Donut Envy

I haven't had much time to bake lately, but my friend's recent blog post inspired me to get back in the kitchen. Even Rob helped out with today's tasty treat. We made cinnamon, glazed, powdered, and chocolate. Thanks, Kat, for the yummy recipe. These were crazy delicious.

WARNING!

***This post may contain graphic material that is not suitable for those with weak stomachs. Simply put, my brother-in-law, Aaron, should not view this post. ***

Yesterday while eating my lunch I hear, "EEEEW! Mom - there's poop on my fingers!" I do the over-done eye roll and heavy sigh, and put down my salad. As I turn the corner to the bathroom Jude says, "Mom! What happened?! "

In horror, I ask him, "Yes, Jude, what DID happen? HOW ON EARTH DID THIS HAPPEN?" He replies, "I don't know, mom! Did you see that mess? What is that?"

"It's poop Jude! IT'S POOP ALL OVER THE BATHROOM!"

He looks around and says, "Oh dang."

I still have no explanation as to how a completely potty trained little boy manages to get poop all up his back, all over the carpet, all over the shirt he had already taken off, all over the toilet, and yet still manages to keep his undies clean. There seems to be a "magic bullet" phenomenon going on at our house.

Birthday Girls

We've done it all; to include dressing like Stone Cold Steve Austin and Hollywood (or Hulk if you prefer) Hogan for a halloween party hosted by boys that we had crushes on. Bad move. Apparently, college boys don't find women in facial hair attractive. Even worse move: nobody else even bothered to dress up.

Happy 30th to Mary, and happy 28th to me. I love you, Marty. And from 1400 miles away, and seven years apart, these pictures help remind me just how much. I still claim this as my best halloween costume ever.

400

This, my friends, is my 400th blog post. I originally wanted to celebrate this post with a blog-birthday-rewind party in which I revisited some of my favorite posts, etc...but that's because for some reason I was thinking that it was my 500th blog post. 400, just not as exciting. Not as deserving. I suppose I should give myself props anyway - after all, I can't say that I've done many cool things 400 times. So - hoorah for me!

To stick with the "not-quite" running theme of this post - here's a picture of my AWESOME birthday present. No, it's not the headband, nor the purse. It wasn't even dinner at the restaurant in the background, it was an iPhone.

I have held off on getting one for a long time because I knew that at some point I would qualify for the "upgrade discount." And as of Aug 1, I was eligible for an iPhone at a MUCH more reasonable price. Unfortunately, Rob is using the iPhone to take the picture. Sure wish I'd put that together when he snapped the shot.

Long Time Coming...

Words cannot express the absolute joy that this day brings to my little family. Although I haven't really mentioned it much on the blog, my husband has basically (with the exceptions of weekends) been gone for the past three years. He heads to work in the morning, and then goes directly to school. He generally gets home sometime between 9-10pm. But I am proud to announce that as of tonight (keeping fingers crossed that he passes all of his classes) he will be done.

It has taken a lot of hard work and sacrifices on his part, but I am so, so, SO unbelievably proud of him. When we first got married we both started working, and put off school indefinitely. But realizing the importance of a degree, Rob got himself back in the game and saw it all the way through.

My kids and I have missed him greatly, and I can't even begin to imagine what life will be like when he's home. Thank you to everyone that has helped keep me sane during those thirteen hour days, we wouldn't have made it through without you.

I love you so much, Rob, and know that everything you've done has been for us. Congratulations, babe, you're the best!

In true-proud-spouse fashion, here's a picture of Rob on (or around) his first day of school:

And here he is on his last...obviously VERY happy to have his picture taken:

I LOVE THIS FACE

...even when it's covered in sweet potatoes.

Good Sports

I love to go jogging in the mornings, but I don't have a jogging stroller for three. I bought this stroller used three summers ago, and it is an absolute piece of junk (the kids lovingly refer to it Mater). But it still works, and they still kind of fit - so I can't complain. These cute kids have been so good about squeezing in and enjoying the ride. I'm a lucky mom.