I don't even know what to call this post, so it will have to remain titleless.

Yes, it's been a long time! If rumors in the blogging world are as potent as rumors in my hometown then I'm sure you all think I'm six feet under. I've debated A LOT about blogging regarding my absence and the final conclusion I've come to is this: my blog has become a journal for me in the past few years. It is an outlet, a place where I can vent, express creativity, get feedback...it's not just a journal, but a journey. So, here goes.

On March 3rd I had my tonsils taken out. After three episodes of strep throat this year I'd had it! I figured it was time. The kids were going to be with their Dad in Florida for Spring Break and I had someone to stay with me to take care of me so the timing seemed right.

My surgery went without complication. In fact, on Friday I went to High Point to buy a dining room table! Thank you Hydrocodone for making me think the amount I spent was A DEAL. Hah. Whatever, I love the table and wouldn't do it differently.

By Saturday I was really starting to have a lot of pain and had pretty much stopped eating. By Sunday, I had stopped drinking, too. My only intake was the liquid Hydrocodone that I had been prescribed for pain and Ambien to help sleep. By Monday, I was taking Extra Strength Tylenol and Motrin ON TOP of my Hydrocodone which also had Tylenol in it. With no other food or drink. Can you say stupid? Leave it to a nurse to think all that "Tylenol toxicity" stuff wasn't for real.

Thankfully, my friend who was staying with me noted my irrational behavior and took me to the ER. Long story short: my liver enzymes were found to be off the charts...WAY off the charts. My kidneys were failing as well. I was answering questions appropriately but my behavior was far from normal (drawing circles on my admission forms instead of filling them out properly). I was flown from my local hospital to the University of Virginia Hospital. My husband (from whom I'm separated but thank goodness have a good relationship) was still my medical power of attorney. He graciously allowed the good doctors at UVA to intubate me (note the sarcasm there?) and put me on a ventilator. I remained that way for two days, while it was debated whether or not a hole should be drilled in my head to relieve pressure on my brain and how soon I should receive a liver transplant. No joke.
On Thursday, I woke up. Not happy. At all. My whole family was there. Everyone seemed really serious. I had some idea of what had happened, but really no idea at all.

My first concern was my kids. What would they think? What would happen to them? Where were they? My family quickly assured me that they were fine and on the way back from Disney with their Dad. I did not want them to see me in the hospital. Their Dad, again very graciously, drove the two hours to see me and brought my "friend" with him. I had been removed from the ventilator but my troubles were far from over. I was carrying roughly 50 lbs. of fluid weight and faced dialysis and the continued concern over my liver and kidneys.

A dialysis catheter was placed and I received my first round of dialysis on Friday. I was transferred out of the ICU. I spent the next week and a half in the hospital receiving dialysis and recovering. I was discharged a month ago and have SLOWLY recovered at home. No more dialysis, liver is fine, kidneys are fine, I am SO LUCKY. Can't take Tylenol if I have a headache, but SO LUCKY!!! My stepmom stayed with me for two weeks. I seriously could not have made it without Mimi! My house has never been so clean. My friends have been sending meal after meal and have been so generous.

Needless to say, having all that time to lie in a hospital bed gives you lots of time to ponder your life, your priorities, what's real and what's not...

I'm so appreciative...so much MORE appreciative, that is, of my family and all that they mean to me and do for me. I'm not in a HURRY to move on with my life after divorce, but I'm certainly sure of the choices I've made and look forward to the future. It's hard to cherish everyday when you're exhausted and not completely recovered, but I'm trying. I still don't think I have a full realization of what happened. My friend is more a part of my life than ever and is truly my angel. Were it not for him I would surely be dead. Thank goodness he had the good sense to take me to the hospital, despite my apparent demands that he not (I don't remember anything after Sunday, so I can't argue with what I've been told!).

My kids are doing GREAT. They were so spoiled the entire time..they're none the wiser! My new home is framed, roof is in place, and we're moving on! More on that later.

Another thing I became very clear about while hospitalized was what I really want to do in the future. I've renewed my nursing license, but that's not at all what I want to do for life. Sooooo...in the next day or so I'll be unveiling my newest venture. Stay tuned!

Design Help!

I need your help! Picking light fixtures for my new home has been a challenge. I love SO many different things. The lighting allowance provided by the builder is a joke so I've just decided to pick what I like and not stress about the pricing too much. I think lighting adds such character to a home and since this will be a brand new build I'm hoping to have as much character as possible.

So, my first issue has been BabyGirl's room. Here is a photo of her current room. Her room in the new house will be very similar, but will only have one window (yes, one of those valances will be for sale soon!).




The fabric is so perfect for her: a kind of oriental flair with lots of animals but still very feminine. It's primary colors are pink, green and khaki. Since it does have that oriental flair and I wanted something a little funky that would grow with her, I picked this chandelier from Shades of Light. I'm thinking of either no shades or some light pink shades.



Of course, BabyGirl has other ideas. She prefers these options from Posh Tots and Pottery Barn Teen.




Now, to add more confusion, the green bamboo chandelier would look great in my guest room as well...




I just don't know what to do. Therefore...I'm asking your advice! Please see the poll above and cast your vote!

Remember these little cuties?

Several posts back I posted some photos I took of a friend's twins. They are so adorable! I was lucky enough to get to shoot them again this weekend. It was a short session but we got some great shots! It's hard to believe how quickly they've grown...







Now, for all you camera gurus out there I have a question: I recently purchased the D90 and have been using it with my Sigma 50mm 1/1.4 lens. I have LOVED this lens in the past but I'm not having as much luck with the D90. I feel like my photos should be more crisp, more clear, and require less editing. Of course, this from the girl who bought a book explaining the camera and hasn't read it. Any thoughts?

Long time, no talk!

I'll be posting soon about all the fun things I've picked out for the new house! BTW...I decided to go for the lot at the top of the hill. It's on a culdesac as as well and the cost difference wasn't enough to justify not having that view!

For now, head over and check out Preppy Napkin's new look! She's also got a great giveaway going on that you don't want to miss. A preppy pink and green handpainted cocktail napkin holder.





Leave a comment, become a follower and she will enter your name in the drawing.
If you post this giveaway on your blog, she'll enter your name twice.


Good Luck!


expires Saturday the 20th

And on a lighter note...

You simply MUST SEE...

The Young Victoria.

SUCH a great movie. Emily Blunt is AMAZING. I hated her in The Devil Wears Prada but I so loved her in this film. What I also loved about this film was that it was an incredibly informative historical movie (now I know where "Victoria and Albert's" comes from at Disneyworld LOL) but it wasn't dull and long like most historical movies.

The love story was perfectly played out. Couldn't recommend it more...

Authenticity

As part of my New Year's resolution (and I'm sure a gazillion other people's resolutions) I committed to working out more this year. Not necessarily for weight loss (although losing that extra 20 lbs. wouldn't hurt), but for health and peace of mind. I say PEACE because I could use a little!

As I walked on the treadmill yesterday I saw that Rosie O'Donnell was on Oprah. I'm really not a Rosie fan. I mean, REALLY not a Rosie fan. I hate her political views and I find her abrasive and annoying. For some reason, however, I felt the need to listen. As I listened, I felt so incredibly enlightened. She talked about her kids, her value of family, and her constant CRAVING to live an authentic life. I've heard Oprah talk about living an authentic life for years now. I kind of brushed it off as bunk and moved on. Whatever. Authentic? How can you get more authentic than the everyday chaos of babies, diapers, carpool, dinner, sleepless nights, potty training, etc?

The past few months, however, have made me re-evaluate my version of an authentic life. I've had to be honest with myself. I mean...REALLY honest. Hearing Rosie say that it was so telling to her to know that her kids knew she was happy once she was living a truly authentic life almost made me fall off the treadmill. IT IS MY LIFE RIGHT NOW. My kids have even made a point of telling me that throughout this separation and divorce they can tell that I'm happier, and in their own words, living a more authentic life. The things that I valued before aren't so important anymore. I'm vividly aware of the fact that a: I married too young and b: I married a man who I thought I could change (and Dad PLEASE don't perseverate on this) and was too old for me. We had more of a parent-child relationship than a husband-wife relationship. That is not to say that he did't teach me A LOT. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to make me happy.

I have to give tons of credit to my soon to be ex-husband because he really has handled this situation with as much class and grace as possible. We certainly have our moments, but I'm SO happy and relieved to know that in the end, we will always be friends and we both have our children's interests at heart. We were and always will be a family, traditional or not. We still have dinner together once a week...he's started calling me with dating questions (awkward!), and I do value his opinion on certain issues, as he does mine.

I guess my point is that the big D word isn't always the kiss of death. Yes, I'm happy. I've moved on. Has he? Will he ever really? I doubt it. But that's just who he is and I have to accept that.

In my twenties I always thought that 35 was REALLY old. Now, I can't wait to turn 40! My 30's (and I'm just barely 34) have been such a learning experience. I'm ready for the real fun and the true AUTHENTICITY.

Text me...

A friend of mine asked her three kids what their New Year's Resolutions would be this year. Her 14 year old daughter said "to text more", which I thought was hilarious.
Hilarious, that is, until I got my latest Verizon bill. With $50 dollars worth up up charges for texting. It's funny...I thought that the premium texting charge meant you could text your little heart out and not get charged extra. Silly me. 776texts later, and I'll be storming the Verizon store this morning to change my account! A special thanks to all my friends with i phones.

Of course, being 33 and texting makes me feel very cool for some reason. Young and hip and all that...
Alas, I am young and hip no longer. Yesterday I traded my Volvo station wagon in for a Toyota Sienna minivan. I was leaning toward a Suburban. I just really wanted more space for the kids to spread out and quit touching each other in the car! Well, my friend insisted that I atleast test drive the Sienna Limited that had been sitting at our local dealer for a while. It's got all the bells and whistles...more than I need really. I have to say, after one afternoon I was pretty convinced. By the end of a very SILENT carpool with three five year olds watching the DVD player and not pissing and moaning all the way home I was officially hooked. I am loving that car! Yet another thing I said I would never do and here I am...pimpin around town in the mini. Gotta love it.

Have a great weekend!

XOXO Sippycups

Here's What's Been Going On...

Wow! What a whirlwind December! We had a great holiday (our first with two separate houses for the kids, which turned out surprisingly well). The kids left on Christmas day with Dr. Daddy and my brother to ski in Colorado. Apparently, they're naturals. Well, duh!
My family was here to visit, as was a special friend. We spent a week of pure bliss (although I'm sure many of my friends are wondering if I'm still alive). I managed to make the final decision to build rather than buy a home, and I've been working on growing my photography hobby/business and reinstating my nursing license. So...not busy AT ALL. He He.

A few of my faves from a recent twin shoot...







The home I've decided to build is in a neighborhood that has primarily crafstman style homes which is not a style I EVER thought I would embrace but I've fallen in love with. These are some initial concepts I have but I would LOVE to see any photos you have to offer!






My biggest issue now is whether to build on the more expensive lot at the top of the hill but sacrifice some of the details I LOVE, or to build down below at the bottom of the subdivision on a culdesac with less view but more special touches and upgrades. Thoughts, ideas?

Thanks again for all your kind words of support with the ongoing separation and divorce. It's going surprisingly well...I've insisted we have a meal once a week as a family and I think we're all settling in to the idea of the end of the marriage. It's like surviving when someone else has died...but I KNOW in the end that this is for the best and that my children will be happier in the end. Trying to do it right? That's a whole other story!

To add to my family's stress...my oldest little brother deployed to Iraq this month. He left behind his newly pregnant newlywed and a really WORRIED family! Please pray for him. You can track his progress at his wife's blog...The Sand is Different Here.

I look forward to hearing from all of you soon!

Mantle Madness

Loyal reader Sharon made my day by emailing and requesting holiday mantle ideas. Ah, so MANY ideas. She's hosting a dinner party this weekend and wants something woodsy and natural looking. So let's get started!

First, I love to start with a little (lot) of fresh greenery. The price is right (FREE if you can get it from your yard!) and I love the smell and natural element it adds. I also like to add a little eucalyptus berry from the market. And, you KNOW I'd be throwing in a few feathers here and there...




Next, why not add a little Baby Jesus? He is, after all, the reason for the season. And as Babygirl loves to point out..."he gets a birthday AGAIN this year?!". Funny girl. I LOVE this nativity set from Wisteria.



So, we've got our greenery, we've got Baby Jesus, now we need some stockings.
Ballard Designs never lets me down in the stocking department. I've had their polka dot stockings with leopard trim for years. This year, I especially love these adorable neutral stockings with a vintage look. Very chic and understated. Don't forget to "stuff" your stockings with some plastic grocery bags to give them a little body. I also like to have a little greenery hanging out the tops of the stockings to give them more life.



Now that we've addressed our staple items, it's time to have fun! Add some gorgeous candles such as these from Pottery Barn.



I also LOVE these crowns from Wisteria.


They would be adorable worked in amongst your greenery or even bunched on the ground in front of your fireplace. Have fun and be creative! And, don't forget the fire in the fireplace!



If you aren't loving the mess of a fire but still love the flames and the smell...add some lit candles to the fireplace and mix in one of the Slatkin & Co. "Winter" candles from Bath and Body Works. It is practically an exact replica of the old winter candles sold by Slatkin & Co. at Neiman Marcus for three times the price. You will not believe how wonderful your house smells!

Ghetto Thanksgiving

A few shots from today...and a funny story!






We were bored this afternoon. Seriously...who doesn't eat turkey until after 6pm? We aren't the Vanderbilt's for goodness sake!

So, we had an impromptu photo shoot. The above photos were the result.

Babygirl and I were discussing our upcoming trip to NYC to see the Rockettes, visit the American girl store for tea, carriage ride in central park, lunch at the top of Bergdorf's, etc. Babyboy was a bit put out that he was not invited. I said it was a girls' trip and he responded "well then why does Uncle Aaron get to go?"

Babygirl responded "because Uncle Aaron is ghetto?" like it was the most obvious thing in the world. Then I had to interject and say "ummm, you mean Uncle Aaron is GAY?" Yeah, she says, Uncle Aaron is gay with his friend Eric. "No", I respond, "Uncle Aaron is ghetto with his friend Eric. He's GAY with his friend Tobin"...

At which time I realize that my kids will either be the most culturally accepting and advanced kids on the block...or they'll be the most messed up confused kids around! Either way...I'm up for it!

What are you thankful for today?

XOXO Sippycups

New Beginnings!

Sorry for the tardy post. I've been busy with the Junior League bazaar fundraiser, kids school parties, moving, etc. I've also been trying to transition one of my passions into a growing "career". I've always loved photography and have taken photos of friends' kids forever. This year, I've been taking "sessions" and have sent all of my clients to Tiny Prints' website to view Tiny Prints 2009 Holiday Cards. They are awesome!

Here is what I chose for my card...


I love that it's neutral, classic and highlights the photo rather than a flashy card. That's what they're so great about ...they produce great cards that will enhance your photos.

Some other great samples...




Have you started your cards yet? If not, get to Tiny Prints now! They have GREAT deals and as an amateur photographer I can say that their reprints are very high quality and you won't be disappointed!

Happy shopping!

This one is for THE MAID

Lest I become irrelevant for lack of posting...Pete called...he said he wanted some schnookie...with a side of spratt.
XOXO Sippycups

All I Can Say Is...

WOW. Thank you so much for all your kind thoughts and comments. I honestly had no idea when I wrote my previous post what kind of can of worms I was opening. I thought surely I would have some negative comments, and steeled myself as best I could.
I have been so amazed by all your positive thoughts, comments, advice and inspiration. I have had NOT ONE negative comment.
Thank you all so much.
This process is incredibly painful and exhausting and yet a massive relief at the same time. It's so hard to know how you're "supposed" to feel. I'm taking it one day at a time and again, I appreciate all your support.
Cheers!

What Adorable Kids Those Are!

Oh, wait...they're my kids! How excited are we to be featured on Whitney English's Website? Too cute. Check out all of her photo and digital photo cards...I definitely know where I'll be getting MY cards this year!

OMG!

Chris O'Donnell is on NCIS Los Angeles. Obviously, my new favorite show. LOVE HIM.

The Bathroom is Finally Complete!

As I may have mentioned (a thousand times before) we've spend the summer renovating BabyBoy's Bathroom. I had very specific ideas about what I wanted. Here was the before:





I really wanted to create a bathroom that would still look "old" but have all the updated features we needed. We replaced tile, tub, fixtures, cabinet, vanity and sink, lighting and window treatment.

The during...






AND...drumroll please...the final outcome!













The details:

I ordered all the tile on ebay. Got a great price...some pieces were broken or cracked but overall I was able to get the molding pieces for top and bottom and wouldn't have if I hadn't purchased via ebay.

The cabinet is from Restoration Hardware. I changed the hardware from brushed nickel to the shiny silver to match the rest of the room.

The sink faucet was purchased from Tuesday Morning.

Mirrored cabinet from Restoration Hardware.

Sconces from Pottery Barn.

Window treatment made by yours truly.

Shower faucet, Toto toilet and tub purchased at a local plumbing store.

Shower curtain and rings from Restoration Hardware.

Brown towels and all other accesories from Target.

Photo taken at the beach this summer and placed in a frame from Pier One.

Overall...I'm very happy with the outcome. It's still a tight space but so much more usable now. Plus, no more leaky faucets!

Total renovation cost: approx. $11,000. This includes all tear out, installation, and fixtures including tile, cabinets, etc.