Joelle's Journal

Another season in the books!

2010-10-29T19:28:00.008-04:00

Well, we've made it through another season of baseball and soccer and I'm still alive! Lately, I find myself realizing more and more how much my parents went through when both my brother and I played multiple sports. Between practices and games we've been busy 4 out of 5 days running back and forth between activities since mid-August! Both boys played really well (as any proud Mom would say) in their respective sports (Carter-soccer and Logan-baseball) and I like that it keeps them active.

Here are a few pictures from the fall seasons

I really enjoy watching them play and develop their ability to function as part of a team. We get about a month and a half of rest before basketball starts up for them both, it will be alot of fun watching Carter play this sport for the first time. In my heart of hearts, I secretly desire for at least one of my kids to enjoy/excel at their Mom's favorite sport! March madness will take on a whole new meaning, LOL!

I had the best of intentions...

2010-10-28T14:51:00.004-04:00

I really did but life just gets in the way. Between my real job, the boys, sports, volunteering and keeping the house managable, there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to blog. I think I spend more time reading other blogs as I think "yeah, I should be writing something inspiring/insightful right now" and then reality (aka laundry, cooking, playing referee) rears its ugly head.

So, here I am with a moment to myself and I decided that I just needed to let my one reader know that I am still here! It's been a very busy fall filled with sports, school volunteering and work so I'm keeping this brief but I will continue to try and remain "social" in this social media driven world.

Happy Fall Y'all, it seems to be going by way too fast!

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

Boys of Summer

2010-07-10T20:31:00.003-04:00

Well, as usual, I have the best of intentions with keeping up with my blogging but this summer has simply flown by! I just realized that with the start of Logan's fall baseball season, that I, in fact, never posted photos from both Carter and Logan's spring/summer baseball season. UGH!

This was the year of sports for Carter as he is now old enough to play baseball as well (yeah, this is starting to cost us a small fortune in fees and uniforms, lol!) However, totally worth it after watching Carter play T-ball for the first time and Logan moving up in the league's, playing A Major. I just can't believe that I have two boys who are big enough to play sports. I love sports (almost all of them) and so with this new season of our lives...comes a very competitive Mama! I know, I know, they're too young to really care about winning or losing, but it's never too early to teach fundamentals and the importance of being a team player. They both had great seasons, even with the crazy hot weather.

Here are my guys in action...

And here's big brother...

The Catch

2010-06-13T22:00:00.006-04:00

Kids sports under the age of 10 have few moments where the game can get really exciting, most times we're simply trying to keep the team on the field, rather than running to the Port-A-Potty every ten minutes. This game was no exception. We were in the bottom of the fifth inning (they only play six innings) and we were losing by a run. Logan typically plays infield but coach had decided to rotate Logan over to Right Field for this inning (the kids are only allowed to play two innings at one position before they have to rotate elsewhere.) Most times, when kids are placed in the outfield, boredom ensues. They no longer focus, some twirl around, others start picking at the grass and a few simply sit down until a coach yells at them to stand up!

Logan tends to wander when he plays the outfield by looking up at the clouds or repeatedly giving us the "thumbs up" signal to make sure that we are completely focused on him. The Rays (his team) had gotten two outs and the batter at the plate had a full count. The next pitch comes in and we hear him "ping" it off the bat (no one uses wood bats in the younger leagues) high into the sky and heading right for Logan's area. For that moment, Logan was actually watching the ball and we saw him extend his glove into the air and everyone's yelling for him to catch it. The next thing we know, his glove comes down, he turns and opens it to see the ball sitting in his glove and he whips his glove around for all to see. It wasn't the catch where his moment came but immediately afterward when he realized that he had caught the ball. Logan's face was beaming and he threw his hands in the air "Rocky" style and squealed "woooo-hoooo" with delight while jumping up and down. That was his moment. Pure.Sweet.Joy.

And of course, I didn't get it on tape or film. I'm the Mom who always has my camera (big or small) just in case those moments happen and of course, the one night I didn't bring anything, I missed capturing it. But the fact that remains that we were there. I will always remember the look on his face and how proud he was and that he immediately ran to me for our ritual "fist bump" (hugs are no longer permitted he tells me) to make sure that I saw him. He then proceeded to the bench for a round of high fives and way to go's from his teammates and coaches. That's when the game changed for Logan, that's when the game changed for me too.

I learned something that evening, that it's not important whether your kid is the star of the team but rather that your kid is there trying and participating and more importantly that we, as his parents, are there to support him. The look on his face is something that I will always remember but I will cherish the fact that he was more excited to share his moment with us afterwards. Thank you Logan.

The Queen has been Dethroned...

2010-06-08T06:00:00.002-04:00

It's funny how living with all my "men" that I don't realize from time to time how "ungirly" I truly am. I've never considered myself a girly girl, but I do enjoy my guilty pleasures (shopping, pedi's, reality TV, etc.) Lately, watching my boys grow from "babies" to young boys, it's amazing how their personalities have shaped who I am as a Mom.

I've always heard my girlfriend say that she loves being "Queen" of her family (she has a husband and three boys) and that she wouldn't trade it for the world. Although I've never considered myself to be the Queen, I do find that I was able to guilt my husband into feeling "sorry" for me that everything around us is "boy" equipped. However, in the past few weeks, I've noticed an oh so subtle change. Carter asks me almost daily if I want to go upstairs and have "alone time", to which I typically say no and then the sighs and hanging heads in disappointment commence. My "alone time" typically came when I had a rough day at work or I couldn't stand to hear the off key singing of the Star Wars theme one more time.

I finally asked Carter the other day why he's so concerned about my alone time, to which he quickly replied, "Mommy, when you go upstairs Daddy puts on a "guy" movie and we can watch it and eat snacks in the family room!" Then he continued, "But when you're here, we have to pick up our toys and we're not allowed to watch cool movies." I mean really, how many times can one watch Star Wars Episode I? I know I've been subjected to it at least 1,000 times.

Another sign of being dethroned is that my little men no longer want me to tuck them in at night. I think that this is the hardest thing to accept in the fact that I'm the Mom and that's always been my job. Don't get me wrong, Daddy has also tucked them in, but he has typically been the first "good night" and then I follow with hugs, kisses, and of course the professional blanket tucker-inner. Now, I'm lucky if I get a pat on the back before they bellow for Daddy to secure them for the night. I know that this has been great for Dave's ego but it's still a tough pill to swallow.

My boys are growing up and I'm so happy to see their independent sides and know that they will never be "Momma's boys", but it's also bittersweet in the fact that long gone are the days of cuddling on the couch listening to sweet little "secrets" that neither one will tell to anyone else but Mommy. Ok, so maybe I haven't been dethroned quite yet, but I feel that the subjects are making their move...sigh.

Soccer Super Star!

2010-05-30T21:07:00.003-04:00

This spring has been an exciting time for Carter as he has reached the age where he can begin playing organized sports! He has been chomping at the bit for the past year to play something, anything and finally he has been granted his wish by the GSA!

Carter has enjoyed his first soccer season and we've enjoyed being there cheering him on! At the end of the season, every member received a medal for their effort...needless to say Carter was so proud! Here are a few pictures that I took of medal man over the past few weeks...

Monkey, we're so proud of you!

Another Carter Conversation...

2010-05-19T20:42:00.006-04:00

One of my last posts was about a typical Carter conversation that happens between myself and my fiercely independent five year old. The conversation that took place last week is just too precious not to share...

NOTE: The conversation takes place at 4:00am on Monday morning, the day after Mother's Day...

Carter: "Mommy?" (poking me as I'm asleep in my bed)

Me: "Carter, please go back to sleep, it's too early to be getting up now."

Carter: "But Mommy, I have something important to tell you."

Me: "Carter, PLEASE go back to bed, Mommy's very tired and I have to get up in a little while to go into work."

Carter: "Mommy, I just wanted to tell you that I'm sorry that it's no longer your Happy Mother's Day...I love you."

Me: Now feeling incredibly guilty...Aw buddy, thank you for telling me this, I love you too.

He truly amazes me...literally 24/7.

Logan's First Communion

2010-05-16T06:00:00.003-04:00

Although Logan has had many "first's" in his life, this was a very special one for our family. On Mother's Day weekend, we celebrated Logan's first step in his faith journey by watching him participate in First Communion. It was so nice to see all of his friends dressed up in ties and jackets, I hardly recognized them!

After Mass, we enjoyed a nice celebration back at home with all of our family. One of the most special memories I will have of this day is that I had made Logan's Rosary and presented it to him, which he really loved it and thought he was special because I had made it for him.

We are so proud of you Logan, it's hard to believe that you've almost completed second grade and have already taken your first sacrament. We love you!

Bad Blogger...

2010-05-15T20:34:00.001-04:00

It's hard to believe that nearly eleven months have passed since my last entry, I know, bad blogger! My goal in starting this blog was to document my family events and the simple things that happen daily. However, being a working mom with two VERY active boys, I found less and less time to document because I wanted to participate more rather than reflecting. For the one person who read my blog, who is long gone by now, I'm sorry for not being better at this...but I'm back and I hope to be more consistent.

A lot has happened to my little family, both good and sad but I've decided to simply start anew with things that have happened recently. I can't wait to share pictures and stories as we head in to summer, a time of year that always keeps me on my toes!

I forgot how much I missed doing this and I want to make more of an effort to share the little musings of being a Mom Amongst Men.

One Brave Boy

2009-08-25T13:18:00.012-04:00

I just have to get this off my chest, it's been a rough few weeks at the Folian house, I must admit that I'm glad to see summer ending! Between my health issues (saving for another post) and Daredevil's (aka Carter) recent activity, it's enough to drive a Mom crazy!

About three weeks ago, we had just finished up dinner on a Friday night and we're trying to figure out what to do next. Dave decides to take the boys out back to play until I could clean up the dishes. Not even ten minutes after they closed the back door, I'm at my kitchen window watching my youngest soar high in the air on the fantastic tree swing that Dave made for the boys earlier this summer. All of the sudden, I see our Daredevil let go of said swing in mid air, only to fall squarely to the ground horizontally. This can't be good. Carter is screaming bloody murder which sends Dave and Logan into a panic as I rush to the back door. No sooner had I opened the door, Dave was rushing in with Carter screaming not to touch him. It was very easy to see that he had severely broken his left arm and a hospital trip would be our "fun" Friday evening activity.

After explaining to Carter that if he didn't let me take off his Indiana Jones costume shirt, that he had put on prior to going outside, the nurses would have to cut it off of him. He finally agreed through a stream of tears and it was an excruciating two minutes while I manuvered his shirt off so we could make our way to the hospital. Poor Logan sat in the back seat blaming himself for Carter's fall because he ran in front of the swing right before Carter let go. I explained to Logan that it wasn't his fault and that the doctor's would take excellent care of Carter. Thankfully, Grandma was able to meet us at the hospital and take Logan home so he didn't have to stay at the hospital with us. The next eight hours were some of the worst time I've spent as a Mom in my life. I won't go in to all the details but suffice it to say, my heart was breaking for my son who was such a brave boy as he laid on the bed, watching Spongebob Squarepants, waiting for his arm to be cast. Thank goodness for those TV's in the rooms, it really helped pass the time for us and keep our brave boy calm...most of the time.

At around 1:30am on Saturday, Carter was taken to the Ortho room, where they put patients under to set their bones before putting on the cast. Yes, his brake was so severe that he had to be put under to re-set it in two places. You would have thought that my child was having major surgery with seven different doctor's and nurses around us all working to get this little guy home and to his bed! After an hour, we were on our way home (at 2:30am on Saturday) with a very sedated little boy and our sanity still in tact. And yes, being the photographer in the family, I did take pictures, but I promise to only show the final cast;

Here he is waiting in the Ortho room to get his "sleepy medicine" to fix his other arm:

Here is the finished product, one sleepy but cool, blue casted boy!

Carter conversation...

2009-08-05T20:05:00.006-04:00

It always makes me smile when I hear how my four year old interprets our conversations;

Carter: "Mommy, can we stay up tonight?"

Me: "That's up to Daddy, he's in charge."

Carter runs downstairs to announce to his big brother...

Carter: "Logan, Mommy didn't say NO, and she says Daddy's in charge, piece of cake!"

Um...sounds like Daddy isn't in charge after all.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-08-05T05:00:00.001-04:00

I ♥ Faces - Week 27 Sports in Action

2009-07-13T20:30:00.003-04:00

Well, it's amazing in just three short years since Logan started playing sports how many images I've taken! It's another fun week of photo entries at I ♥ Faces Photography blog, and I'm happy to have found the shot I was looking for.

This summer is Logan's first year of coach pitch baseball and it's amazing how much he's changed in just how he stands at the plate. I captured this shot during his first "at bat" of the season, he was very excited!

Be sure to head over to I ♥ Faces and check out other amazing shots!

He's Growing Up!

2009-07-12T21:30:00.002-04:00

Well, I knew that this day would come, however, I expected it to happen two years from now. I love to go and shop for school supplies (a crazy trait I inherited from my mom!) and this year is no exception.

As soon as we saw the Target ad yesterday showing backpacks and school supply goodies on sale, I promptly ~~pushed~~ persuaded everyone to get in the car for a short trip. Off to Target we went, I was really looking forward to helping Logan pick out supplies. I know, it's the middle of July and I'm already trying to fast forward to the end of June! I really want the boys to enjoy their summer vacation but I also remember the fun I used to have with my mom going on excursions to find deals on fun items for school.

Alas, we maneuver our way around to the aisle of backpacks and I couldn't wait to see Logan's face as he tried to contemplate what to purchase; Transformers, GI Joe, or perhaps Batman. After about a minute in the aisle, my darling seven year old looked at me and stated "Mommy, I'm going to be a big second grader, I don't want these kind of backpacks, I want a plain colored one." WHAT...did my ears deceive me, did my little man ask for a regular backpack? Oh the sadness, the disappointment...yes it took me a few moments to compose myself. To hear Dave say it, you would've thought I'd been punched in the stomach, the look of dejection on my face. My little man no longer wanted a fun character backpack, he wanted a ~~yucky~~ old plain backpack.

As I stood in the aisle, not knowing what to say, I hugged my husband and said "what happened to my baby, first a plain backpack, next shaving!" Ok, so I took this pretty hard but I still have Carter yelling at me that he wants three different backpacks for pre-school...he knew just how to make his Mommy feel better!

It just continues to amaze me how quickly they grow up...

A League of His Own...

2009-07-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Well, another season of little league baseball has come and gone...but what fun we had! This was the first season that Logan played "coach pitch" and actually had to work on connecting with the ball. At the beginning of the season it was pretty rough for all of the kids (ages 5-7) to figure out that the "tee" no longer exists and they have to play by the actual rules.

But what a difference a few short weeks can make! By tournament time, Logan and his entire team looked like they had been playing for an entire year together. And most importantly, they really seemed to "get" baseball and how much fun it is to play. It was great to see Logan actually looking forward to game days and wanting to play the entire game.

Logan took on the nickname "catch" towards the end of the season and it suits him perfectly! The funny thing about the nickname is that at the beginning of the season, he wanted nothing to do with being catcher but slowly he realized that his size/build is perfect for this position.

I decided to put together a little video of Logan so that our family that doesn't live in Ohio can still experience the "catch" in action. We're very proud of him for sticking with this and making such great progress, way to go Logan!

I ♥ Faces-especially the ones I know best!

2009-07-01T19:51:00.013-04:00

So, as I wrote about last week, I entered my first photo contest at I ♥ Faces. This photography blog is not only fun to participate in but you can also learn valuable tricks of the trade. I happened to go back to the blog last night to read a post about Photoshop Elements and as I'm scrolling down through the blog, what did I see, but my oldest son's smiling face amongst a lot of other great photos! For me, this was as much fun as if I had actually won the contest! To simply have a photo that I adore make it into one of their collages amongst hundreds of other entries...it truly made me smile. Here's the collage that Logan was in:

As you can see, there were a lot of other great photos and they have weekly entries that I would highly recommend people check out! There's a listing on the blog with upcoming dates for various submissions and who knows, maybe you'll see a face you recognize!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-07-01T06:00:00.001-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-24T06:00:00.000-04:00

Let's Hear It For the Boys! Photo Challenge

2009-06-22T22:00:00.000-04:00

I've been following this site for awhile now because I LOVE looking at photos and taking them as well! At the I ♥ Faces Photography blog, they are celebrating Father's Day this week by celebrating everything boy! It was really hard for me to decide between my two boys but my first born is just such a ham when the camera comes out.

Be sure to check out the I ♥ Faces blog to see other fun and amazing photos!

Have a great day!

Swinging from the trees...

2009-06-19T22:25:00.008-04:00

It's Friday night and this is what happens when I let the boys create their own fun...

That's right, my little monkeys are now swinging from one of the huge trees in our backyard. But as Dave says, as long as they're having fun, that's all that matters. I hope our boys understand someday how cool their dad truly is!

TGIF!

ONE...singular sensation of a musical!

2009-06-12T06:00:00.002-04:00

I got such a great surprise yesterday! My husband called mid-afternoon and wanted to know if I wanted to go see A Chorus Line. At first I said "no, we've got stuff to do around the house" to which he replied "come on, you love musicals, we'll have a good time." So, I decided to go and I'm so glad I did! This was my first time seeing a Broadway production and we had fantastic seats!

Outside the theatre

We don't get very many date nights, as of late, let alone during the work week but it was soooo worth going to see.

Here we are, waiting for the performance to begin (terrible lighting!)

I truly enjoy musicals and I hope someday to actually go to Broadway to see a performance. Thanks to my hubby, I had a great evening and got to see the revival of a classic show!

TGIF!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Soccer send off

2009-05-27T20:45:00.007-04:00

Well, tonight was Logan's final soccer game as he has decided to try fall baseball since he seems to prefer baseball over soccer (at least right now.) Logan definately went out with a bang as he scored two goals and worked as hard as he could to help out his team.

Fortunately, Logan has had a great coach for the past two years as he has learned how to play the game and more importanly learned how to be part of a team. Thanks to Coach Dad for always being patient and supportive, even when he was trying to score on his own net! This has been something that both father and son have shared together and I know that they both have enjoyed the experience.

Although I personally am very competitive when it comes to sports, I'm just glad that Logan is able to experience different things and decide for himself what he wants to spend his time doing. I'm so proud of Logan and how much effort he gives each and every time. My hope is that he tries a variety of things besides sports so that he can see how much variety he truly can have in his life.

Great job Logan, your hard work definately paid off!

My special afternoon with Logan

2009-05-27T20:30:00.004-04:00

I spent a great afternoon at Logan's school celebrating Mother's Day (albeit a week post Mother's Day due to scheduling conflict at the church) but it was worth the wait. Logan had been very secretive about what his class had prepared for all of the first grade mothers and it was such a wonderful experience seeing all of these children so excited to share their mothers with all of their classmates.

There was a cute little processinal, followed by songs that the children sang to their mothers. Then as the children recessed, each child handed their mother a rose. After the ceremony, some of the eighth grade students had helped the first graders put together a great PPT presentation with a photo of each student saying why their mom should be "Mother of the Year." All the first graders made their moms' a special gift, a heart shaped key chain with their photo inside (Logan's decoration was too cute!) After the presentation the students brought over cookies and punch.

It was a wonderful afternoon and something that I'll always remember.

My favorite first grader!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

Baseball, Blue Jackets and bunk beds...oh my!

2009-05-25T19:00:00.001-04:00

It was definately a fun yet busy Memorial Day weekend at the Folian front and now another crazy week has begun!

We started the weekend with a great baseball game, Logan had two great hits and was able to do some more catching, which he really seems to love. Grandma joined us for the game which Logan loves when other people come to watch him play besides his boring Mom and Dad. Even Carter is starting to enjoy being at the games and cheering on his big brother! This is Logan's sign to us letting us know that he's ready to play ball!

After baseball, it was time to focus on the room redecorating that we have been planning for Logan's room over the past couple of months. Logan has been asking for a new room change for the past year. Mommy just had a hard time letting go of the dinosaurs that he loved so dearly. When asked what he wanted, there was no hesitation, I want a Blue Jackets room (our NHL team in Columbus.) Sorry Dad, Detroit is taking a back seat in your son's eyes, ha-ha! So, in my typical perfectionist style (see I have no problem saying it out loud) I began my search for everything CBJ. After looking at the prices to make my son's "dream" (at the moment) come true, I was looking at around $500 to make it happen. I don't think so...thankyouverymuch!

So, I decided that I would decorate his walls with CBJ framed posters (thanks to Dave) for getting so much ~~crap~~ memorabilia during the innagural season that it only cost us to purchase frames. We were able to decorate the walls of his room with framed pieces (that actually were printed the year before Logan was born.) Here's one of the framed posters...

Logan really wanted the new logo in his room so thanks to my MIL, I was able to use an overhead projector to create the logo on his main wall. The hard part was that it took me a full day to complete this (four coats of paint, ugh!) But the look on Logan's face when he saw it was the perfect "thanks Mom." What do you think?

So, Saturday afternoon, we headed over to one of my co-workers homes and picked up a set of bunk beds that her son had out grown. I had been looking for beds for eight months but nothing was in my price range (for quality wooden bunk beds) and I wasn't even sure if the boys would want to bunk together. We got the beds home, set them up and the boys loved them, as you can see...

These guys are loving the fact that they can now create the coolest forts and just hang out together. As it was time to go to bed, I wasn't sure if Carter would really want to stay in Logan's room but they were ready to go to sleep before I could finish their story. I kissed my guys good night and closed the door, but I did stay at the door just to see if they would start talking to one another. It was so sweet when I heard my gentle giant say to his little brother, "it's ok buddy, if you need me, just let me know and I'll come up to the top bunk with you and keep you safe." They talked for a few more minutes and then everything fell silent...at least for a moment until they both started snoring heavily, I sure pitty their future roommates!

We had a very relaxing Memorial Day, boys played in the little pool out back, we grilled out and just spent time together as a family. I feel very blessed every day that my little piece of heaven is just hanging with my guys!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

Logan "the catch" Folian

2009-05-19T22:13:00.008-04:00

I just had to share a couple of images of my "big guy" tonight during his baseball game. He turned a corner last week in baseball and really is starting to get the hang of things and enjoying playing different positions (something I really like to see little kids experiencing different positions on the team.)

Tonight, he got his first taste of playing catcher. Now, my mom always wanted my younger brother to be a catcher (just like her man Johnny Bench.) Unfortunately, Ty had other things in mind and he decided to be on the other side of that duo, as a pitcher (and a great one at that!) Anyway, I really wasn't sure how Logan would do but the moment he took his stance...

I could tell that this might be a great position for him!

Way to go Logan, keep up the good work!

Freedom!

2009-05-15T20:32:00.009-04:00

I honestly didn't think that I would be writing this until the end of summer. We have been encouraging Logan take off his training wheels and learn to ride his bike. Unfortunately, he's been too scared to try it, until today!

It might sound weird that a seven year old doesn't know how to ride a bike but my sweet, sensitive boy has fallen a couple of times and he refused to even attempt to ride without training wheels. Coupled by the fact that my "big guy" has a hard time balancing himself on anything, Dave and I thought it would be a battle to get him to ride. Little did I know that on this evening, Logan would face his fear...

Cost of bike...$25.00

Bike helmet...$10.00

My son growing up...PRICELESS!

I'm so proud of you Logan, I knew you could do it!

Carter sings the Mommy song

2009-05-14T06:00:00.005-04:00

I have to admit that I'm not the greatest videographer and I typically prefer photos to capture those "little" moments in life. But as the boys are getting older, I'm realizing that soon I won't hear the sweet, small voices of their younger years. So, I decided to record an encore performance of Carter singing my Mother's Day song that he learned in pre-school. He was so proud of himself on Sunday morning when the boys made me breakfast in bed and then Carter performed his tune. Although it took him a few attempts not to get his loving mother confused with the beloved Bingo (who made the song famous!) That's okay, I know who he was singing for and the fact that he sang at all was another "little" moment that I'll always treasure.

Enjoy this rare performance!

My boys

2009-05-13T18:00:00.001-04:00

There are few things in life that make me truly smile from my heart...these two happen to be the reason that I work so hard to make their lives better. I am so blessed to be a mother to such wonderful boys, I'm so lucky that they belong to me.

Can I play with madness?

2009-05-12T06:00:00.006-04:00

No, I'm not referring to what happens when the boys go to a ball game with Nana and Papa, get hyped up on sugar and then sent home to my loving arms to contend with (although that totally happened on Mother's Day!) The title of this post is what my four year old was ~~doing~~ screaming last night as he was attempting to brush his teeth for bed time. I truly don't think I've laughed this hard in months!

Here's the back story, my husband is a total music freak, he and his iPod are best buds (he listens to such a wide variety of music.) So, I've come to understand that when I'm not in the car with my guys or away from home, Dave imparts his musical taste on my young, impressionable boys. A few times I've come home to find the boys "rocking out" to Metallica or Megadeth in the family room, while half naked and playing their air guitars (I have to take picture sometime!) Other times, I'll come home to find them peacefully sitting on the couch with Dave listening to the calming sounds of James Taylor (I just never know what I'm coming home to, HA!)

But lately, my son Logan has been learning the fine art of rocking out before a game (soccer or baseball) and his favorite song is "Can I play with madness" (I sure hope this isn't God's way of telling me what I have to look forward to in a few years!) When it's nice out, we turn on the iPod and turn on the speakers on the patio so we can listen while we play and of course, that was Logan's first selection. Now, on a side note, he does have my musical tastes as well (if you want to call it that) when he also asks Dave to play N*Sync's "Bye, Bye, Bye" (because he likes that I know the hand motions), that remains an "indoor" song Daddy says because Logan always begins to flail his arms when he hears this song.

So, after a couple of hours in the backyard last night working on hitting baseballs and fielding, it was time to come in for our nightly bed time routine. Now, my sweet, shy Carter tends to do everything Logan does when we're around, never of his own accord. So, imagine my surprise as I was heading upstairs to check on my monkeys (bathroom door was closed) and I hear this shouting of the lyrics to Iron Maiden's song and as I slowly open the door, I see my sweet, little Carter completely naked, with toothbrush in hand, singing at the top of his lungs the few words that he does know/understand. As soon as he saw me he ran to the door and pushed it closed and I proceeded to fall to the floor in hysteric laughter over what I had just witnessed. Logan comes out of his room and wants to know "what's so funny?" to which I respond "Oh, your brother is just finding his inner rockstar."

I know I've said it before, but boys are just plain funny!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

2009-05-07T17:00:00.000-04:00

It's time for hot dogs, rally hats and lots of laundry (oh wait, that's just for the mom's of the kids!) Logan's moved up to coach pitch league this year and we're juggling both soccer and baseball games...it's a busy time at the Folian front!

Not alot of time to blog lately but I at least wanted to share a couple of pictures of my slugger!

Ready to field the pitch...

Bring it on pitcher...

My baseball boy...

Have a great evening!

New Toys for Mom!

2009-05-06T06:00:00.003-04:00

For those who know me I'm a bit of a neat freak and one of my biggest frustrations over the past three years since moving into our new house has been our washer and dryer. Although the duo were not very old (8 yrs.) we just never seemed to get along when they moved to the new house with us. My dryer decided that it needed two complete drying cycles to complete one load, which in my world, was totally unacceptable! And my washing machine had issues standing still whenever I put more than five articles of clothing in it. However, I tried to repair the relationship and be understanding. Well, after my mini meltdown a few weeks ago, hubby took pitty on me and said that we could finally get a new set...it would be my Mother's Day gift.

Ahem, not that we're back in the 1950's but that was music to my ears, even if it did sound like I was getting appliances (that benefit the entire family) as a present for being a mom. That's ok, I can work with it.

So, I'd had my eye on this set for over a year but due to our budget "plan" they just weren't in the cards...until today!

I heart this duo! I've never been as excited to do laundry as I was last night! As most of you know, I LOVE the color red but I honestly never thought I would get these in this color but man, they go great with my color scheme. They even play a happy little chime when the cycle is finished, I smiled each time I heard it...hubby thought I was crazy but when you're the one stuck in a room for hours on end cleaning smelly boys clothing, you need a happy little tune!

The funniest part about yesterday was the image I found when I walked into the laundry room towards dinner time and found the dynamic duo here...

I thought they were outside in the back yard playing so it didn't surprise me when I didn't hear noises coming from family room. Even after I found them in the laundry room and I went to get my camera and take a picture, they never flinched, as though they were watching a favorite movie on TV. I think after the flash went off on my camera they finally noticed me and asked why I was taking a picutre. Once I explained how funny I thought it was that they were watching the laundry they just smiled and went back to watching the "show." I went back a few minutes later and found them doing this...

Now I know why my mom always laughed at my brother when we were young, doesn't take much to entertain them!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Menu Plan Monday

2009-04-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

Well, we're starting another week at the home front! Be sure to check out I'm an Organizing Junkie (http://orgjunkie.com/) for other great menu plans as well as great tips and tricks for organizing. So, here's my menu for this week:

Monday: Hamburgers (soccer night!)

Tuesday: Homemade Calzones (baseball night!)

Wednesday: Swiss Chicken

Thursday: Baked Ziti, salad and garlic bread

Friday: Salmon, rice and salad

Saturday: Leftover buffet!

Sunday: Easter Sunday dinner at my parents house

What's on your menu for this week?

Happy Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-04-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Menu Plan Monday

2009-03-23T05:59:00.004-04:00

Monday: Hamburgers and homemade fries (soccer night!)

Tuesday: Taco salad (using any leftover meat from Monday's dinner)

Wednesday: Teriyaki chicken, sesame noodles & steamed veggies

Thursday: Spaghetti, garlic bread & salad

Friday: Coconut crusted flounder, rice and green beans

Saturday: Homemade Calzones & salad

Sunday: Leftover buffet!

What's on your menu for this week?

Happy Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

Let the dance begin!

2009-03-16T06:00:00.001-04:00

For those who know me well...they know that I'm a HUGE fan of men's college basketball! Of course, I follow my Buckeyes (they're a #8 seed this year) but when March Madness rolls around, it doesn't matter who's playing...I could watch basketball games non-stop!

But since my beloved Buckeyes are back in the tournament (last year they missed the big dance and had to settle for the NIT...which they won the entire tourney) I'm ready to cheer them on to hopefully the sweet sixteen. Unfortunately, if they win the first round (vs. Sienna) they would most likely face the #1 seed in the region, Louisville...I don't know if the Buckeyes have enough in their arsenal to defeat the Cards. For now, I can be optimistic because on any given day, any team can lose...I just hope that my boys aren't the losers!

Unlike other sports, this incredible tournament showcases talent from across the country and in three weeks, you go from a field of 64 teams to two. For NCAA basketball fans like myself, it's fun to hear the back story on teams that no one in the media pays any attention to until the tournament. Who can't help but cheer for those Cinderella teams! There's always one or two teams that have an amazing story of how they got to the tournament and come in to take on some of the most highly recruited and dominating teams in the country. And "for one shining moment" (thanks CBS) those teams show the world their team has what it takes to be in the big dance.

I've got my bracket and thanks to the beauty of CBS mobile TV, I can catch updates and scores on all the excitement. Ok, maybe not everyone shares my enthusiasm but these last three weeks have to sustain me until next October!

Let the dance begin!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-03-15T18:30:00.001-04:00

Well, here's to another week of menu planning for me! Be sure to check out I'm an Organizing Junkie (http://orgjunkie.com/) for other great menu plans as well as great tips and tricks for organizing. So, here's my menu for this week:

Monday: Sloppy Joes, applesauce and french fries

Tuesday: Zippy Beef Tips and salad

Wednesday: Impossible Cheeseburger Pie and corn

Thursday: Chicken, mashed red skin potatoes and green bean casserole

Friday: Salmon Patties, rice and salad

Saturday: Breakfast Dinner

Sunday: Simple Sunday (whatever we can find!)

What's on your menu for this week?

Happy Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-11T06:00:00.003-04:00

Did I mention...

2009-03-10T05:00:00.003-04:00

That I'm in love?

I'm in love with three men, yes I said it three! One who I've been able to walk through the past 15 years of my life with as my friend and partner, and the other two who I've only known for a few years but what I've learned from them could last me for a lifetime.

A love that doesn't change with the seasons or trends, one that endures and withstands all situations, no matter how difficult they may be. A love that is so pure that I would give anything to bottle it up so that years from now, I'd be able to remember all of the little things that brought me such pure joy. It's the little things that make my life beautiful...ones that I tend to take for granted until I walk into a room to see my guys fast asleep, dreaming, as I gently tuck them in and kiss their foreheads. Or peeking in the rear view mirror when they don't think I'm watching, sharing secrets that only brothers can do.

Did I mention...that I'm in love?

The love that only my Carter can give, by a quick kiss on my hand whenever he leaves a room or when he tells me that he wants to "Tuddle" on the couch. The love I feel when my Buddha boy (Logan) runs to hug me everyday after he gets off the school bus and says "my day is perfect now because you're here." The love that is unspoken by the actual word, rather the I-O I hear every night as I leave Logan's room saying O-H and how I know that it makes us both smile.

I even love the bickering I hear when my men are playing and no one wants to be the "bad guy" but they both want to save the Princess (yep, that's me!) To know that their love is something that can't be bought or taken away, that only I know now what a mother's love is because I was blessed with both of them...sometimes it just doesn't seem real.

Did I mention...I'm in love?

I love how great they are as brothers. Brothers exploring new territory, taking the time to help one another and sharing little secrets that are just out of earshot from Mom and Dad. I know that most moms get sentimental when they think about how their children are growing up but I'm more excited as to what their future holds and how fortunate I am to be a part of it.

I look at their faces and see hope, joy, possibility...and most of all love, something that I'm blessed to be able to give them each and everyday.

I love these guys...forever and always.

My new companion

2009-03-09T14:00:00.001-04:00

Well, I didn't think I could ever love a phone...but I heart my iPhone!
This phone is amazing! I've never been a gadget gal but I wanted to transition away from my paper planner to something more versatile and compact. So, last year I bought my Palm and although I truly enjoyed it, however, I found that it was lacking something. After Christmas, I started looking at this phone and wanted to try it out. So, thanks to David, I got it a few weeks ago. To save money, I purchased a refurbished one and it's well worth it!

The applications are amazing, I love that I can locate silly things like, where the cheapest gas is around me, rather than driving around and checking out prices...silly I know but worth it! And I especially love the tip application that will calculate the number of guests by the tip you should leave, no more math in my head (trust me, it's a very scary place to be!) But I love the calendar functions and the to-do apps. that make me wonder how I didn't purchase this little cutey sooner!

Let's just say, for this organized mom, it's worth it's weight in gold! Thank you Apple, this truly is a great phone!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-03-09T06:00:00.000-04:00

Monday: Chicken sandwiches, corn and french fries

Tuesday: Pork cutlets, red skin potatoes and green beans

Wednesday: Spaghetti, bread and salad

Thursday: Chicken Cordon Bleu, rice and salad

Friday: Attending Church Fish Fry

Saturday: Homemade Calzones and salad

Sunday: Simple Sunday (whatever we can find!)

What's on your menu for this week?

Happy Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-03-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Menu Plan Monday

2009-03-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Well, it's another week of menu planning for me! This whole diet thing for me has put a crimp in what I eat, but I still plan on keeping it up for the guys, plus it keeps us from eating out! Be sure to check out I'm an Organizing Junkie (http://orgjunkie.com/) for other great menu plans as well as great tips and tricks for organizing. So, here's my menu for this week:

Monday: Homemade pizzas for the boys (Daddy's going out with friends)

Tuesday: Spinach Stuffed Shells, garlic bread and salad

Wednesday: Sloppy Joes, homemade french fries and applesauce

Thursday: Chicken with Sun-dried Tomato Cream Sauce, parmesan noodles & asparagus

Friday: Pan Seared Salmon with Avocado Remoulade, rice and salad

Saturday: Leftover Buffet

Sunday: Crock pot beef tips, served over noodles with garlic green beans

What's on your menu for this week?

Happy Monday!

Diet...Week One

2009-03-01T18:00:00.001-05:00

Well, week one has come and gone and yes...I'm still here. I've never been a big dieter but over the years, I've learned that my athletic figure wasn't just going to maintain itself. I've come to terms with it's not how much I lose, but how good I feel. Well...it's been a very rough week!

I think the hardest thing for me has been to give up the caffeine (soda) and so I was definitely feeling it through the entire week...I LOVE MY PEPSI! But, by Thursday night, I was doing better and trying to find other drinks, besides water, that could keep me hydrated and happy. This is a challenge for me because I don't like tea (of any kind) and I can't stand skim milk. So, H2O has been my BFF and I'm hoping that after the first two weeks, I'll start to feel better with only drinking water. If anyone has other suggestions, I'm all ears!

So far, I've lost 5 lbs., not bad but I'm not going to be disillusioned by the lack of caffeine and the fact that I'm not eating everything in sight to make me think that it's going to be easy. So, here's to another week...the person I really feel sorry for is my husband, Dave just be patient with me, I know that I'm not easy to be around but I'm glad your here with me!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-25T06:00:00.001-05:00

The "D" Word

2009-02-23T08:30:00.002-05:00

Oh, it was a blissful eight months we had together, no calorie counting, no exercise schedule, no dress to squeeze into for a family event...but alas our time has come to an end and I must thrust myself back into reality! I hate saying the dreaded "D" word because it only brings judgement and disgust, let alone my own children will run away in fear because Mommy's taken away all of the "fun" foods. So here we go...wait for it...yes I'm starting back on my DIET!

I ~~hate~~ loathe that word, for years I would use my children as an excuse, "I just haven't been back to my old self since I had kids" or the ever popular "I'm so busy with work and family that I just don't have time for me" (yeah that second one was always a great fall back!) But last year, when we found out that Dave's brother was getting married, I didn't want to be embarrassed by my size (I'm strong enough to admit it, I was a size 20) so I decided to try to lose some pounds before the wedding. Don't get me wrong, I most likely wouldn't qualify for The Biggest Loser however, I definitely have not kept my girlish figure (if you want to call it that) since I was a blissfully unaware newlywed (size 16) and now I'm realizing that I can't give excuses anymore.

Most people who know me realize that I have never been in the size 12 and under range (except maybe when I was 10), nor will I ever be, but I most definitely do not need to be where I currently reside either. By June 2008, I had lost almost 30 lbs. and was feeling great about it! I wasn't really dieting, I was simply watching my portion control and exercising at a gym right down the street, but I was making a concerted effort. Well, the wedding came and went (which I still looked terrible in the photos once I saw them) and so did my self control. I decided to cut back on the gym (and used the excuse that I needed to save more money for the family) and then my portion control just ceased to exist. I will say that about the only thing that I have maintained is my ability to avoid fast food restaurants, which was a HUGE (pardon the pun) weakness!

However, it's now eight months post wedding and I've gained back every single pound! So, after a disappointing weekend of pants shopping, I cried to my husband that I was so angry with myself that I needed to get back in control. And so here I am, ready to tackle this demon yet again! I know that I will never be a "skinny" girl but once I had lost those 30 lbs. I knew that I could do it and maybe even lose a little bit more, but now I'm back at square one and it stinks!

This time, I have no goal (i.e.-wedding) but I know that I felt so much better when I had lost that weight and that I was my own worst enemy. So, according to my height and current weight, I am well over the normal range (would love to know who determined what this range is) and if I want to be "normal", then I need to lose approximately 50 lbs. to be average. Just thinking about this number I want to smack myself silly because I was already half way there before I had the ingenious plan to stop my routine! So, starting from scratch, just with no gym this go round (we have a treadmill in our basement that will be my new best friend until spring) and my sheer determination (that always sounds good on paper, right) to overcome my battle of bulge!

With Lent starting this week, I've chosen to give up soda which is going to be incredibly hard since I prefer that over sweets but I know I can do it. I'm starting off slowly with simply gaining my stamina on the treadmill and then I'll start adding back in cardio and some free weights that I have at home. This all sounds good in theory but I hope to be able to stick with it. I have no one to blame but myself and I want to be healthier and happier (plus it doesn't hurt to be able to clothes shop because everything's too big!)

If anyone has any tips that they're willing to share, I'd love to hear them, heaven knows I have a long road ahead of me! Wish me luck!

Happy Monday!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-23T06:00:00.001-05:00

Well, it's another week of menu planning for me! I'm really happy to be keeping up with this because it truly makes shopping for groceries and keeping on our budget, so much easier. Be sure to check out I'm an Organizing Junkie (http://orgjunkie.com/) for other great menu plans as well as great tips and tricks for organizing. So, here's my menu for this week:

Monday: Hamburgers and Mac & Cheese for the guys (Mommy's going out with friends, YEAH!)

Tuesday: Chicken Fettucini Alfredo, salad and bread

Wednesday: Fish sticks and rice for the boys (fasting for the adults, Ash Wednesday)

Thursday: Leftover Buffet

Friday: Salmon, rice and salad

Saturday: Homemade Calzones and salad

Sunday: Crockpot potroast and potatoes, green beans

What's on your menu for this week?

Happy Monday!

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-18T06:00:00.002-05:00

Tackle it Tuesday

2009-02-17T06:00:00.001-05:00

So, here's another great blog that I love to read that covers all the bases! Over at 5 Minutes for Mom, they cover the gammet of making Mommyhood fun and blogable. I've been reading posts from Tackle it Tuesday for several months now and in my attempt to be better at blogging in 2009, I decided to join in on this weekly adventure.

Now, my friends know that I'm very organized, but although I'm organized, that doesn't mean that the rest of my family shares my organizational ~~obsession~~ enthusiasm! So, here's my tackle for the week, our resident JUNK DRAWER!

This tiny little drawer drives me CRAZY! This before shot is actually pretty decent because I had pulled some stuff out earlier in the week but it truly is a magnet for all of the stuff that no one seems to know where it came from. It's a small drawer but I cringe every time I open it because I feel like it's mocking me...how could this small area always get messes up. So, I decided that I was going to just do it and show the drawer who's boss! So, here's the finished product:

Although it looks simple, it had been driving me crazy and the before picture doesn't really do it justice since I had taken out quite a bit of stuff to throw out prior to the picture being taken. However, I accomplished my goal and now I have proof that it can be clean and tidy...no matter what my men do to it! It's not the size of the tackle, just the follow through that counts!

Next week, I take on the upstairs!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm back for another week of menu planning! Be sure to check out I'm an Organizing Junkie (http://orgjunkie.com/) for other great menu plans as well as great tips and tricks for organizing. So, here's my menu for this week:

Monday: Soup and sandwiches

Tuesday: Veal cutlets, garlic potatoes, french green beans

Wednesday: Hot chicken salad casserole, salad & rolls

Thursday: Lasagna, salad & garlic bread

Friday: Leftover buffet

Saturday: Breakfast Dinner

Sunday: Swiss Chicken, scalloped potatoes, salad

What's on your menu for this week?

Happy Monday!

Happy Birthday Monkey!

2009-02-12T06:00:00.002-05:00

Dear Carter,

Happy Birthday Monkey! It's hard to believe that you're turning four years old today. I can't even put into words how much joy you bring me each and every day. It's amazing to me as each year passes how much I see myself in you. You're so determined to assert your independance whether it's dressing yourself in mis-matched clothing, or trying to compete with your older brother at a video game, you always let everyone know around you that "I can do it myself!"

The evening you were born was such an exciting time for us because we were so happy that Logan would have a little brother to teach things to. Little did we know that at this young age, you're the one who's teaching us everyday. I love your devilish smile and how you come into our room and gently tap me on the shoulder when you can't sleep at night. It makes me smile to hear you sing Christmas songs year round because it makes you "happy" and that you always kiss the top of my hand before you leave a room and call me your "princess". It's fun to hear you sing the Indiana Jones theme song 24/7 and use the toy whip to swing from the bottom of the stair railing to escape the "bad guys." I love how you still can't pronounce your "L's" (you still say Wove rather than Love) and that you feel so big when you get to say the prayer at dinner time. And I especially love our secret way to say I love you is when I say "O-H" and you reply "I-O."

I love you buddy, you'll always be my Monkey, no matter how big you may get!

Love Always,

Mommy

February 2005

February 2006

February 2007

February 2008

June 2008

Wordless Wednesday

2009-02-11T08:00:00.007-05:00

Dinner conversation

2009-02-10T20:00:00.002-05:00

I'm so glad that I've started to blog about some of the things that I hear from my boys, because I don't think people would believe me but they really do say these things. At least this would make a great stand-up bit when they're older.

Tonight at dinner, Logan was explaining to his dad one of his homework papers and it was a list of items to learn more about the child. The sentence would start and then the child has to finish the thought. Here's how the conversation went:

Dad: So, you have to answer alot of questions?

Logan: Yes, but mommy and I already answered most of them, I only have two more that I need to answer.

Dad: It looks like the next question is, "I wonder..."

Logan: I know what I wonder daddy.

Dad: What?

Logan: I wonder when I'll get my first ex-wife.

Dad (after trying to keep his composure): No Logan, you hope that you never have to deal with that.
--------------------------------------
Ok moms, just think, this guy is going to be available to all of your daughters in just 14 or so short years. He's a keeper, you just don't realize it yet. All I can say is...I've got a lot of work to do!

Conversations in the car...

2009-02-10T06:00:00.001-05:00

This is a conversation that Carter (my almost 4 yr. old) had with my mom in her car yesterday and I couldn't help but share.

Carter: "Nana?"

Nana: "Yes Carter."

Carter: "Nana, would you take me to the 'wicker store'?"

Nana: "What?"

Carter: "Would you take me to the wicker store?"

Nana: "Buddy, I don't know what you're talking about."

Carter: "Nana, Daddy goes to the 'wicker store' but he won't take me and I want to see what's in the store."

Nana: "Oh, you mean the liquor store?"

Carter: "Yes, the wicker store, I want to see the magical store where only daddy gets to go."

Nana: "Well buddy, you'll have to talk to your daddy about that."

When my mom called me, to repeat the story, I could barely control my laughter...needless to say, this is a conversation that I wanted to remember so that I can share with Carter when he can truly appreciate it!

Not Me Monday

2009-02-09T08:00:00.005-05:00

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week. This is my first time trying this and I think it's going to be a lot of fun!

I most certainly did NOT ~~yell~~ speak loudly at my youngest after dinner last week to quit singing the Indiana Jones theme song for the hundredth time (in the last two hours!) because mommy had a headache from the off key singing. Nevermind that I'm not tired of taking that oh-so adorable Indiana Jones costume (which I did not purchase for Christmas) off of him every five minutes when he changes his mind and wants to be a Star Wars Clone Tropper.

I would never tell my oldest son to stop crying about not feeling well because it only makes it worse and mommy needs to finish making dinner.

The following day, I did not feel like a complete failure as a mother when I took Logan to the doctor and found out that he had the beginnings of pneumonia and realized that I should have taken him in two days before. But I would never be more concerned about the deductible we had to pay up front than whether or not my child was truly not feeling well. And I never cried to my husband that I felt like the worst mother for not taking his symptoms more seriously.

Logan, my sensitive son, did not tell me that I should change my shirt because I looked fat, after walking into my bedroom while I was changing my clothes and noticed my lovely stomach (and all the strechmarks courtesy of his 9lb. 10oz. body!)

After my youngest child started feeling sick, I did not pick up a bucket and place it by his bedside (in the middle of the night) and tell him to only call me after he got sick. I also would never lay a towel down on his bed after throwing up and hitting the side of his bed, a little bit, and telling him that mommy would change his sheets in the morning because it wasn't that bad. This was not my seventh time being up with him since he went to sleep at 9:00pm and I couldn't see straight, let alone change a bed! And I would never ~~slug~~ gently nudge my husband in the arm after getting back in bed and telling him what an ~~jerk~~ insensitive husband he was for not getting up, again!

Finally, I most certainly did not almost cancel going to an ice rink gathering (put together by co-workers) on Saturday with Logan because I was too afraid to get on the ice after almost 15 years and fall on my butt! And I didn't tear up while we were there and he asked to hold my hand while we were skating.

For my first shot at this, it wasn't too hard to admit to all of this, I feel so much better now! I most certainly will not cringe if any of my friends read this and choose not associate with me anymore, LOL!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-08T20:28:00.006-05:00

Well, I'm back for the second week of menu planning! Be sure to check out I'm an Organizing Junkie (http://orgjunkie.com/) for other great menu plans as well as great tips and tricks for organizing. So, here's my menu for this week:

Monday: Teriyaki chicken, sesame noodles & steamed veggies

Tuesday: Beef Stroganoff, garlic green beans & salad

Wednesday: Hamburgers, homemade fries & applessauce

Thursday: Leftovers

Friday: Soup & sandwiches (Homemade French Onion-adults, tomato-kids)

Saturday: Pizza for birthday celebration (Happy Birthday Carter!)

Sunday: Parmesan crusted chicken, garlic noodles, corn & rolls

What's on your menu for this week?

Happy Monday!

Teach me

2009-02-07T20:00:00.011-05:00

Today was an unexpected surprise for me. Logan and I decided to join some of my co-workers for an afternoon of ice skating at our local rink. I personally, wasn't looking forward to it because I haven't skated in a good 12 years and was nervous about getting out there and falling on my face.

Now, initially, I had planned on taking both boys but I ended up only taking Logan because his little brother was still sick. I completely expected Logan to be too scared to step onto the ice so we would spend most of our time watching everyone else. Much to my surprise, Logan couldn't wait to hit the ice! We were fortunate in that my boss Lauren is also an ice skating teacher and she was kind enough to take Logan out until his mommy could find her legs out on the ice. She was great with him, even though he was initially clinging to the wall and in no time he was marching like a pro!

I was so proud as he took her instructions and wasn't afraid, even after he fell a few times. I always tend to be hesitant to break out of my comfort level and I realize that sometimes that's unfair to my kids. Once we were both on the ice, holding hands, there was no place I would have rather been.

On this day, both Logan and I got to do something new, and the fact that we did it with each other, will always be something very special to me. Thanks to my son, I'm learning how to have fun in the moment!

Wordless Wednesday (Monkey circa 8/06)

2009-02-04T06:00:00.005-05:00

What's for Dinner?

2009-02-03T06:00:00.003-05:00

For a lot of working moms (including myself) one of the evening battles is "what's for dinner?" In today's economic crunch, I've been looking for ways to cut costs but still provide a quality meal for my family. Another challenge for me is that I don't enjoy cooking, it's always been a stressor for me. Then I attended a Dream Dinners facility last year and loved the entire premise of it; they put all the ingredients together and the customer can either go in and prepare the meals or they can pick up items that are all ready to go. It was AWESOME! Unfortunately, I'm forcing myself to menu plan and create my own made ahead meals and it's been a struggle. Then I came across a Dream Dinners cookbook a few months ago and decided to try it out.I made seven recipes from this book two weeks ago and have stocked my freezer with them. What's nice is that the book gives you quantity for either one recipe worth or three (I did three so that I had almost a months worth of meals in the freezer.) For people who have been to Dream Dinners before, keep in mind that the recipes in this book are not the same as what you purchase, so be sure to look through the book carefully. The prep time was very minimal and I found recipes for the whole family and some that just my husband and I will eat.

This is just one other step I'm taking to cut down costs yet still have a quality meal in the evening. It's just a baby step on my road to domesticity!

Happy Tuesday!

Menu Plan Monday

2009-02-02T06:00:00.009-05:00

I love to find organizational blogs that provide tips and tricks to make life easier. I've been following I'm an Organizing Junkie (http://orgjunkie.com/) for many months and one of the things I love is her "Menu Plan Monday." I decided this weekend that it's time for me to join in and share my meal planning. This is also a great way to learn about other dishes from all the other participants. So, here's my menu for this week:

Monday: Spaghetti, garlic bread and salad

Tuesday: Chicken Cordon Bleu, salad and garlic green beans

Wednesday: Chicken Bombay

Thursday: Easy Veal Parmesan and veggies

Friday: Breakfast dinner (the boys love this night!)

Saturday: Steaks, baked potatoes and grilled veggies

Sunday: Leftovers from the week

I hope to keep up with this weekly as it helps me prepare so that there's no complaining during the week about "what's for dinner?"

Enjoy your week!

Organizer's Unite!

2009-01-31T08:00:00.012-05:00

For those who know me best, they know that I'm totally a Type A personality. Everything has a place and everything in its place. Well, that worked fine when I lived by myself but now as a mom living in a house of all males (including our dog)the struggle for me is to maintain some sense of organization. I truly believe that over the past five years, I've let go of alot of my crazy expectations and tried to work around the fact that literally five minutes after I clean something, there's Loverboy and Monkey following behind me, just to mess things up. I'm beginning to think that it's an evil plot to to drive me crazy (which I think their dad is heading up to just make me insane!)

So, I'm constantly looking in magazines, googling, reading blogs and books in an effort to find simple ways to organize my home and life to keep what little is left of my mind. Two weeks ago, I came across a fantastic book by Kathy Peel titled "The Busy Mom's Guide to a Happy, Organized Home." As a full-time working mom, I simply go from my paying job to my "real" job at home and I need all the help I can get. Not only is it full of useful advice, it's also a great reference, you don't necessarily need to read the entire book to get good use out of it. I want to devote a portion of my blog this year to passing along tips and tricks that I find useful and I hope that other people who read this blog will share their ideas!

Do you have an organizational book or website that you love?

25 Random Things...

2009-01-30T18:02:00.009-05:00

So, I've been 'tagged'...on Facebook, that is. "25 Random Things About Me..." So, I've decided to share them just in case anyone was curious about me. Besides, everyone is not on FB, and it was kind of a fun exercise.

1. I am a painfully shy person. I guess that’s partially why I don’t have a lot of close friends now, I’ve always been afraid of rejection.

2. I wish that I had kept in touch with several of my friends from high school, although now with FB, I feel as though I’ve been given a second chance to stay in touch.

3. I’m a very loyal friend, if given the chance, I would do anything for a friend.

4. My ideal job would be working for the FBI as a profiler, I received my degree from OSU in Sociology/Criminology but then after school, I didn’t want to continue with classes so I gave up pursuing the FBI.

5. I have never been a girlie girl. Growing up, I was much happier playing War or Capture the Flag than playing with Barbie’s. Thankfully, I have two boys so I’m prepared for the “boy” stuff!

6. I’m very organized in every aspect of my life and job, my husband would probably say I’m a little OCD with it.

7. I’m a pessimist, I don’t always enjoy being this way and I wish that I could be more optimistic. I am amazed that by having my own children that I’m learning to attempt to be more optimistic for them so that they have a better perception of people and the world.

8. I love watching sports! Especially football, basketball and hockey, this is one of the reasons my husband loves me.

9. I love the month of March (for sports), NCAA basketball is the best, I wish that I could just sit at BW3s for the entire tournament and watch all the games.

10. I love to sing. I miss being in high school where I had three periods devoted to singing or being a part of a group that performed. Yet I was too scared to try out for our Chorale and ended up playing the bongo’s (don’t get me started) just to be a part of the experience.

11. I hate being the middle child. I’ve always been stuck between a very talented older sister (vocal and acting) and a younger brother who’s athletic and smart. I just tried to fit in, between sports and music but I never felt important.

12. I wish I were closer with my siblings (we’re all five years apart), but growing up, we all had such unique interests that I never connected with them.

13. I’m addicted to reality TV shows and soap operas (esp. GH).

14. I love reading about organizing there are so many great ideas out there, Real Simple magazine is my favorite.

15. I hate to cook.

16. I love to make cakes and decorate them, I never took a class, but I learned from watching my mom when she made cakes for people when I was in high school.

17. I love to clean, it relaxes me.

18. I’m very honest, sometimes too much.

19. I addicted to reading blogs, I also have my own, but I prefer to read about other people’s lives.

20. I’m my own worst critic, I’m never happy with myself.

21. I don’t drink, because I don’t enjoy the taste, but there a lot of times that I wish I did!

22. I married my best friend. Although we’re complete opposites, he keeps me happy and hopeful.

23. I think that my fear of rejection has cost me a lot of wonderful experiences when I was younger, I was so focused on being the “good girl” that I didn’t enjoy high school or college.

24. I wish I was a better mom to my boys. I feel guilty everyday working is costing me experiences with them. I was very fortunate to have my mom at home and I feel bad that I’m unable to do that for them.

25. I favorite thing to do is take photos. I wish that I had started my own photography business, I love telling a story or capturing that special moment.

Gaining control...

2009-01-28T19:38:00.004-05:00

That's right...I'm taking action to put my family in a better financial situation. With the new year, I have finally made a resolution (because I typically never make them) to get a hold of my family finances. Truth be told, the true incentive came from the fact that hubby is going to be let go from his job in a matter of a couple of months because his company (bank) was purchased by another group and they've decided to consolidate.

I've worked hard over the past five years (because the finances have been my responsibility) to eliminate credit card debt, but it always seems that I've saved nothing for our "rainy day" fund. I'm a big fan of both Suze Orman (http://www.suzeorman.com/) and Dave Ramsey (http://www.daveramsey.com/) and I've learned alot of information from both individuals. However, I was watching Oprah's Best Life Week series and was excited to see that Suze Orman was going to be on and that she had a web cast on getting your financial plan together.

During the Oprah show, Suze was offering her new book Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan (Keeping Your Money Safe and Sound) for a free download on the Oprah.com website. I downloaded it that evening and I read it in two hours (209 pgs.) Although I'm familiar with her teachings and philosophy it was still a great read that teaches us to focus on the tough economic times that everyone is currently facing. I also watched the web cast (be sure to check it out) and learned that over 2 million people downloaded her free book. Although it's only $5.00, I think it's worth the purchase.

Since I mentioned both Suze and Dave Ramsey, I would also suggest Dave Ramsey's latest book, Total Money Makeover, which is another great book. I purchased the audio book from iTunes back in October, so I could listen to it in the car or while working out. This book was instrumental in getting me fired up about developing my inner "gazelle" like intensity. Although both books are great, Dave teaches more that everything should be paid for in cash and that FICO scores aren't important because you shouldn't use credit cards. I don't agree with his theory 100% but it did make me realize that if we had a savings, then I wouldn't rely on the cards to bail us out of a bad situation (car problems, tuition bill, etc.) He also teaches a class in several cities (unfortunately none in Columbus) called Financial Peace University which I've heard great things about. I'm working hard so that I hope by August of 2009, I can call into his radio show and scream "I'M DEBT FREE!"Here's to hoping anyway...

History is being made today...

2009-01-20T06:52:00.013-05:00

You can feel the excitement for our country, as today marks an historic moment for our nation as Barack Obama is sworn in today as our 44th President. Whether you're a Republican or a Democrat, you have to admit that Barack has a "rock star" following. Although I personally didn't vote for him, I'm looking forward to the promises that he's made to our country. I believe that as a nation, we need to pray for our new Commander in Chief as he embarks on a new season in his own life, as well as, the nation's.

I do want to take a moment and thank President George W. Bush for being a good President. I say "good" because although he too made mistakes, he did what he thought was best at the time. I think it's been rather sad how he's been slammed the past few weeks. Again, regardless of your political views, we should be a gracious country and be appreciative that President Bush did what he could, with what he had. I know he's made alot of mistakes but that just shows that he's human like the rest of us and he still deserves our respect. Thank you President Bush for your eight years of service, in many respects, we are a better nation because of your leadership.

Today, however, is a new day and I'm looking beyond my own political views with a new hope that President Obama will ignite change and inspire new ideas for our country. I pray for both his entire staff as well as his family as they embark on this season of change. I will remember this day for as long as I live because our nation has made its choice and now we must support our leader and pray for wisdom and guidance as we move forward to progress. We are all Americans, this is something that we should celebrate every day.

Please pray...

2009-01-19T21:38:00.009-05:00

Please pray for two new mothers and their newborn babies as they are dealing with some difficult situations since recently giving birth. Kelly gave birth to Harper last Friday and she was Angel Flighted to ACH where she is currently in critical but stable condition. I've enjoyed reading Kelly's blog for many months and I know that she and her family are looking for as many prayers as possible to heal their little girl.

Jenna, also a new mommy, is struggling since her new baby boy, Brayden, was also sent to ACH for possible PPHN issues. Brayden was born last Wednesday and he is in critical but stable condition. Both of these beautiful families have struggled to have these adorable babies and they could truly use your prayers! Feel free to visit their site and add their buttons to your own page (you can view them to the right side of this blog).

Praying for you both during this time...

Baby it's cold outside!

2009-01-19T17:00:00.002-05:00

Yep, you guessed it...the snow has finally hit Columbus over the past two weeks and boy oh boy, it's COLD! Now that the boys are older, I remember vividly praying at night that it would snow like crazy so that school would be closed and we could go sledding or simply stay in our PJ's and watch cartoons. It's funny how you forget about until your kids hit an age where you can see it in their eyes.

Although I wouldn't let them go out last week, when it was -3 degrees (I'm such a mean mom...so I've been told), I decided yesterday that since hubby wanted to take them sledding I would bundle them up and let them have some fun. Mind you, mom stayed home in the nice warm house because I don't care how much fun sledding is, getting ahead of my laundry is WAY more fun (ok, so that's not really a fair comparison). After a little over an hour, I hear the garage door open and two kids looking like frozen popsicles standing at the door waiting to be de-iced. After getting them de-iced and settled down for lunch, I was told about tumbling down the hill, hitting one's head on the ground and other general "mishaps" that come with sledding. All in all, fun was had by all (I could even tell that Dave had fun!)

Here are some pics from the frozen tundra!

New Year...already playing catch up

2009-01-15T20:12:00.001-05:00

Ok, so much for my goal to try and post more during 2008, what can I say, I enjoy reading other blogs...everyone else's life seems so much more interesting than mine! Oh well, I just wanted to share a few photos from Christmas. We were pretty busy but had alot of fun.

Grandma and the boys making cookies!

My cookie monster!

Since my Grandmother passed away in September, I wanted to do something for the Nursing home and as Christmas approached I thought that it would be a perfect time to show the boys that the season isn't just about Santa and presents. So, we decided to make a bunch of cookies for the staff and residents to enjoy. The boys had a great time making cookies and cards to pass out to the residents. My mom took the boys over to the home a week before Christmas and she said that the staff and residents were so appreciative of their cards and cookies. I was so glad that the boys enjoyed doing something for people that they barely even knew and it showed them that the season is about giving and praising our Lord for the many blessings that we have been given.

We enjoyed Christmas Eve with Dave's parents and then my brother came over to spend the night (which he has done for the past couple of years) so that he could wake the boys up at a crazy hour to see what Santa brought! Then we spent Christmas at my parents house and played cards and just enjoyed the day. Here are just a few other pictures...

The boys before Christmas Eve Mass.

Waiting for Santa!

Hopefully, for 2009, I will do a much better job of updating everyone as to what's going on and find some interesting things to blog about! Although the new year is already bringing us challenges, I want to be optimistic and continue to pray that He will show us the way.

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-11-19T06:55:00.023-05:00

It's hard to believe that next week is Thanksgiving...it's also hard to believe (not really) that I haven't had anything to talk about since September 29. I really have but life just continues to move at an erratic pace for the family. A lot has been going on but I just can't seem to focus enough to write it down. My goal is to not just talk about myself but to capture things Lover Boy and Monkey do to amuse us so that someday, they can see how I saw them when they were young. I want to be more diligent in posting so I think that's one of the New Year's resolutions that I'll make, should be interesting!

One of the bigger events of this fall was celebrating Loverboy's 7th birthday...I can't believe that he's 7, the years have gone so quickly but they've been filled with a lot of love and hugs, what more can a Mom ask for. We also took the plunge this year and allowed him to have his first party with school friends, he had such a great time and the kids did too (we took them bowling) but chasing around after 11 boys was very challenging, thankfully, it was only for two hours!
This picture was taken at our family celebration, see my lovely cake! It's been my goal every year to make the boys their cakes and put whatever design they want on them (within reason of course, because it takes me awhile just to get the simple designs done!)

One of the the best things that we've accomplished for the house in the last three months was putting down hard wood floors in the dining room, living room, kitchen and laundry room (I love my husband!) and having our kitchen updated. The floors were put in by hubby and he did a fantastic job! We had to remove ceramic tile from the foyer and let me tell you that was a huge project in and of itself! Once the floors were completed (over the course of several weeks) we decided to hire a great contractor to semi-remodel our kitchen. I say that because we really didn't take out the entire kitchen and remodel the entire thing, just took particular areas that drove us crazy (like my pretty white, faux leather looking countertops that only showed the past 20 years worth of dirt on them, YUCK and a drop ceiling with lovely fluorescent lighting...it was just too pretty!) I'm still tweaking some final touches, but just the little things that were done and some fresh paint has really made it pop, to which point I actually want to cook in there (and if you know me...that's a HUGE step!)

We went from this lovely sight... To this beautiful one...

The best part is that when anyone lifts their arms above their head, they don't hit the dropped ceiling anymore, yeah! So, that took about two weeks to complete but we're so happy that it's done, especially with the holidays right around the corner.

While we were in kitchen chaos, Halloween came and went but I at least have to share what the boys were this year...who says good and evil can't be friends?

So, now that fall weather is officially here (it snowed yesterday) we've been working on getting all the wood chopped up for fires and making our house cozy for the long winter months ahead. Loverboy and Daddy have been hard at work with Cub Scouts (Dad's the Den leader, which means that Mom's involved too) but Loverboy really seems to like it and enjoys having Dad as the leader.

Monkey's still Monkey, except he has now embodied the spirit of Indiana Jones...literally...this child wakes up singing the theme song and goes to bed doing the same. I want to post video of it soon because my co-workers don't believe me that's what he does all day but it's true! If he's not crooning to Indiana Jones, then he wants to play Lego Star Wars video game, which drives me crazy because I loathe video games. However, he has lost the urge now that the PS3 has been unplugged. I'm sure that he'll find something new to obsess about (he really is his Mommy!)

This post is longer than I wanted it to be but we are still here and there's more to update on so I'll save that for another time. Family is coming into town next week so who knows when I'll be back...

Until then,

A season of letting go...

2008-09-29T07:41:00.008-04:00

Usually, I so look forward to the month of September. I mean, it's my birthday, the start of football season, it starts getting cooler out...what's there not to love? September 2008 has been the exception, what a yucky month!

The beginning of the month was great, I celebrated my birthday with a bunch of girlfriends at Abuelo's (YUM) and got some great gifts from family and friends! However, the first weekend was very sad...David's Grandfather's health was failing and we knew that we would soon be taking a trip to Detroit. We lost Joe on that Sunday and headed up to Detroit the following Tuesday. It was really nice to see David's sister and brother (living in different states) fly in for the funeral and be able to catch up with his family, but it was a difficult time for everyone. I think the hardest part was watching David's Grandmother struggle with letting go.

As I sat in the chapel listening to the pastor, I started thinking how I would handle such a difficult situation? I understand that his Grandparents have lived full lives but you still watch someone struggle to say goodbye to someone who's always known them best. I have been very fortunate to be married to a man who not only knows me but gets me. I didn't believe in soulmates before David but in almost 15 years of knowing him (9 of them being married), I can't imagine a better person to walk through this life with. He's my best friend, my sound board, my everything. For those who know me, that's not easy for me to say because I'm as stubborn as they come and I'm VERY independent. But, meeting David and loving him for all these years has changed that. I'm still independent, but I now know that God chose this person for me to walk through every season with, good or bad and for that reason alone, I trust in Him completely.

After we came home, the Buckeyes lost (which is sad for me but not life altering) and then a I got a nasty flu bug that seemed to take forever to get rid of. Before I got sick, my mom had said that my Granny was asking for me to visit (she has been in a nursing home for a little over a year now after a surgery left her unable to walk and take care of herself). So, on a Friday afternoon, I went with my mom to visit. I am of the belief that I want to see people when they're well, it's very difficult for me to see someone when their very sick. My Granny was also of this same belief and that's why she didn't always ask for me to visit. However, I knew that when she made the request, that it was important for me to go.

It was very difficult to go in and see her, but I knew that she knew me which made me feel better. We chatted while my mom fed her lunch and I showed her pictures of the boys. After a couple of hours, we decided to head home and as we were packing up, Granny broke down in tears. As I leaned over to kiss her on the forehead she said to me how beautiful I was and that she was proud of me and my family. This caught me off guard a little but I looked at her and said that I loved her and I'd be back soon. Little did I know that two weeks later, she would pass.

Last week, we knew that she was failing and she'd been in Hospice care for almost a month (God bless everyone who took such wonderful care of her.) So, as the week started, we knew that she wasn't doing well but I just didn't get the time to get over there. However, knowing my Granny, she didn't want me to see her this way so I felt that I was justifying my not going. I wanted to remember her happy and smiling, not in pain and crying. Logan kept asking to go see her but I tried to explain that "Granny isn't feeling well and she wouldn't want you to be upset." As Wednesday came, I talked to my mom who said that Sabina (Hospice worker) called to say that her heart was failing and that she's not going to make it through the night. Within a half hour of me getting to my folks house, Hospice called to say that she had passed. I can't describe the mix of emotions that I was feeling. Although in that moment, all I could think about was my mom.

My mom has been my best friend since before I met David and there's no way to describe her that would do her justice, she's the most AMAZING woman I've ever known. I always tell her that she missed her calling in life because I truly believe that she was meant to be a nurse, she has the most generous heart and is the most calm and nuturing person I know. To see her reaction when she heard the news was heartbreaking...but as my mom always does, she puts on a brave face until she can be alone. Luckily, all of our family lives in Columbus, so we were able to get a hold of everyone and they all came over to be with my mom and my Aunt Teri. We spent the evening talking and enjoying being together to remember someone special.

My oldest son took the news hard, which as a parent (trying to explain it for the first time) was very difficult. David was in Cleveland for the day/evening so as I sat there on my son's bed listening to his questions and wiping his tears, all I could think about is how much I missed my husband. Sleeping alone that night was the toughest night ever for me, although I knew where he was, it was just the circumstances that made me appreciate how much I need and want David in my life and that I don't want to walk through life without him.

So, this is basically why I haven't posted all month, and honestly, I'm glad to see this month come to an end. Hoepfully, October will be a new season for me, filled with joy and surprises!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-08-31T19:53:00.007-04:00

Happy Birthday to me!

Ok, so I'm a few days early, but my guys wanted me to have birthday present in plenty of time for my girls night out next weekend and I wanted to share how fabulous this gift is! I absolutely LOVE taking pictures, to be able to capture expressions and small moments that my children and I can look back on over the years is priceless to me!

Two years ago, my husband bought me an awesome Pentax camera with all the bells and whistles to capture our older son's sports games from the stands and while he was in action. But the only catch with that cool camera is that it has a BIG bag with all it's stuff. Most of the time it's no problem, but sometimes (school functions, impromptu photo shoots) I either don't have a camera small enough to carry around in my purse. So, after many months of dropping hints of how great it would be to have one to carry with me at all times...low and behold this beauty was unveiled to me earlier this evening.

I'm very excited to test it out and with my Type A personality, I now am very excited to know that I'll always have a camera to help me capture whatever great moment comes along! Thanks guys, it sure made my birthday!

GO BUCKS!

2008-08-27T20:39:00.005-04:00

I love this time of year...buying school supplies, changing colors of the leaves, cooler temps and most importantly FOOTBALL! I've been a sports fan my whole life, whether it was through playing, coaching or watching, I pretty much enjoy watching all sports. My two favorite sports are college football and basketball. And being a part of The Ohio State University, I would be crazy not to cheer on the BUCKEYES!

This picture was taken last year of the boys as the football season started, which I plan on making a tradition to take photos next to Brutus each year. I actually started saying "O-H" to the boys as I tuck them in at night and I love the fact that they respond "I-O", it's a little something that the boys and I say to each other and it's so much fun to see them as excited to watch the team as I am.

O-H!

Grateful

2008-08-26T21:03:00.004-04:00

It's been such a long time since I've posted but the emotions that I've experienced today compelled me to write today. Being a mom is a challenge...in more ways than one. You long to protect your children from harm and hope to instill in them the right values that they can someday pass along to their own children. It is when I sit in the silence of my house (which I rarely get) do I reflect upon the fact that I have a blessed life...sometimes more than I deserve. Although being a mom is stressful, I cherish every day knowing that I have two beautiful, healthy sons who love me unconditionally, and I them.

In a world that is ever changing, I see so many mothers around me who have the extraordinary struggles of not only being a mom but dealing with extreme sickness and unfortunately death of a child. In talking with a co-worker whose son was diagnosed four years ago with a brain tumor, and has recently been told that a mass is appearing again, I listened and watched at how her strength and faith in God is guiding her through these challenging times. Although I've never experienced that type of situation in my own life, as a mom, my heart ached as I know the thoughts that were circling in her mind. But, we carry on, pray for one another and hope that with each passing day, it brings these families one step closer to finding a cure.

There are so many ways to say you love someone but for me, it is the extra hug I give my boys as I tuck them in at night, or the extra kisses I plant on them when they're not expecting it...just the physical attention I give them lets them know that they are my world and I wouldn't trade this life for anything.

I am grateful to my mom and dad...for showing me how to be a strong person and love with all my heart.

I am grateful to my husband Dave...for his constant love over the years and for giving me the gift of our two wonderful sons.

I am most grateful to my sons...each day, in their own unique and fun way, they show me how to love even more than I thought I could.

Even though I don't always say it out loud, I am always grateful.

Happy Father's Day David!

2008-06-15T20:46:00.002-04:00

Dear David,

Today we celebrated two special events, something that only happens once every eleven years, Father's Day and your birthday. I can't begin to tell you how many ways you have amazed me with your strength, love, commitment and support to both myself and our boys. When I met you, almost 15 years ago, gosh we're old, I never thought that we would be where we are today...but I'm so thankful that our paths crossed all those years ago.

I still remember the day that Logan was born, the look on your face as you held him for the first time was priceless and not a word was uttered from you for a good five minutes while you held him and soaked it all in. Ever since that first day, we've had alot of fun and frustrations but through everything, you've been there every step of the way. Three years later, Carter came along and when he was born, I saw a veteran dad, still holding your son in awe and wonder but I also saw a very proud man who knew that he had two sons to teach the things that his father had taught him. As Logan looked on at his new little brother and sang to him, I saw you smile, holding Carter in your arms and patting Logan on the back as he sang to Carter...it's a picture that I'll never forget.

At this moment, our boys don't really understand this kind of unconditional love but I know as time passes, you'll be here, guiding them and showing them how to be men. You are so fortunate to have this special type of bond that the three of you will carry on for the rest of your lives and as their mother and your wife, it is truly a joy to watch this each and every day. My hope is that our boys grow up and become just like you...a loving man with the heart of a child.

Happy Birthday to my best friend and Happy Father's Day to an amazing dad!

Big boy bed, redefined.

2008-01-27T20:39:00.000-05:00

I've been terrible about this blog thing but it's a New Year and I'm determined to start writing down more informaiton. So, with the new year comes our first big child challenge. No, not potty training, come on people, we're a ways away from that but we're tackling the transition from the crib to the bog boy bed! I don't want to sleep in the big boy bed! That's the phrase that I heard from my sweet 2.5 year old tonight as he was introduced to sleeping in his first big boy bed. I just assumed that most kids, after they turned two, would want to desperately escape from the prison that is their crib and move to into the BED! Nope, not my son, he will be three in two weeks and wants nothing to do with a big boy bed.

So, we'd been talking about it for the past several weeks, practicing on his big brother's bed, hoping that he'd want to move on. We decided that we'd take the plunge tonight and put the bed together and cross our fingers. So we began at 7:00pm, knowing that we'd still be there by 9:00pm. My husband decided that he'd be in charge of putting our youngest to bed. Within the first half hour, he emerged from his room five times, no big deal, we expected it. So then, I asked him if he liked his new bed and he simply said "NOPE!" My husband reassured me that this wouldn't be a problem...this is the same man who reassures me each night that he'll get up with the boys when they need us, I'm up 500-3. Needless to say, I'm used to being the one to come up with the answers to keep the boys in bed and sleeping through the night.

However, my husband totally impressed me tonight. I'd only been downstairs for about ten minutes when he comes into the room and sits down. I look at him and said "you gave up and put him in his crib?" He says "no, he's falling asleep as we speak". So I'm thinking to myself, how the heck did he do it? He proceeds to tell me, "Honey, he just wants to feel secure, so I put the crib in front of where his bed is and as soon as I did that, he laid down and said good night."

Ok, so my first thought is why didn't I think of that. Sure enough, he loves the thought of being able to look through the bars of the crib to feel secure. I went upstairs to check on him and he's crashed out in his big boy bed. I couldn't believe it! So, I'm very proud that my husband who took a situation that I thought for sure was going to be a struggle for at least the next week and potentially reduced to a couple of nights. Understanding that we'll eventually need to take the crib down, but hey, one accomplishment at a time!

I don't want to go to school!

2007-08-08T11:58:00.000-04:00

Those words are being uttered by me, rather than my very excited five year old who will be starting Kindergarten in less than three weeks. I always knew that this day would come but boy, I just don't think I'm ready.

Don't get me wrong, this actually has nothing to do with my son growing up and starting a new phase in his life (as most moms would confess to being upset with). This is totally about my insecurity as a mother and a person. Back when I was in school I wasn't popular but since I was an athlete, I hung out with a pretty popular crowd. I basically floated my way through high school without any permanent damage. So, when we had kids, I assumed that I would have plenty of time to work myself up to going back to school. My husband and I decided that we were going to enroll our kids in Catholic school. This concept was completely foreign to me as I had attended public schools my entire life. Whereas, my husband had attended private, Catholic schools for the majority of his life. I'll admit, I was completely against it in the beginning but eventually we decided that it would be best for our family. Once that decision was made and our son was accepted, the true panic began to sink in for me. This arena was completely new to me, school is school, but when you're paying for it, I believe that it changes everything.

So, what brought on all this panic, my son's school supply sale. How harmless could that be? You go in, get supplies, find out what teacher he has and poof, you're done! Not so much. I decided to take the day off from work because I had a lot of other errands to run as well so I thought I'd spend the day playing catch up. I decided to go first thing in the morning because I figured no one would be there. Much to my surprise, the parking lot was PACKED! I couldn't believe it but decided that I just simply needed to get it over with. I walked in and a very sweet woman could tell by the distraught look on my face that I had no clue as to what I was doing and offered to help. Bless you! I proceeded to tell her that we were new to the school and I wasn't sure where to begin. She graciously pointed me to all the areas that I needed to visit and said that I could come back and ask her any questions that I had.

Everyone's chatting away and I looked like I had no clue as to what was going on. It reminded me of a section that I have been reading in Queen Bee Moms and Kingpin Dads (by Rosalind Wiseman & Elizabeth Rapoport) which describes how adults are in these categories based on their personalities. I absolutely love this book because had someone written a teenage version of these scenarios when I was in high school, I would have ruled the school! Bottom line, I survived the first of soon to be many trips to school but I know that it will get easier (right?) as we get more comfortable with the environment. I just hope that my sons don't take after their paranoid mom!

What am I?

2007-08-06T12:52:00.000-04:00

You Are a Realist

You don't see the glass as half empty or half full. You see what's exactly in the glass.
You never try to make a bad situation seem better than it is...
But you also never sabotage any good things you have going on.
You are brutally honest in your assessments of situations - and this always seems to help you cope.

Are You An Optimist or Pessimist?

My little entrepreneur

2007-08-04T19:09:00.000-04:00

Today was the second day of our family garage sale and boy what a day! My husband has such a knack for talking to complete strangers that he was awarded the job of overseeing today's event. Within the first two hours he had succeeded in surpassing the entire amount that was made on Friday. It's amazing to see things that we no longer wanted were quite popular with those who purchased our "treasures".

Early that morning, my oldest son was begging us to allow him to put together a lemonade stand. He even said to me that with the amount of people that were coming to our house, he was sure that they would be thirsty. So, we proceeded to put together his make shift stand and he set up shop at the end of our driveway. He, like his dad, is a natural at talking to people and telling them all about himself and what he was selling. It was slow going for the first hour but in the end my little entrepreneur made $7.75 (not bad for selling it at a $.25 a glass). He's so proud of how many "customers" that he had and quickly took all of his money and put it into his dinosaur bank.

Even though it's just a lemonade stand, this is my little boy growing up and gaining independence...where does the time go?

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

I'll give you something for nothing

2007-08-03T21:05:00.000-04:00

Yes, that's what alot of people expected to hear me say when we opened up for our garage sale today. Now, this post is not meant to offend those of you who love to look for bargains at garage sales, but just how it can exhaust those who are selling things. I'm not big on doing garage sales, however, after we moved to our new home last May, we realized how many items remained in our basement for a little over a year, untouched/unopened. So, my husband and I decided it was time to purge alot of items that we were no longer using, as well as toys that the boys are no longer interested in.

So, we decided to open our door bright and early this morning to await those who wanted to find a deal. I consider myself to be a fair person and tried to price items accordingly. Within the first hour we had several people come by looking for deals. I ran into a few tough customers who didn't want to pay what the price was on the sticker and I remained firm on certain items. What I don't understand is why someone continues to barter even after I've told them that the price is the price. For example, I had a couple of games that had never been opened and a woman brings one up and says "I'll give you a quarter for this game". I smiled politely and said "I"m sorry but I'm asking $3 for it because it's never been opened. What I was saying in my head was "are you kidding me, you think that I'm going to basically give you a brand new game for a quarter?"

Needless to say, some walked away when they realized that I wasn't budging, my husband thought I was crazy for not dealing but I figured that we had another full day of potential customers and if no one purchased certain things, our local charities would gladly take any items that I had. Maybe it's simply my personality that doesn't lend itself to the "thrill of the chase", I'm perfectly fine taking my toys and going home.

Tomorrow is another day...

A picture's worth a thousand words...

2007-08-01T09:05:00.001-04:00

which can be so depressing! A couple of months ago I decided that it was time for a family portrait. I found a photographer that I loved, Erin Johnson, and was quite excited to see the finished product. Much to my horror when I saw myself in the first photo I literally broke into tears (I'm not a big crier, so that's important to understand) over how large I looked.

You know how most people think that they look heavier than they actually are when it comes to photos, I'm not one of those individuals (at least until this episode). Although I'm far from being skinny, I've always considered myself normal. Well, that certainly went out the window, along with everything fattening in the house. I've been athletic all my life, at least until Logan was born, so when I became a mom, I assumed that the extra weight was something to be proud of (like, look at me I have a kid!) Boy, I sure was stupid. So, the debate in my head began, to lose or not to lose.

Right around this time my husband mentioned that he had joined a "fitness challenge" through his office and thought that it would be good for both of us to stick to the plan that his group was participating in at work. Great, since my motivation was high, this was my chance to start shaping up. I started working out five nights a week on our treadmill (surrounded by train tracks and Legos). I started to feel better but wasn't seeing the scale creep away from that horrible number. So, I decided that if I was really to make a go of it that I needed to enlist professional help. Since I've been active the majority of my life, I understand fitness regimes and lifting etc., so I prefer to stay away from those "meat market" gyms that are more fluff than substance.

There's a small gym right down the street from where we live so I decided to check it out. I met with the owner and explained what I was looking for. My goal was to start with a personal trainer to get back into the swing of things and then take off on my own. Although he was very polite, the first thing I asked him about was why people join this particular gym, his reply was "we cater to people who are middle aged, like yourself". WHOA! Since when is a 33 year old considered to be middle aged? As you can see from my photo on the main page, I'm no longer a cute 20 something, but I'm hardly middle aged. Aside from his strange sense of aging people, I thought that this gym would be the perfect fit for me. So, I inquired about training sessions and explained that my schedule was never "regular". Ok, so that was quickly swept aside when the cost came up and I was told what a "bargain" I was getting. Luckily, I had been doing some research beforehand and knew that it wasn't a "bargain". I did however purchase eight half-hour sessions to be used whenever and signed up. The other plus of this gym is that there are no contracts and you pay monthly. As a mom, that's key when some months simply slip by and you realize that you didn't have any time for yourself.

So, what's the point of this rambling you ask? Well, I've been at the gym for one month (only used one trainer session) and I've lost 8 lbs. (total weight loss over the past two months, 20 lbs.). I'm pleased with this stat because it shows me two things; 1) I do have the ability to keep myself motivated, at least for now and 2) I've made it a priority to carve out 1.5 hours at least four times a week to either get to the gym or use the treadmill at home. Those two facts alone have been very hard for me to prioritize.

As for my husband, well he has been doing well also. He enjoys running so he's been running a 10K at least 3-4 times a week. I'm no where near that because my knees are bad and more importantly, I loathe running! But it's been fun to keep each other motivated and see how much better we both look and feel even with our different approaches (he eats whatever and runs and lifts weights whereas I use Slim fast (once a day), utilize portion control and exercise 4-5 times per week.)

I hope that my motivation will be constant and that I can continue down this path...my goal is to lose a total of 60 lbs. which I know will take awhile so I want to do it the right way. Another great motivation is that my brother-in-law will be getting married next June so I truly hope that I can be at my goal weight by then and buy a fabulous new dress to celebrate!

Gotta go, time for a yummy rice cake!

It's about time!

2007-07-26T07:42:00.000-04:00

WOW! I've finally stepped into the world of blogging and boy it feels good! My friends and co-workers have been coaxing me to start writing a "little something" so that I can capture all of the random joys and thoughts that I am able to experience. With two young boys, a full-time job as a Communications Director of a National Fraternity and a household to run with my husband, I didn't believe that there was any time left in the day for something like this.

I didn't want to start writing this until I felt I was ready to openly share my thoughts but it wasn't until a few nights ago while cuddling with my youngst son before bedtime that I realized that I was starting to forget all the little things that I promised myself I would write down to share with them in the future. Now that my youngst son (Carter) is starting to talk a blue streak and my oldest son (Logan) is starting Kindergarten in a few weeks, I want to document everything for them and for me.

Not sure why I'm so nervous for other people to read my entries, I guess I've always been apprehensive of being "judged". However, I've spent the past week reading about some amazing moms through their blogs and it inspired me to get going. Who knows what I'll have to write about but whatever it is, I know I'll enjoy sharing it with everyone.