A Work in Progress

One of Life's Great Mysteries

2009-04-22T20:59:00.000-07:00

OK, there are some things in life that you just can't explain. No matter how hard you try. I'm not talking about Stonehenge here. I'm talking about socks. You know what I mean. When you do laundry and find that lone sock, the one without a mate. Where in the hell do those socks go?

I have gone on search and rescue missions to no avail. I've searched high and low - under beds, behind the couch. Once, I even dismantled my dryer in hopes that a sock or two or twenty had somehow gotten sucked through the back. The only thing I gained through that little experiment was a big pile of lint a huge scratch on my leg from tripping over the various parts of dryer and landing on the lint trap. No socks.

I have a box full of the socks without matches. They come in all colors and styles, and no one in my family is immune. Even the kids have a collection of unmatched socks. The sad thing is that their feet will probably grow too big to fit in them by the time I find the matches.

My husband thinks we should throw out all of our socks - even the ones that are in a pair. He thinks we should all start fresh and buy one style of sock. His philosophy is that if we each have only one type of sock, there will always be a match. It seems like a good idea in theory, but I just can't fathom such an outrageous thought. I mean, doesn't he know that a girl needs different socks? Fuzzy ones, colored ones, striped ones, ones with toes?

I can't even bring myself to throw out the ones in the mismatched box. I just keep thinking that someday I will prevail in this fight and find the long lost matches. Every now and then I do find a match, and let me tell you - that feels good. It's like a small victory each time.

Sibling Bliss

2009-04-20T19:25:00.000-07:00

Sophie was just about to turn two when we decided that we wanted to try for another baby. I thought it would be nice for my kids to be close in age so they would hopefully grow up as friends. A few weeks after we started trying I took the pregnancy test, and lo and behold I was pregnant! Maybe it was the hormones or maybe it was the fact that it happened so fast, but I was suddenly wondering if the timing was right. It might sound crazy (and looking back it was), but I kept thinking how unfair this would be for Sophie. She wouldn't be an only child anymore and what if I didn't have enough love to go around? (By the way, as everyone assured me - there is definitely enough love to go around!)

As my due date got closer, I was excited and apprehensive. What the heck had I been thinking? Things with Sophie had finally gotten easier. She was sleeping through the night, eating regular food and on the fast track to being potty trained. Now, here I was about to be up at all hours of the night nursing an infant and changing countless dirty diapers. I tried to be rational and think that in a couple of years this baby would also be sleeping through the night and out of diapers, but when nine months of pregnancy drag sooo slow it's hard to look so far ahead.

Finally my due date came - and went. I was still pregnant. Hmm. Sophie had been six days earlier so silly me thought for sure Aiden would also be early.. Maybe even earlier than Sophie, but this was not the case. My doctor decided to induce me on May 21. When he told me the date, I was surprised. Sophie's birthday is September 21 so it seemed like a fate, it was all meant to be. Both of my babies would be born on the 21 of their respective months. Well, fate almost pulled a cruel joke when my induction didn't progress and my doctor considered sending me home. I pretty much refused to even consider such a sick joke, and luckily for us all (but mostly the dr.) things worked out and Aiden arrived, healthy and beautiful.

I won't lie. The first few months were not easy, but we made it through. Sophie warmed up to her brother and fell into the role of "Big Sister" with ease. She wanted to help change him, bath him, hold him - you name it. Of course there were plenty of times when she asked me to "put the baby away", but for the most part she simply adores him.

Fast forward to today when out of the blue Sophie said, "Mommy, I'm so happy we got my baby brother from the hospital. I just love him." I swear, my heart melted and swelled with pride at the same time. She really loves him. Now, I'm not totally naive. I know there will be plenty of sibling rivalry moments and times when they are at war with each other, but so far so good.

Where Does a Year Go?

2009-04-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

In a few short days my son will be eleven months old. Yes, that's right, my baby will be having his first birthday next month. What the heck? I could swear it was just yesterday I was hobbling around the house pregnant and miserable counting down the days until my due date. Of course, it seems like just yesterday when I was hugely pregnant and miserable with my daughter, and she's three and a half.

My kids are growing up and I have to say, it's going way too fast and I don't like it. No, I don't like it at all, but it doesn't seem there is anything I can do about it. I keep hoping maybe someone will invent a way to freeze time and we can all just continue in the here and now. My kids will stay young, sweet and innocent and I'll never have to let them go. Surely with all of the technology out there, this is possible?

Of course, at the same time I love watching my kids grow up and learn about the world. I love that Sophie is old enough to play Candy Land and it's so much fun to just sit back and watch her budding imagination while she runs around playing. Aiden is walking and babbling and so curious about everyday things. It's great to look at things through their eyes and see things as new and exciting.

I guess like any mother I just worry. I worry about all of the bad things in the world and how I can continue to protect my kids from all of the hate and violence out there. I know we can all just do the best we can. That's why I constantly tell them both how much I love them. I try to surround them with as much positive influence as possible and teach them to respect the Earth and each other.

The important thing is to just enjoy each day - even the crazy ones. This is what I try to tell myself when popsicles are dripping on the carpet or Aiden wakes up at 3:00 am screaming. Someday they'll both be older and I'll miss these days.

Blame It On The Groundhog

2009-04-08T20:07:00.000-07:00

When you think about April what comes to mind? Flowers, the smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of children laughing while playing outside after being cooped up all winter. Unless of course, the kids are still cooped up because winter isn't over yet. Yes, that's right. It is a week into the month of April and it is still SNOWING.

In fact, last night as I was walking up the stairs to head to bed I glanced out the window. The snow was blowing sideways and it was a white-out. All of a sudden there was a huge clap of thunder and the sky lit up with lightning. OK, maybe I just didn't pay enough attention in meteorology class in high school, but is that even normal?

Mother Nature is completely confused. I'm well aware that Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow back in February, but isn't that supposed to bring on only six more weeks of winter? We're pushing nine weeks here and I must say that I don't know how much more I can handle.

It's so strange how as a kid you looked forward to the snow and would pray for a blizzard if it meant school would be canceled. Now as an adult the snow means shoveling the sidewalk, slipping on ice, clearing off your windshield, freezing your butt off and catching every cold and flu bug floating around.

Bring on spring!!

The Easter Bunny and Pirate Treasure

2009-04-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's almost Easter. Wasn't it just Christmas? No worries. I've got the baskets and all the goodies ready to go. My only concern is what can I do to top last year.

Last year we visited Disney a few weeks before Easter and on that trip Sophie fell in love with Captain Jack. She decided that she would marry him because he was "cute and has lots of treasure and lots of candy." Her words, not mine - but I like the way she thinks! Well she was lucky enough to meet her future husband and from then on it was all pirates all the time.

This is how I got the idea to create a treasure hunt for Easter morning. Levi made a treasure chest and I made a treasure map. I really got into the whole charade. I even aged the paper with coffee grounds and tea before drawing a map that would lead Sophie through the house to her treasure on Easter morning.

When Sophie woke up, we told her that pirates had captured her Easter basket and left her a treasure map in its place. Much to my delight, she was on board!

We followed her around the house as she followed the clues and gathered gold wrapped chocolate coins. Finally she found the site of the hidden treasure.

So, Princess Sophie saved the day and rescued her Easter treasure from the pirates. She went on and on about that adventure all day and still has the treasure chest in her bedroom.

Some might say I go overboard, but kids are only young once!

A Work in Progress

2009-04-05T18:15:00.000-07:00

OK, I'm back with a list full of great blog ideas and a new blog name - A Work in Progress. Why the new name? Well, let's be honest. My old blog name was not very creative. I mean, I can't believe I couldn't come up with something a little more interesting than "Amber's Blog". So I spent a few days racking my brain and trying to think of a new name. I wanted to keep it short and simple so I finally settled on "A Work in Progress".

Thomas Edison said "Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure." I came across this quote a few days ago and it really got me thinking. Aren't we all constantly striving for more? Wanting to be better tomorrow than we are today? I guess that some days I am content to just be, but I'm trying to make an effort to never get stuck in my comfort zone. I want to be the best I can be for myself, my family and friends and for my children.

Hence the new blog name. This blog is most definitely a work in progress. I certainly intend to post more often. I've got a lot of great ideas for posts that I hope you'll all enjoy in the near future!

My Journey to The Moms Panel - Part 2

2008-12-03T18:48:00.000-08:00

Ok, yesterday I left off with the phone interview, so I'll pick up there.

Waiting for the decision was so nerve wracking. After I knew that all of the interviews were over, it was just a matter of time. I was cautiously optimistic, but I still kept telling myself that I probably didn't make it and I should just be proud of how far I had come. All of the people who moved on to the third round had to do a background check. When I sent my forms back, I worried that I hadn't filled everything out or that I had forgotten to sign - even though I checked a million times before sealing the envelope! I was also replaying the interview in my head, thinking of things I could have or should have said. Basically, it was torture!!!

Then, on election day I received an e-mail that they would be contacting everyone the following day with the results - good or bad. Talk about being stressed out! I sat up watching the election results roll in, but my mind was consumed with what my fate would be the next day. That night I hardly slept as I thought about the possibilities.

The next day I carried my cell phone with me everywhere. I didn't dare risk missing this call! Finally at around 2:30 or so, my phone rang. I seriously almost passed out! I answered the call and braced myself for what I was sure was going to be bad news. When everyone on the other end of the phone yelled "Congratulations!!", tears immediately popped into my eyes. My hands were shaking and I just started crying like a baby. I think I even asked if they were kidding me, lol! I could not believe it. Actually, sometimes I still can't believe it. I was chosen to be a panelist on the Disney World Moms Panel in 2009!

I called my mom and husband with the good news and floated around my house like I was on a cloud for the rest of the day. The only bad thing was reading the posts on the DIS boards from all of the people who weren't chosen. I almost hated to write about my good news and how excited I was because I knew how disappointed others were. Luckily, everyone really seemed supportive and happy for those of us who had made it onto the panel. It was so great to share the anticipation with everyone there.

It's hard to believe that I got that phone call about a month ago. Back then it seemed like the training trip would never come, but here it is - the day after tomorrow. I am so excited to meet all of my new friends who I've been talking with these past few weeks on facebook. It has definitely made the time go by quickly and I am so eager to meet these wonderful people who I already feel as if I know.

Anna, Diane, Diane, Jo, Joanne, Jennifer, Doug, Cathy, Karen, Margaret, Kay, Jodi, Whitney, Jackie and Tanya - can't wait to meet you all in person! See you REALLY soon!!!

My Journey to The Moms Panel - Part 1

2008-12-02T18:57:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer - This is a pretty long post - way longer than I expected it would be, and it's only part one.

Wow, was it really way back in September when this whole thing began? Actually, it was way before that for me. I missed submitting my application last year by just a few days. By the time I found out about the search for the panel, it was too late. When I read a thread on one of the Disney boards that they would be looking for a new panel, I circled the day they would begin accepting applications on my calendar.

The day came and I excitedly read the essay questions. I typed in my answers in between changing diapers, filling juice cups and playing dress up. The maximum amount of words was 100 per question and I think I used all 100 words for two of my answers and 99 for the third. I looked over what I had written and hit submit. I didn't run them by anyone or second guess myself. Honestly, I never thought anything would come of this and I was just proud of myself for giving it a try.

Fast forward a few weeks. I checked my e-mail and saw an update from the Moms Panel. I assumed it was a "thanks, but no thanks" reject letter. I was shocked when I read that I had made it to round two. I had tears in my eyes when I showed my husband the e-mail. I immediately read the round two questions. This time I wrote them down and spent some time thinking about what my answers would be. I stayed up late that night writing my responses. I had pages and pages of scribbled sentences with scratched out words, arrows and circles. Trust me, only I would ever be able to make sense of what was on those pages and even I had trouble at some points!

This time I read my answers to my husband multiple times and listened to his advice. The next day I typed my three essays and looked over them once more. I felt butterflies in my stomach as I hit the submit button. In a flash, my answers were sent - hurtling through cyber space and I sat at my computer wondering if I had said the right things. I did second guess a few things, but I eventually told myself that it was done and I would just have to wait and see.

When the deadline came for all of the people in round two send their answers in, I started wondering when we would hear back. I began looking for information and came across a great thread on the DIS boards where I found a large group of people who were waiting just like me. I admit, I lurked for a long time before I ever introduced myself. I think I was nervous about opening up to a whole new group of people. When I finally did join the discussion, I was so relieved at how friendly and welcoming everyone was. It was really great to have the support of so many others in the same boat.

Once again, I had convinced myself that I would probably not make it on to the next round. I didn't want to get my hopes up too high only to be crushed. When I finally got the e-mail, I just looked at it in my inbox before I had the nerve to click on it. I closed my eyes and when I opened them, I almost fell off of my chair. I had moved on to round three!! I called my mom and my husband and shared my good news. This was so completely unbelievable. I quickly submitted my contact information so that I could get my phone interview set up.

Before I knew it my phone was ringing! I didn't want to seem unavailable or a pain so I said I would take any time. I ended up with the second interview on the first day. Yikes! On one hand, I was glad because I would get it done soon and not have to worry about it any longer, but I was also worried that they would forget about me because I was one of the first ones. I spent all weekend thinking about what they might ask. I made my husband ask me sample questions and basically I drove everyone crazy with my constant interview talk!

Finally! The day of my phone interview. My time was 2:15. My husband left for work around 2:00 and took the kids to my neighbor's house so that she could watch them while I did my interview with no distractions. I was so nervous! I sat at my desk and waited for the call. When the phone rang, I answered and waited to get connected to Laura, Leanne and the others conducting the interview. I say "others" because I can't be quite certain who was on the line because as soon as Leanne started introducing everyone, my two dogs started barking like crazy at something and I couldn't hear a thing. I was beyond mortified!!! Luckily, they all laughed and the dogs stopped barking.

The actual interview seemed to go by so fast. I felt like I answered the questions as best as I could. Some of the things they asked I expected and others made me stop for a brief second before replying. The time flew by and before I knew it, my interview was over. When I hung up, I just stood there for a few minutes replaying everything over in my head. The only thing I regretted was my answer to who my daughter's favorite princess is. I said that she goes back and forth between Cinderella and Belle. I blabbered on and ended with this - "I would say that she is an equal opportunity princess lover." OMG. Seriously Amber?? As soon as I said that, I was thinking to myself - how stupid are you? Other than that, I had high hopes that my interview had gone well.

Well, I know this is dragging on and on. If you are still with me, thanks for reading, lol! I will continue the saga tomorrow. Please stay tuned!

The Pumpkin Family

2008-11-29T18:25:00.000-08:00

Today I was out in the yard with the dogs and I looked into our garden. Our poor jack o lanterns are nothing more than a shrunken heap now. After Halloween we threw them in the garden as compost for next year, and they sure do look pathetic! At one time they looked pretty nice.

This year we had four jack o lanterns - one for each of us. Between the ones we grew in the garden and the ones we got at the pumpkin patch, we were able to match the size of the pumpkin to each member of our family. When they were fresh, they were very cute - except for Levi's - he tried to make his scary looking, lol!

For Sophie's first Halloween back in 2005, my brother gave her a pumpkin. We saved the seeds from her very first pumpkin and planted them the following spring, and we've been doing it ever since. I think it's pretty cool that the pumpkin she was given as a one month old baby has started this little tradition. We refer to them as Sophie's pumpkins and she loves helping Levi plant and take care of them during the summer.

Here are some photos of our family of pumpkins from this year. I won't post what they look like now because that would be pretty gross. I'll let you use your imaginations on that one if you want to!

Me, Levi, Aiden and Sophie

Aiden and his little pumpkin.

Sophie with her happy pumpkin.

Friday Feast - #2

2008-11-29T13:39:00.000-08:00

I know! I'm late with this again. I may have to rename it the 'Saturday Feast' because that seems to be when I'm doing them. I'll try to stay on top of this!

Appetizer: Where do you plan to go on vacation this year, or where would you want to go?
That's an easy one - Disney World of course! We go to Disney at least once every year, and sometimes throw in a trip to the beach. There are also the occasional long weekend trips as well.

Soup: What color is your bedroom? If you could redecorate it, what would you change?
Our bedroom is a caramel color. It is a Tuscan inspired theme.

Salad: Do you have a bumper sticker on your vehicle? If not, make one up!
No bumper stickers here. If I were to have one it would probably just be something related to Disney World!

Main Course: What's the worst pain you've ever been in?
Childbirth! That is absolutely the worst pain I have ever felt - until the epidural, lol. I would go through it all over again in a heartbeat though. My kids were worth that pain and more!!

Dessert: Who is your favorite celebrity? What do they do that inspires you?
I honestly don't have a favorite celebrity. I prefer to be inspired by people I know and can relate to. The person that inspires me the most is my Mom. She is the greatest mom and is also my absolute best friend in the world.

Thanksgiving in Retrospect

2008-11-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

I think my favorite part of Thanksgiving is watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This year Sophie was really into watching the parade too. She loved watching all of the dancers,bands, and huge helium balloons - namely Snoopy and Dora. Of course Santa was the biggest hit! Watching my daughter's face light up when she saw Santa waving to the crowd was a highlight of my day. It was so wonderful to cuddle on the couch and share one of my favorite Thanksgiving pastimes with my her. Aiden was there too of course, but he fell asleep halfway through.

It was such a wonderful Thanksgiving. We had a delicious meal with my parents and two younger brothers - Aiden was a bit fussy so I held him on my lap and he grabbed a handful of mashed potatoes off of my plate, lol! The entire time he stared at all of the food on the table with wide eyes, but he had to settle for some sweet potatoes and corn baby food.

After dinner, my husband, brothers and I played a rousing game of Monopoly. I knew from the get go that it was going to be bad for me. Everyone else had at least three properties before I landed on the first one that was available for me to buy. Oh well, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. (Of course, I always want to win!!) Sophie wanted to play, so we gave her a game piece and some money, and she had a great time moving from space to space and building houses, lol!

This year, Thanksgiving was perfect - from the parade in the morning to the late night leftovers before bed. I was so happy to celebrate with my family and reflect on everything that we have to be thankful for. Yes, life is good.

Magic Words?

2008-11-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

I had to post this funny exchange between my three year old daughter and myself.

Sophie: "Can you get me some more juice?"
Me: "Sure, but what's the magic word?"
Sophie: (pause) "Ummm.....Oh yeah! ABRACADABRA!!!!" (She said this with much enthusiasm!)
Me: "Well, yeah, but what's the other magic word?"
Sophie: "Oh, ok. HOCUS POCUS!!!" (Said like she was a magician herself, lol.)
Me: (laughing) "Ok, you're right, but what about please?"
Sophie: "Ok, please?"
Me: "Sure thing."

I know she has manners and knows her p's and q's. I'm not too sure if this conversation helped at all. I guess "please" isn't quite as magical as abracadabra and hocus pocus to a three year old. LOL!

Giving Thanks

2008-11-26T18:33:00.000-08:00

It seems like each year I have more and more to be thankful for. This year I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who is growing so fast and learning so much every day. My daughter turned three this year, and I am just amazed at her innocence and love of life. I am so thankful that my children are happy and healthy and that I have been blessed by having them in my life.

I'm thankful for my wonderful husband, who works hard every day so that I can stay home with our kids. I may not show it enough, but I really admire him for giving me opportunity to be a stay at home mom. I am blessed to have a warm home, food on the table and a happy, loving family to share it all with.

In addition to all of these and the many, many other things I have to be thankful for, there is one more thing. I think everyone knows where I'm going with this! I am incredibly humbled and so grateful to have the opportunity to serve on the Disney World Mom's Panel. I really think I'm still in shock because it doesn't seem quite real yet. I am one of sixteen people chosen out of thousands - wow. I get to help people plan their magical trips to Disney!!

Last but certainly not least, I am thankful for the 15 new friends I will be meeting in a little over a week. Talking with everyone has made me feel less nervous and more excited to begin this adventure. I feel like I know everyone already!!

My life has truly been blessed this year and I do not let a day go by without reflecting on all of the things I have to be thankful for. I am looking forward to watching my children grow, and all of the exciting things coming up in my life. I am positive that I will have even more to be thankful for next year!!

Doctors and Disney

2008-11-24T10:59:00.000-08:00

Today was my son Aiden's six month well check-up. He is doing great! His favorite part of the appointment had to be playing with the crinkly white paper on the exam table. Obviously, his least favorite part had to be the shots. He had to get four, which included the first of the two part flu shot. He also had another oral dose of the vaccine for rotavirus. He didn't seem to mind that one and sucked it right down! Of course, I could not watch the nurse stick my poor, poor baby with all of those needles. I just held his little hands in mine and looked the other way. He screamed at first, but as soon as the nurse finished, I scooped him into my arms and he settled right down! He's such a tough little guy and so brave. I think it's almost always worse for the parent.

At the beginning of the visit, the doctor came in and we discussed how Aiden was growing. When the subject of his appetite came up, I asked how many ounces of milk/formula babies this age usually eat. Since I nurse him on demand, I have no idea how many ounces he eats in any given day. I just know that he is well fed and satisfied. I explained to the doctor about my upcoming solo trip to Disney, and told him how I have been pumping non-stop to freeze enough milk for Aiden to have in my absence.

Well, the doc was really impressed by my news on making it onto the mom's panel. Although, I have to say like a lot of other people, I don't think he quite "got it" if you know what I mean! He then went on to tell me that he and his family just returned from a nine night stay at the Contemporary. I have to say, I don't think our pediatrician is a Disney guy because he said it wasn't his choice to go and his wife basically made him, lol! We talked about Disney for quite some time and I almost forgot the reason we were there in the first place. Well - not really, but I was trying to convince him that Disney is awesome and his wife had the right idea, etc. etc. I'm positive I can convert him to a Disney believer by Aiden's one year check-up! I'll keep you posted. . .

Traditions: New, Old and Different

2008-11-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

This time of year is always all about family. Not that I'm not all about my family all year long, but I think you know what I mean.

My Grandma is really big on everything staying the same - for years we always go to my aunt's on Easter, my mom has Thanksgiving and my uncle has Christmas. Last year I really caused a stir when I announced that Levi and I decided to stay home on Christmas morning and get together with everyone a few days later. I was pregnant with Aiden and it was our last Christmas with Sophie as the only child. I was hormonal and feeling guilty that "things would never be the same" once Aiden was born and I wanted to soak up every minute of Sophie enjoying the spoils of Christmas. My family got over it and we are all still speaking, but I guess that's the thing about traditions - sometimes they change, especially when families are growing and evolving.

I know everyone might not agree with me, but it worked for us and I felt it was the right thing for my family. I guess my logic is that staying home on Christmas Day and getting together with family a few days later extends the holiday and makes everything less chaotic and more enjoyable for everyone. Instead of rushing to open presents from Santa so we can get to brunch on time, we were able to enjoy our time together. Sophie actually got to play with her new toys, and when we met up with our extended family the next weekend, it was much calmer and memorable.

Other than the traditions of who cooks for each holiday, Levi and I started some traditions with our kids that we hope to enjoy as long as we can. Every fall we visit a local farm on the Sunday the Steelers are on a bye week (so far it's always been before Halloween), and we go on a hayride and choose pumpkins to carve. We always put our Christmas tree up on the Sunday after Thanksgiving and we each open one present on Christmas Eve. When we go to Disney World we always go to Hollywood Studios on our arrival day to see Fantasmic, and we spend our last day at the Magic Kingdom.

There are other things we do, but these are some that stand out the most to me. I know that someday my kids will get older and they may not want to go on hayrides, and when that day comes I'll be ok with it. I know that traditions aren't carved in stone and that everything changes. I'm glad to enjoy these things while I can and I know that someday there will be something new to replace them and I can accept that.

Friday Feast - One Day Late!!

2008-11-22T18:12:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know it's Saturday, but I want to start doing these every week. So, here goes:

Friday Feast: Feast One

Appetizer: What time do you usually wake up each day? If you could choose your wake-up time, when would it be?
The kids usually wake up around 7:30 - 8:00, so that is when I have to get up too! If it were up to me I would sleep in to at least 10:30 like I did when i worked nights and before the kids.

Soup: When was the last time you bought groceries? What store did you go to? Name 3 things you purchased.
My last grocery trip was a week ago at Giant Eagle. Three things I bought were: milk, toilet paper and a york peppermint patty.

Salad: How many books have you read so far this year? Which was your favorite and why?
If you count childrens books, then it's hundreds! :) As far as grown-up books, I think it's about 10. Wow, I just realized that's not that many this late in the year! I guess my favorite was probably "Double Yoi!" by Myron Cope. He was such an icon here in Pittsburgh, and when he passed it was a sad time for the whole community - not just football fans. He was an inspirational man with a lot of wit and his book was quite good!

Main Course: What is something you consider to be very elegant? In particular, what about that item/place/person conjures up the feeling of elegance?
Umm....Honestly, I am not elegant at all. I guess everyone's definition of elegance is different. I guess champagne? caviar? a limo? Sorry, I'm really at a loss here, lol!

Dessert: Who taught you how to drive?
Well, I like to think I was just a complete natural! I did take drivers ed in high school, so I guess mostly my teacher - Mr. Falvo. My dad did try to teach me to drive a standard, but his patience is not his finest attribute, haha. My husband also tried to teach me, but I still am no expert. I can drive both, but I much prefer the automatic transmission!!

Running Errands....Ugh

2008-11-15T06:19:00.000-08:00

Why, oh why do I put everything off until it just can't be put off any longer? Why is it that the day we finally run out of milk it is cold and pouring rain? Why do my husband and I get our prescriptions filled at different pharmacies?

These are just a few of the questions I asked myself this morning. Today I have no choice but to drag myself into the shower and brave the downpour outside to do one of my least favorite things . . . errands. Now, I know that most people don't enjoy grocery shopping and the like, but there are days when I really don't mind so much. (Like when it's not raining!) It also doesn't help that my husband works weird hours and Saturdays - this means I have a small window of opportunity to go at it alone before I will have my kids along for all the fun.

Anyone who has gone to any store with their kids know all about the "I wannas". My daughter will want cookies, candy and all of those toys that are so conveniently placed at the eye level of children riding in shopping carts. My son, is still too young to say "I wanna", let alone have a case of them. However, he will give me a small amount of time - to be determined by him - before he begins to cry endlessly until I take him out of his seat and carry him through the store while pushing the cart and trying not to forget anything. Haha!

So, hopefully I can get my husband to accompany me before he has to get to work. I think my kids know when they have me outnumbered - seriously!

Just Surviving?

2008-11-14T18:21:00.000-08:00

I never really thought I would have a blog of my own. Sure, I have read friend's blogs and even blogs of complete strangers that I've come across, but I never really had the urge to create my own. I guess I never thought my life was interesting enough to blog about. I mean, who really cares about the life of a stay at home mom with 2 small kids?

Recently after putting my kids (ages 3 and soon-to-be 6 months) to bed for the night, I thought to myself, "I feel like I'm just surviving through each day - not really living it". What I meant by that was between all of the dirty diapers, meals, laundry, etc. etc. I felt like I didn't have the time to actually enjoy my kids. I was so busy taking care of the basics that it seemed like I was missing out on all of the fun. Looking back, I know that there is more to my life than "just surviving", but some days are definitely harder than others!

I guess it was then that I decided to maybe start a blog someday. I figured it would be a good place to write down some of the crazy things that sometimes happen that might get lost in the jumble. I want to be able to look back in a few years and say, "Oh yeah! When Sophie said that it was hilarious!" about something that I would have long forgotten had it not been recorded. Who knows? Maybe someone will stumble across my blog and find something funny or insightful - or maybe not and that's ok because someday when my life isn't quite so crazy and hectic I can look back on this and remember it all.

Well, I didn't want to get all philosophical and sappy! I guess right now my life is getting a little more interesting. My daughter is 3 and says the darnedest things. My son will be 6 months old in 1 week - where did that time go?? Last week I found out I was chosen to be a panelist on the Disney Moms Panel next year. . . So, I think I will have lots to blog about and I hope if you have stumbled across this, you may come along for the ride! It could get interesting. . .