Friends

Hudson loves Stoli. Not the vodka, my mom's dog. Fishing and skinny dipping. Yep. My kids are totally cuter than yours.

Perfect

So. Ben & Jerry's got together with Greek Yogurt and made a baby. Her name is Raspberry Fudge Chunk Fro Yo. She is perfect. I. Love. Her.

Book Club

I admit it. I read "the" book. The book that has turned housewives across America upside down. Yes. I read 50 Shades of Grey. In fact, since I had the time off from grad school, I found time to read all 3 books in this sexual trilogy.

I had been hearing about this book for quite awhile. Everyone I knew was reading it. Now, I'm not normally a victim of peer pressure. But. This seemed different. Exciting. Taboo. Forbidden?

Since I am a mother to 3 children, work part time, and busy with grad school, most of my friends are also my co workers. Its convenient, really. 2 birds, 1 stone kinda thing. While we work to save lives, we also work to bond and strengthen our relationships as women. These women are my friends, my sisters, my partners in crime. These women suggested, strongly, that I read this book. So, I caved. Oh. Did. I. Cave.

Anyways. Back to the book. "The" book was very good. Not good in a literary masterpiece kind of way. But. If Oprah was still on the air, she would be talking about it. Trust me. Like I said, I don't see a Pulitzer on the horizon, but it was good. Good as in, an escape from your everyday (missionary style sex) life. Good as in eye opening. Good as in an easy read with an interesting story line. Relatable, but not at the same time.

Without divulging too much, the book explores romance and intimacy, all while taking the journey into self discovery. It opened my eyes to working on "that" part of my relationship with my husband. I think we can all, as women, relate to the nagging sexual needs of our partners. This story reminded me of the importance of intimacy in a strong relationship- without having to listen to my husband complaining.

I don't think that I will be building a red room of pain, ever- but I think that I might spend more time lighting candles and showing my husband how much I love him.

So for all you (uptight) women out there who haven't read the book. Get over yourself. Pour yourself a glass of red wine and shut out the world. Trust me. Its worth it's weight in (sexual) gold. I don't think G is complaining.

P.S. G if you are reading this, here are a few things to consider when wooing me: when washing dishes after dinner remember to take the remaining taco shells out of the oven. They aren't as good after sitting in a cold oven all night long. Laundry, folded and put away, is also a form of foreplay. Candles are in the cupboard in the bathroom. Lighter in the kitchen drawer. Just a reminder. Oh and, by the candles in the bathroom is the bathroom spray. Just saying.

xoxo
-A

Evolution

I know that it has been over a month since my last post. I wish I could say that I was off some where exotic, or that I was busy helping to change the world. But. I wasn't. I have been (busy) living my life and watching my babies grow. Evolve. Change (me).

when they were babies

Lucy with Grandma and Grandpa Schuey
at her Preschool End of Year Party

This past month has been crazy in the fact that so much has happened, and nothing has happened at all.

Lucy fishing

I feel like my kids are new people. My marriage is stronger than ever. My life is busier then ever. In fact, my mom always tells me that I should slow down. I think her exact pearls of wisdom go a little like this, "Quit shoving 20 pounds of shit in a 10 pound bag. It wont fit!" This is great advice (I think), except that if I followed it, I wouldn't be the neurotic, obsessive compulsive control freak you all love and adore. Right? So bring on the shit!!!!

G and MeMe, moving on- with Pearl Jam

So, all while finishing grad school, working part time, being a mom full time, finding (making) time to return to a tradition of weekly family nights, and all the rest in between, in the last month Garth and I have decided to sell our little cottage of a house and buy our dream house. A house with room for love and growing. Exciting, scary, exhausting, motivating. All emotions that I feel with this evolutionary process. It is just that. A process. A process that is teaching me more juggling skills, more patience, more love, more forgiveness. A process that is helping to bring a family together, stronger than ever.

Hudson LOVES this hat. Even in 80degree weather

Hudson, his awesome curly hair, and the binkie he wont give up.

So, while I watch my kids evolve into little people full of life and laughter, I too find myself evolving. Evolving into a woman who loves, supports, admires, and respects her husband for all he is and all he does (to put up with me). Evolving into a daughter who appreciates her parents for the people they are and the relationships they have with my children. Evolving into an adult who is strong in her beliefs, proud of her accomplishments, and steadfast with her goals in life. So, yeah. Bring on the shit. This mama can handle anything. That is, if I have my friends and family by my side. Peace. Lovesss. xoxox.

Lucy and GeGe. Evolutionary Evidence.