The McMahon Clan

What happens when you tell your 4 year old that he is not allowed to buy a real drum set, You come down into the kitchen and find that your little guy doesn't have to spend a $100 on drums, that he can use just about everything in the kitchen cabinets. He used the bowls, lids, wooden spoons(sorry, Daddy for breaking your spoon, I was just trying to have fun), metal pots and pans.

Just totally Priceless!(literally)

Musical Musician Connor...need I say more. He made a musicians hat and started playing(drumming) away.

Uncle Andy came for a visit a few weeks ago and Connor just loves him to pieces. He got some birthday presents, had a great dinner at outback, and just gave tons of hugs to his Uncle. It's hard to be far away from family and the one's you love, but when you are together, the times are just that much more special.

Mara just wishing the sun would come out...Tomorrow!

The sun will come out, tomorrow
Bet your bottom that tomrrow, there'll be sun
Just thinking about, tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs and the sorrow,
Til there's none.

When im stuck with the day, thats grey, and lonely,
i Just stick out my chin and grin and say,

Ohhhhhhh. The sun will come out, tomorrow
So you gotta hang on til tomorrow,
Come what may,
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I luv ya, tomorrow
You're always a day away

The sun'll come out, tomorrow,
So you gotta hang on til tomorrow,
Come what may,
Tomorrow, tomorrow, i luv ya tomorrow,
You're always a day away,
Tomorrow, tomorrow, I luv ya tomorrow,
You're always a day away.

Tomorrow, tomorrow, I luv ya tomorrow,
You're always a day-a-way!!!

-Annie lyrics

Connor's first airplane that he put together himself.

Top 3 for the week on Going Crazy...

1. Don't want to start a post off all about myself, but I just rocked out on the treadmill and did 6 miles at an 8min34sec mile pace. I can't wait for spring and to get my running outside again. I am going crazy with indoor training and my next half marathon is in just three weeks. I hope I am ready for the hills.
2. Samara and Connor in the car can drive you CRAZY. As for Mara, today we were on the way home from taking Connor to Lauren's for a playdate while I ran and Mara napped and the entire way home(2miles), she said " What Mommy" 33 times. I'm not exaggerating either. I actually sat there and counted how many times she was going to ask me over and over again after I told her that Connor was staying at Lauren's for the 10th time, I just decided that she wasn't listening, but she wouldn't let it go. We pulled in the driveway and I finally said you are going to bed now and she said, "What Mommy" again. Seriously, she must take after me. Everyone growing up always called me the WHAT,WHEN, WHY, WHO,WHERE, GIRL!
3. Connor driving us CRAZY in the car all has to do with him being scared that you are driving too fast. We could be going 20 and he is screaming for us to slow down because it is too fast. Finally I just decided to tell him that you have to drive the speed limit which sometimes feels a little fast to avoid getting hit by other fast cars. He doesn't totally understand it, but Don and I really can't concentrate with him screaming in our ears that we are going fast when actually we are just doing what we are supposed to be doing.

Of course though what would life be like "Being A Momma" if there were never times like these.
"Being A Mom is the most important job you will ever do. A day’s work in the life of a mom cannot be measured by stacks of paper, trophies won or products sold. At the end of each day, you find that there are still dirty diapers to be changed, mouths to feed and floors to clean. However, in between all these tasks that seem, at times, to be mundane, there is an incredible sense of joy that accompanies motherhood. Join with us, as we take pride and pleasure in the simple smile of a child. From entertaining, to strictly applying discipline, we would like to walk with you through this journey, in hopes of offering some ideas, tips, hope... and maybe even a giggle or two."

-enjoying the journey of Parenthood

Nothing better than a great nap after you are done talking, asking mommy to slow down, and non stop repeating What Mommy! This hasn't happened where the kids fell asleep in the car in a long time. I decided to just shut the car off, take a picture and then take a nap myself being that it might just be another year before I can do this again. They just looked so comfy and I knew if I tried to transfer them that my window of opportunity for a nap would be over. They totally drained themselves on our way home from Aunt Jess's last week after we got to meet their little baby, Brutus. He is so cuddly and cute. Connor just couldn't get enough of him. I think he just loves him so much because he doesn't bark yet!


So when you think you have had just enough of the whining, screaming, drum playing, NO Mommy's maybe you just need a little break to recoup and start all over again, so that's just what we did this past weekend at:

Cuba Libre - Atlantic City

Bringing its unique dining experience to The Quarter at Tropicana, Cuba Libre recreates an authentic Cuban restaurant experience, from the classic restoration of a 1940s Havana street scene to the antique mahogany and oak handcrafted bars. The menu uniquely combines contemporary Cuban cuisine and traditional dishes, always flavorful and savory, but not generally spicy.

We had possibly the best weekend together in the past few years and thanks to my sister for watching the kids so we could get a much needed night away. Great friends, Great Food, Great Fun! Brenda was celebrating her birthday so we went along to celebrate with her. It was the greatest night sleep I have had in a very long time. No one forcing me out of my bed and onto the couch, no one waking me up at 6:15am saying, " Mommy it is light out, time to get up"(that would be Connor). The best thing is that since we got home on Sunday, Connor has been sleeping the past two nights in his own bed and not coming into our bed into the wee morning hours when I am already deep in sleep and don't even know he is there. Don and I just got a little taste of what our time away in Bermuda will be like. It was only Atlantic City and a 45 minute drive away, but our own room, a kingsize bed, a view of the ocean and total peace and quiet isn't a bad taste of what a few months ahead holds for us. So, thanks baby for a great night away and so much fun. I love you.

As much fun as it is to get away there will never be anything better than seeing my children's smiles, faces light up when they see you in the morning or when you walk in the door from work, accomplishments that they have made or just the everyday way they show you how much you are needed. I love you two so very much and am so blessed that I am living the miracle of having two beautiful children to make my life complete.