Merry Christmas!!!!

Do you think Laura and Rob will be mad

when they see THIS?

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

Did you really think...

I'd let three months go by without a video update of my amazing little girl? Please.

Christmas is Crazy

Okay, I'm home feeling a little under the weather so I thought I'd give you guys some updates.
Anna is 9 months! I bet you thought I forgot to do my monthly picture...nope! Thanks, Nona, for the cutie Christmas outfit. Rob made McHammer jokes, but she does look cute. She's also not a huge fan of laying in her crib for me to take pictures anymore. Go figure. Sorry it's sideways. It's a cross between laziness and well, laziness.


Rob took me out for a surprise date night on Saturday. It was AWESOME. He gets major "husband points" for perfect planning. We went out to Crystal City and started with Lebanese food, then went off to an outdoor ice skating rink(!!) and then for desert we went to a french restaurant for crepes. It was so cool because everything was within walking distance. Nice job, honey! I owe you one.

And here's a picture of mommy's litte helper "wrapping presents".

Massive Fail....

Yep, that about covers it.

So apparently I've been banging my head against a wall for two weeks learning this PMP crap just to fail the stupid test this morning. The super fun news is that I get to retake it. All four hours. Yay!
I talked with my instructor who told me that based on my practice tests, I should have passed and probably only missed it by a small margin and did I do anything out of the ordinary this morning that might have 'thrown off my game'?
Hmmmm.....

- Up all night with screaming, teething baby (Rob was out of town)
- Woke up with weather-induced headache (always the worst before it rains)
- Dropped Anna off at daycare as soon as they opened at 6:30am (trying to give myself as much time to get to the test as possible.)
- Picked up cup of coffee on way to test (for the headache)
- Sat in 90 minutes of bumper to bumper traffic (For what should have been a 25 minute drive) in the rain (of course NOW it's raining) with the horrifying realization that I am not going to be on time for my 8:30 test. Also that I am going to have to pee. Like Soon.

Lots of stress, tears, a pleading phone call to the testing center and a very awkward road side "emergency stop" later I showed up with four minutes to spare. Not that I'm making excuses, but there's a chance my head just wasn't in it at that point.
Not to worry, my instructor said I just need to keep up the studying until I can retake the test (in about two weeks)...1-2 hours a night should do it.
I think I'm going to go drink my body weight in yuengling.

Yes, you're in the right place...

After three years, I've finally changed my background. It will probably look like Christmas until around 2015 but at least it's not the 'template green' anymore.
Don't say I never gave you anything.

Christmas Survey

I've emerged from my studying to take a mindless break and do a survey.

1.Wrapping paper or gift bags?
Wrapping Paper. It's Christmas, put some effort into it!


2.Real tree or Artificial?
Fake Tree!!!

3.When do you put up the tree?
Preferably before desert on Thanksgiving Day, but Rob makes me wait until the weekend. Scrooge.


4.When do you take the tree down?
New Years Day...if I'm not hungover...


5.Do you like eggnog?
Every year I buy a carton and every year I pour a carton minus two sips down the drain.


6.Favorite gift received as a child?
Barbie Dream House...the one with the elevator.


7.Hardest person to buy for?
My Dad. We've run out of Philadelphia Eagles paraphinalia...and my mom didn't think the cheerleader calendar was funny...


8.Easiest person to buy for?
Anna. Hands down. Today she played with Christmas ribbon for about 6 hours. It was like Christmas came early!


9.Do you have a nativity scene?
Not yet. I'd get one but I have no idea where we would store it during the summer... (no seriously. We have no storage. the fake tree lives at Laura's house during the year).


10.Mail or email Christmas cards?
It seems I prefer to TALK about mailing them, and then never get around to it.


11.Worst Christmas gift you ever received?
Every year I get something that makes me laugh. Last year was a hair extension you stick on a pony tail...a blonde hair extenstion.


12.Favorite Christmas Movie?
Miracle on 34th street.


13.When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Halloween-ish.


14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Why? Are you in the market for a blonde hair extension?


15.Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?
Panetone bread


16.Lights on the tree?
White lights until Anna is old enough to want colored lights. then we'll probably switch.


17.Favorite Christmas song?
Little Drummer Boy by the Vienna boy's choir. Although Rob looked up songs by the Vienna boys choir on iTunes today and downloaded some stuff. It seems they've also done some Metallica cover songs.


18.Travel at Christmas or stay home?
Stay Home. Townley Family Tradition

19.Can you name all of Santa's reindeer?
Yes. I'm amazing.

20.Angel on the tree top or a star? Star


21.Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?
One present Christmas eve and the rest in the morning.


22.Most annoying thing about this time of the year?
The pressure people feel and debt they are willing to go into to buy expensive gifts. I still truly believe it's NOT about the gifts.


23.Favorite ornament theme or color?
We don't have a theme, but we do get a personalized family ornament every year.


24.Favorite for Christmas dinner? Boston Market.


25.What do you want for Christmas?
fuzzy slippers. (some things never change)



Anna with her ribbons. If your gift from us is wrapped in paper that looks like it has suffered some type of water damage...well, let's just say that's probably accurate.

Christmas Begins!!!

My Peeps, y'all.

So, this will be the last post for this week (most likely). I'm in class all week trying to earn my PMP certification and the class is 10 hours each day followed by a few hours of homework each night. (Sounds like a blast, right?) Wish me luck!

Hopefully the following will hold you over until I resurface from the depths of all things project management.

We spent the weekend putting up our tree and making Christmas cookies.
Say what you want, but the fake tree is where it's at. And we are this cheesy pretty much all the time. Poor Anna...those teen years are going to be hell...

Rob is working on getting into the Christmas spirit after so many Christmases in Iraq, Africa, etc. I think it helps that I'm sending him to work with gingerbread cookies. Between this and the baklava I sent in last week, I imagine he's becoming rather popular in the office. I wouldn't be so cocky about my baking abilities but my special taste tester gave me rave reviews. And by that I mean she sat in her highchair and screamed in happy, eardrum-bursting pitches.

.

Overheard Today...

The recession is so bad that women are now marrying for love.

I'm way ahead of you ladies.... ;-)

LOVE YOU, HONEY!!

"For A while I thought the Care Bears were there!"

That's a quote from the old Tom Hanks movie, Money Pit. Why? Oh, because that's exactly what our house is. If you've been up on the blog for the past three years, you know we've been through our share of water heaters gone wrong, dishwasher flooding, tile and retile jobs, air conditioners flooding, and spigots bursting. (To name a few).
Why, WHY am I now sitting next to a bucket that is catching water from our (newly painted) ceiling in the middle of the living room while I wait for the EMERGENCY plumber to call back?

God has a sense of humor. And I believe there is a verse in the Bible where He says "My ways are not your ways".....Oh, YA THINK?

Anna at 8 months

4 months vs. 8 months. Shazam. She's getting soooo big!

Taking the Family Christmas Picture

Was harder than I had anticipated.

Then again, if you've seen the pictures we take every Christmas, you know that looking at the camera and smiling just isn't our style. We love the chaos. Chosen Christmas Card picture coming soon....

Okay, I thought this was hysterical.

**From a Dog's Diary****
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!****
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!***
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!****
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!****
12:00 pm - Lunch! My favorite thing!****
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!****
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!****
5:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!****
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!****
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!****
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!*
------------------------------------------------------------------------
* ****From a Cat's Daily Diary..***
Day 983 of my captivity.****
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.***
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I am fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.****

The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet.****

Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates what I am capable of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a 'good little hunter' I am. Bastards.****

There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of 'allergies.' I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage.****

Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinateOne of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking.I must try this again tomorrow -- but at the top of the stairs.****

I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released - and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded.****

The bird has got to be an informant. I observe him communicating with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now................*

Almost Forgot

So, update on that cute little puppy dog costume we got Anna. Yeah...she was NOT having it on Halloween. So on Friday morning we decided to go another route. I put legwarmers on her, a longsleeve onesie, scrunchie socks (which came off by the time we took this picture) and some star stickers and BAM! She's an 80's aerobics instructor. The daycare women thought that was hysterical. I don't think she yet understands the depths of her mom's coolness

.

CU What??

We've just returned from another road trip. (Too many more of those and I think Anna may put herself up for adoption.) We went down to Campbell University for our first EVER Homecoming Football game.

Traveling with a kid requires a LOT of planning so I took my time packing Anna's stuff so we wouldn't forget anything. We also consolidated as much as possible because with a high chair, stroller, etc., space is a hot commodity. So all our clothes went into one bag (Anyone who travels with a woman knows this is a huge accomplishment.)
We knew the trip was off to a great start when we got all the way down to NC (after hours and hours of traffic) and realized both of us thought the other one put the bag of clothes in the car. Awesome. So we took a detour to Target to buy Anna a sleeper and some clothes that she'll probably outgrow by Friday. Rob and I hit up Old Navy for pants, socks, etc. and the Campbell bookstore for sweatshirts so we pretty much looked like "that couple" who dresses alike all weekend.

The game sucked. It's the first year Campbell has a football team so we expected to lose, but the score was 21-0 in the first QUARTER. By the end of the game, the stands were all but empty and the score was an embarrassing 49-0. I can say with complete confidence that me and my friends could have done a better job. I also think Campbell owes me $30...and some gas money. No one should have to pay to see that. I don't think you should even see it for free, which is why there are no pictures of the game on here. You're welcome.

The saving grace was the 'after-party' at Jon and Katies where we all drank our sorrows away until the wee hours of the night. Okay, like 11pm. Shut up, we're parents.

That's us this morning at breakfast. Anyway, we just got home a few hours ago and we're gearing up for another insane week.

Don't forget to vote Tuesday!

Class of 1998!

Whoa. Let me back up. So this weekend was a trip back to good old Poq. for the 'famous' Seafood Festival, (okay, famous to us) and our ten year high school reunion. (Which, if you're just joining us, was painfully planned by me for the last 5 months or so).

We got down to Poquoson Friday night and Anna spent some one-on-one time with her Grandpa. They were like two peas in a pod. I think that may have had something to do with the fact that he let her crawl all over the dogs, eat cheerios, and took her outside multiple times to see the fountain. It was really fun to watch them together.

On Saturday, Laura and I decided Rob was WAY overdue for his introduction to the Poquoson Seafood Festival, so we took him and Anna out to see the "festivities". It was WAY colder than we thought, so we had to buy Anna a hat...(pictured). It's all about small town...they had Camo-green huntin' ones, and day-glo orange huntin' ones. For the rest of our time there people stopped me over and over to tell me what an adorable little boy I had. Eh, whatever. Her head was warm. (She did have on pink socks...)

Okay, so back to the reunion. Yeah, it was a raging SUCCESS! We had a great time on the Carrie B in Norfolk, VA. I couldn't believe how many people came and what an awesome event it was. (Go Me!) After three hours of cruising Norfolk, we got off the boat and hit the town bar-hopping. It was so surreal to be out with people I hadn't seen in 10 years - it was almost like no time had passed at all. And heck, after a few beers everyone is your friend anyway.

I definitely had the hottest date..."Bob" as he was affectionately known by the end of the evening was a huge hit. Anyone would have sworn he went to our high school by the end of the night.

Some of my girls from High School :-) Go Bulls!...eh, whatever Go Beer! We are now back safely (and exhausted) in Maryland so we're going get some much-needed sleep before the week starts all over....

Corn Maze Time!

So, it's Columbus Day and for some reason I had the day off... (I still don't get it).
Whatever.
Anyway, we went to the corn maze. We went last year and Rob reminded me today that this time he would not be carrying me on his shoulders when I got tired (re: lost) because he can't carry TWO Townley women.
Nice. Already traded in for the younger model.
Anyway, we had a great time- a bunch of our friends were able to come and bring some of Anna's friends. Anna got so excited she smacked one of them in the face...to which her parent's had very different reactions.


Mom = Horrified that her daughter would hit a cute little boy.


Dad = Delighted that his daughter knows boys are the enemy and plans to keep her that way until she's at least 40.

7 months....seriously?

So, Anna is 7 months old. In light of this being October, we took her picture in her halloween costume. Which she tolerated. Just barely. Yep, we're THOSE parents.

Like, Whoa.

Wow. We're all over the place. Some updates....
- We watched the VP debate last week but turned it off after about an hour. It was okay- a typical debate where people talk about everything except the topics we all tuned in to hear. I haven't really chosen a side yet, but all I remember thinking was that if we'd been playing a drinking game with the word "Maverick", I'd probably still be hungover. (And yes, I've enjoyed the SNL skits).
- In other (more important) news, Anna is crawling. Let me qualify that- ARMY crawling. She hasn't figured out yet that the legs serve a purpose OTHER than an alternate pacifier. She'll get there, though. Aside from that, she's been singing to us a lot and telling us all about her day. We're starting to enjoy sleepy Saturday mornings when we're both dead tired in bed and she's obliviously crawling all over us, smacking us in the face with her feet, drooling on the sheets I JUST changed, laughing, etc. (just for clarification: this is not an invitation. It's cute when ANNA does it, not you.) Overall though, parenthood is pretty cool. And no, she doesn't sleep in our room.
- Next weekend is my high school reunion. I've been working on this since about May and let me just say at this point, I don't care anymore. I've already 'reunited' with everyone over the phone and through email (getting payments, answering questions, etc.) so by the time we get there I'll probably be like "yeah. good for you. whatever". I figure every reunion needs "that sarcastic girl". Class of '98, I am proud to render my services.
Okay, well I could go on, but I'll save some of it for later. (Gotta keep you coming back).

One last thing: Tomorrow is our third year anniversary. Wow, time really flies huh? So please feel free to leave comments about what a lucky, lucky man Rob is to have a woman like me in his life. ;-)
Love you, Non-Goat!

E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES!

Because Eagles fans are born, not bred.... and also unsuspectingly married into a family of Eagles Fanatics and then forced (re: guided) into the light....

Kukichs everywhere are smiling

Home Improvement

So, if you've been following our blog for a while you know that Rob and I have updated pretty much every room in our house...except our bedroom. We sort of slapped a coat of paint on the walls one weekend because we were having carpet installed and didn't want to risk getting paint on new carpet.

Last month I decided enough already with the ugly bedroom, so I've redone it. It was a surprise for Rob...(this is how I disguise just basically getting to do it all my way. Genius.) Anyway, here's a little before and after. There's a lot of new stuff on the wall that isn't shown, but well, you'll just have to imagine it because it didn't occur to me to take a picture from any other angle.

This weekend

Was Awesome. We had a great family weekend complete with an impromptu visit from Anna's Grandparents! 

And, we finally got our iMovie working again- and you know what that means....More movies! I swear I have enough raw footage to enter a documentary into the Sundance Festival next year. Oh, just you wait.

6 Months Already?

I can't believe she's 6 months already. I feel like if I blink, the next thing I know we'll be sending her off to college. Here's our 6 month picture (red, white, and blue for September 11th) with one from April (1 month old) to compare... I think the bunny is shrinking.

THIS was my day...

anyone else?

Pictures

Okay so not a whole lot to say today, but I thought I'd throw some recent pictures up here so you wouldn't feel completely abandoned. (See? We DO care!)As promised, here is Anna sitting up - I know it looks like the couch is propping her up, but she's doing it on her own. SO proud!

And this is the fam. We went to the Baltimore Science Museum to see the Body Works 2 exhibit. It was pretty crazy. Anna wasn't fazed. She slept the whole time.

random updates

Okay. Our bad for disappearing for weeks. You have to know by now though, if I'm not updating, we must have a lot going on.
In baby news, Anna is sitting up on her own! (I know, yawn, but for us - this is monumental). We've had a stressful few days. Anna is definitely teething. After about 6 nights where none of us slept (On morning #6 Rob informed me we would not be having any more children) we took Anna to the doctor. She has an ear infection. I know it sounds bad, but I'm relieved! Something we can fix!! We got her on antibiotics that day and our 'old' Anna is back, smiles, sleep, and happy parents again. Whew.
Other than that, we lived through the "massive hurricane" (re: rain and slight wind) that blew through yesterday. We had some serous cabin fever though so we invited over our neighbors (AND FELLOW EAGLES FANS) and my sister for some trash talking Monopoly. It's cooler than it sounds...okay, maybe it isn't but we do have the new Monopoly with the credit card machine. That should count for something!
Yeah, other than that, not too much else. I'm using Sunday to relax before the madness begins again. We'll get better with the updates...pending ear infections.

Street Boo. Enough Said.

I took this with my phone- sorry it's a little blurry. Just couldn't help myself.
Adam and Jessica are moving today - sad times for the street... Rob is helping them move and I'm on Baby Duty with Anna and Chase. It's going to be one eventful morning!

Sweet Potato Pie!

Anna has begun the solids! We started with Sweet Potatoes.... Yummm.

You know you're married to a child when

You're watching Olympic Swimming, the announcer introduces the "Best Breast Stroker in History" and your husband starts to giggle.

Our JOURNEY to VA Beach

So it appears Rob and I are still young. Well, sort of. We took a 'middle of the week' mini-vacation down to see Journey, Heart, and Cheap Trick play at the VA ampetheater with our friends Karen and Eric. (Who brought their camera specifically to take pictures of the mullets).

It was freaking sweeeeet!

Here are some pictures...

It was also the biggest turnout any of us had ever seen at a concert. Standing room only ON THE LAWN.
In other news Anna got to spend the day with her grandparents who are already spoiling her rotten! (Yes, that's an American Girl doll!)

Just a quick update...

Anna at 5 months... we can't believe how big she is!

Anna and her buddy, Scout.

Interesting Study

Karen sent this to me via email this morning and well...it's Friday, so laugh a little.

A study conducted by UCLA's Department of Psychiatry has revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle. For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with ruggedand masculine features. However, if she is menstruating, or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with duct tape over his mouth and a spear lodged in his chest while he is on fire. No further studies are expected.

Da Da Da.....

I'm a horrible blogger these days...

So, updates. We pulled Anna out of her daycare last week... let's just say we drew a line in the sand and they crossed it...more than once. So while we're waiting for a slot to open at the new KinderCare (LOVE them!) we have a friend from our Small Group watching her along with her son. I feel SO much better about leaving her when I go to work in the mornings. (Whew). Thanks Jenn!!!!
I'm in physical therapy for my running injury that is about 3 years old. It's really helping but I swear it's like "Helga's House of Pain" in there. Hopefully I'll be up and running (no pun intended) in about two weeks. In the mean time, I'm just getting shocked all to hell with those electric pads.
Rob is finally getting the chance to sign up for school. He's in the kitchen right now pouring over books and deciding on a major. I guess my days of dating college boys isn't over just yet. :-)
That will have to hol you guys over till next week because beyond that there just isn't a whole lot more.
In the mean time, feel free to blog stalk all my friends...

Outdoor Concert

We went to the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra's last outdoor concert of their summer series yesterday. We lucked out with perfect weather, good friends, wine and cheese (and SINFUL baked brie!) and a really tolerant 4 month old who even slept through the fireworks at 10pm.

Some picures....

Pre-Baby picnic gear

Post Baby Picnic Gear... (SUV not pictured)



'Bou sleeping like a champ!