

Love.

The girls now have bunks.

And Molly gets to try being up top this weekend!

{thanks to her sister}

What to Wear: Eclipse Premiere

At a family gathering this past weekend I joked that my sister gets all the credit for being the "smart & educated" one in our family. She's an incredibly hard worker and actually puts her post college degree to good use. I on the other hand, get all the credit for being the one who's obsessed with vampires and Disney teen pop stars. (Nevermind I have a very legit degree gathering dust in my closet.) Her bookclub reads things like Middlemarch. Mine is lucky to finish a book in March.

OK - obviously I'm exaggerating to be funny. But you can imagine the validation I felt last January when Kate texted me from Mexico where she was at a destination wedding. She'd bought a book at the airport. She's fluent in Spanish (true to her smarty pants form) but wanted an escape, beachy read to enjoy poolside while on vacation...not something she'd have to translate. Well guess what was the only thing for sale in English?! TWILIGHT! She was texting me to ask me to rush ship New Moon to her house so that it would be there when she got home. She had been bitten.

HA!...so sweet. Last time Kate was home, she'd finished the books and we hashed out all our thoughts and theories on the series then watched New Moon together. It was awesome, silly, sister FUN. I'm sad she's not here tonight to share Eclipse with me. Cause she was here with me when I got these!

Two premiere passes to see the movie tonight at 9PM! Three hours before anyone else can see it! Thank you, Nordstrom. Eclipse was my favorite book of the four. So I'm super excited to see it tonight!  My girlfriend, Kim is joining me. We also saw New Moon together the night it came out. I'll be wearing (mostly) this:

(CLICK HERE to visit Polyvore and waste your life away....er, I mean, create your Eclipse Premiere look!)

LOVE the shoes. Bought the jeans to get the tickets! My friend Sabrina gave me the jacket. Already own the scarf. Denise sent me the candy. I'm gonna attempt to make a knock off tank. And even tho I didn't buy the make-up - if I had, I would've totally picked the Team Edward palette!

Finally - Denise, HeatherG, and Haley...you all will be on my mind tonight! I love our crazy Twitter banter back and forth about this silly obsession. It does my heart good to know there are others of you out there. Other NORMAL, functioning, fun-loving, happy wives and mothers. Thanks for indulging me. Please say we'll be together for (at least one!) Breaking Dawn? You too Kate. It's a DATE! XO

Peace Out.

My Kate is here!

She flew in late last night.

So, I'm over the moon...

not on the computer.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Too Far

I go through most days thinking about my sister a handful of times. We talk about once a week and text and email all the time. So while I do "miss" her...it's not very often that she feels so far away.

But then there are the days I log onto FB and see her lovely face in a cute pic (like the one below). On those days she feels EONS away and I want to jump on a plane YESTERDAY so I can squeeze her.


I love you Mrs. Suberlak!
You and Paul are the cutest thing ever!
Seriously, SERIOUSLY counting the days till Halloween.
Consider yourself squeezed.

My Toast

It may surprise you to know that as sisters, Katherine and I took our sweet time coming into our own. We always shared a room growing up, but we weren't the kind of sisters that stayed up late at night giggling and bonding, talking about our dream boys and weddings.

No, we were the kind of sisters who put a long strip of duct tape down the middle of the room and forbid the other to cross. Katherine likes to remember the door being on my side of the tape and therefore being made to use the window in order to enter or exit...but that is a big fat lie! I will admit to dividing the room with tape, and I'll even admit to throwing a thing or two of hers violently back across....but I never made her climb through the window to enter or exit, no matter what she says!

Remembering that sibling rivalry, surprises me. Because now Katherine is #2 on my list of women I admire most in this world. (Our rockstar, selfless, crazy, beautiful, survivor times two Mother being #1) Katherine can always make me laugh, and can always bring perspective. When something great happens in my life, I want to share it with her. When something bad happens in my life, I have to share it with her. When my life is just sublimely average, sharing it with her makes it sparkle!

I'm further surprised to realize that while I may be her older sister, Katherine has taught me much about the woman I want to be. Someone who is involved in her community, in her faith, and in her relationships. Someone who attacks life with a level, well educated head and a full, compassionate heart. Someone who finds pleasure in things like hand written notes, fresh flowers, autobiographies and organic produce. Someone who is passionate about her career, her family, and her husband. Someone who is effortlessly fashion forward!

What doesn't surprise me is that Katherine fell in love with Paul. He's smart, hardworking, and his Baby Blues are ridiculously dangerous. He loves the Lord, can discuss any sport with authority, and holds his own amongst our large, loud family. My favorite thing about Paul...He carries my children on his shoulders and tirelessly plays Duck Duck Goose. My husband's favorite thing about Paul - he's competitive and wants to win. Enough to play darts until 3AM. Best out of 3, or 5, or 7...whatever it takes.

Oh Katherine, anyone less amazing than Paul would pale by your side. But luckily, last night I learned he can rock a Seersucker suit complete with a Madras Tie! So no more worrying about Paul for me. He can hold his own and probably shine just as bright while standing next to you.

What I think surprises everyone in this room tonight is that either one of you has room to improve. But it is immediately evident to anyone who bothers to pay attention that the two of you are even bigger, better, and peacefully complete when together. You complement and support each other with an ease and grace that is fun to behold.

Today is one of the biggest days of your life. I am so happy and honored to have stood by your side as you became Mr. and Mrs. Suberlak. It's my wish that you always walk hand in hand, heart to heart, beside one another. No one ever feeling out in front or left behind. It is my prayer that you view marriage as a triangle with Jesus Christ at the pinnacle and the two of you together as the foundation. It is my dream that you look back at today in 50 years and think "Wow, I thought we were in love then!" Finally, it is my hope that you both always know and feel that there is someone in your corner. For I will always be there.

The Gregg family is pretty big into our Irish heritage, so I will end with this traditional wedding blessing:

May God be with you and bless you,
May you live to see your children's children,
May you be poor in misfortune, and rich in blessings.
May your home always be too small to hold all your friends.
May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

To Kate & Paul, Slainte!

Oh, What a Night!

Saturday after the Tea Party, our celebrating switched gears. Dresses and Hats were replaced with Fishnets and Hollywood Heels. Lemonade and Tea gave way to Sophia Pop Tops and Vodka. Vibrant Hues morphed into Hot Pink and Zebra. Sandwiches and Scones became Jello Shots and Chocolate. The Mad Hatter wound up possessed by Dita Von Teese.

This is the inside of the invitation. For the outside, imagine black and white Zebra print wrapped around the below image, meeting in the middle. I punched grommets into the Zebra print and "laced" it up with black lace binding tape so that it looked like a corset. (Where did it disappear to?? I wish I could show you a pic of the real thing!)

Late afternoon, Katherine and her girlfriends joined me at the Marriott Renaissance Club Sport where we took over the third floor suite. After drinks and apps, I passed out their favors to get everyone in the "Appropriately Inappropriate" mood.

I had sewn shoe bags for each girl with their initial on the front. Inside was a pair of fishnet stockings, 6 inch heels, and a tshirt with adequate BLING.

I also put together some "just for fun" favors in little animal print, Chinese food boxes I got from Oriental Trading Co.

Inside was a "Diamond Mine" CA lottery scratcher, mini bottle of Raspberry Vodka, red wax candy lips, mini tiara, rainbow colored condom, anatomically correct male sipping straw, confetti party popper, light up bling-ring, and a mini phone book (just in case we got digits during the evening's festivities!)

After changing into our dancing attire, we headed over to OC Pole Fitness for a private Lap Dance class. It was fun, challenging, eye-opening, and at times....comical! Our instructor took her job very seriously...but she was also encouraging and understanding. There wasn't any pressure to participate in anything you weren't up for.

Everyone was a good sport and at least gave it a try. I was impressed by how many girls really got into it! There were lots of hoots and hollers for those who were able to let loose and have fun. The Bride-to-Be definitely earned an "A" for effort!

But I'd have to say R and A could, SNAP, get hired in Vegas should they ever lose their day job. (initials used to try and protect the...er...um...."innocent")

Looking around the room, I had a revelation. I finally "got" stripper heels. Add 6 inches to your legs and tell me they don't look HOT!

By the end of the class, I think everyone left having had a good time and with a few tips to take home. (Remember, Girls...use the thumbs, button only one, and gyrate while facing front only!) Best of all, Katherine has a memory she'll never forget. Being celebrated (and pushed a wee bit out of her comfort zone) by her best girlfriends.

After the Lap Dance class, we headed back to the hotel to get presentable and go to dinner. Dirty Girls clean up quite nicely when martinis, Sesame Crusted Ahi and Rib Eyes are on the menu.

Especially when enjoyed Outside & Fireside.

At dinner we presented our English major/Sex Kitten Bachelorette with "Books & Bondage." She got some really fun, thoughtful gifts. My favorite of the night was a copy of "Yes We Can" wrapped in Honeydew panties. Fit K to a T.

Runner Up: This Parody of Pat the Bunny. It's HILARIOUS! Best of all...the husband and wife in the book are named Paul and Judy. Katherine's girlfriend covered all the "Judys" in the book with "Kaths" she had printed on little slips of paper. CLASSIC.

Finally, We wouldn't want Kate's sweet Husband-to-Be to feel left out, now would we?! I'm so glad my sister has such thoughtful friends!

After dinner we returned to the suite for some old fashioned Slumber Party fun...(spiked with Vodka from a light up penis shot glass!)

And room service dessert. YUM!

SIL (sister in law) Adrie and I put together a "Panty Line" for Kate that we presented after dessert in the suite. The panties go along with a poem and represent the next 50 years of Kath's marriage. The poem went like this:

Adrie and I have a secret to share
About our little sister, the Bride.
This girl is obsessed with underwear,
And that we cannot hide!

So for our little "Panty Queen"
We gathered up some twine.
And working as a friendly team
We made a Panty Line.

Katherine these undies are to last you
All throughout your life.
And Paul will be so pleased to say
"I have a sexy wife!"

So listen up to hear about
Your lifelong panty plan.
These underwear, we have no doubt
Will last your whole life span.

The first are for your wedding day
They are of course, pure white.
We know Paul will shout, "Hot Dog!"
When he sees you on that night.

The next are for your honeymoon
They're sexy, with ruffles and lace.
We hope you'll leave your room at least once
'Cause Nicauragua is a gorgeous place!

On Valentine's you'll wear this pair
Before you hit the bed.
Cuz Cupid's arrow in the air
Shoots tushies that are Red.

After your first year has passed
You'll celebrate Anniversary number one.
With these you'll surely have a blast
'Cuz leopard's so much fun!

Then when the time is right for you
And don't be saying, "Maybe."
You'll wear your little pink or blue
In honor of your baby!

Then when your years of wedding bliss
Have become the big 2-5,
Don't worry - Just slip these on
To keep the sparks alive!

Finally when you're old and gray
With these you can't go wrong.
'Cuz sorry Kate, but at that age
You just CAN NOT wear a thong!

(adapted from Diva Girl)

We spent the remainder of the night (and wee hours of the morning) roasting Katherine with our favorite memories and stories of time spent with her. We also went around the room telling her what we like about Paul. (I knew this already...but it was still nice to hear) that ALL of Kate's girlfriends think Paul is the Cat's Meow and perfectly fit for her.

I love Paul because.... He's smart. He's handsome. (Beware of his Baby Blues) He's hardworking. He's a man's man. He can be silly. He can be somber. He carries my children on his shoulders. He tirelessly plays Duck, Duck, Goose and Hide and Seek. He orders the Motherlode at Claim Jumper and finishes it! He can discuss any sport with authority, but sets his alarm for 3AM to watch the World Cup. He holds his own amongst our large, loud family. He's handy when it's time to figure out the tip. He plans. He prepares. He isn't impulsive. He tolerates Kate's shoe fetish. He gives thoughtful gifts. He calls my Mom on her birthday...not as a part of K's call, but one made all on his own. He comes from good stock. He loves the Lord. He's competitive and wants to win. He will dance to Madonna given enough alcohol. When I visit, he sleeps on the couch so I can share the bed with my sis.

But most of all, I love Paul because he makes the woman I cherish most in this world HAPPY. He loves her, respects her, protects her, and supports her. He makes her feel beautiful, loved, cherished, and wanted. He holds her heart and has never taken that for granted. If you know my family, our love and our bond, our friendship and our loyalty....then you know how special Paul must be. The rest of us all live within a 2 mile radius of each other. Anything that can keep Katherine 1744 miles away must be GOLD. I love Paul because he is Katherine's family.

Mr. & Mrs. Suberlak, T-minus 63 days and counting. I can't wait!

PS - This is what happens when a 10 year married, 3 babes later, 'The last time I was sexy was...I forget!" woman tries to dance in 6 inch heels. (This pic is Honest to God, 5 days post injury...YUCK!)

Story about how injury happened is too good to be true. Sadly I must save it for a later date. It's presently 2:40AM and I must get to bed! Bruise is totally real and totally ugly. Just ask @jblake999. She's seen it in person.