5 question Friday!

I decided it was time to check out 5 Question Friday again. Want to play along? Head over to My Little Life, grab the questions, answer them on your blog and then link up!




1. Do you know what your REAL hair color is? Ummm I'd have to guess somewhere between dark blonde and light brown, but not sure what you'd call it.

2. Do you plan ahead for summer, or fly by the seat of your pants? A combination of both. If we make travel plans we do it ahead of time, the rest is fly by the seat of my pants. Not sure we will travel this summer with the prices. But Blake will be playing T-ball and I plan to sign up both boys for swim lessons too so that will take time too.

3. What is your favorite meal to cook? Hmmm that's tough. There are so many options to choose from. Maybe something like chili which I can alter and make anyway I want? Or maybe it's more like spaghetti and homemade sauce? Or something simpler like quesadillias. Guess I just don't have one favorite meal to make. Maybe it's more like what ever I'm craving at the time?

4. Do you get offended by not receiving thank yous? Depends. If you say thank you to me, then no. But, if I don't see you open the gift and I think there should be some kind of thank you.

5. How did you meet your best friend? Right now I guess my best friend is my husband, so the answer to that is he bought my number for $20 at a sports bar.

5 question Friday!

I decided to take on Five Question Friday again.  If you want to join in the fun, hop over to My Little Life and grab the questions, answer them, and link up!


1. If you had $1,000 to donate to a charity, which would you choose? I would probably give it to Children's Miracle Network.

2. Snow days: Do you welcome them happily or are they a pain in your butt? We don't have snow days here... since well we don't have snow (o:

3. What talent did you wish you had and why? Hmmm not sure, guess I never thought about it. Maybe the ability to play a musical instrument

4. Are you a news, politics or celebrity gossip junkie? nope. I watch the news to see the weather and that's about it. Don't get me wrong I like to be informed, but with two little kids I don't have a ton of time to watch the news. But, I've never been a gossip junkie.

5. What is your favorite "cocktail"? (Are you a beer person, a kiddie cocktail junkie, or perhaps your more the "Cosmo" kind?! Anything flies...doesn't hafta be alcoholic!) Hmmm non-alcoholic I'd say water. But if I get to pick an alcoholic drink I'd either pick mudslide or Captain and Coke... depending on my mood.

5 question Friday!

I decided to take on Five Question Friday again. If you want to join in the fun, hop over to My Little Life and grab the questions, answer them, and link up!



1. Where did you meet your spouse and did you instantly know it was love? Short answer to that question is he bought my phone number for $20 at a sports bar. And no, it wasn't instant love, we both said that we went on the first date thinking we'd end up with a great friend, and well I guess we did.

2. What is your favorite room in your house? Hmmm that's tough. My first answer is my kitchen, which is where I am right now, so I'll go with that.

3. Can you wiggle your ears? no

4. What is your evening ritual? watch tv with hubby, check on the boys, bathroom stuff, read, go to sleep

5. How many hours of sleep do you need to function? Hmmm need or want? I've been known to function on less than 6, but my body really needs 8. Eight hours of sleep oh how I've missed you!

5 question Friday!

I decided to take on Five Question Friday again. If you want to join in the fun, hop over to My Little Life and grab the questions, answer them, and link up!



1. What movie could you watch over and over again and not get tired of? Hmmm in the past I would have said Grease, but I can't tell you the last time I watched it. Now it seems like most of the movies I watch are.... well kid movies. Maybe Cars?

2. What's your biggest pet peeve right now? people who talk on the cell phone while driving. Put down the phone and drive!

3. If you had to describe your best friend in five words or less, what would you say? He is my husband!

4. If you did not have to worry about money or go to school what would you do for a living? What I'm doing now... being a mom! If you mean a career that brings in money... ummm not sure, that's the big question of my life right now.

5. What is your one "splurge" item, that you will always buy, no matter the cost? Hmmm I could say something simple like Charmin soft toilet paper or Puffs tissues. Or if you are looking for something not so every day.... ummm ... sneakers for working out. you just can't get cheap sneakers. Right now I have New Balance, but I'm getting to the point where I need a new pair soon

Hope you decide to join in the fun. 2nd edition of project 365 is coming tomorrow, don't forget to tune in (o:

5 question Friday!

Is it really Friday? Wait, I'm glad it's Friday that means the weekend is here and Richard won't be working... I hope. I decided to take on Five Question Friday again. If you want to join in the fun, hop over to My Little Life and grab the questions, answer them, and link up!



1. What is your current favorite book, and why? Hmmm, not sure I have one. I typically say the one I'm reading now, but since I just finished a book last night... well I'm not reading one. I have a lot of authors that I like to read, but I'm not sure I have a favorite book.

2. Do you go to the dentist regularly? Yes, ever 6 months!

3. What is your worst memory from High School? Worst.... too many. The first 2 years of high school I'd like to erase from my memory, wait in a lot of ways I have already. I transferred to an all girl Catholic high school for my junior and senior years and enjoyed that tremendously. One of the reasons I transferred was because my English teacher told me that I couldn't take college levels courses because of a test I took in middle school. Ummm nope that's not going to fly. I'm getting A's and B's in these classes now, what gives you a right to say that I am not going to take college English... I told my parents that if that was the case I might as well drop out. Soooo I transfered!

4. What do you hope to be remembered for in your life? I want to be remembered as a loving mother and wife. A productive member of society. But, lets look at reality... I'll be remembered only by those who know me best, and I hope they remember me as me.

5. Are you superstitious or do you have any superstitions? Nope! I'm not into letting things like that make decisions for me.

---- Remember to tune in tomorrow for the first installment of Project 365----

5 question Friday!

I haven't participated in Five Question Friday in a long time, but when I read the questions on Jen's blog 3 Little Monkeys, I decided to jump back on the bandwagon.

Want to join in? pop over to My Little Life and grab the questions... post your answers in your blog and link up to read others responses to these questions.

1. Do you open presents on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

We open on Christmas day. When Richard and I first got married we did it on Christmas eve, but now that we have children we do it on Christmas day. We usually do 3 Christmases so we try to spread them out and not have all the presents and craziness on one day. We are actually doing Christmas with my family tomorrow.

2. What is your favorite Christmas cookie (or candy)?

One... you want me to pick one? Umm probably peanut butter blossoms, which I'm not actually making this year. I do make these through the year so I guess I don't always think of them as holiday cookies. So maybe I should say snowballs, those I only make at Christmas time (again not making them this year...lol)

3. What's the worst Christmas gift you've ever received?

Hmmm this is hard... remember I was a kindergarten teacher, there were so many with that job. We actually had a running joke in the kindergarten wing to see who got the worst gift each year... and sadly I almost always won.

4. Christmas song that you love?

That depends on my mood. My favorite old school song is O Holy Night, when sung right it is soooo moving!

I also loveeeee Christmas Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra. This song makes me stop and listen whenever it comes on the radio.


5. How many trees do you put up?

We have two trees a big artificial tree in the house and a short real tree outside our front door. It's a compromise, Richard grew up with real trees, I grew up with fake ones. We have 11' ceilings in our living room so to buy a real tree big enough every year would be EXPENSIVE! So we get a 5' tree to put outside our front door, then the mess stays outside and he can get the smell as he walks in the house.

Five Question Friday

It's time to get to know you a little better.  Hop on over to My Little Life and grab the 5 questions today... answer them on your blog and link up for some fun!


1. What words do you use on your blog/online that you don't use in real life?  I assume you are looking for words beyond think like LOL and BRB sort of on-line speak.  Hmmm, never thought about it actually.  I type pretty much the way I talk in real life.  Which is really evident when I ramble, but it is also evident (at least to me or people who know me in person) when I talk about teaching and other things I'm passionate about. 

2. Do you still write checks?  Yes, but not for much.  But there are just times when you need to write a check, or at least I think so.

3. Who was your favorite President and why?  Hmmm good question.  I'm not really big on Presidents when they are actually in office, I know strange.  I'm very impressed with a lot of the things that Jimmy Carter has done since leaving office.  I think that he has shown that being a humanitarian is one of the most influential things one can be.

4. Are you a yeller?  WHO ME?  Sorry had to do that it was too easy.  Any way, I can be when really provoked, but it takes a lot to push me to the point of breaking.  I'm very good at that stern teacher voice, and have used it on my sons, but it worked a lot better on my students.

5. Have you ever dumpster dived? Nope... nothing is that important.... well other than my kids and maybe my diamond, but that would be a whole different scenario

Five Question Friday

It's time to get to know you a little better.  Hop on over to My Little Life and grab the 5 questions today... answer them on your blog and link up for some fun!


1. Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?  Ummm. No clue!  I am not big into memorizing actors/actresses so I couldn't even fathom a guess.  Plus my life is so NOT movie material.

2. Did you ever go to summer camp?  I went to soccer camp and did community boating, but I never did an overnight camp.  I think it is good for older elementary school age kids to get into something productive over the summer to keep them occupied even if it's just for a week or two.

3. What sends you running and screaming in the other direction?  Hmmm... snakes? I'm not big into creepy crawly things but I don't think they'd send me screaming... just freak me out a bit. 

4. What is something you do that drives your spouse nuts?  Probably the fact that I analyze everything.  I'm very detailed oriented and yet a big picture person.  I have to know where things are going and how we are going to get there. 

5. What is currently your favorite song?  Good question.  I'm all over the place with this.  I don't necessarily have a favorite song, but I have songs I like.  If I had to pick one then I'd have to say, maybe "Say" by John Mayer


Pop on over to My Little Life and join in the fun!

Five Question Friday

It's time to get to know you a little better.  Hop on over to My Little Life and grab the 5 questions today... answer them on your blog and link up for some fun!

1. Did you pass your driver's test on the first try? Yes.  But, then got in an accident the first time I drove by myself and lost all confidence in being a driver... I've gotten a lot better since then (o:

2. What is your most embarrassing moment?  Hmmm.  Not sure actually.  I do a lot of stupid things from time to time, but nothing sticks out in my mind as OMG that is the worst thing to ever happen to me.... ever.  I guess that could be the whole the past is the past, lets get on with the present attitude I like to take on life.

3. What TV show would you like to be on- Oprah, Biggest Loser, or What Not to Wear?  I'd have to say What Not to Wear.  I think it would be cool to work out with Bob and Jillian, but I only have about 10lbs to lose not over 100 and I'm not interesting enough for Oprah.  I always joke that when I get ready to go back into the working world someone should send my name into What Not to Wear so they can tear apart my "uniform" and get me some new clothes, as for now, I can't justify getting dressy clothes to sit on the floor with my boys... I'll stick with my shorts and jerseys.

4. Would you ever get plastic surgery and what kind?  On first thought my answer is no, but that isn't true.  I have always wanted to have a breast reduction, but for some reason I have never thought of it in the same terms as other plastic surgery.  I guess when you say plastic surgery I think of getting a nose job or something like that.  I have never felt in proportion and have back and shoulder issues due to my "size" and always felt that the reduction is as much of a health issue as it is a vanity thing.  But, the real reason I want it done is for self-esteem/self image reasons so in that vain... yes it is the same as getting a nose job. 

5. What are your favorite jeans to wear?  Do jean shorts count?  Remember I live in FL.  The rest of my jeans are capris.  Wait I think I have a pair or two of real jeans, but I almost never wear them.  All my capris are on the vain of a skinny jean I guess... I'm not that fashion forward I just wear what fits.

 

(Still working on the new layout.  See I haven't even made a new signature yet... lol.  Let me know what you think.)

Five Question Friday

It's Friday again... which means it's time for 5 question Friday.  Hop on over to My Little Life and join in the fun.

1. Have you ever had a celeb sighting?  I used to work at a grocery store right near where the Boston Bruins practiced so I did see a few of them pop into the store.  Other than that I don't think so.

2. What temperature do you keep your house? What season is it?  In the winter we keep the temp around 73-75 during the day (remember I live in FL) and in the summer we keep it around 84-85 during the day.  The joke in FL is we have 2 seasons summer and almost summer... although this year almost summer has lasted a LOT longer than normal.  I'm so ready for high 70s/low 80s.  Our normal high for today is 79.... our forecast is 74, which is nice but it's 49 outside right now. 

3. Do you notice dust at other peoples homes?  Only when there is a LOT... you know when the dark wood tables are white.

4. What's the worst job you ever had?  hmmm I taught kindergarten in a school that I didn't get along with the principal... we had very different philosophies of education that made life hard.  But, I did enjoy the kids I worked with there. 

5. What is your most sentimental possession?  Hmmm... not sure.  I'm not a sentimental person.  I have tea cups from my paternal grandmother.  I have a ring that my material  grandfather picked out for me. I have lots of things from my parents. But, could I say that I'd never give up anything... probably not.  And those who know me won't be shocked by that statement.  I'm one of those things are just things kind of people.

Five Question Friday

It's time for Five Question Friday again.  Head on over to My Little Life, grab the questions and join in the fun.  

1. How much time do you spend on the computer a day?  Ummm I have no clue.  I pop on and off throughout the day.  I have a laptop on my kitchen peninsula so I can stand in the living room and work on my laptop while the boys watch tv and/or play.  My big chunk of time is during Colby's nap time. 

2. Will you pay for your children's college or raise them to pay for their own way?  We have started Florida pre-paid college funds for both boys.  We will pay for them to go to undergrad school, as it isn't an option for them to go or not... they WILL go to college!  I want them to be able to go to college without the concern of how they will pay for it.  My parents (and Richard's too) paid for my tuition so I could then just work for spending money and focus on college and all that college brings. 

3. Have you ever been in a car accident?  Yes, I have been in a few actually, but only caused 1.  The first day I drove by myself I got in an accident.  The next year I got hit head on on my birthday... happy birthday to me!  I have driven off the road due to black ice (yes that was when I lived in the north... western New York actually).  I was also in the car when someone else was in a car accident.  I don't care how often it happens, how slow/fast you are going.... it is a scary feeling no matter what!

4. What is your favorite book?  Hmmm that is hard!  I'm not sure I have a favorite book as an adult.  I have a lot of authors that I like, but I'm not the kind of person who will read a book over and over again.  I read it and move on to the next book.  As far as a children's book, that is hard too since I have sooo many and have read even more over the years.  And yet again, I have my favorite authors there too.  

Ok I know that didn't answer the question, but I guess my answer is my favorite depends on my mood.

5. Do you make your bed everyday?  to some degree... yes.  I always pull the covers up and put the quilt over it, do I tuck it all in and put the decorative pillows on top and all that... yeah no!

Top 3 Thursday

The Unexperienced Mom's Top Three Thursday Question this week was interesting to me today.  So I decided to play along.

This week's question:  What are your Top 3 favorite things about being a parent?

1.  My favorite thing about being a parent is those hugs and kisses for no reason. I love seeing the unconditional love a child give their parents and a parent gives their child.  I love the fact that I have shown my sons this love and they in turn now show it to me.

2.  I love watching my sons grow and learn.  I love the fact that I can help them grow and learn to be productive members of society.  That I can help them grow into confident strong me. 


3. My 3rd reason is the fact that I feel like I've found a new me.  I think being a mother has been a completion of who I am.  As a teacher, I felt like I mothered a lot of the children in my classes, but couldn't be their real parent (for soooo many reasons).  Now as a mother I feel like I am that parent that I couldn't be for my students.  I feel like my sons are a huge part of me and help me feel like I'm the whole me.  
 

Aloha Friday

"Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

If you'd like to play along, head over to An Island Life and join in the fun

My question: Do you like to make new meals to serve to your family??

My regular followers know my answer to this question,... YEPPERS. Every Tuesday I post "Tasty Tuesday" new recipe that I tried with my family and our review of the meal

Aloha Friday (week 4)

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

She then asks that you post a question on your blog for others to answer.

Go to An Island Life and answer her question and check out the other questions too! Answer mine, answer hers, answer all...your choice. Let me know if you post a question on your blog and I'll stop by and answer yours!

This weeks question is...

Do you think the groundhog will see it's shadow on Monday??

I think he will see his shadow this year... sadly I think it is going to continue to be a long winter!

Aloha Friday (week 3)

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

She then asks that you post a question on your blog for others to answer.

Go to An Island Life and answer her question and check out the other questions too! Answer mine, answer hers, answer all...your choice. Let me know if you post a question on your blog and I'll stop by and answer yours!

This weeks question is...

If you could spend a night away from your house, where would you go?

Lucky for us Richard's sister works for Disney so we get a discount to stay there. We are staying at Disney's Port Orleans Resort (French Quarter) tomorrow night. We aren't actually going to go to a park this time. We are going to hang out at Downtown Disney for a while and do lunch and dinner there. We are looking forward to a good night sleep and getting to sleep in... and for us that means sleeping to 7am or later. On the way home we are going to stop at one of the outlet malls so I can pick up some stuff for myself and the kids, and yes probably Richard too.

Yes, I will miss my little guys, but I always say that one of the best things that I mom can do for her kiddos is get out of the house without them and find yourself again. I also strongly believe that a strong and loving relationship of the parents creates a happier homelife as well as more balanced kids. So Richard and I forgoed Christmas presents to each other in replacement of an over night away. I just hope the kiddo are good for my mom!

Aloha Friday (week 2)

Looking for Friday videos? look here!

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

She then asks that you post a question on your blog for others to answer.

Go to An Island Life and answer her question and check out the other questions too! Answer mine, answer hers, answer all...your choice. Let me know if you post a question on your blog and I'll stop by and answer yours!

This weeks question is...

What is your favorite drink on a cold morning?

I like hot chocolate. I grew up in MA so I know what a true cold morning is, but let me tell you when it gets into the 30s here in Florida it feels down right FRIGID!

Interview Me

Lisa at Adventures in JujuBoo had this on her blog so I say... sure I'll play along. If you want to play along... write me a comment that says Interview me, and I'll send you 5 questions for you to post on your blog.

On with my answers...

Question one:
If you had not decided to be a teacher, what would you have been and why? I wanted to be a teacher from about the 6th grade so this is hard. I guess probably an engineer of some kind or some other job in the mathematical sciences. I love math and enjoyed physics and subjects like that in college.

Question two:
How long did you teach kindergarten and will you go back to teaching it when you boys are grown or will you chose another grade? I choose kindergarten because I loved my kindergarten teacher. I also love the freedom that should be provided to a kindergarten teacher. There is also the whole aspect of being a child's first connection to the education system. I wanted to be the one who taught children to love to learn. Kindergarten is such a different world... it is nothing like pre-K and absolutely nothing like 1st grade... I always said it takes a special person to be a kindergarten teacher. But, it is also a grade that you can burn out from quickly and in my opinion far too often a grade that people stay in even after they are burnt out. I can say with almost certainty that I will not go back to teaching kindergarten when I go back to work. If I do go back into the public school system, I will probably try to get a pre-K position. If I had to go back to work today I would probably try to get into a college position. I feel this will provide me a bit more freedom, be a change and a challenge all at the same time. I will not go back into a job just to have a job. Yes, the money will be good once I get back to working, but I can't be stressed out at work and then bring that home to my family. I have to find something new that I love. (wow that got a bit long winded)

Question three:
You are so crafty with all your scrapbook pages and the way you change your blog. I love the blue and the snowflakes you have up right now. Do you have any other hidden talents or anything you think you are crafty at that you would like to share? I like to do crafts, but I wouldn't really call myself crafty... lol! I do cross stitch. I haven't done any big projects lately, but I have made some baby albums (and to shock you all... I did not make one for either of my boys). I cross stitch a piece for the front cover and then cover the album in fabric. I've made wedding ones also. I can't say I have any other real talents to share.

Question four:
I had mentioned on Julia's birthday post about how her name wasn't even a name we had considered when I was pregnant with her. Were Blake and Colby names you had picked out ahead of time? Were they named for anyone? Blake and Colby were both names that came up on the lists for them. Both boys were named in the delivery room, but we had decided ahead of time that they would be ____ unless I looked at them and they didn't fit the name. (yes I totally understood your post about Julia!). I had the middle names set before the first names. Neither boy is named for anyone. We debated on that, but because I felt it had to represent both sides of the family and we could not come up with combinations that we liked we looked outside the box. Let me tell you picking the names of my boys was tough, but I think their names totally fit them.

Question five:
When your boys are grown and out of the house (I know, no mom wants to think about that) where will you go or what will you do? You know... I don't know! LOL. One thing I've always talked about doing is going back and getting my EdD (Doctorate of Education), but there is a good chance I'll do that before the boys are grown. In 18 years, I'll be in my 50s so who knows where my life will be at that time. Richard and I aren't the type to just up and travel. And, I can't see us moving so sadly I have to say... probably just more of the same.

Thanks Lisa... this was fun. Great questions. I hope that I answered your questions.

Aloha Friday

If you are looking for my Friday videos... look here!

I ran across this today and thought it would be fun to try.

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

"In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response."

She then asks that you post a question on your blog for others to answer.

Go to An Island Life and answer her question and check out the other questions too! Answer mine, answer hers, answer all...your choice. Let me know if you post a question on your blog and I'll stop by and answer yours!

My question is: How often do you take pictures/videos of your kiddos?

I try to take pictures at least every other day. I try to get at least one video of each boy a week. Posting them on my blog has been motivation to do it, but I also think it will be a great keepsake for them once they get older. I also try to make at least 1 scrapbook page a week (this one is a bit more challenging to get around to each week). My goal is to create cd's/dvd's for each boy with all of their pictures and videos. Then they can look back and see their day to day activities and growth. I feel that with digital photography/videography there isn't as big of an excuse to not have these collections.

Q & A poll

Online Surveys & Market Research

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.