Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety Jig...

We had an amazing trip! It was so, so refreshing to spend some quality time with Ty. The girls were beside themselves with all of the fun things we experienced. I have so, so much to share. I'm on the brink of another weekend away {this time for work}, and I have more than a thousand pictures to sort through, so hopefully some more detailed recaps will find their way here next week. For now, here are my two princesses...

A Giant Dose of Happiness to Follow...

*crickets*

Yeah, I know.

Life has been so, so hectic. I could tell you all about it, but I won't.

Instead, let me just remind you that we leave for VACATION tomorrow. Like, SPH to Disney World VACATION.

Hallelujah.

This SPH Mama needs a vacation.

And the sweet peas need some time with their Daddy!!!

I promise to return refreshed and ready to jump back into this little ole' blog.

Boy, do I ever miss it.

Reason enough to make sure I carve out the time for it.

Until then...

Tuesday SOC...

It's so very rare that I have any extra time to fill anymore. This afternoon happened to afford me such time, and as hard as I tried to be nose-deep in my book club book for this month, I found my mind racing entirely way too much to read effectively.

So, here I am, rambling on my sweet little old blog.

In one week's time, my girls and I will be reunited with Ty and breathing in the happiest place on earth (Florida ed.)...

SO EXCITED!

The girls are beside themselves about the upcoming trip. It's truly a testament to how much they miss Ty when I continually ask them what's in 8 more sleeps? or what's in 7 more days? and they both exclaim DADDY!!! without hesitation. This trip to Disney World has really become so much more for us.

I am considering renting a lens for our vacation. I am torn between this one and this one. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Soon. I think I need to order by today or tomorrow.

I just uploaded some pictures from my Dad's birthday this weekend and from Tink working on some homework. It's the first time I've uploaded pictures in THREE WEEKS! {Gasp}... Granted, my camera was in for repairs for a while, but I have been in a major photography slump. Hoping vacation will reel me back in...

School is going well for the girls. Sassy big puffy hearts kindergarten and her teacher. Tink is learning new things every day. Dance class has begun with great success, and Sassy has her first Daisy meeting this evening. They are growing up so fast!

I attended a work training last week in Lawrence. It was hard to be away at such a busy time, but having a couple of evenings to myself was a nice refreshing break. I have never felt more ready for a vacation as I do for this one.

While the past six weeks have been extremely busy and extremely challenging, I am proud of myself for the way I have held up so far. It feels like it's been a lot longer than six weeks, and even though I feel like I am drowning in my responsibilities 98% of the time, I feel like I have been a good Mom and that the girls, although missing Dad, have adjusted beautifully. Over anything else, this gives me a reason to be happy and to press on. We can do this!

Glee: Season 2 was released today. I am totally going out this afternoon to buy it.

I have approximately 12 loads of laundry to fold and put away. All of which are currently inhabiting my couch and several upright laundry baskets. Where's that laundry fairy when you need her him?

I am ready to fully embrace the fall weather. These intermittently strewn cool days amidst the still-90-degree-weather are killing me. Softly.

And, here's a random picture from the archives to entertain you this lovely Tuesday afternoon...



Sassy, circa September 2009

Alas, an iPhone...

That's right folks, I have managed to worm my way into the 21st century by way of smart phone!

And, with such perfect timing as to align with the recent release of the Blogger iPhone app. Coincidence... I think not!

Considering I've been doing such a swell Job at carving out blogging time in my utterly hectic schedule, I figured I'd give this a go this lovely Monday morning and share a few updates and photos.

On the subject if photos... I've been sans camera for a couple of weeks (camera is in for repairs) which has only added greatly to my lack of blogging motivation. The good news??? She's back home now, all fixed, beautifully polished, and ready to click...

So, what else has been new? Hmm... Took the girls a couple weekends back to the Wichita Art Museum for a PAT play group. Have I ever expressed how much Dale Chihuly is the sugared honeyed iced tea? Yep, totally is...

Ok, so I've just come to the realization that I have no idea how this app works in regards to adding and arranging photos, so there's only one way to find out. Please enjoy this little update, proof that we are still kicking here in Kansas, and enjoy the art museum photos, wherever they may land...

SPH Mama... Out.

Polar Bears and Aardvarks.

One of the things that we did to ease the transition when Tyler left was buy the girls new stuffed animals.

I know, I know.

We have enough stuffed animals in the house for seventeen children. No joke.

But, in the days before Tyler headed to North Carolina, he took the girls shopping for a new guy. Each of the girls chose a Webkinz. Sassy found a polar bear and Tink found an aardvark. Each came with its own little carrying suitcase, and the girls were in love. Daddy bought the girls their animals. The girls also bought Daddy a guy to take on his trip and remind him of the girls. Sassy chose a polar bear for Daddy to match hers.

It's been a pretty awesome concept, really. Each night, the girls find their guys to sleep with. They give their guy hugs as if they were giving them right to Ty. Sometimes, one of the girls will want to bring their guy with us somewhere... on errands or to lunch or a party. I always let them.

Tyler also sporadically sends us pictures over the phone of his polar bear in neat places that the girls would like to see. The get the hugest kick out of seeing pictures of Daddy's polar bear. In fact... Daddy, if you are reading this, it's been a while since you've sent us one of those... ahem.

Here are a couple of pictures Ty sent us right when he arrived in North Carolina:



It cracked me up that the girls wanted to recreate his "on the shoulder" idea...



Tink giving kisses to Daddy Mr. Aardvark...



Only TWO MORE WEEKS until we will be flying to Orlando to see Daddy in the flesh! Oh, and those silly princesses, too. Hooray!