Giving Thanks: Small Talk Six

Today’s topic is “6 things you are most thankful for this year.” You can answer this with a list of 6 words, 6 phrases, 6 sentences, 6 paragraphs, 6 photos, 6 videos, etc . . .

Piece of cake!

1. My husband, Brett 

My best friend in the universe, bar none. Here's to many more years with you.

2. My children

Abigail, Rachel, Adam and Thomas. I each of you more than you can possibly imagine. One day, when you have children, it will begin to make sense.

3. My best friend, Laura

You know I couldn't have made it through all this without you. I love you, and have no idea how to repay you.

4. My church

Solid, secure, and grounded in its beliefs and values. It's been a place of comfort for me in sorrow, and a triumphant arena to celebrate life's blessings.

5. Flexibility in our jobs

We aren't rolling in money, but we are rich in the things that truly count -- family and being together. When my children are older, I want them to appreciate the time we had together.

6. Circle of friends

I'm blessed with an amazing circle of friends to support me, make me laugh, listen to me vent, and teach me to be a better mother. Thank you all.

Share your Thanksgiving blessings with everyone at Momdotcom. Have a marvelous weekend!

Prematurity Awareness Day: Nov 17th

After the initial shock of discovering that we were expecting twins, I busied myself with discovering all there was to know about a twin pregnancy. Lovely. Not that I had enough to be concerned about, but being an 'older' mother, as well as carrying twins put me at risk for a host of issues.

Biggest concern for me: premature delivery. Being a nurse, I have limited knowledge of the NICU, but know that I wanted to avoid any time there, if possible. During the pregnancy, I debated about touring the NICU. I knew about tiny babies, and the ventilators, medications, etc used to help keep these babies alive,  and give them a chance to grow and be healthy. Call me crazy, but I was in a bit of denial -- I thought that by avoiding touring the NICU, I could put the possibility of ever utilizing services there behind me. (I never said I was perfect in my logic!)

I was beyond blessed in my pregnancy with the boys, and 'passed with flying colors'. I had a minor scare at 24 weeks ... just dehydrated, and was having contractions. Ended up going to L&D for a few hours for IV fluids and monitoring, no big deal. My twins are identical, which put us at risk for TTTS. For us, it meant more trips to the OB, and more ultrasounds.

I watched the calendar, and as we passed 'gestational milestones', I focused on growing big healthy babies. Score #1, 24 weeks; Score #2, 28 weeks, Score#3, 30 weeks; Score #4, 32 weeks, and so on. Once we hit 36 weeks, I began to breathe a little easier. (figuratively speaking -- very hard to breathe when your belly is this big!)

After a false start, we had our twin boys just shy of 38 weeks -- 37 weeks, 5 days, to be exact!  Our boys were healthy, both were over 6 pounds, and nobody went to the NICU! Yay!  I'm thankful every day for our healthy boys.

Today, however, I'm joining in prayer and remembrance with some of my fellow moms of multiples, like Cheryl and Missy. The March of Dimes is instrumental in helping premature babies live, and be a blessing to their families. Please keep these tiny babies in your prayers.

Fun with Leaves: I heart faces Week 45

I haven't done one of these for a long time, since I never have time to sit down, much less take photos, edit them, etc.

There's nothing I love more than pictures of children in fall .... pumpkins, leaves, trick or treating -- you name it! I was the worst mother in the world this year, and neglected to take the wee ones to the pumpkin patch. (suppose I should start saving money now for therapy)

However, Brett did get some shots of Rachel in the leaves at Grandma's house. I'm not that fond of the colors (lack thereof), but I adore her expression -- this is SO Rachel.

Stop by I Heart Faces for more beautiful fall photos!

Small Successes - A few days early: Multiples and More Question of the Week

I was thrilled to see one of my favorite twin blogs give a shout out to my favorite Catholic blog this week. I've been following the mom bloggers over at Faith and Family Live for a while, and participate in their Small Successes blog carnival when I have the chance. (you know, those weeks where I'm not mired in my self pity.)

Like Danielle Bean says:

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.

Truer words were never spoken.

So, let's review my Small Successes for this past week:

1. I had a scheduling snag with regards to Thanksgiving at work. Thankfully, I've gotten it covered, and now will be off Thanksgiving. Yay! Now, if we can just get straight on what we're actually going to be doing.

2. Finished what was supposed to be a Christmas gift for Rachel -- a no-sew fleece blanket. It's completely adorable, and turned out even better than what I imagined. Since she was with us when she bought the fabric, she knew about the blanket. Attempts to hide the beautiful Dora blanket failed, and she's now carrying it around the house.  I'll attempt to post pictures and a tutorial some time before Christmas!

3. Scored a MAJOR deal on Christmas presents, by actually setting foot in Toys R Us. I abhor that store, but skipped out with my loot, and have plenty of stuff for Christmas presents and birthday gifts as well.

4. Made the boys' 18 month well baby visit. Yes, you read that correctly. I cannot believe they are 18 months old. The older I get, the quicker the time passes with my children. Sigh.

5. I almost forgot! Date Night with my husband (thank you SO MUCH, Laura!). We went out for sushi, and then got some shopping done. I appreciate the opportunity to simply have an uninterrupted conversation with him nowdays. Love you, Brett!


Check out more Small Successes at Multiples and More, as well as Faith and Family Live later this week.

Awards and accolades -- passing it around

Thanks to my blogger friend Lourie, at CA Girl, I have an award to post on my blog. YAY!

My 'acceptance speech' consists of 35 quickly answered questions ... meaning concise answers, and not my usual rambling ones.

1. Where is your cell phone? With my husband -- yes, we share a cell phone
2. Your hair? FLAT today ...
3. Your mother? is probably working
4. Your father? haven't talked to him in years
5. Your favorite food? sushi
6. Your dream last night? Don't get enough sleep to dream
7. Your favorite drink? Diet Mountain Dew, but this week, Hot Apple Cider!
8. Your dream/goal? To be a better wife and mother
9. What room are you in? Triage
10. Your hobby? blogging, reading, crafting
11. Your fear? Losing my husband or children
12. Where do you want to be in six years? Physically, in a bigger house, I hope. :)
13. Where were you last night? The new Kroger in my town (yeah, I'm so dull!)
14. Something you aren’t? Patient
15. Muffins? Love them, especially Cinnamon
16. Wish list item? iPod Touch
17. Where did you grow up? Kentucky born and bred
18. Last thing you did? triaged a patient ....
19. What are you wearing? Scrubs
20. TV? rarely
21. Your pets? Blaze and Gracie
22. Your friends? sweet, supportive, and wonderful!
23. Your life? incredibly chaotic, but blessed beyond belief
24. Your mood? irritable
25. Missing someone? Brett and all my children :)
26. Vehicle? Momma mobile is my Nissan Sentra; the family car is a Toyota Sienna
27. Something you’re not wearing? make-up
28. Your favorite store? For my own clothes, Ann Taylor Loft. For the children, Gymboree.
29. Your favorite color? Red
30. When was the last time you laughed? Today
31. When was the last time you cried? Today
32. Your best friend? Laura
33. One place that you go over and over? The Library
34. One person who e-mails me regularly? Angie
35. Favorite place to eat? Maido (hole in the wall sushi joint)

I get to bestow this award on 6 others .... be sure and check out these wonderful women.

My IRL friend Angie, who talks about her daily life at The Ballard Boys. Be sure and check out her weekly lunch ideas!

Another IRL friend, and 'distant relative' Amy -- she has dozens of delectible dishes on The Salt and Pepper Diva. These girls are making me jealous with mad cooking skills!

Congratulations goes out to Jana, an old college friend of mine, whose husband Lee just won a CMA award!! She talks about her adoption journey, and warms my heart.

Thinking about homeschooling? I love to learn from Susana, as she homeschools her 4 children. She has so many creative ideas!

Need some ideas for crafts with children? Marie is an amazing resource -- check out the adorable turkey crafts!

Looking for ways to save money? Gina, who is also a MoM (mother of multiples!) is a wonderful resource at her blog: Moneywise Moms.

Thanks again, Laurie!

My Christmas Registry: Small Talk Six

 

I get totally caught up in Christmas. I love to put a lot of thought into my gifts, and individualize them. Unfortunately, not everyone shares the same consideration.

For those that may be contemplating gifts for me, (boy, is that conceited or what??) I've followed the prompt at MomDotCom, for Small Talk Six:

6 stores at which you wish you could register for Christmas presents for yourself

1. Etsy

  Sigh. So many beautiful things at Etsy.

2. Ann Taylor Loft

3. Vera Bradley

4.  Fossil

 I'd really like a new watch.

5. The Apple Store

 Two words: iPod Touch

6.  Ebay
Seriously, I do most of my shopping here.

Find out what other momma bloggers are jonesing for this Christmas, at Momdot.com. Have a great weekend!


** yeah .... must read over posts before pressing the publish button. Last week's desert island thoughts were a bit redundant.

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The winner of the YoPlait Giveaway, sponsored by MyBlogSpark is: AMY
I've sent you an email, and will need a response from you in 48 hours. Stay tuned for more giveaways.

Pig PHOEEY!

Do you think I'd get in trouble if I printed this out, and posted it in the Triage Room in the ER? Better yet, what about at the registration desk??

Homemade for the Holidays: Penny Pinching Party, Week 7

Every year, when the holidays Christmas rolls around, I always have these grand plans to spend less, enjoy myself more, hang out with my family, and create memories. Some how, making homemade gifts always makes its way into my list as well. I think this stems back from my childhood -- my grandmother always spent days making dozens of delicious Christmas cookies. I haven't gone all out like she did, but I tend to make more things every year.

Some of the things I've made include:
Spiced Cider Mix -- just scoop into fancy cellophane bags, or into a holiday glass container, add a label with directions, and you're all set.

1 cup regular Lipton Instant Tea mix
1 cup Tang orange mix
1 cup Country Time Lemonade mix
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp nutmeg
Mix all together in a mixing bowl and put into small jars.I usually double the recipe and give these as gifts during holidays.Use 2-3 teaspoons to a cup of hot water.Enjoy!

Chocolate Covered Pretzels - I used to use the quick melt stuff, but it is all hydrogenated oil, so Brett makes me use real chocolate now. No matter -- it's still easy, and it's delicious. Once again, it's all in the presentation. Wrap these up fancy, and you're all set. Just check the back of chocolate chips for directions on how to cover fruit. No, you do NOT need a double boiler.

Turtle Bites: Could be the easiest, and most delicious Christmas Candy EVER!

1 bag of Rolos   

1 bag of mini pretzels - I like the little square Snyder's ones

pecan halves

Unwrap the rolos, set aside. Heat over to 350 degrees. Grab your mini-muffin pan, and line with holiday themed mini-muffin liners. Place the pretzel in the bottom of the liner, followed by the Rolo, with the pecan on top. Place in oven for about 3 to 4 minutes. Gently squish the pecan down, and the Rolo will semi-melt over the pretzel. Tada! You have a easy, delicious Turtle Bite. Great for teacher gifts!

Add these gifts to your Christmas list, and fill your family and friends with some frugal homemade joy! Head over and visit The Thrifty Home for more ideas to save some cash!

Small Talk Six: I won't sign up for Survivor

 

What a beautiful day here in Kentucky! Of course, instead of enjoying it, I get to go to work! Boo!

Today's Small Talk Six topic?
6 reasons I would be doomed if I were stranded on a desert island all by myself ......

1. I would die of boredom. I have an insanely chaotic, crazy house. I would enjoy the peace and quiet for about 2 hours, then would lose my mind, missing my husband and children.

2. I would starve to death. The only way I know how to cook is with a crockpot, and something tells me that there's probably no electricity there.

3. I hate bugs and creepy crawly things. I'd have to climb a tree to escape scorpions and things.

4. I have no survival skills -- none. Have no idea how to start a fire, rig up a raft, et cetera.

5. I hate bugs and creepy crawly things. I'd have to climb a tree to escape to escape scorpions. My luck, I'd fall out of the tree and break my neck in the process.

6.I don't swim that well. There's no chance of me swimming my way to safety.

Drop by Momdotcom for more Small Talk Six.

Have a great weekend, and don't forget to check out the giveaway!!

The Object of my Affections: Writer's Workshop

Sap Alert ........ ya'll know I'm a total sucker for my husband. And who wouldn't be? He's got it all - brains, handsome good looks, a killer sense of humor, and patience to put Job to shame. For Writer's Workshop today, I have 35 reasons why I love him.

Brett, in his parents' kitchen in Indianapolis. Looks like he's about 2? He's blond, but not as much as our small fry.

1. You are a bona fide Irish Catholic boy!

2. You go grocery shopping.

3. You back the car/van into the driveway.

4. You never seem to mind my cold feet on your nice warm legs.

5. You love me back.

Brett, Rachel,and myself, the morning she was born.

6. You trust and support my decisions.

7. Neither of us is perfect, but we’re perfect for each other.

8. You’re my King of Hearts.

9. You support me in my many various endeavors

10. You taught me about sushi, and asparagus, and all sorts of delicious foods!

Brett and Rachel: she's about 6 months old here

11. You never seem to mind chauffeuring the kids around.

12. You love going to the zoo, and parks, and pools with the children.

13. You’re always there for me.

14. You taught me about soccer.

15. I can be me when I’m with you.

 Proud, tired papa of brand new twin boys!

16. You do little things for Abby even when she doesn’t seem appreciative.

17. You laugh at the 'Dianna vernacular'.

18. You DON'T laugh at me playing FarmTown and Farmville.

19. You make me laugh.

20. Packing my lunch for me .... totally sweet

Brett and his family, in Hawaii

21. You like my cooking.

22. You fill my gas tank for me.

23. You don’t mind cleaning the kitchen.

24. You are an EXCELLENT father.

25. We fit right.

Brett and Rachel, Christmas 2006

26. Your family accepted me.

27. You accepted my family

28. You are an incredible husband.

29. You don’t mind running errands for me when I need help.

30. You believe in me.

Brett, in Hawaii, after hiking a mountain.

31. You pack all 3 small children up, and take them to Mass while I am at work.

32. You love your parents immensely.

33. You're a damn good cook.

34. You tell me I look beautiful, even when my hair is a mess.

35. You are committed to me, and our family.

Brett and Rachel: she's just a few days old here. 

Brett, I love you, more and more every day. Thanks for putting up with me -- lack of domestic skills, as well as my sassy attitude. These first few years with you leave me wanting many, many more.


Hop over to Kat's, for more writer's block breakers! (I promise, they're not all this sappy!)