I'm so far behind! There's been so much going on and I haven't written about ANY of it. First of all....have I mentioned we are getting a puppy? Friends and family think we are insane. Don't they know I arrived at insanity months and months ago? This is not a new thing! We'll be picking up "Maggie" in less than two weeks. She's an apricot cockapoo...and she's CUTE! I plan to use the bell method - here's hoping it works well...and fast!

Here's a picture of Maggie:

Also less than two weeks to go before my Grandparents and aunt & uncle come to visit for Easter. This will be the first time they've been to our new home and that means I have A LOT to do. Last week I painted the dining room. I had a subtle gray/blue in mind...but it turned out a much brighter blue. I think I'm going to like it ok, but for many days it was a love/hate relationship. =-) Anyway - at least it is painted - done and done! But now the neutral builder paint in the formal living room looks very pink somehow...so I guess I'm going to have to paint that sooner than I thought too. ugh...so much to do. Here's how the dining room turned out: I had recently recovered my seat cushions in a darker sage green...and I REALLY don't want to have to recover them again, so i'm trying to find a way to pull in sage green in other places so it looks like the seats SHOULD be green. ha. i'm not sure i'm going to be able to pull it all off. i'd love to find a rug for under the table that has blues and greens in it...something maybe a little contemporary but not too wild?

Mark had minor surgery on tendons in his forearm on Friday and his birthday was Saturday. Lauren helped me bake and decorate a cake. She really loves helping out in the kitchen! I'll post pictures of the lame-o looking cake and of the b-day boy later.

BIG to-do list for tomorrow. i hope I can get to it all!!!

It's FREE movie Wednesday at Redbox! Your code for today is: GTL456

I put the kids down for a nap a few minutes ago and was just starting to relax myself for a minute when I heard a suspicious noise from upstairs. This is NEVER a good sign. So I went up to investigate. Noone in Bailey's room - shwew (former episodes involving hairspray, nail polish and makeup when her room has been tampered). Moving on to the laundry room (another former crime scene involving fabric softener) - nothing. Now on to my room...nothing at first glance. Dare I open the door to the master bath? I must. There I find one VERY naughty 3-yr-old smearing THIS and THIS all over her legs and hands.

I hope she lathered her back end up with some "firming cream" too....because she's going to need it! Future MK consultant? Or a naughty 3-yr-old.....you be the judge.

It's FREE Redbox WEDNESDAY!!! What? You didn't know you could get a free rental each and every Wednesday from Redbox? You can! All you need is the magic code...and here it is because you know how I like to share the news about freebies and good deals. Redbox code for Wednesday, March 11, 2009: Today's code for a free night's rental* is: JBG123

Now..this is only "free" if you return it by 9 p.m. tomorrow night. If you are like me, this "free" rental will cost you anywhere between $2 and $5.

So go get your free movie!

LAUREN!!!!!!!!!!

Me: Lauren, please keep taking everything away from your brother. He wants to play to - now let him play with something!

Lauren: Grant? You can play with my shoes if you want

Such a generous little girl.

I can't believe I haven't posted about Valentine's Day yet! It was just so surprising and so amazing that I'm afraid whatever I say about it just won't do it justice. (Which is also why I still haven't put together our wedding album). Ok...so for now I'm just going to reveal ONE of the Valentine's Day surprises I received and then tell you about our evening last night. Valentine's Day surprise #1: Bailey & I have FLOOR SEATS to THIS in June! Row 24 (I think). WOW! More on the crazy - I - absolutely-don't-deserve-this Valentine's Day later. Now...last night:

Mark & I were invited to a surprise 40th birthday party for one of his co-workers/friends. I have met this guy once before - but certainly didn't KNOW him. So I was sort of dreading the evening...a room full of people I didn't know - ugh. But I was very pleasantly surprised!

We gathered HERE where we were greeted with a glass of champagne. (See? Already a good night!) The evening was surprising and highly enjoyable. The chef gave us little lessons and a demonstration at each course (there were 4), educated us on each wine (a different wine with each course) and taught us how to make the dessert. So fun!

Here was the menu:


First Course:

Risotto alla Milanese
Saffron Risotta Garnished with Shaved Parmesan
Wine - Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc


Second Course:
Seared Scallop atop a Cauliflower Puree with Carmelized Shallot Sauce and Chive Oil
Wine - Maison Faivelely Joseph Faively Bourgogne Rouge


Third Course:
Filet Mignon on Potato Gratin (the potato thing was out of this world!) with Truffle & Wild Mushroom Crepe, Garlic Sauteed Brocolini and a Red Wine Reduction
Wine - St. Mary's Bell's & Whistles, blend of Cabernet, Shiraz, Cab Franc and Merlot (This wine - Yuck, by the way)


Finale:
Banana Tarte Tatin with Frozen Hot Butter Rum Sauce
Wine - Scagliola Moscato d'Ast (YUMMMMMM!)


A fun experience with new friends. I really should get out more...I always DO enjoy it.