Tagged!

Vicki tagged me for the Monday Meme.
How does Wednesday sound? (oops) Thanks for the tag, Vicki. :)

Snatching from Vicki's blog:
According to the rules, I have to post six things that make me really happy... and pass it on to give six more people a reason to be thankful!

Alrighty. 6 things that make me happy:
1.) Going on scenic drives with my husband.
2.) Chocolate. I know, I know, but it does. Especially the plain Hershey's bar. Instant happiness.
3.) Bedtime with Aidan. I love that time with just him, reading him a story, doing bedtime prayers, hearing about his day and snuggling. That makes me happy.
4.) Coffee in the morning. God bless my husband, because he makes it for me in the morning, and some days (like today) he'll even pour me some in my travel mug. Good man.
5.) The fact that I am nearly finished my Christmas shopping. All I have left to do for Aidan & Brennan is their stocking stuffers.
6.) Jazzercise. Ok, maybe corny, but I really enjoy the class-type exercise, the music, and the time away from home (just me). I'm horrible exercising on my own, and Jazzercise is something I've really been enjoying. (thanks to Pat for the Christmas present!:)

I could write more than 6 things. At the moment, these are what come to mind. I'm always thankful for family & friends, of course. :)

Now I'm supposed to tag 6 people. I'm asking these 6 to play along:
1.) Andrea
2.) Jen
3.) Sue
4.) Crystal
5.) Bethany
6.) Hyperactive Lu

Let's have it, girls! :)

6 Random Things

I was tagged twice to do this one-thanks Andrea and Crystal!

Here are the rules:
1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. Share six unimportant things about yourself (things/habits/quirks).
4. Name six of your favorite blogs.
5. Send an email/comment on their blog letting them know they have been tagged.

1. I like the smell of white-out, gasoline, & nail polish, but not permanent markers.
2. I hate cutting my toe nails. I stink at it. I bug the crap out of my husband until he does it.
3. I only like drinking beer out of a glass bottle. I prefer LaBatt Blue and Newcastle.
4. One of my life fantasies is to live out West, like Washington State. I'd love the weather and scenery, and I dream of having a spacious house on a lake, with a boat of our own. Yes, Washington State or Colorado.
5. I only read 3 of the comics on a regular basis: Dennis the Menace, Family Circus, and Baby Blues.
6. I love corny jokes. And I seriously think they're hilarious. I never get sick of them.
Are you ready? I'll share some of my favorites:

~What do you call a cow without legs?
(ground beef)

~What do you call a cow with only 3 legs?
(lean beef)

~Did you have any dreams last night?
Well, last night I dreamed I was a muffler, and I woke up exhausted.

~There are 3 types of people in this world: those that can count, and those that can't.


Tag time: Many of the blogs I read have already been tagged, so count yourself tagged if not. ;)
I'd like to see Mediocre Girl do this one, along with Greg, Mary, and Bethany.

TAG! (Meme Time)

Thanks, Jen, for the tag. Not much effort has gone into my blog this week, so this was a good start. :)

The rules are:
1. The rules of the game get posted at the beginning.
2. Each player answers the questions about themselves.
3. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know they’ve been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

What I was doing 10 years ago: I was almost 18, attending St. Joseph's Catholic High School, and getting ready for graduation. I was working as a hostess at Rafferty's Restaurant, dating the same guy since I was 16, and coming to terms with going to college out of state. I was very thin. ;) This time of year, to be exact, I was getting ready for the Prom. In fact, I wound up going with one of Jen's cute friends, and she came along as the date of one of my classmate's.

Five things on my To Do List today:
1. Pick up a green pepper for my dinner recipe
2. Go to our mom&tot rosary/play group (done!)
3. Swap out the Ford F-150 (monster truck) for our van, now newly maintained. (at the low cost of $1700)
4. Laundry
5. Plan next week's menu plan

Snacks I enjoy: A current favorite is chickpeas. I buy the canned Bush's. Rinse them, then eat them straight like that. Love them! I also like the Kashi cookies, and yogurt. Fruit, too.

Things I would do if I were a billionaire: (no particular order here)
Pay off all debt, especially our student loans.
Build a Victorian-style house with maybe 2-3 acres. (wrap-around porch)
Set up trust funds and college funds for our boys
Set up trust funds or special savings for our godchildren
Invest
Donate
Set up special savings for my brother who is mentally ill

Three of my bad habits:
1. Biting my nails
2. Ignoring my prayer life
3. Procrastinating in responding to people-e-mail, snail mail, etc.

Five places I have lived:
1. Michigan, where I was born. (with my parents and siblings)
2. South Carolina-moved there with my parents and brother in 1991
3. Ohio-4 years during college
4. Different part of MI when I was teaching and newlyweds
5. Austria-only for a semester in 1999, but it still counts. :)

Five jobs I’ve had:
1. Babysitting
2. Hostess
3. Server in restaurant
4. Assistant at an insurance company one semester in college
5. Tutor


People I want to know more about (a nice way of saying TAG!):
Greg
Bethany
Christina
Justine
Mary from The Stump

TAGGED! Middle Name Facts

Thanks to Vicki for the tag. :)

Here are the rules:
1. You have to post the rules before you give your answers.
2. You must list one fact about yourself beginning with each letter of your middle name. (If you don't have a middle name, use your maiden name).
3. After you are tagged, you need to update your blog with your middle name and your answers.
4. At the end of your blog post, you need to tag one person for each letter of your middle name. (Be sure to leave them a comment telling them they've been tagged and that they need to read your blog for details.)

R-Round face, which I'm not a fan of.
E-Energetic
N-Night owl (just like Vicki)
E-Educator. (teacher)
E-Eighth child in my family.

OK, now to tag people.
For her first tag ever, Sue aka Mediocre Girl.
4 more people...
Amy aka Tiny Blessings
Bethany aka Beppycat & Co.
Jennifer aka The Pfaffl House
AND...Greg, to jump start his soon-to-be blog on blogger. This can be your first post, Greg! ;)

Tagged Again! 7 Random Things

Of course, I am oh-so-late in participating! I like getting tagged, though. It shows the bloggy love! ;) Thanks to Amy for this meme. Copying from her blog:

Here’s how it works:

~Link to the person that tagged you and leave a comment on their blog, so that their readers can visit yours.

~Post the rules on your blog.
~Share 7 strange/weird facts about yourself on your blog.
~Tag 7 random people at the bottom of your post, linking to their blog.
~Let each person know by leaving a comment on their blog.

I've found this to be a challenge, thinking of what you don't already know about me. Plus I think I've done this meme (or a similar one) previously. So bear with me! Here is what I've come up with:
1. I was born a month early. Yup. No apparent reason, but one month early. My mother got to leave the hospital before I did.
2. I'm allergic to penicillin and cats.
3. I dated a guy in high school for 2.5 years. In high school. Yet, on our first date, I knew I didn't like him.
4. I once went two weeks without doing a b.m. It was when I first started college, & I was living in the dorms. I had a big issue with public bathrooms.
5. I'm the youngest of 8 children, but not really. My mom had one stillborn daughter and 4 miscarriages, so I'm really one of 13 children.
6. I've never been to the New England area. I really want to visit there, especially Martha's Vineyard, Boston, and NYC.
7. Like Amy, I'll also only eat Yoplait fat-free yogurt. Other brands gross me out. Ick.

That's it! Maybe not too interesting or random, but I tried. :)
Now I need to tag people. Gosh, I hate to always tag the same people, but I don't know that many, either. SO...if you want to participate, join in! (besides, my usual tagging would be Jen, Andrea, Kim, Stacey, Crystal, Mary, Bethany...am I missing someone?)

No Name Meme

Thanks to Vicki for the tag. :) (& she was much more clever, by the way. She interviewed her son for his answers).

1. Do you wear a name tag at work? No. Somehow my boys manage to repeat my name endlessly throughout the day, & I've never worn a name tag. ;)
2. What kind of car do you drive? Honda Odyssey. And I love it, too.
3. What do you order when you go to Taco Bell? We rarely go there, but I'd probably get a chili-cheese burrito and nachos.
4. Have you ever had a garage sale? No.
5. What color is your iPod? I don't have one, but I'd get pink or green.
6. What kind of dog do you have? No dog here.
7. What's for dinner tonight? Probably breaded chicken, green beans and a side.
8. What is the last alcoholic beverage you had? Newcastle beer.
9. Stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone? Nothing comes to mind. I don't have the cell every day.
10. Last time you were sick? When I was pregnant, I think.
11. How long is your hair? Short, now. :)
12. Are you happy right now? Content.
13. What did you say last? "Aidan, if you can't find something to play with while Daddy eats [instead of climbing on him], then you need to take your quiet time."
14. Who came over last? My in-laws.
15. Do you drink beer? Sometimes.
16. Have your brothers or sisters ever told you that you were adopted? Probably. I was teased a LOT.
17. What is your favorite key chain on your keys? I used to have one with a baby picture of Aidan, but don't have key chains any more.
18. What did you get for graduation? College? Money. And uh, my degree!
19. Whats in your pocket? Tissue, change.
20. Who introduced you to Dane Cook? Who is Dane Cook?
21. Has someone ever made you a Build-A-Bear? Yes! A shower gift when I was pregnant with Aidan. His name is Aiden.
22. What DVD is in your DVD player? Toy Story 2, on right now.
23. What's something fun you did today? Went to Mass, then got muffins after.
24. Who is/was the principal of your high school? I'm completely picturing her face but forgetting her name! Mrs. Greaves! That was it.
25. Has your house ever been TP'd? No.
26.What do you think of when you hear the word "meow"? Cats.
27. What are you listening to right now? Aidan, my hubby eating, and Toy Story 2. Oh, and the monitor for Brennan.
28. Drinking? Just finished some coffee.
29. What is your favorite aisle at Wal-Mart? Hmm....health products? Home goods?
30. When is your mom's birthday? May 10th.
31. When is your birthday? May 8th.
32. What's the area code for your cell phone? 3 numbers, starting with 4. ;)
33. Where did you buy the shirt you're wearing now? JCP, a few years ago.
34. Is there anything hanging from your rear view mirror? Nope. Soon to be air freshener, though.
35. How many states in the US have you been to? Many. I'll try to update that, later.
36. What kind of milk do you drink? I use skim, but I don't ever drink white milk. Yuck!
37. What are you going to do after this? Laundry. And go for a ride when Brennan wakes up.
38. Who was the last person you went shopping with? Family at Target.
39. What is your favorite fruit? Apples or strawberries.
40. What about your favorite dessert? Hot fudge brownie sundae...hence why I'm doing Weight Watchers!
41. What is something you need to go shopping for? bread, picture frames, tp.
42. Do you have the same name as one of your relatives? No.
43. What kind of car does one of your siblings drive? Hyundai Sante Fe.
44. Do you like pickles? Every once & a while. But never on burgers.
45. How about olives? No.
46. What is your favorite kind of gum? Sugarless wintergreen or bubblemint, I suppose. Back in the day I loved Hubba Bubba Blueberry!
47. What is your favorite kind of juice? Don't drink it often, but I'll say cranberry peach or orange.
48. Do you have any tan lines? Pathetic. No. :(
49. What hospital were you born in? One in Detroit, don't know the name, though.

OK, I tag Jen, but not positive she'll do it, so I also tag Andrea. :)

Better Late Than Never! THE NICE MATTERS AWARD

I feel quite complimented that Angie at Many Little Blessings nominated me for this bloggy award. Thanks, Angie! I hadn't even heard of this one before. Her post was actually from September 3rd. I've been a slacker & I'm sorry!




Since I wasn't familiar with this one, let me offer what Angie wrote about the award:


Here is what the Nice Matters Award is all about: “This award is for those bloggers who are nice people; good blog friends and those who inspire good feelings and inspiration. Also for those who are a positive influence on our blogging world. Once you’ve been awarded please pass on to seven others whom you feel are deserving of this award."



I think seven will be difficult to come up with. Not that there aren't at least seven wonderful bloggers, but I recently also listed some of you for the Rockin Blogger Award. I also don't want to leave anyone out!



Here is my best. I nominate:
-Andrea from Andrea's Blog. I'm new to reading her blog, but I've loved it each visit, and she makes me think. I'm impressed with how much Andrea seems to stick with her beliefs and knowing of what is right, even when the world is doing otherwise.

-Crystal from Proud Catholic Mommy. I'm also new to her blog, but a friend recommended it and I am so happy she did. :) I love Crystal's posts, and on top of it all, she's a fellow Weight Watchers member! Not to mention we live close to each other. SOON we will meet irl.

-Sarah from In Light of the Truth. I've been reading Sarah's blog for a while now. She is so patient and thoughtful, and best of all, you can really see the way God works through her in her posts. I am humbled every time I visit. Thank you, Sarah.

-Mary from Mary's Voice. I first "met" her through the Catholic Mom group we chat on. Next came her blog. I sure hope what follows is meeting in real life! She's an inspiration, raising a large family in today's world, and being such a faithful Catholic.

-Jennifer from The Pfaffl House. Sorry to choose you again, but what can I say?! When you know a person irl, you know how great they are! Friends since the 6th grade, and now our boys are becoming friends, too. I love ya!

-Christina from Confessions of a Hot Carmel Sundae. Another one I've read for some time now. Christina is an exemplary Catholic, and I love reading about her "hypertot" and family life. Not to mention she also writes nicely on matters of faith and current events. ;)

-Steph from Adventures in Babywearing. I know she's been nominated for pretty much every blog award there is, but it's for good reason. She has a wealth of info for us moms, she's down to earth, and hosts awesome contests. ;) Every "mom post" she writes, I nod my head in agreement as I read.

There's my seven. It's not easy picking just seven, I tell ya!

Thank you all for being a part of my blogging circle. Those I know in person, I hope to see you again sooner than later. And those I have yet to meet, I sure hope to meet you one day soon.

I'm Rockin'

At least Mary thinks so. :)

She named me a Rockin' Girl Blogger! Woo-hoo! This is my first time being named for any such thing with blogging. How sweet of you, Mary! Thank you!

She wrote:

Sharon at http://www.nesthome.blogspot.com/. I only know you from our online contact but I am impressed by you. You have a deep faith, an amazing love for your boys, and you are driven to succeed in what ever God throws your way. I am glad to have met you at Catholic Mom Community and love sharing your adventures at your blog.

Mary is great. She balances her faith-filled life with 8 living children. EIGHT! (And, uh, I sweat it with just two!) On top of being a super-mom, she is just beautiful inside & out. She has tremendous faith in the Lord. Mary, you are a great example, and I am so lucky to "know" you through Catholic Mom and blogging! Maybe we'll meet at a CMOMC Gathering one of these days. :)

OK, apparently I am supposed to name 5 chicas I think are Rockin' Girl Bloggers.

First I choose an old "BFF", Jennifer. Fairly new to blogging, Jennifer has jumped write in (get it, "write" in?!) and shown us her love for her son, her talent in writing, and strength in beliefs. On top of it, too, she is a great mom! I've been lucky to know her for going on 16years now! SIXTEEN...wow. I'm grateful to know her in real life. I'm especially blessed because she has made me a part of her family, as her son is my godson. I'm lucky to have such a friend! Her blog is worth reading to me because I nod my head constantly in agreement. Plus I love the pictures. ;) Love you, Jen!

Stacey is another Rockin' Girl Blogger. Oh my gosh, if you haven't stopped by her blog, you should! In the old school words, "Girl, you trip me out!". She is witty and open and I just always love my time spent reading her blog. She's another great mom, too. Her kid Ace has an amazing story, and we're lucky that Stacey shares it with us. Especially when there are pictures. Man, her boy is cute. And Stacey always makes me laugh. I'd love to meet her in real life one day. Maybe I'll just take a trip to the Louisiana/Mississippi area. ;)

Amy is also on my list. I don't know her too well, yet, but I always enjoy her blog and style of writing. She writes in a way every momma understands. I was first drawn to her cooking blog. I love it that she's a fellow Weight Watchers follower, and there are so many yummy recipe ideas on her site. Amy seems to balance life pretty well. :) I look forward to getting to know her more.

Angie rocks, too. Not only was she the brains behind the Catholic Mothers Online blog roll, she also started Tasty Tuesday! Creative one, that Angie. And she also shares her creativity with us in her etsy store, (One of these days I'm going shopping...) and Autumn Daisy blog. Aside from her creativity, it's easy to relate to her because she is a mom, too! I really enjoy your posts, Angie. :)

For my final pick I choose Shelley, the InsomniMom. I've known her for a while in cyberspace through Catholic Mom, but I am new to her blog. Let me tell you, Shelley has a way with words! I love it! Witty, witty, witty! Along with that wit is some great advice. She introduced me to Dave Ramsey. She also has a knack for making handmade soap. (FYI: just because it smells as delicious as chocolate doesn't mean you should eat it!) I hope to meet Shelley in real life one day, too. :)

So there you have it! My 5 picks of Rockin' Girl Bloggers. I could go on, because there are more, but I read the meme/tag lists 5.

Thanks to all of you for entertaining me with your blogs. All of your posts make me smile, laugh, tear up, and thank God you have a blog. Reading your blogs is my little escape throughout the day to refresh and face my two little men again and again. You all rock!

I'm Rated "G"

All ages are permitted to read my blog, :-)

H/t: Christina at Confessions of a Hot Carmel Sundae

How about yours? What is your blog rated?
If you find out...is it what you expected?

I admit I expected at least PG. I'm guessing the rating is gathered from the current page, only, though. That'd explain it.
I'll have to repeat this with different posts. ;)

Alright, now I'm off to see what your blog is rated! Hurry up and find out!

Photo Tag: Babywearing

Happy Jack's Mommy has started a photo tag for our Friday.

She wants us to share our favorite babywearing photo! Now I have to say, I barely have any babywearing pics yet, as I'm only 8 weeks into it. ;) I hope to get more, and I'll try to get one today of the type I like best, my wrap.

(I share this pic because I am actually in it! I'm wearing Brennan in my Hotsling here)

Until then, I want to join in on the tag and share what I do have. After all, it's not the carrier that makes it, but the baby inside, right? ;)

(Here I am wearing Brennan in my wrap, which we both love!)

I'm only experienced with my Hotsling and Wrap so far, and out of those two, I prefer the wrap. So does Brennan. And my dh. (he wears him as much as I do!)

How did I get hooked? Well, my biggest influence was my first baby being a colicky one. If I had worn him, I think things would've been much better. On top of that, having a 3 year old around with a newborn made me realize I had to have some way to keep the baby safe, despite good intentions of his big brother. ;) From various sites and reading (like Mothering Magazine), I was drawn to babywearing.

Out of all the blogs I read, I happily say that Stephanie has been my biggest influence. She always posts so positively about babywearing, and it's left a great impression! Not to mention I learn so many things on the subject from her blog.

Brennan isn't fully able to hold his head up yet, so I have yet to try different wearing positions. I look forward to wearing him facing out. Hopefully he'll like it!

That's it for me. Happy Babywearing, and Happy Friday!

Another Meme! When was the Last Time...

Mary was sweet enough to tag me. :) Thanks, Mary. I'm always up for playing along with most tags.

When was the last time I ...
1. kissed someone? an hour ago, kissing Aidan goodnight.
2. drank coffee? Saturday.
3. read a book? Today - I read Curious George to Aidan for nap this afternoon.
4. cursed? in the middle of the night last night-from 3:30-4:30. Brennan was up fussing for an hour. I was tired. Bad words came out. :(
5. had a nightmare? maybe 2 months ago?
6. checked your email? minutes ago
7. Had a crush? I'm still crushing...my husband and 2 boys. :)
8. drove a car? around 5:00 this evening.
9. rode a roller coaster? wow. hmm...years.
10. took a nap? today w/ my boys.
11. went to the movies? January with my husband.
12. drank alcohol? a week ago. Beer.
13. went to a party? a few weeks. We had a small b-day party for Aidan's 3rd b-day.
14. said “I love you"? an hour ago when kissing Aidan goodnight.
15. cooked a meal? Today-crockpot Spicy Italian Chicken.
16. exercised? REAL exercise-before I got pregnant. But last Sunday I walked about 2 miles at the park.

Tagging...gosh. I just tagged others for another meme. Just join in on your blog if you visit and would like to join in! Please let me know. :)

10 Things About Me Meme

Aldara has tagged me to join in this meme. :) Thanks, Aldara!
I think I've done something like this before, but I'll post 10 things here, anyway. Let's see...

1. Ha! Apparently my blog is banned in China, also. I didn't even know about this until I read Aldara's #1. So I'm copying her. I'm guessing all blogger or blogspot sites are going to be blocked. Here is the site to check if yours is also banned.

2. My blog is titled The Bird's Nest because my siblings used to call me Birdie. It stems from this: Sharon to Sharona; then Sharie-Canary. Canary is a Bird, so they started calling me Birdie. My wonderful, teasing-siblings enjoyed this so much. If they bothered me, they'd say my feathers were ruffled. Go fly away, etc. So this is my spot to come ramble. So it's The Bird's Nest. My own little place. It has nothing to do with actual birds. I'm not a bird-lover or anything like that.

3. I'm the youngest of 8 living children, but my mother was actually pregnant 13 times. So I'm really one of 13! She has a stillborn daughter, and 4 miscarriages. I'm the youngest living, but I remember her being pregnant when I was 6. Large families are cool. (but I don't think I'm meant to have that large of a family!)

4. I love to travel. I spent a semester in Europe in 1999, and since then, I have the travel bug. I've been to many different countries throughout Western and Eastern Europe, as well as Ireland. I was very fortunate.

5. I'm scared of the ocean. I love to listen to it and look at it, but I do not like to swim in the ocean or be in it. Even on our honeymoon in Hawaii, I never went past my knees in the ocean. And that was very brief!

6. I watch too much television. Shows I watch: The Amazing Race, The Office, American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Law & Order SVU, Gilmore Girls, LOST, Monk, The Closer--I'm sure I'm missing another. Thank God for dvrs.

7. I'm short-tempered and not patient enough. Plain and simple. I feel bad for my kids that I am not more patient.

8. In my fantasy of my better-self, I am an active vegetarian, eating organic whole foods. That dream-self-of-mine also has a regular exercise routine. It includes jogging, swimming laps, and dancing. Oh, and that dream-self doesn't love Coke, either!

9. I have a special place for the mentally ill in my heart. One of my brothers is schizophrenic, and that has taught me so much. Next time you see a "homeless" person on the streets, don't just assume they're a drunk or druggie. God help them, it may be something much worse, something out of their control.

10. I blog so much because I find friendship in this world. Like-minded people. Not always, but often. :) I am lonely in real life. I don't know many other moms. Most of my friends are in other states. It's something that often makes me sad. So I blog, browse blogs, and enjoy getting to know all of you through blogging.

Oh gosh, tagging people. I don't have ten, that's for sure! Anyone who would like to play along, please do! I'd like to see the following join in, but no pressure. :)
-Jennifer
-dcrmom
-Stacey
-Angie
-Mary

Stealing the Meme-It's All About Me

Not that I was tagged, but I feel like doing this one.
I'm snatching it from Musings of a Housewife.

Answer each question in 3 words--no more; no less.

Where is your cell phone? Don't have one.
Boyfriend? nope. I'm married. :)
Hair? blond, longish, up.
Your mother? lives in SC
Your father? Lives with mom
Your favorite item(s)? Pictures, Rosary, rings
Your dream last night? didn't have one
Your favorite drink? Coke with ice.
Your dream guy? married to him!
The room you are in? Our living room.
Your fear? Losing another child.
What do you want to be in 10 years? thinner, wiser, holier.
Who did you hang out with last night? Hubby and son.
What are you not? comfortable or rich
Are you in love? with my husband
One of your wish list items? own a house
What time is it? it's 10:21 p.m.
The last thing you did? Watched some TV
What are you wearing? jammy pants & t-shirt
Your favorite book? not quite sure.
The last thing you ate? A Hershey bar
Your life? Calm before storm!
Your mood? I'm so-so
Your friends? Faithful, dependable, loving
What are you thinking about right now? Going to bed
Your car? White Honda Odyssey
What are you doing at this moment? Answering this meme.
Your summer? Family, Friends, Travels
Your relationship status? I'm happily married.
What is on your TV screen? Dancing w/ Stars
When is the last time you laughed? Some time today.
Last time you cried? Tonight after dinner.
School? Graduated. Miss it.

Tag: I tagged myself, so anyone who wants to play!
I'd love to see In Light of the Truth, Aldara, and Adventures in Babywearing play along. But no pressure! Let me know if join in. :)

Thankful Thursday

It's my first time participating in Thankful Thursday, and I think this couldn't be a better week to do so.

I've had one of those weeks where I've found more negatives than positives, been short on the prayers with the Big Man Upstairs, and it's resulted in a crabby me around the home front.

I really need to change my view and count the blessings!
Here goes:

~I am especially thankful for my very patient husband this week.
He's survived my mood swings, my cravings, and completely given me breaks from our son. He rubs my feet without hesitation, cooks dinner, bathes the boy....I am so thankful for him.

~I am thankful for my son. I am thankful for that energy that drove me nuts this week. I'd rather he have the ability to move than not. And he also has so many sweet moments. He always tries to help me off the couch and up the stairs. He's like his daddy. :)

~I'm thankful I got my sling this week!

~I'm thankful that my OB apt. went well again this week. Our unborn baby, though causing me discomfort, is moving a ton and growing. I can't wait to meet him!

~Above all, I am thankful that God has more patience than I do. I am grateful that He allows us mistakes, and room to grow from them. I am thankful He always listens, forgives, and accepts.

Want to join in on Thankful Thursday? Follow this link and add your post to Mr. Linky's list!

We did the Shoes; Now for the Handbags!

Stephanie has started a fun tag, once again! (If you haven't checked out her blog yet, you're missing out!)
The first photo tag was all about our shoes.

What else goes better with shoes than a handbag? :)



The above Relic bag is my most recent purchase! I've been needing a new purse for a while now, and last Wednesday I took advantage of the Kohl's one day sale. Half off! So this is my new summer handbag (with a longer shoulder strap that can attach). I had so much fun picking it out...it's been 2 YEARS since I bought a new purse.

Above is our current diaper bag. I do NOT like it any more. Grant it, it's served its purpose and all. But you know how gross these bags can get after a short while of use?! We've been using this one for THREE years. It's not a good fabric for being washable (without the insides coming apart, anyway). It was a baby shower gift with our first, and it was great.

It is time to for this bag to retire, though. Hubby doesn't exactly get that. With a new baby due to arrive literally any day now, I have been looking around for better bags. There are some I LOVE, but I can't justify spending $60 on a diaper bag right now.

I do like the idea of a handbag/diaper bag all in one, but right now with hubby using it almost as much as I do, I'm not sure that's the best option for us.

So I have my handbag, and there's actually a diaper bag (much better material to wipe clean) at Target I'm hoping to get. I guess I'll deal with the 2-bags thing for a bit longer.

I had fun doing this tag. And by the way, Stephanie (and everyone else who has joined in the photo tags...), since the shoe tag, I've become a little obsessed with browsing shoes! I now have about 6 pairs on a wish list. :)

Leave a comment if you play along!

Photo Friday: Messes!

My oldest was about 14 months old in these shots. :)
I still remember that day, and the immediate bath following. I miss that stage.
He had so much fun, and so did I-watching him explore, attempt to get food in his mouth, and look oh so cute!

Linking from: Crazy Hip Blog Mamas

The Shoes I Can't Live without

Playing along with Stephanie's photo tag, here are the ones I couldn't live without lately!

I'm slightly embarrassed they're a pair of slippers, but due to my health issues lately, I have been confined inside as if I was on bedrest. So that's the reasoning behind it! ;)

This isn't my actual pair-only a picture I could find. Mine are black with gray trim. Cozy, comfy gift from my husband.

The Alphabet Meme

I've been tagged. Here goes!

[A is for age]: 26 years and 8 months

[B is for beer of choice]: Not a big beer person. Hmmm..I like Newcastle and Killian's.

[C is for career]: Mom, Wife, Teacher/tutor

[D is for favorite Drink]: Coke (guilty!)

[E is for Essential item you use everyday]: computer

[F is for Favorite song at the moment]: Waiting on the World by John Mayer

[G is for favorite Game]: Taboo!

[H is for Home town]: Sterling Heights, MI. (where I was born)

[I is for Instruments you play]: I don't play any. :( I'd love to play the violin, though.

[J is for favorite Juice]: White Cranberry Peach

[K is for Kids]: 2.5 year old boy, one in heaven, and one due in April!

[L is for last kiss]: Actually from my son. :) This morning.

[M is for marriage]: It'll be 4 years in June.

[N is for full Name]: Sharon Renee (Still unsure about posting last names on blogger....) Maiden name is Bohemian, though. :) Married name is Irish.

[O is for Overnight hosp stays]: When my oldest son was born, and this past Tuesday.

[P is for phobias]: physical illness and health problems. Financial insecurity.

[Q is for quote]: "God doesn't call the qualified. He qualifies the called".

[R is for biggest Regret]: accumulating the debt we have. Gaining too much weight.

[S is for sports]: Hmmm...not a big sports person. Pittsburgh?

[T is for Time you wake up]: Aidan usually wakes us up between 6:30 and 7:00. I miss sleeping in!

[U is for color underwear]: red & white. (I'm surprised there wasn't a better one for "U". If you think of one, leave me a comment!))

[V is for Vegetable you love]: steamed broccoli. And canned green beans.

[W is for Worst Habit]: slacking in prayer, eating too much, and eating unhealthy foods.

[X is for X-rays you've had]: ultrasounds count? dental, and I think one of my leg when I was little, but not positive on that.

[Y is for Yummy food you make]: chocolate chip cookies. Apricot & wild rice stuffing.

[Z is for zodiac sign]: Taurus.

I tag:
The O! Antiphons
Greg
Never a Dull Moment
Any other reader willing or interested! Leave me a comment and let me know. :)

Taggin' Myself

Sounds lame, doesn't it? Oh well. I credit it to being over-tired, hyper, and not able to fall asleep right now. :) Plus the meme is appropriate for the season, so why not?

Christmas Meme (h/t Happy Catholic)
1. Egg nog or hot chocolate? Hot chocolate with a bunch of marshmallows.
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Oh he wraps them! with special paper, too, that's different from the Mom and Dad wrapping paper.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? Colored on the tree. White in the window this year.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but I think we'll add it soon.
5. When do you put your decorations up? Usually shortly after Thanksgiving, and for sure by the first week of Advent.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? excluding dessert? No idea then! lol. Growing up we always did beef fondue on Christmas Eve. That was always good.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child: Probably my entire family getting together. ALL of my siblings. It's so rare these days. It was great when it happened. Santa would always come visit us, and then my father would play his accordion and my ex-sister-in-law would play her guitar. It was great.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I was very young. Maybe by 1st grade or no later than 2nd. I think it's because I became an aunt at age 4, and in the midst of trying to bring Santa to my younger nephews, I caught on. It didn't ruin anything for me, though.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? All of them. We've always done our gifts on Christmas Eve after the vigil Mass.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? colored lights, angel on top (though she is MIA this year), sentimental ornaments. My hubby still has his first Christmas ornament. I still have one I made in kindergarten. We realized this year we don't have enough religious ornaments, though. Ok, I'm embarrassed to admit we only have two!
11. Snow! Love it or dread it? Love it for the first month or so, then dread it. ALWAYS dread driving in it, though. I learned to drive living in the south!
12. Can you ice skate? Not at all.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? Not really. One year my sister gave me a "cool" outfit and an Esprit bag. Remember those? She was in high school, I think, and I was probably in 3rd or 4th grade. I felt very cool.
14. WhatÂ’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Togetherness and family.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? This peanut butter-chocolate thing my mother makes. And really good cookies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Decorating the tree with Christmas music on in the background. And baking.
17. What tops your tree? An angel, when we can find her!
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? I really love to buy for people. I have a blast finding gifts for everyone. If only my wallet could stay with it...
19. What is your favorite Christmas song? Religious=O Holy Night. (love Martina McBride's version!) Other=Jingle Bell Rock & Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee) Oh wait! All time fave is the Bare Naked Ladies Sarah McClachlan song. Yes!
20. Candy canes: don't really like them.
21. Favorite Christmas movie? I can't choose just one! Miracle on 34th Street, the original b&w with Maureen O'Hara. And of course, A Christmas Story! ("you'll shoot your eye out!")
22. What do you leave for Santa? This will the be first year we do that. I'm guessing milk and chocolate chip cookies. Maybe carrots for the reindeer, but I doubt it.

Sharing my Christmas spirit by tagging: Adventures in Babywearing, Greg, and Never a Dull Moment. Anyone else, feel free! After all, I tagged myself. hee-hee.

The 5-Person Meme

Thoughts of a Regular Guy tagged me, so here it is.

"If you could meet and have a deep conversation with any five people on earth, living or dead, from any time period, who would they be?" (Explaining why is optional.) Name five people from each of the following categories:Saints, Those in the Process of Being Canonized, Heroes from your native country, Authors/Writers, celebrities.

Saints:
The Virgin Mary, Our Mother
St. Dymphna
St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Philomena
St. Jude

Being Cannonized:
Mother Theresa
JP II
Blessed Luigi Beltrame Quattrocchi
Blessed Maria Corsini
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Heroes:
Abraham Lincoln
George Washington
Thomas Edison
Pope Benedict XVI
Harriet Tubman


Writers:
C.S. Lewis
Ann Coulter
Elie Wiesel
J.R. Tolkien
Dr. Seuss

Celebrities:
Frank Sinatra
Simon Cowell
Julie Andrews
Jenna Fischer
Phil from The Amazing Race


Tagged:
Housewfie in Flip-Flops
Greg
Adventures in Babywearing
Up On Christian Hill
Antonia's World