I Remember

The royal wedding was today. I remember watching Diana and Charles tying the knot, when I was young. I remember where I was when I heard princess Diana had died (a hotel in Baltimore). There are those momentous events that just stick in your brain like glue. 

The ones you will always remember like the Kennedy assassination, the World Trade Center disaster and for me the day my dad died. 

That would be a year ago today. 

I can't believe it's been a year. 

Every detail is so vividly burned in my brain that it feels like just yesterday.

I remember getting the phone call at work. I was in the middle of a tour and had to excuse myself.  

I remember driving myself to the hospital, because I just didn't want to inconvenience any of my co-workers. 

I remember getting to the stupid parking ramp and having it say FULL while I was trapped behind a line of cars. Waiting to find a parking place felt like it took years. 

I remember waddling, eight months pregnant, through the hospital trying to get to the ICU in time. 

I wish I could forget the scene that awaited me, because it wasn't my dad. He never wanted to be hooked up to all those machines. I want to forget how the doctors talked to me. I could see the pity in their eyes, and their overly sympathetic words as they told me what would happen when we disconnected the machines. 

I would never wish this on anyone. No one should have to make that decision. 

I remember thinking "I hope he knows I was here. I hope he knows he's not alone."

I remember coming home from the hospital, and feeling like I was in a dream and that I would wake up and he would still be there. 

I remember writing his obituary and spending three hours on the phone talking to the pastor about my dad, so he would have stories to share at the funeral.

I remember going to the mall trying to find a maternity dress and an outfit for E to wear to the funeral, while B2 and E painted the nursery.

I remember driving the three hours in 40 mph wind to north central Iowa for the visitation and the funeral, and seeing friends and family that I hadn't seen in years. Weddings and funerals, the two occasions when everyone makes the effort to see each other. 

I remember thinking "this is how you know who your true friends are." The ones that sent cards and kind words, the ones who drove six hours round trip just be there or the ones who came to make dinner for us. 

I remember the music at the funeral. "Butterfly Kisses" and "Father's Eyes" and the reading from my dad's favorite book "The Velveteen Rabbit." 

I remember the food after the funeral and the big piece of chocolate cake E ate. My dad would have loved that. 

I remember the looks on people's faces when I showed up at work a couple of days later. I was being induced that week and needed tie up loose ends before going on maternity leave. Life keeps on going. 

I remember when G was born and deciding that his middle name would be my dad's. 

Now it's a year later and I wish there was some closure, but unfortunately things take time. 

The boat is being sold this month, which is one thing off the list. 

But the house is still there. Empty. 

And so are dad's ashes.

We were going to take G.R.A.C.E. out one more time to scatter dad's ashes, but the buyer wants the boat sooner rather than later, and timing just didn't work. 

So we will wait. 

Wait till all the loose ends are tied up in a nice perfect bow, and then finally let dad sail on like he always dreamed.

An Early Edition of Sound Bites of the Week

Good Evening Everyone!

I'm doing an early edition Sound Bites of the Week, because tomorrow I will be posting something special. I don't believe in posting twice in one day (a little overkill if you ask me). So, that's the excuse for the early post.

Ok on with the show...

This week little people gave me a lot of sound bites, unfortunately my memory betrays me so these are the ones I remember.

3. "When I'm older, and girl and a mom I'll eat protein bars like you, but I'm a boy so I have to wait awhile."

E you'll be waiting a VERY long time if you want to be a girl. However, when you get older you can eat all the protein bars you like, but I'll warn you...they aren't as good as they look.

2. "Hazel, hazel, hazel. The color of my eyes are hazel. Great mom now I have hazel in my head."

Yes, baby you have purtiest hazel eyes ever.

Photo by Mebraldy Photography

And the number one sound bite of the week goes to our friend's son who has huge opinions on kissing...

1. "I love this movie, but the kissing is gross. Especially, kissing in the rain. Why would you kiss in the rain?"
Oh, young man you have much to learn about girls. As he sat staring at the TV in disgust, I was swooning dreaming that my prince charming would sweep me off my feet and plant a smooch on me in the rain. Instead I got a smooch in the kitchen while making dinner by my real prince charming...I'll take it.

So, there they are a little early, but hopefully giving you a giggle or two.

Happy Friday Eve...I don't know about you, but I'm definitely workin' for the weekend!

A Bunny Good Coffee

Good Morning All!

It’s only Tuesday, and I’m in need of another weekend…I’m just sayin’. So, I’m gonna grab a highly caffeinated cup of coffee and settle in for a little coffee talk (add Brooklyn accent here) this morning.

Bear with me while I grab my soap box and rant a bit about the craziness of Easter. Ok, I’m not a religious person, and we don’t go to church, but I do know the true meaning behind Easter. So, when I stepped into Target (yep again) to get Easter basket goodies, I was surprised by the mob of people snatching up gifts and goodies like it was Christmas. I’m all for buying some peeps and chocolate eggs, but some of this was WAY over the top. So, next year we’ll keep it simple. A fun egg hunt and a chocolate bunny sounds good to me…make those kids work for their eggs (I’m such a task master).

Oh, and I didn’t get a single Easter pic, because I left my big camera at home and my cell phone was dead. So there you go…Nothing…

What were your big Easter plans? Did you eat a whole chocolate bunny? I wish I could have…oh chocolate bunny how I long for you…

If we were really having coffee today, I’d show you all the new clothes I bought on my shopping spree. Ah…mama got her shop on and she did good! I took my fellow partner in crime with me, and he wooed all the sales ladies with his cute red hair. I think I deserved it after going from this to this …

And I’d also tell you that I’m super proud of my big boy, because he hit his first pitched baseball this weekend. Finally, a sport that he likes and is good at…Hallelujah, bring on T-ball.

Well, that’s all I have over here in dreary ‘ol Iowa. Let’s stop by Amy’s and see how everyone else spent their bunny day.

Thanks for coffee!

Acceptance: I Heart Faces Challenge

Acceptance, the ability to receive something that was offered. In this case a big fat smooch. 

Our cats Spooky and Scully (yes we are X-File fans), have learned the fine art of acceptance after four years and two crazy boys. 

We were worried how they would react to kids. Our oldest cat Spooky is basically the equivalent of an only child, so acceptance was hard for him. Scully, the youngest (pictured below) is terrified of sudden movements, and crying babies.

But after two years, both cats eventually learned the boys weren't so bad after all. 

A lesson in acceptance...courtesy of two balls of fluff.

If only the rest of the world could follow suit.

Check out more pet photos at the I Heart Faces Challenge.

Furry Little Sound Bites of the Week

TGIF Everyone! Yell it with me! TGIF!!!! WOOT, WOOT!

First I would like to welcome all my new Followers. I'm such a stat junkie, so every time I see a new Follower I get giddy with excitement. So, welcome, and THANK YOU!

I had EVERY intention of trying to blog each day this week. As you can see by my lack of posts that didn't happen. But I'm stocking up some good ones for you and...even better I have my first giveaway coming up soon. I'll give you one hint...it's furry...

Which leads us to our Sound Bites of the Week...

3. "Mom you're furry."

And this is how you can tell whether you need to shave your legs or not. WOW!

2. "Mom, you have a smooshy on your leg. It's like what's on a potato that's gross."

Initally I thought E was pointing to the cellulite on my leg (yep I have it), but it was actually this.

I personally like the word smooshy better than mole, so smooshy it is.

And the number one sound bite is...
1. "We put the fun in disfunctional."

Oh, yeah we do! And we are proud of it.

So there you have it.

I hope the Easter Bunny blesses you with loads of chocolate eggs this weekend. Have a wonderful time with your families, and I will be checking in over the weekend...I PROMISE, SUPER PROMISE!

Happy Easter!

Random Coffee

Mornin'

If we were really having coffee this morning. I'd tell you my big news. I ran my first ever 5K on Sunday, and ran the WHOLE thing. No walking or stopping, just running. I feel invincible! Like I can accomplish anything. It's a WONDERFUL feeling. Bring on the triathlon!

Then I'd tell you my sad news. Unfortunately my childhood dream of seeing the Lipizzaner Stallions didn't come true. On Thursday the ticket office called and said all the Iowa shows have been cancelled and they were refunding my money. Super bummer. 

On a lighter note, I'd share our crazy Saturday story. Because seriously EVERY Saturday in our household has a crazy story.

Yet again I was at Target (groceries and birthday present) it was mini blizzarding (yep, snowing in April, gotta love Iowa). E proceeded to step in an ankle deep puddle in the parking lot and FREAK out amid snow and wind. I rushed him inside and I striped off his shoes and socks. He ran around barefoot in Target (yep I'm mom of the year) till we finally found some gardening boots in his size, although they are pastel green (where the hell are the boy colors). In essence 20 minutes later we were finally able to start shopping. Oh, and while I was loading the car on the way home I dropped my cell phone in the same puddle ... PLOP! It's fine, but at the time my nerves were SHOT! All before noon...jeez.



E sportin' his new rain / gardening boots, in pretty pastel green...UGH!



Which is why I found someone to be my personal MOM (My Other Me). Basically, she will be me while I'm at work. She will clean the house, put laundry in the dryer and even run errands. I think I'll call her a miracle. She starts Thursday, and I can't wait! 

Well, that's it on my end. So now it's your turn. What happened on your crazy Saturday? Please tell me I'm not the only one who has days like these.

Come on over to Amy's and see how everyone else is doing.

5K Virgin No More

Me pre-race rockin' the bumpit hairstyle.

I did it!

I ran and ran and ran. While this may not seem like a big deal to some of you, it is to me. I don't run. I've never been a runner, even during triathlon training I kinda just ignore that part. 

But Sunday ... Sunday was different. On Sunday I told myself  I wouldn't walk, I wouldn't give up. Hell if I could birth a ten pound baby I could run a 5K for goodness sake. 

Post-race rockin' the "I had to wear an ear band cause it was 30 degrees" hairstyle.

And I did!

It may sound weird, but after Sunday I have a new admiration for my body. My strong legs, my fast feet and my determined mind. It made me realize how lucky I am to be able to run, to do these things that I take for granted. Especially when I see the aging process on a day-to-day basis.

So thanks body of mine...I know I've been hard on you in the past and taken you for granted, but on Sunday you made me proud! Love to you!

Also, thanks to my friend Ashli who stayed by my side. Inciting giggles periodically to break up the monotony (orange cones can be hysterically funny once you reach the two mile mark.)

Ashli pre-race, who looks super cute as always.

And last but definitely not least, a special thanks to my family who braved the freezing 30 degree weather to cheer me on. Love you guys!

Now I'm off to swim, because these old lady knees need a break.

A Super Friends Birthday Party!

As promised here are pictures of E's big fourth birthday party.

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated with us. We had so much fun!

And an extra special thank you to Shawna Burkhardt from Light & Soul Images who braved the three story play structure in order to be our personal paparazzi, and to Romy over at GrammiesKidz for rush shipping our Superman party favors. 

Our Super family

A Happy Birthday sign welcomed us to the party.

The Super cake created by Yummy's Bakery.

Our party favors. Superman mini folios created by GrammiesKids.

Balloons are always fun.

Let the fun begin.

Hanging from the rafters.

Giggles in the ball pit.

Even I couldn't resist.

Skee ball with dad.

G is just chillin'.

Trying his luck on the games.

Time for cake.

The folios were a hit, and a
great distraction while opening gifts.

One of E's favorite gifts...the Batmobile.

The cake was eaten.

It was time to go.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY E!

A Speedy Sound Bites of the Week

Hi all!

Holy skirt alert Batman it's a little breezy out today. This weather better clear up by Sunday, because I'm not running if it's this windy. That would be a cruel joke.

Anyway, just popping in quickly for our Sound Bites of the Week. I can't linger...too much to do and not enough hours in the day. I'm sure you can all relate.

So let's get the show on the road...

3. "I bought some pecker proof wood."

FYI. You can find this at Menard's real cheap.

2. "Rocky rocky to and fro oh hell my baby oh."

The actual words are "rocky rocky to and fro oh how I love my baby oh". E thought this whole time I was saying hell...really. (insert eye roll here).

And the number one sound bite is...wait for it...wait for it...

1. "Ewww don't squeeze me out that would hurt."

Sorry to break the news to you E, but four years ago yesterday at 6:48 p.m. that's exactly what I did. And trust me it hurt me more than it hurt you.




Well, there they are. Sorry to quote and run. Have a GREAT weekend.

I PROMISE I will post b-day pics on Saturday...I PROMISE...really I'll do it.

Jog on in for Virtual Coffee

Good morning all!

What a CRAZY weekend!

If we were really meeting for coffee I'd offer you some left over birthday cake from E's big birthday bash. I'd share some pics with you, but our personal paparazzi is still editing the bazillions of photos she took that day. I know it sounds extravagant to hire someone to take pics at your son's party, but trust me after I watched her chase after the munchkins in a three story play structure with slides and a ball pit, I raised my hands to the heavens and said "Thank God I hired her!"

So this is the only photo I have, taken with my cell phone ten minutes after leaving the parking lot.

And if one birthday party wasn't enough, we decided to take a nap and head over to another one. I think this must be what the future looks like once he's older, and it scares the crud out of me.

Also if we were really meeting for coffee today I'd tell you how nervous I am about running my first 5K on Sunday. I know it sounds crazy, especially after I've done a triathlon, but I'm NOT a runner. Like I totally need a pack of wild dogs to get me to run. Anyone out there a runner? I would love some tips.

I'd also tell you that this weekend I'll be able to make a childhood dream come true. The family is going to see the Lipizzaner Stallions! When I was little I had a huge hardcover book that featured the stallions. I was fascinated by their acrobatics and grace, and now I get to see them in person and share it with my kids. How stinkin' cool is that?

Now it's your turn. What did you do this weekend? Was the weather nice?

Let's jog on over to Amy's and see what everyone else is up to. I'm sure someone probably baked something yummy...

A Picture Perfect First BBQ

I know in blog land timing is everything, but I didn't have time to post these last Saturday. So, since we will be all-consumed in Superhero Birthday mania today, I thought I would bless you with a little photo essay of our first BBQ.

Have you had your first BBQ yet?

Enjoy!

We started the afternoon in a
long sleeved shirt and sweat pants.

Then we ditched the shirt

Can't have a BBQ without one of these.

G went along for the ride.

Typical E face lately, he's Mr. Moody.

Tired yet again of having his picture taken.

The Grill Master at work

We were done grillin' just in time.

Because it poured!

Let's Party!

WHEW! Talk about being fashionably late.

Well, better late than never is what I always say.

So grab a drink and let's get mingling.

First of all let me introduce myself. I'm a spunky redhead who thought I would NEVER in a million years find my true love and be chasing after one precocious four year old and a little redheaded ten month old. But here I am and I'm loving it! In between running around after the kids I work full-time at a retirement community where the fun never stops...no really these seniors know how to have a good time.

I've only been blogging for about four months, and totally love the connections and friends I've made in blogland. I initally started a blog when my oldest was born to keep friends and family updated...then I got busy, and forgot about and left it to gather dust on my MAC. Recently, after the loss of my dad I realized that life is short and I wanted to leave something behind for my boys, and that's when Redhead Reverie was born.

So stop by sometime for a visit, and check out our crazy lives. Oh, and each Friday I post the Sound Bites of the Week. You'll never know what you may hear.

In short, I never sugar coat it and I never act like I'm perfect, because truthfully wouldn't that be so FREAKING BORING.

Thanks for partying!

A SUPER Sound Bites of the Week

I'm so excited! My butt is tingling (must be that residual tail, right honey) Sorry private joke there.

Anyway, the reason I'm so excited is because E's Superhero birthday party is tomorrow. Yippeee! I think I'm more excited than he is. I have everything organized, and since we aren't having it at our house I don't need to clean, which makes me even happier. Oh, and I'm WAY excited to wear my Wonder woman T-shirt...it totally rocks. All I need are some knee high red boots and my magic lasso and I'll be all set.

Well, this week's sound bites are a hodge podge of CRAZY and totally off-the-wall things I heard this week. Unfortunately or fortunately, there were so many I couldn't remember them all.

Here are my top three (that I can remember)

3. "Mom I like Lady Ga Ga because she's a baby."

Ummm, well not exactly, E. However, he does ask me to turn up the radio every time a Lady Ga Ga song comes on, and I'm not complaining. I like her to, but she's definitely NOT a baby. 

2. "The day got away from me like a squashed banana."

I"m assuming this is a weird excuse as to why I didn't get a return phone call from a certain person, but I'm not sure. Maybe the weirdness was just to distract me from the fact that I was being blown off. Well, whatever it was, it made me laugh, so it served its purpose.

Oh, and I think I do have an actual squashed banana in my bag...Yikes...I better check.

Yep, there it is.

A little bruised but not completely squished...yet.

1. "You know mom, after you go to the bathroom you need to make sure you just tuck your shirt in your pants and not your underwear."

EXCELLENT advice E. I'll be sure to take that into consideration the next time I have to use the restroom.

E is illustrating the appropriate way to wear your shirt.
Never mind the hat over the face.

So there you have it. This week's sound bites in a weird, tasty nutshell.

Enjoy your weekend and if you are going to the party tomorrow we can't wait to see you. I'll be posting pics of our Super Party on Sunday (hopefully) if my personal paparazzi has them ready.

Ciao and have a SUPER weekend...I'm off in my invisible jet to save the world.

Happy Hour Virtual Coffee

Happy late afternoon!

Holy heck where did the day go?

I guess if we were going to have coffee this late in the day. I'd toss a little Bailey's in mine and start happy hour a little early. Are ya with me?

Then I would tell you how guilt-ridden I feel because I didn't go to spin class this morning and I'm not gonna swim tonite (cause mama needs to get groceries). So the only workout I did was bands class and I had to leave early due to a work event. Oh well, I guess there's always tomorrow.

I'd also share some bittersweet news with you. After an entire year, I have finally sold my Dad's boat. It's easier to have you just click here for the story. But long story short he passed away last April and it's my job as executor to sell the boat, and we did.

Two months after this photo was taken we found out I was pregnant with G.

Dad passed away two weeks before G was born, he never met his second grandson.

On a much lighter note (cause I could use a little levity right now) I'd tell you that I'm SUPER psyched for E's Fourth Birthday party on Saturday. We are doing a superhero theme and I have my Wonderwoman T-shirt washed and ready. I'll post some pics on Sunday, so you can see the whole shebang, but here's a sneak peek of what you will see.

Oh and one last quick thing. I know people HATE when bloggers do this, but I need to do a little self promotional plug so bear with me. 

I posted the following pic of G on I Heart Faces for the March Best Faces Challenge and would love it if you could head over there and vote for him. The photo title is Little Red and he's picture #74. Sorry just wanted to throw that out there. Thanks.

As for our weekend, well I'll let the photos speak for themselves.

Note to self if you see a baby doll foot in the sand, just play with it.

That's what everyone else did.

Have a WONDERFUL rest of the week and may Spring finally find her way to your doorstep. See you next Tuesday.

Now let's head over to Amy's and see how everyone else is doing.