Oh Tuesday

     Wow we have been busy these last couple of days.  I am not sure where the time has gone.  Yesterday Little B and I took a day trip to Philly to visit one of my college roommates.  She and I have been best friends since college and have gone through a lot together.  So last fall when she called and told me she was expecting I was so excited because I was pretty sure I was expecting too.  As it turned out we had the same due date!  Well things did not turn out how we thought they would and the day after Christmas I got a call from her husband saying that the baby was born.  She was only 24 weeks along.  The baby was 1 lb 4 oz and 12 in long.  To make a long story short yesterday Little B and I went to go visit for the first time.  We had a great time but it was a long day and a lot of driving.
  Today was another long day packed with things to do.  We took O to school and then met the real estate agent at our rental property to discuss possibly selling it.  It was then on to a play date and then to pick up O.  Again a fun day and look what Little B can almost do.

He can't stay this way for long and I kind of think it is his diaper that is holding him up.  But boy is he close to sitting on his own.  Where has the time gone?  My little baby is almost sitting.

Sunday Show and Tell blog hop!

Welcome to Week two of Sunday Show and Tell. If the linky is not working just check back.




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     So here is how it works. Post the Sunday Show and Tell button anywhere on your page, link up and follow as many people as you want, don't forget to leave a comment to let them know you were there!
Also, Please follow our hostesses in the first 3 linky spots Sarah from Mama to a Sweet Thing, Meaghan from BellOrel Baby and me. Then if you , if you choose, create a Show and Tell post, don't worry it is not mandatory, but isn't it fun? Include a picture of anything you want(show) and write something fun about it(tell).

 

Our family pet.  His name is Trey and he is an English Springer Spaniel.  He is a great dog and does so well with the kids.

Friday blog hops.

This is one of my favorites

Tag your it

   The last couple of days have not been good days in our house.  O has been off his rocker and driving me crazy.  It has left me in not the best mood and not really thinking about what to post.  I don't think everyone wants to hear me whine and complain about bad behavior, so I was looking for positive inspiration and reading some of my comments when I found out that I was tagged in a survay. Kaley over at A Tale of Three Poags tagged me in a survay and it seems easy and postitive; hopefully it will get me out of my bad mood. It will also give me a chance to let my readers know more about me and hopefully I can learn more about them.
     From what I understand Kaley has given me 8 questions to answer, I then create 8 questions of my own and then pass the survay on to 8 people of my choice.

So here are the questions I need to answer:

1. what is your favorite recipe/thing to cook? [and feel free to share the recipe for ME to try! haha]

      This is a funny one since my hubby has always been the cook in the family, but since I am now staying home I have picked up this job.  So far my cooking has been limited to easy recices.  I think I have really liked meetball subs. There is nothing fancy to this receipe but it is good.

2 cans Chef Boyardee pizza sauce

1 lg. green pepper, chopped fine

1 lb. ground beef

1/2 c. dried onions

3/4 c. fine dried bread crumbs

1 tsp. minced parsley

1 1/2 tsp. salt, optional

1/8 tsp. pepper

2 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1-2 eggs, depends on if you have over a lb. of hamburger

1/2 c. milk

Mozzarella cheese, sliced

Sesame seed hoagie buns (toast them)


Place pizza sauce and green peppers in saucepan. Simmer.


Mix ingredients for meatballs thoroughly, shape into 1 inch balls and brown on all sides in skillet. Then put into sauce and simmer about 10 minutes. Place on bun with slice of cheese.


2. what is your favorite hobby?
Right now I would have to say working on this blog and then reading.  Well I guess I would add in taking pictures of my boys.
3. what is the best memory with your significant other?
I really think I have three big ones.

• Our wedding day

• The birth of O

• The birth of Little B

Another one I think I would say is flying kites.  When we go on vacations we always try to find a place to fly our kite.

4. what is the biggest life changing event you've been through?

    Aside from getting married and giving birth to my two wonderful babies I would have to say 9/11.  I will always remeber standing in that fifth grade classroom as a first year teacher trying to explain to the children the little that I knew of what was going on and that we were safe, well I was hoping that we were safe.

5. what is your favorite song? and why?

Right now I think I would say "Waitin' on a Woman" by Brad Praisley. 
6. how do you find the time to blog?!! [give me the secret! haha]
I just blog at night or during little breaks in during the day.  This is the most time I have taken in one sitting to do something.
7. which celeb do you get compared too most often?
I don't really know.
8. who is the biggest influence in your life?
I think I would say my mom.  Even though I am a grown woman with my own family I still turn to her for guidance on a regular basis. 
 
Now it is my turn.  Here are my 8 questions:

1. What is one thing that you have done right this week or has gone your way?
2. If you could write a letter to yourself, when you were ten years younger than you are now, what advice would you give yourself?
3. If you could trade places with one person, who would it be?
4. What is the name of your favorite blog to read?
5. If  you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
6. What is your favorte part of your body?
7. What are three adjectives that describe you?
8. What is one childhood tradition that you plan on passing on to your kids?

And my friends who I am giving the challenge to answer them: (These are some of my favorite blogs.  Check them out when you get a chance.)

Michelle @ What this Mom Knows!
Meaghan @ BellOrel Baby
Sarah @ Moma to a Sweet Thing
Haley @ Mainstream Mommy
Mandey @ Moma and The Dudes
Sarah @ Loving My Life
Jess @  Keeping it Together
Lauren @ That 22 year old Housewife 

So now I have to say, you know a little bit more about me and to my friends here tag you are it.

Have fun and I look forward to reading your post.

Writers Workshop: Oh Summer!

The Prompts:
1.) Your childhood neighborhood.

2.) I was holding on tight but…

3.) “It was as if an invisible thread hooked her to her boy. The thread could go taut or slack but it could never come undone, it could never reach the end of its spool because there was no end; it bound them forever.” What does unconditional love mean to you?

4.) Can it be saved? Think of something that is ruined when it’s totally wet: like a newspaper or a piece of cheese. Write a scene (truth or fiction) that involves you and a soaked item.

5.) What five images paint a perfect picture of summer to you? Put those five images together in a piece of writing.
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     Oh summer, how much your meaning has change for me.  Summer used to mean no school, no work and all the time for me.  Summer used to mean summer jobs at the pool teaching little children to swim.  Then summer changed to no work for me but more time to spend with my little one.  More time to play and watch him grow.  Then came this summer and baby number two which meant that there would be no work after summer; making the meaning of summer change again.

Now summer means:
1.  Boating:

     My husband and I both grew up on the water and boating was a big part of our childhoods.  Although we don't currently own a boat big enough for our family we use the grandparents' boats all the time.  Our boys will grow up boating and some day we will have a boat of our own.
 
2.  Life jackets:

      Since we are out on boats and around the water all the time I would have to say a life jacket is never far away.  Seeing a life jacket both big and small always reminds me of summer.

3.  Bare feet

     Summer brings warm weather which means, No Shoes!  I love to be able to just walk out my door and not have to worry about shoes.  I love to feel the grass between my toes.  No shoes just makes me fee carefree.  Summer is a carefree time of year.

4. Bathing suits

     Bathing suits means pool time swimming and water.  Now I will have to say that bathing suits remind me of summer, but I did not say that I enjoy seeing myself in one.  But who can't like to see a rollie pollie little baby boy in one?

5.  Finally the beach:

     I never was much of a beach person myself, but my husband always was.  Now this is one of those things about summer that has changed over time for me, since now I would say the beach is an image that represents summer for me.  Although I am not much for it, my boys seem to love it.  So I am now a Beach going momma and learning to love it.  How could I not love watching my babies playing in the sand and the surf.  How could I not love watching them having so much fun and being so proud of their sand castle? 

So there you have it, the five images that mean summer for me.  These are the images for this year, I wonder what they will be next year?  Who knows; I will have to wait and see.

Wordless Wednesday

Helping me put the dishes away!

It started off like this:

But his toy keys were not enough:

Then as a true baby does he tried to eat it:

The plate helped me get through a chore without crying

And that is without both of us crying (it was one of those days)

The things we do so we can get one simple chore complete.

What do you do with your babies so that you can get a chore complete?

5 months

   It was just 5 short months ago today that I was sitting in a hospital room getting to know my new baby boy.  He looked like this:

And now, 5 months later, I sit here with him sleeping in his pack writing about him and how I can't believe he is 5 months old today.

He went from up and eating 24/7 to sleeping at least 8 hours at night.  He rolled over for the first time yesterday.  He smiles and "talks" to me all the time.  Now I just wish that I could get him to take a nap without crying so he will not wake his brother.  We are having a hard time getting a schedule going that works for both boys.  For those mommies out there that have any suggestions for me on how to get a schedule down that meets both children's need I would love for some help.

Happy 5 months Little B!

Sunday Show and Tell

Sarah over at Mama to a Sweet Thing asked me to host a great new blog hop and I am so excited for it. 







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Also, Please follow our hostesses in the first 3 linky spots Sarah from Mama to a Sweet Thing, Meaghan from BellOrel Baby and me.  Then if you , if you choose, create a Show and Tell post, don't worry it is not mandatory, but isn't it fun? Include a picture of anything you want(show) and write something fun about it(tell).

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A favorite Book in our house

     This is a sweet tail about a Lion that wonders into a library and how he helps a friend out in a time of need.

     This is O's favorite book right now.  We read it daily and most of the time several times a day. He even takes it to bed with him and I can hear him "reading" it as I stand in the hallway.  I have also read it to my first grade class and found that they love it too.  It is one great book.

The Paper Mama photo challenge - Flower

 So I went back into my files to find this one.  It is not the one I had in mind but I kind of like it.  Look how little O was.  He has always been a good helper.

     After writing my post on Thursday for a writers workshop, I began thinking about how I would respond to my son if he had written my that letter.  So today's post would be my response.


My precious sweet son,
   I wanted to start by saying that I love you.  From the day you were born I have loved you.  You were so small but yet you made such a huge difference in my life.

I have grown as a mommy and a person because of you.  Look how small you were!  You have grown so much in the last 3 1/2 years.  I am so proud of you!  You were so small and now you are so big.  You have learned to do some many different things.  You are so smart, hey you can count to 13!  You went from just being able to lay where I put you, yes your Grandma called you a lump, to crawling, to walking, to running, and now to riding scootters. You are a swimmer and ball throwing fool. You are amazing.

     I want you to know that everything your Daddy and I do is for your best interests.  Your Daddy and I have worked hard to make sure that you have what you need to become the best that you can be.    We even thought of you when we decided to make you be a big brother.  We wanted you to always have someone to play with.  We wanted you to have someone who admired you, loved you and looked up to you.  We wanted you to be a big brother so that you would be the teacher and leader that we both know you can be.  Yes we were thinking of you when we brought Little B into your life.  I know it has been hard at times for you. I also know that you have learned to love him.  He already is looking up to you and watching you and I think I are starting to see this.  You are a wonderful big brother and I want you to continue to be.
     Family is important, and I hope that we are instilling that in you.  Your family will always be there for you and I want you to know that and know them.  You have been on many travels to see your family.  I want you to know them, love them and feel loved by them.  They all love you!

Your family is growing along with you.  Since this picture was taken we have added and lost family members.  But each person has already had an impact on the person you are and who you will become.  They have made you special and will help you to grow.  Family is special and you should always keep them close, even if they are miles away. 

     My dearest little O, I want you to know that I am your number one fan.  I love all the things that you can do and I love to cheer you on.  You are great at playing with the hose, one of your favorite pass times, and mowing the grass.  You are a boater by blood and you cans tell from your passion for boats.  You make one great fireman and if you want to be an UPS driver for Halloween this year you can.  Don't let anyone talk you out of it.  You are a great person and a loving person.  I want you to stand up for what you think is right.  I want you to always put your best foot forward. Be who you are and don't let anyone change that.  You make the changes in your life that will make you happy.  I will say it again, you are a wonderful person and I want you to stay that way.  I am proud of you and I love you!  You are my sweet little boy and you always will be.

Love,

Mommy

What would you tell your child in a letter?

Saturday Blog hops

Since I have a few minutes today I thought I would try and do some blog hops.  Both boys were up at 5:30 am today although they both were quiet until around 6.  With that being said O is wound like a coil and thank goodness on the boat with his dad and Little B went back to sleep at 7:30.  I should be doing other things but here I am on the computer.

Five Question Friday

I have not done this in a while. I don't know why I just kind of forgot I guess. But I like this one so here it goes.



1. Do you have any nicknames and if so how did it come about?

Well most of them are not used any more.  I think the most recent would have to be Mooch.  Since my maiden name is Mucci everyone shortens it to Mooch.  I have to say that I share this name with my family they are all called Mooch.

2. What is your birth order amongst your siblings?
I am the oldest by 5 years.  I have one younger brother.

3. In a movie of your life, who would play your significant other?
I really don't know.

4. What is currently your favorite song?
Waitin on a Woman by Brad Paisley.  I just feel like there are so many times that my house hold is waiting on me to get everything together.

5. Are you saving your money for anything right now? Big or small purchase?
Right now I am saving money just to stay home.  I am working on making sure that ends meet and that we can do this and I can stay home with my boys.  I guess we are saving for Christmas and just making it through the year.  I want to prove to myself and my husband that it is possible for me to stay home and maybe do it for another year.

Dear Mommy and Daddy - Writer's workshop

I try to partisipate in the weekly writers workshop over at Moma's Losin' It. 

The Prompts:
1.) Dear Mommy and/or Daddy…(write a letter to yourself from one of your children)

2.) This one time I was sleeping and…

3.) Things you oddly obsessed about as a child.

4.) Who needs a vacation when you can spend your summer doing this…

5.) What did you wish for most? Write about a time when it was just too hot.

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Dear Mommy and Daddy,

    First I want to say that I love you both and I love our family.  I want to let you know that I am OK with my new little brother.  I am adjusting and you are doing a good job helping me, hey I am only 3 give me a break.  I want you to know that I have loved him from the day you brought him home. Yes even though I told you that he needed to go back into your tummy when I first met him.

He is growing on me and I have to say I like being the big brother.  I like helping you with him and holding him.  I really like now that I can play with him.  He is fun.

  Now Dad, I want you to know that I really like spending our time together.  I think it is fun going to the hardware store and picking out the wood we need to make things.  I love sitting on all the tractors and drooling over the grills.  I am not sure I am going to want to share this time with Little B when he gets older.  He may be my brother but I like having this time for me and you.  I also really love going out on the boat with you and Granddad. 

    Mommy,  I hope you know that I love you and always will.  I like to be called your little baby even though I say "No".  I love cuddling you and I don't always want to share you.  I am working on the sharing part but it is hard at times.  I want you to know that I really have fun doing things with you, even the little things like pushing the buttons on the washer and dryer. I like learning from you.  You take me on fun adventures doing lots of different things.

How many times can a boy like me say that they went rock wall climbing?  How many boys out there my age say that they are swimming like I can?  I don't think there are to many boys in this world that can honestly say that they have walked or in my case ride the miles that we have in our stroller together.  I love taking the time to go with you while you exercise.  As I am getting bigger I am going to walk it with you, that stroller is getting a little small.

     Mommy and Daddy, I am getting to be such a big boy now.  I can count to 13 all by myself.  I can read my name and I am learning my letters.  I can throw a football and walk on the balance beam.

I can use the potty and buckle my own belt.  I can feed the dog and the cat without any help.  I am able to pick out my clothes and get dress on my own.  Hey sometimes I can even get my tennis shoes on without any help.  I can do all these things because I have learned from you guys.  I can do all these things because you have loved me and helped me grow.

You have made me the little boy that I am.  You have helped me learn to laugh and cry, smile and frown.  You have taught me how to say please and thank you.  You have helped me to be kind and caring.  I know that I test your patients and that you at times feel frustrated with me.  But I want you to know that I am only three and that I am learning. I want you to know that I love you and want to please you.  I don't mean to be naughty or unkind.  I don't want to not listen to you, I am just trying to figure life out.  I am just trying to find out where I fit in and how my life it going to be.  Sometimes I just need a little extra huge and right now I am not sure how to ask for it, so I do something to get your attention.  I am growing and learning.  There have been a lot of changes in my life, and you know I don't like change.  I don't want you to worry, I love you both and Little B too.  We make one great family that I am happy to be part of.  I will continue to test both of you, it is my job, but I am doing it to learn. You both are the greatest parents a boy like me could have.

Love,

O

Wordless Wednesday

A p.j. rainy day play time.  We spent the day in our p.j.s

Don't ask me why O has to make a funny face everytime I take a picture. 

Back to school change

   As I was driving O to school today the topic of discussion on the radio was "What changes in your life at back to school time?"  So people were calling in discussing how even though they themselves were not going back to school some how they are doing something new or looking at something differently.  This got me thinking.  Since I am a school teacher back to school time always brings on a new year and new group of kids and a new outlook on what is to come.  But if you have been following me you know that this is the first year that I am not going back to school, I am staying home with the boys.  This is a big change for me, but I am looking forward to it. 
     With that being said I decided to look past that and think about if I am doing anything differently because it is the "fall" and school is starting. I would have to say yes I am.  I feel like I have had my summer vacation and now it is down to business.  I am working on getting my house, family and self organized.  I have got piles of things to go to donate and piles for the Wee Sale that is coming to town next week. I have got to get a routine going to make sure the shopping is done so we always have food in the house.  I would like to try and get a routine down so that Little B can get at least one nap a day in his bed.
   If is funny how as fall is approaching things are changing and even though I am not headed back to the classroom I still feel the need for change and the challenge of doing something new.  I look foward to my new year and what it brings to me. 

The little boys that are the light of my life:

My question to you is does the start of a new school year change you?

Monday back to work? Not me

  On this day all of my friends who are teachers are headed back to school.  They are setting up their classrooms and meeting about the year ahead of them.  But not me, I am lucky enough to be able to stay home with my boys!  Today it is setting in that I am staying home with my children and in my  mind today starts my first day of being a stay at home mom.  Up till this point I just on summer vacation like I should have been.  As I drove past a school today I had to thank God that I am given the chance to stay home with my boys and this is what is best for my family.  I will have to say that I find it a little scary, I think I am so custom to providing for my family buy working outside the home that providing for my family within the home is kind of scary, or just new.  I know this is what is best for our family and it is not what is best for all families. I can't wait to see how our family grows throughout this year.  I am excited about watching my boys grow and being a very large part of it.  I have already started planning the different things we are going to do and how I am going to pay for them. 
   So today on my first day as a stay at home mom I took O to school, went to stroller strides, had lunch with my mom, picked O up and went to the rental property to get the carpets cleaned.  My day has been filled and I have hardly been about to stop and think. 

I am so glad to be a stay at home mom!

The Paper Mama photo challenge: Orange

   Ok when I first saw this challenge a couple of weeks ago I though great O's favorite color is orange this will be no problem finding a picture.  O has so many things that are orange, from his clothing to a chair.  So these last couple of weeks I have made a point to take pictures when I see him in orange or around something orange.  I did not go out of my way to take the pictures, they are just pictures or our daily lives and what was going on at that very minute. 
    Well I don't think I expected to sit down on this rainy day to look for an orange picture and to find so many that I liked.

Here is the first one that I as of the other week I was going to use:

It is O and our neighbor.  They play ball or power wheels every night after dinner.  Then we make snow cones and they stand in our front yard and eat them.  I thought it was great that they both were wearing orange.

Then I thought I would use this picture instead:

This is one of O's favorite shirts and he is telling me about it.  Well he is telling the entire neighborhood about it.  This is so my little boy I thought it would be good.  Well until I found this one:

I love little cloth diaper butts and this one happen to be orange.  I also thought that I have not used a lot of pictures of Little B.  But this was not the one.  I decided on this one:

I love the fat rollie pollie legs and the chubby cheeks. This picture just shows all the chubby my Little B has and I love it!  So this is the one, even though it is not where I started ,and I do love all my orange pictures, this is the one I am entering.