July To-Do's.

I don't know if you noticed or not, but I took a short two-month break from the monthly to-do's. To be honest, I did this because I was buying more time. I wanted to complete my April To-Do's. I did complete my shelf project (picture to come) and I did get a library card. But that's it.

I didn't stain the Adirondack chairs (apparently they need to be sanded first?). Nor did I do anything to the flower bed and well, frankly, it's just too hot to even think about finishing that to-do any time soon! I also failed to shampoo the living room carpet or take pictures of all of our possessions for insurance purposes.

I will continue to ignore work on those, but wanted to get back in to the habit of making a monthly to-do list. So, here is July:

1. Make bolognese sauce from scratch

2. See a movie by myself (I have never done this!)

Let's stop there. we all know what happened the last time I got ambitious with my to-do's.

Carly's Water Park

Our backyard is slowly turning in to "Carly's Water Park".

We have pools, a mini-water park, splash table, sprinkler and a few other small water toys.

It's a great excuse to gather with our neighbors and let the kids play.
But poor Sara. Carly never lets her relax. She always has to have her right beside her.

And while the kids play, the big kids adults stuff giant marshmallows in their mouths.

Still Besties

Happy Birthday, Hag!

Welcome to the Wonderful World of your THIRTIES, John Hagaman!

"Kiss Me - It's my birthday!"

52 card pickup- anything to keep her entertained.

Potty Progress

I know, I know. If you aren't a parent, you could care less about potty training and you are completely skipping this post. I'm okay with that.

Well, we've been holding steady at "will potty when put on potty, but won't tell you when I have to go" for about seven months now. I don't want to push it.

So, almost two months ago I created the Potty Sticker Poster. I know, not a very creative name. Sue me.

I thought that if I rewarded Carly with stickers when she went potty, it might motivate her to initiate the pottying. We now have TONS more stickers on the Potty Sticker Board, but no initiating on her behalf.

I did find some panties that will fit her size 12 month waist - Yay!

They are by Potty Patty and are more absorbent than regular panties, but less absorbent than PullUps. I plan to take a day or two off of work later this summer and plan a long weekend with Carly, Potty Patty, juice, water, milk, popsicles, etc. - whatever it takes (in a nurturing, no-pressure atmosphere, of course!).  Wish us luck!

P.S. Any coupons for carpet and upholstery cleaning post-potty training weekend are welcome.

Super Clean Remote Control

This little cutie likes to help with laundry.

Apparently we need to talk about what can and cannot go in the washing machine.

Good news...Once it dried out, the remote control still worked - despite having gone though nearly an entire cycle in the washing machine. 

Brittany the Bachelorette

My friend Brittany may be a married woman now, but for the sake of this blog, she is the Bachelorette.

We celebrated one of her last weekends as a single lady with mimosas (except for Meredith who couldn't because she was pregnant)

Shopping and pedicures (my personal favorites!)

Dinner, drinks, dancing and...what's a word for friends that starts with "d"?

There were girls who danced the night away

And girls who people watched from the patio

Stories were told

Beer bottles were hidden in planters

And other beers were watered down and went unnoticed

But fun was had by all.

Congratulations, Brittany!

Holy Cow!

Holy cow! Not only did I accidentally delete a whole bunch of pictures from my new camera (including a GREAT picture of me and Carly on Mother's Day), but I am also pretty sure that I didn't correctly reformat the memory card when I was swapping cameras and...and our Easter pictures were among 2 monthsof pictures that are now gone. GONE. Boo.