Going Insane

Shaun T just emailed me.  We aren't close yet, but as the uber buff instructor of the workout videos, Insanity... I am planning on getting to know him well in the next 60 days.  Yes, we are going to become Insane, and take the challenge.  Or die.  Either way, will be doing something.

I had watched enough Sunday morning infomercials while simultaneously lunging and squatting to make my just washed jeans a tad bit loser.  As Kevin would roll his eyes, and I proceeded to grumble something inevitably about pregnancy, twins, and that darn ice cream the night before, I made a decision.  We would be jean stretching, baby blaming fatties no more.  We were going to get in shape, and I was going to do it by my 30th birthday.  Which conveniently is around 60 days from now, and in the time that Shaun T tells me I can go from squishy Kimmy to Rock Solid Mitchell. Or at least that's what the testimonials claim.  Admittedly, I did not sell my entire children's college funds for the protein powder, advanced workouts, or the rubber mat.  But I'm still hoping that there are enough results to help me gracefully (and buffly) enter into my 30's.

Kev's going to do it with me.  So we can be each others moral support.  Or we can go in and sneak ice cream together while our kids watch Shaun T for movie night.  Mommy's bad moods might look pretty calm compared to a huge workout guy screaming in the TV.

So there it is.  I have posted it on the blog now in order to feel pressure from my three readers.  I will not, I repeat not, post any before or after photos.  I'm not that vain,  nor that brave.  I'm just hoping that come anniversary and birthday time, I can maybe spend more time curling my hair than squatting in my jeans.

Happy Birthday

This weekend, we celebrated a major milestone for Kevin.  He turned 30, and although I am still in denial that I will follow suit in July, it was for him, the beginning of a new outlook on life.  He told me this year, he actually felt older.  To which I replied, great.. better start looking into Botox surgeons for myself.

However, his outlook is correct.  When you get married at 20, and celebrate your 30th birthday with four kids while simultaneously planning your 10 year anniversary (still taking child care offers!).. it feels a bit like you have hit the major stepping stones of growing up, and the next to arrive is the AARP card come Birthday number 55. Yet it's not all doom and gloom.  It was a good time to realize that he's done a lot at the ripe old age of 30.  There's a lot of life still to do, but man.. we sure know how to pack it in and get things done.  And I'm not just talking about going to law school, becoming a lawyer, moving 5 times, having 4 kids, a crazy wife, and cool hair.  Although that does take some energy. 

In addition to having a relaxing day of bike races, a McDonald's breakfast because two rambunctious little boys lost the privilege of going to the planned gourmet breakfast brunch.. we found time to simply relax.  Added to that was the endless supply of caffeine provided by none other than Kevin's birthday present, a Keurig coffee maker.  Let me just say that the sheer delight I felt in the ease of brewing a cup of Joe in under 60 seconds was enough to keep me awake for days.  We all know how much Kevin likes his coffee.. so it was a perfect gift, for both of us.  His birthday was, however, a great excuse for the purchase.

Yep, he did that willingly.  He really loves coffee

And we would like to take a side note to thank the many lovely friends and family that participated in my other gift to Kevin:  a journal of notes from you all letting him know how much you love him, and appreciate his friendship.  He loved it.  And when I say he loved it, you know that meant that there were a few tears.  He wouldn't be ashamed to admit it.  We cry at commercials.  There is nothing better than knowing that you have made a difference with your life.  And Kevin Mitchell.. you have made a difference in all of ours.
Happy 30th Birthday:  You still look as Young as always.

A Dream is a Wish...

We are Disney people.  We are crowd loving, hot weather sweating, stand in line for hours to take a one minute picture with Mickey Mouse.. loving people.  Our  kids like it, and therefore we like it.  It's expensive, it takes way too long to drive there, and the hot dogs cost $8 each.  But it wouldn't be a dream come true without a little sacrificing along the way.

Needless to say, on our recent vacation to Disney, with three kids (Harry stayed at the Luxe Costello Hotel), two parents, and two Grandparents in tow, we enjoyed the Disney experience once again.  Sure there were tears, some pouting, and a hungry temper tantrum (or two), but we have learned that even those cannot ruin our experience at the Happiest Place on Earth.

Some people don't understand it.  To them, Disney is all amusement park and no Dreams.  It's overpriced food and obnoxious parades.   Too many dressed up characters without any of the celebrity.  I beg to differ, however.  As a mom, it was introducing my sons to the one furry friend that kept them feeling secure every night for the past two years.  It was showing my daughter that once in a while, dreaming of becoming a Princess and falling in love with a Prince isn't a bad desire.  It confirms the inner callings of every little boy to be a hero, and every little girl to be saved by one.

It's old fashioned values at their best.  I am amazed that the magical world of Disney hasn't been corrupted by political correctness and modern social roles.  Endless imagination and fantasy still reign supreme in the parks at Disney.  And that is why we pay the price for admission.  To teach our kids that everyday life can still have some special moments sprinkled in, and that some days it is by all means OK to eat dessert, and ice cream, in a 5 hour span.  It's OK to party with a Mouse, to wave like a princess, and to eat like a Pooh Bear.  Because sometimes you just want to meet your favorite stuffed animal friends and thank them for their friendship.  You want to believe that the Wish in Your Dream, Made by Your Heart, really can come true.  And that is why we are Disney People. 
Enjoy the photos!

oj

First Ride: Dumbo

Can't do fireworks with Papa Bob without popsicles

And the friends meet...

My favorite moment

Animal Kingdom ice cream break

We met our friends.. a lot

Can't explain my sacrifice for this picture

Even a big boy can find some Disney fun

After Character lunch

Pooh Bear... Again!

Only CiCi's makes a vacation with Bob Johnson complete

Cool pirate ship at our hotel pool

After Indiana Jones show