Five Question Friday

You've got to love a day when you don't have to come up with your own Blog thoughts.  Want to join in?  Head over to My Little Life and grab the questions.  

1. What's your guilty pleasure?  I actually don't have many guilty pleasures... yeah I know strange for a woman, but still.  I guess it would have to be chocolate.  Or maybe it's baking.  I love to bake and bake at least once a week... if you can call that a guilty pleasure

2. What is your favorite TV series? Hmmm depends on the week.  I like Criminal Minds (did anyone watch it this week?)  I also like Biggest Loser, Top Chef, and a few other reality shows. 

3. Can you speak any foreign languages?  Nope.  I know a little french, a little spanish and a bit of ASL, but only a little of each and I would never even attempt to get by on what I know

4. How many pairs of shoes do you own?  Hmmm not sure. I have 2 pairs of sneakers that I wear all the time.  I probably have 5 pairs of dress shoes, 3 or 4 other pairs of sneakers... so less than a dozen.  People who knew me earlier in my life would be shocked at that I used to be a shoe snob.

5. What's your favorite kind of M&M's...peanut, almond, straight up regular, etc.?  Peanut!  I also like the peanut butter and mint ones, but peanut are my favorite.

Five Question Friday

Here are this week's questions.    Make sure to pop over to My Little Life to see what everyone else has so say.
 

1. Do you sing karaoke? If so, what is your go to song?  I never have which is strange since I like to sing.  I'm not sure what song I would sing if I did.

2. What is your favorite coffee drink?  I don't drink coffee... I know I'm strange.

3. If you could choose your own name, what would it be?  I like my name for me.  I'm not sure what I would change it to. 

4. Were you ever bullied?  Ummmm yes.  I tended to be the butt of many jokes growing up.  It certainly made me a stronger person and a better teacher.  I still deal with some of those demons which is why I really hate the thought of children getting bullied... it lives with you a long time.

5. How often do you eat fast food?  Almost never.  It is a very rare occasion that we eat out never mind fast food.  Even before budgets were tight I wasn't big on fast food.  If we have to it is usually Chick-fil-a or we will pick up subs (which I really don't think of as fast food)

Top 3 Thursday

I decided to try this out this week because I liked the question.   Each week, The (Un)Experienced Mom and Confessions From A Working Mom will pick a category, then ask you to share your Top 3 thoughts on it.

This week,  they want to know...



What are the Top 3 reasons why you blog?  
1.  I started blogging to write about how being a teacher influenced my life as a mother.  I do inject this into my posts from time to time, but not all the time.  I think it has become more of an outlet for what's on my mind.


2. It gives me an opportunity to share pictures and videos with friends and family.  It also lets me chronicle the changes in the lives of my sons. As well as a creative outlet from time to time.

3.  I think one of the biggest reasons I blog is the connection with other moms.  Most of my readers are mothers.  Many of my readers are stay at home moms.  And... surprisingly many are Teacher turned Mommies. And what better way is there to connect with them then to write about the adventures in Mommy-hood!

Five Question Friday

I had fun participating in this last week, so here we go again.  Make sure to pop over to My Little Life to see what everyone else has so say.

1. Have you ever hit an animal with your vehicle?  No... and I hope I never do!

2. When you see a string on your clothes do you pull it off or cut if off?  Depends on the where the string is and what article of clothing it is.  For the most part I will just rip it off, but some things you have to cut or else you'll destroy the clothing

3. Did you have your own room or share a room when you were young? Nope, it was just me and my brother and we had our own room. 

4. Would you rather wear the same thing for the rest of your life or eat the same thing for the rest of your life?  hmmm can I tweak the thing I'm eating?  If I could eat chicken every day, but flavor it differently I'd do that or pasta... that would work too.  If I had to eat it the same way all the time, I might have to choose the outfit, and hope it's something comfortable!

5. What was your favorite TV show as a child?  That is hard.  I think it depends on the age.  I was a Sesame Street child.  I also liked a lot of the Saturday morning cartoons.  Then there's the Brady Bunch.  Hmmm not sure but I know there were lots of others too.

Five Question Friday

I saw this on a few other blogs and decided to give it a whirl!  

Head over to My Little Life... grab the 5 questions and post your answers on your blog.  Link back to her MckLinky and go blog hopping to see everyone's answers.  
This week is something special...
1. What is the one thing your love does for you that you can't live without?   
Richard does a lot of little things for me.  I think one my favorite things is his phone calls.  I talk to him every day on his way home from work, this is our chance to reconnect and check in with each other on how the day was.  But, it is the random calls during the day that means the most.  On days that he knows the boys are having a rough day or I haven't been feeling well he tries to make time during the day to just call home and check in. 

2. When did you know your love was "the one"?

I'm not sure of the exact moment when I knew he was "the one" but it was early on in our relationship.  I felt comfortable with him pretty much from the start and felt a strong connection.  We talked a lot and it was a pretty good match.  We learned early on that we were different enough to keep life interesting, but similar enough to have things in common.  We also talked about a lot of the big issues of relationships early and once we got through some of that... it was headed towards marriage.

3. Does your love have a special ringtone on your cell?

Not on this phone.  He did on my other phone, but I don't think I did on this new phone.  But, I don't use my cell very much sooo

4. What are you attracted to most in your special someone?

I  don't think I can pick one thing that I'm most attracted to.  I do love his connection with our sons.  He hates when he can't spend time with them and feels guilty for working late and missing out on the time with them.  I love that he realizes that I am doing all I can to make life peaceful for all 4 of us, but there are times when I just need to escape and get out of the house alone.  

5. Did you know when/where he/she was going to pop the big question?
We went ring shopping for a while to find the "perfect ring".  He wanted me to try on rings to see what size diamond and what shape I wanted.  I had guessed when he was going to ask me, but it was still a shock.   We had a meeting with some hotels the next day to make arrangements for our wedding... yes we were making wedding plans before we were officially engaged.  

Tag... I'm it!

I was tagged by Alicia at Three B's and Me! to fill out this Meme.... so here goes:

8 Things I Look Forward To

1. Weekends that Richard doesn't have to work
2. Bedtime
3. Hearing Blake say love you
4. Spending time with my kiddos each day
5. Reading
6. Getting Blake potty trained
7. Not having to buy diapers for Blake and formula for Colby (soon!)
8. Going out Sat. night with Richard and a few friends to a comedy show


8 Things I Did Yesterday

1. laundry
2. worked on my computer
3. took Abby to the vet
4. left the house alone (ok with Abby but still)
5. went for a walk with our neighbor
6. made dinner
7. talked to my mom (she watched the boys)
8. chased a snake off the gutter


8 Things I Wish I Could Do

1. Get Blake potty trained
2. Convince Blake that sleep at NIGHT is a good thing
3. Loose the rest of my baby weight
4. Decide what to have for lunch
5. Decide what to do with my hair
6. Go shopping for myself and not feel guilty
7. Help Blake speak clearly
8. Spend the rest of my life loving my family as much as I do now

8 Shows I Watch

1. Biggest Loser
2. Ace of Cakes
3. Food Network Challenge
4. Rachael Ray
5. 30 Minute Meals
6. CSI
7. Criminal Minds
8. Deadliest Catch


I'm supposed to pick 8 people to play along, but I'm going to be lazy and say... if you want to join in the fun... go for it!

25 things about me

Friday Videos are below this post!!


Ok I stole borrowed this from Jessica at Tell Me a Story

Welcome to the Holiday edition of 25 Things About Me. Okay, here's what you're supposed to do, and try not to be a SCROOGE!!! Just copy this entire post and paste into a new post. Then change all the answers so that they apply to you.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? gift bags, but Santa doesn't wrap
2. Real tree or Artificial? Artificial, who wants the hassle of pine needles everywhere?
3. When do you put up the tree? I try to get it up the Sunday after Thanksgiving, but it hasn't happened exactly that way the last few years... so the week after Turkey day is the goal
4. When do you take the tree down? New Year's Day typically
5. Do you like eggnog? No! Yuck!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? hmmm probably my record player
7. Hardest person to buy for? anyone over the age of 10
8. Easiest person to buy for? anyone under the age of 10
9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes, it was one my mom made for my CCD class when I was in the 1st grade
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? hmmm too many to name, remember I was a teacher!
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story! (Daddy's gonna kill Ralphie!)
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I usually start thinking about it in October or so
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yeppers!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Christmas cookies
16. Lights on the tree? Yes, white ones
17. Favorite Christmas Song? O Holy Night
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? This year we are staying home, it's the first year we aren't traveling to Richard's family for Christmas
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? Dancer, Dasher, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid Donder and Blitzen... oh yeah and Rudolph ... to the top of the porch to the top of the wall... now dash away dash away dash away all
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel
21. Open presents on Christmas Eve or morning? All on Christmas morning. before we had kids Richard and I did our gifts Christmas eve, but now all the gifts come from Santa so it will be Christmas morning
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? trying to please everyone
23. Favorite Ornament theme or color? I have all the ornaments my parents got me over the years, they were given to me when I moved out of the house. I have a lot of angels and bells on my tree from my childhood (I've started this with my boys too... I buy them each at least one ornament a year and when they have their own place I'll give them each a box with all their ornaments in it)
24. Favorite thing for Christmas dinner? Roast beast beef

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Richard and I are not getting each other gifts again instead we booked a night at a Disney hotel... this is the best gift we can give each other

If you do this be sure to leave a comment so we can all stop by and check out your list.

A peek in my kitchen ...

I was tagged by Tiffany at A Mom's Heart to do this meme. 7 random things in my kitchen:

Here's a glimpse of my kitchen:


I love my kitchen! It is the room I put the most focus on when we were building the house. Here are 7 of my favorite things about my kitchen---

1. My fridge


2. My double oven and microwave that actually is an oven too


3. My fun appliances


4. My 60/40 sink


5. My walk-in pantry


6. My island that holds all my baking pans


7. Oh and my laptop!


I tag: anyone who wants to participate... yep I'm being lazy!

Mommy Meme

Jujuboo passed on this meme to me....

First: Post a picture of you and your kids.


Second: Answer the questions.

1. How many children do you have? 2 boys

2. What are their ages? Blake is 22 months and Colby is 3 months

3. What time of day do you start your day? usually 6am, but often as early at 4am depending on Colby... Blake usually sleeps until 7 or 7:30

4. What do you eat for breakfast? Cereal with milk

5. Do they watch TV? Blake does (Disney, Nick Jr., PBS kids, and Noggin are usually on here)... Colby well he likes the colors

6. What are their favorite activities? Blake: coloring, helping cook, running around like a crazy man, playing with his tools, playing with cars Colby: eating, sleeping, going for a walk, playing on his play mat or in his jumparoo

7. Do you get a break during the day from them? NAPTIME! I try to over lap their naps by at least 45 min

8. How do you end your day? working on the computer, tv time with hubby, doing abs, reading my book, going to bed

9. What is your best parenting advice or tip? Don't try to do everything all the time. Having fun with your kids is more important than making sure the house is spotless. My children will also learn two things... never go to bed angry and never leave without saying "I love you"

Pass it on to five people:
From the Cheap Seats
Kami's Khlopchyk
The Family News!
A Mom's Heart
A Family Story

Tag... I'm it!

I was tagged by Amanda from The Family News to complete this meme... soooo here it is!

A. Attached or Single? Attached... very much so
B. Best Friend? do I have to pick? either Richard or my Mom
C. Cake or pie? Cheese cake, but I'd rather cookies or brownies
D. Day of choice? hmmm either Monday because my schedule gets back to normal or Friday because I have Richard home to help out
E. Essential item? computer!
F. Favorite color? Navy Blue
G. Gummy bears or worms? neither!
H. Home town? I grew up in Wilmington, MA... now I live in Orlando, FL (with a few other towns in between!)
I. Favorite indulgence? chocolates
J. January or July? January... it's our one month of winter down here... July is HOTTT
K. Kids? 2 ...Blake and Colby... my two little guys
L. Life is not complete without? My family
M. Marriage date? July 17, 2004
N. Number of brothers and sisters? 1 brother
O. Oranges or Apples? Depends on the season, but probably apples
P. Phobias? hmmm ... none I'm not fond of somethings but I don't have an extreme fear of anything
Q. Quotes? Two roads diverge in a yellow wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by and that made all the difference
R. Reasons to smile? Watching my sons interact and my dear hubby interact with the two of them
S. Season of choice? Well we only have 2 seasons here... summer and almost summer so I guess I'll pick summer?
T. Tag 5 people: I tag anyone who actually read this all and wants to participate!
U. Unknown fact about me? hmmm I'm very quiet until you get to know me and then you can't shut me up!
V. Vegetable? raw carrots
W. Worst habit? second guessing myself
X. X-ray or Ultrasound? I've had both multiple times each... I've never enjoyed having an x-ray and I loved having my ultrasounds... lol
Y. Your favorite food? lasagna
Z. Zodiac sign? Taurus and I show all the traits of it too!

Meme

I was tagged for this meme by Danielle at New Mommy Rant

a. Link to the person who tagged you.
b. Post the rules on your blog.
c. Write six random things about yourself.
d. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
e. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment at their blog.
f. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

Hmmm 6 random things about me

1. Music has always played a big roll in my life. I love to listen to music while doing most anything. I've sang in choirs/choruses since I was in the 3rd grade (not singing in one at the time). I like most kinds of music (except country and rap-crap!).

2. I love to read. I read to Blake all the time and have since the day he came home from the hospital. I read every night before going to bed. I like to read mystery and romance novels, but have a few other books that I like too. I do not re-read adult novels, once I've read it I'm done with it

3. I don't like celebrating my birthday. When I was a teenager I had a LOT of things go totally wrong on my birthday... I got into a car accident (hit head on while I was waiting to turn), diagnosed with mono, infection in my wisdom teeth (ok that was my 21st b-day), there are others too. It wasn't until my first b-day with Richard that I even acknowledged that I had a b-day

4. I have nightmares of going into labor and Richard can't get into the delivery room. See having a planned c-section is a good thing for me on so many levels

5. I have a thing with names. I've known way too many people who were (in my opinion) named wrong. Your name says a lot about you and names and personalities go together. That is a big part of the reason I struggle with coming up with a name for the new baby. We struggled with Blake too.

6. I am and always have been goal oriented. It's just that now my goals are simple like get Blake to nap for longer than 1 hour for the whole day... lol


I tag:
Laskigal at From the Cheap Seats
Kami at Kami's Khlopchyk
Heather at Always wear clean under roos
Just Jamie at Choosing my own...
Marmarbug at My life as "Momma"
Amber at Babywearing Buzz

Tagged

I was tagged by Heather to do this fun book meme.

So, here are the rules: Pick up the closest book. Open the book, turn to page 123, count down to the fifth sentence on that page, and then post the next three sentences.

ok first I have to figure out which book closest to me has 123 pages... lol... most of the books near me are children's books and they have NO WHERE near 123 pages!

Milk Glass Moon (A Big Stone Gap novel) by Adriana Trigiani I love authors who write stories that are trilogies or longer... I never want my books to end when they have good characters and what not...

on to the meme... page 123, fifth sentence blah blah blah....
"How do you keep them straight?"
"Trevor Gilliam's cutter."
"That's as good as any system, I guess"

For this I tag Melissa, Danielle and Andrea

Tagged again... twice this time

Last week I was tagged twice... never knew I was popular ...lol

Pam tagged me with this one:

5 things I want my kids to know:
1. An eduction is important and one of the only things that no one can take away from you

2. That no matter what your family will be there for you

3. That he isn't a bad person even when he makes bad choices

4. That change maybe tough, but it is worth it

5. That there are 2 things to remember Never go to bed angry, and never leave without saying I love you


5 things you want to tell your children when they are grown up:
1. I gave you two gifts and wish for you to pass them on... roots and wings!

2. That it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all

3. The things that don't kill you make you stronger

4. Making a difference in the life of a child is the best thing you can do

5. Remember to do something for those who have less than you because you never know when you will need someone to do something for you


5 things you want to tell your child before you die:
1. That they were the greatest gift given to me by God

2. That life is worth living, as long as you realize that you have to look to the future while having fun in the present

3. Sometimes the road less traveled on is the road with the most adventure

4. That relationships are worth fighting for and fighting over

5. I loved them with all my heart, no matter what!


5 things you want your child to know before she dies:
1. The love of a lover who is also your best friend

2. The love of a child... innocence is a great gift

3. The strength of knowledge... it will get you far

4. Passion for something you believe in.... it is a powerful thing

5. Financial security... freedom from that worry is something everyone should experience

This one is too good not to pass on so I tag: Karen and Andrea


Heather tagged me with this one:

1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Post the rules.
3) Share six non-important things / habits / quirks about yourself.
4) Tag at least three people.
5) Be sure the people you tagged KNOW you tagged them by commenting what you did.

So here are six strange facts about me:
1. I always have one place in my house the I just let be messy (in this house it is the desk in our office)

2. I was a recovering chocoholic before I got pregnant

3. I'm actually pretty shy around people I don't know well

4. I'm sooooo NOT shy around people I do know

5. I'm super modest beyond most people

6. I'm good at making things look cleaner than they are... lol

For this I tag: Danielle, Pam, and Christine

I'll try to post a regular blog later... lol

Tagged

I was tagged by The Thirty Minute Mommy (I'll do it now because if I don't I'll forget!)

7 things about me:

1. I got married for the first time in my 30s to a man 4 years younger than me who surprising in this day and age was also getting married for the first time.

2. We were married 1 year, 1 month and 2 days after our first date

3. We were married in the lobby of a hotel that is in a mall... so I got married at the mall

4. I got my Master's degree in 1 year while working 3 jobs (crazy I know)

5. I've lived and taught kindergarten in three different states (MA, NY, FL)

6. I won't try any new foods that look or smell funky to me... doesn't matter how good you tell me they are!

7. I started counting backwards after my 30th birthday so now I'm younger than my husband (o: (that's ok most people think I am anyway since I look young to begin with)

I'm going to tag Amy W and Laskigal