Moth to a Flame

So...have you heard? Do you know what the big buzz is about? I know I am addicted, in every way, shape and form. It started on Mother's Day and sadly ended on this last Sunday for me. I miss them, they became like a shameless, hot family to me. Christian Grey and what's her name, oh yeah-Anastasia...my husband thanks you in more ways than one. If you have not heard of "Fifty Shades of Grey" you are sleeping under a rock. My girlfriend from the lake handed it over to me on Mother's Day, she proclaimed it would change me. I rolled my eyes at her, slapped it on the shelf in the camper and forgot about it. I power washed the deck, fed children, and put them down for naps. Erik took our new boat to get serviced and ready for Memorial weekend. I snuggled in and began to read. If someone could have given me a catheter so I did not have to stop to pee I would have gladly welcomed it. Christian Grey-you had me at your contract. So I read all three books through out last week while I was travelling for work to D.C. My boss would not stop teasing me because I would literally start blushing while reading it. When I finished the last book I thought,"I am going to miss you guys."

My husband is now advocating for the book as well. In due time you will understand, in the interim I say to you,"Laters, baby"...

34

Did you know they say the best year of a woman's life is 33? For me personally it really was a great year, not sure about the best but all in all, a really a great year.

1. May-was ready to enjoy the summer with my boys, still felt really good even thought I was 7 months pregnant. Just had celebrated a year at CES. Did not have to go to D.C. because I was too pregnant.
2. June-was in single mom mode because Erik was working like crazy, in full swing at the lake. Enjoying my last month of freedom before I was dedicated to baby.
3. July-4th of July weekend at the lake, a week before Talia came. I remember standing of the beach watching the fireworks swearing at mosquitoes, and super uber crappy that weekend. I was DONE being pregnant. We also realized shortly after that Talia had flipped and become breech that weekend-good reason to be done. July 12th, Talia Claire Tortorice came, Alex became a big boy, and Anthony became the second man of the house. I took the extra day at the hospital to enjoy the calm before the storm. Loved my husband more than ever.
4. August-who would have thought this baby was going to be so EASY. She came to the lake almost every weekend and just hung out in her sling. The boys were obsessed with swimming and fresh watermelon. I began working from home part time after 4 weeks home. Erik was working 60-70 hours per week.
5. September-school starts for Anthony-2nd grade, Alex is in preschool 3 days a week. I go back to office 3 days a week. very sad to leave my baby. Grateful for a little normalcy.
6. October-Talia is still so good-I did not know they made babies like this? Is this the difference between boys and girls? The boys are both loving school. Work wants me back full time, I say no way jose. Not with 3 kids and daycare, sorry. They agree to let me work from home. All peeps in my family are grateful. Erik and I have a wonderful getaway to Minneapolis for our 10 year anniversary! No snow on Halloween-can you believe it? Anthony is a zombie, Alex is batman, Talia is a flower. Our Godchild Owen turns one and we get to enjoy the weekend with all of our friends in Minneapolis.
7. November-Thanksgiving in Baudette, man do I love it up there. So beautiful, peaceful. We still have no snow. Les buys their new place on Middle Cormorant, we are now less than a mile away from each other. If you see a golf cart on Downer Road, you best step aside.
8. December-snow, can you please come for Christmas? Just a teeny tiny dusting? Come on, really?! We celebrate with Erik's family. Odd Christmas but we are all together, I guess that is what matters right? Talia looks so cute in her first Christmas dress, the boys are excited to play outside on the grass on Christmas Day. Happy Birthday Papa Tony!
9. January-hello Heer's and water park, we have missed you both! Alex turns 4, Anthony is in tae kwon do-breaks his first board-with his kick, ouch! Happy New Year! We celebrate Stu's birthday with him at the lake.
10. February-nothing, absolutely nothing. Everyone is on vacation, I am planning ours for this year. Kind of a boring month. Oh-but we did get Howie, my dad rolled his truck-was life flighted to Grand Forks and learned a huge lesson. Talia clapped for the first time on February 25th at an impromptu party we had the last Saturday of the month.
11. March- It was an amazing month because we were able to play outside in the 70's in shorts. Erik and I biked downtown for St. Patty's Day to meet the Heer's. Also, had a great day at the parade and Rhombus Guys with our her of many small children. Great date that night. One of those, why don't we do this more often kind of nights? I started taking Zumba and working out seriously. Talia is army crawling, has 2 teeth.
12. April-Anthony's birthday, scare with Mike Nelson, party with the Nelson's-40th Anniversary. Huge Easter Egg Hunt with the kids. Talia is crawling upright, cruising furniture, and has 6-soon to be 8 teeth in May. The boys are in swimming lessons-both love it! Anthony is trying out for the Gator's swim team, Alex is almost swimming without a life jacket. Wichita for work-I really do have the best mother-in-law EVER!

Here is to another crazy, fun year! I am very grateful for all the pieces in my life and feel the most whole I have ever felt. 33 was great, here is to an even better year at 29! 

New pics

This is what most of our days look like. Playing and teaching Talia how to kiss puppies. Bedhead and all.

Anthony's new bike he got for his 8th birthday from Papa and Grandma.

Anthony doting on Talia, happens daily.

Here is my dad's 5 brothers, my 5 uncles. There are 12 in all, 6 brothers and 6 sisters. Can you tell the brothers resemble one another, what stands out the most? 

Talia was in OTMOM...which has given me bragging rights all month long. LOVED IT!

Here is my first work husband Mark, also my boss. This is from our last work trip in Kansas.

This is my second work husband Brandon, my Account Manager in Wichita. Love these two for always supporting me and completely getting I am a working mom. By the way my real life husband is my FAVORITE, please do not tell these two.

Anthony had his friend Carson spend the night for his 8th birthday. I offered a big party, he chose a little one and they included Alex all night. It was great!

Anthony opening his fishing pole from his Godfather, Uncle Brad. He could not figure out why he would give him a walking stick? It was great!

Hi big girl! She now has 8 teeth, is pulling herself up on everything, and eating mostly everything that we do.