I Spy...

...with my little eyes, something: GREEN! You know, the one that's Easter-ish?

There were BUDS on the bush outside our office window this morning! Spring is officially springing.

Hallelujah. (I hope that's not only deemed appropriate at Christmas time. I think it's a great word when used correctly and often)

Mr. A-isms

• "Mom, we play RockStar?" - Mr. A likes RockBand - a lot. He's a master on the drums (he's moved on from the "di-tar").
• "Oh no! Mom, we forgot to bless the FOOD!!" - at Qdoba - teaching your children well is good - teaching them well AND appropriately is the next goal at our house.
• "Mom, GO AWAY!" - I checked on him while he was "using the facilities" this morning - it's the first time he decided I wasn't welcome!! Apparently a little man needs his privacy. Who am I to argue with that?

WHAT?

Mr. A's new favorite thing to say - like 3 times in a row after you say something.

I'm trying not to be annoyed by it. I know he doesn't have a hearing problem (he just went for his 3 yr check up and I asked the dr. to check on it).

Is this just a phase? Please say yes because it's starting to drive me crazy.

Ahhhhh....

7 Days of pure Caribbean bliss....we started in St. Maarten on scooters...

...and checked out the airport - where only a chainlink fence separated us from the blaring blast of the 747 - very cool...

...next we docked in Dominica where the Emerald Pools (and this nice fat guy in his orange swimsuit) beat down on DH and his brother...

...we did a little of this (in Grenada & Bonaire too - our favorite)...

...hiked through the rainforest...

...stared at these and the beautiful fish in Grenada (and smelled the sweet aroma of Nutmeg too)...

...rode horses on the beach in Aruba (and got harrassed by the guide - another story for another day)...

...climbed the ruins, and then headed off to climb the swells of the Caribbean on jetskis (if you've met my daredevil husband, you know that I'm not lying when I say we climbed those swells with authority).

It could not have been more perfect.

A big thank you to my DH who planned it all.

A huge thank you to the other 10 in our group who made cruising a delight.

And an even bigger thank you to my sweet sister, Nancy, who made sure our kids were well watched out for.

Tchau, Ate Mais, Sayonara, See Ya, Later Alligator

Mr. A has officially left this stage of his life behind (no pun intended. really.). My wallet thanks him (you know, recession and all) and Pampers doesn't. Oh well. I win.

Overheard All Over

Mr. A and his recently-returned Uncle Chris

Mr. A has had some winners lately:

- While frantically trying to get everything ready to leave for Chris's Homecoming Weekend, Mr. A wanted to do nothing but jump on my bed.

• Me: "Mr. A, would you like to go get your little blankie for the car ride?"
• Mr. A: (still jumping) "Seriously, Mom. You need time out."

Right.

- While showing off his new water closet skills one night before going to bed.

• "Whew, Mom. That one ree-yee HARD one."

Thank you for sharing.

- Seeing my computer open on the kitchen table while I sat at it and perused pictures:

• Mr. A: "MOM!! You NEED to ask me if you use da 'puter!!!!!!"


• Me: "Of course, Mr. A. May I please use the computer?"

He's a keeper.

HOME

He's coming.

Tomorrow.

We can hardly wait.

Great work, C-buddy. In a house full of females you always did find a way to make yourself heard. We have missed your humor, your hugs, and your happiness. Welcome back.

Band Aids

DH had an "owie" on his throat this week. He lost his voice almost completely and was out of town for most of the week. Needless to say, our phone conversations were limited. He had to explain to Mr. A that he had an owie, etc, etc.

So, last night Mr. A had just talked to his dad and here's what followed while Mr. A got ready for bed:

"Mom, I talk to Dad, but he have owie on his troat (for throat)."

"Yes, Daddy has an owie, but hopefully it's getting better."

"Mom, is this my troat right here? (pointing to his belly button)"

With a smile, "No, bud, that's your belly button. This is your throat right here (pointing to throat) and Daddy's owie is inside his throat."

"OHH! MOM! I need go get a BAND AID for Daddy's throat. Then it feel better."

If only Band-Aids could solve everything.

A Tip

Because I always like to save a dollar here and there, let me share with you, my 2 loyal readers, what I found out this weekend.

If you ever see something (online or catalog) from Crate & Barrel that they want to charge you $50 bajillion to ship to you, place a call to the store (assuming you have one near you) and ask them if they carry it. They may not, and if they don't, but their warehouse does, you give them the SKU numbers, they place the order, the warehouse ships it for FREE.

$25.00 saved this weekend. New bedding on its way. Lovely all the way around.

Again?

Mr. A's first birthday - just over 2 years ago

While eating dinner last night, I told Mr. A that he was going to his pre-school friend's birthday party today (we all know the rule - don't tell your toddler anything that's going to happen in more than 24 hours).

To which he replied:

"Mom, it be my birthday, too?"

"No, Mr. A., you already had your birthday, remember?"

"Ya. I have my birthday again, Mom?! Please?!"

Birthdays are so fun. Every time a box arrives from the UPS/FedEx trucks, Mr. A asks, "Mom, that present for ME?!"

I wonder what he'll think when the books/swimsuits I've ordered for our cruise start arriving....