I have been tagged -- TWICE!

Both Mary Jo and Beth have tagged me this week with the same game, so I guess it's time I get busy and answer them!

The rules are that each player starts with 7 random facts/habits about themselves then tags seven more people. Unfortunately, everyone I was considering tagging has already been tagged, and I cannot come up with seven more people. So I am going to just post my own facts.

So without further ado --

one: I am very emotional. A touching commercial makes me cry. The happy ending of a Disney movie makes me cry. Watching my kids in their school programs makes me cry. (do you see the trend here???)

two: I have never known my dad. In fact, until I was a teenager, I didn't even know his name. I have no idea what he looks like -- I do know I get my hair color from him.

three: I grew up in a very, very conservative Catholic home and at one point in my life, I actually considered becoming a nun. It was a short-lived idea, but I did think about it!

four: In my early twenties I was engaged to someone I had only had a long distance relationship with. (what was I thinking???) Thankfully, I moved to where he lived -- after two months I was back home -- no engagement ring on my finger!

five: I am a Diet Coke girl -- I cannot drink Pepsi products.

six: I love flavored cream in my coffee -- I've gotten so used to it in the mornings that if I have to have just regular cream or milk in my coffee, I would rather have no coffee at all.

seven: I am not a big fan of summer -- but I think it's because of the clothes. I hate the way I look in tank tops or shorts -- I hate when I don't have a tan. Shallow, I know, but I'm extremely self-conscious about it -- especially since I've had kids and am so out of shape!

There you go...more info than you ever wanted to know about me!!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!!!

TOTALLY laughing at myself...

Seriously -- I don't know why, but I just re-read my last post and although it was a somber one, I noticed that I originally wrote that I was "20 months pregnant" instead of 20 weeks...

I had to fix it, but it's making me laugh at myself and I needed that!

And holy cow -- could you imagine that -- 20 months...ha ha!

A little blue this week...

I haven't posted this week because I just haven't been in the mood. I have felt a little blue with the events in the news and some things at home that are on my mind. Nothing big -- just one of those weeks. Plus, April and May are just incredibly busy months for us. A lot of things to plan for and do.

I haven't even spent much time being creative, which would probably help. Every time I sit down to work on something, I end up just shuffling things around or rearranging my supplies. I can't quite focus I guess.

Part of me hates the restless feelings I've had this week. But part of me feels like they are good and necessary to make me revisit priorities and perspective on things. Sometimes it is good to be reminded that some of the things we worry about, truly are not a big deal.

The news of this week has been horrible to watch. I saw one interview with the parents of a girl who was a victim of this weeks brutal attack. It made me want to scoop up my kids and hold them forever. The father said something we all know to be true, but to hear him say it after losing his child was so incredibly heart wrenching. He was encouraging parents to make as many memories as possible with their children, because one day when you least expect it -- it may be all you have. To hear him say that -- in the manner he said it -- made a huge impact on me. I could literally almost feel his pain inside.

Life is short. Time is precious.

I have mentioned before that I lost a baby when I was 20 weeks pregnant several years ago. A friend of ours, had her mom write us a beautiful poem. It is framed and hanging in my room. When I read it, it brings me sadness and comfort at the same time. I thought I'd share it in place of a quote today.

"A Message from Above"

This is for my Mom and Dad, please know that I'm okay,

the Angels held me in their arms and then we flew away.

Sometimes we go our separate ways for reasons that aren't clear,

but just because I left this Earth, please know that I am near.

There's a kingdom up in Heaven where our destiny unfolds,

where the Angels chart a path for us of what our future holds.

In our hearts they planted, deep down within our souls,

the bond we had between us more precious than all gold.

So when the Angels called for me, I didn't hesitate,

for they prepared a place for me just beyond the gates.

And for the heavy heart you feel, this promise I can make,

let go of any bitterness and that will heal your ache.

Please know that I'm in heaven, for me God has a plan,

I'll always be your baby girl, I hope you understand.

Crisis Averted

Okay...not really a crisis....but something I wasn't ready for!

This past week, my nearly eight-year old son showed signs of non-belief in the Easter Bunny. He also lost a tooth and was very, very skeptical about the tooth fairy. I realize he's getting older, but it made me sad that he was questioning these things and so I went about my business as if he was NOT questioning them.

Saturday night, he wrote a somewhat lengthy note to the Easter Bunny. He told me several times he was hoping the Easter Bunny would write back. I think he was looking for proof that there is in fact an Easter Bunny. So after he went to bed, I tried to write back as the Easter Bunny, but I am not good at disguising my writing. I tried twice and gave up.

Sunday morning I woke up early and decided to write a note with my left hand (as I am right-handed). It looked HORRIBLE, but it certainly disguised my writing.

My son awoke and found the note and said to me with much conviction, "Mom, I KNOW the real Easter Bunny wrote this note!! Look at this scratchy, dirty writing!!" I wanted to laugh so badly!

I'm sure by next year, the truth will be known. For now, I'm glad he still believes.

On that note, how about a quote about childhood...

"There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots, the other, wings." ~ Hodding Carter

Enjoy the day!

Vicious Protector...

unless there is food somewhere.

Here she is -- our vicious watchdog. She has a pretty mean bark when someone comes to the door or walks by the windows. Better not mess with her. I've seen many a fearful look from a mailman or delivery person when Apollo is defending our home.

But I discovered the other day where she draws the line.

A complete stranger came to our door. I had no idea who he was -- he was trying to sell me something. I realized after I dismissed the salesperson that my furry protector had not even bothered to come see who it was. Not like her at all.

When I went looking for her, I found her staring at an uneaten chicken nugget on the kitchen counter. Looking like she was trying to use the force and make it jump from the counter into her mouth. Thanks Apollo...I am so glad to know that you choose meat over protecting us.

Then as if she knew I was questioning her loyalty, she gives me the puppy eyes I just can't resist. Look at this face -- ears back, pleading eyes. How can I be upset with that??

I just had to share this picture of my beloved furbaby. Isn't she the sweetest?

On a different note -- I wish you all a very happy, blessed Easter weekend. Hope you are spending Easter with family and/or friends and will have a pleasant, joyful day!

Quote for today...

"Today, give a stranger one of your smiles. It might be the only sunshine he sees all day. "
~ Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Fashion Statement

My little Nicholas loves to "help"me do the laundry -- put the clothes in the washer, take them out of the dryer.

This weekend, as he helped me, he decided he needed to put a pair of his big brother's shorts on over his own clothes. Quite the fashion statement, don't you think? And as you can see from his face, it's really no laughing matter!

(I think he just needs some suspenders and the outfit would be complete!)

So in honor of Nicholas and his fashionable display, my quote for today is about being unique.

"Insist on yourself; never imitate...every great man is unique." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

And here's a bonus quote -- just because I like it!

"April hath put a spirit of youth in everything. " ~William Shakespeare

Have a great week!