Yew Nork and a birthday

We love going to visit cousin Margot in "Yew Nork" as Emma hilariously flubs.  This time it was to celebrate Margot's 3rd birthday party.  It was a short trip, spent mostly at home, playing, laughing and jumping on beds.  My sister put on an ADORABLE cooking party - complete with custom aprons, make-your-own-pizzas, chef hat craft, decorating cupcakes and delicious food.  Everyone had a blast.  Happy Birthday sweet Margot!  I love these girls with my whole heart. 

These two played and dressed up and chased each other, and told each other secrets.  It warms my heart to see Mini-Erika and Mini-Anna reborn 30 years later.  :)

And like all loved ones, the honeymoon wears off after a few days and we have to do what we have to do to keep them from annoying each other.  :)

(two very tired littles)

favorite things friday

Changes abound us here at Two Popsicles.  I have just completed my first full week of work.  I haven't worked full-time in 4.5 years and it's been a big adjustment for all of us.  I have a great job, with a great group of people, (I have my own office!) and I have a huge support network making it all possible.  In preparation (and to quell my own anxiety), we read a lot of this book:

We're still getting used to the early mornings, and the (necessary) evening rituals, but we'll find our rhythm eventually.  Like my friend Kate said, Trader Joe is a good cook.  Healthy, quick shortcuts are our friend.  Like bags of frozen vegetables that you pop in the microwave, hearty soups and nachos (with loads of beans!) for dinner.  I'm giving myself time and grace to find out what's worth my time and what's not. 
 
 So without further ado, here are my Friday Favorites:

 1.  My little friend, who has taken our recent transitions in stride.  She continues to amaze me with her sense of humor, unbelievable observations and resiliency.  She can now, rather smugly, recite the entire Pledge of Allegiance.  My favorite part?  "I pledge allegiance....to the flag....of the United Steaks of America.".   Thank you, Emma, for letting me be your mom.  You are boss. 

childhood imagination

she will FINALLY let me do something with her hair

it was a long day.  she fell asleep on my shoulder.  i didn't want to move.  ever.  or take off our matching 'rock star' stickers, courtesy of dad.  :)

being the over-achiever that she is, laying out her clothes for one day isn't enough.  it's 3 days or bust. she even offered (rather, insisted) on laying out MY clothes too.  :)  

 
2.  FiOS Remote App for the iPhone.  This guy is great!  I can schedule recordings on my DVR from my iPhone.  This way, I'll never miss an episode of Real Housewives of Orange County Face the Nation!   :)

 
3.  My office.  They sent me flowers on my first day! 
 

4.  My camera.  Because it allows me to participate in people's lives in a way I couldn't do otherwise. Congratuations Steph and Cliff!   

 

 

 

 5.  A beautiful vintage mason jar I found at a thrift store eons ago. It now houses my emergency candy stash at work.  And looks pretty doing it.

6.  Draw something App!  It's like Words with Friends married Pictionary.  I am totally loving it!  If you play, look me up:  "Erika_Berika"

7.   My Village.  Because they are amazing.  You know who you are.

it's boots and chaps, it's cowboy hats {it's spurs and latigo}

I had visions of this post resembling one by the Pioneer Woman.  You know, with dust flying, animals in mid-air, and giant 10-gallon cowboy hats.  Alas, professional cameras were not allowed at the rodeo.  Oh yes, we went on Friday night.  PBR, baby!  We got 4 tickets to a show in Baltimore, and took cousin Tommy.   I managed to sneak a couple photos - in between sips of my Pabst Blue Ribbon.  Roger's a big fan of PBR (see a little red on his neck?) and Emma and Tommy enjoyed seeing the cowboys.  Emma told me that was the best 'movie' she had seen in a long time.  Silly girl.  :)

Yeehaw Y'all!  Happy Monday! 

She came dressed for the part.  Natch.

Fourty of the finest men in America (well, and Brazil....and Argentina, etc).

Splitting a cotton candy with Tommy

8 seconds is a loooong time when you're on an angry bull!

Is there any other choice?  :) 

it's the most, wonderfully hectic time of year

9 adults, 3 dogs and 2 kids = I didn't get a lot of pictures.  But we had a wonderful time together.  There's even a cute video at the bottom. :)


Merry Merry!!