And so it begins...

I'm still here...alive and well. Just been mucho bizzy with work, life and the like. So, sorry!

In related news, the birthday coupons have started rolling in - and I'm so all over them like hazelnut cream in my coffee. BRING IT, free stuff.

In keeping with the season of my birthday and all things happiness, our house is just oozing Christmas. I mean, really. I have an obscene amount of Christmas decorations--more than six of those giant 42 gallon storage tubs. My house has puked garland, sparkle and snowflakes. But it was all worth it when we let Alex hit the button to switch on the tree. I thought he might have a heart attack.

"Mom! It's CHRISTMAS!" <--then I died.

 Welcome to our home!

I've always wanted a cranberry wreath.

And notice the Santa key in the center so the Fat Guy can get in!

 It puts me in a trance. Love it.

At some point, I will probably have
to remove the batteries on that thing.

In the meantime, it's adorable.

Honey, I'm home!

While I have many photos and delightful stories of sun and fun to share (teaser: a Canadian band of crazies that we met in the hot tub is going to write and record a song about me and Joey!), I must first tell you the tale of a smart and funny 2 year old who lives in my home and answers to "Alex."

The setting: We're driving home from daycare Monday night. Alex is in the back seat, along with my laptop bag, purse and a giant, empty Huggies wipes cardboard shipping box. Joey and I are chatting, probably about dinner or having the shakes from our general lack of alcohol since our return to the States.

Overheard from the pipsqueak in the back seat: "H...W...G...G...I...E...S...spells BOX!"

I turn around, wondering what is going on and ask, "What spells 'box,' Alex?"

Again, he says (pointing to each of the letters on the box as he "reads" them), "H...W...G...G...I...E...S!"

It is at this point I realize he's spelling "Huggies" (with a little confusion on the U) and because it's ON a box, that's what he thinks it spells. I, of course, explode in uncontrollable proud Mom applause and cheer, and he just looks at me like, "Duh, Mom."

Naturally, his new favorite game is "What spells?" So now, every time he hears a new word or sees a new thing, he wants to know how to spell it, and asks, "Mom, what spells (insert word in question here)?" And secretly? I love it. Because it gives me a chance to redeem myself for the 5th grade spelling bee I embarrassingly lost to a nerd with a bowl cut named Matt VanDerWende because I accidentally and all-too-quickly spelled "tread" as "tred" because secretly I was in love with Matt and was distracted by his blindingly golden locks in such a perfectly round shape and his penchant for peeing his pants. To say I've come a long way is a understatement.

So, Alex? We will spell until we've spelled every word in the books. I solemnly promise this to your 5th grade self. And I also promise no bowl cuts.

Mas cervesas, por favor!

I'd love to stay and chat, my sweets, but I've got a plane to catch. For the next week, I'll be at the location pictured below, eating & drinking to my all-inclusive heart's content and basking in the sun until I am unrecognizable and likely in a great amount of pain. And then I will do it all over again. For 7 days straight.

Adios, amigos! Hasta luego!

Also? Bikini waxes are my own personal version of hell. But a necessary evil, ya know?

Oh, and vote for my Mom EVERY DAY while I'm away, mmkay?

A picture is worth a TRILLION words.

Ahhhhhhhh! I know, right?!?! And let me go ahead and answer your next question: Holly Powell. I actually got to know her through her brother-in-law and have spent the better part of the last 5 years stalking her GORGEOUS daughters. Caroline? Alex would like to marry you. Please wait for him.

Anyway, Holly has recently taken an interest in photography. And by "interest," I mean she's freaking AMAZINGLY awesome and has such a level of talent I cannot even describe. Some people are just born with it, you know? She kindly offered to take our family photos to "practice" a bit more before she officially launches her business--and after looking through the pics from our session, I'm totally sure she's ready.

No other photographer (and trust me when I say I've worked with MANY) has ever truly captured the spirit of Alex. That second to last one of him sitting down and looking up into the camera? Please. It MELTS me to my core. And the last one? Of him giving his version of a "thumbs up?" I will cherish it forever - for it captures a moment in time that I won't ever get back.

So Holly, thank you for allowing us to be your guinea pigs. The time you spent rolling on the ground, squeaking a rubber chicken and chasing Alex and his limitless energy back and forth across that bridge to capture the love of a family is SO appreciated. You have the patience and "eye" that simply cannot be taught in any formal classroom. You captured us. Our family, our love.

I'll be bragging about her a bit more later in the year--once she gets all the legal-schmegal stuff locked down for an "official" business. I won't even pretend to understand what all that is about. Until then, feel free to click here to see all the pics from our session and get excited about booking YOURS.

Also, everyone on my Christmas card list? Please act surprised when you get ours in the mail this year.

Also, also...Vote for my Mom!!!!

Vote for Momma T!

Last time Mom visited Kelli in the state that shall not be named, she gave her a makeover for an upcoming Mary Kay contest. Voting has officially started, so I'm counting on all my ABM3 readers to help my Mom win a trip to NYC. Because guess who she will take with her, duh??!?!?

And this isn't one of those horrible contests where you have to register, donate a pint of blood and provide your social security number to vote. Just go to the site, find my Mom, and enter your email address. It's super easy! You can enter up to 5 times a day, so please use all five votes! And if you happen to have more than one email address, I'm not about to stop you.

1. Click HERE

2. Type "Joette" in the search field
(I know, my Mom's name is so cool)

3. VOTE FOR HER!!!!

I'll remind you every day until voting stops, so GO DO IT.

Who cancels Halloween?

The entire state of Connecticut, that's who. I guess an unexpected hammering of snow will do that to you.

Kelli said it was like a movie - trees down everywhere, no power, and utter chaos. They are safe and sound, but what an experience!

And so, October 2011 marked the first time my sweet 'lil Samuel saw snow. And it was DELIGHTFUL. He loves the white fluffly stuff almost as much as his Aunt Kristi. Behold:


 

Yes, as crazy as it looks, that's a totally legit video taken in Kelli's front yard on October 29, 2011. Mother Nature is NOT fooling around, people. Also? Hi, Ruth!