Fat Tuesday and Stuff

While I did not indulge in the obligatory paczki today I did do something semi-shameful! While Noelle and Max were both napping and quiet was reigning over the house, I went to the cupboard searching for something to satisfy my intense sweet tooth. There, on the top shelf, was a brand new can of chocolate fudge frosting beckoning to me. I snatched it up and tore into it. While reaching for a spoon, because I didn't want to be too desperate, my eyes fell upon some bananas. Chocolate and bananas, oh such a wonderful combination, seemed just right to quench this all consuming sweet tooth. Plus, in my mind adding a banana to the mix automatically cancels out all calories pertaining to the frosting! I swear I scarfed down that banana, smothered with enough frosting to add ten pounds to the sucker, in record time. Go Natalie! Oh, since I never post pictures including myself I thought I would add this one of Max and I...I am in an extreme need of a hair job and my makeup is nonexistent, but such is life with children. Thanks for taking the picture Karen, it's the first one that I did not want to instantly search for the delete button.

So that is my quick confession...now on to the stories that have filled our lives since the last post. On Friday, my good friend Jackie Hein made the drive from Chicago to visit us. I knew I could count on Jackie's love for a relaxing glass of wine and I had a bottle chilling. Half a glass for me and my cheeks became red and blotchey, and I felt a little tipsy. Half a glass? Can you believe that? I guess that is what happens when you don't have a drink for nine plus months! Anyways, I enjoyed the glass nonetheless and the laughs that Tom and Jackie experienced at my expense were worth it. On Saturday Tom decided to watch the little ones while I enjoyed a wonderful dinner out with Jackie. We went to a Mexican restaurant that I had heard good things about in the area. The outing was just what this Momma needed. Good company and good food are always a winning combination for recharging a new Mom.

Saturday was also the first time Zeus was attached to a sled with Noelle in it. Friday, we finally received the right amount of snow that gave itself to some serious play time. The brand new sled was fished out of the back of Noelle's closet and her little face lit right up. After the mandatory 20 minute dress session (why does it seem like an eternity to dress children)? The snow suit is always impossible to slip on, as is getting all the fingers into the mittens while pulling the coat over. All of this while trying not to undue what has all ready been done, (what a challenge)! Noelle walked outside very excitedely to say the least. Tom hooked up Zeus and Noelle held on for dear life! The whole idea was short lived due to the fact Zeus was a little too excited and would jerk Noelle around. Jackie and I watched in the warmth of the house as they decided to try their hand at the little hill in our yard. Noelle did enjoy it, but eating the snow was more fun than sledding and being pulled by Zeus. Of course, Daddy pulling her while scooping snow was the ultimate pleasure!

Today we had some friends come and visit. It was a great relief to spend time with another Mom while the kiddies entertained themselves until nap time approached. I really appreciate trading stories and laughing with another Mom.

Here are some stories of Noelle that I just have to share:

* Noelle's prized teddy bear somehow sustained a tear along the backside she came up to Tom and sadly proclaimed, "Bear have tear-itis."

* Tom was using his pocket knife to pry open a music maker to change the batteries, Noelle with much worry in her voice said "Daddy no cut yourself, peas!"

* Putting on her glasses in the morning, "Noelle SO petty with glasses!"

* "I gotta dollar, hey, hey, hey, hey!" We gave her a dollar to put in her new wallet while we watched the Little Rascals movie

* While playing with play doh I made some little play doh balls and some big ones. Noelle picked up two and sang, "I got two big balls, hey, hey, hey, hey!"

* The Caesar song: "Caesar Meesar, pudding pie, kiss the gurls and make em croy!"