Sunday, April 10, 2011

Kids in the Rotunda Series

Each Saturday the Overture Center has a series called "Kids in the Rotunda" which are FREE artistic programs designed for children and families.

Back in March Keith and I took the boys for the first time and we were very impressed. We saw Clare Norelle, who performed multicultural songs and stories. She was great up on stage and Kolbe was really interested and participated along with the other kids. Nick and Erik were a little distracted, and didn't want to sit through all of it. We had to bribe them with cheetoes to get a little more time in. I think it would have helped if we hadn't gotten there quite so early, but you know me, that's tough to do.

We'll definitely try it again, but it's much better for Nick and Kolbe for now!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

I Can't Wait Until...

the weekend...my next paycheck...sleeping in...eating chocolate...seeing the boys...going out with a friend...watching a TV show...

I could flood pages with things that run through my head that start with "I can't wait until..."

I mean...ALL the time.

Are most people like that?

It makes it really hard to "live in the moment".

Keith has been out of town and I took a couple of days off to stay home with the boys. I had been looking forward to it because it seems like I have been working a lot and not completely "engaged" at home. As much as I have been looking forward to it I struggle with really focusing on them, or on anything, for any real length of time. I always have something else running through my head...from cleaning, bills, getting to the store, work, sleeping, what to do after they go to bed, next weekend, when Keith gets home...anything.

How can I be thinking about the next things to look forward to when I haven't even finished the last thing I was looking forward to?

I suppose most people have a million thoughts in any given moment. I have had a few instances the last 2 days where I've been able to really take something in and savor it. Tonight when I laid Erik down (which I do most nights and do the same routine with him) I took some time to just sit there and hold him, stare at him, laugh with him and not think about anything else at all. Everything was about him and me and that special time. I remember how he smelled (because I had just given him a bath earlier and wondered how in the world can this precious boy already smell like feet?) I remember what he was wearing, his smile, his sounds and I really enjoyed it-more than I usually do.

No other thoughts filling my head...no "I can't wait until he falls asleep so I can get up". It was perfect.

I need to have more times like that, except for the occasional "I can't wait to blog about this..."!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Dallas Family Visits!

Spring Break in Dallas took place the middle of March, so my grandparents, Mom, sister and cousin came up to visit. I know they were really excited to leave the warmth of Texas for the icy cold wind! ;)

We had a great time! They arrived Sunday afternoon and we had a good home-cooked meal and relaxed for the night. We spent the next 4 days exploring Madison. The Cave of the Mounds, Ella's Diner, the Veterans Museum, the casino and lots of thrift shopping!!

My family finally got to see the Lands' End campus too. We walked around and shopped in the employee store.

Sleeping was comfortable and there was plenty of room for everyone. I know Kolbe was super excited that my sister was here to play! When they got up to head out on the last day I was sad to see them leave, but happy to not be cooking for 10 people anymore!!

Trying to convince them to come up for Spring Break 2012! Just one step down from Miami Beach, you know!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Review: Liliana's

Long time, no type. My ex-work husband sent me a note driven by the longing for my blog posts, so now it's catch-up time! Can't disappoint the EX!

Liliana's!

A few months ago Keith and I met up with our "new" friends, Jodi and Randy, to try a new place in the area. It was three of my all-time favorite things to do: hang out with friends, get a date night with Keith and try and new restaurant! This outing satisfied all!

I was impressed with the place. It's a semi-fine dining with a New Orleans style and flavor. The atmosphere was nice, and there was live music playing with a nice jazzy sound to it. We all split some appetizers and Keith and I split a meal. If I were still a young woman in my prime I'd remember what we had, but sorely I only remember the flavor being nice and spicy. I wasn't able to eat a whole lot.

The company and conversation was superb and we hope to be able to have a night out like that with good friends again!!

Etouffe excellence!!