My Christmas List; Show & Tell Monday

To be honest with you, my Christmas list is pretty darn simple and low key. In fact, I didn't have much of anything on there. The Keurig is actually on husband's list {but I benefit as well}. I would like a new coffee table. And I'm sure you laughed at the fact that I had bathroom accessories up there. Why yes, I am an old fart.

The bracelet is just too cute and I would love to add to my "arm candy" something that was significant to the husband and myself.

And that bag? Let's talk about the back. This weekend when I was at nordstrom rack {first time ever, by the way} I saw that they had this LARGE {emphasis on large} duffel bag by MK and it was absolutely gorgeous. Yes, all $398 of it. Do I need it? Absolutely not. But would it be nice to have? Of course. A mama can only dream.

Other things on my list? Random. Shoes. Clothes. Stuff for the kitchen. Zzzzzzzz....

All I want for Christmas.
Honestly?

My baby Boy :) 

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Next Week's Questions: Show & Tell your Holiday DECOR!!!

Show & Tell; Gobble Gobble Traditions & More

This Weeks Questions: Gobble Gobble

1. Tell us about your family traditions for Thanksgiving

We don't have specific traditions for Thanksgiving except eat lots of food. We did however have Thanksgiving last year at our home and plan on doing the same thing this year. I think this will be our new little tradition. We normally eat later than most people {dinner time}, and one of our favorite things to eat on Thanksgiving is a deep fried turkey. Normally, Andrew's dad does the deep frying, but since they moved to Texas and won't be able to join us, the duty is now Andrew's. So we purchased him a deep fryer a month ago and he's got it all ready. I think it's the cutest thing ever. That and my mouth is watering just thinking about the actual turkey.

2. Tell us about your favorite foods

Would you be surprised if I started out by saying Fried Turkey? No? Okay, good. Because that definitely is one of my favorites. Next up would probably be the green bean casserole, the cranberry cream cheese spread, the potato casserole, ham, and pumpkin pie. I am seriously salivating just thinking about all these delicious things. Oh, and, how could I have forgotten the harvey salad. The big delicious green chunk of a dessert.

3. Show us a picture that reminds you of this holiday

Picture from last year's Thanksgiving where we had the best time.

4. Tell us, do you wait to decorate for Christmas before or after Thanksgiving?

Andrew has this crazy rule where we wait until after Thanksgiving. Last year, I was able to talk him into doing decorations a couple days before. This yea, I actually put up a few the week before, and the final tree and all the rest will probably be going up the day before! Still not set in stone yet. We may just have to wait until after.

5. Tell us what you are thankful for this year

There are so many things that I am thankful for. For one, I am thankful for my beautiful family, their health, love, and happiness. I am thankful for the home that we live in and that we are are able to meet our needs and our wants. I am thankful for our freedom. I am thankful to have a great career that allows me to be home with my children during the day. I am thankful for my in-laws and parents who have gone above and beyond these past couple of years. Our family in general. I am thankful for a healthy pregnancy and being blessed to be a mother of two.

Most of all, I am thankful that I am allowed the opportunity to be here today, and hopefully tomorrow, and many more years to come. To live this life and to share the world with my husband and children.

This Weeks Questions: Thanksgiving Recap

Show & Tell us about your Thanksgiving! No other questions than that. Just tell us what you did, what you ate, what was exciting, what was not. And pictures pictures pictures! ***Grab a button {copy HTML code below and paste in your HTML post}, answer the questions, link up, hop around and meet new friends!***
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Cranberry Sauce Dip Appetizer

My favorite winter recipe:

I was excited for this question because I have been wanting to share this amazing appetizer recipe that was passed down to me by my MIL {which she found in a Christmas book}. I have to say though, I have made this during other seasons as well because it's just THAT good. It's a cranberry sauce dip with club crackers. DIVINE! I actually made it for the party this past weekend and happened to take a picture of it!

Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce
1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup minced onion
2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces cream cheese
fresh rosemary
fresh cranberries (to garnish) (optional)

Directions:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together first five ingredients.
Bring to a boil but stir frequently.
Once sauce boils, remove from heat.
Pour into a heat proof bowl and refrigerate for 1 hour.
This can be made ahead which makes this recipe very nice.
It can be refrigerated up to three days.
Place cream cheese on a nice appetizer plate and top with Cranberry-Horseradish Sauce.
On side of cream cheese, place fresh rosemary sprigs and fresh cranberries.
Serve with assorted crackers.

Read more details including nutritional facts here.

Show & Tell Mondays. Careers.

This Weeks Questions: Careers/Your "Job"
1. Tell us what you studied in college. Is your job now related to what you studied?
Well. I studied nursing in college, and what do you know... I'm a nurse now! So yes, my job is very much related to what I studied. Although, I do have to say, nursing school doesn't nearly prepare you for what is ahead. I learned most of what I know now from experience and my years of nursing. And? I still have a lot more to learn.

2. Tell us what your everyday job looks like.
No day, or should I say night, is like the next. You never know what to expect when it comes to the ICU. Some nights can be low key, other nights can be absolutely ridiculously crazy. We get it all. The very sick. The very crazy. The drug overdoses. The organ donors. The prisoners who kill children and are now sick. Grandma and grandpa, as well as the mom and day, and teenagers. 

3. Do you have a picture of you at work? Show us.
Don't laugh. Literally, this is the only picture I have of me at work. And it was New Years last year. Our kind of celebrating {with sparkling juice}

4. In 10 years, what do you see yourself doing? Same thing? More? Tell us.
Same thing as far as nursing goes. Now where in my nursing career will I be? I have no idea. Most likely I will be resource or part time and work just a couple days a week. Eventually I would like to leave bedside and work for a company, do research, or some sort of career option that deals with nursing but allows me to do more.

5. Tell us what you have learned, and what {if any} recommendations you may have for those looking to go into the field you are in. 

What haven't I learned?! Really, mainly, the fact that life is so precious and to never take it for granted. I see it all. All the time. Over and over again. Young lives lost. Opportunities missed. Family left behind. Live each moment literally like it's your last. Because? It may very well be.

Advice? Be passionate about it and have a good head on your shoulders. Nursing school? Piece of cake. Don't stress over that. Worry more once you are out there, doing the real deal. That's when you really need to get your head in the game.

Next Weeks Questions: Cold Weather Activities
1. Tell us what you like to do when it's cold outside.
2. Tell us some of your favorite "winter" recipes.
3. Show a picture of something that makes you think of the cold.
4. Tell us /show us some of your favorite accessories/outfits for the winter
5. Tell us if you had the option of snow or no snow, what would you pick?

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Show & Tell; How I met your Father

How I met Your Father

1. Tell us about how and when you met your love and what attracted you most to him.

Well. This story. It's been on my blog a couple of times, but I always love to share it. One, because I love our sweet little story. And two, there are always people who haven't heard it.

So how did I meet Andrew? Ahem. Without going into too much detail... I will say this. It was our second semester of our freshmen year at college. I had just moved in with a girl I barely knew {because of original roommate issues} and we were still getting to know each other. We had gone out to separate places one night and decided to meet back at the room around 1ish in the morning. You know, about the time that people normally go to sleep. You would think.

She proceeded to ask me if it was okay if her "Friends" from high school come over. Two boys. Sure? I guess. Who am I to say no?

The two boys come. Two boys by the name of Andrew, and his roommate {and best friend} Chris. Andrew was cute you know. I thought, hm, he's a pretty good lucking guy... why haven't I heard of him yet? But then shrugged off the thought almost as immediately as it came into my head. Afterall, I wanted to go to sleep, ya know?
You know who DID go to sleep though? As soon as these two "Friends" show up? Oh you know, the roommate that invited them.

We then ended up sitting in the dorm {while Laura snoozed} until about 5am talking a mile a minute. Me and Andrew that is. His friend? Oh ya, remember him? He wanted to shoot himself in the foot and was BEGGING to leave.

Finally, they left. I hit the sack, turned off the lights, and didn't think anything of it.
Andrew though, {come to find out later on} said to his roommate {as he closed the door behind him}.... "She's going to be mine."

And the rest? Well, the rest is history :)
And the longest answer to a question goes to..... ME!

2. Show us the very first {or one of the first} pictures you guys ever took together. {Feel free to show us more than one}

Oh joy. Good thing I was so good looking back in the day {insert sarcasm}.

3. Tell us some of your favorite memories that you two had together.

Oh man, where to begin. We have so many that I am smiling/blushing already just thinking about them. I love the beginning stage of our relationship {and where it has lead us}. We were seriously the most love birds of all love birds, completely smitten, and obsessed with one another. Andrew is one special man, and he touched my heart in ways I had never thought possible.

I remember our first concert together... the OAR concert. We couldn't keep our hands off of each other.
I remember when he first asked me to officially be his "girlfriend."
I remember Andrew spending walking me to every class, and back.
I remember laying together after just a few weeks of dating and talking about our future, our marriage, and our children.
I remember spring break that year. It was the BEST vacation I had ever had. It was also the time when Andrew first said I love you.

And I will stop there because the mushy gushy stuff is out of control right now.

4. Tell us your favorite qualities about this man, what makes him "the one."

Honest. Huge heart, one of his best qualities that he will ever have. Giving. Kind. Generous. Thoughtful. Strong. An amazing father. An amazing son-in-law {which is so important to me}.

5. Tell us what your "date nights" typically look like.

Now or then? Ha. I will tell you what our FAVORITE kind of date night is. And that is us getting dolled up, heading downtown, ordering too many things off the menu and sharing a couple bottles of wine {not when pregnant} at our favorite restaurant, Ruths Chris, and then getting a hotel room for the night.

We always have a great time. Spend too much money, but always have a great time.

We like to do this for birthdays, special occasions, and every couple of months. Again... when I'm not pregnant, obviously.

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Next Weeks Questions: Careers/Your "Job"
1. Tell us what you studied in college. Is your job now related to what you studied?
2. Tell us what your everyday job looks like.
3. Do you have a picture of you at work? Show us.
4. In 10 years, what do you see yourself doing? Same thing? More? Tell us.
5. Tell us what you have learned, and what {if any} recommendations you may have for those looking to go into the field you are in.

Show & Tell; Shopping

10.15.12

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1. Tell us your favorite stores to shop at.
Tj Maxx. Target. Forever 21. Express
Online: Amazon, Overstock, Zulily, Totsy, and Ebay

2. What are your "signature pieces" to wear.. your go-to outfits?
Leggings. Let's face it, it's definitely the mama go-to outfit. Not to mention they are the most comfortable thing in the whole entire world!

Dresses. I live in dresses 3 months of the year, pretty much. Maxis. Short dresses. Tight dresses. Loose dresses. Beach dresses. Cocktail dresses. All dresses.

Scarves or a cute jacket. Make any outfit cute.

3. Show us your style through pictures {of you or pinterest finds}.

Obviously my favorite accessory here is the baby bump ;)

 4. Show us your favorite celebrity style icons.

5. If you had to spend money on clothes or home items, which would you choose?

As much as I love me some clothes... I could spend ridiculous amounts of money on home items. That being said, this one is a hard one... as I think self-image can truly impact ones mood... therefore, if I could have an endless amount of clothing to choose from? I would be one happy girl.

What just happened? I didn't answer the question.

6. Show us your favorite accessories.

7. Tell us in one sentence your philosophy behind shopping. {What makes you buy an item}

Sale. Deal. Steal. Not so much a sentence as it is just words... but definitely tells me in a nutshell. Except {the ironic part}, I don't mind forking out full price on designer items {watches, purses, sunglasses, etc}. Mainly because those sort of items last me years.

Next Weeks Questions:  How I met your father.
1. Tell us about how and when you met your love and what attracted you most to him.
2. Show us the very first {or one of the first} pictures you guys ever took together. {Feel free to show us more than one}
3. Tell us some of your favorite memories that you two had together.
4. Tell us your favorite qualities about this man, what makes him "the one."
5. Tell us what your "date nights" typically look like.

Show & Tell; When I was 17

10.15.12

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1. When you were 17, tell us what kind of car you drove, where you worked, and what you were usually up to on the weekends?
I drove a 98 Honda Accord. Best.Car.Ever. As far as lasting me and reliability goes. When my kids are teenagers? They are getting Hondas. Moving on. Job? I worked at Meijer for 3 and a half years in high school as a cashier so I think I was still there when I was 17. However sometime later on during that year, I switched jobs and started working at Bravo. Anyone ever have bravo? It's the best italian food ever. 
What was I usually up to? Well. Friends friends friends. Usually we were hanging out at someones house... playing Euchre... watching movies... and hanging out. Driving around... because you know... we all just got our license and that was the "cool thing" to do.
2. Show us a picture of you when you were 17 {roughly}.

Lovely, right?

3. When you were 17, tell us what you wanted to be when you "grew up."
A mom. No really. I dreamed about my family, first and foremost. And that dream? Well that came true. However, when I was 17 there were also other things that I wanted to be as well. I thought I wanted to be a doctor. Actually, I was certain I wanted to be a doctor. For one, I knew I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people. And two, well... if I were to be honest here... it would be because of the money. I quickly realized when I went to college and started nursing school that being a doctor when mean that I would sacrifice one of the most important things to me and my future... having a family. And now that I am a nurse? And I see what these doctors have to go through? I know I made the absolute best decision for myself.
4. When you were 17, tell us the kind of boys that you dated. Did you have a type? Do you have a relationship you remember well? Tell us about it.
A type. Hm. Absolutely not. I think I dated the most opposite guys in high school. A jock. An Abercrombie model {if you know what I mean}, and then a flamboyant guy. If you know what I mean. That one just made me giggle, but seriously my friends still to this day make jokes about that one. To this day. And how long has it been? Exactly.
Lets just say, I wish I had met my husband a lot sooner. 
5. When you were 17, tell us where you pictured your life 10 years from then. Did it turn out the way you expected it to?
This is an easy question! Yes. Yes. And Yes. It turned out exactly how I had envisioned it. In fact, please don't laugh, in high school I would tell my friends that I wanted to be engaged by 22, married by 23, and have my first baby by 25. Where those numbers came from I have no idea. But lets do a little recap here. I got engaged at age 22. Married at 23. And had my first baby at 24. Pretty darn close right? In all seriousness though.... I knew that I wanted to go to college, have a great job {which I do}, and start a family at a young age. Thankfully God had a similar plan for me... because at the end of the day those numbers would be just that.. numbers if it weren't in my cards. 
Don't even ask me what I envision my life  in ten years. I don't have any numbers for that.
Next Weeks Questions: Shopping

1. Tell us your favorite stores to shop at.

2. What are you "signature pieces" to wear.. your go-to outfits?

3. Show us your style through pictures {of you or pinterest finds}.

4. Show us your favorite celebrity style icons.

5. If you had to spend money on clothes or home items, which would you choose?

6. Show us your favorite accessories.

7. Tell us in one sentence your philosophy behind shopping. {What makes you buy an item}

Show And Tell; If.....

10.08.12

<a border="0" href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTLIj5dOEHMHiZPxmM2HE9DDdbxcLUa2Bgh8889TJd5Hrgi-mJ3tKNbc0ogGUU6tDEptEFDWDYzmVzPqa3Lk66Wd-Sl4xbHGBiLg-rAiIY8nJv5iR_ygqrIhRKZK8-4FD1kcy5B3MTSoE/s1600/Untitled+4.png" /></a>   1. If you could relive any memory in your life, tell us what it would be, and what/if anything you would change about it?
--Definitely my daughter's birth. I know I get to do another birth here in a few months but I would love more than anything to relive hers as well. It was so absolutely beautiful but so fast. Watching the birth with the mirror was the best decision I ever made, and would do that all over again. I wish I would have had the opportunity to grab her and pull her out myself. Every part of her birth was perfect though. The only things that I would change {or things that I know to do next time, hopefully} is to actually put makeup on and shower! Unfortunately I had worked a full 12 hour shift and drove across the street to the women's hospital not realizing that I would be having a baby just a few hours later. But would that have changed anything? Nope. But I sure wish my hair looked a little better. That and that I had bought a cute little hospital gown to wear.

2. If you could be any celebrity or well-known person, show us who you would be.
Santa Claus

3. If you won the lottery, tell us would take the lump sum or take the money overtime, would you continue working or quit right away, would you reveal who you are, and what are some of the first things you would spend with your money?

-Depending on how much it is. I think if it was 250 million, I would definitely take the lump sum. If it were only like 5 million? I'd get paid overtime.
-I would definitely quit. In a heartbeat. The great thing about nursing is that I could go back into it at anytime. Would I? Absoluely not. But that option is always open.
-I would NOT reveal who I was on TV. People around us would clearly figure it out... but I still wouldn't want my face all over talking about how much money we now had.
-A new house. A vacation home. A trip to Europe with my whole family

4. If you could live anywhere, show us where it would be and tell us why.
Up in the mountains somewhere {with other houses nearby because I am scared of crazies}, beautiful views, on the lake. Perfection.

5. If you could have one magic power, what would be and what would you do with it?
Pause time and go back in time. Relive all the happy moments. The birth of my daughter. Her first giggles. Her first steps. The first time she said mama. The first time she said I love you. All the hugs. And kisses. Oh I would freeze time over and over again for all these beautiful moments. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

Next Weeks Questions:When I was 17...

1. When you were 17, tell us what kind of car you drove, where you worked, and what you were usually up to on the weekends.
2. Show us a picture of you when you were 17 {roughly}.
3. When you were 17, tell us what you wanted to be when you "grew up."
4. When you were 17, tell us the kind of boys that you dated. Did you have a type? Do you have a relationship you remember well? Tell us about it.
5. When you were 17, tell us where you pictured your life 10 years from then. Did it turn out the way you expected it to?

Show & Tell; All My Favorites

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1. Tell us about your 5 favorite memories in your life.

Spring Break 2006: When I first started writing out my 5 favorite memories I had my engagement in place of this. But then I had realized that that would have been an obvious. Yes, it was one of the best memories of my life. But I think I would rather tie that in with my wedding day and talk about another memory that was significant in my life. Significant in our relationship. The foundation of our little love story.

Andrew and I had been dating at this point for a few months, and when we realized that neither one of has had spring break plans, we randomly decided that we wanted to go somewhere together. To Florida. A road trip. And stay with an old coach of his.

And that we did. And it was one of the best weeks of my life. And another thing happened the day before we left... you know... just those three magical words

"I love you." And let me tell you, Andrew and I took it to another level with the I love you. We were so enamored with saying this to each other, that the whole 18 hour drive home we literally said it every 2 minutes. Literally. And then we would kiss each other right after.

We were literally two love birds that could not get enough of each other. And thinking back to this day makes me all sorts of happy. In fact, I can't stop smiling.

My Wedding Day

This is an obvious. It was the most beautiful day, and I wouldn't have changed a second of it. Andrew and I had such a wonderful ceremony, went to our favorite restaurant afterwards, and were so in love.

Buying our First Home

This is one of my favorite memories because it was such a huge accomplishment at the age of 23, recent college graduates and newlyweds, and it was the start of many wonderful family memories to come.

Elliana's Birth

The most beautiful experience of my life. The best day of my life.

Finding out we are pregnant again

Since I had already been through this before, the pregnancy, the birth, and all the baby stages, it was so wonderful to see those two pink little lines that confirmed I was blessed to do this all over again. And the fact that I have the opportunity to give my daughter a sibling? My heart is so so, so, full.

2. Show us 3 of your favorite beauty products.

3. Tell us what your favorite TV shows are to watch.

1. Singing Shows: American Idol, X-factor, The Voice
2. The Realhousewives: All of them, but the OC is definitely my favorite. And Beverly Hills.
3. Reality TV: anything reality TV can capture my attention.

Unfortunately, I don't know what TV shows are these days... I am so so behind.

4. Show us 2 of your favorite pictures.

5. Tell us your favorite things to do during "me time."

1. BLOG, Photography, Shop {online for deals},

Questions for Next Week: The if Game

1. If you could relive any memory in your life, tell us what it would be, and what/if anything you would change about it? 

2. If you could be any celebrity or well-known person, show us who you would be.

3. If you won the lottery, tell us would take the lump sum or take the money overtime, would you continue working or quit right away, would you reveal who you are, and what are some of the first things you would spend with your money?

4. If you could live anywhere, show us where it would be and tell us why.

5. If you could have one magic power, what would be and what would you do with it?

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Show and Tell; Stuck on an Island

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1. Tell us, if you could only take 5 people with you to a deserted island, who would it be, and why?

My husband: Duh. I need someone to sleep with. I mean. Cuddle. And love on. I couldn't live without this man, so if I'm stuck on a deserted island, he's coming with.

My children: They count as one person, right? I'm going to say they do :) Life without my rugrats running around, is no life to live.

My mom: Because only she would know how to cook anything and everything raw.

My dad: Because he can fix anything you put in front of him. Build anything out of sticks. And pretty much would be the "master" of the island. That, right there, made me chuckle.

My sister: Because who doesn't want teenage drama? Right? I added her in because I know she reads this and would be disappointed. And because I triple heart love her :)

2. Show us which island you'd like to be deserted at.

Whatever this island is... it looks pretty surreal.

3. Tell us, if you could only bring 3 items with you, what would those items be. And why?

This one is a hard one. I would want to take everything. But things of the most meaning to me {besides the people that are already coming} are my photo albums. Pictures mean so much to me and they bring back so many wonderful memories. That brings me to the second thing on the list, and that would be my camera. I'd like to think that one day we would get off that deserted island, and when we did, I'd still want pictures to look back on the experience. Because that was a part of our life. I'm sure it wouldn't be the prettiest of pictures, but still. Speaking of pretty, I definitely would need my makeup. Because when I feel pretty? I am more likely to survive. I know. Shoot me in the foot.

Truth.

4. Show us 3 pictures that you would take with you.

5. Tell us what you envision life would be like on that island. Do you think you would go into survival mode? Would you be like those Survivor people and eat bugs? What qualities do you possess that would help you survive. Do share.

I think when push comes to shove we would do whatever it took. Eating bugs? Starting wood fires? Building forts? I'm sure we would be on that boat. Whatever it took to survive. Do I think I have the necessary skills at this point in my life? Absolutely not. However, I haven't been put in that situation {and hope to never}, so I couln't be certain. I do know this. I am strong {physically} and could beat some donkey booty if it came down to it. I am determined, which means I would never just give up. And I love my family. Three very strong characterstics that I believe would help me get off that island. One way or another.

And there goes a post I never thought I would write. ***Grab a button from up top {copy the HTML and paste in your HTML}, write up your post, come back to link up and hop around to meet new friends!***

Next week questions: All my favorites

1. Tell us about your 5 favorite memories in your life.
2. Show us 3 of your favorite beauty products.
3. Tell us what your favorite TV shows are to watch.
4. Show us 2 of your favorite pictures.
5. Tell us your favorite things to do during "me time."

Show & Tell; Remembering High School

9.17.12

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1. Tell us what kind of student you were in high school {popular, nerd, sport obsessed, choir, etc}. Ugh. Neither. I mean, none of the above. Week after week, I am amazed by these darn old questions, and then I find myself saying... you came up with them silly. Ah, yes, I did. So to elaborate on this whole high school deal... lets just say I was just me. I would go to the parties that the "popular" kids went to, but I had my own group of friends that were the good girls. And I'm so grateful for that because I think that I turned out the way that I did partly due to the amazing group of girlfriends that I had. That all {but one} happened to go to college with me as well. And I definitely was not a sporty or choir girl. I got really good grades though. Does that count for anything?    2. Share with us some high school pictures. We know you have them somewhere. Must I?! Really. Okay I'll only share two.

3. Tell us about your school. Private? Public? How many in graduating class? Mascots? School colors?
My school was public. We had I think close to 500 in our graduating class. Our mascot was "The Bears" and our school colors were maroon and grey. Overall, I think we had a very diverse high school that offered a lot of potential to excel intellectually through numerous AP courses and challenging classes. But since our class? It has definitely gone down hill. Very much so. I cannot imagine sending my own children there seeing what it has become. 4. Tell us about some of your favorite memories of high school. Or what stands out the most? Any teachers? Specific classes? Oh man. I really had to think about this one. But the last one picture that I posted up there really reminded me of some of my best high school memories. I think overall, Senior year really represents everything high school meant to me. It was the best of the four years. It was the most memorable. It was the year I felt more like an adult. So just a few of my favorite memories? Euchre night with the guys once a week.  O.C night with the guys. Prom night. Getting accepted into Purdue Nursing School. Half days, every other day. Skipping study hall and going to Panera with friends. Mr. Sivertsein {my favorite AP math teacher of all time}. Senior trip to Europe with my best friends. Graduation Day.
5. Tell us a piece of advice you would pass on to your children or any child entering high school. You know, I don't even want to talk to my children going to high school. Although I had a good experience, I know many that didn't. I just don't even want to imagine all the fears and unknowns that my children may have to go through when going to high school. But if I had to offer advice to them, I would tell them to stay true to themselves. To forget about the pressure and influences, and focus on graduating and following their dreams. That parties and a good time doesn't bring anything positive to your future. That choosing the right friends is probably one of the biggest and most important decisions they will make. One that will affect the rest of their high school experience. To not forget about mom and dad. That we too have been there, and we too understand. That they can stand up for what they believe in. That being "cool" doesn't mean changing who you are.  And that mom and dad? Well they will be watching you and your friends closely :) ***Grab a button {at the top} by copying the HTML in the box at the top and pasting it in your HTML part of the post! Answer the questions, link up, and hop around! Most of all.. have fun.***
Next Week's Questions: Stuck on an Island
1. Tell us, if you could only take 5 people with you to a deserted island, who would it be, and why? 2. Show us which island you'd like to be deserted at.  3. Tell us, if you could only bring 3 items with you, what would those items be. And why? 4. Show us 3 pictures that you would take with you. 5. Tell us what you envision life would be like on that island. Do you think you would go into survival mode? Would you be like those Survivor people and eat bugs? What qualities do you possess that would help you survive. Do share.

Show & Tell; Baby Talk

9.10.12

1. Tell us your favorite baby names? Aside from your own babies, if you have some :)

Do you notice a trend here with the girl names? All E's and A's. I'm obsessed with vowels. And as far as boy names go? Yeah, Andrew is not loving it. He's a traditional stick with James, John, and Matthew kind of guy. Not that anything is wrong with that... because we will most likely go that route :)

2. Show me your "dream" nursery {can be your baby's nursery or one that you love}

3. How many children would you like to have? How far apart?

Well since we are expecting our second, then definitely two :)  . That was easy huh? Lets see... I've always said that I would like 4 children. Always. Since I turned 5 or something. But in reality, when Andrew and I got married we had settled down with the three number. Not sure why. We just felt like that sounded like a good number. And now that I have been a mother of one, and soon will be one of two, I think about whether or not we will have a third. I think life as a family of four sounds absolutely wonderful. I can picture all our vacations together. The holidays. Birthdays. And for whatever reason three just kind of, sort of, okay I admit it, scares me. 

But do I think that I could possibly be done having babies after our baby boy? Absolutely not. I'm only 26. To think that I would be an empty nester at the age of 44 just near makes me want to cry.

So? My solution? Have another one in about 5 years. Husbands solution? Bam bam bam lets get them out of the way and out of the house as-soon-as-possible. Ha.

4. Tell us what you think the importance of parenting is?

Oh man. What isn't important about parenting. Who comes up with these questions anyway? Wink. But really, I could devote a whole post to this question. In fact, I could devote a whole post to each of these questions {but I won't}. You see parenting is a tricky thing. Many people {myself including} are fresh on this boat. Even those with years of experiences probably feel like they are fresh-off-the-boat. Do we ever know it all? Absolutely not. But personally, I think the importance of parenting is trying. Learning. Improving. Growing. Changing. Parenting is a day-to-day thing. It is so important for us to take a step back and re-evaluate each day. Think about what went good. What went bad. And how tomorrow could be different. 

Our children depend on us. And thus, it's our responsibility to do everything possible to be our very best.

5. Show us your favorite newborn photo {can be your children or random}

6.  Tell us some things you promise to never do as a parent {and if you are a parent, did you stick to it}

Let's talk about what I said that I wouldn't do and I did. Letting my child go barefoot until the age of 1. Yes. Okay maybe socks in the winter {obviously}, but otherwise? Girlfriend hated shoes. And I equally did too.

Changing a diaper on the couch or anywhere else that didn't resemble a changing station. Guilty.

Not teach her Russian. Ah, so guilty. I was doing so well when she was younger and now when we have learning time, I just obsess over English and completely fail in speaking to her in Russian.

Watch a real TV show. Okay, I never said never. I just knew that I wanted to wait a while. And it was about a couple months ago that Elliana watched something other than baby Einstein. Can you guess what it was? Caillou. Ding ding ding. That darn little Caillou.

I swear I thought I had a whole long list... but now that I'm sitting here just thinking about it, I'm drawing a blank. Trust me though, I'm sure I said I wouldn't, and did. ;)

<a border="0" href="http://www.frommrstomama.com/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg49B0Vl8BUS6rIe4mmpdpLpiQOzWZ42as6YP73h1jqE_J_30Qkpn4Ke-eZ6edAcoWvpenTfAB9q_ftKnu6ro8-TnXliXF4uFANNKX-qjNzcuNIjtQZAv-XRK7YX5QEX3-q3RoPH8s5DIE/s280/Untitled+23.png" /></a> Next Week: High School Memories 1. Tell us what kind of student you were in high school {popular, nerd, sport obsessed, choir, etc} 2. Share with us some high school pictures. We know you have them somewhere. 3. Tell us about your school. Private? Public? How many in graduating class? Mascots? School colors? 4. Tell us about some of your favorite memories of high school. Or what stands out the most? Any teachers? Specific classes? 5. Tell us a piece of advice you would pass on to your children or any child entering high school. **Please don't link up a post not related to this link-up. They just get deleted week after week. If you would truly like traffic to your blog, just answer the questions like everyone else** Thank you.

Show & Tell; Fall is in the Air

9.03.12

Happy Labor Day to you all! This will be my night 3 of work, so I am most likely snooze snooze snoozing as the husband has a day off work today. Lucky guy. Unfortunately the hospital doesn't close for us :) . Anyways, today's theme is fall is in the air! Share your answers with us all, grab a button, and link up! Last week we had 100 link up!!

1. Tell us what you are looking forward to this fall?

What am I not looking forward is the real question. Nothing. Honestly, fall means that summer is over. And truly? I am ready for summer to be over. This was the hottest of hot for a summer and I just feel like I couldn't enjoy it the way I usually have. Don't get me wrong, summer is still my favorite season of the year, and I did have a great summer, but needless to say, I am ready to say farewell, cya next year.

What else? I'm ready for scarves. And boots. And jackets. And cool weather. Lots of walks outside {without sweating 2 minutes after I walk out the door}. Picnics at the park. Warm drinks. My third trimester. Eek!

2. Show us your fall style.

3. Tell us your favorite things to do in the fall. If you have children, activities to do with the kids?

My favorite activities in the fall basically revolve around my child. Since I'm a mama, that should come as no surprise to you all. For instance, I cannot wait to go to the apple orchard with my little family. More than once. For one, I can't wait to eat all those delicious apples and drink the amazing apple cider. But also? To see Elliana's face. Last year she was only about 9 months old. So this year should be interesting!

I also can't wait to go to the pumpkin patch ! And pick raspberries! And eat homemade pies. I'm looking forward to halloween and making pumpkins with Elliana and decorating. Fall also means that winter is right around the corner, which means that I love to shop during this time for presents. Which also means, I am wrapping lots of presents also. I know, a little obsessed much? Yes.

4. Show us your favorite fall beverage.

5. Tell us, how you will be participating in halloween this year. Plans? Costume ideas? 

Well. I plan on taking Elliana trick or treating { of course }. I already have her outfit in my possession, so I am really excited for her to really get into it the season. It's amazing what a difference a year will make. I think she will really enjoy it.  I'm sure the idea of candy will get her excited alone. Not that she will be eating any of it.

For me? Not sure if I am planning on going in costume or not. If I did, it would be the same as E. Wouldn't that be cute? Maybe I'll go as a pregnant lady.... oh wait.

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Next Weeks Questions: Lets talk babies!

1. Tell us your favorite baby names? Aside from your own babies, if you have some :)

2. Show me your "dream" nursery {can be your baby's nursery or one that you love}

3. How many children would you like to have? How far apart?

4. Tell us what you think the importance of parenting is?

5. Show us your favorite newborn photo {can be your children or random}

6.  Tell us some things you promise to never do as a parent {and if you are a parent, did you stick to it}