Friday Five

I guess if I was really good I would have posted this a day early, huh? But I'm not that good.
So, here goes. I'm thankful...

1. that my six year old is mostly responsible enough to keep the little guys out of trouble if I have to go to the bathroom.
2. that poison control doesn't take your name, address, and social security number down.
3. that Henry knows all of the Star Wars characters by name. He can't say Caroline, but he can say Anakin!
4. that Caroline wakes up smiling every morning.
5. that I have a door which shuts on my office.

Happy Black Friday!

Did you get all your shopping done? I don't understand getting up in the middle of the night to go shop at some ungodly hour of the morning, but it appears some people love it. I think I have too many years of working retail under my belt to appreciate the Black Friday chaos. We had a fun Thanksgiving yesterday - went to my parents house. Adam and his girlfriend were there too, so it was just a small group of us. I guess someone forgot to tell Grandma that, though, because she had enough food to feed a small army. Three pies for six adults??? Er, wait, Adam and the girlfriend had to leave before dessert, so make that three pies for FOUR adults. Um, yeah. We have some leftovers though, so all is good! We smoked a turkey again this year, and it worked MUCH better that the last time we smoked a turkey. I think we ate at midnight that year. Drinks can only go so far, and they don't make it to midnight. Keith made sure we said the Thanksgiving Parade, too. I guess in more religious households it is actually called the Thanksgiving PRAYER, but Keith insisted it was the Parade and I was not going to be the one to burst his bubble. So all in all it was a nice, quiet Thanksgiving - the best kind! I hope all of you had a good day, too! Now we're off to Philly to spend some time with a few of my favorite midwives and their families! Have a good holiday weekend!

Oh I forgot - the sleepover went just fine! Henry slept like a baby. You know, the babies in movies who actually SLEEP!

Sleepover!

Henry had his first sleepover last night with Keith and the grandparents! I'm assuming it went well, because my phone didn't ring in the middle of the night saying come get your son. Of course, that could have been because I "forgot" it in the car overnight. Nah, I'm just kidding - I had it with me all night. I hear that they had dinner and a movie night - my brother stopped in and gave us an update. I hope the grandparents survived!

Friday Five

Well, it's that time again. So, here goes...

1. I'm thankful that the insurance company I dealt with to fix my van was easy to deal with.
2. I'm thankful that I had uploaded my favorite pictures of my kids to various places where I can download them.
3. I'm thankful I spent a day uploading 90% of my business files to somewhere I can download them from.
4. It's SNOWING! Like, there's white stuff all over the place outside!
5. I love watching a kid's face when they're seeing snow for the first time that they remember!

Update on my luck

So, I went to the Apple store with my computer tonight, because, as my dad said, my computer was pretty fried. I'm not even going to talk about the drive, during rush hour, to get to Christiana mall. I'm sure you know how much I love Christiana mall. Anyways, so I took the computer to the Apple store. And they said...

yeah, your hard drive appears to be missing.

Where that hard drive WENT is beyond me. There appears to be some sort of hard drive graveyard around here somewhere. So I said "Can you get my files off of it?" and the nice young Apple genius dude laughed at me. Er... yeah. So he told me what they would do to fix the hard drive (that would be replace it) and he said he was going to try to reinstall the operating system which might work, might not. If it worked, woo hoo, and it would be a lot cheaper, but I would have to hang out in hell, (read: the mall) for about an hour. Cheaper is always good, so I said lets try that. And I asked if THAT worked, could we save my files.

He laughed louder.

I think he was thinking that I was NOT computer saavy and my files were long gone. So, in about a week I'll have "a brand new brain in my computer body." Hmm... sounds kind of kinky, huh?

Woo freaking hoo. But, it could have been worse. He could have laughed, then told me the only solution was to buy a new iMac.

Oh, and if anyone out there happens to have any pictures of my kids, or my business files, or, well, my checkbook register, feel free to send them to me!

My luck, part 459

So, have you missed me over the past couple of days? Well, let me tell you about them. On Monday, Ed was driving to work and this deer.... no, I'm just kidding. No cars were harmed (finally) in the making of this post. Computers, however, are a different story. Tuesday I woke up, got my cup of coffee, sat down to check my email, and my computer froze. Now, I have a Mac. When I bought said Mac my brother told me, and I quote, "don't get the service plan. MACS NEVER DIE." Emphasis mine. So I think nothing of it freezing. Turn it off, wait the required 15 or so seconds, and turn it back on. And the Mac starts flashing a question mark at me. Now, I'm not a computer genius (if I was, I wouldn't have listened to my brother's computer shopping advice), but even *I* know that flashing question marks are bad news. So I called my brother. Surprise, surprise, he doesn't answer the phone (this is nothing new). So I called my dad. He was busy, but was able to bring me a laptop Tuesday night. Unfortunately, I had no clue how to get the wireless internet in my house to work. He came back Wednesday afternoon, hooked up the wireless, and took my computer to work on it and hopefully save my files on it. So I'm back, for at least a little while. Still no computer of my own, but a computer at least! And, public service announcement of the day - BACK UP YOUR FILES!!! And, remember, NOT on the hard drive like someone I know! I *DID* tell you that I'm a bit computer stupid, right?!?

Oh, please.

Good thing Advil's my pain reliever of choice. Because this Motrin ad is right up there with the Saturn ads of the 1990's which said Saturns were a car you'd let your wife drive. Guess who doesn't own a Saturn?!? This offical mom, that's who!

What's the luck?!?

So I went to Target today. I had to pick up some wrapping paper for Henry's presents, so it was a quick run in, get a mocha, get some wrapping paper, run out trip. When I got back to the parking lot, I walked up to my car, and this lady came up to me. "Is this your Toyota minivan?" she asked... "Yes" I answered....

"I ran into it." she replied.

ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME???????????????????????????????????

Who has that kind of luck?!?!? So the back corner of my van is all banged up. It's not too bad, considering that we've totalled two cars in the past four months, but still. My insurance agent is going to rue the day he ever sold me insurance!!!!!

Little Devil!

It was WAY too quiet in the house earlier. Keith was coloring in the living room, and I THOUGHT Henry was with him. I went in to check on them, only to find Keith. No Henry. So after a little bit of searching, I found him. Under the dining room table. Eating jelly.

Friday Five

Today I'm thankful that...

1. My kids are getting chicken pox out of the way at a young age.
2. I don't have any errands to run on this rainy day.
3. It's actually quiet in my house at the moment, and not the 'someone's getting into something they shouldn't be getting into' quiet that is all too familiar.
4. Keith LOVES school.
5. Keith is learning how to read! And he's quite good at it!

Happy Birthday, Henry!

It was a dark and stormy night... Sounds like the start of a novel, but that's what it was two years ago when Henry decided to make his entrance into this world! SO dark and stormy, in fact, that one of the two midwives got a bit lost. But all was well, and after 4 hours of labor Henry arrived, all 7lb1oz of him. I can't believe it's been 2 years already, and I know I'll be saying that every year until he's 50 or something. They just grow so fast! So happy birthday to my little guy, and hopefully we avoid the terrible twos (but I'm not holding my breath - he IS a headstrong little dude).

Chicken Pox, anyone??

What better present could a two year old possibly want? Certainly not Elmo, right? Good, because that's what my baby got for his birthday. Chicken Pox. Does this sound familiar to you? Yup, Keith got chicken pox for a late birthday present LAST year. Yesterday Henry was fine. Last night he had two spots on his legs, but I figured they were bug bites. This morning, a few more. And this afternoon, even more. He's got about five on his face, but the rest are on his legs mostly. See the ones on his cheeks? Fortunately he's a happy camper, and everyone at his birthday party tomorrow have had chicken pox. Granted, it's only my family and Adam's girlfriend, but still. Hopefully he'll have fun, pox and all! Playdate, anyone?!?

I did it again

Caroline turned 3 months yesterday. And yes, I didn't remember until I was in bed watching TV last night. Oops. Anyways, she's growing, albeit slowly. The last time she was at the pediatrician's she weighed in at 11lb9oz - a whole 2 pound gain since she was born. Looks like she's going to be taking after Henry in the weight department! She's still in her 0-3 month clothes, and, of course, still as cute as ever! She is trying her hardest to roll over, and can scoot around wherever she wants to go on her back. It's pretty cute to watch! Henry and Keith are more in love with her every day.

Angelic Henry

With the blond hair and blue eyes, he looks so much like a little angel, right? HA. Today, he proved to me that he is not an angel, but he is a genius. The boy has problem solving skills better than I did in high school. I had a mom's group at my house today, and I made cupcakes since it is Henry's birthday on Friday. Henry saw me making them at 9 this morning and insisted on having one. Being the oh so cruel mother I am, I refused. It's one of my mother's rules - no cupcakes in the morning - right after no apple pie for breakfast. So what did Henry do? He took matters into his own hands. He got his rocking chair from the living room, pushed it down the hallway and around the corner, and up to the counter in the kitchen. Climbed up on it, and helped himself. TO FOUR CUPCAKES!!!!! I was dealing with Caroline, so I didn't realize what he was doing until Keith went into the kitchen to get a drink and almost died. "MOM!!! Henry's making a MESS!!!" Fortunately, about half of the cupcakes were crumbled onto the floor, so he didn't actually EAT four cupcakes. He did, however, have a lot of energy today!

Since Meg hates me....

I'll pass it along lol!

Tagged

Rules:
1. People who are tagged need to post these rules, and 8 random habits/facts/quirks about themselves.
2. At the end of the post you need to choose 8 people to get tagged and list their names.


Ok, 8 random habits/facts/quirks

1. I eat frosting out of the can. Yes, I know what's in it (or isn't!), no I don't care.
2. I haven't had a W in my name in almost a decade, but it's still in my email address.
3. I don't eat the last bite of a hot dog. Drives Ed crazy.
4. I don't drink coffee from the bottom of the pot. That's just common sense lol.
5. I went to a women's college.
6. I was going to be a parole officer.
7. I don't drink milk. Ever. It's gross.
8. I am a HUGE supporter of homebirth... but you all knew that, didn't you?

So 8 people to get tagged (sorry guys! Blame Meg!)

1. Jessi
2. Jamie
3. Anita
4. Heather in AZ (b/c you're not busy enough!)
5. Val
6. TK
7. Michelle
8. Nik

And yes, if you think I'm talking about you, I am :) If you don't have a blog (shame on you!) leave your 8 in the comments!

Caroline's Room

It's the weekend!

I just love weekends! Keith spent the night last night with the grandparents, so we just have the little guys this morning. AND, they're both currently asleep!!! Even better, if you ask me! There is nothing like having a cup of coffee without having to keep a two year old from killing his sister. It just tastes so much better! Speaking of two year olds, Henry's 2nd birthday is on Friday (the 14th). I have NO idea what to get him - it's not like he has a laundry list of "I wants" like his older brother. My mom wants to get him an Elmo toy, seeing as Henry LOVES Elmo and sings "Elmo's World" over and over again. However, she doesn't want to get him just any old Elmo toy. Oh no. She wants him to have this Elmo toy. Wow, is all I can say. It's a serious Elmo! I asked if it would change Henry's diapers. I haven't gotten the answer to that question yet though.
In other news, we bought Ed's new car yesterday. He got a 2001 Chevy Blazer. It's pretty much the same color as my van - we've turned into the beige car family! So we're back to having two cars. Since we had to take a copy of the registration to the insurance agent (you know, with our recent car luck I wasn't driving a foot without making sure my agent knew about my latest vehicle!) we picked up the new carseats so we could drop the receipt off for the one that was in the car when it was wrecked. There's an art to carseats - I'll only buy certain brands, and when you need to have three across a backseat they can only be so wide. So we couldn't get the same ones that are in the van - they're too wide. Instead, I was able to get a brown one for Henry and, wait for it, a PINK one for Caroline! And they weren't too expensive! My little girl is going to be riding in style!
Well, I only have a few more minutes until the little guys are up and the day needs to really start. We're going to continue with the home improvement kick we're on, so I'll post pictures later! Have a good weekend!

Friday Five

Oops, I've forgotten about this for the past couple or so weeks. So anyways, here goes.

1. I'm thankful that Ed wasn't hurt in the latest car wreck.
2. I'm thankful that Henry's starting to talk. Well, enough that *I* can understand him 90% of the time.
3. I'm thankful that I'm getting clients and staying busy!
4. I'm thankful that Ed still has a job - in case you haven't noticed, the economy sucks at the moment.
5. I'm thankful that Keith is spending the night at his grandparents tonight. I wonder if they'll take Henry, too!

Ramblings of the day

So, I got the call from the insurance company today. Yup, the car is totalled. So as soon as Keith gets on the school bus, I'm going up to State Farm with the munchkins and picking up the check. Then when Ed gets home from work, we're going to go buy a car. Bummer - the Honda was a good little car. Old, but good. Maybe I'll get lucky and there will be a used Honda at the car shop! In other news, I am THRILLED with the election results. Like you couldn't have guessed from Caroline's shirt or anything! I am so excited to see what the next four years bring - I don't think it can be much worse than the last eight! And, I am so impressed that we elected a black president. Not only that, we elected a man who was raised by a single mom and his grandparents and had a white mom and a black dad. Did you ever thought you'd see this day? I remember when I was growing up that I wanted to be a fighter pilot in the Air Force (yes, I grew up in the era of Top Gun!) and my parents told me I couldn't, because girls weren't allowed to be fighter pilots. Things have certainly changed in the past twenty years! Now I feel that I can tell my children that they can be whatever they want to be - fighter pilot, president, you name it. So, thank you Mr. Obama, for proving that you CAN be whatever your heart desires!

Caroline says...

Remember to vote tomorrow!!!

Rest in Peace...

Back when I was finishing college, my parents bought me my first (and only!) new car. A 1998 black Honda Civic. It was beautiful, exactly what I wanted, had something like 7 miles on it when I drove it off the lot... drove me back and forth across this huge country a few times, moved with me to PA, was hit a time or two, hit a couple of things in its lifetime, but it was a good car. Sadly, I think its time of servitude may have come to an end. Last night Ed hit a deer on route 1. Being as the car is 10 years old, and it's now missing a headlight, a side mirror, half the hood and various important engine parts (power steering anyone?), I think it might be retired soon. Like as soon as the insurance company takes a look at it. So, there's our luck - two cars totalled in three months. Fortunately, Ed wasn't hurt at all. So, we DO have good luck, just in a backwards kind of way! (and guess what! I get new carseats again!!)

Home Improvements!

This weekend was the home improvement weekend at the Borrelli Household. We had a couple of ceiling lights in the basement, and a few random wires sticking out of the ceiling in the back hallway. So, I decided that it was about time that we got some lights installed! I went to Home Depot and found a ceiling fan for the living room, and got some paint and a doorbell. The doorbell we had was, well, wires sticking out of the wall. There are a lot of wires sticking out of ceilings and walls in this house. So we took the ceiling light out of the living room and put it in the hallway, installed the other two ceiling lights in the hallway, installed a ceiling fan in the living room, installed a doorbell, hung some pictures, and painted Caroline's room. We were BUSY!!!! Check it out!

Keith and Henry's Favorite Show

I have achieved the level of greatness as a mother. No more Spongebob in this house. This show even beats out Elmo! Keith and Henry absolutely love, LOVE I tell you, How Clean is Your House. No, I'm not kidding. They both will sit and watch the whole episode, yelling "EEEWWWW" at the bugs and asking if the people "learned their lesson." Then, after they watch an episode, they ask to clean the house. Did you hear that thud, because it was me fainting. Greatest show on Earth, I swear. Oh, and Keith informed me that our house is "way too clean" to be on that show. Kim and Aggie would have nothing to do!!! And, I didn't even have to pay him to say that!

Happy Halloween!

Yay for a day of hyped up kids on sugar!!! WHOO HOO!!!! Anyways, yesterday, as you well know, was Halloween. Keith had a parade at school, so he was REALLY excited. He not only was going to get to go trick or treating, but he was going to be in a parade AND have a Halloween party at school! Oh how fun! Granted, they only had healthy snacks at said Halloween party, which is, I don't know, sacrilegious, but at least he wasn't eating candy ALL day - just half the day. Thank goodness. So Henry and Caroline and I went to Keith's school (with the rest of Chadds Ford - apparently this is quite the event!) to watch the parade. It was pretty cute!




Then, once school was over, we got the little guys dressed up (Keith was still Darth Vader), and headed to Kennett to go trick or treat in our old neighbourhood. We saw Uncle Adam, and Henry was so cute - he kept saying to Tera (Adam's dog) "Dog. I'm Elmo!" I guess he CAN talk! Caroline pretty much slept through the festivities, but she was oohed and aahed over by all of our old neighbours who hadn't met her yet. The boys had a great time and came back with full buckets of candy. Hopefully it lasts longer than this weekend!