Author: pazmeyer

not just any mom…

We had to say goodbye to YaYa today after her two week stay. We were all very sad to see her go. This trip made me so grateful for my mom and what a wonderful Grandma (YaYa) she is to my girls. It also made me realize a few more things…
Not all moms take over 100% diaper, bath, and laundry duties when they visit….my mom does. 
Not all moms wrap ALL your Christmas presents…..my mom does.
Not all moms help with meals and grocery shopping….my mom does. 
Not all moms pick you up a new blow dryer just because you mentioned briefly that yours was on the fritz…my mom does. 
Not all moms watch their Grandkids so you can celebrate your anniversary with a night out with your husband…my mom does.
Not all moms set up ALL your Christmas decorations and decorate your Christmas tree for you…my mom does. 
Not all moms watch Top Chef All Stars with you….my mom does.
Not all moms stay up until the wee hours of the morning helping you make personalized gifts so you can start up your own boutique….my mom does. 
Not all moms tell it to you like it is…..my mom does. 
For all my mom does for us, she doesn’t let us do much for her. She just travels around the country taking care of her grandkids. We are quite lucky. I think back to what snotty little teenagers we were and how mean we were to her and it gives me hope that I too can have a wonderful adult relationship with my daughters. If we can just get through teen years….

bench

YaYa is a smart, smart lady. She came up with this clever way to convert our bench into a table for the girls. Now, the girls will eat their meals no other way! Miss Gwyneth requested: “Mom, get my chair, peeeese. I eat my waffles on the bench”. Not only is the bench a perfect height for little eaters it directly faces the tv. Who wouldn’t want to watch cartoons while eating breakfast? My girls wouldn’t pass up that chance, that’s for sure!

12 years

We celebrated our 12th anniversary today in true Meyer style. We ran a million errands, grabbed a quick dinner and watched Sunday night football and then headed to a movie.

Since it was our anniversary and all, B agreed to see a “girlie” movie with me. I wanted to see “Love and Other Drugs”, but when we got to the theater they had cancelled the showing. We went to see “The Next Three Days” instead and when it was over, in a very un-B-like move, he suggested we go to the late show see “Love and Other Drugs”. What???? Where did that come from? Since my mom was watching the girls I didn’t ask any questions and quickly took him up on the offer.

Our plans were foiled again! They cancelled the late show too. And now here’s one of the reasons I love, love, love B….he asked to talk to the manager and very calmy and cooly said we want to see another movie for free and we want some free passes. And that’s exactly what we got! We saw “Due Date” which was rather terrible but entertaining since it was quite late and got 4 free passes. Some day….some day I’ll see “Love and Other Drugs”. (From the reviews its not even that good so maybe this was fate? Perhaps?). B is a good man to have around.

After searching for quite some time for a recent picture, I realize I am always the picture taker. I’m never in the pictures with my family. The last picture I have of B and me together is from the summer. Sad, sad, sad. I’m going to work on that….

turkeys

Happy Thanksgiving!
We’re so grateful for all the little turkeys in our lives (including the ones in CA we didn’t get to see today).
Sarah was in town from Iowa and we were lucky enough to have breakfast with her and her family this morning. It was wonderful to see them and enjoy some delicious Sarah-baked cinnamon rolls. Yum!
All us girlies went to see “Tangled” at the theatre. We had lots of treats and they loved the movie. Nothing, and I mean nothing, makes my girls happier than a princess and some popcorn. For that I am truly, truly thankful!
While my girls took good naps, Madison and Jocelyn set up a store in our basement. They set up shop, priced all the toys, and drove a hard bargain. Although I do think B was able to haggle a bit with them.

We had dinner at Aunt Jen’s house with my mom, Madison, and the entire Meyer gang. We had the car all packed and ready to go so after dinner and lots of play time we headed up to Breckenrige. It was late when we got there, but the girls were still up so they were able to see Poppy and Melissa before settling in for the night.
It was a very busy Thanksgiving, but reminded me of so much I have to be thankful for. Most importantly, my family!

shrek live

Annabelle and I had a special date with the Meyer cousins today to see Shrek Live. We met up with B, YaYa, Madison, and Gwyneth for lunch at the Spaghetti Factory and then joined Chriss, Paul, Nathan, Jocelyn, Jen, and Ryan for the show. Gwyneth and Reagan didn’t go this year but I’m hoping they’ll be able to sit through a show with us next year.

The show was very entertaining and Annabelle only got antsy for a little bit near the end of the 1st act. Nothing a few gummy life savers couldn’t cure.

After the show we headed back to our house with Miss Jocelyn. She spent the night with us and we had a very, very girlie night. (Poor B – so outnumbered!).

bouncy house

YaYa and Madison joined us for Family Night at Pump It Up. YaYa packed the girls a dinner since Gwyneth always seems to be hungry these days. (Her new favorite phrase is “I hungry. I hungry. You hungry? I hungry!”.)

The girls bounced like crazy — Madison and B showed off some wacky bouncing moves too. They all bounced their little brains out!

harry potter

As soon as Madison arrived she asked me to take her to see the new Harry Potter movie. My girls spent a fun night with YaYa, B went out to watch the Bronco game, and I took Madison to Cinebarre. It was packed! There were some really little kids in there — I guess all the parents were taking advantage of kids eat free Mondays. The movie was kind of creepy and Madison had to hide her eyes 3 times. Hopefully she doesn’t have nightmares from this!
I had a great time with my niece. She’s quite the little talker — I had to hush her a few times during the movie! It was nice to have the one on one time with her.

vw bus

There’s no turning back now. I’m the owner of a minivan. Oh good heavens! I never thought I’d see the day.
We shopped around a lot for this mom-mobile and I finally found one I liked. It’s a big ol’ house on wheels with tv’s, GPS, and all the other bells and whistles. Luckily it’s all tricked out so I don’t feel so sad trading in my fast, little sporty car for this bus.
Big ol’ thanks to YaYa for watching the girls so we could go test drive and buy this bad boy. We would have had to hire a sitter. How does one buy a car after having children without a YaYa in town? Do you take them on a test drive with you? Do you let them take goldfish and a sippy cup in the back seat and really test out the car? I hope I never have to find out the answers to those questions. Thanks YaYa!
Since I have such a kind husband he calls my new minivan the VW Bus. He told me it’s jus the new version of the VW bus therefore still cool. I don’t know if he’s just blowing smoke, trying to make me feel better, or just genuinely likes me but I’m gonna take it. But really? I’m a mom of two living in the burbs. Cool? That ship has sailed.  This bus is all me!
The girls love “the bus” and Annabelle informed me she “likes mommy’s new car stink”!

grandparent’s lunch

YaYa and Grandpa Bob attended their 3rd annual Grandparent’s day lunch at the girls’ school. This year B and Madison joined us, the girls were able to eat together, and we took over the entire end of a table. Annabelle and Grandpa Bob have a mutual bond over pie. Gwyneth got extra rolls from YaYa and soaked up her cranberry sauce with them. I look forward to this lunch with them all year!
After lunch the girls stay at school and get good naps while YaYa and I shop, shop, shop. Once again all my Christmas shopping is done before Thanksgiving!! (Don’t hand out the compliments too quickly – I still have plenty of stuff to make for the holidays.) I love having this time with my mom.

yaya and madison

Yaya comes out the week before Thanksgiving each year and this year was no exception. The girls were so excited to see her and of course, she came bearing gifts. This year she brought Madison with her too!
The girls received matching pj’s and looked so cute in their nightgowns. Gwyneth wore them over her clothes. In fact, Gwyneth put on every outfit that YaYa brought for her as well as all the bracelets. She sat down for dinner with 3 outfits on and an arm full of bling.