Life's A Beach

For the last several days we have been enjoying the sandy beaches of Ocean City, Maryland. After all Conor's tests and the emotional roller coaster that has been the last few weeks, it was a welcomed vacation filled with family, friends, and much relaxation.

Kate and Cousin Antonio were all dressed and ready for the pool! Kate wore her floaties for the first time, and began the first of many swim lessons. Had I known a little swim would wipe her out, I would have taken her swimming months ago. Although not shown here, we were all quite impressed with her Daddy's hand stands. That Daddy is so talented.

Conor scoped the beach for the perfect wave, and then made his move! This kid couldn't get enough of the water! I believe we have a little beach bum on our hands.

Watch out ladies...here I come!

Katie wasn't as keen on the water as her little bro. Instead, she spent the afternoon chasing seagulls. Here seagull, seagull...here seagull, seagull...

Mr Eric spent the day building a fun sand castle for the kids. Everyone enjoyed it until the random woman and her two kids decided to destroy the castle with a bellyflop. Yes, believe it!
I am never surprised by the nerve of some people.

We ended our beach day with some cold Margaritas and ice cream, enjoying the salty air and summer breeze. It was the perfect end to a much needed family week at the beach.

Skype is Hype Yo

As I type this post tonight, my husband is curiously standing behind me insisting "hype" is not a word. So, before we go any further, I feel the need to state "hype" is defined in the urban dictionary as a fad. A clever marketing strategy which a product is advertized as the thing everyone must have. Where did he grow up again? How old is he? Ha.

Ok. Back to me. I have shared before on how my husband and I live more than an hour from most of our family and friends, and how technologies, such as this blog, have helped to shorten the distance and keep all updated on the funnies in our little world.

This though, I may not have yet shared. Let me be clear. I am NOT (catch the stress on that?) good with technology. I cannot figure out our new cell phones, our satellite television makes me crazy, and a bluetooth...well, let's not go there. Many of you may wonder how this is when I used to manage large software installations for a well known company. Let me quickly clarify. I managed the software implementation projects. I didn't install them.

Now knowing of my lack of interest (and skills) in technology, this may surprise you....I love skype!

While others may have known about this little treasure for quite some time, I have absolutely fallen off my chair for the ability to chat with friends and family back in Texas via my laptop. And the kids? Katie loves it. She waves her hand at Mom Mom, and says to all her friends, "I saw Mom Mom on the computer." Yes, I am equally thrilled.

However, today, during one of our chats, my mother said, "You look tired". "Nice brows, but you look tired." For a quick second, I thought the same wonderful element of skype- the video- could also be my biggest nemesis.

I sat up quickly and offered her a sarcastic, "Thanks, Mom". I had to quickly remind myself she could hear and see me. Uh oh. Could she tell I hadn't brushed my teeth too?

Yes, Skype is hype. The exposure of my daily appearance on the other hand, may not be.

What I have learned from watching my children

This last week has been...well...exhausting! Amidst all the stressful doctors appointments, late nights at the computer, and trying to hold down my day job, I found a few moments to learn from my children and some very dear family friends.

Lesson 1: Walk into a room full of strangers with full confidence and introduce yourself. You may just come out with a smile (and a lollipop).

This week was Kate's first week of dance class. She let go of my hand, walked in the studio, and sat down on the floor awaiting instruction. I was not prepared for a solo so soon. Sniffle, sniffle.

Lesson 2: Surround yourself with the things you love. Be it flips flops, Tinkerbell's shoe, a favorite blankie or other.
Go with what makes you happy! These are the things Conor literally can't live without.

Lesson 3: Be patient. Sometimes the best memories come when you least expect them.

Gotta love this picture. One of dearest friends and I were enjoying a beautiful Sunday morning with some good conversation. Then, her husband turned our beautiful Sunday morning into the perfect Sunday morning...complete with our own cabana boy!

Lesson 4: Dance like nobody's watching...naked!

For obvious reasons, there is not a picture to accompany this post. You're just going to have to trust me on this one (wink, wink).


Lesson 5: Friends are family

The Lisicki kids, Kate, and Conor enjoying a little East Coast pizza. There is something about folding a piece in half that makes it so good! Yum!

Lesson 6: Sometimes crying does get you what you want.

Again, no picture. Poor little Conor has had a week full of doctor's appointments, xrays, and blood draws. If one thing is true, the slightest whimper from my little guy this week has landed him snuggled in my arms.

Lesson 7: Love the ones your with

Lesson 8: Dogs are a man's (and Kate's) best friend


Even though she has a brother, our 90 pound (clinically labeled - obese) Lab is her favorite playmate. Looking at the expression on his face, I think he feels the same.

Boys will be boys...even at 37.

I am shaking my head side to side as I type this. I am not sure if my husband is trying to live vicariously through the dog (and has always wanted this hairstyle) or if he just made a mistake with the clippers. Whatever the reason, our poor dog received a mohawk today.

Yes, as I shake my head side to side, I can't help but think..."Boys will be boys...even at 37".

That, and..."Boy am I sure glad we don't have a poodle."

Scooter Girl

"Mommy, look at me! I am a Scooter Girl!"

A letter to my Daughter on her Birthday

Dearest Katie, Kate, Sister, Katie Bug, Katesie, Katester, Monkey, Princess,

Three years ago today we held our first blessing in our arms...you. Your Daddy and I fell in love with you at first sight, and have been head over heels since. It is hard to believe you are three today. Looking to the year ahead, this is the year you will start pre-school, try on your first ballet shoes, and perhaps play in your first soccer game. I just don't know where the times has gone...let the tears begin.

You have such a jubilous spirit and an old soul. From a very young age, you have done and said things as if you have been here before. The first time you rode your tricycle, you knew just what to do, peddling down the sidewalk on your own, without looking back. When you know I am worried, your tiny hand lifts my chin, moving my thoughts to you and reminding me I have a lot to smile about. Your smile is contagious!

You share your Daddy's sense of humor, and bright blue eyes. I thank you for always reminding me to laugh at the little things in life...even when the laughter is sometimes at myself.

From cleaning the table to folding the laundry. From putting away your toys to watering the plants. You are my little helper, and my "favorite girl!" I cherish the early hours of the weekend, where you have made it routine to snuggle with me and the Disney channel. I hope we remain close always.

Your thoughtfulness amazes me. You always remember your friends when packing a special snack, and recall to ask if others are feeling better when you know they have been sick.

I love how you cup my face with both hands when reaching out for a kiss. You have a big heart, and show so much love to everyone. You are a wonderful BIG sister, always looking out for your brother, showering him with kisses and hugs, and remembering to share (even when the sharing involves your favorite Princess). Watching the two of you "chat" and giggle at the dinner table brings a smile to my face. I know you will be the best of friends...life long friends.

So as I kissed you goodnight and watched you head off to bed with Mom Mom and Nana, I couldn't help but return to your room for one more goodnight, birthday kiss. Maybe this would be the kiss that would stop time...

Happy 3rd Birthday. Katie!

We love and are so proud of you!