a bit of a Gripe from me!

Ok I don't complain a lot on my blog... but this is one thing that bugged me. Any other Tropicana drinkers out there? What do you think of the new packaging? Me... I hate it! I hate the fact that I now have to actually look at, no study, the package to find the type I want. We buy 2 cartons of Tropicana Pure Premium Heart Healthy Omega3 orange juice each week. The old carton the whole top of the carton was colored to show the type of juice. The new carton has a small stripe at the top of the carton shows the type. Yeah ... who has time to study the carton??

I contacted Tropicana to voice my opinion about this:
I am writing to let you know that I do not like the new packaging for your Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice! We love your product and buy 2 containers of Heart Healthy Omega 3 juice every week. I used to be able to walk to the refrigerator case and look quickly and find the right kind. Now the difference between the different types are so subtle I have to actually study the carton. I'm a busy mother with 2 small children, I like to get in and get what I need when I'm shopping I don't want to have to study the orange juice cartons to find the type that we prefer to buy. I hope you reconsider the use of this new carton.

This is the reply I got:
Lori:

Thank you for contacting us about the new Tropicana Pure Premium label design. The new design was created with our consumers in mind so receiving your feedback is very much appreciated. In addition, we've shared your comments with our marketing team for review.

The reason we changed the design was because we wanted to capture the spirit of the morning by depicting the actual juice verses the fruit. We wanted to focus on the juice itself and bring it to life on the package.

Since you're a Tropicana fan, we've mailed you a coupon to enjoy a carton with our compliments and to show our appreciation. Your coupon should arrive in about a week.

Thank you for your feedback, Lori, and for selecting Tropicana. We hope you'll continue to select and enjoy our juice for many more years to come.

Happy New Year!

Margie
Tropicana Consumer Relations
Ref# 026703481A

So I say if you are also a Tropicana fan, and think this new packaging is not up to par... write to Tropicana and let them know!! (you can see the new and old packaging on their site too)

Friday Videos on Wednesday... lol

I wanted to share these videos but Friday is my blogoversary and the say I'm finishing up my give-away soooo here are my Friday videos today!

Prayers for MckMomma!

MckMomma's youngest son MckMuffin is hospitalized with RSV and could use a few extra prayers for strength... please stop by her blog my charming kids and show that little guy some extra love!

give-away

I posted about my first give-away yesterday. I hope you check it out and decide to play along. Remember you don't have to answer all the questions. It is the person who gets the most right who will win... I don't expect everyone to get them all correct (I don't want to have to make blog toppers for everyone!). Just answer the questions you know the answers to and see how you do. I will work with the winner on making a topper that matches the needs of your own blog. I put up a poll about my give-away too. Check it out!

Thanks for playing along

Here it is....

My first give-away!

As promised, it is something you've seen on my blog before.... I am going to make the winner a blog topper and siggy (other blog pieces can be decided upon after the winner is announced). The second place person I'll make a siggy!

So, how do you win? Let see who has been paying attention to what I have to say. The person who can answer the most questions right wins! I am going to set my blog so I will moderate the comments before they are posted and I will approve them all January 2nd. At that time, I will let you know who has won each of the prizes!

1. What is my first name? (hey look everyone can get at least that one right!)

2. What is my husband's name? (bonus if you know when his birthday is)

3. What is my dogs name? (bonus points if you know what kind of dog she is)

4. What is Blake's middle name?

5. What is Colby's middle name?

6. What was one of the other names I was considering when pregnant with Colby? (1 pt for each name you can remember)

7. When is my birthday?

8. Where did I live before I moved to FL? (bonus points if you know what other state I lived in too)

9. How did Richard and I meet?

10. How long have we been married? (bonus point if you know what month too)

11. What is my favorite flower?

12. When is Blake's birthday?

13. When is Colby's birthday?

14. Name something that happened on Richard's birthday (beside it being his birthday) (1 point for each thing you can name)

15. What college do Richard and I have football season tickets to (hint it was the theme for Blake's birthday party)?

16. What day of the week do I post videos?

17. What day of the week do I post scrapbook pages?

18. How close in age are my boys?

19. What is something I like to do when I'm not using the computer?

20. Why did I start blogging?

bonus questions...
What is your favorite part of my blog?

What would you like to see in the new year on my blog?

stay tuned...

for my 515th post andddd the big give-away! (ok it's not that big, but it is my first so that counts for something) It is set to post at 12:01 am.... and will end on Jan 2nd my blogoversary. Be sure to check in and see if you want to play along

(also make sure you check out the new poll and the new question on the chat wall)

Sunday Scrapbook page

random weekend thoughs

1. The holidays are over, but the mess is still here... where is the clean up elf?

2. Holiday baking + holiday stress = holiday pounds... Oh I hope NOT

3. Seeing my boys enjoy the magic of Christmas makes it magical for me

4. Having the boys both sleep through the night on the night that Richard offers to get up is great..., but so not fair!

5. Spending Christmas in your shorts because it's in the 80s still is strange to me

6. I couldn't sleep the other night so I did my blog over... well one less thing to do before the new year!

7. Creme de menthe pie, apple pie, snickerdoodles, brownie bottom 7 layer bars, and lots of chocolate in the house... hmmm what shall I have next?

8. Having the potatoes not cook completely with the roast beef made me feel like I couldn't pull off dinner... grrrr!!!

9. Getting some of the stuff put away while the boys were entertained by their grandparents was a nice treat

10. Less than a week until my blogoversary... and my first give-away is set to post on the 29th... make sure you check in!!

Friday Video

These are clickable thumbnails... click on to see the videos... the 2nd one with Blake is TOO FUNNY!

Merry Christmas!

my holiday song

All I want for Christmas is a good night sleep
A good night sleep
Yes good night sleep
Gee if I could only get a good night sleep
Then I could have a merry Christmas


Both my boys are fighting head colds. I've been up with Colby every night for a while now. Last night I ended up sleeping on the couch with Colby on my chest because after an hour of playing the pacifier game, giving him water and finally a 6oz bottle he just couldn't settle down. So for the most part I've been awake since 3:27am. I dozed a bit with him when he fell asleep at 4:30, but didn't sleep.

Oh well... I just want them both to feel better! That is what I really want for Christmas

track Santa around the world

http://www.noradsanta.org/en/home.html

there are some games that the kids can play too as you explore the north pole

Christmas with my family

We celebrated Christmas with my family on Sunday...

Christmas in Florida (part 6)

Yes... this is my house

first book

As we go out and shop for our little ones and the rest of our loved ones this holiday season, we need to be aware of those with less. Here's an easy thing to do to help get books into the hands of children... just click!
http://www.noggin.com/read/

(I'm going to post this once a week for the month of December, just as a reminder to click and click again!)

minty recipes!

Ok I'm a slacker... I didn't post about the brownies... SORRY! And then on top of that the pic I have is well... certainly not my best, but it gives you the idea... right?



I made a 9x13 pan of brownies (family size box) as directed. then cut the pan into quarters. I put 1 quarter on a plate and frosted it (vanilla frosting that I mixed in pure peppermint extract and green food coloring) then sprinkled it with crushed candy canes. Add another quarter of the brownies, frost and candy cane again.

You can make it by cutting it in half, but quarters is easier to get out of the pan. if you want to do it in a long log shape then I suggest putting parchment paper down on the pan before baking to make it easier to get it out of the pan

************************************************************************************

Since I know someone will ask for it... here's the recipe for Creme de Menthe pie (aka grasshopper pie)

Grasshopper Pie

40 Marshmallows melted in 1 Cup milk. Stir until marshmallows are melted. Cool Whip 1 pint of "all purpose" cream then put 5 Tablespoons of creme de menthe in marshmallow stir. Then fold this into the whipped cream. Pour into pie crust.


Pie Crust

24 Oreo cookies roll and put into buttered pie plate and press down.

refrigerate the pie until it's "set"

Not Me Monday (week 12)

How appropriate that the 12th week of Not Me Monday is the week of Christmas!



Yes... sadly it is that time again for Not Me Monday. You don't know what Not Me Monday is?? Where have you been?? Just Kidding! Not Me Monday is a creation of MckMomma from my charming kids. It is that time of the week where you look back and shake your head. It's the time to relive and laugh all those moments of the past week that you can't believe happened, or wish never happened or those moments that just deserve a good laugh.

Write your own NOT Me Monday list, then head over to my charming kids to see what other people did NOT do this week!

1. I did Not have my whole slice and half of Richard's slice of creme de menthe pie last night... nope I wouldn't eat that much of a pie I've craved for over 3 years now!

2. I did not shake my head when I saw a mother, with her elementary aged children, wearing a shirt that said "school makes me throw up a little bit" and think... and you picked your children up from school wearing that??

3. I did not, in less than 2 minutes after the above observation, see a mother driving with her toddler STANDING in the front seat of the car. And I did not wish I saw a police officer nearby to complain to... come on... how many rules are you going to break??

4. I did not make Richard stop and buy another humidifier last night when we were driving home from Christmas with my family.... no I wouldn't have two children both with head colds and be out way past their bedtimes and then stop to get something at the store

5. Richard and I did not have to open the gifts for both boys because Blake would never refuse to open gifts... no I don't have a 2 year old who does NOT like to open gifts... and he would never get upset with any toy that makes noise

6. I did not forget to post how I made the double layer mint brownies last week after multiple people asked me how I made it... nope I'm not that absent minded... espeically since I took a pic of them to show when I posted the directions... and I don't plan on posting them later today (if I remember)

7. I do not have a toddler in tears because he isn't feeling well and is just miserable today. He would not be mad at me because he wants to use the main computer and I don't want to go put it on andddd Colby's awake and that is something we do when Colby is napping

8. I did not finally manage to cut wayyyy back on the tv that the boys watch and decide to limit it to an hour right after naps and a half hour before dinner, other than days like today when we can't get outside and they need chill out and do nothing moments.... nope I wouldn't leave myself that out!

9. I did not decide that we would open the gifts that got mailed to the boys this week instead of holding them for Christmas day because that would be silly... nope I'm not trying to spread out all the gift opening.

10. I would not plan out all the things I need to make for Christmas and spread them out over the next few days

11. I would not be looking forward to seeing what if any gifts Blake likes from Santa... at least Santa doesn't wrap so we don't have to open those gifts for him too

12. I did not write 12 things just because it's the 12th not me for me in the 12th month and the week of Christmas... nope never!

Sunday Scrapbook pages

random weekend thoughs (the Christmas version)

1. I can't believe that Christmas is less than a week away!

2. I'm so glad to not be traveling for Christmas

3. Going for a walk and seeing the houses lit for Christmas is fun... but seeing how many houses aren't decorated and knowing that a lot of them are that way because they are in foreclosure is sad

4. Mommy is making a list and checking it twice... a list of things to do before the Christmas chaos begins

5. Getting most of the shopping done in a few days was good, but it also makes me feel even more like I don't have everything done

6. Knowing that Christmas will be even more exciting next year makes this year exciting too

7. Reading Christmas stories with Blake is even more enjoyable than reading them with my classes in the past

8. Christmas music 24/7 on two radio stations makes it easy to get into the mood

9. Knowing that we will probably be able to wear our shorts and t-shirts for Christmas seems strange... right now the forecast is for low 80s on Christmas day... yes I'll keep you updated on that as we get closer ... cause I know you need do know this!

So what are your random thoughts about Christmas??

Christmas in Florida (part 5)

Sooo can you tell what it is??

Cool Santa thing!

Do you have a little one who believes? You so need to check this out... fill out a few questions, upload a pic of your little one and Santa will talk directly to your child!

http://portablenorthpole.sympatico.msn.ca/home

Q & A poll

Online Surveys & Market Research

Friday Video

And the answer is....

Thank you to all the people who wrote questions. I tried to honestly answer all of them (yes a few I used copy and paste to answer, but hey it works!). If you didn't ask a question and wanted to, I'll do it again at some point... or just type me a question on the blog wall. I added links to the blogs of the questioners... feel free to visit their blogs too!!

Pam @ Random Thoughts:
What do you like most about Richard? Blake? Colby? (I know Colby is hard right now since he is so small, but I didn't want to leave him out) Hmmm.... this is hard! Richard, I'd have to say his sense of humor and his love for our sons. Blake, his love for life and his affection for all things. Colby, his laugh and smile

If you could live anywhere, where would you want to live? If you'd asked me this question 9+ years ago I would have said Florida... I think I'd like to live closer to the coast, but not in FL who would ever want to live on the FL coast in hurricane season??

Do you think you will go back to teaching when the boys are older? Good question... and one I don't really know the answer to. The agreement is I will go back to work when Colby goes to kindergarten.... what I will do at that point is up in the air. I know I will stick with the field of education, but in many ways I don't see myself going back to teach kindergarten. I think if I go back into the classroom I want to teach pre-K. But, I have also considered becoming a college professor or going into a hospital as an educational liaison or something on that nature... we will see

In your opinion, what is the hardest part of being a mom? lack of sleep? Ok that is up there if it isn't the top. I would have to say uncertainty, just knowing that you never know what is going to happen and when makes life hard... yes I know there is that in all aspects of life, but when you have to be ready to help these little people who depend on you for everything and you don't know what is coming next... it's hard!

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? (just a for fun one to throw in there!) hmmm... the abiltity to make time stand still so I can get things done without trying to juggle the house and the boys all at the same time?? that or the ability to be in two places at the same time

Elyse @ Following Him:
What is your favorite family tradition? Well since it's the Christmas season the one that comes to mind is the giving of an ornament each year. I love looking at the ornaments my family gave me over the years and now I'm doing the samething with my sons

What would you tell a new mom about motherhood? No, this is not me, just curious!! Motherhood is the most challenging and rewarding career you will take on in your life... yes it is a career weather you are a stay-at-home mom or a working mom motherhood is a career. It's a 24/7 365 day thing. There is nothing more rewarding than watching your little ones master the skills they need for life, getting sloppy kisses, and huge hugs. There is nothing more challenging than trying to teach life skills, raising a person and knowing it is your responsibility to help them develop and grow in order to become functioning memebers of society

Will you ever go back to teaching? Good question... and one I don't really know the answer to. The agreement is I will go back to work when Colby goes to kindergarten.... what I will do at that point is up in the air. I know I will stick with the field of education, but in many ways I don't see myself going back to teach kindergarten. I think if I go back into the classroom I want to teach pre-K. But, I have also considered becoming a college professor or going into a hospital as an educational liaison or something on that nature... we will see (yes this is a copy for my reply to Pam's question)

Do you think you will have anymore kiddos? Nope! Richard and I decided on 2 even before we were married. This is for a number or reasons... 1) we didn't want to be out numbered 2) I'm no spring chicken and don't want to be having kids much older than I had Colby 3) pregnancy took a toll on me... I don't think I could handle it again, never mind having a 3rd c-section

Every Day Mom Designs:
What has been your worst moment as a mommy? I think anytime I begin to lose my cool is my worst moment... it doesn't happen often but being sleep deprived and dealing with a two year old don't always mix!

When have you been the proudest as a mommy? I'm proudest when I see my sons love each other and other people who are in our lives

How many kids do you want? 2... we are done!

How did you come up with your kid's names? That was a tough process and those who have been following my blog for a while know it since I complained about it a lot before Colby was born. Having been a teacher names are even more important to me, and yet soooo much harder. I wanted names that you may have heard of before, but are not super popular. Ones that do not have a nickname. Ones that are simple to pronounce and spell. And still good strong male names. Blake's name we found in a baby book, and it was one of the few we agreed upon... Richard decided it was the name he liked best and when he was born I totally agreed. Colby's name came from Colby Donaldson sort of... I was originally going to spell it Kolby, but we have to spell our last name for everyone so I figured I'd go with the more traditional spelling.

Imagine if 10 years ago, you were asked where you would like to be in 10 years... Is that answer anywhere close to where you are now? Hmmm... where I'd like to be close, but where I expected to be... no way! Ten years ago I would never have expected to be married never mind married with two kids. I probably would have said in my own house and teaching, possibly gone back to school to get my PhD. (I pretty much had given up on getting married a long time before I met Richard... shows that when you aren't looking is when the right person comes along)

Andrea @ The Laughs Will Go On
Why did you start blogging? Richard set my blog up for me. He had been telling me for a few months that I should do it, but I thought he was crazy. He said that people may like to read how I utlize my training as a teacher to raise our sons... that is also how the name came to be. I know that if he hadn't suggested it, and set it up I wouldn't be blogging today

Is blogging your favorite hobby? (haha! I know it's mine!) It's the one I spend the most time on right now... does that count? I have a lot of hobbies that I don't have the time for right now (cross stitching, rollerblading etc...) But I love to read, and read every night before I go to bed... I wish I had time to read more often, but at least I get a bit of escape each night

What do you think of homeschooling? (just curious to hear a former teacher's opinion on it! :) ) hmmm Well let me start out by saying that there are some children who just would benefit from it (and over the years I've wanted to suggest it to a few parents). I personally wouldn't do it myself... I always find it intersting how often people assume I will since I stay at home with the boys now and have an education background. But, I'm trained to teach in a school... why wouldn't I want my children to have that expereince? I think that there is a lot to gain in school besides reading, writing, math etc... I think that something as simple as diversified interactions with the various teachers and other staff is beneficial for preperation to work in any field later in life. I think that children need to be exposed to other children their own age. I think that they need to learn that the world isn't perfect and that you and others will make mistakes but we can go on from there. I think that children need to see that people do, think and act differently and that those differences is what makes the world unique. I personally think that I couldn't provide my sons the whole package at home.

What's one thing that you will NEVER do? Well I could go for the obvious answer and say murder or something like that... but that's too easy.... I will never put money above my family... yes it is nice to have money to buy things, but love and kindness are much more important than things

Stephanie @ Baseballs and Tutus
What is your favorite food? hmmm that's hard. I think probably homemade lasagna. or chocolate!

Favorite book? This is hard! As far as adult reading.. I'm not sure I have a favorite, I don't typically re-read books (strange I know), but usually after I read it and know what happens I don't feel the need to re-read it. Children's book (these I've re-read a gazillion times!) Maybe The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein or a newer one I really like is Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg (and I liked it way before it was a movie)

Kelly @ Who Me
You keep saying you're not a native Floridian. I always amazed at the stories of how people move entire states. So how did you end up in Florida? Well.. I needed a change so I decided to make a big one! I had some issues with the principal at the school I was teaching at in MA and was thinking about changing school. My brother had moved to FL the year before and I thought... hmmm I had debated on moving to FL before I moved back to MA and said no because I would have been alone in FL... now I had family there so... why not! So I got a job in FL, sold my condo in MA and bought a house in FL and moved down lock, stock and barrel. That was 8 years ago.

He & Me + 3
My famous question...what type of camera do you shoot with? I use a Kodak Easy Share C763... yes I use a point and shoot... I LOVEEE the size of it... it is often in my pocket so I always have it there to snap the perfect pic and/or video. I often think I should have an SLR, but I don't want to think that much about my pics and then there is the size thing too sooo for now I'll stick with my point and shoot.

If and when will you go back to teaching? Good question... and one I don't really know the answer to. The agreement is I will go back to work when Colby goes to kindergarten.... what I will do at that point is up in the air. I know I will stick with the field of education, but in many ways I don't see myself going back to teach kindergarten. I think if I go back into the classroom I want to teach pre-K. But, I have also considered becoming a college professor or going into a hospital as an educational liaison or something on that nature... we will see (yes you've read this answer before... lol... hey you've got to love cut and paste right?)

Are you a morning or night person? Neither! I am fine in the morning after I take a shower and brush my teeth. I'm fine at night until about 9 then I hit a wall... I guess if I had to pick one of the two I'd say morning

Cassie @ Southern Domestic Goddess
What's the best vacation you've ever been on? Hmmmm my honeymoon to California was fun other than when they lost our reservation, but that was fine it worked out anyway. Then there was the trip to the Mall of America when I was in Grad School... what is better than a road trip to a huge mall? Or maybe it would be all the trips to Disney growing up...

If you won a million dollars what would be the very first thing you would do with the money? What would I do or what would Richard do? Those are two very different questions! I would pay off the truck and the boys education plans first then probably add onto the second story of out house and buy a hot tub!

If you had to choose three things to eat for the rest of your life what would they be? hmmm pasta, chicken and salad... there is a lot you can do with those ingredients so at least I could have some diversity.

Erin (she has a private blog)
If/when you do go back to teaching, what grade would you want to teach? Or do kindergarten again? Good question... and one I don't really know the answer to. The agreement is I will go back to work when Colby goes to kindergarten.... what I will do at that point is up in the air. I know I will stick with the field of education, but in many ways I don't see myself going back to teach kindergarten. I think if I go back into the classroom I want to teach pre-K. But, I have also considered becoming a college professor or going into a hospital as an educational liaison or something on that nature... we will see (yeppers same answer again!)

Elaine @ Matters of the Heart
Do you want anymore children? Nope! Richard and I decided on 2 even before we were married. This is for a number or reasons... 1) we didn't want to be out numbered 2) I'm no spring chicken and don't want to be having kids much older than I had Colby 3) pregnancy took a toll on me... I don't think I could handle it again, never mind having a 3rd c-section (yep you've read this answer before too)

How did you meet your hubby? short answer: He bought my phone number for $20. Is that good enough?? No... ok! I worked with Richard's aunt and we were at happy hour. It was in June after we'd been at a week long workshop. Richard just happened to be having dinner with his room mate at the same sports bar we were at, and came over to buy his aunt a drink (it was her birthday). I was sitting next to his aunt and asked where my money was. He said he only had 20's and I said that works... He said do I at least get a phone number for $20, and I just laughed. Another kindergarten teacher then handed him a napkin and said... here I'll give you her number for $20. (no he didn't actually pay her) He called me the next day. The day after that we went on our first date, then I few up to MA for a week... he picked me up at the airport upon my return and we pretty much haven't been apart since.

What is your favorite thing to make for dinner? hmmm favorite thing to make??? I like to experiment and pretty much never make things the sameway twice. Richard says I "Lori-ize" my recipes! I like to make things that are easy (Got to love Rachael Ray!)... Ok I've avoided answering long enough. I think my favorite thing to make for dinner is salsa chicken over couscous... but that is right now... ask me in another month and it will change!

Alicia @ Two B's and Me!
What does your husband do for a living? Richard is a computer software engineer for a major defense company... in other words he's a computer geek working on making simulators

What's your fav tv show? hmmm that is hard I have a few that I like right now. If I had to pick one I'd probably say CSI. I also like Criminal Minds, Top Chef, Rachael Ray, 30 Minute Meals, to name a few!

Shanilie@ A Mom's Love
Do you miss teaching? Or do you feel being home full - time is what is for you? Hmmm do I miss teaching, honestly no. The first fall was hard since I was pregnant still and not as crazy busy, but I was glad to not be teaching 7+ months pregnant. August is hard for me because I miss the getting my classroom ready for a new group of children, but I don't miss the craziness of dealing with all the politics and paperwork. I don't miss the stress of expectaions that are put on by parents, administrators and curriculum. I was getting burnt out at the end and if I had not got pregnant with Blake I probably would have at least changed grades if not school.
I love being home with my boys. I have days where I feel a bit stir crazy, but the benefits of being their primary care giver far out weighs the crazy moments. Richard also understands that from time to time I just have to get away from it all and be just Lori. Those moments every few months rejuvenate me beyond words.
As I've said in other questions, I will go back to work once the boys are both in kindergarten, so I don't plan on being a stay-at-home mom for good. But, I truly feel that my place is here being my children's first teacher.

Dana @ Just Talk
do you think you'll ever go back to work/teaching? Good question... and one I don't really know the answer to. The agreement is I will go back to work when Colby goes to kindergarten.... what I will do at that point is up in the air. I know I will stick with the field of education, but in many ways I don't see myself going back to teach kindergarten. I think if I go back into the classroom I want to teach pre-K. But, I have also considered becoming a college professor or going into a hospital as an educational liaison or something on that nature... we will see (yes, this was a popular question!)

would you ever move out of Florida? If Richard's job took us out of Florida, then yes. I don't think we'd choose to just move out of Florida just cause, but you never know!

Are you going to have another baby? Nope! Richard and I decided on 2 even before we were married. This is for a number or reasons... 1) we didn't want to be out numbered 2) I'm no spring chicken and don't want to be having kids much older than I had Colby 3) pregnancy took a toll on me... I don't think I could handle it again, never mind having a 3rd c-section (yep you've read this answer before too)

Jessica @ Tell Me A Story
I know someone else already asked this, but how did you end up being a FL transplant? Yep someone did... here was the answer: Well.. I needed a change so I decided to make a big one! I had some issues with the principal at the school I was teaching at in MA and was thinking about changing school. My brother had moved to FL the year before and I thought... hmmm I had debated on moving to FL before I moved back to MA and said no because I would have been alone in FL... now I had family there so... why not! So I got a job in FL, sold my condo in MA and bought a house in FL and moved down lock, stock and barrel. That was 8 years ago. (yes this is now a stock answer too!)

Do you like living in FL? I love it. I miss the seasons every once in a while, but not enough to move back north. I like the fact that we only have 2 seasons... summer and almost summer. I love the fact that I will never have to struggle with pouring my sons into snow suits to go to the grocery store. It does bother me a bit that my children won't experience waking up to see that it snowed over night. Or watch tv in the morning praying for a snow day. That they won't know the magic of a white Christmas, but we can visit those things. I love the relaxed atmosphere of the area.

What is your favorite thing to do other thing to do other than blogging *grin*? I like to bake, read, go for long walks with the boys, watch the boys playing (especially playing with their Daddy) to name a few things I like to do.

mommaof4wife2r @ A Thorn Among Roses
beach or mountains??? that is hard I like both. I do like to downhill ski, but I love the beach too. If I had to pick one over the other I'd say beach

Melissa @ workingmommy
Do you think you would ever move back to MA? (I probably know the answer but humor me LOL) I doubt it. I don't see us moving unless for some reason we need to for Richard's job

Do you ever just want to leave the house and the kids just to get away for a while? Yep! And, I try to at least once a month. Richard understands that I need this break to be a better mother. I need time to be Lori and not Mommy... I think it is a necessary thing!

How do you stay home and not have adult contact? the internet! I love the laptop for this reason... I can read my blog and others, read some of the parenting boards I belong to and e-mail Richard and others. I also talk to Richard on the phone during his drive home. We try to get out and go places a few days each week to get out and see others too. I think it's a lot like teaching in many ways... I was stuck in a room with 20 five year olds, now I'm just with my own 2 instead.

"R"'nt you going to play too?

Top Ten Wednesday - Letter R

Game time!!!! I thought that this might be fun to play. All you have to do is make a list of ten of your favorite things. But there is a little catch. Everything on the list has to start with a specific letter of the Alphabet. That letter is randomly assigned by the blogger who you are playing with!

I was assigned the letter R by Alicia at Two B's and Me

ok here we go... 10 R things I love:

1. Richard... I couldn't pass this one by. The thing that I like the most that beings with the letter R is my darling hubby!

2. Ring. My engagement ring is one of my most cherished gifts

3. Radio. I love to have music on. We have the radio playing in the house all the time

4. Roses. My favorite flower... just as long as they aren't red (I know I'm strange)

5. Rollerblades. I love to go rollerblading... I can't tell you the last did I did it, but I need to get my butt out there again soon

6. Reading. I read to my boys all the time and I read every night before I go to bed.

7. Romance novels. not the smutty kind but a good love story

8. Range. I love to cook and bake so therefore my range aka my stove is a great thing to have

9. Rainbows. Here in FL we see spectacular rainbows. I've seen double and triple rainbows here

10. Rubber bands... my hair is in a pony tail 85% of the time where would I be without a good hair elastic?

Want to play along? Let me know and I'll assign you a letter

Let's Say Thanks

Here's another easy thing to do this holiday season. Let's Say Thanks sends free postcards made by children to the troops. Click on it and send a card to tell the troops we are thankful for them not only now during the holiday season, but the whole year through!

Christmas in Florida (part 4)/ wordless Wednesday

The stocking were hung by the chimney TV with care

If you haven't seen / read my other Christmas in Florida posts check them out (part 1, part 2, part 3). Oh and this series is not done yet... still more to come soon!

Want to see more Christmas pictures? Go over to Amanda's blog The Family News. She has set up a Mr. Linky for Christmas pics!

Remember that tomorrow morning I will be posting the answers to the questions you asked me... so if you didn't ask one yet... go here to do it now!

quick reminder

if you want to get in the fun of asking me a question... there is only 1 day left... the answers will be published Thursday morning!

Check out the original post here

Remember to check in on Thursday for the answers... and the big give-away is still to come!

Christmas in Florida (part 3)

A few weeks ago Richard and I took the boys to a winter celebration / craft fair. They have "crafters" (yeah they were not good crafters but they were crafters), Santa, Christmas trees, sleigh rides, bounce houses and other kid areas... and then they had this:



What is that you ask?? It is sledding Florida style! It was a tractor trailer that is slanted and covered with "snow" (ok it's really chopped ice but still). They then had a snow tube that they were throwing up for the people to ride down. I kid you not... there was a line that had to be over 100 people long waiting to ride down this ONCE! Oh and they had a cordonded off area where they had "snow" to play in. I had to laugh. I totally said to Richard... I have to blog about this! In the past they've had an ice skating rink that was plastic ice... I didn't realize they had plastic ice until I moved to FL!

Here are a few pics of us with the boys from that night.